Supporters Claim James Ole Kiyiapi Could Become Kenya's First 'Born-Again' President

As the Republic of Kenya prepares to choose its fourth president next year, supporters of a rising candidate claim he could become the first "born-again Christian" elected to the presidency in the African country's 50 years of independence.

"Prof (James Ole) Kiyiapi is concerned about two main things – National Unity and Economic Empowerment. He strongly believes that if these two issues were addressed properly, Kenya would be able to move to the next level of development," said Mugure Mugo in an email to The Christian Post.

Mugo is head of the "Friends of Ole Kiyiapi" group petitioning for the candidate. She shared with CP Kiyiapi's resume which reveals that he holds an environmental degree and served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in Kenya before launching his bid for the presidency.

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When it comes to Kiyiapi's Christian life, the candidate is described as a "professing, born-again Christian having given his life to Christ as a young man." During his years in university in Kenya, he played an active role in the Christian community, and has credited his strong moral values and worldview to his Christian faith.

"Prof Kiyiapi believes his is a divine calling to serve the country, and has staked his all to respond to this call," his biography states.

Kenya's General Elections are to be held on March 4, 2013, and will also elect Senators, County Governors and Members of Parliament, besides a president to succeed Incumbent leader Mwai Kibaki.

Kibaki, a Roman Catholic, was preceded by two other presidents in the Republic of Kenya's young independent history. Both Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, who held office from 1964 to 1978, and Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, president from 1978 to 2002, are non-Protestant Christians.