The Mau Mau War Veterans Association has hailed the release of an autobiography by Judge Lee Muthoga, a prominent legal figure and a former judge with the United Nations Residual Mechanism of the International Criminal Tribunals.
The autobiography, which promises to shed light on Kenya’s complex legal history, has been eagerly anticipated by many, especially in connection with unresolved land disputes involving Mau Mau veterans.
In their statement, the Mau Mau Veterans highlighted Judge Muthoga’s extensive legal knowledge, particularly his documentation of long-standing land disputes. The veterans allege that former Attorney General Charles Njonjo obstructed efforts to settle these disputes, complicating justice for the freedom fighters and their descendants.
Judge Muthoga, who was the custodian of documents belonging to the late JM Kariuki, holds key records pertaining to Mau Mau assets, including scattered parcels of land. JM Kariuki, a notable political figure who once served as State House Private Secretary to President Jomo Kenyatta, as well as Director of the National Youth Service and Assistant Minister of Agriculture, is remembered for his advocacy on behalf of the Kenyan people. The Mau Mau Veterans believe that Judge Muthoga’s revelations could unveil hidden assets and aid in the restitution of property to the rightful heirs of Mau Mau fighters.
The veterans’ statement also expressed support for the recent decision by an advisory committee to transfer Amboseli National Park to the County Government of Kajiado. The committee has scheduled a public participation exercise on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, inviting the public to voice their opinions on the matter.
In addition, the Mau Mau Veterans demanded transparency from the Commonwealth Secretariat, calling for the release of expired lease agreements between the United Kingdom and Kenyan governments regarding national parks and military ranges. They also urged the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to disclose all movable and immovable assets of the Kenya Tourism Board, a state corporation established under the Tourism Act of 2011.
The veterans announced plans to gather at the Kikuyu Law Courts in Kiambu County on Thursday, November 14, 2024, to support one of their own in a legal matter. All veterans have been encouraged to attend the hearing, scheduled to begin at 9:00 am.
The group also called on Chief Justice Martha Koome to expedite the nomination of a chairman for the Public Benefits Organization (PBO), a state body that began operations on May 9, 2024, following its gazettement by the then Interior Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Kithure Kindiki. The nomination, once made, will be forwarded to Parliament for vetting before the appointee can be confirmed by President William Ruto.
As the Mau Mau Veterans continue to advocate for justice and recognition of their contributions, they hope that the new revelations in Judge Muthoga’s autobiography, alongside the push for transparency in land and tourism assets, will bring about long-overdue resolution to issues affecting the descendants of Kenya’s freedom fighters.