Thumbs up to Moi for rounding off
Dec 03, 2002
Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi was on a farewell visit to Uganda and Tanzania over the past few days in preparation for his retirement at the end of this year
By John Kakande
KENYAN President Daniel arap Moi was on a farewell visit to Uganda and Tanzania over the past few days in preparation for his retirement at the end of this year.
The people of Uganda owe credit to him for the harmony that has prevailed between the two countries for over a decade. It ought to be recalled that during the early years of the NRM administration, Uganda and Kenya nearly fought each other.
The conflict, it was argued, was due to the ideological and age difference between Presidents Museveni and Moi. However, Moi and Museveni were able through dialogue and diplomacy, to sort out their misunderstandings in good time and bring about the prevailing harmony between the two countries. Kenya is the only neighbouring country, which has fought against Uganda, although it hosted a big number of Ugandan dissidents including Alice Lakwena.
President Moi’s decision to step down is politically significant. Although the Kenyan Constitution bars a president from serving more than two terms, Moi could still have sought another term through a Constitutional amendment. President Moi would have found no difficulty convincing the KANU-dominated Parliament to amend the Constitution to get another term. But he opted to step down.
Moi’s challenge now is to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are fair and free. President Moi’s legacy shall largely depend on this election. Naturally Moi would wish to see his Party, KANU retaining power. Nonetheless, it would be disastrous if KANU rigged the elections.
Kenya must take a lesson from Cote d’Ivoire, which until recently has been admirably stable with a great deal of economic prospects. Cote d’Ivoire is on fire, and it all started with President Laurent Gbagbo’s alleged fraudulent election.
In my view ex-presidents should be accorded respect. I hope the next president of Kenya, will treat President Moi with respect as a former leader. This is particularly important in the event that an opposition candidate wins the forthcoming elections.
I agree that leaders must account for their misdeeds. But this should not be an excuse for witch-hunting ex-presidents, as has been the case in many developing countries. Only in extremely serious breaches should criminal action be taken against an ex-president. There should not be absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for ex-presidents.
It is desirable that a president who chooses to retire also ceases to be politically active. It would be unwise for President Moi to remain Chairman of KANU with powers over the President (if Uhuru wins) as he intends to do.
The problem currently in Zambia is partly because Chiluba wanted to continue controlling state affairs from outside the State House. President Mwanawasa naturally did not want to run the country in the shadow of his predecessor.
Consequently, Mwanawasa kicked out of his cabinet the Chiluba loyalists. This resulted in the power struggle in the ruling Party, MMD.
KENYAN President Daniel arap Moi was on a farewell visit to Uganda and Tanzania over the past few days in preparation for his retirement at the end of this year.
The people of Uganda owe credit to him for the harmony that has prevailed between the two countries for over a decade. It ought to be recalled that during the early years of the NRM administration, Uganda and Kenya nearly fought each other.
The conflict, it was argued, was due to the ideological and age difference between Presidents Museveni and Moi. However, Moi and Museveni were able through dialogue and diplomacy, to sort out their misunderstandings in good time and bring about the prevailing harmony between the two countries. Kenya is the only neighbouring country, which has fought against Uganda, although it hosted a big number of Ugandan dissidents including Alice Lakwena.
President Moi’s decision to step down is politically significant. Although the Kenyan Constitution bars a president from serving more than two terms, Moi could still have sought another term through a Constitutional amendment. President Moi would have found no difficulty convincing the KANU-dominated Parliament to amend the Constitution to get another term. But he opted to step down.
Moi’s challenge now is to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are fair and free. President Moi’s legacy shall largely depend on this election. Naturally Moi would wish to see his Party, KANU retaining power. Nonetheless, it would be disastrous if KANU rigged the elections.
Kenya must take a lesson from Cote d’Ivoire, which until recently has been admirably stable with a great deal of economic prospects. Cote d’Ivoire is on fire, and it all started with President Laurent Gbagbo’s alleged fraudulent election.
In my view ex-presidents should be accorded respect. I hope the next president of Kenya, will treat President Moi with respect as a former leader. This is particularly important in the event that an opposition candidate wins the forthcoming elections.
I agree that leaders must account for their misdeeds. But this should not be an excuse for witch-hunting ex-presidents, as has been the case in many developing countries. Only in extremely serious breaches should criminal action be taken against an ex-president. There should not be absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for ex-presidents.
It is desirable that a president who chooses to retire also ceases to be politically active. It would be unwise for President Moi to remain Chairman of KANU with powers over the President (if Uhuru wins) as he intends to do.
The problem currently in Zambia is partly because Chiluba wanted to continue controlling state affairs from outside the State House. President Mwanawasa naturally did not want to run the country in the shadow of his predecessor.
Consequently, Mwanawasa kicked out of his cabinet the Chiluba loyalists. This resulted in the power struggle in the ruling Party, MMD.