Senior Counsel Paul Muite has shared a compelling historical anecdote regarding Kenya’s founding father, Jomo Kenyatta. In a recent statement, Muite reflected on a past incident at Uhuru Park that occurred during national celebrations in the 1970s. He highlighted the former president’s calm reaction to a terrifying accident involving a military aircraft.
According to the lawyer, the event involved a Kenya Air Force (KAF) jet which “crashed after its flyover” during the festivities. The sudden crash caused panic among the attendees gathered at the historic venue. Muite noted that “Everyone ran for dear life” as chaos erupted following the unexpected disaster near the VIP dais.
Despite the commotion and the flight of the crowd, Muite emphasized the distinct reaction of the Head of State. He stated that there was “one individual who continued to sit stoically on his seat,” referring to President Kenyatta. The account suggests that the President refused to break composure even as the public scrambled.
The senior lawyer explained that Kenyatta remained seated specifically “to rally People’s confidence.” This act of defiance against fear was meant to stabilize the situation. Muite quoted the late President’s immediate reaction to the noise and confusion, noting that Kenyatta simply turned to those around him and asked, “What was that?”
This historical reflection comes amidst discussions about leadership and composure during national events. By citing the Uhuru Park incident, Muite drew attention to the demeanor expected of high-ranking officials during crises. The story serves as a reminder of the different security protocols and personal styles of leadership exercised during Kenya’s early years.
The Kenya Air Force has historically performed flyovers during holidays such as Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day. These aerial displays are a staple of national celebrations, often drawing large crowds to venues like Uhuru Park. Accidents during these maneuvers are rare, making the incident described by Muite a significant moment in military history.
Paul Muite, a veteran politician and legal mind, often uses historical references to comment on contemporary governance. His recounting of the “70s at Uhuru Park” offers a glimpse into the unwritten history of Kenya’s public holidays. It underscores the intense nature of past celebrations where leaders were expected to project unshakeable strength.
