Scores of people, including a Chief, are killed in Lari, Kenya, following an attack by Mau Mau freedom fighters

On 26 March 1953, close to 100 people were killed and scores of others injured at Lari in Kiambu region, Kenya, when Mau Mau freedom fighters attacked the area. Among the casualties was chief Luka from Lari, who was known for ill treating his own people  as an indication of his loyalty to the British government. Following the death of Luka, Britain launched an operation which left thousands of Kikuyu dead.The massacre followed the eruption of violence on 20 October 1952 as the Mau Mau protested the arrest of Jomo Kenyatta and five of his comrades. Many Kenyan people regard Lari massacre as the day that changed the political situation in the country and led to Kenya gaining its full sovereignty from Britain in 1963. According to Phelomena Nduka Chief Luka’s first wife, the Lari people were hated because they refused to take the Mau Mau oath. Kanyi wa Mwaura, Mau Mau loyalist said during an interview with NTV Kenya that they had had enough of the home-guards and it was time for them to act. “We ran out of patience and decided to confront them”. She said.  Even today the area still bears the dark memories of the past although the people of Kenya have found peace and ultimately moved on.