Kenya's 50 years of independence

December 13, 2013 -- Updated 0805 GMT (1605 HKT)

As Kenya celebrates 50 years of independence, we team up with Kenyan professor Fredrick O. Wanyama to look at the events that have shaped the country over the last half century.

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Here, Kenyatta is pictured with African leaders Kenneth Kaunda, Julius Nyerere and Milton Obote."},{"title":"Multiparty politics","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212123655-kenya-timeline-independence-1966-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"1966","text":"The return of multiparty politics -- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (left) resigns as vice president of Kenya to form his Kenya People's Union (KPU). In 1969, the banning of KPU signals Kenya's return to a de facto one-party state."},{"title":"New president","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212130554-kenya-timeline-independence-1978-funeral-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"1978","text":"Vice President Daniel arap Moi takes power following the death of Kenyatta. Here, Moi is seen grieving during Kenyatta's funeral. "},{"title":"One-party state","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212123853-kenya-timeline-independence-1982-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"1982","text":"The constitution is amended to make Kenya a de jure one-party state. Several months later, a failed coup d'etat ushered in the resurgence of autocratic authoritarianism. The constitution is amended in 1990 to reintroduce multiparty politics. "},{"title":"Multiparty elections","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212124050-kenya-timeline-independence-1992-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"1992","text":"Kenya's first multiparty elections since independence are won by Daniel arap Moi. He also wins the 1997 elections. "},{"title":"U.S. embassy bombing","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212124251-kenya-timeline-independence-1998-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"1998","text":"Bombing of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi leaves 224 dead and approximately 4,650 wounded."},{"title":"New president","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212124348-kenya-timeline-independence-2002-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"2002","text":"Elections see KANU lose power to Mwai Kibaki's National Rainbow Coalition."},{"title":"Nobel Prize","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212124427-kenya-timeline-independence-2004-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"2004","text":"Kenyan Wangari Maathai becomes the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. "},{"title":"Post-election violence","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212124536-kenya-timeline-independence-2007-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"2007","text":"Mwai Kibaki wins disputed presidential election, leading to violence that leaves nearly 1,500 dead. A power-sharing agreement signed in February 2008 creates a prime minister's office for Raila Odinga as part of a coalition government."},{"title":"Oil discovered","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212124645-kenya-timeline-independence-2012-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"2012","text":"Kenya finally strikes oil after decades of exploration. President Mwai Kibaki described the discovery as a major breakthrough. British-based Tullow Oil said it discovered the oil well in Turkana County, in the northwestern part of the country near Uganda."},{"title":"New president","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212124731-kenya-timeline-independence-2013-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"2013","text":"Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Jomo, is elected president after the election is conducted with arbitration by the supreme court. The President and Deputy President William Ruto face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court over their involvement in the 2007-08 electoral violence."},{"title":"Westgate attack","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212125401-kenya-timeline-independence-westgate-2013-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"2013","text":"An attack by gunmen at Westgate shopping mall leaves at least 67 people dead. The Somali terror group Al-Shabaab claims responsibility. The Al Qaeda-linked group says on Twitter that the attack was in retaliation for Kenya's involvement in an African Union military effort against Al-Shabaab in neighboring Somalia. "},{"title":"Celebrations","heroImage":"http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131212125643-kenya-timeline-independence-celebrations-2013-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg","heroVideo":"","pointTitle":"2013","text":"Celebrations are underway in Kenya, marking 50 years of independence."}]});

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O’Mahony: Munster have been winning in France for years

Munster have won just once in their last five trips to France, but that won’t stop them flying to Perpignan with a high dose of confidence on board.

The last time the southern province visited the Catalan stronghold [in 2009], they emerged 37-14 winners after a superb performance resulted in Denis Fogarty, Jean de Villiers, Denis Hurley and Doug Howlett crossing for tries.

Munster’s more recent history suggests that his assertion may not be totally backed up by the facts, but Peter O’Mahony says Irish teams have no problem winning on the road in France.

“Munster have been doing it for a good few years at this stage. Leinster have been doing it for a good few years at this stage too. So it won’t be new for us; every Irish team travelling to France knows that if they’re going to get a win, it’s going to be hard-earned.

If you do come out of it with a win, it’s going to have been a tough game. It’s going to have been an 80-minute game with blood and bruised bodies, but that’s what it takes to win in France. That’s what we’ll be looking to do.”

Losing international scrum-half Conor Murray to a knee injury in last weekend’s 36-8 victory is an obvious blow before tomorrow’s return leg in Perpignan, something O’Mahony freely admits. However, the Munster captain underlines his belief that the back-up is of high quality.

“He’s a key part of our team. As of the last two years, he’s been our first choice scrum-half. He’s now a Lion and an established international player, so he is a big loss but I think we’ve three or four great scrum-halves coming through.

“It’s great for them to get the opportunity. Obviously Cathal Sheridan was on the bench last week and Duncan Williams; these guys are class rugby players. We’ve great competition there so we’re lucky that we’ll be able to fill his boots with quality players.”

O’Mahony reckons Irish teams have no fear of travelling to France. ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

Another man who inspires confidence in O’Mahony is fellow back row Sean Dougall. The openside flanker pushed Keith Earls hard for the man of the match award last weekend, and grows in importance to Rob Penney’s side with each passing week.

“He was top of the bus to be fair to him. He’s been a bit unlucky with injury over the past few months but I think everyone in the squad knew it was in him and in all the Heineken Cup rugby he’s played, he’s been quality for us. It didn’t shock us in any way. He was class and he was hugely important for us last weekend.”

O’Mahony will need to ensure Dougall and co. are motivated and focused for tomorrow’s encounter in Perpignan. That the Catalans have won 22 of their last 23 home games in the Heineken Cup points to the necessity for Munster to be at their very best to emerge with four points.

The Stade Aime Giral is deservedly appreciated across France for its wonderful atmosphere and USAP’s numerous supporters clubs usually produce an intimidating welcome for the away team. O’Mahony has his own theory on how to counter that.

I suppose you try your best to keep them quiet and that’s not an easy thing to do. But at times, that’s what we’re going to have to try to do. On the flip side of it, when they are noisy, it works for both teams.

“I presume it’s the same for away teams in Thomond [Park], the noise level would really drive you on. You try and look at it from that point of view but like I said, it’s a very daunting place to play. It’s a tough place to go.

“They’re very rarely beaten at home and I think they’ve support to maybe even rival our own.”

Three battles Munster must win to reign supreme in Perpignan

‘I would be happier if Brian stopped playing’ – Dr Barry O’Driscoll

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