Tribal Politics

The book introduces several Kenyan ethnic groups, their uniqueness, beauty, and their amusing traditional stereotypes. “Kenya is made up of about 42 different ethnic groups, some of which could be seen as separate nationalities forced together by different historical circumstances.” The book emphasizes the loyalty people have and owe to their ethnics groups, and how unscrupulous politicians try to exploit this. The most prominent groups are the Kikuyus and the Luos. “The Luos and the Kikuyus are separate and relatively homogenous communities, of course the extent of the exploitation of this homogeneity as basis of political action would vary among the two ethnic groupings.”

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father, was Kenya’s initial Vice-President before being side-lined by President Jomo Kenyatta. The book explores Jaramogi and Raila’s Luo heritage, describing the manner in which their ethnic origins both furthered and restricted their nationalist political ambitions. In so doing, the book illustrates how ethnicity has often been employed as tool of fear and divisiveness to prevent challenges to the power of the dominant Kenyan political elite.
For example, “the assertion of ideological difference and personal leadership ambitions, accentuated the struggle between Tom Mboya and Oginga Odinga” While politicians like Jomo Kenyatta ripped the benefit of ethnic politics, Mboya paid the ultimate price-the loss of his life.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the comments page are those of the writers and in no way represent the views of Yintab Books nor the Author, Dr. Babafemi Badejo

Coalitions and Alliances: Necessary Evil?

Raila has fought for the rights of the common Kenyan. Drawn to socialist activism during the Cold War, he proved a canny leader in private enterprise before reinventing himself as a liberal democrat. Presented with the easy option of a safe parliamentary seat in his rural ethnic stronghold, Raila instead pursued the challenge of a seat in Nairobi’s multi-ethnic suburbs. Committed to democracy and the rule of law, he supported a failed coup attempt launched by members of Kenya’s military forces. Considered a shrewd strategist, Raila gave up the opportunity to flee into exile and subsequently spent a decade behind bars, denied the right to a fair trial and subjected to torture and inhuman treatment. A steadfast critic and persecuted victim of the Moi regime, Raila nevertheless entered an alliance with his adversary. When things turned sour, he placed the defeat of his opponent’s agenda above personal ambition, playing a pivotal role in the victory of President Mwai Kibaki in 2002. Systematically sidelined by yet another President (Kibaki), Raila campaigned against Kibaki’s proposals for constitutional reform, securing a resounding “no” vote in the 2005 referendum.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the comments page are those of the writers and in no way represent the views of Yintab Books nor the Author, Dr. Babafemi Badejo

Fight for a Multiparty State

Kenya’s recent history reads like a Shakespearian tale, full of dramatic intrigue, intricate conspiracies and king-making plots. The political scene has been dominated by two figures in particular – Jomo Kenyatta, the country’s inaugural President, and Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, who was Kenyatta’s successor as President. Kenyatta and Moi ruled over Kenya with an iron fist for four decades, from independence in 1963 until 2002. Following promising pluralistic beginnings, Kenyatta and Moi used all the tools at their disposal to consolidate power and marginalize political opponents. Kenyatta pursued policies that turned Kenya into a de facto one-party state under the control of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). Moi went a step further, by passing a law that made Kenya a de jure one-party state. Political rivals therefore had to join KANU or risk being imprisoned and/or murdered for dissent. Nevertheless, throughout these tumultuous times, brave individuals and groups continued to struggle, at considerable personal cost, to turn Kenya into a multi-party democracy.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the comments page are those of the writers and in no way represent the views of Yintab Books nor the Author, Dr. Babafemi Badejo