Uhuru to meet and fete Mau Mau heroes in April

The President will in April meet Mau Mau heroes at State House, Nairobi where the freedom fighters will be feted.

April is an important month for the veterans because in April in 1954, the colonial masters launched Operation Anvil, which led to the arrest, detention and torture of hundreds of Mau Mau veterans.

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday announced measures to be taken by the Government to support the liberation heroes, some of whom he was hosting at State House in Nairobi.

President Kenyatta announced that the veterans would be registered to benefit from the cash-transfer programme for the elderly. The Mau Mau heroes will also receive health care services under the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

The President said Mau Mau veterans would also be accorded official sitting arrangements at every Mashujaa Day celebrations and honoured with national awards for their sacrifice during the struggle for independence.

Uhuru instructed the Head of the Public Service Joseph Kinyua, who was present, to liaise with the various Mau Mau groupings and bring them together for the April meeting.

The Head of State met representatives of the Mau Mau War Veterans Association from Malindi, Kiambu, Narok, Kajiado, Kisii, Bungoma, Muranga, Machakos, Nyandarua, Meru, Nairobi, Muranga and Nakuru.

Uhuru was, however, emphatic that the Government would only work with Mau Mau war veterans as a unitary group and not the various factions, all of whom separately claim recognition.