Family marks 66th anniversary of Dedan Kimathi's execution

Dedan Kimathi Waciuri was hanged and buried in an unmarked grave at Kamiti Maximum Prison in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

The family of freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi Waciuri gathered around his monument in Nairobi to commemorate the 66th anniversary following his death in the hands of British colonists.

Kimathi was captured on October 21, 1956, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001346853/dedan-kimathi-grave-found">before he was executed by hanging< at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison on February 18, 1957, according to colonial records. He was buried in an unmarked grave and the burial site remains unknown.

The Mau Mau Field Marshal's family lit 66 candles at the monument and held a prayer service on Sunday while calling for the government to release Kimathi's remains for a proper burial befitting the pro-independence hero.

His remains are still at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison. Last year on the 65th anniversary, his widow the late Mukami Kimathi made a public plea for the government to hand over her late husband's remains so that the family can accord him a decent burial.

However, one year later, her wish has not been granted. ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/counties/article/2001467493/mau-mau-mark-66th-anniversary-of-marshal-dedan-kimathis-execution">Mukami died on May 5, 2023<, and was buried in Njabini, Nyandarua County.  

At the memorial, Kimathi's son Maina Wachiuri revisited the matter and urged the government to surrender his father's remains.  

"We are again appealing to the government, as it had promised that the remains of Mzee Dedan Kimathi be returned for burial as per his wife's wishes. It has already taken too long," Wachiuri told reporters at the monument erected at the junction of Kimathi Street and Mama Ngina Street.

He said the family is preparing a burial site for the patriach at his hometown.

"Exhuming and returning his remains would bring closure to the matter and allow the country to properly honour Kimathi's instrumental role in the independence struggle," stated Wachiuri. 

As the nation approaches 61 years of independence in December, the Kimathi family hopes their pleas will finally be answered so the hero's story can have a dignified ending.