Kenyans sue UK government over colonial torture

Four Kenyan nationals have started legal proceedings against the UK, asking for compensation over the behaviour of colonial British officials half a century ago.

The group claims that they were tortured between 1952 and 1961. They have taken the case to the High Court.

“The treatment they endured has left them all with devastating and lifelong injuries,” said solicitor Martyn Day. “What they primarily seek is recognition in the form of an apology that what was done to them was wrong. It is incumbent on this government to treat such people with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The British government says it cannot be held responsible over the claims of three man and a woman, as a long time has elapsed since the events.

Lawyers of the group say the four people represent many other Kenyans who were a part of the Mau Mau resistance movement at the time and who were subjected to violent behaviour. Many with links to the rebellion were kept in detention centres, they say.

The Mau Mau group started its rebellion in 1952. The colonial government reportedly detained about 160,000 people. It is said that 90,000 Kenyans were executed or tortured, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, quoted by the BBC.

Kenya became independent from Britain in 1963.

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