At last… justice trumps politics and favouritism

Yesterday's ruling is a historic moment for Kenya. First, it is a lesson to the judiciary in Kenya (and other struggling court systems around the world) that justice is possible.

This is the second time the British courts have ruled in favour of the Mau Mau's claims that they have "arguable cases in law". The judge was guided purely by the evidence presented before him. Patriotism, politics and favouritism played no part.

The ruling also gives Britain the moral authority to say that justice must run its course in the crimes against humanity case involving four Kenyans – and other African despots – at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

More importantly, these ageing Kenyans deserve justice. The UK Government had admitted that Mau Mau fighters were tortured during the colonial period. This torture involved beatings, rape and castration.

Looking at their ages, it is clear these victims won't be around for too much longer. It is wiser to attempt to appease people while they are alive than posthumously.

The case will also expose the hypocrisy of the Kenyan governments since independence that have shielded leaders who stole land from the war heroes.

Kenfrey Kiberenge is a journalist for the Sunday Nation newspaper in Kenya