President William Ruto has launched The Price of Freedom, a biography of freedom fighter Ramogi Achieng' Oneko, at the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

The President described the book as an important publication that preserves Oneko's legacy and a defining chapter in Kenya's history, The Standard reported.

Signed copies for guests

Ruto signed four copies at the ceremony on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. He presented them to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the chief guest, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo.

About the book

Dr Barrack Muluka reconstructed Oneko's story using historical research, family accounts and eyewitness testimony. Longhorn Publishers published the book. It carries a foreword by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was a close political ally of Oneko.

One of the Kapenguria Six

Oneko was one of the six nationalist leaders arrested by the British colonial government in 1952 and tried at Kapenguria, alongside Jomo Kenyatta, Bildad Kaggia, Kung'u Karumba, Fred Kubai and Paul Ngei.

He was acquitted on appeal in January 1954 but remained in detention until 1961, serving nearly nine years. After independence he served as Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Tourism. He later fell out with the Kenyatta government and was detained again.

Honouring heroes

Mashujaa Day, marked every 20 October, honours those who contributed to Kenya's independence and national development. Alongside the book launch, the President recognised several living heroes, including a nurse who helped victims of a recent helicopter crash.

Photo: The Standard