Forum for the Restoration of Democracy–Kenya

The FORD-Kenya Party is a product of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), a pressure group founded by democrats opposed to single party rule by Kenya African National Union (KANU) in late 1980s and early 1990s.

The pressure group’s demand for a multi-party democracy, the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms through advocacy and mass action compelled the government to expunge Section 2(a) from the Constitution of Kenya to give way to operation of many political parties in the country.

Section 2(a) implanted by KANU in early 1980s made Kenya a de facto one party state. It severely limited democratic space and stifled freedom of expression in the country. Expulsions from the Party, kangaroo disciplinary courts, framing and intimidation of divergent opinion holders created fear in the nation. Democrats fled into exile while others were wrongfully detained and tortured at Nyayo House and Kamiti Maximum prison for their critical stances.

The upsurge of over 250 registered political parties (with FORD-Kenya as No. 2) after removal of Section 2(a) is clear evidence of the time-bomb FORD diffused in the country’s political fabric.