April 18, 2026
Gov't To Build Monument For Pre-Independence Heroes

Gov’t To Build Monument For Pre-Independence Heroes

The government has announced plans to create a monument on a 20-acre plot of land to honor heroes who died during the colonial era and the war for independence.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced at the Tachoni cultural festival in Webuye, Bungoma County, on Friday, December 26, that the monument would be built at Chetambe Fort in Webuye East.

Wetang’ula stated that the objective was to commemorate natives who were killed while resisting British control.

He further indicated that the monument will be a cultural and historical place, as well as a tourist attraction, generating revenue for the county and helping local businesses.

The speaker emphasized that the monument was the only appropriate way to respect and celebrate the locals who fought for independence, and that the government had not abandoned plans to build the site.

“The government promised to build a monument in Chetambe to honour our heroes,” Wetangula stated.

“The promise has not faded. We will look for land of about 20 acres, and we call upon investors to come and build the monument.”

The speaker stated that the monument would include a building complex with offices for community leaders, which would make their operations easier.

Wetangula also commended the resurrection of Tachoni cultural festivals, stating that the community’s unity and traditions will be preserved alongside the monument, which is currently under construction.

Leaders present at the festival also urged the government to expand financing for cultural activities.

“Going forward, I call upon the county government to increase the funding for cultural festivals since it’s a devolved function, so that every year we can celebrate our culture,” said Martin Pepela, Webuye East MP.

The leaders, including Senate Majority Whip Wafula Wabuli and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilyanga, urged the Luhya people to unite.

They noted that in 2026, the region would shock the naysayers who think the area cannot unite.

During the festival, Wetangula was also installed as a Tachoni spokesperson, a position he has promised to undertake with unwavering support from the community, he said, which has continued to support his political career.

ALSO READ:

The Kenyan government initially planned to build a monument at the Chetambe fort site in the early 1980s, but this idea was not pursued.

In 2016, the government, upon the request of local leaders, promised the plan would resume.

Chetambe Fort is a historical site located on Chetambe Hill in Webuye East, and it is known for a major anticolonial resistance battle.

The government’s plan to build the monument at the site is a crucial step in commemorating the event. The site is currently on private land.

Gov’t To Build Monument For Pre-Independence Heroes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *