Renowned Kenyan lawyer and former Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, has challenged African leaders to go beyond fine speeches and deliver real action if the continent is to unlock its vast potential.
Speaking at the 2026 African Prosperity Dialogues, held under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate, Collaborate, Trade,” Prof Lumumba criticised what he described as a troubling culture of empty rhetoric among political leaders.
He lamented a pattern where politicians attend high-profile forums, read prepared speeches, and leave without following through on the commitments they make.
According to him, Africans have tolerated this behaviour for far too long, often choosing politeness and respect over demanding accountability from those in power, a report by citinewsroom.com says.
Prof Lumumba warned that unless leaders move decisively from rhetoric to implementation, Africa’s dream of a prosperous and integrated continent will remain elusive.
“Until the day our politicians change their modus operandi, this continent will not realise its potential. They must be called out. We have been too nice to politicians for too long. The time is now to tell them the truth in its unadulterated form,” he said.
His remarks drew strong reactions from participants, many of whom see his message as a timely call for leadership that delivers results rather than promises.
NA/AM
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