•This Comes as the Number of Survivors Continue to Dwindle
Narok, Kenya| Aging Mau Mau freedom fighters in Narok County are making a desperate plea to the Kenyan government to intensify pressure on Britain to expedite compensation for the atrocities they endured during the colonial era.
With most veterans now in their twilight years, time is running out for them to receive reparations for the torture, loss, and suffering they faced in the fight for Kenya’s independence.
A Century-Old Struggle for Justice
Among those still waiting is 102-year-old Wanjiku Wagachoka, whose youthful defiance against colonial rule came at a heavy personal cost.
In the 1950s, she risked her life smuggling food to Mau Mau fighters hiding in caves and forests, only for her newlywed husband to be shot dead by British forces—leaving her a widow for over seven decades.
The British government’s 2013 pledge to compensate Kenyans who suffered human rights violations during the colonial period had rekindled hope among survivors like Wanjiku.
However, the prolonged delay in disbursing the promised funds has left many disillusioned.
“We have waited patiently for the money we were promised by past regimes, but in vain,” Wanjiku lamented.
“I struggled to raise my children single-handedly, hoping that one day we would be compensated. Now, my body is failing me, and I fear I may die before justice is served.”
Her anguish is shared by many surviving Mau Mau veterans, who continue to live in poverty despite their pivotal role in Kenya’s liberation.
Calls for Recognition and Reparations
Pastor Mark Montoro, a community leader in Narok, emphasized the need for both financial compensation and historical preservation.
He urged the county government to establish a museum on land where Mau Mau fighters were buried in mass graves, ensuring future generations remember their sacrifice.
“A museum is important to teach our youth about the past,” Montoro said. “They must know and appreciate that their forefathers fought for this country’s freedom. This will help build patriotism and prevent such injustices from being forgotten.”
Daniel Kamau, National Vice-Chairman of the Mau Mau Original Trust, acknowledged the Kenyan government’s efforts in supporting elderly citizens through the Older Persons Cash Transfer program.
However, he stressed that this does not absolve Britain of its responsibility to compensate survivors of colonial-era abuses.
“All Mau Mau groups have now united to push for compensation,” Kamau stated. “Our forefathers suffered immensely under colonial rule. It is only fair that we receive reparations while some of us are still alive to witness it.”
Britain’s Stance and the Unfulfilled Promise
In 2013, the British government agreed to a £19.9 million (approximately KSh 3.6 billion at the time) settlement for over 5,000 Kenyan victims of colonial-era torture, following a landmark legal case.
However, survivors argue that the compensation process has been frustratingly slow, with many yet to receive payments.
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, has previously stated that the UK remains open to dialogue with affected communities.
However, he recently dismissed claims that the Kenyan government is withholding compensation funds and warned the public against dealing with unauthorized individuals posing as intermediaries.
Despite these assurances, Mau Mau veterans insist that tangible action is long overdue.
With each passing year, their numbers dwindle, raising fears that an entire generation of freedom fighters may pass away without seeing justice.
A Race Against Time
As the remaining Mau Mau veterans advance in age, their demand for compensation grows more urgent.
For Wanjiku and others like her, the struggle is no longer just about money—it is about recognition, dignity, and ensuring that history does not forget their sacrifices.
“We fought for this country’s freedom,” Wanjiku said, her voice trembling with emotion. “All we ask is that our suffering is acknowledged before we are gone.”
With mounting pressure on both the Kenyan and British governments, the question remains: Will justice be delivered in time for those who paid the highest price for Kenya’s independence?
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