Immortals

Bob Marley: The immortal king of Reggae

More than four decades after his death, Bob Marley’s unmatched artistry, timeless messages, and global influence continue to define reggae music, his legacy standing irreplaceable and iconic.

Ben Jipcho: Medalist and world record holder who died poor

Ben Jipcho, a legendary Kenyan steeplechase runner and multiple gold medalist, set world records and brought international glory to Kenya but spent his final days in financial hardship

Bonaya Godana: Herdsboy who became Africa's peace ambassador

Born into a humble family and raised as a herdsboy, Bonaya defied the odds to become a distinguished lawyer and a towering figure in Kenya’s legal and political spheres.

George Eshiwani: Academician who propelled KU to the international space

His leadership significantly transformed the institution, cementing its reputation as one of Kenya’s premier centres of higher learning.

James Karugu: Kenya's shortest serving Attorney General who resigned to make an 'honest living' in farming

The day after resigning, he took his entire family to his farm in Kiambu to make what he termed as “a truly honest living.”

Bernard Mate: The visionary leader who bridged colonial Kenya and fight for freedom

After graduating, Mate returned to Kenya and began teaching at Chogoria High School in 1947.

Ali Mazrui: Scholar who foresaw Black Africa owning nuclear weapons

Mazrui is credited with producing The Africans: A Triple Heritage, a groundbreaking television series that gained popularity in the 1980s.

Robert Matano: Politician who took radio broadcasts to rural areas

Matano’s father, Stanley Mwenda, was a well-known teacher, recognised for his strict disciplinarian approach.

George Kapten: The advocate of good governance who died trying

Kapten’s commitment to sound governance and constitutional reforms placed him at odds with the ruling elites.

Sabina Joy, man who was among the first blacks to own a car in Kenya

The car in question was an Austin Model, which he purchased for Sh300—a princely sum at the time.

Gerishon Kirima: From school drop out to building billionaire empire

Kirima dropped out of school at a young age to help his parents pick tea at their home in Kiruri, Murang’a County.

Festo Olang': First black archbishop of the Anglican Church in Kenya

Born in 1914, he attended Kisumu Primary and then Maseno School before proceeding to Alliance.

Juma Boy: Senator who captivated his audience with fine, poetic Kiswahili

He was born in 1952 in Mombasa and attended the prestigious Aga Khan School for both his primary and secondary education.

Joseph Murumbi: Vice President who quit after just six months

Prior to becoming Vice President, Murumbi had also served the country in various ministerial dockets.

Justus Mulei: Man who steered Cotu in 80s and made money while at it

Mulei’s time came at a moment when trade unions in the country had a close working relationship with the ruling party, KANU.