EAST AFRICA POLITICAL FEDERATION IS AN ILLUSION

Regional integrations that enhance the quality of life for citizens of individual countries should be encouraged and solidified. The success stories of Africa’s regional bodies includes: COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, NEPAD and ECOMOG, although the latter is more on peace keeping operations in the West African region.

 The much talked about East Africa political federation by the year 2012 with a fast-track implementation document authored by Kenya’s attorney General Amos Wako, is a reflection of how the East African regional leaders have lost track of the pertinent and most urgent problems bedevilling their nations.

 It’s futile and political fiction to talk of a full political federation for Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and ultimately, Southern Sudan under one President by 2012. Each of these Countries has their home-grown problems that require home grown solutions before talking about a full fledged political federation.

 There are more urgent issues to be tackled by the said countries like building stable economies, reduction of poverty through fighting unemployment, enhancing peace and security, nurturing better education systems and building an effective transportation and communication networks. Its naïve to talk of a political federation for East Africa when Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda do not have a proper road linkage with southern Sudan, leave alone a telecommunication network.

 Rwanda is yet to recover from the genocide of 1994 by nurturing peace, unity and harmony amongst her two tribes; the Hutus and Tutsis. Southern Sudan faces even more challenges to stabilize as an independent nation after its secession from the rich Islamic North. Uganda, which has undergone tremendous improvement under President Yoweri Museveni, has to effectively contain her Northern part controlled by rebels; the Lords Resistance Army (LRA); remembering that Museveni is the chief architect of a full-fledged East African political Federation by 2012.

 Tanzania faces even more challenges to effectively compete especially on trade and commerce due to the -socialistic ideologies that were entrenched by the late President Julius Nyerere. It needs to be more aggressive in her approaches towards issues of trade in the region. The country also needs to build a better education system based on modern professional needs of the region since it has the weakest education system in East Africa.

The worst part is the Country’s headstrong fixation towards Swahili language with little accommodation to English; the most used language in the world. In Kenya, we face more challenges as a country especially the deep-rooted tribalism, occasional tribal clashes, corruption, impartiality in the judicial system, rampant fraudulent deals in government and private sector, shaky political party structures with no ideology and procrastination to implement government findings and public inquests.

The delay by President Kibaki to give the Country a new constitution is a home- grown problem that needs to be addressed by Kenya before thinking of a political federation. It’s easy to tackle a crisis affecting one hundred people than that which affects a million people.

 The most intriguing aspect for the demise of East African Community in 1977 after ten years in existence was a feeling by Uganda and Tanzania that Kenya was gaining more economically from the integration. In other words, have the challenges that paved the way for the Community’s demise been addressed? With the entrenchment of Rwanda, Burundi and possibly Southern Sudan, the challenges of maintaining the union are likely to be more cumbersome and fluidly than when it encompassed Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

 This brings to light The Customs Union that came into force in 2005, and when taken seriously, contains serious negative economic implications especially for Kenya, with a positive scale for Tanzania and Uganda. Kenya pays export duty for all her exports to Uganda and Tanzania while the two don’t, just because our economy is bigger and advanced.

When you tell a Kenyan citizen of this, it will appear that we as a people will be labouring for others especially when a full-fledged political federation is achieved predictably by 2012. Kenya is where it is because her people have worked hard to reach the current levels. The best way the East African Countries can help their citizens is not through a political federation but to take advantage of each others strengths.

That is why I agree with Kabete MP honourable Paul Muite that the member states shall have a lot to gain if they cooperate more in the economic front. While the former Attorney general Charles Njonjo raised pregnant points in the media recently on his dislike of the East Africa Community (EAC), it can be observed that we need social, economic, cultural and political cooperation that will not necessarily evolve into a political federation. Kenya needs to learn from Tanzania’s quality political party structures, for instance how Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party has managed to solidify itself and kept it’s ideology since independence.

In Tanzania, we have few political parties a lesson for Kenya which has over 85 registered political parties. Tanzania’s effective police force, committed civil service compared to Kenya’s demoralized lot, are key aspects we need to learn from our neighbours. It’s worthy to note that the current sanity on Kenya’s public transport system is borrowed from Uganda.

Countries with a better education curriculum should learn from one another; Uganda needs Swahili while Tanzania needs English. Another key aspect for East African Countries is to consolidate her efforts as a region to speak with one voice especially in negotiating for positions in multilateral forums to bargain for a single candidate for East Africa.

This has worked well on Countries of the Arab league. Finally, any regional integration in any part of the world must first focus on the reaping benefits of their integration to their population. That is why East Africa should focus on how they can spur their people’s standard of living instead of focussing to create false bureaucracies that may never yield any advantage for the people of the region.

ASPIRING FOR ELECTION AS MP

Joseph Lister Nyaringo Aspiring Mp for Bobasi, Gucha District on Narc Kenya ticket- To Face Honourable Stephen Manoti, the Incumbent MY PROFILE: Contacts: 0722-115-841 or 0728-561-647 E-mail: diplomat1499@yahoo.com Age: 34 Years. Roles in Kenya: Chiefshopsteward, Uchumi supermarkets, from 1995 to 1998 then went for further studies in the USA. Occupation: Businessman, Eldoret Group/ Membership: Currently a participant in the Political leadership Development Program (PLDP) sponsored by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung of Germany, under the Youth Agenda and Citizen Coalition for constitutional change 4Cs. Marital status: Married with 4 Children. Background: Non political family / Once hounded in poverty. Clan: Boigesa, in the Larger Bogetaorio Clan which is the 2nd largest in Bobasi constituency. The largest is Bosansa and the smallest being Masige. Religious Values: Born again Christian. I believe that God is bringing in leaders in this year’s elections who have divine wisdom to steer the Country forward in this 21st Century. Campaign Slogan: The voice of the new generation in leadership is now. It’s our time To Be Given a chance in order To discover our Mission through our potential. My Campaign Theme: It’s centred on compassion & love of our people-the electorates. The ideals, policies and issues that I envision are those that reflect the interests of the people. I want to nurture a political clarion where ISSUES and POLICIES should be the pivot in the electioneering period. Politicians who uses money to solicit for votes is a dubious way of hijacking democracy by making people to vote from the prism of ignorance instead of information. I promise not to engage myself on politics of insults, maligning, character assassination, lies, propaganda or destruction of personality to my opponents; but instead, I will focus on issues, ideas, results, our people & the future. M y Vision: To see our Villages, Communities, Constituency and the entire Nation transform into a haven for progress & better lives for all people irrespective of their standing in life. I will achieve these through: social, economic, political empowerment, transparency, accountability and having character and integrity besides being a selfless servant of the people and not their boss. Key Areas of Focus in Bobasi: 1. Effective Appropriation of CDF in order to ensure that the target projects are accomplished. 2. Revamping the Coffee & pyrethrum sub sector currently doing well in other parts of the Country. 3. Improving education standards by advocating for more teachers in our secondary and primary schools. 4. Improvement of infrastructure. 5. Devising ways of helping the vulnerable members of the society-widows, orphans & persons with disabilities. The reason why Bobasi is behind is because it has never had a leader who is proactive in Parliamentary debates to highlight the plight of the people. It’s hard for the government in power to know every problem facing the people if the MP they elected has never opened his mouth in the floor of Parliament. That is why I will beat honourable Manoti and even his predecessor who is running on ODM ticket, Mr. Chris Obure. Obure enjoyed unfethered access state house during the Nyayo days besides holding the most powerful ministerial dockets-finance; foreign affairs etc but did virtually nothing for the people. My Background & Political Overview in Bobasi I am vying for mp in Bobasi constituency in this year’s elections through the heart of humility, meekness, compassion, mercy & the love of God. I say the love of God because we all belong to God & it’s him who gives good leadership; the leadership that raises people from apathy, and rekindles their hopes. The type of politics we have experienced in Bobasi constituency for the last 27 years has always evolved on the big man syndrome. Born 34 years a go, I was brought up in a humble background whereby my parents struggled to bring my siblings and I up through poverty and deprivation. Through these, I have had a share of personal tribulations in life. The lecture halls of life through my family background speak volumes more than the lecture halls in Universities & Colleges; the ingredients that have shaped my ability to understand the predicaments of others. I don't need a lecture on sleeping hungry; having one meal a day, walking barefooted, being sent home for school fees, being in a school with no learning facilities and qualifying to join a better school yet parents lack the finances. After my high school education in 1992, I did all odd jobs that you can think of before I was employed by Uchumi Supermarkets in 1995. After a 5 months stint in the company, my calling to lead began in earnest. I was elected chiefshopsteward to represent unionisable employees. I struggled for my fellow workers with zeal & determination on issues of salary increment, better working conditions & solving minor employees versus management disputes. Like a human rights advocate, I discovered that the work of a trade unionist is often frustrating & challenging. I was on constant harassment and threats but in spite of this, I did not tire or falter to defend my fellow workers in the company. I came to learn that the strongest weapon that enhances the strength of any union movement is unity, without it, the job security of its officials & the success of any collective bargaining agreement (CBA) are put in jeopardy. In 1998, I got a student Visa to the USA, and besides graduating with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science, Diploma in Hotel & Restaurant Management & an International Diploma for Humanitarian law, during my study in the USA, I learn a number of skills that I would like to put in practice to build a democratic culture in KENYA that respects, values AND recognizes all cadres of society irrespective of gender, class, status & race. Therefore, my entry to run for political office is centred on my quest to build a better and just society; a society where people are not treated on the basis of their status, a society where people’s grievances and aspirations are addressed with clear, effective and achievable remedies. The best way to build a better and just society is to have a central focus by those in positions of leadership that envision a selfless attitude to the people they represent-masses. This is the political epoch I intend to see in Bobasi and the entire Country. When elected, I will initiate a concept dubbed ‘Bobasi Transparency Policy’. With this in place, our people will get an open & clear flow of information ranging from their share from government i.e. (CDF), the roads maintenance levy, local government transfer fund (LATF) and education bursaries for needy students. I will also make available information like the CDF act and the facts and figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) so that our people are informed on trends of governance, their rights, privileges, roles & how it affects them. To boost accountability and transparency in the constituency, I will ensure that any projects that never worked in my term as Member of Parliament must be brought to the knowledge of the people whose mandate I derive, instead of waiting for five years to shower the electorates with new promises. My quest to run for political office is striving to do positive things that I will like others to copy, emulate, bequeath, inherit & carry forward to better their own lives even if its 100 years to come. The contents of my character in the world will determine the immortality that I want to leave behind. It will also define the quality & not the quantity that I shall be remembered for. I will always strengthen the forces that work for our good & weaken those that work for our destruction. I admire the ideals of persons who personified profound principles in their lives. The ideals of these great men became benchmarks in their quest for the betterment of their communities, nations & the world. It’s clear that you cannot be an extremist for love & goodness if you don’t know Jesus Christ, for Justice & righteousness until you know prophet Amos, for freedom & democracy until you know Abraham Lincoln, suffering for others and patriotism until you meet Nelson Mandela, for non-violence, humility & simplicity until you know Mahatma Gandhi, for service to the downtrodden until you know Mother Theresa and even Economics until you meet Adam Smith. The ideals the said individuals personified are true for human success, happiness, material prosperity, peace, harmony, joy, love, mercy, compassion, & equality. They will ever be remembered by many generations as their names are enthroned on indelible ink in the annals of human history on Earth. As a candidate, I will not like to duel much on the past as it’s of no importance. Focusing on where we are heading as a people is more important. The eyes that God gave us face forward, not backward. What I hate in political leaders: 1) A leader who fails to tell the people what can’t work 2) A leader who puts his people in the dark 3) A leader who uses money to destroy the truth 4) A leader who promises to do everything for the voters

Noble Laureate Wangari Mathai Should do more

The winner of the coveted Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 honourable professor Wangari Mathai has narrowed her roles as a Nobel Laureate and started to concentrate on political lobbying that can damage her international stature. The Nobel Prize comes with greater responsibilities and expectations. That is why many Kenyans expected a lot from professor Mathai. In the past few months, Professor Mathai has spent too much time in boardrooms to coin for a political party for President Kibaki’s re-election without realizing that Kenyans are watching her. We need to see an active Professor detached from tribal politics if she is ready to be seen as an international figure above political party lobbying. Her status globally supersedes her current behaviour. Kenyans don’t want to be compelled to call our respected hero and environmentalist an opportunist. President Kibaki has been in politics longer than our professor and sane enough to make his decisions as a politician. It’s therefore imprudent for a person of professor Mathai’s calibre with many national and international responsibilities to waste time on political strategies which might reflect connotations of nepotism in her part, given the fact that they come from the same community with the current President. She has many better things to do for Kenya , Africa and the World on the environment; her area of expertise. A lot of things have happened in this Country requiring Wangari Mathai to voice her concern especially the Ndungu land report which was never made public; withstanding the fact that, when we talk about environmental protection, land is the primary metaphor. Kenyans expected the Nobel Laureate to take a stand on land grabbers and those who used their authority to dispose off public land. Because of her national and international acclaim, it was not prudent to remain lukewarm especially during the 2005 constitutional referendum. She has been silent on many bills especially when Parliament voted to forgive those responsible for looting of public coffers. Kenyans expected her to register displeasure when her fellow Parliamentarians decided to award themselves terminal benefits; a toll on the exchequer and a loosing end to the taxpayers. Our Country is privileged to host three global environmental bodies; Habitat, UNEP and the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF). All these coupled with our Noble Laureate, the World expected the Country to be the cleanest and the best habitat for humanity. Instead, what we see in our rural and urban centres is the opposite. We are a laughing stock of the World with UNEP, Habitat, ICRAF and A Nobel Laureate awarded on environmental protection all in town. A number of environmental challenges faces the Country and requires urgent remedies. The garbage dumping at Dandora and the Air pollution from Webuye Paper Mills in Bungoma are healthy hazards to the locals. The debilitating conditions of the Nairobi River , rampant flooding in Budalangi, Kano plains, Alego Usonga, drought in the semi arid regions of Kenya , dwindling of water regimes in our Rivers and Lakes, Soil erosion, mass infestation of the water hyacinth in Lake Victoria are environmental human catastrophes. The professor would have visited flood prone areas like Budalangi, as an environmentalist not a politician to see the best way the problem can be addressed. We realize that the professor alone cannot solve all the envirmental troubles of our country but if she can detach completely from her current political entanglements or quit politics altogether, she can make a very big impact to build a better habitat for Kenyans by reaching out to donor nations and agencies help out in the said catastrophes. We laud Professor Mathai’s role especially on protecting Karura forest, Uhuru Park and many reforestation campaigns in the Country through the Greenbelt Movement and fighting for the human rights. However, in the recent past, nothing is hard of the Greenbelt Movement the best time the body to be seen as more dynamic and spread to the entire African Continent to champion environmental issues. We can’t narrow environmental protection on planting trees alone. It must broadly cover areas like: improved sanitation in urban and rural areas, provision of clean water, proper sewage management, land reclamation in arid and semi arid areas and reduction of all forms of pollution. To have another role model and source of inspiration like Professor Wangari Mathai, might take Kenya another century. The opportunity she has is golden and must be utilized to its full potential for the benefit of this nation. Therefore, spending a lot of time on general election politics is stooping too low as a global environmentalist and Nobel Laureate.

GRAND COALITION SHOULD CRAFT A LEANER CABINET

As the Country gears for a grand coalition government soon, many Kenyans will want to see a leaner Cabinet that will put the country on a firm fiscal footing. It’s an acid test for our leaders to put into consideration the plight of Kenya ’s overburdened taxpayers when crafting the Cabinet. Indeed, if the grand coalition comes up with a bloated cabinet like in the past, our leaders will be doing a disservice to Kenyans whose taxes maintains the big government. The hefty fringe benefits, including salaries that come with a single cabinet position are high. The last government of President Kibaki was too big costly and thus a toll to the Country’s exchequer. This was total fiscal indiscipline. The President being a respected economist would have known better. We don’t want to see the same mistake is repeated, when Country’s economy is on a downward trend as a result of the post election fiasco. A bloated cabinet does not always ensure efficiency. It brings in a duplication of roles; creating confusion, lack of coordination, inefficiency, and rivalry. We don’t want to see a mutation of bureaucracy with little value to the citizens and the economy. Kenya has the best opportunity to dramatically downsize its cabinet and set the stage for Africa ; a Continent currently littered with bloated governments. There is no need of having the Ministry of Defense when we have the Internal Security docket. Planning and National Development should be fused with the Finance Ministry. East African Community, Livestock and Fisheries, Cooperative Development, Information and Broadcasting, should be made departments in the key Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Transport and communications respectively. A lean Cabinet will create administrative functions that are financially sound hence, allowing more budget Shillings to be injected for necessary programs that benefit the neediest in our society. Therefore, Honourable Raila; Prime Minister designate, and President Kibaki should mind about the impact of poverty; the root cause of suffering for majority of our people to give Kenya a small government by avoiding to reward their friends with Cabinet positions. This is the best opportunity for our leaders to learn from richer countries like, the US , France , Britain and Germany with small cabinets. In fact their financial base can sustain big cabinets but they operate on strict fiscal discipline, a big lesson for Kenya which is a third World Country. It’s so shameful when our leaders ask for Japanese Aid; the World second largest economy with one of the smallest cabinet of 17 Ministers. The expectations of Kenyans are very high as we look forward to see the best brains under the same umbrella in a coalition government. Members of Parliament from PNU and ODM should avoid focussing on Cabinet appointments but instead focus on the legislative agenda, effective governance, democratic accountability and articulating issues that are essential for the electorates and the nation in Parliament. Seeing our leaders politick on who should get what is an economic tragedy and a reflection of greed. It can be remembered that the best performers in Kenya ’s Parliament like: Martin Shikuku, the late George Anyona, James Orengo, JM Kariuki, Koigi Wa Wamwere and Paul Muite rarely occupied Cabinet positions. They will always be remembered for their positive parliamentary contributions. Kenyans want to see a strong Parliament that will enact laws; debate national issues check the activities of the government and in general promote the welfare of Kenyans. The 10th Parliament should have a paradigm shift from lobbying for positions in the Cabinet as if it’s the only way their skills and expertise can be utilized. The men and women who are likely to be appointed to the Cabinet should use their skills run the affairs of this country in the Cabinet with dedication, professionalism, transparency, accountability and fairness. My word to those who will not be in the Cabinet is to aggressively participate in parliamentary motions. Those who hold positions in parliamentary committees should take their deliberations seriously as its part of our national governance systems to serve the general good of this Country. Kenyans are waiting to separate the grain from the chaff and the cream from the milk. We demand demand ethical and responsible representation but a small Cabinet will be a saviour for the tax payers. We want to see the size of a government that will not spend our money for things that does not enhance our lives.

Martha Karua’s Campaign for Presidency is Premature

Honourable Martha Karua has a democratic right to contest for Presidency, launch her website even if it reaches a fraction of potential voters, tell Kenyans about her ambitions and even defend herself against those who want to derail her politically.

 Unfortunately, it makes little sense for a leader elected barely nine Months ago to spend sleepless nights thinking about succession after her tribesman relinquishes the Presidency in four years time. In my humble opinion, I disapprove Karua’s quest for the Presidency and thinks her campaign is purely premature but as a believer of freedom, I will defend her right to fight on when the right time comes. 

As a politician in my own right and Parliamentary loser in last year’s elections, I urge the Minister to scale down her campaigns right now and concentrate more on aspects of nation building since four years from now is not next week. By and large, she has opened her closet too early and Kenyans will dig deeper and find the number of skeletons she is hiding.

 The best campaign she needs to nurture now is to ensure service delivery for her Gichugu constituents, and nationally, address the pertinent problems that bedevil the country like: poverty, unemployment, inflation, insecurity, resettlement of the Internally Displaced persons, provision of clean water and affordable healthcare. This is the surest way the Minister will capture the chord of Kenyan voters who will assess her competency and consider her for the Presidency in 2012. It’s prudent that Karua’s performance in her Ministerial docket and other aspects of nation building to reflect true Presidency in her if she has a passion and drive to lead Kenya.

 I have personally met the Minister, but to me, she appeared phoney and sarcastic. She rarely speaks from her heart, lacks empathy and uses her intellect to win in arguments. However, her sanguine disposition has endeared her well to be where she is today since Kibaki won the Presidency in 2002. Besides, she is clever, fast and bold. I admire her head-strong persistence and consistency especially when standing on her believes; a great ingredient for effective political leadership. In the national limelight, Martha Karua scores highly; she has never been embroiled in any scandal or corrupt malpractices. She is a calculator, a politic, crafty and a strategist. I personally support her for taking a stand on the PNU saga. She realizes that being in PNU with Uhuru and the likes of Saitoti and Kalonzo Musyoka, is like an egg trying to dance with stones.

 Unlike Uhuru Kenyatta, who relies on political mentors to spur his ambitions, Karua catapults herself with no dependence on the walking stick of political godfathers. She takes her torch, lights it up, carries it and points it to the direction of her motion. Karua’s political CV is centred on how she has conducted herself since Kibaki became president IN 2002, more than when she clamoured for the reintroduction of political pluralism in the Country. This is the yardstick many Kenyans will use to track her record as a Presidential material. It can be remembered that during the counting and tallying of Presidential votes last year, she took a position to influence the outcome of the polls which remains very unpopular to many Kenyans today.

 Majority of citizens think she stifled democracy through tribal hegemony and being part and parcel of a flawed election process that resulted in the worst ethnic violence in Kenya since independence. The honourable Minister’s quest for the Presidency will always be equated to egomania but not the ideals of patriotism, democracy, equity and equality. Majority of Kenyans cannot tell where the Minister stands on egalitarianism, justice, fairness and building firm democratic institutions in the country. Political leadership especially the presidency must be diversified.

Kenyans should be prepared to elect even an Ogiek tribesman or woman to run the affairs of this Country. In my own view, leaders from the Kikuyuland should take a break from Presidency if they expected other communities to trust and embrace them in future political alignments. This is why I concur with the deputy speaker in Mathira, where he urged Kikuyu leaders to forget the Presidency in 2012. It’s ironical that by virtue of the current President being a Kikuyu, strong ambitions for his succession comes from his community initiated by: Karua, Uhuru and Saitoti.

 Kenyans wants leaders who are compasional and empathizes with their aspirations and predicaments. They are tired of politicians who talk about patriotism and democracy but are nepotic and dictators. That is why it will be fair if the popularity ratings conducted by pollsters reflects the tangential roles the rated leaders have played to change the lives of Kenyans in the economic, social and political spheres. Leaders whose interest is power and self glory must be rejected.

That is why the Karuas, Uhurus, Saitotis, Railas, Kalonzos, Bifwolis and Jirongos or this country must convince voters that they have the recipe that will spur the lives of Kenyans if they expected to be supported in 2012 for the Presidency. A good politician must be prepared to bequeath to Kenyans a leadership legacy; an immortality the he or she will be remembered for even if its 100 years to come.

Style that will better the interest of this nation even if its 100 My final word to Martha Karua and others with presidential ambitions is that the desire to lead is not a quest for greatness. It’s a passion to be the people’s servant in good and bad times; providing with guidance and direction by sharing their aspirations and predicaments to achieve their destiny. Those whose motive is to be elected in order to get avenues for power and ethnic enrichment must be rejected by voter

Change of heart on Waki report by leaders laudable- Uhuru and Ruto should stop whining...

It’s a sigh of relief that our leaders have realized the great need in implementing Justice Waki’s report on post election violence. 
 The move by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s change of heart to support the implementation of the report is laudable. 

 Justice must be pursued either through a local tribunal or in The Hague so long as the truth is finally established. It’s better to safeguard truth and justice for 38 Million Kenyans instead of shielding a few politicians. This will also give the thousands of Kenyans who lost their loved ones to get justice. 

 The truth is always a reliever to an agony even if there is no gain. A British tycoon whose daughter was killed in Kenya 20 years a go has not given up his quest for justice. The agony experienced in Naivasha where people were killed by power saws, men circumcised with testicles tied on electric poles are all tragedies whose truth must be told without favour. 

Leave alone the victims who perished in an inferno inside the Kiambaa Church in Eldoret and women who died on labour pains while hiding in tea plantations in the Rift Valley. These are unforgivable crimes that require full truth and perpetrators found guilty must be punished. 

They can’t be can’t be left to go scot-free. When the Waki envelope is finally opened, those mentioned must stand in the dock to face justice, just like Charles Taylor of Liberia and former Yugoslavia President, the late Slobodan Milosevic. This must be done locally or in The Hague . 

 Why should we be the first to point fingers at Kabuga of Rwanda to face The Hague when our own Kabugas who masterminded the mayhem and destruction are on our backyards? Alleged perpetrators of the violence must be ready for three verdicts whose outcomes encompass this: The hangman’s noose, life imprisonment or forthright acquittal if found not guilty. 

This is the true measure of justice in any Country. Politicians must stop perpetuating political cronyism through the Waki report. This old Kanu mentality does not have room in modern Kenyan. Leaders of this calibre are not worthy their weight for national leadership. 

Ganging up in tribal cocoons to call the report shoddy and mere hearsay is being dishonest with the truth and Kenyans cannot trust such leaders for political office. Critics of the Waki report like honourable William Ruto, Ababu Namwamba and previously Uhuru Kenyatta are new generation leaders who must lead by example and stop whining to shield the truth.

Let them sober up and let justice take its own cause. Kenyans expected them to be the best friends of the report if they were true patriots ready for a positive revolution on justice in our Country. The person who shepherded the Commission is a man with exemplary integrity who survived a purge that brought many judges down over allegations of corruption in the Judiciary after he was proved innocent. 

 No doubt, Justice Waki’s report is an authentic document that will help Kenya to unravel the truth and thereafter, the nation will start to heal. Wanting the Waki report trashed to perpetuate impunity which has bedevilled Kenya for decades is unacceptable. 

Truth and justice does not impress all people but without it, it’s elusive to talk about harmony and reconciliation. The Country will achieve reconciliation and harmony after the truth has been told. This is how we can spur our institutions of justice and bring sanity in our governance systems by ending atrocities and human rights violations instigated by politicians for their selfish ends.

Uhuru and Ruto should stop whining over sealed Waki envelope

Justice Waki is a reputable judge. In his judicial career, he survived the purge that brought many judges down over allegations of corruption in the Judiciary after he was proved innocent.

That is why; the finding in his report on post election violence has ignited more fire than Kriegler’s and therefore, must be handled with utmost seriousness our politicians and even the general public.

Waki understands the consequences of any unfounded allegations to persons. That is why most of the purported perpetrators of the post election violence who are aware of his judicial integrity have developed butterflies in their stomachs even before the sealed envelope is opened.

Kenyans can’t buy the latest stand by PNU, ODM and ODM Kenya for rejecting the Waki report in total. It’s better to sacrifice the future of 100 politicians so long as we safeguard truth and justice for 37 million Kenyans.

Despite Thursday’s chorus of rejection from the two ODM parties, it has been nationally observed that the report hit the nerve centre of key leaders in Central and Rift Valley Provinces the hard way. They have openly shown a guilty conscious through their public utterances.

I therefore disagree with many of the MPs in the Rift valley led by William Ruto and those from Mount Kenya led by Uhuru Kenyatta for dismissing the Waki report. By calling the report shoddy and mere hearsay will not bring justice to the thousand of Kenyans who lost their loved ones in the post election violence.

The killings in Naivasha were done by power saws; men were “circumcised” with testicles tied on electric poles, women died while on labour pains while hiding in tea plantations in the Rift Valley. Leave alone those who perished in an inferno inside the Kiambaa Church in Eldoret.

Are these forgivable crimes? The truth must stand. Perpetrators can’t be left to go scot-free. When the Waki envelope is finally opened, those mentioned must stand in the dock alone to face justice, just like Charles Taylor of Liberia and former Yugoslavia President, the late Slobodan Milosevic. This must be locally or in The Hague .

 As a Country, we should not be the first to point fingers at Kabuga of Ruanda to face The Hague when our own Kabugas who masterminded the mayhem and destruction of property early this year are left free.

The alleged perpetrators should defend themselves with facts and the outcome will encompass three verdicts: The hangman’s noose, life imprisonment or forthright acquittal if found not guilty. This is the true measure of justice in any Country.

Honourables Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto with their ambition, vigour and vibrancy should remember that they are on the sunrise years of their political career. Wanting the Waki report thrashed will jeopardise their future completely.

Kenyans are tired of political cronyism; Ruto and Uhuru must stop hiding behind their tribal enclave and sycophantic cronies to justify inequities as it will not take them far in terms of national leadership.

Uhuru Kenyatta almost won the Presidency in 2002 and this was not because of his Kikuyu Community but many Kenyans across the Country. Simeon Nyachae buried himself in an ethnic cocoon in Gusiiland, and his quest for the presidency in 2002 was a disaster. The way Ruto and Uhuru are currently behaving does not portray them as true nationalists.

And as new generation leaders, Kenyans expected Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, and Ababu Namwamba amongst others to be the best friends of the Waki report if they love Kenya and if they want a positive revolution of justice in our Country.

They must slow down, show leadership and act with sobriety instead of jumping into conclusions especially to a thorny issue that almost brought our country to total collapse. They both braved the circumciser’s knife and they must brave the “political knife” on the Waki report. If it touches them, they have a right to defend themselves.

Those who value the sanctity of human life must relish and cherish the truth. We therefore wonder who will protect the average Kenyan if our leaders want to perpetuate the culture of impunity that has bedevilled this Country since independence.

How can our leaders preach reconciliation and harmony when they want to shield justice and truth?

This is a clear indication that even the laws they pass in Parliament cannot safeguard the interests of Kenyans and therefore, we can’t trust them.

The Waki report unlike others which have gathered dust must be implemented in totality. This will spur our institutions of justice which have boggled us for so long.All alleged perpetrators of the post election violence in the sealed envelope must face the law.

This will serve as a starting point of bringing sanity in our governance as well as laying a firm foundation for a viable justice system that will liquidate atrocities and human rights violations instigated by politicians.

           

Wrong to undermine Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the Waki report and Mau forest

Good leadership entails taking a stand on an issue irrespective of how unpopular it will be to a section of society so long as it’s intended to safeguard the interests of the governed. Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s leadership style has not gone well with leaders from the Rift Valley where he got majority of votes in year’s general election. His stand to relocate current inhabitants of the Mau Forest in order to protect the water catchments area as well as his stand to have to Waki report implemented has created political ripples in the Rift Valley province. Many leaders including his right hand man; honourable William Ruto appears agitated and has threatened for an exodus of ODM MPs from the party. What makes us wonder is when they voted for Raila, did they expect him to serve Kenyans with partiality or impartiality? Raila is a Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya not for a single community. Elected leaders should give him a break to serve the Country so that Kenyans can judge for themselves. The MPs critical to the Prime Minister must remember that the issue of Waki report is no longer a political matter; but a legal issue that must undergo the due process. We should not expect too much after electing our leaders. Kenya is too big and it’s elusive to please everybody. Jesus came to the world to salvage mankind but he ended being hated killed like a criminal. Kenyan voters and political leaders who supported Raila’s presidential quest last year must scale down their expectations. In political leadership, there is policy and politics. Raila cannot stoop too low compromise his leadership principles in order to appease a section of the Kenyan population. Galvanising MPs in an ethnic enclave to demonise a man whose song they sung eleven months ago reflects political immaturity and clear incitement. Political cronyism, Kanu’s old political mentality is not welcome in modern Kenya . We are left wondering if the current noise we are hearing from ODM on the Waki report and Mau Forest saga is should make leaders to sacrifice the prime Minister. Some of the leaders shouting loudest against the prime Minister like Joshua Kutuny and his Budalangi counterpart, Ababu Namwamba are political amateurs whining because they were not appointed to the cabinet. It’s absurd that even a nominated MP who was rejected by voters during the ODM nomination Mr. Musa Sirma, who is supposed to be thankful to Raila and the ODM fraternity, is at the frontline dismissing the Prime Minister. It’s tragic to reject the Waki report that is intended to put Kenya on a better footing in terms of justice. Political leaders should calm down instead of laying themselves bare. After all, the report is not intended to victimize members of one community since it touches all sides of the political hail- both in ODM and PNU. What those crying foul should know is that the both Prime Minister or the President do not have a moral authority to protect purported perpetrators of the violence. In the spiritual philosophy, it’s good to be accused falsely and suffer falsely but worse to be accused rightfully and suffer rightfully. Do your work Mr. Prime Minister. Kenyans are keenly watching the political drama in ODM and they can separate the grain from the chuff.

A note for the people of colour after Obama Victory

The character of African Americans should change now that Obama has taken the White House. I had the privilege of being in the USA for educational purposes but my experience with our brothers and sisters in the Country wasn’t the best. They envy our hard work, our good cars and even staying in good apartments. My two cars were broken into twice when I was staying in a black neighbourhood.

 African Americans where Obama derives his descent must shoo away their xenophobic attitudes towards Africans, Asian, Latinos and all immigrants from the Caribbean and Central America . They must get off their indolent tendencies and be challenged by the way “foreigners” have managed to settle in the USA and become better than them while they keep whining of marginalization by whites.

Their whining and crying about white dominance in all sectors of American society was withered on 4th November. The Whites defied one of their; John McCain and elected Barrack Obama based on his strengths and vision for the United States . They must get out of the hood in the inner cities where drugs and illicit drinking is rampant and stop whining the way they often do saying their problems are caused by white dominance in all sectors of the American society. 

 African Americans must change the way they conduct themselves. We don’t want to see the arrogance they often exhibit; as this might end up soiling the reputation and good intentions of Obama’s Presidency. They must realize that as much we have white people who still augur racial feelings; the world has changed and will still continue to change and America will never be the same again. Truth be told, whites treat African immigrants better than blacks.

I remember going for an interview for a job in Newark New Jersey , and two of my interviewers who were both black, after learning my accent, in a span of a minute, they wanted to know my originality. I ended up not getting the job. Your guess is as good as mine. While in a College mostly dominated by blacks, I was often the subject of ridicule and laughter because of the way I speak.

To disapprove their stereotypes on me, I tightened my belts and became an A student in my class. I avoided verbal contributions in class and disapproved them on pen and paper. My excellent performance caught the attention of my lecturer, despite not liking the way I speak. On discovering that I was born and brought up in Kenya , and that I was less than 6 months in the USA , he not only respected me but was also impressed with my high grasp of written grammar. He told me I was better than most students born and raised in America talking English from their childhood.

Earlier on, he thought I was born in a Country with English as a first language. Immigrants owe their protection on racism because of the tough USA laws. If this was not the case, the xenophobic feelings in the Country will be greater than what we experienced in South Africa ,

May this year. A black man at his mid fifties once posed a very weird question to me. He wanted to know if Africans who flock to America ever return home. I am proud to be back to my country after a five years stint for educations purposes in the United States .

 By and large, the American whites have shown great confidence in Obama. It’s a challenge to the African Americans, young and old to rise above petty and racial leanings and begin to be apart of the mainstream American society.

Obama has shown them the way to the top and this is through hard work, a positive focus and hope.

Government should control Prices of essential goods

Members of parliament have frozen a proposal by the Ministry of finance to have their salaries taxed. It’s a negative show reflecting selfishness and greed from our leaders. We know it’s not easy to rescind this move and now want to see what think about thousands of Kenyans who cannot afford a meal. We call upon the MPs to extend sympathy to Kenyans living in abject poverty by voting to have the government regulate the prices of essential commodities like sugar, rice and flour. The options are many to ease the suffering of Kenyans in the current hard economic times. Why can’t they do something that will bring a sigh of relief to Kenyans like scaling down Value added Tax (VAT) from 16% to around 10% if they real ? The festive season has knocked on the door. We implore them to do something for Kenyans. For them, a decent meal is not a big deal; they can afford many luxuries, their children goes to better schools …majority of Kenyans are living in squalor. Food is a “human rights issue.” It must be taken seriously by any government. You can do without “shelter” and “clothing” but you can’t do without food. It’s the fuel of life in a human body; without it, you cease to live. If MPs will protect the interests of Kenyans who votes them into office, we can conclude that they are mindful of our suffering. We call upon our political leaders beginning from the President and the Prime Minister to treat the issue of food prices as a national emergency if they have a flair of empathy to the suffering citizens. When the government used to control the prices of essential goods before it was scrapped in 1994 there was no rampant increase of prices like it is today. I am not an economist but making Kenya a free market economy as accelerated the burden to many Kenyans especially the poor. Before price controls were scrapped in 1994, we never used to experience rampant price increases. We need price controls to protect people in low income brackets from unscrupulous traders who have taken advantage of the current market to exploit the poor by hiking prices abnormally. Any bureaucracy that hurts the lives of citizens must be abolished. That is why Parliament, as the custodian of public interest must be seen to protect the citizens’ interest by amending laws which are not in tandem with the wellbeing of Kenyans.

Address the high costs of food prices

The government’s intervention over the skyrocketing of prices for maize flour is a big relieve to majority of Kenyans especially the poor but the focus should now be on what triggered the plummeting prices and how the same can be prevented in future. Even if the prices are slashed by 60%, failure to address the root causes of the problem will soon submerge the country into the same quagmire. We are fatigued by treating symptoms instead of causes when we are in a crisis and that is why the government must explore what the farmers go through during maize production before it reaches the market. Ploughing up the land, harrowing, purchase of seeds and fertilizers, planting, and weeding, top dressing and pesticide application, second weeding, harvesting, threshing, drying and finally transporting the maize to buying agents are hefty and costly routines for the farmers. The sum total of these donkey’s work should be better returns and obviously no farmer will want to sell at a throw away price especially when the cost of production is high and one intends to make a profit. This is why some farmers are compelled to withhold their maize awaiting a market shortage to sell during high demand and hence, fetch good profits. This might be the reason why there is a shortage of maize, bringing about the current food crisis. Extending agricultural subsidies to farmers is the first step to curb the skyrocketing of food prices. Farmers need support from the government beginning from accessing low interest loans as well as scrapping the heavy bureaucracy in our financial institutions especially the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC). This is the surest way to improve food production as well as encouraging farmers who have left their land fallow due to lack of capital. The government needs to support farmers unwaveringly because they play a pivotal role to feed the nation. We can do without “shelter” and “clothing” but we can’t do without food. It’s the fuel of life for all living organisms. Man made factor like the post election violence and also natural vagaries associated with inclement weather should trigger the government to extend a helping hand to the farmers. Failure to do the same will demoralize their efforts to produce and feed the nation. Another aspect that will increase food production in the country is turning all arable land owned by individuals, companies and corporations for cultivation. The government should manage the exercise and reward the owners after harvesting or support them financially to farm for themselves. Penalties should be levied to people who own large tracts of land without exploiting it. The government should also consider increasing demonstration farms to showcase better farming techniques as well as increasing the number of Agricultural Extension Service to the farmers that will boost not only food production but also dairy farming. It’s encouraging that the government has waived all duty for imported maize; however, it could have been better if it also applied to other basic foods like wheat flour, sugar and rice. The government through the Ministry of Finance and Agriculture must keep an eye on unscrupulous millers who takes advantage of the liberalized market to exploit Kenyans by hiking prices at will. Also, to avoid conflict of interest, any politicians with a stake in the cereal industry should not be appointed to any ministry that is affiliated with the sector. Who knows some government officials are behind the current food crisis out of operating behind the scenes. By and large, it’s the government’s responsibility to get the country out of the current food crisis. Not the farmers, millers or the general public. Its however tragic that when we fall into a minor crisis, getting a tangible solution causes hiccups and we are left wondering if we real think and plan well as a people. Our leaders and policy makers should understand the essence of a contingency plan. When we are in an abyss it’s not the best time to run helter skelter for short term solutions. How about tomorrow now that the prices of maize meal is likely to drop? The government has not even hinted on how to address the costs of fertilizers and seeds yet early next year, is a planting season especially in the North Rift, the key maize producing region in the Country. We need actions not mere boardroom and empty rhetoric in rallies by government officials.

Obama presidency, high global expectations

A lot has been written since Barack Obama won the USA presidency in November. As he readies for his inauguration in January 20th, it’s not the American people alone who are optimistic about how the Obama Presidency will look like. In the Arab World, the president-elect is viewed as a moderate who is likely to take a neutral diplomatic approach on the Middle East Crisis like handling the war on terror and the conflict between the Israelites and Palestinians. The sobriety by many Middle Eastern Countries towards the president-elect is a positive sign on the path for peace as well as mending the brittle bridges between America and the Arab World. If he employs a multilateral approach; a reversal of outgoing president, George W. Bush, Obama’s foreign policy is likely to succeed in the Middle East . He has the goodwill to bring lasting peace between Palestinians and Isrealis; a mission that has been elusive for many USA presidents. In the ancestral land for Obama’s father Kenya , and the whole of Africa , there are high hopes that the he will boost bilateral relationship between African Countries to catapult economic growth. Many European Countries are not left out. They believe that the Obama leadership will resuscitate the dented USA and European relations caused by President George Bush’s foreign policies especially his unilateralism in the war on terror. New brooms sweep clean but don’t sweep all corners. It’s normal to expect goofs from Obama’s presidency especially in the first one year because of the huge challenges a head of him in the foreign and domestic fronts. However, it looks Mr. Obama is focused in his agenda for the American people and the World. Encouragingly, during his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the fact that fixing America ’s present problems especially the reeling economy is not going to be done overnight. This is a positive gesture to prepare the citizens psychologically instead of giving them false hopes. African leaders who are fond of giving false promises especially during campaigns should emulate this style. They should speak the truth about the challenges they are likely to encounter after being voted into office rather that promising to fix things overnight. By putting racial stereotypes a side to elect Obama, the American people did the World proud. It’s a wake up call for all continents to embrace racial harmony and accommodate all people irrespective of their race as a sure yardstick for positive co-existence. Whether it’s South Africans against fellows Africans, Americans against Latinos, Israelis and against Palestinians or Europeans against African and Yugoslavia immigrants, racial bigotry and xenophobia must be brought to an end in the world. Indeed, the biggest challenge remains on Africa , the ancestral home for Obama’s father to end ethnic hatred which is the cause of civil strife, violence, dictatorship, poor distribution of resources and corruption. In Kenya , we need to shoo away tribalism by accommodating diversity in national leadership. We belong to one nation and tribal chauvinism won’t take us anywhere. If white Americans can vote for a man of African ancestry, how come we continue to shroud ourselves in tribal leanings; always wanting to front men and women from our communities for national leadership even when they have no leadership qualities? We must begin to take our position and prove to the world that the men and women we support for national leadership have outstanding qualities and talents, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds. This is the surest way that we can be respected in the global arena. Four years down the road, Obama must prepare to do something all American presidents have tried and failed or have never tried. This is the best gift he can offer the global community because of the goodwill he enjoys. In America , African Americans must rise above petty racial leanings and begin to be a part of the mainstream American society. Obama has shown them the way to the top through hard work, and an unwavering focus centred on hope. The celebrations we saw all over the World on Obama’s victory was a true reflection on diversity and global interdependence. Rich or poor, all nations of the world need each other. Obama’s presidency should catalyse the global community to inculcate friendship, compassion, justice and fraternity for mankind. Joseph Lister Nyaringo

The government must address the root courses of high food prices

The government’s intervention over the skyrocketing of prices for maize flour is a big relieve to majority of Kenyans especially the poor but the focus should now be on what triggered the plummeting prices and how the same can be prevented in future. Even if the prices are slashed by 60%, failure to address the root causes of the problem will soon submerge the country into the same quagmire. We are fatigued by treating symptoms instead of causes when we are in a crisis and that is why the government must explore what the farmers go through during maize production before it reaches the market. Ploughing up the land, harrowing, purchase of seeds and fertilizers, planting, and weeding, top dressing and pesticide application, second weeding, harvesting, threshing, drying and finally transporting the maize to buying agents are hefty and costly routines for the farmers. The sum total of these donkey’s work should be better returns and obviously no farmer will want to sell at a throw away price especially when the cost of production is high and one intends to make a profit. This is why some farmers are compelled to withhold their maize awaiting a market shortage to sell during high demand and hence, fetch good profits. This might be the reason why there is a shortage of maize, bringing about the current food crisis. Extending agricultural subsidies to farmers is the first step to curb the skyrocketing of food prices. Farmers need support from the government beginning from accessing low interest loans as well as scrapping the heavy bureaucracy in our financial institutions especially the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC). This is the surest way to improve food production as well as encouraging farmers who have left their land fallow due to lack of capital. The government needs to support farmers unwaveringly because they play a pivotal role to feed the nation. We can do without “shelter” and “clothing” but we can’t do without food. It’s the fuel of life for all living organisms. Man made factor like the post election violence and also natural vagaries associated with inclement weather should trigger the government to extend a helping hand to the farmers. Failure to do the same will demoralize their efforts to produce and feed the nation. Another aspect that will increase food production in the country is turning all arable land owned by individuals, companies and corporations for cultivation. The government should manage the exercise and reward the owners after harvesting or support them financially to farm for themselves. Penalties should be levied to people who own large tracts of land without exploiting it. The government should also consider increasing demonstration farms to showcase better farming techniques as well as increasing the number of Agricultural Extension Service to the farmers that will boost not only food production but also dairy farming. It’s encouraging that the government has waived all duty for imported maize; however, it could have been better if it also applied to other basic foods like wheat flour, sugar and rice. The government through the Ministry of Finance and Agriculture must keep an eye on unscrupulous millers who takes advantage of the liberalized market to exploit Kenyans by hiking prices at will. Also, to avoid conflict of interest, any politicians with a stake in the cereal industry should not be appointed to any ministry that is affiliated with the sector. Who knows some government officials are behind the current food crisis out of operating behind the scenes. By and large, it’s the government’s responsibility to get the country out of the current food crisis. Not the farmers, millers or the general public. Its however tragic that when we fall into a minor crisis, getting a tangible solution causes hiccups and we are left wondering if we real think and plan well as a people. Our leaders and policy makers should understand the essence of a contingency plan. When we are in an abyss it’s not the best time to run helter skelter for short term solutions. How about tomorrow now that the prices of maize meal is likely to drop? The government has not even hinted on how to address the costs of fertilizers and seeds yet early next year, is a planting season especially in the North Rift, the key maize producing region in the Country. We need actions not mere boardroom and empty rhetoric in rallies by government officials.

Political parties must redefine their roles instead of focusing only on Power

Despite having numerous political parties since the reintroduction of multiparty politics, 18 years a go, majority of Kenyans do not understand their policy frameworks. The actual ideologies for the existing parties have been a mirage. In fact, it’s only during campaigns that many of the parties come up with manifestos which tend to promise a lot but they are not solidly entrenched in their policy frameworks. In the Western world, citizens are well versed with party ideologies. Before thinking about the candidate, they already understand what the party stands for on issues like: economy, Medicare, taxation, security and foreign affairs. These are standards that our parties must emulate to conduct their business. It’s up to them; parties to tell Kenyans why they exist, what is unique about them, what they want, what they stand for and what Kenyans are likely to experience when they take over government. Without a well defined ideology and value system, it will be hard to ensure strong political party systems. The dominant issues in most of the parties since 1992 are about general elections, the presidency and succession. This is the reason behind the many defections that we have seen from our national leaders including the latest defection of President Mwai Kibaki from a party he founded 18 years a go- the Democratic Party (DP) to Party of National Unity (PNU); an infantry outfit crafted to catapult his presidential re-election just last year. We want to see sanity on the way parties run their affairs especially after the implementation of the political parties’ Bill. Our leaders should desist from using parties as mere vehicles for political power. Political parties in a democracy should not focus only in producing a president or many MPs in an election but also strive to encourage debate through civic participation in national affairs, strengthening politics of issues and ideas that enhance human rights, economic growth as well as empowering vulnerable members of the society. They must be instruments of better governance, ventilators and interpreters of government policies to the general public as well as checking the excesses of the executive. They must also ensure a functional, judiciary, parliament and a checked executive. They also need to ensure prevalent of a competent electoral system, free press as well as working to improve the standard of living for the Kenyan people. Besides, they should build partnerships with the civil society to accelerate required changes in the Country. This is the only way that citizens will yearn to participate in political party activism as well as identifying themselves with parties of choice. It’s tragic that the parties we have today have always looked national but they are ever dogged with tribalism and nepotism. Alignments and realignments and struggle for power are the order of the day. In the just concluded party elections, there was lack of balance in national officials. Women, youth, persons with disabilities were not properly represented in the leadership structure. Lack of diversity, accommodation and inclusivity in political party leadership dents the policy frameworks of political parties. It’s through accommodating diverse groups that a party is able to build a broad based policy structure that reflects the aspirations of the entire nation. This is a question that we need to ask: do the recently elected party leaders have the conviction, courage, credibility, and character to steer the parties forward in the 21st Century by injecting into them new ideas that will keep these parties a float even when these leaders are gone? Conducting national elections is not the end of the road for political parties. Now that they are set to operate under the new rules in the political parties Bill, Kenyans want to see their uniqueness so that that they can identify themselves with those whose policies reflect their aspirations. Courtesy of the implementation of the political parties’ Bill, we expect firm operational mechanisms centred on party independence and freedom of interference by politicians. The recent recall of former South African president; Tabo Mbeki by the ruling African National Congress party (ANC) reflected a positive step in respecting the independence of political parties in Africa .

Karua Resignation not triggered by patriotism

Many Kenyans wonder why it took the Gichugu Member of Parliament honourable Martha Karua six years to realize that Kibaki’s presidency is anti-reform. It’s in the Kibaki Presidency that the Country has experienced many scandals and governance loopholes in the history of post-independence Kenya . Therefore, it’s illogical for honourable Karua to ride a high horse following her resignation after being part and parcel of a government with administration malpractices. From corruption over the Anglo Leasing, Grand Regency Sell, Triton Oil scandal, Arthur brothers saga, raid of the Standard Media Group, rampant tribalism, extra judicial killings, and the presidential elections fraud of 2007 which culminated to last years violence in the Country, is a clear manifestation that all has not been well in the leadership of President Mwai Kibaki. Those showering honourable Karua with accolades should remember in our Country, resignations from government are often triggered when a politician’s interests are put in jeopardy but not the aspirations of the nation. It can be remembered that former MPs Kenneth Matiba and Simeon Nyachae resigned from former president Moi’s government after being rigged out of the Kiharu Kanu chairmanship and after being demoted from the Ministry of Finance respectively. Therefore, Karua resignation does not reflect any deviation from past resignations that the Country has witnessed. One cannot wake up and resign from a government that they have defended to the hilt for six years and when the same government was embroiled with myriad scandals they remained silent. The resignation would have been meaningful if it came up when the original Narc government failed to deliver the promises they made to Kenyans in the run up to the 2002 general elections especially enacting a new constitutional dispensation for the country. Ironically, Karua supported the 2005 FLAWED constitutional draft which was later rejected by Kenyans in the referendum. On the other hand, she would have defended the respecting of the MOU that Kibaki signed with Raila to nurture cohesiveness in our nation. Riding a high horse after resigning from the government is not enough to say Karua is a heroin or A patriot. The way she will conduct herself nationally in the reform path will define the gravity of her resignation from the grand coalition government. We can only respect and trust Martha Karua if she spilled the beans on extra judicial killings, the Arthur Brothers, the raid on the standard, the Anglo Leasing, Grand Regency sell, and the Triton Oil scandal. This is because her docket felt on the said scandals. This is the surest why to prove to the people of Kenya that her resignation was triggered by patriotism and a quest for reforms in Kenya .