F. M. DEDAN KIMATHI – The Inspiration
The legendary story of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi depicts a leader in whom love for his country exceeded that of self. At the extreme rise of British cruel colonial rule and inhumanity against Kenyans; despite lack of assurance of a win against the well armed whites, he wore the lion spirit and called upon Kenyans to rather rise to their feet and fight instead of living on their knees in fear.
His bravery, sacrifice and high sense of patriotism acts as an inspiration to the young generation to stand up and fight national challenges with zero expectations of appreciation.
As the Foundation leads the nation in commemorating the hero’s 67th Anniversary since he was brutally executed by the colonialists, the young generation has been well inspired by his story. Hundreds of young men and women have formed environmental conservation groups to create Aberdares all over the nation. Thirsting to support the government in achieving the ambitious 30% tree cover by 2032, the groups are embracing the ups and downs in the fields to create a positive impact.
Members of tens of youth groups, Secondary and Tertiary students have volunteered to join Dedan Kimathi Foundation and Nyandarua County Government in a major clean-up activity to be held at Engineer town in North Kinangop, on 17th of February 2024 as a noble way of honoring the national hero.
Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Kinangop Technical and Vocational College, Kenya Medical Training College – Kinangop Campus, Nyandarua County Tertiary Students Association (NCTSA), Egerton University Environmental Association (EUEA), Kaba Methu Foundation, Patience Manga Foundation (PMF), St. Paul’s University based Young Theologians Initiative for Climate Action (YTICA), Dagoretti Greeners Community, Heni High School, Valentines Foundation, Laikipia County based Ng’arisha Mtaa Initiative, Mr. Climate Kenya Nyandarua County Ambassador, Homabay based Green Heroes Organization (GHO), Wisdom Mentorship Society, the Ice Family group and Kariuki Mucheru Foundation are all inspired to give back to nature through climate action on that day.
In Nyeri county, Nyeri County Tertiary Students Association, Dedan Kimathi University Wildlife and Environmental Clubs, Dedan Kimathi Memorial high school, St. Augustine Ngooru Secondary, KMTC Nyeri campus and Nyeri national polytechnic students are eager to fill their history knowledge gaps at Kahiga-ini Memorial park in Tetu- Nyeri county on Friday 16th February. This event, being held in Collaboration with County Government of Nyeri, Department of Trade, Tourism and Culture, will be the Nyeri County edition of the 67th Anniversary of the hero aiming to celebrate Freedom and Culture. It will bring together the forest fighters and the history-thirsty young generation to learn from the horse’s mouth.
Dedan Kimathi Foundation and Family urge the General public to emulate the good example set by the hero to reach the less fortunate, clean up towns and grow trees during the ‘Dedan Kimathi Week’ starting from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th February during which the 67th Anniversary will be marked. The public is welcome to join the Foundation in its activities of the week.
