Daniel Toroitch Arap Moi: Professor of Politics

In 1978, Daniel Toroitch Arap Moi became Kenya's second President following the death of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. He served as President until 2002. 

Moi is popularly known to Kenyans as “Nyayo”, a Kiswahili word for “footsteps”, a word he would often say as he was following in the footsteps of the first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. 

Moi faced opposition from the Kikuyu elite, known as the Kiambu Mafia. The Mafia would have preferred one of their own tribe to succeed Kenyatta as President. 

There was even an attempt by the constitutional drafting group to change the constitution to prevent the Vice President from automatically assuming power in the event of the President’s death. However, Kenyatta withstood the political pressure and safeguarded Moi’s position.

Following international pressure demanding political and economic reforms, Moi was forced to legalize opposition parties in 1991. He led his party, the Kenya African National Union (KANU), to victory in the country’s first multi-party elections in 1992 and then again in 1997.

Moi remained in power until 2002. After having served the country for 24 years, he became the longest-serving President in Kenyan history. This also earned him the title, “Professor of Politics”.

"When I talk about politics, people think I am a racialist. I am not a racialist, I am an African believing in nationhood." 
Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, President of Kenya