Opinion: CS Fred Matiang’i bans Anti-IEBC demos, my plea to him “can someone please teach him the Article 37 of the 2010 Constitution!”

“INTERIOR ACTING CS Fred Matiangi bans anti-IEBC demos in central business districts of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu; cites Public Order Act” (NationBreakingNews, 12.10.2017).

I do not know if someone can teach CS Fred Matiang’i the rights of the citizens too peacefully demonstrate. That the people have the rights to run to the streets and show civil disobedience to the rule of law and state. It is as if someone hit him with rock and the bump on his head is made of pure perfection. Suddenly, he is acting more and more like his predecessor Joseph Nkaissery, who also tried to silence the opposition and the National Super Alliance (NASA), through their OKOA and reform demonstrations. Clearly, he is trying to pull of the same sort of scheme today. It is like a relic from the past resurface as a magic bean hits the dirt and grows into a giant tree. Matiang’i thinks he drops wisdom, but he drops nonsense instead.

In the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, Chapter 4 Bill of Rights, Part 2 Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Article 37 states this: “Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities” (Kenyan Constitution 2010). So as long as NASA petition to demonstrate in Mombasa, Central Business District of Nairobi and in Kisumu. It is within their rights and it is just behavior to do so.

I do not know if CS Matiang’i understand that every person means that his father, his brother and his nephew can run the streets in demonstrations, even his mother, his sister and his cousin. I know that is hard to muster for this man, but as long as they send in petitions and notify the authorities in due time about their planned demonstrations, it should be allowed. What sort of misbehavior does this man live by? What sort of thing did the previous Anti-IEBC demonstrations do to you? If you were Ezra Chiloba or Wafula Chebukati, I would understand if the slogans and the demonstrations would hurt your feelings. However, Matiang’i you are not them. You are yourself and you do not understand what you do.

Alas, you are just a useful tool for Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto, which is why you took over so quickly after the sudden death of Nkaissery. It is not like have forgotten that part of your legacy. The body was not even in the casket before you were sworn-in as acting CS. Clearly, you want to repay your debt for the position they have given you. With using your power to trying to silence the men and woman who do not believe in a credible election under the IEBC and the current administration.

Why should they, when even you cannot muster to follow the provisions of the Constitutions. How dare you insult the citizens who are bleeding and silenced by your regime. What sort of imagination do you have? Do you think this will make it better, only make the Police more brutal and more innocent lives get lost! So you can be in power with your fellow crooked politicians and laugh of the publics misery. Get real and get lost. This sort of foolery is only eaten up by fools, please, by the grace of God! Study the Constitution that you are supposed to abide by and stop the nonsense.

CS Matiang’i you know better, I am sure you do! Peace.

 

Opinion: I wonder can the IEBC Secretariat even count days?

Today, as the sudden statement after the withdrawal of Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka yesterday. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in a statement today that Dr. Ekuru Aukot could stand in their place on the ballot. But can they really? Are the IEBC and the High Court really following the electoral codes and practices that in the provisions of electoral mandate. I doubt that, by a simple sentences made by the intellectuals of Elisha Ongonya and Willies Otieno really explain what the IEBC has to do. Because this is a repeated presidential election. Today is the 11th October 2017. So the days counted to 26th October is 15 days. Which is not enough considering the law. This cannot be seen as legal!

A presidential election is initiated by the Commission publishing a notice in the Gazette as well as in the electronic and print media of national circulation. Such publication is made at least sixty days before the date of the election in the case of a general election, and, at least twenty one days before the date of an election in case of a repeat presidential election following lack of a clear winner at a general election, and, upon the office of the president becoming vacant in any other case” (Ongonya & Otieno, P: 42, 2012).

I don’t know if there has arrived any khat from Kismayo of late to the IEBC Secretariat or they are as arrogant as DP William Ruto with his fancy watch. I don’t know, but what I do know is that today is the 11th October, the day IEBC announced changes on the ballots for the upcoming fresh elections on the 26th October. That is 15 beautiful days, where the Jubilee are busy bribing fellow displeased NASA disciples, while giving away t-shirts and campaigning through the Republic.

So if the IEBC was announcing a new candidates for the repeat presidential elections, which supposed to happen 21 days before the day of the election. That means it has to by announcing today happen on the 1st November 2017 and not on the 26th October 2017. I know that is hard math for Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba who follows direct orders and don’t use their brain-mass as much as they should. Still, this is very simple math. It was like if 15 + 11 became 26, you know. It is hard to understand for some fellow brothers. Maybe someone need to give some proper guidance to the gentlemen in charge at the IEBC.

I know that this Fresh Presidential Elections are not supposed to be this hard. The IEBC knows their rules and regulations, but not abiding to them. Again, they are acting all out and doing as they please. This was like trying to take the easy way out. Since the National Super Alliance pulled out. If people thinks today’s statement is final. You are wrong my friend. First the IEBC has to learn how to count, before they try to pull off another scheme benefiting the Jubilee and Kenyatta. Their gravy-train has to stop and the reforms has to appear. Peace.

Reference:

Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) – Ongonya Z. Elisha & Otieno Willies E.: “A HANDBOOK ON KENYA’S ELECTORAL LAWS AND SYSTEM – HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELECTORAL LAWS AND SYSTEM ESTABLISHED BY AND UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA 2010 AND OTHER STATUTES”, 2012

IEBC: Press Statement on the Forthcoming Fresh Presidential Election (11.10.2017)

Opinion: Dr. Eukuru Aukot on the ballot for 26th of October Elections is not the solution!

 

“If the journey has become too tough for him, he can relax” – Uhuru Kenyatta at Voi Stadium attacking Odinga (11.10.2017)

I do not know what runs through the brilliant minds of Jubilee Party in the aftermath of the withdrawal of National Super Alliance candidate Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. I do not know if the Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto has considered the implications of their behavior, even of the consequences as mere fact. That they was calling NASA cowards and blaming him for pulling out. Like it was the God given right for one those two compete.

The growing numbers impresses me and people on the streets demonstrating, as James Orengo, called for daily demonstrations next week against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the IEBC is a sinking ship. Still, the captain and leadership still does not seem to feel the water coming through the cracks of the ship and soon running up to the deck! We can wonder if they see what is happening and if there are any signs of reflection on their behalf. Clearly, at this point it is none or very little.

Dr. Ekuru Aukot of the Thirdway Alliance is not the solution to the fatigue and the blatant disregard for electoral reform and institutional change inside the IEBC. He is just a mere pawn in imaginary fairytale made by the High Court. Therefore, to settle the gazette election of September, so that it is still is officially a go. Even though the candidate of NASA and the main opposition are out of the picture.

What is funny and also tragic is that after this ruling today, both IEBC and Jubilee has appealed the decision to let Aukot be the second on the ballot this 26th October, it is like them both know that this move will not make the process legitimate. They need NASA and Odinga on the ballot to make it seem feasible. Even Aukot has come out and said he will not be running in an election, which is not free and fair, also not credible. In the circumstances make it also so more incredible. That the IEBC been able to create this havoc and this sort of charade, that even a third party says: “we will not be pawn you need”. It is fantastic, but also sad, because the Kenyans still do not have the leadership inside the IEBC or the state to find a proper solution to the stalemate.

This while the Anti-IEBC demonstrations are growing in size and power. The NASA leadership are really generating bigger and bigger crowds. They are showing force and will. The people wants reforms and credible elections, by an electoral body they can trust! Certainly, at his very moment the IEBC and Jubilee motives are not trustworthy. That is why it is so rare that they want to appeal the High Court decision to add the Thirdway Candidate!

Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba must wonder how they can settle this, as the IEBC is in a pickle and a stalemate. Between the will of the Jubilee and the reality of both court orders and their legal boundaries. Even if the National Assembly voted for amendments today, they will be challenged in the courts, as the timing and the precedence and provisions they put – are mildly speculative in favor of the ruling party.

For now there are no winner, Aukot is neither one, even if he suddenly resurrected to prominence today. Still, the stalemate is not settled and will not be for some time. Because the state and IEBC has been reluctant to change. They have clear that they will not be muffled with, even if the Supreme Court nullified the recent quest to get Kenyatta a second term.

That Kenyatta continue to blast Odinga is just self-serving and indulgent. It does not benefit the Kenyan people, neither his supposed electorate. Since they are not getting a fair test of democracy, if it continues as it does. It is as if Kenyatta shatters his own glass and blame Odinga for doing it. It is sort of the tale of his presidency; it is always someone else’s fault, not the President himself. If it was corruption, it was at the ports and not in the state house. If it was problems, it was NASA who did not comply, not that his legislation or his provisions was any good.

Therefore, we are back into a tale-spin, where the revealing character of the people in the circle of Jubilee and the IEBC will reveal themselves. If they are for rigging and for electoral malpractice. Just for the sense of safety and stability or if there are someone who cares about credible elections, that elects legitimate government. We will see what will be served, but do not expect the plate to serve quickly. The Jubilee and IEBC seems more interested in self-serving, than in due diligence. Peace.

IEBC Answer to “NASA Irreducible Minimums on Electoral Reforms before the Fresh Presidential Elections are held”

NASA Statement: “Mr. Raila Odinga’s Withdrawal from Race” (10.10.2017)

IEBC: “Withdrawal by NASA in the Fresh Presidential Election” (10.10.2017)

Opinion: Odinga’s withdrawal is a brave step hopefully towards a new beginning!

Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka decision to pull out of the Fresh Elections of 26th October 2017. Proves character, proves swagger and belief that the vision of a conducted free and fair elections under the current leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Who is preparing just about a similar election as the one made on the 8th August 2017. There is lacking or no proof of any significant change after the annulment of the previous enterprise. Just a few mere small changes, that could be seen as insignificant by anyone.

Then also has the Jubilee Administration together with the IEBC undermined the efforts of changing the organization and the electoral body. It is insane to use the same companies to service the same sort of arrangement and believe that results be different. The lack of transparency and accountability for the missteps of August is proven. Instead they been steady pumping without any disregard of the consequences. They have not been listening or even showing any progress. The talks been facade and play for the gallery, as they want to stall for time. So that the National Super Alliance (NASA) would be again put in a corner and again has to petition the elections to the Supreme Court.

Uhuru Kenyatta might celebrate today, even Deputy President William Ruto, but if they do, they are foolish and ignorant to the fact. The mere election of 26th October is another front and not a real election. Since the competition is not there, there we’re two candidates on the ballot and now there are one. Certainly, this should be seen as a slap in the face of the incumbent President. The race towards 26th October has suddenly stopped.

We just have to wait and see if the NASA also writes to notify the IEBC. That is they obliged by law. But the Press Conference and officially withdrawing in public. Should really rattle the cage of the IEBC. Since their plan of same procedure should silence that. That the Jubilee throws shade and says it just continues is foolish. Because its not just to continue as usual.

That IEBC Secretariat has a hard battle to just continue and finish this one. That Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba have to decide what they do, since the IEBC has not clean hands. They have to wash them and also find another soap. The soap and the water they are using is far from clean. Therefore, IEBC has to change guards and reform to become trustworthy.

Following the withdrawal of the NASA presidential candidate, the Commission and the legal team are meeting and will communicate way forward” (IEBC, 10.10.2017). We can just wait and see if the IEBC finds their way, if they will just announce Kenyatta or they will re-issue and actually try reform the electoral body.

Now is the time, his bravery is shown and now is the time for IEBC to step up their game. The cards are in play, Kenyatta is not yet the winner and neither is the date of 26th October put in stone. Since the law and the Electoral Codes has to be followed, by those provisions that are there. Peace.

Ethiopia: The Economy is struggling, not a rising lion as previously forecasted!

For as long as I can remember there gone stories of the amazing rise of the Ethiopian economy, the financial markets and the outputs out of this world. Where the money would grow ten-folds within minutes of its arrival. Like a mirage the number’s must have appeared in front of our eyes and stories that, we are told over the recent years. The Ethiopian powerhouse and the serious contender with Nigeria and South Africa. With their railways, banks and development projects, the powerful dam and all the others. It must have been a ride for the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalgn, must be so proud of his achievement.

Why I say that, because a booming economy does not do this:

“Ethiopia and World Bank have signed a 1.3 billion dollar grant and loan agreement to enhance equitable services and reduce food insecurity. The agreement was signed by Abraham Tekeste (PhD), minister of Finance & Economic Cooperation (MoFEC) and Carolyn Turk, World Bank’s country director for Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan” (All Africa, 2017).

So when a booming economy, that has such magnificent rates and growth prospects should not and no need for extensive borrowings from the World and subsidiaries, to say they need so is a lie. The debt and the international support for projects and food security is not a sign of a sound and strong economy. More of the latter if I beg to differ. On that, alas the recent weeks has proven this. World Bank was ushered in the end of September, but it is now cash-crunch time.

Not the jolly Captain Crunch, but the credit is due.

“Ethiopia will devalue its currency to attract foreign investment and close the gap in foreign trade, President Mulatu Teshome said at the opening of the bicameral parliament on Monday. He said his government is faced with a serious shortage of hard currency and export trade has dwindled in last three years. Mulatu said major projects like the construction of railway and universities will not be carried out this budget year due to a serious shortage of finances” (ESAT, 2017).

The seriousness is there and it is bleak, when the President Teshome shows up and spread enlightenment to the world. That the economy is fragile and not at its peak, is clear when all the prestige and the giant projects are now put on hold until further notice. Clearly, the financial strains have hit the economy, as well as their exports has given them less hard currency.

It does not go well, when just days ago, when this hit the fan as well:

Double-digit inflation keeps threatening the macroeconomic conditions of the country as the headline inflation rate hit 10.8pc last month, according to the Central Statistical Agency (CSA)- the highest since October 2015. It is in contrary with the target of the government in the second edition of Growth & Transformation Plan (GTP II) to keep inflation in a single digit. The hike in the price of cereals such as teff, maize, wheat, barley, beans and sorghum coupled with holiday-driven price upsurge is the primary reason for the inflationary pressure last month, keeping the food inflation stagnant around 13pc.“As September is a time of multiple holidays, it is believed to influence the increase in the inflation rate,” the report of CSA reads” (Berhane, 2017).

That the cash crunch and the double-digit inflation hits the Republic is not a good look. The proof of the currency value falling, lack of hard currency and new Multi-National loans proves that the Financial Sector and Financial Institutions are strained. There is nothing more to give, it is just bones and not meat. It is just a matter of time before the boiling bones gives no taste to stew as well!

In addition, you the economy is bonkers when their agency spread out this sort of tales, at the time the devalued currency is told to the public on other platforms.

This is from the Ethiopian News Agency:

“The diplomats, who observed the government’s direction at the joint session of the parliaments, whom ENA has talked to also forecasted the country`s economic growth to be amplified in better manner referring the current stability of the nation. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Ethiopia Monirul Islam said the growth that Ethiopia’s economy has witnessed was ‘wonderful’ despite the drought and other problems. “It was 10.9 percent and this year I hope it will be more than that because there is a good rain, everything is good, the state of emergency has been lifted and everything is normal”. “So I think the economy should perform better especially in the agriculture sector as well as in the industry sector”, he pointed out” (ENA, 2017).

I do not know if Ambassador Islam lives in alternative reality or trying to sugarcoat the situation of the dire economic state that the Republic is facing, but it makes good propaganda for the ones who still want the fantastic picture spread around the globe. That the Ethiopian economy is sound and still growing. However, it is hard to grow when you lack currency, you have growing inflation and you are borrowing more funds. I do not know, which economy or financial system that it works splendid in. Certainly not this one.

In addition, the news of the financial rising tiger or lion of Ethiopia has been a mirage, a fraud and play for the world to see. At this stage and in time, it is far from it. The Ethiopian economy is plummeting and at amp speed. If you eat up the crap the ENA serves you, it must certainly serve your kind, but it is not reality. The President even said so, the reports are striking and the added loans proves the dire state.

The ones who is the most hurt. It is the citizens who needs the hard currency to buy food and live, they are punished for the reckless care of the financial system. They are the ones who suffers, because of how the state decided to conduct their affairs. They are the ones who feels the inflation, the rising prices and still has to get by. It is not right, but that is how it is. The Ethiopian government should subsidize and make sure the people get enough. However, do not expect that. This is from the same government that sent Agazi squad to Amhara and Oromia to kill and destroy. They do not care, unless they have too or if it keep them in power. Peace.

Reference:

All Africa – ‘Ethiopia: World Bank Assents U.S.$1.3 Billion Finance to Ethiopia’ (30.09.2017) link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201710090243.html?utm_campaign=allafrica%3Aeditor&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_content=promote%3Aaans%3Aabljpw

Berhane, Samson – ‘Gov’t Sees Double Digit Inflation, Again’ (08.10.2017) link: https://addisfortune.net/articles/govt-sees-double-digit-inflation-again/

ESAT – ‘Ethiopia President Says Country is Broke’ (09.10.2017) link: https://www.tesfanews.net/ethiopias-president-says-country-financial-crisis/

ENA – ‘Diplomats Laud Economic Performance of Ethiopia’ (10.10.2017) link: http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/3814-diplomats-laud-economic-performance-of-ethiopia

 

South Sudan: “Subject: Appointment of Party’s General Secretary and Executive Secretaries of South Sudan United Movement” (07.10.2017)