The resistance of the Nandi people during the construction of the Uganda railway line in East Africa was multifaceted and rooted in various grievances and concerns:
1. **Land Displacement**: The railway construction required vast stretches of land, leading to the displacement of Nandi communities from their ancestral territories. This loss of land threatened their way of life and cultural heritage.
2. **Loss of Livelihood**: The railway construction disrupted traditional livelihoods such as farming and grazing. Nandi people relied heavily on agriculture and cattle herding, which were adversely affected by the railway's intrusion into their lands.
3. **Economic Exploitation**: The railway project imposed forced labor on the Nandi people, who were compelled to work under harsh conditions without adequate compensation. This exploitation further fueled resentment and resistance.
4. **Cultural and Spiritual Significance**: The railway construction disregarded the sacred sites and cultural practices of the Nandi people. Many sacred places were desecrated or destroyed during the project, leading to outrage and resistance among the community.
5. **Loss of Autonomy**: The railway's presence threatened the autonomy and sovereignty of the Nandi people. It represented the encroachment of colonial authority and control over their territories, sparking resistance as a form of defiance against colonial oppression.
6. **Violence and Repression**: The colonial authorities responded to Nandi resistance with violence and repression, including punitive expeditions, arrests, and executions. This heavy-handed approach fueled further resistance and strengthened the resolve of the Nandi people to defend their rights and land.
7. **Solidarity and Leadership**: The Nandi resistance was bolstered by strong leadership and a sense of solidarity among the community. Leaders such as Koitalel arap Samoei emerged to organize and mobilize resistance efforts, rallying the Nandi people against the injustices of the railway project.
These reasons collectively fueled the Nandi resistance against the construction of the Uganda railway line, highlighting the deep-seated grievances and struggles faced by indigenous communities in the face of colonial exploitation and domination.