Kenya’s first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, was known for his taste in luxurious automobiles, acquiring some of the most expensive limousines of his time. In 1963, during a nine-month period, Kenyatta added three high-end vehicles to his collection: a Lincoln Continental, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SE, and a Rolls-Royce, collectively valued at approximately $55,000.
Kenyatta made a grand entrance at the first Madaraka Day celebrations in 1963, riding in a rare and costly Lincoln Continental convertible, which was valued at over Ksh16 million at the time of independence. This remarkable vehicle was reportedly a gift from the United States government, symbolizing the strong ties between Kenya and the U.S. during the early days of the nation’s independence.
The Lincoln Continental, a symbol of Kenyatta’s leadership and Kenya’s newfound independence, was later retired and placed on display at the Uhuru Gardens Museum along Lang’ata Road, where it remains a significant piece of Kenya’s history.
This iconic car even garnered international recognition, making an appearance in the memoirs of Jamaica’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dudley Thompson. Thompson vividly recalled being greeted by Kenyatta at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the elegant grey Lincoln Continental, which left a lasting impression on him.
In addition to the Lincoln Continental, Kenyatta was also gifted a Mercedes-Benz 300 SE by the German government. He chose this car as his official vehicle after determining that his Rolls-Royce was not adequately armored and therefore did not meet his security needs. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE, a left-hand drive model, became synonymous with Kenyatta’s presidency and further solidified his reputation as a leader who valued both style and safety.
By Kenyans