Kenya: National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) – Press Statement (08.08.2022)

Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF): Christian Professionals Press Statement on the Upcoming Elections – Accept and Move on! (08.08.2022)

Opinion: Odinga is on cruise-control … [but is it safe though?]

The Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance Presidential Candidate Raila Odinga is scheduled to win and do it comfortably this time around. This isn’t the first election or campaigns for Odinga. He has challenged for the title and the office for decades and it’s finally seems like ending there. Odinga needed to become the old man and a “baba” to be there. Because, now he has amassed the political capital and relations to ensure him victory.

While his far from alone in the race, the main competition is the current Deputy President and career politician William Ruto. The man who has went from two periods in the docket of the Deputy and being part of the government to become outcast and a direct opposition. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Kenya Kwanza Alliance Presidential Candidate doesn’t have it solidified just yet. We know his team will boost his numbers, but being outside the machinery will show a hard time for him.

While the two other candidates which has been recognized and acknowledged in this race is David Mwaure and Professor George Wajackoyah. Mwaure is the Minister and Lawyer, the leader of the Agano Party Presidential Candidate. While Prof Wajackoyah is a Priest, Lawyer, Educationist and the leader of the Roots Party. These two has no real chance and is only fillers on the ballots. However, the last mentioned has caused more headlines and promises of unpractical exports and possibly a “high-life” for the ones voting for him. So, the populism is existing even among the candidates with little to no traction normally.

Alas… here is the case and no one should be shocked by this. The state-machinery and everything involved with the current status-quo is working on overtime to get Odinga elected. That’s the current President travels and rallies for Odinga now. The man he tear-gassed and killed his supporters in previous elections. Kenyatta has used all tricks against Odinga in past elections. So, seeing him backing everything behind him and being the “kingmaker”. Really shows that in politics, enemies are only temporary. Later they can become your allies, which in this case very true.

While a former ally and associate. Someone who worked close and went along with the Jubilee Coalition and the new formation of the Jubilee Party ahead of the 2017 elections. Ruto is without the backing or support of the state now. His not with powerful allies who can conquer or use the authorities on his side. That’s why his more eager and less arrogant in his manner. Even made a video trying to appeal to people after the debate. He cannot trust on Cambridge Analytica tactics either. The DP don’t have that and seemingly cannot spread his messages on social media like last time.

That’s why Odinga is more confident and relaxed about the situation. It’s the feeling that it’s already in the bag and he can finally take the W. While Ruto is anticipated to take the L. This is just the assumption and how it’s perceived. The electorate might feel otherwise, but all headlines and the general feeling is there. Unless, the Azimio camp suddenly breaks out of character and dissolve completely. Which would be weird… since it seems so calculated.

In a weeks time the polls are and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) better deliver credible and fair elections. Though people are afraid of that and the recent arrests of foreign “agent” or “contractors” has put that into jeopardy last month. People are wondering if the IEBC is put to it or even ready.

Last time the Odinga coalition, NASA was able to nullify and call for Fresh Presidential Elections. However, he lost for a second time there. Even if the then opposition claimed it was rigged and was malpractice, which launched Kenyatta into a second term. Now in 2022… years after the Handshake and the works of the Building Bridges Initiative for National Unity. We can just await the polls and see if Odinga finally crosses river Jordan into Canaan.

Time will tell and only in about a weeks time we will know. Usually, the IEBC uses most of the scheduled time to announce the winner and doesn’t do quickly after the polls. It is a tense time awaiting the final results. However, if the writing on the wall is right. Than it’s Odinga’s turn to reign and be in office.

Nevertheless, we can never know and there could be surprise. Maybe the hustler and his wheelbarrows was able to trick it all. I doubt that and I think Ruto knows this as well. The two other mentioned candidates are ballot fillers at this point. They are the Thirdway Alliance of this election and will not amount to anything sincere. Though the Professor has caused some controversy and also laughs online.

Well… that’s about it. I would be amazed if Baba isn’t announced during the end of next week. However, the year 2022 is a year of weird things and erratic behaviours. So, God knows and we don’t. We are just mere mortals awaiting another day. Peace.

Opinion: Ruto should have shined, but Odinga shunned it…

“Our competitors have run away from this debate in total contempt to the people of Kenya. They have little regard for the people of Kenya. They think the deep state is going to make the decision” – William Ruto (26.07.2022)

Presidential candidates David Mwaure and William Ruto showed up the Presidential Debates. We both teams of the main candidates ahead of the Presidential Debates has questioned and asked for points ahead of participation. That is what is ordinary and that the campaign teams are prepared for parts of the debates. This is normal as way of getting the candidates ready and ensure they can answer or know what sort of themes that are coming up.

So, it is sort of special after everything, as it seemingly looked like both Ruto and Raila Odinga would both drop out. That only one of them did. Maybe, the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance is so sure of victory. In such a manner, that they thought it was clever to sit this one out and not show up. In this regard, Odinga is actually doing like Museveni did to the first Presidential Debate in 2016 and this is not a good look. He should have showed up.

Yes, Ruto failed on questions and showed that he has a tendency of lying. That is a character trait everyone knows and know his that sort of guy. In that perspective, the old-man and aged politician in Odinga could have been witty and smart too. He could have shown his finesse and how ready his for the Presidency. Instead his in absentia like Professor George Wajackoyah who also didn’t show up.

That’s why it’s only half of the top 4 who showed up. While the two main contenders, only one did and it was William Ruto. The man who has the most to gain from this and surely he will win votes by showing up. If he didn’t believe it would give him some credibility. He wouldn’t have entered and been there.

What Odinga is showing is a bit of contempt and disregard of the whole campaign season. Here he could have finessed Ruto and played at his game. Instead, his staying at home or not attending. That’s just showing how little he cares. A man who is supposed to be the front-runner and have the whole machinery behind him.

Odinga has no reasons to rest and take it easy. Seemingly he should win on a walk-over this time around. Everything that matters has gone in his favour until now. However, not showing up to the debate. While Ruto did… is bad publicity. Even if Ruto has a lot of own-goals and shown his character flaws.

Still, Odinga didn’t even dare to get out of the program and the self-serving campaign rallies. Which he controls and in a sort of territory he has been for years. To be questioned, tested and even possibly burned by another candidate could have shown who he as a man and a candidate. However, we never got to see that now.

“My competitor is not here because he doesn’t have a plan, he doesn’t want to answer questions, he could not come here because he is not here candidate, he is a project” (Ruto, 26.07.2022).

Even with all the failures of Ruto during the Debate. He still carried himself and was there. A place where he could undermine and spell out the grievances towards Odinga. If Odinga had been there… he could have addressed it and undressed him. However, that will never happen and certainly Azimio will have their reasons.

However, what is striking is that Odinga let this one go and boycott. Odinga has boycotted a lot of things over the years. It isn’t the first time he has done that and he could have been a big-man tonight. He could have been juggernaut and proven why Ruto isn’t fit. Nevertheless, that is only fiction and a fever-dream.

Odinga lost even more than Ruto tonight. Yes, Ruto did blunders and shown how he cannot keep his tongue always in order. Still, Odinga did even set foot in the studio or show anything worthwhile. His mute and not participating when it mattered. That’s the gist of it.

Well, there you have it. The Presidential Debates, which has been so up in the air and how it became. Odinga joined Wajackoyah. They are in the same bracket here and nobody would expect that in advance. Peace.

Kenya: County Government of Kisumu – Office of the Governor – Stop this Malicious Campaign Propaganda (25.07.2022)

Opinion: Chebukati has a massive hurdle to pass…

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should be a stellar institution and a place of trust. The Chairman of the IEBC is far from that. Wafula Chebukati is clearly over his head and has an epic problem on his hands. The recent days isn’t a good forewarning ahead of the polls.

The IEBC should be the gearing the final movements and prepared the details for the elections. It isn’t that long before the 9^th August 2022. This is an important date as the ballots, the counts and all the things needs to be in order. The IEBC has already a questionable history with the run-up to the 2017 elections and the nullification of the first round. So, there was a need for a second one.

The IEBC should because of that history even be more clever and secure the polls to be free and fair. Because, there was even questions about Cambridge Analytica and the servers from the IEBC in 2017. Now we are in 2022 and the IEBC isn’t making it easier to trust it either.

Chebukati has a history. Chiloba isn’t around this time, but Chebukati is and he should be more careful. The IEBC should coordinate with all government agencies if it is ballots from Greece or whatever. The same with all the technical expertise and the foreign agents/contractors hired for the BVR machines.

That he has hired Venezuelan contractors would be fine. If the Directorate of Immigration knew and if the other authorities knew about their entry. Secondly, if the possessions of the electoral equipment was alerted ahead of time. If not, it looks suspicious and weird. Because, why should foreigners carry equipment and stickers or anything associated with the elections ahead of time?

This is why the authorities and the ones arresting has a reason to detain them. It seems like people with questionable motives and entry ahead of the polls. That is what Chebukati should have cleared and ensured them a safe entry. However, that ship has sailed and things has instead been confiscated from the individuals.

You know things are not looking better when IEBC and Chebukati hires Smartmatic to handle the technical parts of the election. A company that has a bad reputation and could harm the legitimacy. The IEBC has already done questionable things in the past and there are reasons for why the NASA petition worked in 2017. The same could happen again and Chebukati could have fixed the issues from the previous elections. Instead his risking it yet again…

Chebukati knows that the election can be nullified for irregularities and illegalities. Now it seems to start with more of that days ahead of the polls. It is just appalling that its happening now. Chebukati should know better, but clearly his inept and incompetent. You can wonder how he got there and been able to stay in office.

The IEBC has trouble ahead when they cannot even clear contractors from Venezuela. Chebukati should know better, but clearly he doesn’t…

This scandal could have been avoided and the IEBC should have been prepared. However, that is too much to ask. Instead of oozing with confidence… it is questioned. That’s not a good look ahead of the polls.

The IEBC is the one that is behind the scenes and ensures credible elections. If they cannot keep their ducks in the row. How can the political parties or the general public for that matter? Everyone is supposed to trust the IEBC. Nevertheless, that’s something which is not a given, apparently. Peace.

Kenya: Independent Medico – Legal Unit (IMLU) – IMLU Condemn Extrajudicial Killings of Four Young Men in Kwa Maiko, Nakuru County (20.07.2022)

Kenya: Polycarp Igathe – Press Release (26.06.2022)

Kenya: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) – Registration of Presidential Candidates (06.06.2022)

Opinion: Kalonzo, Kalonzo, Kalonzo …

“Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in” – Michael Corleone (Godfather Part III, 1990)

It is tiring to follow the movements of Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) and One Kenya Alliance principal Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. The manner and way he has acted before the polls this year… is to say the least hectic and breathtaking.

If Kalonzo thinks this makes him smart or wise. Well, it don’t and only shows how he tries to get a bigger slice of the pie. That is good in the long-term plans for himself, but we know he has ethical or moral ties to anything. As long as his men and his allies are paid off as well.

Kalonzo has moved back-and-fourth. Within the OKA alone and parts of Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance. He has not looked like a smooth operator or a sort of bankable figure. No, his just another one of those with too much ambition for his own cause. Kalonzo’s ego and publicity stunts isn’t all that either.

He knew deep down that he would be lost and lonely if he ditched Azimio. That’s why a return to the fold isn’t shocking. Kalonzo just needed a second negotiation after Odinga ditched him as a running mate. That got to hurt his pride and ego. A man of Kalonzo’s stature and been vibrantly saying “it’s his turn” but we knew that he wouldn’t stand up to Baba.

No one within Azimio stands up to Baba. They just have to listen to Baba. Odinga have already played this game twice with Kalonzo in CORD and NASA. So, Odinga and his team knows the ways of Kalonzo. This time around it is shown that he isn’t that big or has the leverage of which he hoped for. This is why someone else became the running mate and for Azimio is that a brilliant idea.

We knew that the running mate question was a vital one for Kalonzo. Since he still believed he would have something to say and be big-man of epic proportion. Sometimes the likes of Kalonzo thinks they are giants, but seriously… when you have made things this hard. You cannot be that great or grand. Neither is you a sophisticated politician either. Your just searching for the biggest meal-ticket and hoped you could bushwhack an alliance you had already joined. So, a second negotiation is only done to buy “peace” and ensure “envelopes” when the polls are over. Therefore, Kalonzo did it all for selfish reasons.

Kalonzo has shown that his neither conning or smart about it. He went slowly into the Azimio and when it didn’t go his way. He bolted out temporarily and returned when Odinga greased his wheels. That’s why Kalonzo isn’t that smooth or bright, as we cannot believe that his participation is sincere.

Kalonzo, Kalonzo and Kalonzo your time as a kingmaker or a kingpin is over. That is for sure. Your a punchline and a liability. That’s because you can be bought and stands for nothing. If did stand for something. He wouldn’t have returned this time, as he would believe in his case and be an “independent” presidential candidate. However, he couldn’t even do that… sorry for the person that signed off as his deputy. That brother needs a ride and a ticket to the moon now.

Kalonzo… who are you kidding? You have made everything to hard and the story of this election shows from the on-set in OKA. Where he was the most useful figure and the Flag-Bearer of the ages. Nevertheless, he thought he could bring that to the table in Azimio too, but the coalition had other ideas, which has been hurting his inner-vision.

That’s why he had to settle for a future meal. If that is your guy… I hate to tell you, but this man isn’t all that. Kalonzo isn’t a maverick and only one generation of politicians who is seeking office for personal benefits. That’s why when he couldn’t become Deputy he had to re-negotiate to get a better cut of the future cabinet and whatnot. He has only exposed that his not as great or as powerful as he himself believes.

Because… if he was that… he wouldn’t need to bicker back and fourth. He wouldn’t need all the trials and tribulations to get at this point. If he was as genuine and sincere as he himself thinks… his candidacy and relevancy would have brought the leverage from the first agreement with Azimio. However, that didn’t happen and his surely not that big of a bargain.

It is just tragic man… we all understand why he ditched and dropped out of Uhuru Park. He was trying to co-ordinate his future in the second term of Jubilee. Now, he has done this to have an advantage in Azimio. Nevertheless, everyone knows that his a day-trader and not a long-term player. Sooner or later… he will make a fuzz and the headlines will come again.

That’s why Kalonzo is tiring and neither is a hopeful either. If he had stood alone he would have been the third-wheel and be another Aukot. Now, he will be part of the team, but it shouldn’t be this way. It is just tragic that they entertained him and gave way. That is why he believes that about himself… while the true character of Kalonzo is shown.

Kalonzo, Kalonzo, Kalonzo, they pulled him back in. Peace.