Former Mau Mau fighters mourn Githui Karue, hail him as champion of freedom and culture
By MKT Reporter
Former Mau Mau freedom fighters, community elders and descendants from across the country on Friday paid glowing tribute to veteran freedom fighter Githui Karue, describing him as a fearless patriot whose lifelong commitment to justice, culture and national liberation inspired generations of Kenyans.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Blue Post Hotel in Thika under the auspices of MMV Associates CLG to honour Karue, who died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at Consolata Mission Hospital, Mathari, near Nyeri Town.
The gathering brought together former freedom fighters, Kikuyu elders, cultural leaders and family members, who remembered Karue not only as a Mau Mau veteran but also as a respected custodian of Kikuyu traditions and an outspoken advocate for the rights of former freedom fighters.
Speaking during the memorial meeting, MMV Associates CLG Director General James Njuguna Mahuria said Karue dedicated his life to preserving the country’s liberation history while tirelessly pursuing justice for Mau Mau veterans who have waited decades for recognition and compensation.
“Mzee Githui Karue was not just a freedom fighter; he was a guardian of our history and culture. He carried invaluable information concerning the struggle for independence and remained committed to ensuring that those who sacrificed for this country receive justice,” Mahuria said.
He said Karue played a key role in mobilising former freedom fighters across Kenya and remained actively involved in efforts to secure compensation for veterans and their families.
“Although we have lost one of our strongest pillars, our resolve has not changed. We shall continue pursuing justice for freedom fighters and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten,” he added.
Kikuyu Chief Seer Munyori Kinyenje Muhuri described the late Karue as a courageous elder whose love for justice remained unshaken even in his old age.
He said Karue believed that the struggle for freedom did not end with independence but continued through the fight against corruption, injustice and poor governance.
“Even in his 90s, Mzee Karue stood with young people demanding accountability. During last year’s Gen-Z demonstrations against the Finance Bill, he joined the youth because he believed every generation has a duty to defend the country’s freedom,” said Muhuri.
He urged the government to accord Karue a dignified send-off befitting a national hero, saying his contribution to Kenya’s liberation and preservation of cultural heritage deserved official recognition.
“The government should honour him just as it honours other national heroes. His life symbolised courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation,” he said.
Muhuri also appealed to Kenyans to support the bereaved family from Kiricho in Nyeri Town Constituency, saying Karue devoted nearly his entire life to serving the country and his community.
Myoot Council of Elders chairman for Tapsagoi Ward in Uasin Gishu County, Mzee Daniel Samoei, called on the government to expedite compensation for surviving Mau Mau veterans and ensure families of those who have died also benefit.
“Many freedom fighters passed away before receiving justice. Their children and grandchildren should not continue suffering while their forefathers sacrificed everything for Kenya’s independence,” Samoei said.
He said recognising the contributions of liberation heroes would help preserve the country’s history and inspire younger generations to value patriotism and national unity.
Family members described Karue as a humble, disciplined and selfless man whose passion for community service remained evident throughout his life.
His son Maina and daughter Nyambura, accompanied by his younger brother Patrick Wachieni, thanked mourners for standing with the family during the difficult period.
They said Karue devoted much of his life to championing the welfare of freedom fighters, preserving Kikuyu cultural values and mentoring young people on the importance of integrity and service to the nation.
The family said burial arrangements would be announced after consultations over the weekend.
The memorial ceremony attracted former freedom fighters, cultural leaders and politicians from different parts of the country, all of whom described Karue’s death as a great loss to Kenya’s liberation movement.
Many speakers observed that his legacy would endure through the values he championed; justice, patriotism, unity and cultural preservation and urged the government to renew efforts to address the longstanding concerns of Mau Mau veterans and their descendants.
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