Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyatta, (c. 1891-1978). Kenyan statesman; president (1964-78). Born Kamau Ngengi, a member of the Kikuyu tribe, he was educated at a Scottish mission and later studied in London. In 1947 he became president of the Kenya African National Union, which campaigned for independence. He was subsequently accused of managing the Mau Mau terrorist uprising and was imprisoned by the British (1953-59). In 1963 he became prime minister of Kenya and on the country’s independence (1964) was elected president, a position he held until his death.
