Field-Marshal Muthoni Wa Kirima: Celebrated Mau Mau Veteran Is Dead

• Field Marshal Muthoni Wa Kirima was the only female soldier bestowed that rank in the Kenya Land and Freedom Army (KLFA), also known as the Mau Mau
• Muthoni's grandson confirmed her death, stating that she had never been ill, and they even had a conversation recently
• The celebrated freedom icon reportedly died on arrival at Radiant Hospital in Pangani aged 91

Nairobi - Mau Mau veteran Field-Marshal Muthoni Wa Kirima is dead.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 5, Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga confirmed that the freedom icon breathed her last at 3.01am.

Kahiga explained that the only woman bestowed the Field Marshal position in the Mau Mau died on arrival at Radiant Hospital.

The county chief said Muthoni's body was taken to Lee Funeral Home, sending his condolence to the freedom fighter's family.

"The Field Marshal was rushed to Radiant Hospital in Pangani but was pronounced dead on arrival. The relatives reached out, and we have organised that she be preserved at Lee Funeral Home. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and pray to God for his grace. This is extremely painful, coming so soon after the hospitalisation of Miriam Muthoni Mathenge, the wife of Gen. Mathenge Mirugi," he said.

Her grandson Samuel Kariuki confirmed her demise, stating that she had been okay and the only issue she had was from an arm injury she sustained during the Mau Mau uprising.

Mama Ngina Kenyatta comes to Muthoni's aid

Earlier, former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta bought Muthoni a new house and also paid her KSh 4 million loan.

Muthoni and her family vehemently thanked Mama Ngina for buying her a three-bedroom house and also paid a loan that she owed a lending institution.

Videos shared showed the two matriarchs hugging each other, and Muthoni even gifted the former first lady some goats as a show of appreciation.

Mama Ngina shaves Muthoni Kirima

In April 2022, Mama Ngina Kenyatta shaved the dreadlocks of Mau Mau veteran Muthoni Kirima. Muthoni had never cut off her hair in 70 years.

Muthoni, the only woman who achieved the enviable title of field marshall, had her dreadlocks shaven by former president Uhuru Kenyatta's mother, who thanked her for her service to the country.

In the event held on Saturday, April 2, which brought together Mau Mau legends, Kikuyu elders and other politicians at Muthoni's home, the 92-year-old agreed to have her dreadlocks cut as a symbol of fulfilment.

After the dreadlocks were cut off, they were put on a flag, which they were folded into and put in a basket that she was given by Mama Ngina.