On Sunday 4th November 2012, Peter Kenneth officially declared his intention to vie for the Presidency of Kenya. His speech was broadcast live on national stations and streamed online. It needed to.
For prior to that day, the trend on social media, in informal circles and media outlets projected Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto as the only three persons able to truly win the 2013 elections.
The three apparently had the clout to garner the necessary votes, despite the clout noted being unmistakably tribal-led and oblivious to any strategies and principles they may have for Kenya.
Amidst all this, were consistent whispers that Peter Kenneth or Martha Karua were in fact the right persons for the post; but neither were as loud as Odinga, Kenyatta or Ruto, so their names remained as subplots in debates sprawling amongst Kenyans.
Peter Kenneth’s declaration on Sunday brought him to the forefront of the debates. For the right reasons. His persona was refreshing, his vision of Kenya was immaculately articulated, his focus on issues exuded confidence that this was in fact what Kenya has been missing.
A nation crying out for a leader who did not speak in tribal terms but on nationalist lines, a leader divorced from any link with corruption, ethnic alliances or crimes against humanity, a leader pragmatic and intellectually enthused to sincerely drive Kenya forward. Peter Kenneth is a Cheetah.
George Ayittey, a celebrated Ghanaian economist and professor, coined the phrase, Hippo and Cheetah Generations to counterpose the incumbent native autocrats benefiting from the adverse status quo in African nations against thedynamic, intellectually agile, and pragmatic African professionals, leaders and enthusiasts who despise the current inept leadership and lead the change.
The declaration on Sunday brought Peter Kenneth to the attention of Kenyans. Many had heard of him but now people are listening.
The social media trends have spiked, Google searches of Peter Kenneth over three days have amplified by 514% and the mwananchi political debates now have him as a key player.
Peter Kenneth has the attention of Kenyans and the diaspora want to know more. A sterling banking career compounded by a law degree and a constituency that is the standard bearer immediately warrant attention.
The content of Sunday’s speech was rich in value to Kenyans and instantly diminished the worth of the Hippos; none of whom have laid their plans or principles for Kenya at the forefront of their campaigns.
Presidential candidates charged by the ICC yet vying for Presidency are an embarrassment Kenyans continue to bear. The humiliation of the incompetent Finance Ministry is a further painful reminder of the credentials on show.
Candidates continue to boast political experience that confuses a proven thriving societal record with questionably earned personal wealth.
Promoting political alliances on tribal lines as opposed to complementing ideologies illustrates the immature & flawed backward thinking Africa needs to move away from.
In Peter Kenneth, Kenyans are beginning to believe we have a candidate who genuinely wants and can lead Kenya for the better.
The writer is an observer in the Diaspora.
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