Opinion: DP Gachagua could have mentioned the tiger fish…

As you come to invest in Kenya, we have very many facilities for wildlife. We have rare species of wildlife, the elephant, the rhino, the buffalo, the tiger” – Rigathi Gachagua.

There are no tigers on the African continent. They are in fictional tales on the savannah and such. Regardless of that. You cannot rig nature or the surroundings. Neither are the tiger and other animals on the continent compatible. Therefore, the Kenyan Deputy President has lost the plot here.

Here is just a brief fact about Tigers… I will not dwell much into it…

Tigers, the largest of the big cats, do not live in Africa. Though there are a number of large cats and predators to be found throughout the continent, tigers are not one of them. Wild tigers are found only in Asia across 13 tiger-range countries. The natural habitat of tigers in the wild is widespread and includes a variety of habitats. While they tend to be found primarily in forested areas, they also occupy grasslands, mangrove swamps and even rocky environments” (Carly Dodd – ‘Are There Tigers In Africa?’ 06.08.2020, World Atlas).

I don’t know if it is Charlie Sheen’s Tigerblood or the supposed might of the cat that are inspirational for the DP. He might have some fascination of the animal and that’s why he mentioned it. However, that doesn’t make it true.

What the African continent got is a fish and that’s called African Tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus). That’s a species that lives from Egypt to South Africa. There are even stories online of people catching the fish in Lake Turkana. Meaning this a type of fish that belong in Kenya.

He could said something about the predator or water dog. Maybe he doesn’t know or doesn’t care. It is in Lake Turkana and what does the DP knows about that. The mentioning of Tiger is either a lie, ignorance or failed attempt to make things attractive. Because, this isn’t how you do it. Especially, when Kenya has so much to offer anyways. You don’t have to sell something you don’t have when you have so much more to sell.

He could have sold something the Kenyans do have and lots of. That would have made sense, as the environment and the nature of Kenya is spectacular. There is enough wonders in Kenya to create or boost tourism. If that was the case for the DP…

However, the DP choose to lie or try to play things smart. While doing so also showing his either ignorance or willing to lie. That’s what the DP was doing in Columbia. Trying to act like the African continent had something it doesn’t have. It is just so striking.

Next time he can either sell the Tiger Fish or the Nile Perch. That’s something Kenya has and can be proud of. Tigers on the other hand… well the continent doesn’t have it and neither does Kenya. Peace.

Opinion: Odinga can handshake anyone, but his minions cannot…

Members facing allegations of violation of Article 11 (1) (e) of the party constitution and section 14A of the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political party and opposed lawful decisions/resolutions made by the party organs, the NEC decided that these members i.e Hon. Elisha Ochieng’ Odhiambo (Gem), Hon. Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Hon. Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Hon. Tom Ojienda (Senator of Kisumu County) and Hon. Phelix Odiwuor Kodhe (Lang’ata) be deemed to have resigned from the party. The party is hereby directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of the party” (Orange Democratic Movement, 06.09.2023).

This seems to be Raila Odinga’s “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” moment of history. Odinga is miscalculating here, as Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition are in bipartisan talks with Kenya Kwanza Alliance. Meaning there is already communication and talks between the government and the opposition. Therefore, to suspend or expel members for the same activities seems a bit harsh.

We know Raila Odinga, the Baba can easily change his mind. One day he can hate the government and the next one he can get a prefixed office made out of thin air. That’s the sort of gentleman Odinga has become. He can one day demonstrate and complain about the price of living. However, in the next he can praise the government for their activities and possible pledges to change the prices of maize. That’s what he does and we can wonder what is coming next.

This isn’t the first or the last time someone will be expelled from the ODM. No, in the ODM there is only one KING and that is Odinga. Everyone has to dance to his tune and pledge blind loyalty to him. Regardless of the mandate, the local promises or the constituents a representative represents while in Office. In that regard, they serve Odinga and his whims first, after that they can be concerned about the needs of the citizens.

That’s the vibe I’m getting here. Odinga is just showing how out of touch and bound he is. When this is the choice he makes. He and his party punish people for working with the government. The same government the ODM and the opposition coalition are in talks with. It isn’t like there is total hostilities and mistrust. No, there is dialogue and principals for communication between the parties. Meaning the ODM and the other parties are already in coordination with KKA as we speak. Maybe not at BBI levels of yet or a Presidential Handshake. Neither is Odinga appointed Prime Minister in a Government of National Unity. However, his still in talks and so is his associates.

That’s why it’s a bit bonkers and feels like the ODM is losing the plot to clip the wings of people who is actually meeting or greeting the President. Maybe they didn’t notify the party or have the blessing of Odinga to do so. They should have maybe asked, but we can understand why they went. They have obligations to their constituents and wants to deliver to them. To make things easier and smooth. They tried to have a nice bond with the President. I cannot blame them for that and I understand the sentiment.

Just like I understand the secrecy and the undermining efforts of Odinga before the Presidential Handshake. The one that caused peace, but also rift in NASA. A handshake that shook the core of NASA and also caused a stir in Jubilee. That’s why things are the way they are and Odinga has never entered Canaan or seen Jerusalem.

Odinga tried this game with Ruto in the past. Now he does the same trick with other members. Ruto went behind his back to Kibaki. Now several others has done the same, but gone to Ruto. Ruto has overtaken the slot of Odinga. Who says there aren’t other figures who can do the same yet again. Out of the leaders that is now expelled. They are maybe not ODM anymore, but do they need that to re-elected or even be relevant?

Odinga is playing a game he will not win. Especially, when he can change his mind and suddenly become a project under the wings of government himself. There is just a need for a proper excuse and a mission. Which in the end sounds like the golden ticket out of poverty and into wealth. We all know that will never appear and the same empty pockets will reside around our way. Peace.

Kenya: Kenya Human Rights Commisson (KHRC) and Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) – Joint Press Release – Ruto’s push for Malabo Protocol an affront to justice for victims of international crimes (08.08.2023)

Kenya: Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party – Azimio Delegation to Dialogue Committee (31.07.2023)

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM): Open Letter to Comrade Julius Malema (30.07.2023)

Kenya: Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party – Our Stand on Talks to Resolve Crisis (30.07.2023)

Kenya: Joint Statement by Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza Leadership (29.07.2023)

Kenya: Azimio La Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party – Press Release (29.07.2023)

Kenya: Ministry of Interior and National Administration – Press Release (25.07.2023)

Kenya: Law Society of Kenya (LSK) – Return of the Dark Days of Repression (24.07.2023)