The Day Moi Was Hidden In Boot Of An Old Car

The Luo community is known for producing exceptional opportunistic strikers—players who can turn even the faintest chance into a goal. Legendary names like Peter Dawo come to mind. Similarly, the Luo have also produced opportunistic politicians—individuals who seized opportunities and turned them into monumental achievements. Among them was Tom Mboya, who made the most of his circumstances to leave a lasting legacy. However, there’s another lesser-known figure whose political maneuvering and clever strategies made him just as influential: Hezekiah Oyugi.

Oyugi, a former Permanent Secretary and previously a District Commissioner (DC), rose from humble beginnings to become a powerful figure. At the peak of his influence, ministers and cabinet members would kneel before him, even though he was not an elected politician. His rise to power was largely attributed to his intelligence and ability to leverage opportunities.

Oyugi's relationship with Daniel arap Moi, who was then Vice President, began during his tenure as Nakuru DC. Oyugi used his position strategically, feeding Moi critical information, particularly about the activities of the so-called "Kiambu Mafia"—a powerful political faction within Jomo Kenyatta’s government.

At the time, the Kiambu Mafia aimed to change the constitution to prevent Moi from automatically ascending to the presidency upon Kenyatta’s death. Oyugi is believed to have informed Moi of an assassination plot and other schemes against him. When the constitutional amendment plan failed, the Kiambu Mafia allegedly devised more sinister strategies. It was Oyugi’s intelligence and resourcefulness that helped Moi navigate these dangerous times.

After Kenyatta’s death, Oyugi played a crucial role in ensuring Moi’s safety and securing his path to the presidency. He orchestrated a covert operation to protect Moi, bypassing the Kiambu Mafia’s extensive network within the police and security forces. One fascinating detail involves Attorney General Charles Njonjo sending a private aircraft to Moi’s farm to bring him to Nairobi after Kenyatta’s death. However, Moi, acting on Oyugi’s advice, did not immediately travel to Nairobi. Instead, he returned to Nakuru and later made a discreet journey to the capital, hidden in the boot of a car.

This daring operation, which put Oyugi’s own life at risk, solidified his untouchable status in Moi’s government. He became one of the few non-Kalenjin individuals who wielded significant influence during Moi’s presidency.