Photo/At the House of the late JM Kariuki.
The Mountain Journal
The legacy of slain politician Josiah Mwangi (JM) Kariuki was rekindled in Nyandarua yesterday as members of MMV Associates CLG paid a courtesy visit to his widow ahead of a petition they are expected to present to the Nyandarua County government.
The delegation, drawn from the former freedom fighters and their descendants caucus, paid tribute to the former Nyandarua North Member of Parliament, describing him as a fearless champion of social justice whose advocacy for the rights of poor Kenyans continues to inspire generations.
JM Kariuki, one of Kenya’s most charismatic politicians, was abducted and murdered in March 1975 under circumstances that remain one of the country’s most controversial political assassinations. His body was later found in Ngong Forest, sparking nationwide outrage and calls for accountability.
Often remembered for his famous remark that Kenya risked becoming “a nation of ten millionaires and ten million beggars,” JM Kariuki remains a symbol of the fight against inequality, land injustice and abuse of power.
The late MP’s wife, Dorris Nyambura welcomed the members of MMV Associates CLG who noted that their visit to the family was meant to honour his contribution to the country’s democratic and social justice struggles before presenting a petition to the county government during an event scheduled for tomorrow.
Although details of the petition were not immediately disclosed, the group said it seeks to advance issues affecting local communities and governance in Nyandarua County.
Photo/ At the grave site of the late JM Kariuki.
They will be taking part in a public participation forum where the local government has invited residents and stakeholders to participate in a public forum on the draft Nyandarua County Gender Policy.
The public participation exercise will be held at Royal Gardens in Ol Kalou town.
In a notice issued by the Department of Education, Technical Training, Culture, Gender and Social Protection, County Executive Committee Member Agnes Njunji urged residents, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to attend the forum and contribute to the formulation of the policy.
County officials say the proposed Gender Policy seeks to strengthen gender equality, promote the empowerment of women, men, youth and vulnerable groups, and provide a framework for mainstreaming gender considerations in county planning, budgeting and service delivery.
The policy is also expected to address issues such as gender-based violence, economic inclusion, equal access to opportunities, leadership and participation in decision-making, while aligning county programmes with the Constitution of Kenya, the National Gender Policy and international commitments on gender equality.
The twin events; honouring one of Kenya’s foremost champions of social justice and inviting public participation on a policy aimed at promoting equality and inclusion underscore the continuing relevance of citizen engagement in shaping governance and development in Nyandarua County.
