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Kenyatta's father and the fate of his country: How influential is Jomo Kenyatta?
In Kenyan politics, Uhuru Kenyatta's influence is undoubtedly not to be ignored. He is the son of Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, and therefore has a special historical identity, and this identity also shaped his life. During his tenure as the fourth president from 2013 to 2022, there were many moments that made people think about how much influence his father had on Kenya. Does this influence still exist in politics today?
Uhuru Kenyatta’s early life
Uhuru was born in Kenya in 1961, his father is the country's founder Jomo Kenyatta, and his mother is Kenyatta's fourth wife, Onyx Kenyatta. As the second son of the Kenyatta family, Uhuru’s upbringing was undoubtedly nourished by the political influence of his father’s generation. After being educated at St. Mary's School in Nairobi, he went to Amherst College in the United States to study economics and political science. After graduation, he returned to Kenya to start a company and get involved in the business world.
The name "Uhuru", which means "freedom", symbolizes the spirit of his era's continuous pursuit of independence.
Uhuru’s political career
After entering politics, Uhuru quickly rose to prominence. He was appointed Minister of Local Government in 1999 and later Minister of Trade in 2008. While safeguarding political tradition, his political career was not smooth. In the 2002 presidential election, he was defeated by his opponent as a candidate of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), which deeply disappointed his supporters.
Becoming president and the concept of governance
His political turn began when he was successfully elected president in 2013, taking over the country's top leadership for the first time. During his time in power, Uhuru promoted a series of economic reforms, including the integration of fiscal management systems and policies to promote the integration of informal markets into the mainstream economy. These reforms are of great significance to improving the efficiency of government operations.
In the 2013 election, Uhuru Kenyatta received 51.73% of the vote, proving that his public opinion base is steadily growing.
ICC accusations and political challenges
However, Uhuru’s political career has not been smooth sailing. In 2007, he was charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over post-election violence. Although the accusation sparked lasting controversy, it was eventually withdrawn in 2015, giving Uhuru more freedom to focus on domestic politics.
The continuation of family influence
In many analyses, Jomo Kenyatta's influence on Uhuru is reflected in his political style and leadership philosophy. Uhuru not only inherited his father's political legacy, but also interpreted leadership with his own characteristics. Although modern politics is very different from the past due to social changes, the name "Kenyatta" is still regarded as a symbol of national stability. For many Kenyan people, this is a special political mark.
Summary and reflection
In summary, whether it is policy orientation or the influence of the political family, Jomo Kenyatta's role in the fate of Kenya cannot be ignored. And can Uhuru Kenyatta's administration really continue his father's political ideals? And can it find a new position in the ever-changing trend of the times? Are these questions worthy of consideration by everyone who cares about Kenya’s future?
