Prominent Politicians Who Went to Mang’u High School With Mwai Kibaki

Prominent Politicians Who Went to Mang’u High School With Mwai KibakiFrom his early days as an Executive Officer of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) to his election as Head of State in 2002, Kenya’s third President, Mwai Kibaki accomplished much that surprised many, particularly in the political arena.Kibaki will be remembered as one of Kenya’s most successful politicians, having been involved in the country’s politics for over 50 years and rebuilding the country’s economy when it was on the verge of collapse.Unbeknownst to many, Kibaki’s wit and cunning dates back to his days at Mang’u High School, as his classmates fondly recall.The President attended the prestigious National School alongside other politicians who went on to have successful careers. Some of the politicians shared classrooms, dining halls, and hostels with the late President.George Thenge, a former Kamukunji Member of ParliamentDuring the struggle for independence, the late Kamukunji George Thenge was instrumental in establishing democracy in the country.Thenge, a close confidant of Kibaki, attended Mang’u High School a year ahead of the late president. George Gregory Wilson Nthenge,  a founding member of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), once revealed that he was a year ahead of former President Mwai Kibaki at Mang’u High School.He described how, in 1948, the head of state was among a group of form one students he saved from bullies.The new students mostly had to undergo physical beating at the time as their senior bullied them. He noted that he stood against his form two and asked his classmates what they stood to gain apart from adolescent fun.As they became close friends, he became a favorite for the late president when competing against his form two mates.At the age of 94, Thenge passed away in August 2021.Tom MboyaMboya’s achievements are inscribed in the annuls of history as a principled leader who agitated for the country’s independence. He is remembered for fighting for Kenyans’ rights and equal opportunities. Mboya was an outspoken Pan-Africanist. As a result, during the early days of Kenya’s post-independence, the powers that be became unsettled, and Mboya was assassinated.Mboya enrolled at Mang’u High (then known as Holy Ghost College) in 1946, where he met prominent leaders such as Kibaki and Archbishop John Njenga. He attended the Royal Sanitary Institute’s Medical Training School after receiving his Cambridge School Certificate.Moody AworiFormer Vice President Moody Awori had a close relationship with Kibaki during their time at Mang’u High School. Their chemistry transcended politics as they collaborated to ensure Kibaki succeeds former President Daniel Arap Moi.He was appointed as Kibaki’s Foreign Minister before taking over as Vice President with the words “Hapa iko Kazi” in reference to the vacant VP slot.Following his death, Awori praised his late boss, Mwai Kibaki, as a patient man who was ready to lead the country at the right time.“He was a remarkable and likable person. Any good things that need to be said about a person should be said about Kibaki,” he recently stated.John MichukiWhen the name Michuki is mentioned, the reforms he implemented in the matatu industry as Minister of Transport come to mind.He is yet another iconic figure who studied for his A-levels alongside Kibaki. The Murang’a native has held a number of government positions, including Minister of Internal Security and Minister of Roads and Public Works.Cyrus JirongoA Mang’u O-level class member from 1978 to 1981, was another Alumni who served as a Cabinet Minister. According to his school records, he was “argumentative, joyous, impatient, and constantly questioning the order of things.” He was also a standout football player, the secretary of the debating club, and a member of the school drama troupe. CJ, as his classmates called him, was also always at the top of the list of suspected ring leaders whenever the students clashed with school authorities. They claim he was clever enough to get away with it and was never suspended.Prominent Politicians Who Went to Mang’u High School With Mwai Kibaki

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