Thank You For The Kind Words Folks

I have sincerely been overwhelmed by the flood of kind words from all you good people out there who are responsible for the one million plus hits (and rapidly climbing) that this blog achieved yesterday.

My ribs are aching from the hilarious comments about Form 16A’s and Kivuitu announcements.

To be sincere, I was completely taken by surprise by the way in which the congratulations poured in. As you can imagine this is a lonely and thankless job where encouragement is rare.

Let me take this opportunity to thank the other main bloggers who have contributed immensely to the success of Kumekucha like Taabu, Phil, Luke, Ritch, Sue, Sayra, Kalamari, Proud Kikuyu Woman, Danlieve, Karol, Derek and even the missing in action, Vikii (I hope I haven’t left out anybody). Thank you so much my brothers and sisters. I would never have done it alone.

To be sincere, without these folks, readers would have had to suffer the dictatorship of my ideas and biases. But these guys are such an effective “check and balance” on my “presidential powers”. I want to encourage them by telling them that the service they have rendered to our beloved (albeit currently burning) motherland is more than they will ever realize.

Somebody has asked whether I ever imagined getting one million hits. To be honest, although I am extremely ambitious, I never dreamt that it would come this quickly. Once again, a big thank you to all you guys out there who made it possible.

Can we now join hands (across the political divide) and selflessly help solve the current crisis in our motherland?

Supporting The Peace Agenda: A Citizens Pathway

The Citizen Pathway Group is made up of professional Kenyans from all walks of life. Regular readers of this column may remember them as the 'Cellar Group'.

Ever since the start of the violence in Kenya the CPG have had numerous meetings in a bid to find a middle-ground so that peace and civilized behavior can return to our country. The CPG has also visited many parts of the country affected by violence and provided significant humanitarian assistance to Kenyans who are now being referred to as IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons).

The CPG is now pleased to welcome all Kenyans of goodwill to their next meeting in order to allow any one with any positive idea can put it forward.

The meeting aims to focus on how to arm Kenyans in developing strategy to co-exist within this beautiful country.

CITIZENS PATHWAY GROUP

Venue

Shelter Afrique Center
Saturday, February 2, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Agenda

• Opening/Introductions/Agenda/Time-keeping

• What is CPG/Mission/Progress so far

• Personal Impact: recognizing trauma/depression in yourself

• Scenarios

• What we expect of you (by end, you will all be equipped with positive messages to drown out the negativity)

• Understanding our narratives/deconstructing myths

• Success story: speaking to hardliners

• Four break-out groups

-Developing content – current myths and counter-messages to different groups (aggressors, politician, media, average Kenyan)
- Disseminating content - how does CPG get its message out?

• Reporting to larger group on messages and outreach strategy
  

• Conclusion: How to have impact as a Luo, Luhya, Kikuyu, Kalenjin moderate

• Action Plan and Closing