British envoy tells freedom groups to sue

By NATION CORRESPONDENT, Friday, June 14  2013

In Summary

• “As far as other groups are concerned, in the end, any group has the right to bring the case under British laws to the courts,” he told journalists in Nairobi during the birthday celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II

The British government is challenging groups that feel left out of the compensation scheme offered to Mau Mau veterans to petition the matter in UK courts.

UK High Commissioner in Nairobi Christian Turner on Thursday evening told reporters that the cash payment was specific for the MauMau War Veterans Association but complaints can be filed in court in case anyone feels left out.

The settlement, he added, was reached between the British government and the Mau mau War Veterans Association and it was specific to a set of personal injuries.

“As far as other groups are concerned, in the end, any group has the right to bring the case under British laws to the courts,” he told journalists in Nairobi during the birthday celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.

Two weeks ago, the British Government expressed “regret” for mistreating freedom fighters during the State of Emergency between 1952 and 1960.

It also promised Sh2.6 billion compensation for 5,222 Kenyans abused during the Mau Mau rebellion.