Quote by Mekatilili wa Menza: “They want to destroy our customs, our Giriama way of life. We must fight!”

This quote articulates Mekatilili's fear that British rule threatened the fundamental cultural identity of the Giriama people. It serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing that resistance is essential for the preservation of their traditional values and existence.

The British administration sought to undermine local governance structures and introduce European norms. Mekatilili mobilized her people against these cultural impositions, seeing them as direct assaults on their heritage.

Giriama leader and activist in colonial Kenya who organised resistance to British colonial rule and forced labour practices in 1913. She led the Giriama Uprising, was arrested and exiled, but escaped and returned to continue her community leadership. She is now recognised as a national hero in Kenya.