Jomo Kenyatta Caused Discontent During His Rule in Kenya By

Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, is a towering figure in African history. While celebrated as a freedom fighter and the father of the nation, his tenure as president was not without controversy. This article explores how Jomo Kenyatta caused discontent during his rule in Kenya by examining various aspects of his governance and policies.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Rise to Power

Before delving into the causes of discontent, it’s essential to understand Kenyatta’s background:

Born circa 1897 in Gatundu, British East Africa (now Kenya)
Educated in mission schools and later studied in London
Became involved in the Kikuyu Central Association in the 1920s
Led the Kenya African National Union (KANU) in the fight for independence
Became Prime Minister in 1963 and President in 1964

Land Distribution and Economic Policies

One of the primary ways Jomo Kenyatta caused discontent during his rule in Kenya by was through his approach to land distribution and economic policies.

The Land Question

Kenyatta’s “willing buyer, willing seller” policy favored wealthy Kenyans
Many former white-owned farms went to Kikuyu elites rather than landless Kenyans
This exacerbated existing tribal tensions and economic disparities

Economic Inequality

Focus on capitalist policies led to widening wealth gaps
Rural areas often neglected in favor of urban development
Accusations of nepotism and favoritism in business dealings

Tribal Politics and Kikuyu Dominance

Another significant way Jomo Kenyatta caused discontent during his rule in Kenya by was through perceived tribal favoritism.

Kikuyu Appointments

Disproportionate number of Kikuyu in government positions
Key ministries and parastatals often headed by Kikuyu individuals
Perception of marginalization among other ethnic groups

The GEMA Alliance

Formation of the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru Association (GEMA)
GEMA seen as a tool for maintaining Kikuyu political and economic dominance
Increased resentment from non-GEMA communities

Political Repression and Authoritarianism

Kenyatta’s leadership style became increasingly authoritarian over time, leading to discontent.

One-Party State

KANU became the sole legal political party in 1969
Opposition voices were silenced or co-opted
Limited political freedoms and democratic space

Detention Without Trial

Use of preventive detention laws against political opponents
Notable detainees included Oginga Odinga and Jean-Marie Seroney
Created a climate of fear and suppressed dissent

Assassination of Political Rivals

The mysterious deaths of prominent politicians during Kenyatta’s era fueled discontent and suspicion.

Tom Mboya

Rising star in Kenyan politics, seen as a potential successor to Kenyatta
Assassinated in 1969, causing widespread anger, especially among Luo community
Government’s handling of the case raised questions about involvement

J.M. Kariuki

Outspoken critic of government corruption and inequality
Found murdered in 1975, with many suspecting high-level involvement
His death further eroded trust in Kenyatta’s government

Corruption and Nepotism

Jomo Kenyatta caused discontent during his rule in Kenya by allowing corruption to flourish and engaging in nepotism.

State Capture

Key economic sectors controlled by Kenyatta family and associates
Land grabbing and irregular allocation of public resources
Creation of a wealthy political elite at the expense of the masses

Family Wealth

Kenyatta family amassed significant wealth during his presidency
Questions raised about the sources of this wealth
Perception of the presidency as a means for personal enrichment

Foreign Policy and Cold War Politics

Kenyatta’s foreign policy decisions also contributed to discontent among certain segments of the population.

Pro-Western Stance

Close alignment with Western powers, particularly the UK and USA
Seen by some as neo-colonialism or betrayal of pan-African ideals
Strained relations with neighboring Tanzania and Uganda

Suppression of Left-Wing Politics

Crackdown on socialist and communist-leaning politicians
Marginalization of figures like Oginga Odinga and Bildad Kaggia
Alienated supporters of more radical economic policies

Educational and Cultural Policies

While Kenyatta expanded access to education, some of his policies in this area caused discontent.

Language Policy

Emphasis on English and Swahili at the expense of local languages
Perceived as cultural imperialism by some communities
Concerns about loss of indigenous knowledge and traditions

Curriculum Focus

Emphasis on Western-style education
Neglect of traditional African knowledge systems
Criticism for producing graduates ill-equipped for local realities

Regional Development Disparities

Uneven development across different regions of Kenya was another way Jomo Kenyatta caused discontent during his rule in Kenya by his policies and resource allocation.

Central Kenya Favoritism

Disproportionate infrastructure development in Central Kenya
Better access to education and healthcare facilities in Kikuyu-dominated areas
Resentment from other regions feeling left behind

Neglect of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Limited investment in Northern and North-Eastern Kenya
Persistent poverty and underdevelopment in these regions
Feelings of marginalization among pastoralist communities

The Shifta War and Treatment of Somalis

The handling of the Shifta War and subsequent treatment of ethnic Somalis in Kenya caused significant discontent.

Military Operation

Heavy-handed military response to Somali secessionists
Civilian casualties and human rights abuses
Long-lasting trauma in affected communities

Discrimination Against Somalis

Implementation of restrictive policies against ethnic Somalis
Requirement for special passes and movement restrictions
Erosion of trust between Somali Kenyans and the central government

Environmental and Conservation Policies

Kenyatta’s approach to environmental issues and wildlife conservation also led to some discontent.

Land Use Changes

Conversion of wildlife habitats to agricultural land
Displacement of communities for conservation projects
Conflicts between human settlements and wildlife

Poaching Crisis

Failure to effectively address the growing poaching problem
Allegations of high-level involvement in ivory trade
Damage to Kenya’s international reputation

Labor Relations and Trade Union Suppression

The relationship between the Kenyatta government and labor movements was often tense, causing discontent among workers.

Cooption of Trade Unions

Attempts to bring trade unions under government control
Suppression of independent labor voices
Erosion of workers’ rights and bargaining power

Strike Breaking

Harsh responses to workers’ strikes and protests
Use of security forces to quell labor unrest
Deterioration of working conditions in various sectors

Health Care and Social Services

While there were improvements in health care access, certain aspects of Kenyatta’s policies in this area caused discontent.

Urban-Rural Divide

Concentration of health facilities in urban areas
Limited access to quality healthcare in rural regions
Persistence of preventable diseases in underserved areas

Cost-Sharing Policies

Introduction of fees for previously free health services
Increased financial burden on poor families
Criticism for undermining the principle of universal healthcare

The Question of Constitutional Reform

Kenyatta’s resistance to substantial constitutional reforms was another source of discontent.

Centralization of Power

Amendments that increased presidential powers
Weakening of checks and balances
Concerns about the potential for autocratic rule

Regional Autonomy Debate

Rejection of calls for greater regional autonomy (majimboism)
Fear of balkanization used to justify centralized control
Frustration among advocates of devolved governance

Media Control and Freedom of Expression

Restrictions on media and free expression under Kenyatta’s rule led to discontent among journalists and intellectuals.

State Control of Broadcasting

Monopoly of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Limited space for diverse voices and criticisms
Use of media as a government propaganda tool

Censorship and Self-Censorship

Intimidation of journalists critical of the government
Prosecution under sedition laws
Climate of fear leading to self-censorship in the press

Conclusion

Jomo Kenyatta’s legacy in Kenya is complex and multifaceted. While he played a crucial role in Kenya’s independence and laid the foundation for the country’s development, it’s clear that Jomo Kenyatta caused discontent during his rule in Kenya by various policies and actions. From land distribution issues and tribal politics to authoritarianism and corruption, Kenyatta’s presidency was marked by contradictions that continue to shape Kenya’s political landscape today. Understanding discontent during Kenyatta’s presidency is key to grasping Kenya’s post-independence issues and ongoing debates. Reflecting on this history offers valuable lessons for building a more inclusive democracy.