People Power Sneaks In Unexpectedly Through The Back Door

About a week ago, I told you good folks to keep your eyes on two guys, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto. You can read that post HERE.

Well, most of you must know by now that Uhuru has just filed a case that has far-reaching implications to have his name removed from a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights that names him as one of the financiers of the post election violence. You can read the full story HERE. Even more interesting is the lawyer representing him in the case. His name is Desterio Oyatsi. This is the man who not only got Nicholas Biwott off the hook but also won him some eye-popping damages. I am told that he is a very smart lawyer indeed. Well we'll see. Mainly because the situation has changed and continues to change dramatically in the country as far as politics go. You will know what I am talking about when you finish reading this post.

But before I say what I want to say today, I want you to add one more name on our list of people to watch so that we can tell the direction of where things are headed. Kindly add the name of this gynecologist doctor called Bonny Khalwale who is the MP for Ikolomani. Please watch this man carefully over the next few weeks and months without removing Uhuru and Ruto from your radar. Read a profile on Khalwale by one of the daily newspapers.

This thing hit me when I went to this small up-country shopping centre this week and found a huge crowd outside this cyber that had a TV. Kenyans were watching the proceedings in parlaiment keenly. Actually no analyst yet (to the best of my knowledge) has captured the dramatic change in the dynamiocs of Kenyan politics that has been brought about by the move to air live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings both on TV and radio.

Let me give you a very simple recent example. The bill currently being discussed in parliament towards the establishment of a local tribunal to try post-election violence suspects has witnessed a strange twist. At the beginning it looked like it was going to sail through. Then suddenly substantial stiff opposition to it emerged. So much so that we can say it is already dead in the water. Yesterday parliament could not even raise a quorum to conclude important discussions on the bill. You know the big culprit? It was TV and her close cousin, radio. There is no doubt that MPs are playing to the gallery (as they should because their true bosses are the electorate). One man (previously unknown) who has made a very big name for himself, thanks mainly to these live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings is the gynecologist I mentioned earlier, Bonny "Oh I told the Prime Minister. Noooo! Kimunya must go" Khalwale.

The political dynamics, my fellow Kenyans have changed and the have changed in a big way. Before, once elected MPs would go to the August house to cut their own deals to the highest bidder and only report back to their constituents when general elections were around the corner. That era has now clearly ended.

And this is why I told a friend yesterday that although Uhuru has filed this case, there is only one problem. And that is the increasingly powerful (previously powerless) court of public opinion. Folks there are very exciting times ahead.

We'll discuss this in more detail after the weekend.

Valentines Lies

Lies don’t just exist in politics … they are all over … in business, social life, among close friends, family members. But what is most heart breaking is the tendency for people to love and believe lies. They many times prefer to believe and cling onto a lie than face the truth as it is.

But this lie lies much deeper than you think contributing to many illegitimate kids that are not capable of handling the truth … and neither can they understand it. Maombi tu kwao ndio ya ta-work. They were born out of lies … brought up with lies … and are living a lie … and the life of lies is all they understand. Good news is that nothing last forever and anyone who is interested can be quickened into a new direction and for today let’s start from the basics.

Another day of what is apparently supposed to be a day to show those you love the Love … will be with us in a week. The town is starting to glow red as the commercial aspect of the day takes shape. Some peoples hearts are already red waiting with a lot of anxiety to see what their partner will show or do to assure them of the love. And right there goes the 1st wrong step. Valentines is not the designated day of the year that your partner is tasked with providing the love and show you how special you are … it’s an everyday thing for him/her to show you the love. Check yourself out for your intentions of been remembered and the meanings you make related to some behaviours. If you will use valentines to look for evidence that you are loved or special … know right now that your in big trouble … your relationship is in trouble.

One of the skills required for a successful relationship is the willingness of the partners and their ability to be vulnerable and ask for what they need and want. That your man/lady went out and bought you a lovely card/flowers means … he/she went out and bought a lovely card/flowers. That behavior alone does not mean he/she loves you. He/she may love you … but that alone is not the true indicator of his/her love or valuing.

So this valentines do yourselves some goodness … sit down together and plan the way you are going to celebrate your love and your gratitude for been in each other’s life. Don’t get into the mix and traditions of valentines … take the opportunity to care for each other and your relationship together … in ways that are meaningful to both of you.

And in that light … pliz don’t be pressured or guilted into acting like you care or care more than you do. Borrowing the words of a pal of mine … valentines day is a day set up for disappointment- encourages disillusionment and offers false messages. Be sure you only do/say what is in your heart to do and say. Make sure your thoughts, feelings, actions and beliefs match.

If your dating someone you think is worthy of your special attention … let them know. Only you can make it happen … and only you can keep it real.