Shocker As Devolution Makes It In To Kibaki’s PNU Manifesto

It is now clear that devolution (Usamabazaji wa mamlaka or majimbo or whatever you want to call it) is an idea whose time has come. The concept sneaked in, albeit at No 10 (the last item), in the PNU Manifesto.

But here’s the comedy; speaker after speaker at the PNU manifesto launch spoke against ODM’s Majimbo plan apparently oblivious of the fact that PNU had now sneaked in the exact same idea into their own elections “contract with Kenyans” as president Kibaki referred to his manifesto.

Of course the president pointed out quite clearly that the devolution they had in mind was “very” different from the ODM one. But then let us be honest here. This is like saying the multi party democracy Kanu was planning to introduce in 1991 was quite different from what the opposition then had in mind. Pure meaningless semantics, if you ask me.

So what has happened to change the president’s mind?

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The 5 most popular articles on Kumekucha today 11th Nov

Kenyans Are Too British And Conservative And It is Dangerous

I will tell a very personal story to get an important point across.

I believe that I was born to write and publish and not too long ago I was extremely frustrated and at the end of myself because my prosperous publishing business collapsed and nothing that I tried worked. This was mainly due to the damaging blow against the gutter press in Kenya (which the Nairobi Star is still struggling with today) that the mainstream press had successfully engineered. Every publication I tried to come up with (no matter how ingenious the concept was) completely failed to take off. There was of course also the hard economic times Kenyans were facing, but that was a secondary reason for my persistent failure. You will not believe how many times I tried. Finally in deep frustration I left Kenya for a foreign land and in my mind promised myself that I would never again go into publishing, at least not for the Kenyan market.

Employed full time working for somebody else, the opportunity to publish on the World Wide Web suddenly presented itself. But everybody I talked to told me I was dreaming. Not enough people had access to the Internet (that was early 2005). And how did I hope to make money from the exercise? I did not know enough about the web to succeed, I was bluntly told repeatedly. Actually I soon had a million and one reasons why it would never work.

At about the same time an interesting new conventional publishing opportunity in East Africa quite suddenly presented itself...

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The 5 most popular articles on Kumekucha today 11th Nov

Avoid violence for Kenya, it is a generational issue

Guest post

These elections have promised to be the most contested in the History of Kenya. It is a defining moment for Kenya. May the best candidate win

While there are issues that many are ignoring, I am confident that The President has in him dignity and interests of the country at heart.My belief is based on the fact that he humbly accepted the results of the 2005 referendum.Very hard for a seating President,if you asked me. I am still of the view that HE will facilitate a free and a fair elections.Whether he is to win or to lose.That's what will be his legacy. That he allowed and accepted voters verdict.

Those who have read history will confirm that generational change usually happens in or about 40 years.This might turn out to be true for Kenya. Only Kenyans will confirm this on the election day.

I read the PNU manifesto today and wondered whether they were actually serious. How could they ignore the issues pertaining to...

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The 5 most popular articles on Kumekucha today 11th Nov

Teaching Moisim

Former President Moi has appealed to Kenyans to absolve President Kibaki from blame for the mistakes committed during his five year term, saying responsibility had been assigned to people serving in his Government and they should take the blame for the wrongs
Poor Moi, here we see him finally being forced to publicly reveal one of the dark secrets to his 24 years of being the unwanted yet unbeatable professor of politics- simply pass the buck along to somebody else, let them carry a big cross, but never claim responsibility for what people don't know you did
The past 5 years have left us in no doubt that the incumbent President Kibaki was once one of the Professor's best students; he also excelled in hands off, eyes off and ears off style of leadership in the passive running of his Government
In looking ahead to 2012 and the future leaders of Kenya at that time, they must not allow themselves to falsely believe that they also can avoid the consequences of dodging their responsibilities. Former President Moi's example shows that he failed to realize even to this day that as head of state he was not only responsible for what he said or did, but also for what he didn't say or do-His irresponsibility could well be the reason why Kenya lagged behind in development the way it did during his long stint as Commander-in-Chief
During his time in power, the incumbent President Kibaki sought to make his Government take more responsibility for the improving the lives and welfare of Kenyans, assuming that those he gave responsibility to would be responsible and he would not need to crack the whip over their heads. How wrong he was-for many of his lieutenants, and indeed for all his 209 colleagues, the responsibility of governing a country justly was harder to bear than the self-inflated feeling of importance that came from many of their overnight rags to riches stories. I only hope this president has finally learnt that you can delegate authority but not responsibility. Should President Kibaki win the upcoming December general elections, he must of necessity consider cabinet portfolios as privileges not gifts to be dished out as rewards to his cronies for their loyalty to him. MPs who accept ministerial dockets should consider themselves as having an opportunity to give something back to the country they owe so much to, and instead of vice versa. Come January 2008, no alibi will be good enough for Kenyans to excuse a sitting public servant from absconding his official public duties and responsibility of uniting this country and moving the nation forward prosperously

19 Goals in 3 Games: Quantity or Quality?

The last two weeks saw writing of some interesting history in English football. In a span of 10 days only, Arsenal and Liverpool broke the record twice in recording the largest score margin ever in the UEFA Championship history.

First the Gunners turned Slavia Prague into football slaves literally. With a 7-0 win, the Wenger boys were all over themselves with almost every player (including the keeper) wanting to join in the goal fest. Besides the encounter being very embarrassing the Cech Republic team, it made the prolific Cesc Fabregas look like a dynamo from outer space in the midfield. To be honest Fabregas was fabulous.

But before Arsene Wenger could relish the historic win in preparation for the return leg that marked his 100th Championship match as Manager, Liverpool spoilt the party. Standing second from bottom in thier group, the Liverpool went into their last Championship match staring early elimination in the face. But at the end of the match after walloping Besiktas 8-0, Rafa's Reds broke Arsenal's week-old record.

Add to that Manchester United's latest love with scores coming in fours. After rounding Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine 4-2 at their own backyard, the Red Devils ensured the return leg at Old Trafford was a clean four with no concession.

May be in retrospection Sir Alex Ferguson knew a thing we ordinary mortals were not privy to in bringing Carlos Tavez to partner Wayne Rooney. "Psycho" Tavez is finally making the mundane-but-overrated Rooney shine and spark. No wonder Rooney has finally won the Barclays Premier League's best player for the month of October. The British press can can only afford a mute acknowledgement of Ronaldo's genius. Well that is English sense of patriotism if you ask me.

Beauty and the beast
But are these avalanche of goals a reflection of the quality of the beautiful game? Probably yes except only in terms of advertisement and media blitz. But trust the English hype to go in an overdrive to overshadow any competition, real or perceived.

With players like Rooney and John Terry earning close to £ 150,000 (KES 20 million) a week, these chaps have to be turned into robots if that would make them appear to earn their obscene salaries.

The jury is still out in the beauty of the beautiful game. Entertaining yes it is but quality compared to other leagues well, it depends on what your parameters are.

President Kibaki Loses His Temper On National TV

President’s outburst in a fit of rage: Wewe toka hapo. Kamata Huyo. Mtoe hapo mara moja

The joy of a blog like Kumekucha is the fact that there is no censorship. Self-censorship or those uncomfortable calls from State House “demanding to know why?”.

The truth is that especially now when the campaigns have started in earnest, our poor newspaper editors have to be very careful about what they put on their pages or allow to go on air. My heart goes out to them.

Let me give a very recent example of self-censorship.

During president’s Kibaki’s recent campaign trip to the Coast, there were a number of nasty incidences (unfortunately I have to censor myself because if I give them in detail I will be branded an ODM sympathizer). Anyway a few Kenyans left President Kibaki in no doubt how they intended to vote and at it finally became too much for the President and he lost his temper on camera. At one point he ordered the security personnel close to the crowd to deal with a poor mwananchi (oops I meant to say “to deal with the president’s employer”).

Part of that clip was shown on the popular KTN News Shot feature last night, except that the cameras did not show what had caused the president to lose his temper in the first place which included a large ODM placard.

Anybody who has been employed for any length of time knows the golden rule...

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The 5 most popular stories on Kumekucha today 10th Nov

Should Samuel Kivuitu’s ECK Term Be Renewed?

After serving for a decade, Electoral Commission of Kenya Chairman Samuel Kivuitu’s term of office expires on December 2nd 2007, just 25 days to the general elections. Already, that of his long serving Vice Chairman, Gabriel Mukele, expired last month and was not renewed.

The straight shooting Kivuitu, while saying "he had already started packing his things", has been quick to add that he will not accept a conditional re-appointment and that he had served the commission with integrity and would not be ready to be re-appointed with any strings attached. Mr Kivuitu cannot hide his pride as regards the work he did at ECK, having supervised the 1997 polls and the historic 2002 general elections and the highly anticipated 2005 constitutional referendum.

The appointment or term renewal of commissioners of the ECK are the constitutional prerogative of the President – currently President Kibaki. His fellow presidential candidates in the forthcoming general elections, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka (ODM-Kenya) and Mr Raila Odinga (ODM) have strongly urged Kibaki to retain Kivuitu for the elections to be seen as fair.

Cardinal-designate John Njue, speaking at a church service, has also appealed to President Kibaki to renew Kivuitu’s term so as to allay fears that the general elections will not be rigged. Joining calls to renew Kivuitu’s term were the Law Society of Kenya and influential diplomats such as those of the EU, US and other countries.

In order to understand the heat, it is important to appreciate how critical the post of the Chairman of the ECK is. Section 42A(b) of the constitution gives the ECK sole responsibility in directing and supervising the Presidential, National Assembly and local government elections. The Chairman is further mandated to declare presidential winners and/or declare parts or the entire electoral process null and void.

So far, there has been no government communication published on the renewal of contracts for Chairman Kivuitu and seven other commissioners whose terms expire in the next few weeks.These commissioners are Stephen Mageto, Abuya Abuya, Habel Nyamu, Kihara Muttu, Jack Tumwa, Samuel Manyunza and Rachel Mzera. Is it possible for the government and opposition to have a meeting and iron out differences so that elections can be conducted in an atmosphere free of mistrusts? Can the religious bodies, some of which have already taken sides, spearhead efforts to bridge the political divide? Or perhaps, should commissioner appointments be distributed evenly among Kenya's ethnic communities?

The ECK has 22 commissioners since the Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group (IPPG) made additions to its composition following pressure from the opposition. The IPPG was in itself a gentleman’s agreement between political parties. Originally, the ECK had 12 commissioners but the opposition was allocated 10 additional slots in 1997 following IPPG deals.

Except for Kivuitu, who was seconded to ECK by the former ruling party KANU, the current crop of commissioners was entirely nominated to ECK by opposition parties — DP, Ford-Kenya, Ford-People and Ford-Asili. These parties joined the Government in 2002 and have since regrouped under PNU.

It may be legal, but is it fair for President Kibaki to be an interested party (player) and still retain powers to appoint referees and touch judges (commissioners), something that he vigorously fought against in his days as Official Leader of Opposition ?

Related: Who Is This Man Samuel Mutua Kivuitu?

Kenyans Speak Bluntly About Elections 2007

I love nothing more than going out to chat politics with ordinary folks from all walks of life. This time I managed to get some pretty good comments from PNU strongholds as well. What I have done below is to give you all the comments and opinions I got right across the political divide. Many were unprintable, even in kumekucha.

Before I list the comments, I would like to appeal to all Kumekucha readers for support to launch a Middle ground movement to sell the idea to Kenyans that whichever side wins, life must continue. One thing I was able to sense is that to many people if their side does not win, there will be no Kenya left which is pure nonsense.

Having said that, let me emphasize once again that there is a lot of suffering going on in the rural areas of Kenya and whichever candidate wins, they should address this problem as a priority. It is OK for the economy to grew, but surely we cannot turn a blind eye to starving Kenyans, especially when they are in such high numbers.


If Raila wins the presidency, there will be no peace in Kenya. Nairobi will be full of stone throwers 24/7. The capital city will also be moved to Kisumu. Luos will sh** on our heads.
Dagoretti, Nairobi.

There are enough young progressive people in Dagoretti to ensure a KJ victory irrespective of which party ticket he stands with.
Dagoretti, Nairobi.

If KJ stands with the...

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The 5 most popular stories on kumekucha -9th Nov

Remain Sober, Brethren, the Tumult Notwithstanding

These are ‘hard times’ for Kenyans. Yep! (to use Chris’ pet word) and rightly so. What with all the walls around us reverberating with the echoes of the ‘political’ voices of presidential and parliamentary hopefuls!

Cheap political and campaign gimmicks have been brought to play in the hope of swindling us to succumbing to the pressure of the moment. Our votes are a gold mine for these seekers of the country’s high offices! (Our interests do not feature in the vocabulary of most of these guys).

Brethren, in the face of all this pressure, let us keep our heads clear and think straight. The fate of our country is at stake. Not just for us but for our children and generations to come. As we vote next month let our heads, and not our hearts, do the deciding. Our hearts are wont to wax sentimental and emotional. The fate of our country rests in the hands of the decisive members of this wonderful country.

This reminds me of some quotations I read sometime ago about Government:
• That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.
• Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.
• The government is the only known vessel that leaks from the top.
• Man well governed should seek after no other liberty, for there can be no greater liberty than a good government.
• The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.
• For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery.

Whether it is Kibaki, Raila, Kalonzo or Muiru at the helm of this country come early next year, I believe Kenyans will be proud of their democratic choice.

VOTE WITH YOUR HEADS NOT YOUR HEARTS!!!!

Food expenditure for one week around the world

Somebody forwarded me an incredible email today. Here are some excerpts from it. Really makes you think doesn't it?


Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23



Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo, Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53



Mexico: The Casales family of CuernavacaFood expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09



United States: The Revis family of North Carolina Food expenditure for one week: $341.98



Germany: The Melander family of BargteheideFood expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

Opinion Polls: Raila Still Tops

Opinion polls released earlier today by Steadman Research Group shows that President Kibaki is closing in on ODM presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

The latest results put Mwai Kibaki at 41% (up from 39% two weeks ago) against Raila Odinga's rating of 45% (down from 50%) and Kalonzo Musyoka's 11% (up from 8%).

What can you make out of these results?

Will Mwai Kibaki catch-up and overtake Raila Odinga by 27th December 2007? Which areas are edging towards Kibaki? Have the political parties exhausted campaign goodies in their arsenal?

If the latest results were to be converted into numbers and assuming a voter turn-out of about 70% it means that if elections were to be held today, Raila would emerge the winner with 4,410,000 votes, followed by Kibaki with 4,018,000 votes and thirdly Kalonzo with 1,078,000 votes.

It seems to me Kalonzo is holding a triumph card here. As a politician, he is bound to use it to bargain for a running mate slot in Kibaki's PNU or rejoin ODM with greater bargaining powers or wait until after the elections then use his ODM-K MPs in parliament to blackmail government as to which motions can pass smoothly through parliament.

Another thing, for anyone to be elected president of Kenya, they must attain 25% in at least 5 provinces before the ECK can declare them President. Only Raila has achieved this feat going by previous opinion poll ratings. If none of the candidates gets 25% in five provinces, the then two leading contenders will go for a run-off and there will be a vicious scramble for Kalonzo's votes.

ODM must surely be regretting why they broke up with ODM-K in the first place because had they remained united and conducted successful nominations, the government and presidency would now be theirs for the taking. And with Kalonzo now providing a critical swing vote, political telescopes will fall on his next move. Will he drop his bid and support Kibaki in PNU, or rejoin his ODM colleagues? What do you guys foresee?

With former President Moi massive shadow lurking in the background, the next few weeks will be very interesting to watch on the political horizon.

Our False Prophets and Fake Miracles

Watch out which miracle you believe in. A UK court has ordered the extradiction of Kenyan born INFAMOUS miracle baby bishop Gilbert Deya. The court found the self-proclaimed bishop of Gilbert Deya Ministries has a case to answer in Kenya on five counts of child stealing between 1999 and 2004.

But true to the Kenyan spirit of the rich playing games with the law, lawyers for Deya have already indicated they were going to appeal against the extradition order arguing that he was unfairly targeted and will appeal. Money can truly buy freedom and Kenyan government's attempt to have Mr Deya returned to face trial will definitely continue in British courts for months to come.

Preys of the souls
One lesson from this Deya circus though: WATCH THE MIRACLE YOU BELIEVE IN. And even more poignant this election season is WATCH who you associate with or who finances any of your itinerary. Afterall there exists what is referred to as GUILT BY ASSOCIATION.

Any shameless defenders out there can mouth whatever they fancy but scoundrels whether in church or politics must be NAMED and SHAMED. Deya can run but he cannot hide. His claim to siring so many kids who were DNA disapproved cannot fool any dimwit unless he officially owns up to practicing PLURAL marriages aka polygamy. But can (will) he? No need to belabour that question and your guess is as good as mine.

Church is many thing to different people with the common thread being PREYING INTO INDIVIDUAL INSECURITIES. Any other argument only amounts to engaging in self deception.

Why Has Njoki Ndungu Resigned From PNU Election Board?

That all is not well within the PNU election board was further confirmed a few hours ago when Njoki Ndungu suddenly tendered her resignation. But what was even stranger was the fact that the usually very open Ms Ndungu was tight lipped as to her reasons for resigning.

Actually the PNU election board appears to have been hit by confusion right from the word go, because they started by appointing a man who had already been named to the ODM-K election board and the fact had been publicized widely in the media. Meaning that none of the folks making decisions bother to read the daily newspapers or catch the news bulletin on TV and radio.

But why exactly has Ms Ndungu resigned?

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The 5 most popular stories on Kumekucha Nov 8

A rumour, yet to be verified

I received this email from a trusted source. Phil, what do you make of it?

Hi Chris.

I’m hearing a rumour that Raila will switch at the last minute and run in Bondo and Oburu will step down. Can you try find out how real this is?

Apparently I’m told that ODM have seen that it will not be possible for him to take Langata. Too many people have been registered in Langata who will vote Livondo or Waruinge. They say that ODM top brass are worried about what would happen should he win Presidential and lose his seat so they don’t want to take the risk.

To give Raila a soft landing they want to use the Luo tradition 'chira' (deference to ones’ elders) in this case they will say that if Raila is president then Oburu cannot 'bow' down to him as in when in Parliament bowing to the Head of state. It’s a little weak don’y you think? But see if you can find out anything.

Thanks.
P.S. We'll know for sure on the 16th.

The 5 most popular stories on Kumekucha Nov 8

Nervous that I might die in Kenya (Kenya Betrayed)

Chapter 30

Today I felt very nervous. The fear that I might die in Kenya, kept gnawing at me, making me unable to be focused. Whenever I tried to read my notes, go through my earlier testimony at Scotland Yard's Office in London, my mind chewed a lock. And my body tensed. Was I going to be safe? And being that Philipp's letter approving his travelling alongside me had not come yet - was it sensible to take chances?

I walked into my study and started looking at some pictures on the wall. I saw a photo of the founding couple, Jomo and Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

..... decent people .....

I saw a picture of other friends - Grace and Bethwel Ogot.

..... fantastic people .....

Then a picture of Moi ......

I don't know that to think..... he could have been a wonderful President ..... a real Statesman ..... what has happened to the man I once knew and loved? Can I have been that wrong? When I meet him, I will let him know that is not too late to make things right. He can apologize to Christabel and to the nation. I even believe, Kenyans will forgive him. I will tell him that.....

Finally, I looked at a picture of Sandra. She was wearing a sleeveless dark-blue evening dress. There was a soft chandelier handing slightly to the left making her long flowing hair shine like black ebony - she was stunningly beautiful - and like Dr. Mungai once said: like a cover girl on People Magazin....

Looking at Sandra's photo, I thought again about Moi. What would he say when he could see Sandra now? Would he still recognize the little girl he once knew? Would he be proud like me that she had fulfilled her childhood dream and really had become a Veterinary - a dream he had planted in her when they visited together the game parks in his beautiful country?

I knew that Sandra was still hoping to be able...

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The 5 most popular stories on Kumekucha Nov 8

The Sins Of Raila

1. RAILA IS NOT A TEAM PLAYER

Fact: The Moi team players were very successful (Moi team players = Goldenberg) The Kibaki team players have been mildly successful (Kibaki team players = Anglo Leasing) If team playing is Goldenberg or Anglo Leasing, then we need a presidential candidate who is not a team player. The "NO!" referendum campaign led by Odinga was a manifestation of the greatest team play in Kenya history. Who is not a team player?

2. RAILA'S ADVENTURES LED TO INNOCENT DEATHS IN 1982

Fact: The 1982 coup attempt was crushed. The 1952 Mau Mau insurrection was crushed. But the two events, though they led to the loss of many innocent lives led to a great dawn. August 1, 1982 should be looked at not as a ONE DAY aberration, but as a defining moment when arms were raised against the rape of a nation. It is time we stood proud and honoured the fallen heroes of 1982. The real villain was Moi and his "team".

3. RAILA CALLS EVERY SMALL INVESTOR A DRUG DEALER

Fact: The Arturs are neither small, nor investors. The Arturs are thugs. The Arturs are con-men. The Arturs are mercenaries. It is a crime to even think of whitewashing the shame that is the Arturs. Let's identify these "small investors" by their true label.

4. RAILA IS A BRASH IMPATIENT MAN

Fact: Every real Kenyan is impatient, quick & decisive. That is why foreign companies prefer employing Kenyans in their subsidiary companies in Uganda , Tanzania , etc. We don't want a leader who sleeps even while "his wife romps at night, trading punches with journalists in the newsrooms."

5. RAILA WILL LEAD KENYA INTO A RWANDA AND A CONGO

Fact: The Mt Kenya's Mungiki ... Nyachae's Red Shukas, etc. This the kind of stuff that leads to a Rwanda or a Congo . Raila has a national following. He does not need a militia. And Kenyans are too wise to allow their country to degenerate into an anarchy. LEST WE FORGET ... Section 2A, the constitutional amendment that made Kenya a "legal" one party dictatorship was passed in 1982.

Charles Njonjo proposed it in Parliament.
Mwai Kibaki seconded the infamous motion.

Who is the real anti-democrat?

VOTE WISELY!!!!

PNU Manifesto Launch : Another Chance Lost?

President Mwai Kibaki is all set to unveil the PNU manifesto this Saturday at Uhuru Park grounds at 14h00. The PNU secretariat in the Hurlingham area is reportedly a hive of activity preparing for the big day.

While the common man, prospective investors and even the members of the opposition will want to follow events keenly in order to get the real message from the organisers of function, it is almost customary that the state broadcaster KBC, the Presidential Press Service as well as the other private ‘state broadcaster’ Citizen Media will go to great lengths with day long live broadcasts so as give the event maximum publicity on the multitudes that are sure to be transported to the venue from all corners of the country.

As a political group that has on record having borrowed and adopted revolutionary ideas from the visions of opposition leaders like Kalonzo (ODM-K) and Raila (ODM), it will be interesting to see what fresh proposals the highly paid technocrats at state house will come up with on the PNU manifesto. More importantly, the manifesto must explain how complex issues that the NARC regime failed to implement will be satisfactorily implemented in the final 5 year term of President Kibaki’s regime.

The PNU must stay away from 'building castles in the air' and instead make pledges that will make many an insecure, poverty and disease stricken Kenyan a real hope towards enjoying life on the average like their counterparts in several other sub-Saharan Africa countries. Kenya, like most of third world countries, is far behind in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals with the world having passed the halfway mark to the deadline set in 2000. The much hyped Vision 2030, so far a 'paper project', is more than a good two decades away and even its implementation remains subject to conducting feasibilibity and environmental impact studies, before identifying willing investors and commencing construction. For instance, five years ago, proposals for mega projects like the Lamu free port upgrade, Mombasa - Western Kenya dual carriageway and the South Sudan Railway Link were initially started with much gusto only for NARC MOU politics, corruption and government incompetence to torpedo these development plans. These failures have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Kenyans.

One also hopes that overzealous and unsecure members of the GNU will not misuse the platform of unveiling of the PNU manifesto to throw unpalatable insults at opposition leaders or their parties. While it is quite normal to campaign for a preferred candidate, it is absolutely irresponsible and a serious diplomatic gaffe for a member of government to publicly hurl imagined accusations at members of the diplomatic corps more so at a presidential function.

Indeed, PNU affiliate party leaders will be expected to read mature political speeches and at the same time display a sense of purpose and unity amongst themselves while assuring their own sceptical supporters that all is well within the Party of National Unity even as they struggle to face the nightmare of joint political parties’ nominations. The world is watching!

Things We Do For Votes

Sell your soul or S(H)AVE your face?

Is Maj Gen Hussein Ali Telling The Truth?

Over 500 bodies dumped in mortuaries country-wide: who killed these youngsters?

Before we examine this disturbing development where there is a war of words between the police and the Chairman of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (over the issue of 500 dead bodies) , let me tell you a little background story I know you will love.

My knowledge of the police and the way they operate is rather deep although I have never been a police officer myself (I almost became one though, but that is a story for another day). You see I grew up living with a very senior police officer who happened to be the man who sired me.


Police comissioner Maj-Gen Hussein Ali

In primary school I distinctly remember my Dad, suddenly, and out of the blue starting to carry a large automatic firearm around with him everywhere he went. I was puzzled and did not know why until many years later.

You see the old man was trained by the colonial government and for some reason certain basic principals stuck with him that were to put him on a collision course with the new direction the police force took shortly after independence. He probably only survived because he was quite senior and had a very powerful friend in the Kenya Army who was equally principled and had to step in once or twice to “cool down” things for him.

In this particular case my dad as a matter of principle refused to look the other way when coffee belonging to Mama Ngina Kenyatta came in and those escorting it, cockily demanded a police escort to Mombasa for it (it was during the coffee boom). I hope you’ve seen the very funny joke here—police escorting criminally smuggled goods.

The old man flatly refused and played it by the book, in fact he impounded the smuggled goods. Naturally he received threats and this was not a joke because he was dealing with people closely affiliated to the then dreaded Jomo Kenyatta kitchen cabinet. I have told you many times about the kind of things those “nice” guys used to do to other Kenyans, so I will not repeat myself.

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5 Most Popular stories in Kumekucha today 7th Nov

Reader wonders about Kumekucha

I received this email as "I was going to press" with my posts today from a friend;

I was just wondering why you have given a blackout to KNHRC's report on extra-judicial killings. Seems you have been buried in politics and Dec 27 polls.

Your blog was the first to break the news on the extra-judicial killings and the KNHRC's report has vindicated your blog.

I think this is something to shout about Chris! What do you think my brother?


My Reply;

Please read my post above, today and let me know what you think.

5 Most Popular stories in Kumekucha today 7th Nov

Marianne Briner Releases Statement From Hospital

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

The answer to the question: "Who had an interest to disable my blogs and why"
As you may have realized, all my three blogs 'mariannebriner-jeffkoinange', 'mariannebriner-excellency' and mariannebriner-kenya-betrayed' had been disabled over the weekend ..............

--------------------------

Sam Okello, my 'co-author' in the Shining Star is now claiming to have done it and not only for himself but also because he felt that he had to 'defend' Jeff Koinange ......... Sam has even sent a letter to a notorious Kenyan Blogger regarding this and they have published it more than willingly ...... and I even suspect that this Blogger received money for it ...........

Why I say this?

Because Jeff Koinange is used to do this .......like he did in the infamous Niger-Delta-Story where he allegedly paid some actors to present themselves in front of his camera as 'rebels' - all under the title: I got my fame and CNN got their story ...... only this time he went too far and this 'broke his neck' ....and with it his job ...........

In his so-called letter, Sam Okello also claims to know that the surveillance in the London Hotel confirms that Jeff never entered my room and therefore could not have had any sexual 'encounter' with me and that CNN all got it wrong ............ Jeff 'put the brakes early enough' as Sam puts it.

This is offending and hurting ........... since as Sam knows very well I have all the emails confirming the opposite and underlining Jeff's guilt .........

-------------------

Sam also mentions that I had approached him to act as a ghost-writer for the Distant-Lover, a request he declined .........

The truth is quite different as I can easily prove with the exchange of emails between me, Sam and his wife Hellen regarding this subject ........

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5 Most Popular stories in Kumekucha today 7th Nov

Election Showdown Looms: It’s A Gema Versus Rest of Kenya

Flashback June 2004, President Kibaki watches as Cabinet Minister Raila Odinga greets Wananchi at Kenol Market while on their way to Nyeri for a homecoming party in honour of the Head of State. Wananchi had demanded that Raila address them with chants of 'njamba'!

The forthcoming general elections have been tipped to be the most competitive ever. The electorate is much more informed thus forcing aspirants to conduct issue based campaigns. The same electorate is looking at quality of leadership more than ever before. It is also apparent the electorate has had enough of the status quo and the country is headed to a revolutionary electoral process that will change the political landscape forever. In March this year, Chris posted an article on this forum titled Why We Are Headed for A Kikuyus Versus The Rest Political Contest. Observers believe that this year’s elections will be a fiercely fought encounter for the same reasons Chris predicted in March.

With only a few weeks to the D-Day, the picture is much clearer that in was back in March. Camps have already emerged and presidential nominations have all but been completed. The current regime has had to fight allegations of tribalism and nepotism since the referendum defeat. Not even the third and fourth force of Kalonzo or Muiru will make much difference. It seems most Kenyans have already decided who they will vote for and it just a matter of time before the current regime is replaced.

True, Kibaki holds an incumbency head-start and a three million strong GEMA votes even before the elections have started. But will that be sufficient to deliver the presidency back to Kibaki? Remember the voter roll stands at over 14 million and research indicates the voter turnout is expected to be more than 70%. Have all the voters been convinced that the Kibaki Tena ideology of kazii iendelee portends better life for them? Why should the present regime suddenly start creating districts, establishing universities and issuing all sorts of goodies to groups it had previously ignored? Arrogance that is exhibited by cabinet ministers has only helped to polarize the country further. Although PNU was meant to unite the so called Government of National Unity, it is not having an easy time doing so if the joint nomination circus is anything to go by.

It is also now an open secret that all senior non-GEMA supporters of President Kibaki’s re-election have their positions as MPs under severe threat in their own local 'strongholds'. A quick review shows that:

Raphael Tuju will never see the inside of the national assembly again as an elected MP. Not only has he publicly insulted the Luo people who form the bulk of his constituents, but he has also insinuated some of their leaders – without leaving a doubt as to whom he is referring to - to be corrupt. Nobody knows what happened to his PPP that was launched at the cost of several lives lost in Kisumu a few years ago.

Musikari Kombo not only managed to split the one-time official opposition party FORD-K with his ill advised policies, he is fighting a serious ODM wave in Webuye especially after the ODM leaders visited the Dini Ya Msambua shrine to re-enforce Elijah Masinde’s prophecy that the Luhya’s would attain the leadership of this country ‘through the lake’. Alfred Sambu is tipped as the next Webuye MP on ODM ticket. Three of Kombo’s former confidants (Shitanda, Kituyi and Khwalale) have defected from FORD-K to form new FORD-K and they have not been sacked by Kibaki. Infact FORD K has suffered defections of more than 50% of sitting MPs in Western Province and the party’s NEC is now composed of only three or four MPs with the rest being outsiders. That FORD-K is only but a Bukusu party, as opposed to a Luhya party (let alone a national party) was confirmed when the NARC dream was hijacked by the so called Mt. Kenya mafia in 2003.

Kipruto Arap Kirwa had defected to FORD-K with hope that the party would save him from the ODM wave sweeping through the North Rift. Little did Ruto know that he was jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Not only are residents complaining of insecurity, ODM is the preferred party for civic and parliamentary aspirants. Kipruto's Cherangany seat has attracted more than 15 ODM parliamentary aspirants, yet no one has openly come out to oppose him in PNU!

Simeon Nyachae just like Kombo, is facing an ODM tsunami in Kisiiland from where the bulk of his MP’s come from. FORD-P MP’s in other regions like Mwandawiro Mghanga has already defected to ODM. Nyachae is now having second thoughts about a health induced retirement plan and word on the ground is that he is sponsoring candidates to run on ODM ticket, in the hope that they will defect at last minute and live his party as the favourite in Kisii region.

Chirau Ali Mwakwere’s Shirikisho has already suffered a split because the breakaway new KADU has rebelled from mainstream Shirikisho and is apparently not keen on supporting the Kibaki re-election that Mwakwere has been insistent on. Coast province is not only an ODM zone it is also fiercely in favour of devolution that the ODM is propagating and the PNU castigating. Most PNU MP’s at the coast have very little chance of being re-elected, including Danson Mungatana.

Moody Awori is only Kibaki’s principal assistant as Vice President. In the political areana, he is lowly considered and is not playing any significant role in campaigns. He has been sending feelers to ODM after realising his days are numbered as MP. The discreet approach, made through his son Joseph, have been rejected by ODM. There are about 10 ODM parliamentary aspirants for Awori's Funyula constituency.

Similarly, KADDU’s Cyrus Jirongo claims he has ‘withdrawn’ his support for ODM although it remains difficult to see where that purported support was in the first place. Both Jirongo and Awori overtures were rejected because these two individuals are joining the train when it is nearing the destination and at the same time demanding to ride on the train without paying any fares, ie ODM does not allow corporate membership.

On the other hand, Gema leaders in PNU are Uhuru Kenyatta and George Saitoti. Both of these gentlemen habour presidential ambitions but they currently have been reduced to cheerleaders for the Kibaki Tena camp. Because they share ethnic origins with two of Kenya’s past three presidents, it is unlikely the electorate will want to vote them in when Kibaki presidency comes to an end. Saitoti has always been found with his pants down before general elections. He has a disadvantage of also representing an non-Gema area in parliament and he is also facing an acid test at the hands of one Moses Ole Sakuda who is indigenous Maasai in Kajiado North.

Therefore, with most of Kibaki’s non-GEMA lieutenants already tipped to be diefeated at constituency level, the president is now staring at a near replica of the referendum voting patterns and a defeat of the presidential vote. To make matters worse, a referendum for a new constitution will follow shortly after the general election and it will find the voters still in the mood to ‘teach the Kibaki camp a lesson’.

Where Is All The Fake Currency Coming From?

Most Kenyans, it seems are well aware of the fact that when elections are around the corner the volume of fake currency sharply rises. This time is no exception and according to our research the most common fake note in the run up to elections 2007 is… surprise, surprise, the Kshs 200 note. Very handy for dishing out under a tree in some remote village. Or even for purchasing some voting cards in some extreme poverty stricken area like Turukana (a place where most of my readers here have never set foot on. I assure you, you will not believe you are in Kenya. If a dog dies in this part of the country—it doesn’t matter from what— folks here celebrate because that means a serious nyama choma session is in the offing. I kid you not.) Kshs 200 is a lot of money in Turukana.

But what should be even more worrying to Kenyans is the question; where is it coming from this time?

It has been previously assumed that printing fake notes is quite often the work of some small time crooks situated somewhere around River Road in Nairobi. The Kroll report authoritatively told us otherwise and the name of Philip Moi (yep, the former president’s son) was linked to the printing of fake Kenyan currency and US dollars as well. Suddenly everything began to make so much sense since for example we all know that during the landmark 1992 elections fake Kshs 500 notes were printed in huge quantities. And we all know what the purpose was, along with the genuinely printed ones that were being packed at Anniversary Towers up to the roof and were dished out in carton loads.

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The 5 Most popular articles in Kumekucha today 6th Nov

“I once successfully recommended to my boss’s boss to relieve him of his job and give it to me. I got it without undermining anyone!”

I have never met this Kenyan, but he makes a lot of sense to me.

I like to think of my readers as friends and anything of interest that they should know, I will gladly pass on.

I hope that it has dawned on you guys that the world and especially the workplace is changing too fast for most people to understand and grasp the meaning of the changes. Least of all our Njenga-Karume-type-cabinet Ministers. That’s why I was talking about Kenyans making the effort to seek a younger generation eladership in our beloved country.

Anyway let’s forget siasa for a minute.

A Kenyan motivational speaker gave a fascinating talk in Nairobi the other day that every Kumekucha reader should take a very careful look at. I guarantee that you will NOT regret it.

A talk by Eric Kimani to the British Council Leadership Forum in Nairobi, Kenya on 19th September 2007.

Distinguished guests ladies & gentlemen,

I am delighted to have been invited to come and share some thoughts with you.

Tonight I have chosen to address one of the topics you asked me to speak on-target setting or planning for success. This is a wide topic and I have chosen to provoke our thoughts on Personal Branding.

To answer the question why brand yourself I will narrate in short a chapter by Tom Peters the management guru in one of his books – “The Circle of innovation”.

He tells the story how in 1980 Percy Bernevik left his job in the US to take up the leadership of the giant Swedish engineering firm ASEA.

There he inherited a 2,000 –person headquarters. He pruned it quickly to 200 people!

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The 5 Most popular articles in Kumekucha today 6th Nov

How Important Is Younger Leadership To Kenyans And The Future?

I recently had a grueling soccer match with my 17 year old son and 7 year old grandson that taught me a lot about why we have a leadership problem in Kenya today.

The idea of the game was to display individual flair and dribbling skills with each player supposed to dribble past the other two and score in the single goal we were using. Now, I was a pretty useful soccer player in my days and managed to play for the school first 11 when I was in Form 1 (high school used to go to Form 6 in those days) and it was only my interest in rugby that made me shift my concentration away from the game and more into rugby, otherwise I was headed straight for Harambee Stars. I still ended up donning national colors in Rugby while still a sixth former. I was in fact knocking on the rugby national team doors when I was in form four. I am not bragging here folks, the background is important because of what I am about to say.

Our games with my son and grandson are pretty serious affairs with everybody playing hard to win. It is so serious that there is no laughing around, unless somebody gets so well beaten that they lose balance.

My grand son grabbed the ball first and shifted his feet over the ball either way without touching it—Ronaldino style, which did not fool me but when I lunged for the ball...

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The 5 most popular stories in Kumekucha today-5th Nov

Why PNU Will Never Have Joint Nominations

Most predictions including the so-called NSIS figures give PNU 65 seats in the 10th parliament. It is now emerging that the party is unlikely to get even half that number. And don’t think for a moment that those seats will do to ODM or ODM-Kenya. NOPE! They won’t. But what will happen is that the seats in PNU areas will be scattered and shared out amongst many different, some obscure political parties that Kenyans have never heard of.

Indications are that most PNU affiliate and Kibaki-Tena-sympathetic parties are going for individual nominations. The reason is very simple. Most of the incumbent MPs in NARC Kenya and other parties have manipulated things and are sure of getting the PNU nomination so that it will be Kibaki and them TENA (easier to sell when you tell the electorate mimi na Kibaki tena). This has effectively shut out the much more popular candidates in PNU strongholds who are gunning for parliament with the strong grassroots backing from the people.

If you understand this situation clearly then you would know that the only way out of it would be to tell the incumbent MPs to back down. Now that is impossible because these guys are backing the president and in fact backed him during his difficult times when his government looked like it was going to collapse, so how can he abandon them now?

That is the difficult catch 22 situation that the President’s...

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The 5 most popular stories in Kumekucha today-5th Nov

Lethal Lel Wins NY Marathon and the Fairy Tale of Zimbabwean (Wo)Man Athlete

Martin Lel did Kenya proud yet again by winning the New York Marathon. After winning the London Marathon in April, Lel outpaced Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco in the final 300 metres to win the race in 2 minutes 9.09 seconds.

And what a sweet victory for the African continent for scooping the top 1-2-3 positions, Lel, Abderrahim Goumri and Ramaala (South Africa) respectively.

The sprinting madam man
Elsewhere a Zimbabwean hermaphrodite (both sex organs) who has been winning medals as a woman has been unmasked as a man masquerading as a lady. The multi-talented Samukeliso Sithole, 17, who has won several gold metals in in triple jump, javelin and shot-putt has been charged with impersonation.

But she did not dispute the charges during her court appearance. Despite a doctor's report that s/he was actually a man, Sithole insisted that she was a woman. In her testimony she explained that she was born with both male and female sexual organs and a traditional healer had made the penis disappear but it had since regrown because she had not fully paid the healer.

Meanwhile she has arranged to pay the healer on 3 March (the day her trial) who will have her penis go extinct. And there starts the dilemma for the state prosecutor is not sure whether to keep Ms Sithole in men's or women's remand cells. Well, wonders never cease, or do they?

Fabulous Fabregas Saves Arsenal

Arsenal's smooth reign in the Premier League this season was put to probably its toughest test yesterday. Give it to the Gunners for snatching a draw from the jaws of victory for Manchester United in their 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Premier League's new kid on the block Cesc Fabregas showcased the talent he is being Arsenal's play marker. The 20-year old's skills on the pitch truly betrays his experience. Simply put Cesc is curving a niche of his own and the player of the year award is likely be his for the taking.

After sparkless first half with united one up, Cesc led by example and from infront by levelling only 6 minutes after the breather. And what a superb goal it was from the Spaniard? But not for long before another 'foreign' talent, Cristiano Ronaldo, put the Red ahead with only 9 minutes to go. As they say don't count your chicks before they are hatch. William Galas spoilt United's party by equalizing in extra time making sure that Arsenal remains tops of the League Table.

Over to Stamford Bridge new manager Grant appear to be finding his bearing and crawling out of Mourinho's shadows. After trashing Wigan 2-0, the Blues are back in contention for the Premier League title in position three after United.

Liverpool meanwhile lies seventh after drawing 0-0 with the in-form Blackburn who are fifth. Beni Mcarthy (SA) is in his element as the top scorer for Blackburn. Portsmouth meanwhile appear to have launched a spirited campaign to force themselves into the top four. After humiliating Michael Owen's Newcastle 4-1, Redknap's Kanu and Benjani are rearing to go.

The next few weeks will have the Premier league take a defined shape before getting into the nasty Christmas fixtures where the true contenders will emerge. The season promises fireworks and plenty of surprises.

Makau's End of Year Scorecard For Kumekucha Regulars

I am a keen reader of your blog. I want to thank you immensely for the good work that you are doing. Your blog is very addicting. I have an extremely busy schedule but with all that, I have made it a duty to log on to Kumekucha on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter what time I get home, I have to.

I must also thank each one of your commentators. Without them, this blog would be “an empty shell”.

I am a Kenyan with a lot of interest in passive politics. I like to listen to political debates even though I don’t back any camp just yet.

I have decide to give an analysis of what I think about your wonderful group of commentators. I am giving what I would call the strong points and weaknesses of each one of them. It is The End of Year Evaluation. It is all meant for the ‘feel good’ and I hope I don’t get lynched for it.

Chris

Very resourceful. That is why several are flocking into Kumekucha to get the vibe. He has offered an alternative to the boring mainstream media. Kumekucha’s interactiveness is just commendable.

The big weakness Chris has is when he decides to take sides. In my opinion, Chris you should act as a moderator. Your open bias for ODM is, in a small way, a turn off. At the beginning of the year You wrote all the imaginable unprintables against Hon Kalonzo just because he appeared as Hon Raila’s most formidable threat. Now, You have kicked President Mwai Kibaki left, right and centre.

If you could a bit more neutral, that would be great.

Proud Kikuyu Woman—PKW

A very admirable lady by the way she takes on the men head-on. As Mukhisa Kituyi once said of Martha Karua, PKW in my opinion holds men by the balls. She has consistently backed her every opinion with well thought out arguments.

Her weakness? She considers herself just too Kikuyu. I have read a number of her comments and I find way too many articles defending the kikuyu community against bloggers who believe kikuyu bashing is the way to go. She can sometimes get petty too.

Ritch

Another extremely resourceful guy. Ritch is just so much worth of praise. He has given us a deserved break from traditional politics with his anti HIV messages. A very mature brother that we need in Kumekucha. Keep up the good work Ritch and may God bless ya.

I cannot find anything negative against ritch.

Danlieve

I don’t know who danlieve is. Whoever you are, bro u need to take time and introduce yourself.

Kalamari

Kalamari is many things in one. He is not only intelligent but also very humorous. “Kalonzo has a miniature tattoo of Moi’s picture on his bare chest” got me gasping for breath. Dude you are comical and it is a pity bloggers have refused to see you humorous side. I believe Kalamari is intelligent because, unlike most supporters of Raila, he seems to have facts that he can bring out about about any political stand he takes. Kalamari has valid reasons on why Kibaki should be voted out and why raila is the best choice. Kalamari is adorable by people on both sides of the political divide.

Kalamari’s weakness is that he never sees anything good with Raila’s opponents. His jokes with ladies too can get out of hand because some of them have talked about being married and having children.

Vikii

Hate him or love him, this guy is intelligent. Vikii comes up with well researched facts and he has on a number of times stopped Chris and Phil in their tracks. His way of presentation is also very commendable, a very smart commentator, he can very easily be Kumekucha’s wittiest commentator. He is also a brave guy. His unwavering support for Kalonzo against a battery of opponents is amazing. He stands alone and he is happy about it. I also like the way he is confident about himself.

A little bit arrogant and bullish. He has a way of making anyone who dares oppose his views look like a confused nursery school kid. Vikii, if you support democracy, the way you dismiss others with a wave og hand smacks of unenviable arrogance.

Derek

A gifted debator, very well versed with Kenyan politics. His steadfast support for president Kibaki is unquestionable. He has categorically refused to wield to pressure, he would rather quit the blog altogether than suck up to kumekucha’s popular opinion.

His weakness? He is a quitter in the face of sustained pressure.

Sayra

Does she have a political stand. Her few comments are all one-liners that are not easily understandable.

Can't form an opinion about her yet.

Sue

She was once called kumekucha’s second lady and rightly so. She has been around for some time. We need many Sues in Kenya. She also has a political faith that is unshakable. This has led to some turf war with PKW.

Her comments are way too one-dimensional though. It is all about kikuyus being kicked out and Luos being ushered in. She needs to identify herself with some ideology.

Karol

A sweet feminine name. But who is she? Could this be Chris’s wife coz honestly she has never posted a comment.

Cant say a thing about her coz she is never there. I would love a chat with her though. I have a feeling she is nice.

Taabu

Should I call him Kumekucha’s second in command? He has been extremely faithful to Kumekucha and there is no doubt he is a great friend of Chris. His strongest point is his mastery of the Queens language or should I say Big words? A moving dictionary no doubt. He also claims to be horseless though not many believe that. He has somehow managed to win respect from all Kumekucha bloggers. Nobody takes him head on and amazingly he has more authority than Chris himself. He is a leader at the very least.

His weakness is his strength----Pomposity. Big words that may not have a lot of meaning if harpharzardly assembled.

Phil

An ODM insider who used to be constantly at war with Derek and now Vikii. Very well informed about the political situation in the country. He is committed to his political cause, a very loyal supporter of ODM. His writing skills are also amazing. He must be a journalist. He has predicted a few things which turned out to be true.

His weakness is his open lies. He reports stuff that he stumbles upon elsewhere with such authority you would think he is Raila’s PA. He is also a bit full of himself.

A big Kumekucha asset though, One of the most important commentators.

Luke

This is the true horseless guy. Taabu preaches water while taking wine but this one has trully not seen anything good with all the presidential candidates. He is the one man who talks sense ----2012 is the time we may have a real go at true change. His impartiality is commendable.

Weakness—He is boring with his very important message.

Kioko

What do you want me to say about a man who believes the Luo community has dominated the groundnut hawking in the city if Nairobi? His funniest joke, which was also regrettably abusive was his assertion that all those who attended Kasarani during raila’s coronation were “funny looking dark skinned creatures missing six lower teeth”. He can give kalamari a run for his money when it comes to humour.

Weaknesses-Many. He is extremely abusive especially to the Luo community. He thinks they are lesser beings not fit to lead.

My honest advice to him is to try to get the ‘village’ outta himself. His assertion that Kenya is a bantu nation just shows how little his knowledge of history is.

A smart fellow though who can mix his knowledge with insults to intimidate those with divergent views.

Guys, you are a one wonderful group of people. Each one of you always makes my day.

Makau wa Wambua

Maryland, USA

Focus 2012

With less than 51 days to go before the ECK declared date of December 27th when the country will go to the polls for the 2007 general elections, it is becoming alarmingly clear to a growing number of concerned and right-thinking Kenyans that the 3 major political parties PNU, ODM and ODM K represent no real change whatsoever for the immediate future of Kenya. Kenyans who from as far back as 2003 in the middle of NARCs 5 year-term in office had long hoped that these fast-approaching December '07 generals would herald a much anticipated and desired break from the past old dinousaur faces with their brand of old school political thinking, and usher in the next generation of fresh-faced, new ideas-totting political "rookies" complete with a radically different approach to law and order, social justice and political governance are now having to come face to face with the harsh terms of reality that even as a ripe adult 43 years of age, Kenya is still not yet Utopia

It seems the majority block of voters have almost altogether abandoned any hope of attempting to ascertain beforehand the political fitness of all 3 serious presidential contenders and their parties on major national issues. Just as certain as mwananchi A will be dipping his hand inside the ballot box to vote come rain or shine on that bright December day, it is equally certain that Mwananchi B's voting pattern will be 99% influenced by her real or imagined ethnic and propaganda considerations (read non-major national issues)

What lessons can we learn from the ongoing 2007 campaigns that we can transfer and apply to the true "break-out" next generation leaders elections of 2012?

Its integrity not the economy stupid. Integrity is what will keep any new future regimes from becoming exactly like the predator predecessor regime they just finished voting to remove out of power. Integrity is what will stop any elite political ruling class from believing that Kenya belongs to them and only them. Integrity is what will commit the new Government of the day to stay true to whatever reform strategy that will provide Kenyans with the changes they were promised during the campaign periods in exchange for their votes. Integrity is what will keep the President's men/women from becoming arrogant pumbavus in the short course of dispensing their public servant duties. Finally, integrity is what will kill Kenya's number 1 major economic growth buster:-the monster of corruption. I think you get the picture

None of us paid almighty God to be born a kamba, kisii, masai, luya, luo or kikuyu. Next generation leaders of 2012 should prepare to begin to end the tribalist society that our children have grown up in ever since they were born and currently live in
I hope this was not too boring God bless Kenya

Constitutional Reforms: Kibaki Has Taken Kenyans For A Long Ride

For decades, Kenya has been a democracy in name only. Mwai Kibaki made a pre-election pledge in 2002 to draw up a new constitution that would - among other things - limit the powers of the president, decentralize executive power and set up an autonomous prime minister, all within 100 days of attaining power. As the years have gone by, there is no sign of a new constitution and it is increasingly becoming apparent that it is not in Kibaki’s interest to facilitate a new devolved constitution that he so tirelessly fought for in his days as Leader of Official Opposition in parliament. These are some of his quotes on the subject as president:

“We should not allow the search for a new constitution divide us. Let us forget the past and come together in producing a document that will serve all Kenyans. You have already drafted what you wanted in a constitution and you were almost completing the process. Each one of us know what remained, therefore let us complete it, I know we will complete the constitutional review process and get a new constitution. We cannot be a nation which does not successfully conclude national issues.” President Kibaki (24th December 2005)

"I want to assure all Kenyans that the Government is committed to facilitating the development of a new constitution through a people driven process, President Kibaki (06th June 2006)

“I wish to point out that the agenda of producing new constitution has remained outstanding following the rejection of the draft constitution during the referendum. However, as I pledged to Kenyans, my Government remains keen on facilitating the making of a constitution.” President Kibaki New Year Speech 1st January 2007

After paying lip service to the country for five years, Kibaki comes to end of his mandate and he has absolutely no report worth talking about regarding the reform process. And with the blind support of catholic church leadership (whatever happened to steadfast clergymen like Rev. Timothy Njoya?), Kibaki has once again declared his interest in leading this country with only but one agenda at hand – selective economic development. He conveniently forgets that Kenyans do not have a new constitution and yet this was initially what made him and his NARC Summit team to be elected in the first place. This is betrayal of the worst order. Is the voter going to be conned into giving that mandate again?

The other alternative, ie the Orange Democratic Movement, has already put tangible material on the table for the electorate to digest and it will be up to them to judge who can really deliver what they want.

According to the published pre-election agenda of ODM’s Raila Odinga, the desire for a new devolved constitution, by Kenyans for Kenyans, has been a long struggle. Efforts to achieve this were first thwarted by the Moi regime. That betrayal of the common good was followed by a similar betrayal by President Kibaki. For that reason, the ODM candidate is promising that:

Raila Odinga WILL:

• deliver Kenyans the Constitution they asked for, as reflected in the Bomas draft;
• submit as part of ODM’s election manifesto the Draft Constitution for the people to peruse and endorse;
• enact the new Constitution as a first major piece of legislation of an ODM government;
• enhance the parliamentary system of government, and give up presidential powers as required by the system;
• introduce genuine power-sharing with a prime minister, as outlined in the Bomas Draft;
• submit to parliament a Political Parties Bill to guarantee public funding for political parties, to prescribe standards of financial conduct and internal party democracy, and to define relations between parties in a coalition government;
• submit to parliament legislative proposals that provide for the independent regulation of political parties and their registration, and their ability to operate free of executive harassment and to compete in elections free of unfair disadvantage.
  

Such commitment on a critical matter as the constitution is what Kenyans should demand from all presidential candidates. Raila has gone further and signed an MOU with Kenyan Muslims on the same subject in exchange for their support.

The big question is: What have Kalonzo, Muiru and Kibaki (Oh no, not again!) put on the table?

Jirongo Rejoins Himself as Heat Rages

Poor Cyrus Jirongo! The chap chose to sulk after failing to get the preferential treatment in ODM like Ngilu. Next move? He has opted to redefect back to his Kaddu Party.

According to CJ Henry Koskei's spat at Kaddu aspirants in Matayos (Busia) was the last stroke that cracked the camel's back. Well, that sounds more of an excuse because the obvious reason lies in the fact that Jirongo's ego was balloon whose air Koskei snapped.

Self destruction
Meanwhile the Orange parties continues with their self-destructive antics in attacking themselves instead of focusing on issues meant to sell them. While one derides others as asses, the reply that I am better than my competitor as a grassroots mobiliser smacks off teenage envy (hata mimi).

An political goofing seems contagious as PNU engages in self-destruction too. The rivalry between Kanu and Narc-K is out in the open with Tuju holding empty bath tub while KAMUKA (Karua/Mungatana/Katuku) runs with the baby as signatories at ECK. Poor Moody must be left really moody.

Who is that who lied that PNU is Narc-K reincarnated for immediate ex-MPs? Well with Njoki Ndungu as the secretary to PNU's election board, some animals are obviously more equal than others. Add to the mix 13 (out of 15) Kibaki Tena's specialised directorates all coming from Mt. Kenya and you get the face of Kenya. Na bado.

President Kibaki And Public Perception

It is said that the late Kwame Nkrumah, the founding father of the Ghanian nation (who went to University in the United States) was a master of “spin”. That is the term used to describe PR practitioner’s re-positioning of news and events to portray a certain desired image.

So good was Nkrumah at the art of spin that even as he enjoyed the trappings of power and behaved more or less like every other despotic African leader, he still managed to get the message across to his people that he was working very hard and making personal sacrifices on their behalf.

Legend has it that during a particularly wild party on the beach, Nkrumah took the time to be captured by cameras on a deserted area of the beach forlorn and deep in thought “carrying the heavy burden of his people.” When that photograph was splashed on the front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, the entire nation was touched and many people persevered in their poverty knowing that somebody was at least trying very hard on their behalf. If only the camera were able to show what was behind the cameraman, Ghanaians would have been shocked at the sheer fraud and manipulation.

American president Richard Nixon was an extreme case when it came to controlling public perception by hook or by crook and was in fact a control freak. For example he illegally crashed a spirited effort by British pop legend ex-Beatles, John Lennon’s peace movement to get many young voter’s across America registered and to basically vote against Nixon’s re-election. One of the “tools’ he used was J Edgar Hoover’s FBI which amongst other things attempted to deport Lennon. It worked and under immense pressure the pop legend abandoned his campaign which would well have changed the course of history.

Now in Kenya for the first time in our history we are faced with a president who is a politician of many years but has no grasp or understanding of how powerful and important public perception is. Or worse still, if he does he doesn’t care.

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The Deadly Public Perception Of Kibaki Going Into The General Elections

The president’s image in the past may not have had much of an impact on his administration, but now there is a new way in which Kenyans are viewing him that could spell disaster for his career. You can say that the chickens are coming home to roost. After years of not caring too much what people are thinking, this characteristic is about to self-destruct the president’s political career.

In two SMS polls carried over national TV last night, it became apparent that most Kenyans believe that the December polls are going to be rigged in favor of the President. The SMS polls could be wrong; especially the KTN one which showed that over 70% of the respondents believed that the poll is going to be rigged. However Kumekucha’s own poll shows that even some of the president’s staunchest supporters believe that the poll is going to be rigged in his favor.

In fact word on the ground is that most Narc Kenya candidates are now secretly planning how to manipulate the PNU joint nominations because they believe that once they get it, they will be able to sail through even in opposition strongholds because as the President is rigged in, so will they be.

Many of these politicians, blinded by the enormous salaries and perks of the last 5 years, are inspired by the Kanu era when for years nation was ruled by the most unpopular party in the country as the opposition doggedly refused to unite to remove it.

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