How Moi’s Succession Plan Changed Saitoti’s Political Ambitions
The March 18, 2002 merger between KANU and Raila Odinga’s National Development Party marked a turning point in Professor George Saitoti’s political career. It was around this time that Saitoti reportedly began to realise how difficult his ambitions for the presidency would be.
Behind the scenes, President Daniel arap Moi had reportedly begun working to weaken the influence of Saitoti and KANU Secretary-General Joseph Kamotho. Unknown to them, Moi was increasingly positioning Uhuru Kenyatta as his preferred successor.
At the time, few political observers considered Kenyatta a serious contender. He had lost the Gatundu South parliamentary election in October 2001 and was viewed by some as an unlikely candidate for the presidency. Moi nevertheless helped strengthen his political position. Mark Kiptarbei Too was reportedly persuaded to give up his nominated parliamentary seat, paving the way for Kenyatta to enter Parliament. In November 2001, Moi appointed him to the Cabinet.
The political drama intensified on the day KANU and NDP formally merged. Saitoti was reportedly surprised to discover that his name was missing from the list of candidates. He approached Moi and protested, an unusual display of emotion from a politician known for his reserved nature.
Moi is reported to have dismissed his complaint with the words: “Bwana Professor, kimya! Kama jina lako haiko kwa orodha, basi haiko!”
The incident left Saitoti deeply embarrassed and reportedly marked a significant setback in his political ambitions.
It was during this period that Saitoti delivered one of his most memorable political statements:
“There comes a time when the nation is more important than an individual, but one day I will be proved right.”
Saitoti had risen to national prominence with the backing of the late Kajiado politician Stanley Shapashina Oloitiptip. A highly educated politician who had been raised in Maa society, Saitoti occupied a unique position in Kenyan politics—being Kikuyu by birth while deeply connected to the Maasai community in which he was brought up.
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