Josephat Karanja

Dr. Josephat Njuguna Karanja (? - 1994) was a Vice-President of the Republic of Kenya between 1988-1989. He resigned to avoid an on going vote-of-no-confidence in the Kenyan Parliament. He was accused by Hon David Mwenje Member of Parliament for Embakasi Constituency of wanting to overthrow the government of President Daniel arap Moi by soliciting help from foreign nations. His large network of friends from the west mainly US and Britain--where he had been a High Commissioner Ambassador and his wife being from a foreign country (Uganda) fueled this speculation. He was accused of displaying the stunning beauty at a time when political wives were never seen nor heard. Few people (mainly powerful) failed to understand his western ideological thinking.

He was a Member of Parliament for Mathare Constituency (today Kasarani Constituency) during his VP years, but later moved to Githunguri Constituency which he won in 1992 after two previous failed tries. He was also the youngest serving High Commissioner (Ambassador) to Britain (at 33) which was and still is one of the most important economic partners to Kenya, and also as a Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (at age 40). He is probably more remembered by his tenure as the head of the university between 1971-1978. These are normally referred to as the hey-days of the university whereby large number of black student enrollment increased. His liberal & western ideology opened the university to many changes especially the encouragement of women to acquire higher education.

He had a reputation as a no-nonsense leader and administrator who would not entertain any margin for error; he managed the university with an iron fist and was politically very savvy. As a result, he was liked and loathed by many. He was described in some quarters as brilliant, dedicated and aloof and not in touch in others. Many accused him and former Attorney General Charles Njonjo of being too westernized and out-of-touch with the common African population. This was possibly because most foreign educated (US, Britain etc) and wealthy people had more interactions with the rich white individuals who were remnants of the colonial era powerful establishments. But unlike the former Attorney General Charles Njonjo, Dr. Karanja delegated and empowered those below him to take charge. Karanja fiercely guarded the independence of the University and had the ability to get things done.

In 1993 he was arrested by the government of President Moi (his former boss) and arraigned in court on charges that he was inciting the public against the government. These were bogus charges since at this time he was in frail health and could barely attend parliamentary sessions. The Moi government was so paranoid during this time that they intimidated those who even thought of challenging his government policies. Many opposition politicians were detained without trial, had their wealth and tax status investigated and in some instances died in mysterious 'car accidents'. After the 1993 arrests of Dr. Karanja and others, many foreign governments including the US, Britain, Germany and Australia condemned the arrests and a few weeks later, their charges were all dropped for 'lack of evidence', although many believe president Moi caved in to foreign pressure.

Dr Karanja died in Feb 1994.