Oloo Aringo, the patriot who was most misunderstood

Former Minister for Education Oloo Aringo. (Courtesy)

Time flies. One moment you are powerful and vibrant; the next, a pale shadow of your former self. Then, you’re gone. This reality resonates deeply as we mourn Peter Castro Oloo Aringo, a Kenyan statesman whose journey was as impactful as it was misunderstood.

It feels like only yesterday, in August 1990, when Oloo Aringo, then the Minister for Education, stole the show during a graduation ceremony. With linguistic brilliance, he praised President Daniel arap Moi, referring to him as “Teacher Number One,” eliciting visible delight from Moi, the Chancellor of Kenya’s four public universities. Aringo’s eloquence reassured Moi of the merits of the new 8-4-4 education system, silencing critics who doubted its viability.

The President direly needed such reassurance on the journey to reforming the education sector from the 7-4-2-3 system, that was considered too abstract and elist, to the more practically oriented 8-4-4. The transformation in education was facing huge resistance from stakeholders who doubted the viability of such a system. Aringo swept the audience off their feet with his mastery of the issues of education.

Such moments defined Oloo Aringo: a man of wit, eloquence, and unwavering commitment. Whether rallying constituents, legislating, or defending party policies, he pursued his beliefs with unmatched zeal. Yet, his legacy is complex, particularly his association with KANU during Kenya’s one-party era.

Aringo died at 83 in Nairobi’s Aga Khan University Hospital. His body lies in a cold room, awaiting burial in Alego Usonga, Siaya County. As Kenya mourns, it’s essential to examine the man behind the politics.

As Chairman of KANU during the politically charged 1980s and 1990s, Aringo was a visible figure in a party synonymous with the autocratic rule of President Moi. Critics labeled him a “spanner boy” in Moi’s regime, associating him with the administration’s excesses. Yet, this characterization overshadows Aringo’s contributions and the nuanced reality of his role.

In the early 1980s, Kenya became a de jure one-party state, with all power centralized under Moi. Loyalty to the president was a prerequisite for political survival. Opposition voices were silenced through detentions, bans, or worse. During this period, KANU’s leadership became a tight-knit group tasked with defending the party. As Chairman, Aringo inevitably bore the brunt of public dissatisfaction.

However, Aringo’s critics often ignored that KANU’s decisions were not his alone. Moi’s inner circle, known as the “Kitchen Cabinet,” was the real power behind the throne, shaping policies and strategies. Aringo’s role was more symbolic—a lightning rod for criticism as Kenya grappled with political suppression and calls for multiparty democracy.

Aringo’s achievements went far beyond politics. Born in Alego Usonga, he attended St. Mary’s School, Yala, before earning a Diploma in Education from Siriba College (now Maseno University). After teaching briefly, he pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, graduating top of his class in 1970 with First-Class Honours in History, Economics, and Politics.

A Commonwealth Scholarship took him to the University of Toronto, where he earned a Master’s degree in 1972. Aringo’s academic prowess translated into impactful leadership. His work as Deputy Principal of Kenya Polytechnic preceded a political career spanning four decades.

In Parliament, where he served from 1974 to 2002 (save for a brief hiatus in the early 1990s), Aringo championed education, democracy, and public service reforms. As Minister for Education, he oversaw the rollout of the 8-4-4 system, established institutes of technology in Kenya’s provinces, and expanded technical and vocational training. These initiatives continue to shape Kenya today.

His policy legacy includes founding Kenya Science Teachers College, expanding university education, and advancing the use of vernacular languages in media as Minister for Information. As Environment Minister, he spearheaded the creation of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).

Aringo’s legislative achievements are equally remarkable. He played a pivotal role in creating the Parliamentary Service Commission, empowering the legislature to manage its budget and calendar. His Affirmative Action Motion paved the way for constitutional reforms, including provisions for impeaching presidents in cases of gross misconduct.

Despite his alignment with KANU, Aringo was unafraid to speak truth to power. In the aftermath of Foreign Minister Robert Ouko’s assassination, Aringo openly questioned Moi’s government on how such a high-profile figure could be murdered under its watch. This act of defiance earned him scrutiny from Scotland Yard investigators and strained his relationship with Moi.

Recognizing the growing tensions, Aringo resigned from the Cabinet, retreating to the back benches of Parliament. His commitment to justice and transparency remained steadfast, earning him a seat on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission after his political career.

Aringo’s association with Moi was a product of circumstance, not choice. As Michuki, a fellow politician, once admitted, much of the opposition to Moi stemmed from ethnic rivalry rather than ideology. Aringo became collateral damage in a broader struggle for power, his reputation marred by the political machinations of the time.

Yet, his contributions to Kenya’s development tell a different story. His work in education, environmental protection, and governance reform reflects a man dedicated to empowering others.

Aringo’s post-political career involved consulting for eleven African parliaments on budget processes and procedural rules. His expertise helped shape legislative frameworks across the continent, cementing his legacy as a statesman.

Privately, Aringo was a family man, leaving behind two widows and several children. His passion for empowering citizens, whether through education or civic engagement, defined his life’s work.

It is essential to reflect on his multifaceted legacy. He was not just a politician but an educator, reformer, and advocate for the people. His association with KANU, though controversial, does not overshadow his contributions to Kenya’s progress.

History will remember Oloo Aringo as a visionary who dared to dream of a better Kenya. While his eloquent voice has been silenced, the impact of his work will echo for generations.

Go thee well Peter Castro Oloo Aringo.

Prof Ongore teaches at the Technical University of Kenya
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