Mnyanzi wa Menza (Mekatilili wa Menza)

Mnyazi wa Menza, famously known as Mekatilili wa Menza, was celebrated for her fearless resistance against British colonial rule and her pivotal role in Kenya’s early independence struggle. A courageous and visionary leader, she rose to prominence in the early 20th century as she mobilized the Giriama people in Kilifi County to resist oppressive colonial policies, particularly forced labour, taxation, and land alienation.

Mekatilili used powerful oratory, traditional rituals, and cultural practices to rally her people against colonial domination. She boldly challenged the erosion of Giriama customs and the authority of traditional elders by colonial administrators. Her bravery made her a target of the British, and in 1913, she was arrested and exiled over 1,000 kilometers away in Kisii.

In a remarkable act of determination, Mekatilili escaped from custody and trekked back to her homeland in Kilifi. Despite constant threats and surveillance, she continued to resist colonial interference, urging her people to reject collaboration with the British authorities.

Mekatilili wa Menza’s legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance, patriotism, and the resilience of women in Kenya’s history. Her contributions laid the groundwork for the larger independence movement that would eventually liberate Kenya from colonial rule.