The Mau Mau revolt in Kenya had its origin in the occupation of Kikuyu land by the British. The Kikuyu people, who were the largest ethnic group in Kenya, were displaced from their lands, which were then occupied by European settlers. The Kikuyu people saw this as a violation of their rights and responded by forming the Mau Mau movement to fight for their land and independence. The movement became more militant after the colonial government responded with violence and repression.