Jomo Kenyatta

Sitter in 4 portraits
First Prime Minister (1963-64) and later first president (1964–78) of independent Kenya. First black head of government playing a significant role in the transformation of Kenya from a British colony to an independent republic. He was the leader of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) from 1961 until his death. Although authoritarian and accused of dictatorship he received the honorary title of Mzee during his presidency and considered the Father of the Nation. His message of reconciliation won him support from members of the white minority in addition to the black majority. His leadership was divisive, although respected across Africa some considered him an agitator, authoritarian and dictatorial. Under his rule, Kenya joined the Organisation of African Unity and the Commonwealth espousing a pro-Western and anti-communist foreign policy. He died in office and was succeeded by Daniel arap Moi. His son Uhuru later became Kenya's fourth president.

Watch a film clip on the sitter from the BBC Archive in the Media section below

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