Paul Ngei of the Kapenguria six ‘test drove’ a Mercedes Benz 300SEL for 20 years, he never paid a dime

Former Lands Minister and freedom fighter Paul Ngei was a hard nut to crack and a troublesome individual.

One of such occasion was when the former Kangundo Member of Parliament walked into a DT Dobie showroom in the 1970s and requested to test-drive a brand new Mercedes Benz 300SEL a premium car in its time. At the time of its release, it was the world’s fastest four-door car.

He, however, never returned the car whose registration is KNM 190, only reporting back to the dealer that he liked the car and will keep it.

He advised the dealer to invoice either the State House or Treasury for the payment.

The treasury, notwithstanding, found the request rediculous and declined pay the dealer for the vehicle guaranteeing that the then Minister had taken it for his own private utilization and not in his official capacity. 

The money was never paid, with the minister later being heard bragging that he was entitled to the car after taking part in the fight for independence in the 50s.

Details would emerge two decades later that the Mercedes was still owned by the dealership when auctioneers tried to seize it.

Mr Ngei is said to have been taking the vehicle to DT Dobie for regular service and periodic repairs over the years. The car now lies at a junk yard somewhere in Pangani Estate. Car enthusiasts have started hunting for the car’s location in a bid to acquire and restore it to its former glory. 

When he realized that fellow freedom fighter Bildad Kaggia whom they were jailed with at the Lokitaung’ Prison in Lodwar was living in poverty, he was again at it.

Kaggia who lived along the Thika-Nyeri Highway had nothing except a posho mill to his name, a situation that angered Ngei who advised him to storm the nearby Del Monte farm and allocate himself land.

“Kaggia, why live in abject poverty after spending all those years in prison fighting for independence! Today I am giving you permission to storm the neighbouring Del Monte pineapple farm and allocate yourself as many acres of land as you wish. 

If anybody asks you a question, just direct them to me at Ardhi House. I will personally deal with them!” he said.

Ngei was declared bankrupt in the early 1990s before his death in August 2004, shortly after some of his property had been actioned due to unpaid bank debts.

Both his legs had also been amputated due to diabetes.