Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Kimathi widow’s wish fulfilled as she receives car


PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI Mrs Mukami Kimathi rejoices after Tetu DC Herman Shambi presented her with a vehicle during the commemoration of the death of her husband Dedan Kimathi in Nyeri on February 18, 2013.
PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI Mrs Mukami Kimathi rejoices after Tetu DC Herman Shambi presented her with a vehicle during the commemoration of the death of her husband Dedan Kimathi in Nyeri on February 18, 2013.   NATION MEDIA GROUP
By MUTHINI STEPHEN smuthini@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Tuesday, February 19  2013 at  00:30
IN SUMMARY
  • Vehicle presented at a function to mark the death of Mau Mau freedom fighter
SHARE THIS STORY
 
 
 
0
Share

The widow of freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi finally had her wish to own a car fulfilled.
Mrs Mukami Kimathi could not hide her joy after she was presented with a double-cabin Toyota Hilux from the government during a function to mark her husband’s death in Nyeri town on Monday.
This followed an appeal she made to President Kibaki when he inaugurated Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in December last year.
Called for unity
Mrs Kimathi made the request to Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who was sitting next to President Kibaki.
The Head of State overheard her and instructed Civil Service head Francis Kimemia to ensure she received a vehicle.
On Monday, Tetu district commissioner Herman Shambi presented the car on behalf of the government during the function at the Dedan Kimathi Grounds, which was attended by a big crowd.
Mrs Kimathi praised the President for the gesture, adding: “God bless him and give him long life.”
Earlier, prayers, among other activities, took place to mark the day, organised by the Mukami Kimathi Foundation and the National Heritage ministry.
During the event, Mrs Kimathi called for unity among Kenyans during the General Election.
“We fought for Africans and for Kenyans and therefore people should not be divided on tribal lines. There should be no Luo or Kikuyu. We are all Kenyans,” she said.
She appealed to the government to provide more land for the construction of a befitting mausoleum for the freedom fighter.
Speakers at the function praised the hero for his selfless contribution towards the attainment of independence in Kenya.
Freedom fighter Elijah Kinyua, who was Kimathi’s compatriot in the struggle, called for national unity. He said the dream of freedom heroes was that the country should remain united.
“When we were in the forest, we never wished to see our country divided. We were united. I pray that we keep peace during this election period,’’ he said.
Mr Kinyua, who was popularly known as General Bahati, commended the government for setting up a place to commemorate Dedan Kimathi.
Nyeri county commissioner Michael Mwangi praised the government for recognising Mau Mau freedom fighters.
“We are glad that the Mau Mau group is no longer outlawed. Things have changed. If it were in the olden days, we would not be standing here today for this could cost you your job,” he said.
Mr Shambi said they were working with local universities to preserve the freedom fighter’s history.

No comments:

Post a Comment