By Staff Writer
Political science is an inexact science and rightly so. This was put into perspective by Henry Thomas Buckle who observed that “in the present state of knowledge, politics, far from being a science, is one of the most backward of arts.” Kenya has its fair share of political analysts who try to make head or tail of the current political situation in the country. It is worth noting that some of these commentators are biased in their views depending on who they support. This writer takes a look at the most notable political analyst in Kenya.
Dr Edward Waswa Kisiang’ani
He made a name for himself when he was a resident political analyst at Citizen TV show ‘Opinion Court’ that was hosted by Anne Kiguta before she moved to K24 TV. Kisiang’ani was candid and won many admirers across the political divide with his unbiasedness. This seems to have changed as he has become a harsh critic of Raila Odinga and openly supports his political nemesis Deputy President William Ruto.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
University Education
i) (2003)
ii) MastersDegree(1990-1995)
Teacher Trainer Editor and Printer University Lecturer
Tutor, Mosoriot Teachers College (1984-1987)
Post Held: Lecturer( Kiswahili)
Printer and Editor of School Books
Certificate Course in Printing Technology at the Kenya Polytechnic Nairobi
University Lecturer: 1989 To Date
Also Read: Prof Edward Waswa Kisiang’ani Biography, CV, Children And Contacts
Herman Manyora
He is a mainstay in most political shows in the country. Manyora’s incisive look at current affairs has won him a decent following. According to Kenyans.co.ke, the lecturer was absorbed at TV47 as their resident political analyst to team up with Abubakar Abdullahi in a new political show. Manyora’s has an active YouTube channel with a subscription of 32.8K followers and counting. His politics leans towards former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Education Background
PhD (Current): School of Journalism and Communication Studies, University of Nairobi
Master of Arts (1990 – 1992), University of Nairobi, M.A Linguistics.
Bachelor of Education (Arts) (1987 – 1990), Kenyatta University, 2nd Class Honours, Upper Division, English and Literature.
Lecturer (Current from 1996) at University of Nairobi’s Department of Linguistics and Languages. Specializes in Linguistics, English and Communication.
Adams Oloo
His thoughts are well measured giving him an edge over his peers. Adams Oloo does not get carried away even when his arguments are challenged by fellow panelists. He has been an adviser to ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Educational Qualifications:
1999-2003: University of Delaware (Ph.D. in Political Science)
1999-2001: University of Delaware (M.A in Political Science)
1992-1995: University of Nairobi (M.A. in Political Science)
1988-1991: University of Nairobi (B.A.)
Mutahi Ngunyi
His pieces on the Daily Nation were well tailored and made interesting reading. Mutahi Ngunyi was much sought after in political shows until he decided to be a player in the ‘game’. Some of his comments have bordered on hate speech targeting members of the Luo community. In 2015 he was forced to apologise for his acerbic tweets. His apology read:
“I apologize to the Luo nation unreservedly. No harm Intended. I am a product of Luo scholars whom I respect immensely. I eat the humble pie”
This perceived hatred of the Luo community seems to have fizzled out thanks to the handshake between Raila Odinga and his erstwhile political nemesis President Uhuru Kenyatta. His attacks have now been directed to deputy president William Ruto. He runs the 5th Estate, a YouTube channel with over 85,000 subscribers.
Education background
Dr. Krapf Primary School
St. Thomas of Aquinas High School
To be updated.
Prof Peter Kagwanja
The good professor is level headed and his commentaries are not offensive although they seem to favor a particular political faction. His articles are well written, educative and touch on subjects that affect the common man. Kagwanja is a panelist on a number of political shows on local TV stations.
Education background
Kianjiru-ini Primary School
Kirogo Secondary School and Kangaru High School
Kenyatta University-Bachelor of Education Degree (in History, politics and philosophy) and a Master of Arts degree
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign– doctorate degree, specializing in history, politics and international law.
Barrack Muluka
His resume speaks volume of a man whose words are measured for maximum effect. His knowledge on and grasps matters of politics puts him in the pedestal of the best political analyst in the country. Barrack Muluka is a regular guest at the Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) and is a weekly commentator at the following stations:
- NTV AMLive
- Citizen TV
- Radio Mulembe FM (Royal Media Services)
- Regular Commentator, KTN TV
- Media Consultant & regular commentator on global political, economic and Social affairs on BBC, Voice of America, Radio France International, Radio Deustche Welle, Citizen Television (K), Kenya Television Network
- Columnist at East African Standard from September 1998 to date
Education background
- PhD Researcher, Politics & International Relations, University of Leicester, U.K.
- Master of Arts: Armed Conflict and Peace Studies, University of Nairobi, 2010
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication University of Nairobi, 1986
- Bachelor of Arts Degree: Linguistics and English, University of Nairobi, 1983
For more information visit: barrackmuluka.co.ke
Other political analyst include:
Richard Bosire
Martin Andati
Charles Kipkulei
Martin Oloo
Dismas Mokua
