Gov’t to compensate Nyayo torture victims – Githu Muigai

Attorney General Githu Muigai has said that plans are underway to compensate victims of the Nyayo House torture chambers.

Speaking during the unveiling of a monument at the Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Muigai termed the move as a step towards reconciliation and national healing and an effort to bring to a close cases of past atrocities.

The Attorney General further said the government remains committed to finding a just resolution for claims lounged by Mau Mau veterans against the British government.

Meanwhile, Mau Mau beneficiaries’ lawyer Paul Muite said the government should collaborate with the British government to create a commission of five commissioners – three from Kenya and two from Britain – to ensure freedom fighters are honoured.

“It is impossible to have reconciliation without compensation. It is high time all freedom fighters from the 47 counties were compensated for their role in fighting for the country’s freedom,” said Muite.

Compensate all freedom fighters

On her part, Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi, who was representing Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, said that the event marks an end to denials by the British government over crimes against humanity committed during the colonial period.

She urged the government to honour all war veterans since the fight for freedom was not done by one community.

Mumbi called for investigations into past injustices saying President Uhuru Kenyatta’s admission of the vices and apology was not enough.

Other leaders present include CORD leader Raila Odinga, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, Sports CS Hassan Wario, British High Commissioner Christian Turner and Secretary General of the Mau Mau memorial steering committee Gitu wa Kahengeri.