Jomo Kenyatta

Profession: Founding Father of Kenya

Biography: Jomo Kenyatta was a Kenyan politician and anti-colonial activist, known as the Prime Minister of Kenya (1963-1964). Most notably, he served as Kenya's first President from 1964 until his death of a heart attack in 1978.

Kenyatta guided the country of Kenya from its status as a British colony to an independent republic. He was an African nationalist and conservative, serving as the country's first indigenous head of government.

While initially educated at a mission school, Kenyatta travelled to London to lobby for his people's political interests. During his time in England, Kenyatta studied at the University College London and London School of Economics.

In 1946, Kenyatta returned to Kenya and began his direct involvement in African politics. He was elected President of the Kenya Africa Union in 1947. After a period of anti-colonial agitation, he was arrested in 1952 for alleged involvement in the Mau Mau Uprising.

Kenyatta remained imprisoned until 1959, at which he point he was exiled. He returned to Kenyan politics upon his release in 1961, first leading the Kenya Africa National Union party to an electoral victory in 1963.

Born: October 20, 1891
Birthplace: Gatundu, Kenya

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Libra

Died: August 22, 1978 (aged 86)
Cause of Death: Natural causes