5 Painful Things Kenyans Have To Live With

1. It is painful when we remember the manner in which the ECK commissioners were appointed by President Kibaki in the run up to the disputed 2007 presidential elections. In retrospect it is clear what was being done. Yet that same ECK remains in office as you read this and it's chairman has the audacity to tell the press that they will not resign because they did "not beat up anybody." Oh Pleeeease!!!!!

2. It is very painful that leaders we elect have 5 years to spit into our faces and generally do what they want and then after the 5 years are up they come back hat in hand and cash in hand to ask us to vote them back. And if we don't vote them, guess what, they will still be "duly elected." A case in point is one Uhuru Kenyatta who after being returned to parliament by his tribesmates is making the lives of those tribesmates very difficult as the Minister of Local government (guess what community the majority of hawkers come from?). When the party Uhuru belongs to was campaigning in late 2007, they allowed hawkers free access to the CBD and gave them the impression that if they voted PNU, they would remain in the streets happily ever after. Now that wamemalizana, it is business as usual and the hawkers have to get out of the CBD.

And then we know that everywhere else in the world cities are de-congested by allowing only public transport into the CBD. In Kenya only the very personal cars congesting the city in the first place are allowed in to de-congest traffic in the city. Is there any hope for this banana republic? Their time in office must be reduced to 4 years from the current 5. If elections usually disrupt our lives, let is also disrupt the lives and corruption cycles of our leaders every 4 years instead of 5. In fact 3 years will be better because Mayors currently serve terms of two and half years anyway.

3. It is painful that decisions are made with only the personal comfort of the rich and powerful in mind. When banning matatus from the CBD, did those powerful people ask themselves how wananchi will transport their sick to hospital? Alight at City Stadium, carry your sick person to Kenyatta hospital (on your back, I suppose). They could of course die on the way but so what, who told you to be poor? Kwani you don't know corruption and how to enrich yourself with public funds like the sensible wealthy Kenyans?

4. It is painful that the government thinks people cannot see the obvious. The Kenya army is committing atrocities in Mt Elgon (no journalists allowed here to report what is happening but Kudos John Alan Namu of KTN for your bravery). And after that the Kenya Army will sweep the whole Rift Valley to ensure that all militia (Kalenjin or otherwise) are wiped out so that they can continue with their unpopular moves (kazi inedelee).

5. It is painful that powerful people can influence CBK intervention to prop up the Kenya shilling against the reality in the marketplace so that they can transfer their fortunes out of the country at favorable exchange rates. What will happen after this personal operation is over? Who cares? Who told you not to have your own ill-gotten wealth to transfer? If you did not know, the recent clashes have forced rich people to think twice about their investments in Kenya. That means much fewer jobs, so even as Kenyans fight for equality, there will soon be nothing left to share. So they have won yet again against the people. So if you are currently jobless and you do not have a chance of being appointed to some plum job by either ODM or PNU, or are not sure of being elected into parliament in one of the by-elections coming, I suggest that you get realistic and forget your dreams. And if you voted along tribal lines in the just concluded elections, you are welcome to reap from that shamba you planted on December 27th 2007. Try and learn something so that next time utwachana na tribe ya mama.

If you can do that my dearest brothers and sisters, one day very soon we will get these bloodsucking political class hyenas out of office and Kenya shall be free.

It must happen in our lifetime folks, and if not we must be prepared to sacrifice for our children and grandchildren!

Past Kumekucha articles that have talked about our greedy selfish politicians

Bunge ya wananchi: ordinary folk talk about the issues that are most important to them. You will be shocked, politicians have no idea

Civil society message on grand corruption, Mwai Kibaki and Kenren

Kenyan's blood is crying out from the ground

How we were duped in 2002

Blowing Hot and Cold at Same Time

Political developments in the last week have left Kenyan tongues manufacturing many conspiracy theories. Rising political temperatures has seen vigilant Kenyans swearing and condemning politicians for unwittingly mocking peace. All the emotions go along way to show that Kenyans are determined to reclaim and reshape their country to what they want it to be a prosperous African nation.

But trust Kenyan politicians to belittle their electorate in their quest to serve sectarian interests. And they co-opt many of us in these evil schemes. We shamelessly invent many wild theories clothed in bravado and brinkmanship to advance these cheap brickbats. Sometimes one is tempted to dismiss this as our fidelity to the tag of being overtly political hyper.

By simultaneously blowing hot and cold in equal measure, our leaders have refused to lead from the front and by example. Inconsistency even during crisis remains their forte. We may gloat all the much we wish in support or rebuke but the bottom line remains we are a nation painfully lacking in proactive and productive leadership.

Dining and whining
To our top politicians dinning and winning one day and whining loudest using the most vile and contemptuous language is fair game. It is incumbent upon every Kenyan to resist the temptation to sanitize rot under the banner of real politics. We have a country to share and rebuilt and we must not waste this golden opportunity snatched from the jaws of Lucifer to put Kenya on the pedestal to prosperity premised on equity and justice for all.

We don’t demand honesty and integrity by denying the same. Selective application of logic is our bane as a people. Those warning us of the dangers of partisanship in the civil service best epitomize fossilized cronyism themselves. To say Kenya will NEVER be the same again is not being an alarmist. Our hope to rebuilt Kenya needs a full dose injection of reality. Otherwise we are just being smart escapists living in collective denial.

We must only support the present constitutional order and amendments as a stop-gap to a constitutional overhaul that will produce sustainable institutions. Only then will we have our collective interests objectively covered and never to be subverted by individuals bent on feathering their nests at out collective expense.

Former Legislator David Mwenje Is Dead

The late David Mwenje

News just in is that former Embakasi legislator David Mwenje is dead.

Mwenje has been in hospital in the Intensive Care unit since early this year.

Signs that all was not well started to emerge when his children went to court to try and gain access to his bank accounts to pay his hospital bills and other mounting bills. Other creditors moved to court soon after.

It is not clear what exactly the former MP died from although there have been whispers for a long time now that he was HIV positive.

The late Mwenje once admitted involvement with the dreaded Jeshi La Mzee or Jeshi la Embakasi, a private army he created and used to harass his political enemies.

Mwenje who was fairly short in stature, will be remembered as one of the most violent politicians to hold a parliamentary seat within Nairobi. In one incident in January 2001 he physically fought in parliament with fellow MP Otieno Kajwang and was badly bitten in the back by Kajwang.

Interestingly Mwenje's name had also come up in a list of possible suspects behind the death of the slain Embakasi MP who won the seat from him, Melitus Were. He was however never questioned by police over the matter.

More details to follow later.

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Kumekucha Special Features

The very first aviation accident
Fascinating accident this, aircraft accidents have surely come a long way

Kenyan man who was so much in love that he gave the girl of his dreams a deadly gift

Stop These Scoundrels

Guest post By Sam Okello

Fellow Kenyans,

I'm increasingly disturbed by the drip drip of intrancingence that's coming from the men and women around President Mwai Kibaki. Recently Kenyans had a reason to smile and indeed the entire nation exploded in song and dance when Prime Minister-designate, the Hon. Raila Odinga and the President, signed an agreement that literally pulled kenya back from the edge of a precipice. Since then, we've watched with cautious admiration as the two bitter rivals adopted a body language that further put the nation at ease. Matter of fact, it made all of us realize that nothing was insurmountable if we put our mind to it.

But now we have the Muthaura statement. And the Karua statement. And the Kilonzo statement. What are we supposed to make of these utterences? Are these gentlemen and lady telling us that the ODM side signed the agreement without an unerstanding of what it entailed? Was Dr. Anan duped? Because of the unfortunate statements these officials have made, it's important that Kenyans rehearse the facts.

1. On December 27th, 2007, national elections were held and the Hon Raila Odinga won the contest. We're all aware that after the Hon Odinga's decisive win, the ECK corruptly called the election in favor of President Kibaki and promptly plunged the country into chaos...where our fellow kenyans paid the ultimate price.

2. In the ensuing chaos, the Hon. Odinga did everything to ensure that the nation stayed focused on a search for a lasting soltuon. Indeed, it was because of his relentless drive that the international community responded and sent in none other than Dr. Anan to help steer the negotiations that ended positively.

3. But before that positve end, we were all witnesses to the stalling tactics engaged by the PNU side. At every point in the negotiations, they found a way to stick a sword through the neck of the talks, including the adolescent and embarassing behaviour of the woman who is supposed to be the constitutional affairs minister! On the other hand, you also saw a determined ODM. You saw the future of a stable Kenya by the seriousness and professionalism with which the ODM brigade handled themselves. What they realized was that we have a nation to pass on to our children. We want to pass it on in a bettter state than we found it.

4. And finally, now that the attention of the international community is in search for the next fire to put out, the men and women around President Kibaki think they have room to reinterpret the agreement to suit their taste and naked lust for power. What these people don't realize is that while they've stuck in the first gear since independence and think that Kenyans can be manipulated, the good people of Kenya have moved on. We now boast professors, worldclass lawyers, runners and one of the most highly educated populace in Africa. We've metastasized into a modern nation with a driven media, a robust economy and the beginnings of a stable democracy. Becausde of what it took to get this far, we have no choice but to zealously protect our gains.

And so, my fellow countrymen, we must take care not to let people like Muthaura and Kilonzo and Saitoti and Uhuru and Michuki and Karua derail our determined march to a better Kenya. They may have succeded in subverting the will of the people by the blatant rigging they staged two months ago, but they must make no mistake. Kenyans will NEVER allow scoundrels like them to get away with a repeat of such deceit.

President Kibaki, let us honor the agreement as it was signed. There will be no way around it!

For love of country,

Sam Okello
President & CEO
Sahel Books Inc.
P.o. Box 6451
South Bend IN, 46660-6451
USA
Phone: Toll Free: 1.877.297.2435
samokello@sahelpublishing.net
www.sahelpublishing.net

P.S. I will forever remember that it was Sam Okello who wrote an open letter to Mwai Kibaki urging him to resist the temptation to go ahead with rigging and save Kenyan lives. Kumekucha published that letter hours before the Kivuitu circus that plunged the country into bloodshed, started.

-Kumekucha-

Mysterious Leaflets Warning About Power Sharing Sent To All MPs

The latest in the high drama linked to the introduction of the Prime Minister’s office unfolded in parliament this afternoon after all legislators received in their pigeon holes a leaflet warning them of the consequences of creating two centres of power.

The same leaflets also criticized ODM leader Raila Odinga for wanting to divide the civil service along tribal lines.

Interestingly Juja legislator George Thuo admitted that the leaflets originated from his office but said he had no idea where they had come from. He promised to investigate the matter.

House speaker Kenneth Marende directed that in future anything to be distributed to members should pass through the clerk of the national assembly before distribution.

Meanwhile the bill to create the office of the Prime Minister passed through its’ first reading. The second reading will happen tomorrow when parliament resumes seating at 2:30 pm.

Kenyans need to be on very high alert as it is clear that there are certain mysterious forces behind the scenes that are very unhappy about the passing of the bills associated with the Anan peace talks. Especially the one creating the office of the Prime Minister. This is rather strange as some of those against the passing of the bill have said in public that the office of Prime Minister is third in command. Why then should they worry so much about it? Why should its’ coming strike so much terror in some quarters?

Many confusing theories have been brought forward as to what may be going on behind the scenes and keen analysts have even linked it to desperate hardliners who seem to be in a panic after being taken by surprise by recent political developments in the country.

P.S. Local government minister Uhuru Kenyatta who has never used a matatu in his lifetime announced today that matatus will from tomorrow (Thursday) morning be banned from entering the CBD. This means that those working in the city will have to walk long distances to get to their offices, not to mention the fact that the annual long rains are due to begin at any time.

Interestingly Citi Hoppa mini buses will NOT be affected by the ban and will be allowed into the CBD as usual. Some commuters will be delighted at this news while matatu owners are bound to be livid, more so because most of them know who owns Citi Hoppa. Majority shareholders are George Thuo in partnership with a son of John “Standard Raid” Michuki.

Recollection: Unnecessary Semantics?

Latest article by Phil: Stopping the political tsunami that is Raila

Using Security To Play Deadly Political Chess Games

The year 2006 was an year that saw the conspicuous emergence of hate words being bandied about between Kenyans and Tanzanians especially online. Blogs were the ever ready wind that fanned the flame into a roaring fire.

Both these peoples haughtily flaunted their strong points. They also levelled scathing criticism against each other. Strings of expletives were added to the whole mix, to add colour!

Kenyans paraded their ‘mastery’ of the Queen’s language as their first strong point against their Tanzanian counterparts.
“Tanzanians don’t know English!” was the snap retort of many a Kenyan.

Tanzanians responded by explaining how Kenyans didn’t have any idea what was meant by ‘good’ Kiswahili.
“Nyie wala Kiswahili hamkijui. Mnajifanya na Kiingereza chenu hicho. Lugha ya kikoloni, haifai chochote!” was the snap rejoinder from many a Tanzanian

Kenyans relished every detail of how Tanzanians were deemed lazy. This was not taken kindly. Tempers flared; ‘war cries’ were uttered; disdain and condescension took centre stage in the whole shebang.

But that’s besides my point today.

There’s a time, in the same year, when the President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete was caught in the crossfire. This was after his reported discussion of the ‘political instability’ of Kenya with President George Bush.

Tempers flared within and without the Kenyan borders. To many, this seemed to be the height of contempt. The government of Kenya was not left out in the rhetoric that ensued.

I remember that around the same time Jakaya Kikwete was quizzed by a Tanzanian journalist about the Bush – Kikwete discussion that had opened the floodgates of mistrust. He brushed it aside by saying: “Tusifike huko, Tuyaache hayo mambo yalivyo.”

Many questions were asked by all and sundry. I also asked a question that received an answer from New York trying to explain what had happened.

Kumekucha asked his own questions in the form of an amusing tongue-in-cheek post .

What I found ironic about the whole thing, recently, was when Jakaya Kikwete was called upon to help in the mediation process after Kenya had suffered a nasty political and socio-economic blow.

He was very instrumental in the signing of the peace accord that would see the end to the then prevailing “political instability”. Did the “political instability” discussion that he had had with George Bush two years ago come to his mind?

Have a smashing day, dear brethren

Stopping the Political Tsunami that is Raila

Raila and Kibaki seen here chatting heartily in the VIP tent at the Speaker's garden tea after the official state opening of parliament.

It is now emerging that unfortunate utterances attributed to Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura are seriously threatening the very survival of the recently signed peace agreement between President Kibaki and ODM Captain Raila Odinga. Although the principals have not commented publicly on the controversial Muthaura statement, many insiders are clearly upset by the comments. As of Tuesday morning, Kofi Annan is said to have spent some time on phone talking to ODM Vice Captain and lead negotiator Musalia Mudavadi in what could have been an attempt to quel any statements that may derail the peace deal that took Annan more than a month to achieve. It is unclear if Kofi spoke to anyone on the PNU side.

On the same day Annan was talking to Musalia, ODM spokesman Salim Lone is quoted in the Financial Times as saying: "The whole world, from President [George W.] Bush downwards, was engaged in trying to strike a power-sharing deal. If that power-sharing deal made Odinga number three, we'd have never accepted it."

In other words; if the 'government' maintains its position and supports Muthaura's statement that the Vice President ranks above the ODM Captain, then folks, we are back to square one.

Another intriguing point that tells Kenyans that Muthaura is a puppet of the athuri group is the allegation that PNU is not obligated to share state appointments with ODM on a 50/50 basis. The question is: Why would the president be obligated to consult the PM in the sacking/hiring of ministers including the VP if the PM is not only No. 3 but also himself an appointee of the president?

Even before Prime Minister designate Raila Odinga has been sworn in, the drastic change in his relationship with the president appears to have ruffled sensitive feathers who have made it their business for as long as we can remember to ensure that Raila does not come anywhere near power in Kenya.

Perhaps more significantly, some elements in government are already showing symptoms of Railaphobia for reason this blogger attributes to the electric excitement Raila elicits wherever he goes. Whats must be a headache for them is that Raila appears to already have hit a silent but very effective campaign trail in what is slowly unfolding to be a no-holds-barred Kibaki succession battle. It leaves many a politician green with envy that any function that Raila attends, even if it is just a church service or even a funeral, immediately transforms into a political campaign rally. Martha Karua attempted to do the same in her Gichugu constituency bus park last weekend with mixed results. What she fails to understand is that, although Raila does not have PPS or VPPS assigned to him, he has for the last 10 years captured the psyche of the entire Kenyan nation. For instance, whenever Raila’s image appears on TV screens in a noisy joint, a hushed silence automatically falls over the premises.

Not to be left behind rather than for commercial interests, mainstream media in Kenya and the region have now attached permanent staff to Raila’s entourage that follows him wherever he goes. Wow!

Fellow pentagon member Najib Balala could not have captured it more aptly. He said that whenever Raila enters a room or appears to the public even before he says a word, people go crazy.

This sort of image, rightly or wrongly, will be impossible for the likes of Muthaura to subdue whether the PMs office is 5th or 10th in the pecking order. After all they say, power comes from the people (as opposed to secret swearing-in ceremonies).

Using Security To Play Deadly Political Chess Games

CheckMate or CheckBlood?

On the day that Francis Muthaura, the head of the civil service made his controversial government clarification statement, Prime Minister designate Raila Odinga’s security was withdrawn for a few hours. Mere coincidence?


Ambassador Francis Muthaura waiting to take instructions from the only man he receives instructions from. P.S. Where did the duly existed first lady go?

On Sunday, the same day that President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga were seen on the golf course together, the Kenyan military were assembling for the biggest operation in the history of our military since the failed 1982 coup attempt. Mere coincidence?

Two days later, (Tuesday) reports started trickling in of fresh skirmishes in Laikipia and Molo. For obvious reasons, this news is being downplayed. Mere coincidence?

Official sources have admitted that the military operation in the Mt Elgon area is likely to move to other areas in the Rift Valley where we have seen violence, like Kuresoi, the border between Sotik and Borabu and Laikipia where fresh skirmishes have already broken out. Mere coincidence?

Concerning Raila Odinga’s security detail and motorcade, the police after hours of stone silence yesterday, (probably waiting to “hear from above”) issued a detailed statement to the press about the PM’s security detail having a permanent station at Rongai Police Station. So which police station is the president’s security detail permanently based in? The whole idea was to give the impression that the Prime Minister designate Raila’s security has been “beefed up” (whatever that means). No explanation was given for the constant change of Raila’s security personnel. The police only said that “the confusion” would stop when Raila’s security detail had a permanent base. Aii! You mean the police are admitting that there was confusion in Raila’s security arrangements? That’s a bombshell because confusion in Kibaki’s security detail would be a very serious matter and since the Prime Minister is supposed to share power with the president, the same can be said about Raila’s security.

But what is of even much bigger concern are the security operations involving the military in the Rift Valley...

Read more

Breaking News: Has Raila's Security Detail Been Withdrawn?

Although recent developments indicate that Prime Minister designate Raila Odinga's state security detail may have been withdrawn there is still no confirmation of this from Police headquarters as the police spokesman has refused to comment on the matter.

Raila's wife Ida Odinga complained this morning that the security personnel have been changed too many times in the few days that the odinga's have been accorded state security. This has meant that she has to show around total strangers in their Karen house every two days or so.

As I was writing this security personnel withdrawn early today had still not been replaced by a new batch, hence the suspicion that this time the security personnel may have been withdrawn for good.

Even if the state security is indeed still in place the behaviour described by Ida is very strange. Overhauling the entire security staff every few days is in itself a huge security risk to those being protected by it. Indeed the Odingas previously had their own fairly adequate security and the terrifying ordeal of having one's minders playing musical chairs on the job is very unfortunate.

Some political analysts could not help commenting on the sheer joy and glee Raila supporters have received his new "motorcade and state security status" with. Others have felt that coming so soon, it may have been an attempt to soften the ODM leader's stance on some difficult fine details in the Anan peace deal that are still being negotiated.

Indeed Kenyans are waiting with baited breath for news on what has been discussed in parliament today after the bombshell "government clarification" statement by head of the civil service and secretary to the cabinet Ambassador Francis Muthaura, yesterday.

We will keep you posted on developments.

Breaking News: ODM Hits Out At Muthaura “Peace Deal Clarification” Circus

ODM emerged from a crisis meeting moments ago with both guns blazing and poured cold water on the shocking Muthaura statement made earlier today saying among other ridiculous things that the Prime Minister would Be third in command in the new government structure (after the president and vice president) to accommodate the Anan peace deal.

Speaking on behalf of ODM, legislator Amukoa Anangwe quite rightly pointed out that the only people who could issue a clarification of the peace deal were the two principals, namely Hon Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki.

He added that it was hardly surprising that the historic peace deal is witnessing some “resistance” from civil servants who will be drastically affected by the Anan brokered peace accord.

Although some readers of this blog had already panicked and viewed this latest development as a clear sign that President Mwai Kibaki is doing his favorite thing of reneging on signed agreements, keen observers believe that what we are seeing are the “kicks of a dying horse” as PNU hardliners fight to derail things and for attention in a situation where the previously easily accessible president is no longer reachable.

Only time will tell where the truth lies.

Electoral Commissioners Must Be Charged In Court

Why should the ECK be celebrating the death of Kenyans at the Coast?

Earlier today members of the civil service disrupted an ECK seminar/meeting in Mombasa’s luxurious Sun ‘n Sands hotel.

What the hell would the ECK be discussing at a Mombasa hotel at this time?!! How to rig the upcoming byelections? Surely that could have been discussed in Nairobi.

It seems that the ECK was celebrating the chaos they caused in Kenya including the loss of over 5,000 precious Kenyan lives. The guys who disrupted and broke up their meeting did the right thing. In fact it leaves a very bad taste in my mouth and that of many Kenyan to realize that this fraudulent ECK remains in office to this day enjoying their perks and even having the audacity to celebrate at the Coast when so many Kenyans are still in refugee camps in their own country after the antics of the same ECK. THAT IS JUST PRESPOSTEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE!

This issue of the ECK is really very simple.

Our PNU brothers tell us that Mwai Kibaki won the elections. Let us assume for a moment that this is true. Then it means that the whole mess the country fell into lies squarely at the feet of the ECK. They should ALL be arrested and locked up to assist police with investigations and should only be released when they tell us what really happened.

The truth of the matter is that ECK and PNU CANNOT both be right. One of them is lying, so police commissioner Ali should arrest Kivuitu and his entire team at the ECK on charges to do with causing the deaths of over 1,000 Kenyans (Kumekucha reliable figures say over 5,000.)

Meanwhile in the new found spirit of co-operation, the entire ECK should be disbanded immediately by the president because its’ continued existence is an incitement to violence to the good people of Kenya who lined for hours to vote in the last general elections as was clearly demonstrated by the reaction of the gallant Kenyans at the Coast a few hours earlier today.

P.S. There is a lot happening in Kenya at the moment. And political temperatures seem to be on the rise once again. We are told that ODM is in a meeting to discuss an appropriate reaction to a so called “government clarification on the peace accord” earlier today (see earlier post in this blog by Phil.).

Indications are that somebody is very busy trying to cool down things after some people somewhere deliberately went out of their way to cause mischief. The suspicion of this blogger is that some hardliners within PNU are trying very hard to derail things. I am currently investigating the issue and will get back to you with a firm answer as soon as I have concrete details.

Kenyan Army 'Bombing Mt. Elgon Villages'

Military personnel converge at the Eldoret Airstrip on Sunday in preparation for an operation in Mt Elgon District, where Sabaot Land Defence Force militia are believed to be hiding. Picture by Biketi Kikechi

A massive millitary operation is underway in Mt. Elgon area to flush out the notorious Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF). The government seems to have been prompted into action following the death of 12 people in the area last week.

As of this afternoon, up to 30,000 residents were said to have been fleeing their homes with Mt. Elgon Member of Parliament Fred Kapondi accusing the government of bombing villages instead of pursuing SLDF raiders into the Mt. Elgon forest.

Mt. Elgon has remained a major security flashpoint ever since President Kibaki took power in 2002 but problems in the area have their origins as far back as 1963. The ragtag militia known as SLDF has been blamed for most of the killings in the area and the motive of the group is reportedly to seek redress for alleged injustice during land distribution in the Chebyuk settlement scheme.

So volatile is the area that raiders have repeatedly raided the police station in the area. The former Mt. Elgon MP John Serut, himself a target of the raiders, had his brother killed by the raiders in 2007 as a warning to himself and his family. Serut hardly spent the night in the constituency during his days as a legislator.

The situation in Mt. Elgon has deteriorated so much so that the Head of the Médécins Sans Frontières (MSF) mission in Kenya, Mr. Remi Carrier termed it 'below human dignity'. The press in Kenya also called the Mt. Elgon insecurity a disgrace.

Breaking News: Kenya Government 'Clarifies' Peace Accord

The following is a statement read by Francis Muthaura (Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet) a few moments ago. ODM are said to be in a crisis meeting and are expect to respond shortly.

"There have been various media reports that have created concern as to the roles of the position of the Prime Minister, Government appointments and structure of the Government following the national Accord. In that regard the Government wishes to clarify as follows:

• The President remains the Head of State and Head of Government.

• The Vice-President is the Principal Assistant or the President and the Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

• The Prime Minister will coordinate and supervise the Government functions under the authority of the President.

• The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Ministers will also have ministerial portfolios.

• The President will appoint the Vice-President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and all Ministers subject to the terms of the Accord. The Vice-President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and all Ministers are directly responsible to the President. The President will continue to Chair the Cabinet.

• The Accord does not include sharing of jobs in the Public Service.

• Therefore, it should be clear that appointments in the Public Service are governed by the Constitution or Acts of Parliament.

To this end:

• Holders of Constitutional offices, Permanent Secretaries, Ambassadors, Judges of the High Court, Chairpersons of boards and a few chief Executives of Parastatals are appointed by the President.

• All other civil servants in Central Government and Local Authorities are appointed by the Public Service Commission or through its delegated authority.

• Judicial Officers including Magistrates, etc are appointed by the Judicial Service Commission.

• Teachers are appointed by the Teachers Service Commission.

• Almost all Members of the Boards of Parastatals, Except the Chairmen, are appointed by their respective Ministers.

• Chief Executives of Parastatals are appointed by the ministers on recommendation of the respective Boards.

• Other staff or Parastatals are appointed by their respective boards.

I wish to assure public servants that there is nothing to worry about the safety of their jobs or the politicization of the Public Service. I urge public servants to embrace the implementation of the Accord. It is extremely important that professionalism in the Public Service is maintained and free from partisan politics."

AMB: FRANCIS K. MUTHAURA, EGH
PERMANENT SECRETARY SECRETARY TO THE CABINET AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

10 March 2008

Finding A Centre

Last week the Kenyan Parliament debated the peace deal signed last week between President Mwai Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU) and Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The main points of the agreement provide for constitutional changes that will see the creation of the post of prime minister - which Odinga is expected to occupy - and the formation of a coalition government by the two parties.

The deal has been widely welcomed and it is hoped that it will put an end to the ethnic violence that killed more than 1 500 Kenyans since elections in late December. But, as the agreement's main mediator, Kofi Annan, said prior to departing Kenya: "The journey is far from over. In fact, it is only the beginning."

Stephanie Wolters (Mail and Guardian) spoke to the ODM's Raila Odinga about the challenges that lie ahead.

If it is accepted, it will pave the way for the formation of a 50-50 coalition government, consisting of a minister from the ODM and the PNU. How do you propose to negotiate the formation of such a government?
The agreement says that the government will be shared on a 50-50 basis with particular regard to portfolio balance, which means that weightings can be put on some ministries as opposed to other ministries. This is something that is going to be negotiated with our political partners. We have already set up a team of three representatives from both parties.

Are there particular portfolios that the ODM wants?
No, I don't want to judge and we want to be fairly flexible, but there are certain important ministries that we want to share between the two sides.

Last week you met Kibaki for the first time outside of the framework of negotiations. Why should the Kenyan public believe that you can work together and have the political will to put the country ahead of the political ambitions of your parties?
I think there are historical circumstances that have dictated that we must work together and I don't think that there are any particular obstacles that lie between me and Kibaki. We worked together in the past in a coalition government. If Nelson Mandela could work with FW de Klerk, I don't see why Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki cannot work in a government.

The ODM and the PNU have very different views on economic distribution. You campaigned on a platform of more equitable distribution of the country's resources through decentralisation, playing on the perception that the ruling party has favoured its ethnic base. Now that you are in a coalition government with that party, how do you propose to pursue your supporters' desire for more equitable distribution of the country's resources?
Yes, it is true that our campaign platforms are very different in certain areas. [For example] we want to see more equitable distribution of resources in our country through a devolved system of government and very strong anti-corruption measures … Those are the issues that we have agreed we must address beforehand and the team we have set up together, apart from negotiating the structure of government, is going to deal with the harmonisation of the manifestos of our different parties … so that we can come up with one common programme.

These types of negotiations could take some time. How will you convince local leaders that their grievances are being addressed and that violence is not the means of addressing their concerns?
This should not take too much time. I am sure the PNU would also like to see some of these issues addressed. Except it did not prioritise them. I do expect that by the time we form the government, common ground will have been reached on most of these issues.

It is not a question of just forming a coalition government; it has to be based on something, that is why we are negotiating up front to agree on a communal programme to take to the people as a compromise. That is what coalitions are all about, so we will really come towards the centre.

Has the violence of the past two months permanently transformed ethnic relations in Kenya?
Certainly it has confounded things, so the country is more polarised along the ethnic … lines than any time since before independence. We will need to work on reconciliation for society, so that we refuse the polarisation that has taken place in the past two months

According to the terms of the peace deal, it falls apart when one of the two parties walks out of the coalition government. What is a deal breaker for you?
A deal breaker would be if for example the other partner refuses to facilitate the carrying out of the reforms which we have all agreed to, in particular the constitutional, legal and institutional reforms that this county so much desires. If there is a stonewalling, it will be sufficient grounds for the break-up of the coalition.

The Kibaki government had close relations with the United States and has been criticised by the Kenyan Muslim community for its cooperation with the practice of extraordinary renditions. Will you push for change in this relationship?
We have very good relations with the US and I don't see that anybody wants to destroy that, we want to strengthen that relationship.

We agree with the US that they have genuine reasons to fight crime, terrorism and so on. We are an ally in the fight against terrorism, except that ... we believe that if Kenyans commit crimes on Kenyan soil, then they should be tried by Kenyan law. This is an issue that we are going to discuss with the US and with our own coalition partners.

What advice do you have for Mugabe on how he handles the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe?
I have got very little regard for Mugabe. He used to be my hero once upon a time, but we parted ways when he began to use a big stick to deal with his political adversaries. I think he is a disgrace to the African continent and the time has really come for him to try to move on and let other people govern. I don't think it is right for someone to hold a country hostage for generations. I think it is not right for Africa.

This article has been adapted from Mail & Guardian, News Insight

Why Not Four Years?

Test for our "selfless" leaders

My dear fellow Kenyans, we need to understand that getting the reforms we need will not be easy. This is hardly the time to hero-worship any of our leaders, no matter how good their past record may be. This is the time to come up with ideas that will bring the wolves to account.

In the United States they go to the polls every four years and yet that is a place where there should be a strong case for giving leaders a longer mandate to see through their programs.

Why is it then that we have our so-called leaders in office for 5 long years? My former idiot of an MP served two terms meaning that we have had no leader in our constituency for 10 LONG YEARS!!!

I propose that we push the legislators in the grand coalition to cut down the life of parliament from 5 years to 4 years ONLY. Whatever they cannot do in 4 years, they will hardly be expected to do in 5 years.

Let us have elections once every 4 years (if it was up to me I would even go for 3 years until some people get it into their minds that elections are not there to be stolen or to use cash to manipulate). Besides Mayors are elected every 2 and half years, are they not?

It is my conviction that this simple change will have a huge impact on the affairs of our country and the way things are managed.

Secondly it is the view of many Kenyans that the cabinet should not have more than 20 ministers. That is 10 from ODM and 10 from PNU. And since we have insisted on having two deputy prime ministers, they should be included within that figure of 20.

My fellow Kenyans it is time to get down to work, let's see how selfless these political heroes of ours really are. This is the first test. If they pass these two suggestions quickly, and without debate, I will be the first to apologize here for misjudging them.

P.S. A 4 year term should take effect immediately so that assuming that President Kibaki serves a full term, it will expire in 2011 and therefore there should be a general election that year.

Will 10th Parliament Now Change MPs Work Ethic?

The official state re-opening of the 10th parliament was historic, not least because it featured for the first time in post-independent Kenya’s history a grand-coalition Government of president, vice-president and prime-minister(X2) not present during the 1^st session, and born out of necessity from the post election crisis that rocked the country during the early part of this year arising from last December’s sham of a general election.

Ordinarily, the opening of parliament following an adjournment is characterised by the traditional week long debate into the President's speech, marking the start of the house's official calendar of business for the year. However, as you well know the 10th parliament is no ordinary sitting and first on the immediate agenda of MPs is to agree on fast-tracking implementation of the new executive power-sharing deal by passing into law the crucial National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008, together with several other draft bills namely the constitutional Amendment, the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation, and Ethnic Commission Bills

Difficult tasks ahead?
Judging by their previous track record, it remains to be seen whether or not our MPs will pass these and other all-important bills to come in record time, or even whether they will miss the boat completely and allow themselves to become side-tracked by other pressing yet secondary issues which are sure to arise during these early stages as the house gets down to business.

Kenya’s parliament has a poor legislative track record in comparison to other African countries we compete against (e.g. Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria) and we Kenyans hungry for change and massive reforms may all be waiting a long time yet before any urgent & pressing bills are actually made into laws (e.g. one example is the bill seeking to grant Mombasa and Kisumu city status-anyone recall that?)

Remember that in the previous past their first port of call for newly-elected MPs has traditionally been to increase their salaries while consequently saying goodbye to the sight of the toes on their feet which inevitably fail to effectively compete against the rapid forward expansion of their middle abdomens in the course of their short stays at house of parliament.

In 2007, the 9^th parliament worked for a period of 27 weeks, and started with an agenda of 20 bills awaiting debate as part of business in the house. Throughout the whole of last year, their apathy during house debates was roundly condemned by the public at large, and more than once in the life of the 9th parliament business had to be interrupted due to a lack of quorum. In spite of this, amazingly they managed to pass 17 bills into law! including the monumental Njoki Ndungu Sexual Offences Bill in 2006. Compare that to 2005 where out of 25 bills that were presented to them for debate and enactment, concluded only seven, Just goes to show that when they want to, our politicians can actually do some work

In developed countries e.g. that “bastion of democracy” the USA, Britain etc, MPs tend to earn more but they also produce more, meaning they enact more laws through the high number of bills that they pass. However so far in Kenya, our members of parliament have enjoyed remuneration with little to show to justify for their pay by way of performance

How hard is your MP working? Like a donkey
It’s known that our MPs split their time between sittings in parliament, working in the constituencies that elected them (standing waist-deep in mud, soiling their hands with bribes bricks) and in addition as Government ministers working within their appointed portfolios. Not to mention various functions to conduct harambees, the occasional (cough) government sanctioned business trips abroad, and the rare (double cough) “pretty-boy” press conference appearances before media houses to address the public. But the days of deception conducted behind closed chambers while speaking in foreign tongues as the case has been is over; the past 45 years has simply amounted to a total defrauding of the Kenyan tax-payers’ money worth which unfortunately has gone to fund the hefty salaries and perks which our politicians and their significant others have grown accustomed to

Too long have Kenyans have suffered lightly the lot of clowns in charge of the destiny of our nation. Already the first chapter of Kenya’s history has been written and closed twice in blood, and none among the living can be said to have qualified for deserving a glowing tribute as very little positives can truthfully be said about them without sounding like a sycophant.

Its time for the people’s duly elected representatives to become a hard-working parliament,and I sincerely hope that they will have little time for sleeping before the TV cameras- they need to roll –up their sleeves and........wait for it............extend-yes extend.......both their sitting and opening hours, so that they can get more work done by debating and passing more bills into laws that will greatly enhance our independence and development.

All 210 MPs should be made to sign people perfomance contracts which set the bar on how high the need to jump if they are thinking of seeing the inside of parliament again come the next general election. we always like to say "wembe ni ule ule" lakini ule wembe tuna sema ni wembe gani? We been giving our MPs Gillete shaving blades to shave their faces with-indeed we've given them the best a man can get. Let us now give them machetes that are truly "wembes" which will not provide any sort of smooth shave unless they work for it

Coming soon: -dealing a deathblow to tribalism

ODM, PNU Boys Alone In A Room With 10 Ravishing Virgins

…but some naïve Kenyans are still screaming; “we trust you guys”

I’m really sorry guys to spring up a post like this one you are about to read on you on a Sunday of all days, but I really can’t help it. I am one of those guys who hate bad news on a Sunday. Let it wait with everything else until Monday, I always say.

But duty calls and so here goes.



Ravishing Virgins, but we trust "the wolves" alone with them in a room

For days now many analysts have been worried sick about the political situation in Kenya. I am talking about analysts who are realists and understand human nature and the fact that hardliners don’t just disappear into thin air. In fact when they become suddenly so quiet, trust me that is the time to really get worried, sick.

Actually on the outside, everything looks quite okay. In fact almost too good to be true.

The mystery was solved for me by one of our writers in Kumekucha called Phil. I have cross checked the earth-shaking information he posted in a comment here on Saturday with some of my most impeccable sources and I can now confidently confirm to Kumekcuha readers that what he says is true. And that is, Hon Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki have struck a “secret” deal. The kind of deal that will make the pair stick closer to each other than super glue. That deal was good for peace in Kenya and we are all very grateful that it happened when it did.

The deal is that Mwai Kibaki will name Raila Odinga his heir when he exits from the presidency in the next 2 years or so...


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The Power Of Words

Special guest post

“The right word at the right time can change a life for the right course and the right cause.”

What is it in words that make some people heal by words, yet others hurt with words? What is it in words that make us find something to laugh at in insults yet frown at truth?

We all basically have access to the same repertoire of words, regardless of language, yet the manner and style we pick, organize and use them can earn us enemies, create us fools or present us wise. Some people may describe hell in a manner that leaves you curious and longing to be there, yet others may describe paradise in a manner that gives a totally boring impression that makes you feel like hell might be more exciting estate to rent an apartment in – of course you know which way to go.

What is it in words that made Jesus prophet, Plato philosopher, Cicero an orator and Shakespeare Shakespeare? What is it in words that make us speak without saying a word? Ever wondered? There is more to words than just mere sounds. Words are more powerful than any atomic bombs. Words are not just words – they are thoughts evaporating from the heart cauldron. Words are expressions of the heart and that’s why the Proverbs rightly observes that out of the heart’s abundance, speaketh the mouth. Some people use words to gossip fulltime, yet some others employ them to encourage and uplift the low in heart. Some use them to blow their own trumpets, yet others employ them to praise excellent achievements. How we use words matter a great deal.

Sometime we may talk because we have something to share; other times we may talk because we just have to talk; yet some other times, according to Kahlil Gibran, we may talk simply because we have ceased to be at peace with our thoughts; and when we can no longer dwell in the solitude of our hearts, we live in our lips and sound is both a diversion and a pastime. And in much of the talking, thinking is half-murdered since much of the time is spent on expressing ourselves in words. Some people may seek to talk in order that they avoid loneliness. One beauty about talking to oneself, though, is the fact that at least you can be certain that someone is listening. Some time it can be a very healthy practice.

Our spring of words should tap from the aquifers of truth of our hearts so that, in Gibran’s words, the voice within your voice will speak to the ear of your friend’s ear. For his soul will keep the truth of your heart as the taste of wine is remembered when the color is forgotten and the vessel is no more.

In the kernel of wise words there is pure knowledge and great wisdom. Listen to the voice of counsel in the Proverbs: “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you; understanding will guard you; delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech…”

In the words there is the secret of life. Listen and live!

At all times, we must strive to speak enriching words, for the wisdom therein is both a roadmap and lifeblood to life. Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
and the man who gets understanding, for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Wisdom is long life; wisdom is wealth and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. By words, we can teach and inspire.

See how the Proverbs 4 stresses passionately on the value of words: Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight; for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching…Let your heart hold fast my WORDS; keep my commandments, and live; do not forget, and do not turn away from the WORDS of my mouth…Hear, my son, and accept my WORDS, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life…My son, be attentive to my WORDS; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to him who finds them, and healing to all his flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Clearly, from this passionate prose, wise words are not merely a cage of wisdom, but in them resides pleasant life and longevity.

The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are treacherous. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers men. Through words, men of good sense are commended while those of perverse mind are despised. The scriptures reveal to us that in the beginning there was The Word; The Word was with God, and The Word was God. By words, God said, “Let there be light and there was light…” The Gospel itself is often referred to as The Word. By words, great men and women of the past, prophets and philosophers have been able to share with the world the pith of their thoughts. Wars have been brought to peaceful ends, not by the use of more artillery but by the power of dialogue. Words can make a child live ahead of his age while at the same time they can reduce a king to a mere village wag. As my Nigerian brothers say, “When a child washes his hands, he may dine with the elders.” Such is the potency of words. Their power is tremendous.

Drink more and drink long from the great proverbs, for their words are a healing ointment to the wise hearts; take time and soak your dry soul in the great counsel: An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult. He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Speak sparingly and weigh your words. Know all you say, yet say not all you know, for a prudent man conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly. Your words can make you or destroy you and that’s why King Solomon is quick to implore you to guard your lips, lest your words return to haunt you; He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. The talk of a fool is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. Words can make peace; at the same time, words can ferment war. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. And there is a promise for one whose ear heeds wholesome admonition – he will abide among the wise.

And now let us turn and listen to words of wisdom by one Abioseh Nicol, the late Sierra Leonean literature professor and poet as he shares on the value of words through one of my favorite poems – Words of Wisdom and Love:
In the poem, Abioseh likens words to oyster shells. As he says, “Many see only their outer hardness. But, the wise hold and open them and sometimes find within them hidden pearls.”

Dr. Nicol draws a rare comparison between words and lightning strokes because many people see only the frightening flashes. But, the wise pause and wait and hear the echo of their great thunder.

In the poem, Nicol further compares words to moonflowers by day because, in his own words, “Many see only their bunched leafy fists, but the wise linger after twilight and watch them open, spilling out their sweet fragrance.”

In a final, yet rare parallel, Abioseh likens words to high towering waves because many persons see only the hurl of their long angry curl, but the wise stand waiting by the white sand and feel the soothing trickle of their spent force.

Dr. Nicol taxies to a graceful conclusion, laden with words of wisdom. He pauses and ponders, stops and wonders and then finally his heart reveals to him that in words exists some gleaming pearl, some future majesty, some strange sweet fragrance, and even some promise. And with a total surrender, Nicol gives a parting shot, “I have gained wisdom and shall wait.”

May we all equally gain the heart of wisdom to have the patience; to pause and ponder; to stop and wonder. Perhaps the words we just heard hold within themselves some gleaming pearl, some future majesty, some promise, and not just hollowness. We may just unravel the unspoken words of spoken words because therein lies wisdom beyond vocal expressions.

Now then, let us strive to use words to counsel; to heal distraught souls; to imbue upon the hearts of men and women great principles and tenets of life that will change their world for the better. Let the wisdom and love in our hearts foam out in words of wisdom and love to those around us. Let us seek to cultivate the patience that absorbs the wisdom in words and disposes of their unpleasant coatings.
May your words help you to inspire and sow the seeds of your life purpose!

Taken from the book, Inspire Your Life And Soar The Majestic Heights

Chrisogonas O. Mc’Odhiambo

Of Misconstruction and the Weight of Words

Why nobody wants to be in the opposition

I first read the words that I have reproduced here below when I was a student at Starehe Boys' Centre – Nairobi. During my student years, these words gave me the drive to do my best even when failure looked me in the face.

They got me into a grave problem once, when I started working, – I was fired! I lost a job that was my lifeline at the time. The day before I was fired, I had handwritten them and glued (so crude of me!) the sheet of paper on the Notice Board for my colleagues to read and get inspired.

Little did I know that the Manager would consider the words an insult to the company and his person. He tore the paper and bounded menacingly to his office with the shreds in his hands. He sent someone to call me. Having witnessed the unfolding 'melodrama' I knew I would be in for it. How right my premonition was!

I was summarily dismissed and only a vague explanation warranting the action was forthcoming. I later pieced the pieces of the jigsaw and came to know the why and wherefore of the unwarranted dismissal. He had thought my aim was to kindle the ire of the workers against him – what with poor pay, unconducive working environment and a lack of transparency. But my aim was far from that.
Anyway, situations like these hone and shape us, don't they?
Sample the piece…


STRUGGLE IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

You want the good things in life. You want more money, power and status in the office. You want to drive around town in a spanking new car. And you want to invite your many friends to your sprawling house to meet your beautiful wife and charming children. Also you want a healthy body, a quicker wit and a more sparkling personality.

Well, you can have all these and many more if you are willing to pay the price. These things are expensive, very expensive. And for most people, too expensive. They demand more than wealth or talent. They demand courage. The courage to work hard even when you feel underpaid and unrecognized. The guts to keep working hard.

Essentially life demands struggle. Everyday has to be a day of struggle. Once one can accept this stark truth as something positive, one can start to get ahead. Struggle allows us to refine our talents. It is the intense heat that burns the dross. It is the alchemy that turns one into pure gold.

There is no magic in the real world. In fantasy, wonderful things happen of their own accord. But this is not the way the real world works. The universal law is simple: YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

If you are tired, it is not due to struggle. Struggle does not tire: it uplifts and rejuvenates: it brings about the best in the human spirit.
If you feel that life is hard, you have not faced your toughest adversity: Your own negative thinking. Struggle means pushing ahead no matter what. It means investing your hopes and energies even in a cause that seems hopeless. Struggle is a mark of heroism, and the difference between winners and losers.

Life is for the living. It is a struggle, challenge, change, disaster and triumph. Forget your multiple fortunes. If you can forge a win of iron by fighting through the thick of misfortune then the world is your oyster. There is no easy way to reap what you think you deserve. You have to fight for it all the way.

At this moment you are where you deserve to be. If you are surrounded by abundance, it is because you have the heart of a lion. If you are surrounded by scarcity, it is because you've not dared to challenge yourself to rise against adversity. Struggle is the meaning of life.

If you want more from your life, ask what you have done to deserve more. Don't sit around lost in daydreams: ONLY ACTION WILL REDEEM YOU.

From now on, think your way into a dynamic and confident state of mind and being. Strive to be that little bit better in everything you do in everyday struggle! Crawl up that mountain! Go for it!

10th Parliament: Why Nobody Wants To Be In The Opposition

Plus trouble brewing over ODM deputy premier appointment?


One would have thought that the best strategy for any politician in the 10th parliament who does not get a cabinet position, would be to position themselves in the opposition in readiness for the next general elections which many people believe will be held in 2 years time.

After all going by what has happened in the past, the government always manages to get unpopular sooner or later presenting a “through pass” to any carefully positioned opposition candidate to easily get re-elected into the august house.



But alas, Kenyan politics always has its’ bizarre twists. It is now becoming clearly evident that hardly anybody in the 10th parliament wants to be in the opposition. Virtually all PNU affiliate parties are saying that they are included in the grand coalition and are therefore in government. The same with ODM affiliate parties. And what complicates matters further is that both PNU and ODM are working very hard behind scenes to ensure that they have a parliamentary majority in the house (just in case).

What that means is that contrary to what we are being told, there will hardly be any opposition in the 10th parliament unless something changes drastically. The “opposition” task it seems will be left to the press and the rising power of blogs like Kumekucha but that is hardly the same thing as having a strong opposition in the house.

Forget about the back bench because when all the numbers are in government a back bencher in say ODM or even PNU is of no consequence.

Those who understand Kenyan politics well are fully aware of the reason why there is this mad scramble for government as if there were no political tomorrow.

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The Present Face of Kenyan Success

The recent political deal between Kibaki and Raila following two months of violence resulting from last year’s disputed elections has left Kenyans in deep reflection. Kumekucha readers and bloggers have recently initiated very insightful debates that examine our past with the singular aim of collectively chat a course for a united and prosperous Kenya.

Behind every suggestion on reshaping Kenya lies the call to foster unity in diversity. That Kenyan is a geographical accident populated by over 40 different nations is not unique to Africa. That same fact is also a principal cause of the continent’s perennial wars. Politicians have consequently exploited our ethnic differences to advance their selfish courses and resulting in very devastating tensions ready to explode at the spark the drop of a hat.

Most present great nations emerged from ashes of destruction and we can equally seize the present crisis to put Kenya on the right pedestal to EQUITABLE and sustainable prosperity. The success of such a venture is only possible with a new constitution that galvanizes Kenyan aspirations by recognizing her strengths to overcome commensurate weaknesses. But a constitution is as good as the people it is authored for. Kenyans must re-examine and define the basics to anchor their country’s success. Sample these three scenarios reflecting our sense of industry and success.

Warped sense of industry
Three Kenyan contractors (A B and C) are bidding to repair a government building. All the three are invited to view the building at the same same time by the PS in the ministry of Roads and Works. Contractor A rolls his sleeves with tools in hand then works some figures with a pencil. "Well", he says, "I figure the job will run about KES 9m – KES 4m for materials, KES 4m for my crew and KES 1m my profit."

Contractor B follows and does his thing with his tools too then says, "I can do this job for KEs 7m – KES 3m for materials, KES 3m for my crew and KES 1m my profit." Lastly contractor C makes no physical examination of the building in question but leans over to the PS and whispers, "KES 27 m." The astonished PS promptly asks, "You didn't did no examination like the other guys, how did you come up with such a high figure?". Contractor C whispers back, "KES 10m for me, KES 10m for you and we hire contractor B to do the job." To which the PS promptly responds "Done!".

Well folks unfortunately that is how it all works and we pride ourselves being industrious. True, there are exceptions to the above but that doesn’t make it any rosier. Kenyans generally live a life whose success is premised on DEALS, MORE DEALS and cutting corners. In the process we unwittingly rape our own country dry to feather our personal nests while complaining loudest about corruption. I guess this the unique Kenyan version of industry and success.

What Kenyans Should Do

What does Jeff Koinange's K24 Stand For?

By Wanjiku of Mombasa

Present Kenya is a battered nation albeit a hopeful one. But it is not bad luck or lack of resources that is plaguing us. Take Japan for example. About 70% of Japan is forested, mountainous and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial or residential use. Yet it is the second largest economy in the world and a world leader in technology. Is there any significant intellectual difference between their executives and our own? Is Japan any more blessed with resources than we are? Any reason why Kenya cannot hit those notes in future?

Our woes are an obvious result of poor leadership, weak institutions, selfishness and impunity among a myriad other evils that cannot be listed on a single page. Our leaders have stashed our hard earned money in Swiss accounts, bought property abroad and acquired more land than their graves and those of all their future generations can ever fill. In parliament there have been thieves, murderers, drunkards, wife beaters, rapists, warlords, name it. They came, they stole but they will not conquer us. So first, I say we get over them and show them the door. Every Kenyan can and should do their part towards this.

Second we should disconnect from our leaders and work to change our personal attitudes. Leaders cannot touch our attitudes towards one another unless we let them. It is not going to be easy considering these are beliefs and attitudes framed for years through education and culture. Besides, we’ve hurt each other real bad recently. But with collective willpower it can be done. Gradually, maybe slowly, but it can be done.

Third, I dare say we embrace our ethnicity. Tribe is an identity and tribal identities are here to stay. We would best serve ourselves using ethnicity positively for personal as well as national growth. Judging from the number of inter-tribal marriages and mixed race children, the battle against negative ethnicity has been well underway on the family level. Now we take it national. Instead of fighting ethnicity, why not foster vibrant healthy competition among different cultures? Why not support each other in trade? Or intellectually? Why not learn what other communities do best and let them also learn what we do best?

Fourth let us work on the children. Get them while they’re young. It is said that if you’re thinking 1 year ahead, till a field. If you’re thinking 10 years ahead, plant a tree. If you’re thinking 100 years ahead, raise a child. Let parents and teachers teach them to be proud of their cultures and appreciate other peoples’ cultures. Recently I watched sadly as displaced children were asked to express their feelings in drawing. Most of them drew fire, machetes, bows, arrows and blood. I shudder at the thought of what seeds have been planted in their minds. We need to mend these young minds for the sake of the future.

There must be many other brilliant ideas out there. What sayest thou?

What Does K24 Stand For?

Towards the end of last year, a brand new 24 hour news channel was quietly launched into the Kenyan market. Apart from a full page advertisement in the Standard newspaper, there was very little else in terms of promotion.

Today barely 4 months later, this new TV station clearly modeled along the lines of Atlanta based CNN continues to quietly exist.



To be fair, K24 has had its’ moments. Many of these have emerged from their eyewitness news segment that brings breaking news. The idea is to evolve this into some sort of citizen journalism thing where virtually anybody can report from where it is happening. During the troubled times that our country has recently passed through there are many potentially award winning features that have been aired in this segment. One sticks out very clearly on my mind where host Jeff Koinange interviewed a German woman in the ruins and ashes of a burnt down children’s orphanage in Eldoret. Apparently what angered locals was the fact that children hailing from different tribes were happily interacting with each other.

It was also on K24 that I saw an intimate interview with ODM’s William Ruto, expertly conducted by Jeff Koinange on the lawns of what is clearly the famous journalists’ favorite hotel, namely...

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Crisis Unmasks Moi the Pretending Professor

Last week’s political deal between Kibaki and Raila has left very sour taste in many Kenyan politicians hitherto revered as indomitable. Leading the pack of casualties is immediate former president Daniel arap Moi. The loud silence from the self-proclaimed professor of Kenyan politics since last Thursday is NO mere coincidence but prompted by embarrassing circumstances and developments within our borders.

Never underestimate the collective will of a nation determined to reclaim their national pride. That must be clear message Moi failed to grasp from the 2002 political debacle with his Uhuru project. If Toro ever entertained the thought that of being a political phoenix capable reincarnation from the ashes then Kenyans have proved him wrong by consigning him to political irrelevance.

It is hardly 2000 days since Moi left power and it must look like eternity to him. Moi’s hollow catch dictum that Kenya was an isle of peace in a sea of chaos have been debunked to Siberia. The violence following last years disputed polls have proved to Moi and his ilk that Kenyans are averagely ahead of their leaders who only derive utmost pleasure in primitive ethnicity.

Reverse baptism with fire
Uncle Dan must be ruing the day four African ex-presidents landed in Nairobi with their sleeves rolled ready to excavate peace for Kenya. By then the poor old man from Sacho had lost any trace of relevance given his active partisan and polarising role in that very election fiasco. Moi must be suffering reverse baptism with fire.

To engrave Moi’s political epitaph is golden letters all his three sons resounding kissed defeat at the very polls. What is more, the hitherto baba na mama independence party Kanu has been submerged in turbulent Kenyan politics. Moi unwittingly drove the last political nail on both himself and Kanu.

But predictably Moi being an astute persona of unrivalled denial won’t accept this unpleasant truth. He will soon find his lips shamelessly placing the blame elsewhere. He perfected the art of DECEPTION that outgrew him and is now consuming him live before our eyes in his sunset days.

Well, nature is not cruel but only fair by dishing fairly out what you invest in it. And Moism will go extinct in our political landscape soon. The present political arena is replete with his faithful students ready to take Moism without Moi to new heights.

Historic Grand Coalition 10th Parliament Reopening Gets Underway

Opening prayers for Kenya’s historic grand coalition parliament have been completed and the speaker is now reading his inaugural official speech before inviting President Kibaki to read his official opening speech.

The highlights of the president's speech, which was incidentally prepared by teams drawn from ODM and PNU, are expected to be themed around (a) the Agreement on the Principles of Coalition Government and (b) the National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008 which were agreed upon last week following protracted violence and desputes between the the two parties and their supporters.

Citizen and KBC radio, including all TV channels in Kenya are airing events from parliament live. The ODM Captain Raila Odinga is at present occupying the seat of the official opposition leader (left hand of speaker) while ODM-K leader and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is occupying the seat of the Leader of Government Business (right-hand of speaker).

Updates to follow.

Related: Kenya Politics Headed to a Grand Coalition

Breaking News: Mungiki Attacks Were Planned at State House

Reports have just emerged that Mungiki-led violence following last year's disputed elections were state-sanctioned. Well allow me to spoil the present party mood. These reports are categorical that Mungiki-led violence were planned and authorized from the heart of power-STATE HOUSE.

Predictably, Alfred Mutua already has all his limbs in his mouth is denial. In his characteristic self the goofing Mutua has told BBC that neither the President nor any government functionary would meet the Mungiki in darkness or otherwise. But history contracts that very proclamation, or doesn't it?

This damning report claims that meetings were hosted at the official residence of the president between the banned Mungiki militia and senior government figures. The singular aim it claims was to hire them as a defence force in the Rift Valley to protect the Kikuyu community.

According to BBC investigation a Mungiki member in hiding after receiving death threats revealed that three senior leaders of the sect were summoned to State House and singularly assigned the task of defending the Kikuyu in Rift Valley.

Ours is fast-paced politics complete with very destructive antics. The Mungiki ruse is no passing cloud. Add one plus one and you get today's demonstration by demanding Mungiki followers demanding release from jail of their leader Maina Njenga. Whether it is sour grapes or one party not honouring his side of the bargain will emerge very soon. So there comes the first wart in the festivities which Mutua has unwittingly dismissed as preposterous.

The Mad Rush To Have Everybody In Government

Kalonzo And Mungatana Squirm At The Writing On The Wall

Kumekucha theme song dedicated to all Kumekuchans. Click here and ENJOY!!!

Kalonzo Musyoka and one Danston Mungatana are putting up a brave face but the writing is already on the wall, both gentleman are about to be shoved into political oblivion and when the new republic emerges, there will no longer be room for their brand of old style heckler politics.

Apparently the 50/50 sharing between PNU and ODM extends to parastatals and ambassadorial appointments and that must have a lot of people very worried and lacking in sleep at night.

It is already apparent that the slots have suddenly shrunk for PNU supporters so much so that there is talk now of having a colossal cabinet of at least 36, so as to squeeze in at least 18 ministers apiece (rather than just 16). Do the math and put some faces next to the names and you’ll suddenly realize that 18 cabinet positions are extremely few. There is no way they can go round PNU, Narc-Kenya and ODM-Kenya. It is safe to assume that most of the posts will remain within PNU and other affiliate parties will be extremely lucky to get even one. Based on this assumption it will be difficult for Kalonzo “sent hecklers to the funeral of a female colleague’s mother” Musyoka to retain the vice presidency.

But the LSK (Law Society of Kenya) chairman Kong’o Omogeni and the EALS (East African Law Society) President Tom Ojienda had a very clear message for Hon Musyoka yesterday. They told him that the current PNU and ODM agreement over rides any prior covenants that may have been made and Musyoka should take up the leadership of the opposition as the official leader of the opposition.

The lawyers, in a telephone interview with one of the dailies emphasized that a structured opposition was needed and the idea of having everybody in government should be discouraged. The lawyers further advised that those amending the constitution should put a clause allowing parties with less than 30 MPs to...

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Kumekucha Kweli Plus Statement On Comments Moderation

Kumekucha theme song dedicated to all Kumekuchans. Click here and ENJOY!!!

Recently, during the most serious crisis Kenya has ever faced in her history, we repeatedly said here that only divine intervention would save Kenya. That is exactly what seems to have happened.

Yesterday ODM leader and Prime Minister designate Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki were openly smiling for the cameras during a brief interruption of their long cordial meeting at Harambee house. All the tension and plastic smiles seem to have disappeared. This is nothing short of a genuine miracle (wacha ile fake ya wiper). Whatever it is that is going on here it is good for Kenya and the long suffering people of Kenya.

As you read this, Mvita MP and prominent member of the ODM pentagon, Hon Najib Balala is part of a government team to a major tourism fair in Germany. The team left Kenya last night (Kenyan time). Other members of the team include Foreign affairs minister Moses Wetangula and another ODMer, MP for Sotik, Lorna Laboso. Clearly both sides have started working together, even before their gentleman’s agreement becomes law.

In fact the whole crisis has turned out to be a blessing in disguise because we now have the perfect opportunity to not only seal all the loop holes that resulted in the macabre events of last December, but we will also get a brand new constitution as well. Not to mention the proposed truth and reconciliation commission that we have begged for here in Kumekucha for a very long time indeed. Surely things couldn’t be better.

This is a historic moment when we have the chance to correct the mistakes of the past.

Ironically there are many similarities between the birth of the first republic way back in 1963 and the birth of this the second republic that is about to take place right before our very eyes in the next fortnight or so. One similarity is the office of the Prime Minister. It is the desire of the vast majority of the people of Kenya that Kenya’s second prime minister be sworn in at Uhuru Park. If this happens then whatever he says in his acceptance speech will be very important to me and those Kenyans who understand. It has always bothered me a great deal that Kenya’s first Prime Minister Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on a similar occasion in 1963 said in his speech; “Today is the happiest day of my life.” Those words were to prove prophetic because the main beneficiary of that day was the man who uttered those words and indeed his family who today own land the size of a whole Nyanza province. History records that the people who witnessed that historic event and were wildly cheering that day ended up being worse off than they were under the colonial government.

It would be nice if the second prime minister were to usher in the second republic with words about that being the happiest day in the life of ordinary, long suffering Kenyans. Some people don’t think words mean very much, least of all coming from the mouth of a politician. But alas, I beg to differ.

Finally I would like to concur with those who have pointed out here that Kenyans in the diasporas had a huge role to play in this great victory that is about to dawn for Kenya. I take off my hat to you gallant Kenyans. Contrary to what many ordinary folks here believe, our brothers and sisters out there in foreign lands live under some very difficult circumstances. Yet many of them went out of their way to spend hours online sending petitions, leaving comments in blogs and sites like Kumekucha and so many other little things which made a huge difference.

It is only right that the new government (the first in the second republic, which will be the people’s republic) honors and rewards this group of Kenyans. The way to do this is to speedily pass the dual citizenship law that will allow Kenyans to legally hold more than one nationality. I personally believe that this is a move which will have a huge impact on the development of our beloved motherland and in the weeks and months to come, I will personally be pushing for the inclusion of this amendment in whatever new constitution is tabled.

Statement on Moderation from Kumekucha

I have been bombarded by requests to lift comment moderation in this blog. Older readers of this blog will know that being the people’s blog I usually speedily assent to most requests.

However there is a serious problem here. We have some people out there whose sole mission in life is to mess up things at Kumekucha. Over the last couple of months various tactics have been used including the shameless cloning of this blog. The latest tactic is to stage manage a bitter exchange of words between a Ms Brinner and the Okellos in a bid to infuriate both parties as well as the terms and conditions of decency that are in place for the running of this blog site.

Some of you have suggested that I wait to delete hate comments later. I have done this in the past and the least amount of time it has taken for me to clean up the site is 2 long hours. Obviously this is unacceptable as I will have no time left to make any posts or to do the many other things that keep your favorite blog going.

I am exploring other options but in the meantime I appeal for patience from all of you as I continue to moderate comments. Admittedly, this is also time consuming but takes far less time than deleting the comments later.

For the love of the motherland.

Kumekucha.