Coming soon: Field-Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima Foundation

By Wanjohi Nderitu/Home News

In a commendable move to honour the gallant Mau Mau Freedom War Fighters, Bishop George Kamunya Kirima, a kinsman of renowned Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima, has announced plans to establish a Foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of these national heroes.

Kamunya’s vision for the Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima Foundation is not just about remembrance; it aims to create a legitimate platform for descendants to engage professionally and transparently in their quest for justice and recognition.

Through this initiative, Kamunya aspires to explore avenues for securing compensation from former colonial powers for the injustices faced by the Mau Mau fighters and their descendants.

Push for recognition and compensation

Additionally, Kamunya seeks to open dialogue with the Kenyan government to advocate for tangible benefits, such as land grants or other forms of recognition that truly honour the sacrifices made by these brave men and women during the tumultuous struggle for Independence. This Foundation, under Kamunya’s patronage, could become a beacon of hope not only for the descendants of freedom fighters but for all Kenyans who value authenticity and integrity.

Bishop George Kamunya Kirima. Photo/Wanjohi Nderitu/Home News

By fostering a spirit of cooperation, respect, and professionalism, the initiative can pave the way for meaningful discussions with the government and other stakeholders regarding the welfare of Mau Mau veterans and their families. Moreover, a Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima Foundation can play a significant role in educating the younger generations about the struggles and sacrifices of the Mau Mau fighters.

It is imperative to instill an understanding of our history, ensuring that future generations appreciate the hard-fought freedoms they enjoy today. This educational aspect will not only contribute to the preservation of the Mau Mau legacy but will also empower the descendants to carry this torch forward responsibly.

Support from the Kirima family and descendants

The Kirima family chairman, Fredrick Wang’ondu Gitahi is strongly behind the move to press for Muthoni’s dream to be fulfilled and so is James Kinyua Kamunya among other kinsmen and women. Also, on board are the younger generations of the freedom fighters’ offsprings from different parts of the country regardless of their counties of origin. This initiative comes in the wake of Bishop Kamunya’s experiences while working as a community mobilizer for a certain outfit where he was disheartened to uncover suspicious fraudulent activities perpetrated by some leaders.

Foundation registration in progress

In an exclusive interview with The Home News, Kamunya said the registration process for the Foundation was at an advanced stage, with a team of scholars, historians, researchers and human rights lobbyists providing launching logistics.

“We are aware that the government of Kenya and especially President William Ruto is very much willing to cooperate with freedom war veterans and their descendants. We know for sure that the British Government has released to our Government compensation in terms of land and money due to Mau Mau. We are now of age and we know what happened,” Kamunya said.

Kamunya is also a bishop with the Nairobi-based Oasis Grace Church. He and others addressed a congregation at the AIC Church Maina in Nyahururu town, Laikipia county, on Sunday, March 30, assuring them that they were confident Mau Mau compensation would be released hopefully in a few months. They included Apostle Munyori Kinyenje, Bishop Jane Kinyiriria and Ronah Mathenge.

The group seemed to be marketing Mau Mau Veterans Association, whose leader was named as James Njuguna Mahuria, who did not turn up although he had been expected and had even invited the media to cover the function. Kamunya later indicated he and likeminded associates would row their own boat.

Read more:Wamaua dumps Gachagua for Ruto

Field-Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima (1931 – 4 September, 2023) was a female fighter in Mau Mau’s 1950s rebellion against British colonialism. While women participated in the freedom war in various activities, few were active fighters, and Muthoni was the only woman known to have attained the Mau Mau rank of fieldmarshal. According to historians, Muthoni Kirima first took the Mau Mau oath in 1952. From then on, she had to balance being part of the revolution with family responsibilities.

From trader to warrior

She started out by using her connections as a trader to get information and events that were happening to the Mau Mau who were in the forest.

She also organized the oaths for other people. The turning point that made her want to not just be in the village helping the Mau Mau fighters but to be a forest fighter was after colonial soldiers, sent by Chief Muhoya to her home to interrogate her on the whereabouts of her husband who had joined the Mau Mau troops, beat her mercilessly with their boots, making her bleed profusely and leaving her unconscious.

She took off to the forest and after a week by herself, found the Mau Mau fighters and started as a non-combatant – cooking and fetching ammunition. But she quickly impressed her fellow soldiers with her shooting skills and quick thinking. Before long, she was leading her own platoons and rose up the ranks quickly with her non-military achievements like fetching food for the movement and her troops, and her medic skills in nursing injured colleagues, contributing to her rapid promotion.

Life after the war

After the war ended in 1956, Muthoni and other Mau Mau fighters had a very hard time getting back into society because they were seen as a radical lot, segregated in detention camps and beaten as others tried to create their new life. Muthoni was one of those who tried to create a new life, but they did not get any of the benefits of the new African government, like land, up to her death on September 4 last year, at the age of 92 years. The Mau Mau fighters played a pivotal role in Kenya’s fight for Independence, and their sacrifices should never be forgotten.

Unfortunately, as Kamunya’s experiences have highlighted, the narrative surrounding these brave individuals can sometimes be marred by deceit and exploitation. The alarming news of scammers promising vast sums— purportedly trillions of Kenya shillings—to those connected to the freedom fighters serves as a stark reminder of the unscrupulous individuals who prey on the vulnerabilities of others.

Honouring the legacy

While Kamunya’s initiative is uplifting and holds significant potential for positive change, it also serves as a crucial reminder for the community.

As descendants of these valiant fighters, it is essential to remain vigilant and discerning. The promise of compensation or government support can easily lure individuals into scams that exploit their hopes and entitlements. It is vital to scrutinize offers and claims, seeking credible information and guidance from trusted sources.

As Kenyans celebrate Bishop George Kamunya Kirima’s initiative to honour the legacy of Field-Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima and the Mau Mau freedom fighters, let us remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit the quest for justice. Field-Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima’s forthcoming Foundation is expected to become a powerful voice for heritage, healing, and honest engagement, ensuring that the sacrifices of our forefathers are remembered, respected, and rewarded appropriately.