Chief Justice Willy Mutunga calls for excavation of 'Kimathi graves'

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga wants 11 spots inside Kamiti Prison where freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi was possibly buried excavated.

Dr Mutunga also wants the UK government compelled to provide information on where it took the remains of the Mau Mau veteran so that he could be given a befitting send-off.

He said the colonial government must tell the country's authority whether it cremated the fighter's remains or buried them.

Speaking yesterday when handing over files, detailing how the fighter was sentenced to hang, to Mau Mau Veterans Association (MMWVA) Secretary General Gitu wa Kahengeri in Nairobi, Mutunga said the other freedom fighters buried at Kamiti Maximum Prison also deserve a dignified burial.

"The files have provided clear details on when and where he was hanged. We are told there are 11 graves at Kamiti. The graves can be dug and the remains exhumed so that he can be given a dignified burial," he said.

He said it would be easy for the Government to sample DNA of all the 11 remains to determine the ones that match those of the veteran.

"We are requesting the Government to dig the graves and use DNA to establish the remains of Kimathi," added the CJ.

He told the UK government that it was not just enough to provide the files, but must facilitate in the identification of the remains.

"The British government must tell us where it took the remains after killing Kimathi," said Mutunga.

Kimathi's widow, Loise Mukami, had requested the UK government to assist in identifying the remains so that she could bury her husband.

Lawyer Paul Muite said it was not the responsibility of the fighters to follow on the remains of their colleagues but that of the two governments.

"It is the responsibility of our government to engage the British government in tracing the remains of Kimathi," said Mr Muite.

Muite reminded the UK government to fulfill its pledge of bringing to close the Mau Mau issue.