Media Council of Kenya: Media Council Caution on Rising Violations of Journalists’ Rights (19.05.2022)

U.S. Supreme Court allows politicians to get the donors to cover their own personal campaign “debts”

The American Dream is dying, one step at the time. Senator Ethan Roark Jr. of Sin City is becoming the norm of society. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas did deliberately violating campaign finance laws just so he could petition the courts and get the laws changed. He has achieved his mission and by doing so. The donors, the corporations and the Public Action Committee’s (PACs) can circumvent certain stipulations and indirectly pay a candidate. Therefore, the candidate or politician will be beholden to their interests and in the end… not work for the citizens, but for the companies, lobbyists and other interests groups who is paying for their campaign.

The United States of America isn’t getting any better, but only turning worse. The Supreme Court is using benign reasoning. Calling it a political speech to loan money to fund their own campaigns. While we know the loans will be paid by the donors and beneficiaries of the candidates in question. This is ensuring the corporate candidates and the ones who serve certain industries to get massive funding, which will be pocketed by the candidate itself.

A candidate can take out a loan to his/hers own campaign of a ONE MILLION US Dollars and after the campaigns the His/Hers for House/Senate can cover these debts with interests, which goes straight into the account of the politician. That is self-serving and free money, a bribe that ensures the interests of the companies or industries are taken care off. So, it is so weird that this getting allowed, but shows what the Supreme Court really believes in.

Here’s the vital information:

The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Monday continued a decades long dismantling of federal campaign finance limits in a divided decision in favor of Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. The 6-3 ruling, written by Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., struck down Section 304 of the 2002 federal Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act that limited post-election contributions to repay a candidate’s personal campaign loans” (Zack Needles – ‘Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz Wins Federal Campaign Finance Limits Case Before U.S. Supreme Court’ 16.05.2022, Texas Lawyer, Law.com).

For the reasons set forth, we conclude that Cruz and the Committee have standing to challenge the threatened enforcement of Section 304 of BCRA. We also conclude that this provision burdens core political speech without proper justification. The judgment of the District Court is affirmed” (Federal Election Committee Versus Ted Cruz for Senate, May 16, 2022).

The next U.S. elections the campaigns can get vast loans from the candidates themselves. While later cash-that-in, as they are fundraising and getting donor funds from various of sources. All of these sources and lobbyists are doing so for their interests and policy needs. Therefore, we all know the gist of this.

The U.S. elections and campaign funding is already a corporate white-wash of funding. This is just tripling down and ensuring a “sign-on-fee” for politicians, which is only have been known for athletes. If not it is securing a means for an advance by “loaning” to your own campaign and getting a donor to cover the “debt”. So, in return the candidate will cash-in and get refunded this as personal revenue.

Ted Cruz and the current Supreme Court has made it possible for the rich candidates to enrich themselves on their own campaigns. In some regards, the way and manner of which they are elected has now also become a cash-grab for the wealthy representatives of Washington D.C. The Republican’s are clearing the swamp, but creating a bigger one. Where they are destroying the rules and opening up all avenues for creating personal wealth. While they are hoping the public doesn’t see or doesn’t care. Because, this is just a way of gaining more money on the job. Since the campaigns are part of the lifestyle and needs to get elected into office. Now the way of getting the job is also a possible way of getting vast profits. This is defended by need of political speech.

So, in the minds of the Supreme Court moving money from one account to another is a sign of political speech. Clearly, the banks of JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, CitiGroup and such will be really happy about this. They don’t even need to get this politicians to hold speeches and get paid. No, they can just donate funds, which will cover the “debts” of the candidates and that will go right into the pocket of whoever they deem fit for their cause. Peace.

Opinion: Kalonzo’s lonely journey to nowhere

I have ended my relationship with Azimio La Umoja after Raila Odinga opted to pick Martha Karua as his running mate, I will run as President on Wiper ticket under Oka Coalition” – Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (16.05.2022)

Today the Azimio La Umoja – One Kenya Alliance has picked their top ranking team and it has been a bold choice. While doing so, the Azimio has directly undermined the OKA and the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM). Which we knew would have an aftermath and wouldn’t come without a reaction. The OKA only joined for the re-assurance of the Deputy President role and that was clearly not on the cards.

Azimio picked a Odinga-Karua ticket and therefore… Kalonzo had to make a decision to either be a high ranking member and await a more noble role in a possible government or run on his own. He picked the latter and ditches the Azimio for his own ego.

Kalonzo has now shown how his bickering back-and-fourth. One point he didn’t want to be interviewed by the secretariat. Kalonzo felt it was beneath him and shows how his a meal-ticket politician. His only a place for the betterment of his pocket and the influence he gets. That’s why he couldn’t be close in the hours of need, as Odinga sworn-in himself in Uhuru Park. This is well known, but he could easily accept a Special Envoy to South Sudan as a member of the opposition. While Kalonzo felt betrayed and backstabbed by the handshake, but he didn’t carry water or dared to be there in the moment of need. Therefore, this man has the character of a charlatan and a perfect empty suit.

This is maybe why the Azimio didn’t trust him with the running mate position. His just another cadre who believes in the greatness of his party and his ability to gain voters. He will now be the third force in the up-coming elections.

The whole election and how Kalonzo has operated has been hectic. Showing that his willing to await and try to get as much as possible. That was even the cause within in OKA and how the undermined fellow former NASA Co-Principals within the alliance there. Therefore, that he drops out of Azimio now only makes sense. Because, he wants to be the big man and the centre of the universe. Though he is just a man with a massive ability to gain opportunities, but swiftly drop the value of it all.

There will be speculation of the opportunity or the ability to drop out even. The Wiper Democratic Movement has already announced Odinga as their Presidential Flag-bearer and is a part of Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance agreement, which will haunt Kalonzo now. The minutes and the articles will be used against him. For a man who has used CORD/NASA agreements against Odinga in the past. The politician should know that his on thin ice here.

Kalonzo is maybe able to fickle his way out of Azimio. Just like the others who has bolted out of it and joined Kenya Kwanza Alliance. Kalonzo will be alone and have little friends around him. His ego is bigger than his real influence. It is a reason why he isn’t the running mate for the third time. That’s because he isn’t that majestic or powerful. His not the king-maker or the kingpin. His just another brother with a superior complex.

That’s why his running alone… Kalonzo facing Ruto and Odinga. We know that he will fall flat and might even be as powerful as Ekuru Aukot or alike. Since everyone will go for either Ruto or Odinga. Not like his anywhere close and he knows this. It doesn’t make it salvageable in the manner he has left the Azimio either. Just like his face wasn’t saved by the made up story for why he never left for Uhuru Park.

Now… his just twisted his tongue and his mind. The Presidential Candidate and hero in his own movie will not become great. However, he is destroying the friendships he does have and loses relevance by becoming a fringe politician with no other people to count on. That’s the thing here and it will cost him. Instead of possible getting a plum-job and an honourable position in a future cabinet.

He instead wants to be a water-melon and be high on his own supply. Peace.

Opinion: Azimio finally picked the running mate…

If your cow’s leg is broken, do you strap a plough on it and head to the farm – or do you first get it treated and allow it time to heal?”Marta Karua (2013).

The long await is over in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance has picked the running mate for Presidential Candidate Raila Odinga. The alliance has picked the leader of National Rainbow Coalition–Kenya (NARC–Kenya), Marta Karua.

Karua came into this alliance through the participation of the OKA where she was one of the parties involved in that. As the OKA signed an agreement with Azimio la Umoja. Therefore, she came after the inception and on the merits of all the parties in a forged coalition already.

Marta Karua is a seasoned politician. She has been a politician since the 1990s and been in Parliament for years. Been a resilient minister and even stepped down when she felt undermined by the coalition government at the time. Which is ironically when Odinga became the Prime Minister and she served as a part of Kibaki’s government as a minister.

Now, she returns into the hands of Odinga. A man she has fought against and shows there is no permanent enemies in politics. In the 2017 elections she promised to defend the ballots for Kenyatta. So, we just know the wind is changing and she has found a safe-haven for her policies. Where she can have power and be vibrant.

Odinga has gotten someone who has been consistent in the Azimio la Umoja. Someone who can inspire and be different. Even if she has been on the front-lines on the other side of him for years. It is not like Karua always has been a close associate or a comrade for joint causes. No, they have been on the other side. Heck, she was even defiantly against the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). The last big project of Odinga and still he picked her.

That just shows what sort of unity Odinga is seeking. A sort of political programming to ensure broad-based government and have a large unit of political differences within the coalition. She has fought for social justice and human rights. Been a firebrand politician and willingly to step down when the rulers didn’t let her control her office. Therefore, Odinga should know that this politician isn’t the one that bows down and sells out. She has principals and willing to lose for them too.

That’s why she has lost elections and not been in all favours. It is not like she has a winning streak and is genuinely loved. However, the Azimio shows a progression and a will to build something. When you pick someone like her. Because, the coalition had several other bigger leaders and with more influence. Nevertheless, Odinga picked her and the Azimio decided to take this stand.

Baba and Karua is another type of breed. This ticket is vastly different from Kenya Kwanza Alliance and shows the contrast between them. It is now up to the public to see what they do and how they perform. These are two seasoned politicians with massive history. They have been on all sides and fought for political interests over the years. These two haven’t always worked together and at point been enemies. That’s why it’s an interesting choice, but shows the political maturity of Odinga.

Azimio versus KKA gears up. Everything will be in the open and nothing will be disregarded. Old interviews and clips will now haunt her. The same will happen to Odinga. However, today… these to has to show unity and strength together. To show that this is legit and what they believe is the right path for the coalition. Peace.

Opinion: Farmaajo’s unwanted legacy

Yesterday after many hours the term of incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo ended. He had been staying in Villa Somalia on overtime. The Head of State have used all means to stay in power without an election. After the term ended in February 2021. He tried to have the Parliament to allow him to rule without an election for two years. That was later stopped and he had to reconfigure his stance and way forward as his time was up.

The problems of Farmaajo is that he came with a lot of promises and seems like a likeable guy. However, he was the sort of man that wanted to cling onto power. That’s why his allies even helped to offer and create own military units, which is the likes of Gorgor and Haram’ad. Together with the access of National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Farmaajo has used this to sway member states and get his way. That is getting favourable characters in office and ensure he had loyal cadres inn every part of the Republic.

This is why the President has used insecurity and violence to get his way. That’s why he used soldiers and raids to spread fear. Farmaajo used this to get his men appointed and interfere in the Parliament. He took swift force and used all means to get rid of Jawari as speaker in Parliament. That was done by his Prime Minister Khaire, but on the merits of the Presidency. As the head of state wanted a man who served him there.

People calls him a dictator for a reason. He tried to sway it all and fix the elections as well. While he sacked his Prime Minister and appointed another one. The second PM became the viable force and the one that became his end. He followed the mission and ensured the election happened. Even as the President has done everything he could to stifle it and even throw shade at him. Prime Minister Roble was under-fire and was sought after as he held more meetings and collected the needed progression to make it happen. While Farmaajo tried to make it a farce and crack the code of “non-election”.

That is the sort of fella Farmaajo is and the soft messages to the President-Elect isn’t changing it. We know that Farmaajo didn’t want to leave and had no intention of leaving Villa Somalia. If he could fortified it and besieged it. He would… as he never intended to honour the September 17th 2020 agreement. Which he wasn’t concerned about or hadn’t any heart to fulfil. Just like the man never tried or had the will of giving the public universal suffrage, because that could risk his longevity. As it is easier to manipulate a few MPs versus a whole population of eligible voters.

We can surely think this downfall will not be taken kindly in Asmara or Addis Ababa. For President Afewerki and Prime Minister Abiy he has been a useful leader. He has been part of their axis of alliance on the horn. These have been together in it all and found safe-haven from each other. Though in their meetings, the pictures from it… makes it seems like Farmaajo was the servant for the stronger personalities in Abiy and Afewerki. While Farmaajo also have to answer for the soldiers sent for training in Eritrea and their possible participation in the Tigray war. Therefore, there are many unanswered issues, which reflects what sort of government business Farmaajo did.

Just like he favoured the Turkish and was grateful for their training of soldiers. The President also was connected to Qatar. That’s why these sorts of alliance was important for his reasoning and diplomatic missions. He needed them and he served them a purpose on the Horn of Africa.

Farmaajo might be lost for some. His ways and mannerism isn’t favoured by all. Because, he used force and didn’t care if he violated people’s liberties or freedoms. As President he couldn’t care if he used force to get his will. That’s why many will celebrate his downfall. While others has lost their power-base and the one that could save them. It is always like that after an election and change of power.

Farmaajo had it all and had powerful friends. He didn’t have to worry. What is striking is that he had massive potential and could have used the resources for benefits of the public. He could have reformed in a manner, which haven’t seen before. However, he instead resorted into violence and militarism. That just shows what power does and how it can corrupt a man. Peace.

Opinion: Kenya Kwanza Alliance – the Moi Era ticket apparently

Thank you your excellency. I will not let you down, I will not let the hustler nation down and I will not let Kenyans down” Rigathi Gachagua (NTV Kenya, 15.05.2022)

The Deputy President of Kenya and Presidential Candidate William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance (KKA) has finally landed on his running mate. This is a vital choice and shows where his going.

Ruto has deliberately hand-picked someone who is like himself. Another conning and smart politician. Who has used the public offices and the government appointed offices to become wealthy. That is something the DP Candidate Rigathi Gachagua has done. His only been an MP for one term on the Jubilee Party ticket since 2017. While he has now moved to Ruto.

Here is a short CV on Gachagua MP:

2 years after his graduation, Rigathi Gachagua served under President Moi’s office from 1990 to 1999 holding the positions of personal assistant to the head of public service and District Officer in Kakamega and Molo” (…) “Following his good relations with President Moi, Rigathi Gachagua was made personal assistant to Uhuru Kenyatta from 2001 to 2006 when Uhuru was the Minister of local governments” (…) “While working in the government, Rigathi Gachagua amassed a substantial amount of wealth to the point of founding the Ridor group of companies in 2000” (Austine Barasa – ‘5 Things You Didn’t Know About Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua’ 2021).

We are now seeing two buddies and political aligned individuals who worked closely with President Daniel Arap Moi. While Gachagua was the DO of Kakamega and Molo. Ruto was busy co-founding and a member of Youth for Kanu 1992 (YK92) who campaigned for Moi in the 1992 campaign. While Ruto was later voted in to Parliament n 1997 and was appointed as an assistant minister in the Office of the President from 1998 to 2002. So, there is certainly times these fellows have overlapped.

That’s why the tycoon with over 40 businesses and who got picked up by Moi in the 1990s. Has enriched himself while being a civil servant and personal assistance to the big-men of KANU. As he sets his sights of being the kingpin of Mount Kenya. Alas, we also know that Ruto has amassed vast wealth in the years in office and got lots of questionable plots. While earning fractions of this in the Office of Deputy President or previous roles as such. That’s why these two are greedy comrades on a mission. As they know the value of getting power and what that can do to their bank-accounts.

This ticket is just a really show of force. The same is having Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula there as well. They have all participated in the Moi era and part-take in it. Thats’ why it’s interesting that he picked Gachagua to be his running mate. This is like a revitalized KANU ticket and the leaders surrounding KKA is filled with that too. It is part of the club and the ones who has since then find ways to profit on government offices.

The choice is very clear and shows the intention of Ruto. He didn’t do this out of nowhere. While also side-lining other people who has ambitions. Certainly, some parties and leaders has signed-off to a coalition agreement, which still binds them. However, we know that the fellow party leaders has ambitions as well. They would not just step down without a golden future promised.

Gachagua has to prove himself now. Not only loyalty to Ruto, but that he can deliver and be a galvanizing figure. The tycoon and MP has to now show his worth. Ruto also has support him and show that they are a team. That is up for grabs and let’s see if this was a wise decision. Peace.

Kenya: Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO) – Press Statement on the State of the Nation (12.05.2022)

Opinion: PPCRV cannot save COMELEC [on the 68:32 Magic]

The poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) cannot vindicate the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The results are easily questionable by the action happening on the day of the polls. Especially, when there is so much news of faulty machines, SD-Cards not working and ballots not processed while the voter are in the proximity of the vote. Therefore, the rate of the announcing partial results and such begs you too question it all too.

Then you have the margins and the statistical anomaly, which was repetitive in the manner of announcement of the results of the polls. That was not showing difference of regions, areas or even amount of voters. Still, the percentage was stagnate and at the same levels without any shift. This is why you beg to question it and wonder what the heck is going on. Because, that doesn’t make sense, that the various of polling stations, regions and alike voted in comparison and within the same percentage as a total with every update. That just sounds strange too me.

The PPCRV can say it’s “Big Data” and “Big Numbers” but even they got to understand why people are wondering. The 68:32 Magic will follow this election cycle. Just like all the scrutiny for every voter who was not allowed to enter and vote. All the voters who didn’t get receipts and could verify if their vote was really cast. Because, of technical difficulties.

The PPCRV who is canvassing and checking the results of the polls is most likely right about their assessment, but the facts remains that the COMELEC didn’t fulfil their mission and that’s why people are questioning the results. If everything had gone well, if there wasn’t discrepancies and electioneering on the polling day. Then we wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t wonder if everything was on the up-and-up.

For me this isn’t about the candidacy of Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Junior or such. No, this is systemic issues and the manner of which things went down. If the COMELEC had everything sorted out and there was no outcry of technical difficulties. If there was no one who was turned away and didn’t close the polling stations early. While there was also so swift ability to get the results announced after the hardships of actually casting the ballots. Therefore, the reasons for wondering isn’t about Marcos, but about the ones who was running the show.

The problem is the perception and what went down. The PPCRV can say it and it can be true. However, at the same time… they are vindicating COMELEC for their lacking and unprofessional manner of which they were not technically prepared for the polls. While they hired companies, appointees secured the venues and the ballots too. They had the time to prepare for this and ensure it all would end well. Nevertheless, it wasn’t all free and fair… and it wasn’t without it’s faults.

That’s why people are speculating and wondering about the announced results. This is why I questioned it too, because it didn’t make sense and how the partial results was announced without any shift or significant change of percentages between the two main candidates for President. That is what’s the issue and this cannot be taken away with a statement.

COMELEC should release the servers and the numbers for scholars to crunch and show what went down. The results forms should be digitally available and make it possible for a mathematician to break the numbers down. Alas, PPCRV cannot save the COMELEC here. They are indirectly trying to salvage it, but it doesn’t patch the hurt.

The only thing it does… that people like me want more transparency and don’t want to be fooled. Who won? Well, most like BBM, but we need it to be proven, as the margins of error is there and they shouldn’t have been here in the first place. Peace.

Philippines: Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) – Press Statement (12.05.2022)

Opinion: Isko doesn’t loose a step to possibly quell all demonstrations in Manila

It is now official, after he conceded the Presidential Elections he went straight back into the Office of Mayor of Manila and ordered all election protests to cease, unless they had a prior notice or a permit to do so. This is a sign of how Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso wants to prove himself after losing the elections.

Isko Moreno wants to show his manhood and his macho power now. He wants to be seen as a big-man, as he blustered and did a total buffoonery of a campaign. That’s why his ordering the people from the streets and wants people to comply to city order. Alas, his forgetting one thing. In the “Freedom Parks” there is no need for permits or notifying the authorities of gatherings. So, if the dissidents or opposition wants to gather. They should move into those areas, as they are designated for it and shouldn’t directly interfere in day-to-day business of the city.

In the law he uses to stop or quell demonstrations it says first: “Sec. 2. Declaration of policy. — The constitutional right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances is essential and vital to the strength and stability of the State. To this end, the State shall ensure the free exercise of such right without prejudice to the rights of others to life, liberty and equal protection of the law” (BPB 880, 1985).

It also says: “Sec. 15. Freedom parks. — Every city and municipality in the country shall within six months after the effectivity of this Act establish or designate at least one suitable “freedom park” or mall in their respective jurisdictions which, as far as practicable, shall be centrally located within the poblacion where demonstrations and meetings may be held at any time without the need of any prior permit. In the cities and municipalities of Metropolitan Manila, the respective mayors shall establish the freedom parks within the period of six months from the effectivity of this Act” (BPB 880, 1985).

What the public should do, If they intend to demonstrate or protest outside the designated “Freedom Parks” in Manila. They should apply and get permits to do so, in such a manner that they are not interfering or stopping business. That is the significant ideals of the legislation.

It is very special that the Manila Mayor issues laws written in the final stages of the Marcos era and when the People Power Movement was rising against it. The same laws made to silence and stop the people from demonstrating against it. This is happening as the people are rioting and demonstrating against a Marcos Junior Presidency.

The Manila Mayor should think straight and if he does this to win favours. His just proving that the victory wasn’t legit or honest. Since, the current leaders and the winners are afraid of dissent and voices of grievances. The Mayor should open up to this and allow it. Unless, his afraid that this will spiral out or create reckless behaviour. Than he has the rights to block and quell it. However, it is early to say that or even proclaim things to go violent. When there is no precedence for it…

So, what is “Isko” so afraid of and his will to trigger this in his memorandum for Manila? There must be something and he wants to prove that his aligned with the victors. That is very obvious and no one should bat an eye about that. This is maybe why he begged for Robredo to sacrifice her campaign, because he wanted Marcos to win all along. Peace.