Calls to the government and other stakeholders to prioritise welfare of Mau Mau war veterans, who played a key role in Kenya’s liberation movement, dominated the burial of General Kiambati Njora Muronyo in Ngorika village, Kanjuiri Ward, Nyandarua County.
Led by Nyandarua County Governor Dr Kiarie Badilisha and his predecessor Francis Kimemia, the leaders present expressed concern that many of the surviving veterans still continue to live in abject poverty decades after independence.
Badilisha said it was highly regrettable that the men and women who sacrificed their youth, families and livelihoods in the fight for freedom have had to endure years of neglect.
The governor noted that his government was prioritising welfare of the remnants of freedom fighters through access to quality healthcare and official recognition to restore dignity to the ageing heroes, calling on the national government to ensure the war veterans are settled in their own pieces of land.
On his part, Kimemia echoed similar sentiments, stating that history would harshly judge a nation that fails to honour its liberators.
He emphasised the need for a comprehensive national framework to document, compensate and support the remaining veterans and their families.
Other leaders present also challenged both national and county governments to fast-track policies that would cushion the veterans from poverty and illness, noting that many of them were currently advanced in age and battling health complications.
Meanwhile, General Kiambati was eulogised as a fearless patriot, whose contribution to the independence struggle should inspire younger generations to safeguard the freedoms won through sacrifice.
By Antony Mwangi
