Mau Mau Freedom Fighter Mary Muthoni Finally Shaves Her 70-Year-Old Dreadlocks

Mau Mau freedom fighter Mary Muthoni Kirima has finally shaved her dreadlocks of 70 years.

The 92-year-old cut off her dreadlocks in a ceremony graced by former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta in Nyeri County on Saturday.

During the event also attended by Kiama kia Ma and the Kikuyu Council of elders, the nonagenarian agreed to trim her hair to symbolize the fulfillment of the freedom she fought for in the 1950s.

“I have today agreed to shave my hair. This means that I’m contented that our country has had freedom at last. Generations are now free and what we fought for in the forest has finally been achieved,” Muthoni said.

Muthoni, the only woman to have attained the Mau Mau rank of field-marshal, pointed out that Kenyans are free to elect a leader of their choice in the forthcoming general election.

Speaking during the ceremony, Mama Ngina called upon Kenyans to respect freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives to liberate the nation from colonizers.

“Kenyans should respect our heroes and heroines. They should not be insulted but respected,” Mama Ngina said.

At just 20 years old, Muthoni joined the Mau Mau as a spy and also helped supply the fighters with food. 

Despite already risking her life for the cause of freedom, Muthoni wished to do more and thus became a soldier and attained the rank of field-marshal.

Due to the extreme conditions she was living in the forest, including harsh weather, Muthoni had two miscarriages which left her unable to have children.