Why some Kalenjin politicians are now fleeing UDA. Shocking | Kenya news

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Dangers of NOT Passing the New Constitution

In my eventful life so far I have seen how devastating fear can be.

Fear is a terribly powerful emotion. It causes people to be desperate and to behave in very strange ways.

I have seen people freeze in fear even as imminent danger hurtles towards them. I have seen intelligent people freeze in fear and stage fright and make a complete fool of themselves trying to speak in public.

And so I really fear fear itself. That is probably one of the reasons why I have always tried hard to fight fear in all its’ forms. Many times I have ended up making decisions which have horrified others. Don’t you fear this and that, some have asked me?

Currently in Kenya I see fear in many of our dear brothers and sisters who are going to vote No. Some people fear (quite rightly) that they will lose their ill-gotten wealth. Many of the older folks just have a fear of the unknown. Many others fear change and prefer to remain suffering rather than to risk change.

But the truth is that what Kenyans should really fear is the draft constitution failing to be passed. You do not want to imagine the consequences of that happening.

For years I have talked in this blog about the growing hopelessness in Kenyans. Hardly anybody has linked the election troubles of 2007 to this hopelessness and yet it was a major catalyst. Not many people appreciate the daily struggles most Kenyans have to go through just to get by. Most fascinatingly church leaders have failed to appreciate this important point in their decision to campaign for a no vote. It is probably the best illustration of how the prosperity gospel has taken over so much so that church leaders living in great luxury have failed to fully appreciate what their flocks are up against in their daily struggle for survival.

My analysis on the ground is that the International community was absolutely spot on in their determination to do everything in their power to ensure that Kenyans do not go to the polls again without major reforms first. To them this was a recipe for disaster and the kind of trouble that would have made 2007 look like child’s play. The pressure thye have brought to bear has done a lot in helping Kenyans reach where they are today, literally on the verge of a brand new constitution.

I am well aware that in writing this post I have lost many avid Kumekucha readers and so let me end it with just one every day illustration to drive my point home.

In a supermarket in Nairobi, a man walks in on impulse to pick a few things and ends up spending Kshs 10,000 just like that. He meets at the counter with another harassed looking Kenyan who has walked all the way from Kibera to town to purchase an item costing less than Kshs 30/- because it is Kshs 5/- cheaper in town (a 40 minutes walk) than it is in his local neighborhood duka in Kibera. The man has never handled Kshs 5,000 as a lump sum in his pocket in his entire miserable lifetime and is amazed that anybody should spend Kshs 10,000 in a supermarket and would have probably fainted if he realized that it was spent impulsively without any pre-meditated plan.

Simple question; how long do you think we will be able to flout our cash around even as our fellow countrymen starve and struggle to survive? It does not matter how high the fences are around our exclusive apartments in good neighbourhoods and it does not matter that we use the latest technology and security electronics and then swagger to our favourite watering hole on Saturdays wearing designer red t-shirts to look intelligent arguing with friends why we will vote NO, without fail.

It doesn’t matter because if we succeed it will come back to haunt us. Guaranteed!!!

I will be distributing a summary of my hot new book, Dark secrets of the Kenyan presidency, plus a handful of chapters from the book for free to Kumekucha readers only. Get it by subscribing to my list for the book. Simple send an email now to; Dark-secrets-kenyan-presidency-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

28 comments:

  1. Chris,
    Spot on and doesn't have to be STIMULATING, you know. What matters is the unpleasant truth. Sorry for those who cannot handle it, please remember to shut the door on your way out of the steaming kitchen.

    At least this katiba gives us a start to formulate our own governance. What we inherited ffrom the colonialists iss so archaic they laugh at our imported wigs for the judges.

    But Kenya exports vices in abundance and don't be surprised to see this post predictably reduced to Raila/Kalonzo/Ruto bashing and praises. We are shamelessly trying to go uphill on gear 1. What a shame?

    The draft may not be perfect but what is? Katiba sasa (with respect).

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  2. Funny how Chris is trying to use fear to force everyone vote with the selfish politicians.
    Anytime you see a majority of MP's, retired MP's, and crooks gang up to support a cause, simply know its because they stand to gain and Kenyans stand to lose.
    They did it when they were increasing salaries, they did it in 2008 telling us if they didnt form a mammoth govt that Kenya was going to slid to abyss, and they are now telling us to pass a draft that creates 450 MP's (elected and nominated in the senate and parliament) all earning perks and allowances totalling 1 Million.
    Then we hire their wives and mistresses in the many free posts for women...

    Chris has once again used the wrong reasons to support a clearly failing cause. What the YES group is fearing is that the Mwananchi will start to ask who will pay for these excesses..free education, free housing, free food, free lawyers....if its not through taxing the same Kibera person walking to save 5 bob.
    That Kibera person will get a rude shock since he will not even afford it coz its price will double.

    Read the constitution and ignore these ignorant scaring tactics.

    Nimesema

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  3. What does Mwarangethe have to say about this latest attempt by chris to support the draft by stroking emotions??

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  4. Nimesema,
    Yours is the typical FEAR Chris is talking about. Just accept the truth that your take is limited to known and you really fear the unknown. Put simply you fear the future and shamelessly engaging in FEAR-MONGERING.

    And while at it drop the brinkmanship in your name. Let the quality sell, and it is lacking big time in your vomit.

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  5. anon 5:31,

    Is that you Taabu?
    I remember you used the same line somewhere in your post last week. I wonder why you had to post as anon though.

    As for Nimesema, i agree with him that implementation of this draft will create a bigger burden on an already overtaxed mwananchi. One doesnt have to be an economist to see that.

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  6. As a Kenyan Ruto has all the right to campaign against the draft. But the truth be said, his objective sio katiba. The guy is so POSSESSED with fixing RAO he is ready to sell his mum for it.

    Look at Naivasha, he schemed with UK for the pure presidential governance. This was meant to have Rao throw a political tantrum and go NO. Well, he took the gaunlet and ran with the prize hence the UK/Kalonzo/Ruto axis of kuyumbayumba.

    These people are stuck with the old Kenyan politcial model not knowing Kenyans are far ahead.

    And why the fuss on land from Kalenjin leaders? If Kikuyus looted, they left no trail but Moi era brought KCB (Kalenjin chukua bure)-like prints all over hence the fear.

    Make no mistake, ordinary Kaleos never benefited but Ruto and co know the heard tribal mentality which they are out to exploit. Lakini wapi?

    So Ruto can support NO for al he cares but he must be honest and stop the naked shameless lies. Kenyans will respect him as a leader speaking the truth. Yes the Katiba is not perfect but don't tell lies Bw Ruto. Andplease don't use the 2005 model in defense.

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  7. I haven't read the whole draft all except for a small provision within the bill or rights.
    Social security

    61. (1) Every person has the right to social security.
    (2) The State shall provide appropriate social security to persons who are unable to support themselves or their dependants.



    So this part is supposed to have been genius... except for one thing... it is probably the clause that will finnish Kenya as a country. Does anyone think I'm exagerating?
    Lets take a walk through history. USSR anyone? Used to be one of the largest countries in the world! what happened? it has something to do with " from each according to his ability, to each according to his need!" What about California, one of the largest economies in the world? Broke! Venezuela? Broke! Cuba? Broke! Western Europe? In dire need of social reform... Germany is already taking steps with the new government towards that end!
    One may ask, what has that got to do with social security?
    The answer lies in the means of financing it. Who's gonna pay for it? As we speak Kenya is broke! How do I know that? We have a budget deficit that no one knows how we are gonna pay for it. Our Honorable Finance Minister directed during his last budget speech that all statutory pension funds should buy nothing but bonds. This is exactly what the Argentine government did before defaulting on debt. I see the Kenyan government walking down the same road.
    Kenya needs to cut down spending for two reasons:
    1. To balance the government income and expenditure
    2. To cut taxes so as to stimulate the economy to grow.
    Even right now, government cannot afford to undertake any more social welfare. As it is, we need to reform the government run pension fund. The current system is broke! That is the reason why government pushed the retirement age to 60. The healthcare system is becoming unmanageable and the education system is proving too heavy for the government. On the other side, the government is beginning to miss revenue targets that the government had set for the Kenya Revenue Authority. We need to solve that first and allow the private sector to flourish if we are to avert a looming disaster! Remember the riots in Argentina or the collapse of the USSR, or more pertinent to Kenya, the rise of Mungiki, Sabaot land defence force?
    You can make up your mind on whether the problem in Kenya is primarily political or just trying to push an unsustainable economic system that has its roots in Communism/Socialism.

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  8. Kenyans were so afraid and protested when they first heard of the plans to build rail ("iron snake" aka "coughing snake" aka "smoking centipede") aacross the country. But little did they know that the railway line would make their lives a little bit easier than what they had been used to in the last five decades.

    The proposed Katiba is facing the same difficulties that were encountered by the builders of the first railway line from Mombasa to Uganda.

    I am sure millions of Kenyans yet unborn (August, 2011 - August, 2070)will thank the current generation for taking the first step in the right direction.

    The "Smoking Katiba" aka "Katiba Nusu Mukate" will benefit more Kenyans than people are being made to believe otherwise.

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  9. Chris, Taabu, Sam Okello and M Pesa, this is a WARNING to you, A SERIOUS WARNING, you guys are going to be excommunicated from your churches, and during weddings, funeral e.t.c there will be no Pastor to help you.

    Think about it and decide whether to vote "Yes" or "No".

    I thought about it and decided that I'm still "Green" whether they like it or not afterall my allegiance is not to the church or Pastor, as happens to many Christians, but to God the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.

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  10. I am with you on this one Philip.

    Christians are the laziest guys around. Instead of spending their time in prayer they wait for their pastor to come and tell them what to do. Including how to sleep with their own wives.

    Obeying spiritual authority is NOT wrong but blindly following it is very dangerous. That's exactly how cults happen. Don't you guys read your Bible prophecies about how in the last times many will be fooled and misled? I believe it is already happening with "Men and women of God" swimming in wealth as their poverty-stricken congregation give sacrificially and then beg the man of God to lay their hands on their heads and speak a blessing for them to get out of poverty.

    Katiba is too serious to trust on somebody else. Serious Christians get on your knees and pray hard. Fast even. Trust me, you won't die as a result of missing your nyama choma for a week or two. And then vote exactly according to what you hear from God.

    -Kumekucha

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  11. Jeremiah 23 (New International Version)

    1 "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD. 2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done," declares the LORD. 3 "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.

    5 "The days are coming," declares the LORD,
    "when I will raise up to David [a] a righteous Branch,
    a King who will reign wisely
    and do what is just and right in the land.

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  12. Jeremiah 23 (new international version)

    21 I did not send these prophets,
    yet they have run with their message;
    I did not speak to them,
    yet they have prophesied.

    22 But if they had stood in my council,
    they would have proclaimed my words to my people
    and would have turned them from their evil ways
    and from their evil deeds.

    23 "Am I only a God nearby,"
    declares the LORD,
    "and not a God far away?

    24 Can anyone hide in secret places
    so that I cannot see him?"
    declares the LORD.
    "Do not I fill heaven and earth?"
    declares the LORD.

    25 "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? 27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?" declares the LORD. 29 "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

    30 "Therefore," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. 31 Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, 'The LORD declares.' 32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the LORD. "They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least," declares the LORD.

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  13. The bible was put together by bishops. Since you are not lazy please google up the history. You are saying you trust the bishops of antiquity but you dont trust the bishops of today! Read about the council of nicaea and see how constantine used bribes and threats to get the bishops to approve the type of christianity he wanted. Follow your bishops. That is what your religion demands. If every christian was free to do as they pleased then what would be the point of going to church. christains go to church to be told what to think by their bishops and priests.

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  14. As for me I will vote yes.I have suspended paying my tithe until after the referendum.

    I come from Ruto's constituency.We have beef with him for pushing for a pure presidential system.Kenyan fought in 2007/2008 due to powerful presidency.We wanted power devolution.However we will pass this constitution as it is.He actually should be the last person to oppose the constitution in which he was on the frontline!!!!!

    Ruto was so posessed with fighting Rao that he forgot what we send him to do.He was in the best position to influence the outcome of PSC at naivasha.We told him on his face that what he proposed and carried the day in Naivasha will for a long time favour only the big communities,he will no longer be able to control rift valley and that the illegal land he acquired may be reposessed.This may explain his stand now.

    PNU took advantage of Ruto/raila sour relationship to push their agenda and it worked.However the guys had only one prediction-Raila will say no.A good politician should have more than one strategy to provide alternative safe exit should should one way fail to work as expected.
    Ruto has been forced to be in the no camp just to avoid being together with Rao.
    I say to him that his posession with opposing rao may finally ruin his political career.
    As for my wiper friend can someoneshow me any issue in Kenya where Kalonzo has come out strongly with a position?I would be happy to know.

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  15. This is the latest of Chris insults to Cristians;

    'Christians are the laziest guys around. Instead of spending their time in prayer they wait for their pastor to come and tell them what to do. Including how to sleep with their own wives.'
    ------------------------------------
    So according to Chris, since christians are the lazy guys, muslims, hindus and the atheists are the hardworking Kenyans supporting the economy.

    Just go on Chris insulting your readers, pride comes before a fall. You did the same to Kikuyu's in 2007, you are now isolating Christians and insulting them....i hope you will not start apologizing later like you did in 2009 when you realize your folly.
    Lastly, i see no need of visiting Kumekucha again since i am a christian. I will take my laziness elsewhere.

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  16. Chris,
    i'm still asking you nani kama KM in the whole of Ukambani?

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  17. FEAR:

    F - False
    E - Evidence
    A - Appearing
    R - Real

    Spot on Chris.

    Mzalendo.

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  18. Anon 5/20/10 5:31 PM

    Said:
    And while at it drop the brinkmanship in your name. Let the quality sell, and it is lacking big time in your vomit.

    My Take:
    Halleluhya to the fool using the name 'Nimesema" which was not even his idea. Amen Amen.

    Nimesema was my reference. I initiated it some many months back while giving credible sensible contribution. But this fool took it but gives negative, insultative out of topic comments.

    The idea was to push me out or divert my contributions that revealed a lot so that readers may know that Nimesema has no credible contribution. Well I left the name for the fool.

    Now it amuses me that Nimesema never have any valuable contribution.

    The fool have not been able to impose my new reference.

    Ahsante sana tena Anon 5:31 pm.

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  19. Chris,

    You who know how to quote the Bible. Have you not come across where the same God says,

    "Touch not my annointed, and do no harm to my prophets" and "Judge not, so you may not be judged"

    Be careful when thinking about how God operates. Analysis from all your write-ups ever since you started writing, tone, slanting, clearly indicates that you have an ordinary mind.

    No-one has a problem with that, but please do not mix water with oil here. Do not muddle into the Biblical interpretation and application here. You have to first go through transformation by renewal of your mind.

    Continue writing from your mind level and do not insult other people's intelligence.

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  20. Chris,

    And while at that, we can tell from contributions here, sharp minds, renewed and transformed minds, and ordinary minds (like yours).

    The problem is not the mind type. what is important is the contributions (issues) from all the above minds.

    So when your mind will be transformed and renewed, it will be known from your writing, (the same things but differently.)

    That way, you can give us insights and expositions of the Bible and we will believe you.

    Because you write, does not mean that you know.

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  21. Anon 12.03. Goodbye. Lakini ukweli huwa uchungu sana but the good thing is that you've heard it.

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  22. I had earlier made my arguements concerning the Kadhis court, which I won't repeat again. Later some Christians who were afraid of Kadhis court out of fear for Islam changed their arguement and started arguing that the reason they are against Kadhis court is because it gives Muslims more rights than Christian.

    Unfortunately they aren't arguing against women being given more seats since it also gives women more rights, which shows selective arguement and which drives me to my earlier arguement, that Christians are against Kadhis court purely out of fear of Islam, a fear that isn't genuine since history proves that more Muslims have died in the hands of Christians than Christians who have died in the hands of Muslims.

    Further if Christians talk of rights then atheist and evolution scientists also need to talk of not being given rights since the constitution's preamble talks about "ACKNOWLEDGING the supremacy of the Almighty God of all
    creation:"

    The only arguement I have on behalf of Christians is a selfish arguement that goes like this, "Christianity is superior to other religions, we Christians should be heard first before anybody should be heard." Unfortunately this cannot be used to argue against abortion.

    What I would wish to hear is a solution from a Christian concerning this article on abortion. There have been solutions before in Christian churches which is similar to what is in the constitution, but which the Clergy don't want to mention and they'll wish the blind flocks not to see.

    So far I know of three arguements that Clergy and their flocks have come up with against the abortion clause and which are as follows:

    1. Constitution allows abortion, which means it allows killing of unborn child.

    2. Constitution gives the mother more rights than the child, yet all should have equal rights so that the mother should not be allowed to kill the child out of health risk.

    3. The framing of the constitution will allow abuse of that clause.

    I'll not argue on the first reason since it's a BIG LIE, and any Clergy who still gives that reason needs to be chased from the church by the church members for lying before them and God.

    The second reason is true but what solution do they have? Do they mean that better both the mother and the child die if the mother's health is at risk? I really want to know more but I think this is what was discussed in many churches so that in the end they came up with a solution similar to what the constitution specify. I'll find out why the church came with the that solution. Unfortunately some Pastors have discarded that same solution that their churches came up with long time ago even before they became priests. I would wish that they first challenge the solution that their churches came up with before they challenge the same solution that is in the constitution. This is where I see hypocrisy from them. Why do they challenge that solution specify in constitution but they don't challenge the same solution in their canon laws? They should be challenging them at the same time.

    Cont....

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  23. The third arguement simply means that if something is likely to be abused then it's bad. The question is, "are guns bad simply because they are being abused everyday by criminals? No. We know that several Pastors are abusing tithe, so does it mean tithing is bad? No. Have they told people to stop tithing because they are being abused by some Pastors? No. The purpose of the clause and that's where we need to accept and start from and find out what Judiciary interprets as medical practitioner before we make any conclusion.

    I would wish that our Pastors and Clergy get genuine and tells us what's their real problem about the constitution instead of looking for small areas to deceive the flocks.

    I still see that Christians are against the constitution out of fear of Islam and not Kadhi courts or abortion that's why they haven't raised voice against the numerous sects and Chang'aa dens that have cropped up in every village, they simply see this isn't a threat to Christianity and so they are not concerned. I also find this threat they believe will be there to be wrong.

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  24. A excellent piece Chris. I also a Christian and not ashamed of voting Yes.Am truly sorry for anonymous 'christian' who feels offended by your 'lazy' remarks. But I am convinced the fellow has not read a lot of literature to know how words/phrases can sometimes have different meaning.

    Keep up.

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  25. Does the Creator of Universe and mankind ever read the bible?

    Does the Creator even care about its remote existence?

    Most people know by now that the universe has been around for several million (billion) years, and they (earthlings) should be very very careful whenever they claim that a particular book, call it holy if you will, was dictated, written or hand delivered by the Creator of the universe.

    Just VOTE 'YES' or 'NO' this coming August, without the usual old excuses of there being one group or groups of people claiming to be "speaking on behalf God" or "God's representatives on earth."

    Let's just go ahead and vote for the Constitution with a clear conscience - RED or GREEN or YELLOW.

    The Creator of the Universe is not party nor a supporter to any the camps - RED or GREEN or YELLOW.

    LOL! What religion does the Creator of the Universe belong to?

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  26. Kenyans should address the Land Reform.
    http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Kenyan%20ranch%20in%20the%20spotlight%20as%20widow%20seeks%20Sh900bn/-/1056/923828/-/g6ghngz/-/index.htm

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  27. Kenyans should address the land reform and put up a bill. http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Kenyan%20ranch%20in%20the%20spotlight%20as%20widow%20seeks%20Sh900bn/-/1056/923828/-/g6ghngz/-/index.html

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  28. Why are people so blinded by the lights? When will Kenyans wake up and realise what is actually happening? Will it be two years down the line after elections when Kenyans will cry out in agony as to what they have done? I will vote NO because my conscience cannot allow me to vote for such a badly written constitution!

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