The Women of Mashujaa.

As we mark 60 years of independence, Nubia will take a look at the trailblazing women who have made a mark in the country. Although the fight for gender parity, like other states in the world, is on a bumpy ride, the contribution of notable women in Kenya to the country’s historical freedom reigns pertinent. African women have attained incredible feats in leadership, through the years. They envision, motivate, build, and inspire others to accomplish significant achievements worldwide. Their contributions in advancing freedom cannot be overstated. Certainly, the historiography of freedom fighting against the British in Kenya has tended to ignore the role of women as revolutionary participants. They are presented as mere spectators. Women played a critical role in this revolution’s success. According to Gathogo, as primary producers cultivating in the fields, women are pertinent for a sustained challenge to the state to be successful. To this end, women did provide food to the rebels, and administer oaths, but some even joined the rebels and fought alongside men.

Although the famous Kapenguria six often represent the faces of the heroes of the struggle for independence, most notably personified by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, they are not an encapsulating representation of Mashujaa. Sadly we hardly celebrate the women who stood side by side in the fight against colonialism, oppression, and suppression. The brave and fierce women of legend inspired and contributed to the freedom we enjoy today. It is with this belief that their legend should be celebrated and their memories immortalized. The list we share is by no means exhaustive, but it sheds light on the integral role that women have played over the last six decades.

Long before those who fought against British imperialism, some foretold their coming. One such woman was Syokimau, born in Iveti Hills near Machakos in the 1800s, she was a prophetess and a great medicine woman. It is recorded that she predicted the coming of the white men and the building of the Kenya-Uganda railway line. Her reverence is still felt today, through her immortalization. Her name is synonymous with the place that was named after her as well as a statue at the Syokimau Standard Gauge Railway Station.

Down at the coast, the great legend Mekatilili wa Menza can be found. Born in the coastal county of Kilifi in the 1840s, she was said to be the earliest freedom fighter in Kenya. Known for her tenacity and courage, she became more involved in the political struggle between 1912 and 1915, as one of the leaders of the Giriama people against British colonial rule (Pessoa & Zelic, 2021).

Under the Mau Mau rebellion which is synonymous with Kenya’s fight for independence, the women equally played a significant role in the rebellion. Kirima was a top-ranking female fighter during Kenya’s struggle for independence from the British colonialists. She became a spy for the Mau Mau fighters in her 20s and is one of the few women who actively took part in the war. Honored with the name” the Weaver” by the late Dedan Kimathi, for her brilliant strategies, she endured beatings and torture from the British. She died on September 5th, 2023. ( Ombaka,2023). In addition, Bandi wa Kamau was a notable female rebel during the Mau Mau rebellion. It is recorded that she brought food to the Mau Mau soldiers while they were in the forest in 1953. While bringing food to those who hide in the forest, she would also team up with others to lure mature girls to the oathing session (Gathogo, 2017).

Among other notable female freedom fighters include: Cierume, the dancing Embu warrior

Ciokaraine M’Barungu- the brace Meru warrior and prominent female diviner, leader, and human rights activist from Meru (Grignon,2023).

Even as we remember those who had paved the way in our history, let us not forget those who have beheld the torch, we have remarkable women who have, in their professions, strongly fought for our freedom and the sustainability of the environment.Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, whose exemplary and extraordinary actions in safeguarding the environment has greatly transformed and inspired lives.

References

Gathogo, J. (2017). Mau-Mau war rituals and women rebels in Kirinyaga county of Kenya (1952-1960): retrieving women participation in Kenya's struggle for independence. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, 43(2), 1-16. Studia Hist. Ecc. vol.43 n.2 Pretoria 2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2412-4265/2017/1822

Google Arts & Culture. (2019). Syokimau: The Oracle (Kamba community) - Shujaa Stories — Google Arts & Culture. Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved October 14, 2023, from https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/syokimau-the-oracle-kamba-community-shujaa-stories/aQFC8xuZ69plWQ

Grignon, K. M. (n.d.). Let's be sincere about our heroes, heroines to bring back glory. The Standard. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/opinion/article/2001458818/lets-be-sincere-about-our-heroes-heroines-to-bring-back-glory

Ombaka, R. (2023, August 9). Kenya at 60: Women who lead. The Africa Report.com. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.theafricareport.com/315393/kenya-at-60-women-who-lead/

Pessoa, B., & Zelic, H. (2021, July 22). Mekatilili wa Menza: Anti-Colonial Struggle in Kenya - Capire. Capire - Capire. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://capiremov.org/en/experience/mekatilili-wa-menza-anti-colonial-struggle-in-kenya/