Changing Hearts Winning Minds

There is a saying that goes “the winner takes all, loser gets nothing” This saying is usually true, but as with all ordinary laws of logic, it fails to apply in our local politics. Watching all 3 political contenders of last years elections tour the vast rift valley landscape this week as part of their peace rally agenda leaves one wondering what the fuss in 2007 was all about?

Just who exactly were the real losers if all three are now in Government? The answer of course is you and I the electorate; however, if a tiny 14 seater Nissan can comfortably accommodate 30-40 crammed commuters, why can’t the government of Kenyan play host to all 3 plus 40 others in cabinet?

Well, the former leader of official opposition and current deputy prime minister and minister for trade set the pace last year for what was to come in 2008 when he absconded his constitutional role as head of opposition, vowing that his party must be in the next (current) government and jumping ship accordingly into the party of national unity yatch.

The loser yet again was Kenyans yearning for an opposition that gave an alternative to the Government of the day. The more things change the more they remain the same

PROTOCOL IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Ordinarily, protocol wars such as those witnessed this week can be fought and easily won or lost on the basis of following simple chain of command structure, but as Taabu said earlier this week its easier to legislate bureaucratic structure than it is to legislate the will of the people.

In the hearts and minds of the vast majority of Kenyans (both IDPs and non-IDPs), protocol is in the eye of the beholder, and based on who they voted for respect will be given not taken by force. Unfortunately in life we don’t always have it the way we want, so all 3 party bigwigs made it to government and are represented in the makeup of the current coalition so we are spoilt for choice over whom to pay homage to

Under current circumstances, it’s easier to retell the past than it is to predict the outcome of our future. What is certain is that the current politics of the day shaping up and taking centre stage is neither about development nor negative ethnic bashing but it seems the era of winning over the hearts and minds of millions of Kenyans is here.

This is being done by convincing them to play along with the current uncomfortable yet too familiar script in which yesterday’s sworn enemies are today’s best friends-for the sake of national unity of course-keep your friends close but your enemies closer.

Vice President Musyoka is engaged in a battle royale to convince the masses not to brand him a political turncoat. In his own aloof way President Kibaki’s daunting task is to somehow convince all Kenyans to forget the past and act as if nothing happened. Meanwhile the Prime Minister is left with the onerous task of convincing the government he is not a third step in the ladder.

Of course Kenyans are not buying any of it, but nevertheless the job at hand is to win over our hearts and change our minds so that we can play along to the tune of a new Kenya that is before us.

PRAY FOR KENYA
Folks, its a fragile unity we share today. Stormy waters unchartered that currently lie ahead include the making of a new constitution and rehabilitating the economy. Now would be a good time to believe in God and his power to deliver miracles ala Joseph the prince of Egypt or Moses and the red sea. Spare a minute or two and pray for Kenya


The 4 most popular stories in Kumekucha right now

1. Kalonzo or Raila who is boss


2. Sam okello on the traitor

3. IDPs are pawns in political game

4. Backstabbing ODM mois secret hand

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Kalonzo Or Raila: Who Is The Boss?

Question remains even as protocol issue is resolved

The protocol mess has been resolved today and the procedure now is that Raila invites the VP to speak first. The VP sits down when he is done and then Raila invites the president to speak. Hii Kenya yetu kweli!

But yesterday is a day that remains etched on the minds of many Kenyans. As one commentator pointed out here it was a scene straight out of a comedy. Even Walter Mongare and his Redykulass comedy trio would not have done it better (with KJ as Kalonzo, Njuguna as Kibaki and Mongare as Raila).

Three of the most powerful men in Kenya hurdled together and getting in each others way as they walked and as the cameras rolled and flashed.

Methinks Kalonzo was trying to strike a pose with his lifted hand. What did he keep on pointing at all the time with his right hand? I also think that Kalonzo rushed to be at Kibaki’s right hand side to give Kenyans that all important symbolic message.

The actions of a man always betrays his thinking. And this man called Kalonzo has blood on his hands no matter what angle you look at things from. The money he received from London included handing over votes to Kibaki in the concluded flawed elections. Has anybody attempted to explain President Kibaki’s sudden popularity in Ukambani when the community had their own candidate?

Politics aside, if Kalonzo had a heart, over 4,000 of our innocent dear brothers and sisters, now departed would have been with us today and that is a fact. Without Kalonzo, it would not have been possible for PNU to rig the presidential elections, the gap would have been just too wide.

And again for those still blind with ethnicity, Kalonzo displayed his true character yesterday. Kindly note that the three leaders were not going for a homecoming party. Nay, they were going to visit some displaced Kenyans who have gone through the kind of suffering you and I cannot even begin to imagine. A couple of these guys have committed suicide and yesterday one of them in the Naivasha camp killed his wife and left his mother-in-law for dead before fleeing. He is still at large. Fellow Kenyans try and understand that this IDP thing is not the joke Kalnzo Musyoka and others thinks it is.

So who is whose boss? The constitution says that Kalonzo is. The peace accord which was entrenched into the same constitution says that Raila and Kibaki are equal partners.

But frankly who cares as long as Kalonzo Musyoka stops his hypocritical ways. Interestingly in this week’s raw notes I present some interesting facts that proves exactly what kind of witchdoctor-visiting character the hypocritical VP is. Surely what did Kenyans do to deserve Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka?

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