Remembering Jomo Kenyatta:Kenya’s First President, 46 Years After His Passing
By Presta, 22 August 2024
On this day, August 22, 1978, Kenya’s first Prime Minister and President, Jomo Kenyatta, passed away while still in office. Known as “The Burning Spear,” Kenyatta remains a towering figure in Kenya’s history.
For those who may not know, the iconic reggae artist Burning Spear was inspired by Kenyatta. The group’s name was originally a reference to a military award given by Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of independent Kenya.
Kenyatta’s path to leadership was not straightforward. He secured his freedom from prison after Oginga Odinga, Raila Odinga’s father, declined to form a government at the Lancaster Conference without Kenyatta being released.
However, Kenyatta, also known as Kamau Ngegi, couldn’t attend the conference as he was not yet a member of the Legislative Council (LegCo).
It was Kariuki Njiiri, the son of Senior Chief Njiiri Karanja (after whom Njiiris High School is named), who played a pivotal role in Kenyatta’s rise. Njiiri, who was then the LegCo Member of Parliament for Kigumo Constituency, vacated his seat for Kenyatta. This gesture allowed Kenyatta to ascend to the position of Prime Minister, marking a crucial step in his journey to becoming President.
Interestingly, decades later, on August 23, 2003, Kijana Wamalwa became the first Vice President to die in office, just a day after the anniversary of Kenyatta’s passing. August also marks the tragic death of the legendary Kikuyu gospel artist John DeMathew, who passed away in a grisly road accident.
For those in Kigumo, it’s worth remembering that your constituency played an integral role in helping Jomo Kenyatta ascend to power. If you studied at Njiiris High School, you now know the significant history behind the school’s name, rooted in the legacy of the Njiiri family and their contribution to Kenya’s independence.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Jomo Kenyatta, let us also acknowledge the important figures and events that shaped our nation’s history, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.