Editor's note: Daniel Leader, a partner at Leigh Day, a leading UK law firm, gave his speech, which was read by KHRC’s Annet Nerima, during the 11th commemoration of the unveiling of the Mau Mau memorial monument on September 12, 2026.
If you missed the commemoration, you could watch it here.
Message of Support for 11th Anniversary Commemoration of the Mau Mau Memorial Monument
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I am very sad not to be able to join you in person for this important commemoration of the Mau Mau memorial and the success of the case which was brought against the British Government on behalf of the victims of colonial era torture.
I would like to say three things:
1. Representing the victims of torture and working with the KHRC and the MMWVA to obtain a landmark settlement was one of the proudest moments of my life. We worked tirelessly for years to overcome multiple hurdles in a case no one expected us to win and forced the British Government to confront the truth of what happened in Kenya prior to independence.
2. The victims conducted themselves with patience, dignity and grace through out the lengthy legal proceedings. I had the privilege of interviewing several myself and helping them to articulate their story. The fact that after years of being ignored they were able to finally tell their story in their own way meant everything to them.
3. I am proud that as well as securing reparations we were able to secure a statement of regret from the British Government and the funding of the memorial so future generations of Kenyans will always know of the incredible adversity which their ancestors faced as they fought for independence.
This case and the memorial represent a crucial step in building a modern relationship of trust and reconciliation between my country, the United Kingdom, and modern Kenya.
It has been an honour to have helped in that process.
With every good wish for this commemoration.
Daniel Leader
