THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 24th April 1954

British forces in Kenya carried out a mass arrest of all Africans living in the capital, Nairobi, in an attempt to clamp down on the Mau Mau rebellion against colonial oppression and domination.

Operation Anvil, as it was code named, implemented by the colonial police force, was supported by Kenyans loyal to the British identifying suspected Mau Mau amongst the thousands arrested. Those identified as being Mau Mau, or members of the Kenya Land and Freedom Army (KLFA), were taken to detention camps where they were screened. Kenyans considered to be "hard core" were kept in detention camps, whilst those assessed as cooperative were deported to reserves. .

In February 2008, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) commenced legal action against the British government for compensation on behalf of survivors of mass incarcerations in Kenya who were subjected to barbaric and inhumane treatment at the hands of the British, including torture. The British government however believes that it should not be held liable.

The following BBC news article contains two video clip on the lawsuit against the British government:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12994190

Amma Fosuah

"Always bear in mind that people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone's head. They are fighting to win material benefits to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children." Amilcar Cabral