Airstrip One

Moi's place in history - 27th December 2002, 20.52

Daniel arap Moi will probably find history less kind to his achievements than the hagiographies that he so graciously funded for the delight of post-colonial generations in Kenya. His record on corruption and tribal infighting stands for itself and multi-party elections were only introduced at the behest of western donors.

Poverty, crime and corruption: the three scourges of all African nations have increased their grip over the last twenty years. Yet, Kenya remains intact and acts as a key western ally in the Horn of Africa.

Was the development of a kleptocratic elite inevitable after independence? Were 'big men' like Moi only stopped from outright plunder by the lessons of anarchic failed states like Uganda under Idi Amin or Zaire under Mobutu? Or did Moi save Kenya by institutionalising favours for tribal groupings through the political system and the state, saving the country from outright civil war and anarchy? Is Kenya now the best one could have hoped for at independence?

Only historians will be able to fully assess the role of Moi. However, these elections are hopeful in one sense. Even if the familiar coterie of the corrupt and the sycophantic inhabit both KANU and the Rainbow Coalition, they are divided not by tribe or ethnicity, but by generation, and that may be Moi's greatest legacy.