Mutua: Universities should do research on Kenya’s political mediocrity

Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua and his wife, Lilian Ng’ang’a (right), during the 33rd Graduation Ceremony at JKUAT in Juja, Kiambu County. [Standard]

Governor Alfred Mutua has challenged institutions of higher learning to spearhead research-based studies on Kenyan politicians with a view of finding an immediate solution to widespread political mediocrity in the country.

In his keynote address during the 33rd Graduation Ceremony of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Kiambu County, Dr Mutua said the country needed ‘a scholarly prescription’ for transformation of mindset of some political leaders.

The Machakos governor warned that it was risky for the country to sit and watch as some politicians engage in daily trips around the country on sycophantic and polarising agenda that do not solve problems Kenyans face.

“Kenya is a great country, but we currently face hard times. Graduates cannot secure jobs and the cost of living has soared. Business owners are concerned, corruption has become the anthem of the day and the latest being the introduction of tax among the very poor,” said Mutua, who is also the Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader.

He went on, “As a society, we have to admit that there is something wrong with either the environment, culture or I suspect the brain of some of these politicians who comfortably engage in sideshows while our people are suffering.”

Mutua said the country’s challenges require concerted efforts by all leaders to find immediate solutions to assist President Uhuru Kenyatta’s programme of poverty alleviation.

He charged that only a doomed and simple-minded society will engage in self-destructive behaviours while their people sink into poverty and suffering.

“As a scholar, a politician and a national leader, I call for urgent scientific research by our universities on the mind and behaviour of some of our political leaders. This is such a serious matter that the symbol of our nationhood-President Uhuru is losing his cool publicly about it,” he said.

Thousands of graduands were conferred PhDs, masters, post-graduate, and undergraduate degrees at the ceremony which was officiated by JKUAT chancellor, Prof Joseph Ndung’u and conducted by the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Victoria Ngumi.

Mutua urged all graduands not to give up hope, but instead look forward for better days ahead. Among the graduands was Mutua’s wife, Lilian Ng’ang’a, who was conferred a Master of Science degree in Project Management.