Time to take charge, Kiyiapi tells experts

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Prof James Ole Kiyiapi during the launch of his presidential bid at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on April 22, 2012. Photo/STEPHEN MUDIARI  

By MWAKERA MWAJEFA newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Tuesday, July 31  2012 at  23:30

IN SUMMARY

• Professionals will guarantee equal opportunities for all, says ex-PS

Presidential aspirant James ole Kiyiapi on Tuesday criticised professionals for failing to take up leadership roles and leaving politicians to drive the development agenda.

Prof Kiyiapi said time had come for professionals to take charge.

“In the developed world, professionals are opinion and policy shapers but here in Kenya it is the politicians,” he noted.

He said a different crop of leadership was crucial under the new dispensation.

Speaking at Architectural Association of Kenya annual general meeting in Kwale County at the weekend, Prof Kiyiapi said new leaders would guarantee equal opportunities for all Kenyans.

Societal values

Asked to state his stand on homosexuality and the law, the former Education permanent secretary said he would involve Kenyans in changing the Constitution to suit the societal values if he was elected president.

“For how long will the professionals fence sit when the society depends on their expertise for progress?” he asked.

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On the Mombasa Republican Council stalemate, Prof Kiyiapi noted that the matter would not have arisen if Coast leaders had not abandoned their supporters and headed to Nairobi.

He said: “Something must have gone wrong for a section of Kenyans to demand secession within an independent and democratic country.

“We need to ask ourselves hard questions as to when did the rain start beating us.”

He urged MRC members to consult their leaders in resolving the historical injustices in the region.

“If you are aggrieved, you don’t denounce your country but instead you address your problems with the relevant authorities,” he said.

At the Mombasa Pentecostal Church in Mombasa County, the Restore and Build Kenya presidential hopeful said political alliances were personality-based rather than people-based.

He said the best alliance should be all-inclusive and people-oriented to guarantee unity in the country.

Political alliances

“I will not engage in any alliances but I am ready to work in partnership with leaders who subscribe to an alliance of all Kenyans,” he said.
Prof Kiyiapi criticised leaders involved in political alliance talks, accusing them of not being interested in development and peaceful coexistence in the country.

He said such kind of leaders were only propagating their selfish interests and impunity.

The latest hint of a likely political alliance was disclosed last Saturday by Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who said he was in talks with United Republican Party leader William Ruto on the possibility of teaming up to boost their chances of winning.