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The Nairobian

New book on Mekatilili set to be launched

Coast

By Philip Mwakio | Aug 12, 2024

**When former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar admired Mekatilili Wa Menza's graffiti during the Operationalising of the Renaissance Centre at his office in Mombasa County on June 4, 2016.** [File, Standard]

Mijikenda heroine Mekatilili Wa Menza's history is now finally immortalised in a book.

The new book, titled Empress of Revolt -fight for the Motherland's soul, is set to be officially released this Friday in Mombasa.

The book traces the life and times of one of Kenya’s earliest freedom fighters believed to have inspired many to fight for the country's independence.

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Neema Gakweli Warrakah is the author and publisher of the book that celebrates the revered female freedom fighter who led the coastal people to resist British colonial rule in the early 20th century.

Ms Warrakah says she was excited to write a book on the legendary freedom fighter who gallantly fought for independence.

“There is a need to immortalise the memory and reflections of freedom heroes and heroines since their sacrifices and services for the motherland were matchless,” Warrakah told The Standard.

Mekatilili is believed to have been born in the 1840s and became one of Kenya's earliest freedom fighters.

The Mijikenda heroine was born at Mtsara wa Tsatsu village in Ganze, Kilifi County, and grew up like any other village girl and got married in Malindi. Her birth name was Mnyazi wa Menza.

She organised the Giriama people to rebel against the British who threatened their sovereignty and freedom with forced labour, taxation, and recruitment of youth to fight for the British during the First World War.

She died in the 1920s. A festival is held every August in her native county in her memory.

Warrakah says Mekatilili was among the few genuine heroes and heroines who laid life down to safeguard the motherland.

Mekatilili was at some point once exiled to Kisii by the British for launching a relentless struggle against the colonial regime.

Warrakah hopes her book will help people remember Mekatilili's legacy.