Kenyans can pursue torture case against Britain

LONDON -- The High Court ruled Friday that three elderly Kenyans tortured during a rebellion against British colonial rule can proceed with compensation claims against the U.K. government -- a case with potentially broad implications for thousands of others who claim similar abuse.

The case involves Kenyans who say they were beaten and sexually assaulted by officers acting for the British administration trying to suppress the "Mau Mau" rebellion in the 1950s. Groups of Kenyans had attacked British officials and white farmers who had settled in some of Kenya's most fertile lands.

The British government expressed disappointment with the decision and said it would appeal. But it did "not dispute that each of the claimants in this case suffered torture and other ill treatment at the hands of the colonial administration." The government had sought to have the case dismissed, arguing it could not be held legally responsible for the abuses.

The Kenyans say the British were aware the Kenyans were being mistreated and demanding compensation. Wambugu Wa Nyingi, Paulo Muoka Nzili and Jane Muthoni Mara submitted written evidence that described horrific abuse at the hands of the colonial authorities.

In Kenya, when news of the judgment broke, about 100 elderly men and women involved in the Mau Mau struggle against the British broke into song and dance.

Nyingi, an 85-year-old claimant in the case, said he is happy with the way the case is proceeding. Nyingi said he was detained and tortured for 10 years.

"It spoiled my prime years. My body still doesn't feel right from all the beatings," he said.