Meru: Meru National Museum has launched a six-month exhibition of freedom fighter Pio Gama Pinto, who was assassinated 60 years ago for his stand in defending human rights and justice. Speaking during the launch, Senior Curator at the Museum, Ms. Wambui Mwangi, said the exhibition will enable Kenyans to know more about Pinto, who was unique in many ways, including fighting for freedom in Kenya despite being Indian by origin.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ms. Mwangi expressed that the exhibition marks 60 years since Pinto’s assassination, aiming to create awareness among Kenyans and to educate them about the lesser-known freedom fighter. She noted that it is unfortunate that most people usually associate freedom fighters with the Gema community.
Ms. Mwangi highlighted that the exhibition will run until August, as it is scheduled to be displayed at other sites, monuments, and museums. She emphasized that throughout the exhibition period, the museum is targeting more visitors, which will significantly boost revenue generation.
Ms. Mwangi extended an invitation to people not only from Meru but from across the country to visit the exhibition and learn more about Pinto’s contributions to the freedom Kenyans enjoy today. Besides the exhibition, she encouraged Kenyans to explore Meru Museum, which preserves Meru history, culture, and traditions.
Mr. Rajan Zaheed, the Executive Director of the Samosa Festival and the organizer of the exhibition, referred to Pinto as a Kenyan ‘Shujaa’ who migrated from India and engaged in the national struggle. He credited Pinto for his significant contributions to the fight for freedom, including his involvement with the Mau Mau movement and his role as the editor of the Pan African Press.
Mr. Zaheed remarked that after independence, Pinto’s popularity waned with the political class, leading to his assassination on February 24, 1965. He noted that the exhibition serves as a momentous occasion to remember Pinto’s legacy, which continues to inspire struggles for democracy, peace, and justice, including recent Gen Z demonstrations.