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Daniel arap Moi

1924 – 2020 Kenyan teacher, President of Kenya 1978-2002

Kenya's second president, who ruled for 24 years under the Nyayo slogan and made the country a one-party state.

Religion
Christian (African Inland Church)
Affiliations
KADU, KANU

Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, a Tugen from Baringo, was a teacher who entered colonial-era politics, led KADU, and became Jomo Kenyatta's vice-president before succeeding him in 1978. In 1982 Parliament amended the constitution (Section 2A) to make Kenya a de jure one-party state, and his government detained critics without trial. Human rights bodies, the courts, and the later Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission documented torture of dissidents in the Nyayo House basement and grand-corruption scandals such as Goldenberg. He gave up power after losing his majority and stepping down at the 2002 election, and died in 2020.

Connections

  • ally of Charles Njonjo — Njonjo helped secure his succession, then the two fell out.
  • rival of Charles Njonjo — Backed his rise, then was branded a traitor and forced from office in 1983-84.
  • successor of Jomo Kenyatta — Served as his vice-president and succeeded him in 1978.
  • rival of Mwai Kibaki — Kibaki served under Moi, then left KANU and eventually ended Moi-era KANU rule.
  • ally of Nicholas Biwott — Biwott was his closest and most powerful minister.
  • ally of Nicholas Biwott — His closest minister and confidant.
  • rival of Raila Odinga — Detained under his rule and a leading opponent of his government.
  • associate of Robert Ouko — Served as his foreign minister until his death.
  • rival of Smith Hempstone — Publicly pressed his government to open up politically.
  • rival of Smith Hempstone — The US ambassador pressed him publicly to allow multiparty politics.
  • associate of Uhuru Kenyatta — Moi elevated Uhuru through KANU and made him the 2002 succession candidate.
  • rival of Wangari Maathai — Clashed with his government over land, forests, and democracy.

In the timeline

Wikipedia