A section of freedom fighters who attended this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations in Kiambu County, have faulted the organisers for giving them limited time to address the gathering.
Led by Mau Mau War Veterans Association chairman Gitu Kahengeri, the freedom fighters said they were not given enough time to deliver their messages to Kenyans.
Speaking at Ndumberi grounds in Kiambu, Kahengeri said freedom fighters should be respected and given time to speak during such celebrations, since Jamhuri Day is a day meant to commemorate their efforts.
“When I was given the microphone, the master of ceremony asked me not to exceed two minutes in my speech, and I do not see that as acceptable since we fought, spilled blood and were maimed for the Independence of this country. Let us not be seen as passersby and we should be given our time and be recognized as people who did this work,” Kahengeri said as quoted by the Star.
He urged the government to remember and support freedom fighters, who he said are living under misery.
“I want to ask, despite fighting for Independence where right now Kenyans are educated in all professions, is there nothing that can be done for us despite all what we did?
“There is no street, nursery or mortuary named after a freedom fighter in Kiambu ounty despite the hard work done by the freedom fighters. It is a disgrace,” he added.
Kiambu Deputy Governor James Nyoro urged MCAs to table a motion in the county assembly that will seek to honour freedom fighters in the county.