Family Of Mau Mau General Kiambati Seeks Help To Clear Sh1m Burial Debt
By Staff Writer
The family of General Kiambati wa Njora is appealing for help to settle nearly Sh1 million in unpaid funeral bills, days after his burial drew political attention and public pledges.
The family of the late Mau Mau war veteran says it is struggling to clear debts incurred during his burial on February 14.
Speaking at their Ngorika home in Nyandarua County, family members said suppliers have been demanding payment for goods and services provided during the funeral.
They dismissed reports that politicians contributed millions of shillings, terming the figures exaggerated and saying most of the pledges were never honoured.
The family said outstanding bills stand at nearly Sh1 million. They added that all contributions received were handed to the main funeral committee.
Maina Kiambati, a son of the late general, accused political leaders of turning the burial into a contest between government and opposition factions.
He said disagreements over who would lead the burial arrangements disrupted plans and pushed expenses beyond what had been pledged publicly.
“There were claims of a row between government and opposition over who would bury our father. Expenses surpassed what political leaders had pledged and not honoured,” Maina said.
He urged well-wishers to help the family settle the debt, saying they are still under pressure from creditors.
The family also faulted the Ministry of Culture, alleging it failed to honour commitments to support Mau Mau war veterans during the burial.
Jeremiah Miano, the sixth-born child, said the family expected greater recognition for a veteran of his father’s standing in the struggle for independence.
He cautioned individuals who have publicly claimed to have donated funds to refrain from such statements, insisting the family remains burdened by unpaid bills.
Eunice Njeri, a daughter of the late general, said the county government had pledged full support to ensure a befitting send-off.
She said only food for one day was paid for, leaving the family to meet other funeral costs.
“I thought we would rest after burying our father, but suppliers keep knocking on my door asking for payment,” she said.
The family is now appealing to the national and county governments, as well as members of the public, to help clear the outstanding bills.
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