Kenya Agrees to Cover Cost of Court Case Involving British Colonial Rule

The Kenyan government has agreed to cover the costs of a court case in London that involves Kenyan freedom fighters under British colonial rule.

The freedom fighters, Ndiku Mutua, Paulo Nzili, Wambugu wa Nyingi and Jane Mara, sued the British government for the torture and other human rights violations they underwent during the British effort to suppress the Mau Mau rebellion.

The claimants, who are all in their 70s and 80s, suffered forced labor and beatings under British colonial rule. Mutua and Nzilia had been castrated, Nyingi was savagely beaten into an unconscious state and Mara suffered through horrifying sexual abuse.

The hearing will be at the Royal courts of Justice in London until July 27.

"We must not forget the treatment they endured that left them with devastating and lifelong injuries," Nigerian Prime Minister Raila Odinga said.

Tom Kagwe, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) Senior Programme Officer, has criticized the Kenyan government of making false promises to give help.

Kagwe said, “[The government] made pledges that they will give us necessary political and financial support. Without doubt, the political support has come in terms of them recognizing that it is an important case for the Kenyan people and the Kenyan government. We however need especially the Prime Minister to work together with the President to ensure that we have the necessary financial muscle."

The freedom fighters have support from Malindi Kaya Elders, as well as from other immigrants in the Diaspora.