Since post-colonial error, many countries have looked upon Africa for its bountiful treasures and breathtaking beauty. Africa was home to a serene environment suitable for growth and development.
Europeans first arrived in Africa in the 15th century as traders. They were trading clothes, blankets in exchange for ivory, etc. Since none of the Europeans knew anything about Africa, they nicknamed it the dark continent. In the 19th century, explorers and missionaries began to map out sections of Africa. Henry Stanely, one of the explorers, revealed that Africa was a land rich in raw materials that the Europeans could use to improve their economy.
At first, the European powers were hesitant on claiming African land. However, in 1884, these colonies met in Berlin, where they set rules for African colonization. Each African state had the power to own an African land. This marked the onset of scramble and partition for Africa. In 1914, only two African states, Liberia and Ethiopia, were colonization free. Britain had claimed the majority of the African land. Right from Sudan and Egypt to the north, rich resourceful colonies like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. In the 1880s, Germany, France, and Britain divided Africa into spheres of European settlement. It was unfortunate they controlled the territories they did not understand existed.
Before the Post-Colonial Error
In 1890, the British first arrived on the coast of Mombasa as traders under the leadership of captain Federick Lugard. The Imperial British East Africa Company had sent Lugard and his team on their first expedition in Kenya. The trade and treaties between the traders and local leaders in Kenya contributed to colonization. Since Africans were hospitable and welcoming, the British found it easy to maneuver their way into their land. On 10th October 1890, when the traders arrived in Kikuyu, Waiyaki Wahenga, the local chief had made a blood brotherhood relationship with Lugard. Since the latter had strong ties with the Kikuyu, the chief offered them free food and land to settle.
The agreement was the British ensure they do not harm the Kikuyus. Later, Lugard decided to expand on his expedition. He headed west to Uganda. While in Uganda, the Imperial British East African Company directed its agents in the field to become resourceful since it was undergoing a financial crisis. Two years later, captain Lugard returned to Kenya. However, his ties with Waiyaki was no more. Since IBEAC instructed its agents to confiscate crops and animals belonging to Africans, peace and prosperity was falling apart.
The Imperial company was now fighting the Wakikuyu and peaceful Wakamba. The war spread across different parts of the country. On 3rd February 1893, the British were raiding, refusing to pay for goods, swashbuckling, and shooting natives. At around this time, the entire country was against the white man. It was not long before the company sent more men to Kenya, who arrested chief Waiyaki. The latter is the first political prisoner arrested 73 years before independence. Waiyaki died mysteriously on his way to exile.
After a few years, the British government arrived in Kenya and started to impose their laws. They set up forts all over the countryside in Nyeri, Kiambu, and many other places. They then stationed soldiers who then controlled Kenyans from these forts. Sir Charles Eliot, who was the commissioner of British East Africa, stated that they came to develop Kenya. He said that they had no intention of robbing the natives of their land.
The Struggles
In February 1899, the British had spread across the Kenyan territory. At this time, the people had developed a hatred for colonial domination. The white man had a gun. African spears and swords couldn’t match the guns. The British were superior because they had better-fighting equipment.
They burnt homes, killed people, captured animals, forced communities out of their homes, and destroyed homesteads. In January 1908, the British killed 200 people, captured 7000 sheep and 5000 goats in Kisii. In Nandi in January 1906, they killed 1100 people, captured 16000 cattle and 36000 sheep and goats.
They burnt tens of thousands of homes and villages, rendering communities homeless. Later they forced Kenyan communities to resettle as squatters in the infertile lands. As a result, communities starved and became susceptible to infections. The communities didn’t have enough to feed on, hence became weak.
In August 1914, Europeans started fighting. Within no time it was raging in Africa. Since Kenya was a British colony, they urged Kenyans to join in the battle. Kenyans were to join the army to protect their country from foreign invasion. As such, the British recruited many Kenyans. The British manipulated Africans to believe they were fighting for the safety of their country. Immediately after the war, they gave Kenyans medals and a few shillings. Meanwhile, Europeans received ownership of their land.
The Europeans had occupied the fertile lands. Kenyans had no access to these lands, they only worked as farmers. As time went by, more European settlers arrived in Kenya to occupy more land.
Uprising
The coming of missionaries to Kenya led to the spread of Christianity and education. It was in this generation that Harry Thuku endorsed change. Kenyans were tired of colonial reign. Harry Thuku formed a political party, and they started opposing the colonial rule. On March 14th, 1922, the British arrested him. This sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, who protested seeking his release. On that day, many people died from European gunshots. Thirty years since the arrest of Thuku, new leaders, and political parties emerged. However, despite the petitions, protests, and strikes, Kenyans didn’t achieve national liberation.
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