Mau Mau war veterans are calling upon scholars to come out and accurately document history on their contribution towards the attaining of Kenya’s independence.
A section of the war veterans at the weekend during burial of one of their colleague at Kiriaini in Murang’a said those participated in Mau Mau war may all die without giving information that can make a good history for future generations.
On Saturday, Kiriaini village in Mathioya marked the end of their hero the late Chinjigu Kainika, 86, whose age mates remembered as a war veteran who deputized the late field marshal Dedan Kimathi.
The former war veterans called on the elites to help them document their suffering when they fought for independence of the country.
Led by Kagori wa Wanja the war veterans said lack of interest by historians have seen many die with crucial information that could be part of the national history.
“Before the entire generation is gone there is need for the support to assist in the documentation of our history which will be crucial to our children in future,” said Kagori who deputized Chinjugu in the distribution of illegal fire arms to his colleagues within Aberdare Forest.
A.C.K Membley church Rev Robert Makena asked for the support of the veterans from the government following their involvement in the struggle for freedom.
“More should be done to the elderly persons as many are living ion pathetic state coupled by diseases among other challenges,” said Makena.
Mathioya Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Charles Laboso, who was a friend to the deceased said he will mobilize accomplished writers to help analyze the history of the remaining war veterans.
“I feel challenged with request made by the war veterans who are our fathers. I will ensure the few who are remaining will have their history documented,” said Laboso.
Deceased eldest son Bishop Jackson Wagana of God’s Chosen Church in Nairobi eulogized his father as a pillar who ensured all his children accessed education.
“The deceased has been instrumental as he narrated educative stories that encouraged the youth to be focused and avoid lured into criminal activities,” said Wagana.
The deceased according to his age mates was feared after he escaped from the hangmans noose at Manyani detention camp and trekked to Nairobi before he was re-arrested. -KNA
