The children of Mau Mau freedom fighters have issued a strong warning to opposition leaders against politicising Kenya’s liberation history. Speaking on behalf of the group, the Mau Mau veterans’ children said using the Mau Mau name for political gain risks undermining the struggle’s true legacy.
They stressed that the Mau Mau movement was about Kenya’s independence, not partisan politics, and cautioned that exploiting the name could strain relations between surviving veterans and the government, potentially affecting compensation and welfare efforts for the heroes of the struggle.
Opposition Leaders Urged to Respect Mau Mau Legacy
Robert Ndirangu, the Mau Mau Children Youth Representative, spoke firmly on behalf of the group. He said opposition figures should stop using the Mau Mau name in politics. “Opposition leaders should stop using the Mau Mau name in their politics.
They should do their politics without involving Mau Mau,” Ndirangu stated. He warned that continued misuse of the name could negatively affect the relationship between the government and surviving veterans, potentially jeopardizing their compensation and recognition.
Ndirangu specifically called on leaders such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and members of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to refrain from invoking the Mau Mau legacy during rallies or political campaigns. “We want to tell Gachagua, DCP and all the opposition to stop mentioning Mau Mau,” he added, making it clear that the children of veterans will not condone the politicization of their parents’ struggle.
Politicians Using Mau Mau for Personal Gain
Mau Mau Children Chairman General Kiambati Jnr echoed these concerns. He criticized political leaders who have selectively used the Mau Mau history to boost their profiles while ignoring the welfare of the veterans. “We want to ask politicians to stop uploading Mau Mau history and turning it into political gain. Mau Mau was not for politics but for the independence of this country, and it cuts across all regions. We strongly dissociate ourselves from such activities,” Kiambati Jnr said.
He highlighted that many veterans have passed away without receiving justice or compensation, while others are still waiting for government support. By invoking the Mau Mau name for political convenience, politicians risk dishonouring the memories of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.
Urging Government Support for Veterans
Apart from warning opposition leaders, the Mau Mau children also called on the government to prioritize the welfare of surviving veterans. They stressed that the health of these elderly fighters is deteriorating and that urgent attention is needed to ensure they receive the compensation and care they deserve. The children emphasized that the struggle for independence cut across all communities in Kenya, and its legacy should not be manipulated for narrow political interests.
The group insisted that genuine respect for the Mau Mau legacy involves recognizing the veterans’ sacrifices and supporting their families, rather than using the movement as a political tool. They argued that those invoking the Mau Mau name today were absent when veterans were actively seeking justice, making their political claims hollow.
Call for Integrity in Political Engagement
The Mau Mau children’s message sends a clear signal: the liberation struggle belongs to all Kenyans and is above partisan politics. By politicizing the Mau Mau legacy, leaders risk creating divisions between the government and the veterans who fought for the country’s freedom. The children emphasized that their parents fought not for political ambitions but to secure independence for every Kenyan, regardless of region or party.
They also addressed the practice of politicians referring to themselves as descendants of Mau Mau fighters, often to establish political legitimacy or local support. The group called for an end to this trend, arguing that such claims are misleading and disrespectful to the veterans and their families.
The children of Mau Mau freedom fighters remain united in their stand, urging both opposition leaders and the government to respect the movement’s history. They have made it clear that the Mau Mau legacy is a national treasure, not a political instrument. Ensuring the welfare of veterans, honouring their sacrifices, and protecting their legacy from exploitation are priorities that cannot be ignored.
As the nation approaches future elections, the message from the Mau Mau children is firm: stop politicizing our history, support our heroes, and let Kenya’s independence story remain a unifying force for all citizens.
