Jomo Kenyatta

Jomo Kenyatta (October 20, 1892?–August 22, 1978) was an African politician, the first Prime Minister (1963–1964) and President (1964–1978) of an independent Kenya. He is considered the founding father of the Kenyan Nation.

Leadership

The state of emergency was lifted in December 1960. In 1961, both successors of the former KAU party, the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) demanded his release. On May 14, 1960, Kenyatta was elected KANU president in absentia. He was fully released on August 21, 1961. He was admitted into the Legislative Council the next year when one member handed over his seat, and contributed to the creation of a new constitution. His initial attempt to reunify KAU failed.

Related Topics:
1960 - 1961 - Kenya African National Union - Kenya African Democratic Union - May 14 - August 21 - Legislative Council

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In elections in May 1963 Kenyatta's KANU won 83 seats out of 124. On June 1 Kenyatta became prime minister of the autonomous Kenyan government, and was known as mzee (a Swahili word meaning old man or elder). At this stage he asked white settlers not to leave Kenya and supported reconciliation. He retained the role of prime minister after independence was declared on December 12, 1963. In 1964, Kenya became a republic, with Kenyatta as executive president.

Related Topics:
1963 - June 1 - Swahili - December 12 - 1964 - Republic

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Kenyatta's policy was conciliatory and he kept many colonial civil servants in their old jobs. He had to ask for British troops' help against Somali revolts in the northeast and an army mutiny in Nairobi (January 1964). Some British troops remained in the country. On November 10, 1964, KADU's representatives joined the ranks of KANU, forming a single party.

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Kenyatta instituted relatively peaceful land reform, oversaw Kenya's joining the United Nations, and concluded trade agreements with Milton Obote's Uganda and Julius Nyerere's Tanzania. He pursued a non-aligned foreign policy. Stability attracted foreign investment and he was an influential figure everywhere in Africa. However, his authoritarian policies drew criticism and caused dissent.

Related Topics:
United Nations - Milton Obote - Uganda - Julius Nyerere - Tanzania - Non-aligned

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Kenyatta was re-elected in 1966 and the next year gained extended powers. This term brought border conflicts with Somalia and more political opposition. He made the Kĩkũyũ-led KANU practically the only political party of Kenya. His security forces harassed dissidents and were linked in public to various murders of opposition figures. He was re-elected again in 1974. He died on August 22, 1978 in Mombasa and was buried on August 31 in Nairobi.

Related Topics:
1966 - Somalia - 1974 - August 22 - 1978 - Mombasa - August 31

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Kenyatta was a colorful and controversial figure. His death left the Kenyan republic once more at risk from tribal rivalries. He was succeeded by Daniel arap Moi.

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Preceded by:-

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Presidents of Kenya

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Followed by:Daniel arap Moi

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Jomo Kenyatta's books:

• Facing Mt. Kenya (1938)
• Suffering Without Bitterness (biography 1968)

See also: List of African writers

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