Kenya's Struggle for Independence

Although Kenya had its fair share of drama in its fight for independence, it was not attained by an uncivil bloodbath. Although from the time of its conquest, many in the country wanted more representation in government, the real fight began after World War II. The first well-known political advocacy group was the Young Kikuyu Association (B). Harry Thuku was its first president. The followers were mostly young males, and the elders were not supportive. Their goal was to earn more representation of African interests in the government. They wanted to stop low wages, the disallowance of coffee growing, and the rejection of local traditions by Christian missionaries. (B) This association did not win much support among others in Kenya either, because the Kikuyu were not accepted as leaders by other ethnic groups. In 1944, the first African was brought onto the Legislative council. (B) Around this time, the Kenya African Union came into being, led by Jomo Kenyatta. The group advocated for the transition of the government into an African majority without violence. (B) However, an opposing group, known as the Mau Mau, disrupted these peaceful plans. This group felt that the KCA was not producing effective or quick results. They used violence, and as a result, the European colonial government declared a state of emergency lasting from 1952 to 1960. (B) In the end, military force stopped the rebellion. Jomo Kenyatta, who publicly denounced the Mau Mau's activities, was arrested anyway because he was suspected of leading the group. The Mau Mau sparked heightened nationalism among the Africans, and they desired even more for a majority in the government. One of the first steps toward an African majority came in 1960 with the Macleod Constitution. (B) The Kenya African National Union (KANU) formed in 1960 with Kenyatta as their leader, even though he was still in prison. (B) They wanted a centralized government.  In opposition, the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) wanted a decentralized government, and they feared a Kikuyu majority.(B) Fortunately, after Jomo Kenyatta was released from prison in 1962, the parties united. He became the first president in 1963. A constitutional conference took place in London in 1962, resulting in an outlined government controlled by both political parties (A). However, KADU slowly fell away, leaving the KANU in full power. Complete independence was announced on December 12, 1963 (B). In the end, Britain, the country that held Kenya in its power was the country that aided its independence.