Architects of political opposition in Parliament not sincere

The second liberation for Kenya that was once fought for so passionately is here with us. Kenyans wants to see service delivery and not empty rhetoric from elected leaders. It’s tragic that vibrant and energetic leaders have stooped to low to pursue selfish and narrow interests instead of addressing the most urgent problems facing the nation. That is why I agree with Mutahi Ngunyi, of Nation Media Group, that fighting poverty must be the most urgent issue to tackle by our leaders besides fighting corruption and even the constitutional review process. Why is Namwamba, Kutuny and Isaac Ruto and others craving for official opposition when the bulky of their supporters are living from hand to mouth? Under the prevailing governance structures, an Official Opposition in Parliament cannot solve any problem that bedevils the Country. Kenyans are more informed than what those pressing for an official opposition think. It has been observed that the chief architect of this move is the former YK92 boss and the MP for Lugari honourable Cyrus Jirongo. And this is the man the likes of Namwamba are pushing for that position given the fact that his part is not party to any of the coalition partner- Kibaki’s PNU and Raila’s ODM. This is an absurdity given the fact Kenyans are aware of Jirongo’s political CV inside out. They are bound to fail dismally and dent their political CV forever. I therefore caution Namwamba and group that if they are being catapulted blindly by Jirongo to press for an official opposition, they are denting their political career. Under the current circumstances, there are many ways these politicians can serve their constituents and the entire nation without an opposition. Kutuny of Cherangani, Isaac Ruto of Chepalungu and Namwamba of Budalangi have a great political future and they should not let it be destroyed by some selfish manoeuvres by a leader whose political schemes are never for the Kenyan people. What are the essentials of official opposition in parliament if it’s not intended to recreate and spur the political likes of Jirongo? Joseph Lister Nyaringo

Address poor working conditions

The sum total of better working conditions for employees is improved productivity, efficiency, a boost on craftsmanship, and love for duty. Well remunerated workers are less prone to theft, carelessness, deception, tardiness, negligence and mishandling of working tools. The aspect of employees’ rights requires a multipartite approach that encompasses: the government, Trade Unions, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Human rights bodies and even the civil Society. Employees in the Civil Service, Sole Proprietorship, Private Institutions, Multinational Companies, and Public Corporations continue to face many challenges at the workplace. These includes: dismissals and terminations from employment on flimsy grounds, long working hours with low pay, poor safety gear especially in Steel and Chemical manufacturing firms, poor remuneration, and serving as casual for too long without being confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms. Women who form the bulky of employees in factories and EPZs are not given maternity leave; for them, getting a pregnancy is a self discharge from work. They suffer the worst harassment, intimidation and sexual overtures from male employers at the workplace. One expanding Supermarket chain in the Country pays their employees Kshs.1000 weekly instead of monthly; making it hard for them to save. It shows that this employer cares less about financial improvement for these workers. All workers are required to sign new contracts after every three months including those who have worked even for five years. The labour laws require an employee to be confirmed on permanent terms after serving between 3 to 6 months. In this Supermarket, employees are not allowed to join any Union or Cooperative Society. Those who express interest are sacked without notice. A friend of mine working in this establishment gave a narration that left me shuddered. It’s a cry from the Wilderness that requires urgent attention. He says that to prevent theft, employees are not allowed to go for lunch. Instead, they are provided with boiled maize popularly known as Githeri within the working premises. Before leaving for home in the evening, employees are subjected to the most a shaming physical search by security guards to ensure that they are not carrying any item from the shop. We call upon human rights groups and the Civil Society not shy away but to take the lead by exposing unscrupulous employers in our Country. Labour being one of the factors of production that affects any economy, the plight of Kenyan workers must be addressed urgently. That is why the government and the trade Union fraternity should urgently intervene and alleviate the deplorable conditions employees are going through in horticultural firms in Naivasha, Export Processing Zones (EPZ) especially in Mombasa and Nairobi , supermarket chains in our major urban centres and environmentally unfriendly working conditions at the Webuye Paper Mill in Western Province . The effluent emitted from the Paper Factory is a pollutant to water, soil and air that affects not only employees but also residents a round the firm. You can smell the stench when driving through the factory. Therefore, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) should tour the factory and observe if it meets environmental standards and if not, shut it down the way they did to the abattoirs in Dogoretti and Kisii recently. As the government encourages foreign investment, it must also encourage the investors to reward Kenyan workers fairly. Most of the firms that violate the rights of workers are foreign owned; bringing to the fore the concern that foreign investment that we always cry for does not necessarily translate to an increase in the standard of living for our people. In the Civil Service, the government should boost the morale of workers by providing them with better pay, performance awards, inside growth and fringe benefits in order to achieve efficiency. In the private sector, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development must act tough on errant employers who violate labour laws by revoking their trading licences. On work safety as per the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must liaise with The Ministry of Labour and Human Resources Development to train their employees on First Aid Skills, Cardio-Pulmonary –Resuscitation (CPR) and fire fighting. We have lost many lives at the workplace due to lack of these life saving skills amongst the employees. The Union fraternity in Kenya as failed to provide a sustainable and viable remedy to the plight of workers. Except the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) which is more vibrant and focussed in championing the rights of teachers, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), an Umbrella of 42 registered Unions as failed to protect the interests of its members. The COTU Secretary General Mr. Atwoli is a talker not a doer. The government, COTU members and employers don’t take him serious. His predecessor; the late Joseph Mugalla was bold and candid in defending the workers. He should also borrow the example of KNUT secretary general the late Ambrose Adongo, who defended teachers with zeal and determination; leaving an indelible mark in the Union fraternity in our Country. The recent imbroglio about Rachael Lumbasyo’s sacking from NSSF and Atwoli’s reaction didn’t impress anybody. Kenyans expected him to exhibit the same passion when fighting for workers. To safeguard his legacy in COTU, Atwoli must detach himself from politics by fully immersing himself on fighting for the rights of workers especially the implementation of the new employment laws that are likely to alleviate the suffering of Kenyan workers. As a former Secretary of Kenya Plantation workers Union; an amalgam of COTU, he would have toured Nandi Hills, Sotik and Kericho tea plantations to preach harmony and reconciliation amongst the different communities who went for each other during the skirmishes of early this year. This is what leadership is all about. Workers problems are human rights issues that require equal attention like any vice in our society. We need to see equal attention and footage given on the plight of workers just like fighting HIV Aids, poverty and injustice. There is no way Kenya will become a working nation as per President Kibaki’s development slogan, if those currently in the job market work under dehumanising conditions with poor remuneration which makes them live from hand to mouth. Joseph lister Nyaringo

The Face of Eldoret Nine Months after election violence

Nine Months ago, Eldoret and many parts of Country were engulfed with the worst violence caused by the announcement of Presidential election results last December. It was horror and total agony for the inhabitants as tribe resented against tribe. Killing, maiming and destruction of property especially in Eldoret suburbs were so rampant targeting individuals of particular communities.

 Eldoret attracted a great number of International relief agencies like UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM, WFP, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and World Vision, which are perceived to be based in war torn Countries like Somalia , Sudan and with a small presence in parts of Northern Kenya, providing relief supplies to affected Kenyan Communities and Refugees from Somalia .

 Today, Eldoret town and it environs have a different hue. Residents breathe a new air although with fresh memories of what happened nine months ago when Eldoret was ghostly to even those not directly affected by the skirmishes. “It was lifeless,” says Mr. Chandresh Dodhia, of Crossroad Boutique on Oloo Street . He says the town was deserted and for some one used to interact with his customers and friends, he found it hard to cope by being remained holed in his town centre apartment.

He will only watch General Service Unit GSU personnel patrolling the streets on horse backs from the balcony of his apartment from dawn to dusk. The businessman is happy that despite Eldoret being the epicentre of the violence, there was no looting, stealing and burning in the town like in Kisumu, where his friends lost millions.

He is however optimistic that what he saw will not recur in Kenya again. Despite the prevailing normalcy nine months down the road, indivituals who are still in refugee camps in Eldoret especially the main one on Eldoret Show ground, Jasho, Kiambaa, Kemure, Kesses, Maili Nne, Kaptaget, and Huruma are encroached with various challenges.

 They says the recently resettlement campaign dubbed Operation Rudi Nyumbani (ORN) was a public relations exercise to hoodwink the public and even international community that all is well in Kenya when we are in fact suffering. “Who will want to stay under these pathetic conditions when they have a place to go”? Replied John Thairu, when I asked of the notion that some internal refugees may be sticking in the camp to attract compassion from the public, the government and well-wishers.

Those the government purports to have moved under Operation Rudi Nyumbani were resettled in camps near where their homes once stood. “How can you be moved from a refugee camp to another refugee camp and be told it’s your home?” asks Elizabeth Wairimu. “It was politics that brought us to the current state, not our mistakes.” Says Mr. Ndora,a TSC teacher at Show ground Primary School. “The current coalition government must take full responsibility to rebuild our lives to normalcy without conditions.”

 Despite all businesses remaining intact, during the reopening, some firms devised new names. For instance, Naivasha Self Service Stores operating on Nandi Street , two Kilometres from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital , changed to Naivas Supermarket; detaching itself from Naivasha where Mungiki adherents beheaded members from other communities perceived to be anti-Kibaki during the violence. Some feel the Country should go back to the elections so that the right leader is elected.

“We were robbed victory in broad daylight by Kivuitu and Major Hussein Ali,” a newspaper vender who refused to divulge his identity says. He evokes the Police Commissioner’s presence at KICC, leaving with Mr. Kivuitu, and later announcing the Presidential results and the swearing in of President Kibaki at State House after sunset. On Kenyatta Street dubbed Eldoret Parliament, where people especially youths congregate to talk politics from sun-up to sun-down, is less crowded unlike last year during the campaigns.

The few I found on newspaper vending sites, talks about the constitutional review, current inflation, 2012 and also ODM Party deputy leadership where supporters are divided between Mudavadi and Ruto for the party position. On the current economy, many people lauds the reign of former President Moi, saying there was money in circulation. They say Kibaki’s leadership lacks the humanistic approach to the plight of the poor in Kenya .

They say the thousands of job Kibaki promised the youths in 2002 has become political fiction. Business overview in Eldoret Business people are hit by low sales characterised by the escalating inflation. Mr. Chandresh Dodhia who buys clothes from India , China and Dubai says his supplies have been shop-soiled as a result of low sells.

This has forced him to scale down the prices in order sell and recover the purchase price without making good profit. He supports Eldoret Municipal council for getting rid of hawkers from the central business district; saying they, hawkers, are a nuisance as they occupy corridors; blocking customers to his shop. However, not many business people are against a ban on hawkers from the town centre. Mr. Alex Kamau of Eldoret Mattresses says the municipality should allow them to come back. He argues that when they hawk around the town during the day, in the evening, they spend their earnings to buy from his supermarket which is a sales boost to their business.

 Most of the business people who volunteered their opinions, urges the government to reduce VAT from 16% to 10% so that it will scale down the prices of good; increasing consumers’ purchasing power and hence a boost to the country’s economy. Like most business people, many Eldoret residents decry the high prices of essential goods.

They say if the government is concerned with the plight of the poor, they should control the prices of sugar, cooking oil, petroleum and flour. Mrs. Jane Kemei who sells stationery blames the government for most of the economic woes the country is going through. “If they care about us, why not control the prices of sugar, flour, cooking oil and petroleum?” She is quick to single out the bloated cabinet crafted by Kibaki and Raila in the grand coalition government as being behind the escalating inflation. “Maintaining this government is a toll to the tax payers.” They have forgotten the men and women who fought for them during the elections and now what we see are empty talk from the two leaders.”

 As a reflection of the grave economic times the country is in, most of the people I interviewed ranging from professionals, Jua Kali artisans, students, business people and hawkers, all agree that the cost of living as gone so high making them live in misery. Although the economy is grave, a few investors are bringing up new business structures in the town. The new ultra modern building, Salama Corner on Oloo Street is an eye catching structure.

The four storeys building which is yet to be opened was constructed by Clement Bowen; a Civil engineer with Bowen Building and construction is specialized in residential, commercial buildings. His company is now working on a foundation to bring up another structure opposite Tuskys Supermarket. The owner of the upcoming building; is Mr. Mburu, who is a Kikuyu and despite the animosity, witnessed early this year between Kalenjins and Kikuyus, Mr. Bowen, a Kalenjin says Mburu gave him the job as a professional and a Kenyan irrespective of his tribe.

 “Tribalism stunts our growth as a nation and it must be rejected at all costs,” says Mr Bowen. He urges Kenyans from all spheres to emulate Mburu’s gesture. “This is a reflection of bonding that we want to see in our Country especially now that we are on the healing process after the post election violence.” Like Mr. Chandresh Dodhia, Mr. Bowen wants the government to reduce VAT to 10% so that the prices of cement, reinforcement bars and aluminium tubes can come down in order to reduce the cost of construction. He lauds President Kibaki’s move to scale down the cost of electricity as it will also reduce the cost of construction.

 He however says that the biggest challenge facing the construction industry is fluctuating economic trends. “A contractor signs an agreement with a client and immediately and shortly after, the prices of construction materials shoot up.” Mr. Bowen says that it’s a mirage to convince a client for a renegotiation and to keep yourself a float in the market, you cannot abandon the construction. He cites how the price of construction materials went up by 40% last year shortly after signing the contract to build Salama Corner. He advises the Ministry of Public works and Housing to provide structural engineers during construction of any multi-storey buildings to ensure compliance as the surest way to avoid the collapsing of buildings in the Country.

 The 24 hours operation by Nakumatt Lifestyle, Prime Chic Restaurant, and Glory Pharmacy on Oginga Odinga Street has given Eldoret a new lease of night life. However, the street doesn’t miss negativities as its how to Paradise Bar, which is associated with twilight girls who target men with fat wallets after the harvest of wheat in the Rift Valley. 

Community Integration and Harmony in Eldoret Its business as usual in Eldoret town and its environs, but when you talk to the locals, they express different opinions on community integration, tribal harmony, the election fiasco, the coalition government and the political future of the Country. “I am a Kenyan, serving customers from diverse communities including Asians,” These are the words of Owino, a street shoe shiner. He says as a Luo by tribe, he has no problems with people from other communities. On the post election violence, he says Kenyans should adopt an accommodating attitude to all people, irrespective of their tribe “I am a Luo; comfortably living and doing business in Eldoret, which is a Kalenjin land and I welcome any Kalenjin to go to Kisumu and do the same if there is an opportunity.”

 He says there is no reason why Kenyans should rise against Kenyans when we are housing many refugees from Sudan and Somalia . “Why haven’t we risen against them yet they live in our midst, enjoying our security and hospitality”? He wonders. Dr. Kebuti who is on private practice says that the violence days were very hard. It affected even professionals who provide essential services to humanity. He found it hard to have friendly chats with his patients; a norm in the medical profession. People feared what to say or comment especially when using public transportation. “It was a worst kind of life in our Country which is a democracy.”

He however beams with optimism saying things have gotten better. Shem Vilembwa, a teacher at Ngenyilel Secondary School in Kipkaren River says he doesn’t have a problem with issues of tribalism. When he was in the University eleven years a go, his best friends were outside his Luyia tribe. He gets a long with the Principal and the rest of his fellow staff who are from different communities. Mr. Obura, an evangelist, operating an IT firm says these are times for healing in the Country. He says people should come together, pray together and repent. He lauds Dr. Awor’s Ministry of National Repentance which has held crusades in many parts of the country as the surest way of mending ethnic punctures that was characterized by post election violence.

 On youths currently wasting in the dungeon as a result of the post election violence, Evangelist Obure, urges the government to set them free as a sign of reconciliation and harmonisation of the Kenyan communities. An instructor at Eldoret polytechnic says the violence that engulfed the country was caused by bad talk. He refers the Bible that warns us that the mouth can give life or death. He says that this is a wakeup call for the citizens and political leaders to use their tongue for building bridges of harmony, reconciliation and understanding. “The youth in this Country must guard their actions and not be driven by what politicians say.

ur vulnerability lies on glorifying politicians like gods and when we suffer, they are no where to be seen; just enjoying the fruits of our votes.” The bitter instructor thunders. Students at Eldoret Polytechnic who volunteered their opinions refused to divulge their identity. They say the issue of tribe will only be sorted out when some tribes will stop the mentality of belittling others; thinking they are more superior.

They are however comfortable and accommodating of each other in the Polytechnic irrespective of tribal affiliations. On the post election violence, Tarus Cheruiyot, a Newspaper vender talks bitter about last year’s elections. He says ODM was robbed the Presidency and vows that if elections are held today, the party will still carry the day. I was surprised about two small scale traders- Mr.

Tukiko Ogwena, a Luo and Wanjiru, a Kikuyu who share a small room at 64 Arcade doing tailoring and running a Salon. The two get along very well sharing rent. This reflects a high level of harmony and social integration that is worthy to emulate. “I have got no problem with tribal issues so long as you respect me. As you see, I share my business space with this lady who is a Kikuyu and we get a long very well.” says the soft spoken Ogwena who is specialized in making suits.

 Operating under one roof, they both concur that the spirit of unity and accommodating each other irrespective of tribe will move the nation forward and heal old wounds which stagnates national development. At Sosiani Matatu stage, most operators agree that the Country must move forward. David Kosgey who controls Matatus plying the Kesses and Nyaru route says politicians must take the lead on national harmony and cohesion. “If our political leaders preach unity and cooperation, it will be hard to see a recurrence of post election violence in this Country.” 

Matatu Business in Eldoret Matatu driver David Njenga says: “Soaring prices of fuel and Insurance as made the matatu business a loss making venture,” I drive from 5 am in the morning up to 9 pm but take homeonly 200 Shillings, which is not enough to sustain my family with the current inflation.” Njenga’s boss often asks the logic on how a Nissan Matatu consuming Kshs. 5000 worthy of fuel in a day will bring home Kshs.2000. “This is enriching the Oil Companies; in fact working for them indirectly.”

 Like other Matatu operators, Njenga urges the government to control the prices of Petroleum and all its products to save Kenyans from the horror of inflation since Oil prices affect every item in the market including foodstuffs. A survey in the town showed that many Petrol stations have only reduced their prices by between two to three Kenya Shillings. Matatu operators with newer vehicles have an edge as opposed to those with old ones due to low maintenance costs and less prone to exhortations from the traffic police.

Plying long routes often fetch good returns than plying the town routes. Extorting money from Matatus by traffic police as brought havoc to the operators. “It doesn’t matter whether your vehicle complies with the law or not. Even it left the showroom yesterday, the police must get their share,” if you deny them, you will be taken to court on flimsy charges like not having mud guards on your vehicle,” says one conductor who requested for anonymity. Most operators say the police can ground you if they want and you can’t take them anywhere.

They however appreciate the Prime Minister’s recent tough talk on cracking down police officers who extort money from motorists on road blocks. They are yet to see any change. Another aspect that continues to dog the Matatu business in the entire Country is the presence of cartels at every route. New entrants into the business often get frustrated. It’s imprudent to buy a vehicle, fit it with gadgets, and on taking it to a route want it to operate, you are told to pay thousands of Kenyan Shillings. When you try to question whether it’s a government directive, you get a rude answer.

 By and large, this money goes to the hand of few individuals. It doesn’t go into a consolidated fund that should cater for operator’s Welfare. It’s high time the government does something to protect the public transport Industry. Issue of insecurity in Eldoret Resident of Eldoret challenges the government to tell Kenyans why the increase in tax collection has not been transformed to better service delivery and high efficiency in most government departments. They complain of being asked to fuel government vehicles by police whenever they report a crime. “My business was broken into, and when I rushed to the police asking them to arrest the prime suspect, they asked me to fuel their Land Rover Car,” complains one resident of Race Course estate.

Coming back to the police station with Kenya shillings five hundred to give to the police the suspect had disappeared. Residents of Langas estate are the worst hit. No single night goes without reported cases of robbery and burglary. “I wonder how thieves can break into a business premise which is 800 metres from a Police station?” moans Catherine Nasimiyu, who’s Cafe which was a few metres from Langas police station was broken into twice and she was compelled to cross down. Catherine lost properties worthy Kenya Shillings 250,000 and when she reported to in the police Station, the officers didn’t take any initiative to carry out investigation or even arrest key suspects for interrogation.

 George Owino a shoe shiner at Nandi Street living in Langas wants the Municipality to reinstate the hawkers back to the town. He decries the rampant increase in robberies, mugging, prostitution, illicit sex that bring to unwanted pregnancies and HIV Aids, saying its caused by the idle youths evicted from hawking in the town. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” as the human mind builds you, it can also destroy you depending on what you are feeding it with,” quips Owino. He urges the government to devise ways for job creation for the youth; arguing that when you are busy throughout the day, it’s hard to think about acts of felony.

 They urge the government to increase the number of police officers who will conduct 24 hours patrols especially in the estates. Sanitation in Eldoret Eldoret town centre looks clean. The town has been beautified through a direction from the Municipality of having all business premises repainted. The streets look clean except some dumped garbage you will see on the drainage drenches. Residents want the Ministry of Environment and Natural resources in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to clean up the Sosiani River which is contaminated with fresh sewers. It looks pathetic as you will see not only street children using the water but all regular residents of the town which is a health hazard.

 Traders at the Municipal market wants the town health department to clean the market at least six times a year and also carry out extermination of rodents which destroy their foodstuffs meant for sale; which is also a health hazard to the customers who buy and use the food. Residents at Show ground who are also internal refugees complain of a looming health hazard in the camp. There is garbage all over. The movable toilets look pathetic.

Even children play on dirt. The Municipality stopped cleaning the camp two months a go. The free medical care the children used to get from UNICEF and the government is not available. They however appreciate the fact that water is in steady supply although they were stripped off electricity supply which used to light the camp at night for security reasons. Juakali Artisans at the Nyayo Shed expressed displeasure to the Municipality for refusing to provide them with enough toilet facilities. “How can 300 people share two toilets with irregular flow of water?” says Rajab Shaban, who is in charge of sanitation at the Juakali shed.

 It’s shocking to look at the toilets; with mounds of human dejecta over the toilet bowl. The taps are dry and most artisans are urging the municipality to introduce pay toilets like what they have done in the town centre for the sake of their health. Residents of Langas complain of people who keep Pigs in the estate. “These animals are a nuisance, they contributes to the low sanitation standards in this estate; roaming all night and dirtifying the corridors of business outlets.” complains James Koros who runs a Dairy in the estate. They urge the Eldoret Municipality to act in a timely version whenever there is a sewage burst in the estate.

“It takes months to repair a broken sewer, despite numerous reports we make to those concerned.” They complain that due to sewage menace, their children lack a clean place to play especially during school breaks. Internal Refugees in Eldoret No aura yet at the Eldoret Show ground. The large scale operation to resettle internal refugees, dubbed operation Rudi Nyumbani doesn’t seem to have worked. The squalid camp at the show ground is still awash with about 2500 people including children.

 When you enter the camp, you can see signs of desperation, frustration and idleness. Men play cards from sun up to sun down. Those with capital operate small businesses within the camp. It’s a real cry from the wilderness. The only difference between now and before Operation Rudi Nyumbani is the reduced number of people. However, the conditions are worse than before. Electricity that used to light the camp at night was disconnected. International relief agencies like World Food Programme (WFP), Red Cross and Red Crescent, UNICEF, IOM and UNHCR have all pulled out and removed their flags.

 The government provided about 10,000 to the refugees where some left but those who remained due to lack of a place to go have depleted their share; buying food and clothing. The current refugees blame the government for the false alarm over the Operation Rudi Nyumbani resettlement campaign, which made donors and other well wishers to withdraw their support. Almost two months after Operation, the head teacher of Show ground Primary School the only registered IDP School in the Country is in a quandary over the fate of his pupils as there is an impending eviction from the camp by the government through the Uasin Gishu District District Commissioner’s office.

 He wonders what will happen to the hundreds of pupils from standard one to seven as those in standard eight will be sitting for their examinations in about six weeks from now. After the withdrawal of International agencies from the camp, food supply to the internal refugees has been very scanty. The rations currently provided by the government are not enough. “Twenty five kilos of maize is not enough to feed my family for a whole month, says Mary Wanjiku, a mother of four. “The meagre funds we were provided by the government during the Operation Rudi Nyumbani have been depleted.

I bought food and clothing for my children and now we are in a state of penury.” John Kamau, who was displaced from Kesses, disputes the criticism that some internal refugees have refused to vacate the camp because they want to avoid the hustles of life associated with the current inflation in the Country. “I want to go but where?’ he quips. “ I lost my brother in Kesses and those who killed him are walking free in the village.

“I can’t stand settling down in such environment with the entire phobia.” John urges the government to donate land of whichever size for some internal refugees on special circumstance like him in order to resettle them. Asked to comment on the findings of the Commission for Post Election Violence led by Justice Waki, many refugees in the camp agree that the law should take its own cause. “Those mentioned in the report are culprits and must be brought to justice, irrespective of their status in the society,” says Jacinta Wamboi; “they must also be put in “Black Books” and Kenyans must not elect them to any public office.” Learning at Show Ground primary School The challenges of pupils at Show Ground Primary School sound grave.

Examinations are soon coming for 228 Standard Eight candidates; volunteer teachers, have not gotten any allowance since International relief agencies pulled out of the camp. Stanley Wanyoike, the head teacher for the school who is also displaced from Nandi South is a worried man. “Managing a School of about 1000 pupils where 228 are examination candidates is not easy. We lack learning materials as my current 14 TSC teachers are compelled to borrow books from neighbouring schools to enable the pupils to learn.” Mr.

Wanyoike lauds the efforts of his 21 volunteer teachers. “They have reflected big love to my pupils; a reflection of how they cherish the quest for knowledge. That is why they feel guilty to leave my pupils in suspense and anxiety in their learning.” All the TSC teachers in Show Ground Primary School blame the Minister for education Professor Sammy Ongeri, for not being mindful of not only the teachers but also the pupils in Kenya ’s only registered IDP Primary School . “Does it mean the Minister values other responsibilities more than what happen here?” asks one of the TSC teachers.

They are all very critical to the Minister stressing that government policies are made after assessing what happens with Kenyans on the ground but not in Ministry headquarters in Nairobi . They applaud the former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) secretary General Francis Ng’ang’a and the national Treasurer Mr. Fred Ontere for touring the school and donating chairs that are currently used by the teachers. Secondary school students in the Camp were recently relocated to private premises in Langas estate, so that form four candidates can get humble time to sit for their examinations.

The fate of those in form one to four just like those from standard one to seven at the Show ground is unknown as the last term for 2008 almost comes to an end. Working conditions in Eldoret town Hawkers/Juakali artisans & other employees Jefrey Mwangi, a hawker, says that the Mayor should establish a specific ground not far from the town centre where hawkers can sell their wares paying a daily fee without disturbance; citing the Muthurwa market in Nairobi as a success story that must be emulated by all councils in the Country if they care about protecting hawkers.

 However, the Eldoret Municipality argues hawkers can sell their wares in the estates and also at West open air market, near 64 Stadium, but the hawkers say it’s far from the town centre and only comes up on Fridays. “I have tried to sell in the estate but I don’t even make two hundred a day,” cries Mwangi who lives in Langas. He says in town, he can make Kenya shillings 1,500 on a good day. The few surviving hawkers who claim to have permits to hawk says that the Municipality should give them badges to avoid harassment from the inspectors.

They say it’s hard to display their licenses since they don’t operate on fixed premises. When they inspectors bounce on them, they don’t give them a chance to produce their permits. They bind them in their pickups and take them to police where they are locked up. The lucky ones who bribe are set free before reaching the police station. The inspectors are ruthless, arrogant and inhuman. They don’t give one a chance. Not even the mothers who often sell their wares with babies on their backs. It’s ironical that when they confiscate fruits, vegetables and clothing from hawkers, they rarely give it back to the owners. Many hawkers want to meet the mayor Mr.

Sammy Ruto and the town clerk to have a discussion in order to find a lasting solution to their problems. At the Nyayo Juali Shed, artisans complain about harassment by Police and railways officers who always come looking for Rail bars. The metal bars are very popular with Juakali artisans. The government has been very strict on people found with them as a measure of preventing vandalism of railway lines. “I got this metal bar from my grandfather 10 years a go and since he is dead, I can’t tell how he got.

Without it, I can’t do anything’ moans Festus Jagogo who makes Jikos at the Nyayo Shed. Another artisan Rajab Shaban says the government should organize workshops where they can meet with artisans from different parts of the Country to brainstorm on how they can improve their skills. This will also allow them to learn how they can produce items which are of the same standards throughout Kenya , a system that will enable them source for overseas markets for their products. Jeffrey Maina, a hawker, says their work promote big businesses.

“When new products are introduced in the market; it’s the hawkers who do the marketing before customers hit the shops looking for them.” Genuine and honest hawkers who are known to business people in the town take items on credit from shops and after they sell through hawking, they deducts their profit and refund the balances. “We should not be viewed as criminals or loiterers as we also need a space to operate and earn a living.” Maina says. Supermarket employees in the town suffer the most agony.

Most of them are paid Kshs.1000 weekly instead of a monthly basis. “This makes it hard save and buy even a goat at home.” Say one employer. ”They care less about our financial improvement as they want us to work here until the end of our days.” All workers signs new contracts after every three months including those who have worked even for five years; which is a big violation of the labour laws in the Country. “There is nothing like permanent employment here.

You just come to check every morning, when the gate is opened, you heave a shy of relief knowing that you will clock in and make that day.” laments a female employee working at Fims who requested for anonymity. Because of fear of victimisation, employees of Fims that I spoke to highlighted many problems ranging from poor pay of ksh. 5000 per month and lack of leave allowance. They expressed the need for the government to investigate labour officers in Uasin Gishu District who collude with employers to cover their grievances.

When they report problems in Eldoret labour offices, it becomes an eating spree to the officers. They don’t address the worker’s grievance but uses it as an avenue to extort money from the employers. Most workers are not allowed to belong to a union, leave alone joining a cooperative society. To authenticate their claims, I contacted a Mr. Pyush who is in charge of all departments at Fims but he refused to talk to me.

 To prevent theft according to the employer, workers are not allowed to go for lunch. Instead, they are provided Githeri within the working premises and thoroughly checked physically when leaving for home in the evening to ensure that they are not carrying any item from the stores. Many of the workers I interviewed include those working in business outlets in the town.

Their problems ranges from unfair dismissals from employment on flimsy grounds, long working hours with low pay, lack of working gear like overalls, helmets and gloves and serving as casuals for too long without being confirmed on permanent terms. Employees in Asians owned firms are the worst hit. They suffers from constant harassment, intimidations and verbal epithets from their employers. Female employees are even in dire need of help.

Their Asian employers make sex overtures and when they turn them down, that is the end of their job. Some are compelled to yield for job security and may be a salary raise.

Only selfless leaders can salvage Kenya

The myriad problems that face our Country ranging from the economy, social and political spheres require leaders who are more concerned about the citizens than themselves. Such leaders must pour their lives for effective public duty to enhance the lives of Kenyans than themselves. It requires more than mere rhetoric to tackle the high poverty rate, inflation, skyrocketing of prices for essential goods, insecurity and crime. It requires an inner passion driven by compassion, empathy, dedication and human love. Political leaders hold the most important job roles in any Country. The policies they make affect even the most valuable professionals in the society like: Doctors, Surgeons, Dentists, Accountants, Engineers, and Pilots. This is an indicator that they are responsible for millions of people's lives including their own. Leaders in our Country are not dedicated to their roles in the society. Even those elected from their regions do not point the priority areas that need to be addressed. We lack a contingency plan as a Country. That is why; we always address symptoms instead of the causes. We don’t get a remedial strategy from the leaders until people start starving to death especially during the onset of famine. Sections of the media carried out footage about the famine in Turkana and Ukambani and for those who saw, it was a terrifying experience. I shed tears and wished I had the capacity to ease the pain I saw in the people. Ironically, one of the leaders from Turkana who is also a Cabinet Minister recently bought a Chopper worthy Millions of Shillings. This was an absolute lack of wisdom, humanity and empathy. Such leader doesn’t deserve to be elected to Parliament, leave alone being given Ministerial duties in any government. How do you buy a luxury like a Helicopter when your people are starving to death; eating herbs like goats? Even though the Minister has a right to own any luxury, human life is of cardinal importance compared to a Chopper. People look forward to him as rekindles of their hopes; expecting him to serve them with humility and mercy. Kenyans are suffering in the middle of plenty on a few hands. Even in Ukambani, we have rich men and women in the current leadership who have not taken any initiative to address the scourge of famine in the region. To significantly rejuvenate the standard of living for Kenyans,page content we must be absolutely sure that those we elect to office are capable of doing the right job. We must assess their wisdom and understanding of the current challenges that our people face. footer (site informatiWe must make sure that they really do have the skills for the job and are capable of being great leaders; advocating for what is popular and good to the masses. The mistake we make is to elect leaders on the basis of what they own, like the Turkana politician; he will use the Chopper to fly around the constituency luring people to vote for him. We face many challenges in this country because the people we maintain in national leadership do not have a passion to serve. They don’t care about what happens around them so long as it doesn’t affect their immediate family. Last week, the USA government, faced with dwindling Stock Trading, went a head to vote in Congress in order to inject Millions of Dollars to resuscitate their financial Markets. This is the surest way for leaders to attack problems before it becomes chronic and end up affecting our national good. Politics has been taken as an avenue for riches and fame. Public duty; the genesis of any leadership calling does not augur in the minds of current and aspiring leaders. Even those who are blessed with plenty and riches do not care about the poor in the society. I admire the United States system where aspiring leaders are often grilled over their contributions to charitable causes. Quite often, leaders with generosity often advocate for policies that benefit the entire society. It must also be understood that political leaders who often put the interests of others above there own are often the best in the World. It was a great sacrifice and a reflection of selflessness that Nelson Mandela, of South African suffered for 27 year to liberate his Country. In Kenya , the legendary, late Member of Parliament for Nyandarua North, JM Kariuki exhibited rare qualities in political leadership for his advocacy on matters that affected the poor. Do the leaders we have today exhibit JM’s love and gusto to fight for the people, regardless of who they are? Certainly not. In the wisdom of Martin Luther King Junior, the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. We saw a laid back attitude from our key leaders when the Country was facing the highest challenges early this year. It took the wisdom of outsiders to get our Country back to the track. True leaders must radiate a selfless image; working diligently to change the lives of others based on mercy a caring heart, and a willing spirit. They must be driven by the qualities of character and integrity; avoiding the temptation to misuse their authority in their public life. Leadership is about Values pegged on humility, caring, compassion and human love to the ruled. Anything outside this is mere self gratification and egocentricity. True leadership entails guidance, effective management, discernment of circumstances and problem solving with a heart and willingness to change a situation that distracts the lives of those he leads. Any leader who puts a dark curtain to the problems bedevilling the country lacks the legitimacy to be called a leader. Joseph Lister Nyaringo

Young legislatures lack reform agenda for Kenya

The young legislatures have become ardent protectors of the status quo when Kenyans expected them to be the pivot for transformative leadership. They have failed to catalyse the much needed reforms in the Country beginning from the constitutional review, fighting vices like corruption and negative ethnicity. What we are seeing from the youthful MPs who were mostly elected on a reform agenda is narrow selfishness instead of patriotism. It’s quite clear that in the upcoming USA Presidential elections, Obama is likely to win because of his reform credentials while his opponent will loose because he represents the old school of thought which is not in tandem with the current American political trends. Recently one of the youthful legislatures honourable Danson Mungatana was agitating that the Managing director of the Kenya Ports Authority must come from the Coast simply the headquarters of the corporation is in Coast Province and Mungatana also comes from Coast. This is a narrow reasoning coming from a young lawyer who is supposed to advocate for professionalism not tribal or selfish leanings in the management of public institutions. What Kenyans yearns for more than tribal leanings is efficiency, dedication, transparency and accountability in managing state affairs. Another respected legislature who was once perceived to be an epitome of change before he was voted into Parliament for the first time is the MP for Mukurweini, honourable Kabando Wa kabando. The legislature has undergone a complete metamorphosis and now rides on an ethnic crest. If it’s true that he is one of the purported perpetrators of the post election violence as per Waki’s sealed envelope, it will be too sad for the youthful MP whose stand on matters of justice is well remembered even during his years in University. Almost all youthful ODM legislatures agitating for official opposition in Parliament is not based on genuine convictions but narrow and selfish ends that cannot benefit this nation. Even their strong criticism to the Prime Minister Raila Odinga is simply because he failed to appoint them to the Cabinet. They have failed to remember that elderly legislatures in ODM with experience in the Cabinet like Christanthus Okemo has not rocked horns with Raila over Cabinet issue but is silent and focused to serve the Nambale constituents. Its tragic that recent joint communiqué from ODM to reject the Waki report on the post election violence was read by honourable Ababu Namwamba, the eloquent and charismatic lawyer who should carry the reform agenda in Kenya’s politics. Young as he is, he should not follow the “group think” mentality. Namwamba and group should tell us how the victims of post election violence can get justice if they are against the full implementation of the Waki report. How shall we realize political transformation in Kenya when young legislatures have refused to carry the torch for reforms but instead wants to retain the status quo which has stagnated this country for decades? Any leadership requires a firm stand. That is why many Kenyans respect the former Kabete legislature, Paul Muite and James Orengo amongst others once dubbed the young Turks in the late 80 and early 90s. They fought for the freedom many of us enjoy today. It’s encouraging that Orengo and Muite have not faltered. The latter always takes a firm stand on issues that can bring positive change to Kenya while the former, as a cabinet member, his performance in the Lands Ministry is exemplary. In the wisdom of the late Martin Luther King Junior, the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Honourables Momoima Onyonka of Kitutu Chache and George Nyamweya, a nominated, have taken a firm stand against their Parties to support the implementation of the Waki report. This is a perfect shift from the political theatrics that we have been treated to in this Country for a long time. Its also reflects that the two young legislatures truly stands for justice and transformative leadership in Kenya …taking a stand independently even when it’s unpopular to one’s party establishments. Over the rejection to implement the Waki report. It has been observed that Prime Minister Raila Odinga was coerced to accept the rejection of the report. It was clear that some legislature from Rift valley and Western Province had earlier on expressed displeasure over his stand on the report where they threatened to pull out of the party if he kept pressing for its full implementation. Leadership is about Values pegged on standing on what is right at all times. The future of this Country lies on mechanisms youthful leaders will put in place if they augur true patriotism for Kenya . Joseph Lister Nyaringo

Gospel of Material prosperity is un Biblical

We do acknowledge the immense responsibilities that come with religious callings especially the way it detaches Church leaders from their family responsibilities. Giving tithes is a moral responsibility to every Christian as it portrays obedience to God. It is also a cardinal duty for followers to give in order to provide for the daily up-keep of Church leaders as a sign of love and service to the Church. On the other hand, its true, the Church needs funds in order to carry out its functions and all this must come from followers. However, Christians should not be coerced by their Church leaders to give in return for prayers, anointing, prophecy, material prosperity or healing. In fact, even in our hospitals, one is asked to clear the hospital bill during discharge but not on admission or in the treatment process. Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons and gave sight to the blind but not a single time did we see him ask for money before or after performing miracles. This must be the decorum for the Church that he established before he went to heaven. He did it for free expecting nothing in return and all the glory went to God. The appalling thing is that many religious leaders in Kenya have perfected the message of giving or planting a seed to their congregants and deviated from the divine calling of preaching the gospel according to the tenets of the Christian faith. Many Kenyan Christians and some Church leaders, they see this approach as materialistic, greed and a negation of the true Christian teaching on tithing or giving. That is why, the latest condemnations against money minded Pastors coming from Dr. David Awor’s National Repentance Ministry should be lauded. Church leaders with get-rich tendencies should know that material opulence is not an avenue to eternity. True Christians need spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological and social forms of richness in order to be complete as God’s people. The Bible reminds us that if we first seek the Kingdom of God and let it blossom in our lives, we shall get everything we require because God understands our needs. That is why I think it’s blasphemous, immoral and ungodly when the quest for material things is the pivot through which current church leaders are basing their sermons in the pulpit; a negation of the true teachings of the Christian faith. In the book of Mathew 5:43-46 Love, is the sum total of the Christian faith not Prosperity. Christians should strive to lead the life that Jesus Christ led based on humility, humbleness and human love. Anything outside this is spiritual hypocrisy. The best example of how many religious leaders mislead their followers is when they advised them to invest in financial pyramid schemes, which eventually was a scum that ripped-off hundreds of thousands of Kenyans their hard-earned cash. Ironically, the Pastors who used the pulpits to advise their followers didn’t use the same pulpit to apologize to them after being conned. In the Bible, when Jesus drove money lenders and changers from the Temple , he did so to get rid of unfair, ungodly and corrupt financial manoeuvres from the Church. We expected our religious leaders to borrow Jesus’ example instead of succumbing to deceit in a form of financial pyramid schemes. I was once a victim of money for prayers when I tip-toed into one of the Christian Ministries in Nairobi to attend lunchtime service. I queued with other congregants to be prayed for little did I know that all of them were holding envelopes stuffed with Kenyan shillings notes. During my turn to be prayed for, the renowned preacher who is also the head of that Ministry asked for my seed before he will pray for me. Since I didn’t have money, he turned down my prayer request! I was so ashamed before the whole Church which was filled to capacity. In a related visit to a different Ministry in Nairobi , I was surprised to see the congregation pledge money in order to be prayed for by a Prophet purportedly from Ghana . The Kenyan preacher who is also the head of the Ministry kept urging the congregants that they will only be ushered to the purported prophet if they planted a seed! Another surprising aspect in this Church was the way people gave their offerings by dropping money on the floor of the pulpit instead of passing out a basket. The motives behind these … those with coins are always put in jeopardy. This is purely a materialistic gospel masquerading as preaching. This is the reason why I personally concur with Dr. Awor’s preaching which is not only bold but also a protector to the Kenyan Christians who have fallen victim to the gospel of materialism perpetuated by unscrupulous clergy men and women whose motive is to achieve financially and not preaching the word of God. It must be understood that Material prosperity is not the only aspect that enhances the life of a Christian or a non Christian. That is why preachers whose message is centred on prosperity must remember that when Jesus was tempted, he boldly told the devil off on how man cannot live by bread alone and also by refusing the treasures of the world that the devil offered. Christians need to be nourished on aspects of repentance and forgiveness, righteousness, temperament, purity of soul, self control, kindness, love, humility, modesty and humbleness. These are virtues that reflect a Christ-like life. Saint Paul places love as the uppermost theological virtue besides hope and faith while Saint Thomas Aquinas, the 12th Century catholic scholar, defined prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude as cardinal virtues. He had abhorrence in gluttony and greed. This is the best approach to preaching the Word of God and MUST be emulated by those with divine calling. If we give or tithe to the Church, let us do it wisely and according to the Biblical tenets instead of listening to the voice of our Pastors whose motive is encouraging more giving in order to enrich their own lives even when many givers or tithers in their congregations are living in squalor. It not bad for Christians to be rich but according to God, they have to use the riches to bless others. In the New Testament, Paul asks fellow Christians to give for the sake of other believers who were materially poor. This didn’t imply that he wanted them to claim wealth for themselves. He wanted them to give to the need as an act of love and compassion. Giving is an issue of faith and partnership with God whether it’s for the Church or to an individual. Christians need to give to God out of a heart of gratitude and a spirit that recognizes that all we have is His. Let us not give expecting more in return; in God, there is no quid pro quo. The sum total of true Christian faith is love and humility and therefore, following carnal materials spoils the flavour of our relationship with God. Joseph Lister Nyaringo, Kisii Kenya diplomat1499@yahoo.com

The government and Unions must act on the plight of workers

The sum total of better working conditions for employees is improved productivity, efficiency, a boost on craftsmanship, and love for duty. Well remunerated workers are less prone to theft, carelessness, deception, tardiness, negligence and mishandling of working tools. The aspect of employees’ rights requires a multipartite approach that encompasses: the government, Trade Unions, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Human rights bodies and even the civil Society. Employees in the Civil Service, Sole Proprietorship, Private Institutions, Multinational Companies, and Public Corporations continue to face many challenges at the workplace. These includes: dismissals and terminations from employment on flimsy grounds, long working hours with low pay, poor safety gear especially in Steel and Chemical manufacturing firms, poor remuneration, and serving as casual for too long without being confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms. Women who form the bulky of employees in factories and EPZs are not given maternity leave; for them, getting a pregnancy is a self discharge from work. They suffer the worst harassment, intimidation and sexual overtures from male employers at the workplace. One expanding Supermarket chain in the Country pays their employees Kshs.1000 weekly instead of monthly; making it hard for them to save. It shows that this employer cares less about financial improvement for these workers. All workers are required to sign new contracts after every three months including those who have worked even for five years. The labour laws require an employee to be confirmed on permanent terms after serving between 3 to 6 months. In this Supermarket, employees are not allowed to join any Union or Cooperative Society. Those who express interest are sacked without notice. A friend of mine working in this establishment gave a narration that left me shuddered. It’s a cry from the Wilderness that requires urgent attention. He says that to prevent theft, employees are not allowed to go for lunch. Instead, they are provided with boiled maize popularly known as Githeri within the working premises. Before leaving for home in the evening, employees are subjected to the most a shaming physical search by security guards to ensure that they are not carrying any item from the shop. We call upon human rights groups and the Civil Society not shy away but to take the lead by exposing unscrupulous employers in our Country. Labour being one of the factors of production that affects any economy, the plight of Kenyan workers must be addressed urgently. That is why the government and the trade Union fraternity should urgently intervene and alleviate the deplorable conditions employees are going through in horticultural firms in Naivasha, Export Processing Zones (EPZ) especially in Mombasa and Nairobi , supermarket chains in our major urban centres and environmentally unfriendly working conditions at the Webuye Paper Mill in Western Province . The effluent emitted from the Paper Factory is a pollutant to water, soil and air that affects not only employees but also residents a round the firm. You can smell the stench when driving through the factory. Therefore, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) should tour the factory and observe if it meets environmental standards and if not, shut it down the way they did to the abattoirs in Dogoretti and Kisii recently. As the government encourages foreign investment, it must also encourage the investors to reward Kenyan workers fairly. Most of the firms that violate the rights of workers are foreign owned; bringing to the fore the concern that foreign investment that we always cry for does not necessarily translate to an increase in the standard of living for our people. In the Civil Service, the government should boost the morale of workers by providing them with better pay, performance awards, inside growth and fringe benefits in order to achieve efficiency. In the private sector, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development must act tough on errant employers who violate labour laws by revoking their trading licences. On work safety as per the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must liaise with The Ministry of Labour and Human Resources Development to train their employees on First Aid Skills, Cardio-Pulmonary –Resuscitation (CPR) and fire fighting. We have lost many lives at the workplace due to lack of these life saving skills amongst the employees. The Union fraternity in Kenya as failed to provide a sustainable and viable remedy to the plight of workers. Except the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) which is more vibrant and focussed in championing the rights of teachers, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), an Umbrella of 42 registered Unions as failed to protect the interests of its members. The COTU Secretary General Mr. Atwoli is a talker not a doer. The government, COTU members and employers don’t take him serious. His predecessor; the late Joseph Mugalla was bold and candid in defending the workers. He should also borrow the example of KNUT secretary general the late Ambrose Adongo, who defended teachers with zeal and determination; leaving an indelible mark in the Union fraternity in our Country. The recent imbroglio about Rachael Lumbasyo’s sacking from NSSF and Atwoli’s reaction didn’t impress anybody. Kenyans expected him to exhibit the same passion when fighting for workers. To safeguard his legacy in COTU, Atwoli must detach himself from politics by fully immersing himself on fighting for the rights of workers especially the implementation of the new employment laws that are likely to alleviate the suffering of Kenyan workers. As a former Secretary of Kenya Plantation workers Union; an amalgam of COTU, he would have toured Nandi Hills, Sotik and Kericho tea plantations to preach harmony and reconciliation amongst the different communities who went for each other during the skirmishes of early this year. This is what leadership is all about. Workers problems are human rights issues that require equal attention like any vice in our society. We need to see equal attention and footage given on the plight of workers just like fighting HIV Aids, poverty and injustice. There is no way Kenya will become a working nation as per President Kibaki’s development slogan, if those currently in the job market work under dehumanising conditions with poor remuneration which makes them live from hand to mouth. Joseph lister Nyaringo Former Deputy Chief Shop steward Uchumi Supermarkets-Kenya

Government should Regulate Prices or Abolish VAT

To alleviate the suffering for Kenyans struggling as a result of the current hard economic times, the government should abolish Value added Tax on essential commodities or introduce price regulation for all foodstuffs. 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 the currently VAT that stands at 16% is scrapped from all foodstuffs, shies of relief will be heaved by many Kenyans. Food will not only be affordable to the country’s poor, it will also spur turnover in the business market. What happens in many parts of the country especially in semi arid regions like Turkana and parts of Eastern province is appalling. People are eating herbs like antelopes. All this is characterized by high poverty index, lack of purchasing power as a result of skyrocketing of prices; brought about by the current inflation. 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. Conceptualizing Kenya into a free market economy has brought a lot of suffering to our people. I am not an economist but this system doesn’t ease the burdens of the poor. Price control abolished in 1994 must be revived as a matter of urgency. When the government used to control the prices of essential goods like sugar, cooking oil and flour, there was no rampant increase of prices like it is today. As laws are meant to protect the citizens, they can also be changed, altered, augmented, or abolished when they prove to be detrimental to the wellbeing of society. These laws are not “carved” on “stones.” What has proved to be a burden to the citizens must be abolished or changed to suit their needs. It has been proved for instance, that the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Act is a diservice to the farmers, through mismanagement of the tea sector. Therefore, the most honourable thing to do is to overhaul the Tea Act; put it on government management so that the interests of the farmers can be taken care of in order to avert further uprooting of tea bushes in some tea growing regions in the Country. It’s encouraging that the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. William Ruto who expressed his displeasure on the running KTDA will be part of the change that will save the tea sector. We don’t want to become anglomanias of social and economic policies that ends up bringing suffering instead of joy to us. Just because it’s working in America or Britain , it doesn’t mean it can work in Kenya as well. The economic liberalization that was thought to boost the country’s economy has hit a toll on many lives. That is why we need price control mechanisms to ensure that majority of those in low income brackets are protected from unscrupulous traders who have taken advantage of the current market to exploit the poor by hiking prices abnormally. Bureaucrats in our Country will dismiss the essence of price control due to the liberalization and deregulation but this policy as failed because it has a negative bearing to the lives of the poor. Any bureaucracy that hurts the lives of citizens must be abolished. The two leaders have the power the legitimacy to ensure that the prices of essential goods are affordable. Parliament as the principal custodian of public interest must be seen to protect the citizens’ interest by amending laws which are archaic to the general good of the country. This is the surest way of protecting public interest. It’s disgusting that our politicians are good talkers and not doers. Mere rhetoric, politicking and strategizing for succession alliances is the order of the day. No serious sign to help struggling Kenyans to enable them acquire decent and affordable life. Even the Prime Minister who has a broad grasp on the problems that bedevil this nation talks good but we don’t see any implementation mechanism from the Grand Coalition government. Kenyans are yet to see the implementation of President Kibaki’s recent directive of scaling down VAT to bring down the cost of electricity, as well as urging Oil Companies to reduce the prices of Petroleum and its products. The price of Oil and electricity defines the market price of most products in the market. What is hard for a government in a sovereign state like Kenya ? If I were Kibaki or Raila, I will advocate, and defending what’s popular and better for the Kenyans masses rather than sticking to policies that do not have a positive impact for the people of this Country. Joseph Lister Nyaringo-Bobasi, Kisii

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.

Rift Valley Leaders should give Raila a break

Good leadership entails taking a stand on matters irrespective of how unpopular they are to those closest to you so long as it has a sum total of enhancing the quality of life to the majority that you lead. While Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s leadership style is laudable nationally, it has not gone well with leaders from the Rift Valley where he got majority of support during last year’s general election.

Raila’s stand to relocate current inhabitants of the Mau Forest in order to protect the water catchment area as well as his initial stand on the Waki report has put him on a collision cause with many leaders from the Rift valley including his right hand man; honourable William Ruto who is also the Minister for Agriculture. Raila is a Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya and not for Kalenjins or Rift Valley Province. They should give him a break to serve the Country whose population has now reached 38 Million people.

 The MPs critical to the Prime Minister must remember that if Raila commits a crime or a felony today, he will be subjected to the due process and reciprocally, if any leader irrespective of being a bosom friend to him, must face justice. If these leaders campaigned for Raila and in fact delivered the votes, do they expect him to lie low and compromise his leadership principles in order to appease them? Many Kenyans expected William Ruto whose political mentors survived on cronyism to change the tune and speak on his own.

Galvanising MPs in an ethnic enclave to demonise a man whose song they sung eleven months ago reflects political immaturity, and lack of leadership. Political cronyism is an old Kanu mentality that has bedevilled this Country for many decades and when a youthful legislature of Ruto’s calibre wants to perpetuate the vice, many Kenyans are left wondering if the man is worthy his weight for national leadership. The Eldoret North MP must stop inciting the Kalenjin Community against the Prime Minister.

 Ruto must stop using political amateurs like Joshua Kutuny who is always whining and attacking Raila simply because he was not appointed to the cabinet, just like his Budalangi counterpart, Ababu Namwamba.

 It’s also absurd that even a nominated MP who was rejected by voters during the ODM nomination Mr. Musa Sirma is at the frontline dismissing the Prime Minister saying he has abandoned the Kalenjin community at the point of need. Which point of need? Mr. Sirma must be thankful not only to Raila but also the entire ODM fraternity for nominating him after being rejected by the electorates. If Ruto doesn’t sober up on his brand of politics, many Kenyans will begin to think that former President Moi, an ardent critic of him, is absolutely right.

 A Cabinet reshuffle coming up soon will affect two legislatures from the Kalenjin community to replace the late Lorna laboso and Kipkalya Kones. Those who have been bad mouthing the Prime Minister like Franklin Bet, Isaac Ruto amongst others are being watched keenly. If they get silent in case they are appointed, then it will be the highest show of sycophancy and a cry for power.

 The stand taken by most ODM legislatures from the Rift valley to reject the implementation of the Waki report defying the Prime Minister who had earlier on supported it is tragic for the party seen by Kenyans as more progressive and change oriented. Rift Valley legislatures must calm down instead of laying themselves bare. They must realize that the Waki report is not intended to victimize members of the Kalenjin community since it touches all sides of the political hail- both in ODM and PNU.

 Who knows even President Kibaki’s name might be in the sealed envelope as he was at the centre of controversy following the way he was hurriedly sworn in on the lawns of state house at dusk? The Waki reports touches an alleged meeting that took place at State House to galvanize Mungiki goons. From this premise, Rift Valley leaders purported to have been involved in perpetrating the violence should stop having butterflies in their stomachs. They must carry their own Cross to face justice either at home or at The Hague .

They should not cry for Raila to protect them. In the spiritual philosophy, it’s good to be accused falsely and suffer falsely but worse to be accused rightfully and suffer rightfully. Many Kenyans however prefers those implicated to be tried in Hague, because a home grown tribunal is not likely to give justice to the thousands of Kenyans who lost their lives in the post election violence Truth and justice does not impress all people but without it, it’ elusive to talk about harmony and reconciliation in a Country like ours which was on the verge of collapse 11 months a go.