Uhuru Opens Up on Family Success - My Uncle Was First Student at Alliance [VIDEO]

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Jomo Kenyatta
Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and former President the late Jomo Kenyatta (right) posing for a photo.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Sunday, October 25, revealed how the church influenced the success of his extended family.

Speaking during a special service at PCEA Tumutumu Church in Nyeri County, the Head of State explained that the religious institution played a pivotal role in sending his father, Jomo Kenyatta, to school.

In 1909, Kenyatta, then known as Kamau wa Ngengi, left home and joined the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM) at Thogoto, Kikuyu Subcounty. 

While at CSM, which later morphed into PCEA, Kenyatta was taught to read and write English after which he was baptised to become Johnstone Kamau Ngengi. 

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An undated photo of President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) and his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta at a past event.
File

Uhuru further noted that PCEA was the reason his uncle, James Muigai, was the first student admitted at Alliance High School, which was founded by CSM on March 1, 1926

"I am so happy to have worshipped together with you. We are here celebrating 100 years since this church was founded in Kenya.

"My joy is not as a President but also because this church is what helped my father to know what education is and proceed to his latter position. It is also because of this church my uncle, he was the first student at Alliance High School," narrated Uhuru.

The president further noted that several family members had hit milestones in life for associating with the church.

Muigai, Kenyatta's younger brother, was among the pioneer class of 27 students when the institution opened its doors in 1926.

Besides Muigai, Kenyatta had an elder brother Kung'u Muigai who went missing at the age of 13 and is believed to have died while fighting the First World War.

After leaving Alliance, Muigai worked as a teacher and played a very pivotal role in helping Jomo ascend to the presidency.

"By the time my brother came out of colonial detention, I was already a top civil servant with a good salary.

"Actually I am the one who lent him money to buy his first set of suits just before he became President," stated Muigai in a past interview with the Nation.

Muigai's family thrived after his children progressed to become high profile people in the country.

Ngegi Muigai served as Gatundu MP after the death of Jomo Kenyatta, Beth Mugo serves as a Jubilee Nominated Senator and Catherine Mwangi works as Kenya's ambassador to South Africa.

Below is the video of Uhuru narration:

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