Kenya ‘a beacon of democracy’ in East Africa, says expert
Moses Kipchumba: ‘Kenya can build a stable democracy. We can do it now. But it must be done in a new way.
Kenya is a beacon of democracy in East Africa. And if we can get the courage we will be able to build a stable democracy. We can do it now – within two or three years.’
As Kenya begins its second presidential term, the country’s new President, Uhuru Kenyatta, is facing a fresh set of challenges. He is being challenged on the very same issues that defined his first term.
“Kenya has done well so far. It is now time for us to continue that performance and to grow the country,” said Moses Kipchumba, the former Kenya President who is now a visiting Professor at the London School of Economics (LSE).
A career diplomat, he returned to his hometown of Kakamega two years ago in order to continue his studies. He is now working in his new position as Chair of the Kipchumba Centre for International Studies at the LSE.
“We have a democratic system. I believe the country can build a stable democracy. I am the best person to lead that,” said Moses Kipchumba.
“But it must be done in a new way. We have to get the courage we need to do it. I believe we can do it,” he said. “When we have courage to do it, we will do it. We can do it now. We must do it now. It is going to take courage from all of us. Only when we get the courage we can do it. We have to learn from recent history,” he said.
Kenyatta and his predecessor, Mwai Kibaki, faced an uncertain future when they were elected, and it will be more of the same.
“I believe that when we are in the middle of an election, we are not looking at what is right. We are looking at what is convenient and in time, but no one has time to look at what is the right course of action