A Biography of Samwle Onyango Ayodo, 1930-1998

Abstract

Abstract The examined a political biography of Samwel Onyango Ayodo who was born in 1930 and died in 1998 and became a prominent leader in Kenya Kenya. He attended his primary education in Wang'apala Primary, 1938 to 1940, Intermediate at Kamagambo, 1941 to 1945, secondary education at Maseno, 1946 to 1949, Matriculation at Makerere in 1950 and attained his Degree in the United States, 1951 to 1952. As examined in this work, Ayodo’s contribution to nation-building in pre and post independent Kenya was immense. He belonged to the political group of the African educated elite in Kenya who contributed to the socio-economic development. However, this contribution has not been given the recognition it deserves. The only study on Samwel Ayodo is an unpublished BA dissertation on his 1969 election, which does not examine Ayodo’s full political career and his contribution to socio-economic development between 1963 to 1983 under KANU regime was the problematic area. Hence the need for the present study. Although the study primarily examined his contribution to nation building. The objectives were to outline Ayodo's early life, to analyse his political career in Kasipul Kabondo and national leadership and to assess his activities after retiring from active politics and make conclusions and recommendations. Literature review involved the review of various biographies of Kenya, autobiographies, theses and dissertations from Kenya and outside Kenya that related to this study. Using historical perspectives and applying Great Man theory by Thomas Carlyle in studying the power of charisma, intelligence and wisdom as well as the role of great men such as Adolf Hitler during Second World War and the Big Man theory by Marshall Sahlins in many parts of Melanesia as well as Frank Farrington. These theories used to examine the early life of Samwel Onyango Ayodo and particularly focused on his political career including his role in development from 1959 to 1983 as a minister and a Member of Parliament. The study also examined why he lost 1969 election, how he returned to Parliament in 1974, 1979 and his exit from Parliament in 1983. The study also examined his role as the chairman of Kisumu Municipality. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Archival and oral sources were important in getting data on Ayodo. Purposive sampling especially snowball technique was used to identify interviewees. Analysis and interpretation of data employed the historical method. On the basis of the full study findings of this thesis, the paper argues and concludes that Ayodo’s dominance in politics of Kasipul Kabondo and at national level left a strong and positive legacy and that the many socio-economic and political developments and changes that took place within Kasipul Kapomdo constituency and some areas in South Nyanza (Homa Bay and Migori) counties, had direct link with Ayodo’s effort.