Elijah Masinde's followers join Mau Mau fighters in fight for colonial compensation

Elijah Masinde’s wives (L) Gertrude Naliaka, Elizabeth Nakhumicha and Gladys Nanjala at Maeni in Kimilili, Bungoma county on April 26, 2022. [File Courtesy]

Some communities that suffered historical injustices have joined a push by Mau Mau fighters to seek compensation from the British government.

Dini Ya Musambwa head Elijah Masinde's family and the church's followers in Trans-Nzoia, Bungoma, and West Pokot counties have backed campaigns pushing for compensation.

Masinde's widow, Gladys Nanjala (the sixth wife), held a meeting with members of the Mau Mau War Veterans Association in Kitale.

Nanjala lamented neglect by the Kenyan government.

"We are living in abject poverty. We don't have decent houses despite the sacrifices made by my husband in the struggle for the independence of the country," said Nanjala.

The widow backed the efforts by the Mau Mau War Veterans Association to push for compensation from the British administration.

Masinde, a fierce freedom fighter, died in 1987 at the age of 79.

Mau Mau War Veterans National General Coordinator Mr James Mahuria said they are seeking Sh550 trillion from the British administration for atrocities committed during colonial times on Kenyan communities.

The money, he said, will cater to 185,000 families of freedom fighters across the country.

Mahuria observed that the major contribution the freedom fighters made towards the country's independence, those alive and their descendants are living in abject poverty.

"Some of the children and descendants of freedom fighters didn't go to school. They are living in abject poverty because of the neglect. We are asking the Kenyan government to help us push for the rightful compensation from the British administration," said Mahuria.

He disclosed that grassroots mobilisation across the country by the Mau Mau War Veterans Association has resulted in the establishment of county teams for easy coordination of affected families.

He argued that it was improper for the families of the freedom fighters to continue suffering after the country gained independence years ago.

"Many of the freedom fighters and descendants are not enjoying the fruits of independence. It is a shame for the government to neglect them," he lamented.

Francis Chemwor, an elder from the Sabaot community, asked President Dr William Ruto to listen to the cries of the freedom fighters and support their cause.

"It is disturbing that some of the freedom fighters and their descendants are frustrated with poverty. We are asking our president to listen to their concerns," said Chemwor.