Mau Mau veterans demand Sh7.4 billion from NSSF

Groups representing Mau Mau veterans on Thursday marched to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) headquarters, demanding the release of Sh7.4 billion they claim was allocated to former freedom fighters after Kenya’s independence struggle. The delegation, comprising members from the Wakombozi Kenya War Council and the Mau Mau Kenya Land and Freedom Army, stated that the funds were originally designated for Mau Mau combatants by Kenya’s founding President, Jomo Kenyatta, yet remain undistributed decades later. The predominantly elderly group first addressed reporters outside the Milimani Law Courts before proceeding to the NSSF offices to present their concerns. At the media briefing, Mau Mau coordinator Mugo emphasized that the funds were essential for supporting the welfare and activities of the veterans’ organizations. We have arrived on behalf of elderly members who are suffering, some cannot walk due to illness. Mau Mau fighters deserve their funds to continue their operations. I request on behalf of the Mau Mau that this money be released, he stated. The organizations mentioned they had pursued the matter through governmental channels but encountered inconsistent guidance. They claimed to have been directed to claim the funds through the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA), only to be referred to the NSSF Board of Trustees. Documents presented by the groups indicate that the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Kodeck Makori, had previously contacted UFAA requesting the fund release. In the communication, the Mau Mau umbrella organization asserted that Sh7.4 billion was under UFAA’s care following its transfer from NSSF. Additionally, an inquiry reviewed by the veterans, signed by UFAA CEO Caroline Chirchir and dated May 6, 2025, was sent to PS Makori and referenced a request regarding the disputed funds. The veterans argue that this correspondence validates their position that the funds exist and can be traced within government entities. A letter dated October 8, 2025, reviewed by the Star and addressed to the National Social Security Fund, reveals that the Mau Mau bodies sought the intervention of Interior PS Kodeck Makori and requested a meeting with the NSSF managing trustee to formally raise their concerns. They contend that despite these efforts, no tangible steps have been taken to facilitate the fund disbursement. Their march to the offices, they explained, was meant to pressure NSSF to provide accountability for the funds and to accelerate their recovery and distribution. The groups now urge an accelerated resolution process, noting the advanced age and declining health of many veterans whom they believe may not survive to see justice served.