This bullet, known as Waruhiu Itote’s bullet, has a profound historical significance. It was lodged in the chest of General China (Waruhiu Itote) for 34 years. General China was a prominent leader during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. He was shot in 1954, just moments before his capture by colonial forces. The bullet remained in his chest until it was finally removed by Professor Peter Odhiambo.
This artifact symbolizes the enduring struggle and resilience of the Mau Mau fighters in their quest for Kenya’s independence. General China’s story is a testament to the sacrifices made by many to achieve freedom from colonial rule.This bullet, known as Waruhiu Itote’s bullet, has a profound historical significance. It was lodged in the chest of General China (Waruhiu Itote) for 34 years. General China was a prominent leader during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. He was shot in 1954, just moments before his capture by colonial forces. The bullet remained in his chest until it was finally removed by Professor Peter Odhiambo.
This artifact symbolizes the enduring struggle and resilience of the Mau Mau fighters in their quest for Kenya’s independence. General China’s story is a testament to the sacrifices made by many to achieve freedom from colonial rule.
Waruhiu Itote (General China)
Early Life and Military Service
- Born: 1921
- Military Service: Served in Burma during WWII and retired as a corporal.
Mau Mau Uprising
- Retreat to Forests: Upon the declaration of emergency in Kenya, General China retreated to the forests of Mount Kenya.
- Rise to General: He was assigned the rank of General by the Mau Mau War Council after claiming to command 8,000 men, despite skepticism from the council.
- ‘Hîka Hîka’ Battalion: His men were known for their swift movements and were called the ‘hîka hîka’ (rush, rush) battalion.
Guerrilla Tactics
- Mock Camps: Created fake camps on the forest fringes to deceive enemy forces, setting booby traps around them.
- Real Camps: Established real camps deeper in the forest, with coded signals to identify his men.
- Code Words: Used coded salutations like “itimû” (spear) and expected the reply “ngo” (shield) to differentiate allies from enemies.
- Use of Girls in Combat: Employed clever tactics involving girls in combat, as seen in an incident in Embu where four girls helped disarm a KAR NCO of a Bren gun.
Capture and Imprisonment
- Arrest: Captured in January 1954, suffering wounds in the neck.
- Legal Representation: Represented by lawyer A. R. Kapila.
- Sentence: Initially sentenced to hang, but his life was spared after agreeing to act as a go-between in negotiations with the Mau Mau.
Post-Independence
- Training: Among the first officers of the National Youth Service trained in Israel after independence.
- Later Life: Retired into farming.
- Death: Passed away in 1993.
Legacy
General China is remembered for his strategic genius, guerrilla tactics, and pivotal role in the Mau Mau uprising. His life story reflects the resilience and tactical brilliance of the Mau Mau fighters in their struggle for Kenya’s independence.
Photos of Waruhiu Itote (General China)
- Below are photos of General China after his capture by colonialists, showing the wounds he suffered in the neck.
Artifacts
- General China’s Bullet: A bullet lodged in his chest for 34 years, shot in 1954 before his capture, later removed by Professor Peter Odhiambo.
General China’s story remains a powerful testament to the Mau Mau’s fight for freedom and the sacrifices made by its leaders.
