When ex-president of Kenya, Daniel Toroitich arap Moi came out of State house in 2002, no one could sense that his right arm tightened its grip on Kenya African National Union (KANU) party. Yes, he retired from “active politics.”
In January 2005, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta the son of Kenya’s first president ‘Mzee’ Jomo Kenyatta defeated Nicholas Biwott having 2,980 votes amongst the party delegates as Biwott got 622 making him KANU’s “Chairman.” What did this mean, Uhuru is independent to make decisions for KANU and independent to seek counsel.
In 2005, Uhuru led KANU and teamed up with Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to form Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the referendum against the draft constitution. ODM won 58.12%.This was a clear indication that, in Kenya winning meant a coalition.
After NARC- Kenya had lost in the referendum the wikipedia notes that the current Kenya president Mwai Kibaki called Daniel Moi to arrange for a meeting to discuss the way forward after the defeat.
Recently, Uhuru Kenyatta thought it was wise to maintain his relationship with LDP as they forge for 2007 presidential election. This sent a bad signal to Mzee Moi that made him to take quick action and ousted Uhuru as the KANU “chairman” and “Total Man” Nicholas Biwott was made the new “King.”
Not more than 2 days away, Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (Ford- Kenya) faced the same wave of forced replacement. Musikari Kombo was thrown out as Soita Shitanda took the wheel. The battle continues in the courts of law.
But who is behind the ousting of Uhuru Kenyatta and Musikari Kombo? Why at almost the same time? Why at this time when elections are just few months away? Lastly, what is the impact in Kenya politics and future of political parties?
The ousting of Uhuru raises our eyebrows to know that Uhuru Kenyatta was not the favourite to Moi in 2002, when he selected him to run for 2002 presidential elections. Uhuru might have been an accident to KANU party as political institution or Uhuru was expected to be Moi’s puppet.
Lesson to Africa
The lack of political institution in parties in Kenya is weakening the future of party leadership. Let Kenya borrow a leaf from Tanzania where we see Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) mentoring the successors of party leadership.
Uganda also as country is not left out, National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) led by Dr. Kizza Besigye, should start mentoring the leaders of their parties.
Parties in Africa should be parties that plan to exist not for a few decades but centuries and partys' constitutions should be highly repsected by its members.
Light from the Unknown
From: Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
About me: I am a broadcast and an online journalist who admires photography. Currently, am working for the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation - English Service Radio. This blog mainly focuses on my opinion and a few stories I have covered.***This is not an official voice for KBC.*** Email me jardnimimi at gmail dot com.
We know who are behind this ongoings..& their intentions bt even though am not a die-hard politician, I know one thing multi-partism in Kenya is here 2 stay..Ama??