Kirk and the Egyptian Invasion of East Africa in 1875: A Reassessment

Abstract

This paper attempts to reassess the importance of the McKillop expedition of 1875 and also to re-examine Kirk's role in securing its withdrawal, which, according to the thesis associated with Coupland, was thought to have been crucial. This paper shows that Kirk did not secure McKillop's return, but that he played an important part in the formation of the policy that was adopted towards the expansion of Egypt in Africa, which was a direct result of the Egyptian invasion down the east coast. This invasion is placed not merely within the context of Ismail's designs in the Interlacustrine area but also of his designs in Somalia as well. The impact of the expedition is also considered, its effect on the slave-trade, on the religious attitudes of Muslims on the coast, and as a final factor stimulating the attempted formation of an East African Company.