THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PORTRAIT OF TAAITTA ARAP TOWEETT,1925 2007

Abstract

Taaitta Toweett emerges as a prominent and influential political figure in Kenya's historical landscape, attracting scholarly attention due to his noteworthy contributions and intriguing life trajectory. With a commanding presence, Toweett is characterized by his insightful and earnest demeanor, infusing his life story with a nearly mythical quality that showcases its uniqueness and intricacy. Researchers in contemporary discourse focus on Toweett's formative years, educational pursuits, political engagements, and personal attributes, examining these aspects in depth. Born in 1925 and passing away in 2007, Toweett's life spans significant historical periods, enriching his experiences with both temporal and socio-political relevance. His rise from relative anonymity to political prominence illustrates the intricate paths that leadership takes in Kenya's socio-political context. Toweett's life story presents a fascinating subject for scholarly analysis, inviting exploration of themes such as social advancement, dynamics of leadership, and the interplay between individual will and structural limitations. Through academic investigation, Toweett's legacy emerges as a part of broader socio-political dynamics, enhancing our understanding of Kenya's historical trajectory and the multifaceted nature of its leadership landscape. The study traced the life and times of Taaitta Toweett, assessed his contribution to creating a Kalenjin nation identity, and also explored Taaitta Toweett’s contribution to Kenya’s Socio-political development. The main aim of this study was to examine the social and political portrait of Taaitta Toweett from 1925–2007. To achieve this, the historical research design was used to evaluate and analyze data that was obtained from both primary, secondary, and archival sources. Preliminary data for this study was sought from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi and the National Parliament Archives. This was complemented by data from oral interviews with informants, including his existing lifetime friends, relatives, family members, Members of Parliament whom he worked with, and local administrators. The informants were identified through purposive sampling. Secondary data was sought from the internet, Laikipia University Library, the British Institute of East Africa in Nairobi, the University of Nairobi Library, Macmillan Library in Nairobi, and Kenya National Library Services. Three analytical frames were used to analyze the collected data. They included theoretical reflection, documentary review, and content analysis. The study employed the Subaltern Theory and Great Man Theory. Subaltern theory, introduced by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, presents a valuable framework for analyzing biographies, particularly those centered on individuals from marginalized or oppressed communities. Taaitta Toweett's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent leader in Kenya can be analyzed through the lens of the Subaltern theory, which explores the interplay between his experiences as a member of a marginalized group and the larger social, political, and historical forces at play. Being the son of a Kisii war captive, who was assimilated to the Kipsigis Community, Taaitta Toweett belongs to a marginalized group within Kenyan society. The Subaltern theory places a strong emphasis on the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, shedding light on how their identities and histories influence their interactions with power and authority. On the other hand, in the 19th Century, historian Thomas Carlyle popularized the concept known as the Great Man Theory. According to this theory, history is primarily molded by the actions and choices of extraordinary individuals, commonly referred to as "great men." Toweett was indeed a great leader based on his successes in his various political endeavors in the country, and the study explains in detail the role that society played in nurturing Toweett to his political peak. This analysis of Taaitta vi Toweett’s social and political portrait contributed to the body of knowledge and also added to written works on biographies.