Kenyas freedom fighters against British colonial rule called Mau Mau commemorated the execution of their leader Dedan Kimathi on February 18, 1957. His body was buried at an unknown grave, widow Mukami Kimathi wants his grave disclosed and remains exhumed for a decent burial. (Photo by Billy Mutai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The remains and burial site of Freedom hero Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi Waciuri have reportedly been identified 62 years after he died.
Kimathi was executed on February 18, 1957 effectively ending the MauMau revolution, one of the fiercest revolutions in Africa fighting for independence from the British colonial rule.
He was buried in an unmarked grave in Nairobi’s Kamiti Maximum prison and just six days to what would be his 99th birthday, the graveside was identified at the prison.
However details of how it was found of how it is known to be the right grave-site have not been given.
A foundation in his name made claims saying the discovery followed numerous concerned efforts lead by the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
“This development is not just great news for the Dedan Kimathi family but also the larger freedom struggle heroes fraternity,” the foundation’s CEO Evelyn Wanjugu Kimathi said.
His widow, Mukami Kimathi, had severally appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to find her husband’s body as her last dying wish.
“My wish is for the government to find the remains of my husband who I believe are buried at Kamiti Maximum Prison. I want to give him a decent burial,” Mukami urged in a press statement by the Foundation.
The family is however waiting on Chief Justice David Maraga’s go ahead to excavate and exhume Kimathi’s remains from the site.
A monument was built in central Nairobi in honor of the MauMau since attempts to find the spot before had been in vain until now.
