University of Nairobi (UoN) don, Prof Peter Wanyande, has never been shy of speaking his mind, weighing in on national conversations and participating in reforms such as the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
The political scientist is currently one of the brains and visionaries behind Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga’s 2022 agenda.
On Wednesday, October 14, Wanyande supported Odinga’s call to revive the economy, create mass job opportunities for the youth, reducing government spending and restructuring the crippled civil servants’ sector.
The ODM leader read his speech at UoN as he unveiled his Nairobi tour set to woo new supporters and convince his ardent followers to believe in his newfound ideas.
Professor Wanyande stated that Raila’s plans were the proper diagnosis of the challenges Kenyans faced.
“Any solution must be people-centred. The statement read (Raila’s speech) has a diagnosis that touches on at least three things. One is on governance. The management of our public affairs in this country has been a challenge for a very long time."
“But that challenge is attributed to a number of things, one of which is also contained in the statement. That is the quality of leadership. Unfortunately, in this country, we have a tendency to give very little attention to the quality of political leadership yet that is so key in terms of influencing the nature of governance,” Wanyande stated.
He argued that Raila’s plans addressed the issue of quality of leadership. Wanyande advocated for leadership that focuses on the people, is committed to achieving set goals, and respects values enshrined in the Constitution.
Most of the leaders, the Professor outlined, are opportunists who manipulate the poor and, later on, pretend to be their saviours.
“Going forward, we want leaders who will govern with the conscience, who will respect the poor, respect each and every Kenyan, because every Kenyan matters,” he underlined.
Wanyande stated that Raila’s policies are achievable as they are reportedly based on facts and data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and not on opinions.
“That statement (Raila’s speech) in my view is so fundamental that Kenyans should give it a very serious thought as we move forward,” he wrapped up.
Prof Peter Wanyande holds a PhD degree in Political Science from the University of Florida, US, specializing in comparative politics and public policy, a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Government and a Bachelor of Arts (BA, Hons.) degree in Government and Sociology from the University of Nairobi.
He has taught political science at UoN for over 20 years, has conducted research, and is and is a renowned author.
Prof Wanyande also served in the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution.
