Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Deputy party leader of the Justice and Freedom Party (JFP) and 2027 presidential hopeful Reuben Kigame has graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Africa International University.

This marks his major academic milestone after six and a half years of study.

Speaking exclusively with during his homecoming celebration on Monday, July 14, in Vihiga, Kigame—who is visually impaired—shared the focus of his doctoral research.

“I’m grateful to everyone who came to celebrate my achievement after earning a PhD in World Christianity. My dissertation focused on the intersection of music and social justice in the East African Church, where I studied the discographies of Garth Hewitt, Mahalia Jackson, and Juliani," he said.

Kigame is celebrated not only as a gospel musician and scholar but also as a staunch advocate for disability rights and inclusive governance.

In an emotional address, Kigame used his academic success to spotlight the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Kenya.

He passionately urged parents not to hide children with disabilities but instead to embrace their potential and support their right to education and dignity.

“If I had been hidden or denied the right to go to school, I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be running for president, or researching, or teaching. Many children are locked away or left to beg on the streets. That is not their place—their place is in school, in offices, in leadership,” Kigame said.

The presidential aspirant also reflected on his struggles with poverty and systemic barriers that delayed his academic journey.

Kigame revealed that he was ready to pursue his PhD in his twenties but was held back by a lack of finances and opportunity.

The gospel artist described his academic milestone as a case of a dream delayed, not denied, and encouraged young people to believe in their potential, noting that if he could overcome the odds to pursue education, so could they.

Further, he challenged employers to create inclusive opportunities, especially for those who are deaf, blind, or physically challenged, noting that disability is not inability.

The devout Christian also reiterated his intent to run for president in the 2027 General Election, positioning himself as a fresh alternative to the current political establishment.

“I am ready to serve as Kenya’s first blind president. If Indonesia has had one, and the United States had a disabled president, Kenya can too. Kibaki was elected while in a wheelchair. What matters is ability, not sight,” he stated.

Addressing young voters, Kigame made a rallying call to Gen Z to register as voters and take charge of Kenya’s future through the ballot box.

“I urge Gen Z to get IDs and register as voters. When election time comes, remember there’s a fresh candidate, untainted by the current government. I am ready to lead a Kenya where dignity, justice, and constitutionalism are restored,” he said.

His PhD achievement and continued advocacy sparked admiration and reignited interest in his political vision, especially among Kenyans seeking alternative leadership.

In other news, on Saturday, July 12, another presidential aspirant, George Wajackoyah, also celebrated an academic milestone after graduating with a PhD in Criminal Justice from Walden University in the United States.

His thesis in Law and Public Policy received rare international recognition after being validated and published by the US Library of Congress—an achievement that placed Kenya on the global legal map.

His research focused on addressing gaps in Section 287(g) of US Immigration Law, examining its connection to racial profiling and deportation.

Source: TUKO.co.ke