The Mau Mau Original Trust members, Migori Chapter, have urged residents of Migori who lost land, livestock, or relatives during the colonial struggle to come forward and register for compensation.
According to Ngariba Chacha, the Chairperson of Mau Mau Original Trust – Migori branch, money has been set aside for the benefit of families affected by the cruel colonial regime.
The compensation comes after a successful court case by Mau veterans who sued the British government for infringement of their rights and subjecting them to torture, forced labour and other inhuman treatment.
In 2012, three Kenyans: Wambugu Wa Nyingi, Paulo Muoka Nzili, and Jane Muthoni Mara, won a motion to sue Britain for the castration, rape, and beatings they received while in detention in the 1950s.
The British High Court went on to rule in favour of the three Kenyan victims, resulting in the British government agreeing to compensate the 5,228 victims (these are the living victims) a total of 364 trillion British pounds.
According to the trust, the money is intended to restore dignity and provide relief to those who continue to suffer the effects of the historical injustices.
Chacha said the compensation process is open to all Kenyans affected by the Mau uprising.
The official decried poor response in terms of registration by the locals from the region, which they say has derailed the compensation process.
Chacha, however, said that the registration exercise was still ongoing and assured the Migori residents that the process would be transparent.
Florence Akinyi, whose parents were affected during the conflict, welcomed the initiative, saying many families have endured untold suffering since independence.
She emphasised that the compensation will not only bring justice but also help families rebuild their lives.
The Mau Mau struggle, which peaked in the 1950s, left thousands of Kenyans dead, displaced, or deprived of property.
The Mau Mau Original Trust has been advocating for reparations for Mau Mau veterans, seeking justice and compensation for the atrocities they endured during British colonial rule in Kenya.
By Ayiera Quinter and Makokha Khaoya
