THE PARLIAMENTARY PARTY OF THE KENYA AFRICAN NATIONAL UNION CLEAVAGE AND COHESION IN THE RULING PARTY OF A NEW NATION

Abstract

This study of the Kenya National Assembly focuses on the behavior of the members of the parliamentary party of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). Throughout the period under consideration, 1963 to 1969, KANU was Kenya's ruling political party and at times its only one. KANU was in many ways an undisciplined party. Backbenchers defeated the Government on numerous private member?s motions (resolutions with no legal effect), bombarded it with hostile questions during daily question periods, and spoke with considerable independence during debates. Sometimes the backbenchers even threatened the legislation that the. Government brought for parliamentary approval. One of the most visible differences between the National Assembly and the British House of Commons, after which the Kenyan parliament was modelled, was the behavior of the Chief Government Whip, who in Kenya sometimes voted against the Government.