The phrase "Curse of Kenya's Vice Presidency" (or Deputy Presidency) is often used to describe the political misfortune or challenges faced by individuals who have held the position. Historically, several of Kenya’s vice presidents have encountered political difficulties, ranging from dismissal and sidelining to political isolation or strained relationships with the sitting presidents. Here’s an overview of why this "curse" is frequently mentioned in Kenya’s political history:
1. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (1964–1966)
- First Vice President of independent Kenya under President Jomo Kenyatta.
- Odinga had ideological differences with Kenyatta, especially on issues of socialism versus capitalism. Odinga advocated for socialism, while Kenyatta leaned toward the West.
- In 1966, after a fallout, Odinga resigned as vice president and formed an opposition party, the Kenya People's Union (KPU). His resignation marked the beginning of a long and difficult political career in opposition, and he faced detention and political repression during Kenyatta's rule.
2. Joseph Murumbi (1966–1967)
- Served as Kenya’s second vice president after Odinga’s resignation.
- Murumbi's tenure was short, lasting less than a year. He resigned due to dissatisfaction with government corruption and felt politically isolated.
- He largely withdrew from active politics and is remembered for his brief and disillusioned stint in office.
3. Daniel arap Moi (1967–1978)
- Kenya’s third vice president, serving under Jomo Kenyatta.
- Though Moi eventually became Kenya’s second president, his time as vice president was marked by political marginalization. Many of Kenyatta’s close allies (the Kikuyu elite or “Kiambu mafia”) opposed Moi’s rise and worked to keep him from power.
- Despite these efforts, Moi succeeded Kenyatta after his death in 1978, largely due to constitutional provisions.
4. Mwai Kibaki (1978–1988)
- Kibaki served as vice president under President Moi. His tenure was relatively stable, but he experienced political setbacks.
- In 1988, Kibaki was demoted from vice president to Minister for Health after being seen as a potential threat to Moi's rule.
- He later made a political comeback, eventually becoming Kenya’s third president in 2002.
5. George Saitoti (1989–2002)
- Saitoti was one of the longest-serving vice presidents under Moi but had a tumultuous relationship with the president.
- In 2002, just before the elections, Moi dismissed Saitoti from his position as vice president, choosing Uhuru Kenyatta as his preferred successor instead.
- Saitoti famously remarked, “There comes a time when the nation is more important than an individual,” signaling his break with Moi. He later returned to politics but never became president.
6. Michael Kijana Wamalwa (2003–2003)
- Wamalwa served as vice president under President Mwai Kibaki after the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) victory in the 2002 election.
- Unfortunately, Wamalwa’s tenure was cut short by his death in 2003, less than a year into office, adding to the narrative of misfortune surrounding the vice presidency.
7. Moody Awori (2003–2008)
- Awori took over as vice president after Wamalwa’s death. His tenure was relatively smooth, but he was involved in some controversies, particularly the Anglo-Leasing scandal.
- He left office quietly after the 2007 elections when Raila Odinga became prime minister under the power-sharing deal with Kibaki.
8. Kalonzo Musyoka (2008–2013)
- Kalonzo became vice president during the power-sharing government following the disputed 2007 elections. He served under President Kibaki while Raila Odinga was prime minister.
- Though he had hopes of succeeding Kibaki in the 2013 elections, Kalonzo’s political ambitions were thwarted, and he ended up as the running mate to Raila Odinga in the 2013 and 2017 elections, which they both lost.
9. William Ruto (2013–2022)
- Ruto became Kenya’s first Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution, serving alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- Initially, Ruto and Kenyatta had a strong alliance, but their relationship deteriorated after the 2017 elections, with Kenyatta distancing himself from Ruto and endorsing Raila Odinga for the 2022 elections.
- Despite being sidelined by Kenyatta, Ruto won the 2022 presidential election, breaking the "curse" narrative. His rise to the presidency was seen as a departure from the pattern of vice presidents being pushed out or marginalized.
10. Common Themes in the "Curse" of the Vice Presidency
- Sidelining and Demotion: Many vice presidents experienced political sidelining, demotion, or outright dismissal due to power struggles with the president or other political elites.
- Unfulfilled Presidential Ambitions: Most vice presidents harbored presidential ambitions, but only Daniel arap Moi and William Ruto eventually ascended to the presidency. Others, like Odinga, Saitoti, and Kalonzo, struggled to fulfill their aspirations.
- Power Struggles: The position has often been marked by political intrigues, where vice presidents faced opposition from factions within the ruling party or the president’s inner circle.
- Short Tenures: Many vice presidents had relatively short tenures or left under difficult circumstances, furthering the belief in a "curse."
Conclusion
While the "curse" of Kenya’s vice presidency may be more of a political narrative, the challenges faced by those who have held the office are real. The position has historically been fraught with political pitfalls, strained relationships with the president, and unfulfilled presidential ambitions. However, William Ruto’s election as president in 2022 might be seen as breaking this trend, suggesting that the vice presidency could now be a viable path to the highest office.