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

Bernard Mate was a prominent politician and among the first black Africans elected to the Legislative Council of Kenya (LegCo), now Parliament, representing Central Province. LegCo, a British colonial-era legislative body, represented Kenya’s black constituency during that period. Mate served three consecutive terms before losing his seat in 1979.

Born in 1922, Mate was the youngest candidate at Chogoria Boys High, taking his examinations at age 12. He attended Alliance High for his secondary schooling and subsequently pursued a degree in Education at Makerere University.

After graduating, Mate returned to Kenya and began teaching at Chogoria High School in 1947. He later pursued further studies, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Wales. Still seeking to advance his eductaion, he proceeded to the University of Edinburgh, for a post-graduate diploma.

In 1957, Mate resigned from his teaching post to venture into politics. His bold demeanor and sharp wit propelled his success, enabling him to beat Jeremiah Nyaga and Eliud Mathu to secure 51 percent of the votes, representing the central region in the LegCo. In the colonial parliament, he mingled with African luminaries such as Tom Mboya, Oginga Odinga, Ronald Ngala, and Daniel Moi. He distinguished himself as a skilled political operator and great debater in an environment where one had to balance loyalty to the Queen’s Crown with secret allegiance to anti-colonial forces. Those who failed to navigate this delicate balance were arrested, jailed, or eliminated by freedom fighters.

His strong advocacy and leadership for local communities were well known, ensuring their issues were aired in national forums. His leadership extended to pushing for equitable distribution of resources and fair political representation for marginalized areas.

Mate died on January 6, 1994, after a short illness.