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Power in the Left: Uhuru Kenyatta, Kindiki, Redsan and other famous left-handed Kenyans
13th August, 2026 10:59 AM
Every year on August 13, the world celebrates International Left-Handers Day, recognising people who naturally favour their left hand in a world largely designed around right-handed people.
About 10 per cent of the global population is estimated to be left-handed, and the day also seeks to raise awareness of the everyday challenges they can face, from using desks and scissors designed for right-handers to navigating long-standing myths about left-handedness.
Kenya has its own share of prominent left-handed personalities, including politicians, athletes and public figures who have stood out in their respective fields.
Here are some Kenyan icons who stand out in a right-handed world.
- Uhuru Kenyatta
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is among Kenya’s most prominent left-handed personalities.
His handedness became particularly noticeable during former US President Barack Obama’s 2015 state visit to Kenya when the two leaders were photographed signing a visitors’ book using their left hands.
The moment attracted attention because Obama is also left-handed, making the image a rare display of two world leaders sharing the same trait.
- Kithure Kindiki
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also drew attention to his left-handedness recently.
During the launch of the Kenya Junior Schools ICT Integration Project in July 2026, Kindiki used his left hand to operate a digital stylus while annotating a smart board during an integrated science lesson.
His neat handwriting attracted attention online, with some Kenyans comparing his left-handed writing to that of former US President Barack Obama.
- Redsan
Kenyan dancehall singer Swabri Mohammed widely known as Redsan is also among the public figures associated with left-handedness.
The veteran singer has enjoyed a long career in Kenya’s music industry, releasing hit songs and establishing himself as one of the country’s notable artists.
International Left-Handers Day provides an opportunity to celebrate personalities such as Redsan, whose achievements have helped show that being left-handed does not stand in the way of success.
- Jacque Maribe
Former journalist Jacque Maribe has also been listed among Kenyan personalities who are left-handed.
A previous profile of Kenyan celebrities who are left-handed identified Maribe alongside Uhuru Kenyatta and other public figures.
- Alexandra Ndolo
Kenyan-Polish fencer Alexandra Ndolo is another notable left-hander.
Ndolo, who competes in épée fencing, represented Kenya at the 2024 Paris Olympics and has played a significant role in raising the profile of fencing in the country.
She is naturally left-handed, an attribute that can be particularly useful in fencing because opponents may encounter fewer left-handed competitors.
Global icons
Beyond Kenya, left-handedness is shared by several globally recognised figures.
Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are among the political leaders known for being left-handed. Other notable left-handers include former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci.
In entertainment, Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey are known left-handers, while sports stars such as Lionel Messi and former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson have also been associated with left-handedness.
International Left-Handers Day is therefore more than a celebration of which hand someone uses. It is also an opportunity to recognise the experiences of left-handed people and challenge the idea that the right hand is the default.
For the millions of left-handers around the world, August 13 is a reminder that standing out from the crowd can be something worth celebrating.
