It is such a great honor for all Kenyans in marking this year’s MASHUJAA DAY. We all collectively honor all those who contributed towards the struggle for Kenya’s indepen
As we celebrate this important occasion of honoring the freedom fighters, Mashujaa Day affords us the opportunity to celebrate pre-independence and modern-day unsang heroes and heroines who have brought pride and joy to our great country.
Let us take a look at three personalities who changed the face of Kenya.
Nabongo Mumia was born a prince between 1849 and 1852. His parents were Nabongo Shiundu Wamukoya and Wamanya.
He was appointed heir on the eve of his father’s death. Mumia occupied a prominent place in British colonial administration from 1908 to 1926 and was recognized as the Paramount Chief. He ruled the Kingdom for 67 years from 1882 to 1949 in one of the longest reigns in African history.
The Wanga Kingdom was the most highly developed and centralized kingdom in Kenyan history before the advent of British colonialism. When the British arrived in Western Kenya in 1883, they found the Wanga Kingdom as the only organised state with a centralized hereditary monarch in the whole of what later came to be known as Kenya.
Mumia’s royal background caused a dilemma to the colonial officers. He was “retired” by the colonial authorities in 1926, but maintained influence until his death on April 24, 1949. His daughter who died in 2012 at the age of 92. She left behind multiple descendants.
Dedan Kimathi Waciuri (31 October 1920 – 18 February 1957) born Kimathi wa Waciuri, was a leader of the Mau Mau which led an armed military struggle known as the Mau Mau uprising against the British colonial government in Kenya in the 1950s.
A highly controversial character, Kimathi’s life has been subject to intense propaganda by both the British government who saw him as a terrorist, and Kenyan nationalists who view him as the heroic figurehead of the Mau Mau rebellion. Despite being viewed with disdain by the Jomo Kenyatta regime and subsequent governments, Kimathi and his fellow Mau Mau rebels are now officially recognised as heroes in the struggle for Kenyan independence by the incumbent government. His capture and execution in 1957 led to the eventual defeat of the uprising by the British colonial government.
An elegant looking Winifred Nyiva Mwendwa. Mwendwa was appointed the Minister for Culture and Social Services after the 1992 election, becoming the first female minister in Kenya.
Her husband Kitili Maluki Mwendwa was Kenyan chief justice and politician. Kitili Mwendwa died in a traffic accident in 1985. He was at the time the Kitui West MP, his seat was taken at the subsequent by-election by his brother Kyale Mwendwa. His other brother, Eliud Ngala Mwendwa is also a former Kenyan minister.
Let us embrace the values and dreams for a better Kenya that these patriotic Kenyans had for our beloved country. In their honor we should synergize our efforts in making Kenya, a working and caring nation and a haven of peace, unity and prosperity.
The best way to celebrate this day is to be selfless in our service to Kenyans and to seek for the well-being of other fellow country men and women. This is the only way that we can show that we truly understand the values that the freedom fighters espoused.
GOD BLESS KENYA, GOD BLESS US ALL……
