CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS
|
Kenya |
POLITICS
Kenya’s «new-look» political party
On 18 March 2002, a «new» political party emerged as a result of the merger between the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) and the National Development Party (NDP). This is seen as a great shift in the stance of the NDP‘s leader, Mr. Raila Amolo Odinga, who has thus changed from being a radical opposition member, to entering the Cabinet and the ruling party.
Mr. Raila was one of the crusaders for multi-party politics in Kenya. Following changes to Section 2 (A) of Kenya’s 1991 Constitution that had made Kenya a one-party state, he became a member of the Forum for Restoration of Democracy (FORD) led by his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. The party later split, creating FORD-Asili and FORD-Kenya. Following Oginga’s death, Mr. Michael Kijana Wamalwa took over the leadership of FORD-Kenya.
There were differences between Mr. Wamalwa and Mr. Raila who led a faction of FORD-Kenya. In 1996, Mr. Raila defected from FORD-Kenya. In January 1997, he explained that he had taken this action to end time-wasting legal tussles with Mr. Wamalwa. He delivered his decision to the Speaker of the National Assembly in a letter dated December 31,1996, having already been expelled from the party by its National Executive Council on December 19,1996.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Raila explained he was quitting FORD-Kenya because of the party’s refusal to change, adding that he had no intention of seeking the presidential office but felt he had to create a responsible, humane and democratic form of government. He said: «I have left FORD-Kenya knowing full well that Wamalwa cannot beat me in any political contest. I am not a coward to throw in the towel. I have decamped because bickering has taken centre stage, and political solutions cannot be found in unnecessary civil suits. FORD-Kenya members are not allowed to decide party leadership. My departure should not be mistaken for cowardice. The court battles were instigated by an invisible hand. I have left FORD-Kenya to set a precedence in creating democratic institutions. I hope this will form the political trend in Kenyan society.»
Mr. Raila became leader of the National Development Party (NDP), competing in and coming third in the 1997 presidential elections, following President Daniel arap Moi and Democratic Party chairman, Mr. Mwai Kibaki — the official opposition leader.
Towards political union
It did not take long for Mr Raila to draw closer to his previous political foe, President Moi and his ruling KANU. Accusing fingers on both side of the political divide were wagged in his direction. He has been accused of «sleeping with the enemy». In reply, Mr. Raila says: «That view is unfair, it is misplaced. The struggle for democracy has been a long one. But ever since the advent of multi-party democracy in 1992, we have been talking at each other and not to each other. It’s time for goodwill and a spirit of “give-and-take” on both sides of the political divide to help institutionalize multi-party democracy. It’s neither a weakness nor a compromise as long as it’s done without compromising the fundamental principles and objectives of the struggle for democratization». This spirit of «co-operation» later became known as a «partnership», and this irked the Opposition. In the current Parliament, KANU has a smaller majority than in previous parliaments, and opposition strategists had thought a combined opposition would keep the government on its toes — perhaps even to the extent of forcing through a motion of «no-confidence» in the President’s government.
Mr. Raila insists he has not changed his politics. «I have not deviated from the principles and policies I believe in. I am not out to compromise my political principles at any price. Nothing has been dangled at me. I have not been promised anything».
The partnership began to take shape. On 18 December 2000, Mr. Raila had said his party was ready to merge with KANU thereby creating a new party, clarifying, however, that the NDP had not yet received any such invitation from KANU. He explained that if such an invitation were to be extended by KANU, then differences between the two parties’ policies would have to be addressed.
On 11 June 2001, President Moi appointed NDP members to the Cabinet, choosing Mr. Raila Odinga as Minister of Energy and Dr. Adhu Awiti as Minister of Planning and National Development. Mr. Joshua Orwa Ojode and Mr. Peter Odoyo were appointed as assistant Ministers of Education, Science and Technology; and Foreign Affairs respectively. Welcoming the appointments, Mr. Raila said: «I see this as a great achievement in Kenya’s democratization process».
Monday 18 March 2002, will go down in history as the day the expected merger was effected, when a joint election of officials was carried out. This happened soon after the NDP was dissolved and its flag lowered at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasaran (Nairobi).
President Moi was elected unopposed as the new party’s national chairman, having been proposed by Mr. Raila Odinga and seconded by Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta. Elected party vice-chairmen (also unopposed), were: Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka, Mr. Katana Ngala, Mr. Uhuru Keyatta and Mr. Musalia Mudavadi, from Eastern, Central and Western provinces respectively.
Mr. Raila Odinga was elected secretary-general after the incumbent, Mr. Joseph Kamotho, at the last moment, decided not to contest the post. (Mr. Kamotho had earlier refused to step down after being advises to do so by fellow KANU members). Others elected as party officials included Mr. Nicholas Biwott (organizing secretary) and Mr. Mohammed Yusuf Haji (treasurer).
The «new» party still carries KANU‘s name. But Habel Nyamu of Kenya’s Electoral Commission says: «What then is the most urgent reform needed by African political parties if they are to deliver the goods to the masses? In my view, it is, first, a change in their names so as to reflect organizations which truly care for people from every ethnic group». This is not the first time another party has merged with KANU. In 1964, the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) (led by none other than Mr. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi) had merged with KANU.
This present merger has undoubtedly shaken many politicians in the country.
ENGLISH CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS
PeaceLink 2002 - Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgement