Kenya: Council of Governors (CoG) – Press Statement on Arbitrary Arrest of H.E. Kawira Mwangaza (18.10.2023)

Kenya: Joint Press Statement by Nyanza Governors on Sondu Killings (05.10.2023)

Opinion: Ruto to wants to renovate Odinga’s “bedroom”…

We have ambitious plans to transform Kibera into a well-developed estate as part of our broader initiative to eliminate slums across Kenya. In the next 10 years, Kibera will be an estate” – President William Ruto (01.10.2023).

Well, here we go… and it isn’t amusing. This is actually the bad side of politicking. Especially when the likes of Ruto does this. We know there is an angle and means to an end. The citizens and slum-dwellers aren’t the prospects. No, there is something underneath it all and with a purpose. The promise and pledge will go into thin-air. It will cease to exist very quickly. While the President hope everyone has forgotten about it.

It is just amazing that he does this now in 2023. That he thinks he can sell this story. That he can suddenly transform and change the lives of a possible 1.2 million slum-dwellers. It is something he says will happen within a decade. When the slums itself is over 100 years old and as only grown over the years. This has become one of those places where Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called their “bedroom”. Now he wants to make it into Ruto’s “mansion”. Well, we have to see about that…

The slum originated in 1918 as a Nubian soldiers’ settlement in a forest outside Nairobi, with plots allotted to soldiers as a reward for service in the First World War and earlier wars. The British colonial government of the time allowed the settlement to grow informally, primarily because of the Nubians’ status as former servants of the British crown that put the colonial regime in their debt. Essentially, since the early 1970s landlords have rented out their property to a significantly greater number of tenants than legality permitted. Since the slum-dwellers find the rates offered to be comparatively affordable, the number of residents in Kibera has increased accordingly despite its unauthorized nature. Its population is put at anything between 600,000 and 1.2 million” (Kibera Tours – ‘About Kibera – History’).

It is nice to put things into perspective. We have to do this considering the people who lives there and their livelihoods. The lives of Kibera isn’t easy and the outsiders might think they have the ability to “save lives” easily there. The “white man’s burden” and all the “good deeds” to make a difference. Therefore, Ruto is in the same fashion here and I doubt he will succeed.

There is no reason for Ruto to succeed or even make this one happen. If it had been the case than previous governments would have done more or even tried to achieve more. While NGOs and CSOs are busy in Kibera. The aid organizations and others are filling in the void. Just so the slum-dwellers are getting what they need and the government doesn’t need to spend their hard earned cash. That’s why I doubt they suddenly will transform or make it an urban dream.

No, this is the practical politicking and with a purpose. I don’t know that yet, but sooner or later the gist will be released. This here is someone’s cash-cow and a development project for someone to eat. It got to be and to think otherwise is very naive. When knowing who we are dealing with. Ruto has been eating and so has associates. Therefore, they would easily use Kibera as a pawn, so they can continue to be Kings.

It is shady, it is depressing, but that is life. Odinga’s bedroom will most likely never turn into Ruto’s mansion. I doubt it, but I could be proven wrong and nothing would be better than that. Peace.

Kenya: County Government of Kisumu – Office of the Governor – Where should the AFCON Matches be held in Kenya? (01.10.2023)

Opinion: Ruto can tell porkies…

The ones that believes William Ruto in 2023. Well, I hate to say it, but this man can tell stories. President Ruto is a seasoned politician. A conning one at that. His thinking strategically and tactically to get ahead. That’s what he has always done and somehow he has gotten into a better position with time.

President Ruto has served other Presidents before him. He has been part of other parties before creating his own. Ruto is no stranger to controversy or scandals. However, these things doesn’t fester on him or his associates. It doesn’t matter if it is a little land-grab, emptying out state coffers or even looting the state reserves. As long as his eating and so is his allies. That’s all that counts.

Who foots the bill or get the credit due? Well, that’s not his problem. He will ensure that he gets to eat and prosper. That he gets new estates, hotels, businesses and whatnot. Just like he has done in all the years of politics. It doesn’t matter what sort of pledges, promises or campaign slogans. As long as he gets ahead of the competition. He will ally himself with anyone and whoever that gets him the ticket. That’s what he has done and to perfection.

The ones that believes Ruto will save you… I’m sorry but I got a few school lap-tops and stadiums to sell you. Have a few dams who needs repair and junked Eurobonds to collect. There are enough NYS Funds to get by tomorrow. Certainly something shady at the Weston Hotel too. Maybe even a Newspaper that he has acquired over the years. It is just so much and we don’t have the time.

The ones that think he will serve them are fooled. He only serves himself and his interests. Ruto has had years in office as Member of Parliament, Minister and Deputy President. He could have shown achievements or what he wants to do. However, there is little legacy left. Maybe the foundation stone at Makerere University can be a lasting piece for him. Since there is nothing left by hot-air from the man himself.

That’s why its hard to believe that he has become a Pan-Africanist now that his President. It is only done to boost his ego and make his term look better. His not personally invested in these things. Unless, there is a scheme and a plot to ensure a quick-pay-off. That is what keeps him going and his political ambition. The ability to get a slice and get a bite. There is nothing subtle about it either. It is just the way he has operated and gotten away with it too.

The ones thinking his a puppet or a man of the West. Well, his serving the ones that is ticking off his lavish lifestyle and bills. He don’t care who foots the bill and who pays servants. As long as they are paid and they will not strike. He don’t mind the strings attached or the lack of independence by doing so. The shortcoming and fiscal stimulus is helping his bloated budget and keeping his allies happy. That’s all that matters. If the World Bank or IMF is controlling or setting the standard. Let them just do that. As long as he can skim off the top and also give breadcrumbs to his allies. That’s all his asking for.

President Ruto aren’t here to serve. President Ruto is here to collect. If you haven’t gotten the memo. I delivered it too you. He will come with a wheelbarrow and promise heaven to the hustlers. Just like Odinga promised Canaan to the crowds over the years. The only difference is that Ruto was able to fix the system for his advantage. While Odinga let vibes take the wheel. Here we are in 2023…

People think high and mighty of Ruto apparently. He is a con and a long-con. It is just a matter of time before they can also smell the stench. Peace.

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)