Freedom fighters join in celebrations

By Standard Team

Freedom heroes trouped to playgrounds and stadiums in Central and the South Rift to celebrate the inaugural Mashujaa Day.

The men and women who fought for the country’s independence shared platforms with politicians and senior Government officers to mark the day set aside to celebrate our heroes.

Those who addressed the gatherings at various district headquarters hailed the move to recognise them but said it was not enough.

In Narok County, Mukami Kisio – wife to the late Mau Mau veteran General Kurito ole Kisio – called on the Government to do more in assisting families of freedom fighters.

In Kilgoris town, speakers at the celebrations took the opportunity to praise some of their heroes who resisted colonial rule. Those mentioned in the list of freedom fighters included senior chiefs, Olunga ole Kuria (Moitanik), Ole Nkoidila (Siria clan), Thomas ole Tome (Uasin Gishu clan) and the late Mzee ole Moronko.

In Molo and Njoro districts Mau Mau veterans who turned up for the celebrations called for more recognition from the Government.

Compensate children

In Naivasha, a former Mau Mau war veteran Ngige Gachuhi urged the Government to assist them get land.

In Kericho, the DC Samuel Njora said the Government would resettle the Talai community that the British Government displaced.

He said the community that resides at Laibon village in Kericho has been landless for many years.

In Nakuru, veteran Mau Mau fighters led by Kimunya Kamana regretted that most of those people who went for war never appeared in the history books. Kamana said several people who took part in the liberation struggle lost their lives and urged the Government to compensate their children. Speaking during the celebrations, Rift Valley PC Hassan Warfa called for peace and unity among the different communities in the province.

Warfa said the Government is committed to resettling displaced people.

—Stories by Kipchumba Kemei, Peter Mutai, Vincent Mabatuk, Karanja Njoroge and Anthony Gitonga