Kenyans diaspora perturbed by BBI taskforce for ignoring their recommendations

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

The much-awaited building bridges initiative (BBI) is out. Kenyans who have read the report and fully dissected the good and the bad in the document are slowly opening up and pointing out the pros and cons of the document.

The Senator Yusuf Haji led team should be commended for putting the document which has set the stage for an intensive debate from Kenyans about how they want their country to run.

The BBI captures many positive aspects that, if implemented will positively impact development in the country. One notable aspect is the decentralization of development funds. The kitty proposed for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) is laudable.

Through the MCAs kitty, MPs CDF kitty, and the County kitty through the governor; this is likely to boost development at the grassroots in addition to other development initiatives by the national government.  

Giving graduates a 7-year grace period to repay their student loans through the University Education Loans Board (HELB) is a brilliant move. However, to make it more meaningful, the government should be ready to put up mechanisms that will create jobs for the graduates since giving them a payment break merely postponing a problem.

It’s perplexing that Senator Yusuf Haji’s team could not pick even a single recommendation submitted by the diaspora after the team’s mandate was extended in December 2019. This displeasure doesn’t mean the diaspora will reject or campaign against the document.

Therefore, Kenyans living in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa are appealing to President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to urgently address their concerns as a reflection that they care about inclusivity and democratic participation of all Kenyans irrespective of where they reside.

There is still room to reconsider factoring some of the proposals presented by the Kenyan diaspora. President Kenyatta is a product of the diaspora and should be the last person to stifle diaspora aspirations in regard to good governance.

On the other hand, Raila Odinga, who continues to enjoy the highest percentage of diaspora support, should be at the frontline to defend their aspirations.

“Our voices must be heard; our challenges and aspirations must be captured in the process of governance of our country. This is the surest way to feel a sense of belonging as Kenyans.” Said Samuel Ondicho of Minnesota.

Ms Mary Jacinta, a Kenya living in Germany expressed outrage after realizing that no single recommendation from the diaspora was included in the final report even after submitting the proposals in time.  

“We matter as Kenyans; relegating us to the periphery when we contribute massively to the country’s economy is a travesty to democracy, inclusivity, and fair play. We are Kenya’s frontline ambassadors and our ideas cannot be trashed as if we don’t exist.” Said Lister Nyaringo who is also the President of the Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby based in The US.

The Kenyan diaspora cherishes good governance, freedom, justice, and fairness. In this spirit, they feel sugar-coated by politicians who only reach out to them during elections for strategic support.

Inclusivity in a country means that all segments of the population must be heard and directly involved in their country’s affairs.

How do you ignore a section of the population who are the fourth highest contributor to the funds that run the country? According to statistics from the Central Bank of Kenya, the Diaspora sent home through inter-bank transfers $209 million (Sh20.94 billion) and $245 million (Sh24.55 billion) in January 2018 and January 2019 respectively.

These figures could be higher if remittances through MoneyGram, Wave, and other online platforms were factored in the estimates.

Kenyans will always remain Kenyans before and after settling abroad. Ignoring their voice in the just-released BBI report is demeaning their intelligence and know-how.

The Kenya Patriotic Movement and other affiliated groups which represent the diaspora interests proposed the creation of a Diaspora Constituency to address issues faced by Kenyans living abroad in our legislature. Is this asking for too much when other interest groups continue to be listened to?  

The diaspora also proposed that a Ministry of Diaspora Affairs are created and headed by one of them, similar to that of Israel and India. Both India and Israel have a well-established and organized diaspora that significantly contributes to the development of their nations. In fact, medical tourism in India is a product of the country’s Diaspora.

In order to fully avail themselves in the service of their motherland, the diaspora proposed the removal of the Clause in the 2010 Constitution that bars holders of dual citizenship from holding and running for public office at the level of State officer. The clause is archaic, discriminatory, and a violation of one’s birthright.

The diaspora also raised concerns about over-representation given the shrinking financial resources caused by over-borrowing by the current government. The general perspective of Kenyans living abroad is that Kenya has a bloated legislature.

What is the logic in a nation of about 50 million people having 425 elected representatives in the two legislative chambers?

If the current BBI document is implemented, it will further strain taxpayers who will pay for the increased number of Senators and MPs. The Diaspora also suggested the fusing of small constituencies and counties to cut costs.

Kenyans will be strained in funding the expanded executive-the President, vice president, Prime Minister, and two deputies plus a fully funded office of the leader of the opposition.

Diaspora voting rights despite vividly captured in Section 38 (3) (a) of the constitution, continues to be a mirage despite assurances in every election cycle. The same is not addressed in the BBI.

 

They say, when the deal is too good, think twice. Kenya has faced great challenges related to historical injustices. This is perhaps the reason for disharmony amongst the Kenyan communities especially during and after a general election.

Key commissions like the famous Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), The Ndungu Land Report (NLR) continue to gather dust, yet the BBI report failed to capture any of this.

Leaving the issue of land in the new BBI report is postponing the challenges Kenyans have experienced for many years. Piecemeal interventions through changing the books without looking at the core reasons for our present predicaments won’t heal Kenya.

The diaspora suggested the establishment of a Justice fund to offer reparations to victims and families who have suffered electoral injustices since 1992. The same could have enabled these victims to put to closure their agony.

It’s imperative that the diaspora issues are reconsidered as the country enters into a rigorous debate about the BBI. It’s not too late. If it fails, the diaspora will conclude that the government has completely ignored the critical role they play in nation-building.

Lister Nyaringo is the president of Kenya Patriotic Movement a diaspora lobby based in The US

 

How the Kisii gubernatorial contest will shape up in 2022

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

The gubernatorial contest in Kisii County to succeed Governor James Ongwae, in 2022 will attract candidates from 5 out of the 6 clans in the region. Except Bonchari, Bobasi, Bomachoge, Bogirango, Bogetutu, and Nyaribari may have a candidate.

Several factors will determine the winning candidate. A coalition with an inclusive lineup of influential candidates for governor, deputy governor, Senator, and Women Representative from the populous clans stand a good chance.  

In 2017, the NASA coalition under Governor Ongwae of the Bogetutu clan retained Joash Maangi of Bomachoge as his deputy. Prof. Sam Ongeri from Nyaribari was picked as Senator and Janet Ong’era of Bobasi as Women representative.

After Ongwae secured the second term, he picked David Kombo from South Mugirango for county speaker; leaving out Bonchari clan without any major seat in the power-sharing matrix.

In advanced democracies, money can play a role in winning an election but, it’s a candidate’s policies that count most.

Kisii residents face many challenges related to infrastructure, water, mismanagement of the tea sector, and unemployment but, they rarely vote for candidates based on their capacity to address these challenges but how well a candidate is endowed financially.

During political campaigns, these Swahili saying is very common from voters, “mkono mtupu haulambwi” (you can’t lick an empty hand). The candidates who dish more money usually win.  

Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, who enjoys massive influence in the Jubilee government from Gusiiland will play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the county leaderships of Kisii and Nyamira plus the region’s 13 constituencies in 2022.

The candidates

Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, who is also the regional overseer of the Tanga Tanga movement from Bomachoge clan will fight it out to inherit the governor’s seat after deputizing Ongwae for two terms.

Time will tell if the Bogetutu clan of Ongwae will reciprocate and reward Maangi for the loyalty he has exhibited to their son since they first won in 2013.

Maangi’s good campaigning experience may boost his bid. He has also tapped the support of former Kisii County ODM Chairman Samuel Omwando and Bobaracho ward MCA Ibrahim Ongubo who are great mobilizers in Kisii town- the heartland of Kisii politics.

“I’m an open-minded servant of our county. I thrive on honesty and fair play. What I hate is being a people-pleaser and dwelling on political pettiness.” Says Maangi while exuding confidence to capture the county seat in 2022. 

So far apart from Maangi, nobody has expressed interest to vie for governor from the populous Bomachoge clan which has two constituencies-Bomachoge Borabu and Bomachoge Chache.

In Nyaribari clan, Senator Ongeri will face it off with his clanmate and MP for Nyaribari Masaba, Ezekiel Machogu. Machogu, has a rich experience in provincial administration and unlike Ongeri; he is relatively younger and more resourced to run a formidable campaign.

Ongeri enjoys goodwill from handshake leaders-President Kenyatta and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, who may boost his bid. However, some locals argue that voting for the senator is perpetuating Ongwae’s “eating legacy.” Ongwae, who is a bosom buddy of Ongeri, is often associated with corruption and nepotism in the county since he took office in 2013.

The most viable winning formula for Ongeri is picking a running mate like Momoima Onyonka, the MP for Kitutu Chache South.  Momoima, who often roars into victory irrespective of party dynamics to the surprise of many has great oratorical and campaigning skills.  If Momoima runs, he will find it hard to convince other clans to vote for him since governor Ongwae, who is also from Bogetutu has served for two terms.

Senator Ongeri’s major limitations are his age and limited campaign resources. Otherwise, he has an impressive development record in the larger Kisii region.

It’s rumoured that a deal has been inked between former senator Chris Obure and Charles Nyachae to run as a joint ticket on Tanga Tanga of Deputy President William Ruto. Obure who lost to Ongwae in 2017 will have Nyachae as running mate.

Like Senator Ongeri, Obure is disadvantaged due to old age. However, he has an edge on clan dynamics, networking, and political experience.  

Despite the fact that the youthful MP for Dagoretti North Simba Arati, has not officially announced his candidature, has been sending feelers on the ground that he will vie.

However, older voters view Arati as “a governor of the future.”  The Dagoretti MP has superb mobilization skills and enjoys a sizeable following amongst the youth. Campaigning as governor in a rural setting with 9 constituencies will be no mean feat for Arati who is used to urban campaigns.  

On women candidates, rather than affirmative action seats, women in Gusiiland find it hard to make headways in political contests.

If the BBI recommendations are entrenched in our laws, women candidates will have an edge in gubernatorial seats since each male candidate will pick a female running mate and vice versa.

It remains to be seen how Janet Ong’era, the Kisii Women Representative who has a rich resume in public service will fair on if she joins the contest. One of Ong’era’s signature achievements in politics is her effective management of ODM which catapulted the party to garner many seats in the national assembly in 2007.

Voters say Ong’era, is affable, motherly, and interactive to constituents. In Kisii town, she is often referred to as “Mama Christmas” because of sharing goodies with vulnerable groups every festive season.

If Senator Ongeri picks Ms. Ong’era as running mate, the ticket will be as formidable as picking Momoima Onyonka.

In South Mugirango, Omingo Magara, and Manson Oyongo who are party leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Kenya National Congress (KNC) respectively, will fight it out to succeed Ongwae.

Voters say that Magara often makes political miscalculations that reflect him as greedy and an opportunist. For Oyongo, he lacks networking skills despite having a solid development record when he served as South Mugirango MP.

If Oyongo decides to forego his gubernatorial bid to run as MP, he will give Sylvanus Osoro, the current area MP a run for his money.

In Bonchari constituency with about 70,000 registered voters, the locals say they are always short-changed by bigger clans. In 2022, they want the region to go for nothing less than the deputy governor or senator.

A notable figure touted as a potential senator from the clan is Geoffrey Mogire, who is a former executive officer of (KNUT). He has deep ground networks and currently serves as Kisii county Chief officer.  

It remains to be seen how the contest will play out to replace governor Ongwae who has a good rapport with the national government despite being viewed locally as corrupt, insincere, and dishonest with no signature project to safeguard a legacy since he became the governor in 2013. 

Nyaringo is the President of Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby based in The US