Kiyiapi calls on professionals to take part in politics

The middle class and professionals should not to stand aloof in political matters, according to presidential aspirant James ole Kiyiapi.

Prof Kiyiapi on Tuesday said the key pillars of development such as health, education and food security hinged on the decisions made by politicians. As such, politics could not be ignored.

The former Education permanent secretary told a Rotary Club luncheon in Nairobi that this was the core reason he quit public service to join politics.

“Professionals and the middle class should not distance themselves from politics. It is a matter of good leadership and cannot just be wished away,” he told the members.

“The next president will be selected by special interest groups unless the professionals and middle class participate in politics.”

He told professionals drawn from diverse sectors of the economy that if elected, his government would focus on food security, healthcare, education and economic empowerment.

Lack of political experience, he said, should not be viewed as a limitation to good leadership.

“If the Constitution had anticipated that would-be president needed to be politicians first then that would become a big issue,” he said.