Bruce Roy McKenzie DSO DFC EGH (1 January 1919 - 24 May 1978) was a South African-born Kenyan politician whose life was marked by military service, political influence, and a mysterious death. His contributions to Kenyan agriculture and alleged involvement in intelligence activities have made him a notable figure in the country's history.
Early Life and Military Career
McKenzie was born in 1919 in Richmond in the Union of South Africa's Natal Province. In 1939, he joined the South African Air Force. During World War II, he was seconded to Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), where he saw action in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and European theaters. He commanded 458 Squadron RAAF and subsequently 17 Squadron SAAF.
Political Career in Colonial and Independent Kenya
In Colonial Kenya, McKenzie became a member of the legislative Council (Legco) from 1957 to 1963. He held the post of Minister for Agriculture in 1959-1960 and Minister for Land Settlement from 1962-1963. Post Independence in 1963, he was an appointed member of the House of Representatives (KANU) and appointed Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
Contributions to Kenyan Horticulture
Kenya's horticulture sector is often celebrated as one of sub-Saharan Africa's principal post-independence success stories. Kenya has become the region's largest exporter of fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers to Europe, with these commodities being the third-largest foreign exchange earners, second only to diaspora remittances and tourism. Kenya enjoys geographical and climatic advantages, including fertile land at the correct altitude with water, located on or close to the Equator. Most farms are located only 100 km from Nairobi, a regional hub.
From independence in 1963 up to 1973, the horticultural sector was not regarded as significant in government circles due to its limited contributions to employment or foreign exchange income. This lack of governmental vested interest had hidden benefits. It allowed the Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA) to develop a facilitative approach to private sector investment, as there were no barriers to entry save logistical and relational barriers globally. As a result, HCDA was open to licensing any investors who showed an interest, so long as they would organize their logistics and buyer networks.
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The most seminal of these early investors was Bonde Nielsen, a commercial plant grower from the Danish Island of Funen, who was brought to Kenya by Bruce McKenzie in 1969. This project enjoyed the support, as shareholders, of both Bruce McKenzie and the then Attorney General Charles Njonjo, who were influential figures in the government. The Ministry of Agriculture signed a 25-year agreement with DCK that gave the company concessions and a near monopoly. The company had access to local financing which was agreed at 40% of foreign equity plus loans (Danish Aid) for the first two years and 20% thereafter.
Death and Allegations
On May 24, 1978, McKenzie was killed when a bomb attached to his aircraft exploded as he departed a meeting with Idi Amin. It was claimed that the plane he was travelling in had a bomb attached to it, and it exploded moments after take-off. There were allegations that Bruce Mackenzie was killed on orders of then Ugandan President Idi Amin in retaliation for his involvement with the infamous July 1976 Entebbe rescue.
The Entebbe raid or Operation Entebbe, officially codenamed Operation Thunderbolt, was a 1976 Israeli counter-terrorist mission in Uganda.
Past air accidents in Kenya
Kenya has experienced several air accidents that claimed the lives of prominent Kenyans:
- January 2003: Ahmed Khalif, then minister for Labour, died in a plane accident.
- April 10, 2006: A military cargo plane crash killed 14 people, including 5 Members of Parliament: Bonaya Godana, Guracha Galgalo, Abdi Sasura, Titus Ngoyoni, and Abdullahi Adan. Internal Security Assistant Minister Mirugi Kariuki also died in the accident.
- June 2008: Roads minister Kipkalya Kones and Sotik MP Lorna Laboso died after their plane crashed in Narok.
- June 10, 2012: Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and his assistant Orwa Ojode died in a helicopter accident in Ngong.
It is worth noting that Bruce Mackenzie died in a plane accident that happened on May 24, 1978, at Ngong Hills, the same location where Saitoti died in 2012.
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Relationship with Israel
Israeli Forces Strike: The Raid On Entebbe Operation Thunderbolt
Later, Israel’s Chief Director of Mossad, Meir Amit, had a forest planted in Israel in McKenzie’s name. McKenzie's death led to speculation about his involvement with Israeli intelligence. Some sources suggest he had close ties with Mossad and assisted in various operations, including the Entebbe raid. However, the exact nature and extent of his relationship with Israeli intelligence remain debated.
Here's a table summarizing key aspects of Bruce McKenzie's life:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | 1919, Richmond, Natal Province, South Africa |
| Military Service | South African Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force (WWII) |
| Political Career | Member of Legco (1957-1963), Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Land Settlement, Member of House of Representatives (KANU), Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry |
| Death | May 24, 1978, plane explosion |
| Possible cause of death | Allegedly assassinated on orders of Idi Amin in retaliation for McKenzie's involvement with the Entebbe rescue. |
| Legacy | Forest planted in his name in Israel by Mossad director Meir Amit |
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