A section of the country’s former freedom fighters are demanding a settlement of over Ksh364 trillion from the British Government over torture inflicted on them during the colonial period.
The ex-freedom fighters claim the British government has on several occasions apologized for the atrocities committed against them and also promised to compensate them.
According to Dr. Joseph Ngacha Karani, the National Chairman of the Mau Mau Original Trust, the group is seeking the government’s approval of the compensation, noting majority of the veterans were living in abject poverty and have for decades been waiting for their reparation.
Speaking during a meeting held at the Nyahururu Stadium bringing together ex-Mau Mau group leaders from Laikipia and Nyandarua Counties, he said they were not seeking justice for personal gains but to foster the national good.
“We have come to meet members, strengthen our union and encourage them not to despair because we believe our money is about to be released.
“We are hoping that the president will Fast-track the compensation process because, since 2015, the previous regime was not keen on ensuring the members got a share of the money that the British government gave us,” said Ngacha Karani.
The plan is to ensure equal distribution to all Kenyans and explain why every Kenyan deserves a share.
The money was awarded in 2015 but successive governments have never implemented the award.
The group has since called on President Dr. William Ruto’s government to hasten the process and distribute the money to the beneficiaries.
By Antony Mwangi
