Government to offset deceased freedom fighter's Sh8 million hospital bill

Photos of Mau Mau freedom fighter John Kagwe alias Brigadier Kaboko who died at Nairobi hospital after a long illness. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The government has pledged to clear the outstanding medical bill of the late Mau Mau war veteran John Kagwe alias Brigadier Kiboko'.

Brigadier Kiboko died on Friday, August 18, 2023, at the Nairobi Hospital where he had been admitted for three months.

He has accrued a bill of Sh8.2 million.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha made the revelations during a visit to the family home in Ngorika Village, Nyandarua County on Sunday evening.

"We are in talks with the national government and have agreed that the two levels of government will find a way of paying the Sh8.2 million bill," said Governor Badilisha.

The governor said that top government officials are expected to attend the funeral scheduled for Friday this week.

"Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is among the leaders who will attend the funeral. We are grateful for every support extended to this family," said Badilisha.

Brigadier Kiboko was among the lead Mau Mau freedom fighters who fought alongside the late Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi.

His last public appearance was during the funeral of the late Mukami Kimathi in May 2023 during which he made a plea to President William Ruto. Days later, he fell ill and has been in hospital since then.

"I am requesting that we honor Mukami by exhuming the remains of Dedan Kimathi from Kamiti Prison where he was buried in shackles. We need to give him a decent burial for his spirit to be free," said Brigadier Kiboko.

Before his death, the freedom fighter had offered to lead a team to pinpoint where Kimathi was buried.

"We had been imprisoned with Kimathi when he was executed and forced to dig his grave. Even if constructions are made, we shall manage to spot the grave," said Kiboko.

President William Ruto agreed to the request and said that the government would offer the team the necessary support.

Brigadier Kiboko however fell ill days later and was rushed to the Nairobi Hospital where he was receiving treatment until his time of death.

The freedom fighter whose age at his death is estimated at 94 is said to have been suffering from organ failure related to old age.