Mau Mau veteran Gitu Wa Kahengeri: What I told the King Charles III

Mau Mau Veteran Gitu wa Kahengeri during the launch of the Mau Mau Freedom Fighters Foundation, website and memoir on November 8, 2023. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Mau Mau hero Mzee Gitu Wa Kahengeri on Wednesday disclosed what he told King Charles III last week when they met.

Kahengeri said he requested the King to ensure the freedom fighters have been compensated.

He asked the king to ensure that land matters are addressed and property returned to the rightful owners.

"Nlipokuwa na kikao na yeye (King) nilimwambia wewe fikiria kwa sababu nyinyi ndio mlitendea sisi vibaya mwanzishe mtindo wa kuleta reconciliation. Njia ya kwanza ni kwamba wale walionyanganywa mashamba yao wakati wa vita vya Mau Mau wapewe mashamba. (when I had a meeting with the King, I told him since they are the ones who wronged us they should start the reconciliation process. I also told him all that those whose land that had been taken away should be compensated)."

He further asked the King to compensate freedom fighters who were tortured while in prison during the colonial rule

"Nlimwambia vile vile wale watu waliumizwa katika jela wakafanywa maskini wapewe fidia yao,’’ he said.

Kahengeri who was speaking during the launch of his book, said the compensation will include the UK offering scholarships to children of freedom fighters

This comes as a relief for the heroes and heroines who have been lamenting over neglect and lack of financial support for their families from the governments of Kenya and Britain.

According to the British High Commission, the King also met with Evelyn Kimathi, Alphonse Mkare, Ambrose Tarus and Richard Langat, family members of Dedan Kimathi, Mekatilili wa Menza, Koitalel Arap Samoei and Tapsimate arap Borowo. Tarus and Langat represented the Talai and Kipsigis clans, respectively.

At the same time, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has denied receiving an invitation from President William Ruto during the banquet at State House, Nairobi, saying that he got his invite from the King whom he claims they have personal relations.

"I was invited by the King to the dinner. He is my personal friend and we have worked with him and his foundation and we will be rehabilitating Lake Naivasha," Raila said.