Two months before Jomo Kenyatta’s arrest, he presided over a rally in Kiambu where leaders publicly denounced the Mau Mau movement. This rally, held in August 1952, saw prominent figures like Kenyatta and Senior Chief Waruhiu wa Kungu speak against the Mau Mau, advocating for a peaceful resolution and condemning the violence associated with the insurgency.
Declaration of the State of Emergency:
On October 7, 1952, Senior Chief Waruhiu, one of the staunchest supporters of the colonial government, was assassinated by unknown assailants. His death shocked the colonial administration and led to the declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Sir Evelyn Baring on October 20, 1952. This state of emergency marked a significant escalation in the colonial government’s efforts to suppress the Mau Mau uprising.
Warûhiû’s Life and Irony of His Death:
Senior Chief Waruhiu died as a powerful and wealthy man, a stark contrast to his humble beginnings. His father, Kûng’û, was a mûhoi (legal squatter) from Gatanga, Murang’a. The status of a mûhoi in the Agîkûyû community was akin to that of a slave, dependent on the landlord for land and sustenance. Despite this background, Waruhiu rose to become an influential leader, overseeing a significant portion of Kiambu.
Interestingly, Waruhiu spent his early years in Kimathi sub-location, Kiambu, and met his end at the hands of assassins believed to be part of the Mau Mau movement, which was led by Dedan Kimathi. This coincidence highlights the complexities and ironies of his life and death.
The Assassination and Its Ambiguity:
While it is widely believed that the Mau Mau were responsible for Waruhiu’s assassination, some ambiguity remains about the true identity of his killers. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of the historical narrative, as both colonial authorities and Mau Mau insurgents had vested interests in eliminating him.
The Funeral and Arrest of Jomo Kenyatta:
Warûhiû’s funeral was attended by a mix of colonial officials, including Governor Baring, and nationalist leaders like Jomo Kenyatta. Despite the presence of these high-profile figures, the colonial government did not arrest Kenyatta at the graveside, even though they viewed him as the leader of the Mau Mau. Instead, Kenyatta was arrested later in Gatundu, a move that symbolized the colonial administration’s attempt to link him directly to the insurgency and the assassination.
Irony and Legacy:
The events surrounding Waruhiu’s assassination and the subsequent arrest of Kenyatta highlight the deep ironies and tensions of the period. Kenyatta, who had publicly denounced the Mau Mau alongside Waruhiu, was soon after accused of being the mastermind behind the very violence he had condemned. This turn of events underscored the colonial administration’s desperation to quell the uprising and discredit nationalist leaders.
Conclusion:
The assassination of Senior Chief Waruhiu and the declaration of the state of emergency were pivotal moments in Kenya’s struggle for independence. They marked the beginning of a brutal crackdown on the Mau Mau movement and set the stage for the eventual arrest and trial of the Kapenguria Six, including Jomo Kenyatta. These events, rich in irony and complexity, remain critical in understanding the dynamics of Kenya’s colonial history and the fight for independence.
