Langston University Professor Running for President in Liberia

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- A man who calls Oklahoma home is ready to give up his life here for his real home half a world away. Edmund Kloh is not a soldier but he's a teacher whose passion for the people of Liberia means he's giving politics a shot.

"I just want to give liberty to my people and we have the means to make them happy," Kloh said.

Kloh lives the simple kind of life. For over a decade, he's been teaching English at Langston University and now he's leaving his career as an educator to run for President of Liberia.

"I have to make sure there's food available for them. I have to make sure there are schools available for their children, and I have to make sure they have the freedom to walk about," Kloh said.

Professor Kloh said he's wanted to serve the people of war torn Liberia since he was in elementary school, but he knew he needed an education to make a difference. So he came to the U.S. in 1975, got his graduate degree and landed a teaching job.

"Some ask me, 'So, for sure you're leaving us?' I said ‘Yes, I'm leaving.' and I said ‘For sure I'm leaving.' They ask why, because the people are suffering and I want to give them some relief," Kloh said.

Kloh said he doesn't have any political experience but believes he can help bring democracy to the people of Liberia with what he's learned over the years as an educator.

"I don't know what lies ahead of me, in the process of helping the people of Liberia. I may die and so if I die…But there will be no regret because I've given them the needed education to live in this world," Kloh said.

The professor said he doesn't have any financial support, but will start campaigning and leave for Liberia this summer to run as a presidential candidate for 2011.