Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has offered to buy a house for Mukami Kimathi, widow to the late Mau Mau freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi.
Speaking when he visited the 90-year old Mukami at her home in Komarock Estate Nairobi, Odinga promised to help her acquire the house which she had rented.
The former premier expressed his frustration over what he termed as the failure of authorities to recognize the role played by people such as Mukami in the struggle for independence.
“She has made an appeal saying that where she lives is rented and she would like it to be purchased. I will take steps to ensure it is purchased,” said Odinga.
Mukami is one of the women who played a key role in supporting male fighters during the Mau Mau uprising, including supplying the men with intelligence about colonial fighters. She was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016 for her contribution during the independence war.
Odinga, who is yet to formally declare his presidential bid, promised that his government would be at the forefront to help resettle the descendants of Mau Mau fighters who paid the ultimate price as their kin were fighting the British colonialists.
“There is a property that they have identified in Laikipia and they have already raised Ksh60 million and they need to be supported to buy that land. I am going to ask the government to do so, but I have also said that if they don’t do it, my government will do it,” he said.
The ODM leader also highlighted the role he played in championing the interests of freedom fighters when he served in government.
“When I was a Prime Minister, I petitioned the British government to compensate Mau Mau descendants for the atrocities committed and also apologize. They apologized and even offered to build a monument at the freedom corner, a testimony for the struggle for independence,” recalled Odinga.
His call for the welfare of Mau Mau and other freedom fighters comes as Kenya readies herself for the Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for October 20.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the country in commemorating the day at Wanguru Stadium in Kirinyaga County.
