This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
On October 20, 2019, Kenya celebrated Mashujaa Day, a day to honor its freedom fighters. Among those being honored was Pricilla Wambui Karanja, a 110-year-old freedom fighter who had just celebrated her birthday the day before.
Wambui's family and friends threw her a birthday party in Sosiot village, Njoro sub-county, complete with a cake, song, and dance. Despite her advanced age, Wambui's memory remains sharp, and she noted that the country had undergone significant changes in the fight for independence.
As the country marked Mashujaa Day, Wambui called for peace and friendship across the country, saying, “As the country marks Mashujaa Day, I call for peace and friendship across the country so that all Kenyans can reap the fruits of independence”.
Wambui's relative, Peter Karanja, expressed concern that many freedom fighters had little to show for their efforts. He challenged the Government to set aside a medical kitty to support aging freedom fighters, saying, “We are always praising our freedom fighters...it’s time the Government addressed their challenges”.
Another relative, Ruth Wangu, celebrated Wambui's work and wished the State could also recognize her, saying, “We decided to award our grandmother in our own way”.
