Mau Mau memorial unveiled in Uhuru Park

Sports and Culture CS Hassan Wario has today inaugurated a memorial in honour of Kenya’s freedom fighters who suffered torture and ill-treatment at the hands of the colonial government during the Emergency Period (1952-1960).

The memorial, which was part of a 2013 out-of-court agreement between the British Government and the Mau Mau War Veterans Association (MMWVA), has been erected in Uhuru Park’s Freedom Corner.

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by the British High Commission, the MMWVA, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Nairobi Governor’s Office and the National Museums of Kenya.

Speaking at the inauguration, British High Commissioner Dr. Christian Turner underscored the importance of reconciliation.

“To deal with the present and move forward into the future we have to recognize and learn from the past. This memorial is about reconciliation, allowing us to discuss together the issues arising from a difficult period in our shared history, and to move forward together,” said Turner.

The High Commissioner revealed that his step grandfather was a part of the colonial government, but he resigned because of the violence meted against locals.

“My personal part in this story is because my step-grandfather, Colonel Arthur Young, was Commissioner of Police in Kenya in 1954 and resigned over the colonial administration’s failure to address brutality committed by the security forces,” said Turner.

Secretary General of the MMWVA Gitu wa Kahengeri, Chair of the KHRC board Prof. Makau Mutua, Justice Mumbi Ngugi, and Nairobi County Governor Dr. Evans Kidero also spoke at the function.