October 6, 1978: Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi becomes president of Kenya. At the time he is not seen as a very strong politician, but he was vice president for Kenyatta and the parliament agrees on the choice. This is partly because as a Kalenjin (Tugen) he is not representing any of the dominant tribes in Kenya. The new national slogan launched by Moi is "Nyayo" -follow the tracks. But soon Moi starts hitting hard on opponents, banning tribal societies and closing universities.The president makes more and more frequent use of prisons and guns in the coming years.
1979: The president launches a plan for protection of Rhinos in Kenya.
June 1982: The Republic of Kenya is officially declared to be a one party state by ruling party KANU.
August 1982: The Kenyan Air force attempts a military coup. A few days pass in uncertainty and 120 people are killed. Then forces loyal to the government put an end to the rebellion. Following the coup-attempt, 12 people are sentenced to death and 900 are jailed.
1985: Hollywood premieres Out of Africa filmed on location in Kenya, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
1987: President Moi is re-elected after introducing a complicated and highly criticized voting system. Opposition leaders including Kenneth Matiba are jailed without trial.
1989: Paleontologist Dr. Richard Leakey becomes manager of the Department of Wildlife in Kenya. President Moi burns of 12 tons of ivory, making a public statement against poaching.
1990's: Communist regimes in Eastern Europe collapses, putting an end to "the Cold War" era. USA and Western Europe has supported corrupt regimes all over Africa in their attempt to keep communism from the door. But now they loose interest in the continent. For the first time donor countries makes demands of democratic development and puts pressure on the Kenyan government. Multiparty systems are a public demand all over the continent and the governments no longer has Western support to suppress the opposition.
The KANU Youth group is used as pro-government troublemakers. In the following years KANU Youth are used to harass opposition members and provoke riots in democratic demonstrations. The KANU Youth has also been involved in the unleashing of violence and ignition of ethnic clashes.
July 7, 1990: An illegal demonstration becomes known as the "Saba Saba" (Seven Seven - the date in Swahili). The government sends in police and military, killing at least 20 and arresting several hundreds, including politicians, human rights activists and journalists.
1991: A new opposition party is formed under the name Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD). The party is at first banned by Moi. Leaders, including Oginga Odinga, are arrested. Most Western countries suspend their economic aid to Kenya in condemnation of the political oppression and abuses of human rights. Moi finally gives in and introduces the multiparty system in Kenya: The constitution is changed, for the first time allowing registration of opposition parties.
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