Paul Melly
During our meeting at the Standard Group headquarters, Senator Barack Obama struck me as a natural leader who speaks with both passion and compassion inspired by his convictions. He demonstrated that he is both a good listener and has a unique interrogative mind.
Senator Obama’s visit to the Group was a special honour and demonstration of gumption to underscore the necessity of Press freedom in a democratic society. It came in the wake of the infamous raid by Government agents that paralysed operations.
His remarks showed he was both resolute, diplomatic and firm in sending a clear message that the political environment must accept criticism and accountability, and that Press harassment was inconsistent with a democratic government.
The Senator is an acknowledged son of Kenya as demonstrated by the overwhelming welcome accorded him. Jokingly then, I wished him the best on his political aspirations but regretted that both the Kenyan and American Constitutions would inhibit him from serving as a single president of the two countries. In hindsight, now that he is set to become the next US President, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I guess Americans, and the rest of world, need him to lead and renavigate a new world order.
SUSTAINABLE GIFT
The entire world expects too much from a President Obama. Even though he had not declared his candidature for the Presidency of the US, I asked him then that the only sustainable gift Kenyans and Africa could demand from him would be the use of his Senate influence and those of his colleagues, as well as possibly as President, to initiate necessary legislation to create continued business and trade incentives to support emerging economies.
Further, I asked of him to play a leading role in developing measures for African debt alleviation with both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, as well as the US Government. Today, upon reflection, these would still be my requests to him.
We support Obama for the US presidency, not because of his Kenyan roots, but more so for his demonstrated leadership and unique traits to cultivate global partnership, as well as his vision, inspired by the American dream to make a difference in the creation of a new world order.
Melly is Standard Group’s Deputy Chairman and Strategy Advisor