Discover the remarkable story of Wamuyu Gakuru, alias Cinda Reri, a fearless leader of the Mau Mau women fighters during Kenya's struggle for independence. From humble beginnings to commanding over two hundred women in the heart of Mount Kenya forest, her journey embodies courage, resilience, and the fight for gender equality. Explore her pivotal role in the Mau Mau movement and her enduring legacy in Kenya's history.
Unveiling the Remarkable Story of Wamuyu Gakuru: The Courageous Leader of Mau Mau Women Fighters
In the annals of history, amidst the tumult of Kenya's struggle for independence, one name shines brightly – Wamuyu Gakuru, affectionately known as Cinda Reri. Her journey from a humble beginning in Mathira Division of Nyeri in 1934 to becoming a revered leader of over two hundred women in the heart of the forest is nothing short of inspiring. Let's delve into the extraordinary life of this fearless fighter, whose unwavering courage propelled her to the forefront of the Mau Mau movement.
The Early Years and Baptism into Resistance
Wamuyu's upbringing was steeped in the values of resilience and defiance. With only a primary education up to Standard 4, she defied societal norms by joining the Mau Mau movement in 1951. Despite being baptized as a Presbyterian, Wamuyu's faith in Christianity was eclipsed by the stark realities of colonial oppression. She saw through the hypocrisy of the colonizers who preached equality but practiced discrimination and land theft. This realization fueled her determination to fight for justice and freedom.
The Call to Arms: From Scout to Forest Warrior
Before venturing into the forest, Wamuyu served as a Mau Mau scout and liaison in Karatina, sourcing vital supplies for the movement. However, escalating surveillance forced her hand, compelling her to seek refuge in the forest. In 1953, she made her entry point at Kiganjo, Nyeri, marking the beginning of her transformation into a formidable activist.
The Oaths of Allegiance: Forging Unity and Resolve
Wamuyu's political education was honed through the solemn oaths of the Mau Mau, each imbued with a fervent commitment to reclaim Kenya's stolen land. These oaths, rooted in history and resistance, instilled a sense of purpose and unity among the dispossessed. As she rose through the ranks, Wamuyu bore witness to the seventh oath, a solemn pledge reserved for those ready to embrace the mantle of violence in the pursuit of liberation.
Leading from the Frontlines: A Trailblazer Among Women
In the heart of Mount Kenya forest, Wamuyu commanded the Hika Hika Battalion under the esteemed General China. Her leadership prowess was unmatched as she organized and empowered over two hundred women, ensuring discipline and efficiency within her platoon. Her strategic acumen was put to the test in the Battle of Tumutumu Hills, where her audacious assault sent the enemy reeling.
A Beacon of Hope: Standing Tall Amidst Adversity
Wamuyu's journey extended beyond the confines of gender stereotypes, defying the notion of women as passive participants in the struggle. Her pivotal role in representing women's interests at leaders' meetings and her unwavering dedication to the cause cemented her legacy as a trailblazer. Even amidst the arrest of General China, Wamuyu's resolve remained unshaken as she aligned herself with Kimathi's fighters, advocating for gender equality and justice.
Legacy of Resilience: Inspiring Generations to Come
Gakuru, Wamuyu, alias Cinda Reri, epitomizes the indomitable spirit of Kenya's freedom fighters. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire generations, reminding us that the fight for freedom knows no gender. As we commemorate her legacy, let us pledge to honor her memory by championing equality, justice, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow for all.
Classified Kikuyu Oaths of Allegiance and War,
Because of the secrecy embodied in the oaths there appears to be little published about them. I came across these texts in a book about Mau-Mau. (I suspect the "Leader's Oath has been abbreviated as it is so much shorter than the first two)
The First Oath was sworn by all who joined the movement:
“(1) I speak the truth and swear before Ngai and everyone present here.
And by this Batumi Oath of Mungi
That if I am called upon to fight for our land,
To shed my blood for it,
I shall obey and never surrender.
And if I fail to do so:
- May this oath kill me
- May this thenge kill me
- May this seven kill me [ceremonial acts]
- May this meat kill me [eaten as part of the ritual]
“(2) I speak the truth . . .present here
And before the children of Kikuyu and Mumbi
That I shall never betray our country
That I shall never betray a member of Muingi to our enemies
Whether they be European, Asian, or African.
And that if I do this:
- May this oath etc
“(3) I speak the truth . . .present here
That if I am called upon at night or during a storm
To destroy the house or store of a European or other enemy
I shall do this without fear and never surrender
And if I fail to do this:
- May this oath etc
“(4) I speak the truth . . .present here
That is I am called upon to fight
Or to kill the enemy. I shall go
Even if the enemy be my father or mother or, my brother or my sister
And if I refuse:
- May this oath etc
“(5) I speak the truth . . .present here
That if the people of Muingi come by day or night
And ask me to hide them
I shall do so and I shall help them
And if I fail to do this:
- May this oath etc
"(6) I speak the truth . . .present here
That I shall never seduce the woman of another man
That I shall never take up with any prostitutes
That I shall never steal anything belonging to a member of the Muingi
Nor shall I ever hate or speak badly of another member
And if I fail to do these things:
- May this oath etc
"(7) I speak the truth . . .present here
And by this Batumi Oath of Muingi
That I shall never sell my country for money or any other thing
That I shall abide until death by all the vows I have made this day
That I shall never disclose our secrets to thje enemy
Nor shall I disclose them to anyone who is not a member of the Muingi
And if I break any of the vows I have consciously made
I will agree to any punishment that this society decides to give me
And if I fail to do these things:
- May this oath kill me
- May this thenge kill me
- May this seven kill me [ceremonial acts]
- May this meat kill me [eaten as part of the ritual]”
The Second Oath was administered to those who fought in the forests. The associated ritual was more elaborate and horrific than the First:
"(1) I swear before Ngai and the people who are here that I have today become a soldier of Kikuyu and Mumbi and I will from now onwards fight the real fight for the land and freedom of our country until we get it or until my last drop of blood.
Today I have set my first step [stepping over a line of the goat's small intestine] as a warrior.
I will never retreat. And if I ever retreat
May this soil and all its products be a curse upon me
"(2) I swear . . . last drop of blood.
If ever I am called to accompany a raid or bring the head of of an enemy, I shall obey and never give lame excuses. And if I ever refuse:
May this soil etc. . . .
"(3) I swear . . . last drop of blood.
I will never spy or inform on my people, and if I am ever sent to spy on our enemies I will always report the truth. And if I fail in this
May this soil etc. . . .
"(4) I swear . . . last drop of blood.
I will never reveal a raid or crime committed to any person who has not taken the Ngero Oath [Muma wa Ngero, Oath of Violence] and I will steal firearms wherever possible, And if I ever reveal our secret or fail to use or turn over to our warriors any firearms I acquire:
May this soil, etc. . . .
"(5) I swear . . . last drop of blood.
I will never leave a member in difficulty without trying to help him. And if I ever abandon a member in trouble:
May this soil etc. . . .
"(6) I swear . . . last drop of blood.
I will obey the orders of my leaders at all times without argument or complaints and will never fail to give them any money or goods taken in a raid and wull never hide any pillages or take them for myself. And if I fail in these things:
May this soil etc. . . .
"(7) I swear . . . last drop of blood.
I will never sell land to any white man. And if I sell:
May this soil and all its products be a curse upon me.”
The Third Oath was called the Leaders' Oath and was administered to those who were to become leaders:
"(1) I will never reveal the leader's secret to a warrior or any other person who is not a leader.
If I fail to do this may this oath kill me, If I lie may Ngai kill me.
"(2) I will never run away or surrender leaving my warriors behind.
If I fail etc. . .
"(3) I will never abandon the leadership of my people but I will go wherever my people would send me and do whatever they ask me to do in my country's name.
If I fail etc. . .
"(4) I will never degrade or criticize any leader in the presence of any warrior; and
If I fail etc. . .
"(5) I will never by any means cause or plan the injury or death of another leader.
If I fail etc. . .”
References:
Gakuru, Wamuyu. Interviewed at Ngorano Village, Nyeri.
Gachihi, M.W. (1986). The Role of Kikuyu Women In The Mau Mau.
Gachihi, M.W. (2014). Faith and Nationalism: Mau Mau and Christianity in Kikuyuland.
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