This Day in History: Jomo Kenyatta Elected as Kenya’s First President in 1964

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Jomo Kenyatta, President of Kenya holds the inevitable flywhisk as he addresses a huge rally to mark Kenyatta in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 20, 1966. (AP Photo)
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On Dec. 12, 1964, Jomo Kenyatta was elected the first president of the newly independent Kenya, marking a historic milestone for the nation.

Born Kamau wa Ngengi on Oct. 20, 1893, in British East Africa, Kenyatta rose to prominence as a champion for land rights after white settlers seized Kenyan territories.

Secretary of State Henry Kissinger shakes hands with Kenya president Jomo Kenyatta at the the State House in Nakura as Kissinger begins his two-week tour of back Africa on Sunday, April 25, 1976. Both men pledged their respective countries? mutual cooperation. Looking on is Kenya’s Vice President Daniel Arap Moi. (AP Photo)

Kenyatta’s political journey began with the East African Association, which led him to London to oppose British plans for an East African union. He spent 15 years abroad, studying and advocating for African rights.

Kenyatta’s influence endured, culminating in Kenya’s independence in 1963 and his presidency until 1978, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s identity and governance.


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