When we last talked, just before the Prize was awarded in July, Kenyan journalists were accusing you of lacking in confidence when you downplayed your chances. Are they happier now?
What I was describing to you then was something I found very unfair – that some journalists were pushing me into corners, trying to provoke a certain kind of reaction. I think acknowledging what a strong shortlist this year’s was and determining that the Prize could have gone any way was not the sort of response they anticipated. I felt that they were not always looking for truth. They were more interested in controversial comments, things they could give sensational bylines to and outrage readers by quoting out of context. I wonder if any of the other shortlistees experienced this.
