#HistoryKeThread: The Lukenya Getaway 
On the night of 16th/17th September 1954, the Mau Mau staged an attack on Lukenya Prison, which was to the south of Athi River Detention Camp.
The prison was a sitting duck for various reasons.
Firstly, dozens of members of the Gîkûyû, Embu and Merû community were held there for passbook/kipande offences. Secondly, the prison was lightly guarded and, finally, was in the outskirts of Nairobi not known to have much, if any, Mau Mau activity.
According to author and former freedom fighter Henry K. Wachanga, the attack on the prison was led by one Kariuki “Maitho Mana” (four-eyed, or macho nne) and Mohamed Mathu.
Accompanied by over 30 Mau Mau fighters, the duo arrived and scouted the vicinity of the prison at about 8pm. Later in the night, taking advantage of the element of surprise, they sprung into action.
A few African guards were killed while a few others, caught by surprise, fled into the safety of the dark savannah bush. There was a lone European officer who was in charge of the prison. He was forced to barricade himself in his house.
More than 200 convicts were freed. The Mau Mau had brought a large supply of civilian clothing. The prisoners got rid of their prisoner garb and wore the civilian clothing that had been brought for them.
Some convicts were reluctant to make a getaway and were threatened with death. Between prison break and instant death sentence in prison, it wasn’t hard for them to make a choice of what to opt for.
At the prison armoury, the Mau Mau managed to get away with two rifles, three shotguns and one revolver.
