YOUTH FOR KIBAKI 2007

YOUTH FOR KIBAKI 2007:BY FWAMBA NC FWAMBA&GEORGE NYONGESA Youth for Kibaki 2007 is an idea originating from a conglomerate mainly made up of politically conscious former university student leaders who are currently professionals practicing their respective professions or/and continuing with their education at masters or doctorate levels and other youths from different spheres of life.Yk07 does not necessarily subscribe to one specific political party.we belong to different political parties but we have come together on the basis of our common agenda. As our name suggests our main objective is to advocate by any means necessary for the re-election of Hon. Mwai Kibaki C.G.H, MP in the forth coming general elections. We do believe that in aggregate, the president's policies are working positively for this country and given the remaining five years, we are optimistic that we are obviously going to experience greater achievements for this country. It is self evident that our economy after very many years of degradation is now growing at 5.8%.His development record speaks for itself and explains the future. Upon mutual agreement based on factual existence of unchallenged ability to change this country into a progressive economy, we have resolved to support and indeed do our bits to ensure that president Kibaki be re-elected due to amongst many others, the following reasons: Its first time, Kenya has experienced a witty, politically tolerant, development conscious leader who believes in meritocracy, freedom of speech, justice to everyone and equal treatment of all Kenyans. Immediately after his election in 2002, the president extended an olive branch to all people tormented by the previous regimes; some of the people in this group included political exiles like Prof.Ngugi wa Thiong`'o and former student leaders whose education had been terminated by former president Moi's regime because of political reasons that had lead to their unwarranted suspensions and expulsions. The president asked the politically exiled to return and take part in nation building, expelled and suspended students to be re-admitted unconditionally so that they could complete their respective degree courses.it is under president kibakis leadership that our independence heroes have been given due recognition.its under his leadership that finally dedan kimathis statue has been erected and unvailed as a siggn of honour to the maumau leader and other freedom fighters. With president kibaki’s leadership, free primary education which looked so much unrealizable is now existent and doing well both in rural and urban areas. The government bursary fund has also improved and the higher education loans board has increased amounts of money disbursed to needy students to help them pursue their education. It’s quite evident that the president is committed to a great future for this country. His commitment to these means he has interests of the youth at heart. It’s also the first time in the Kenyan government where young people have risen to occupy senior government positions without them necessarily having a background of political royalty. Such offices include the office public communications and a number of cabinet positions which are occupied by Kenyans who are below forty years. Unlike what others may want to project, the Kibaki cabinet is representative of people of all ages, meaning it’s non-discriminative. Under president kibaki Kenyans came to know in details about the evils committed during the nyayo era: this included showing the nyayo house torture chambers to the public, establishing the Goldenberg committee of inquiry, revamping the Dr.Ouko death inquiry. Any incompetent result given by officers entrusted to the respective duties is their own failing. For example the president appointed well trained people to deal with the Goldenberg cases. The failure to get the culprits of the Goldenberg scandal and murderers of Dr.Ouko rests with their incompetence and not the president. All Kenyans know that the president has been and is always committed to the fight against corruption. Since the establishment of the Kenya anti corruption commission and the purge in the judiciary, many Kenyans are now afraid to take bribes. It’s also through the president’s policies that many corrupt cases including Anglo leasing have been exposed to the public. During the previous regimes such a case would have never been known. It’s the first time that the recruitment of the armed forces and other public officers is being done openly and people are appointed based on merit. it is quite significant that during president kibaki's tenure kenyans have found a difference for the first time an economically conscious leader with peoples interests at heart. its evident that under president kibaki, the government has developed strategies to work towards equal development to different parts of the country without any discrimination based on political affilliations.such policies include the constituency run development fund (CDF), The recently created national youth fund, creation of new districts to ensure closer interraction between the government and the people: many kenyans can now access government services without much hurdle. The general national infrastructure has improved, roads network, rural electrification are examples of such.during hon. kibakis tenure,kenya has realized revival of many industries that were stalled during the nyayo era within only four years.such industries include the kenya meat commission(KMC),kenya cooperative creameries(KCC) and others.the tourism industry has also expanded.many public utilities have been renovated for example the kenyatta international conference centre(KICC).These efforts have obviously created many job opportunities for college graduates and the general youth populace. the president has established ministries that reflect the needs of the kenyan people,in addition to other ordinary ministries,the president established the ministry of special programmes,youth affairs,justice and constitutional affairs to deal with disasters,youth matters and justice and constitutional reforms respectively.this shows that the president is conscious of the kenyans needs and has their interests at heart.his commitment to ensure kenya has a new constitution has been evident since he became president.his government was committed to facilitate the process up the draft constitution level which went to the referendum;which was sabotaged by the same hypocrites who are claiming to be pro-reforms.under president kibaki many kenyans would like to have a new constitution and not piecemeal reforms whose intentions are to cater for a few hungry political stomachs.We are staunch advocates of a people's approved comprehensive reforms.in this quest we share this same vision with these kenyans. We strongly support the president and his government on this pursuit. We also believe that age is not a question here because so far out of all presidential candidates is a youth. All of them are above 35 years. The main factor is who will serve the kenyan peoples interest best, and his Excellency Hon mwai kibaki has proved to be one such person. Cheap politicking and egocentrically organized demonstrations can not add any value to the lives of Kenyans. the above stated reasons make president kibaki the candidate of our choice and we can not sit and watch the country become lead by people with questionable intentions.We do believe that all kenyans who believe in absolute truth and sincere unbiased analysis will support and join us in this Endeavour. Karl Marx.................chairman....................0725204817 Cllr.Irungu Kang'ata....Secretary general............0722910198 George Nyongesa.......... Organising Secretary.......0720451235 Fwamba Nc Fwamba........National Co-Ordinator........0721779445 Dr.Ken Orengo...........National codinator...........0721779445

INSECURITY/ELECTRICITY:BY GEOFFREY OMEDO ,ELIJAH OKWENA

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION GOOD IDEA BUT… I commend the government’s effort of ensuring that even rural areas are no longer in darkness by coming up with rural electrification exercise. The exercise of supplying electricity to every corner of the country is welcome unfortunately no all people will manage to apply for power due to the fact that it is too expensive. It is quite unfortunate that those who will slightly manage to ply for power will only be rural elites such as teachers and extension officers. Not rural peasants who leave in less that a dollar in a day. To apply for electricity on must put a side more than Ksh.60, 000! I wonder where all this money would come from. In this case only schools and dispensaries will benefit due to the fact that it has been said that the supply will be for commercial purpose. Those who spend dearly in kerosene will continue to suffer. Those who have small Kiosks with hope of getting electricity so as invest in major areas like welding,posho mill, carpentry, saloon among other things will never enjoy the benefit due to obvious reason-to drop a cable is too expensive. The government should know that to fight poverty rural electrification must be cheap and accessible to all people. Whatever little rural people get they spend in other crucial things like in educating their young ones who are in school or colleges, buying food stuffs, medical care among other basics. Why all these rates? Ksh.57, 000 for a cable! No. It is damn expensive. The government should be lenient and considerate. This is over exploitation to a poor mwananchi who is struggling to make other ends meet in each day. I’m not saying that the supply should be free, but fare. Let the maximum figures be Ksh10, 000 or Ksh15, 000.To be honesty rural peasants can not raise these entire amount at once. Most of them depend on peanuts which come out of tea, coffee among other cash crops. Unless the government increases their payments in these products, otherwise electricity will run through the plots of many but they will never have them in their premises. Alternatively, let the government supply electricity in the form of loans so that to allow people pay slowly. - To make matters even worse, it is long overdue for those who apply for power due to the fact that it takes long for Kenya Power to drop cables. FROM ELIJAH OKWENA NAIROBI . geoffrey omedo wrote: INSECURITY: ARE THESE SECURITY ADVISORIES REALLY FAIR AND ACCURATE? Being a Kenyan delegate at the just ended Governing Council Global Ministerial forum at the UN Gigiri complex provided me with a rare opportunity to look at Kenya from the International guests’ point of view, especially on the thorny issue of insecurity in Nairobi. It seriously left me completely unsure whether to defend my country’s record on security by dismissing the United Nations and USA embassies security advice to their international visitors, or whether to sympathize with their security concerns to the apprehensive delegates from the global community. But then, when I got a look at a copy of the Security Advice from the UN to the international delegates attending the forum, I was completely stupefied at the gravely blatant exaggerations within the document. For instance, on personal security, it was written that , “street muggings can occur at any time of the day or night in both Nairobi and Mombasa” Surely this is a clear cut case of implantation of unnecessary confusion through instilling fear in the visitors to Kenya. The security brief also went ahead warning the visitors to only visit the main parts of Nairobi, and to avoid any other places of which they are not sure of. This advice was well intended but then, which are the main parts of Nairobi and which ones are not? The visitors are further warned to be “particularly wary of people hanging around and outside hotels, since it is a favorite place to catch tourists and mug them”. This could be true, but what the advisory failed to advise the international visitors was the fact that all major hotels have gone to extra lengths of hiring their own security detail to guarantee the safety of their clients. This advisory automatically converts any one found around a particular hotel into a potential security threat hence subject for intimidation, and or unprocedural arrests. But perhaps the biggest misinformation provided within this security brief is on road travel. Apparently, the United Nation has only 3 companies of taxi cabs that they have accredited to operate within the UN premises. The criteria for selecting this three taxi companies is not the subject for discussion here. However, the assertion within the circulated security advisory document that, “the local unlicensed taxis are often unreliable, unroadworthy, and should be avoided: is both wrong and unwarranted. The advisory also strongly advises the visitors against traveling in matatus and buses however exciting that would appear. In the case of matatus, they are described as ” often unroadworthy, are usually bad driven and their accident record is appalling” The clincher is added on Kenyan matatus and buses as perfect targets for pickpockets and petty nuisance elements. On the road condition in Nairobi, the circular describes the Kenyan roads to be in a very poor state with some being completely impassable. The visitors are implored to “always drive defensively, expecting the worst and from unlikely sources” But perhaps the fact that the visitors are further advised to “open the car windows 10 to 12 centimeters particularly when stopped at traffic lights” seems to be the point at which one begins to question his loyalty to ones country and a desire for a truthful report of issues around insecurity as captured by such advisories. While most Kenyans agree that indeed the insecurity problem in the country has reached some grave proportions, it is important for the advisories issued by the United Nations and other foreign bodies in the country to be faithful to the need for moderate logical reporting. The truth remains that the largest fraction of Kenyans are not security risks, but rather the very victims of this rising insecurity. However, it is important for the government security apparatus to improve their intelligence wings in order for these escalating crime indices to be brought under control. Geoffrey Omedo.

THE CONSTITUTION:BY FWAMBA NC FWAMBA

LEADERS SHOULD NOT ABUSE THE ROLE OF THE CONSTITUTION In his speech after the failed april 2002 coup attempt against him,President hugo chavez of the bolivarian republic of venezuela compared the country's constitution to the book of the mayas;the Popol Vuh which is described in the wikipedia free online dictionary as thus:The Popol Vuh (Quiché for "Council Book" or "Book of the Community"; Popol Wuj in modern spelling) is the book of scripture of the Quiché, a kingdom of the post classic Maya civilization in highland Guatemala. .Hugo used this example to contextualise the importance of this document to the campesinos.The Mayas have great respect for the Popol Vuh because its regarded as the writing entailing the cradle of the Maya people of Southern America.The book is a unifying factor amongst these people and to them it symbolises unity,equality and brotherhood.According to President Hugo and I too agree with him,the purpose of the consitution is to unify a people while providing equal rights and equal application of the law to every subject of the respective country.Thus Kenyans too should rise up to the occassion to understand the role of the constitution and make sure that as we advocate for reforms whether radical or minimal,we end up with a document that is synonymous to the welfare of every Kenyan regardless of tribe,political affiliation,gender or race. Its very unfortunate in kenya that the constitution and the constitution review crusade has been reduced to a document meant for a hide and seek within the political circles for a small number of politicians with selfish ambitions and undisclosed intentions that do not necessarily reflect the true wishes of Kenyan people at the grassroots. As kenyans brace for general elections,democracy as a way of governance through majority support has pushed a number of leaders to develop strategies that can make them relevant to play national politics or create opportunities to win them parliamentary seats. its so unfortunate that instead of leaders formulating methods of making sure that kenyans rid themselves of tribalism,poverty and endless oppression to attain equal rights and access to justice,they have instead turned out to use this as their main weapon of being politically relevant to use people at the grassroots as bargaining chips for power.This is all through hypocricy and false promises.As the world moves towards greater levels of civilization,its prudent that even the kenyan leaders wake up to this reality and stop divisive politics based on tribalism.The reality of this game is that the tribal sentiments used by leaders to get political sympathy from their kinsmen are only used as most opportunistic fall back plans when such leaders are unable to gain support from their people by having worthy ideas.With such crop of leaders it will be very difficult to realise any form of national unity in Kenya.At this rate as long as we are allowing such people to be elected into public offices,tribalism,nepotism and even racism will never cease. When you see them talking about the constitution,they only focus on political leadership and how''one of their own'' can get it;thus they want the constitution to be made in such a way that at least a person of such and such tribe is included within the national political leadership. The main role of leaders at this stage in Kenya is to promote national unity through advocating for policies that ensure national and individual citizen development without any form of descrimination.If they are sincere,then they should agitate for a constitution that ensures freedom justice and equality for every citizen instead of singing the constitution of ''one of our own''. It is the greatest time that politicians advocated for formulation of a constitution that addresses such issues as workers' rights,farmers,and other common folks of this nation.Many issues in this country are downplayed just because most of our leaders are only focussing on their personal interests than the interests of their electorate.Its a well known fact that many Kenyan workers are languishing in despair and mental torture and even illegal confinements at their work places and no-one ,even the Ministry of Labour or COTU national officials is ready to pursue this matter seriously.An example is the Libra house disaster where lives were lost because people had been locked inside the building.I have personally established that such a trend is very common in most manufacturing companies at the industrial area.It is also public knowledge that such companies suppress workers who are therefore not allowed to have unions to defend their rights.If such employees demand or attempt forming unions or joining they risk loosing their jobs.I have also heard where a casual labourer was assaulted physically by his employer.Due to the scare of loosing his source of livelihood,he couldnt launch any formal complaints to relevant authorities.This is serious neo-colonialism and 21st century slavery going on in this country and yet leaders in different sectors are only concerned about their selfish interests which only translate to their election into big offices.Committed true nationalists should rise up and fight these evils through ensuring a strict law that protects the interests and rights of every kenyan equally regardless of his societal stature.There is need too for the government to initiate a radical enlightment programme about constitutional rights.The kenya human rights organisations have tried this but I stongly believe that more is yet to be done. As pro reform protagonists starategise to help Kenya realise a new constitution,I strongly believe that there is need too to enlighten Kenyans about the contents of the current constitution,the importance of the constitution and what is supposed to be changed.As President Hugo puts it,let the costitution be to us like the Popol Vuh is to the Mayas. Fwamba nc Fwamba +254721779445 BOX 41046,NAIROBI

Prof Job Bwayo killed

Kenya: Top Aids Researcher Killed Email This Page Print This Page The East African Standard (Nairobi) February 5, 2007 Posted to the web February 5, 2007 Cyrus Ombati Nairobi A Kenyan-born internationally acclaimed Aids researcher is the latest victim of the senseless gangland-type crime that has gripped the country. Prof Job Bwayo, a University of Nairobi medicine lecturer, was up to Sunday evening working on a possible vaccine against the HIV virus that causes Aids. Unfortunately, he was among three people killed by cold-blooded criminals in a night of orgy in which Sheng-speaking, AK-47 wielding teenage gangsters held an entire road hostage, also murdering a physically disabled man and a defenceless woman. They shot and killed Prof Bwayo, the woman whose only crime was trying to unbuckle her seatbelt and an elderly businessman whose fate was sealed by his disability. A point-blank range shot on the head instantly took the life of Mr Lawrence Regeru as he tried to reach for his crutches in compliance with an order that he steps out of his car. Felista Njeru Kuria was killed in similar fashion as she reached for the buckle of her seatbelt. Regeru's plea for mercy went unheeded, witnesses said. Wave of crime has hit the country The attacks occurred at about 6pm on Sunday, along the Isinya-Nairobi road, some 30km northwest of the capital city. The audacity and ruthlessness of the gangsters was replicated in the three victims they left alive. As if to leave no doubt of their sadistic and demented disposition, they shot them all in the mouth. Prof Bwayo's widow, Elizabeth, a relative and an American national, Carol Terry, who is a family friend of the Bwayos, were Monday night fighting for their lives following the assault. Elizabeth is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) while Ms Terry is admitted to Nairobi Hospital. This was the latest in a wave of crime that has hit the country since the beginning of the year sparing no one, not even the police. On January 4, three police officers including a woman, were shot dead when robbers ambushed a security van and stole Sh22.4 million. In Mombasa, armed robbers stole Sh35 million from Habib Bank Ltd in mid-January. On January 27, two American citizens were shot dead during a carjacking incident on the Nairobi-Naivasha highway about 15km from the city. The gangsters had carjacked two other motorists before they attacked the Americans. East and Central Africa Director of Care International Mr Geoffrey Chege is also among victims of the recent wave of murders in the country. Gangsters said to be aged between 18 and 20 years Last week, Science and Technology Minister Dr Noah Wekesa demanded immediate and decisive action to deal with runaway crime. The weekend attack on Prof Bwayo and other motorists started with an attempt to commandeer Regeru's car and took crime to a new level and came desperately close to earning Kenya international notoriety and the dubious distinction of being a haven for gun-toting, bloodthirsty criminals. Accounts have it that the gangsters, said to be aged between 18 and 20 years and armed with Kalashnikov assault riffles, were hunting for an escape car. According to Regeru's son Pius, who witnessed the attack and was lucky to survive, the thugs flashed down their car as they drove from a meat place near the scene. "I saw a car approach our vehicle with full lights. The driver waved instructing me to stop but as I tried to drive past, we almost collided. "This forced me to stop before two young men armed with AK-47 rifles jumped out and ordered us out. They were speaking Sheng (a corrupted version of English and Kiswahili)," he said. Pius said he and his father had been having a late lunch at a joint called Checkpoint and were returning home. Relevant Links East Africa Kenya Crime and Corruption Legal and Judicial Affairs HIV-Aids and STDs He said the gunmen were in a hurry and he urged his father to co-operate with them to the end. The thugs had forced Pius out of the driver's seat before bundling him in the boot. One of the thugs pulled Regeru from his seat to the ground as he raised his hands pleading for mercy before they shot him at close range. They then reversed the car to escape but it got stuck in a trench. 'They were just shooting people like chicken'

ODM-K Vs NARC-K TODAY:OF WOLVES AND FOXES:BY GEOFFREY MAKEKE

Hello Members, Today I break my rather long silence and make my contributions to the raging debates on the wolf or the fox theories as advanced by my friend and comrade Fwamba. It’s not only Ted’s appointment to the NARK K Election Board that is supposed to galvanize our fellow youths to support this outfit of self seekers. To respond to this, ODM K has the largest amount of young people who hold even more strategic positions than the one held by Ted. A few examples are here, Mr. Mwange Kiganda, a current masters finalist student at the UON represents the Youth constituency in the powerful ODM K election board, Jakakimba, Obura, Mbara, among many other comrades who we know are involved in manning the ODM K secretariat. However, it is both lazy and unimaginative to assume that since the above group of youths has found favour in the eyes of the different personalities within the wolf and fox kingdoms, then our interests as youths with political interests are automatically catered for. Rather, we need to identify the ideological pivot of both parties and ask our selves whether this political directions would suit the interests of us the youths and in essence the general citizenry. This issue would bring us to the fundamental flaws that have existed within the political fabric of this country. In then analyzing the entire political debacle and the subsequent monotonies of apparent economic growth by the corrupt regime of Kibaki, one would objectively decide whether to choose the political wing of political monarchs who at least have an agenda for change or for the current ruling elites who will use all their might to preserve status quo. Karl Marx made very interesting observations on revolutions and how they are sustained. I beg to share this principles with you: When the political systems of a given regime become strictly tyrannical and oppressive to the larger majority of the citizenry, the masses always revolt. They vehemently refuse to be used, and decide to take the power upon themselves, since they are the sovereign owners of any power. This leads to the isolation of the bourgeoisie by the socialist labourers, poor peasants, pauperized vendors and the hugely marginalized classes of the citizenry. These groups then merge with the middle income earners whom Marx calls the proletariats and with sheer determination begin to plan for the eventual revolution/liberati on. The usual tragedy here is that a section of the bourgeoisie on sensing the looming danger rush towards the reformists and now act as the new donors to the reform movement, hence ironically, due to the fact that revolutions are very expensive affairs, this group of elites are accorded golden treatment and together a formidable team is created to finalize the liberation. Hence to this end, revolutions are usually corrupted when the rich are sucked into the reform agenda. But still the revolution occurs and when the ululations and celebrations begin, these groups of the rich are the ones funding even the celebration parties. But the reform agenda will continue, with sections of the rich being active ingredients to the process. This is the role of the ODM Kenya in the current struggle for fresh political orientations in the country. We would have liked to support Fwamba`s theory of being party to the fox politics, but this would be agreeing to conform to the selfish and centrist political dispensation of Kibaki’s regime. NO, this country deserves better, and no reason whatsoever can be used to convince me that Kibaki is a better risk. For all we know, he is bent on preserving the status quo position. Reforms can only be advocated by the socialist class, fueled by the power-hungry section of the elitist monarchist politicians that Fwamba has decided to disparage. The monarchist leaders could well be the devil incarnate, but they will appeal to the rebellious attitude within the masses tired of being fed on endless political rhetoric of deceit and hate. Thus it is clearly evident that to sustain any economic development, the Orange movement is the best bet for any serious reformist in Kenya today. The masses will make their final verdict, and all the proponents of status quo will be ghastly thrown asunder. Orange is the ultimate prize of the next liberation, and Raila is central in this scheme of things.

OF WOLVES AND FOXES:BY EDGAR SELEBWA

I totally support Sudi on the analysis he gave. I appreciate Fwamba fo the thougts he propagated, but i beg to disagree with him. Fwamba has used very many words to tell us two simple things, 1. He has Moi phobia 2. Anyone who has the potential and ability to lead should suppress it as long as is a son or daugter to a leader! here I pause and laugh. Fwamba should get this right eeh, Kenya is not suffering from being associated with Moi but from MOISM. Kibaki and those crop of leaders he's urging us to support suffer from Moism. Take the example of the min. for unconstitutional affairs and injustices when she was in opposition she commented that " am ready to work past midnight untill the IPPG recommendations are passed" but we see she is the 1st to defend the President when he went against the same reccomendations in appointing commissioners to ECK. The point that I want to drive home at this juncture is,it all depend which foot the shoe is whether you suffer from MOISM or being associated with Moi. All in all biblically I will prefer a PAUL(SAUL) than a JUDAH. yesteryears heroes are todays villains because they achieved what they wanted read getting to power and the (nimefika mentality) set in . So my dear friends lets look at the unfolding political terrian with caution b4 we make one sided judgements. If Fwamba is using Tedy Munovu as an example of NARC-K then I dont need to join it since I can vividly remember what Teddy did when he was the Chair of SONU, fleecing the students money with Impunity, giving themselves allowances they didn't deserve. Fwamba we have come of age to elect such crooks to be our leaders.

OF WOLVES AND FOXES:BY EDWIN SUDI

I agree with you in toto Mr. Fwamba, at least to the extend of your classifying NARC-K and ODM-K as fox and wolf respectively. But i find myself dutybound to dissent to your analysis and eventual verdict. With all due respect to your intellect and historical aptitude, i beg to disagree that by going the NARC-K way is the only way to ensure that real reformists get to power. Not if you were old enough since the eve to the 2002 elections and awake up to date. To quote the likes of Kivutha, Martha Karua... as the true reformists to me is shooting oneself in the mouth. I can only excuse you if you confess not to understand the inside story on these two, especially on commission on human rights appointments and the judiciary generally. I stand to be corrected but i believe that the judiciary ranks among the most important institutions in any government and tampering with it a tantamount to playing with your last dime next to an open deep hole. You clearly pointed out names like Kibaki, Michuki, Karume and in your wisdom decided that they are going to be out of power, perfect reasoning. Only try to refresh your memory, what was your hope in 2002? That this bunch of old guards would give way come 2007? So what is this turnaround? What reason have you to think that the said old guards shall not want to have there sons and daughters (by blood or by ideology) in power before they leave office? Why have you decided to so blatantly lose memory of the fact that all the old guards you mentioned were in KANU at some point? And who told you that the moment all KANU blood is cleared from politics then we shall be home and dry? With the likes of Mukhisa Kituyi who has been so eloquent in international trade summits yet he has done nothing to help the poor Bukusu sugar farmers prepare for the liberalization of trade by COMESA? So he shall become saved, see the light and become very concious to the plight of his people all of a sudden immediately we support NARC-K? By the way, i may agree with you that the sons of the several leaders you have mentioned should not be allowed anywhere near the seat of power, but then i disagree with your mentioning the most inconsistent of your so called 'reformists' as the best. I would rather you mentioned somebody like Paul Muite, Maoka Maore, Joseph Nyaga who have refused to be opportunists in the Kibaki Government, where they would be voted in without much campaigning, for the sake of integrity! I am sick of the Kikuyu brainwashing that is slowly gripping kenya. Are we going to allow ourselves to create a Kikuyu colony? Where all the relevant offices are held by the kikuyu - Min of defense, Internal Security, Finance, KRA, major parastatals - and the rest of the crap is used to hoodwink the rest of the gullible tribes to support them - clearing Aganyanya and Nambuye of corruption.. . so timely! Lying to Kituyi that he might be made VP (not that it would add an ounce of ugali to luyia plate - not if it is the Mukhisa you and i know!) Let me be candid with you Fwamba, when we talk of regional balance, we are talking of some sort of not necessarily constitutionalized rotational basis of helmsmanship. We erred to have a Kikuyu take over after Moi, we are not going to repeat the mistake to give him or another kikuyu another chance! Talk of creating a monarchy, what is worse than making Kikuyus think they are the royal family? who said a luo, a luyia, a kamba, a taita...cannot lead? Have you tried them? Ok, maybe they are equally bad, well let us have another tribe plundering us! Pliz Fwamba, let us not give this country in the hands of a bunch of old men who know that they have no business coming back again after five years. They will loot with impunity, create there own sons to take over and continue ruling us through proxies. Let us root them out before they have time to do this. It was through such delay that the Uhuru Kenyatta you are complaining about was created by Moi. Efula selichanga kusala khabili ta!

THE RAGE OF SILENT VOICES:BY FWAMBA NC FWAMBA

The mystery of Lee Harvey Oswald Look at Lee Harvey Oswald, and you see a loser -- a scrawny young man with a receding hairline, a poor student who joined the Marines and was court-martialed twice, a potential Soviet spy who couldn't shoot straight, operate a shortwave radio, or load a camera, a failed suicide, a failed husband, somebody who knew what the insides of an unemployment office looked like, an accused presidential assassin captured a mere 75 minutes after his crime, a despised murder victim whose pallbearers were the reporters at his funeral. Look more closely, and you see this -- a man of intelligence who spoke Russian and could hold his own on radio debates, someone who had the nerve to defect to the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War, a loving father of two young daughters, the nephew-in-law of a Soviet official, a U.S. citizen who professed that the Kennedys were "interesting" people. And, just as intriguing as his life, was Oswald's death -- a cold execution by a petty hoodlum on live national television as millions watched, only two days after President Kennedy's assassination. The killer, Jack Ruby, claimed he was grief-stricken and wanted to spare Jacqueline Kennedy the agony of a trial. But had Ruby really been ordered to silence Oswald as part of a conspiracy? The Warren Commission said no. Appointed by President Johnson, it concluded in 1964 that Lee Harvey Oswald had acted alone in assassinating President Kennedy. Any number of conspiracy theorists disagree, however. What is surprising, though, is how often the figure of Lee Harvey Oswald emerges in many of these conspiracy theories. Some who cast suspicion on the CIA say Oswald was recruited as the hit man. Believers in a KGB link suggest that Oswald may have been trained to be a sort of Manchurian Candidate programmed killer, or that he was set up by the Soviets, or that he was a Soviet spy. Supporters of a mob theory bring up the organized crime connections of members of Oswald's family in New Orleans. For those who ascribe to a Cuban connection, there is the story of the man identifying himself as Oswald who visited the Cuban embassy in Mexico City to obtain a visa. On the flip side of the Cuba question, theorists have Oswald, who tried to infiltrate the anti-Castro movement, as either its patsy or its hit man, an agent of a plan to kill the president who had betrayed Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs. Perhaps most intriguing is the idea that there was not one Oswald, but two, that long before the shots in Dealey Plaza rang out, a secret organization -- maybe the CIA, maybe the KGB, maybe the FBI -- had recruited a look-alike to live a life parallel to Oswald's. Indeed, on various official records, ranging from Oswald's Marines examinations to his autopsy report, the suspect's height fluctuates from 5 feet 8 inches in 1956, 5 feet 11 inches in 1959 and 5 feet, 9 inches in 1963. Surely Oswald could have grown, but did he shrink? A simple possibility is that doctors or other officials measured Oswald wrong. But critics also point to photographs taken of Oswald while he lived in Minsk in the Soviet Union. They show a man with a thicker face, thicker hair and a broader chin than the "real" Oswald. In another picture, Oswald stands next to his wife, who was supposed to have been 5 foot, 3 inches tall. Yet Oswald appears to be only a little taller than she. Had the "real" Oswald, the one born in New Orleans and the one who died at 24 in Dallas, been recruited to go underground while another American, a skilled agent of intelligence, was sent to Moscow in his place? After all, despite his status as a defector, Oswald returned to the United States in 1962 with little ado. In another variation of the two-Oswalds theory, English author Michael Eddowes suggested in The Oswald File that Kennedy had been killed by a Soviet agent posing as Oswald. Yet when the body buried in Oswald's grave was exhumed in 1981, dental comparisons showed that the remains were those of the "historical" Oswald. Further complicating matters is that, in the days before the assassination, Oswald look-alikes popped up all over the Dallas area. One, who identified himself as Lee Oswald and said he was in the market for a used car, took a vehicle on a lively spin, the speeds of which reached 70 miles per hour. The only trouble was, Lee Harvey Oswald was at home -- and he didn't know how to drive. Some acquaintances even said he was too uncoordinated to do so. After all, this was a man so clumsy he had accidentally shot himself in the arm. There were also Oswald sightings at a barber's and in a furniture store and in a gun shop. A grocer said he cashed a $189 check -- a bigger one than Oswald was ever known to have had -- made out to "Harvey Oswald." On all these occasions, Oswald was known to have been somewhere else. Yet the witnesses said they were positive it had been him. Was someone setting up Oswald? Yet might not Oswald have been the lone killer? His behavior after the assassination is certainly curious: Seen 90 seconds after the assassination by a police officer and the building supervisor, Oswald appeared cool and collected. He left the building unhurriedly, by the farthest exit. He first boarded a bus heading back to the Texas School Book Depository, got off, then hailed a cab that he was prepared to yield to an elderly woman. Getting out of the cab a few blocks from his boarding house, he is there only a few minutes; while he is inside, a police car pulls up, honks its horn, then drives away. Forty minutes later, police arrest an angry and defiant Oswald in a theater. Had he gone there to hide, to meet someone, or simply because he wanted to watch War Is Hell, starring Van Heflin? In his 1993 book Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK, Gerald Posner claims that Oswald was indeed Kennedy's assassin -- and one who acted alone. He says that understanding Oswald is the key to understanding what happened on Nov. 22, 1963. Posner portrays an Oswald who is a solitary, cold-blooded master of his emotions, a man "driven by his own twisted and impenetrable furies" who thirsted for attention and a place in history. A Dallas police officer described Oswald as "a man who enjoyed the situation immensely and was enjoying the publicity and everything that was coming his way." Dallas Detective Jim Leavell recalled: "I never saw him raise his voice, and he seemed to answer questions easily. He had a smile a lot of the time, kind of a smirk, really, sort of like he knew something you didn't." Posner also related this incident: After his arrest, Oswald was questioned about two plastic ID cards that had been in his billfold, one bearing the name Lee Harvey Oswald, the other Alek Hidell. "Which one are you?" a detective asked. With a smirk, Oswald coolly replied: "You figure it out." George de Mohrenschildt, a member of the tiny Russian community in Dallas, whom Posner described as Oswald 's only friend, said Oswald wanted people to be interested in him. De Mohrenschildt also called Oswald a "semi-educated hillbilly" whom no government "would be stupid enough to trust with anything important." During a 1993 visit to Houston, Posner described Oswald to the Chronicle: "This was not a man fixated on Kennedy or who had a personal dislike of Kennedy. He hates the system. He hates the Soviet system, and he hates the American system. . . . Kennedy is strictly a target of opportunity. "He realizes he has an opportunity to strike out, to throw a (wrench) in the machinery of the system. The Oswald I understand from my work could have been in a sixth-floor window shooting Nikita Khrushchev in Moscow." In his extensive Oswald's Tale, Norman Mailer doesn't seem sure whether Oswald did indeed kill the president, but he suggests he could have. Surely, he gives the young man who died before 20 million people more credit than others have: Correcting Oswald's writings of the atrocious spelling errors that Mailer says were the result of dyslexia, the writer reveals a man of intelligence. But perhaps never to be resolved is the question of whether more than one kind of intelligence was involved in the mystery of Lee Harvey Oswald. fwamba nc fwamba

KENYA: THE HOUSE OF WOLVES AND FOXES-THE WOLF INTENDS TO MAKE YOU HIS MEAL :BY FWAMBA NC FWAMBA(THE MESSENGER OF THE MANY)

Malcolm X had no illusions in the so-called differences between the Democrats and Republicans. “One is the wolf, the other is a fox. No matter what, they’ll both eat you.” In the 1964 presidential elections, when the US presidential candidates were Lyndon B. Johnson (the “peace” candidate) vs. Barry Goldwater (the “war” candidate), Malcolm X exposed the deceit of this phony distinction.“The shrewd capitalists, the shrewd imperialists,” he said, “knew that the only way people would run towards the fox (Johnson) would be if you showed them the wolf (Goldwater). So they created a ghastly alternative . . . And at the moment he (Johnson) had troops invading the Congo and South Vietnam.” This above analogy by Malcolm x seems to fit well in the current political situation in Kenya. Everybody seems to be fighting corruption, give them power and you will see their true coloures.Show people true coloures of ODM-K and you will see them running towards NARC-K. Corruption has so much dominated the political scene until many Kenyans feel so betrayed by leaders who have decided to feed on the sweat of poor Kenyans, since independence to date. When are we going to put this to an end? After trying all my best to avoid the raging debate on the decision of choosing between a wolf (ODM-K) and a fox (NARC-K), the temptation can’t go further than this. I strongly believe that there is need for us to be realistic and avoid running into the ideologies (if any) advanced by the two sides. I consider my approach and understanding to this game realistic. Its highest time we stopped being hypocritical about our ideological orientation. Many of our people will come up with many theories that qualify ODM-K or NARC-K to be the best parties of belonging. If you become more metaphysical, you will understand what I mean. As I have always said and believed any political equation can only be qualified on the basis of which side of the spectrum you look at it. Let us look at this historical example: In preparation of what would come to be known in history as the Russian revolution, students of Karl Marx; one group led by Lenin and another led by other communists developed two different approaches to governance. two of the main would be Lenin confidants:ie Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky joined the two opposing sides with what they called ideological reality according to their own respective ''schools of thought''.while Stalin followed Lenin to advocate for a leadership based on a kind of electoral college(Bolshevism)Trotsky on the other hand preferred to support the grassroots system-where leaders could be elected on the basis of getting direct peasantry vote.(Menshevism).later when the Mensheviks were defeated, Trotsky decided to realign himself with Lenin and became very loyal while still upholding his sincere ideological principles that favored grassroots involvement in the Communist party democracy. Most Bolsheviks who really looked at Lenin as a demi-god used every opportunity to sabotage Trotsky’s efforts to rise in ranks on the basis of his initial opposition to bolshevism. Stalin grew very popular in the communist party because of his hypocritical adoration of Lenin. It was too late for even Lenin himself to discover that Stalin had been only loyal because of personal selfish political reasons. Stalin was too powerful by the time Lenin discovered this and wanted Trotsky to be his political heir instead of Stalin. Therefore Stalin became the automatic heir to Lenin as the general secretary. On Lenin’s death in 1924, Stalin forged himself into leadership to later become the chairman of the people’s commissars. To me the lesson here is that gaining political power has more to do with strategy and shrewdness than the sincere ideological approach that all of us commonly wish and advocate for. If its truth, let us say it. We all, (at least those who believe in certain principles) know that we believe in certain ways that we call moral governance. Most of us adore revolutionaries, we call them heroes, and we call them all names of admiration. America calls them dictators, war criminals, we associate political prowess with great names like Castro, Che Guevara,Tupac Amaru I(the last Inca of modern Peru)&Tupac Amaru II,Simon Bolivar,Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Sankara,Malcolm X,Marcus Garvey,William Wilberforce, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, ,Patrice Lumumba,Dubcek,Husak,Olof Palme,Steve Biko,John Okello.,Haters of imperialism. We all categorize this people differently than what the US does. To America all those names mean terrorists, communists, human rights abusers.blah blah...but for us we look at all these names differently, there are heroes, there are criminals, there are role models, there are human rights activists, but for the US...it doesn’t care. They put Hideki Tojo and Che Guevara in the same group. The same way as a young person, these political vultures will never care what you believe in. they have already made their judgement...You are a political tool to be used. Or if you pose any political threat to them, then you are their enemy to be dealt with, or to be eliminated just like JM Kariuki was. So what’s the way forward? To sit and wait to be judged? Or to move and create our own space and destiny in those ranks? I agree with all you comrades who insist that we should support or oppose such and such a party because its made up of heroes,villains,saints,sinners ,devils, angels or whatever you may call them. Have you been honored with the order of Vladmir...to sing and dance to their tune? Or you are just a well wisher, a goon or a sycophant. Being a well wisher or any of aforementioned attributes amount to serious level of political insignificance. My position is that we got to be strategic otherwise we are going nowhere. for my choice if I were to choose between the wolf and a fox, which as per now I don’t intend to do, I would prefer the sly fox than the wolf that has decided to put on a sheep skin because the chicken worthy preying on are not in the vicinity. just know that the wolf in the sheep skin intends to make you his meal…once it gets near the chicken. It’s wrong for us to start following monarchs who have presided and/or benefited from the economic atrocities committed against the people of this country for the last more than four decades of this country’s independence. lets not follow monarchs...our only way to political freedom is joining hands with self made politicians...not monarchs. Down with monarchs...If you can only be relevant in politics if your father was a president or a colonial chief, when are the sons and daughters of peasants like you and me going to rule this country? JUST TELL ME WHEN? We need to get the way out. There we are.....me and you attempting to put Jommo Kenyatta's son in power? Daniel Moi’s son in power?, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s son in power?. Longest serving ministers like Kalonzo who have nothing to show after 19 years in cabinet in power? Moses Mudavadi's son in power? Ruto-the political son of a corrupt regime? If we stand and pursue freedom justice and equality, then we need the land back…the land cannot be returned by land grabbers in power.Landgrabbers and pretenders to democracy can’t be reformists. What are they reforming? They have already taken part in deforming the country. If we want to achieve true change in this country we need to create a better strategy...if you read the future, then you will come to know that the only way of getting true reformists and sons and daughters of peasants to power is through NARC-K if all factors are kept constant consistent with the current prevailing conditions. To me and I don’t think any sane person will challenge that, NARC-K'S future could be us. Monarchs will never have space for us. They only have space for their sons and daughters in law. Those impoverished and deprived in the past are now we are getting into those positions.Kibaki is only but a unifying factor for NARC-K...Once he finishes his second term, then all kanu will have retired...Michuki, Karume, Nyachae,then people like Kibwana,Kituyi,Mungatana,Tuju,Kimunya,Karua,Kilemi Mwiria,Kirwa,(not necessarily them, but they are symbols of rise from ashy to classy, not from state house to state house.) ,and many of us in our age bracket who are coming up now will obviously have this space. A good number of protagonists here are the true reformists or even if they may not be according to some of the arguments some of you may advance. They at least were. and that’s why democratically we are where we are. most of you know the role played by people like Prof Kibwana and the likes of Dr.Njoya.,Henry Waruhiu,Muturi Kigano and the rest that you know who belong to this school in bringing Kenya to where it is now. We are at least where they helped us get. Its time to complete the revolution. And the revolution can’t be completed by the people we were revolting against. They are using the strategy used by Stalin to inherit Lenin’s position, but at least in a moral and democratic way, unlike Stalin. In the same vain, we need to use this strategy...that’s our only way to power. The rest are rhetorics.no monarchs please. For you who have already taken sides...that’s my analysis. However if you are a general in the wolf kingdom you are better than a foot soldier in the fox kingdom. If you got no strategic standing then I consider this as the best position to adopt so long as you are not Kenyatta’s or Moi’s son or daughter. The value of NARC Kenya to Kenyan youths as per now is that one of our own-Tedd Munovi is one of the nine national board members of the NARC-K election board. The great hope, which we are anyway yet to see, is that more positions will be allocated young people. We welcome the same or greater gesture by ODM-K or any other party with a political muscle. I personally don’t think if we should vote in a wolf or a fox. But if we got no other option which is seemingly the case, then lets learn to use the Stalin strategy. Vote for the fox that is if it’s a must for you to choose between the two. Otherwise I would advice you to join Chama Cha Mwananchi (CCM).It could be the party that has meaning for the people at the grassroots... FWAMBA NC FWAMBA Kenya Young Voter’s Alliance Box 41046, Nairobi +254721779445

2007 EQUATION:BY SERO DEPASCO,GEOFFREY MAKEKE,STELLA OPORE

Stella, It’s simply amazing the way you have a talent for spreading falsified and twisted ideologies. What one can easily read from your writings and the emails that you have sent so far is a deep seated personal vendetta against Raila. In short you are among the Railaphobics. It is your right to express any emotions whatsoever on any individuals but you have to realize that blatantly attempting to lie is wrong. Let me correct you here and as usual I will be very factual: Ngilu`s political resume is based solely on cheap opportunistic schemes. This is the proof; · She neither backed the flawed Wako constitution nor opposed it. · She only joined Kibaki`s cabinet after being offered the Ministerial positions which she wanted for herself and her cronies READ No principles as long as you are benefiting; · Currently, she is in neither ODM K nor NARK K, but is bidding her time before waiting to negotiate for her own political gains, NOT THE WHOLESOME GAIN OF THE KENYANS; · She has connections with ODM K and at the same time dances with Kibaki, this is called political indecisiveness and the strongest indicator of a weak political leader; · Ngilu did not join the Kibaki`s GNU for the sake of development, but for her own personal selfish interests; When your husband cheats on you, Stella do you just keep your silence as long as he has a perfect development plan for you? It is important for you to note that what kibaki did was to simply cheat, and it would have been abhorrent for LDP party to just sing alone, yet this man had just trashed a very binding agreement. Just as he has single-handedly appointed the ECK commissioners without even recalling that he was among the group that was forcing Moi to honor the IPPG deal, what a dictator! Hence it is neither here nor there the fact that Ngilu kept her allegiance to his government, it was for her own good, PERIOD. My take is this, When Kibaki will have officially launched his re-election bid, Ngilu will climb on the highest mountain and support him in exchange for some positions or even money. This lady is a perfect example of the Kenya politicians who do not have a slight speck of what the Kenyans think and even want. What bothers them most is how to conveniently benefit from the existing political environment. For your information, she is waiting for Kalonzo to lose the ODM ticket before she begins to publicly taunt him as a looser and with this take a huge chunk of kamba`s to Kibakis team. If however Kalonzo bags the ODM ticket she will rush to his side and thereafter become ODM by blood. This country is tired of such a crop of politicians, leaders who are neither hot nor warm but convenient opportunists waiting to prance. With the above, I vehemently dismiss Ngilu as any person who can be compared to Raila. If it was Wangari Maathai, she is a dependable and principled lady who I would vote for without even batting my eyelids. The only mistakes done by Raila is to say the truth at all times. If you think, he is not TACTFUL, then keep your eyes and ears wide open. Only time will prove who is the most tactful political player in Kenya today. Only time will prove the metal in the man, and sentiments from cowardly railaphobics like you will not hold. We pray for true liberation, but we know that Ngilu, Pattni, Muiru, and the likes can not be the forces to deliver this liberation. But what we need is a leadership that has been consistently fighting for the people. We hope 2007 will give us this leaders, but we ahev a goo idea of the individuals who can do this. Raila is central in this team. Asanteni sana, and Munovi, work to become a future member to this dream team of political leaders. Makeke G. O. ----- Original Message ---- From: Stella Opore Congratulations to Munovi ! In reply to Depasco's mail it's really sad that i have to repeat myself over and over again, i hate for you to refer to me nor even think of me as a tribalist... ....tho i understand you are only excersing one of you fundamental freedoms.... ..talk of a free Kenya :). I therefore cease from defending myself further and wish to remind you that i am not oblidged to like Raila whether he be a luo o a kamba or a luo for that matter. This is also not to say that i dnt like him ..... as a matter of fact he is an uncle to some of my very close friends....i am just indifferent about him because so far he has not inspired me. If you really need to know, am neither a Raila person nor a Kalonzo person and infact i agree with you that Ngilu would be a much better candidate than Kalonzo(only that i further think she would be the most preferred candidate if put on the same footing as both Raila and Kalonzo). My reasons would be that ....despite the MOU failure she chose to still work with the government and help develop the country ......it is her wisdom that would inspire me......you will find that the opposition in turn has supported Kibakis govt than 'his people'...akina Raila and the likes...whatever the reasons may be. Govts function is not to oppose itself ....that would be the first thing i would tell any of Raila's supporters.. ...dont you think that Ngilu was also affected as a result of the MOU being dishonoured. ...why then waste a whole five year period trying to prove to Kenyans that you were 'hurt'. Raila was supposed to pick up and move on...then he would have convinced me that he is truly a man of 'metal' (that would still not have taken away the option of him running as a presidential candidate when his time came ).... but if you choose to believe me tribalistic because he does not inspire me.....it is your choice. As a matter of fact ...i honestly believe that it is people like him who choose to make or break a nation....but once he has chosen to break a nation i shall not support him. His likes can easily transform any leader into a 'dictator'.. ..for the simple reason that he is not TACTFUL. --- Sero Depasco wrote: > Stella , > I really pity you. Your Statements seem to be very > Tribalistic in nature you have refused to see the > Truth, you are obviously anti Raila because he is > Luo. What is more Tribalistic than that??? You keep > talking about Merit, what is there that WE can > Credit Kalonzo for or with?. You obvious have not > done your research. Find out Why Moi Created Mwingi > constituencies for Kalonzo and the the Boundary was > Draw to Ensure that Kalonzo never looses that seat. > The man was and still is a Moi Protege. He leaves a > bad taste in our Mouths by how silent he was when > Tyranny and Dictatorship Reigned in Kenya Dragging > the Country to nothingness. I can assure you that he > leaned' alot from Moi and I can for see the Same > Trend with Him in terms of leadership, How do we > know that he will not be silent again when we really > need him to speak out. WE cannot leave our Kenya to > someone like that. > Most of all the man does not have any leadership > skills Even in Ukambani Ngilu is more of a Force > than Kalonzo. To me he is just like Uhuru who was > also just a Moi Creation they means that a local man > and Woman like us will never elevate ourselves to > such positions Of power unless your connected to the > President how many of you will have Kibaki create a > Constituency for you. Raila is a Self made man and > is only using what God gave him. Without the Evil > and devil of Ukabila the man should and would have > been the Man.If Kenyans open our Eyes and elect > Raila you will all see the changes and blessing God > will pour in that Country because I believe he is > the Anointed one for those who did CRE/ Religion > Please let me Know which Party or Group of Kenyans > Kalonzo has ever led in the past. These Steadman > Poll that Show Kalonzo to be favorable to Kenyans is > A Kibaki tool to Fool Kenyans once again by Giving > Kalonzo hope hence disintegration of ODM and other > less strong Parties. Mark you, Kibaki wants to > disabilise ODM by Making Kalonzo a front Runner > while Kenyans other than Kikuyus and the Rest of the > World Knows that Raila is the Man who can bring > Change to Kenya. Even Nyachae is being used by > Kibaki to down play Raila They are creating a Feud > between the Two Nyachae feel that had Raila Said > Nyachae Tosha then Nyachae would have been > President, Don't Anti Raila people see that what the > man say is what Kenyans listen to, That he is the > True leader ya wakenya, But we also know that not > everyone can love yo Even John the baptist and Jesus > were killed by their very own people at a very > tender ages of 33. All we can say is one cannot > please everyone but if Kenya truly wants > change I think at this time and Era only RAILA > AMOLLO TINGA is the one who can deliver the goods > The other Kibaki Plan is to win in 07 and make > Sure Uhuru gets it in 2012 hence house of Mumbi stay > Strong in Kenya Strong for the next 20 years We know > that if Kibaki does not Run in 2012 Uhuru will the > Kikuyu Front runner then and we also know the Kikuyu > Voting Patterns from The referendum. > Stella, do not allow yourself and others to fall > in the trap of this Short sightedness, we as Kenyans > are very notorious in Forgetting and letting go > waiting for the next ebacle, that is why the likes > of Moi stayed in Power for so long because nobody > including Kalonzo could standup for anything. > WE must also Learn to give credit where it's due, > And wacha hio UKABILA yako Steela. Kenya needs a > true leader with a track that speaks for itself. > Think of the future any your kids what Kenya are > they going to live in Tanzania and Uganda which > experience less Tribalism seem to be forging ahead > and sisi Wakenya Ukabila has, is and will always > Stagnate as until it will be too late. The rest of > the world is moving on see where you live and > surrounding, should that be how we live?? and yet we > are being lied to that the Economy is doing Great. > Just because we have more people in the Jua kali > Sector does not mean that all over a sudden job > Creating has gone up. Just because a few millionaire > who stole money from us using Goldenberg and > angloleasing are ow spending that money to buy huge > share of stock make it looks that Wakenya are > finally spending Money and getting ownership in > these Companies. It is all a fasseee. Look closely > and see who is buying these Companies and > decide fore you self if they are not elated to The > two huge scandal that nearly Ruined our Economy up > to date no one has been heal accountable na Wakenya > Kama Stella wame sahau tayari. > > Sero > > geoffrey omedo wrote: > Let me jog your memory young lady of > the historical achievements of Raila : > The country was in the control, of a despotic > tyrant called Moi, he had banned any political > parties and forced all the Kenyans to be members to > the Baba na mama party, all the cowardly leaders > were busy clapping for him for having forced the > sovereignty of the citizenry into prison. RAILA is > among the few leaders who had the knack to disagree > with Moi and this earned him fugitive status, and a > few years in the cold cells of Nyayo. Reason, he > among others in one way or the other planned for the > abortive coup de tat of 1982, a direct response to > the tyrannical order of the ruling elite then. > > The Goldenberg affair was a favorite project of > the Moi regime. Pattni dished out money to all and > sundry and even Jaramogi Oginga had a fair share of > the loot. Recall that even Muite was given a > handsome tip of 20 million. What you have failed to > recall is the fact that Raila was the first person > to ever institute private proceedings against the > government for abuse of the citizens taxes under > grand corruption. In case you want to know how the > case ended, our good old Wako produced his > characteristic nolle prosequi and the Saitoti`s were > given fresh lives again. > > During the agitation for multi party democracy in > Kenya, Raila was there at all the stages of > development of the issues and hence the Moi > government marked him. This can be attested from the > amount of years that he has been incarcerated at the > infamous torture chambers. His wife was > unceremoniously fired from her teaching job at > Pangani girls during this time, just to up the > pressure on the intimidation of this guy. Even his > father tried to make him swallow humble pie and > conform to the government of the day but he held > strong in his firm beliefs of a free society driven > by the wishes of the majority. All signs of > leadership the world over, principle. > > He broke away from the FORD Kenya party after > differing with the leadership of Wamalwa Kijana, > reason, The party had received a donation from a one > famous Patni, now known as Paul from the deep bank > vaults of Goldenberg. The new leadership after the > death of Jaramogi wanted the goldenberg issues to be > swept under the table, in order for the party to > just continue from where Jaramogi had left of, but > characteristic of his true leadership, Raila could > not take any of it, credibility and integrity had to > be respected he said and with this left for NDP. My > take, leadership skills that are to be admired by > all. > > He is the only MP in Kenya’s history who > voluntarily resigned from parliament on the FORD > Kenya ticket, and contested for his |Langata seat in > the preceding by elections on the NDP party and won > on a landslide. Reason, leadership is not about > parties, but about the individual. > > On dialogue and partnerships, Raila can’t be > compared with any one. He joined the KANU party when > he was pursuing the partnership and cooperation with > Moi, even after Moi had subjected him to grave > political tribulations. He worked with Moi honestly > and hoped to infuse KANU with real democratic > changes. I quote him, " if KANU does not respect the > wishes of the people by nominating a presidential > candidate of their aspirations, then the forces of > change will sweep the party way and leave it an > empty shell" This statement was made by Raila when > he was still the KANU Secretary General even before > Moi had nominated Uhuru for the KANU ticket. What > followed is still fresh on the minds of all of you > including Stella. > > Hence it was the single-handed effort of this guy > that brought to an abrupt end Moi`s magical hold > over the political system. I do not need to go > through the formation of NARC, the MOU, the betrayal > by Kibaki and the rest of the story. His stint in > the Roads Ministry was the shortest, yet even his > pundits have accepted the fact that he streamlined > the operations of the entire ministry in terms of > procurements and stuff. In fact all of the roads > that are currently under construction are directly > still bearing his personal signature. The cowboy > contractor’s were duly dealt with, the tendering of > road contracts made more accountable. What would > have happened if this guy was President of kenya? > > Just recently, he will be remembered for his > central leadership which culminated in the > referendum defeat of the BANANA group, a despotic > constitutional document was being forced down the > throats of the people. All of the readers in this > forum must honestly be remembering the role this guy > played in exposing the Artur Margasyan fiasco. How > he has kept the Kibaki government into firm check, > even Kiraitu`s tapes reveal the fear that he had if > Raila could have gotten wind of the Anglo-leasing > scandal. Lesson here, leadership is about bravery,

OF EXCELLENCE OF EXCELLENCIES:BY CHRISTOPHER NAICCA

Happy belated new year to all and sundry. The election year is here. Already, tension is simmering. Right here in KYVA. Debates are raging. Lets keep it going. Believe me, I am learning a lot from every one of you. I must admit, contributions from one Omedo have impressed me. And I must also admit. I agree with him that Raila deserves a chance to lead this country. I have not seen a more consistent politician in Kenya. While others say he never settles and is too much of a rubble rouser who never gets satisfied, what I see is consistency. To further their argument, such pundits mention the Ford-K walk out, the Kasarani (Kanu) walk out, the NARC walk out…yada yada yada. What I see is consistency. There was a lot happening as regards his Ford-k walk out that ultimately led to NDP, but would you fault him for refusing to accept that his father had nominated the late Wamalwa? Would you fault him for demanding that things be done democratically? Personally, I don't like this thing of an out going leader imposing someone on the people. Is that not the same thing that happened at Kasarani? Was he wrong in demanding that ex-president Moi stop imposing Uhuru? How about NARC? Were they not short changed? Did not the gentlemen he had dined with dishonored agreements? So to me, this is a consistent man. So consistent that he doesn't stay put when you try to short change the party he is in. Why do Kenyans take less than they deserve? So much so that when we see a man who settles for nothing less we vilify him. We call the person stubborn. We say the person is never satisfied. This attitude is extended even to other matters of national importance. When the likes of yours truly mention the inefficiencies and inadequacies of the government, I can't believe my ears when I hear a Kenyan say that we like complaining. I'm taken aback when I hear people say `at least' something is being done. I get astounded when people settle for less, saying we are complaining yet the economy is growing. I'm sorry, but I will never settle for less. You will not give me six while taking half a dozen. Don't expect me to vote you in if you grow the economy but fail to catch the anglo-leasing thieves and fail to show any solid commitment to fight graft. No. I will not accept that. Don't expect me to vote for you if you sort out the matatu menace but raid a media house and poach opposition MP's without consent. No. I just can't take that. I am not satisfied, if you re-open KICC but close doors to ECK nominations dialogue. Why should I settle for less? I will demand the best. I will not trust you with my security of you clear Artur as a businessman and he turns out to be a thug. Why does Africa lag behind? We are easily satisfied. A mythical story of our origin sometimes gets me thinking. A tribe in Mali has it that after God had made all races, the African had wandered off and missed the ceremony where God was giving the different races talents and gifts. On returning, God remarked `Oh, I forgot all about you!' I have given away all the technology, industries, science and all that is good, what can I give you'. `That drum right there', said the African. And off he walked. Drumming into the night. Satisfied. We take a lot of crap as Kenyans. If fuel prices go up by unreasonable margins in Europe, do I need to tell you what they do? Don't they park their cars on all major roads and paralyze the country until the prices go down? These people don't take crap. In Kenya we accept. We are satisfied if the minister just threatens. Can you imagine if it was in Britain or France that MP's had increased their salaries ten fold? I bet you they would not have managed to walk out of parliament. The public can literally camp outside and not let you walk out until you adjust. These people take nothing less than the best. No wonder they are miles ahead. So when someone says we should appreciate that `at least' something is being done, I can't take that. And especially if corruption is not being dealt with. Because that amounts to giving with the right and taking with the left. For me, everything has to be happening. We are so far behind to go slow on certain matters. We have ministries to address virtually every area. So as matatu menace is being sorted out by one ministry, I expect the one charged with security to work. One cannot ride on the success of the other. So don't expect me to be `at least' happy that transport sector is improving if security is not. I want to urge you to take nothing but the best. Settle for nothing less. Why let the politicians get off easy? More so the ones in government charged with running the country. Frankly, it makes no sense to me, if after telling you about the inadequacies of president Kibaki, you in return tell me about the inadequecies of Uhuru. Come on, Uhuru is not the president. Kibaki is. Let us all focus on the government. Why do we even look at the opposition? Let us watch the government so closely so that they have no room to mess around. Do you watch sky news and see how closely the British media keep an eye on their government? Name me the leaders of three leading opposition parties in Britain. No, really, stop and think about it… If you are very keen, you may only remember Cameron. His first name escapes me as it does you. This is because they focus on their government. Tightly. Tony Blair has to be on his toes. In Kenya when you try to focus on the government and criticize them for not doing more, proponents of the government distract you by attacking the opposition in equal measure. Why the hell would I be bothered with criticizing the opposition so frequently when it is the government that is charged with running the country? No wonder our government has room to play around and not give its best. Because we let them. Lets be tight on them. Critique everything they do. Bring the best out of them. Don't settle for less. Now lets get back to the beginning. I started by seemingly supporting Raila. Let me first say this. I have lost faith with all of the current crop of politicians. They just play power games and will not take us forward until we send them a strong message. I feel so strongly that we cannot afford to give ten years of presidency to an individual from the current crop of politicians. We shouldn't trust them yet. We may stagnate. I feel that Kenya needs dynamism. We may also send a wrong message that we are satisfied. We need to send a strong message through the ballot. The politicians need to know that getting a second term requires excellence. Not just `at least something is happening'. Let us make getting that second term so difficult, you have to out perform yourself if you are to get it. I don't think Kibaki has been excellent. If we give him another five, the politicians will think that as long as you do something small, the public is okay. If we remove him and put another, at least (I hope) they will know that we are not easy to please. If we do that, I expect that the next person will realize they have to out perform Kibaki if they are to get a second term. Now the next message that we will need to send is that out performing Kibaki is not enough. So even this next person we will remove. And we should continue doing that until the politicians realize we take nothing but the best. And getting that second term is so difficult. Maybe then they can be serious. Maybe then we can grow. Kibaki has done what he can. If he has done A, B, C someone else will do D, E, F and so on and so forth. I don't expect him to deal with corruption in his next term if he hasn't in his first. So let someone else come and do it. And then another and another. This being my school of thought, Kibaki has served his five. So for me he needs to go. He has been okay, but not excellent. My school of thought demands I pick someone else…that is how Raila comes in. I don't think anyone else deserves the chance to serve the next five. Raila being what he is will try to out perform Kibaki, but like any other member of the current crop of politicians, he will not be excellent. So we also remove him after his five. Until the message of excellence gets through. After all, they seek to be called YOUR EXCELLENCY!

JUST IMAGINE 2008-2012:BY GEOFFREY MAKEKE

If the worst is to happen, or the best if that`s what it is to some people, and Kibaki is re-elected in 2008. Then what do you members of this group think will happen under his final years in power? Do I smell an odour of shameless greed, excited plans for monetary aggrandizement by a tired gang of hasty movers ? What if the 2007 elections are captured yet again by the same pack that is today riding the tired backs of wanjiku and atieno? If the slightest provocation to a sinking ship is the crew`s bulging pockets and excess baggage, will Kibakis presidency witness a rush for final loot? Will they all begin tossing their loot aboard in order to salvage the ship or will they choose to sink with the ship, their pockets and bellies full of course? Even more pressing, will he concede defeat like Uhuru did if he by legal means told to do so by the Kenyans? Don`t I smell a whiff of intolerance, which would with abandon grow into a more resolute tight fist of despondency? Is the gentle man in Kibaki silently aggressing, his wrath being with consistent flare rekindled? To what extreams can he fight back, or rephrased, how desperate is he for the presidency? How will the Michukis and Karumes brag, and what will be their role in Kibakis final term? Will they become statesmen, seeing beyond their narrow ethnic and capitalistic demands? How will they steer and advise the president? Will they soften their hearts to the opposition then and recognize the fundamentals of democracy in any society? Will the state machinery exist for the welfare of all, or will they be converted into arsenals of protecting the ruling elite from the paranoia of their own shadows? How will times improve for the wananchi, if he is to be given another term?What hopes of promulgating a new constitution under his tenure? Even more important, will we ever carry out real national reconciliation under Kibaki? Will real truth justice and reconciliation be attained in Kenya under his presidency? What historical role will Kibakis 'development' concious government play in the 2008-2012 period? What of the monster of negative ethnicity and tribalism? Will the Dorobo, Ogiek, Luo, Luhya, feel equally Kenyan as the Gikuyu, Aembu, Ameru etc etc. This are just a number of questions that need to be considered by all the youth and kenyans at large even as we plunge ourselves into the partying mood of christmass. THANKS and keep the discussion flowing, Im still yours, the only one Makeke, the person whose love for thinking resonates with his love for Kenya. Geoffrey O.Makeke,

DOES THIS EXCERPT DISTORT HISTORY?:BY FWAMBA NC FWAMBA

She Done Him Wrong: Behind JULIUS CAESAR's Assassination A Case of Murder Most Foul. What is true is that Gaius Julius Caesar, the legendary Roman General, statesman, was assassinated because "everyone" feared his insatiable lust for power and wealth. What is false was that his wife, Calpurnia, depicted through the ages as being beyond reproach", had nothing to do with his murder. History tells us that Calpurnia had tried to save Caesar when she had "implored her husband to cancel the meeting with the Senate" (where he was supposedly killed) because "in a dream, she had seen him streaming with blood". This and other sensible advice to "beware the ides of March", Caesar chose to ignore at his peril. And so, according to the official version, in broad daylight, his noble "friends" frontally stabbed Caesar, striking him down like the tyrant he was.... That is if you believe history. However, the truth was far ignobler than this historical fiction. Throughout his spectacularly successful military career, Caesar had taken great care to assure his personal safety. Of course, there were times when he failed to take with him enough legions to assure victory. Yet Caesar himself was never without his own ultra-loyal personal guard. The only time Caesar relaxed his defenses was when he was in his own home... or in that of his mistress, the legendary Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. About two years before his death, Caesar summoned Cleopatra from Egypt to Rome. She brought her son with her and never stopped boasting that the boy, Caesarion, was the great general's child. Caesar installed his mistress in his mansion on the outskirts of the Tiber and soon openly acknowledged that the boy was his illegitimate son. Worse, Caesar lavished money and slaves on this "alien queen, incurring the greatest wrath" of the Roman aristocracy. But the "Julius cared nothing for public opinion" and in "his arrogance... he enrolled her name among the friends of the Romans". As the final insult, Caesar commissioned a statue of Cleopatra and "placed it next to the image of the goddess in the temple of Venus Genetrix". Caesar's love for Cleopatra and Caesarion was humiliating to Calpurnia. Not that she cared for Caesar the man at all. Theirs had been a highly political marriage of convenience from the start. What Calpurnia craved was the position in society that her marriage afforded her. As long as her position as the "first woman in Rome" was not threatened, Calpurnia chose to turn a blind eye to her husband's growing affection for his mistress. Her blindness came to an end when Caesar approached Calpurnia about getting a divorce. He wanted to have Cleopatra by his side all the time and was tired of "pretending" to be married to Calpurnia. Caesar was prepared to be very generous. Calpurnia could have money, houses, jewels, whatever she wanted - everything except for being the "first woman in Rome". She was devastated and begged her husband to give her some time before going public with his decision. As there were many pressing matters of state requiring his attention, Caesar reluctantly agreed. While he was busy ruling, Calpurnia was busy conspiring with other members of the aristocracy. At times, she had been useful to them in persuading Caesar to help their cause. Now she began feeding their fears of her husband. She told them a Caesar wed to a Cleopatra would be out of control. She told them he would have no need of the Senate and would install Caesarion as "Emperor". She told them whatever was needed to get them to convince them to murder Caesar. Calpurnia would rather have Caesar dead than wed to Cleopatra. So one day she invited Caesar home to discuss their divorce. The Senators had kept him long at the business of state. When he arrived, Calpurnia was waiting for him. She fed him drugged wine and, as it was late, he retired to sleep, suspecting nothing. When Caesar was unconscious, it was a simple matter for the coterie of assassins to plunge daggers into his back. As an after thought, they stabbed him in the front "in the breast" which his physician was terrified into pronouncing as the fatal wound. For multiple stab wounds in the back would have made the conspirators look cowardly. And, as history records, his body was cremated speedily, lest the actual physical evidence contradict the official version of Caesar's murder. Credits: From a servant girl who accidentally witnessed the murder and was killed as a result

KIBAKI AENDE KABISA:BY GEOFFREY MAKEKE

The piece written below is a perfect example how the Biblical sentiment of people having ears but not being capable to hear, people having a blurred vision yet they have a perfect set of eyes is being fulfilled in Kenya. Kindly comment on the following: Whose economy is growing in Kenya today, is it commensurate with the quadrupling of the price of a kilogram of sugar from a 40ksh, to the current 120 ksh per kilogram? The standards of living have actually grown by a massive 26%, how will the large rural population cope under another Kibaki presidency if a growing economy results in more problems for their kith and kin? Is the security system to blame for the incessant clan and tribal clashes that have resulted in the death of many innocent Kenyans? Examples for those who care to research, Mathare Clashes, Kuresoi Clashes, Mount Elgon Clashes, Kibera Clashes, Molo, Narok, Coast Turkana and Marsabit daylight massacres, the list is just too long. An illegal Vigilante group even had the audacity to stage a daylight demonstration within the city streets. The chaos and madness on the transport industry have infact returned with amazing gusto, get the statistics of how many people died during the just ended christmas period. While at it, try to establish how the fares to different destinations actually doubled in the very sights of the government facilities. Kibaki`s presidency has with finality shattered the dreams of a united Kenya, in which ethnicity was to serve as a rather crucial impetus to the wholesome development of the country. It has further entrenched the negative tribalistic sentiments and agenda that are with impunity being shoved down the throats of a disenfranchised majority. The constitution has become last on Kibakis wishlist for Kenyans, since he has tasted the sweet froth emanating from the descrepit, despotic shrivelled copy of the constitution that we inherited from the our colonialist masters. The referendum results did nothing to convince his government of the urgent need for reconciliation based on the promulgation of a constitution that would suit the needs and aspirations of the Kenyan people. A free primary education that is free from real planning, which results in Private Schools filling up almost all the spaces in prestigious national and provincial schools. Note, the KCPE mean of the top primary school was 410. The first public school had a mean of 387. A free primary education that does not address quality of education is a useless notion altogether. Secondary schools that charge whatever amount of fees they decide to, without due regard to the finacial hardships afflicting a majority of the parents. Lecturers who have been forced back into lecture halls without their needs and wishes even being examined, leading to further decadence of the standards of education within the universities. Do you think that the Kenyans have forgotten about Kiraitu, Murungaru, Mwiraria, Saitoti, and the ANGLO-LEASING and the GOLDENBERG saga, the we are gullible enough to even forget the ARTUS MARGASYSAN HULLABALOO, the mid night raid on the STANDARD MEDIA HOUSE by shrouded goons hired and maintained by the state on our taxes? the snake snide by Michuki, rattle rattle rattle Civil servants who have remained for long periods of time on the same cadres, without any promotion coming their way, with meagre earnings yet gigantuan responsibilities. But Kibaki`s waterloo remains, running an administration that has perfected the art of insulating itself from a large cross-section of its citizenry by endearing itself to only a single community. Then having the knack to tell us KUJIENJOY. WE ARE PATIENTLY WAITING FOR DECEMBER, TO KICK HIS TIRED ADMINSTRATION OUT. We will indeed paint this year ORANGE those who bother to join us need to do so, with express and genuine love for the greatness of being Kenyan. The future is ORANGE, GOODBYE KABISA, Kibaki Toka, Raila Tosha? Something good doing rounds in USA . Its your choice but be informed. OUR NEW SLOGAN: WACHA KIBAKI ABAKI. Dear Kenyans.. It is good to be objective. It is by being objective that we can be proud of being Kenyans. Subjectivity has turned people into pessimists who cannot see light at the end of the tunnel. This pessimism has been spread to many ignorant Kenyans who have fallen prey of selfish politicians. For example Hon. Musa Sirma was the sacarstic in his cricism of the NARC government. But today possibly he has seen that what KANU was saying was impossible e.g free pri. education is now possible. We are no longer kneeling down to donors yet every constituency including Eldama Ravine is getting something. Well done Musa. You can see this now. However there are some who still can not appreciate any of these goodies yet you cannot trace any performance record when they had a chance. For instance: (1) Hon. Kamotho was minister for education, transport, local government, trade, and environment. What legacy has he left in all these ministries? What can you remember? Coups in local authorities, chaos in transport, and Oh! What about Karura forest? Hon Michuki was in transport for only two years and he has made history although Hon. Kajwang calls him Muchuki. (2) Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka has been in parliament since 1988. When expressing himself he has always reffered to himself as a lawyer. As a lawyer he would advise Kibaki should dissolve parliament and call fresh elections. As lawyer he predicted that 2006 would be an year of elections. Kenyans need to see his legal competence in parliament. Dont forget Njoki Ndungu joined Parliament recently yet she will go into history books becauce of her contribution in parliament. Kalonzo needs to understand that kenyans need more of actions and less of empty talk. Again he was minister for foreign affairs, education, environment etc. Tell me something unique we can remember him for. (3)Hon. Raila Odinga was made minister for energy during the Moi regime. As a minister that time do you remember him beyond landing in Kisumu in a helicopter? Later he was appointed minister for public works. Do you remember him beyond brining down buildings on road reserves? Give performance a chance mheshimiwa. (4) Hon. Balala was made minister for sports and National Heritage. As minister he could not bring order to KFF. Hon. Maina Kamanda was recently appointed minister for sports and we can see what is happening to sports in this country despite being let down by indisciplined and greedy sportsmen. (5) Hon. Ruto can be best remembered in 1992 as a Kanu activist. You remember the economy came to its knees as millions of shillings were looted for campaigns and for years Kenyans has paid for this economic crime. Anything you can remember him for as minister? However within a very short time as minister, Hon. Kirwa has brought sanity in the agriculral sector. (6)Hon. William Ole Ntimama became minister in 1988. However I tend to remember him more issuing threats and insults than working as a minister. During the Narc era he was minister for public service. Do recall him beyond threatening public servants. In the short period Moses Akaranga has been Minister do you see what he has done? Actions speak louder than words. We have seen the likes of Munyes, Obocha, Tuju, Karua, Ngilu, Kagwe, Soita......their actions are louder than theit words. We are not blind we have seen and we are not deaf we have heard. Does the ODM have an agenda for Kenya or these people have an agenda for themselves. We can differentiate between competence and incompetence, selfishisness and selflessness. These people are now asking for minimum constitutional reforms yet they rejected a new constitution. Can these people be trusted in their incompetence and inconsistency? You and other kenyans should advice me. Send this to them and ask them to advise a Kenyan who wants to be proud of being a Kenyan. A sample of ten is reasonable.

BECONNING:BY MWENGI MUTUSE

Comrades,friend and foes, i'm delighted to get this opportunity to share in the thought process of growing our world.i will be,from time to time, subjecting my views here for our most able review.i'm currently invoved in community work in Kibwezi with all my soul and mind.i've now realised that there's a peoples academy out there so virgin of the western contamination that's our minds.so much so that leadership and intellectualism must now begin to educate themselves in the peoples academy lest they become illiterates.i now kno what Ngugi Wa Thiongo called illiterate Professors indeed why Mao Tsetung was honoured by the masses with the all respected title of Chairman. Interacting with our peasants makes even the simplest person in our defination to realise their sophiscation.The conscios ones shed their petty burgeir tendencies and are baptised in the name of the people. Hope this does not sound like a maiden speech of a neo-marxist crusader in the wilderness. Mwengi Mutuse

OLD MEN:BY CHRISTOPHER NAICCA

Hello KYVA members, I am delighted to be part of this group and share ideas. Ideas that will ultimately change lives. Thumbs up to Fwamba and all the other regular contributors. Your work is not and can't be in vain. The articles are refreshing and thought provoking. I would encourage everyone to provoke our thinking. As youth, we need to stimulate our brains into thinking deeply and widely. You see, these old men that are our leaders are very dangerous people. Old men can be crafty. They can manipulate. With machinations so deep the youth will barely understand. I make a point of watching most of the political themed programs on T.V. From head of state, to 24 to commander in chief to the west wing...Much as these programs are fictitious, I like them because they give you a glimpse of the goings-on in political circles. Most of the time the authors take past circumstances such as the Cuban missile crisis and twist the dynamics to suit the modern day. So Cuba would be say Iran and the missiles would be biological weapons, I'm sure you get the drift. Back to my point...in all these programs, all of the machinations and nasty political manouvres are done by old men. White haired, bearded old men.Not the youth. The youth never seem to have a plan. Neither are we able to see beyond our noses. That is why Uhuru and Ruto (if they qualify to be youth), did not see Moi, Kibaki and Biwot coming. Even in our society, its the old that make political manouvres. For example, do you think that the Mbarire's, Kimunya's, Mungatana's and other young politicians could have orchastrated the political coups? Was it young men and women that decided on the fate of Jesus or old scribes and pharisees? The youth are only used to achieve the goals of the old...from Brutus to Judas to our very own Nahashon Isaac Njenga Njoroge...he of the famous 'mbona hamuulizi mzee' phrase after he gunned down Tom Mboya. As young people, we must think beyond the obvious. We must provoke our thoughts. And I hope to be doing that every week, here at KYVA, in a weekly editorial called CONSPIRACY THEORIES. The purpose of which will be to provoke your thinking, not to influence it. Watch this space. Chris Naicca

THE SALARY CONSPIRACY :BY CHRISTOPHER NAICCA

DEC,2006: `I appreciate parliament's generous gesture to reward me a higher salary. However I am forced to decline the offer as I empathise with other hardworking and struggling Kenyans…'Thus read Kibaki's speech in part. And it reminded me of the story of the fox. `I'll take care of it' said the fox when he was given the key to the hen house. President Kibaki is taking us for fools. If he calls his political cronies `mavi ya kuku' and wapumbavu. If that is what he calls his driver, what do you think he calls us Kenyans. That is why he can conjure an elaborate plan to hoodwink Kenyans. That he has declined to take up a salary increase is laughable and can only be meant for wapumbavu's. This has conspiracy written all over it. Like a game of chess, Kibaki used his pawns to front something for him. Then made his killing move. And Kenyans from all walks of life (as they like to put it) cheered and lauded the move. The motion to increase the president's salary came from the government. From the executive to be precise. And in circumstances such as these, where the exchequer will require upto Kshs 1.3 billion to meet the proposed increases yearly, approval for such a motion ordinarily comes from the president. So today's editorial in the Nation congratulating the president for turning down the increase is nothing but a farce. Here is the theory. The executive meets in statehouse. Matha Karwa suggests that the public is disillusioned by parliaments' insensitivity as regards salary. President says its not his fault, its parliament. Karwa points out that Kenyans cant tell the difference. To them, the President has allowed it to happen. President says wapumbavu. Tunju suggests that the President should do something to give the public an impression that he does not support the arbitrary salary increases. Sitoti says that would be good considering that striking lecturers got nothing. So Karwa suggest that the govt proposes an increase for the president. Which the President will conveniently turn down. `Will the public buy that?' Kimuya asks. `Ndio. Ni wapumbavu kabisa.' Replies Prezzo. And the circus is then brought to us. Or what do you think NB/ Any name similarities with real life people is highly regretted.

WAKE UP KENYANS:BY OSCAR WAFULA

No matter what party you're belong to. No matter which tribe you belong to, at the end of the day what really divides us is the amount of money in our pockets. Politicians will cry foul about his/her tribe being left out of the national cake, a Luo will perpetually blame a Kikuyu for all his woes but at the end of the day if you analyze objectively you'll come to realize that there's one community in Kenya that hasn't even had it's representative in the cabinet but it's the richest community in Kenya. And the worst part is that they are not natives of this country. Welcome to the Asian community. It's easy to see that these guys have never occupied any influential political power in this country but are calling the shots in nearly all economic sectors in this country. If I may name a few examples; Celtel Kenya, nation media group, Yana tyres, Sarova hotels, Bidco industries, Jubilee holdings and a dozen more. They have dominated the construction industry and the manufacturing sector. Other `foreigners' from the British descent have dominated the hotel industry and other sensitive areas like security. There's also grown trend where the Chinese have started to infiltrate the core industries like construction and trade. But every day we hear of politicians fighting each other concerning how many cabinet slots have to be allocated to their communities. I'm also ashamed to hear my own MP castigating family planning and encouraging overpopulation at the expense of quality education. But who's to blame. Is it the electorate or the leaders? I think it's both. We Africans are the biggest enemies of ourselves. Since the times of slave trade to the new world order our leaders have always been putting our dignity at the expense of the highest bidder from the west. The situation has become worse with the arrival of the East (Asians). How many times have indigenous firms been denied construction contracts in favor of the Chinese, Indian and German construction companies? And the main excuse is that Kenyan contractors do a shoddy job, but that's only an excuse, some government official has to supervise the works anyway, be it a Kenyan or German contractor. There has also been a talk going round that Kikuyus have taken all prime jobs in government and parastatals. They land on every single consultancy tenders offered by the public sector. Part of the reason might be tribalism but I believe that since the days of independence these guys have ensured that their children get quality education so as to be competitive in the job market.So let's be competitive. It's also an open secret that 80% of Nairobians live on 20% of the land and vice versa. Some people find it so easy to pay Ksh 250,000 PM on rent in Runda but someone is busy dodging the landlord over a Ksh 500 rent arrears in Kibera slums. At the end of the day what we want our leaders to face is this kind of socio-economic disparity. No one is talking about flouting of the minimum wage rule by the employers while we know very well that many Kenyans take home less than $2 after a full day's work. 90% percent of goods we buy are not made in Kenya starting with your clothing to your kitchen appliances. A good leader for this country is one who is going to ensure that these socio-economic disparities are tackled, our children receive quality education and health services, raising of the minimum wage so that there's equitable distribution of wealth and sound monetary liquidity ratios, encourage consumption of Kenyan made goods so as to strengthen the growth of local industries and creation of employment. Quite frankly the Kibaki administration has failed. We need a new Kenyan order!!!!!! oscarwafula@gmail.com