Kingwa Kamencu
Kingwa Kamencu, a Kenyan politician notable for her declaration to run for the presidency in the 2013 Kenyan Presidential election. In March 2012 she created a buzz on the Kenyan political scene, becoming the youngest lady to declare her candidacy for Kenya's presidency. She was, however, not among those who eventually submitted her papers to contest.[1]
Education
She studied at the University of Nairobi and later at University of Oxford where she was the President of the African Society, University of Oxford.
Views
Kingwa imbues the Pan-African element which she brings to her innovative campaign. She carries the hope that Kenya can become self-sufficient as well as ably plan for and deal with the crises that have recently affected the country,including famine, drought and insecurity. Her thoughts were recorded in the Guardian,[2] a British newspaper, in November 2011. She hinted at contesting the presidency with Walter Misire as her running mate, a young lawyer who is famous within the academic and political circles who was keenly watched to see whether he could use his influence in the then government to secure her support of MPs.
After the 2013 nominations, Kingwa, who was then expected to fly the Labour Party of Kenya flag, opted out of the race to concentrate on building her support base in readiness for 2017 general elections, when she is expected to make a huge come back. However, it is expected that by the time she will have gathered formidable force, Larry Madowo will vie as president and have her as running mate because analyst Mutahi Ngunyi, in one of his TV commentary noted that the persuasive, learned and charming journalist is able to turn the presidential equation faster if his aggressiveness is anything to go by.This is after the young journalist was repeatedly praised by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during one of the youth summits in Jinja. President Museveni heaped praises at the young journalist's mastery of language, oratory skills, forward-mindedness and a leadership potential that is beyond reproach. She is one of the most vocal women in Kenya after Martha Karua. The Latter became the second woman to vie for the presidential seat.
References
- ↑ "IEBC clears eight for State House race". The Standard. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
- ↑ Kamencu, Kingwa (2 November 2011). "As president, I could help to fix Kenya". The Guardian (London: GMG). ISSN 0261-3077. OCLC 60623878. Retrieved 2 November 2011.