What were the main objectives of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya?

The main objectives of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya were to end British colonial rule and regain African land rights.

The Mau Mau uprising, also known as the Mau Mau rebellion, was a significant event in the history of Kenya that took place from 1952 to 1960. The primary goal of this revolt was to end the British colonial rule that had been imposed on Kenya since the late 19th century. The Mau Mau, largely composed of the Kikuyu ethnic group, sought to reclaim their political autonomy and self-determination that had been stripped away under colonial governance.

Another crucial objective of the Mau Mau uprising was to regain African land rights. The British colonial administration had implemented a series of land reforms that had dispossessed many Kenyans, particularly the Kikuyu, of their ancestral lands. These lands were often given to white settlers, leading to significant socio-economic disparities and widespread resentment among the native population. The Mau Mau rebellion was, therefore, a response to this systemic land dispossession and an attempt to reclaim these lands.

The Mau Mau also aimed to dismantle the racial and economic inequalities entrenched by the colonial system. The British rule had created a racial hierarchy that privileged white settlers and marginalised the native population. This system resulted in economic, social, and political inequalities that the Mau Mau sought to eradicate. They envisioned a post-colonial Kenya where Africans would have equal access to resources, opportunities, and political power.

In essence, the Mau Mau uprising was a struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. It was a fight against colonial oppression and a quest for self-determination. The Mau Mau sought to reclaim their land, their rights, and their dignity, making the uprising a significant chapter in the broader narrative of African resistance against colonial rule.