Mau Mau funeral highlights veterans left 'forgotten' after independence

Christopher Njora Muronyo, a Mau Mau leader, died aged 106 and was buried in a modest ceremony with no government dignitaries, his family said. Relatives say his life and funeral underline that some veterans did not receive recognition or compensation.

Christopher Njora Muronyo, described by family as a Mau Mau leader, died at the age of 106 and was buried near Kenya’s Aberdare mountains. Relatives said he lived in poverty and that the funeral was modest, with the family relying on donations and no government dignitaries attending. Muronyo took part in the 1950s uprising against British colonial rule, a chapter that contributed to Kenya’s independence in 1963. While the British government agreed in 2013 to compensate some former detainees, many veterans and their families say they remain without full recognition or support. Key facts: - Muronyo died at the age of 106 and his family reported he lived in poverty. - Hundreds attended the burial, but there were no government officials and the family relied on donations to hold the funeral. - The Mau Mau uprising opposed British colonial rule; Britain agreed to compensate some victims in 2013, and some veterans say many others did not receive recognition or full compensation. Summary: The funeral has drawn attention to longstanding grievances among former Mau Mau fighters and their families about recognition and support after independence. Undetermined at this time.