Kenya African Mau Mau Union families and descendants have called on Kenyan Government to ensure full implementation of a British plan on compensation.
Early December 2024, The British government handed over to Kenya a large volume of digitised archives relating to British colonial rule in the country, including documents about the Mau Mau insurgency and prominent figures like the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, among others.
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan OBE, delivered the historical archives to President William Ruto at an event celebrating the inscription of the Gedi national monument as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Meanwhile, the British Government in 2013 agreed to compensate Mau Mau victims 2.8 billion shillings.
The families and descendants are now appealing to government to accept and ensure the same is realized.
Speaking in Nakuru on Monday December 23, 2024, the members drawn from the larger Nakuru and Nyandarua counties stated that they have had numerous battles in court, but emerged winners.
Led by Patron Peter Tena, they stated that they embrace the British plan and report that was handed to President William Ruto.
Tena added that as descendants of Mau Mau fighters in Nakuru and Nyandarua counties should be given priority.
According to Tena, there should be integration and good international relationship between the descendants of Mau Mau in Kenya and Britain to ensure fair justice.
He added that, during Mau Mau, many were displaced, however there were plans to have the Mau Mau IDPs resettled in the native reserves but this has never happened.
“We have parcels of land in Ndundori, Njoro, Gilgil, and even Thika where Mau Mau needs to be resettled. Therefore Kenya Kwanza Government should take action and we believe this shall take place,” he stated.
According to Tena, the whole process that led to the British report, IDPs’ Network was fully involved.
While terming the report as key in addressing injustices in the country, Tena appealed to the Kenya Kwanza Government not to shelve, but rather fully implement the report.
Sentiments echoed by Harrison Kariuki who is the Chairman Kenya African Mau Mau Union.
He noted that even though Kenya African Mau Mau fighters struggled for 7 years and Kenya got independence but settlement of Mau Mau fighters and their descendants has never happened.
“We have the parcels of land but no resettlement has ever taken place. Now that Britain has given direction through the report, we are optimistic that President Ruto will act on it and ensure settlement,” stated Kariuki.
He revealed that in 1994 the High court in Nakuru gave a directive on resettlement of Mau Mau fighters.
This, he said should be adhered to so that to avert the suffering of the members.
Simon Gaiku- a member of the Kenya African Mau Mau Union, on his part expressed optimism that all shall be well.
Sentiments echoed by James Methu who stated that they have waited for many years on their compensation.
He was however quick to note that there is hope following the report that is now available.
“If the government can implement the Britain report on issues of Mau Mau fighters, then we shall be grateful and say indeed Kenya Kwanza Government cares about us,” he said.
It should be noted that Kenya African Mau Mau Union has members close to 2 million.
