Mau Mau veterans tortured in colonial detention camps in the 1950s could attempt to sue the UK Government for around £500m if a case to be brought by Leigh Day & Co goes ahead

Leigh Day partner Martin Day was approached by the veterans and has so far taken about half a dozen statements. From the initial findings he believes that they could have a strong case.

“From the evidence so far, the colonial power knew about it, or should have known about it,” said Day. “In an era where the prisoners of war have gained compensation, and if some of the issues are very similar, it seems the British should own up and pay,” Day added.

Day predicts that around 5,000-6,000 people will be able to bring a claim, and each claim would be worth around £100,000.