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The Mau Mau Uprising 1952 - 1960  

 
The Mau Mau Uprising, also known as the Kenya Emergency was a military conflict that took place in Kenya. It involved a Kikuyu anti-colonial group lead by the rebel leader Dedan Kimathi. His capture in 1956 signalled the end of the Mau Mau uprising.
It was argued that the conflict helped give Kenya Independence in December 1963.
 
Six leading Kenyan nationalists were Bildad Kaggia, Kung'u Karumba, Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai, Paul Ngei and Achieng' Oneko who were arrested in 1952, tried in  Kapenguria in 1952-3 and imprisoned thereafter in Northern Kenya. Kenyatta remained in prison until 1959, after which he was detained in Lodwar. A public meeting of 25,000 in Nairobi demanded his release in February 1961 and on 14th August, he was released and brought to Gatundu to a hero's welcome. He was elected KANU President in absentia on May 1960. 
 
In 1961 and 1962, Jomo Kenyatta led the KANU delegation to first and second Lancaster Conference in London where Kenya's independence constitution was negotiated.
On 1 June 1963, Kenyatta became prime minister of the autonomous Kenyan government. 
 
cover of East African Annual 1957 -58