Nobody says it was a Republic in 1961. But Kenya declared independence in 12/63 and was on the road to becoming a republic even if it was not “officially” one yet. The Kenyans were perhaps the most prideful and fractious of all the Crown Colonies in Africa (See: Mau Maus) and the Kenyans working in the various bureaucracies were doubtless from among the most patriotic and chauvinistic sements of society. Printing “Republic” on a document form reminds me of Alaska and Hawaii gaining statehood in the late ‘50’s. We all referred to them as states even though there was a one year lag time before they actually assumed legal statehood.
“Republic” was the de facto situation if not de jure. It doesn’t stretch my credulity at all. And WND claims to have seen similar documents and I am not prepared to call Joe Farah& co. liars.
See my post #2334....
This wikipedia tidbit backs up your point IN SPADES:
“On June 1, 1964, Kenyatta became President when he successfully had Parliament amend the Constitution to make Kenya a republic with his office becoming executive President: the head of State, head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.”