Waruhiu Itote (1922 – 30 April 1993, aged 70-71), nom de guerre General China, was one of the key leaders of the Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960) in British Kenya alongside Dedan Kimathi, Stanley Mathenge, Kurito ole Kisio, Musa Mwariama and Muthoni Kirima.
Itote was the first senior Mau Mau leader to be captured by the government, when he fell into a trap in 1954. He was jailed alongside future Kenyan president Jomo Kenyatta.
Because of his cooperation with the colonial government, Itote's legacy is often controversial. To most of his compatriots, he was a turn-coat who saved his neck by betraying others.[1] He is regarded one of the few moderates among the Mau Mau leadership[2]