By Tom Mwangi, Africa editor
Nairobi, Kenya (Somalistandard) – Humza Yousaf, the newly-elected First Minister of Scotland, is yet another Western politician with some Kenyan heritage. He represents a growing ‘80s generation that attests to the vibrancy of an expanding Kenyan diaspora – created by fate and chance, and by post-independent political intolerance and migration.
The history of this emerging generation is also the story of Kenya’s race relations – and how it has become a bridge to the world platform for some families.
The new Scottish First Minister’s mother, Shaaista Bhutta, was born and grew up in Kenya – the place she once called home. But she and her parents became victims of post-independent discrimination against the Asian community, who were forced to quit their jobs within the civil service and seek solace in the UK.
They also lost their retail trading licenses and employment as the Jomo Kenyatta government began its Africanisation policy of business and the 78,000-strong public service.
Humza Yousaf, the first person of color to hold the position of First Minister in Scotland, has a unique family history that reflects the complicated racial dynamics of Kenya in the post independence era.
Yousaf’s mother, Shaaista Bhutta, grew up in Kenya, but her family was forced to leave the country due to discriminatory policies against the Asian community. Bhutta’s family lost their jobs in the civil service and their retail trading licenses as part of the government’s Africanisation policy, which aimed to promote African ownership of businesses and reduce the influence of non-African communities.
This experience of discrimination and displacement is not unique to Bhutta’s family. Many Kenyans of Asian descent faced similar challenges in the post-independence era, leading to a significant diaspora in the UK and other Western countries.
Yousaf’s election as First Minister is a testament to the growing influence of the Kenyan diaspora in the Western political sphere. He joins a generation of politicians with Kenyan heritage who are making their mark on the global stage.
But his story is also a reminder of the challenges faced by people of color in the UK and beyond. Yousaf has spoken openly about his experiences of racism and discrimination, and has called for greater representation of people of color in politics and other areas of public life.
As Scotland’s new leader, Yousaf has pledged to work for a more just and inclusive society. His unique family history and personal experiences make him well-positioned to tackle the complex issues of race and identity in Scotland and beyond.
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