Freedom fighters to be celebrated as Kenya prepares 2025 National Heroes roll
Gitu wa Kahengeri is being honoured for his steadfast role in the Mau Mau movement. In 1950, he took the Mau Mau oath and later endured nearly seven years in Athi-River and Manda Island detention camps.
Several veterans of Kenya’s liberation struggle are among those who have been proposed to be declared National Heroes in 2025.
The list features both living and posthumous (those who have died) honourees who played key roles in the fight against colonial rule.
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Gitu wa Kahengeri is being honoured for his steadfast role in the Mau Mau movement. In 1950, he took the Mau Mau oath and later endured nearly seven years in Athi-River and Manda Island detention camps.
He recently published his memoir, The Betrayal of Mau Mau Freedom Fighters.
Muchiri M’Mwitha is recognised for supplying food, water, and intelligence to Mau Mau fighters in the forest, while Mwararia Emilio M’kanga is celebrated for his leadership in operational logistics and oath-taking, which built solidarity in the struggle.
Lucia Leonard Cianjoka is honoured for her role as a Mau Mau commander. She directed operations, boosted morale, and used her knowledge of the forest to map escape routes during raids.
Dorcas Kibura Ngahu is recognised for delivering food, intelligence, and medical care to fighters, and Harisson Githaiga Githaibi is celebrated for his resilience against colonial oppression.
As a Mau Mau member, he endured persecution, displacement, and detention but remained committed to the vision of an independent Kenya.
Posthumous honours
Fanuel Walter Odede is recognised for raising funds to defend the Kapenguria Six alongside Pio Gama Pinto, Joseph Murumbi, and Wycliffe Works Wasia Awori. Stephen Nyang’or Aloo is honoured for supplying Mau Mau fighters with uniforms and guns, and training them before his execution by colonial forces.
Haji Galma Dido is remembered for fostering peace in Northern Kenya during the independence struggle.
He worked with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta to prevent secession but was assassinated by Shifta rebels while on a peace mission.
Githae Wa Kiguru is honoured for sacrificing wealth to support fighters and advising Mau Mau during his later years.
Njeri Wa Ndugo, Kirongothi Wa Ndegwa, and Gatabaki Wa Mundati are all recognised for their roles in forming the Kikuyu Central Association and resisting British colonial rule.
Each endured brutal torture and detention in colonial camps.
Lukas Pkech and Chief Ngoleyo Wero Tomele are being remembered for their spiritual resistance through the Dini ya Msambwa movement.
Both Pokot elders were killed during the 1950 Kolloa Massacre, becoming martyrs in the fight for African identity and leadership.
The recognition of these freedom fighters reflects Kenya’s effort to honour the sacrifices that laid the foundation for independence and national sovereignty.
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