Seventy-three years ago, Kenya changed forever. The colonial government declared a state of emergency — a move that unleashed mass arrests, brutal crackdowns, and fear across the nation. Operation Jock Scott saw leaders like Jomo Kenyatta arrested, as thousands were detained and silenced.
What followed was The Pipeline — a network of concentration camps and forced villages meant to “rehabilitate” Mau Mau supporters but remembered instead for its cruelty.
This episode uncovers life in Kenya under the state of emergency — a story of pain, resistance, and the unbroken spirit that fueled the fight for freedom.
#TheHanged #EchoesOfKenya #MashujaaDay #KenyanHistory
Production: SemaBox
Hosts: Mahak Dagar and Ngina Mualuko
On October 7th, 1952, the killing of Chief Waruhiu set in motion one of the most pivotal moments in Kenya’s history—the State of Emergency and the brutal war that followed in the forests. In this episode, we unpack the rebellion, the counterinsurgency, and the lasting scars of the Mau Mau war.
A good number of the leaders in the Mau Mau Central Committee and the generals on the
field had taken part in World War II, fighting for the British. However, the British government betrayed them. Disgruntled, some of them turned towards anti-colonial activism.
They were Anake, a Forty - the Forty Group of the revolution, they bound themselves to the liberation of the Kenyan land through armed resistance.
https://www.mathaga.com/products/hitrories-of-the-hanged-by-david-anderson
Produced and edited by; SemaBox
Hosts; Mahak Dagar & Ngina Mualuko
In this episode, we dive into the life, legacy, and tragic assassination of Josiah Mwangi Kariuki—better known as J.M. Kariuki. A former Mau Mau freedom fighter turned politician, J.M. was a bold critic of government corruption and economic inequality in post-independence Kenya. His powerful speeches and advocacy for the poor made him a beloved figure, but also a target for those in power.
We explore his rise in politics, his vision for a more equitable Kenya, and the mystery surrounding his brutal murder in 1975. Who was responsible for silencing one of Kenya’s most fearless leaders? And why does his story still resonate today?
Join us as we uncover the truth behind one of Kenya’s most shocking political assassinations. Stay curious!
Sources:
Brilliant, charismatic, and unstoppable—Tom Mboya was a key figure in Kenya’s fight for independence and a mastermind of the nation’s future. He championed education, economic progress, and Pan-African unity. But on a fateful day in 1969, an assassin’s bullet ended his meteoric rise. Was it a political rivalry, a foreign hand, or something more sinister? Tune in as we uncover the legacy and unanswered questions surrounding his untimely death.
Sources;
Tom Mboya Life, death by Bethwell A. Ogot
This episode delves into the life of one of Kenya's most distinguished statesmen. From his rise as a respected diplomat and Cabinet Minister to his role in shaping Kenya’s international relations, we explore Ouko’s remarkable career. This episode also examines the circumstances surrounding his mysterious and tragic death in 1990, a case that remains one of Kenya’s most controversial political assassinations. As always, Stay curious!
Argwings Kodhek: Kenya’s first African lawyer, fearless politician, and a man whose life was as enigmatic as his death. In this episode, we explore his rise to power, his bold fights for justice, and the mysterious car crash that silenced him. Accident or conspiracy? Let’s unravel the intrigue behind the legend of Kodhek and Stay curious!!
Sources;
https://globaleastafrica.org/global-lives/argwings-kodhek-1923-69 https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/counties/article/2001310960/argwings-kodhek-a-native-upstart-who-dared-marry-a-white-woman
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/argwings-kodhek-the-politician-history-should-never-forget-132134
In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Ronald Ngala, a man of profound vision and unwavering dedication to Kenya's future. Ngala's life was a testament to resilience and selflessness from his humble beginnings to his rise as a teacher, politician, and unifier. We delve into his pivotal role in shaping Kenya's independence and his efforts to champion regional harmony through majimboism. Yet, behind the political figure was a compassionate leader deeply committed to his community, whose untimely death remains shrouded in mystery. Sources; https://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/112...
In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Pio Gama Pinto, a fearless freedom fighter, journalist, father, husband, friend, and patriot who fought tirelessly for Kenya's independence. From his unwavering commitment to justice and equality to his role in shaping Kenya's post-independence politics, we uncover the man behind the revolutionary spirit. But who was Pinto beyond the headlines? Through personal stories, his impactful works, and the tragic circumstances of his untimely death, we paint a vivid portrait of a man whose legacy continues to inspire. Tune in as we honor a hero whose life reminds us of the true cost of freedom and as always stay curious! Sources; Pio Gama Pinto: The Unsung Martyr 1927-1965 Edited by Shiraz Durrani https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/12...