Despite a reasonably solid mandate, the Moi government continued to react ferociously to opposition. Among his targets were the Safina political movement established by the renowned anthropologist Richard Leakey. Although Safina made little headway, Leakey's standing was sufficient for him to be appointed head of the Civil Service a few years later. The Government's reaction to Safina and its financial conduct led to a suspension of some Western aid to Kenya. The burden of a massive external debt and pervasive corruption have since hampered Kenya's attempts to regain western support .
Executive power is held by the president is also directly elected for five years.