Mau mau fighters seek pension from counties

Mau Mau war veterans have petitioned county assemblies to pass laws requiring county governments to reward them for their role in fighting for freedom.

Led by their Secretary General Gitu wa Kahengeri, more than 50 freedom fighters called upon the assemblies to pass a law compelling county governments to pay them pension to sustain their upkeep.

Kahengeri said just as the British Government compensated them Sh2 billion for the torture colonialists meted on them, county governments too should reward them for fighting for freedom.

Speaking at the Embu County Assembly yesterday where they presented a petition to Speaker Kariuki Mate, Kahengeri said many Mau Mau war veterans were living in abject poverty whereas the freedom Kenyans are enjoying was earned through their sweat and blood.

He said a law should be passed to allow some of them to serve as nominated members of county assemblies since they have great wisdom and their input in the assembly would be immense.

Kahengeri added that county governments should also erect monuments in strategic areas to fete war heroes and also pass the Mau Mau history to generations. "We wonder why our streets and stadiums are being named after politicians and not these war heroes. Who has played major roles in redeeming our country? We should not forget our history," he said. The group has petitioned Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Embu assemblies and is in plans to extend to other counties.

Mr Mate said the document will tabled in the House today and be acted upon within 60 days.