Freedom fighter Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima has passed on.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday morning announced the death of the 92-year-old field marshal, who was a top-ranking female fighter in the Mau Mau war.
“I have woken up to sad news of the passing on of Field Marshall Muthoni Kirima, the gallant freedom fighter who fought side by side with Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi Wachiuri in the Mt. Kenya and Aberdare forests to drive colonialists from our land. I join her family and descendants of the Mau Mau War of Liberation in mourning the loss of our Mother Field Marshall Muthoni wa Kirima”, the DP said.
Gachagua said the country had lost a true patriot, a gallant fighter, and a heroine.
“We recall with pride and sheer admiration, her exploits in leading the land and freedom army after the capture of freedom hero Dedan Kimathi whom she served as his personal assistant, after he was betrayed by Collaborators. We remain indebted to these great heroes and heroines for the Sacrifice to liberate our land. May God Rest Her in Eternal peace and give strength to her family to bear the loss”.
I have woken up to sad news of the passing on of Field Marshall Muthoni Kirima, the gallant freedom fighter who fought side by side with Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi Wachiuri in the Mt. Kenya and Aberdare forests to drive colonialists from our land.
I join her family and… pic.twitter.com/r21UqB8Nsq
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) September 5, 2023
Achievements
- She was a top-ranking female fighter in Kenya’s liberation movement Mau Mau in 1950.
- She is the only woman said to have been bestowed the Mau Mau rank of field marshal
- She was one of the very few women to become active fighters in the liberation movement.
- In 1990, she served as a nominated councilor in Nyeri County Council, central Kenya.
- In 1998, the former President the late Daniel Moi awarded her a medal for distinguished service
- In 2014, Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded her the Head of State Commendation
