Mama Ngina Cuts Freedom Fighter Muthoni wa Kirima’s Dreadlocks after 70 years

On Saturday, former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta led an unique ceremony in Nyeri Town to shave the dreadlocks of the only female Field Marshal.

Muthoni wa Kirima, a Mau Mau fighter, has had her dreadlocks for almost 60 years.

The majority of Mau Mau fighters pledged not to shave until the whites leave Kenya.

The veteran’s wish was to have Mama Ngina clip her dreadlocks, and bless President Uhuru Kenyatta.

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It was a significant cultural event, with Mau Mau veterans and the council of elders in attendance.

Chairman of the Kikuyu Council of Elders Wachira Kiago coordinated the gathering.

Mama Ngina was accompanied by Agnes Kagure, the chair of the women’s league and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant.

Ms Muthoni said she chose to preserve her dreadlocks as a symbol of her role in the independence war.

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Mama Ngina wrapped the dreadlocks in the Kenyan flag before placing them in a basket.

She stated that the hair would be kept in a museum to commemorate its history.

The two asked officials to educate the youth about Kenya’s history, claiming that the hardships and struggles they faced were being washed away by young people who were unaware of the country’s history.

Muthoni appealed for unity and peace, as well as coexistence among Kenyans, adding she had forgiven those with whom she went to battle in 1952.

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Muthoni, who was 20 years old at the time, is alleged to have been a spy for the Mau Mau insurgents who had camped in the jungle in 1952.

According to the Standard, many women served as spies or provided sustenance to the troops during the battle.

Muthoni, on the other hand, wanted to be a combatant, so he persuaded Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi to let her onto the battlefield.

Muthoni was promoted to field marshal after fighting alongside Dedan Kimathi and proving herself to be a valuable soldier.

She is the only woman to have ever held that position.