State to meet funeral costs of freedom fighter

Kenya: The Government will cater for the funeral expenses of a freedom fighter who had worked as a cook for Mzee Jomo Kenyatta during the struggle for independence in Taita-Taveta County, officials and family members have announced.

Silvia Manga, who died last week, will be buried on Saturday.

According to locals, Ms Manga smuggled food to Kenyatta when the Kenyan founding father was hiding in Taveta in the late 1940s and early 1950s as preparations for the Mau Mau insurgency were festering.

Manga's son Charles Mlekenyi yesterday disclosed that the funeral organising committee had prepared a budget of over Sh300,000 and forwarded it to the Government.

"The Government had requested us to draw up the budget and we have already forwarded it to the County Commissioner Oningoi Ole Sosio. Taita and Voi deputy county commissioners have been inspecting the construction of the grave and assisting in the preparation of the burial," he said.

Mlekenyi said the Government has also rehabilitated the dilapidated road leading to their home.