CS Mbadi Sets Record Straight on Mau Mau Not Fighting for Independence

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has clarified his recent remarks on the role of the Mau Mau in Kenya’s independence struggle, following public backlash and claims that he said they did not fight for independence.

Speaking at a function in Homa Bay County on Friday, April 17, 2026, Mbadi said he had been misquoted, insisting that his earlier comments had been taken out of context.

“I was misquoted on Mau Mau’s role in the fight against colonialism,” Mbadi said, insisting that his comments had been taken out of context.

CS Mbadi Sets Record Straight on Mau Mau Remarks, Denies Tribalism Claims

He explained that he intended to highlight the diversity of contributions made by different communities during the struggle for independence.

According to the CS, each group had unique grievances that shaped how they participated in the liberation movement.

“What I meant, and I repeat, is that every ethnic community had specific grievances which informed the nature and approach of their fight,” he said.

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Mbadi stressed that key negotiations leading to independence, such as the Lancaster House Conferences, did not represent all communities, arguing that the process highlighted the diverse strengths and roles throughout the country.

“Likewise, not every Kenyan represented the country in the Lancaster negotiations. There was diversity in strength, a fact that cannot be downplayed,” he added.

Treasury CS Says Every Community Played a Part in the Struggle for Independence

At the same time, Mbadi dismissed claims that his remarks were tribal, stating that his comments were misunderstood partly due to translation from Dholuo.

“Some people are saying Mbadi is a tribalist. There is no tribalism. What I said is simple, and let me now put it in English so that it is not translated differently,” he said.

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He emphasised that the contribution of the Luo community to Kenya’s independence should not be ignored, just as the role of other communities should be recognised.

“The contribution of the Luo community to the independence of Kenya cannot be downplayed. We played a significant role, and that cannot be denied,” Mbadi stated.

While acknowledging that the Mau Mau fought during the colonial period, Mbadi argued that their primary grievance was land, while other groups pursued different objectives, including political negotiations for self-rule.

“I even say it—yes, Mau Mau fought. But if you read history, their biggest concern was land; they wanted settlers to surrender it,” he said.

He cited nationalist leaders such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Tom Mboya, and Argwings Kodhek as key figures who represented Kenya in independence talks, arguing that their diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing self-governance.

Mbadi maintained that all communities contributed to the liberation struggle in different ways and called for inclusivity in acknowledging Kenya’s history.

“Everybody fought, and everyone deserves to lead this country if they have the capacity to do so,” he said.

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National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi addressing the media in Nairobi on October 16, 2024. PHOTO/National Treasury