Why Succession Politics in Kenya is Mostly Divisive

Succession politics in Kenya has always been divisive, intrigued with mudslinging, betrayals and ‘silly’ propaganda. Prior to 2002 elections, there were numerous political maneuvers as Raila Odinga dissolved his NDP-K party and joined KANU. He then replaced Joseph Kamotho as KANU’s secretary general and was appointed as Minister for Energy in Moi’s government.

Mr Odinga anticipated to be anointed by the then President Daniel Arap Moi as his apparent heir to the throne. Equally, other political mandarins like George Saitoti, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi thought that Moi would opt for one of them.

When Moi settled for Uhuru Kenyatta as his purported heir, the entire nation was in shock. Raila Odinga would then marshal those KANU adherents who were dissatisfied with Moi’s choice and walked out of KANU en masse. The rebels then formed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). 

LDP joined National Alliance for Change (NAC) whose members included Mwai Kibaki, Wamalwa Kijana and Charity Ngilu and formed a coalition party which was known as National Rainbow Coalition (NARC). When Mwai Kibaki won the 2002 general elections, most NARC members were worried whether Moi would hand over power to the opposition, which he did to the surprise of many.

As Uhuru’s term comes to an end in 2022, the political temperatures keep on souring. Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga are presumed to be among the top contenders. As 2022 approaches, the two topmost contenders are smearing each other with negativities.

The ‘Hustler’ vs ‘Dynasty’ narrative attracted the intervention of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who equally reacted by stating that time was ripe for a person from a community, which has never produced a president, to lead Kenya.

Uhuru’s outburst was a clear signal that he no longer favored his deputy to succeed him. The President further specified that he was still in charge. He noted that for the remaining time he had the ability of ‘roaring like a lion.’ Uhuru wants to stamp his authority in his own backyard and determine its political destiny after he retires from presidency in 2022.

Since the reintroduction of multiparty politics, presidential election results in Kenya have remained contested for a very long time. According to the main architects of Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), the document seeks to end the cycle of post-electoral intolerance.