Massacre at Ribo Post: Expansion and Expediency on the Colonial Frontier in East Africa*

摘要: The colonial conquest of East Africa was a protracted and haphazard business spanning three decades, first begun in the early 1890s but not completed until 1919. As frontier advanced, there were many episodes resistance also examples capitulation collaboration.1 best survey this complex period is surely to be found John Lonsdale's two essays on subject, dealing with British African Protectorate between 1895 1905, second focusing more specifically upon events Western Kenya 1894 1908.2 At level Protectorate, Lonsdale identifies "three distinct phases" territory. these saw Britain dominate coast through influence sultan Zanzibar, penetration inland being carried out by Imperial Company (IBEAC). In phase, from 1901, declaration protectorates over Uganda (Kenya), interests rallied protect road construct railway linking Indian Ocean Lake Victoria (Nyanza). third commencing railway's completion control finally extended broader front, violence alongside economic incorporation political accommodation. Narrowing his focus Luyia, Luo, Gusii polities region, offers detailed subtle examination phases. seen process uneven sporadic, violent at times compliant local politics other moments. here discerns five sequential phases six-year period: (1) coexistence, August June 1895; (2) ascendancy, July March 1897, driven enhanced military capacity; (3) coexistence again, April 1897 1898, function limited resources fragility authority; (4) domination, 1898 1900, restoration firmer authority characterized willingness deploy coercive force exploit allies; (5) control, May 1900 onwards, consolidation power formalization co-option allies within structures regime. sequence reveals that triumph colonizer seldom inevitable, frequently deflected limitations resources, often than opportunities afforded dynamics politics. success usually dependent confederates. extension therefore coordinated orderly advance, spasmodic opportunistic struggle for ascendancy environment both obscure unpredictable. account conquest, like those Godfrey Muriuki, Peter Rogers, Richard Waller parts rightly gives prominence concern Sclater's road, then railway.3 Until 1901 little attempt extend beyond horizon. One notable exception Baringo region northern Rift Valley, where 1899 made bold-perhaps even reckless-attempt, far north connected Mombasa great lake. advance into prompted desire rich ivory trade regions, hope would bring much-needed revenue coffers administration.4 difficulty task seriously underestimated. Since only dimly aware workings trade, without any established base support among Kalenjin-speaking peoples who dominated completely supply small pockets Maa-speaking allies, imperial venture proved premature. …