Facts on 3 May
1978 – Death of Jomo Kenyatta, First President of Kenya

Although Jomo Kenyatta died in August, May 3, 1978, marked an important national day of mourning declared in his honor by many African states. Kenyatta, often called the “Father of the Nation,” led Kenya to independence from British colonial rule in 1963. His Pan-African ideals and emphasis on African sovereignty inspired liberation movements across the continent. While his presidency was not without controversy, Kenyatta remains a towering figure in African history for his leadership, advocacy for land rights, and promotion of national unity amidst ethnic diversity.

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