Mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya: an Epitome of Indigenous Pan

An Epitome of Indigenous Pan-Africanism: Jomo Kenyatta, Nationalism and Intellectual Production in Kenya

Kenneth O. Nyangena University of the Free State Department of Development Support. P.O. BOX 339, BLOEMFONTEIN 9300. South Africa. [email protected]

Abstract

This Paper seeks to discuss the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the founding president and head of state to the republic of Kenya. The paper focuses on Kenyatta as one of the pioneer and giant African Pan-Africanist, Nationalist and an intellectual. The period in focus will be between the years 1952 – 1978 when he died.

As a pan- Afrianist, the late Kenyatta together with other founding presidents such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Patrice Lumumba of the republic of Congo, Leopold Sengo of Senegal among others joined hands and spread the message and values of pan- Afrianism which includes intellectual, political and economic co-operation that would lead to political unity of Africa. Kenyatta and his colleagues emphasized on pan-Africanism spirit, which demands that riches of Africa be used for the benefit, upliftment, development and enjoyment of African people. The founding presidents saw Pan- Africanism as a system of equitably sharing food, clothing, homes, education and happiness among Africans. It is the outstanding African scholars, political scientists, historians and philosophers living in Africa and the Diaspora who developed pan-Africanism that was conceived in the womb of Africa and a product made in Africa by Africans.

This paper will therefore focus on Kenyatta`s role in fostering pan- African ideologies for the continent of Africa. Having been influenced by Nationalism, Kenyatta sought to address the inter-related issues of power, identity politics, self-assertion and autonomy for Kenya, himself and African continent. His activities in his struggle for independence and democratic governance in Kenya evidence this. His role in initiating the spirit of (Harambee) Nationhood among the diverse ethnic groups of Kenya is particularly well recognized, appreciated and approved by Kenyans. The spirit of Harambee has in particular seen Kenyans fundraise for schools; churches and many development projects that have seen Kenya take strides in various spheres of development. This paper will therefore also seek to give a critical examination of the challenges faced and caused by Kenyatta as a statesman in his leadership styles especially the way he dealt with emerging opposition in his cabinet.

Finally, the paper seeks to discuss Kenyatta as an intellectual. As a trained anthropologist and an Author, Kenyatta contributed immensely in knowledge production In Kenya and Africa as a continent. He published books such as facing Mount Kenya that talks about his tribe the Gikuyu, and their traditional life. The paper will be descriptive in nature. Literature review will therefore mainly relied on..

Date de réception: 15/08/03 Fichier: Kenneth_O_Nyangena.doc