Kenya: Joint One Kenya Alliance (OKA) on Fabricated Stories by Nation Newspapers (19.08.2021)

Kenya: Central Kenya Jubilee Caucus – Press Statement (18.08.2021)

Kenya: Uchaguzi 2022 – Joint Civil Society Statement on the Election Campaign Financing Standoff (15.08.2021)

A look into NRM SG Todwong’s pity party [a response to his ODM letter]

I write to draw your attention and those of your ilk to the individual and collective comments you made against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party, the sovereign Government of the Republic of Uganda and above all, the personal disrespect and insults you accorded His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda and the entire Country” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Richard Todwong has written a critical letter in response to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) press conference earlier this week. Which happened because the Deputy President William Ruto was blocked to leave Wilson Airport to Uganda. Therefore, the letter dated the 6th August 2021 is interesting, but also a lot of self-pity.

The SG of NRM has to write this way and be defensive. Because the ODM obliterated the NRM and that hurts the pride of the party naturally. Also, the remarks about Museveni must have been seen as damaging. Though all the words was in my opinion on point, but the ones living and breathing NRM will feel infuriated, because their gig is up.

It is just like magic like statement like these: “Dear Honourable Member, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party that you referred to in your hurriedly-released press conference started in the early 1960s as a student movement. This was when its founder-chairman H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom you insulted, realized that the post-colonial administrative structures/systems we inherited could not solve the major social, economic and political questions of Uganda” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

Because the National Resistance Army started in 1981 after the elections that year. Before that he had a short stint with the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM). Even before that Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) was emerging in 1971 but fully formed in 1973 and lasted until 1979. When he became the Vice Chairman in the Military Council until the 1980 election. The earliest group formed by Museveni was the University Students’ African Revolutionary Front (USARF) which was a political student group. Therefore, if Todwong is saying this… just like his master… than the origin of NRM traces back to University days and there is no trace of NRM there. Only that the personification of the state was the Chairman like he is today of the NRM. Since the university he has had several of outfits, but they are bursting in comparison to the NRM we know today. If it was early 1960s it must have been at Nkore school. Todwong, I would also say 67 is late 60s and not early by ordinary definition.

Todwong continues: “The State had virtually collapsed and there was nothing to talk or write about Uganda in economic terms. The NRM and President Museveni picked this country from zero and embarked on systematic rebuilding and restructuring it by restoring social order and discipline among the populations through promoting peace, stability, rule of law and democracy” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

Just like his questionable facts or narrow fiction of the tale of NRM. He continues as he states certain things the NRM and the fellow Movement people are telling each other. However, it is with margins of error. Yes, the state was a wreck when Museveni took over in 1986. That’s because the previous leaders didn’t have stability or the core government had been in warfare for years. There was no way Museveni could do worse and he got help from donors to stabilize the economy for some time and also institutionalize things for a time being. However, with time these things has withered and the NRM cannot accept that the personification is corrupting and weakening the state.

Not like the current financial or economic status is to seek for. The underdeveloped, the lack of domestic revenue and evil cycle of recycling debt to pay for a over-bloated and expensive state organization. Which features more nepotism and lack or merits. While the state isn’t creating a sound investments or even generating policies that can be sustained or outgrow the potential of the state. Therefore, the core basics are wrong.

Last point, about the democracy in Uganda is hallow at best. There are “multi-party” democracy but only on paper in some regards. They are only there to show the world they have it. However, the NRM hold the control and the majority, by gerrymandering and controlling all the needed institutions to do so. It is not like Museveni or the NRM would make a peaceful transition to another party. No, they are rigging election, interfering and using the military to settle civilian scores. If not the military is fixing the problems, because that is what H.E. trusts and Todwong knows this.

Another very obvious lie is this one: “The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party does not and will never interfere with the internal affairs of any country” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). The SG must think people are blind and forgotten things quickly. The NRM and Museveni has entangled himself all across the East Africa and Central Africa. He has toppled the two Presidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There been questions if he was involved in the helicopter crashes of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Dr. Joseph Garang of SPLM/A of South Sudan. The NRM was also supporting the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and helped them in the takeover as allies in Rwanda in 1994. Therefore, the NRM and Museveni has done lots of foreign interference and it cannot just shaded over this easily.

Todwong continues: “The NRM party is strong and has led Uganda for the last 35 consecutive years because peace, security and human rights are our major pillars” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). We know that they have Safe-Houses, civilians in Military Courts, extra judicial-killings and keeping political prisoners. The army and authorities are allowed to kidnap and detain people without any court or warrants. The state can also suddenly block and silence critics. The state can issue warnings and suddenly use soldiers to quell demonstrations and protests without any hesitation. Therefore, the NRM and the government of Uganda doesn’t have a stellar human rights record and this is just skimming track-record that nobody should want to copy.

He further states: “Our President whom you insulted is massively elected by the population every time we go for general elections. Your statement is an insult to the sovereignty and integrity of Ugandans who always elect their leaders as mentioned above” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). Well, the rigged elections can make anyone a victor. There haven’t been parades and giant celebrations of the general public after his “victories” of late. The pre-ticked ballots and results of the Presidential Elections has been questioned, as the algorithms and stats is non-equated Math. Which only pre-fixed for the result of making Museveni the winner. If the NRM and Museveni is insulted by stating this. Maybe they should actually hold “free and fair” elections… and not just rig them like they are currently doing.

Another one of these comes here: “Uganda’s record on fighting graft is laudable, we have a well-functional institutional anti-corruption mechanism that has drastically reduced corruption at all levels of government” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). The SG must have forgotten the Presidential Handshake saga and all the other corruption scandals. All the tenders, Dott Services and whatnot who has appeared in-front of us over the years. Not to forget the Ugandan Proverb “Missing Funds” which is an implied corruption scandal. Where ghosts, demeans and inner-circle are eating of the plate with no results to show for it. Plus the additional road-costs which is vastly overpriced because of the set-up corruption schemes needed to procure, work and get the ability to construct the kilo-meters of gravel.

We know his just reckless and doesn’t care about the truth when one of his statements is: “I won’t dwell so much on poverty” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). It just shows how little they are bothered, because they know they cannot prove advancement or any justification after all these years. They have been helped, aided and had United Nations Organizations to cover their bases all along. Therefore, the NRM haven’t found proper measures or policies to create livelihoods or an economy where the majority can prosper. Because, that sort of work would not suffice or make it possible for the President and his elite to live lavish. This is why he will not dwell on it… and it shows the true character here.

In this regard… this is enough of this letter and SG Todwong should be able to be a truth-teller, but then would risk offending the Don and the ones who is blessing him on the regular. That is why he had to write like this and this doesn’t make it a fact. This is why someone had to debunk it and Todwong shouldn’t get of the hook. The NRM and Museveni cannot revise or edit history. Still, they try but people shouldn’t let them. Peace.

Kenya: Linda Katiba – Harassment of Judges by DCI (26.07.2021)

Kenya: Raila Odinga – Modern Civil Service for a Modern Nation (25.07.2021)

Law Society of Kenya (LSK): Statement on Search on Chambers of, on and arrest of Justices Said Chitembwe and Aggrey Muchelule (22.07.2021)

Opinion: Odinga & Ruto is a different side of the same coin

The preparations for the elections in 2022 are in full effect. There is no shadow of a doubt, as One Kenya Alliance (OKA) is declaring their bid and the season for Presidential Candidacy is steaming ahead. As that one of the rejects of NASA/CORD is working on their thing.

There is two other main candidates doing their bidding. William Ruto, the Deputy President of the last two terms under the Jubilee umbrella and Raila Odinga (Orange Democratic Movement) who has challenged that, but int the end gotten more power with a handshake with the President Kenyatta in the beginning of the last term.

Ruto will not bring changes, he will sing the worship songs of the hustler nation. Meanwhile Odinga will come with his best of hits and another edition of the road to Canaan. They will both promise great things and move mountains. However, in the end… I feel they will deliver the about the same.

Ruto has had the opportunity for two terms do something substantial, but instead he has ben busy giving away money in church. Odinga on the other hand have been busy toying around with a constitutional referendum, which would be his biggest achievement, though it has been done though the wrong measures and therefore, been deemed illegal by the courts.

So, they have both wasted their time. Odinga could have been a vocal opposition and kept the Jubilee in order. Instead, he compromised himself and sold out the agenda for a flawed BBI. Ruto has started an internal campaign and a battle of power, which he seems to lose for now, but maybe earn on in the up-coming campaign.

No matter what… these two fellas will not bring massive changes. They have both been so connected and ensured themselves vast wealth. That they will not bring big-changes or make things prosperous. They know why they have found wealth and I doubt they want to give that up for the majority of the people.

This is system is rigged against the public. That’s why Chebukati is still the Chairman of the IEBC. He will bring the goods and deliver to the Gods. The cartels and the elites will continue to eat. No matter what of these two that gets elected. They are both willing to trade and bargain with the ones with deep pockets to get their way.

That’s why no matter what sort of party Ruto runs with, if it wheelbarrows or hustler spirit. We all know the drill and the appeal, but we also know the endgame. It is all a nice campaign slogans and cheap politicking, but when his in office. It is all about his companies, his allies and securing power.

I think Odinga will be similar. He will promise Canaan or a version of that and show to the brilliance of BBI. He will promise swift changes and radicalization of the state, but he hasn’t used the BBI or the handshake to do this. When he has had the ear and most of the Parliament on his side after that. He could have proven this and made some golden bricked roads, alas that was never the case. Odinga just wants power to and be able to keep the dynasties alive.

Therefore, none of these tickets are viable in 2022. Not that OKA is either, but that is just for another day. When we want to discuss meal-ticket politicians and bargain hunters for the State House. Because, that’s what that is… and its not beautiful. Peace.

Opinion: OKA is the knock-off “CORD/NASA” coalition ahead of 2022

Today, the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals had a technical meeting ahead of the elections in 2022. This is a clear indication of their way ahead. These is making themselves important and boosting their chances in the upcoming elections. Several of these are the up-shots and the ones who was never benefiting much from the Handshake in 2018. Neither, have these earned any fortunes on the BBI.

That’s why these leaders are trying to find the winning formula. Now without the Orange Democratic Movement and Raila Odinga. Several of these have run with him twice and still not been able to get into office. Now, they are trying without him, but instead using the dynasty of KANU and Moi to get the final push.

As we are seeing… the OKA is a knock-off and a third edition of CORD/NASA called OKA. There several of the same faces, but some new add-ons. This is very clear. They are doing the same thing, but has Moi instead of Odinga and his party.

That is how this can initially be translated. The team is weak and not a winning one. OKA is running on the same ideals and same principals as the NASA/CORD, but not even having the charismatic and political skilled Odinga on their team.

They are putting their bets on Moi and that KANU to put them forward. While KANU haven’t had a big say in ages. The Moi dynasty haven’t pushed things ahead for ages. Even when the father was alive. Everyone when to Kabarak for advice, but not for surge of political capital. That capital doesn’t Gideon have… even with the name and history of his family. This is why this is a challenge.

Even if Ruto or Odinga goes against this team. There will be possibility to beat it at this point. Unless, they are having some sort of unknown cards or campaign programs. Which doesn’t seem likely.

Most of these have been for ages in the political landscape and has joined the right parties. These has had the opportunities under other people’s reign. It is not like any of these has won or have the policies that people will believe in. All of them have to much history of being players and meal-ticket politicians. Who has all looked for their interests and moved ship for a better fortune. Therefore, the OKA is a failure from the get-go and this will end in tears. Peace.

Kenya: The Civil Society Reference Groups Condemns the Killing of Environment Activist Joannah Stutchbury and Calls for Accountability for similar past Killings (19.07.2021)