One of the most fascinating Mau Mau war veterans that we have ever interviewed is the late Gen. Makimei. It is clear that he knew a lot, but the series of Mau Mau oaths he had taken barred him strictly from speaking about Mau Mau activities. He had had seen action in Nyandarua forest, and in Kiambu, including taking part in the attack that resulted in the infamous Lari Massacre. He believed he was betrayed by a woman and so when he saw a lady member of the Mau Mau Chronicles team, he grew increasingly suspicious. The interview did not last long thereafter. But this brief interview is still a treasure trove of Mau Mau operations, particulary in Kiambu. He spoke with deep conviction on issues of oathing and war and with immense cultural pride. He says that the Kikuyu who fought during the war were a pure and unadulterated kin unlike today's Kikuyu whose obvious disunity is the natural consequence of foreign genes that have been introduced in the community. This is his way of explaining the contemporary inexplicable irrationality and behaviour of those who used to be his people. As a true Mau Mau general, he cuts off the interview with firmness. And what begun as a great interview is gone in a jiffy. Clearly, they don't make them like this anymore. #maumau #kenya #africanliberation #africanhistory #makimei #Kikuyu
5 сен 2024
