State puts on hold petition to move Jomo Kenyatta’s remains
Although his family had initially wanted him buried at their home in Ichaweri, the government opted for a mausoleum at Parliament Square in recognition of his national stature.
The government has temporarily suspended a petition seeking to transfer the remains of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta from Parliament Grounds in Nairobi to his ancestral home in Gatundu, Kiambu County, saying the matter involves complex legal, cultural, and constitutional issues.
The petition was lodged on July 29 by John Mweha Kariuki, a community leader from Kiambaa, who called on the state to pursue what he described as a “dignified, consultative, and culturally sensitive process.”
He argued that Kenyatta’s current resting place, adjacent to Parliament Buildings, is closely tied to the Legislative arm of government, which he said could be seen as conflicting with Kenyatta’s historical role as Head of the Executive.
“This is a sincere, non-partisan appeal to the Government to initiate a dignified, consultative, and culturally sensitive process,” the petition read.
“Relocating Mzee’s remains to Gatundu would reflect our cultural reverence and promote a sense of rootedness among citizens.”
In its response, the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, through Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo, acknowledged the petition’s intentions but stressed the need for thorough examination.
The Ministry outlined a step-by-step framework that would involve cultural validation, consultations with the Kenyatta family, and legal oversight to ensure the process aligns with the law and preserves national unity.
“The petition’s reliance on constitutional provisions is robust but requires deeper scrutiny to assess its legal viability. Consequently, a multi-phased approach combining cultural validation, family engagement, and legislative or judicial oversight is necessary,” the Ministry stated.
Jomo Kenyatta, born in 1893, was Kenya’s first Prime Minister and later its first President when the country became a republic on December 12, 1964.
He is remembered for his role in ending racial segregation in schools, hotels, churches, and social clubs, and for his influence in the Pan-African movement.
He died on August 22, 1978, in Mombasa after serving 15 years in office. Although his family had initially wanted him buried at their home in Ichaweri, the government opted for a mausoleum at Parliament Square in recognition of his national stature.
The mausoleum, which occupies about 4.48 acres along Parliament Road in Nairobi, was built with solid granite walls and floors, 22 flags, a red-carpeted entrance, and lion statues.
It remains inaccessible to the public except by official request or during the annual remembrance of his death on August 22.
The Ministry’s position comes as the country marks 47 years since Kenyatta’s passing, reopening discussions on how best to honour the legacy of Kenya’s founding leaders.
