Tom Mboya
Tom Mboya
Thomas Joseph Odhiambo “Tom” Mboya is credited as being one of the forefathers of the Republic of Kenya.
In addition, Mboya was a Pan-Africanist, trade unionist, independence activist, Cabinet Minister and author.
He roused crowds all over the world with talks that encouraged Kenya’s freedom from British rule. Mboya also initiated the trade union movement in his homeland, formed the first All-Africa ICFTU labor organization and worked in conjunction with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former President John F. Kennedy to formulate educational opportunities for African students in the U.S.
On July 5 1969, Mboya was shot and killed as he left a pharmacy.
During an arrest before his assassination, Mboya inquired from the police, “Why don’t you go after the big man?” This statement has been taken as evidence that his death was politically motivated.
