Cuba Erects Statue to Honor Jomo Kenyatta as a Liberation Hero

Kenya’s first President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta has been honored by Cuba as a towering figure in the African and Caribbean liberation struggle.

On Thursday, a statue of the founding father was unveiled at the Park of African Heroes in Cuba at a ceremony attended by President Uhuru, who is in the Caribbean nation for a three-day official state visit.

Cuban leadership said the erection of late Kenyatta's bust at the Park of African Heroes in Havana demonstrated the rich history shared between Kenya and Cuba in terms of Liberation struggles.

The park was established for heroes who relate to the liberation struggle of African independence from the colonial powers.

Speaking at the event, President Uhuru hailed Cuba for its selfless and persistent solidarity with the African people.

“ Africa will forever cherish its relationship with Cuba.  Together we will continue to forge mutually beneficial partnerships for the prosperity of our peoples and nations,” said the President.

“I take this opportunity to thank you and the people of Cuba for your solidarity and comradeship in the African liberation movements against colonialism, settler imperialism and apartheid,” said the President.

“In honour of our founding fathers, Kenya and Cuba will continue strengthening relations through the principled development of human relationships based on mutual respect,” said the President.

“It is worth noting that during the Cuban revolutionary war, Fidel Castro named one of the Brigades the ‘Mau Mau’ in honour of the freedom fighters in Kenya,” said President Kenyatta.