Dedan Kimathi - Legacy

Legacy

Kimathi is viewed as a national hero by the current Kenyan government, who have erected bronze statue of "Freedom Fighter Dedan Kimathi" on a graphite plinth, in central Nairobi. On the anniversary of the day he was executed (11 December), in 2006, the statue of Kimathi was unveiled in Nairobi city centre. Kimathi, clad in military regalia, holds a rifle on the right hand and a dagger on the other, symbolizing the last weapons he held in his struggle. This official celebration of Mau Mau is in marked contrast to a post-colonial norm of all previous Kenyan governments regard of the mau mau as terrorists. Such a turnabout has attracted criticism of the government, accusing them of historical reinterpretation of the Mau Mau uprising for political ends. Elsewhere, The Dedan Kimathi Stadium in Nyeri was renamed after him, it was formerly known as Kamukunji Grounds.

Kimathi was married to Mukami Kimathi. Among their children are sons Wachiuri and Maina and daughters Nyawira and Wanjugu. In 2010, Kimathi's widow requested that the search for her husband's body be renewed so she could give him a proper burial.