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 1928 Busia, Kenya |
| Spouse | Rose Awori |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Aggrey Awori (brother) Susan Wakhungu-Githuku (niece) Judi Wakhungu (niece) |
| Alma mater | Makerere University |
Moody Arthur Awori (born December 5, 1928) is a well-known Kenyan politician. Many people call him "Uncle Moody." He served as the ninth Vice President of Kenya from 2003 to 2008. He also wrote a book about his life in politics called Riding on a Tiger.
Contents
About 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 hold important jobs. They worked in politics, medicine, and other fields.
For example, his brother Professor Nelson Wanyama Awori was a famous doctor. In 1978, he led the team that did the first successful kidney transplant in Black Africa. His sister, Mary Okelo, started the Makini Schools. His younger brother, Aggrey Awori, is also a politician in Uganda.
Education and Faith
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 follower of the Roman Catholic faith.
His Journey in Politics
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 speak for them in the country's government. Under President Daniel arap Moi, he worked in several roles 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. This group was against the government at the time.
When Mwai Kibaki became president, Moody Awori was made Minister of Home Affairs in January 2003. Later that year, in September 2003, he became the Vice President of Kenya. He also continued to be in charge of Home Affairs. A Vice President helps the President lead the country.
Leaving Office
In the December 2007 election, Moody Awori lost his seat in Parliament. On January 8, 2008, President Kibaki chose Kalonzo Musyoka to be the new Vice President. Awori officially handed over the job on January 9. Awori called Musyoka "a friend and political son." He said he believed Musyoka was ready for the job. Musyoka said he had "deep respect" for Awori, calling him "a true gentleman."
Awards and Contributions
Helping Others
Moody Awori has always cared about helping people. He was the founder and chairman of the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya. This group helps people with disabilities. He also belonged to the Chartered Institute of Secretaries.
Special Honors
He received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Southern New Hampshire University in the United States. He got this award in May 2004. It was to recognize his many years of helping people in need, especially those with disabilities and the poor.
The Kenyan Government has also given him two high-level national awards. These are the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) and the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH). These awards show his great contributions to the country and society.
In 2019, just before his 91st birthday, President Uhuru Kenyatta gave him a new job. He was appointed to lead the Sports Funds Board. The President said that older Kenyans like "Uncle Moody" were needed to help stop the misuse of public money.
