Kenya Before Independence

Historical Context

• The colonial Kenya is often compared to the former Belgian Congo.
• Influence of European settlers on the local government from the start of colonization.
• World War I: emergence of the first African political movements in Kenya.

Political Movements and Key Figures

• Kikuyu:

  • First to organize on a tribal level.
  • Main demands: reclaiming land taken by Europeans.
  • Notable leaders: Harry Thuku, Jomo Kenyatta.
  • Kenyatta widened the demands to include other tribes.

• Kenya African Union (K.A.U.):

  • Led by Kenyatta, dominated by the Kikuyu.
  • State of emergency declared after the Mau Mau uprising in 1952.
  • Arrest of Kenyatta and banning of the movement in 1953.

• Kenya Federation of Labor (K.F.L.):

  • Replaced the K.A.U. after its ban.
  • Leaders: Tom Mboya (secretary, Luo), Oginga Odinga (Luo).
  • Mboya advocates for detribalization, while Odinga acts on a tribal basis.

Conflicts and Tensions

• Opposition between the Kikuyu and other tribes like the Tugen and Kipsigis.
• Formation of the Kalenjin Political Alliance to claim territories against the Kikuyu.

Formation of New Parties

• Kanu:

  • Mainly represents the Kikuyu and Luo.
  • Supports Kenyatta and defends the interests of the urban proletariat and farm workers.

• Kadu:

  • Mainly supported by pastoral tribes and small agricultural tribes.
  • Advocates for an administrative division of Kenya into regions and a federal system.

Elections and Power Struggles

• General elections of 1961: majority for Kanu.
• Kanu's refusal to participate in the government before Kenyatta's release.
• Negotiations at Lancaster House in 1960 and in London in 1962 on the constitution and coalition government.

Contemporary Problems

• Economic instability due to a constant election campaign atmosphere.
• Tribal animosities exacerbated by regional delimitation.
• Rift among political leaders, emergence of the African People's Party by Paul Ngei.

Future Challenges

• Issue of the Somali population in northeastern Kenya demanding to join the Somali Republic.
• Persistence of inter-tribal struggles.
• Role of Kanu in political stabilization and maintaining national cohesion.