Mau Mau: The brave women who fought in the trenches

Mukami Kimathi, the wife of freedom fighter, Dedan Kimathi Waciuri. [David Njaaga, Standard]

There is an African proverb that states: “Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”

Women have been known to have played important role in the struggle for independence, yet only men are praised for this noble venture.

According to Julius Gathogo, a professor of history, some women took up arms and joined men in the forest. Others smuggled food, weapons (that were mostly stolen from the homes of colonial masters) and gave vital information to the Mau Mau.