Even the people that are the most widely known and respected have some facts about them that will surprise you. That rings true for all four of Kenya’s Presidents. Here are seven amazing facts that you didn’t know about Kenya’s Presidents.
7. Jomo Kenyatta worked in the water department
The senior Kenyatta started from the bottom when it came to politics, taking a position in the water department for Nairobi town during the 1910’s.
6.Where Moi worked before politics
Most people know that President Daniel Arap Moi started his career in education. Before jumping into politics in 1955, the last post he held was as the assistant principal of Tambach Government African Teachers’ College.
5. Kibaki wanted to join the military but colonial laws wouldn’t allow it
The third President of Kenya had dreamed of joining the military but rules imposed by British colonialists stated that Kikuyus, Merus and Embus could not join the armed forces.
4. It isn’t clear what year Jomo Kenyatta was born in
While it is clear that he was born in Gatundu, the exact date of his birth is not a known fact. Most agree that the first President of Kenya was born around 1894.
3. Moi was given his name at a missionary school
Moi didn’t always have the same name. He was born as Toroitich arap Moi and only took the name Daniel after he was baptized at the Karbatonjo mission school.
2. Where Kibaki worked after college
President Kibaki didn’t jump straight into a political career. Instead after graduating from Makarere University in Uganda, he worked as an assistant sales manager for the Ugandan branch of Shell Company East Africa.
1. Uhuru is one of the 40 richest Africans
President Uhuru Kenyatta made the Forbes cut as one of the 40 richest individuals in all of Kenya, although his family wealth is substantially greater than his own.
