Defeating Mau Mau

by Louis Leakey

The second of two important books by Louis Leakey, the renowned expert on the Kikuyu tribe. This book examines the organisation of the Mau Mau movement, its propaganda, the nature of its religious aspects and its oaths and the mistakes its leaders made as well as covering chapters on necessary reforms to prevent further outbreaks of a similar nature.

Genres: History, Africa

162 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2004

About the author

Louis Seymour Bazett Leakey was a British archaeologist and naturalist whose work was important in establishing human evolutionary development in Africa. He also played a major role in creating organizations for future research in Africa and for protecting wildlife there. Having been a prime mover in establishing a tradition of palaeoanthropological inquiry, he was able to motivate the next generation to continue it, notably within his own family, many of whom also became prominent. Leakey participated in national events of British East Africa and Kenya during the 1950s.

Louis Leakey was married to Mary Leakey, who made the noteworthy discovery of fossil footprints at Laetoli. Found preserved in volcanic ash in Tanzania, they are the earliest record of bipedal gait. He is also the father of paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey and the botanist Colin Leakey.