Question

find out about the anti colonial movement in Kenya. compare and contrast India s national movement with the way in which Kenya became independent

Answer 1

Although there was some violence in India it was essentially a peaceful movement advocating non-cooperation, passive resistance coupled with demand for change, the main figure being Mahatma Gandhi. 

The Kenyan situation was entirely different. Whatever ones thoughts on the right for national self determination and government in relation to the removal of a colonial power, the Mau Mau movement of Kenya were a murderous bunch of thugs. 

As the fight for freedom grew the Kikuyu formed secret societies united in desire to break British rule. These societies encouraged oath taking ceremonies which bound the participants to wage war against Europeans and any Africans who were thought to be collaborators. From this movement the Kikuyu dominated Mau Mau organization was formed.

Answer 2

Answer:

India came under British dominance in 1757, when the East India Company established its headquarters in Calcutta, present day Kolkata. In 1858, the East India Company was replaced by the British Government and Indians became subjects of the British Crown. Even though there were several sporadic armed movements against the British, it was the great Mahatma Gandhi, a practitioner and preacher of non-violence, who won independence for us. India's independence was won through peaceful and non-violent mass movements and civil disobedience. The best fruit of freedom for Indians has been its vibrant democracy.

Kenya virtually came under British rule in 1895 when the East African Protectorate was formed, but was officially declared a colony in 1920. The Mau Mau Uprising between 1952 and 1956 was the first serious fight against oppression. However, the leader of the armed movement, Jomo Kenyatta, was arrested immediately; in 1956, the other leader, Dedan Kimathi, was captured. The movement died out soon after. In 1957, election to the Legislative Council was held for the first time. The members of the council continually demanded that Kenyatta be released. Eventually, Kenya became independent on 12th December, 1963 and Jomo Kenyatta became the first Prime Minister. In 1966, the single opposition party, left-leaning KPU was banned and its leader arrested; tragically, the aconstitution was amended, Kenyatta became President and single-party rule was established.