Save freedom fighters from misery, State told

As the nation gears up to celebrate Mashujaa Day tomorrow, a former civic leader in the defunct Kisii Municipal Council Thomas Oresi wants the government to profile heroes, heroines and support poor ones lead decent lives.

Thomas Oresi cites freedom fighters who were killed during the fight against colonial rule and left their families wallowing in abject poverty.

He said some of the freedom fighters left young children and their wives could not take them to school due to poverty, stressing, their children need support.

“Some fighters took a long time to fight and their families suffered. They should be recognised alongside those who have contributed in various fields to improve the lives of people,” Oresi said. The former civic leader, who founded the Oresi Health Centre noted that it is necessary for the government to recognise all heroes and heroines to motivate others.

“I used my savings to renovate a parking yard to be a health centre. I also paid interns before the national government took it over and named it after me,” Oresi said, adding, his UK-based daughter also supported him.

Oresi who was among few Kisiis who were taken to Kinangop, Naivasha to work for white settlers after Mau Mau fighters were arrested, said he witnessed ugly incidents where the former rounded up the fighters and confined them.

The 84-year-old philanthropist said they used to plough farms before he was returned to Kisii and employed as a driver for the then Senior Chief, Musa Nyandusi, who was a chairman of African Development Council.

“Nyandusi was the father to the late Minister, Simen Nyachae. I also drove ambulances and developed passion in the health sector and was among the first Kisii to start a chemist and supermarket,” he said.