Question

Why did Kenyatta become so unpopular with the people?

Answer 1

Jomo Kenyatta became unpopular with many people in Kenya over time due to several key reasons:

1. Unequal Land Distribution: After independence, land that was expected to be returned to poor Africans was instead sold to wealthy elites and Kenyatta’s allies, leaving many landless and disappointed.
2. Authoritarian Rule: Kenyatta suppressed political opposition, limited press freedom, and centralised power under a one-party system, which stifled democracy.
3. Tribal Favouritism: He was accused of favouring his own ethnic group, the Kikuyu, especially in government jobs and land allocation, which led to ethnic tensions.
4. Corruption and Nepotism: His government was increasingly viewed as corrupt, with public resources benefiting a small elite, including members of his family.