Origins The KLFA's membership consisted largely of the
Kikuyu people, many of whom had their lands confiscated by British colonial officials and given to white
settlers during the early 20th century. The KLFA espoused
African nationalist and
anti-colonial ideologies, and was led by
Dedan Kimathi for most of its existence. During the rebellion, thousands of KFLA insurgents were killed by the British, including 1,090 people who were executed by the colonial authorities. Official numbers state that 11,000 insurgents were killed, though the
Kenya Human Rights Commission has estimated that "90,000 Kenyans were executed, tortured or maimed during the crackdown, and 160,000 were detained in appalling conditions".
Oxford University professor David Anderson estimated that up to 25,000 people were killed during the conflict. The colonial administration also interned at least 80,000 Kenyans suspected of being affiliated with the KFLA in
detention camps, with some estimates of the number of detainees being as high as 320,000 people.
Torture was widespread against detainees, and in 1959 11 prisoners were killed by camp guards in the
Hola massacre. The KFLA also committed numerous atrocities, including the
Lari massacre, and murdered at least 1,819 Kenyan civilians.
Structure A KFLA
platoon consisted between 500 and 2,000 insurgents. If the platoon numbered in the thousands, its
general was assisted by a
colonel and a
brigadier. == Aftermath and impact ==