Those who knew him at close range, and those who had the opportunity to work with him, they respected Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as a great man of enormous influence and outstanding ability.
One such person is Major (Rtd) Marsden Madoka, who served the nation’s founding father as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC)
Yes, many Kenyans remember Mzee Jomo Kenyatta—the country’s founding father—with a deep sense of admiration and respect.
He played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule and later became Kenya’s first Prime Minister in 1963, and then its first President in 1964.
Here are a few reasons why he’s admired:
Symbol of Independence: Kenyatta is seen as a key figure in the liberation of Kenya. His leadership helped unite diverse communities under a shared national identity at a critical time.
Nation Building: As president, he emphasized “Harambee” (pulling together), which promoted self-help and unity in developing the young nation.
Charismatic Leadership: His powerful oratory and traditional attire gave him a commanding presence, earning him the affectionate title “Mzee,” meaning elder.
That said, Kenyatta’s legacy is complex—while many admire his contributions, some also critique aspects of his presidency, including land issues, centralization of power, and ethnic favoritism.
