I. Historical Background

In 1990, the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD) emerged as a pressure group advocating for multi-party democracy in Kenya. The movement grew popular and succeeded in forcing the government to repeal Section 2(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, and introducing pluralism as well as limiting the presidential tenure to two terms of five years each.

F0RD put Kenya on a meaningful course of reforms during the Seventh parliament dubbed ‘the 2nd liberation struggle’.

Sadly, the spirit of self-determination and good governance that had consolidated all the forces against the dictatorial government together into FORD, also led to its division in 1992 soon after it was registered as a political party.

The unstructured but consultative management system in FORD failed to evolve into a structured and authoritative system.

The issue of leadership in the party became more complicated due to the egalitarian principles of its luminaries Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Kenneth Njindu Matiba, and the race for presidential candidacy. This struggle led to the polarization and split of FORD, into FORD-KENYA led by Odinga and FORD-Asili by Matiba.

The death of Masinde Muliro in August 1992, who had been the voice of reason, reduced hopes for reconciliation between the two factions in the party. This fall out and the registration of the Democratic Party (DP) further weakened the opposition’s unity, allowing KANU an opportunity to retain power.

Upon registration on 13th October 1992, FORD-KENYA, fought bravely in the general elections held in December same year, tying with FORD-Asili in 2nd position with 32 parliamentary seats. KANU was ahead with 116 seats and Democratic Party came third with 26 seats.

In 1993, FORD-KENYA became the leader of opposition in parliament due to defections in FORD-Asili.

FORD-KENYA stamped its authority in parliament through quality contributions and advancement of people-friendly motions. For example, mooting ‘The Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group’ (IPPG) to enhance political reforms for free and fair elections; the ‘reduction of power in the Chief’s Authority Act; abolition of the Public Security Act; balancing of power at the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) and strengthening of its independence; the push for liberalization of the airwaves freed the media and restored the freedom of expression.

The party’s call for Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability underlay its ventures to improve the institutional systems in the country. Its political prominence increased with its partnership with a vibrant civic society, which led to appointment of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) after the 1997 elections, during the Eighth parliament.

The CKRC’s final product would later become known as the “Bomas Draft.”

The party’s endeavours to reform the country experienced a number of misfortunes; primarily the demise of key figures: the founding fathers – Masinde Muliro (August 1992), Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (February 1994), and Achieng Oneko (June 2007) - George Kapten (December 1999) and then Vice President Hon. Michael C. K. Wamalwa (August 2003). In addition a further split occurred in 1996 due to disagreements over succession.

Despite these obstacles, 19 members of the Eighth parliament continued to contribute on motions that had implications on the national agenda. Some became legislation and policy in the Ninth parliament. Of note are the following:

1. The Political Parties Funding, now known as the Political Parties Bill and the Anti-Corruption or the Economic Crimes Bill initiated by Hon. Musikari Kombo, EGH, MP

2. The Interest Rates Bill initiated by the Hon. Joe Donde ,MP

3. The Re-organization and strengthening of the sugar industry initiated by the Hon. A. W. Wamunyinyi, MP

4. The enactment of the CKRC Act

5. Vote of no confidence in a president Hon. Orengo

Mid-way through the Eighth parliament in 1999, FORD-KENYA initiated coalition discussions with Democratic Party (DP) and the National Party of Kenya (NPK) through the famous ‘breakfast meetings’ dubbed later on as ‘the ‘Boston Tea Party’. These endeavours resulted in the establishment of National Alliance Party of Kenya NAP (K).

Under NAK, the parties built a solid foundation for a new political dispensation. Their Fundamental Principles of Constitution Making document included a Vision and Economic Strategy that convinced the Kenyan public of the real possibility of wresting power from KANU.

The entry of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) into NAK at the last moment required re-arrangement in agreed positions, how the renamed National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) succeeded in winning victory during the December 2002 general elections.

Disagreements in the NARC constituted government culminated into division over the 2005 Referendum on the draft constitution known as the “Wako Draft.” The resulting rejection of the Draft led to the whole cabinet being dissolved and a new one re-constituted without the LDP faction. The so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) garnered FORD-KENYA six ministerial positions and five assistants.

Struggles over leadership over the party emerged again, leading to the defection of two ministers and two of the assistants.

However FORD-KENYA continues to hold steadfast to its principles while leaving room for coalition building.