Mau Mau veterans want a commission formed to look into their welfare

By Makena Laban, Nairobi

 Mau Mau veterans are calling for the formation of a commission that will help identify those who participated in the struggle for independence and ensure they are adequately compensated.

While renewing calls on the government to address land grievances among others, the Mau Mau veterans say many of those who fought for the country’s independence were not among the beneficiaries of the land and other opportunities that came with the country’s freedom.

They were Speaking at Uhuru park where they had converged together with human rights groups for the commemoration of the 11th anniversary of the unveiling of the Mau Mau Memorial Monument.

According to Gitu Wa Kahengeri, MauMau Veteran, most freedom fighters did not reap the fruits of independence.

British High Commissioner to Kenya, Matt Baugh said the memorial stands as a remainder of the most difficult chapter in our shared and intimate history.

"We must acknowledge the most painful period in our long and complex relationship. The wrongdoings of the past remain of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret," he noted.

Lawyer Paul Mwite called on the government to form a committee commission to investigate in the 47 counties and give a genuine list of the real veterans.

“The commission will help identify those who participated in the struggle for independence in 47 counties and ensure they are adequately compensated,” he noted.