Finally, the curtains have unceremoniously come down, with awe and sadness, the sun has set early in the afternoon. From this stage of life dominated not only by scribes of your ilk but also all and sundry from many a sectors in the society.
Black Saturday the 28th of November is the day when my friend, brother and confidante Wilkins alias Producer exited leaving many groping for facts about his untimely and 'unannounced' departure.
Down Memory Lane
I, fellow scribe and friend have mourned all this days but have grown and found it not only fit but also wise to celebrate you, journey with self down memory lane, share the moments despite the killing nostalgia and more so learn to make the best of this life, for short are man's days an equivalent of a passing shadow and a wilting leaf.
Dark, it Became
You endeared the qualities and virtues of a good man in this world, blooming with talent and promising to hit the skies in a while but just before that happened, the bud was nipped and like the sparrow from the skies short of breath, you came tumbling down from body and soul to the amazement and chagrin of all of us. The dreams and vision you had long ago written in the tablet of your hand had just shown signs of fruition. In the prime of your youth you had just learned the ropes of the trade and was ready to immerse yourself into the profession to prove not just your salt but also confirm God's promise of prosperity and hope. You had just realised that mention of the future had come and no more would one say to you of the old and patronising claims of the 'future leader'. You were just out to inform them, to surprise them that, that future had finally come.
Time Running out
Just before all these happened, the clock went-tick, tick, tack tock and ultimately the lights went off, the stage was deserted and many an audience were left wondering that maybe you had missed the lines, sometimes characteristic of a refined thespian. They thought you had employed many of your rib cracking ways to liven the auditorium as you would sometimes especially when you played 'Pieces of Chalk'. It was no strange to many anyway because you had invoked such before.
For the Umpteenth Time......
This, apparently was not the normal joke. It was real- the stage was to remain silent and the audiences gripped by fear, worry and gloom as they learned that it was not that you had missed the lines but that you had lost them. Your breath was no more and like orphaned children, the audience gathered in groups whispering in low tones as they tried to come to terms with the development.
To your Maker you left
Perhaps, we never knew that time was running out. Indeed for me it took long to realise that our meeting was actually crucial. We kept postponing every time, with flimsy reasons of course to support our argument. Little did I know that you were operating on borrowed time and that the bells of exit were beginning to ring from a distance. Soon the sound of the bells went high and high though not loud for me and you to hear. It was just reserved maybe for your hears only if at all you heard it at the last minute.
Then it was
Ultimately, the day of fire came and you had no option but to respond to that calling of eon which none of the mortal being can resist. The last line of the long verse was just being read, and out, you exited the stage.
To your maker you returned. Unto those left behind, we can't mourn you my friend anymore. I have learned to celebrate your life and grow stronger, learn many other lessons especially on procrastination.
Fare thee well my friend, brother and confidante.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Time or not another
Kenya's moment to get a new constitution and perhaps right the wrongs commited over the years has come.
The long walk to a new constitutional dispensation is likely to come to an end if only the citizenry engage and make informed decisions devoid of political manipulation and misinformation from politicians. However, there still remains the big challenge of having Kenyans read the document within a thirty day time frame seen by many as short and likely to expose many to waylaying by politicians.
If the document comes to pass, then it will be Kenya's day of relief though not necessarily the end of the struggle.
The long walk to a new constitutional dispensation is likely to come to an end if only the citizenry engage and make informed decisions devoid of political manipulation and misinformation from politicians. However, there still remains the big challenge of having Kenyans read the document within a thirty day time frame seen by many as short and likely to expose many to waylaying by politicians.
If the document comes to pass, then it will be Kenya's day of relief though not necessarily the end of the struggle.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Behold, the Day of Fire
Like the angel of death in the days of yore, the ICC prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo will set foot tomorrow on Kenyan soil breathing fire and promising to devour without fear or favour to the excitement, fear and awe among all and sundry in the country.
Finally the day has come and Kenya, like a number of a handful of other world countries prepare to face the wrath of the International CriminalCourt which, in the words of the prosecutor promises to make Kenya a lesson to many across the globe.
Never before has it sounded real like today. The mood in the country ranges from excitement, to a state of mixed feeling especially given the binding loyalties, to that of fear, worry and more worry. To the suspects of the post election violence, the day of reckoning seems to have come and like many death row convicts in various prisons of the world, their date with the finisher of suspense and agony is finally here.
Even as many in government still contemplate Ocampo's decisions, views across the divide are suggestive of a country whose patience for justice seems to be running out. Ocampo's coming to the country perhaps to many is considered long overdue owing to the degree of impunity which has become synonymous with Kenya and perhaps personifies the country now than never before.
For now, crossing our fingers would be the most honourable thing to do, hoping that the President and the Prime Minister do no harbour ideas of sweet talking the man with a message from the world court.
Finally the day has come and Kenya, like a number of a handful of other world countries prepare to face the wrath of the International CriminalCourt which, in the words of the prosecutor promises to make Kenya a lesson to many across the globe.
Never before has it sounded real like today. The mood in the country ranges from excitement, to a state of mixed feeling especially given the binding loyalties, to that of fear, worry and more worry. To the suspects of the post election violence, the day of reckoning seems to have come and like many death row convicts in various prisons of the world, their date with the finisher of suspense and agony is finally here.
Even as many in government still contemplate Ocampo's decisions, views across the divide are suggestive of a country whose patience for justice seems to be running out. Ocampo's coming to the country perhaps to many is considered long overdue owing to the degree of impunity which has become synonymous with Kenya and perhaps personifies the country now than never before.
For now, crossing our fingers would be the most honourable thing to do, hoping that the President and the Prime Minister do no harbour ideas of sweet talking the man with a message from the world court.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
End of the Ring-era
No lettin' go, no letting' go..... but when the push persists, you got to let it go.
Indeed the man at KACC has always considered himself not just the learned man, but also Caesar's wife. However, as things seem to be, one has to learn something-that you cannot fight the wind. Even though you are being cheered to stay on the top, there comes a time when you have to loose confidence with your backers.
Think of the KACC boss Aaron Ringera whose connotation of an error seems banal to most Kenyans by now. His attempts to prove wrong parliament and the country at large seems not to be bearing fruit even though one phony minister of justice seems to be proping him day by day despite the fact that the verdict is irreversible.
Perhaps the big lesson we ought to learn even as we wait for Ringera to throw in the towel is that at all times we ought to be guided by our conscience and read the signs on the wall. To ill intentioned sycophants like Mutula Kilonzo and company, your counsel is questionable and your presence in the justice docket is a diservice to this nation, perhaps to borrow from Obama, 'you are on the wrong side of history.'
Indeed the man at KACC has always considered himself not just the learned man, but also Caesar's wife. However, as things seem to be, one has to learn something-that you cannot fight the wind. Even though you are being cheered to stay on the top, there comes a time when you have to loose confidence with your backers.
Think of the KACC boss Aaron Ringera whose connotation of an error seems banal to most Kenyans by now. His attempts to prove wrong parliament and the country at large seems not to be bearing fruit even though one phony minister of justice seems to be proping him day by day despite the fact that the verdict is irreversible.
Perhaps the big lesson we ought to learn even as we wait for Ringera to throw in the towel is that at all times we ought to be guided by our conscience and read the signs on the wall. To ill intentioned sycophants like Mutula Kilonzo and company, your counsel is questionable and your presence in the justice docket is a diservice to this nation, perhaps to borrow from Obama, 'you are on the wrong side of history.'
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A Case of Loyalty and Sycophancy
The long and winding debate over the reappointment of Justice Aaron Ringera to serve for the second five year term as KACC chair came to a tragic end yesternight when parliament handed its harshest penalty on the executive.
After protracted battles, canvassing and horse trading across the politcal divide, the House burnt the midnight oil to assert its authority and send the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission reeling in abject spirit perhaps contemplating its future.
It indeed marked the end of a debate which has also caused rage around the country with the civil society organising protests, filing suites in court and the general populace cursing from their hearts.
It was time once again to test this level of loyalty. Mention of the doctrine of collective responsibility by government ministers attracted the wrath of a number of ministers who sharply argued on the contrary saying that they were not ready to pay for the sins of their boss on grounds that collective responsibility does not impune collective suicide.
It is in this definition that the MP declared the Justice minister and all of his camp as sycophants rather than loyalist. Loyalists, she says tell the president on the face that he is wrong while sycophants mislead him for political expediency.
It is the expectation of many therefore that the tenth parliament will act in the same zeal and zest to right wrongs and guide the country towards the respect of rule of law.
After protracted battles, canvassing and horse trading across the politcal divide, the House burnt the midnight oil to assert its authority and send the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission reeling in abject spirit perhaps contemplating its future.
It indeed marked the end of a debate which has also caused rage around the country with the civil society organising protests, filing suites in court and the general populace cursing from their hearts.
Breach of Law
The president though with a seemingly strong defence was humiliated and strongly criticised for breaking the law on reappointment of Ringera. Parliament was turned into a battle ground of wits as a plethora of laws and sections were reffered to by a number of members, each trying to quote and either defend or condemn the president. Legalise and all sorts of jargon surfaced the House with others crossing frontiers to borrow from the UK parliament and American Congresss for guidance. War time leaders such as Winston Churchill may have turned in their graves when mention of their actions was made.Loyalty Versus Sycophancy
Perhaps the very interesting part of this sojourn in the House came up when some members sought the guidance of the chair on the loyalty of cabinet ministers to the president. It serves us right to recall the day when MPs were sworn in for the tenth parliament early last year. The post poll animosity was so real that some led by the current Prime Minister refused to swear loyalty to the president but rather to the constitution.It was time once again to test this level of loyalty. Mention of the doctrine of collective responsibility by government ministers attracted the wrath of a number of ministers who sharply argued on the contrary saying that they were not ready to pay for the sins of their boss on grounds that collective responsibility does not impune collective suicide.
Semantics, Grammatical Basics and Legalise
Indeed the former minister for Justice, Constitution and National Cohesion, Martha Karua took the House through some basics in grammar on the difference between appointment and reappointment. The Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo had earlier on defended the president's decision that reappointment of KACC chair and deputies did not need direction from the advisory board and parliament as is the case with appointment. The difference between the two is pronunciation, spelling, character count. To reappoint is to appoint for the second time, the Gichugu MP informed the House.It is in this definition that the MP declared the Justice minister and all of his camp as sycophants rather than loyalist. Loyalists, she says tell the president on the face that he is wrong while sycophants mislead him for political expediency.
Life Line Cut
The House finally decided to cut the life line of the anti graft body by blocking the minister of finance from presenting the Appropriations Bill which would have given KACC funding to the tune of 1.2 billion shillings for the next fiscal year.Rule of Law
For a long time in Kenya, those exercising executive authority from the president and his cabinet have always broken the law whenever it suited their whims but yesterday's show in parlimanent is a warning that the rule of law must prevail at all times even if personal interest are at stake.It is the expectation of many therefore that the tenth parliament will act in the same zeal and zest to right wrongs and guide the country towards the respect of rule of law.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A Life well Lived Maruge
In obedience of age and beckoning of time, the curtains have finally come down for Kenya's oldest pupil Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge.
His demise is significant in many ways. His life and times too is significant much more perhaps than his death.
Maruge's life is a clear picture of Africa's history traversing the political, social and economic spheres. It is a life well lived but informing in many ways. His late life sojourn for knowledge is a real testimony of many Africans struggling to fulfill a life's vision which is about to be shattered by so many mitigating factors which cuts across the aforesaid spectrum.
Maruge also represents the lost chance which surfaced during independence in most African countries only to disappear shortly after and in its place power, with its attendant prodigy-greed, selfishness, discrimination, paranoia and finally extermination of the shared vision which kept the freedom fighters going on in the forests of Africa.
The elite and their relatives and friends secluded themselves from the common destiny and made the African struggle a masterpiece of fiction. It is no wonder in most African elite families the liberation struggle is only revisited during national holidays marked with pomp and colour while the underlying realities are better handled as an African man's sympathy tale tell.
In September 2008 Marugi was in New York under the auspices of the Global Campaign for Education to address the United Nations on the importance of free primary education. With the custodians of power and authority, he shared a platform. Himself a beneficiary of free primary education, Marugi called on the UN to help some 115 million children denied education because of poverty. "To me, Liberty is going to school and learning," he said.
His health was frail, a dream disappearing into the oblivion by the minute, a reminiscence of a struggle of a lifetime, a quest to conquer life's challenges then, finally, the candle went off and Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge's sojourn in the sands of time came to an end.
The Forum salutes you Monsiuer Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge for a life well lived.
His demise is significant in many ways. His life and times too is significant much more perhaps than his death.
Maruge's life is a clear picture of Africa's history traversing the political, social and economic spheres. It is a life well lived but informing in many ways. His late life sojourn for knowledge is a real testimony of many Africans struggling to fulfill a life's vision which is about to be shattered by so many mitigating factors which cuts across the aforesaid spectrum.
A Reflection of Despair and Neglect
His life represents the ambitions of many a struggling lot in society which have remained a distant dream consigned to limbo by African leadership to a large extent and also Western greed and alienation which has seen many dreams shattered.Maruge also represents the lost chance which surfaced during independence in most African countries only to disappear shortly after and in its place power, with its attendant prodigy-greed, selfishness, discrimination, paranoia and finally extermination of the shared vision which kept the freedom fighters going on in the forests of Africa.
The elite and their relatives and friends secluded themselves from the common destiny and made the African struggle a masterpiece of fiction. It is no wonder in most African elite families the liberation struggle is only revisited during national holidays marked with pomp and colour while the underlying realities are better handled as an African man's sympathy tale tell.
Hope personified
On a positive note, Marugi represents a virtue best exemplified in the undying spirit of a man trying to pursue a vision once written in the template of his heart more than eight decades ago. That he enrolled for primary school at the age of eighty five is an encouraging thing that time is no hindrance to man's achievement.In September 2008 Marugi was in New York under the auspices of the Global Campaign for Education to address the United Nations on the importance of free primary education. With the custodians of power and authority, he shared a platform. Himself a beneficiary of free primary education, Marugi called on the UN to help some 115 million children denied education because of poverty. "To me, Liberty is going to school and learning," he said.
A Life well lived
A week ago, Marugi's candle went off after close to a century of struggle, hard work and determination chasing his dream. His travails in pursuit of a fulfilling life were halted when he finally submitted to an eternal call of nature. He had indeed lived a life worth emulating. Time could not allow him to see his dream come to pass. He had once intimated that he wanted to learn arithmetic to enable him count the money he was to receive from the British government as reparation for loss during the colonial period. He holds the Guinness World Record.A Dream frustrated, resisted and ultimately killed
In his sunset years, Marugi lived a horrible life subjected to terror, lack and menace. He had been rendered a refugee in his own country and consigned to an internally displaced persons camp as a result of post poll violence which visited the country in 2008. Perhaps it reminded him of moments in the cold fighting the white man whom he was to take the podium and address years later on in New York. This time around though, his motherland had gained self rule and was independent from a direct colonial power.His health was frail, a dream disappearing into the oblivion by the minute, a reminiscence of a struggle of a lifetime, a quest to conquer life's challenges then, finally, the candle went off and Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge's sojourn in the sands of time came to an end.
The Forum salutes you Monsiuer Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge for a life well lived.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cabinet Fails to Disappoint
The search for justice on post poll violence in Kenya has taken a new twist. The cabinet has finally made its position known that indeed it does not have the guts to let any of its own brought to books.
Yesterday, (July 30, 2009), the president with a lieutenant of cabinet ministers made his stand known regarding the fate of the post election violence perpetrators, dealing a big blow to a large section of the Kenyan population who have called for the Hague option.
The cabinet seem to have been categorical in its view of the situation. The president indeed made it clear to the media and the public at large that a Hague or local tribunal option does not come in the picture.
What then is the way forward for the debate on prosecution of the perpetrators? The cabinet proposals revolve around an old idea whose mention has deafened ears by now. It's all about reforms in the judiciary, police force and related institutions to pave way for an effective court system to try the post poll suspects. The choice for the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission is no stranger to many a watchful Kenyan. Its hurried formation despite hue and cry from a section of the Kenyan society was suggestive enough of a choreographed idea.
Indeed as it has been pointed by many people across the divide, the idea of giving government a leeway to decide on the process was indicative of the cow given a choice of a slaughter house. The Waki report contains names of the high and mighty in the political and business scene and as such therefore, interests have to be protected.
The 2012 race reminds us that we need each other as politicians and businessmen, none is indispensable. It is in this spirit of give and take therefore that cabinet has found it wise to rubbish calls for international prosecution and any other instruments of justice that are likely to be detrimental to status quo.
What is left for Ocampo? A pull out from ICC a tenable option?
Yesterday, (July 30, 2009), the president with a lieutenant of cabinet ministers made his stand known regarding the fate of the post election violence perpetrators, dealing a big blow to a large section of the Kenyan population who have called for the Hague option.
The cabinet seem to have been categorical in its view of the situation. The president indeed made it clear to the media and the public at large that a Hague or local tribunal option does not come in the picture.
What then is the way forward for the debate on prosecution of the perpetrators? The cabinet proposals revolve around an old idea whose mention has deafened ears by now. It's all about reforms in the judiciary, police force and related institutions to pave way for an effective court system to try the post poll suspects. The choice for the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission is no stranger to many a watchful Kenyan. Its hurried formation despite hue and cry from a section of the Kenyan society was suggestive enough of a choreographed idea.
Different Story,shared destiny
For a long time now cabinet has not come out with a common front on this issue but yesterday seems to have signaled a turn of events on a compromised position indicating that the Kenyan cabinet is not ready for any directions either from Koffi Annan, Ocampo or any other foreign body or person out to suggest or dictate the modus operandi of the whole justice process.Indeed as it has been pointed by many people across the divide, the idea of giving government a leeway to decide on the process was indicative of the cow given a choice of a slaughter house. The Waki report contains names of the high and mighty in the political and business scene and as such therefore, interests have to be protected.
The 2012 race reminds us that we need each other as politicians and businessmen, none is indispensable. It is in this spirit of give and take therefore that cabinet has found it wise to rubbish calls for international prosecution and any other instruments of justice that are likely to be detrimental to status quo.
What is left for Ocampo? A pull out from ICC a tenable option?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Reality Bites
The fate of alleged post election violence suspects in Kenya is now very real than never before and every minute of the day reminds suspects of the prospects of spending years arguing out a case in the Hague.
It has never sounded or seemed like this. For sometime now, politicians across the political divide have exchanged bitter words and others even bragged of their courage and ability to handle the possibility of being a visitor of the world court.
Like never before, life of many a politician in Kenya looks dull and confounding. The courage and power to ignore threats seems to be fizzling out by the day. The analogy of the cat hiding behind the lion and threatening to unleash terror on would be enemies only to chicken out when the lion leaves the stage perhaps explains the scenario in Kenya.
It is no wonder therefore that even those who drummed up support for ICC seems to be backing off and instead calling for a Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). Moreso, others are ready forewarning the public about their names appearing in the envelop and seemingly exonerating themselves way in advance.
The power to read what is inside a closed envelop is Kenya's newest discovery and may be worth recommendation by the tourism board to potential tourists and to scholars, a fertile ground for research.
The international community's intervention led by the EU is a significant move towards the conclusion of the big debate between the envelop and the local tribunal which interestingly is taking the way of the age old argument on the egg and the chicken.
However on a lighter note the prosecutor at ICC has given the country another six months to come up with the necessary mechanisms to handle try the post election perpetrators, a case which helps engage the public discourse for quite a considerable time again.
The interesting thing though is that 2012 is not far and the way of the ballot will soon be nigh. Therefore the fate of many politicians in the next general elections will be dictated to a great extend by the outcome of this case. Perhaps many will lose out and to others a major victory since many will ride on the results of the Waki report.
It has never sounded or seemed like this. For sometime now, politicians across the political divide have exchanged bitter words and others even bragged of their courage and ability to handle the possibility of being a visitor of the world court.
Like never before, life of many a politician in Kenya looks dull and confounding. The courage and power to ignore threats seems to be fizzling out by the day. The analogy of the cat hiding behind the lion and threatening to unleash terror on would be enemies only to chicken out when the lion leaves the stage perhaps explains the scenario in Kenya.
It is no wonder therefore that even those who drummed up support for ICC seems to be backing off and instead calling for a Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). Moreso, others are ready forewarning the public about their names appearing in the envelop and seemingly exonerating themselves way in advance.
The power to read what is inside a closed envelop is Kenya's newest discovery and may be worth recommendation by the tourism board to potential tourists and to scholars, a fertile ground for research.
The international community's intervention led by the EU is a significant move towards the conclusion of the big debate between the envelop and the local tribunal which interestingly is taking the way of the age old argument on the egg and the chicken.
However on a lighter note the prosecutor at ICC has given the country another six months to come up with the necessary mechanisms to handle try the post election perpetrators, a case which helps engage the public discourse for quite a considerable time again.
The interesting thing though is that 2012 is not far and the way of the ballot will soon be nigh. Therefore the fate of many politicians in the next general elections will be dictated to a great extend by the outcome of this case. Perhaps many will lose out and to others a major victory since many will ride on the results of the Waki report.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Finally, the Envelope is Gone
Gone with the wind to the desk of Moreno O'Campo. Indeed it is gone and the rest is O'Campo's.
Yes finally, the former UN Chief and peace negotiator in post poll violence in Kenya Dr. Koffi Annan has ultimately put the case to rest.
He has finally handed over Kenya's Pandora's Box to the International Criminal Court, the land of teeth gnashing and groaning.
A Twist of Fate
This perhaps partially closes the chapter of horse trading, threats, divided loyalty and anguish among many a politician in the Kenyan arena where for the last ten months or so politicians have been engaged in war of words and shifting loyalties as others seemed to have used the envelop to fight their perceived political enemies.
In the public domain also there has been a lot of speculation as to whose name would be in the list. This development seems to have paved way for Kangaroo Courts where politicians of various shades have been handed very tough judgments by members of the public who in one way or the other were forced to come up with tentative measures in place of ICC or a local tribunal.
A Hope for Solace
Recently there have been very interesting moves in the country regarding this envelope. Bare a week ago, a team of ministers headed by the Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo sojourned to O'Campo's office in the Hague to discuss possible options of dealing with the menace of the post poll violence. This was occasioned by the tough and seemingly common stand taken by most members of parliament to reject a local tribunal and hand the envelop to ICC. This move seems not to have sank well with the two leaders of the coalition-PM and President and also Koffi Annan who has called for a local tribunal as well.
Twelve Months More...
Interestingly, the Prosecutor at ICC gave Kenya another grace period of twelve months to come up with a panacea which in the mind of the government included a third option of setting up a UN backed Special Tribunal in a different country.
Today(July 8, 2009), the chief negotiator has thrown the spanner into the works and further complicated the whole issue. Many questions are bound to resurface now and indeed those questions are fundamental: Did the Prosecutor at ICC overlook Annan's ultimatum? Was the ICC obliged to go by Annan's ultimatum? Could this be suggestive then of a futile effort by Koffi Annan to hand over the envelop to a man who has given suspects more leeway?
Credibility Test
It is also worth noting that ICC is facing a great credibility test from African leaders. A few days ago, the African Union (AU) unanimously agreed not to hand over the Sudanese leader Omar Elbashir whom a warrant of arrest had been issued against by the International Court some time last year.
From the Kenyan front, the air is full of suspense more than ever before regarding the envelop. It is in this breath that President Mwai Kibaki has today called an impromptu cabinet meeting to chart the way forward.
No reprieve yet
The president and the Prime Minister had been exonerated by the Waki Report which investigated the post election violence and subsequently prepared the envelop. Against this backdrop, it is imperative to note that the Rome Statute, which created ICC provides for prosecution of not only those directly involved but also those who abated and more importantly those who neglected responsibility of averting the crime, read:
Like more than never before, the reality of joining the ranks of other sixteen African leaders and politicians in the ICC list is a reality.
The proverbial Sword of Damocles once again hangs precariously in the Houses of parliament, Cabinet offices and all corridors of power awaiting who to devour come a pronouncement from the Hague.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
FARE THEE WELL MJ
Controversy, fame and indeed weird at some quarters. Perhaps we may not find all the best and bad words to describe Michael Jackson. He proved that it was possible despite prevailing circumstances.
'Michael was the King of Pop; Elvis Presley was the King of Rock N Roll', went the crown, though may be debatable, but it serves better.
Finally, the King as he declared bowed out at 50 sending the whole world into a state of awe and confusion and to others a state of sadness. Sometimes even the strongest are moved when some one of MJ's stature passes on. Indeed it was no surprise that Hugo Chavez could not fail to mourn MJ despite his negative view of the North.
Back in Kenya, even those who never knew MJ joined in the fray to mourn and celebrate a man whose view of Africa was bizarre and down trodden. MJ's disks and casettes resurfaced even after it may have been long forgoten.
Fare thee well MJ and greet Presley. Dont mind about your differences, perhaps you even married his daughter.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Obama's Score in the Mid East
Obama's maiden tour to Egypt and a well designed address to the Muslim world served to give a rather clean bill of health to his administration and delink it with that of his predecessor.
Indeed the US has had a very bad record not only from the Muslim and Arab world but also other parts of the world which perceive the US as a ruthless aggressor and a verile expansionist.
Triples Origins
A triple orientation spanning from Africa, America and Asia gives him a more legitimate position to argue out his case especially on the two state solution in the Middle East. Given that Obama also has a history cutting across the Christian and Muslim divide, he seems to enjoy a more comfortable reception from his audience in the Middle East unlike his predecessor who was seen as partisan and with very radical views.
Though the Arab world still remains skeptical on any word from the US, Obama's speech seems to have given a new impetus to the region. Perhaps this was welll captured in Obama's speech when he intimated that he went to Egypt to seek new ties and give America a better treat from the East.
Stiff Challenges
Issues such as Student Exchange programmes and fiscal aid for women groups and other democratic institutions are very key towards forging a better and mutual understnding between the US and the Arab world. However, the acid test for Obama administration include the Arab-Israeli conflict, in particular the Palestine and Israel, the perceived double standards by the US on muslims such as the war on terrosism, the conflicts in Afganistan, Iraq and Pakistan.
The planned withdrawal from Iraq and Afganistan and closure of Guantanamo Bay may be some of the yardsticks used by the East to pass verdict on the Obama administration. It goes without mention that the speech fell on deaf ears in some quarters. Perhaps Obama could not please all.
Indeed the US has had a very bad record not only from the Muslim and Arab world but also other parts of the world which perceive the US as a ruthless aggressor and a verile expansionist.
Triples Origins
A triple orientation spanning from Africa, America and Asia gives him a more legitimate position to argue out his case especially on the two state solution in the Middle East. Given that Obama also has a history cutting across the Christian and Muslim divide, he seems to enjoy a more comfortable reception from his audience in the Middle East unlike his predecessor who was seen as partisan and with very radical views.
Though the Arab world still remains skeptical on any word from the US, Obama's speech seems to have given a new impetus to the region. Perhaps this was welll captured in Obama's speech when he intimated that he went to Egypt to seek new ties and give America a better treat from the East.
Stiff Challenges
Issues such as Student Exchange programmes and fiscal aid for women groups and other democratic institutions are very key towards forging a better and mutual understnding between the US and the Arab world. However, the acid test for Obama administration include the Arab-Israeli conflict, in particular the Palestine and Israel, the perceived double standards by the US on muslims such as the war on terrosism, the conflicts in Afganistan, Iraq and Pakistan.
The planned withdrawal from Iraq and Afganistan and closure of Guantanamo Bay may be some of the yardsticks used by the East to pass verdict on the Obama administration. It goes without mention that the speech fell on deaf ears in some quarters. Perhaps Obama could not please all.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Theatre of the Absurd; Museveni goes wild
The recent developments over the Migingo Island issue perhaps provides another chance to look at the anticipated political union in the East African region.
The five East African countries are preparing to go into a political federation in the year 2015. This means that they will have reconciled all differences for example relating to political power sharing, economic disparities and, maybe social and cultural diversities. Finally, a common currency among the five countries is inevitable.
On May 12, 2009 during an interview with BBC, Ugandan President and an ambitious candidate for the anticipated federation broke ranks with Kenya for the umpteenth time when he made remarks reminiscent of Iddi Amin’s reign in the same country years ago. Perhaps it would be of interest to learn that the former came to power through the barrel of the gun just like the latter.
And a breath of fire…
“The island is in Kenya, the water is in Uganda. But the Wajaluos (a Kenyan tribe) are mad, they want to fish here but this is Uganda. . . ”, said Museveni. By any standard of decorum and diplomacy, these remarks fell far too short of a head of state. Worse still, a neighbor, who counts on you for help. (For history’s sake, Uganda is landlocked).
However, there’s more than it meets the ear in Kaguta Museveni’s remarks. If a country has a difference with the other, reference should be made of the country as a whole and probably the leadership at a corporate level. For Museveni therefore to insinuate that a certain section of Kenyan community is insane based on its response to defend what it considers theirs is suggestive of a more choreographed political stance.
The Ugandan president, who finds a good friend in the Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki made the remarks on the same day the boundaries team set to carry out a survey on the ownership of the island was being commissioned in Nairobi. Two things came out very strongly. One is that the Ugandan president has already passed his verdict regarding the ownership of the island. It is Uganda’s. “One foot into the water and you’re in Uganda,” said Museveni.
Two is that the president does not have any intentions of relinquishing ownership of the island even if the final result vindicates Kenya of any attempts to own another country’s land and indeed the island is Kenyan. Nominated Member of Parliament Rachel Shebesh, while contributing to the Migingo Island debate in parliament called on the president to seek the intervention of the UN Security Council regarding the issue. Based on Museveni’s view, this is Vanity Fair.
However, what makes the debate of much interest is what the Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro raised in the House during debate on the issue. His view is that the problem is not with the Ugandan President but rather with his Kenyan counterpart. The Kenyan president is seen to be hiding so much from the public. Some few weeks ago, former president Moi called on Kibaki to update the country on development regarding the Migingo Island. This was a time when the Kenyan and Ugandan presidents had just met in Kampala to discuss the same issue.
Suspicion, suspicion and suspicion
What stirs more debate now is not the noise from Uganda but rather the silence of Nairobi. There’s so much to be desired from Mwai Kibaki. Perhaps it is the silence of the responsible that kills the soul than the violence of the enemy. He swore to defend the constitution and sovereignty of the state by all measure. However what is coming out from State House leaves the country in suspense and serves to justify acts such as those witnessed in Kibera last month. Museveni seems not to have had any issue with Kenya but rather with a particular community-that of the Kenyan Prime Minister. Would it help to generate a healthy debate to learn that it is only Museveni who acknowledged Kibaki’s controversial re-election in 2007? Would it also not be of interest that the former rebel leader from Uganda does not enjoy a good relationship with the Kenyan Prime Minister? No, would it not elicit more debate and a discourse that the Migingo issue has been reduced into a PNU-ODM affair in Kenya and that the president being the PNU de facto leader does not want to speak out on this because the Migingo issue is a ploy to frustrate the Prime Minister?
It is embarrassing and disheartening that the Prime Minister has been raising the matter but the President, whom he shares power with, exudes a deafening silence.
These school of thought is likely to be contested by many but as Adolf Hitler of the infamous Holocaust put it , ‘In the big lie there’s always a sense of credibility,’ it is sad that this is the case. One thing which is common knowledge about Kenya is that any problem can be readily reduced into an ODM-PNU debate. It is the other community against the other. Museveni knows it well that Kenya may not after all address the fundamentals but instead use it as a 2012 variable.
It is no wonder that the northern corridor formerly the Northern Frontier District-North Eastern Province has been eyed by insurgents from the war torn Somalia. They too must have been following the Kenyan politics very keenly and seem to have established a point to infiltrate the Northern Border.
The current instability in the Horn of Africa portends a danger to Kenya. Given a president who employs a laid back approach and seems to have left everything for the wind, there is need to worry. Other disturbing developments such as sale of public land to unscrupulous business persons add credence to an argument for worry by the Kenyan citizenry.
Finally the rise of militia groups and high profile executions and assassination almost turning the country into a KGB Russia is another cause for a panic. The Ku Klax Clan execution style by Mungiki and a police force suspect of complacency and complicity is clearly suggestive of an ailing presidency devoid of responsibility and suspect of cover up.
To think of a political federation from a pessimist’s perspective therefore is justified given a leadership out to address selfish ambitions and at the cost of an expectant public. Perhaps other case studies such as Nigeria Vs Cameroon over the Bakassi Peninsula or Croatia Vs Slovenia over Bay of Piran can provide a sense of thought over Migingo Island and more lessons to Ugandan president on how not to be undiplomatic over such issues. The Migingo Island impasse also provides a healthy forum to the East African countries to interrogate the challenges and chart a safe route towards a political federation without which they shall be haunted by the cancer which dissipated the former East African Cooperation in 1977.
The five East African countries are preparing to go into a political federation in the year 2015. This means that they will have reconciled all differences for example relating to political power sharing, economic disparities and, maybe social and cultural diversities. Finally, a common currency among the five countries is inevitable.
On May 12, 2009 during an interview with BBC, Ugandan President and an ambitious candidate for the anticipated federation broke ranks with Kenya for the umpteenth time when he made remarks reminiscent of Iddi Amin’s reign in the same country years ago. Perhaps it would be of interest to learn that the former came to power through the barrel of the gun just like the latter.
And a breath of fire…
“The island is in Kenya, the water is in Uganda. But the Wajaluos (a Kenyan tribe) are mad, they want to fish here but this is Uganda. . . ”, said Museveni. By any standard of decorum and diplomacy, these remarks fell far too short of a head of state. Worse still, a neighbor, who counts on you for help. (For history’s sake, Uganda is landlocked).
However, there’s more than it meets the ear in Kaguta Museveni’s remarks. If a country has a difference with the other, reference should be made of the country as a whole and probably the leadership at a corporate level. For Museveni therefore to insinuate that a certain section of Kenyan community is insane based on its response to defend what it considers theirs is suggestive of a more choreographed political stance.
The Ugandan president, who finds a good friend in the Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki made the remarks on the same day the boundaries team set to carry out a survey on the ownership of the island was being commissioned in Nairobi. Two things came out very strongly. One is that the Ugandan president has already passed his verdict regarding the ownership of the island. It is Uganda’s. “One foot into the water and you’re in Uganda,” said Museveni.
Two is that the president does not have any intentions of relinquishing ownership of the island even if the final result vindicates Kenya of any attempts to own another country’s land and indeed the island is Kenyan. Nominated Member of Parliament Rachel Shebesh, while contributing to the Migingo Island debate in parliament called on the president to seek the intervention of the UN Security Council regarding the issue. Based on Museveni’s view, this is Vanity Fair.
However, what makes the debate of much interest is what the Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro raised in the House during debate on the issue. His view is that the problem is not with the Ugandan President but rather with his Kenyan counterpart. The Kenyan president is seen to be hiding so much from the public. Some few weeks ago, former president Moi called on Kibaki to update the country on development regarding the Migingo Island. This was a time when the Kenyan and Ugandan presidents had just met in Kampala to discuss the same issue.
Suspicion, suspicion and suspicion
What stirs more debate now is not the noise from Uganda but rather the silence of Nairobi. There’s so much to be desired from Mwai Kibaki. Perhaps it is the silence of the responsible that kills the soul than the violence of the enemy. He swore to defend the constitution and sovereignty of the state by all measure. However what is coming out from State House leaves the country in suspense and serves to justify acts such as those witnessed in Kibera last month. Museveni seems not to have had any issue with Kenya but rather with a particular community-that of the Kenyan Prime Minister. Would it help to generate a healthy debate to learn that it is only Museveni who acknowledged Kibaki’s controversial re-election in 2007? Would it also not be of interest that the former rebel leader from Uganda does not enjoy a good relationship with the Kenyan Prime Minister? No, would it not elicit more debate and a discourse that the Migingo issue has been reduced into a PNU-ODM affair in Kenya and that the president being the PNU de facto leader does not want to speak out on this because the Migingo issue is a ploy to frustrate the Prime Minister?
It is embarrassing and disheartening that the Prime Minister has been raising the matter but the President, whom he shares power with, exudes a deafening silence.
These school of thought is likely to be contested by many but as Adolf Hitler of the infamous Holocaust put it , ‘In the big lie there’s always a sense of credibility,’ it is sad that this is the case. One thing which is common knowledge about Kenya is that any problem can be readily reduced into an ODM-PNU debate. It is the other community against the other. Museveni knows it well that Kenya may not after all address the fundamentals but instead use it as a 2012 variable.
It is no wonder that the northern corridor formerly the Northern Frontier District-North Eastern Province has been eyed by insurgents from the war torn Somalia. They too must have been following the Kenyan politics very keenly and seem to have established a point to infiltrate the Northern Border.
The current instability in the Horn of Africa portends a danger to Kenya. Given a president who employs a laid back approach and seems to have left everything for the wind, there is need to worry. Other disturbing developments such as sale of public land to unscrupulous business persons add credence to an argument for worry by the Kenyan citizenry.
Finally the rise of militia groups and high profile executions and assassination almost turning the country into a KGB Russia is another cause for a panic. The Ku Klax Clan execution style by Mungiki and a police force suspect of complacency and complicity is clearly suggestive of an ailing presidency devoid of responsibility and suspect of cover up.
To think of a political federation from a pessimist’s perspective therefore is justified given a leadership out to address selfish ambitions and at the cost of an expectant public. Perhaps other case studies such as Nigeria Vs Cameroon over the Bakassi Peninsula or Croatia Vs Slovenia over Bay of Piran can provide a sense of thought over Migingo Island and more lessons to Ugandan president on how not to be undiplomatic over such issues. The Migingo Island impasse also provides a healthy forum to the East African countries to interrogate the challenges and chart a safe route towards a political federation without which they shall be haunted by the cancer which dissipated the former East African Cooperation in 1977.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Indeed it was extraordinary
The proverbial Sword of Damocles hang precariously in the House for almost a week before it suddenly fell.
The House and country at large seem to have been held at ransom and the suspense on the air was reminiscent of the tick tack tock clock of the Apocalypse.
When he took to the chamber, the House Speaker Kenneth Marende, with authority and sage probably drawn from his ancestors of Wanga read and explained the content, letter and spirit of the law to the surprise, chagrin and shock of Honourable Members of parliament, who, in the whole week had reduced the House Business into the endless debate of who came first between the egg and the chicken.
Hook, line and sinker
The past one week had seen bitter words exchanged between members of the coalition even others calling for a snap election though the mechanism for handling the same is non existent. The country was treated to a replay of the Day of Long Knives premiering in the House early last year.
To diffuse this tension and return the House and by large extension the country, the Speaker acted in a manner least expected by both sides of the divide and decided to take over the leadership of the House Business Committee and refer the feuding parties back to the drawing table to consult of who would finally occupy that seat.
Even the man who had been appointed by the president to head the HBC found himself in unfamiliar waters when the letter from his boss to the speaker was trashed and rendered null.
Good Neighbourliness
Once again Tanzania, which has been Kenya's good neighbour and brother especially in tough times came to the rescue of the country. The Speaker borrowed strongly from the Tanzanian Constitution regarding the leadership of the House and it is from these clauses that the man from Emuhaya(Western Kenya) found more strength and authority to apportion himself power and with the will and stamina of a man in a catch twenty two situation he delivered his verdict with finally which left the whole House and Country by extension in awe and amazement.
Solomon the Sage.
It will be recalled that on Thursday last week when the stalemate broke officially, a man of cloth in the House (Rev.Mutava Musyimi-Gachoka MP) went divine and sold an idea to the Speaker and the House at large. His Kingdom experience reminded him of the sagacious leader of the olden day Israel-Solomon who decided to cut a kid fought for by two women into two.
With the humility of a man in the pulpit over the years and leader of church council in the country, the disturbed Rev. called on the Speaker to make reference to this story and save the country from degenerating into apathy, a situation still fresh in the minds of the citizenry.
Indeed the Speaker did not fail this man of cloth who, during his day in the helm of the church council and many at times in the pulpit had made tough and bitter decisions on some issues.
Reformed House
Perhaps the most interesting bit of yesterday's development was the reaction after the Speaker's ruling. Yes, it was a sigh of relief to many and to others, a raw deal. Almost all those who stood to contribute to the immediate motion congratulated the Speaker for his decision. However, hangovers lingered in the heads of others. They felt that the Speaker's decision should be contested and real definition of government and appointing authority be revisited.
What remains to be seen is the next course of action for the disintegrated coalition government on choosing the Leader of Government Business.
The House and country at large seem to have been held at ransom and the suspense on the air was reminiscent of the tick tack tock clock of the Apocalypse.
When he took to the chamber, the House Speaker Kenneth Marende, with authority and sage probably drawn from his ancestors of Wanga read and explained the content, letter and spirit of the law to the surprise, chagrin and shock of Honourable Members of parliament, who, in the whole week had reduced the House Business into the endless debate of who came first between the egg and the chicken.
Hook, line and sinker
The past one week had seen bitter words exchanged between members of the coalition even others calling for a snap election though the mechanism for handling the same is non existent. The country was treated to a replay of the Day of Long Knives premiering in the House early last year.
To diffuse this tension and return the House and by large extension the country, the Speaker acted in a manner least expected by both sides of the divide and decided to take over the leadership of the House Business Committee and refer the feuding parties back to the drawing table to consult of who would finally occupy that seat.
Even the man who had been appointed by the president to head the HBC found himself in unfamiliar waters when the letter from his boss to the speaker was trashed and rendered null.
Good Neighbourliness
Once again Tanzania, which has been Kenya's good neighbour and brother especially in tough times came to the rescue of the country. The Speaker borrowed strongly from the Tanzanian Constitution regarding the leadership of the House and it is from these clauses that the man from Emuhaya(Western Kenya) found more strength and authority to apportion himself power and with the will and stamina of a man in a catch twenty two situation he delivered his verdict with finally which left the whole House and Country by extension in awe and amazement.
Solomon the Sage.
It will be recalled that on Thursday last week when the stalemate broke officially, a man of cloth in the House (Rev.Mutava Musyimi-Gachoka MP) went divine and sold an idea to the Speaker and the House at large. His Kingdom experience reminded him of the sagacious leader of the olden day Israel-Solomon who decided to cut a kid fought for by two women into two.
With the humility of a man in the pulpit over the years and leader of church council in the country, the disturbed Rev. called on the Speaker to make reference to this story and save the country from degenerating into apathy, a situation still fresh in the minds of the citizenry.
Indeed the Speaker did not fail this man of cloth who, during his day in the helm of the church council and many at times in the pulpit had made tough and bitter decisions on some issues.
Reformed House
Perhaps the most interesting bit of yesterday's development was the reaction after the Speaker's ruling. Yes, it was a sigh of relief to many and to others, a raw deal. Almost all those who stood to contribute to the immediate motion congratulated the Speaker for his decision. However, hangovers lingered in the heads of others. They felt that the Speaker's decision should be contested and real definition of government and appointing authority be revisited.
What remains to be seen is the next course of action for the disintegrated coalition government on choosing the Leader of Government Business.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Parliamentary Impasse a set back to peace and stability in Kenya
Barely three days after the state opening of parliament in Kenya, the ugly monster of the grand coaltion government seems to be poking its head into the August House. The coalition government has been accussed by all and sundry for failing to deliver to the satisfaction of the citizenry given the promises made immediately after signing the peace accord following the ethnic convulsions which erupted after the bungled elections in December 2007.
The wrangling-which now seems to be a common feature of the coalition is extending to the House as both parties in the coalition jozzle for parliamentary suppremacy. This development portends a danger to the country's stability given the suspicions still existing among the various ethnic communities in Kenya. Hopes of Vision 2030 seem to be on the hanging line as priorities of building the nation seem to have been misplaced.
The wrangling-which now seems to be a common feature of the coalition is extending to the House as both parties in the coalition jozzle for parliamentary suppremacy. This development portends a danger to the country's stability given the suspicions still existing among the various ethnic communities in Kenya. Hopes of Vision 2030 seem to be on the hanging line as priorities of building the nation seem to have been misplaced.
Migingo Controversy
The recent developments in Kenya and Uganda regarding the ownership of the small island-Migingo is a course of worry to not only the two countries but to the entire East African Region in general given the quest for a political federation by 2015.
It is reminiscent of the events which led to the collapse of the East African Cooperation way back in 1977. The suspicions and mistrust which seems to be cropping up is likely to impact negatively especially on the other East African Countries which may not be having any hand in the impasse.
This development adds to the twist being experienced by these countries as each seems to be guarding its interests without the realisation of the fact that the various documents signed towards the formation of the community are binding and calls on each country to compromise and adjust to the realities of a union or some organisation of that sort.
It remains to be seen now if Kenya and Uganda, not to forget Tanzania which has kept to its guns will let go their national interests and ambitions for the sake of a greater interest-the Political Federation of East Africa.
It is reminiscent of the events which led to the collapse of the East African Cooperation way back in 1977. The suspicions and mistrust which seems to be cropping up is likely to impact negatively especially on the other East African Countries which may not be having any hand in the impasse.
This development adds to the twist being experienced by these countries as each seems to be guarding its interests without the realisation of the fact that the various documents signed towards the formation of the community are binding and calls on each country to compromise and adjust to the realities of a union or some organisation of that sort.
It remains to be seen now if Kenya and Uganda, not to forget Tanzania which has kept to its guns will let go their national interests and ambitions for the sake of a greater interest-the Political Federation of East Africa.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Paul Muite Press Release
Paul Muite Press Release
Press Statement By Paul Muite S.C on threats to his life over Extra JudicialExecutions in Kenya issued 8th April 2009
Last Sunday, 5th April 2009, I received specific information from credible
sources that Members of the "Kwekwe squad" responsible for carrying out extra
judicial executions have been given instructions to get rid of me.
The question you will ask and the one that jumped to my mind when I received
the information is, what have I done, why now? This is the question my mind has
been grappling with since Sunday.
My conclusion is that the consistent public stand which I have taken on extra
judicial executions may have something to do with it. Some of you Ladies and
Gentlemen of the media will recall that I was amongst the very first public
figures to condemn extra judicial executions and to point fingers at the
Government. I attended the funeral services of both Kingara and Oulu at which I
spoke strongly on Government involvement in the killings. In so
doing, I was aware that Intelligence Officers would be present wanting to know
who was saying what. It is their work.
Recently, Professor Philip Alston handed over his report on extra judicial
executions in Kenya to the ICC Prosecutor, Moreno Ocampo and requested the ICC
to take action.
Behind the scenes, I have myself been urging Ice through emissaries to take
action since this issue is grave and serious. The documented cases are over 600.
Thousands more are listed as missing. It is possible that the Intelligence
agencies are aware of my behind the scenes efforts for ICC to take action. They
listen to phone conversations and hack emails as we all know.
I have accordingly decided to write formally to the ICC Prosecutor Louis Moreno
Ocampo drawing his attention to the imminent threat to my life and urging him to
open investigations into extra judicial executions in Kenya with a view to
prosecuting those involved. I am making available to you copies of my letter to
Mr. Ocampo. You will see from the contents of my letter to Mr. Ocampo that under
Article 28 of the Rome Statute, I finger criminal responsibility for these extra
judicial executions on the President himself, the Hon. John Michuki who was the
Minister of State in the Office of the President in 2006 when this policy of
extermination through extra judicial executions appears to have been formulated
and implementation commenced, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of
Intelligence, the
Commanders of these squads and at the bottom, those officers who carry out the
executions.
It is possible however that the last straw might well have come from the latest
spat with H.E. the President over the criminal raid on KTN and the Standard and
with his then Minister of State in his office in charge of Internal Security the
Hon. John Michuki. It will be recalled that the President himself issued a coded
threat" or where ever else we might meet. It is the only way." My lawyers'
letter to the President in which this coded threat was taken up is a matter of
public record and I make available to you copies of that letter.
The Hon. John Michuki, too, sent a demand letter which was responded to.The
last paragraph of my lawyers' response reads and I quote:-
"Thirdly and finally, we have been instructed to state that our client will
take the suit your client files as invitation to disclose and adduce evidence of
the meeting at which the decision to carry out the criminal operations was made,
who was present and in particular who presided over that meeting and gave the go
ahead, including the fake articles on an alleged visit by "someone" to Southern
Sudan back in 1997 to visit "someone" there.. Your client will bear
responsibility for disclosure of that evidence including the implication and
consequences. "
This too I suspect might have contributed towards the final straw.
If a government which is supposed to protect the lives of its citizens is the
one taking those lives in extra judicial executions and political
assassinations, there is very little a citizen can do to escape execution.
I have called this press conference to let Kenyans know that if anything does
indeed happen to me, let no one be fooled that it was "ordinary thuggery or car
jacking." It will have been pre-meditated political assassination/extra judicial
execution.
It would pain my soul wherever it might be to hear Erick Kiraithe and Dr.Alfred
Mutua telling the public that the Government/Police are investigating with a
view to bringing to book those who might have been involved.
Equally, it is pointless reporting to the Police. They are the suspects who
should be investigated. To report to them will only give them the opportunity to
probe from where the leak might have occurred so that they deal with the
"msaliti" (traitor) the way they dealt with Kiriinya.
The Pirates Movie
The developments in the Gulf of Eden and the Indian Ocean at large is a sign of more trouble not only for the good neighbour Kenya and other countries in the region, but to a large extend an acid test to president Obama and the new administration. perhaps it is one of the first exercises for Obama to exhibit his military might and prove wrong those who see him as a weak president. And for sure Obama's victory was first recorded yesyterday when the US Navy managed to resue the Maersk Captain Philip Richard. But what is disturbing to say the least is the level of sophistication employed by these pirates. Perhaps a new strategy ought to be employed. 24 hour surveillance may not be the real panacea.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Coalition Under Threat
The political developments in Kenya is taking several twists and turns with coalition partners blaming each other on various issues from anti reform forces, political responsibility, power sharing and short-changing on the same to a host of other disturbing matters.
The latest scenario from Kilaguni Lodge in Masai Mara is a cause of worry as political tempers rose and for once, differences between the Prime Minister and the President came out in the open, this time without any public relations to diffuse any untimed perceptions by the media and the public at large.
The Pot however, broke in the welll this morning when the president's staunch supporter and ally-Justice, Constitutional Affairs and National Cohesion minister, Ms Martha Karua threw in the towel and hanged her boots as minister in the Kibaki administration. What becomes of this is speculation and more in the days to come.
The latest scenario from Kilaguni Lodge in Masai Mara is a cause of worry as political tempers rose and for once, differences between the Prime Minister and the President came out in the open, this time without any public relations to diffuse any untimed perceptions by the media and the public at large.
The Pot however, broke in the welll this morning when the president's staunch supporter and ally-Justice, Constitutional Affairs and National Cohesion minister, Ms Martha Karua threw in the towel and hanged her boots as minister in the Kibaki administration. What becomes of this is speculation and more in the days to come.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Stem Cell Research
The Executive Order by President Obama reversing the previous Bush Order to deny funding to scientists for stem cell research is elicting mixed reactions around the globe.
We'l be discussing this topic in detail this week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)