 |
| Image of Jomo Kenyatta |
Jomo Kenyatta was born to Moigoi and Wamboi in a small agricultural village within the Gatundu Division of the Kiambu District, one of the five administrative districts in the Central Highlands of British East Africa, which is now known as Kenya.
Following the early passing of his father Moigoi, Kamau was traditionally adopted by his uncle Ngengi, thus becoming Kamau wa Ngengi. Ngengi assumed the chiefdom and also took responsibility for Moigoi's widow, Wamboi.
After the loss of his mother during the birth of his brother James Moigoi, Kamau went to live with his grandfather, Kungu Mangana, a respected medicine man in the region.
Around the age of 10, Kamau faced health issues and underwent surgery for an infection at the Church of Scotland Mission in Thogoto, approximately 19 kilometers north of Nairobi.
Impressed by his first interactions with Europeans, Kamau resolved to attend the mission school.
He left home and became a resident student at the mission, studying various subjects including the Bible, English, mathematics, and carpentry.
Kamau financed his education by working as a houseboy and cook for a nearby White settler.
Read Also:
British East Africa During World War I
During World War I, in 1912, Kamau completed his education at the mission school and embarked on an apprenticeship as a carpenter.
The subsequent year marked his initiation ceremonies, including circumcision. In August 1914, Kamau received baptism at the Church of Scotland mission, initially adopting the name John Peter Kamau before swiftly changing it to Johnson Kamau. With newfound purpose, he left the mission for Nairobi in pursuit of employment.
Initially, Kamau honed his carpentry skills as an apprentice on a sisal farm in Thika, working under the guidance of John Cook, who oversaw the building program at Thogoto.
As the war progressed, British authorities compelled able-bodied Kikuyu individuals into labor.
To evade this fate, Kamau relocated to Narok, where he resided among the Maasai and secured a position as a clerk for an Asian contractor.
During this period, he began wearing a traditional beaded belt called a 'Kenyatta,' a Swahili term signifying 'light of Kenya.'
Read Also:
The Heroic Freedom Fighter, Dedan Kimathi
Marriage and Family
In 1919, he encountered Grace Wahu, whom he married in accordance with Kikuyu traditions.
Upon learning of Grace's pregnancy, church elders insisted that they undergo a marriage ceremony before a European magistrate and fulfill the requisite church rites. (The civil ceremony was formalized in November 1922.)
On 20 November 1920, Kamau welcomed his first son, Peter Muigai. Alongside various other occupations during this period, Kamau served as an interpreter in the Nairobi High Court and operated a store from his residence in Dagoretti, a neighborhood in Nairobi.
In 1922, Kamau adopted the name Jomo, a Kikuyu moniker meaning 'burning spear,' and commenced employment with the Nairobi Municipal Council Public Works Department.
Under the supervision of John Cook, who held the position of Water Superintendent, Kamau worked as a store clerk and water-meter reader. This period marked the inception of his political journey.
The preceding year, Harry Thuku, a well-educated and esteemed Kikuyu, established the East African Association (EAA) to advocate for the return of Kikuyu lands appropriated by white settlers following Kenya's transition to a British Crown Colony in 1920. Kenyatta joined the EAA in 1922.
The Beginning of Kenyatta’s Journey in Politics
In 1925, facing governmental pressure, the East African Association (EAA) disbanded, yet its members regrouped to form the Kikuyu Central Association (KCA), led by James Beauttah and Joseph Kangethe.
Kenyatta assumed the role of editor for the KCA's journal from 1924 to 1929, and by 1928, he ascended to the position of general secretary for the KCA, relinquishing his municipal job to dedicate more time to his political pursuits.
In May 1928, Kenyatta initiated the publication of a monthly Kikuyu-language newspaper named Mwigwithania, translating to 'he who brings together.'
The objective of this publication was to unite all segments of the Kikuyu community. Operating with the support of an Asian-owned printing press, the newspaper adopted a modest and conciliatory tone, earning the tolerance of British authorities.
The Uncertain Future of the Territory
Amid concerns over the future of its East African territories, the British government contemplated the formation of a union comprising Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika.
While this proposition garnered full support from white settlers in the Central Highlands, it posed a grave threat to Kikuyu interests.
There were fears that self-government would be granted to the settlers, disregarding the rights of the Kikuyu people.
In February 1929, Kenyatta was dispatched to London to represent the Kikuyu Central Association (KCA) in discussions with the Colonial Office.
However, the Secretary of State for the Colonies declined to meet him. Undeterred, Kenyatta penned several letters to British publications, including The Times.
His letter, published in The Times in March 1930, outlined five key points:
Ensuring secure land tenure and the return of land taken by European settlers.
Enhancing educational opportunities for Black Africans.
Repealing hut and poll taxes.
Securing representation for Black Africans in the Legislative Council.
Upholding the freedom to practice traditional customs, including the controversial issue of female genital mutilation.
Kenyatta's letter concluded with a stark warning that a failure to address these concerns "must inevitably result in a dangerous explosion — the one thing all sane men wish to avoid."
Upon his return to Kenya on September 24, 1930, landing in Mombasa, Kenyatta had achieved success in only one of his objectives: securing the right to establish independent educational institutions for Black Africans.
Advocating for the Kikuyu
Kenyatta made strides in advancing the cause of independent African educational institutions, despite facing opposition from colonial authorities. This marked the beginning of his ongoing resistance against colonialism.
In May 1931, Kenyatta embarked on another journey to London to represent the KCA before a Parliamentary Commission on the 'Closer Union of East Africa.' Once again, he found himself disregarded, even with the support of Liberals in the House of Commons.
Ultimately, the British government abandoned its plan for the proposed union. Kenyatta then relocated north to Birmingham, where he enrolled in a college for a year, remaining away from Kenya for the next 15 years.
Upon completing his studies in Birmingham, Kenyatta returned to London. In June 7 1932, he testified before the Morris Carter Kenya Land Commission, advocating for Kikuyu land claims.
Although the report was not published until 1934, it led to the return of some appropriated territories to the Kikuyu. However, the colonial administration largely upheld its 'White Highlands' policy, which confined the Kikuyu to reservations.
Education in the Soviet Union
In August 1932, Kenyatta, a member of the Communist Party, journeyed to Moscow to pursue studies in economics at Moscow State University.
His educational venture was sponsored by the Caribbean Pan-Africanist, George Padmore. However, Kenyatta's time in Moscow was cut short when Padmore fell out of favor with Soviet authorities.
Upon his return to London, Kenyatta reconnected with fellow Black nationalists and Pan-Africanists. Notably, he participated in protests against the Italian invasion of Abyssinia in 1936.
Further Studies in London
In 1934, Kenyatta commenced his academic journey at University College, London, where he engaged in research for Arthur Ruffell Barlow's English-Kikuyu Dictionary.
The following year, he transitioned to the London School of Economics to delve into social anthropology under the mentorship of the esteemed Polish anthropologist, Bronislaw Malinowski.
Malinowski's influence on Kenyatta was profound; as a pioneering ethnographer and the architect of functionalism in social anthropology, he guided Kenyatta in exploring Kikuyu culture and tradition for his thesis.
Kenyatta's thesis eventually materialized into the seminal work, "Facing Mount Kenya," published in 1938.
This book remains a cornerstone in understanding Kikuyu traditions, celebrated for its accessibility to Western readers.
However, Kenyatta's portrayal of the robust values embedded in Kikuyu society sparked controversy, particularly his staunch endorsement of female circumcision.
He argued that this practice was so integral to Kikuyu culture that abolishing it, as advocated by colonial authorities and missionaries in Kenya, would jeopardize the culture as a whole.
World War II
Separated from the banned Kikuyu Central Association (KCA) due to World War II's upheaval in Britain, Kenyatta persisted in advocating for Kikuyu rights.
Despite the challenges, he authored numerous books and pamphlets, including a comprehensive study of the Kikuyu language.
To support himself and avoid conscription, Kenyatta took on roles as a farm laborer and lectured for the Workers' Educational Association. He even made a brief appearance as an extra in Alexander Korda's film "Sanders of the River" (1943).
In May 1942, Kenyatta entered into his second marriage with an English governess named Edna Clark, welcoming his second son, Peter Magana, in August 1942.
Read Also:
Pan-Africanism in London and Manchester
Amidst the wartime backdrop, Kenyatta forged connections with a cadre of anti-colonial activists and African nationalists hailing from various parts of the African continent and the Diaspora. Dr. Hastings Banda, the future president of Malawi, found himself stranded in London during World War II, and his residence became a pivotal meeting spot for Kenyatta and other notable figures such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, novelist
Peter Abrahams from South Africa, journalist Isaac Wallace-Johnson representing Sierra Leone, Harry Mawaanga Nkubula from Northern Rhodesia, and Caribbean intellectuals George Padmore and CLR James. Together, they laid the groundwork for the Pan-African Federation.
Fifth Pan-African Congress
The inaugural Pan-African Congress, organized by WEB Du Bois, took place in Paris in 1919 (an earlier gathering in London in 1900 did not adopt the title 'Pan-African').
Subsequent congresses were convened in 1921, 1923, and 1927. In October 1945, in London, George Padmore and Kwame Nkrumah orchestrated the fifth and final congress to be held in Manchester.
The following year saw the formal establishment of the Pan-African Federation. Ninety delegates attended, representing roughly equal thirds from Africa, the West Indies, and British institutions and organizations.
At 77 years old, WEB Du Bois presided over the congress. Discussions revolved around strategies for nationalist movements across Africa, calling for independence from colonial rule, an end to racial discrimination, and the foundation for African unity.
Despite its significance, the congress received scant attention from the international press.
Return to Kenya
Kenyatta returned to Kenya in September 1946, leaving behind his British wife Edna. He remarried Grace Wanjiku (who tragically passed away in childbirth in 1950) and assumed the role of principal at the Kenya Teachers College in Githunguri.
He was also appointed to lead the newly formed Kenya African Union (KAU), ultimately becoming its president in 1947.
Over the ensuing years, Kenyatta traversed Kenya, delivering lectures and championing the cause of independence. In September 1951, he entered into his fourth marriage with Ngina Muhoho.
Mau Mau Rebellion
The Kenyan Crown Colony remained under the dominance of white settler interests, and Kenyatta's forewarning in The Times in 1930 materialized in the form of the Mau Mau Rebellion.
Viewed as a threat due to his advocacy for independence and support for nationalism, Kenyatta was implicated in the Mau Mau movement by British authorities, leading to his arrest on October 21, 1952.
The subsequent trial, marred by perjured witnesses and a hostile judge, garnered global attention, despite colonial attempts to frame it as a mere 'criminal' matter.
On April 8, 1953, Kenyatta was sentenced to seven years of hard labor for "managing the Mau Mau terrorist organization."
He spent the following six years at Lokitaung before being relocated to 'permanent restriction' at Lodwar, a remote desert army post, on April 14, 1959. With the Mau Mau Rebellion quelled by the British Army, the State of Emergency was lifted on November 10.
Read Also:
What’s Jamhuri Day? Everything You Need to Know
The Road to Presidency
During Kenyatta's imprisonment, the leadership of the nationalist movement was assumed by Tom Mboya and Oginga Odinga.
Under their direction, the Kenya African Union (KAU) merged with the Kenya Independent Movement, forming the Kenya African National Union (KANU) on June 11, 1960.
In response, the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) emerged as an opposing force, representing various ethnic groups such as the Maasai, Samburu, Kalenjin, and Turkana.
Kenyatta's 15-year absence from Kenya proved advantageous. He was perceived by many Black Kenyans as a figure free from the ethnic biases and internal conflicts plaguing the emerging political parties.
In absentia, Kenyatta was elected president of KANU and campaigned for his release, which was finally granted on August 21, 1961, under the condition that he abstain from running for public office.
Independence for Kenya
By 1960, the British government had conceded to the principle of one person, one vote for Kenya.
In 1962, Kenyatta represented Kenya at the Lancaster Conference in London, negotiating the terms of independence.
In May 1963, KANU emerged victorious in the pre-independence election, forming a provisional government.
On December 12 of the same year, Kenya attained independence, with Kenyatta assuming the role of prime minister.
Exactly one year later, Kenya was declared a republic, and Kenyatta was inaugurated as its first president.
Transition to a Single-Party State
Initially, Kenyatta's administration sought to appeal to all segments of the population by appointing government officials from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
However, this strategy aimed more at preventing the emergence of ethnically-based opposition than fostering genuine inclusivity. Nonetheless, the core of his government was predominantly Kikuyu.
The Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) eventually merged with KANU on November 10, 1964, effectively establishing Kenya as a single-party state with Kenyatta at the helm.
Kenyatta also endeavored to earn the trust of white settlers in the Central Highlands by advocating for conciliation.
He urged them to remain in the country and contribute to its economic and social progress, coining the slogan "Harambee!" meaning "let's all pull together" in Swahili.
Increasingly Authoritarian Approach
Contrary to the calls from African socialists to nationalize property, Kenyatta pursued a pro-Western, capitalist approach.
His stance alienated some figures within his government, including his first vice-president, Oginga Odinga.
However, Kenyatta demonstrated unwavering resolve in maintaining his grip on power. Dissent was swiftly dealt with, resulting in the detention of political opponents and mysterious deaths of critics.
Assassination of Tom Mboya
The year 1969 saw the assassination of Tom Mboya, a Luo ally of Kenyatta's who was speculated to be his successor.
Mboya's murder on July 5 sparked tension and violence between the Luo and Kikuyu communities.
Despite the upheaval, Kenyatta's position remained unaffected, and he secured re-election for a second presidential term later that year.
End of an Era
By 1974, after a decade of economic growth fueled by exports and Western aid, Kenyatta won a third presidential term, although he was the sole candidate.
However, cracks began to emerge as Kenyatta's family and political allies amassed wealth at the expense of the average Kenyan.
Additionally, a small clique of elites, known as the Kiambu Mafia, profited significantly from land redistribution policies.
In 1967, Daniel Arap Moi, a Kalenjin, became Kenyatta's vice president. When Kenyatta suffered a second heart attack in 1977, concerns arose within the Kiambu Mafia over the succession plan outlined in the constitution, which stipulated that the vice president would assume the presidency upon the president's death. Despite efforts to amend this rule, Kenyatta upheld Moi's position.
Legacy
Jomo Kenyatta passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 22, 1978.
Daniel Arap Moi succeeded him as Kenya's second president, promising to continue Kenyatta's legacy under a system called Nyayo, meaning 'footsteps' in Swahili.
Despite controversies surrounding corruption, Kenyatta's tenure was marked by political and economic stability.
He maintained friendly relations with Western nations, despite his past treatment by the British colonial authorities.
In addition to his contributions to Kikuyu culture and traditions documented in "Facing Mount Kenya," Kenyatta published a memoir in 1968 titled "Suffering Without Bitterness," which recounted his experiences and speeches.
Comments
Post a Comment