Celebration of the life of an African Liberator

THE WORLD MOURNS A STATESMAN 

The world on Friday dawn 6^th December, woke to a shocking news of the sudden demise of the South African liberator and independent fighter H.E Nelson Madiba Mandela, who liberated the South Africa from colonialists having been jailed in the Roben island for 27 years.a dark gray cloud swept over Johannesburg as the news spread that Nelson Mandela is dead.

The first south African president was fighting for his life in hospital since early this year and had kept off the public and media screens due to his health problems. The former president who was known for his stand on Democracy and fight against racism in South Africa and as well as globally, was last seen publicly in the media during the opening of the 2010 FIFA World cup that he officiated its opening.

He was a great political and democratic icon he was in the world and in Africa. Leaders worldwide including President Barrack Obama, President Jacob Zuma, President Uhuru Kenyatta, UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon and former prime minister Raila Odinga  among others have hailed praises at the leader and their condolences to the South Africa and Mandela’s family

 

Mandela has been described a s a leader of all circumstances who has left a legacy to human kind regardless of race, sex, tribe, height or language

The political scene in Kenya would Like to condole with the family and South Africa and the world for loosing such a democratic leader who did his work perfectly and served all human kind diligently. Long Live Our Hero…May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Quotes from world leaders about Mandela;

Tony Blair: “Mandela showed that racism is not only immoral but stupid”

Raila Odinga: “ let us use Mandela’s legacy to propagate peace and tranquillity”

Obama Barrack: “Mandela’s struggle taught me that fear should not deter our progress in life if we have hope”

David Cameroon: “one of the greatest lights of this world has gone”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “was an outstanding African statesman and icon”

Kenya@50; A misplaced celebration

Kenya@50 could be a misplaced celebration

Even as Kenyans wait to celebrate the 50 years of independence , the hope of living to some, is just but a dream due to the high rate of poverty and the ever rising prices of commodities. To date, more than half of the country’s population still lives and survives in poverty. They are unemployed and earn ‘peanuts’ from the daily work they do.

But even as the country aims to transform from a third world country, to a middle world one, there are still certain things that remain unaddressed. The high rate of unemployment, insecurity and poor health, just make it almost impossible for one to think that the country will even match the likes of South Africa that have made already a great step within the first few years since their independence.

With 50 years clocking, since independence, I think the celebration dubbed Kentya@50, is just but a misplaced priority starting from the cost that is to be used to mark the one day celebration. Its quite ambiguous to use millions of shillings in a day to celebrate and yet most citizens live in abject poverty.

The celebration that is to commemorate the struggles the Kenyans have undergone in this half a century however  is more surprising that it doesn’t make any mention of authors who helped construct this nation. The likes of Ngugi wa Thiongo haven’t featured anywhere despite winning honorary degrees in his artistic writing.

With the country leaders facing cases against humanity at the Hague- Netherland based courts, the country hopes to acquire justice for the 2007/2008 post-election violence however there have been efforts to criticize the efforts by our two leaders and even as the nation prepares to celebrate the Kenya@50, the victims of the violence will still be in pain hoping to get justice that the constitution stands for but will they?

 

The greatest achievement that possibly the nation will celebrate on this day, is the acquisition of the new constitution 2010 . This was a great landmark in the country’s walk towards democracy and development but however, the efforts are being frustrated.

The  Kenya@50 celebrations is however in top gear and the treasury has already released the funds that have been loaned for the celebration despite the need for the funds in development , but was it really necessary? If Yes, at that cost?

THE POLITICAL SCENE IN KENYA: Are the Lords of impunity back?

THE POLITICAL SCENE IN KENYA: Are the Lords of impunity back?

Are the Lords of impunity back?

Are the Lords of impunity back?

Kenyans have been treated all along to a circus of deceit with the Lords of impunity who claim to be transforming the state from where it is but just a well planned game and an iceberg of the largest evil scheme.

To date, Kenyans are still hidden from knowing the truth and the reasons behind certain events that the Government had been investigating. To date, we still eagerly wait for the reports of the Ouko Robert’s death, the deaths of Professor George Saitoti and his fellow Orwa Ojode. As if that is not enough, we are still kept waiting for the reports of the death of Hon Mutula Kilonzo who passed on early this year, but the question is, Is it Impunity at work?

Seemingly, the reports were fraudulently done and carried out and being that they contain certain statesmen’ names, the report aren’t in a position to be released trill they are doctored. The latest Waki report has seemingly been doctored by the state house agents so as to hide certain names from being mentioned. This posses a question as to if the Government is in support of Democracy, Justice or Impunity.

But even as these unfolds, Kenyans are yet to be treated to more of the ,”Danganya Toto Jinga game,” as my friend Mohammed Ali of Jicho Pevu puts it.

Even as I pity with the state of the nation and the Kenyan citizens, The Lords of impunity, are making up their game to suit themselves and in so, the country has to be treated to this for the rest of the reign of the ‘Lords’. The country has also played a key role in providing a conducive environment for the advancing of the state of impunity. As a matter of fact, the top Government officials and institutions have been agents of impunity that according to the newly enacted constitution,2010 , should safeguard the office and the rule of law to be precise.

Surprisingly enough, even as things unfold and days pass by, The EX- High Court chief registrar, Gladys Boss Sholei in a press conference today, Monday 21^st October, 2013 said that the 2013 General Elections were politically influenced including the Supreme court verdict to suit a certain tribe and persons. However, she was part of the decision and only speaks after her sacking by the ,’Lords’.

In the events of these and more to come, I still pose my question to you, “Are the Lords’ of Impunity Back?”

Is Kenyan Politics taking a shift?

IS KENYAN POLITICS TAKING A SHIFT?

Probably Economists would agree with me that there are factors apart from price that cause a shift in price. Similarly, Political scientists would agree with me that there are factors that cause a shift in politics. Kenya has however transverse along this path from ethnic politics to more ethnic politics and could be on its way to a shift towards democratic politics but do I say?

In the previous elections, from that of 1992,1997,2002,2007 and 2013, we have experienced a more ehnic politics characterized by political parties and coalitions formed along political ethnic divides with 2013 providing the best example of CORD Coalition {among Luos, Luhyas ‘,Kisiis’ and Kambas } ,JUBILEE Coalition {among Kikuyu and Kalenjins} and AMANI Coalition{among Luhyas}.

The call by several leaders to have a free and fair election has however also received a setback as every electioneering period, there is always a rigging claim.

However, in the recent past, we have witnessed citizens embrace democratic principles and even shun certain leaders who are not pro-development. Just recently senator Murkomen was silenced while in Kericho that is his backyard, as he spoke bad against the devolution bill that is in the floor of the house. During the Westgate attack, we also saw leaders put aside their differences to preach peace and similarly, the citizens put aside their differences to help those who were casualties of the terrorist attack.

Kenyans have also transformed to respect each other despite their differences and political ideologies. This has been evidenced during the previous election that some had postulated to have been similar to the 2007 or even worse that that.

The flame of Freedom

THE FLAME OF FREEDOM..

Former Prime Minister and leaders of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, Rt Honourable Raila Odinga has launched his autobiography, 'THE FLAME OF FREEDOM',

during the book launch., last Sunday, the Ex-Pm called upon those who had been mention in the book, in bad light, to forgive him.

 

The launching even that took place at KICC, was attended by Former Nigerian President Olesagun Obasanjo, Former Vice President Hon Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, and other Governors, Senators, Members of parliament as well as other invited guests.

 

He regretted that the Kenya prisons had not returned his writings since his confinement in the 1980s.

The book opens the Odinga family, probably the most talked about political family in independent Kenya, to a public that has shown two distinctive traits towards anything Odinga- a phobia and a mania.

However, this may not be the last of Odinga’s books because it reveals very little about the 1982 coup attempt which political opponents have often used to malign the former PM as a power hungry individual.

the book also gives a vivid account of the post election violence together with the ICC matters and how the names of the six landed at the court. Raila also speaks about the 2013 elections and how his political life has been,

simingly, this is a MUST-READ book for Kenyans , political leaders including his opponents and even his lovers. possibly, it could be the highest selling in the market today.

“The Flame of Freedom” was launched at the KICC at a ceremony attended by former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, senators, MPs and other invited guests. - See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-138597/railas-flame-freedom-launched#sthash.2AeOu2Mz.dpuf

ORMER Prime Minister Raila Odinga launched his memoir yesterday with a plea for those he has mentioned in bad light to forgive him.
“The Flame of Freedom” was launched at the KICC at a ceremony attended by former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, senators, MPs and other invited guests.
Calling the memoirs “chronicles of events as I remember them”, Raila said he owed it to the nation to write his memoirs. He dedicated the book to the youth.
“For those whom I may have been critical of in the book, I want to ask for your forgiveness. I want you to understand that I did this for posterity,” he said.
Raila asked those who may identify mistakes in the book to understand that human beings are prone to memory lapses.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-138597/railas-flame-freedom-launched#sthash.Hlb967LG.dpuas well as

with a plea for those he has mentioned in bad light to forgive him. - See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-138597/railas-flame-freedom-launched#sthash.Hlb967LG.dpuf

with a plea for those he has mentioned in bad light to forgive him. - See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-138597/railas-flame-freedom-launched#sthash.Hlb967LG.dpuf

Calling the memoirs “chronicles of events as I remember them”, Raila said he owed it to the nation to write his memoirs. He dedicated the book to the youth.
“For those whom I may have been critical of in the book, I want to ask for your forgiveness. I want you to unde
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-138597/railas-flame-freedom-launched#sthash.Hlb967LG.dpuf

Kenya United.

UNITY AGAINST THE ODDS.

The Westgate Mall Terrorist attack has just brought unity of all Kenyans to the limelight. The notion of disunity in the state due to political never played an integral part as both the leaders from the different political divide, came up to pledge their support against the attacks of terrorism and unlawful acts. Led by President Kenyatta, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Former Deputy Prime Minister, the three led Kenyans in preaching peace and support for the victims.

Political divide, were put aside as all Kenyans, took it as a responsibility to be there brothers keeper and to assist those who were inside the west gate mall. The Kenya Defence Forces , the Media and the Kenya Red Cross, werev not left behind as they all swung into action to assista the victims.

Cabinet secretary for internal affairs, Mr Ole Lenku despite giving contracting updates, stated that the Kenyans had to be calm and wait for the forensic  reports.

African states also sent their condolences to the families of the 62 kenyans who lost their loved ones in the attack and a quick recovery message to the over 150 people who got injured. However even as the flags in the country fly at half mast, some 61 bodies are still missing and yet to be recovered. The building that collapsed due to the exchange of the fire arms and grenades, is assumed to be holding the bodies of some Kenyans as well as those of the terrorists.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has however said that she will ensure the organizers of the attack are brought to  book.

Siaya County gets back to the ballot box.

 Governor Cornel Rasanga loses his seat

The Siaya county Governor, Hon Cornel Rasanga has lost his seat in a court petition.Hon.  Rasanga however gets down into the history books as the first Siaya County Governor and the first Governor to loose his seat in a court petition.

High Court Judge Justice Aggrey Muchelule, nullified the March 4 election results for Siaya gubernatorial seat stating that it was characterized by massive irregularities and therefore Rasanga was not validly elected. He therefore gave a ruling and directed for a by-election.

  

In his ruling, Muchelule said the petitioner, William Oduol of the National Alliance Party of Kenya’s candidate had  convinced the court that the election was not free and fair. The court directed Hon Rasanga and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to meet the costs of the suit amounting to Sh3million, and which should be divided equally among them.

The court relied in the recount of votes in Gem, Bondo and Rarieda constituencies, and Nyasanda and Awelo Primary schools in making its verdict. He said the ballot boxes were tampered with before the recount was ordered and that the IEBC that was mandated to safeguard the votes having been the custodians, did not do so. He also noted that seals were missing or replaced from the ballot boxes,

 

 Oduol however said the court ruling was in the interest of Siaya people, and that it was now a proof that the era of impunity and dictatorship is long gone.