“The Politics of Betrayal in Kenya” by Joe Khamisi

– Former MP Joe Khamisi has authored a thought-provoking book entitled, The Politics of Betrayal in Kenya, aimed at‘exposing the rot in the Kenya political system’. The book illustrates how the electorate has been betrayed their political ‘leaders’.

It mainly centres on the politically shaky period between 2001 and 2008 and particularly on president Kibaki’s first term in office (when the author was himself a member of parliament). It also delves into historical happenings like President Moi’s rule (1978-2002) mentions instances of gov’t repression and grand corruption.

It also sheds light on the disagreements between Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka (the leading lights of the Orange Democratic Movement) which led to a split in the party.

Politics of Betrayal in Kenya

Mr. Hamisi is a journalist and has worked for newspapers in Kenya and Tanzania and been a broadcaster at the Voice of America. He was the Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation for two years.

He joined politics in 2002 and was elected the Member of Parliament for Bahari Constituency at the Coast. He is now a full time writer, political analyst, blogger and author. He is currently working on a memoir, tentatively entitled Dash Before Dusk.

While The Politics of Betrayal shows the betrayals of the people by their leaders, politicians themselves often complain about betrayal within their ranks. A few famous instances:

QUOTED FROM: CHANGING KENYA’S LITERARY

LANDSCAPE

Part 2: Past, Present & Future

A research paper by Alex Nderitu

(www.AlexanderNderitu.com)

In this provocative treatise, author Joe Khamisi catalogues the events that took place during one of Kenya’s most important periods in history.

This period began in 2002, when Daniel Arap Moi stepped down after twenty-four years as president of Kenya. Khamisi reviews events up to the time when the country exploded in post-election violence in 2007 and the subsequent formation of the Grand Coalition Government between President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Amolo Odinga the following year.

 Khamisi explores the leadership betrayals that he believes are responsible for the political, social, and economic rot that are pervasive in Kenya. He recounts how he helped a presidential poll loser in the 2007 elections, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, capture the coveted role of vice president.

He also presents an in-depth analysis of Senator Barack Obama’s visit to Kenya in 2006, as well as his own personal experiences with Barack’s late father, who he describes as a person who “chain-smoked contentedly, drank copiously, and partied spiritedly.” The Politics of Betrayal is critical reading for anyone who is interested in the transformation of Kenya from a one-party dictatorship to a pluralistic nation.

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