The Struggle, Promises, and Postponed Dignity for Liberators

Madaraka Day 62 Years After…

Remembering the Journey to Self-Governance

Madaraka Day, celebrated each year on June 1st, stands as a poignant reminder of our nation’s journey towards independence and self-determination. This significant day invites us to look back on the courageous struggles of those who fought tirelessly for freedom, culminating in our hard-won self-governance from British colonial rule in 1963. It serves as an opportunity to honor their sacrifices and reflect on the values of freedom and unity that continue to shape our identity as a nation.

Dedan Kimathi Foundation’s Role in 2025 Celebrations

As the nation marked the 62nd year since attaining self-rule, Dedan Kimathi Foundation had the honor to participate in Laikipia West celebrations held at Kandutura Comprehensive School in Rumuruti. Re-opening pages in the books of our national history, the local community and participating students and pupils’ presentations through songs and skits revolved around the pride in self-governance and the sheer sacrifices of the national liberators to end the yoke of British colonial rule.

National Reflections on the Blue Economy

Guided by the theme ‘Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs’ in the national event held at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County for the first time in history, H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, acknowledged the belief of the national forefathers that the Kenyan citizenry are the foundation, the pillar, and the engine towards building the nation each citizen desires.

Tree Planting as a Symbol of Nation Building

In this regard, the Foundation team had the pleasure of participating in a 650-tree planting activity at Kandutura as part of its nation-building mandate to alienate the nation from the negative effects of climate change while cultivating a culture of conservation in learners, besides community members.

Collaboration for National Progress

Through concerted efforts of the Kenya Forest Service, National Government Administration Officers, Kenya Prisons Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, emphasis was created through speeches and remarks on the need for unity towards harnessing improvement of the national economy, environmental conservation to address climate change, pursuit of justice, and adherence to the rule of law—acting within the freedom structures in place and promoting peace by handling conflicts through proper channels.

Youth Engagement Through Climate Worx Initiative

In line with the National Tree Growing and Forests Restoration Plan towards the attainment of 30% tree cover by 2032, the President announced the rollout of the national Climate Worx Initiative youth recruitment to 46 counties. This aims to bring on board 110,000 young people to plant trees and improve environmental sanitation within their localities, among other public benefit duties. The initiative, a replacement of the ‘Kazi Mtaani’ program, has been a major boost in the Foundation’s conservation works, especially in rehabilitating Ngong and Nairobi rivers through sustainable tree growing on the reclaimed rivers’ riparian zones in Nairobi County since its launch on October 1st, 2024.

Carrying the Legacy of Heroes

In the spirit of the Nobel Peace Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai and National Liberator Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi Wachiuri, Dedan Kimathi Foundation carries a long-term commitment to conserve the environment for current and future generations. It also appreciates the role forests played in Kenya’s independence by sheltering guerrilla fighters in the Aberdare Ranges and other forests.

The Call for Justice and Closure

In her brief remarks during the Madaraka Day Eve event titled ‘Unveiling of the Mau Mau Post Office’ in Ndaragwa, the Foundation CEO Ms. Evelyn Wanjugu Kimathi, highlighted immense growth in the Kenyan economy, empowerment, and democracy, reflecting the liberators’ desires since self-government was attained. However, she expressed her dissatisfaction with the handling of freedom fighters’ affairs in regard to settlement, welfare, preservation of the freedom struggle history, and fighters’ compensation. She also criticized the failure of four successive Kenyan governments to help her family exhume the remains of their father six decades after independence.

She remains tightly attached to and hopeful about the 5th President’s public promise made during the burial of Mama Mukami Kimathi in 2023—to ensure Dedan Kimathi’s remains are located and exhumed for a deserving send-off.