MAUMAU GENERAL-GENERAL KAHIU ITINA His name translates to General 'Knife in the Butt', originating from what he does to the enemy. He was born Muruthi Mathi and feared as a strict disciplinarian. An ordinary carpenter before he entered the forests, he was promoted to General at a meeting held in the Aberdares on June 12, 1953, alongside Matenjagwo, Muraya Mbuthia, Mbaria Kaniu, Kibira Gatu, Kago Mboko and Ndung'u Gicheru. Besides wearing his sandals backwards to confuse the enemy, he was infamous for his punishment methods.
One of only two fighters who were allowed to meet Dedan Kimathi without first being screened by his guards, Kahiu Itina was a militant leader who wore an ingeniously made leopard-skin coat and trousers, a decorative Colobus monkey-skin hat and a pair of brown gaiters made from the thick hide of a buffalo.
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