This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
On a historic state visit to Jamaica, President Uhuru Kenyatta made sensational claims about his family's ties to the Caribbean island. Speaking with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, President Kenyatta revealed that his father, Jomo Kenyatta, was close to Marcus Garvey, a renowned Panafricanist.
According to President Kenyatta, Jomo Kenyatta was one of the iconic figures in the Rastafarian religion, often referred to as The Burning Spear. He also claimed that his wife's brother's mother is from Jamaica, further solidifying the family's connection to the island.
During the visit, President Kenyatta and Prime Minister Holness witnessed the signing of four agreements, including MoUs on technical cooperation in tourism, sports, culture, and heritage, as well as a framework of cooperation between the two governments.
President Kenyatta also expressed his desire for direct flights between Kenya and Jamaica, stating that it would boost tourism and increase interactions between Kenyans and Jamaicans.
“Prime Minister, you asked whether there is a Jamaican diaspora in Kenya now that they are all over the world. I want to assure you that we have many of them,” he said.
President Kenyatta was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Ambassador Monica Juma, and other top state officials during the visit.
