Kenya: Taskforce in Building Bridges in Unity – Press Release (25.07.2018)

Opinion: What role does Odinga now have?

After the 9^th March handshake between ODM and NASA Principal Raila Odinga and Jubilee leader and President Uhuru Kenyatta. Both of them have worked together with the Building Bridges initiative. This have not only changed the dynamics within the NASA and with the leadership there, as the NASA Co-Principals Moses Wetangula, Musalia Mudavadi and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. Who all was left behind by the handshake, just as Odinga was left behind on the Swearing-In on the 30^th January 2018. Therefore, this shouldn’t matter now, but is just mere politics and who gets the upper-hand.

Odinga got the upper-hand and left the other Co-Principal behind. It was dead on revival with that handshake. The President got the NASA under his wings without paying much and with co-operation directly with Odinga. Therefore, the problem now, is that Odinga has no official title or place, but is still accepted as a big man.

That is why I am starting to wonder, because he has been as an official ambassador-at-large in South Africa, Sudan and in India. This combined with the statement of making changes in government, like the fights against corruption and stopping it. You can start to wonder what Odinga does and what is his part now. Since he is vocal, but also are acting as a public official like abroad.

The President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto has their part, the same has the rest of the cabinet, the other appointed officials and appointed leaders of state owned enterprises, but Odinga has no official title. Odinga cannot just be running cat-and-mouse after Kenyatta.

I wonder if he has the perks of a public official? I wonder why he hasn’t a title? Because James Orengo is the head of the Opposition in the Senate, but if the Odinga is part of the government and working as a part of government, how can fellow party members in Parliament be “opposition” leaders?

Because, it seems more and more like an unofficial Prime Minister under Kenyatta and Ruto, but not as a Cabinet Secretary in the Cabinet of the Jubilee. He should be sworn-in and appointed to something, especially when he is traveling as a representative to the India, South Africa and Sudan.

I don’t feel by how he acts and performs as the long-arm of the government, but not as the opposition. Odinga is more than an opposition figure, he is not directly there. The Building Bridges Initiative and activity proves that.

Therefore, what is the stance of Jubilee Administration and Kenyatta, what should they do about this? Because Odinga is clearly in cahoots with them, but nothing more official than the handshake and the agreement.

They shouldn’t trick the public, but offer the public the real deal and show good governance. Peace.

Kenya: Safaricom notice to Customers: Voice and Data Outage (22.07.2018)

Opinion: Is Collymore the only person who can run Safaricom?

That Bob Collymore has no returned to Safaricom is a sign of the state of affairs, the man whose through 2016 got the dirty laundry in the streets for everyone to see. That Safaricom and Vodaphone takes him back. Shows that the company is so big, it doesn’t care about public perception or their ordeal of the last two years. As they can get scratch free from the dirt and thinks people forget. Collymore is a shady character and runs a dirty business. However, it is profitable, that is why the leadership above him keeps him. They want the easy money and wants to run the market of telecom’s in Kenya. That is what Safaricom does so well.

That Collymore was directly involved in the General Elections, that his misuse of the company within the Results Transmissions, that doesn’t matter now. That the Safaricom used their backbone to support the Jubilee, by canceling and stopping the M-Pesa Paybill to the National Super Alliance (NASA). Shows the lack of tolerance and their political stance. They did that with passion, while fixing and making sure the fraud of an election went through with their back-channels with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, also with Cambridge Analytica and whatever else that was needed to secure the results into the famous undisclosed server. Collymore did this and fixed that with IEBC, while stopping the cash-flow to NASA. A clear indication of his works. That was the year after the damaging internal report from KPMG.

The KPMG agreement showed how the Safaricom misused their place, their tenders and the procurement of installations of 4G, M-Pesa software and direct dealing with third-parties. This was done in a fashion where the leadership was eating of the top and putting the bills on the consumers. At a rate that was insane. That the 18^th February 2016 KPMG Report should mean the end of a career for a leader and CEO like Collymore. But Vodaphone doesn’t give a rats ass. They don’t care as long as their profits are souring in Kenya. They are oblivious and nurturing their pockets, nothing else matters. Even if they are within the pockets of cartels, election-rigging and midst of public outrage. As long as the pockets are filled with shillings, they don’t mind. They can still be proud-cock and be chiefs.

That Safaricom paid of the local-media houses with ad-revenue, that they used their place to keep themselves on top. That doesn’t matter, because the results are blindly positive, even if everyone know knows that the company is run like the mafia. Controlling everything it can, not only selling Mobil-Data, Mobile-Money and Communications, but they are also a FinTech company that has the information on the public that other doesn’t. Who knows how they are using that and misusing that to gain even more profits. When Facebook does it? Why shouldn’t Safaricom too?

That Collymore should be gone, that is the reality, there should be someone who could muster trust and show that its a decent company, not a pillar of power in Kenyan Politics. Which it has become and where it muster all capabilities with the funds to slash stories in the media and also to be directly involved in Results Transmission during the General Elections. Therefore, the importance of the company is beyond communications between the citizens and their data. But also the perception of the trust between them.

Collymore is now the epitome of what is wrong with businesses in Kenya. He is the significant prospect of someone who misuses his position for monetary gain. Instead of being there for just simple services and leave the office in the night. He has directed the company in the midst of public space, making sure his stories are portrayed and cleaning the dirt of his hands. Even if it doesn’t go off, it won’t, not this way.

So Vodaphone, I have one important question:

Where the no-one else on planet earth that have the capabilities to run Safaricom?

Seemingly there should be, but your still behind the man that are really involved in shady deals for you. Taking the dirt and eating it, so that the stakeholders can eat the profits without any questionable

Kenya Medicial Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union: KMPDU Position on Importation of Doctors from Cuba (30.04.2018)

Kenyatta’s SONA18 will be “the President will say”: So a rewind like usual then?

I have a feeling that the State of the Union, will be rewind of the speeches of late from President Uhuru Kenyatta. He is running a long series of the same speeches, but with blends of specials. I am sure he has an extra number for the joint siting in Parliament on 2^nd May. However, if he wouldn’t be have a sitting, I think it would be empty chairs and lack of public support for it. Just like on the 54^th Jamhuri Day. Why do, I say this today, well, that because of the lack-of-professional ability Presidential Spokesperson. He really, writes it so mediocre. So if anyone was looking forward. They shouldn’t, just take a look!

“On Wednesday, the 2^nd of May, the President will deliver the first State of the Nation address of his second and last term as President. This address — to the joint sitting of Parliament — is in terms of measures the President has taken and the progress achieved in the realisation of national values; progress made in fulfilling Kenya’s international obligation; and the state of our nation’s security. A number of journalists have been asking what the President will say, but clearly we all have to wait to hear what the President will say. What we can say, though, is that the Constitution requires him to address the nation, through an appearance in Parliament, to speak to the three issues I have raised, and to share his views on the long-term shaping and reimagining of our country” (Manoah Esipisu – ‘Spokesperson’s Briefing, State House, 29 April 2018’, 29.04.2018).

You know there isn’t anything left to chance in a way. MBS Esipisu tries to make it interesting and surprising. But, the words he will speak of is what Kenyatta has spoken about again, and again. Not like these is new topics, neither has been spitting fire while saying them. Like Esipisu thinking reporters are awaiting in their chair “to wait to hear what the President will say”. Because this President will speak about his agenda, stop politicking and that the importance is development in all fields. Even I know that, if there is potholes and corruption fight, that is the double-featured bonus. If he mentions Eurobonds and added debts, that would be interesting to defend the rising debts. But that would humiliate the elite, the cronies and himself. So, he will not do that, unless, he will lie about the reasons for the sky-rocketing debt within his two-terms.

Kenyatta talking about re-imagining the Republic, that will be with roads into oblivion, SGR that is profitable, huge oil-profits from Turkana, boom in Sugar Industry and fair prices of the State Owned Enterprises with the Energy Industry. Well, if UNGA will prices will sky-rocket again, not be surprised, if the imports has to appear, because the cartels control this Presidency. All of these things could change, but with this party and dynasty, it is not in their interests to do so. Because they are eating on the common-mans ply. Its like they dire situations can just go-on, the lack of transparency and the issues that are there.

Outtake from the President after the handshake with Odinga:

“So we have a responsibility as leaders to be able to come together to discuss these issues and to find solutions. Solutions that will bind our people together; that will unify our country, and that will give us a life cycle that is beyond the five years that we have established for ourselves. Elections come and go but Kenya remains; so as we plan ourselves for the future, our future cannot be dictated by the forthcoming elections. Our future must be dictated by the prosperity, stability of our nation and the well-being of our people” (Uhuru Kenyatta – ‘President Kenyatta’s speech after meeting with Raila Odinga’ 09.03.2018).

Outtake from the President like on the 5^th Devolution Conference:

“Thirdly, we must aspire towards strategic alignment of our national development goals. While every county government has its own agenda, it is necessary to align that agenda with the national blue print, that is, Vision 2030. When I conceptualized the Big Four, I did so in appreciation of the fact that for us to accelerate the achievement of our Vision 2030 aspiration, we would need to take a new approach to our medium-term planning, and focus to those issues that would have the greatest impact on the well-being of our people” (…) “We can begin by getting clear on what the plan entails. The first priority of the “Big Four” is to grow our manufacturing sector and to raise its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 9 per cent to 15 per cent” (Uhuru Kenyatta – ‘President Kenyatta speech to the 5th devolution conference in Kakamega’ 24.04.2018, Business Daily Afrika).

So, if we see this, it would following the paradigm of his leadership. Following the same message, but just repackage it a little bit. What we do know, which is a funny way of putting it, is “the President will say, but clearly we all have to wait to hear what the President will say” (Esipisu, 2018). That must be the funnies part of paragraph, any spokesperson will write. The President will say, what the President will say. That is exceptionally and brave writing. It gives us an insight to the inner-works and surely the guy giving head-up are saying to the President. You know the drill, follow the format, the Big Four Agenda and fight Corruption. You will do it perfectly, Peace.

Orange Democratic Movement: Appointment of Advisors for the Building Bridges Initiative (29.04.2018)

IEBC: It would not be enough to get rid of Cheech & Chong!

Akombe + Cheech & Chong

“Chong: Hey, how much money do we have now?

Cheech: All together?

Chong: Yeah, all together?

Cheech: Let’s see, mmm, uh, oh man! We have 17 million dollars!

Chong: Really?

Cheech: Oh wait, well um, 17, something. Who cares, were rich, man.” (Taken from the Movie – ‘Nice Dreams’ released on 5^th June 1981).

Since the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is such under fire, we shouldn’t directly care if Wafula Chebukati remains or even Ezra Chiloba. Because, let’s be clear, after Chickengate and new commissioners didn’t help the state organization whose main responsibility is to secure free and fair elections. It isn’t magic, voodoo or even Kong Fu! It is elections by secret ballot, counting them, transmission of results, verify them and announce them within scope of time that seems fair, where all political stakeholders and all citizens believe the results. Where non.rigging and where the announced result winner cannot be questioned or the legitimacy of the winners feel unjustified.

That is the reality with the leadership of Cheech & Chong, they are playing a blame game, they are shadowing the world and making a mockery of the Electoral Commission. The IEBC are supposed to be the place where integrity and respect of the voters are supposed to be. However, that is not the case. The Akombe Report, all the internal Memos from the shop is showing glaceing ignorance, power-play and disrespect of the population. As they are more involved in high-rating trading with foreign companies, ICT manipulations and questionable transactions. That hasn’t really shown the true character of the Republic, but the will to create a result the Jubilee Party would be proud off.

Therefore, Cheech & Chong, delivered as promised to Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, even the Cambridge Analytica, the Safran/ OT Morpho, Safaricom and the rest of them. All of them did deliver what the Republic’s current incumbent leadership needed. They needed a victory and secure it, so it could be validated as another step in a democratic direction without to much post-election violence. They made that and twin-combo of nocturnal numb-shocks and hob-stoppers didn’t stop the crisis from within. As resignations and inner-works fatigue, as it hurts to play with fire, within time you going to get burned, if not like the brothers-in-charge, stoned.

Cheech & Chong is known for firing up their spliffs, to light up some jazz-tobacco and make smooth jazz through the night. The same was anticipated now, that they was supposed to gaslight it all, let the people forget the farce and let it go. However, the internal issues are rising, because the IEBC are filled with smoke and no-one wants to scream fire. They are playing to see who can survive, but that shouldn’t be the scenario. Because that is just a Public Relations game. Instead of fixing the mismanagement, the business-aspect of the Commission and the external push from key political stakeholders. The IEBC will be ready to rig for them again, because that is the mandate in their eyes. Not to deliver legit results for the public, but for the political and ruling elite. The rest can just drown in the smoke from Cheech & Chong.

This isn’t funny, Cheech & Chong is, but they are now being used as public pawns, so people can cheer on either or, but initial problem is the organization and the fake mandate it runs on. Its a car running on empty and still your thinking the RAV4 can win Formula One. Lewis Hamilton would grin and ride in amp speed away. While the duo Cheech & Chong would lie to public and say they had a winning chance. When they started the engine and lack of gas, would never ever have a chance against Hamilton, because it was never meant to be. Peace.

The Akombe Report is damaging: But the IEBC already lacked integrity!

The whole 2017 has been tarnishing and disgraceful for the public trust in the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC), even with the changes of Commissioners after the eye-opening Chickengate, the Public Body still continued with their ill-deceiving affairs, that leads to rigging and questionable electoral malpractice. That again, shows that the ones elected by this organization wasn’t that just. We knew there was issues when Rosely Akombe resigned, but her final report is telling. I am taking what I see as important. Therefore, all of it will not be included. But, what I see as a gist for the 8^th August and 26^th October Presidential Elections 2017. Which, is in itself botched already, but this report put the nail in the coffin!

On Page 7: “If the Commission retains the mandate to register voters, then the system for registration of voters must be completely overhauled with the responsibility for the register falling squarely under the Elections Operations directorate and not ICT. The over-reliance on Safran/ OT Morpho has to be addressed with full ownership of critical functions on the register being in the hands of Commission staff, not contractors” (Akombe 2017:P7).

On Page 20: “Even if the Commission had the complete details of deaths, it does not have a procedure for removal of the persons from the register of voters. This essentially meant that according to the KPMG audit report, there were potentially over a million deceased persons in the register of voters. Given that there were other means of identifying voters beyond beometrics (alpha numeric search) there is a high likelihood of “deceased” persons voting in the 2017 election. This would be the case especially in places with exceptionally high voter turn-out” (Akombe 2017:P20).

On Page 29: “I will always remember 8 August 2017 at about 8:30 pm when the display of results stopped and neither out staff nor Safran could explain to us what had happened. The display resumed about 3 hours later with the margin of difference between the leading candidates almost constant for the rest of the results transmission process. It is such situations that will forever leave questions in my mind of what actually happened 8 August. In the absence of an audit done by the Commission (although the Plenary had approved it), it becomes difficult to debunk myths of serious anomalies in management of the electronic transmission of results during the 2017 elections. Chairman Chebukati raised his own concerns on ICT issues in the annexed herewith” (Akombe 2017:P29).

These are just some of the statements, the situation with the servers, with the leaks to National Super Alliance (NASA) was only talked about in passing. They did in memo’s discuss the apparent issues of Chairman Chebukati logging in 90,000 and the issuing of non-gazzeted polling stations. Still, these issues wasn’t directly touched by Akombe Report. Maybe, the deep dive wasn’t in her will, when she was ending. As she was already directing the trouble of contractors and their ICT control. That would mean not only Safran/OT Morpho, but also Cambridge Analytica. Which also should be looked into.

The whole procurement of Ballot Papers, the building of the KIEMS, the BVR Machines, the Satellite Phones and the Servers of the IEBC, should be investigated together with the Voter Registers that wasn’t made correctly by the KPMG before the Presidential Elections in 2017. The IEBC has been mismanaged in favor of the ruling elite. They got the results they wanted, with the cost of the integrity of the IEBC and the Electoral Commission.

There is no question, there are two many loopholes and questionable activity during the elections and after. The IEBC as it is today, is untrustworthy and a political hackwork of the current administration. Peace.

Opinion: All these handshakes, what is Odinga up-too?

The dream of Canaan is long gone, that went with the first handshake and agreement between Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. That is known, as the legitimacy of the Jubilee Government came with that, the National Super Alliance (NASA) has started to fracture and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has aligned itself with the regime. Therefore, the problems of the 2017 elections are dwindling away. Even if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is in tatters right now. Just like it was in- and around the Chickengate sackings.

Odinga has now been with Daniel Arap Moi, Gideon Moi, he has been with Sonko, Kuria, Kabogo, and been with Mwai Kibaki. All shaking hands and talking. These talks are for the benefit of himself, just like the Parliament and its sessions is planning a huge retirement package for Odinga. Certainly, his price was to get something out of it all. Even if the system is collapsed, the system was made to rig the elite and make sure the political dynasties lives-on. Odinga didn’t trade that away, that is why Kenyatta is confident and Ruto is giddy.

That Wetan’gula, Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka are trying to find relevance and better tenants to live under. Since Odinga betrayed them, but they betrayed him too. So in that instance they are equals. Therefore, blaming Odinga in that regard is benign. However, that Odinga continues to visit big-men and talk. Shows that something is up. He wouldn’t do this if there wasn’t something in it for him and his party.

I would be naive to think otherwise. To think that he didn’t have all these meetings for a reason. If he didn’t have them, he could just be chilling in his home and drink tea. But he isn’t doing that, he traveling and make sure for progression of the agreement and with the stakeholders he need. That is how it seems.

What I am thinking, what is his end-game? What is the reason behind it all? What does Odinga get out of it, except for good-press? I wonder what is behind the headlines and the so-called talks with these big-men. Because he cannot just do it without any reason. Odinga is smarter than that.

He tricked us all in believing in Canaan. He had me routing for him and his resistance, I was cheering for the defying of the rigged system, the mismanagement and looting of the current administration. That he could be answer against them and greet the people in the promised land of Canaan. Instead, he gave up, and his fellow Co-Principals did the same.

That is why I am a bit indifferent to his actions now, Baba did himself good, but didn’t change the paradigm or the systemic problems with that handshake. It is still much the same. The underlining issues are still underneath the surface. That will not change or go away with a sudden agreement between two prominent gentlemen.

However, I wonder and I don’t have the answer. What does Odinga get out of all these handshakes and what is purpose, other than some PR scoops? Peace.