Lesotho, 1970;: An African coup under the microscope, ([Perspectives on southern Africa)

While Khaketla was not among those who planned the coup, as the founder of the opposition Marematlou Freedom Party, he definitely suffered its effects. Thus he provided a first-hand account of the political crisis. Lesotho 1970 was published one year after the coup, so this book described a situation still in progress.Results from the 1970 election were showing that the Basutoland National Party, led by Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan, would lose to the Basutoland Congress Party, led by Ntsu Mokhehle. Unwilling to give up power--as he genuinely believed in a victory--Jonathan declared a state of emergency and suspended the constitution, citing voting irregularities, tampering with ballot boxes and the need to protect his citizens from the alleged Communist influences of Mokhehle. Khaketla by this time was serving as Privy Councillor to King Moshoeshoe II, the paramount chief who was extremely popular among the Lesotho people. Khaketla had a prime view at the goings-on within the monarchy as well as his own party.