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In 2005, IFRA in partnership with Transafrica Press published a book edited by Hervé Maupeu, Musambayi Katumanga and Winnie Mitullah, titled The Moi Succession, Elections 2002.

Abstract

The General Elections of 2002 were without doubt the most significant elections held in Kenya since the independence. After 24 years at the country’s helm, Daniel arap Moi was constitutionally banned from standing for a third term as President. As his long autocratic rule was drawing to a close, the so-called “Professor of Politics” considered his options, one of which was amending the Constitution to remove the time-barred clause itself. To his credit, he wisely did not take this route. However, in the two years immediately preceding the election, Moi initiated what later became known as his “Project”. He calculatingly took the first of necessary steps to bring about the only tolerable solution to the teasing problem of his own succession. This also seemed to be, as indeed it must be, in the best interests of himself, his family, his party and his people – in that order of acceptability.

So it was that a thirty-seven year old failed candidate from the 1997 General Elections found himself dragged away from his extensive business interests and appointed Chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board and a nominated Member of Parliament. One short hop and he joined the Cabinet as the Minister for Local Government. It helped that he was the son of Jomo Kenyatta, the founding President of the Nation. However, as time was running out, the next moves were more hurried as Moi brutally and publicly down-graded the other high-ranking hopefuls in the Party. The drama culminated in the emergence of Uhuru Kenyatta as Moi’s successor and his anointing as KANU’s Presidential candidate for the 2002 General Elections. The shockwaves from this surprise decision resonated wildly round the country. The political opposition, now strengthened by important refugees from the KANU implosion, frantically increased the tempo of their complex pre-election manoeuvres to achieve the degree of unity necessary to present a solid anti-Moi, anti-KANU front. This had in the past been effectively thwarted by petty squabbling among the tribal warlords. This time, surely, it must be different.

This book, compiled by twelve experts and students of Kenyan politics, traces the intricate negotiations and manipulations that marked the tense run-up to the landmark 2002 General Elections. The contributors provide invaluable ground level coverage of the practical implementation of the electoral system in several key urban and rural constituencies. This is combined with challenging and illuminating analyses of the dominant factors behind the shocks and surprises of these crucial elections. The eventual peaceful outcome, when a mature Uhuru gracefully acknowledged defeat and ex-President Moi solemnly handed over the symbol of power to the new President, Mwai Kibaki, signalled a promising and refreshing stage in the development of democratic politics in the country.

To order a copy of the book, contact Transafrica Press or IFRA-Nairobi.