A Journey of Courage Through The Muddy Paths of History

By Evelyn Kimathi | Dedan Kimathi Foundation

Walking in the Footsteps of a Legend

On 31st October, as mist blanketed the Aberdare Ranges, the spirit of Kenya’s freedom once again came alive. Dedan Kimathi Foundation marked the 105th posthumous birthday of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi not only with fanfare, but with determination, faith, and 10,000 seedlings of hope.

The day began with a 10-kilometre trek through South Kinangop Forest, a journey as symbolic as it was physical. The road was muddy, the air cold, and the terrain unforgiving. Yet, with every step, the team felt a deeper connection to the resilience of my father, the man who dared to dream of a free Kenya.

At one point, I almost gave up but something kept whispering, “Keep moving. Even Kimathi kept moving until his last breath.”

Each muddy footprint became a symbol of endurance, a metaphor for the struggles that built this nation, and a reminder that freedom just like the trees seedlings we carried, must be nurtured with perseverance.

Planting Hope, One Seedling at a Time

Despite the rain and the weary steps, 10,000 indigenous trees found their home that day planted in memory of a man whose courage forever altered Kenya’s destiny. Each tree was not merely a seedling, but a living monument to resistance, renewal, and remembrance.

This historic tree-planting mission was made possible through the collaboration of partners including the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Defence Forces – Army Corps of Transport, Netfund, CKL Africa Ltd, Kenya Commercial Bank, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, TARDA, Dagoretti Greeners CBO, and the South Kinangop CFA, along with members of the public.

The day was a pure test of our resilience: A 10-km stretch of muddy, slippery road, light showers, and seedlings in hand.” “We lived the life of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi for the better part of the day.”

Together, we not only fulfilled our goal of planting 10,000 trees, but also gifted a hero the greatest birthday present possible, life renewed through nature.

The Roots of Legacy and the Seeds of Tomorrow

To me, conservation is more than a cause, It is a continuation of my father’s dream. Like the deep roots of the indigenous trees we plant, Dedan Kimathi Foundation grounds Kenya’s future in sustainability, unity, and peace.

My mission is clear: to ensure that the legacy of Dedan Kimathi is not only remembered in history books but lives through the trees, forests, and communities he inspired. Indeed heroes never die, their courage takes root, their dreams sprout new leaves, and their spirit continues to bloom in every act of service to the planet.

As the rains washed away our footprints from that 10-kilometre journey, one truth remain rooted in the hearts of all who walked with me: