MAU MAU IN THE METROPOLE: THE BRITISH CONSERVATIVE PARTY AND   KENYA’S STATE OF EMERGENCY, 1952-1960

Katherine Nicole Perry

This research examines the response of Conservative Members of the British Parliament to allegations of abuse during Kenya’s State of Emergency. In the 1940s, an African militant group, the Mau Mau, formed in Kenya to overthrow British rule. By October 1952, the notable increase of Mau Mau violence towards Europeans and colonial loyalists culminated into a civil war, the Mau Mau Revolt, that did not end until late 1956. The colonial government declared a State of Emergency that lasted from 21 October 1952 to 12 January 1960. Initial emergency policy included collective punishment and mass interrogations to contain rebels. Colonial officials also detained an estimated one million people in camps, prisons, and villages for rehabilitation because they believed a psychological disorder caused the Revolt. Press and eyewitness accounts revealed several allegations that included inhumane treatment of the innocent and guilty, murder and abuse of Africans by security forces. as well as the oppressive standards of the detention system. The Opposition called for reforms to gain the confidence of Africans rather than forceful methods, inquiries to examine emergency policy, and punishment of those who mistreated Africans. Conservatives generally defended emergency policy and its enforcers because various sources of information demonstrated its ability to restore order that in turn helped the Party maintain control of the British Government, but they offered criticism and acknowledged the need for reform when evidence proved otherwise. Colonial officials provided details of Mau Mau oaths and crimes to gain Parliament’s support. They also noted reduced crime and high interrogation release rates to demonstrate the benefits of emergency policy. Conservatives’ visits to the detention system and other accounts corroborated the productivity of emergency policy even with some limited abuses. Therefore, Conservatives supported emergency policy and its enforcers because they put Kenya on a path towards order. However, they acknowledged the need for reform when a bipartisan delegation revealed police corruption. As allegations continued to reach London in the final year of the Emergency, Conservatives feared blame could reach Parliament. Despite some criticism from within the Party, most Conservatives continued their defense of emergency policy to maintain political dominance.

MAU MAU IN THE METROPOLE: THE BRITISH CONSERVATIVE PARTY AND KENYA’S STATE OF EMERGENCY, 1952-1960

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