Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua promised to fully support the son of Mau Mau freedom fighter General Mwariama after his (DP's) appeal to meet the families of the freedom fighters.
In a statement dated Saturday, June 10, the DP noted that after meeting the son, Joel Mwariama, he resolved to support his family fully.
According to Gachagua, the move was part of the government's decision to honour the families of those who fought for the freedom of the country.
“Following my appeal from Meru to meet families of freedom heroes Generals Mwariama and Baimungi who bravely fought off the colonialists for the freedom we enjoy today, I was delighted to connect with a son of General Mwariama, Mr Joel Mwariama.
“I will visit the family and support them fully. The government will honour and dignify our freedom heroes and their families. Their sacrifice for this nation cannot be taken for granted,” Gachagua stated.
The move followed an outcry by the families of the freedom fighters who stated that many of them had been conned by individuals claiming to be government representatives.
The Mau Mau Veteran Association revealed, in a meeting on Saturday, June 10, that they had been notified of a Ksh50 billion fund that was released by the government to support them.
However, to access the funds, the freedom fighters were asked to pay Ksh10,000 as registration fees, adding that the amount was meant to give them access to more funds through the account.
“Some people lied that they were buying pieces of land for us and they even told us that there was Ksh50 billion that had been disbursed.
“Others were told to contribute Ksh1,000 as registration fees and later asked to contribute an additional Ksh5,000. Later on, others were asked to contribute another Ksh15,000 so that they can be issued with a bank card that they will use to access the funds,” Ng’anga Miruru, a member of the organisation, lamented.
The association’s Secretary General Gitu Kahengeri, therefore, pleaded with the government to speed up the compensation plan adding that the President William Ruto-led administration ought to put up monuments in honour of those who fought for the freedom of the nation.
“They should be given shelter and compensation to enable them to survive as they wait for their last days. The government should also put up monuments for the Mau Mau fighters, especially for those who led the freedom fighters,” Kahengeri stated.
Gachagua had earlier challenged Azimio leader Raila Odinga to rally support for those who had fought for the freedom of the country asking him to put in as much effort as he did when addressing other matters.
According to him, the veterans had been abandoned by the previous regime.
"The past government failed to recognise the mau mau fighters. We want to ask you, former prime minister, while you are fighting for Kenyans in different areas, do not forget to fight for the Mau Mau fighters as well," noted Gachagua.
