Freedom fighter given send-off in rare coffin

By Joseph Muchiri

Residents of Gichiche village in Embu East District witnessed a rare occasion yesterday when the body of a former freedom fighter was laid to rest in a unique coffin.

The coffin bearing the remains of Joseph Mugo alias Field Marshal Sukuma was made from mwale tree, a palm tree species, and joined together by strings from the bark of a wattle tree.

Instead of nails, strong thorns sourced from a forest were used while goat skin covered the front and back of the coffin.

The last journey of the unsung hero started at Embu town and a man led the procession on a horse.

The man held a large portrait of Mugo and there was a vehicle with a white cloth bearing the deceased’s names.

Earlier, hundreds of residents thronged Makumi Furniture to view the coffin before it was taken to the mortuary.

The freedom fighter succumbed to chest and stomach problems.

Mugo died aged 87 and had never shaven his hair for 49 years since he left the forest.

Abandoned

The burial was conducted by Christian and traditional ceremonies. Mr Makumi Njue, who made the coffin, said Mugo was his close friend.

He explained that the coffin symbolised the freedom fighter’s humble life and loneliness in later life.

Field Marshal Kavote (Joseph Nyaga), the only remaining freedom fighter who went to the forest at the same time with Mugo, lamented that the Government had abandoned them despite many promises to look into their welfare.

"We entered the forest in 1952 to fight the colonialists. We remained there until 1963 when Kenyatta called us but that was all since the three Governments since Independence have not helped us," said Kavote.

Commerce and Industry Chairman, Embu branch, Johnstone Nyaga, said Mugo was a role model to children on the need to love and fight for their country. He, however, criticised the Government for abandoning freedom fighters.

"Mugo should have been given a better send-off complete with 21 gun salute and a better designed coffin," said Mr Nyaga.

He urged the Government to take care of freedom fighters’ welfare and their children.

According to his son David Muriithi, Mugo left behind two wives, 17 children, 48 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.