Kibaki’s first term as president was controversial though he claims that his term ushered an era of economic growth for Kenya — in 2006 the growth rate of Kenya was 6 per cent as compared to less than 1 per cent when he took the reigns of the presidency. Some of Mibaki’s ministers were also part of major corruption scandals. It is alleged that between 2002 and 2005 nearly a billion dollars had been lost in corruption. In addition to corruption charges, his government was also accused of imposing restrictions on the media.

• What was the political landscape like before Kibaki?

Kenya was under British rule till 1963. From 1963 till 1978, Kenyan politics was dominated by Omo Kenyatta. From 1978 onwards, Daniel arap Moi belonging to the Kenya African National Union, Kanu — which happened to be the only legal political entity — dominated the political landscape of the country till 2002.

• Aren’t there a large number of Indians in Kenya. In this time of conflict, how vulnerable are they?

Kenya has a sizeable Indian population — more than three lakh. They are well off economically and own most of the businesses. In an atmosphere of general lawlessness and conflict, they constitute a vulnerable population.

tridivesh.singh@expressindia.com