Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the Kenyatta family for neglecting the freedom fighters who fought for Kenya’s independence in 1963. The DP made the comments during a speech to residents of Iruri village in Mathira constituency, Nyeri County, where he accused unnamed individuals of amassing large tracts of land without donating any to the former freedom fighters.
Gachagua expressed his satisfaction at hearing that someone was considering helping the Mau Mau, even if they had not done so since 1963. He noted that the Mau Mau and their descendants were suffering, and that vast parcels of land had remained idle for years while the Mau Mau and their children were being buried in public cemeteries. Gachagua called on those who had taken land from the Mau Mau to return at least half of it, saying that they should “meaningfully help the Mau Mau”.
Although Gachagua did not mention any names, his remarks appeared to be in response to former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta’s comments the previous day. Mama Ngina had said that brilliant Kenyans who fought for the country’s freedom had been neglected, and expressed regret that the former freedom fighters had been abandoned. Gachagua appeared to be urging the Kenyatta family to take concrete action to help the Mau Mau, and offered to link them with the freedom fighters if they needed his services.
The Mau Mau were a group of Kenyan nationalists who fought against British colonial rule in the 1950s and early 1960s. The group’s members were subjected to brutal treatment by the colonial authorities, with many imprisoned, tortured, and killed. Despite their sacrifices, the Mau Mau were largely excluded from the political and economic benefits of Kenya’s independence, and many of them continued to live in poverty and marginalization.
Gachagua’s comments highlight the ongoing struggle for social justice and economic empowerment in Kenya. The country has made significant progress since gaining independence in 1963, but many of its citizens continue to face poverty, inequality, and marginalization. The government and the private sector have a responsibility to address these challenges, and to ensure that all Kenyans can enjoy the fruits of their hard work and sacrifice.
In conclusion, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s criticism of the Kenyatta family for neglecting the Mau Mau freedom fighters underscores the ongoing struggle for social justice and economic empowerment in Kenya. While the country has made significant progress since gaining independence, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all Kenyans can enjoy the benefits of their hard work and sacrifice. The government and the private sector must take concrete action to address these challenges and ensure that Kenya’s citizens can live with dignity and prosperity.
