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| William Ruto (l) praises Mekatilili wa Menza (r) for fighting for the whole country, not community |
President William Ruto commended Kenyan freedom fighters for their pivotal role in the struggle for independence during his Mashujaa Day speech at Kwale Stadium on Sunday, October 20.Ruto noted that these heroes and heroines stood together to resist colonialism and push for independence, advocating for a decentralised form of governance, which was an early version of devolution. He highlighted national heroes like Mekatilili wa Menza, emphasising that they represented the entire country by confronting colonialism with a vision that extended beyond uniting just her community.
“Our heroes did not hail from one village or speak one language. Our heroes are numerous and diverse, united by a principled commitment to confront an unjust, exclusive and oppressive system in pursuit of the noble vision of national liberation. In confronting colonialism, Mekatilili wa Menza did not seek to free her village or region from occupation by a community. Instead, she resisted the structures and institutions of a system of exploitation and tyranny in the knowledge that defeating it would free a whole nation,” he stated. Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua maintained his call for Mt. Kenya unity, which eventually led to his impeachment. He faced 11 charges, including promoting tribal politics, abuse of office, and violation of the constitution, among others.
by Nancy Odindo
