Dedan Kimathi biography introduces us to a renowned Kenyan freedom fighter behind the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule. He continues to inspire generations 6 decades later.
The fearless Kimathi grew up a bold young man in a single-parent family. Among other skills, he was a talented debater and writer.
Dedan Kimathi profile summary
Real name
Dedan Kimathi Waciuri
Born
October 31, 1920
Died in
February 18, 1957
Died aged
37 years
Tribe
Kikuyu
Wife
Mukami Kimathi
Children
4 children
Dedan Kimathi biography
How old was Dedan Kimathi when he died? Born in Tetu, Nyeri County on October 31, 1920, Dedan Kimathi’s age was 37 years when he died by execution.
He was the fourth and last child of his parents, peasant farmer father Wachiuri wa Nganguri and traditional beer brewer mother Mukami.
Education background
Dedan Kimathi attended a local primary school before joining the Karima Mission School in Nyeri.
On completing school, he entered the career market as a clerk for the African Land and Freedom Army (ALFA) Group which was strongly opposed to British colonial rule.
In 1947, Kimathi became an active member of the Kenya African Union (KAU), on being banned by the British colonial government, he proceeded to join the Mau Mau movement.
Dedan Kimathi family
Dedan Kimathi married his spouse Mukami Kimathi with whom he sired four children, a couple of sons and daughters.
Today, the family of Dedan Kimathi is integral in the list of Kenyan heroes who conceived our independence.
The list of places named after Dedan Kimathi includes;
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
Dedan Kimathi Road Lusaka Zambia
Kimathi Memorial High School Nyeri, Kenya
Kimathi Avenue, Kampala Uganda
Kimathi Road, Nyeri town Kenya
Dedan Kimathi Mau Mau movement
Dedan Kimathi played a significant role in the Mau Mau movement, which was a rebellion against British colonial rule in the early 1950s.
The revolt fueled by the grievances of Kenyan Africans followed a series of oppressive policies such as forced labour, land dispossession, and marginalization of natives.
Kimathi joined the Mau Mau movement in the early stages of the rebellion and quickly rose to become a leader of the movement.
He was appointed as a freedom army in October 1952 following the assassination of his counterpart Waruhiu Itote.
Kimathi continued to lead the Mau Mau resistance until 1956 when he was captured by British forces.
He was put on trial for his role in the rebellion and later sentenced to death despite rampant appeals from local and foreign authorities.
Dedan Kimathi was eventually executed by hanging on February 18, 1957, and his body was buried at an unmarked grave.
Dedan Kimathi biography is a testament to determination and resilience at their best. His legacy lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for Kenya’s independence and the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
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