ANB-BIA SUPPLEMENT

ISSUE/EDITION Nr 323 - 01/05/1997

Kenya

Controversial government reshuffle

by Isaac Nyangeri, Kenya, February 1997

THEME = POLITICS

INTRODUCTION

On 15 January 1997, President Daniel arap Moi announced a reshuffle affecting cabinet ministers, assistant cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries and provincial administrators (commissioners). A few days later, other changes affecting ambassadors were announced

The reshuffle has created a stir as some people view this as an indicator of the ever-widening rift within the ruling Kenyan African National Union (KANU). The Secretary-General of the Democratic Party (DP), Mr. Joseph Munyao, said: "Causing divisions within KANU in this way, gives one the feeling that "war" has been declared".

KANU "A" and KANU "B"

There are sharp differences within the ruling party. Political analysts are now talking about "KANU "A" and KANU "B". KANU "A" consists in people like Mr.Kipkalia Kones who was dropped from the cabinet in the reshuffle. He was Minister of State in the Office of the President. Mr.William ole Ntimama has been transferred from the Ministry of Local government to the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage. Mr.Simeon Nyachae was moved from his post as Minister of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Marketing, to that of Minister of Lands Reclamation.
Mr.Nyachae is said to be the group's presidential candidate. KANU "A" group consists of those tribes which generally view themselves as being sidelined or threatened by other larger tribal groups.
Let's take a look at KANU "B". Here we have the Vice-President, Professor George Saitoli. There have been criticisms uttered against him developing into outright anti- Saitoli campaigns. It's as though the vice-presidency is already vacant.
President Moi stated that the campaigns against Saitoli were ethnic - that they are directed against the Kikuyu. But is Professor Saitoli a Kikuyu? Well, not entirely, even though he has Kikuyu blood flowing in his veins.
The differences within KANU became so sharp, with members suing others in the courts of law, that towards the end of 1996, the President threatened to re-introduce expulsion decrees. This was clearly an attempt to silence dissent within the party. This has been largely achieved.

Biwott's appointment

The most controversial action taken by the President was the re- appointment of Mr.Nicolas Biwott to the cabinet, as Minister of State in the Office of the President. he replaces Mr.Kipkalia Kones. Mr Kones said that he was "not bitter or even surprised about the decision, for my enemies have been working round the clock to effect my removal from government. However, I believe that God has good plans for me".
The whole point in question is not the sacking of Mr.Kones but Mr. Biwott's re-appointment to the cabinet.
Mr. John Munyasia is a Member of Parliament with the Forum for Restoration of Democracy-Kenya (FORD-K). He said: "It is unfortunate that Mr.Biwott has been elevated to cabinet rank in the Office of the President. This is an act of defiance by President Moi against the wishes of Kenyans".

The "Ouko Affair"

Readers will recall that Mr.Biwott was one of the prime suspects in the brutal murder of Dr.Robert Ouko, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, until his death in 1990. Initially there was a suicide theory. It was said that Dr. Ouko took his own life by pouring petrol over himself and then setting himself alight. But how could Dr.Ouko have succeeded in this, after shooting himself in the head? (His charred body, which was discovered on 16 February 1990, had a gunshot wound in the head).
The Kenya government then sought the help of Scotland Yard who sent in a team of investigators. But as soon as the team tried to question senior officials, they were given their marching orders.
There was a subsequent Judicial Commission - the "Ouko Commission of Inquiry" under the direction of Appeal Court Judge Justice Evans Gicheru. The Commission didn't manage to complete its inquiries as its appointment was revoked. Then came investigations conducted by the Kenya Police. A number of prominent people were arrested, including Mr.Biwott, who was later released for "lack of sufficient evidence". He was subsequently "relieved" of his cabinet post by the President.
The government, through the President, promised to "leave no stone unturned" in the search for the true culprits. So, Mr.Biwott's re-appointment has riled many people.

Biwott's supporters

But not everyone is against Mr. Biwott. The day following the government re-shuffle, newspapers, particularly in Mr.Biwott's Keiyo region (Rift Valley Province), had all been sold out by eight in the morning, as people rejoiced over the "good news". Also, FORD-Asili Member of Parliament, Njenga Mungai, said the Opposition ought not to criticise the President for the reshuffle, since "it is his prerogative to appoint and fire Ministers. We believe that he has seen new light, like the Biblical Saul who became transformed into Paul on the way to Damascus after years of persecuting the messengers of God".
And what about Mr.Biwott? He's taking care to say nothing!

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