Connect with us

Photos

Unhistories – Kenya’s Mau Mau: Detention Camps and Torture

7 min read.

This second part of the Unhistories series covers the ‘prohibited areas’ where the fighting took place, the mobile gallows, the trials, torture, and prisons.

Published

on

Unhistories - Kenya’s Mau Mau: Detention Camps and Torture
Download PDFPrint Article

In 2014, Belgian documentary artist Max Pinckers was invited to the Archive of Modern Conflict in London, where he came across a collection of British propaganda material relating to the 1950s “Mau Mau Emergency Crisis” in Kenya. Since then he has been working with various Mau Mau War Veterans Associations in Kenya, with a particular focus on using photography to (re-)visualize the fight for independence from their personal perspectives. This includes mass graves, former detention camp buildings, locations of former mobile gallows, cave hideouts, oral witness testimonies, portraits and demonstrations of personal experiences.

This ongoing documentary project titled Unhistories departs from the Hanslope Disclosure in which British colonial archives were destroyed, hidden and manipulated. Known as Operation Legacy in the 1950s, the British colonial administration in Kenya destroyed much of the documentation relating to the Emergency prior to their departure in 1963. Unhistories is a collaboration with Mau Mau veterans, Kenyans who survived the colonial violence, historians, artists, activists, writers, archives, universities and museumsto fill in the missing gaps of the archives.

This second part of the Unhistories series covers the ‘prohibited areas’ where the fighting took place, the mobile gallows, the trials, torture, and prisons.

A former mass holding cell at former Mweru Works Camp that today functions as a classroom. The original cell buildings did not have windows. The barbed wire can still be seen between the walls and the roofing. Mweru High School, Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, 2015
A mass holding cell at former Mweru Works Camp that today functions as a classroom. The original cell buildings did not have windows. The barbed wire can still be seen between the walls and the roofing. Mweru High School, Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, 2015.
The Colonial Executioner’s residence at former Mweru Works Camp. Mweru High School, Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, 2015
The Colonial Executioner’s residence at former Mweru Works Camp. Mweru High School, Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, 2015.
Cigarette card titled “T.G Askwith,” showing Thomas Askwith standing holding a pair of sculls with the enclosures visible across the river. 1933-1934. Thomas E. Weil Collection, The River & Rowing Museum Collection, Oxfordshire, UK.
Cigarette card titled “T.G Askwith,” showing Thomas Askwith standing holding a pair of sculls with the enclosures visible across the river. 1933-1934. Thomas E. Weil Collection, The River & Rowing Museum Collection, Oxfordshire, UK.

Thomas Askwith, Commissioner for Community Development in Kenya (1911-2001), developed the “pipeline” in 1953. A large-scale system to “rehabilitate” suspected supporters and fighters of the Mau Mau movement. As military operations ramped up in 1954, it was converted into a system of punitive detention, torture and collective punishment. Concerned by the lack of standardized procedures and heightened use of violence, he was a spirited advocate for the humane treatment of prisoners in detention camps. For his efforts, he was quietly marginalized by the colonial administration.

“The Gallows at Thomson’s Falls” by Richard Hall, Picture Post, Illustrated, p. 24, January 3, 1953. AMC, A 5072. The Archive of Modern Conflict, London, UK. Correspondence between Colonel Morcombe and Assistant Press Officer Lavers on behalf of the Director of Information, 1956 KNA, OP/1/998/105 and KNA, OP/1/998/106. Kenya National Archives, Nairobi, Kenya.
“The Gallows at Thomson’s Falls” by Richard Hall, Picture Post, Illustrated, p. 24, January 3, 1953. AMC, A 5072. The Archive of Modern Conflict, London, UK. Correspondence between Colonel Morcombe and Assistant Press Officer Lavers on behalf of the Director of Information, 1956 KNA, OP/1/998/105 and KNA, OP/1/998/106. Kenya National Archives, Nairobi, Kenya.
TNA, CO 1066/9. The National Archives, Kew, UK
TNA, CO 1066/9. The National Archives, Kew, UK
TNA, CO 1066/9. The National Archives, Kew, UK.

Mobile Gallows

Public hangings were outlawed in Britain for over a century but took place in Kenya during the emergency. A mobile gallows was transported by the British around the country to carry out the execution of Mau Mau suspects. Between 1952 and 1958, 1,090 Kikuyu were hanged. In no other place, and at no other time in the history of British imperialism, was state execution used on such a scale.

Unhistories - Kenya’s Mau Mau: Detentions and Torture

Mburu wa Gitou

The gallows stood here and this cemented block is where the bodies would drop dead before they were wrapped up and hauled out. During the hangings there was a Catholic Father at the door. He prayed and after the conviction, he would sign, break the pen and wash his hands. 57 people were hanged here.

The hanging begun at 11 at night and we could hear them saying: “We have gone, we have died and you have been left. Never let go of this land, for it is what we die for.” They all died with a fistful of soil in their hand.

Once hanged, the bodies were not disposed of immediately, they were seen by everybody so that people would be afraid. So that they would stop the war. But they would dare not surrender. The bodies were hauled into a truck in the morning. The army trucks rode away with legs dangling from the back.

The monument serves as a reminder of those who were hanged in this nation, who died for independence. We can come for prayers here. The design of the monument is made in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya, and we will engrave their names on the wall.

— Mburu wa Gitou (Chairman of the Kenya Unity for Memorial, Peace, Heritage and Culture Organization), Githunguri, Kiambu County, 2019

Elkins, Caroline. Imperial Reckoning: the Untold Story of Britain’s Gulag in Kenya. New York: Henry Holt and Co., 2006
Elkins, Caroline. Imperial Reckoning: the Untold Story of Britain’s Gulag in Kenya. New York: Henry Holt and Co., 2006.
Sir Evelyn Baring, KG, GCMG, KCVO (1903-1973) was the Governor of Kenya from 1952 to 1959. Together with Colonial Secretary Alan Lennox-Boyd, he played a significant role in the government’s efforts to cover up the abuses carried out during the suppression of the Mau Mau and keep them secret from the British public.

Sir Evelyn Baring, KG, GCMG, KCVO (1903-1973) was the Governor of Kenya from 1952 to 1959. Together with Colonial Secretary Alan Lennox-Boyd, he played a significant role in the government’s efforts to cover up the abuses carried out during the suppression of the Mau Mau and keep them secret from the British public.

Unhistories - Kenya’s Mau Mau: Detentions and Torture
Unhistories - Kenya’s Mau Mau: Detentions and Torture
Unhistories - Kenya’s Mau Mau: Detentions and Torture
Unhistories - Kenya’s Mau Mau: Detentions and Torture

Paul Mwangi Mwenja

During the struggle for independence I was a student at a school where the King’s African Rifles were staying. They were fighting for the British, but the soldiers became our friends. They showed us everything, and that’s when I learned how the gun works.

I began making homemade guns. You could only use one bullet at a time. You’d take out the cartridge and put in another. We used these guns to hunt European soldiers. When we’d get one—we would ambush or hide beside him in the bush and shoot him—we’d take his gun. That way we’d gain a gun. A new gun.

We used water pipes to make these guns. And then we were using door locks. We would sharpen the tip of the door lock and use a spring or elastic rubber to hit the bullet, so that oxygen would get in and the bullet fires. The guns we were making could be taken apart while traveling. In order to hide it in the kabuthi, the jacket, you could break it up into two pieces, and when you wanted to be in action you could put it together again. It was easy to travel with.

— Paul Mwangi Mwenja (MMWVA Murang’a Branch Secretary), Murang’a, 2019

Terence Gavaghan, MBE (1922-2011) was a British colonial district officer in Kenya responsible for six detention centers in Mwea during the emergency. He was the chief architect of the “dilution technique” and was known for implementing the systematic destruction of bodies and minds in Kenya’s detention camps. During Operation Legacy, Gavaghan also participated in the burning of documents in incinerators and ensured that others would be permanently held under lock and key. The colonial government’s chief torturer in Kenya was also one of its chief archivists in the final days of rule.

Inscription on back of print: “Near the burning swamp, Terry Gavaghan points out to his Officers and the Samburu tribesmen, their routes in search of the Kikuyu gangsters.” TNA, 1066/6/845/6. The National Archives, Kew, UK
Inscription on back of print: “Terry Gavaghan talking to his Samburu tribesmen prior to searching the papyrus swamp.” TNA, 1066/6/845/2. The National Archives, Kew, UK
Inscription on back of print: “Near the burning swamp, Terry Gavaghan points out to his Officers and the Samburu tribesmen, their routes in search of the Kikuyu gangsters.” TNA, 1066/6/845/6. The National Archives, Kew, UK.
Inscription on back of print: “Terry Gavaghan talking to his Samburu tribesmen prior to searching the papyrus swamp.” TNA, 1066/6/845/2. The National Archives, Kew, UK.
TNA, CO 822/1251. The National Archives, Kew, UK
TNA, CO 822/1251. The National Archives, Kew, UK
TNA, CO 822/1251. The National Archives, Kew, UK.

Terence Gavaghan interviewed in BBC Correspondent documentary Kenya: White Terror, aired on November 17, 2002.

Members of the Mukurwe-ini Mau Mau War Veterans Association demonstrate how people were rounded up and sent to detention camps, Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, 2015.
Members of the Mukurwe-ini Mau Mau War Veterans Association demonstrate how people were rounded up and sent to detention camps, Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, 2015.
Eliud Mwai Munyiri and Charles Ngaragari Karuitha demonstrate an oathing ceremony, Kahuru Gatei, Nyeri County, Kenya, 2015
Eliud Mwai Munyiri and Charles Ngaragari Karuitha demonstrate an oathing ceremony, Kahuru Gatei, Nyeri County, Kenya, 2015
Beninah Wanjugu Kamujeru demonstrates how she was interrogated, Murang’a, 2019.

Extra’s on Death Row

Simba (1955), directed by Brian Desmond Hurst, starring Dirk Bogarde and Virginia McKenna, was filmed in Kenya at the height of the emergency. The film tells the story of a White settler family who find themselves involved in the Mau Mau uprising. The characterization of the Mau Mau movement is conformed to what was by then a well-established British stereotype, using all of the conventional colonial imagery. South African producer Peter de Saringy, who was responsible for most of the location filming in Kenya, explained that they used Mau Mau prisoners in some of the scenes as extra’s. They had obtained the prisoners from a jail on the outskirts of Nairobi, with the full co-operation of the prison authorities, who “brought them from their cages” to be filmed at the perimeter of the gaol. Several of the prisoners were reported as being handcuffed to prevent their escape while the filming took place. Three of the eleven men filmed were taken to the gallows only three days later.

Complaints by detainees, Athi River Detention Camp, January 10, 1957 KNA, JZ/7/4/89A Kenya National Archives, Nairobi, Kenya
Complaints by detainees, Athi River Detention Camp, January 10, 1957 KNA, JZ/7/4/89A. Kenya National Archives, Nairobi, Kenya.

Support The Elephant.

The Elephant is helping to build a truly public platform, while producing consistent, quality investigations, opinions and analysis. The Elephant cannot survive and grow without your participation. Now, more than ever, it is vital for The Elephant to reach as many people as possible.

Your support helps protect The Elephant's independence and it means we can continue keeping the democratic space free, open and robust. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for our collective future.

By

Max Pinckers is a Belgian photographer and author, based in Brussels. All photographs from 2015 were made during the collaboration “The Struggle for Freedom in: ________” with Michiel Burger.

Photos

Maandamano II

Nairobi witnessed a new wave of protests on Tuesday, 2nd May 2023.

Published

on

Maandamano II
Download PDFPrint Article

Kenya’s opposition wing led by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition Leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday May 2nd 2023 staged a new wave of anti-government demonstrations in the country. Here is a sneak peek into how the demonstrations fared across the city of Nairobi.

Anniversary Towers on University Way which houses the IEBC offices remained under heavy security both outside and inside as policed braced for a clash with protesters.

Anniversary Towers on University Way which houses the IEBC offices remained under heavy security both outside and inside as policed braced for a clash with protesters.

Anti-riot police officers on horse back patrol Uhuru Highway in anticipation of the march by demonstrators.

Anti-riot police officers on horse back patrol Uhuru Highway in anticipation of the march by demonstrators.

A heavy contingent of anti-riot police deployed along Kenya International Conference Centre and Supreme Court premises ahead of the anticipated resumption of Azimio la Umoja anti-government protests.

A heavy contingent of anti-riot police deployed along Kenya International Conference Centre and Supreme Court premises ahead of the anticipated resumption of Azimio la Umoja anti-government protests.

Journalists and media practitioners from various media houses cover the anti-government protests in various streets around the Nairobi Central Business District.

Journalists and media practitioners from various media houses cover the anti-government protests in various streets around the Nairobi Central Business District.

The Nairobi Central Business District remained relatively calm with most residents going about their activities yesterday in spite of the concerns about the protests.

The Nairobi Central Business District remained relatively calm with most residents going about their activities yesterday in spite of the concerns about the protests.

Security remained heightened along all access routes leading to Statehouse Nairobi.

Security remained heightened along all access routes leading to Statehouse Nairobi.

Riders found it hard to access the Central Business District yesterday afternoon as anti-riots police blocked major roads and alleys leading into the city.

Earlier in the day, irate protestors burned down a minibus plying the Ngong-Nairobi route at Posta, along Ngong Road.

A private security guard mans a building entrance along Haile Selassie Avenue which was one of the earmarked routes for protests.

A private security guard mans a building entrance along Haile Selassie Avenue which was one of the earmarked routes for protests.

Continue Reading

Photos

Nairobi: A City of Content Creators

For many youthful content creators that the Elephant interacted with, creating content is a source of income.

Published

on

Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Download PDFPrint Article

On a Sunday afternoon take a leisurely walk along Kenyatta Avenue, Kimathi Street, Muindi Mbingu and Koinange Streets on Sundays. Everywhere you’ll find young Kenyans with their cameras creating content of one form or the other.

Ms. Mercy Lubembe, 20 years old, explained, “Sundays are the days you will witness that Nairobi has beautiful buildings. All this makes videos and pictures look really swanky with amazing backgrounds”.

For many youthful content creators that the Elephant interacted with, creating content is a source of income. Here are some of the photos of what the streets look like on a Sunday.

Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Nairobi: A City of Content Creators
Continue Reading

Photos

Maandamano Thursdays in Photos – 30th March

In Nairobi the opposition coalition marked its third day and second week of protests by engaging the residents of Imara Daima, Kware and Mukuru Kwa Njenga. It all started peacefully before turning ugly as the day progressed.

Published

on

Maandamano Thursdays in Photos - 30th March
Download PDFPrint Article

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday 31 March 2023 led anti-government demonstrations across the country. In Nairobi the opposition coalition marked its third day and second week of protests by engaging the residents of Imara Daima, Kware and Mukuru Kwa Njenga. It all started peacefully before turning ugly as the day progressed.

Businesses in the Nairobi Central Business District were open for the better part of the day after security forces managed to lock out opposition protesters for the second time since the demonstrations started.
Businesses in the Nairobi Central Business District were open for the better part of the day after security forces managed to lock out opposition protesters for the second time since the demonstrations started.
Businesses in the Nairobi Central Business District were open for the better part of the day after security forces managed to lock out opposition protesters for the second time since the demonstrations started.

Businesses in the Nairobi Central Business District were open for the better part of the day after security forces managed to lock out opposition protesters for the second time since the demonstrations started.

A lady tries to protect herself from teargas along Juja Road.

A lady tries to protect herself from teargas along Juja Road.

A tree that provides shade to Bunge la Wananchi on Jacaranda grounds cut down by police.

A tree that provides shade to Bunge la Wananchi on Jacaranda grounds was cut down by police.

Parents around the Jacaranda grounds rushed to various schools to pick up their children as news spread that opposition supporters were making their way to the area for a political rally.

Parents around the Jacaranda grounds rushed to various schools to pick up their children as news spread that opposition supporters were making their way to the area for a political rally.

Protestors barricade the Donholm underpass with stones and tires.

Protestors barricade the Donholm underpass with stones and tires.

A protestor throws stones at the police in the Quarry area as passers-by try to get away from the scene.

A protestor throws stones at the police in the Quarry area as passers-by try to get away from the scene.

Major standoff between police and protesters in the Pipeline area after a police officer was seriously wounded and a protestor shot and killed.

Major standoff between police and protesters in the Pipeline area after a police officer was seriously wounded and a protestor shot and killed.

Some protestors walked away with police shields taken from wounded officers.

Some protestors walked away with police shields taken from wounded officers.

To reach their customers in Fedha Estate, delivery riders had to make tough choices after finding themselves caught between the police and stone-throwing protesters.

To reach their customers in Fedha Estate, delivery riders had to make tough choices after finding themselves caught between the police and stone-throwing protesters.

Kenyans coming from work are caught up in the fracas.
Kenyans coming from work are caught up in the fracas.

Kenyans coming from work are caught up in the fracas.

A police officer pleading with protestors in the Soweto area to remain calm.

A police officer pleading with protestors in the Soweto area to remain calm.

Members of the press were under constant attack from both the police and the protestors as they covered the protests around the country.

Members of the press were under constant attack from both the police and the protestors as they covered the protests around the country.

A demonstrator supplying frontline protestors with stones in the Pipeline area.

A demonstrator supplying frontline protestors with stones in the Pipeline area.

Protesters cross a police roadblock on Old Donholm Road to join the opposition leaders’ motorcade.

Protesters cross a police roadblock on Old Donholm Road to join the opposition leaders’ motorcade.

Police provide cover for residents helping to open the road at Donholm.

Police provide cover for residents helping to open the road at Donholm.

A protester executing cartwheels on Jogoo Road.

A protester executing cartwheels on Jogoo Road.

Continue Reading

Trending