Yesterday I had the pleasure to accompany two third year students pursuing Cultural Anthropology & Sociology at the Utrecht University of the Netherlands to the
Mau Mau caves. (used as hideouts by the freedom fighters during the colonial
era).
The excursion to the caves is something that just popped out
after I took some interest and learning they were anthropology students. They
were particularly interested in Kenya’s colonial history. They flew to Kenya
after booking a four day trip to Mt. Kenya with us. We made their seven day stay
in Kenya more worthwhile than they would have ever thought! I have been working
with them to help them find resources on Kenya’s colonial history giving them
tips on Google Advanced search and image searches to refine the key information
they find.
This unique and rich
part in Kenya’s colonial history will not normally appear in many data bases or
mainstream publications.
The cave's enterance
Through the excursion to the Mau Mau caves, the students
learned a lot about Kenya’s freedom fighting history.
They were both excited; with their clipboards, cameras and
pencils. The current site is spectacular which is presently the Forester’s office
and served as the DO’s administration post during the colonial era with the
caves just adjacent to it. We were lucky to be tipped off to an elderly lady’s
house that lives in the vicinity and also a former freedom fighter that was
happy to answer their questions. They listened carefully while I translated her
answers to them and asked more questions as she helped them understand the
overwhelming facts and conditions of those who fought in the caves as their
hide outs.
They left extremely happy and carried with them some
souvenirs to mount as an exhibition.
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