Bernard Mate: The visionary leader who bridged colonial Kenya and fight for freedom

Commissioner of Prisons J.A.B Allan and his deputy M Phillips, assistant Superintendant Phoebe Asiyo and Social Services Minister Bernard Mate during tour of Langata Women's Prison Sept 1962. (Photo/File)

Bernard Mate was a prominent politician and among the first black Africans elected to the Legislative Council of Kenya (LegCo), now Parliament, representing Central Province. LegCo, a British colonial-era legislative body, represented Kenya's black constituency during that period. Mate served three consecutive terms before losing his seat in 1979.

Born in 1922, Mate was the youngest candidate at Chogoria Boys High, taking his examinations at age 12. He attended Alliance High for his secondary schooling and subsequently pursued a degree in Education at Makerere University.