The Tale of Charles Njonjo’s Beer Cup:
One day, at a lavish bash hosted by Njenga Karume in Nairobi, an unusual crisis unfolded. Charles Njonjo, known for his impeccable taste and particular habits, attended only after Njenga had gone to great lengths to import Njonjo’s favorite, exclusive beer brand. Njonjo, who always carried his own silver beer cup in his car, found himself in distress when he lost this cherished item during the party.
The next morning, the Nairobi Provincial Commissioner was summoned to Njonjo’s law office with strict orders not to return without the missing cup. Karume, who had managed to coax Njonjo to the event with such effort, was rudely awakened by an entourage that included the Provincial Commissioner, District Commissioners, District Officers, the local chief, and their security detail from the Administration Police, all on a mission to recover what was humorously referred to as a “stupid beer cup,” with the underlying threat of unemployment looming over their heads.
The search was frantic but successful; the cup was found and was then escorted back to Njonjo’s residence with pomp, under the guard of armed vehicles from the General Service Unit, highlighting the absurdity and the power dynamics at play.
Njonjo’s Political Ascendancy and Fall:
Charles Njonjo was instrumental in Daniel arap Moi’s rise to power by quashing the “Change-the-Constitution” movement, which aimed to prevent Moi from automatically succeeding President Jomo Kenyatta. Njonjo’s legal acumen and influence in Moi’s inner circle made him a pivotal figure, often seen riding in the presidential limo, until he was branded a traitor in a move to clip his wings.
During Moi’s era, false conspirators were paraded at public events, confessing to plots with Njonjo to overthrow the government with foreign assistance. Political allies like Kihika Kimani publicly denounced Njonjo, creating an environment so hostile that Njonjo, once a celebrated figure, had to flee the country. Smuggled out in a casket through airport security, his political star dimmed irrevocably.
Plot Against Moi:
Before Kenyatta’s death, the GEMA (Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association) leaders, including Njenga Karume and Njoroge Mungai, had planned to alter the constitution to prevent Moi from succeeding Kenyatta. Njonjo thwarted this by citing constitutional clauses during a public rally, warning that even discussing the president’s death could be considered treason. This led to a swift retreat by the GEMA leaders, who sent Njenga to seek amnesty from Kenyatta, fearing Njonjo was speaking on behalf of the president.
A Show of Defiance:
Years before Kenya’s independence, Njonjo, one of the few Africans to own a car, had a memorable encounter with colonial authority. Driving down Government Road, he was stopped by a white policeman who questioned the ownership of his vehicle. Njonjo’s sharp retort, “Did you lose yours?” led to his brief detention at Central Police Station, but his connections among influential whites ensured no charges were filed.
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