ANOTHER HERO EXECUTED BY THE BRITISH

The execution of Kenyan freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi occurred 68 years ago today. He led the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule in Kenya. Dedan was captured in 1956 and hanged on 18 February 1957.

Almost seven decades later, his grave's whereabouts remain a mystery. It's rumoured the British buried him at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, but efforts to have the body exhumed have had no luck. His hanging symbolised the brutal repression of the independence movement and galvanised support for the struggle against colonialism.

This revolutionary elder was born into a poor family on 31 October 1920, in Thege village near Nyeri in central Kenya. Known for his brilliance as a child, Kimathi's school records show he stood out in English and poetry and was a debating society member. Kimathi was one of thousands who joined the independence movement in 1951 and rose to become a key figure in the fight against imperialism.

The Kenya Land and Freedom Army which he led came to be known colloquially as Mau Mau - short for 'Mzungu Arudi Ulaya, Mwafrika Apate Uhuru.' That is Swahili for 'Let the foreigner go back to Europe, so the Africans can regain independence.'

African Stream’s Wambura Mwai walks us through the life and legacy of Dedan Kimathi, highlighting why his name is one to remember.

Continue to rest in peace, comrade!

Source:

https://www.dw.com/en/dedan-kimathi-kenyas-heroic-freedom-fighter/a-56974835