Mau Mau General, Kiambati wa Njora, dies aged 106

By Newsflash Writer

Kenya has lost one of its last living links to the armed struggle for independence following the death of Mau Mau General Kiambati wa Njora at the age of 106.

His passing on Monday, February 2, 2026, marks the end of a historic chapter, as he was the final surviving member of the 12 senior Mau Mau generals from Nyandarua County.

His death was confirmed by his son, Maina Kiambati, who said the veteran freedom fighter died peacefully due to old age.

According to the family, the centenarian had spent his final weekend surrounded by children and grandchildren at their home in Ngorika. He had even participated in a memorial service for a grandson who died a decade ago, a moment relatives now describe as deeply symbolic and unifying.

Following his death, the body was moved to a funeral home in Nakuru Town as the family begins burial preparations.

Life of sacrifice and unmet recognition

General Kiambati’s demise adds to a growing list of departed Mau Mau veterans from Nyandarua in recent years. Among them are Brigadier John Kiboko (born Ihoya Kagwe), who died in August 2023 and was buried in Ngorika, Mukami Kimathi — widow of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi — who was laid to rest in Njabini in May 2023, and Major Ka-Chef (Agnes Muthoni Kinyua), who died last year and was buried in Shamata, Ndaragwa.

With Kiambati’s passing, there are now no surviving members of the top echelon of Mau Mau generals in the county. Many of them died still pushing for official recognition from the government for their role in the liberation struggle — an appeal that remained largely unanswered.

The veterans had also long campaigned for the exhumation and dignified reburial of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, believed to have been buried in Kamiti Prison grounds. They viewed this as part of fulfilling solemn promises they said were made to God during the struggle for freedom, including commitments to build places of worship in thanksgiving once independence was achieved.

Leaders and community members have called for celebration of General Kiambati’s heroism, courage, and immense sacrifice in securing Kenya’s freedom. Many say his story reflects the broader struggle of fighters who gave everything but lived to see little formal appreciation.

Leaders pay tribute

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led tributes, expressing sorrow while honoring the fallen general’s legacy.

“I have learnt of the demise of General Kiambati wa Njora with great pain and sad memories of our struggle for freedom as a Nation,” Gachagua said.

He described Nyandarua as a cradle of fearless fighters during the Mau Mau resistance against British colonial rule and land dispossession.

Gachagua said Kiambati would be remembered alongside other iconic figures such as Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, Mukami Kimathi, General China (Waruhiu), General Mwariama, General Mathenge, General Mbaria, General Kubu Kubu, General Tanganyika, and General Baimungi.

“They fought with bare hands as bombs, bullets and other modern warfare weapons rained on them. They liberated our country. We got freedom,” he said.

Gachagua also reflected on painful episodes such as the Lari Massacre and condemned those who collaborated with colonial forces. He concluded with prayers for the departed general and a message of hope: that the freedom fought for by Mau Mau heroes would endure for generations.