Moi Sacks Vice-President Prof. Saitoti

Aug 30, 2002

<b>NAIROBI, Friday-</b> Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi sacked his long-serving vice-president on Friday, moving to crush an unprecedented revolt from his once-trusted allies over his choice of successor.

NAIROBI, Friday- Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi sacked his long-serving vice-president on Friday, moving to crush an unprecedented revolt from his once-trusted allies over his choice of successor.Vice-President George Saitoti has been at the forefront of a rebellion in the Kanu ruling party over Moi’s backing for the son of Kenya’s first president to succeed him at elections many expect in December.“It’s a move to crush dissent,” said Mutahi Ngunyi, a political analyst with the Consult-Afrika research group. “Moi has recognised that Kanu has fallen apart.”A statement issued by Kenya’s Presidential Press Unit said Saitoti had been dismissed but did not name a replacement.“President Daniel arap Moi has relieved Prof. George Saitoti of his vice-presidential and ministerial appointments,” the statement said. It did not give a reason for the move.Saitoti was also dismissed from his position as minister for home affairs, the statement said.Moi is struggling to control the backlash by senior ministers opposed to his backing of Uhuru Kenyatta — a 41-year old businessman with little political experience — as the best man to replace him when he retires.Critics say Moi, who is constitutionally bound to step down at the polls after more than two decades in power, is backing Kenyatta so he can extend his influence even after he retires.Saitoti and other top politicians more used to bowing and scraping before Moi have publicly defied him for the first time, fuelling speculation that Kanu, which has ruled since independence in 1963, may even break apart.Analysts say such a break-up of the party risks fuelling greater instability during the elections, a date for which has yet to be set.Saitoti, a mathematics professor who had until recently remained firmly in Moi’s shadow, was due to hold a press conference at 2:00pm (1100 GMT).Saitoti, now 58, saw his political star wane in March 2002 when Moi said he wanted a younger man to take over when he bows out after the polls.Though largely ceremonial, the vice-presidency is politically sensitive because the holder automatically takes over power as acting president for 90 days in the event of incapacitation, resignation or death of the president.Ends

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