By MKT Correspondents
Worth Noting:
- The event was held at Kabage Forest Gate, Kahiga-ini area at the foot of Aberdare Ranges, Tetu Constituency where he was shot and was captured in 1957.
- The ceremony featured speeches, cultural performances, and tributes to commemorate the sacrifices made by Kimathi and others during the Mau Mau uprising.
- Those present had the opportunity of getting to know his last words through a letter he wrote to a Catholic priest, hours before he was hanged.
- The said letter was read to dozens of those who attended the fete after a briefing by James Njuguna Mahuria who has been leading demands for Mau Mau compensation.
The 68th Dedan Kimathi anniversary held in Nyeri County, marked a poignant moment in the nation’s history.
Field Marshal Kimathi, a heroic figure in the Kenyan struggle for independence, continues to be celebrated for his bravery and unwavering commitment to the fight against British colonial rule.
The 68th anniversary event drew a large crowd of ex Mau Mau freedom Fighters, government officials, community leaders, students, and ordinary citizens, all united in honoring his legacy.
The event was held at Kabage Forest Gate, Kahiga-ini area at the foot of Aberdare Ranges, Tetu Constituency where he was shot and was captured in 1957.
The ceremony featured speeches, cultural performances, and tributes to commemorate the sacrifices made by Kimathi and others during the Mau Mau uprising.
Those present had the opportunity of getting to know his last words through a letter he wrote to a Catholic priest, hours before he was hanged.
The said letter was read to dozens of those who attended the fete after a briefing by James Njuguna Mahuria who has been leading demands for Mau Mau compensation.
The ex- freedom fighters from around the country emphasized the importance of remembering Kimathi’s role in Kenya’s history and the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
They highlighted his leadership, courage, and dedication to the cause of freedom, inspiring a new generation to uphold his principles and values.
The event served as a reminder of the challenges faced by Kenyans in the past and the progress made towards achieving a more inclusive and democratic society.
It underscored the need to continue fighting for the rights and dignity of all citizens, as well as to confront the legacies of colonialism and oppression that still linger in the country.
Mr Mahuria, through Jeremiah Mugi Foundation which he chairs promised to push the National Government in order to compensate the freedom fighters.
He hinted that the funds for compensation are in an intentional bank with branches in some counties across the and urged the National Government to expedite the release of the funds.
This year’s theme was ‘Inspiring the future through a Legacy of Resilience.
Earlier, the freedom fighters converged at the gate Kabiruini grounds only to hear that the venue had been changed to the Kahiga-ini area.
They later travelled there despite the inconveniences,
Dedan Kimathi Foundation CEO and organiser of the event Evelyn Wangugu had, as a tradition organised the memorial at a site where the former freedomfighters was shot at and captured, nearly seven decades ago.
The County Government of Nyeri through the Department of Trade, Tourism, Culture & Cooperative Development Chief Officer George Mwangi was also present. The government has erected a stature of Kimathi near the site where he was shot and captured by colonialists through collaboration of a few local people.
Yesterday, Mr Mahuria led some former freedom fighters and descendants in hosting a Mau Mau and United Nations flags next to the stature.
Later the officials of Mau Mau War Veterans Association and their Elites met with those who attended the event where they discussed various issues.