Why Mau Mau veterans want audience with NSSF officials

Groups representing Mau Mau veterans on Thursday staged a march at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) offices, demanding the release of Sh7.4 billion they claim was set aside for former freedom fighters following Kenya’s struggle for independence.

The delegation, drawn from the Wakombozi Kenya War Council and the Mau Mau Kenya Land and Freedom Army, said the funds were originally allocated to Mau Mau fighters by Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, but have remained unreleased decades later.

The group, comprising mostly elderly members, first addressed the media outside the Milimani Law Courts before marching to the NSSF headquarters to present their grievances.

Yego seeks golden continental exit in Accra showpiece Athletics

TOUCHLINE COLUMN: Sh42.4m storm exposes fragile foundations of Kenyan football governance Football

Speaking during the press briefing, Mau Mau coordinator Mugo said the funds were critical to sustaining the welfare and operations of the veterans’ groups.

“We have come because we have been sent by elderly affected, some of us can’t walk because they are ill. Mau Mau should be given their funds so that they continue with their operations. On behalf of the Mau Mau, I ask the funds be released,” he said.

The groups said they had been pursuing the matter through government offices but were met with conflicting directions.

They said they were informed that the funds could be claimed through the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA), only to be redirected to the NSSF Board of Trustees.

Documents cited by the group indicate that the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Kodeck Makori, had previously written to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) seeking their release.

In the correspondence, the Mau Mau umbrella organisation claimed that Sh7.4 billion was under UFAA’s custody after being transferred from the NSSF.

Further, an inquiry seen by the group, signed by UFAA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Chirchir and dated May 6, 2025, was addressed to PS Makori and referenced a request concerning the disputed funds.

The veterans say the correspondence reinforces their position that the money exists and is traceable within government agencies.

A letter seen dated October 8, 2025, seen by the Star, and addressed to the National Social Security Fund, shows that the Mau Mau groups sought the intervention of Interior Principal Secretary Kodeck Makori and requested an audience with the NSSF managing trustee to formally present their grievances.

They argue that despite these efforts, no concrete action has been taken to facilitate the release of the funds.

Their march to the offices, they said, was intended to compel the NSSF to account for the funds and to fast-track their recovery and release.

The groups are now calling for an expedited process to resolve the matter, citing the advanced age and deteriorating health of many veterans who, they argue, may not live to see justice delivered.