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Why Kumekucha Is Not "Just For Whiners"
I just want to bring to the attention of our regular readers and even casual readers, what is happening in this blog with mostly those leaving comments.
As traffic grows in leaps and bounds, many folks arriving here have been referred here by various people and arrive here with certain prejudices, which are at the top of their minds before they read a single sentence. These prejudicial views of course depend a lot on the views of the Kenyan who has referred them.
While I welcome all readers kindly note that when you rush to make sweeping statements and prejudicial remarks, when you have not taken the time to even read through one post, it is annoying to other readers.
You are of course welcome to your own views, and that is something I would defend on your behalf because it is the essence of the democracy we aspire to so much in our beloved motherland.
However I do not agree with the view that...
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Chris, you are right on that and I feel no shame in wishing you well. Let anybody say it but you are spot on some things and we do differ and accept when something is wrong. Respect remains.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I referred a visitor to the blog (She works in Grenada in the Caribbean); she told me that it is too much politics. She told me that it is 'a voice of one of the presidential candidates'. Nowadays, she does text to tell me she enjoys every bit. My cousin in Adelaide told me that their small Kenyan community has since learnt to enjoy 'siasa za Kumekucha. And they seem to know everything' and should I say, one of them is Phil's biggest fan (I know why) and another one likes Vikii and Taabu, and it is must read for others who enjoy it to bits.
I have not come to praise you, but to show what people say. All the best.
Chris – Ebu tell us the truth here. Kwani the burly men with the unwritten message from NSIS are catching up with you?!! Lately this mambo of ‘leaving behind a legacy’, ‘made a difference’ and ‘hoping’ to do more’ has got me thinking. Are you on a wireless laptop in some obscure undisclosed location? Is your heart palpitating exceedingly faster every time you hear a car zoom by?
ReplyDeleteSome of this stuff sounds like you are resigning. Be strong. This fight is indeed the good fight.
I finally decided to come out and use my 'real' (sic) name, like most everybody else here.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I'm glad my comments ignite so much fire, bringing out even Brinner to the defense of the poor in Kibera.
Like I've said numerously in my anonimity, its not right for people to sit around and wait for government to save them. Which government? Tell me one person running for president today who has not had a chance in the current or the previous governments to change Kenya. What chance is there, then that when we elect Raila that he is going to make life better, save for demolishing a few more houses? I repeat it, why on earth would he be remebered as the person that championed for the rights of the poor while at the same time getting a heftier payment than even his counterparts from the most developed nations on earth. Ever heard him complain of this?I haven't.Thats one thing that our parliamentarians will always be united on, across all 139 parties and more than 40 tribes. Most Kenyans are poor, but why would the one representing tha vast majority of them lead the most extravagant lifestyle. As a former energy minister, even why would he drive a hummer, a vehicle frowned upn for its contribution to global warming (forget the price) in the country its manufactured???Come, Taabu, defend that, I dare you! There are leaders, and then there are leaders who lead by example. I know of none in Kenya.
Don't for a minute assume that a rich person because I'm Kikuyu, therefore I have benefited form the Kenyatta and Kibaki governments. Just for the record, I'm 28, turning 29 next week. When did I 'eat'??? Let me declare my poverty: I've gone to bed without food, and never lived in a home with running water or electricity. I've been home from lack of school fees . How does that sound, in light of my making jokes of the Kibera residents. I've lived the Kibera life, albeit in Nakuru - in Flamingo, which is probably the no. 2 or 3 'slum' in Nakuru after Kaptembwa/Rhoda and Bondeni. The family I was living with was at one point evicted because they couldn't pay Ksh 500 on rent for over a year on government housing.There you got it.....and I'm still Kikuyu, and proud of it.
To Chris, I maintain this blog is all about Raila, saw that coming long ago, even after you introduced an imaginary candidate who then 'went to pursue a master's degree'. Today you made a attempt at alienating yourself from that goal when you introduced a negative one on Raila, hope you don't turn around and treat him like a saint, tomorrow forcing him down our throats and all.
I insist the only way that will work for Kenya is dialogue, not isolation and demonization of Kikuyus. They also have votes, and guess what, they count! Dialogue, Chris, not whining will carry the day.And if the economy has grown, it has grow...it has grown. I personally couldn't be happier. There is always room for improvement, but kama nzuri, nzuri. Would it be better if the economy had deteriorated?
To Brinner - about leaving a legacy (not books with obscene scenes with the rich and the famous of 'Africa'-our country is called Kenya!)what will you be remembered for? All the famous politician.....(friends?more than friends?Ahh, what??) , for sure Moi, and then Biwott, then...., JK.Yeah, I took your every word you have left a 'legacy', if to no one, then to me.
Happy birth day proud kikuyu woman. I have missed u in this noble fight against propaganda. The likes of Vee, Mulwaa, Njuguna,Mumbi and many others have seemingly given up. One of them even emailed me yesterday in very plain language that goats will never be cows no matter how hard you try to feed them.
ReplyDeleteMy brother Derek I hold u in very high esteem. But lemmie ask u: why did ur friend associate this blog with one presidential candidate? I am sure she doesnt know Vikii and so we are ruling out any possible mind poisoning by the Vikiis of this world. My own brother is also in Adelaide and he doesnt see any neutrality here. He doesnt understand wtf I do here, I told him it is sinful not to stand up against propaganda even if u are clearly in the minority. Look here people, we have all seen the inside of a literature classroom and it hurts when someone lies to u and keeps denying it. I have absolutely no problem with anybody supporting Raila Odinga or even Joe Nyaga. Honestly it doesnt matter to me and this is best explained in my defence of Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, Dr. Ojiambo and Koigi Wamwere despite them being in direct competition with Kalonzo Musyoka.Some people have even questioned my political loyalty. A Kalonzo presidency to me is not a matter of life and death. What sucks and it has relentlessly been doing so is the denial. When someone tries to lecture me about 'legacy' and 'putting Kenya first' when the same guy continues to persue the narrowest of agendas, then I am baffled. Just redefine the motive of the blog and we will renew our terms of engagement with the blog. We will know how to react. Like I said the other day, Raila Odinga has a campaign website with a comments column. I have never left a comment there because I am not party to the agenda there and it is all in black and white. The best thing is to be respectful and stay away. But when u tell me this is an open forum for all political views, then I fail to understand why I should be castigated for doing just that. Calling me an NSIS guy only serves to strengthen my resolve.
Let's put an end to intellectual hooliganism people. If the debate is about the fellow called John githongo or the other one now pursuing his graduate studies, let it be genuine because I strongly believe the president of Kenya should be someone above reproach. When you try to link this person with a criminal and u talk of a clean break from the past then i will tell u I have an alternative too.
I, just like Miss kikuyu believe the post about Raila Odinga's involvement in corruption is just to confuse people a little bit. If it is not I challenge Chris for the hundred and first time to explain how Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru, Kalonzo, Nyaga, Koigi, Ngilu and Kombo are more corrupt than Raila. This is something he is not able to do but he keeps saying so.
Marianne Brinner, stop crying about not doing something about the plight of Kibrians. U need to worry more about not doing something about your own rehabilitation.
PKW (proud Kuk Woman) you got it running but deleberately chose to criple your gazelle with petiness, sorry couldn't get a polically correct word equivalent. I for one don't condon mediocrity of any shade lest my earthly god (mum) strungles me. For the records I'm a shameless mummy's boy. Meanwhile thanks for the honest confession that you have occassionally gone balistic albeit anonymously.
ReplyDeleteThat said, you don't gain any milage by attacking others instead of addressing their points. For starters, MB is so many things to many people. Please dear sister learn to appreciate that she is different from the ordinary and stop the street exchange. I don't hold brief for MB but please respect her views, won't you? It won't diminish you intellect ama? And for the records I hold no briref for her.
For your information you appear to prescribe me to a political shade I don't subscribe to. Rake your brain sis and get indulged. Don't fall prey cheaply to the shouting matches. In the meantime I will continue jelously protecting your right to make wild insinuations and suggestions. It is your democratic right, but are you excercising the commensurate responsibilities? Over to you my dear sister.
Here I am, blasted (alcoholically i.e.) and seated on the pavement outside Club Kilimanjaro NJ, on a blissful and breezy Friday evening, cleansing my soul with some lyrical vintage Franco Luambo Makiadi i-tunes and oiling my palate with some antique VSOP Courvoisier and a couple of cold limed up Corona brews….about to hit the club with my scantily dressed one night stunt….(by scantily I mean no bra no panties)…. and suddenly from the throws of Armageddon rises lady-like- PKW.…supported by a bona fide Kibaki apologist. Now this would never be an issue at all but when the pitch includes such terms as the least mentioned names in corruption, then I must put on my George Foreman autographed gloves and ask a few pertinent questions:
ReplyDelete-Them mamluks!!!..who are they??? If Anglo is an Old English word for English, then what is Leasing??? Who exactly cleared Mwiraria??? What does Mungiki, Oath and Michuki/Karume have in common???? What is Kenren Chemicals…?? And was Mbai shot by some love triangle nut?? and Vikii, just for your short memory -woe unto press freedom…. spousal abuse in the form of mitumba pajamas and unkempt wigs at news outlets??? What could be more intimidating……………daughters with badges at JKIA??? How about….. my i-phone is loosing juice…..there’s need for better alkaline batteries!!!
Since you refer to me as 'MB' - which I even can accept although I have a name and not just some initials -
ReplyDeleteBut let me put some things straight:
- I am against corruption in general and therfore I am not fighting a personal 'vendetta'
- corruption is a sickness - not only in Africa - I am very well aware of this fact .........but it is especially in Africa where it effects the life of any ordinary man (and woman and child).
- and it is Africa where my heart is - and that's why I am fighting and will continue fighting .......
Does this make sense???????
I am looking forward to your replies and maybe we can even open up a 'forum' how to tackle this matter ?????
I would be happy if some of you would take up the 'challenge'.......
Marianne Briner
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteKalamari, you are turning my nostalgic being on. Franco and a Vintage Courvoisier takes me back home and on a Saturday afternoon, I imagine an evening in Nairobi West or any spot along Ngong Road.
ReplyDeleteMarianne, I left you some clues here on your next book on Africa, where your heart is, but Chris deleted them. Just wondering if you got them before it was too late.
ReplyDeleteI've provided in another post but, just in case you are MIA, here;
http://www.granta.com/extracts/2615