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Azimio a Umoja leader Raila Odinga wants the British Government to fully compensate victims of colonial atrocities during the fight for Kenya’s independence.

Raila now backs a government-to-government approach in handling grievances of the Mau Mau war veterans who have been for decades seeking compensation among other demands from the British.

Raila, who yesterday graced the book launch of Mau Mau war veteran Gitu wa Kahengeri, backed President William Ruto’s recent calls to have the war veterans compensated following atrocities committed against them.

Ruto made the calls during last week’s visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Inclusive approach

“I was happy that Ruto raised this matter in his speech and it is an ongoing conversation and suggestion of bipartisan approach of Opposition and the government in handling this matter is accepted as its an inclusive approach,” Raila said.

Kahengeri’s book titled, “The Betrayal of Mau Mau Fighters” details his life and struggles in Mau Mau freedom war during Kenya’s colonial period. The event that was organised by the Kenya Human Rights Commission was also used to launch the Mau Mau Freedom Fighters Association.

Raila described Kahengeri’s book as that one which has an insider perspective of the pre- colonial and does justice to documenting the Mau Mau’s history for posterity.

Colonial rule

Raila narrated how Kahengeri approached him over Mau Mau issues when he was the Prime Minister. He also said there is a need to resolve the issue of the Dedan Kimathi burial place.

Kimathi’s widow, the late Mukami Kimathi, wished that she could be buried next to her husband.
Raila highlighted the deep-rooted impact of colonial rule on the country and its people and how they assaulted Kenyans by jailing, killing and even grabbing their lands making them homeless in their own nation.

During his address, Raila pointed out the systematic exploitation and marginalization of Kenyan communities under colonial rule.

He underscored the devastating effects of land dispossession, forced labor, and cultural suppression that were imposed by the colonial authorities. He stressed that these injustices have had a profound and lasting impact on the social fabric of the nation.