The state of emergency in Kenya during Maumau war
The Kenya Emergency (1952-60), or Mau Mau Revolt, was one of the British Army's bloodiest post-war conflicts.
A State of Emergency was declared in October 1952 after the Mau Mau murdered a loyal Kikuyu chief. Despite this, it took some time for an effective response to be formulated.
The British governor sir Evelyn Boting declared the state of emergence in 1960. The colonial government took various measures so as to implement the state of emergency.
The colonial government arrested African leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta and many other KAU leaders. They were accused of organizing and supporting Maumau. In 1953, Kenyatta and his fellows were taken to court at Kapenguria and sentenced to seven years imprisonment Lodwar near Ludolf. Other Maumau leader such as Waruhiu Itote and Dedan Kimathi were arrested in 1954 and 1956 respectively.
Many kikuyu people were subjected from their villages to protected camps, in order to avoid contacts with their fighters and control their movement e.g. in 1954 26,000 kikuyu suspects who had no good reasons for being in Nairobi were rounded up and put in detection camps which were so much overcrowded.
The government burnt down several villages to terrify Africans so as to stop Maumau movement.
The British government assassinated others who participated in the Maumau war e.g. Tom Mboya, the vice president of KAU and Nairobi city councilor. The murder, was done by King African Rifles (KAR).
The colonial government sought for military help from Britain. Bombs and guns were imported, massacres took place and Maumau was put under control and ended in 1956 when its leaders were captured.
Effects of the state of emergency in the struggle for independence
1. Many Africans were forced into the reserves and detention camps. In these areas they suffered harsh treatment and bad living condition.
2. Death. 200 thousand government soldiers perished, 58 Europeans and Asian died, white 10,000 freedom fighters died.
3. It created fear and insecurity among Africans. This situation was highly experienced in the colonial central province where fighting took place.
4. It was very costly. The cost was about 50,000,000 pounds to colonial government and Britain.
5. Europeans changed their attitude towards Africans. They were ready to sit and talk with nationalist leaders.
6. Increase of number of Africans in the LEGCO. By 1958 the number of Africans in the LEGCO was increased to fourteen. Most of them, were new members (non-kikuyu). These included, Tom Mboya,Jaramogi Oginga Ondinga, Daniel Arap Moi, Jeremiah Ayaye and Julius Gikonyo Kiano.
NB: In 1959 African LEGCO members boycotted, demanding the release of Kenyatta and constitutional conference.
