Samburu elders at the Kisima Shrine in Samburu County for prayers. [Michael Saitoti, Standard]
The British government has intervened to assist the Samburu community in locating the grave of Laibon Bari Kaldojan Leaduma, a revered spiritual and ritual leader, who was captured and detained by the British colonial authorities in 1934.
Matt Baugh, the British High Commissioner, wrote in a letter to the Samburu Council of Elders dated August 21, 2026: His Majesty’s Government remains committed to engaging openly and constructively with the complex and difficult legacies of shared history.
“The search for historical truth, dignity, and cultural continuity remains of deep importance, particularly to the family and the wider Samburu community, and I welcome and appreciate the commitment that has been shown over many years in pursuing this work,” Baugh wrote.
Despite lacking a photograph to identify his grandfather, Anthony Leaduma, 50, has been attempting to trace the grave of Laibon Leaduma and seek justice for his unlawful deportation and possible execution by the British since 1985.
According to him, the community has struggled to find answers regarding the disappearance of their spiritual leader, who led their resistance against the British colonial administration.
Anthony said his family, which still resides in Samburu County, was most affected by the events leading to his arrest and disappearance.
“Since childhood I have wanted to know what happened to my grandfather. I have been in the United Kingdom and the Kenyan archives, trying to find out what happened and where my grandfather was buried,” he told The Standard in a recent interview.
