From Ford-K to NDP: political mobilization in Luoland

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Periodical article

Title:	From Ford-K to NDP: political mobilization in Luoland
Author:	Oloo, Adams G.R.
Year:	2000
Periodical:	L'Afrique orientale
Pages:	351-394
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	Luo political change elections 1997 opposition parties
Abstract:	Political mobilization in Luoland, Kenya, has been a function of both internal and external forces. Internally the Luo have always endeavoured to give their unwavering support to personalities perceived to be working towards a Luo agenda. Externally, there have been forces in both the Kenyatta and Moi regimes which have not lost an opportunity to drive a wedge between the Luo. The reintroduction of multipartyism and the formation in July 1991 of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (Ford) was seen by the Luo as the means by which Jaramogi Oginga Odinga would finally ascend to State power. The subsequent split in Ford and its polarization into Ford-Kenya and Ford-Asili was perceived as a Kikuyu conspiracy to deny the Luo political leadership. Following Odinga's death in 1994, Ford-K suffered a further setback when Raila Odinga decamped to the then moribund National Development Party (NDP). In the 1990s the Luo have changed tactics and have striven to work closely with the Government through the concept of cooperation. This move has been influenced amongst others by the urge to shake off the tag of 'oppositionists', especially after the 1992 and 1997 election experiences. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]