Government to Build Monument at Chetambe Fort to Honour Anti-Colonial Heroes

By Andrew Mbuva.

The government has announced plans to construct a monument at the historic Chetambe Fort in Webuye East, Bungoma County, to honour local people who were killed by colonial forces while resisting British rule.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula made the announcement while addressing participants at the annual Tachoni Cultural Festival held at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology grounds. He said the monument will be built on a 20-acre piece of land and will serve as a major historical and cultural tourism site for the region.

The Speaker noted that the massacre of local freedom fighters can only be properly commemorated through a permanent monument, adding that the government remains committed to earlier plans to establish the site.

He commended the Tachoni Cultural Network, led by chairman Samson Muyundo, for its sustained efforts to preserve and promote the community’s cultural heritage. During the ceremony, Wetang’ula was also installed as a Tachoni elder in recognition of his support for cultural preservation.

Senate Chief Whip Wafula Wakoli called on the Bungoma County Government to allocate more resources to cultural activities, noting that culture is a devolved function and plays a critical role in strengthening community identity and cohesion.

Bungoma County Woman Representative Catherine Wambilyanga and Webuye East MP Martin Pepela welcomed the decision to construct the monument, saying it would provide a lasting tribute to the region’s freedom fighters.

The leaders also lauded the revival of the Tachoni Cultural Festival, saying that together with the planned monument, it would help preserve the community’s heritage, promote unity and boost cultural tourism.

They urged residents to remain peaceful and united as the region prepares to usher in the New Year, emphasizing the importance of cohesion for sustainable development.