The Bloody Year That Shaped Kenyan Politics: Understanding 1969

 

Many young Kenyans today struggle to understand the nation’s political dynamics, largely because they lack insight into a pivotal year that defined Kenya’s politics: 1969. This was a year marked by dramatic, bloody events that laid the foundation for the country’s current messy political landscape.

The "Winner Takes All" Politics

In 2010, Kenya passed a new constitution aimed at addressing the root cause of its political woes—winner-takes-all politics. The original drafts proposed a balance of power between a president and a prime minister, with an independent parliament acting as a check. However, compromises during negotiations resulted in a presidency with significant powers, leaving Parliament vulnerable to manipulation.

The 2013 elections saw a return to old habits. Parliament was rigged to favor the president’s side, undermining the constitutional intent. Since then, laws have been bulldozed through without proper negotiation or consultation, contradicting the essence of democracy.

The Roots in 1969

This autocratic style of governance is deeply rooted in the political decisions and events of 1969. Under Jomo Kenyatta’s presidency, the aim was to eliminate all opposition—real or perceived—to ensure the presidency wielded unchallenged power. The Luo community, with its prominent leaders—Tom Mboya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Argwings Kodhek—was identified as the greatest political threat.

The Assassinations

1. Argwings Kodhek:

Kodhek, a brilliant lawyer and Kenya's Minister of Foreign Affairs, died on January 29, 1969, in a suspicious car accident. It was later revealed that he had been shot with a police-issued rifle. Kodhek’s death was the beginning of a systematic elimination of strong opposition voices.

2. Tom Mboya:

On July 5, 1969, Mboya was assassinated in broad daylight in Nairobi. A charismatic leader with a vision for a united Kenya, his death left a significant political vacuum and sent shockwaves across the nation.

The Kisumu Massacre

The events of October 25, 1969, in Kisumu remain one of Kenya's darkest moments. Jomo Kenyatta visited Kisumu to open a hospital, but the visit quickly turned violent. After being heckled by the crowd, chaos erupted. Security forces opened fire on civilians, killing many. To this day, the official death toll remains a state secret.

A Legacy of Bloodshed

The events of 1969 cemented a political culture of dominance and suppression. Opposition voices were silenced, often through violence, and democracy took a backseat to authoritarianism. The foundations laid in that year continue to affect Kenya’s political system, where power is concentrated and dissent is marginalized.

Reflections and Moving Forward

Understanding these historical events is crucial for addressing Kenya’s current challenges. The blood of those who lost their lives in 1969 cries out for justice, and as Kenya navigates the season of judgment, learning from its past mistakes can pave the way for a better future.

Let us honor the memory of these events by striving for a more democratic and inclusive Kenya.