Push for reform widens rift in Kanu

By Juma Kwayera

Prospects of a fresh exodus from Kanu are becoming real by the day as two camps coalescing around Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and former Baringo Central MP Gideon Moi go for each other’s jugular.

The bone of contention this time round is whether the party should overhaul its constitution and organisational structures, which would consequently devolve some of the chairman’s powers to subordinate offices.

The Gideon Moi faction accuses Uhuru of flip-flopping ever since former President Moi handed him the party mantle. Uhuru’s opponents accuse him of precipitating the party’s downfall.

Consequently, they want some of the chairman’s powers whittled so that the party is not held to ransom by an individual. However, to do so means the constitution will have to be amended, but the Uhuru camp is resisting attempts to claw away his authority.

The factions are now spoiling for a fight ahead of elections due in the first quarter of next year. More significantly, the wrangles in the party are a major test of Uhuru’s mettle to lead Kenya given that his lead critic today is the son of the retired President who handpicked him to run for presidency in 2002.

Kanu Vice-Chairman, Maj (rtd) Marsden Madoka is among senior officials vouching for reforms to haul the party out of morbidity.

"We have not settled on any specific areas of reform, but there is need to make the party more dynamic and keep it engaged at the grassroots in keeping with Political Parties Act. Our chairman is holding too many positions in Government, which leaves him with little time to attend to party matters," says Madoka.

The former Mwatate MP cites aspects of the party’s constitution adopted in 2004, such as the prerogative of the chairman to convene national delegates conference or single-handedly fill positions that fall vacant without reference to any organ of the party. The chairman can veto or uphold election of any officials.

Immense powers

The only time the party’s National Executive Council has met was late last year to fill vacant positions. The new Political Parties Act necessitated the NEC meeting.

"We have not been meeting as required in our constitution because such decisions are made at the discretion of the chairman," says Madoka.

Although the chairman wields such immense veto powers, former Gatanga MP David Murathe is of the opinion there is nothing wrong with it.

"The party ideology will continue to be propagated by the chairman, who is its official spokesman. Constitutional reforms are not on the cards," says Murathe, one of Uhuru’s closest advisors.

Secretary-General Nick Salat said: "The structures in the party are weak and cannot promote internal democracy as required by the Political Parties Act. Important decisions must be done in a consultative manner and this can only be possible in an environment of inclusivity. As the situation stands, no activities can take place without the chairman’s blessings. The chairman’s powers must be devolved in tandem with the changing times."

Last year a group of youthful Kanu lawmakers led by Igembe North MP Mithika Linturi, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton, Nithi MP Kareke Mbiuki and Naivasha MP John Mututho fomented a revolt against their chairman, accusing him of inability to counter PNU territorial encroachment.

The MPs group projected themselves as progressives. The conservatives, unruffled by the din, stuck to their guns the status quo would remain.

At the bottom of the brewing controversy are constitutional reforms, which some members are unanimous must be carried out to restore vibrancy in the former political monolith. However, the members disagree on the mode of bringing about reforms ahead of the 2012 presidential election.

Structural changes

The loudest grumble over the party’s alleged dormancy since Uhuru took the reins of leadership has been coming from the Rift Valley Province. Gideon, one of the four party vice-chairmen, has been crusading for revamping of the party.

His camp supports calls for reduction of the chairman’s powers. In response, Murathe says: "You do not give people big titles without responsibility. These guys (Gideon faction) are spoiling for a fight; we are going to take them on."

Until the 2002 Kanu merger with the National Development Party, its constitution and manifesto had remained largely the same with a few amendments.

It underwent a major review in 2004 following its disastrous performance in the 2002 presidential poll, which Uhuru lost to Kibaki. The party also underwent structural changes that saw Uhuru replace Moi as chairman backed by four vice-chairmen representing four regions.

The changes saw the number of officials and committees rise, bloating the administrative and organisational structure.

"It is imperative we change with the times. Kanu still has vestiges of dictatorship and unless this is addressed the party is likely to find itself in a situation similar to the controversy around the Constitution," says Mututho.