Members of the Mau Mau Veterans Association CLG in Meru County have welcomed government efforts to secure benefits for veterans and their descendants while distancing the association from alleged scams targeting elderly residents.
Speaking at the elections of new leaders for the association’s Meru chapter at River Bank Hotel in Nkubu, members said recent incidents involving residents being taken to Nairobi have exposed the need for stronger oversight of groups claiming to represent Mau Mau descendants.
Returning officer Peter Murithi said the Mau Mau Veterans Association CLG is fighting for the rights of veterans and descendants who suffered injustices during the struggle for independence, including loss of land, physical injuries and deaths of relatives.
“We are the MMV CLG Association fighting for the rights of Mau Mau veterans and descendants who suffered injustices, not only through land issues but also physical injuries suffered during the struggle for independence,” said Murithi.
Murithi said the association has been mandated by the government to oversee matters concerning Mau Mau veterans and their descendants, adding that the leadership changes in Meru followed complaints over alleged scams.
He said the association’s Director General James Mahuria dissolved the Meru County committee after reports that residents had been taken to Nairobi under false promises of receiving Mau Mau-related benefits.
“There have been many issues of scamming, including a recent case where people were taken to Nairobi. This triggered our director, Mr Mahuria, to dissolve the Meru County committee, leading to these elections,” said Murithi.
Murithi clarified that dissolving the previous committee did not mean its members had been accused of involvement in the alleged scams. He said the move was intended to allow members to elect new leaders who would regain their confidence and represent genuine beneficiaries.
Evelyn Karumo Murungi, a member of the association, said government efforts had given families of Mau Mau veterans renewed hope after years of uncertainty.
She said the struggle for independence had affected many families in Meru, with some losing fathers, brothers and uncles while others were separated from their relatives.
“We have hope that we are going to get benefits because of the efforts of the government through our director. We have been having many issues as the offspring of the Mau Mau, and that is why we celebrate these efforts,” said Karumo.
Karumo said the sacrifices made by their relatives during the independence struggle continue to affect their families, making government recognition and support important to the descendants.
Silas Mbaabu, another member, distanced the association from groups allegedly collecting money from residents while promising them Mau Mau benefits.
He said several organizations claiming to represent Mau Mau descendants had created confusion, urging the government to ensure groups operating in the sector follow the required procedures.
“We condemn what happened where our people were conned after being promised money and other titles, and we want to thank the government for listening to our cries. That is why we are standing here today to condemn what happened,” said Mbaabu.
Mbaabu urged residents who have not registered with a legitimate organization to verify its credentials before handing over money or personal information.
He said the government’s intervention has raised hopes that the process of identifying genuine beneficiaries and facilitating their access to benefits would be accelerated.
Abdenego Munene Mugambi, coordinator of the Meru chapter of the Mau Mau Veterans Association CLG, thanked President William Ruto and the government for recognising the association’s efforts to pursue the interests of Mau Mau veterans and their descendants.
“I want to thank the government for accepting to identify and recognise the efforts we have put in place through this association in fighting for the benefits of the Mau Mau veterans,” said Munene.
Munene also commended Mahuria for championing the interests of Mau Mau veterans and their descendants, saying the new Meru leadership would focus on representing genuine beneficiaries.
The newly elected officials are expected to work with the national association and relevant government authorities to address concerns raised by members and strengthen awareness about the legitimate process of accessing Mau Mau-related benefits.
