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Nationalist, Pan-Africanist & Independence Minister
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Thomas Joseph Odhiambo Mboya (15 August 1930 – 5 July 1969) was a towering figure in Kenya's struggle for independence and early post-colonial government. A charismatic trade union leader, he founded the Kenya Federation of Labour (KFL). As a politician, he founded the Nairobi People's Congress Party, was a key architect of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), and served as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, playing a crucial role in drafting Kenya's first constitution. Later, as Minister for Economic Planning, he authored the influential Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965. His "Airlift Africa" project enabled hundreds of students, including Barack Obama Sr., to study in North America. His assassination in 1969 remains a pivotal and tragic event in Kenyan history.
Founder & General Secretary, Kenya Federation of Labour (KFL)
Key leader in the Kenyan independence movement and KANU formation
Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs (1963-1964)
His assassination in 1969 sparked ethnic tensions and remains a subject of speculation regarding political motives
His pro-Western stance during the Cold War drew criticism from more radical nationalist factions
News articles featuring Tom Mboya
Minister for Economic Planning and Development (1964-1969)
Authored Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965 ("African Socialism and its Application to Planning in Kenya")
Organized the 'Airlift Africa' student scholarship program to the USA and Canada
Prominent Pan-Africanist leader