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Rogue Ambassador: An African Memoir
Book by Hempstone, Smith
- GenresNonfictionAfrica
353 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1997
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Smith Hempstone
16 booksSmith Hempstone was a journalist, author, United States Marine Corp Korean War veteran and the United States ambassador to Kenya in 1989–93. He was a vocal proponent of democracy, aggressively advocating free elections for Kenya.
Mr. Hempstone worked as a foreign correspondent in Africa, Latin America, and Europe. He held several editorial positions at Washington newspapers before becoming the Editor-in-Chief of the Washington Times. In 1989 Mr. Hempstone was appointed ambassador to Kenya by President George H.W. Bush. While ambassador he advocated vocally for a free vote at a time when all political parties but the one in power were banned in Kenya. He did this despite significant pushback from the Kenyan government, criticism and mockery in the press and, at times, threats to his life. Kenya hosted a multiparty election in 1992, shortly before the end of his tenure as ambassador. He went on to be the diplomat in residence at his alma mater, The University of the South, and at the Virginia Military Institute. He is the author of several books including Africa, Angry Young Giant (1961), Rebels, Mercenaries and Dividends (1962), A Tract of Time (1966), In the Midst of Lions (1968), Rogue Ambassador: An African Memoir (1997) .
Mr. Hempstone passed away due to complications stemming from Diabetes. He was 77.
Mr. Hempstone worked as a foreign correspondent in Africa, Latin America, and Europe. He held several editorial positions at Washington newspapers before becoming the Editor-in-Chief of the Washington Times. In 1989 Mr. Hempstone was appointed ambassador to Kenya by President George H.W. Bush. While ambassador he advocated vocally for a free vote at a time when all political parties but the one in power were banned in Kenya. He did this despite significant pushback from the Kenyan government, criticism and mockery in the press and, at times, threats to his life. Kenya hosted a multiparty election in 1992, shortly before the end of his tenure as ambassador. He went on to be the diplomat in residence at his alma mater, The University of the South, and at the Virginia Military Institute. He is the author of several books including Africa, Angry Young Giant (1961), Rebels, Mercenaries and Dividends (1962), A Tract of Time (1966), In the Midst of Lions (1968), Rogue Ambassador: An African Memoir (1997) .
Mr. Hempstone passed away due to complications stemming from Diabetes. He was 77.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 14, 2022
This book explains, how Kenya became more democratic ( still has a way to go ). The book is most interesting to me, as I was there through the whole period covered. Smith Hempstone was a very brave man. He went the extra mile in the job. Good to see everything of that time 1989-1993, from his viewpoint.
July 8, 2015
Chronologically told, the first few chapters of this book have Hemptone describing his connections in Washington and visiting various hotels, bars, and restaurants that he can evaluate for the reader. So I was humbled when we got to the parts regarding his work on the advancement of democracy in Kenya (a country I know and love) because he sacrificed much of that comfort.
March 17, 2016
This was an eye opener. I'm glad I've read it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews