Book Review: The Life and Death of Thomas Joseph Mboya.

I started reading this book "The Life and Death of Thomas Joseph Mboya and the Disintegration of the Nascent Enterprise that was Project Kenya" by Bethwell Ogot not because I hadn’t heard about Tom Mboya but because I wanted to get a different perspective about his life and times. It is with the same gist that Bethwell Ogot notes “Writing about Tom Joseph Mboya after so much has been said and written about him is no easy task.” However, Bethwell Ogot goes on to explore and write deeply about a man he considered a friend.

“In this booklet, I want to explore the significance of the life and the implications of the death of one of the constitutional freedom fighters, who was also one of the foremost architects of modern Kenya-Thomas Joseph Mboya, 1930-1969.”

To be honest, I appreciate how the professor tactfully yet briefly discussed the history of Tom Mboya, summarizing everything in an understandable manner.

The author aligns with Tom Mboya’s Pan-Africanism ideologies that sought to integrate Kenyans through civic and industrial activities that promote equality. Ogot describes every detail in a concise and engrossing style, covering all the most crucial events in the life of this great hero who changed the course of history. As a result of reading this book, one is encouraged to acquire and read further works on Kenyan history, as well as to just appreciate the wonderful man Tom Mboya was as a Kenyan politician, trade unionist, and, most significantly, as "the best President Kenya never had."

John F Kennedy and Tom Mboya in 1960

Having a look at the Kenyan history after independence in 1963, the happenings are quite frustrating.The life story of some of the prominent leaders are both inspiring and tragic. It is quite unfortunate that they were not allowed by those in power and in higher ranking than them, to freely go about their business. The likes of Tom Mboya, Pio Gama Pinto, JM Kariuki and Robert Ouko are good examples of leaders who were restrained.

I feel the need for Kenyans of all walks of life to thank the celebrated historian for writing the significant 96 paged tribute and commentary on the life of Kenya’s most important leader.

The recent happenings in Kenya, specifically in terms of social, economic and political spheres can be traced back to the time of Tom Mboya. The grappling present in the politics of succession can be traced back to that fateful day in July 1969, when the cream of our nation succumbed to an assassin's bullet. Tom being an Africanist, he was at the forefront inspiring unity and vision for development not only in Kenya but also Africa entirely. He took it upon himself to educate those that would later on take the reign of power and they were presumed to take the nation to greater heights.

It is clear from the book as narrated by Ogot that there was no tribal bone in Mboya's body; he was neutral, and he treated everyone equally. Tom viewed everyone as his brother and sister. This was clearly illustrated from his multi-cultural upbringing. The professor emphasises on the fact that Mboya would not be pleased by being referred to as a Luo leader, like what happens immediately after he dies.

Professor Ogot summarizes the life history of Tom Mboya by starting with mentioning where he was born, Kilimambogo in central Kenya, as opposed to the expectations of many that he would be a Luo supposedly from Nyanza. At a very young age, he was able to achieve a lot, as he had a sharp mind and great oratory skills which also helped him to ascend the ranks of any organization. Above all, he was exceptional because he was driven by patriotism and the love for the people.

At an early age he was already in politics where he was elected as the Conference Chairman, which was very promising. He had organized for scholarships for Kenyan students in the US at the same time as well. Mboya understood the power of education and he wanted to use it to liberate his countrymen. Among those who benefitted from the scholarships are some of the great leaders like; Obama Senior, the father to the 44th American President, Barack Obama and Wangari Maathai who won a noble peace prize among many others.

Mboya was credited for creating the National Social Security Fund during the time when he was in the cabinet, under the ministry of health and National Youth Service.

Tom Mboya & his wife Pamela had four children: Susan Mboya, Lucas Mboya, Peter Mboya, Patrick Mboya

The National Social Security Fund he created is being used up to date and it has helped many of the youth to be productive through offering services to the nation. Mboya assassination remains a mystery though it is alledged that he was killed by his political rivals since he was smart and a man of the people. He also had the ability to play political games in a unique manner which was envied by many politicians. His assassination brought a lot of riots that led to the country’s instability for more than six months.

It is unfortunate that most African countries, Kenya included, lose leaders who have the ability and skills to take their countries to greater highest through assassination by their fellow countrymen who are driven by their selfish motives. It is high time Africans think broadly to ensure the interest of their country is prioritized.

About the author

Bethwell Allan Ogot is a Kenyan historian who specializes in colonial history. He is an expert in African history, research methods, and theoretical frameworks. "To narrate the tale of a past in order to portray an inevitable future is, for humankind, a desire as universal as tool-making," he writes in the introduction of one of his works.

Thomas Joseph Odhiambo Mboya was a Kenyan trade unionist, educator, Pan-Africanist, author, independence activist, and statesman. He was one of the founding fathers of the Republic of Kenya. Ogot utilizes his renowned poetic skills with a blend of historic knowhow to highlight significant contributions that Tom Mboya made towards achieving Kenya’s independence, civilization, and sustainability.

Bibliographic information

Title of the book: The Life and Death of Thomas Joseph Mboya and the Disintegration of the Nascent Enterprise that was "Project Kenya"

Author: Bethwell Allan Ogot

Publication Date: 2020

Publisher: Anyange Press Limited

Genre: Historic

Page Count: 96