Moody Awori facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moody Awori
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| 9th Vice President of Kenya | |
| In office 25 September 2003 – 9 January 2008 |
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| President | Mwai Kibaki |
| Preceded by | Michael Kijana Wamalwa |
| Succeeded by | Kalonzo Musyoka |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 December 1927 Busia, Kenya |
| Spouse | Rose Awori |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | W.W.W. Awori (brother) Aggrey Awori (brother) Susan Wakhungu-Githuku (niece) Judi Wakhungu (niece) |
| Alma mater | Makerere University |
Moody Arthur Awori (born 5 December 1927), often called "Uncle Moody", is a well-known Kenyan politician. He served as the ninth Vice President of Kenya from September 2003 to January 2008. He also wrote a book about his life in politics called Riding on a Tiger.
Contents
Who is Moody Awori?
Early Life and Family
Moody Arthur Awori was born in Butere, Kenya. His parents were Canon Jeremiah Awori and Mariamu Awori. He was one of their 16 children! Many of his brothers and sisters grew up to have important jobs. They worked in politics, medicine, and other fields.
For example, his older brother, W.W.W. Awori, was part of the Legislative Council in the 1950s. His younger brother, Aggrey Awori, became a politician in Uganda. Another brother, Professor Nelson Wanyama Awori, was a doctor. He led the team that did the first successful kidney transplant in Black Africa in 1978. His sister, Mary Okelo, started the Makini Schools.
Education and Beliefs
Moody Awori went to Mang'u High School and then Kakamega School. After that, he studied at Makerere University in Uganda. He is a strong Roman Catholic.
Moody Awori's Political Journey
Starting in Parliament
Moody Awori first became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1984. He represented the Funyula Constituency in Busia District. An MP is someone elected by people to represent them in the country's parliament. Under President Daniel arap Moi, he held several positions as an assistant minister.
Becoming Vice President
In 2002, Awori left the ruling party, KANU. He joined an opposition party called the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC). He became the chairman of NARC's main decision-making group.
When President Moi left office, Mwai Kibaki became the new president. In January 2003, Moody Awori was made the Minister of Home Affairs. Then, in September 2003, he became the Vice President of Kenya. He continued to be in charge of Home Affairs at the same time. This happened after the previous Vice President, Michael Kijana Wamalwa, passed away.
Leaving Office
In the 2007 Kenyan parliamentary election in December 2007, Moody Awori lost his seat in parliament. On 8 January 2008, President Kibaki chose Kalonzo Musyoka to be the new Vice President. Moody Awori officially handed over the office on 9 January. Awori called Musyoka "a friend and political son" and said he believed Musyoka was "equal to the task." Musyoka, in turn, said he had "deep respect" for Awori, calling him "a true gentleman."
Awards and Recognition
Moody Awori has received many awards for his work. He was the founder and chairman of the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya. This group helps people with disabilities. He was also a member of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries.
He has an honorary doctor of laws degree from Southern New Hampshire University in the United States. He received this award in May 2004. It was given to him because of his many years of helping people in need, especially those with disabilities and the poor.
The Kenyan Government also gave him two high-level State awards: Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH). These awards recognize his great contributions to the nation and society.
Just before his 91st birthday, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him to lead the Sports Funds Board. The President said that older Kenyans like "Uncle Moody" were needed to help stop the theft of public money. He asked Kenyans who thought Awori was too old to let him do his important work.
