Uhuru lauds Angola’s historic tribute to Mzee Jomo Kenyatta

Uhuru says the award reaffirms the deep, historical bonds between Kenya and Angola

by GEOFFREY MOSOKU

News09 November 2025 - 20:30

In Summary

The decoration, awarded under the Honour Class during Angola’s 50th Anniversary of National Independence celebrations, is a significant recognition of Mzee Kenyatta’s enduring legacy as a Pan-Africanist leader.
The award was received in Luanda by Uhuru's younger brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, on behalf of the Kenyatta family and facilitated by Ambassador Joyce Khasimwa M’maitsi.

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Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed appreciation to the government of Angola for posthumously recognising Kenya's founding president, Jomo Kenyatta.

In a statement from the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya on the posthumous decoration of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta by the Republic of Angola, Uhuru conveyed gratitude to President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the government, and the people of Angola for the honour bestowed on Kenya’s founding father.

“The Office of the Fourth President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, wishes to express its profound gratitude to His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Angola for the posthumous honour bestowed upon Kenya’s Founding Father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta,” Uhuru said in the Saturday statement.

The decoration, awarded under the Honour Class during Angola’s 50th Anniversary of National Independence celebrations, is a significant recognition of Mzee Kenyatta’s enduring legacy as a Pan-Africanist leader. The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Luanda.

The award was received in Luanda by Uhuru's younger brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, on behalf of the Kenyatta family and facilitated by Ambassador Joyce Khasimwa M’maitsi.

“This gesture is seen not merely as an honour to an individual but as a reaffirmation of the deep, historical bonds and shared struggle for liberation between Kenya and Angola,” Uhuru said.

Muhoho added that the award represents a reminder of the Pan-African ideals Mzee Kenyatta championed.

“This prestigious award serves as a powerful reminder of the Pan-African ideals that Mzee Jomo Kenyatta championed, a vision of a united, free, and self-determined Africa. His solidarity with Angola’s liberation movement was rooted in the unwavering belief that the destiny of all African nations is interconnected,” he said.

This recognition, which also included other key African figures, strengthens the fraternal ties between the two nations and celebrates a shared history of overcoming colonialism.

“The Office of the Fourth President of Kenya extends its warmest congratulations to the people of Angola on their Golden Jubilee and wishes them continued peace and prosperity in their journey of national development,” the statement added.

President Lourenço praised the late Kenyatta for his efforts to liberate African countries, particularly his advocacy for unity in the face of colonialism.

The late Kenyatta served as Kenya's founding president from 1963 for 15 years. He died in August 1978 and was succeeded by Daniel arap Moi.