The Kamba and Mau Mau

In mid- 1954, the conflict between Mau Mau and the forces of the British colonial government reached its peak: Kenya was in crisis. Though demonized, scorned, and certainly outgunned, the largely Kikuyu Mau Mau was fighting hard and with success against its opponents in the forests of Central Province. It was a moment of great significance for the entirety of sub-Saharan Africa, with the topic of decolonization at the forefront of debate both on the continent and in Europe. While Kenya teetered at the brink of total upheaval, the Kamba were in position to play a pivotal role in the struggle.1 The Kamba are close cousins of the Kikuyu, living to the southeast of Central Province in …