The KANU party in 1979 continued to contain factions and internal groupings, though the factional landscape was reshaping as a result of the transition from Kenyatta to Moi. Different groupings of politicians aligned with different power centers within the party and the government, and these alignments affected electoral outcomes and parliamentary dynamics.
Kalenjin politicians aligned with Moi formed a faction within KANU that was growing in influence. The rise of Moi to the presidency meant that Kalenjin politicians had greater access to power and patronage resources than they had under Kenyatta. Kalenjin politicians positioned themselves as supporters of Moi and of the Nyayo philosophy.
Kikuyu politicians remained a significant faction, but the Kikuyu faction was no longer dominant as it had been under Kenyatta. Some Kikuyu politicians adapted to the new political order by positioning themselves as supporters of Moi. Others maintained relative independence or pursued factional interests within the broader Kikuyu political community.
Luo politicians, including those released from detention before the 1979 election, potentially formed a distinct faction within KANU. The release of detainees created the possibility that Luo politicians might gain influence within the party under Moi.
Regional factions within KANU continued to reflect geographical organization and the influence of regional political leaders. Different regions had different power structures and different relationships to the national party leadership.
Ministerial factions formed around cabinet ministers and senior government officials. Politicians who were aligned with particular ministers or who sought patronage from them formed networks of support.
Generational divisions between older politicians from the independence era and younger, educated politicians continued to affect KANU factional dynamics.
Professional and economic networks intersected with factional politics. Businessmen, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals formed networks that sometimes coincided with ethnic, regional, or ideological alignments.
The succession and transition had created a moment when factional alignments were being renegotiated. Politicians who had been aligned with Kenyatta had to adjust to Moi's leadership, while politicians aligned with Moi could expect to gain influence. This renegotiation of factions was ongoing in 1979.
See Also
- KANU Party
- 1979 Election
- Daniel arap Moi
- Kalenjin Politics Kenya
- Kikuyu Politics Kenya
- Kenya Political System 1978-1991
Sources
- Barkan, Joel. "The Electoral Process in Kenya." African Studies Review, 1976.
- Widner, Jennifer. The Rise of a Party-State in Kenya. University of California Press, 1992.
- Gertzel, Cherry. "The Politics of Kenya: Toward Authoritarianism." Journal of Eastern African Studies, 1975.