Step Into History: Legacy Exhibition for “Grand Old Man of Kenya” Opens at Kisumu Museum
History comes alive in Kisumu! A significant and inspiring three-month exhibition honoring Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee (AMJ), revered as “The Grand Old Man of Kenya,” has officially opened its doors at the Kisumu Museum.
For travelers and history enthusiasts, this is a unique opportunity to delve into a foundational chapter of Kenya’s story, right here in the heart of the city.
A Chapter of National Memory Reopened
The opening ceremony was graced by a powerful keynote address delivered by Mr. Kenneth Otieno on behalf of Hon. Beatrice Odongo, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Youth Affairs.
The speech framed the exhibition as more than just a display; it’s a vital moment for national reflection. “Today, we do more than unveil an exhibition. We reopen a chapter of our national memory, one that reminds us that courage, vision, and justice are timeless virtues,” Mr. Otieno stated.
Celebrating a Founding Visionary
The address highlighted AMJ’s incredible legacy as a trader and builder who challenged colonial power “with brilliance, integrity and an unshakeable belief in equality.” Visitors to the exhibition will learn about his seminal contributions, which include:
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Laying the groundwork for Nairobi’s early structures.
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Helping shape key civic institutions.
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Establishing The African Standard newspaper, which later evolved into the well-known The Standard.
His “greatest monument,” as noted in the speech, remains the 1906 dedication of Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi—an act that planted the powerful idea that “public spaces belong to the people.”
A Story with Deep Resonance for Kisumu
Before the main address, Zahid Rajan, the Festival Director and Exhibition Curator for Samosa Festival, thanked the Kisumu County Government for hosting the exhibition.
The CECM’s tribute also extended recognition to AMJ’s granddaughter, Zarina Patel, whose courage in defending the public garden from demolition decades later “rekindled national awareness” and inspired citizens to protect heritage.
The relevance of AMJ’s story to Kisumu was strongly underscored: “The story of AMJ is not just a story of the past—it is a mirror reflecting our present. Here in Kisumu, we understand the meaning of struggle, of standing firm for fairness.”
A Bridge Between Generations
Concluding the event, Mr. Otieno urged attendees to embrace the exhibition as a bridge between generations, teaching children that patriotism “is not confined to race, religion, or origin.”
He affirmed the County’s unwavering commitment to cultural preservation with a poignant statement: “A people without memory are a people without direction. And a county that values its culture becomes a county that knows its soul.”
The exhibition officially opened with a final pledge on behalf of the County to “plant our own gardens of justice, courage and humanity in Kisumu and across the nation.”
Don’t Miss This Cultural Gem
This exhibition is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand the rich tapestry of Kenya’s history. Make sure to add it to your Kisumu itinerary!
Exhibition Details:
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What: The Legacy of Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee
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Where: Kisumu Museum
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Duration: Three Months (From its opening date)
Explore Kisumu’s Rich Culture and History.
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