Speaking on behalf of the group on Monday, the Mau Mau veterans’ children said the continued invocation of the Mau Mau name in contemporary political debates could strain relations between the veterans and the current government, potentially jeopardising ongoing and future compensation efforts.
According to the group, the Mau Mau struggle was never intended to serve partisan interests but was a national liberation movement that united Kenyans across communities in the fight for independence.
“Opposition leaders should stop using the Mau Mau name in their politics. They should conduct their politics without involving Mau Mau,” said Robert Ndirangu, the Mau Mau Children Youth Representative.
Ndirangu warned that politicising the liberation movement risks eroding trust between the government and Mau Mau veterans at a time when many survivors are still seeking justice, recognition, and compensation for their role in the independence struggle.
“We, as the children of Mau Mau, cannot agree to the use of the Mau Mau name in a way that deteriorates the relationship between the veterans and the government.
That relationship is critical because it affects compensation, and we cannot accept any actions that put that at risk,” he said.
He specifically called out opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and leaders affiliated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), urging them to refrain from referencing the Mau Mau legacy during political rallies, interviews, and public engagements.
“We want to tell Gachagua, DCP, and all opposition leaders to stop mentioning Mau Mau,” Ndirangu stated.
Echoing these sentiments, Mau Mau Children Chairman General Kiambati Jnr said the history of the Mau Mau movement should be treated with dignity and respect, not turned into a political slogan.
“We are asking politicians to stop uploading Mau Mau history and converting it into political capital. Mau Mau was not about politics; it was about the independence of this country. It cut across all regions, tribes, and communities,” Kiambati Jnr said.
He added that many politicians now invoking the Mau Mau name were absent during the years when veterans were struggling for recognition, medical support, and compensation.
“Many Mau Mau veterans died without ever receiving justice. Some of the leaders who now speak loudly about Mau Mau were nowhere to be seen when these fighters were suffering,” he said.
The group strongly dissociated itself from any political activities that, in their view, exploit the Mau Mau legacy for convenience rather than addressing the real challenges facing the surviving fighters and their families.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, among other political figures, has frequently described himself as a “son of Mau Mau,” a phrase he has used to highlight his roots in the Mount Kenya region and align himself with the historical struggle for independence.
He specifically called out opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and leaders affiliated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), urging them to refrain from referencing the Mau Mau legacy during political rallies, interviews, and public engagements.
“We want to tell Gachagua, DCP, and all opposition leaders to stop mentioning Mau Mau,” Ndirangu stated.
Echoing these sentiments, Mau Mau Children Chairman General Kiambati Jnr said the history of the Mau Mau movement should be treated with dignity and respect, not turned into a political slogan.
“We are asking politicians to stop uploading Mau Mau history and converting it into political capital. Mau Mau was not about politics; it was about the independence of this country. It cut across all regions, tribes, and communities,” Kiambati Jnr said.
He added that many politicians now invoking the Mau Mau name were absent during the years when veterans were struggling for recognition, medical support, and compensation.
“Many Mau Mau veterans died without ever receiving justice. Some of the leaders who now speak loudly about Mau Mau were nowhere to be seen when these fighters were suffering,” he said.
The group strongly dissociated itself from any political activities that, in their view, exploit the Mau Mau legacy for convenience rather than addressing the real challenges facing the surviving fighters and their families.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, among other political figures, has frequently described himself as a “son of Mau Mau,” a phrase he has used to highlight his roots in the Mount Kenya region and align himself with the historical struggle for independence.
However, the Mau Mau fighters’ children have now urged leaders to refrain from such references.
According to the group, invoking Mau Mau identity for political positioning risks distorting the historical significance of the movement and alienating veterans who view the struggle as a national cause rather than a regional or political one.
Beyond their warning to opposition leaders, the Mau Mau children also appealed to the government to prioritise the welfare of surviving veterans.
According to the group, invoking Mau Mau identity for political positioning risks distorting the historical significance of the movement and alienating veterans who view the struggle as a national cause rather than a regional or political one.
Beyond their warning to opposition leaders, the Mau Mau children also appealed to the government to prioritise the welfare of surviving veterans.
They noted that many of the fighters are advanced in age, in poor health, and in urgent need of medical and financial support.
The group urged authorities to fast-track compensation and welfare programmes, warning that time is running out for many veterans who sacrificed their lives and freedom for the country’s independence.
They also called on all political actors to honour the Mau Mau legacy by supporting tangible efforts to care for surviving fighters and preserve the true history of Kenya’s liberation struggle, rather than using it as a tool for political mobilisation.
The group urged authorities to fast-track compensation and welfare programmes, warning that time is running out for many veterans who sacrificed their lives and freedom for the country’s independence.
They also called on all political actors to honour the Mau Mau legacy by supporting tangible efforts to care for surviving fighters and preserve the true history of Kenya’s liberation struggle, rather than using it as a tool for political mobilisation.
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