The Russian Embassy in Kenya on Thursday, December 12, revealed a 61-year-old message sent to Kenya’s founding president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, after Kenya gained independence.
At the time, the head of Council of Ministers in the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev shared a congratulatory message via telegraph to Jomo Kenyatta, who was then serving as Prime Minister.
Khrushchev lauded Kenya for the unrelenting struggle for independence as he pointed out in the letter that the people of the Soviet Union cherished the solidarity of Kenyans.
“Mr. Prime Minister, allow me to congratulate you on the auspicious occasion in the history of your country, the proclamation of the independence of Kenya, and on behalf of the government and people of the Soviet Union and on my own behalf to convey to you personally, to the government and people of Kenya, the best wishes for success in the strengthening of political and economic independence of Kenya,” the letter read in part.
Nikita Khrushchev – the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
“The Soviet people have always cherished the feelings of solidarity with the people of Kenya in their heroic struggle for national freedom and independence and are sincerely happy that the Kenyans are embarking upon the path of independent state development,” read part of the letter.
According to Khrushchev, Kenya’s independence was a significant milestone in Africa’s historic journey towards freedom at a time when European colonies in Africa were growing weaker.
The letter also served as a prelude for Kenya’s future relations with Russia as Khrushchev indicated Russia was ready to enter into diplomatic relations with Kenya.
“The Soviet government solemnly declares its recognition of Kenya as an independent and sovereign state and expresses its readiness to establish diplomatic relations with Kenya and to exchange diplomatic missions at the ambassadorial level,” said Khrushchev’s letter.
In 1963, Russia became the second European superpower to recognise the sovereignty and independence of Kenya after Germany. This acknowledgment from Russia at the time laid the foundation for the two countries’ relations, which have extended for decades.
President William Ruto, in 2023, admitted there was huge potential in terms of an economic relationship between Kenya and Russia, as he revealed plans to sign a trade pact that will give business the necessary impetus.
Ruto, alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, also agreed to reform the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative of African nations.
President William Ruto hosting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at State House in May 2023. PHOTO/ William Ruto.