Word: mau
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...used to think reforms, especially economic, would solve most race problems," said Blundell. "But you just can't fight Mau Mau with new schools and indoor lavatories." This is how Blundell sees Mau Mau: "The Kikuyu have acquired our civilization faster than any of the other tribes. Mau Mau, however, is confined to the Kikuyu. Why? We whites are to blame. We've forced the Kikuyu to try to assimilate 2,000 years of civilization in 50. The result has been mental bewilderment, spiritual frustration. Mau Mau is a deliberate going back to primitive ways. They...
Blundell has advised farmers to "get rid of all Kikuyu or at least never to let a Kikuyu enter the farmhouse after dark. I've been told this was drastic, brutal and unnecessary. But the Mau Mau oath has a terrible binding power. One Kikuyu who had worked on a farm for 25 years went to his bwana. 'I'm leaving,' he said. 'They made me take the Mau Mau oath. This means they may ask me to kill you and I won't want to be in a position where I could obey...
...Blundell's own farm, the Mau Mau oath administrators arrived one night at the huts, tortured several of his Kikuyu into taking the oath. The victims were beaten almost to death, and half-strangled. Only one, a sobbing teen-ager dared confide in Blundell what had happened. And the chief oath administrator was a well-dressed, well-educated young Kikuyu whom the Blundells had fully trusted...
Most farms in the danger zone never even had locks on the doors before the Mau Mau terror began. Often built of cedar logs or even clapboard, added to when the farmer wanted more space they are difficult places to fortify. Some farmers have put wire-screening over their windows and long verandas, hoping that at least they'll get some warning if attacked. They all, of course, keep watchdogs, and carry guns...
...also been shot dead "while trying to wrest a Sten gun from a guard"-although the settlers all swear the Kikuyu are a cowardly, not a desperately suicidal, people. Stray Kikuyu picked up by the commandos in the forests (called jungilis), who may or may not be working with Mau Mau gangs, are asked for information. They are seldom prepared to talk...