Kenya: My Beloved Country

Happy New Year........It's even hard to say happy new year anymore, It's even harder to believe that the voting card that most of us possess is the one that has lead our country to be divided the way it is. On the same point, our beloved neighbors are the one's torching our houses, where are we headed to my dear Kenyan's?

It pains me most is when I see young children in the newspaper, who have no idea what is going on, why they have to end up in a open air field and the most painful part is they don't even have anything to eat just because they belong to a certain ethnic group.

It's true we live in unfair world but why should we let leader's who do not have an idea of being a refugee, insecurity or lack of sleep because you do not know when you will be attacked control our destiny?

We have done a lot together as a community, we have helped each other as colleagues, we have been students in the same schools, we have played the same games, celebrated and cried for the same cause why are we now turning against each other? Who cares what tribe you come from? Why are we letting our leaders divide us? Whoever did or did not do whatever it is, why should they drag us to their mess? Don't we all believe in civil society?

My Dear Kenyans, Lets pass this on.....at the end of the day, the politicians will gain what they want and we will have to live our lives, what are we gaining fighting against ourselves? Nothing, ABSOLUTELY nothing.....yet we keep dragging ourselves in their mess.

May peace prevail and we keep singing our national anthem "...... MAY WE DWELL IN UNITY, PEACE AND LIBERTY........."

Thank You Kenyans

Thank you Kenyans who voted, supported or advocated for change in Kenya, regardless of what is going on we have shown that we are ready for change and thats what will go down in the books.

We have gotten rid of the most corrupt individuals from the parliament, we have voted for change and we will continue to monitor our politicians to make sure they deliver what they promised during campaigns.

With that in mind, lets now stop the looting, none of the leading leaders own these businesses, lets not be swayed by tribal politics, at the end of the day Kibaki or Raila sleeps in peace with guards watching, why do we want to hurt our neighbors, rob and destroy our place of employment, what are we going to do when its all over? we are the ones who will suffer. Advocate for peace and keep those updates coming via email seems thats the only way we can get information out

Biwott & Mwiraria Visa Saga

Its with much welcome we do acknowledge the declaration by the British Embassy that Biwott, Mwiraria and the Charterhouse bank brothers that they are not wanted in the U.K. however, my worry is does this solve anything regarding corruption?

Maybe it does, maybe it will force them to write checks and withdraw all the money they have stashed in united kingdom and transfer somewhere else or bring it back to Kenya. What is really needed for U.K Government is to provide more information regarding financial status of the said individuals there. It is believed that they do hold bank accounts that have millions of shillings that could do wonders if returned to the country.

I sincerely hope that this is just the beginning of good things to come. For so long our country has been robbed by these politicians and they protected their wealth far away from our beloved land, they have continued to immense power around them and therefore have become untouchable by law or man, they have become the "New Law" brandishing new titles like "powerful politician" .

AGAIN, TIME IS NOW LETS VOTE OUT CORRUPTION ON DECEMBER 27th, 2007

vote corruption out

Time has come, its now less than 8 days before we get rid of all corrupt officials, this might be hard because they are using their money (the same cash that they stole from electorates) to campaign hard. It's so sad to see how much some of these politicians are dishing out in cash form to entice the voter.

Well, i believe time has come, the voter is more educated and knows what he/she wants. I know there are big things to come and for me to celebrate on this forum, i believe most of the MP's who served either in the 8th or 9th parliament will not make it. If possible am hopping for new blood, lets get new MP's out there and let them learn how to run and manage the parliament as well as the authority that has been placed on them.

So pass the word around, VOTE CORRUPTION OUT........ its not about leadership its about what they will do with authority

Raila: Myths Vs Facts

Thanks to you Kenyanomics, for your educative and informative thoughts regarding Raila Odinga (click here to read), well someone else has left a comment, wish they were not anonymous and thought i should share with you. This PERSON gives Raila a C - (minus) on leadership and an F on his parliamentary seat. below is a copy of his thoughts

MYTH:Raila Fans are DIE HARDS - It does not matter what he says, does or wants. They will still be behind him faithfully.
FACT: Maybe his longtime fans but this is yet to be seen.
MYTH:Raila loves Gadgets - This means that the IT and as Country looks forward for to achieve the 2030 vision, he is poised as the best candidate to deliver.
FACT: Loving gadgets doesn't translate automatically the country moving forward, it goes beyond this.
MYTH: Raila has sacrificed - For over 20 years Raila has sacrificed his life, time and desires so that we can achieve the freedom we have today, be it press freedom or freedom of association since MOI and CO. tried to take this away.
Raila is ambitious - well i do not know what else to add here
FACT: A lot of people have sacrificed but we can't reward all of them with the Presidency.
MYTH:Raila would be a good representative abroad - well am not sure about this but he seems to be well connected and knows people who might help the country economically.
FACT: That will depend entirely on his record in governance and style, so far in his parliamentary seat he gets an F and in his ministry of energy he get a C-.

Time for Old Politician to Retire

Why do some people retire from civil service or private sector to join politics? Is it because they have acquired wealth and feel like they can take a chance on politics, is it for social status or a calling?

Well, thats hard to tell but one thing that is for sure is that some of these politicians need to be at home enjoying their retirement and days of hard work. Some of these politicians have been in politics for over 30 years and they have nothing to offer to the country, their ideas and goals do not seem to match that of current world. They might have adviser's but if your adviser is as old as you are what new information are you bringing to the table.

Just like in civil service and private sector, these politicians should retire humbly like what Nyachae has proposed to do at the end of the 9th Parliament term, retire and enjoy time with their grand kids. What happened to the days the elders taught the young one's how to "run the show"? Are our politicians that power hungry or money thirsty? Well, if its money thirsty, how much is enough? People like Biwott and Karume have acquired unmentionable amount of money in the last 30 years and yet they are still fighting to get back to parliament. Well they need to retire: Some of them include:-

1. Njenga Karume
2. Nick Biwott
3. G. G. Kariuki - 1937
4. John Michuki - 1931
5. Tobias Ogur - 1937
6. William Ole Ntimama - 1930
7. Abdi Sasura - 1928
8. David Mwiraria - 1938
   

ETC....ETC....ETC, were it not for development record that Kibaki has had for the last 5 years, he would have been on the list, Am also wondering if people like Saitoti, Raila, etc should retire after 10th parliament term is over

My two cents on PANU nominations

So its official thats its Raila vs Kibaki, that battle has been taken care of. What about the PANU MP's? Seems like majority of MP's especially those from the Central Province had hopped that the president will be on their party thus making it easier for them to rig their way in through nominations which means automatic re-election.

Thats why they are all around town now trying to figure out how the nominations will be handled. They are not the only one who are seeking mandate and i believe they should not be the only one who should be discussing this issue, every candidate who has declared interest and is a member of the affiliate parties should be invited to the meeting. The sitting MP's are not special and they should stop making decisions that only favor them.

If they come to me and I hope they do, this is what i would say:-

1. Carry your own cross:- ODM is a threat, do a survey and see what you have done for the country or your constituency then decide to support a member of the affiliate party
2. Development record pays:- You already have a name out there why are you fighting small battles, by now it should come automatic that people love you regardless of party
3. Its our Country:- Whatever you decide on nominations process we do not care, we are a smarter and educated country and this time around we know what we want

So, with that i hope they will get their act straight and stop thinking that Kenyans care about party politics, we are beyond that.... we are for individuals who can take us places for the next five years

Kibaki and PNU ( Party of National Unity)

Finaly, Kibaki has decamped the party that brought him to power to join Party of National Unity (PNU). With him being the only presidential candidate, it is unclear whether PNU will sponsor any parliamentary or civic seats in forthcoming elections. Basing on information being gathered now, seems like Kibaki might be the only elected leader in the party for others have to fight for their own to get elected to parliament.

To some extent, this is beneficial to many first time politicians for now they can join a party of their own choice and campaign hard without the fear of the electorate voting on a three piece suit.

Even though managing multiple parties will be difficult thanks to the experience from ODM-K (that one of Raila and Kalonzo) and NARC ( when all of them were RAINBOW COALITION), at least the voters will have a better view of the individuals rather than political parties that have for the longest harbored thugs and corrupt officials and have given them a guarantee back to parliament.

I believe that most politicians especially those who were pushing for NARC-Kenya will have a hard time trying to convince the voters that Kibaki is with them, for central, Eastern and Rift Valley Provinces, Kibaki's decision to join a non-partisan party will boost unknown politicians to the limelight for all they have to do is campaign for themselves and in doing so, push for Kibaki Votes.

In real sense, Kibaki will be getting more campaign done by the civic and parliamentary candidates, he might not have to campaign as hard in some regions due to the overwhelming support he is already receiving. Money Wise, best placed, since will have like 16 candidates in almost every constituency campaigning for him, what else could you ask for if you were Kibaki?

Young Women Aspirants being threatened

Well, you might heard about the Meru incident where a lady aspirant was attacked couple of days ago, well, this is not the only incident. It seems it is now happening almost everyday to Women aspiring candidates from parliament to civic level

Couple of weeks ago, a Kenyan Lady Celebrity whom I will not name for security reasons and an Aspiring Civic candidate in Nairobi were attacked where they were robbed and threatened that the aspiring candidate should quit.

Also, Still in Nairobi another lady aspirant was attacked even though she is taking it as just another robbery, questions are up in the air since it seemed that the attackers knew her well and knew her intentions of trying to have a meet the people tour in coming days.

Seems like male counterparts are afraid especially of these young and upcoming ladies who believe in equality and competitive politics.

I wonder what the Police are doing on such crimes!! Its a shame if these crimes are being orchestrated by aspiring men, Well politics is a dirty game but do not inflict pain/suffering to gain competitive edge

Understanding Raila Odinga

Well, last couple of days have been talking with friends about Raila possible potential as a president and there are few important information I gathered from these people and would like to share.

1. Raila Fans are DIE HARDS - It does not matter what he says, does or wants. They will still be behind him faithfully
2. Raila loves Gadgets - This means that the IT and as Country looks forward for to achieve the 2030 vision, he is poised as the best candidate to deliver
3. Raila has sacrificed - For over 20 years Raila has sacrificed his life, time and desires so that we can achieve the freedom we have today, be it press freedom or freedom of association since MOI and CO. tried to take this away.
4. Raila is ambitious - well i do not know what else to add here
5. Raila would be a good representative abroad - well am not sure about this but he seems to be well connected and knows people who might help the country economically. Even if he does not make for president i would love to see him placed in a position that he can be able to tap funds from abroad.

What do you think?

RAILA: Still Far From Presidency

First of all let me congratulate Raila Odinga on his nomination as the Presidential Candidate on ODM ticket. It has been a tough year for him trying to get Kalonzo of his back and he finally did what he does best.....start another party.

I have nothing against Raila and actually I do appreciate all he did for Kenyans during the second liberation for democracy. Very few individuals would have undergone what he went through and still dine in the same table as he did with President Moi. However, he still lacks leadership tactics and am still afraid of what would happen if he was the president. His Russia schooling do not scare me much but his failure to accept defeat or challenge makes me wonder what would happen if he was the president.

At times i think he would be better than Moi, sometimes i think he would be worse. I am afraid that he would control every aspect of the government and manipulate the civil servants such that it will be Raila country and anyone who objects would surely suffer.

Also, his style of leadership and what they are proposing with other ODM "pentagon leaders" leaves me to wonder whether our country has that kind of money to pay couple vice presidents and a prime minister if we still want to achieve the 2030 vision. His "Government" seems to forget that there is a budget to be met, but with people like Ruto being proposed as the prime minister ( remember the YK92 and inflation that followed?)...then who cares about the money being circulated. Also, the choice of Musalia Mudavadi as the running mate makes me question the legibility of that government. Musalia Mudavadi was Minister for Finance during Moi Era and yet there is nothing we can talk of him apart from more corruption saga's.

Well, am not like Moi, I haven't decided who will get my support for presidency and am still weighing these politicians. Maybe the 1,000 plus bloggers who visit this blog a month will help me decide.....and maybe i will make it public

Kenya Police still Corrupt: Its not news

Transparency International (T.I.) should by now know that the Kenyan Police should be put on the category of their own when it comes to corruption.

Earlier in the week, i read about a Lady ( a passenger in a matatu) who was shot by traffic police in Umoja Estate after the matatu driver refused to add another Kshs 20/= to the police officer.

It is a shame that a young lady died this way, in the hands of the police who are supposed to be safeguarding her. We might say that this is a special case but all in all, police are still intimidating citizens for failure to pay bribes, some have been jailed for crimes that they never committed just because they could not bribe their way out.

When government say's its fighting corruption what are they exactly doing? They might fight the big fish but the little ones are the ones that are doing more damage....or is KACC just after those who criticize the government?

90 MP's means 90 new millionaires!

I am still shocked by the news of having new 90 Waheshimiwa's. Well with the way the country is going maybe this is one of the schemes of achieving that 2030 vision, maybe this is poverty eradication because 9o MP's will come with more people being employed, that means 90 more drivers, 180 more body guards, about 360 house helps etc...... but the question is who will pay the 90 MP's?

I guess the tax payers will have to foot the bill, well the current MP's have awarded themselves more salaries and thats not it....they (the MP's ) are already making plans to allocate themselves a perfect golden handshake assuming they don't make it to office after 5 years.

Well i support some constituencies being split to serve the citizens better but i just don't see how 40 more MP's will benefit the country. The current Member of Parliament have done nothing that is worth talking about, actually tell me 5 things that the current parliament have passed and you will see that parliament is just a place where people just chill.

.....to be continued

ODM-K Will not withstand time

With all the conferences they might hold to show unity among ODM-K presidential candidates the party will not with hold, the only reason some politicians are in it right now is because it is the only party that can battle with Mr Kibaki, so basically its ODM-K vs Mwai Kibaki.

It is good to be ambitious and have goals to achieve but seems like all ODM leaders want to be is the president, the power sharing deal that they are talking about will bring nothing but problems for Kenyans if we let it happen. If right now they can not agree on one thing who makes you believe the "president" and "prime minister" not forgetting the four "vice presidents" will get along? The whole idea of having a ceremonial government can not work when we need to be streamlining the government expense. Anyway, where do they have four vice presidents? what will be their roles? With this in mind and having seen how the leaders are operating leaves me to wonder if they can actually sit down and draft a government budget.

One reason why ODM-K will not make it after the general elections is the fact that the leaders not only are they power hungry but these are dis satisfied individuals who will go to any limits to satisfy their own ego. Apart from Raila, who helped fight for second liberation, the rest were deeply in KANU and fought against introduction of multi party politics. They did that so that they can keep their lucrative government appointed positions.

I can assure you that soon we will have ODM-Halisi and et al, also look at the back ground of all ODM front liners, most of them were involved in corrupt deals when they were in KANU, they are just looking for escape routes.

Kenyan Should Demand for Independent candidates

Since 1996 we have been singing the minimum reform song, danced to no reform no elections and last couple years we actually voted for orange and banana all in hope of the government of the day will give Kenyans the reforms they have been seeking since 1963... the year we got the independence.

Well since minimum reforms or "Katiba Mpya" seems will never see the light of the day, its time we pushed for independent candidates to run for political seats. It is now clearer than ever that party nominates those people whom it wants to, its like a cartel of politicians or Mafia's trying to control who will get in parliament and who will not.

The current wrangles with the major political parties clearly do show that leadership is important to ones nomination. You can panga mlolongo all day hoping that the right candidate gets nominated but the real decision comes from the top leaders who as a matter of fact will have their friends fast on line rather that the candidate who has won the nominations.

This will be one of the ways that the young upcoming politicians will be denied a chance to proceed. The seasoned politicians (should i call them the corrupt ones) will make sure that they get the nominations from party of their choice and then the others will be let to scramble for the more favorable parties.

Thats why there seems to be people who are always elected back to parliament.

With Independent candidates running, young and upcoming politicians who have support from the ground can make it without having to worry which party one will be vying with.

Sad Images from Kenya!

Whats happening in Kenya, from tribal clashes to Mungiki and now another suicide bomb blast? Why on an election year, when we are ready to vote and get new leaders in to run the country for the next five years. Its just sad that when Kenyans are supposed to be enjoying their freedom we are in hiding for fear of everything...including the police who are supposed to protect you. I support the initiative they are doing to flush out Mungiki but do they have to use the excessive force.

Well check out more pictures from one of my favorite blogs African Press in Norway

Mungiki Again? Lets PRAY

.....Mungiki again!!! Am sick, tired and also scared for my fellow country men, brothers and sisters when we all have to undergo the mental torture of Mungiki and its satanic acts. I still do not understand how a human being can actually chop off another humans head and as they say drink the human blood as part of religion. I know its even harder for those of us who want to condemn this act but can not do so for fear of their own lives, fear of their beloved....am afraid too but someone has to say something.

Am angry at politicians who are pointing fingers at each other instead of finding a solution of how this can come to an end.

Above all this, there is The Almighty God (and his son JESUS), and he does not sleep! He is watching and knows everything. He can stop anything, he is more powerful than an army of men, so, Lets all PRAY and remind him of our fears and seek his protection. What Government can not do GOD can do it. Lets PRAY KENYANS!!!!

Mungiki Terror

I have one question! How comes politicians from central province are not condemning Mungiki? Even worse even after the police raided Kosovo slums in the last two days not even the area Member of Parliament has gone out there to console the residents who have been left shaken. The whole Mungiki thing is a nuisance and has made many families lack that basic need (security) that we all need. Its even made worse by the fact that some people are suffering because of these people living in their neighborhood. look at the pictures in standard newspaper and see for your self

The member of parliaments from Nairobi and Central Province should tell us now what their stand is. According to Standard Newspaper, Kigumo MP, Hon Kihara Mwangi, has already been threatened by Mungiki Members because of him being outspoken about their deeds. All MP's should now take heed and support the citizens who can not even go out publicly speaking about Mungiki in any form for fear of being executed.

When Mungiki hit the streets terrorizing women for wearing mini skirts and trousers no one took much interest on them, then they went to control the matatu and bus terminals still no one said much about them, are we going to keep quiet now and wait for them to control us?

Scandals: What did the government know

KACC man justice Ringera has spoken. He has advised you all to forget about ever recovering any money that was looted from the government since in Kenya there is a "statute of Limitations" which says that funds can be recovered within three years incase of theft and six years for fraud cases.

This means that anything that happened under Daniel Moi's watch can never be recovered. If thats is the case why has the government continued to follow up on Kamlesh Pattni knowing that the law does not guarantee that the funds will be returned?

Also, the timing of Ringera's story raises question since we already know that most of the people who have been adversely mentioned in corrupt cases are either senior government officials, political parties/ individual financiers and their family members. This leaves one to wonder whether he is protecting some people just incase the government changes hands. Also, his announcement raises question on how the government will then dispose all those cases that they are holding from NSSF scandal, BIMA insurance, etc etc.
If thats the case, and the government knows of limitations can't they reverse the rules to apprehend the corrupt people? Is that the case why most corruption cases takes years before they are brought for mention in a case of law? does that explain why AG office delays KACC prosecutions?

There is more to this, I believe its a cover-up.

William Kabogo is still the performer

Beginning of this year i did write an article on William Kabogo Gitau (click here to read), I mentioned what he had done for his constituents and that depended on what i have personally heard from people of Juja Constituency and read on MZALENDO.COM. It seems like he is the only MP who in the last five years have been involved in all controversies but at the same time has kept his word that he would support his constituents and improve their living standard.

As Mr Kabogo claimed in parliament that there were some people who are out there to finish him politically, let them know that he has a track record that can never be touched. Some of the old politicians like Michuki, are afraid of this young man ability to talk and inspire the youth. He is the talk of the youth in his constituency.

With all that is going on about him being in Mungiki, I would say like he did....there are some people who want to tarnish his good name.... As much as I am advocating for government to crack down on Mungiki supporters, I think the government already has vendetta on some people who are innocent.

NB: I am not from Juja constituency but have been following the MP's track record. I support him for what he has done for his constituents. Feel free to email me kenyaonly@gmail.com