The Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services has urged caution in a petition seeking to relocate the remains of Kenya’s founding President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, from Parliament Buildings to his ancestral home in Gatundu, Kiambu County.
In its response, the Ministry, through Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot, acknowledged the sensitivity of the request but emphasized the need for “a dignified, consultative, and culturally sensitive” process.
“The petition’s reliance on constitutional provisions is robust but requires deeper scrutiny to assess its legal viability. Consequently, a multi-phased approach combining cultural validation, family engagement, and legislative or judicial oversight is necessary,” the CS stated.
The petition was filed on July 26 by John Mweha, who argued that the current resting place may not align with traditional African values and could be seen as inconsistent with the symbolism reserved for Parliament.
Mweha called for the remains to be interred in Gatundu, citing what he described as a probable wish of the late President and a gesture of cultural honor.
The Ministry stressed that the family must play a central role in any such decision, alongside broader cultural consultations and legal considerations.
Jomo Kenyatta, who led Kenya to independence and became its first President in 1964, died on August 22, 1978, following a stroke. He was buried at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, a decision meant to honor his role in shaping the nation’s history.
His mausoleum has since remained heavily guarded and closed to the public, although there have been previous petitions to allow Kenyans access.
