Rotational Leadership not good for Narc Kenya

As a narc Kenya supporter and contender for Bobasi Parliamentary seat in Gucha District, I vehemently disagree with the trend of rotating the Narc Kenya Chairmanship. What the party requires is a clear and focused interim national leadership that will steer the party forward in readiness to the coming general elections. How do we ensure accountability, continuity and responsibility in party leadership especially in this electioneering year while sifting leadership? Again, why was honourable Mukhisa Kituyi allowed to serve more that the original time-frame only to have him replaced while in a trip overseas? The party also needs an inclusive national secretariat well structured and coordinated to ensure effective marketing of the party. It doesn’t matter whether the party has held elections or not since we have men and women in this country who can carry the party’s torch on interim basis until the right time for branch and national party elections are held. The replacement of honourable Mukhisa Kituyi from interim chairmanship has cast a dark shadow on the party’s seriousness to unity and enhancing its support base to all parts of the country. The replacement was undemocratically done and with ulterior motives that augurs negatively to party. In fact, opponents of the party will use is as an ammunition to dent the it. The way forward for the party is to involve as many people as possible when it comes to key decision making but not a section of supporters. I can point out that the current sitting MPs have been at the fore-front on deciding the way forward for the party which is a travesty to democracy and popular opinion. This is the best time for the party to reach out to all stake holders on the ground if it wants to a mass a support base countrywide.

Way forward for Narc Kenya – Elections

Majority of Narc Kenya supporters Countrywide supports the holding of party elections, as it will give the party a structured framework that will enhance its popularity in readiness for the general elections. We also realize that in a functioning multiparty democracy, the importance of party elections cannot be underestimated as the party belongs to the people not the individuals. Therefore, it will be wise to conclude that those against party elections are enemies of democracy, party members and even the re-election of President Kibaki’s deserved second term in office. However in the grassroots, there exist loopholes, which if not sealed, will culminate into a flawed process that will dent the image of the party especially in this election year. As a party supporter, I recommend that the party should give membership cards freely by scrapping the current trend where parliamentary aspirants buy the cards for the members which as proved very expensive especially in constituencies with a higher number of registered voters. The party should also ensure that before elections, every polling station has a register with genuine registered party members. Otherwise, if the exercise is done at random, the process is likely to be hijacked by party opponents and the repercussions will be regrettable. The party should also ensure that elections panellists list from every constituency conforms to the party’s constitution where civic and Parliamentary aspirants are mandated to provide the list agreed upon by all to facilitate transparency and fair play during party and general elections. During the submission of election panellists two months a go, some areas in the Country experienced irregularities, where parliamentary aspirants hijacked the process by hand picking panellists whose names they submitted to Narc Kenya elections board. As a contender from Bobasi constituency, we experienced the a situation where a parliamentary aspirant, still serving in the civil service submitted his own list to Narc Kenya elections board without the knowledge of other aspirants; a travesty to democracy and fair play. Our appeal to Narc Kenya elections board to nullify the process in Bobasi has not been effectively address by the party. My final appeal to the party is to focus on popularising the party to all parts of the country instead of focusing in one region. In the past, we have seen Narc Kenya rallies held only in Central and some parts of coast province when the party has not been even officially launched in areas like Rift Valley and Nyanza Province. It doesn’t add up to hold rallies in Central province when the party has a solid support there. We expect to see the party’s presence in all corners of the country to reflect its national appeal in readiness to December general elections.

MEDIA SHOULD STOP THE BIAS

The role of the print and electronic media in educating and informing Kenyans cannot be underestimated. However, there is a growing trend by these very media which is biased to specific groups in the Kenyan society. To consistently continue to focus on what politicians say and not what they do or have failed to do for the electorates who gave them a mandate to Parliament is not fair. I challenge the media to come out of the trend of splashing television screens and newspaper headlines with personalities even when what they’re talking is irrelevant. Being an election year, we expect the media to prepare score cards based on the performance of the members of parliament Kenyans elected in 2002. This is the surest way to put to light the failures and achievements of our leaders in order to give the Kenyan voters a chance to weigh options for change of leadership and vice versa. The media should focus on what elected MPs have done on funds earmarked for developing the constituency like: constituency development fund (CDF), the roads levy, local government trust fund (LATF) and education bursaries for needy high school students. They should also highlight the plight of the farmers. I beg the media to make a visit to Gucha district, Where I come from especially Bobasi constituency and see for themselves the current state of the roads and other areas in the constituency. As a contender for MP on a Narc Kenya ticket, we were ashamed two months ago when a convoy of vehicles with honourable Danson Mungatana, from Nyamira enroute to Sameta stadium for a rally found that the road linking Kilgoris to Kisii town was totally impassable. I expected the journalists to put this to light so that the MPs from the area can take responsibility. The other key area the media should focus on is giving coverage to new entrants into politics especially before the general elections. One doesn’t need to be famous in order to be given coverage if the ideas he/she want to ventilate is relevant for the general good of this country. There are those with diverse & fruitful ideas who would like their voices to be heard but the media continues to give them a black out due to name recognition. It’s true those who are rarely heard can have wonderful ideas and the only way to do so is to have the media give such people a chance. I recently walked into one of the famous FM stations in Kenya to request for participation in one of their programs but I was shocked with the response I got from the ladies on the front desk. After an intense argument, they gave me the e-mail addresses of two moderators of the program of which I emailed immediately. It’s surprising that I have never gotten any response from the two moderators just because of name recognition. I urge the media to conduct an intensive investigation on the working conditions of many Kenyans especially in the mushrooming supermarket chains in the country, domestic workers and the export processing zones (EPZ) outlets. It’s shocking that a famous supermarket chain in Eldoret pays workers per week with no benefits and lunch breaks even when the chain is expanding rapidly to the major towns in the Country including Nairobi and Kisumu cities. Joseph Lister Nyaringo Bobasi, Gucha District

Which way for Abagusii Politics

Politics in Gusiiland is littered with disunity, greedy, geocentricism, nepotism, hate, & clanning. Each constituency operates like a tribal entity. Elected leaders do not speak with one mind & one accord to address the problems facing the Community. Even the senior politicians who are supposed to nurture the politics of tolerance, development, unity, vision, & issues have failed to show leadership. They are instead driven by wrath, arrogance, rancour and personal enrichment. Perhaps the current DISUNITY would be averted if we had a council of elders to give guidance & direction in the community because politicians have failed. Such council of elder should be a non politician, with no political leanings or ambition. He must also be a person of social, political & economic integrity. His work shall be to foster cohesiveness & unity in the entire community. This community based leadership has worked well in the Coast, Western & Luo Nyanza. It’s irrelevant to call one self a national leader if you cannot sort out differences with an individual leave alone querying clan feuds which dominate Gusii politics. Honourable Simeon Nyachae who has hinted to quit politics before the end of this year has quality political and administrative experience while Chris Obure, former Minister for Foreign affairs played diplomatic roles for Kenya but what bothers many in Gusiiland and the entire Country is how men of these great administrative & diplomatic calibre, cannot iron out their differences for the sake of their community. What we see is not a disagreement based on principles, but real hatred between the two leaders. We acknowledge differences of opinion in a democracy to perpetuate dissent, but what we see in Gusiiland is a reverse of the said tenets. Leaders have stretched their political differences up to their bedroom which is a recipe for hate, disunity and jealousy. Tolerance, temperament and gentleness do not feature in the minds of our leaders. Take for instance Nyachae who is over 70 years while Chris Obure, in his late 60s; what type of legacy will these two leaders leave behind in Gusiiland? Will I be wrong to conclude that Nyachae’s dismal performance in 2002 Presidential election was because he decided to put the cart before the horse? You can’t unite a Country of 33 Million people if you cannot unite a tribe leave alone a clan. Even though Nyachae was heavily voted by the community as President, the cracks of disunity from Gusiiland might have spilled to other parts of the Country culminating to his lacklustre performance. Nyachae’s helm in Gusii politics has perpetuated politics of cronyism by planting politicians to run for MP, with no regard to democracy using his immense resources. This has given a black-out to potential contenders who augur strong political principles which are people driven. This is a barbaric form of dictatorship which denies people dependable & focused leaders. The Imposed political rejects ends up in parliament without popular will where they remain dormant without advocating for the people who gave them the mandate; a travesty to democracy and freedom to choose. The best remedy to curb the social, political and economic underdevelopment in Gusiiland is to elect new leaders with vibrancy to usher in a different political direction with modern ideas devoid of disunity & clannism in the 2007 general elections. History will charge the leaders we have had harshly for failing to initiate any tangible project to spur the lives of our people– they did and have done nothing on: unemployment, infrastructure, the poor state of our hospitals, suffering of our farmers, rampant insecurity and nothing to lift the standard of our Primary & secondary schools. The best dagger to measure true leaders is to analyse if those who are quitting and running for office do augur positive qualities that others can copy, emulate, bequeath and inherit to better their own lives even if its a century to come. The contents of a leader’s character determine the immortality they intend to leave behind besides defining the quality & not the quantity that they shall be remembered for. That is why the people of Gusii yearn for leaders who will strengthen the forces that will work for the community’s common good. Joseph Lister Nyaringo, Bobasi, Gucha District

Gusii Politics, after Nyachae

When one quits or retires from any position of authority, they leave behind landmarks that others will live to admire or hate. That is why honourable Nyachae’s hint to quit politics has left his friends in a state of quandary while his enemies a shy of relief. For a man who has sacrificed his energies, knowledge and expertise to serve this country, we need to reflect back on what legacy he will leave behind within administrative circles and in politics. For those who disagreed with honourable Nyachae and those who liked his leadership styles in Gusiiland and the entire country, the best yardstick to measure the old man’s legacy should be based on what the current and future generations can bequeath from him. In other words, did Nyachae play his part to transform his villages, community, province and the entire nation? Did he augur positive qualities that he shall be remembered for even for a century to come? Did Nyachae play his role to rekindle hopes, raise people from apathy, unify and focus on good change for Abagusii and the entire our country, since he held positions that empowered him to effect that change? I personally admire Nyachae’s no nonsense stand on issues that he feels strongly about. Once he takes a position, he does not backtrack. This is a good quality especially when you are convinced that you are 100% right. However, it can backfire when you are proved wrong. Since politics does not have permanent enmity or friendship, the outgoing MP for Nyaribari Chache played it from a different perspective. If he disagrees with you, there is no looking back. This is manifested on the way Nyachae has dealt with senior politicians from Gusiiland like: Chris Obure, Professor Sam Ongeri and the late doctor Zachary Onyonka to mention but a few. Ironically, it’s hard to tell between whom between Nyachae and the said was right or wrong and if they did initiate or augur any reconciliatory tone towards Nyachae. In fact, in the national political realm, we have seen leaders differ and at the end, they reconcile. The best example of how enmity does not play in politics is honourable Njenga Karume and President Kibaki, taking different paths in the 2002 general elections and now honourable Karume serves in President Kibaki’s cabinet. In Gusiiland, Nyachae’s exit from politics will mark a watershed. He will leave the community more polarized and disunited. We have politicians already wounded as a result of Nyachae’s is eventual exit from politics and being an electioneering year, they will be disoriented on which strategies to devise in order to recapture their parliamentary seats. The members of Parliament who are currently in tenterhooks over Nyachae’s latest move include honourables: Stephen Manoti, Masanya, Joel Onyancha, Jimmy Angwenyi, Hezron Manduku and Stephen Opore to mention but a few. These leaders have continued to ride a high horse as a result of Nyachae’s influence in their political lives and the way he paved way for their election in 2002 general elections. The current Minister for planning and national development Henry Obwocha has an edge as he can use his presence in the cabinet to galvanize his people for possible re-election. The current mood of the Abagusii people is a quest for transformative leadership; a leadership that will empower them and lift them from the current social, political and economic degradation. They want leaders who will bring people together not a part as well as building democratic structures where divergent opinions will suffice besides nurturing a political culture devoid of dictatorship and big man syndrome. Joseph Lister Nyaringo, Bobasi, Gucha District

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

Affirmative action will ruin meritocracy

Proponents of gender based affirmative action that will culminate to the nomination of 50 women to parliament should realize that the female folk in this Country faces more urgent problems than being considered for nomination to Parliament. Not all problems that bedevil the women folk in this Country can be tackled in Kenyan’s legislative assembly. Many Kenyans are for policies that will enhance the quality of life for women like access to opportunities and participation in policy formulation in the running of this Country not necessarily in the political realm. That is why, I view gender based affirmative action as a superficial solution that does not address deeper problems that face women. Will domestic violence, abuse, poor reproductive health, lack of education due to poverty and cultural prejudice be solved if we had 50 women nominees to Parliament? Will it enable a Kenyan woman with a big share of domestic chores access sufficient running water; a basic human need. Will this nomination alleviate the suffering of women living in deplorable conditions in the slums and rural areas where they lack sufficient food and medical care? There are a number of ways that the plight of women can be addressed not necessarily through politics. We need to focus beyond having many women in Parliament through a concept I can dub ‘a zero merit game’. We need to see many women in trade union movements, pressure groups, civil society organizations, student leaderships, advocacy, human rights groups and forums. This will bring about aspects that will enhance the lives of not only women but also other vulnerable groups in the country going through unbearable existence like: persons with disabilities, youth, children, the sick, the poor and prisoners. Women need to rise to the occasion, not to sit and wait. We need to ask ourselves how honourables, Charity Ngilu, Martha Karua, Agness Ndetei, Wangari Mathai,Phoebe Asiyo, Grace Ogot, Alicen Chelaite to mention but a few, rose to their current clarion? To create a gender-blind society is to adopt a gender-blind policy. You can't destroy discrimination with discrimination. Affirmative action will undermine women’s self-esteem; bring laxity instead of hard work and dependence instead of independence. Groups that will be favoured by affirmative action will become dependent on its benefits; a clear negation of meritocracy, hardwork, talent, specialization, ambition and passion for excellence. The salaries to be extended to the 50 women in Parliament can be utilized to improve the lives of women in the Country. Advocates of this policy should instead press the government to support the less fortunate members of the society besides working on aspects of social, economic, educational and political empowerment towards women. They should advocate for poor breast feeding mothers to get government welfare, sanitary towels to be given freely to school girls plus making reproductive health cheap and affordable for all women. The human rights challenges in this nation are so diverse even if we were to have the 50 women nominees to Parliament. Have the rights of Kenyans who cannot afford legal representation, where some ends up being jailed not because of committing a crime been addressed? Has the issue of income distribution or even the gap between the rich and the poor, which keeps widening each day been addressed? Has the government regulated the labour laws in this Country to alleviate the suffering of Kenyan workers in multinational companies and export processing zones? How many Kenyans are poorly paid, discharged from work or get injured without proper compensation by unscrupulous employers? These are the pertinent issues this nation must focus on because they are urgent and affects a broad spectrum of Kenyan people. The poor in this country cannot make headways to have a better footing in life if the factors of production, the media financial sector and industry are controlled by the rich? Will this be achieved through gender based political nominations or through hardwork? We are stooping too low as a nation. Equality cannot be nurtured by extending political rewards to women. Its actual meaning is equal treatment to all not a privilege to a section of society. Joseph Lister Nyaringo, Bobasi, Gucha District

Opposition Chief Uhuru Kenyatta has Dethroned himself due toTribalism

Honourable Uhuru Kenyatta’s move to support President Kibaki’s re-election has put the nature of multiparty democracy in the Country in dire straits. While he has a legitimate right to support Kibaki, Uhuru would have realized that he is not like any regular citizen but a shadow President of Kenya charged with the responsibility of keeping the government on its toes. Therefore, Uhuru has violated his job description of being referee on how the Kibaki government plays ball for the benefit of all citizens of Kenya.

That is why we can conclude that his move is a defection from opposition leader in Kenya to a government he is supposed to censure. For the young people aspiring for national leadership, Uhuru, has betrayed and severely damaged the spirit of transformative leadership in the country and indeed putting the Integrity and principles of young leaders in a state of quandary.

Why yield to the whims of 20th century thinkers like former President Moi who ruled the country for 24 years subjecting Kenya to social, political and economic malpractices? Uhuru is cheating himself by supporting Kibaki’s re-election to secure the Central province leadership torch. It’s high time that we again see the vibrancy of honourable Paul Muite who has been tested nationally to rise up and take up the Kikuyu community’s leadership torch.

Muite fought for Kenya ’s the second liberation putting his life on the line and I am sure he did so because of auguring patriotic ideals as opposed to Uhuru, who rose as a result of his mentor, former President Daniel Moi, the man he keeps dogging even in the 21st Century. Uhuru should play his politics with caution by entangling himself with leaders who can spur his national image.

We wonder what he has to gain by spreading his political tentacles to politicians like honourable Biwott; a man who cannot nourish his political clout, integrity, values and future? Fearing to loose the Gatundu seat in the coming elections and resorting to support Kibaki is a reflection of tribal hegemony and an egocentric view of Uhuru’s future political clout. If I were him, I will vie, loose the seat, the Presidency and Kenyans will charge for themselves beyond 2007.

I wonder what will happen to multiparty democracy in Kenya if honourables Mutua Katuku, Raphael Tuju and Musikari Kombo dumps Kibaki’s government of national unity to support their tribesmen aspiring for higher offices in the land.

What most of our politicians should remember is that Kenyans are putting them on a state of scrutiny especially on what they said yesterday and what they are saying today. Kenyan citizens are not suffering from recent memory deficit. They vividly remember Uhuru’s gaffes especially during the 2005 constitutional referendum and even immediately after President Kibaki was sworn in as President in 2002 when he promised to keep the government on its toes. A true democrat stands on what is popular for the masses not self. He lets the wishes of the masses where he derives his mandate to come first.

That is why many Kenyans are in a state of quandary whether Uhuru’s move to support Kibaki represents the wishes of 1.8 million people who voted for in the last elections. The man has dethroned himself and robbed himself off the trust Kenyans bestowed upon him in the year 2002. The government watchdog has swallowed the cockerel and gone into deep slumber. It will be interesting how long it will take Uhuru to regain political consciousness and focus beyond Gatundu.

Yes! All politics is local but those yearning for national leadership should be ready for a paradigm shift from this misleading ideology which is against the spirit of nationalism. How does Uhuru expect Kenyans to lift him nationally if he has decided to play it local? Joseph Lister Nyaringo Aspiring MP Bobasi, Kisii

KENYA MEDIA SHOULD BE BALANCED IN COVERAGE

I concur with the Buddhist wisdom, which states that those who seek the path to inform others must first remove all ego, dishonesty, manipulation, biasness, favouritism, cleverness, and in contrast humbly be willing to accept the light of truth no matter how big or small it is since it affects the entire humanity.

This is a wake up call to all members of the fourth estate in Kenya, whom despite being endowed with professional expertise to educate and inform the Kenyan people, have deviated from fairness, focussing and covering the more critical issues and challenges that face the Country. We cannot underestimate the role the media fraternity has played to highlight issues of insecurity in the Country especially the Mungiki menace, sexual violence as well as the AIDS pandemic.

However, there is a growing trend by the same media, which is not in tandem balanced and fair journalism. The paramount key issues, actual facts, needs, challenges and aspirations of the Kenyan society are never given consideration.

 Big or small as the Buddhist wisdom reminds us, if it affects the human race, it MUST be brought to light since it’s out of this, that people will get a chance to be informed and if it’s a problem, workable solutions can be found. For the Kenyan print and electronic media to consistently and persistently continue to focus on what politicians say and not what they do or have failed to do for the electorates who gave them the mandate to Parliament is not a fair game for the Kenyan people across the board. Surely, splashing television screens and newspaper headlines with politics and political personalities even when what they’re talking about is not relevant will never help Kenya.

However, I don’t mean that the media should not cover issues of political nature especially in this electioneering year. Indeed, Kenyan voters will love to see the media prepare a highlighted and well researched score card based on the performance of the current government and sitting Members of Parliament since they were elected in 2002. This is the surest way to put to light the failures and achievements of these leaders in order to give the Kenyan voters a chance to weigh options for retention or change of leadership.

We acknowledge that any business entity’s primary objective is to make profits; this has negatively driven the media to focus their attention on giving coverage to those who will only make their stories sell; a wrong yardstick especially if we want our Country to discover talents based on diversity from her citizens. It should be understood that even without fame, if the ideals one stands for are salutary the general good of this Country, the media MUST cover it.

The best ideas are out there and the media should dig deep and explore it. Those who are rarely heard can have a lot to share with Kenyans and the media should give them a chance. I recently walked into one of the famous FM radio stations in Kenya to request for participation in one of their programs but I was shocked with the response I got.

I was treated without decorum just because of lack of name recognition; given an e-mail address of the program moderators, which I emailed immediately. Surprisingly, you can guess? Kenyans expected our journalists to put more light to the key Problems facing majority of Kenyans like unemployment, increased cost of living, poverty, unbalanced development trends especially in marginalized parts of Kenya like North Eastern and some parts of the Rift Valley provinces, falling education standards, poor working conditions to those in the labour market.

 Indeed, it should be understood that every problem no matter its magnitude should be given due attention, investigation and coverage. Who will get offended in Kenya when our society’s inequities are ventilated before the Kenyan masses even the World? Who will get offended when the plight our brothers and sisters in the job market especially in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Nairobi and Mombasa working under the most inhuman conditions are brought to light before the eyes of Kenyans?

This is the only way the media can put to shame their unscrupulous employers who continues to use them for their own enrichment. I urge the media to use their expertise to conduct intensive investigation on the working conditions of people especially in the mushrooming supermarket chains, plantation workers in Kericho, domestic workers and the (EPZ) outlets in the Country.

I am not a journalist by profession I was deeply shuddered of a story by two of my friends working in a famous supermarket chain in Eldoret where they are paid per week with no benefits. All workers are not allowed to join any Union or even a Sacco.

My friends say even lunch break is a taboo just for the simple reason that it reduces staff theft. Salvage our people from this ugly yoke! Come on Kenyan media dig deep into this! We live in the 21st Century where every Kenyan deserves a fair deal. Joseph Lister Nyaringo Bobasi, Kisii