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New look Tom Mboya statue unveiled after 2 years of renovations – PHOTOS


The statue of the late Kenyan trade unionist Tom Mboya which was moved to the Nairobi National Museums of Kenya for refurbishment two years ago is back.

Barriers that had covered the statue for almost two years during renovations were on Tuesday removed revealing a new base design.

The statue which is located outside Kenya National Archives along Moi Avenue now sits on a truncated square pyramid that forms the base of the installation.

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Tom Mboya monument
City residents walk past a monument in honor of the late Nationalist Tom Mboya at the Kenya National Archives open space on October 4, 2022. The monument which has been in a bad state has been renovated and reopened for the public to view, the statue which was put up back in October 19, 2011 stands roughly at twenty meters from where the late Tom Mboya was assassinated back in 1969. Picture by Francis Nderitu

 

Previously, it was mounted on a pile of rocks designed to resemble a cliff, with a water fountain. But that statue was vandalised.

The base of the new-look statue also features the Kenyan shield, which symbolizes unity and the defence of freedom.

The statue of Mboya was erected close to where he was assassinated on Moi Avenue, then known as Government Road.

The rehabilitation followed public outcry over its sorry state and was erected in 2011 in honour of the Independence politician who was assassinated in 1969.

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Tom Mboya monument
City residents walk past a monument in honor of the late Nationalist Tom Mboya at the Kenya National Archives open space on October 4, 2022. The monument which has been in a bad state has been renovated and reopened for the public to view, the statue which was put up back in October 19, 2011 stands roughly at twenty meters from where the late Tom Mboya was assassinated back in 1969. Picture by Francis Nderitu

 

In September 2020, the statue was pulled down and ferried to the National Museums of Kenya – the main custodian of all national monuments.

According to museums director general Mzalendo Kibunjia, the contractor, Great Levels Limited, was awarded Sh4 million by the Sports Fund for the facelift.

Tom Mboya was one of the founders of the famous Gor Mahia FC in 1968 and the football club’s fans have made it a habit to visit the statue to “pay their respects and receive blessings” before and after matches played in the city.

The statue has been idolised and has reminded Kenyans of the important piece of history the unionists left while fighting for democracy. It was unveiled by President Mwai Kibaki in 2011.

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