The Meru Cultural Centre has held an end-of-year event that brought together remnants of the Mau Mau freedom fighters, where the elderly were treated to a Christmas celebration and received food items and essential supplies as part of festive support.
The event, held at Angaine Plaza to honour the contribution of Mau Mau fighters to Kenya’s independence, saw elderly men and women affiliated with the liberation movement receive blankets, flour, sugar and cooking oil.
Organisers said the initiative was meant to ensure that the ageing freedom fighters and their families experience warmth and dignity during the Christmas season.
Speaking during the event, Meru Cultural Centre Secretary and Meru Mau Mau Freedom Fighters Secretary Isabela Kinanu said the gathering was organised to bring together elderly Mau Mau affiliates, many of whom live in isolation and face economic hardship.
She said members of the cultural centre contributed what they could to ensure the elderly were fed, entertained and supported.
“ All the members of the Meru Cultural centre had contributed something small so that we are able to eat, drink and give these elderly women blankets, flour, sugar and cooking oil so that they can have a good Christmas,” said Kinanu.
Kinanu appealed to the government to address long-standing grievances affecting Mau Mau descendants, particularly compensation claims.
She urged the government to fast-track the disbursement of compensation funds, noting that many of the original fighters are advanced in age and may not benefit if delays persist.
“ We appeal to the government to listen to us and fast track the release of funds meant to compensate the descendants of the MauMau. The funds should be released to these people so that even their children can study and become responsible people in the society,” said Kinanu.
She also thanked Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for acknowledging the concerns of the Mau Mau community, expressing optimism that their issues would soon be addressed.
Kinanu said the community remains hopeful that the Deputy President will provide clear feedback and direction regarding compensation matters.
In addition, Selah Kiome, another resident, said the Meru Cultural Centre is made up of children and descendants of freedom fighters who suffered during the struggle for independence.
She noted that the event was particularly important because it brought together elderly parents who often live alone and lack consistent support.
Kiome explained that the organisation decided to organise the event after observing that many Mau Mau remnants face loneliness, illness and poverty.
She said the gifts and social interaction were intended to restore joy and a sense of belonging among the elderly during the festive season.
She further appealed to leaders, led by President William Ruto, to prioritise the welfare of Mau Mau remnants, noting that many are still facing serious challenges despite their historic sacrifice.
Ms Kiome noted that although some of the fighters have passed on, those remaining continue to wait patiently for government recognition and compensation.
“ We are appealing to President William Ruto and all the other leaders in government to look into the matter of the MauMau. These remnants you see here have not given up and are very much hopeful that one day the government is going to remember them,” said Ms Kiome.
In addition , Charity Kanyamu, also a member, expressed gratitude to the centre’s chairperson Robert Kinyua for his efforts in mobilising Mau Mau remnants and ensuring they are registered members of the organisation.
She said this has enabled the elderly to benefit from welfare programmes and social support initiatives.
“ I want to express my gratitude to Robert Kinyua for his efforts in bringing together the remnants of the MauMau and ensuring that they are members of the Meru cultural center so that they can benefit from programs like these ones,” said Ms Kanyamu.
Ms Kanyamu called on the government to urgently address the health and welfare needs of the remaining Mau Mau fighters, noting that many are elderly, sick or bedridden, and require immediate support.
