Kenya's First Ladies keep off active politics

Despite their proximity to power, none of Kenya's First Ladies ever went into elective politics and none were ever appointed to the Cabinet since the inaugural Madaraka Day 57 years ago. These First Ladies; Mama Ngina Kenyatta, Mama Lucy Kibaki and Margaret Kenyatta remained in their official roles without further ambitions like their spouses.

By contrast, in neighbouring Uganda, First Lady Janet Museveni is the Minister for Education and Sports. She could ascend to power in post-Yoweri Museveni years. In Kenya, it is instructive that our First Ladies skirted the power of the dynasties yet, if she wanted, Mama Ngina could have been voted Gatundu MP after the death of founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in August 1978. After all, Kenyatta's fourth and last wife, was a renowned public figure in the 15 years Kenyatta was President, often accompanying him for official and private events during his tenure.

Mama Ngina became Mama wa Taifa

As First Lady, she never called any shots: the President had a larger than life personality. After President Daniel arap Moi succeeded Mzee Kenyatta, Mama Ngina assumed a low political profile and never openly engaged in politics, but sought to play of national unity earning the moniker Mama wa Taifa. At the same, she chose to concentrate on the multi-billion family business rather than immerse herself in the dirty game of politics, but often appeared during national days and family functions like Jomo Kenyatta's Memorial. However, in January 2017, it was said she trooped to the late President Moi's home in Kabarak, Nakuru County and those in the know intimated that she had gone to express concerns over the manner President-elect William Ruto was lording over her son, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The visit was in the run up to the 2017 elections in August. Uhuru was having a stab at his second term. Those in the know explained that Mama Ngina expressed fears that Ruto then DP, risked spoiling Uhuru's re-election bid and implored him to rein in his son, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi over the same. At the time, the young Moi was a thorn in Uhuru's flesh, including opposing introduction of new election laws. It is after the meeting that Kanu agreed to back Uhuru's re-election quest.

During Uhuru's two-term rule, Mama Ngina's political influence was perceived to be immense and she was billed as among the powers behind the throne. She has, however, been subtle and has avoided open political combat.

"She is behind many landmark decisions that the President has made such as the Handshake deal between him and Raila Odinga. Alongside his young brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, she is the one who convinced Uhuru to go for reconciliation and create a role for him," a source told The Nairobian, adding "she holds a lot of soft power. She is the silent power behind the throne."

Lena Moi led a quiet life in the village

During Moi's wife there was no First Lady for 24 year. Lena Moi led a quiet life after their marriage went south in 1974, four years before he gained tenancy at State House. Lena retreated to her rural Kabimoi home in Baringo County and when in public, she avoided the limelight, preferring to sit among the crowd and not at the main dais. She died on July 22, 2004.

But Kenyans can never forget former First Lady, the late Mama Lucy Kibaki. The wife of President Mwai Kibaki never harboured political ambitions despite her aggressive and extroverted personality.

Lucy defended her family

During Kibaki's rule, Lucy spent most of her time defending her family and taking on the President's critics. She once assaulted a journalist and staged a newsroom sit-in to protest alleged media intrusion of her family. After Kibaki left office in 2013, she largely faded from the public limelight before ill health took a toll on her. She died on April 26, 2016.

Margaret Kenyatta immersed herself in social activism

Outgoing First Lady Margaret Kenyatta does not appear to have been made for the rough and tumble of Kenyan politics. Indeed, Kenyans would remember how she declined to take the microphone to address a campaign rally at Uhuru Park in 2002 even as her husband nudged her on. While her simplicity has won her admirers, there are also perceptions of timidity.

Since Uhuru became president she has immersed herself in social activism. The First Lady's Half Marathon, an annual event, is her signature project. It aims to address mother and child health and is part of her Beyond Zero campaigns. It is unlikely she would venture into politics when their tenancy at State House ends.

Luke Wasike, a political sociologist, offers that part of the reasons former First Ladies shun elective posts is to avoid entanglement in Kenya's tribal politics.

"Kenya's politics have since pre-independence days been tribal. Whoever becomes President has to ride on tribal alliance's. Kenyatta was a beneficiary of ethnic alliances. The same with Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta," says Wasike. "Only Moi was lucky to take over when Mzee Kenyatta passed on in August 1978 though he had (Attorney General) Charles Njonjo to thank for thwarting the Kikuyu elite around Kenyatta."

Wasike adds that "this ethnic mobilization elevates leaders of major political parties and formations into community leaders. Due to entrenched patriarchy, all of them happen to be men yet they are the ones who sit at the table to cut deals."