Makau Mutua: Why I want to be your President in 2022

A US-based lawyer has said he will run for presidency in 2022 to rid the country of graft and poor governance.

Prof Makau Mutua (pictured) said he was “dead serious” with the decision and his plan was to run and win.

The State University of New York distinguished professor said he was driven by the urge to transform Kenya based on his experience and relieve Kenya from leadership tainted with mediocrity. “I want to change Kenya. I have been teaching and writing about State transformation for decades. I have advised governments and international organisations about it forever. Yet my own country is mired in mediocrity, corruption, and malgovernance,” Prof Mutua told The Sunday Standardlast week.

Mutua said he wanted to transform the norms, processes, institutions and the culture of governance in Kenya. 

First World status

“I want to bring our country into First World status. I can and will do it if our people give me the opportunity,” he said.

His tweet expressing interest in the top leadership received varied reactions from Kenyans. The February 20 tweet read: “I may have to think seriously of running for PORK (Presidentof the Republic of Kenya) in 2022 if a certain person does not do so. Stay tuned.” Some Kenyans questioned the candidate he was referring, to with some suggesting it might be Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

He responded, “Why do folks imagine the “certain person” Iam referring to must be a Kamba? I am a Kenyan first, and a Kamba second. It may not even be a physical person but a PROTOTYPE.”

On his part, former presidential candidate Prof James ole Kiyiapi tweeted back declaring to support him, saying, “Count me in anytime.”

Mutua is not new in politics as he has been an unapologetic columnist at The Sunday Standard where he lashes out at leaders and even refusing to recognise Uhuru Kenyatta as president.

In 2013 and 2017 presidential elections, Mutua strongly supported Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga and his running mate and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Mutua unsuccessfully sought consideration to replace former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga who retired in 2016.