Which African country experienced a violent resistance movement against British colonial rule known as the Mau Mau rebellion?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which African country had the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule.

Step 2: Explain the concept The Mau Mau rebellion (also called the Mau Mau Uprising, 1952-1960) was an armed revolt against British colonial rule in Kenya. It was led mainly by members of the Kikuyu ethnic group, along with the Embu and Meru peoples. Their main grievances were:

• Loss of fertile land to white settlers (the "White Highlands")
• Forced labour and heavy taxation
• Political exclusion and racial discrimination

The British declared a State of Emergency in 1952 and responded with harsh measures, including detention camps. Jomo Kenyatta was arrested and jailed, though he was accused of leading the movement. Kenya eventually gained independence in 1963, and Kenyatta became its first Prime Minister and later President.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Sudan: Governed under the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium. It gained independence in 1956 mostly through political negotiation, with no Mau Mau.
• B. Kenya: Correct. This is where the Mau Mau uprising took place.
• C. Ghana: Its independence struggle (1957) was largely non-violent, led by Kwame Nkrumah through "Positive Action" and the CPP.
• D. Nigeria: Independence in 1960 came through constitutional conferences and negotiation, not a violent uprising like Mau Mau.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. Kenya.

Exam tip: Link "Mau Mau" with "Kenya" and "Kikuyu" and "Kenyatta" (all K's). Also remember the contrast: Ghana and Nigeria are usually associated with peaceful or constitutional routes to independence, while Kenya (Mau Mau), Algeria (FLN war against France), and Angola/Mozambique/Guinea-Bissau (against Portugal) are associated with armed struggle.