Leaders to sue UK over ‘Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa’ massacre

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi

North Rift leaders have threatened to sue Britain for historical injustices meted out on members of a denomination during the colonial era.

Led by governors Simon Kachapin (West Pokot) and  Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), and MPs Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria), Asman Kamama (Tiaty), they vowed to initiate a legal process for injustices they claimed were meted out against the faithful of the Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa in the 1950s.

They said the followers were massacred after the colonial government perceived the denomination to be a sect due to its clamour for independence.

At least 400 people were killed during the massacre at Kolowo in Baringo, along the border with the neighbouring West Pokot County.

Speaking at Kolowo during a commemoration for those killed over six decades ago, the leaders challenged the British government to compensate families of the victims.

They observed that it would be wise for the British to honour the families of those killed just like the Mau Mau were recognised.

Governor Kachapin said leaders from the region would not sit and watch as members of the communities affected languish in abject poverty due to the atrocities done against them.

"We are calling on the British government to compensate families of the victims so as to end their suffering," he said.

Mr Cheboi said about 150 families were in need of compensation since they suffered either directly or indirectly from the massacre.

"We want victims of the Kolowa massacre compensated as soon as possible, and this is the great message that we are sending to our government for immediate intervention," said Cheboi.