Bildad Mwaganu Kaggia
Bildad Mwaganu Kaggia (1921 – 5 March 2005) was a Kenyan freedom fighter, nationalist, and political leader, best remembered as one of the Kapenguria Six, a group of leaders arrested and tried by the British colonial government in 1952 for their role in the fight for Kenya’s independence.
Influenced by the injustices of the colonial system, he joined nationalist movements and became an active member of the Kenya African Union (KAU), where he worked alongside Jomo Kenyatta and other leaders to demand independence and the end of British rule.
Kaggia was arrested in October 1952 during the state of emergency declared by the colonial government in response to the Mau Mau uprising. Along with Jomo Kenyatta, Achieng’ Oneko, Paul Ngei, Fred Kubai, and Kung’u Karumba, Kaggia was tried in Kapenguria and sentenced to seven years of hard labor. His imprisonment turned him into a symbol of resistance and sacrifice for the freedom of Kenya.
Upon his release in 1961, Kaggia remained committed to social justice and economic equality. He was elected Member of Parliament for Kandara in 1963 and later served as an Assistant Minister. However, Kaggia soon became disillusioned with the post-independence government’s failure to prioritize land redistribution and the welfare of ordinary citizens. He famously challenged President Jomo Kenyatta and other leaders for enriching themselves while freedom fighters and the poor remained marginalized.
His outspoken nature cost him politically, as he fell out of favor with the ruling elite and eventually lost his parliamentary seat. Despite his political decline, Kaggia continued advocating for equity, land rights, and the recognition of Mau Mau veterans.
Kaggia’s life epitomized selflessness and courage. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he lived a modest life, refusing to exploit his position for personal gain. His name remains synonymous with integrity, justice, and the struggle for Kenya’s independence.
Famous Quote
I am not interested in land, I am not interested in property. I am interested in service to the people.
— Bildad Kaggia
