The man, Hezekiah Ochuka, reportedly ruled the country for about six hours during a failed military coup on August 1, 1982.
Ochuka was a Senior Private in the Kenya Air Force, making him one of the lowest-ranking officers in the military at the time.
Despite his low rank, he joined forces with a group of junior soldiers and attempted to overthrow the government led by then-President Daniel arap Moi.
In the early hours of August 1, 1982, Ochuka and his group made their first major move by seizing control of the Voice of Kenya radio station, which is now known as the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Using the radio station, they announced to the country that they had overthrown the government and formed a new ruling body known as the People’s Redemption Council.
The announcement caused panic and confusion across the country as Kenyans woke up to the unexpected news of a military takeover.
During those hours, transport in some areas was disrupted, businesses remained closed, and many people stayed indoors as they waited for further developments.
Some parts of Nairobi and other towns reportedly experienced tension as citizens tried to understand who was in charge.
However, the attempted takeover did not last long. Loyalist forces within the military quickly organized themselves and moved to restore order.
The counter-operation was led by senior military commander Mahmoud Mohamed, who coordinated efforts to regain control of key installations.
Within about six hours, government troops successfully crushed the rebellion and regained control of the radio station.
The coup attempt collapsed, forcing Ochuka and some of his allies to flee the country.
Ochuka escaped to Tanzania in an attempt to avoid arrest.
However, he was later captured months after the failed coup and returned to Kenya to face trial
Following a court-martial, Ochuka was found guilty of treason. After spending several years in custody, he was eventually executed by hanging on July 9, 1987.
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