In early January 2021, a Kenyan youth who shares a name with Tanzania President John Magufuli ventured into politics and launched a new party which resonated well with the youth.
Amemba Magufuli and his colleagues, lawyer Riziki Dunstan and Fredrick Ojiambo, unveiled the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA).
The party slogan Mwamko Mpya (a new beginning) signals their determination to bring change and development prior to the 2022 General Elections and thereafter.
Kenyans.co.ke spoke to the 29-year-old lawyer, Riziki Dunstan on his personal life, growth and decision to venture into politics alongside Magufuli. Riziki detailed they have so far spent nearly Ksh 20 million and will use more to ensure they are well established among the youth.
What aspect of law do you believe will spur you to greatness?
Governance and Public policy. That is my favorite part. I am also a communication expert, problem solver and development expert.
Did you face any challenges while growing up?
I grew up in a humble background, walked barefoot to Bugeng’i Primary School along Busia-Mumias Road in Busia County.
We would go back home for lunch, fetch firewood and water along the way. Fridays were more interesting we would cow with cow dung to smear our classrooms. We would also carry firewood for our teachers on Fridays. I later joined the university and graduated.
What was your first job?
I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I didn’t know which sector to venture into. I started by selling charcoal, maize, body lotions and perfumes. I later indeed a job at Education Insight, a magazine that published education materials for schools where I used to earn 50,000 per month. I enjoyed writing and I still do. Unfortunately, I don't write as often time has become limited.
Have you ever quit any job before?
I love challenges. I have quit 4 jobs in my career in search of interesting ventures. As long as you have your head intact, you can keep on trying and experimenting.
Any regrets in life?
Not graduating in good time...but that's a story for another day. I had divided attention and interest in several things.
What was the inspiration behind the formation of NRA?
To reconstruct Kenyan politics. We want to ensure the youth are given priority. We also want to ensure provide better leadership.
How much did it cost to set up offices across the country?
Ksh 15,000,000. We have 41 offices across the country and we hope to double the number by end of the year.
I think the major challenge we have faced is recruiting party members. There is a lot of mistrust fear and dishonesty among Kenyans. We want to ensure that those aboard are ones we can trust to lead our agenda.
Do you aspire to run for office in Busia County or for President?
Obviously, I will. It’s too early to say as I want the people to decide for me.
What is your message to President Uhuru Kenyatta?
We need change. Create jobs, reduce poverty and elevate the youth and women.
What do you feel should be done differently?
We are facing a myriad of issues. I can say that we are surviving by grace. We need to expand and grow our economy. As a country, we need to seriously relook at our investment plans and focus more on agriculture and industrialisation.
But isn’t that what Kenyatta is doing?
Yes, he is, but we need more. Without more developments in the agriculture and industrialisation sectors, unemployment and poverty will ravage us for long.
We need to reconstruct the fabrics of our economy and move away from rain-fed or dependent agriculture to conservation farming. Investing heavily in industrialisation will grow our GDP and reduce unemployment.
Malawi is a developing country. In fact, they are very poor but are able to produce maize and the surplus which is sold in Africa. We can do better.
So, what is the state of our country or economy according to you?
Pathetic. We are dependant on loans to service the expenditure budget. Our wage bill is leaking. It’s funny that the government taxes are high yet we are still borrowing and raising our debt ceiling.
What do you aspire to achieve politically?
I want to be part of the movement that shall bring economic emancipation to all Kenyans.
Are you eyeing any alliances with existing parties?
Our party is open to political alliances but at the right time. For now, we shall sell our agenda of social, economic and political reconstruction until plenty is found within our borders.
