Arthur Moody Awori — commonly called Uncle Moody — is one of Kenya’s most recognisable political figures. A teacher, parliamentarian, minister, and eventually the ninth Vice-President of Kenya, Awori’s journey from a large family in Butere to the highest ranks of Kenyan politics is a story of resilience, service and controversy.
This biography walks through his early life, education, political career, the scandals that marked his tenure, his writings and awards, and the legacy he leaves behind. Sources: Wikipedia, African Books Collective.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Arthur Moody Awori
- Born: 5 December 1927
- Age: 97 years (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Butere, Western Kenya
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Occupation: Politician, Author, Philanthropist
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Canon Jeremiah Awori (father)
- Siblings: Aggrey Awori (former Ugandan minister), Mary Okello (educationist), and several others
- Spouse: Rose Awori
- Children: Yes (names not publicly disclosed)
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: Estimated around $1 million – $3 million (approximate public estimate)
Early life and education
Arthur Moody Awori was born in Butere (then part of Western Province) on 5 December 1927. He grew up in a large, devout Christian family; several of his siblings later distinguished themselves in medicine, education and public life. Awori attended prestigious local schools including Mang’u High School and Kakamega School, and later pursued higher education at Makerere University in Uganda — then one of East Africa’s leading institutions. His family background and schooling shaped his public service orientation.
Career before politics
Before entering elective politics, Awori worked in a variety of roles that gave him exposure to administration and public life. He was involved with civic causes and organizations — notably championing the rights of the disabled — and served in professional capacities that built his reputation as a community-minded leader. These activities helped position him as a credible candidate when he later sought public office.
Entering politics — MP for Funyula
Moody Awori entered national politics in the 1980s. He was first elected Member of Parliament for Funyula Constituency (Busia) in 1984 and served multiple terms representing his constituents. Under President Daniel arap Moi, Awori held several assistant minister positions and gained experience across different government departments. His parliamentary career spanned decades and provided the platform that later brought him into national executive roles.
From Cabinet to Vice-Presidency
Awori’s national profile rose significantly after Kenya’s 2002 political realignment: he broke with KANU and joined the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), taking on senior roles within the coalition. In January 2003 he was appointed Minister of Home Affairs by President Mwai Kibaki. Later that year, following the death of Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Awori was elevated to Vice-President of Kenya, officially taking office on 25 September 2003 and serving until 9 January 2008. As Vice-President he continued to handle critical national issues while also remaining a visible public figure.
Major achievements & public service
- He founded and chaired the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya, advocating for greater inclusion and support.
- He received honorary recognition for his public service, including an honorary Doctor of Laws from Southern New Hampshire University, awarded in recognition of his work with disadvantaged groups.
The Anglo-Leasing controversy
A defining and contentious episode of Awori’s vice-presidential tenure was his implication in the Anglo-Leasing corruption scandal. In early 2006 John Githongo’s inquiries and subsequent reports named several high-profile officials, and public pressure mounted for accountability. Awori denied wrongdoing but faced demands for resignation and parliamentary scrutiny — an episode that damaged public confidence and dominated headlines for months. The scandal remains one of the major corruption controversies of Kenya’s early 2000s politics and influenced public discourse on governance and reform.
Later life, writing and honours
After leaving the vice-presidency, Awori remained active in public life and authored his autobiography, Riding on a Tiger, sharing personal stories and his account of decades in Kenyan politics. The book offers readers insight into Awori’s life, family background, political calculations and reflections on national events. Over the years he also received state decorations and recognition for his public service, including national honours.
Personal life & family
Awori comes from a notable family — several siblings excelled professionally (medicine, education, public service) and some were prominent on the East African stage. He is married to Rose Awori and has children and extended family members who continued to contribute in different sectors. Known affectionately as “Uncle Moody,” he cultivated an image of approachability and humility that resonated with many Kenyans even as political critics emerged.
Legacy — how history remembers him
Moody Awori’s legacy is complex and multi-faceted:
- Public service: decades of service as MP, minister and vice-president, combined with charity work, mark him as a lifelong public servant.
- Controversy and accountability: his name in the Anglo-Leasing dossier underscores the persistent governance challenges Kenya faced in the 2000s and illustrates how public trust can erode when transparency falters.
- Storyteller and elder statesman: through his autobiography and continued public appearances, Awori offered narratives that add texture to Kenya’s political history.
Taken together, Awori remains a figure who reflects both the accomplishments and the unresolved tensions in Kenya’s post-independence political life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was Moody Awori Vice-President of Kenya?
He served as the ninth Vice-President from 25 September 2003 to 9 January 2008.
Where was Moody Awori born and when?
He was born in Butere on 5 December 1927.
Did Moody Awori write any books?
Yes — he authored an autobiography titled Riding on a Tiger.
Was Moody Awori involved in any scandals?
His name appeared in reports related to the Anglo-Leasing corruption scandal; he denied wrongdoing but faced public and parliamentary pressure over the matter.
What awards or honours did he receive?
He was awarded state honours including Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH), and received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Southern New Hampshire University.
Conclusion
Moody Awori’s life spans many chapters of Kenya’s modern history — from rural beginnings in Butere to the national stage as MP, minister and Vice-President. His public service, charity work and storytelling have earned him admiration, while the controversies of his time in office remind us of the difficult work of holding leaders to account. Whether remembered for his approachable persona as “Uncle Moody,” his advocacy for the disabled, his autobiography, or his involvement in one of Kenya’s largest scandals, Moody Awori is an unavoidable figure in the country’s political story. For anyone studying Kenya’s political evolution, his life offers lessons about leadership, accountability and the enduring impact of public service.
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