- Kenya's struggle for independence is often celebrated with familiar names like Jomo Kenyatta and Dedan Kimathi, but many unsung heroes remain overshadowed.
- Visionaries such as Musa Mwariama, Makhan Singh, and James Beauttah played important roles, from guerrilla warfare to shaping labor movements and mentoring future leaders.
- This Republic Day, TUKO.co.ke highlights the neglected freedom fighters whose sacrifices helped liberate the nation
Kenya's struggle for independence is often associated with prominent figures such as Jomo Kenyatta, Dedan Kimathi, and Tom Mboya.
Source: UGC
However, behind the headlines are lesser known but equally important freedom fighters.
Among them are Kungu Karumba, Musa Mwariama, Esau Khamati Oriedo, Makhan Singh, and James Beauttah.
TUKO.co.ke highlights these unsung heroes who contributed greatly to the liberation of the country from colonial rule.
1. Kungu Karumba: Mau Mau's forgotten strategist
Kungu Karumba was a member of the Kapenguria Six during the Mau Mau movement.
He played an important role in supporting the opposition through logistics and covert operations.
Karumba worked together with other leaders to strategize and develop the struggle against the English colonialists.
Sadly, his life ended in a mysterious way when he disappeared while on a debt collection trip in the country Uganda.
The family of Karungu, who was last seen alive on Saturday, June 15, 1974, recently celebrated 50 years since his disappearance.
Source: UGC
2. Musa Mwariama: General of Forests
Musa Mwariama, whose real name was M'Kirigua M'Muchiri, was among the highest ranking generals of the Mau Mau.
He led guerrilla warfare from the dense forests of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares and was the only Field Marshal to overcome the colonial traps.
Mwariama's tactical ingenuity ensured the Mau Mau remained powerful despite limited resources.
He was never captured or killed by the British settlers despite their modern weapons and lived a peaceful life after independence.
Source: UGC
3. Esau Khamati Oriedo: Multi-faceted activist
Esau Khamati Sambayi Oriedo was a Kenyan Christian evangelist, philanthropist, entrepreneur and trade unionist.
The anti-colonial activist became a veteran of World War I and World War II as a member of the King's African Rifles (KAR).
In 1952, he was detained in Kapenguria along with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and other Kenyan freedom fighters, and was released in 1957.
Born on January 29, 1888, Oriedo died on December 1, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of mobilizing grassroots support for Kenya's independence movement.
Source: UGC
4. Makhan Singh: Founder of Trade Unions
Makhan Singh, often overlooked in history books, was a trailblazer in the labor movement in Kenya.
He was born in India before moving to Kenya where he founded the country's first trade union and fought tirelessly for better conditions for African workers.
Even when he visited India, Makhan was jailed by the British, but he remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and equality.
He believed that it is better to serve many years in prison than to live a comfortable and comfortable life.
He is credited with having the courage to be the first to publicly announce “Uhuru Sasa” (Freedom Now) in 1950.
The Nation records that Makhan became the longest serving prisoner and the last to be released in 1961.
5. James Beauttah: Elder Statesman of Resistance
James Beauttah's name has not featured much in the history of Kenya, but he was among the first people who defended the self-government of Kenyans.
He and other leaders were detained in various detention camps across the country for instigating independence.
As the founder of the Kikuyu Central Party (KCA), Beauttah mentored young leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and influenced the nationalist agenda.
James Mbutu, who was born in Murang'a in the 1800s, was one of the few Kenyans who could speak English well.
His ability to explain issues concerning ordinary Kenyans made him an important person in the struggle for independence.
Honoring the Forgotten Heroes
The stories of these five freedom fighters show the diversity and depth of Kenya's freedom movement.
As Kenya celebrates another Republic Day, their dedication and determination should always remind us that the struggle for freedom was a collective effort.
Their courage and resilience highlight the high price they paid for the freedom Kenyans enjoy today.
However, it is reasonable that their names should be given a prominent place in the annals of history.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
