Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has promised to honour families of Mau Mau fighters by helping them acquire land in Laikipia.
Speaking during a visit to the widow of the late freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, Mukami Kimathi, at Komarock Estate, Nairobi, Raila regretted that families of heroes live in misery.
He proposed a comprehensive welfare programme for relatives of freedom fighters and the police.
“We have a responsibility to honour those who inspired our nation. Most o them are dead but their descendants are there and need to be supported by government,” he said.
According to Raila, there are a number of descendants who are still landless and have identified a piece of land in Laikipia County.
The families have raised Sh60 million for that land but have a deficit and need support to buy it.
Raila called upon the government to support them get the land.
“I will talk to the current government to support them get the land and if they can’t do it, my government will do so,” he said.
Additionally, Raila pledged to assist Mukami acquire the house she currently rents.
His sentiments comes ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations on Wednesday.
This day is aimed to honor courage and heroism of defenders of the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Raila, there cannot be any talk about Mashujaa Day without talking about Dedan Kimathi and other Mau Mau heroes who fought for independence.
