Kenya's founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta almost bought land from his wife Mama Ngina Kenyatta at double price.
Speaking to Daily Nation's Kamau Ngotho, then Coast Provincial Commissioner Eliud Mahihu revealed that Kenyatta asked him to reach out to the owner of a beach plot as he was escorting the then president for lunch at a beach hotel.
“Can you find out who the owner of the plot is and tell him I can buy it from him even at double the market price?” Kenyatta requested as quoted by Daily Nation.
Most beach properties were owned by foreigners but a search by Mahihu found out that the maiden first lady, Ngina Kenyatta owned the plot.
When he visited Mzee Kenyatta with his findings, he said the owner had refused to sell the land.
“Mzee I got to know who owns the plot but I am sorry she said she is not willing to sell it to you," Mahihu said.
When he requested a meeting with the owner, Kenyatta was shocked to learn that he was sitting with the owner.
“Asking her to come to talk to you can’t be difficult. Actually, she is right here and seated next to you.” Mahihu told first president Jomo Kenyatta.
Kenyatta was surprised but appreciated the fruits of freedom (uhuru) stating that women were then free to own land even without the knowledge of their husbands.