Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga personally lobbied British PM David Cameron for an out-of-court settlement for Mau Mau survivors, the NATION Daily Newspaper has established.
Letters in his possession between Mr Odinga and Mr
Cameron show the two leaders settled for a political solution instead
of a judicial process to salvage relations between the two countries.
In a letter dated November 2, 2012, Mr Odinga
requested Mr Cameron to consider settling the issue away from the courts
after the London High Court ruled that the case proceeds to full trial.
“I would like to draw your attention to the Mau
Mau cases ... They are likely to open up old wounds and whip up emotions
as the court delves into the details,” stated Mr Odinga.
In the letters to Mr Cameron, Mr Odinga argued that a full trial might encourage stray suits.
“I believe it would be in our mutual interests to
seek an out-of-court settlement in this matter. This would allow the
petitioners, who are very advanced in age, to live the remainder of
their lives in peace and comfort,” said Mr Odinga in the letter.
In his reply on December 13, 2012, Mr Cameron was
cautious: “I have taken careful note of your advice to seek an
out-of-court settlement,” stated Mr Cameron.
At the weekend, Mr Odinga praised Mr Cameron for settling the case out of court.
Meanwhile, Mau Mau freedom fighters from Nyeri
County want all beneficiaries of the Sh2.6 billion British Government
compensation made public.
Speaking over the weekend at Othaya Stadium, the
freedom fighters said they were surprised names of the beneficiaries
remained a secret and read mischief.
Mzee John Kiboko said suspicion was rife among Mau
Mau War Veterans Association members that most of the genuine freedom
fighters were not covered in the compensation deal.
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