I am sure many kenyans have noticed the group of youth that congregate on Harambee Avenue (Now rebranded Unga Avenue) everyday at 1pm with empty plates. I have heard a lot of criticism about this brave young people from several quoters. Some claim that the youth have been paid by foreign organizations to cause trouble, others think the youth are just lazy, plain and simple. When I look at my monthly budget, I am tempted to think that the people who feel that this group is a waste of time and space must be living in an entirely different kenya from the rest of us.
Of course the Economist are telling us that this is the situation all over the world and that blaming our government will not change anything. We all know that the cost of fuel affects the cost of everything else and thus the price of basic needs keeps increasing as a result. However what they dont tell us is that the government has the power to regulate anything they want. So that brings us to the question of priorities. The government has always had a choice when it comes to price control. When the prices go up, the government can choose to absorb the extra cost and that means reduce the percentage that goes to them. How about taxing the luxury goods like the cost of a 4x4 vehicle, or the cost of a television set? one way or another, the government has a choice. This is what the young men and women are protesting. The fact that our government does not seem to notice the increase in the price of this basic products. It seems that the only way they will take cognizant of that is if MP's salaries are reduced to cater for the budget deficit resulting from the decrease in the government percentages from petroleum products.
So when you see the young people outside the president's and prime ministers' office, know that they are brave enough to confront the problem on behalf of the rest of us. We have always been told that kenyans are a tolerant and resilient lot and I have always wondered how many of us take that as a compliment. Simply put, we can over come anything. If I was a corrupt public servant, I would take that to mean that no matter how much i took from the public coffers, kenyans would find a way of getting over the damage i cause. Now do you still think that is a compliment? We need to exercise our civic duty more often; that is what the Unga revolution fellows have taught me. We need not give up just because we can survive on what we have today, tomorrow might be a different ball game all together.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
It has always been about party politics, never leadership
Bonny Khalwale is quite a fascinating man. Look at any active MP and chances are he/she has a legal background. And by active i mean someone who seems to understand what it is they are doing in parliament, not this mediocre of Sonko like leaders we completely have refuse to let go. Khalwale is a medical doctor by profession but he certainly seems to have done his home work when it comes to what kenyans require of him. It cant be easy mastering all the italian legal jargon that our lawyers seem to be too proud to throw around without thinking that half the kenyans dont really care. The man still has time to participate in the bull fighting events and that kind of balance to me makes him a political genius. However, this is not about Khalwale's prowess in politics, its about the failure of many in the political arena to differentiate between when to play party politics and when to act as good leaders.
Khalwale is the most vocal leader in parliament, and i mean in a relevant way. That should make every political party want to have him on their camp and if not, at least back him as we saw Martha Karua do. Instead what we saw as usual are the same power politics with the competition now focusing on Ford Kenya and ODM: Basically Mudavadi and Eugene Wamalwa. Now that Khalwale has won, the debate is not on how kenyans will benefit from Khalwale's victory but more on what this means for Musalia Mudavadi and ODM. Mudavadi even seems to be blaming some elements within his party who supposedly funded/supported the Ford Kenya Candidate. The issue is now whether Mudavadi will have his people's support if he ditches Raila and runs for the presidency or otherwise risk loosing to Eugene. why cant it just be that Ikolomani people voted for Bonny the man and not Ford Kenya?
I always thought Raila was an astute politician. He has always known how to lie with a straight face and that takes practice. he always seemed to know which lie to tell for each scenario. however this is the one time where truth would have really worked for him. in my opinion, ODM already knew that Ikolomani was a near impossible win and that should have prompted them to swallow their pride and support the best man for the job. An act of bravery like that would not have gone unnoticed by kenyans and may b, just may be, this would have bought mudavadi an extra lifeline in 2012. in 2002 Raila stepped aside for Kibaki, Kenyans saw that as a sign of good leadership and as many of you will bare me witness, Raila has played that card many times for the last 9 years. so why not do the same for Mudavadi in the of case Ikolomani.
Anyway, enough of politics, Im sure all kenyans look forward to having Khalwale back in parliament. I wonder what he will say about the CJ earring issue?? All said and done, it has been a good week for Kenyan politics.
Khalwale is the most vocal leader in parliament, and i mean in a relevant way. That should make every political party want to have him on their camp and if not, at least back him as we saw Martha Karua do. Instead what we saw as usual are the same power politics with the competition now focusing on Ford Kenya and ODM: Basically Mudavadi and Eugene Wamalwa. Now that Khalwale has won, the debate is not on how kenyans will benefit from Khalwale's victory but more on what this means for Musalia Mudavadi and ODM. Mudavadi even seems to be blaming some elements within his party who supposedly funded/supported the Ford Kenya Candidate. The issue is now whether Mudavadi will have his people's support if he ditches Raila and runs for the presidency or otherwise risk loosing to Eugene. why cant it just be that Ikolomani people voted for Bonny the man and not Ford Kenya?
I always thought Raila was an astute politician. He has always known how to lie with a straight face and that takes practice. he always seemed to know which lie to tell for each scenario. however this is the one time where truth would have really worked for him. in my opinion, ODM already knew that Ikolomani was a near impossible win and that should have prompted them to swallow their pride and support the best man for the job. An act of bravery like that would not have gone unnoticed by kenyans and may b, just may be, this would have bought mudavadi an extra lifeline in 2012. in 2002 Raila stepped aside for Kibaki, Kenyans saw that as a sign of good leadership and as many of you will bare me witness, Raila has played that card many times for the last 9 years. so why not do the same for Mudavadi in the of case Ikolomani.
Anyway, enough of politics, Im sure all kenyans look forward to having Khalwale back in parliament. I wonder what he will say about the CJ earring issue?? All said and done, it has been a good week for Kenyan politics.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Open letter to William Ruto By Peter N. Ngure
An Honest Open letter to Honorable William Ruto
I have watched you in the last few weeks transverse the country urging the people to re- look at the ICC list of six and you have somehow caught my eye. . In a way, I agree with you; the Six plus others should face Trials and be prosecuted My problem comes when you try to win sympathy from us by bringing in the issues of your family (By the way, Kiraitu tried the same early and it failed miserably). I watched you talk about how your child is having a hard time in school being asked by fellow children if their father indeed torched a church (or is it facilitated the displacement of hundreds of thousands). I indeed felt the pain of your children who have no ready answers (Unlike you) on the events of 2007/08. I actually agree with you that your child should be kept out of this; just like we should have kept the children of the IDP’s and by extension their parents who had no ill role in voting for their preferred candidate in 2007. (By the way, have you ever thought that some of the people who were displaced were highly supportive of ODM? Their only crime was their ethnic background which is God given and they can do nothing about???). This is similar to those who died or were displaced in Kisumu, Kibera, Kikuyu town, Limuru and Naivasha.
I was impressed when you said that your child’s teacher advised you not to leave your child to watch news (the impression I got is that the things you guys are saying on TV are too ridiculous for a child to handle; think about that critically before you go to address a crowd next time).
Three things caught my eye; one is that your child goes to school – this is History for IDP children as their education was disrupted long ago by the PEV and they will have to restart the same in the future. Second; you can afford to have your children watch TV, the IDP children have no idea what that is; its still history since 2007/8 PEV. I was of the opinion that your children need to watch the burning of the Kiambaa church just to get a feel of what the IDPs children saw of their homes but a friend of mine told me two wrongs don’t make a right. Thirdly; one of your children insisted to go with you to The Hague (Even if the IDP kids insisted to go to the Hague, and their parents were willing, they can’t afford) but most importantly, how I wish that the IDP children had the choice in 2007/08 to go with their parents to the camps or to be left at their maternal homes; Ohhhh sorry, I had forgotten, the homes had already been burnt!
**********
The right and just thing to do now is for you and the others in the Ocampo list is to come together and make a joint pact; that the Rift Valley and Central provinces, towns like Naivasha, Kisumu and even Kibera are all part of Kenya, anyone can live there; peace can, will and should prevail. And Ohhhh, Kiplagat’s commission is out there; go and tell them your truth; alternatively, the Hague offers a better and wider audience (lots of TV coverage too) GO FOR IT! JUST KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AND THE IDP CHILDREN OUT OF IT!
(Complied by Peter N. Ngure – A social worker with a Heart for the IDPs)
I have watched you in the last few weeks transverse the country urging the people to re- look at the ICC list of six and you have somehow caught my eye. . In a way, I agree with you; the Six plus others should face Trials and be prosecuted My problem comes when you try to win sympathy from us by bringing in the issues of your family (By the way, Kiraitu tried the same early and it failed miserably). I watched you talk about how your child is having a hard time in school being asked by fellow children if their father indeed torched a church (or is it facilitated the displacement of hundreds of thousands). I indeed felt the pain of your children who have no ready answers (Unlike you) on the events of 2007/08. I actually agree with you that your child should be kept out of this; just like we should have kept the children of the IDP’s and by extension their parents who had no ill role in voting for their preferred candidate in 2007. (By the way, have you ever thought that some of the people who were displaced were highly supportive of ODM? Their only crime was their ethnic background which is God given and they can do nothing about???). This is similar to those who died or were displaced in Kisumu, Kibera, Kikuyu town, Limuru and Naivasha.
I was impressed when you said that your child’s teacher advised you not to leave your child to watch news (the impression I got is that the things you guys are saying on TV are too ridiculous for a child to handle; think about that critically before you go to address a crowd next time).
Three things caught my eye; one is that your child goes to school – this is History for IDP children as their education was disrupted long ago by the PEV and they will have to restart the same in the future. Second; you can afford to have your children watch TV, the IDP children have no idea what that is; its still history since 2007/8 PEV. I was of the opinion that your children need to watch the burning of the Kiambaa church just to get a feel of what the IDPs children saw of their homes but a friend of mine told me two wrongs don’t make a right. Thirdly; one of your children insisted to go with you to The Hague (Even if the IDP kids insisted to go to the Hague, and their parents were willing, they can’t afford) but most importantly, how I wish that the IDP children had the choice in 2007/08 to go with their parents to the camps or to be left at their maternal homes; Ohhhh sorry, I had forgotten, the homes had already been burnt!
**********
The right and just thing to do now is for you and the others in the Ocampo list is to come together and make a joint pact; that the Rift Valley and Central provinces, towns like Naivasha, Kisumu and even Kibera are all part of Kenya, anyone can live there; peace can, will and should prevail. And Ohhhh, Kiplagat’s commission is out there; go and tell them your truth; alternatively, the Hague offers a better and wider audience (lots of TV coverage too) GO FOR IT! JUST KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AND THE IDP CHILDREN OUT OF IT!
(Complied by Peter N. Ngure – A social worker with a Heart for the IDPs)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Why Ocampo Six matter more than 38m ‘stupid’ Kenyan
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/-/2558/1106234/-/o69p3mz/-/index.html
Why Ocampo Six matter more than 38m ‘stupid’ Kenyans...
By Patrick Gathara
On my way to work last week, I had an epiphany.
As I sat in one of the unending traffic jams that have become part of the daily ritual of trying to get to work, fuming as matatus “overlapped” the queue, it occurred to me that it wasn’t they who were the stupid ones.
The rule of law, whether we’re talking about the highway code, commercial law or criminal statutes, assumes a universal application.
So, when I agree to religiously abide by it when others consider it only as a guideline, to be discarded whenever it is convenient to do so, then it is me who is refusing to see the reality as it truly is.
This notion was reinforced when I finally got to my office and read in the papers that Rift Valley MPs were planning to ditch the National Accord in a bid to replace Raila Odinga as the prime minister with William Ruto.
According to the Standard, the plot is an attempt to shield Ruto from potentially facing charges at the International Criminal Court relating to the 2008 post-election violence.
“If it means repealing the Accord, then we will act and move with speed to replace the PM,” the paper quotes the chairman of the Rift Valley Parliamentary Group, Dr Julius Kones, as saying.
Putting aside for one minute the questionable wisdom of the move (after all, Omar al-Bashir’s position as president of Sudan didn’t save him from similar indictments), the statements simply emphasise the fact that there is one law for some and another for the rest.
Just like the enlightened matatu drivers, our politicians believe that the rules do not apply to them and can be discarded whenever one of them gets into trouble.
Our whole system of governance aids and abets this logic. So when Cabinet ministers are forced out of office after being caught with their hands in the till, the government creates a new taxonomy in which those who “step aside” are allowed to keep their fat salaries and allowances without actually having to work for them.
That, they tell us, is how we will win the war on corruption!
I now believe that it is the ordinary, hardworking, tax-paying, law-abiding Kenyan who is stupid.
We agree to faithfully pay our taxes, even celebrating when the government exceeds its revenue collection charges, while those who actually pass our tax laws do not feel obliged to live under the same regime.
We pay salaries to policemen and civil servants and then agree to supplement these with bribes.
We accept that the leaders of the same government supposed to ensure roads are properly built to cater for the booming numbers of vehicles and that traffic rules are obeyed, should not themselves be inconvenienced when they fail to do their jobs.
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Why Ocampo Six matter more than 38m ‘stupid’ Kenyans...
By Patrick Gathara
On my way to work last week, I had an epiphany.
As I sat in one of the unending traffic jams that have become part of the daily ritual of trying to get to work, fuming as matatus “overlapped” the queue, it occurred to me that it wasn’t they who were the stupid ones.
The rule of law, whether we’re talking about the highway code, commercial law or criminal statutes, assumes a universal application.
So, when I agree to religiously abide by it when others consider it only as a guideline, to be discarded whenever it is convenient to do so, then it is me who is refusing to see the reality as it truly is.
This notion was reinforced when I finally got to my office and read in the papers that Rift Valley MPs were planning to ditch the National Accord in a bid to replace Raila Odinga as the prime minister with William Ruto.
According to the Standard, the plot is an attempt to shield Ruto from potentially facing charges at the International Criminal Court relating to the 2008 post-election violence.
“If it means repealing the Accord, then we will act and move with speed to replace the PM,” the paper quotes the chairman of the Rift Valley Parliamentary Group, Dr Julius Kones, as saying.
Putting aside for one minute the questionable wisdom of the move (after all, Omar al-Bashir’s position as president of Sudan didn’t save him from similar indictments), the statements simply emphasise the fact that there is one law for some and another for the rest.
Just like the enlightened matatu drivers, our politicians believe that the rules do not apply to them and can be discarded whenever one of them gets into trouble.
Our whole system of governance aids and abets this logic. So when Cabinet ministers are forced out of office after being caught with their hands in the till, the government creates a new taxonomy in which those who “step aside” are allowed to keep their fat salaries and allowances without actually having to work for them.
That, they tell us, is how we will win the war on corruption!
I now believe that it is the ordinary, hardworking, tax-paying, law-abiding Kenyan who is stupid.
We agree to faithfully pay our taxes, even celebrating when the government exceeds its revenue collection charges, while those who actually pass our tax laws do not feel obliged to live under the same regime.
We pay salaries to policemen and civil servants and then agree to supplement these with bribes.
We accept that the leaders of the same government supposed to ensure roads are properly built to cater for the booming numbers of vehicles and that traffic rules are obeyed, should not themselves be inconvenienced when they fail to do their jobs.
flashad
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Are you implicated in any corruption charges??? You must leave office immediately
Corruption and impunity are King in government of Kenya circles. Maize, Oil, Tanks & Guns, Grand Regency Hotel, Goldenberg, the phantom Ken Ren Fertiliser Factory, Anglo Leasing, Free Primary Education, the list goes on and the institutional rot is obvious. Today Parliament shall debate a report on the sale and purchase of Kenyan diplomatic mission property in 5 countries – alleged to be tainted by corruption and abuse of public trust. ( www.marsgroupkenya.org )
That being the case, you probably will agree with me that Kenya is ripe for change. Charged citizens, MP's eager to please, Lumumba who's heading an institution who's reputation hungs in the balance and the two principles who dont seem to care about which political side of the divide you come from. Since we got our flag independence in 1963, I dont think there is any other time in our history when kenyans were as hopeful and as ready for change as they are now. The new constitution has a lot to do with is, but I also choose to think that Kenyans are genuinely fed up of being short changed. They might not have grasped how to get themselves out of this quagmire, but they definitely are ready to act if provided with possible alternatives.
One of the fundamental areas that need radicle change is public service. We seem to target the scam of the earth for the most demanding and sensitive positions. If today the cabinet were to be vetted, we probably would not have anyone left standing. Now we all know that the prospects of having all the cabinet fired or even investigated (in the spirit of the new constitution of course) is nirvana and will not happen in our lifetime. However, we have a robust and extremely outspoken new kid on the block by the name of PLO lumumba. This man might just deliver us to Can-an if we put enough pressure on him. Already as it is, he is extremely eager to perform but we all know that its only a matter of time before he is compromised. What kind of pressure am i talking about here? Kenyans must show that they are hungry for blood, blood of anyone who feels they can continue to govern this country with impunity. All lumumba's team has to do is point us in the right direction. If your name as much as appears on a corruption report, whether proven guilty or not, you MUST leave office. This issue of "innocent until proven guilty" does not apply to this corruption ridden government.
Now most of you will suggested that this kind of "none negotiable" approach will encourage witch hunts among government. True as this may be, I can confidently say that this is a risk kenyans should be willing to take. The idea of politicians hiding behind ethnic cocoons must end, and the only way to end it is for kenyans to start capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the new constitution. Ensuring that Ruto,Wetangula, Saitoti, Majiwa and all their brothers have been laid to rest politically is the only way.
That being the case, you probably will agree with me that Kenya is ripe for change. Charged citizens, MP's eager to please, Lumumba who's heading an institution who's reputation hungs in the balance and the two principles who dont seem to care about which political side of the divide you come from. Since we got our flag independence in 1963, I dont think there is any other time in our history when kenyans were as hopeful and as ready for change as they are now. The new constitution has a lot to do with is, but I also choose to think that Kenyans are genuinely fed up of being short changed. They might not have grasped how to get themselves out of this quagmire, but they definitely are ready to act if provided with possible alternatives.
One of the fundamental areas that need radicle change is public service. We seem to target the scam of the earth for the most demanding and sensitive positions. If today the cabinet were to be vetted, we probably would not have anyone left standing. Now we all know that the prospects of having all the cabinet fired or even investigated (in the spirit of the new constitution of course) is nirvana and will not happen in our lifetime. However, we have a robust and extremely outspoken new kid on the block by the name of PLO lumumba. This man might just deliver us to Can-an if we put enough pressure on him. Already as it is, he is extremely eager to perform but we all know that its only a matter of time before he is compromised. What kind of pressure am i talking about here? Kenyans must show that they are hungry for blood, blood of anyone who feels they can continue to govern this country with impunity. All lumumba's team has to do is point us in the right direction. If your name as much as appears on a corruption report, whether proven guilty or not, you MUST leave office. This issue of "innocent until proven guilty" does not apply to this corruption ridden government.
Now most of you will suggested that this kind of "none negotiable" approach will encourage witch hunts among government. True as this may be, I can confidently say that this is a risk kenyans should be willing to take. The idea of politicians hiding behind ethnic cocoons must end, and the only way to end it is for kenyans to start capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the new constitution. Ensuring that Ruto,Wetangula, Saitoti, Majiwa and all their brothers have been laid to rest politically is the only way.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The rhetoric that has become climate change.
Have you ever sat through a climate change meeting? especially one of those that try to come up with solutions? It is true that the world is in a sorry state. All you have to do is read some of the statistics on the rate at which our greedy industrialization behaviors are eating up the world and you will develop a bucket list immediately after. We have all seen the increased disasters, from the tsunamis, earthquakes to unexplained draughts and floods. at the rate things are happening, the scientist will be out of work soon.
Now, all of us seem to have come to terms with the disaster we have made of things. I however will never understand how the discussions we have in our NGO circles will change anything. we talk about changing our lifestyles, about holding our governments accountable. well, lets start with changing how we live, does anyone think this is possible? lets shut down GM and other car manufactures, heck, lets bring technology to an end. I know that sounds radicle but im not sure we have the luxury of taking the slow option. the changes we recommend today in my opinion only serve to postpone the inevitable. My friend Janet Akao used to say that the only solution to climate change and other global ills, is for the world to swallow us all then have a fresh start, a less evil generation. Now that is radicle.
I must admit that i dont know much about climate change, but i know for sure that telling people to give up their comfort zones might take centuries, which at this point we do not have.
Holding our governments accountable is the other hurdle we are yet to figure out. Industrialization seems to be all that our governments think about. the economy, employment creation etc all look to industrialization to create this opportunities. Truth of the matter is, we bought the western model ages ago and now its almost too late to turn back. So lets keep signing all this UN declarations, attend the COP16, 17 etc meetings, be vocal at the Rio20, because, honestly speaking, ita all we can do to keep from think of the inevitable.
Now, all of us seem to have come to terms with the disaster we have made of things. I however will never understand how the discussions we have in our NGO circles will change anything. we talk about changing our lifestyles, about holding our governments accountable. well, lets start with changing how we live, does anyone think this is possible? lets shut down GM and other car manufactures, heck, lets bring technology to an end. I know that sounds radicle but im not sure we have the luxury of taking the slow option. the changes we recommend today in my opinion only serve to postpone the inevitable. My friend Janet Akao used to say that the only solution to climate change and other global ills, is for the world to swallow us all then have a fresh start, a less evil generation. Now that is radicle.
I must admit that i dont know much about climate change, but i know for sure that telling people to give up their comfort zones might take centuries, which at this point we do not have.
Holding our governments accountable is the other hurdle we are yet to figure out. Industrialization seems to be all that our governments think about. the economy, employment creation etc all look to industrialization to create this opportunities. Truth of the matter is, we bought the western model ages ago and now its almost too late to turn back. So lets keep signing all this UN declarations, attend the COP16, 17 etc meetings, be vocal at the Rio20, because, honestly speaking, ita all we can do to keep from think of the inevitable.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
It MUST not be business as usual!
Have you ever wondered why bringing change is such a daunting task in Kenya yet we have all the right ingredients? If its passion we’v got it, education, the masses, and most definitely we have every reason to want change from this failed system of be it government or society as a whole. Yet every time we embark on a mission to bring about change we end up worse that we started. Why is that? The answer is that either we have the memory span of a catfish or we never fully understand the reason we do things. All you have do is make a list of all the scandals we have had in the last 15 years and how quick we were to sweep all this under the carpet. Even the maize scandal which most of us thought was too close to the heart of Kenyans was forgotten as soon as the media moved on to the next big thing.
Where am I going with this you may ask? Of course like every Kenyan, I am bubbling with joy out for having a new constitution. Today as I got into a matatu, I couldn’t help but notice the business as usual mode we had all switched to. One week ago, everywhere you went, and I mean literary everywhere, Kenyans from all walks of life were discussing the new Katiba, every TV channel had a whole lot of “what if’” debates on the proposed Katiba. Only 7 days later and it feels like we have accomplished everything we set out to. Now this is what worries me!!!! Because this time round we cannot afford to have those temporary amnesia episodes and if we do then we might as well forget Kenya as we know it.
This last weekend, three different groups in Mombasa walked into privately owned land and started demanding that the owners (who I might add are foreigners) move because the new constitution reverts the land back to them. I am not in any way suggesting that the new constitution allows incidents like this to take place, I am simply trying to emphasize why we cannot afford to go to sleep this time. Kenyans need to understand that the changes we aspire for will not come at the stroke of Kibaki's pen, it will take much more work on the part of government and private sector and vigilance on our part. This constitution is one of best things that has happened to Kenya in along time and we must ensure that it remains this way. This requires that we keep the dialogue alive wherever we are. For the media, keep up the same spirit of sharing we saw during the process leading to the referendum. The CoE and other experts need to come up with new civic education materials to be used by civil society. For the principles, we don’t care what the deals behind closed doors were, you must keep the unity intact and visibly so. For the public, keep the debates going as the only way to keep our tolerance levels in check. We must not look at this as business as usual.
For the first time in a very long time, Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya.
Where am I going with this you may ask? Of course like every Kenyan, I am bubbling with joy out for having a new constitution. Today as I got into a matatu, I couldn’t help but notice the business as usual mode we had all switched to. One week ago, everywhere you went, and I mean literary everywhere, Kenyans from all walks of life were discussing the new Katiba, every TV channel had a whole lot of “what if’” debates on the proposed Katiba. Only 7 days later and it feels like we have accomplished everything we set out to. Now this is what worries me!!!! Because this time round we cannot afford to have those temporary amnesia episodes and if we do then we might as well forget Kenya as we know it.
This last weekend, three different groups in Mombasa walked into privately owned land and started demanding that the owners (who I might add are foreigners) move because the new constitution reverts the land back to them. I am not in any way suggesting that the new constitution allows incidents like this to take place, I am simply trying to emphasize why we cannot afford to go to sleep this time. Kenyans need to understand that the changes we aspire for will not come at the stroke of Kibaki's pen, it will take much more work on the part of government and private sector and vigilance on our part. This constitution is one of best things that has happened to Kenya in along time and we must ensure that it remains this way. This requires that we keep the dialogue alive wherever we are. For the media, keep up the same spirit of sharing we saw during the process leading to the referendum. The CoE and other experts need to come up with new civic education materials to be used by civil society. For the principles, we don’t care what the deals behind closed doors were, you must keep the unity intact and visibly so. For the public, keep the debates going as the only way to keep our tolerance levels in check. We must not look at this as business as usual.
For the first time in a very long time, Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Why the Kenyans must vote green tomorrow.
There has been a lot of debate on the draft constitutions, most of it legal and credible, a lot of it propaganda. The constitution discussions have become the centre of everything, from the dinning table back home, matatu rides in town and salons. Whether YES or NO, I must admit I am proud of my countrymen for taking their responsibilities seriously. For the first time since the west started shoving “democracy” down our thoughts, I feel that Kenyans might have finally understood the true meaning of the word and not a mere “multi party state”.
Today I want to talk to the Kenyans who will be at the ballot box tomorrow. You must have already heard a lot of reasons why to vote for or against this constitution. Let mine be an addition to the many credible reasons as to why we must vote GREEN tomorrow. Like many before me have stated, this has been along journey for Kenya, some will say driven by foreign interest. But whether or not foreign interests have interfered in our process, we must understand what a NO vote will do to us. It is not about the beautiful preamble that opens up the constitution, or the numerous gains for the women, youth and marginalized communities. Its not about building credible and accountable institutions which most certainly this constitution aims for, its about citizenship.
Kenyans have finally started to gain confidence in themselves confidence in questioning the role of state, confident that we all play a role in bringing about change. This is what you need for any progressive nation, a people who take up responsibility. The open engagements resulting from the agenda 4 reforms processes have definitely propelled a common mwananchi’s confidence in their contribution to the building of the nation. Gone are the days when government was an exclusive club.
Now to my point!!! If we vote NO, then all this gains will be reverted back to the days when seeking to find out what your last CDF budget did, amounted to crime. It’s the feeling of achievement that builds confidence. Kenyans have been sent back to the drawing board too many times and this might just be the last straw. Kenyans might just give up completely if we are sent back to the drawing board this time. Many say that, if NO carries the day, we will simply dust ourselves off, pick up from where we left off and start the battle, but our history tells us that it has never been as easy as that. The common mwananchi is hanging at the very end of the string. Someone needs to throw us a lifeline and the new constitution might just be it.
So tomorrow as we vote, don’t think of all the YES and NO campaigns you have been hearing all over, think of the millions of who will completely give up on ever seeing change and I mean any kind of change in this country.
I am however very optimistic that like our president said, we will be parting all over town on Thursday. If it was up to me, I would make that our true independence day, and not the day we received a piece of paper drafted by our oppressors.
Happy voting my brothers and sisters
Today I want to talk to the Kenyans who will be at the ballot box tomorrow. You must have already heard a lot of reasons why to vote for or against this constitution. Let mine be an addition to the many credible reasons as to why we must vote GREEN tomorrow. Like many before me have stated, this has been along journey for Kenya, some will say driven by foreign interest. But whether or not foreign interests have interfered in our process, we must understand what a NO vote will do to us. It is not about the beautiful preamble that opens up the constitution, or the numerous gains for the women, youth and marginalized communities. Its not about building credible and accountable institutions which most certainly this constitution aims for, its about citizenship.
Kenyans have finally started to gain confidence in themselves confidence in questioning the role of state, confident that we all play a role in bringing about change. This is what you need for any progressive nation, a people who take up responsibility. The open engagements resulting from the agenda 4 reforms processes have definitely propelled a common mwananchi’s confidence in their contribution to the building of the nation. Gone are the days when government was an exclusive club.
Now to my point!!! If we vote NO, then all this gains will be reverted back to the days when seeking to find out what your last CDF budget did, amounted to crime. It’s the feeling of achievement that builds confidence. Kenyans have been sent back to the drawing board too many times and this might just be the last straw. Kenyans might just give up completely if we are sent back to the drawing board this time. Many say that, if NO carries the day, we will simply dust ourselves off, pick up from where we left off and start the battle, but our history tells us that it has never been as easy as that. The common mwananchi is hanging at the very end of the string. Someone needs to throw us a lifeline and the new constitution might just be it.
So tomorrow as we vote, don’t think of all the YES and NO campaigns you have been hearing all over, think of the millions of who will completely give up on ever seeing change and I mean any kind of change in this country.
I am however very optimistic that like our president said, we will be parting all over town on Thursday. If it was up to me, I would make that our true independence day, and not the day we received a piece of paper drafted by our oppressors.
Happy voting my brothers and sisters
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Myths about the Kenyan public.
As the NMG celebrates 50 years of serving Kenyans, one cannot help but wonder how far Kenya has come as a ‘democracy’. It is quite clear by now that a nation’s good governance is heavily reliant on its citizen’s ability to engage the government. Although a healthy democracy depends on the ability of citizens to directly affect the public policies central to their lives, the current system has little room for genuine citizen input and influence. Having said that, we must acknowledge the role played by the media in bridging this gap. In a government system where information is not considered a public good, the Kenyan media must begin to realize the heavy responsibility bestowed upon them to ensure that the Kenyan public remains well informed.
For this to happen however, the media must come to terms with what has come to be known as the 3 greatest myths of the Kenyan public. The first myth is that the Kenyan public will not participate in policy making and are happy to leave the job to our politicians. Recent history has shown an increase discontent among Kenyans with the way politicians are handling public issues. The reaction to recent scandals i.e. the maize, FPE, among others is but a simple indication of the dissatisfaction. Kenyans are ready to drive policies but the media must create a conducive environment for that to happen by continuing to highlight government business. The second myth is that Kenyans are not competent enough to deal with policy matters. All you have to do is look at how our designated policy makers perform their tasks to know that this is not true. As consumers of government services, no one can be more competent than the public to state how the said services should be delivered. Therefore, to assume that we the public need a crush course in order to provide meaningful contributions to the policy making processes absolute nonsense. The third and most important myth is that Kenyans will not be able to rise above self-interest on behalf of the common good. It is no secret that Kenya experienced the worst ethnic violence in 2008. However, the politicians have continued to capitalize on this dived by pursuing their tribal chief positions. I speak for the Kenyan public when I say that all we want is a proper functioning government and if we have to keep using outsiders, the likes of Kofi Annan and the ICC to prove the point, then we will. Our politicians cannot continue to hide under the tribal cocoons and using our names to justify their misplaced actions.
I therefore applaud our media for the good job it has continued to do and remind them that Kenyans will act so long as they continue to do their job right.
For this to happen however, the media must come to terms with what has come to be known as the 3 greatest myths of the Kenyan public. The first myth is that the Kenyan public will not participate in policy making and are happy to leave the job to our politicians. Recent history has shown an increase discontent among Kenyans with the way politicians are handling public issues. The reaction to recent scandals i.e. the maize, FPE, among others is but a simple indication of the dissatisfaction. Kenyans are ready to drive policies but the media must create a conducive environment for that to happen by continuing to highlight government business. The second myth is that Kenyans are not competent enough to deal with policy matters. All you have to do is look at how our designated policy makers perform their tasks to know that this is not true. As consumers of government services, no one can be more competent than the public to state how the said services should be delivered. Therefore, to assume that we the public need a crush course in order to provide meaningful contributions to the policy making processes absolute nonsense. The third and most important myth is that Kenyans will not be able to rise above self-interest on behalf of the common good. It is no secret that Kenya experienced the worst ethnic violence in 2008. However, the politicians have continued to capitalize on this dived by pursuing their tribal chief positions. I speak for the Kenyan public when I say that all we want is a proper functioning government and if we have to keep using outsiders, the likes of Kofi Annan and the ICC to prove the point, then we will. Our politicians cannot continue to hide under the tribal cocoons and using our names to justify their misplaced actions.
I therefore applaud our media for the good job it has continued to do and remind them that Kenyans will act so long as they continue to do their job right.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
THE ONE MAN BATTLE.
As Kenyans, we have always wondered how our leaders continue to rule this country with a level of impunity that is unimaginable. We have always asked why people with such strong and dedicated personalities fight for our country only to end up being the most corrupt when we elect them for political positions. I will tell you the answer, because we the citizens are all cowards. We talk behind our closed doors and make noise about our dysfunctional governments and yet when we are called upon or an opportunity comes along for us to put our thoughts to action, we all run and hide behind our tribal blankets.
Today I speak to those Kenyans who have always said our country lacks leaders who take initiative. Isn’t Raila doing that on this whole Mau saga? Or what exactly is our definition of taking initiative? The prime minister has gone against the political current to save the Mau forest. Don’t you think it would have been much easier and politically correct for Raila to simply pretend the Mau destruction was irrelevant? Instead he has been fighting a one man battle for months now. Where are the so called environmental civil society organizations? I bet we are all hiding in the fear of being branded political entities. Where are our church leaders who always seem to have something to say about our bad politicians? Or do we only open our mouths to speak when we are critiquing and not when a good initiative needs our support.
I say this to you Kenyans, unless we learn to start recognizing good deeds done by some of our citizens, we will be sending the message to those few who are daring enough to take a stand that Kenyans do not really care either way. I know that not all of us can be as daring as Okiya Omtatah Okoiti, but the least we can do to support such individuals is to let them know that we approve and are grateful for their actions as Kenyans. So as president Kibaki sits in state house pondering whether planting the trees in Mau is worth his time, let the Kenyans send a message that we will stand behind those who try to save our nation, regardless of their political affiliations. We will plant those trees in Mau whether or not the politicians will be present.
Today I speak to those Kenyans who have always said our country lacks leaders who take initiative. Isn’t Raila doing that on this whole Mau saga? Or what exactly is our definition of taking initiative? The prime minister has gone against the political current to save the Mau forest. Don’t you think it would have been much easier and politically correct for Raila to simply pretend the Mau destruction was irrelevant? Instead he has been fighting a one man battle for months now. Where are the so called environmental civil society organizations? I bet we are all hiding in the fear of being branded political entities. Where are our church leaders who always seem to have something to say about our bad politicians? Or do we only open our mouths to speak when we are critiquing and not when a good initiative needs our support.
I say this to you Kenyans, unless we learn to start recognizing good deeds done by some of our citizens, we will be sending the message to those few who are daring enough to take a stand that Kenyans do not really care either way. I know that not all of us can be as daring as Okiya Omtatah Okoiti, but the least we can do to support such individuals is to let them know that we approve and are grateful for their actions as Kenyans. So as president Kibaki sits in state house pondering whether planting the trees in Mau is worth his time, let the Kenyans send a message that we will stand behind those who try to save our nation, regardless of their political affiliations. We will plant those trees in Mau whether or not the politicians will be present.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Is Kenya a democracy?
Sydney Harris described democracy as the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be. Truth be told, democracy means different things to different people. But today I ask if Kenya is a democracy.
I recently have heard a lot of views expressed on Kenya’s current situation. Many have said that Kenya was the country to watch out for three years ago. With stable GDP growth, lower crime rate, increase in literacy levels, Botswana and Ghana had nothing on us. We were going places they said. Then came the dreaded 2007 election and all hell broke loose. The worst fear of the developed nations had come true that Kenya would be added to the list of basket cases. Meetings to discuss how to prevent Kenya from becoming another failed state in Africa were conducted in the USA, UK, and many other places.
We have had a fair share of blunders as a country but I refuse to think that this makes us an unstable nation. I see the Kenyan case as one of institutionalizing democracy which is seriously enriched by looking at it as a process of group learning and understanding. Today, Kenyans as a collective have emerged from the crisis wiser. How can we prove this you might ask?
a) Despite all the turmoil witnessed in 2007, Kenyans managed to send over 50% of MP's home. This to me is a positive sign towards changing the leadership perception.
b) The general engagement with the Agenda 4: Although our leaders have been tip toeing around this issue, Kenyans have remained vigilant all through the process even forcing the leaders to take certain stands that might be unfavorable to them. The process might not be 100% people driven but if what I saw in Isiolo during the CoE consultation process is anything to go by, we are headed in the right direction.
c) The launch of the draft constitution. This is a major milestone for our country. Granted, the draft is not perfect. Granted, it might be another 15 years before we start implementing it. Taking all this into consideration, I still believe that we have made great strides; after all, Rome was not built in a day.
These are just but a few indicators.
The cost of democracy is always high, but Kenyans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission. Today, I can proudly say that Kenya is a democracy. Not because per capital GDP has reached the recommended level, or that our government is functioning as it ought to, but because, Kenyans have learnt the power of asking questions and to me that is the greatest path to democracy.
I recently have heard a lot of views expressed on Kenya’s current situation. Many have said that Kenya was the country to watch out for three years ago. With stable GDP growth, lower crime rate, increase in literacy levels, Botswana and Ghana had nothing on us. We were going places they said. Then came the dreaded 2007 election and all hell broke loose. The worst fear of the developed nations had come true that Kenya would be added to the list of basket cases. Meetings to discuss how to prevent Kenya from becoming another failed state in Africa were conducted in the USA, UK, and many other places.
We have had a fair share of blunders as a country but I refuse to think that this makes us an unstable nation. I see the Kenyan case as one of institutionalizing democracy which is seriously enriched by looking at it as a process of group learning and understanding. Today, Kenyans as a collective have emerged from the crisis wiser. How can we prove this you might ask?
a) Despite all the turmoil witnessed in 2007, Kenyans managed to send over 50% of MP's home. This to me is a positive sign towards changing the leadership perception.
b) The general engagement with the Agenda 4: Although our leaders have been tip toeing around this issue, Kenyans have remained vigilant all through the process even forcing the leaders to take certain stands that might be unfavorable to them. The process might not be 100% people driven but if what I saw in Isiolo during the CoE consultation process is anything to go by, we are headed in the right direction.
c) The launch of the draft constitution. This is a major milestone for our country. Granted, the draft is not perfect. Granted, it might be another 15 years before we start implementing it. Taking all this into consideration, I still believe that we have made great strides; after all, Rome was not built in a day.
These are just but a few indicators.
The cost of democracy is always high, but Kenyans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission. Today, I can proudly say that Kenya is a democracy. Not because per capital GDP has reached the recommended level, or that our government is functioning as it ought to, but because, Kenyans have learnt the power of asking questions and to me that is the greatest path to democracy.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Dear Kenyans
Today the CoE launched our draft constitution. This has been a long battle for each and everyone of us and although we are not all on the same page I can almost feel the equal excitement. This is almost the first time in Kenya’s history that a committee has delivered on time and God knows we have had many of those so lets go out and make history.
However as we celebrate, there are two things i would like to add to the ongoing debate. first, i hope we dont get swallowed into the Banana-Orange saga of 2005. because if we do, then my fear is that we will never get a new constitution. the CoE has done a brilliant job, the only unresolved issue as expected is the powers between the PM and the President. did you really expect our politicians not to do what they do best? the truth of the matter is, if it was up to them we probably even wouldn’t be launching the draft today. so here is my preposition. to prevent what happened in 2005 from happening again, we must have two options to pick from (or even 3). let people vote for one of two drafts. in that way, Kenyans can finally have a new constitution. if we don’t get a new constitution just because Raila and Kibabki and the whole bunch of lunatics are stuck in the present and cant seem to see beyond their noses, then we might as well wait another 5 years or even longer.
Secondly, lets not fall into the tribal drama that has become a norm for us. in 2005, we all went out and voted for or against. But i really wonder how many of us really took time to read the documents, especially the Bomas draft . This time, let’s do it differently. So I ask you today, not to let the politicians hijack this process.
The world is watching .Lets give them a damn good show!!!
However as we celebrate, there are two things i would like to add to the ongoing debate. first, i hope we dont get swallowed into the Banana-Orange saga of 2005. because if we do, then my fear is that we will never get a new constitution. the CoE has done a brilliant job, the only unresolved issue as expected is the powers between the PM and the President. did you really expect our politicians not to do what they do best? the truth of the matter is, if it was up to them we probably even wouldn’t be launching the draft today. so here is my preposition. to prevent what happened in 2005 from happening again, we must have two options to pick from (or even 3). let people vote for one of two drafts. in that way, Kenyans can finally have a new constitution. if we don’t get a new constitution just because Raila and Kibabki and the whole bunch of lunatics are stuck in the present and cant seem to see beyond their noses, then we might as well wait another 5 years or even longer.
Secondly, lets not fall into the tribal drama that has become a norm for us. in 2005, we all went out and voted for or against. But i really wonder how many of us really took time to read the documents, especially the Bomas draft . This time, let’s do it differently. So I ask you today, not to let the politicians hijack this process.
The world is watching .Lets give them a damn good show!!!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Kenya (Africa) does not need a SAVIOR!!!!!
Has anyone had a chance to talk to kenyan's lately. You will be amazed at how far we have come. Gone are the days when people sat back and felt like they could do nothing, gone are those days when most kenyas thought of politics as a one man shows. I wonder how many people would agree with me on that.
In the last one month, i have had an oppotunity to talk to most people whom you would consider the "the future of development". The feedback I got, is appalling. What is it about development and the need to save african's from themselves. everyone you talk to has this supper ideas on how to turn Africa into a "Developed world". Why dont we just ensure that the information is accessible, how? buy them all laptops. how helarious is that? Technology, is our future saviour! says who??? I dont remember my mother back in the village showing any concern with this global rabbish. Why would she want to know what Obama has to say about American healthcare????
Now, I am not by any means implyin that Africa is a small heaven. we have our own demons to vanquish, but then again, who doesnt. when kenyas fight for their rights,its branded ethinc clashes, when iranias do thesame, oh "this are people trying to exercise their democratic rights". what gives you the right to categorise people into these small boxes when you have no clue what democracy is.
We definately have along way to go, but the first step as far as im concerned, is filter out half of the so called "development agencies". Afer all, what exactly are they developing? us or simply perpetuating the old school of thought.
In the last one month, i have had an oppotunity to talk to most people whom you would consider the "the future of development". The feedback I got, is appalling. What is it about development and the need to save african's from themselves. everyone you talk to has this supper ideas on how to turn Africa into a "Developed world". Why dont we just ensure that the information is accessible, how? buy them all laptops. how helarious is that? Technology, is our future saviour! says who??? I dont remember my mother back in the village showing any concern with this global rabbish. Why would she want to know what Obama has to say about American healthcare????
Now, I am not by any means implyin that Africa is a small heaven. we have our own demons to vanquish, but then again, who doesnt. when kenyas fight for their rights,its branded ethinc clashes, when iranias do thesame, oh "this are people trying to exercise their democratic rights". what gives you the right to categorise people into these small boxes when you have no clue what democracy is.
We definately have along way to go, but the first step as far as im concerned, is filter out half of the so called "development agencies". Afer all, what exactly are they developing? us or simply perpetuating the old school of thought.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Can the true Kenyan Jerry Rawlings Please stand up!
Most often than not, I have heard a number of my fellow citizens suggest that we need an Obama like person to pull us out of this political quagmire we have been stuck in for many years. Question is, do you really think an Obama can survive in Kenya. I personally think we would eat him alive if the politicians dont bit us to it. I say this because, Kenyans as a people lack individual commitment and drive that saw the Americans elect a black president, something that would have otherwise been considered impossible. if we wont label him as a tribal chief, we are more likely to dismiss him as elitist and out of touch.
Bearing our pettyness and ignorance in mind I suggest we start looking for an individual more like Jerry Rawlings. Alot has been said about the man. some say he is/was a dictator, others think of him as the man who has made ghana what it is today, a true democracy. in effect, Rawlings demystified governance in Ghana, preaching to people that they have a right to demand accountability from their leaders who are there to serve the people. We need a leader who can conduct "a house cleaning" exercise on kenya, the way Jerry Rawlings did to Ghana. Having over thrown the government twice because of the institutionalized corruption, Rawlings gained peoples' confidence and trust. The man knew what needed to be done and he did it. this is what has been lacking among old, new and upcoming leaders of this country, the courage to step up and do what needs to be done instead of walking around seeking approval from all the wrong quarters.
So i say again to all the 2012 hopefuls, rethink your strategy on how to gain respect from this humble citizens.
Bearing our pettyness and ignorance in mind I suggest we start looking for an individual more like Jerry Rawlings. Alot has been said about the man. some say he is/was a dictator, others think of him as the man who has made ghana what it is today, a true democracy. in effect, Rawlings demystified governance in Ghana, preaching to people that they have a right to demand accountability from their leaders who are there to serve the people. We need a leader who can conduct "a house cleaning" exercise on kenya, the way Jerry Rawlings did to Ghana. Having over thrown the government twice because of the institutionalized corruption, Rawlings gained peoples' confidence and trust. The man knew what needed to be done and he did it. this is what has been lacking among old, new and upcoming leaders of this country, the courage to step up and do what needs to be done instead of walking around seeking approval from all the wrong quarters.
So i say again to all the 2012 hopefuls, rethink your strategy on how to gain respect from this humble citizens.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
When I grow up, i want to be a Ministry of Finance VIP
I bet not even Obama spends that much on entertaining the Gordon Brown's of the day. But alas, our treasury has such VIP guest that we have to buy them samosas worth 960k everyday. Je ne comprends pas, so someone please make me. I did not get the opportunity to listen to the budget, my loss but you know what, after the 10 billion computer error, i dont believe in anything anymore. Im staying put and waiting for the next four days before the 210 most unqualified people, decide how much a samosa is worth.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The changing times: Did Marende save the Grand coalition or just postpone the grand collusion
http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=726
Did Marende save the Grand coalition or just postpone the grand collusion
People, I think all of us felt a sign of relief when Marende picked himself as the chair of the House Business Committee (HBC). What did you really expect of the poor guy? remember the Kivuitu blander? Marende's actions yestereday would have determined if this country was going to slide back into the january 2008 scenario. you have got to hand it to the man, he is no doubt wise and takes his job seriously. I wish Raila and Kibaki would learn something from the guy.
I however doubt if kenya is out of the woods. if you have been folowing the ODM politics lately, then you will know that Raila was not necessary interested in holding the chairmanship of the HBC. Rather his only problem was getting Kalonzo out of it. truth be told, kalonzo should be the last person to occupy any public office. its bad enough that we have to listen to him making silly baseless comments about what the public wants. Kibaki and Raila might not be the best of leaders but atleast they earned the right to be or say what they want. as bad and useless as they are, we the wananchi who voted for them, have no choice but to hang in there till 2012 because we gave them the mandate.
Now, if ODM was really not interested in chairing the HBC, then whats with all the noice? I think what Marende did yestereday was simply sweep the durt under the capet for now. needless to say, the ODM-PNU battle is far from over. but where does that leave the nation? has anyone thought that this might be a perfect strategy to keep us the wananchi absorbed in the political nonsense so that we barely have time to question the lack of performance by both principles. I think its no secret that there are no political enemies in this country and history can atest to that. lets think for a moment of all the issues we should be hearing about. The constitution, Agenda 4, IDP's, Insecurity, Food shortage, Migingo and the list goes on and on.
I wonder what makes us kenyas have such short memories, yet we claim to be bearing the brunt of all the political nonsense. politicians have mastered the art of distracting us from the real issues. doesnt that make the whole bunch of us as hipocritical as they are? Fact is, this coalition will survive for all the wrong reasons which we are all well awear of. that being the case, we have two choices, either continue playing along with the current scenario or demand some results. otherwise we will loose the window of opportunity for change presented by the natioanal accord.
I however doubt if kenya is out of the woods. if you have been folowing the ODM politics lately, then you will know that Raila was not necessary interested in holding the chairmanship of the HBC. Rather his only problem was getting Kalonzo out of it. truth be told, kalonzo should be the last person to occupy any public office. its bad enough that we have to listen to him making silly baseless comments about what the public wants. Kibaki and Raila might not be the best of leaders but atleast they earned the right to be or say what they want. as bad and useless as they are, we the wananchi who voted for them, have no choice but to hang in there till 2012 because we gave them the mandate.
Now, if ODM was really not interested in chairing the HBC, then whats with all the noice? I think what Marende did yestereday was simply sweep the durt under the capet for now. needless to say, the ODM-PNU battle is far from over. but where does that leave the nation? has anyone thought that this might be a perfect strategy to keep us the wananchi absorbed in the political nonsense so that we barely have time to question the lack of performance by both principles. I think its no secret that there are no political enemies in this country and history can atest to that. lets think for a moment of all the issues we should be hearing about. The constitution, Agenda 4, IDP's, Insecurity, Food shortage, Migingo and the list goes on and on.
I wonder what makes us kenyas have such short memories, yet we claim to be bearing the brunt of all the political nonsense. politicians have mastered the art of distracting us from the real issues. doesnt that make the whole bunch of us as hipocritical as they are? Fact is, this coalition will survive for all the wrong reasons which we are all well awear of. that being the case, we have two choices, either continue playing along with the current scenario or demand some results. otherwise we will loose the window of opportunity for change presented by the natioanal accord.
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