something larger than himself and reflected his vision for a nation whose citizens would be able to fend for themselves. Accordingly, JM's mode of giving was designed to have a measurable impact on society as a whole. Today, JM is remembered by Kenyans predominantly as a hero. Increasingly he came to represent the force against the evils that have harmed the country to this day. A quote from him is widely remembered: "In Kenya today, I can only see the dawn of a June morning rising majestically from the white oblivion into the serenity of life." – J. M. Kariuki (1974) Book Kariuki wrote Mau Mau Detainee, an account of his experience in camps during the uprising that led to Kenya's independence. Quotes "Kenya has become a nation of 10 millionaires and 10 million beggars." "Every Kenyan man, woman and child is entitled to a decent and just living. That is a birthright. It is not a privilege. He is entitled as far as is humanly possible to equal educational, job and health opportunities irrespective of his parentage, race or creed or his area of origin in this land. If that is so, deliberate efforts should be made to eliminate all obstacles that today stand in the way of this just goal. That is the primary task of the machinery called Government: our Government." "We fought for independence with sweat, blood and our lives. Many of us suffered for inordinate days – directly and indirectly. Many of us are orphans, widows and children as a result of the struggle. We must ask: What did we suffer for, and were we justified in that suffering?". Death investigation A Parliamentary Select Committee chaired by Elijah Wasike Mwangale was immediately established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kariuki's murder. The Committee's report assigned senior police officers: Ignatius Iriga Nderi, Ben Gethi, Wanyoike Thungu, Patrick Shaw and other senior administrative officers and politicians, but no one was ever punished. It is most likely that the committee was the means used by Kenyatta's government to mitigate a potential revolt. When the report was finally released, the anger had subsided and the likelihood of revolt was much lower. External links A good biography of J.M.K from African Tribute newspaper BBC has a link to one of J.M.K speech 1929 births 1975 deaths People from Rift Valley Province Kikuyu people Kenya African National Union politicians Kenyan socialists Assassinated