Kenya History Trivia

1. In response to popular pressure, an African was finally seated on the Kenya Legislative Council in 1944. Who was the first African to hold this seat?

From Quiz Kenya: The Road to Independence 2.0

Answer: Eliud Wambu Mathu

A teacher with a degree from Oxford University, Mathu enjoyed a reputation as a fiery speaker. Even with his public office, however, Mathu was still subject to onerous limitations on free speech--including being barred from speaking publicly without the permission of the District Commissioner (DC). Though this treatment may suggest that Mathu was a radical, he was in many instances very much in favor of a gradual approach to constitutional government. Indeed, one of his more well-known slogans was: "Half a loaf is better than none."

From Quiz Kenya: The Road to Independence 3.0

Answer: James Gichuru

Gichuru was elected with the understanding that he would defer the post to Jomo Kenyatta when Kenyatta was released from detention. This did indeed come to pass in October of 1961, two months after Kenyatta was freed. One prominent leader who did not join the KANU was Ronald Ngala, a leader from the coastal region who feared that the Kikuyu would unfairly dominate the KANU. In response, Ngala organized the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), a more moderate group which, nevertheless, worked with the KANU on most important initiatives for Kenyan independence.

From Quiz Kenya: The Road to Independence 2.0

Answer: Kenya African Union

Originally named the Kenya African Study Union, KAU was co-founded by Eliud Wambu Mathu, charter president James Samuel Gichuru, and a host of other activists. The Union quickly assembled a cohesive correspondence network in several communities, and was able to organize substantial gatherings and rallies throughout the country. On at least one occasion, the DC of the Northern Kikuyu District expressed great surprise at how the KAU was able to draw a large group for a Mathu speech with less than two weeks' lead time.

From Quiz Kenya: The Road to Independence 3.0

Answer: Lancaster House, United Kingdom

There were three Lancaster House Constitutional Conferences: 1960, 1962, and 1963. The second of these, chaired by newly-appointed Colonial Secretary Reginald Maulding, is usually regarded as the most substantive and is credited with the Kenyan constitution's creation. Of prime importance was securing the rights of ethnic minorities; as Kenya is a multi-ethnic state, these endemic protections against discrimination were foremost in the minds of both the British delegates and the Kenyan representatives. The 248-page Kenya Constitution was published in April of 1963.

From Quiz Kenya: The Road to Independence 3.0

Answer: December 12, 1963

According to popular anecdote, Governor-General Malcolm John MacDonald turned to Kenyan President-Elect Jomo Kenyatta as the British flag was being lowered and asked him if he really wanted to go through with it. Kenyatta just laughed, and the characteristic black, red, and green flag of Kenya, complete with its depiction of shield and spears, was hoisted moments later. Kenyatta would go on to serve as president until his death in 1978.

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