The Birth of a Nation

While KANU advocated a strong central government, the newly formed Kenya African Democratic Union, or KADU, favored a decentralized federal form of government. Leaders of both parties attended talks at Lancaster House in England to discuss the political future of a free nation. Kenyatta was unable to attend the talks due to his continuing imprisonment. General elections were held for the first time in February 1961. KANU received more votes, but refused to participate in government until Kenyatta was released. The Asian Kenya Freedom Party and numerous independent candidates joined the protest and, as political pressure built up, Kenyatta was finally released in August 1961.

KANU and KADU continued to debate the eventual form of government most suited to a free Kenya. In the meantime, Kenyatta agreed to a coalition government until independence. The first universal elections in the country took place in May 1963, with an overwhelming victory for Kenyatta and the KANU party. On June 1, 1963, Jomo Kenyatta became the first Prime Minister of Kenya. In his inaugural address he promoted a concept that would eventually become an official motto now incorporated in the county's coat of arms: Harambee, or pulling together, in building a free nation.

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