Government Responds to Petition on Relocating Jomo Kenyatta’s Remains
The Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services has officially addressed a petition calling for the remains of Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, to be moved from Parliament Buildings in Nairobi to his rural home in Gatundu, Kiambu County.
The Ministry, through a statement signed by Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot, said that such a matter requires a careful, step-by-step process that takes into account cultural practices, legal requirements, and family involvement.
The petition, filed on July 26 by a Kenyan citizen named John Mweha, argued that the current resting place of the former president may not fully reflect African traditions or the spirit of the Constitution.
Mweha explained that burying a leader at Parliament Buildings, which is mainly reserved for the legislative arm of government, could be viewed as symbolically misplaced.
He appealed to the government to begin what he described as a “dignified, consultative, and culturally sensitive” relocation process.
In his petition, Mweha emphasized that the request was not political but based on respect for the country’s first president.
He pointed out that moving the remains to Gatundu would not only honour what could have been Kenyatta’s personal wish but also align with African cultural values of laying loved ones to rest in their ancestral home.
Responding to this, the Ministry acknowledged the petitioner’s arguments but noted that the matter raises serious legal and constitutional questions.
CS Wendot stated that while the Constitution provides for a State funeral for a sitting or former President, it does not give specific guidance on where they should be buried. For this reason, she recommended a multi-phased approach before any decision is reached.
“The constitutional arguments presented in the petition are strong, but they require deeper legal examination to test their validity. This matter cannot be decided in haste,” read part of the Ministry’s response.
The statement went on to stress that the family of Mzee Kenyatta must be central to any discussion, and that cultural leaders should also be consulted to ensure the process respects traditions.
According to the Ministry, the phased approach would combine cultural validation, family engagement, and both legislative and judicial oversight.
This would ensure that the move, if approved, complies with the law and strengthens national unity instead of dividing the country.
Jomo Kenyatta, who served as Kenya’s first President after independence, died on August 22, 1978, following complications from a stroke.
His burial at the Parliament Buildings was seen at the time as a powerful national symbol—honouring his role in the country’s independence struggle and preserving his legacy at the heart of government.
Since his burial, the mausoleum has remained under tight security and is not open to the public. Over the years, there have been calls for Kenyans to be allowed access, with one petition even seeking public viewing of the site.
The latest petition by Mweha has reignited national debate over whether Kenyatta’s final resting place should remain a symbol of independence in Nairobi or be moved to his ancestral home in Kiambu.
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