Meru residents file petition over historical treatment of Mau Mau veterans

About 30 residents of Meru County have filed a petition at the High Court seeking redress over the historical treatment of Mau Mau veterans during the early years of Kenya’s independence.

The petitioners, who include families of veterans General Mwariama, Bamungi Marete, and M’Kiuga, allege that some Mau Mau fighters experienced torture, arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, and loss of property.

The case was filed on September 12 by the African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action, a local organisation, on behalf of the veterans.

The Attorney General and the Kenya National Human Rights Commission are listed as respondents.

According to the petition, many landless fighters were reportedly surprised in 1961 when it was announced that land would not be issued freely, contrary to expectations among veterans.

The petition further states that between 1961 and 1965, Mau Mau fighters, led by Field Marshals Mwariama and Baimungi, continued to face repression even after laying down their arms at the end of the Emergency period in 1960.

It cites that Mwariama was imprisoned for six months for “holding an unlawful meeting and obstructing the police” and reportedly undertook a 21-day hunger strike at Kamiti Prison before his release.

The petition also references statements attributed to General Baimungi, who is said to have challenged government policies at the time, which were described as inconsistent with the expectations of freedom fighters.

Baimungi was later killed. The petition cites historical accounts suggesting that his body, along with those of General Chui and M’Kiugu, was displayed at Kinoru Stadium in Meru.

One petitioner, Joseph M’arunga, 90, who served as General Mwariama’s aide, stated in an affidavit that fighters laid down their arms following assurances of amnesty.

He also said that subsequent land claims by veterans were dismissed and that Baimungi’s property was auctioned.

The petitioners argue that these alleged violations have never been conclusively investigated, and they contend that the lack of inquiry or remedy constitutes a denial of justice and a violation of fundamental rights.

They are asking the court to declare that their rights were violated during the post-colonial period, to award damages, and to order compensation for historical injustices.

Justice Heston Mbogo has scheduled the case for further directions on November 12, 2025.