Kenya Patriotic Movement supports mass action call by Cord

Formed as a movement to fuse the synergy of Kenyans at home and in the diaspora, Kenya Patriotic Movement ‘KEPAM, ’works directly with Kenyan citizens from all walks of life to bring about positive trans formation.

Our cardinal responsibility is the pursuit of good governance, Social Justice, fair electoral practices, equity and equality in the country.

The movement joins Kenyans to condemn the Jubilee government and its MPs in the national assembly for hurriedly passing the Election Amendment Laws. This is because, the original law was brought into force through bi-partisan efforts between the ruling coalition- Jubilee and the opposition- Coalition for Reform and Democracy ‘CORD.’

In the bi-partisan bill, it was agreed that electronic voting and transmission of results was the right way to ensure a fair electoral process and that manual, voting mechanism was a no-go-zone.

As a natural principle, any change to a negotiated document shall be undertaken the same way it was agreed upon. Any attempts to deviate from this clear path, will result in mistrust and betrayal.

It’s also against the spirit of fair democratic practices between two parties.

“We are prepared to mobilize all Kenyans at home and in the Diaspora for peaceful demonstrations throughout the Country to express outrage over the passage of the new law, “Said Mr. Frank Ogwoka, KEPAM diaspora liaison officer. “We are in solidarity with the Church, the political opposition and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in their readiness to fight for free and fair election.”

It is now clear that this is the only language President Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership will understand.

Is it not absurd for President Uhuru, his deputy and majority leader Aden Duale to mutilate a law which was born through negotiation? Furthermore, four Kenyans died during the street demonstrations against IEBC commissioners.

If these leaders thrive in heightened political temperatures in the country as we stride towards an election year, we are cooked as a nation. It also shows that Jubilee has not learnt from experience, especially the 2007/2008 post-election fiasco.

Kenyans will not sit and watch when their democratic rights are being trampled upon by a rogue
regime through unorthodox means for purposes of self-preservation.

“The action by the President to summon all jubilee MPs to Statehouse after the first amendment to election law failed in parliament was suspect. “It also speaks volumes about the desperation in the ruling coalition to manoeuvre and rig the next general election.” Said Mr. Samson Omechi, who is also KEPAM’s the national coordinator.

The President’s ambivalence in addressing urgent matters facing the country, especially the current strike by medical professionals which has paralyzed operations in medical facilities, portrays him as indecisive and unable to confront challenges as the country’s Chief Executive Officer.

In other words, he is showing the country that the preservation of his job was his only priority. It is imperative to note that even the church has condemned the sinister motives by the Jubilee MPs who hastily passed the contested electoral amendments.

As a movement comprising Kenyan voters at home and in the diaspora, we join the political Opposition, the Church, the Civil Society and LSK, to urge the President not to assent to the amendments.

“We call upon members of our movement and supporters from all the 47 Counties to carry white handkerchiefs and green twigs as a sign of peace and join the Coalition for Reform and Democracy (Cord), and other stakeholders for peaceful demonstrations commencing on 4th January 4th 2017.

Clearly, this is the only language scandalous regimes world over can understand. It’s tragic that the Jubilee regime wants to use unorthodox means to rule the country eternally.

The Duale’s of this world should wake up to the seemingly unsettling reality that a credible election is not a favour. It the democratic right of all Kenyans.

Signed by,
Joseph Lister Nyaringo, President
Albert Musasia, Secretary General
Samson Omechi, Coordinator
Emmy Isalamba, Mudachi, Gender affairs

Foreign donors have done more for Kenya than Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has confirmed to the country that he doesn’t care about an informed citizenry. This is after he castigated international donors who support the Civil Society to conduct civic education in Kenya during the Jamhuri Day celebration.

It now clear that the President had ulterior motives for transferring the coordination of (NGO) to the Ministry of Interior headed by CS Joseph Nkaisery, from the Ministry of Devolution. This transfer may open a battleground between nonprofits and the law enforcement.

It can also be remembered that Uhuru was behind the Miscellaneous Amendment Bill of 2013 to cap the amount of funding to nonprofits from foreign sources.

The President needs to be enlightened about the actual role of the Civil Society also known as the third sector in our country instead of looking at it as a political movement out to prevent him from securing a second term in 2017.

He should understand that a strong Civil Society will ensure a strong government, effectiveness in fulfilling civic responsibilities by citizens, improvement in business skills especially for Kenyans in the informal sector through trainings.

The President and other members of the ruling elite who besmirch the Civil Society should also remember that it plays a critical role in peace building, enhancing human rights, promotion of peace and security, health, empowering vulnerable groups, building ethnic cohesion and religious tolerance in our nation.

The Civil Society has brought many leaders to the limelight. In parliament, we have honourable Kabando Wa Kabando of Mukurweini, Cecil Mbarire of Runyenjes and Priscilla Nyokabi of Nyeri County. Is Uhuru not enjoying the support of these vibrant leaders in the Jubilee government?

 As a reminder to Kenyans, Faulu Microfinance Bank, which has now evolved into a full-fledged bank is in existence through support from Food for the Hungry International (FHI); an international relief and development organization whose headquarters is in Arizona, United States. Is the bank not employing hundreds of Kenyans besides empowering many in rural areas through micro-credit financial services?

President Uhuru is a direct beneficiary of Multiparty Democracy which was re-introduced in the country in 1991 through the efforts of the Civil Society and other foreign actors who cares about Kenya’s democratic growth.

I wonder if Uhuru knows the status of Kenya’s external debts where China tops the list. I also wonder if he knows that there is no repayments of all donations made to the Civil Society unlike the hefty loans from China which will be serviced Kenyan children not yet born.  

Civic education is the responsibility of the government and not foreigners. That’s why, philanthropists who support the Civil Society from abroad deserve accolades and not condemnation from politicians.  

Kenya is not a dictatorship like North Korea where President Kim Jong-un’s government bamboozles citizens in every aspect of their life. North Koreans have got no rights to explore modern cultural norms from the outside World.

We live in a democratic society where we need to enjoy the freedoms to build linkages with friends from all over the globe for purposes of enhancing our lives in the modern Century.

Kenyans desperately need understanding about their constitution, electoral process and basic judicial maters. They need trainings on how to run small businesses. Above all, they need to learn how to build a peaceful, cohesive and integrative nation to boost our multiculturalism.

I want to challenge President Uhuru to state how charitable he in the Kenyan Society despite coming from a moneyed family! He should stop criticising foreigners who have shown compassion to Kenyans.

Besides, it’s not a secret that the Kenyatta family owns land, the size of Nyanza region yet, they cannot donate even a grave yard to a landless person.

Secondly, apart from what the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is doing through the Beyond Zero campaign, there is nothing philanthropic Kenyans can associate the Kenyatta family with. Remember, even the Beyond Zero campaign is sustained by well-wishers.

Kenyans vividly remember that in 2010, when Uhuru doubled as deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, he bloated the price of the 1171 acres family land in Rongai which the government purchased to resettle the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Attacking the international community is forgetting too soon. Who doesn’t remember how it played a pivotal role to put Kenya on the right track after the 2007 post-election violence?

In fact, Uhuru became a direct beneficiary of the mediation where he was appointed deputy Prime Minister and Minster for Finance because of the efforts of Western powers like the United States.

Kenyans at home and abroad form Kenya Patriotic Movement

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

The Kenya Patriotic Movement (KEPAM) comes hot on the heels of multiple corruption scandals in the country as well as the spiraling of tribalism, nepotism and charged political undertones driven by tribal sentiments barely less than nine months to the next election.

KEPAM is designed to bring together Kenyans at home and in the Diaspora in the pursuit for social justice, civic awareness and engagements, fairness in the electoral processes, equity and equality and advocacy for accountable and transparency governance practices.

The Movement is an entity registered in Kenya as a trust pursuant to laws governing the same. The Proponents of this initiative believe that it will serve as a think tank to address several issues in the social-economic spectrums as it affects Kenyans at home and abroad.

The executive team of the movement are as follows, Mr. Joseph Lister Nyaringo is the Movement President, Albert Musasia, the Secretary General- all based in the United States. The Coordinator for Resource Mobilization is Cornelious Ole Sikawa. Mr. Karani Onsomu serves as the director for communication. The Coordinator representing the movement in Canada is Mr. Samuel Okemwa.

This is the first time in the history of Kenya, an organization with Diaspora roots is working directly with Kenyans in the homeland to catalyze positive change.

“KEPAM will fuse the synergies of Kenyans at home and abroad in the quest for good governance which is focused on addressing peoples despair and responding to emerging challenges in the country.” Says the President of the Movement Mr. Nyaringo’’

Further, KEPAM has two patrons in the Middle East, Mr. Eric Ashikoye Omune and Martin Ongadi; In Europe, we have Miss Dorah Atinda and Jackson Omondi as the movement patrons.

In the homeland, KEPAM will be led my Samson Omechi as national coordinator, Fred Ayieko as Organizing Secretary and Yusuf Kinoti as director for strategy. The director for programs and interest groups is Ms Emmy Isalambo while the director for fundraising is Mr. Joseph Magutu. The director for media and communication is Henry Omwebu.

"We strive to advocate for the unity of purpose for all Kenyans at home and abroad. We will also be seeking for practical solutions on poor governance, social injustice, inequality and erosion of democratic gains by the ruling elites," said Mr. Fred Ayieko during the movement meeting held last weekend in a Nairobi Hotel.

Other KEPAM Regional Coordinators and Officers include: Wambwa Munguti representing Coast and lower eastern, Lotims Joseph representing marginalized communities (Turkana County); Mr. Wakoli Kunani representing Bungoma County; Mr. Sheik Noor Shek representing minority of northern Kenya (Wajir County).

As a movement, we cannot be spectators as the IEBC is being manipulated by the retired commissioners who are clinging on their positions despite being shown the exit door. KEPAM is concerned with the lackadaisical way the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is taking the process of Diaspora voting since the same is a constitutional right.

Besides, even facilitating the implementation of dual citizenship for Kenyans living abroad to enable them acquire new passports through its missions abroad has been totally ignored. At the home front, citizens are blank about constitutional provisions because of the slow base of civic education by the government.

Through information sharing, civic education and empowerment of vulnerable groups, the movement is taking the lead in the development of more viable democratic space in the Country through citizen participation. KEPAM will penetrate the villages to ensure that Kenyans get the requisite knowledge that will enable them to make sound decisions especially during 2017 elections.

We stand distinctively unique from other Civil Society organizations which have been criticized for dueling much in boardrooms instead of focusing on action plans in the grassroots where majority of Kenyans live. KEPAM will seize the opportunity to fearlessly speak for the downtrodden while condemning evils like corruption tribalism and nepotism and electoral fraud.

KEPAM has clear-cut caveats on how to identify the right leaders for the country. We will only endorse and support leaders on condition that they pass the integrity test as contained in Chapter 6 of the Constitution. Those who stand for social Justice, and empowering vulnerable groups like women and youth, will earn our support.

Citizens needs to understand their constitutional rights and privileges. We will ensure that copies of the Kenyan constitution are publicized in local languages. This is the surest way to build an informed citizenry especially on matters governance.

KEPAM is set to be launched in January 2017. It has a strong social media presence with a tweeter handler @KenyaPatriots and a website www.kepam254.org. The movement’s homeland hub is in Nairobi with a complete secretariat which will coordinate grassroots activities.

Senator Chris Obure and group are misleading the Abagusii community

Senator Chris Obure and group are misleading the Abagusii community

It’s now clear that the pursuit of Abagusii Unity spearheaded by Senator Chris Obure and former CIC chairman Charles Nyachae is opportunistically clothed.

They begun the unity crusades dubbed “obomo bw’omogusii” with vigour, colour, style and splendor; reminding the Abagusii community the utility of being in government led by President Uhuru Kenyatta after the 2017 election. They however failed to tell the people how sure they are that Uhuru will be re-elected for a second.

First of all, I challenge Senator Chris Obure to tell the people of Gusii what he has done for them in the last 46 years he has been in active politics; serving in powerful dockets- Finance, Labour, Public works and Foreign Affairs during the Moi and Kibaki Presidency!

Secondly, I want to challenge Charles Nyachae, why he failed to use his legal prowess to lure Uhuru and Ruto to join Ford People, the party his father used to herd the Abagusii community in a failed presidential bid in 2002?

Disbanding an old political party like Ford People to join Jubilee is not only puerile, but extremely illogical.

The trend of disbanding old parties to join amorphous outfits merely for election not only serves political interests but inhibits good governance and democratic growth in the country. Kenyans want political parties wants to see political parties become replicas of the ANC of South Africa, CCM of Tanzania and Labour Party of Britain.

One wonders where the Party of National Unity (PNU) which Kibaki used for re-election in 2007 and the National Rainbow Coalition (Nark) which brought him to power in 2002 are today!

Statehouse delegations are not illegalities except when they are turned to avenues for political favours and herding communities, which is a travesty to democracy and devolution in the country.

Of all the delegations to Statehouse, the one led by Kisii Senator Obure and CIC was more dramatic than the ones from Ukambani, Luhyaland and Coast. This is because, Obure plays oversight roles in the Senate to ensure that devolution is strengthened at the Counties.

Secondly, Charles Nyachae was tasked with the implementation of the current constitution and therefore should be more informed since the current constitution is very clear on development and regional balance in the allocation of jobs. Above all, Kenyan taxpayers have a right to have access to development and get government jobs; political affiliations notwithstanding.

Begging Uhuru and Ruto for these rights for the people of Gusii is not only enhancing the politics of sycophancy but also, ploughing Kenya back to the old repugnant days of Kanu.

Kisii deputy governor Joash Maangi, seems to have borrowed nothing from his studies in the USA, especially on governance and democratic leadership. Instead, he is dueling on antiquated leadership Practices which don’t conform to modern times. Maangi, has completely abdicated his responsibilities and his main task is to undermine governor James Ongwae to please his Jubilee masters.

While the Jubilee Party is making forays in Kisii and Nyamira Counties, the ground has not been easy to penetrate. During a recent funeral at Bobasi Sub county, Obure and Charles Nyachae were forced to cut short their speeches due to hostility from a section of mourners who accused them of misleading the community to join Jubilee.

Secondly, when deputy President Ruto visited Gusii recently, he was only received by the Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i and the Kisii deputy governor. The rest who had expressed interest to join Jubilee party chickened out. Who knows they have sensed that their dalliance with the Jubilee government will dent their political careers!

The ODM renegades from Gusiiland needs to remember that blackmailing ODM leader, Raila Odinga, will not endear them to the electorates who know how deep the Jubilee government has marginalized the region. Majority of Kisiis who were displaced from the Rift Valley during the Post-election violence never got any government compensation even after their counterparts from Mt Kenya were given land and monetary compensation to a tune of Kshs. 400,000 per person.

Like all other communities in Kenya, the Abagusii stands strong in support of the Spirit and letter of Devolution, as enshrined in Kenya Constitution, 2010. This is the surest way to enhance, advance and promote the aspect of equality, equity, fairness and better governance in the country.

What is expected of our leaders is to strengthen devolution through legislation, oversight, and increased allocation of funds to counties by the national government.

Therefore, the unity pursued by Kisii leaders led by Obure and Nyachae under the aegis of development sets a negative precedence and if not curbed will alienate regions which didn’t vote for the current regime and therefore render the current constitution irrelevant.

Letter to all Luyias especially the Bukusu Sub-tribe

By Kisiang'ani Khwa Nakumincha and Albert Musasia

The hullabaloo about Namwamba and others just got me thinking. So many have called Raila names including "a betrayer of the luhya people" etc. While we blame other tribes for our woes ( non-delivery of services to our people and our misfortunes), we myopically and ignorantly forget to look at our own selves. Our own history is full of betrayals.

In 1969, Masinde Muliro campaigned for Elijah Wasike Mwangale for the Elgon East seat later renamed Bungoma East, against the incumbent Mark Barasa to ensure his Maiden stint in parliament and he made it. We forget that after the 1979 elections and the subsequent appointments of Mwangale and Moses Mudavadi into Cabinet, the two declared war on Muliro under the directive of Moi.

In the snap election of 1983 after the attempted coup in 1982, Gumo rigged out Muliro in the elections which later the court nullified. In the subsequent by-election in 1984, Gumo and other aspirants stepped down and rallied behind Daniel Biwott arap Yego, a Kalenjin. Muliro won anyway.

At the same time, Gumo knowing that Wamalwa Kijana, who had then won the Kitale west seat by the support of Muliro, had been a witness in the nullified election, fabricated evidence against Wamalwa in the njonjo commission investigating his (Njonjos) illegal attempted power takeover. However, the evidence was thrown out on cross examination.

In 1985, when the Kakamega Branch decided to expel Martin shikuku from KANU, its Muliro who ran to his defense. This earned Muliro attacks instigated by the then KANU secretary general Burudi Nabwera and a moi confidant Moses Mudavadi. Kibiwott arap Koross, Muliro's vice chairman in Trans Nzoia, called for muliros expulsion from the party. It took the intervention of the KANU executive council to pardon Muliro.

When Muliro won the newly created Cherangany Constituency parliamentary seat in 1988, Dr Noah Wekesa, then the Kanu Branch treasurer led an onslaught against him and Wamalwa. Muliro lost the seat through a petition and in the subsequent by-election of 1990, they (Noah Wekesa+others) rallied behind Kipruto arap Kirwa who eventually won the seat.

Shikuku after muliro putting his life on the line for him ended up eating ugali in state house and betraying luhya/opposition unity.

1999....George Kapten dies suspiciously. "Leave moi out of kaptens death" said William Ruto.......Was George kapten betrayed by someone?? Who was it? Could it have been the same people that betrayed Muliro???

Do we remember when Moi deceived Mudavadi to remain in KANU and become Vice president to break the Rainbow movement??And eventually forced him to be Uhurus running mate instead of vice versa in 2002!!!! And we forget it’s because of Ruto that Uhuru called Musalia a demon and reneged on a Musalia presidency in 2013. This split the luhya vote giving Uhuruto a disputed win.

On the flip side, when Luhyas (Muliro) united with Luos (Jaramogi), 1991, we got multiparty democracy back. When Raila moved from Ford Kenya, Wamalwa Kijana became the undisputed Chairman of the party and went on to become VP after 'Kibaki Tosha' declaration by Raila in 2002. Do we even forget how Raila and Ngilu campaigned for the win to come.

In 2007, Raila, against all odds and at the expense of losing the Rift Valley support, chose Mudavadi as his running mate. The same Raila chose Mudavadi as Deputy Prime minister in the Nusu mkate Government. This led to the Raila-Ruto fall out.

Ababu Namwamba picked as Minister for Sports and youth affairs, PAC chair (ODM rallied to counter vote of no confidence), ODM Secretary General..........besides running to Baba for protection.

Among the controversial assignments that had been handled by Namwamba's committee included the probe on the Sh25 million hiring of a luxury jet for Deputy President William Ruto and his entourage of 15 on a tour of four African countries. The parliamentary watchdog was rocked by claims that some of its members had been taking bribes to change some of its investigative reports. To date everything was swept under the carpet.

Those who voted to have Ababu out were  Gonzi Rai (TNA), Joel Onyancha (TNA), Jude Njomo (TNA), Kareke Mbiuki (TNA), Jackson Rop (URP), Julius Melly (URP), James Bett (URP), Arthur Odera(URP), Mathias Robi (URP) Fathia Mahbub (URP), Stephen Manoti (Ford People), Joseph Manje (TNA) and Edick Anyanga (ODM).

Suna East MP Junnet Mohammed led others in saving Ababu but they were outnumbered. Luckily, the victors could not muster the requisite numbers to oust the Budalangi MP, which made him retain his seat.

Those who voted to save Namwamba included ODM Chairman John Mbadi, MPs Alice Nyanchoka(ODM), Manson Nyamweya(ODM), Charles Geni(ODM), Silvance Osele (ODM), Jessica Mbalu (Wiper), Sakwa Bunyasi (UDF) and Katatha Maweu (Independent). Finally, though, the parliaentary committee on selection threw him out.

I have not even touched the Chesoni/Wako issues, Kituyi/Kombo, Wetangula/Mudavadi etc etc
If we treasure the Muliro who charismatically invited the Bukusu and other luhyas to buy land and settle in Trans Nzoia, who fought for the underprivileged in society, who fought for free speech and freedom of expression, who fought tribalism etc etc, we need to soberly look at who has done us more damage.

Jomo Kenyatta used luhyas to fight luhyas. Moi did the same. Kibaki did the same. I find it not strange that Uhuruto(a combination of Jomo and Moi) are doing the same. The only good thing is that those used ended up miserable fellows politically. Mwangale, Shamallah, Kituyi (saved by a UN appointment), Kombo etc.

In my personal judgement, under the leadership of the Kikuyu and Kalenjin governments, we have done ourselves more harm than good. BUT the Kalenjin followed by the Kikuyu, have done more harm to the Bukusu and luhya nation than the Luo. Mgala muue lakini haki yake umpe. I welcome any better prove that states otherwise.

The question I keep asking myself is, when Namwamba chest thumps and says "the luhyas", which luhyas is he speaking on their behalf??? And who has send him to speak on behalf of the Luhyas?

 Abamulembo clan should tell Namwamba, their son, that he still has a long way to go to become the luhya spokesperson. Let him tackle Busia first. Namwamba, we know where you are headed despite all the denials.

 Nowadays you deny everything. Be a man and speak out. It’s your democratic right. We are waiting. I rest my case.

Letter to all Luyias especially the Bukusu Sub-tribe

By Kisiang'ani Khwa Nakumincha and Albert Musasia

The hullabaloo about Namwamba and others just got me thinking. So many have called Raila names including "a betrayer of the luhya people" etc. While we blame other tribes for our woes ( non-delivery of services to our people and our misfortunes), we myopically and ignorantly forget to look at our own selves. Our own history is full of betrayals.

In 1969, Masinde Muliro campaigned for Elijah Wasike Mwangale for the Elgon East seat later renamed Bungoma East, against the incumbent Mark Barasa to ensure his Maiden stint in parliament and he made it. We forget that after the 1979 elections and the subsequent appointments of Mwangale and Moses Mudavadi into Cabinet, the two declared war on Muliro under the directive of Moi.

In the snap election of 1983 after the attempted coup in 1982, Gumo rigged out Muliro in the elections which later the court nullified. In the subsequent by-election in 1984, Gumo and other aspirants stepped down and rallied behind Daniel Biwott arap Yego, a Kalenjin. Muliro won anyway.

At the same time, Gumo knowing that Wamalwa Kijana, who had then won the Kitale west seat by the support of Muliro, had been a witness in the nullified election, fabricated evidence against Wamalwa in the njonjo commission investigating his (Njonjos) illegal attempted power takeover. However, the evidence was thrown out on cross examination.

In 1985, when the Kakamega Branch decided to expel Martin shikuku from KANU, its Muliro who ran to his defense. This earned Muliro attacks instigated by the then KANU secretary general Burudi Nabwera and a moi confidant Moses Mudavadi. Kibiwott arap Koross, Muliro's vice chairman in Trans Nzoia, called for muliros expulsion from the party. It took the intervention of the KANU executive council to pardon Muliro.

When Muliro won the newly created Cherangany Constituency parliamentary seat in 1988, Dr Noah Wekesa, then the Kanu Branch treasurer led an onslaught against him and Wamalwa. Muliro lost the seat through a petition and in the subsequent by-election of 1990, they (Noah Wekesa+others) rallied behind Kipruto arap Kirwa who eventually won the seat.

Shikuku after muliro putting his life on the line for him ended up eating ugali in state house and betraying luhya/opposition unity.

1999....George Kapten dies suspiciously. "Leave moi out of kaptens death" said William Ruto.......Was George kapten betrayed by someone?? Who was it? Could it have been the same people that betrayed Muliro???

Do we remember when Moi deceived Mudavadi to remain in KANU and become Vice president to break the Rainbow movement??And eventually forced him to be Uhurus running mate instead of vice versa in 2002!!!! And we forget it’s because of Ruto that Uhuru called Musalia a demon and reneged on a Musalia presidency in 2013. This split the luhya vote giving Uhuruto a disputed win.

On the flip side, when Luhyas (Muliro) united with Luos (Jaramogi), 1991, we got multiparty democracy back. When Raila moved from Ford Kenya, Wamalwa Kijana became the undisputed Chairman of the party and went on to become VP after 'Kibaki Tosha' declaration by Raila in 2002. Do we even forget how Raila and Ngilu campaigned for the win to come.

In 2007, Raila, against all odds and at the expense of losing the Rift Valley support, chose Mudavadi as his running mate. The same Raila chose Mudavadi as Deputy Prime minister in the Nusu mkate Government. This led to the Raila-Ruto fall out.

Ababu Namwamba picked as Minister for Sports and youth affairs, PAC chair (ODM rallied to counter vote of no confidence), ODM Secretary General..........besides running to Baba for protection.

Among the controversial assignments that had been handled by Namwamba's committee included the probe on the Sh25 million hiring of a luxury jet for Deputy President William Ruto and his entourage of 15 on a tour of four African countries. The parliamentary watchdog was rocked by claims that some of its members had been taking bribes to change some of its investigative reports. To date everything was swept under the carpet.

Those who voted to have Ababu out were  Gonzi Rai (TNA), Joel Onyancha (TNA), Jude Njomo (TNA), Kareke Mbiuki (TNA), Jackson Rop (URP), Julius Melly (URP), James Bett (URP), Arthur Odera(URP), Mathias Robi (URP) Fathia Mahbub (URP), Stephen Manoti (Ford People), Joseph Manje (TNA) and Edick Anyanga (ODM).

Suna East MP Junnet Mohammed led others in saving Ababu but they were outnumbered. Luckily, the victors could not muster the requisite numbers to oust the Budalangi MP, which made him retain his seat.

Those who voted to save Namwamba included ODM Chairman John Mbadi, MPs Alice Nyanchoka(ODM), Manson Nyamweya(ODM), Charles Geni(ODM), Silvance Osele (ODM), Jessica Mbalu (Wiper), Sakwa Bunyasi (UDF) and Katatha Maweu (Independent). Finally, though, the parliaentary committee on selection threw him out.

I have not even touched the Chesoni/Wako issues, Kituyi/Kombo, Wetangula/Mudavadi etc etc
If we treasure the Muliro who charismatically invited the Bukusu and other luhyas to buy land and settle in Trans Nzoia, who fought for the underprivileged in society, who fought for free speech and freedom of expression, who fought tribalism etc etc, we need to soberly look at who has done us more damage.

Jomo Kenyatta used luhyas to fight luhyas. Moi did the same. Kibaki did the same. I find it not strange that Uhuruto(a combination of Jomo and Moi) are doing the same. The only good thing is that those used ended up miserable fellows politically. Mwangale, Shamallah, Kituyi (saved by a UN appointment), Kombo etc.

In my personal judgement, under the leadership of the Kikuyu and Kalenjin governments, we have done ourselves more harm than good. BUT the Kalenjin followed by the Kikuyu, have done more harm to the Bukusu and luhya nation than the Luo. Mgala muue lakini haki yake umpe. I welcome any better prove that states otherwise.

The question I keep asking myself is, when Namwamba chest thumps and says "the luhyas", which luhyas is he speaking on their behalf??? And who has send him to speak on behalf of the Luhyas?

 Abamulembo clan should tell Namwamba, their son, that he still has a long way to go to become the luhya spokesperson. Let him tackle Busia first. Namwamba, we know where you are headed despite all the denials.

 Nowadays you deny everything. Be a man and speak out. It’s your democratic right. We are waiting. I rest my case.

President Uhuru Kenyatta needs to think about his legacy

President Uhuru Kenyatta scores highly as an affable person who mingles freely with the lowly in society. He has demystified the presidency; making himself accessible to Kenyans from all walks of life.

However, Uhuru hasn’t done well on good governance, inculcating better leadership practices, respecting the rule of law, nurturing accountability and accommodating dissent from critics since taking power in 2013.

The sixty-four-thousand-dollar question many Kenyans have been asking is this: What shall President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto pass to the next generation when they shall have gone to meet their Lord?

Kenyans have seen Uhuru and Ruto lead a government littered with mega corruption scandals, impunity, land grabbing and looting of public funds. They have seen the importation of expensive anti-riot gear to suppress dissenters hence, killing democracy.  

Deputy President Ruto just like Uhuru, is an amiable person. He is easily approachable. His close friends say, he is one of the most generous political leaders in Kenya who shares his money and in huge bills.

It’s imperative that the two Jubilee coalition leaders attended to their legacies with only 14 months left before the next general election if they truly care about bequeathing a positive legacy to the next generation. They should reflect on their political journey and ask themselves what future generations will find in record about them-verbatim, written, and oral.

Current events in the country if not urgently addressed will put the legacy of Uhuru and Ruto in jeopardy unless they make a fast ‘u’ turn.

Today, if Uhuru agreed to a new IEBC created jointly with the opposition that will see a free and fair elections in 2017, he is likely to go down in history as a very transformative president. He has a chance to slay another dragon of tribal bigotry, corruption and open doors for a free society devoid of nepotism and inequality.

As the adage goes, “a good name is better than riches.” The good you do in life to rekindle hopes, offer counsel, share kindness and mercy will determine the immortality you will leave and will define quality and not the quantity that you shall be remembered for.

Most Kenyans are proud that they have a president and deputy who mingles freely with all and sundry but this is not enough. They want to see more positive things; they want to enjoy their freedom as enshrined in the constitution.

The legacies of the late Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King of South Africa and USA respectively, are  unsurpassed. Their families and nations proudly associate with these legends with confidence.

In Kenya, the late Tom Mboya, Masinde Muliro, JM Kariuki, and Chelagat Mutai, will forever be remembered for their patriotism through the quest for freedom, fairness (equity) and an inclusive government. 

Cord leader Raila Odinga, Gitobu Imanyara and James Orengo, to mention but a few remain living agents of our freedom and a representation of the future worthy fighting for.

It’s tragic that late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta bravely fought for independence but dented his legacy through greed and political assassinations. Who knows that is why the current president rarely invokes his father’s name publically. May be he fears the controversy its likely to generate!

What our leaders forget is that, wealth is not everything. In fact, the greatest men and women who have made history in the world like Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Matma Gandhi of India were not rich. They never lived in mansions, but left a rich legacy when they passed on.

Mother Theresa is immortalized for her service to the poor, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King for their bravery in the quest for emancipation of their people from injustices. Raila Odinga and Kenneth Matiba are likely to be immortalized for their bravery in the fight for wider democratic space in Kenya.

Activist Boniface Mwangi once said these words to President Uhuru: “Long after you’re gone, we shall remember you not by your net worth but by your deeds. Your father, who Kenyans fundraised for so that he could build a house after his release from prison in 1961, turned around and decided to grab land.”

The late Dr Myles Munroe, of the Bahamas Faith Evangelistic Ministries while on a visit to Kenya shortly before he died in a plane crash, said that Kenyans are blessed to have a President from an affluent family. The motivational speaker was optimistic that Uhuru’s government is likely fight graft since the President is self-reliant materially.  

When good things happen in any society, the world looks at the leadership of that country. That is why President Uhuru is applauded when things are right but discredited when things are wrong.

As the 4^th President of the republic of Kenya under Uhuru Kenyatta has got room to redeem his legacy so that he can leave an indelible mark in Kenya. Just as God looks at our deeds, human beings too watch our steps. When the good outnumbers the bad, we leave a legacy.

Quality Education Key to Progress

The recent expose dubbed 'Certificate of Doom' by Kenya's NTV television channel was a commendable piece. That is why we need to encourage members of the fourth estate to keep unraveling the truths on academic fraud and impropriety in Kenya. The truth must be told if we truly care about building and nurturing a society with academic competency and respect through integrity.

Now that the cat is out of the bag on academic fraud, the Ministry of Education, Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) must be put on the spotlight because they are tasked to ensure quality education and effective testing procedures for all learners in the country.

First of all, does the Ministry of Education conduct thorough vetting of all tertiary institutions to ensure that they conform to learning standards like: presence of qualified instructors, upholding entry grades of students based on the courses they take, the institutions’ affiliations to examination testing bodies at home and abroad and the suitability of the learning environments? It is pathetic that many public and private learning institutions in Kenya have lost their credibility either because of being commercialized, lack of integrity during registration, learning and testing or operating in an environment not equipped with the right facilities.

With modern technology, to start a proprietary institution, you only require two rooms, five desktop computers and a receptionist to open a computer college on Tom Mboya Street. Many parents from upcountry who are unfamiliar with what goes on in our urban centres are often duped to enroll their children in such fake institutions. These fake institutions can be found in Nairobi and other Kenyan small towns like Kisii, Embu, Voi, Eldoret etc. They lack operating credentials from the Ministry of Education and perhaps the only validation they have is a license from the municipalities in which they operate.

With the mushrooming of malpractices in professional and career development, we cannot blame the operators who want to make quick bucks or the end user students but the Ministry of Education which is tasked with regulating the standards of learning and testing in the country. The recent revelation by Dennis Okari of NTV about malpractices in the education sector puts the efficiency of the Ministry of education, KNEC and KICD on the line.

In the academic world, higher learning institutions like the University of Nairobi enjoy the power of setting up curriculum standards and study modules for students through the department of higher education.

However, tertiary institutions must operate under strict curriculum disciplines provided by the Ministry of Education. In the NTV expose, I was shocked to see Nairobi Aviation College granting a diploma certificate in aeronautical engineering. I just wondered which examining body provided the final testing for the award of such diploma, which was on the college’s logo. Besides, I just wonder how a company like Kenya Airways can hire an Aerospace technician diploma holder from an institution with no capacity to train or even test their students in such a sensitive course.

It is only a desperate employer who would accept a diploma certificate bearing a tertiary College logo on it transcripts. It can also be noted that, tertiary institutions often offer internal courses like basic computer literacy, computer repair, communication, math tutoring etc whose certificates are often printed in the institution’s logos and this is acceptable, but not high calibre courses like aeronautical engineering.

Just like the Kenya Bureau of standards (KBS) and Pharmacy and Poisons Board (KPPB) which ensures the quality, potency, and validity of goods, chemicals and medicines manufactured or imported into the country, the Ministry of Education should ensure that, knowledge imparted into Kenyans’ brains is up to standard and can conform to competency in human capital in the labour market. 

To avoid cheating through impersonation, KNEC, which is the umbrella testing body in the Country together with other bodies like KASNEB needs to ensure that the exams are proctored with the strictness it deserves. Since the institutions registered by the Ministry of Education offering KNEC and KASNEB exams are known, it’s their responsibility to safeguard integrity during testing. It must be remembered that foreign testing bodies like The Institute of Commercial Management (ICM), City and Guilds International (CGI), Association of Business executives (ABE) etc, rely on KNEC to ensure that integrity is maintained during testing. There are many Kenyan students who study the curriculum of the said colleges locally.

Just like in government, corruption has permeated in the education field. The old trend where children of the rich excelled academically is now reciprocal. When children from poor families are toiling and moiling to acquire college education, those from rich families register and attend few classes and in less than 48 months, they are in the arena marching in academic gowns ready to be awarded with degrees and diplomas. Your guess is as good as mine on how they compromised their way up due to their financial muscles. The end result is total incompetency in the job market.

I’m not against the mushrooming of proprietary and tertiary institutions because they benefit students who do not qualify to join national universities to achieve professional careers. My problem with these institutions is their failure to follow standard practices to ensure quality in their training. 

Academic integrity is the first impression on how an individual is likely to behave in their professional life. A student who participates in plagiarism or cheating is likely to carry the same trend to the job market. A lecturer who rewards a student because of money or sexual favours is as worse as a physician who knowingly gives wrong medication to his patients. Such lecturers destroy not only the student but all individuals who will seek the services of the student in professional life.

We must remember that, a well-educated society will lead to accelerated socio-economic development, a boost in efficiency, effective service delivery in the public and private sectors. One common reality is that, even with increased number of Universities and tertiary colleges in Kenya, challenges in the education sector continue to spiral since we transitioned from the 7-4-2-3 to 8-4-4 system of education in 1985. It is therefore prudent that the education policy makers review our education system to make it conform to the challenges of the modern century.

{First publicized in February 2015 Joseph Lister Nyaringo}