Dr. Muoki Mbunga

Who exactly did Mau Mau fighters kill during the anticolonial war in 1950s-Kenya? Why did the fighters shoot or hack some targets to death but strangle others instead? My new article explores these questions. Read & download 4free: cambridge.org/core/journals/… @HistoryKE @KResearcher

The Nane Nane Protests on August 8, 2024, highlighted the need for the Gen Z movement to prioritize political education. What were supposed to be nationwide protests only took off in Nairobi, with youth everywhere else staying away. #NaneNane2025 africasacountry.com/2025/07/gen-z-…

Kenya’s largest-ever protests have drawn striking comparisons to the Mau Mau uprising. But for today’s movement to endure, it must move beyond the streets and invest in political education. @MuokiMbunga republished from @theelephantinfo africasacountry.com/2025/07/gen-z-…

The play is a historical enactment of women''s resistance during the struggle for Kenya's independence

The Gen Z movement is similar to Mau Mau in terms of its youthfulness & decentralized nature. At the start of the emergency, Kimathi was 32, Kago 32, China 30, Kassam 28, Njama 26, Kimbo 24, JM 23, & Wambui Otieno 16. theelephant.info/analysis/2025/… #77NiNumbers #OccupyStatehouse2025

In this article, my friend @MuokiMbunga compares the Gen-Z movement to the Mau Mau, assessing similarities and differences. He recommends that the movement take, especially, the periods of lull to organise on their own terms. I find that powerful. theelephant.info/analysis/2025/…

MUOKI MBUNGA - Echoes of Mau Mau in Kenya’s Gen Z Movement @MuokiMbunga theelephant.info/analysis/2025/…

As Kenyans mark the 1st anniversary of the Gen Z movement, my new article analyzes important similarities and differences between Gen Z & Mau Mau. It also examines key lessons that Gen Z activists can learn from Mau Mau. theelephant.info/analysis/2025/… #77NiNumbers #OccupyStatehouse2025

he crafted complex characters whose convictions were sorely tested amidst the anxieties and ambiguities that so often characterize war. Ngũgĩ thus succeeded in what every good historian and novelist seeks to do—humanize their subjects. May he rest in peace. 3/3 #NgugiWaThiongo

and showed how the conflict had torn apart couples, families, and entire communities. But he resisted the temptation to tell a simple story of heroes and villains, of gallant fighters and treacherous loyalists. Instead, 2/3

Among Ngũgĩ Wa Thĩongo’s novels, A Grain of Wheat is arguably his most important work of historical fiction. In the book, Ngũgĩ captured the varied motivations of people who stood on opposing sides of the Mau Mau War, 1/3

🇰🇪In June last year, blood was spilt on the grounds of Kenya’s parliament. Bringing that #FinanceBill2024 protest to a harrowing end. Who pulled the trigger has been a mystery. But now, ten months later, #BBCAfricaEye can show you who they are.

"At least 274 Kenyan workers, mostly women, have died in Saudi Arabia in the past five years — an extraordinary figure for a young work force doing jobs that, in most countries, are considered extremely safe." nytimes.com/2025/03/16/wor…

Thomas Sankara’s 38-year-old speech should be required reading for every Leftist, Pan-Africanist, and Progressive. The revolution cannot triumph without the emancipation of women. Happy International Women’s Day! thomassankara.net/la-liberation-…

Today, Friday, March 7, is the 20th anniversary of the passing of Kenya’s uncompromising revolutionary, Bildad Kaggia. We hold a cross-generational conversation on his legacy and its relevance to the current generation's struggle. Join us at 7pm. x.com/i/spaces/1YqKD…

The captured Mau Mau documents allowed me to tell the story of Mau Mau killings from the unique perspective of the movement’s members. I discuss these documents & other aspects of my new article in the latest episode of the @JAH_editors Podcast: journalofafricanhistory.podbean.com/e/mbunga/

Kenyan presidents seem to acquire a lot of wisdom after they leave office. It makes you wonder where this wisdom was hiding when they were still in power and asking us what we expect them to do about the external shocks that were leading to an increased cost of living.

To celebrate the life and work of Professor Bethwell Ogot, Kenyans should read his classic article on the political & socioeconomic history of colonial Nyanza. It is a rich analysis of 60 years of British colonialism that are distilled into 25 pages! tufts.box.com/s/45ovqp5xge0t…

Please share it when you can. I learnt of these women very late in my life, about their contribution to the anti-colonial struggle in Tanzania. I'd love to continue knowing more. I'm grateful to @MuokiMbunga for including this history in his course on Modern East Africa.

Mo Salah has now scored more Premier League goals than Thierry Henry and is one behind Frank Lampard on the all-time list. Eight off Sergio Aguero and fifth place. One of the undisputed all-time greats.