Forum for the Restoration of Democracy

political party, Kenya

Also known as: FORD

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June 26, 2026

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The Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD) was a Kenyan political party that emerged in 1991. It was founded amid growing calls for multiparty democracy in Kenya, which had been a de facto one-party state since 1969. FORD's formation marked a significant challenge to the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) and President Daniel arap Moi's administration.1

However, FORD soon split into two factions: FORD-Kenya, led by Oginga Odinga, and FORD-Asili, headed by Kenneth Matiba. This division weakened the opposition's ability to present a united front against KANU in subsequent elections, including those held in December 1992. Despite the internal divisions, the emergence of FORD and other opposition parties signaled a crucial step towards a more democratic Kenya.1

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Kenya
Moi’s rule
One opposition party, Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), had been founded in 1991 but by 1992 had split into two factions: FORD-Kenya, led by Odinga until his death in 1994, and FORD-Asili, headed by Kenneth Matiba.
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One opposition party, Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), had been founded in 1991 but by 1992 had split into two factions: FORD-Kenya, led by Odinga until his death in 1994, and FORD-Asili, headed by Kenneth Matiba.
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Oginga Odinga
…1991 he helped found the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD). Later that year, under pressure at home and from the international community, Moi legalized opposition parties. Ethnic and personal rivalries split FORD, however, and Odinga came in fourth in multiparty presidential elections held in 1992.
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…1991 he helped found the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD). Later that year, under pressure at home and from the international community, Moi legalized opposition parties. Ethnic and personal rivalries split FORD, however, and Odinga came in fourth in multiparty presidential elections held in 1992.
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