This was an initiative thought of by Tom Mboya and William X. Scheinman in order to address the colossal educational challenges facing Kenya.

[4] Through the airlift program, several hundred Kenyans and other East Africans obtained scholarships to study in the United States of America with the support of John F. Kennedy, the African American Students Foundation (AASF) and prominent African Americans including Harry Belafonte, Jackie Robinson, Sidney Poitier and Martin Luther King Jr.[4] Ochola had been elected as the Secretary General of the newly formed Petroleum and Oil workers Union and therefore had to negotiate labour contracts with international oil companies.

While he was studying there, the local branch of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic workers Union helped him find part time work at the Corn Products Refining Company in Summit, Illinois, to pay for his upkeep.

George Philip Ochola stepped into a prominent leadership role following this round-up and his efforts ensured that the party continued to increase in size and popularity.

[11] President John F. Kennedy started the Peace Corps in February 1961 with the official aim of encouraging mutual understanding between Americans and other nations and states.

"[14] In September 1964, a delegation of the Organisation of African Unity arrived in Washington to seek an audience with President Johnson to discuss the American military assistance given to Moise Tshombe, the Premier of Congo.

"[15] Before travelling to Chicago, Ochola Mak’Anyengo was elected to head the Petroleum and Oil workers Union soon after completion of the management trainee course with Kenya Shell Company Limited.

This was during the Cold War, when Kenya was a stage for a proxy ideological battle between the western and eastern blocs.

Although Kenya was a member of the non aligned movement, Cold War ideological divisions became enmeshed with local politics.

[19] Oginga Odinga, Bildad Kaggia, Pio Gama Pinto, Achieng Oneko, Dennis Akumu and Ochola Mak’Anyengo were among those who voiced concerns relating to corruption in government and increasing western influence in the country.

[23] The report of the truth, justice and reconciliation commission (2013) concluded that the Kenyatta government was responsible for numerous gross violations of human rights including the political assassination of Pio Gama Pinto.

Upon release, he was unanimously re-elected, by popular vote, to continue heading the Petroleum and Oil Workers Union.

Tom Mboya, a popular leader amongst the resident Luo community, had been assassinated on 5 July 1969 and as a result, political tensions were high.

Other estimates placed the death toll at closer to 100 men, women and children, some of whom were shot up to 50 km (31 mi) away from the demonstrations.

Despite the official allegation, that he acted illegally against the government at the time of his arrest, Mak'Anyengo was never formally charged or tried for any wrongdoing.

Mak’Anyengo successfully ran for the office of secretary general of the Railways and Harbours Union in 1981.

[2][16] A eulogy delivered at the start of a parliamentary house meeting following his death described him as a veteran trade unionist and renowned freedom fighter with a notable sense of humour and debating skills.

It was stated: "His contribution to the national development, devotion to serving his constituents and his dedication to the ruling party Kanu all speak for themselves.