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Jomo Kenyatta

? – 1978 Kenyan Independence leader, first President of Kenya

Kenya's founding president, jailed by the British during Mau Mau.

Religion
Christian
Affiliations
Kenya African National Union (KANU), Kenya African Union

Jomo Kenyatta (born around the 1890s, exact year uncertain) became the leading voice of Kenyan nationalism after years organizing in Britain. The colonial government tried and imprisoned him during the Mau Mau Emergency, though his direct role in the uprising is debated. Released in 1961, he led Kenya to independence in 1963 and served as its first president until his death, pursuing reconciliation with settlers while consolidating power.

Works in the library

Connections

  • rival of Bildad Kaggia — Jailed alongside him, later broke with him over land and was publicly rebuked.
  • mentor of Bronislaw Malinowski — Supervised Kenyatta's ethnography and wrote the introduction to Facing Mount Kenya.
  • associate of Charles Njonjo — Served as his Attorney General for the whole of Kenyatta's presidency.
  • successor of Daniel arap Moi — Served as his vice-president and succeeded him in 1978.
  • rival of J.M. Kariuki — A critic from within KANU; suspicion for his murder fell on figures close to Kenyatta, though it was never proven.
  • family of Mama Ngina Kenyatta — His fourth wife.
  • successor of Mwai Kibaki — Kibaki served in Kenyatta governments before becoming a later president of Kenya.
  • rival of Ngugi wa Thiong'o — Detained without trial under Kenyatta's government over his Gikuyu-language theatre.
  • rival of Oginga Odinga — Served as his vice-president, then broke away in opposition and was detained.
  • associate of Ras Makonnen — Moved to Kenya at Kenyatta's invitation.
  • associate of Tom Mboya — Served as a leading minister in his government.
  • family of Uhuru Kenyatta — Jomo Kenyatta was Uhuru father and Kenya founding president.

In the timeline