There is so much about history that no one told you in class. For
example, you probably had no idea that Margaret Kenyatta was the Nairobi
mayor from 1970- 1976! Here are seven interesting facts you didn’t know
about prominent Kenyan politicians.
1. Margaret Kenyatta has served as Nairobi mayor.
Now, Margaret Wambui Kenyatta is not to be confused with Margaret Gakuo Kenyatta, the first lady. Margret Wambui Kenyatta is the first born daughter of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Grace Wahu. After her tenure as mayor, she went on to become Kenya’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN) from 1976-1986.
2. Raila Amolo Odinga was a member of parliament the same time with his father.
When the late Jaramogi Odinga lived, at one time, he was in parliament with his son who had been elected MP. Between 1992 and 1994, Raila Amolo Odinga served as the MP for Langata. His father, Jaramogi Odinga who had vied for presidency in 1992 became the MP for Bondo constituency until his death in 1994. Raila has also been in parliament with his brother Oburu Odinga.
3. Uhuru Kenyatta on why he got the name ‘Uhuru’.
Simple as it may seem, Uhuru Kenyatta got the name ‘Uhuru’ from the political shift of the time. At the time of his birth, Kenya was brimming with anticipation of freedom from the Britons. His parents found it fit to name him ‘Uhuru” a name symbolic of the freedom from colonisation. His naming was rather odd as the Gikuyu people do not name their children after ‘events’
4. William Samoei Ruto has never lost an election.
The deputy president has a flair for winning. Since 1997 when he joined active politics, Ruto has never lost an election. His most spectacular win was in 2007 when he won against the Moi family under the ODM ticket.
5. Raila Odinga was a footballer.
Now, history records that Raila was at one time a potent midfielder for Luo union football club, which later became Gor Mahia! It is for this reason, and his love for the leather orb that he always makes time for local football matches. Raila is a die-hard Arsenal fan.
6. Evans Kidero has been married twice.
When his first wife, Abigael Kidero succumbed to cancer in 2010, Evans Kidero walked down the aisle the following year, 2011, with Susan Kidero. Kidero and his wife Susan hold degrees in pharmacy.
7. Mike Sonko, the Nairobi senator is a jail escapee.
Mike Sonko, a politician, was to be incarcerated at the shimo la tewa prison for six months in 1998. It is reported that he escaped after colluding with an officer. The senator later denied the claims saying that he had been released on bond. Closer, in 2001, the senator had another brush with the law following forgery allegations. He was supposedly detained at Kamiti and was released on bond.
1. Margaret Kenyatta has served as Nairobi mayor.
Now, Margaret Wambui Kenyatta is not to be confused with Margaret Gakuo Kenyatta, the first lady. Margret Wambui Kenyatta is the first born daughter of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Grace Wahu. After her tenure as mayor, she went on to become Kenya’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN) from 1976-1986.
2. Raila Amolo Odinga was a member of parliament the same time with his father.
When the late Jaramogi Odinga lived, at one time, he was in parliament with his son who had been elected MP. Between 1992 and 1994, Raila Amolo Odinga served as the MP for Langata. His father, Jaramogi Odinga who had vied for presidency in 1992 became the MP for Bondo constituency until his death in 1994. Raila has also been in parliament with his brother Oburu Odinga.
3. Uhuru Kenyatta on why he got the name ‘Uhuru’.
Simple as it may seem, Uhuru Kenyatta got the name ‘Uhuru’ from the political shift of the time. At the time of his birth, Kenya was brimming with anticipation of freedom from the Britons. His parents found it fit to name him ‘Uhuru” a name symbolic of the freedom from colonisation. His naming was rather odd as the Gikuyu people do not name their children after ‘events’
4. William Samoei Ruto has never lost an election.
The deputy president has a flair for winning. Since 1997 when he joined active politics, Ruto has never lost an election. His most spectacular win was in 2007 when he won against the Moi family under the ODM ticket.
5. Raila Odinga was a footballer.
Now, history records that Raila was at one time a potent midfielder for Luo union football club, which later became Gor Mahia! It is for this reason, and his love for the leather orb that he always makes time for local football matches. Raila is a die-hard Arsenal fan.
6. Evans Kidero has been married twice.
When his first wife, Abigael Kidero succumbed to cancer in 2010, Evans Kidero walked down the aisle the following year, 2011, with Susan Kidero. Kidero and his wife Susan hold degrees in pharmacy.
7. Mike Sonko, the Nairobi senator is a jail escapee.
Mike Sonko, a politician, was to be incarcerated at the shimo la tewa prison for six months in 1998. It is reported that he escaped after colluding with an officer. The senator later denied the claims saying that he had been released on bond. Closer, in 2001, the senator had another brush with the law following forgery allegations. He was supposedly detained at Kamiti and was released on bond.
“”I was arraigned in court over some matter for which I was released on bail. When that date came I skipped court for I had to attend my mother’s burial,” Sonko told the Standard.
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