On August 15, 1952, a significant meeting took place in the home of Jomo Kenyatta in Gatundu, Central Province, Kenya. Waruhiu Itote, who would later rise to prominence as General China, a key leader in the Mau Mau military campaign, visited Kenyatta with eight other young men. Their mission was to seek Kenyatta’s guidance and support for their decision to launch a military campaign against British colonial rule.
The Meeting with Kenyatta
When Waruhiu Itote and his companions briefed Kenyatta about their decision, the revered leader shared profound insights on the nature of leadership and the sacrifices required in the struggle for freedom. Kenyatta began by addressing the responsibilities and burdens of leadership:
“Look, my sons, you have come to me because you want to select some young people to work for your country. But you must realize that to be a leader is not an easy role. You don’t become a leader simply because someone points at you and says ‘you will be a leader.’ Those who are equipped to lead our people must know it in their hearts. They themselves must be the first to recognize that they possess the qualities and determination that is needed.”
Kenyatta’s words underscored the intrinsic qualities necessary for leadership—qualities that must be recognized and nurtured from within. He emphasized that leadership is not bestowed by others but is a calling that one must feel deeply and personally.
The Cost of Freedom
Kenyatta did not shy away from discussing the potential dangers and sacrifices involved in their revolutionary path. He spoke candidly about the inevitable hardships they would face:
“Some of you too, will be imprisoned, and some of you will be killed. But when these things happen, my sons, do not be afraid. Everything in this world has to be paid for—and we must pay for our freedom with our blood.”
These words were a sobering reminder of the high stakes involved in their struggle for independence. Kenyatta acknowledged the real possibility of imprisonment and death but urged them to remain steadfast and fearless, emphasizing that the price of freedom is often paid in blood.
A Direct Message to Itote
Kenyatta then turned his attention directly to Waruhiu Itote, offering him personal encouragement and a poignant reflection on his military service:
“You learnt many things in the army, my son, and now you can lead our people. If you had died in Burma, no one would have remembered you, for you were fighting for the British. But should you die tomorrow in your struggle, you will die for your own people and your name will live in our hearts.”
This powerful statement highlighted the contrast between fighting for a foreign power and fighting for one’s own country. Kenyatta’s words reinforced the nobility of their cause, reminding Itote that his sacrifices in the struggle for Kenyan independence would be remembered and honored by his people.
Legacy of the Encounter
This meeting was a pivotal moment for Waruhiu Itote and his companions. Kenyatta’s words provided them with a clear understanding of the responsibilities and sacrifices inherent in their fight for freedom. Itote’s subsequent actions and leadership in the Mau Mau uprising were profoundly influenced by this encounter.
As General China, Itote became a symbol of resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of the Mau Mau movement. Kenyatta’s guidance helped shape the direction of the military campaign, ensuring that their efforts were driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment to their people.
Conclusion
The meeting between Waruhiu Itote and Jomo Kenyatta on August 15, 1952, was a defining moment in Kenya’s struggle for independence. Kenyatta’s words of wisdom and encouragement instilled a sense of duty and fearlessness in the young freedom fighters, laying the groundwork for their courageous efforts in the Mau Mau uprising. This encounter remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Kenya’s fight for freedom and the leadership that guided it.
