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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Succession of Power and the Power of Succession: Nyayoism in Kenya
Author:Katz, Stephen
Year:1985
Periodical:Journal of African Studies (UCLA)
Volume:12
Issue:3
Period:Fall
Pages:155-161
Language:English
Geographic term:Kenya
Subjects:political ideologies
political conditions
heads of State
1970-1979
Politics and Government
About person:Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (1924-2020)ISNI
Abstract:After president Jomo Kenyatta's death, his vice president, Daniel arap Moi, succeeded him in accordance with the constitution and later with the support of the people of Kenya. Whereas the transition was peaceful and bloodless. Not faced considerable opposition from some of the most powerful groups in the land, who tried to prevent his succession by campaigning for constitutional amendments and by supporting an armed gang of would-be assassins (the ngorokos). When Moi took office, he and his supporters, faced with the immediate task of both redefining and deactivating his opposition while gaining the popular support of the apprehensive Kenyan people, developed an ideological discourse nyayoism to respond to this task. Moi promised to follow in Kenyatta s footsteps (nyayo, in Swahili). Thus, nyayo became a national motto, symbolizing continuity, peace, and stability, presenting succession as the natural perpetuity of Kenyatta s legacy. Those who challenged President Moi's policies were labeled anti-nyayo, and thus categorized, their challenges and activities were suppressed. The present regime in Kenya still draws its ideological strength from the conflicts waged during the time of Moi's succession to Kenyatta. - Notes.
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