The name is absent

As this study shows, for over fifty years writers on the Mau Mau oath have
wrestled with defining, describing, labeling, and categorizing it. Initially oathing
was invented, distorted, and minimized by those able to control the discussions
mostly in print. The fictitious descriptions, images, and stories of Mau Mau and
the Mau Mau oath hid the inner meaning, structure, modernity, and importance.
Although recent historiography has begun questioning these initial accounts, the
impressions are difficult to erase. Unfortunately, these inventions also stole the
truth of the varied interpretations of Mau Mau history by dominating the
conversation. Mau Mau is a history that will continue to re-emerge until every
historian has had an opportunity to give proper treatment. However, the initial
colonial writings have unfortunately left a lopsided history that will take time to
restore.

This interrogation forces us to question how African knowledge and history
has been made and remade and reveals the challenges and opportunities related
to written sources. As in the Mau Mau court cases presented, the absence of
information was just as powerful as the presence of information. Why did the
accused only say “not guilty” instead of providing a detailed version of their story
on the stand? Was this an option? Were the statements removed? Was this all
they really had to add? Or were they silenced because of the threats of the oath?
There may be many reasons, but based on what we know about how this history
has been treated, it is important to consider different possibilities and
implications. Similarly, Carolyn Elkins questions the absence of the detailed Mau

237

<<   245   246   247   248   249   250   251   >>

More intriguing information