Center for Mau Mau & Other Liberation Movements – Karatina University

CENTRE FOR MAU MAU AND OTHER LIBERATION MOVEMENTS STUDIES

Dr Ogola explains how the sieving is done to identify any artifact that could have been buried at the time of emergency. However, no artifact was located.
From right: Dr. Emmanuel Ndiema, the lead scientist mapping the site using GIS and surveying equipment. To the left is Dr. Peter Kinyanjui (then Coordinator CLMS), Dr David Mugo, Lecturer in SESS and Prof. John Mwaruvie (Dean, SESS)
Dr. Ndiema explaining to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (ARSA) Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho the floor of the trench in 1950s while Dr Kinyanjui takes a video while Prof. Mwaruvie and Dr Ogola look on.
Wambugu Wanyingi, Mau Mau War veteran was invited to validate whether the trench that had been rehabilitated was initially as it was. He confirmed it was as it was and challenged the Centre to plant spikes. Dr. Peter Kinyanjui, Prof. Mwaruvie and Wanyingi’s photographer Wakairu listen to his explanation.

VISION

To be the official repository of the nation’s archival and material culture of historical value that relate to the liberation struggle in Kenya.

MISSION

To collect, research and disseminate all information regarding the liberation struggle in Kenya.

RATIONALERATIONALE

The history of the liberation struggle in Kenya, and especially that of the heroes and heroines of the struggle, has not received adequate attention from our higher institutions of learning. This is true despite the fact that the Mau Mau fighters were the backbone of the armed efforts that led to Kenya’s Independence in 1963. Karatina University, located in Nyeri County, which was the theatre of Mau Mau struggle is privileged to undertake this project. This project was prompted by the realization that outside Karatina University gate lies the Mau Mau Trench dug during Mau Mau era to prevent interaction between the Mau Mau fighters and Africans living in fortified Colonial Villages created during the war period. The trench is a natural exhibit of historical importance to the struggle for independence which the University has rehabilitated in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya. Adjacent to the trench is a huge Sacred Mugumo tree that served as the Mau Mau Post Office.

JUSTIFICATION JUSTIFICATION

The Centre is mandated to undertake the following duties in line with its Mission and Vision:

To research, collect, store, conserve and disseminate historical information that relate to the liberation struggle in Kenya;
To retrieve, collect, restore and preserve relics and memorabilia of heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle and other renown persons in Kenya;
To identify and acknowledge the unsung heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle that have hitherto not been identified or acknowledged;
To identify and preserve various heritage sites and infrastructure in Kenya that was instrumental to the liberation struggle in Kenya;
To encourage various sectors of society and the nation at large to identify the need to reconnect with our rich and diverse collective liberation heritage in order to shape the direction of the future. Such sectors will include the youth, women, and religious groups, NGO’s, trade unions, business, recreation and sports;
To network with other institutions and departments that are mandated to ensure that cultural and historical legacy of our country is preserved and promoted and used as a vehicle to foster nation building, inclusive citizenship, economic development and social cohesion;
To render assistance to any person (s) or organization for the retrieval of vital documents that relate to the Liberation Struggle in Kenya.