Jomo Kenyatta

Kenyatta, Jomo (1893?–1978), Kenya'sfirst president (1964–78). His early political career was concerned with rights of his Kikuyu people. In 1953 he was imprisoned by the British on charges of leading the Mau Mau, a terrorist Kikuyu group. His release came in 1961 following pressure from African nationalists; he negotiated Kenya's independence in 1963.

See also: Kenya.