Kenya: NGOs Co-Ordination Board – “Re: Closure of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) Offices and Suspension of their Operations in Kenya” (05.10.2017)

Opinion: The IEBC cannot sway bloggers by a simple forum; it is their own mismanagement and lack of transparency, which is the reason for their predicament!

That the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has mailed prominent Kenyan bloggers for a meeting at the Windsor Golf Hotel, the mail titled: ‘Re: IEBC & Bloggers/Influencers Engagement Forum’, which was happening today at the Hotel. Shows the disregard of the public and revealing spectrum of lacking transparency from the IEBC.

You know the whole arrangement in this climate and with the record of accomplishment the IEBC have, that the whole words of: “The Commission wishes to engage with you on how to increase public confidence and participation in the forthcoming elections slated for 26th October 2017. Your participation is highly appreciated”. When the IEBC wants to secure public confidence before the elections and trying to pamper critical voices, you know the set-up already.

The bloggers invited does not follow the standard media protocol; neither follow the easily manufactured stories benefiting the elites and their will. They publish what they like and reveal exactly what they find from their own perspective. They have no stakeholders or no one doing their checks and balances. The Media houses and broadcasters has to follow standards and be controlled by the state to get license, but a blogger can publish as he or she pleases without asking anyone. That is why the IEBC contacts them and know their pivotal role in public discourse.

Many of these blogger would have written different stories if the state provided them with facts and actual actions that differs from what we are seeing today. The bloggers could not be so critical of the IEBC, if the IEBC complied with the provisions and the electoral laws, applied to the Constitution and actually cared about transparent about it. If the IEBC actually cared about the general state of elections and actually delivered on the necessary requirements of their vital role. Instead, they are trying to deflect and polish their reputation.

These bloggers should not be caught sipping the cocktails and juice with the IEBC; they should be looking into the newest revelations and documents of their planned behavior. Reveal the matters to the public and show that it is more of the same. The IEBC is acting as it did in August 2017. There are no changes before the fresh elections and the second standoff between Kenyatta and Odinga. Just more of the same. The tragedy unfolding before our eyes and the IEBC hopes we hold our eyes shut. Therefore, we do not see and close our ears, so we cannot listen.

Tabitha Mutemi, are surely acting in good faith as the Manager of the IEBC Corporate Affairs, who sent out this invitation and e-mail. Surely directed by the IEBC Secretariat, who wants to sway the bloggers to write post that is more festive and tweets. Instead, they should know that signal IEBC is sending is that they want to silence or muffle the bloggers into their sphere.

They should deliver and reform, but decided to not, because Jubilee said they did not have too. If not, it is how it’s perceived and the people got the message. So these sort of acts from the IEBC does not change the road-map or their standing in public. That the IEBC showed blatant disregard of the laws to benefit Kenyatta, still exists and has not left the building. It is still there and the bloggers have every right to write them up on it, until they change to become INDEPENDENT, not be a subsidiary of the Jubilee. Peace.

NASA Statement: “NASA Political Programs Continue” (04.10.2017)

Law Society of Kenya – “Registrar of the Supreme Court” (03.10.2017)

My letter to the IEBC (Chebukati and Chiloba): “Your playing a losing hand!”

Oslo, Norway, 3rd October 2017.

Dear Sirs, Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba!

I know you two are happy with the situation, your repeating the election with nearly any amendments or changes, just some rare people has been sacked, but the system is more of the same. Your Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) hasn’t change significantly since the 1st September 2017.

I am disappointed, but Kenyans should be even more. Not only because of the letter that National Super Alliance (NASA) had to the IEBC on the 12th September with dozens of demands of change. None that has been covered. Even if you honorable Chebukati says on live broadcast during a presser: meetings with Nasa and Jubilee fruitful; all systems are in place for October 26 repeat election” (Nation Breaking News, 03.10.2017).

I hate to say it Mr. Chebukati but your words was countered by parts of the dialogue groups. The Jubilee said this afterwards: “We have no stipulation before the repeat poll and expect the electoral commission to conduct a free, fair and credible election that will reflect the will of the people.

Held consultation with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi County” (William Samoei Ruto, 03.10.2017). But that was expected Mr. Chebukati, you pronounced him and his boss victor in August and he wants the same deal and rigging again. He don’t want it changed, because then it doesn’t benefit him and his party.

But what is more worrying when Senator James Orengo says this at the Presser today: “It is like IEBC is only concerned with holding the elections within 60 days. We insist election must be held in accordance with Constitution. None of the issues we had raised in the irreducible minimums have been responded to. Nothing is agreed until it’s agreed, they have not answered our questions yet” (Sen. James Orengo, 03.10.2017).

So when the man who foresaw the issues within the previous elections, you two knuckleheads should listen. Since he was able as a lawyer to come with a decent argument and a case to nullify the Presidential Election on the 8th August 2017. Orengo argued and spelled out the law in the Constitution to the Supreme Court. He put the codes and electoral law and showed how the IEBC did malpractice acted fraudulent during the polls.

Mr. Chebukati and Mr. Chiloba, when you don’t listen to Orengo and his advice you are bound to lose. You have already done it once. It was the biggest mistake of your career. The Jubilee might have the use for you now, but if you try the same trick again. The leaks to NASA will occur and the world will know off your cheating. The agreements with the same companies like OT-MORPHO and Safaricom Limited. It is not like you are trying differently, the same kind of tender to print papers in foreign lands again. Therefore, you are playing the same game, but without changing the cards. You are trying to play a similar game, but having the same cards on hand. Most likely you will lose!

You could have switched-up and made a PR Campaign, you could show the world the IEBC Servers, as your IP addresses are on Cambridge Analytica Servers, the company order for Public Relations for the Jubilee Party. Since you haven’t revealed changes, we can suspect the same sort of game. Than the data and results are transmitted to safe place that the CA can do what they like and therefore alter the results if needed be.

In addition, the use of the same KIEMS system, that was breached thousands of times during the August Elections and not verified the results before being announced by the National Tally Centre at Bomas. Neither could they verify the numbers and announced results on the IEBC Portal. When we know this and you use again OT-MORPHO to deliver the services that was altered the last time. What reason do you give us to trust them and you now? You give us none.

Mr. Chebukati and Mr. Chiloba, you are playing in the same fashion as before, not even trying another change tactics or changing the cards. You have the same to play and done nothing to make sure the deck has changed. It’s like you are trying to bluff and fake your hand, but we know that the hands are the same. IEBC has not changed and has not been reformed. This is after the will of Jubilee, who just wants you play in their benefit. Not playing the cards after the law and the electoral codes they have in the constitution. If the IEBC did this, the NASA would be happy and accept it. The Jubilee doesn’t care how they win as long as they do. That is why they haven’t and wouldn’t change you. They haven’t even fired you. Because of your shoddy job, the Jubilee could have enough reason to sack you!

It’s time for me to end. I know you two will read this and if you do. You will wonder what is wrong with me, since I ask all of this off you and I will give nothing back. This letter isn’t for me or mines. This is for the Kenyans who you are supposed to serve and make credible elections for. Instead you have been busy building a rigging conglomerate. This you should just stop, the gig is already up and the evidence was shown in the Election Petition that won over you on the 1st September 2017.

It’s time for you to fold your cards, give-in and ask for changes. The cards you and the cards you playing isn’t sealing the deal. Its a losing hand, it is just a matter of time before you losing again. Will you two risk your career for just another putsch? Will you try to bluff the Kenyans another time? Peace.

Best Regards

The Writer of Minbane

Director of Criminal Investigations Ndegwa Muhoro letter to Safaricom staffers: “Re: Request by NASA for Investigation and Prosecution of Safaricom Ltd. Its members of staff and David Chirchir” (03.10.2017)

Opinion: President Kenyatta directs the NASA to stop their demonstration, because he doesn’t want to reform the IEBC!

It’s like President Uhuru Kenyatta are again on one of his rants. Today the National Super Alliance (NASA) called for their first part of demonstrations ahead of October 26 2017 elections. There was demonstrations in Kisumu, Garissa, Mombasa, Nairobi, Embu, Kitale, Machakos, Migori and in Homabay. Clearly, the Police are busy to use tear-gas and harass the citizens. Therefore, it is insulting and demeaning the acts, that the NASA should go the legislative route days ahead. When the same body gave a huge majority to Jubilee Members of Parliament in the National Assembly in August 2017. Just take a look!

President Kenyatta statement on Demonstrations:

It is not easy for a politician to go against the grain, but despite the negative wind of politics you stood firm because of your principles of development and hard work,” said the President.

The President challenged opposition members of parliament to attend parliamentary sessions and debate bills which will help improve the lives of Kenyans who elected them instead of leading unnecessary demonstrations. “You were elected by wananchi to represent them in the August House by enacting laws aimed at improving their lives. Please go and tell your leaders to stop misguiding our youth with unnecessary demonstrations, let them allow you to join your colleagues in parliament where you can discuss and debate to enact good laws. Don’t be afraid of the majority, use your skills and persuade them to work together for the good of this country,” said the President” (Uhuru Kenyatta, 02.10.2017).

I understand his ways, he wants a peaceful outset and make it look like he has it all under control. So his international partners and foreign missions can continue to support his government. If there is violence and uncertainty it attacks his credibility. He has already lost once in the Supreme Court for the fraudulent election in August 2017. I don’t want to dive into that, but Kenyatta has defended the IEBC and in his statement today, he does it too.

President Kenyatta continues to stay on the legal route after losing. Therefore just days ahead of the election he plans to amend the laws in Parliament. But the NASA is not allowed demonstrate, they are supposed to suck-it-up as minority in the National Assembly. Its like I wonder if he listen to himself and considers the other party. Which I doubt, his entitlement and his arrogance comes out everyday.

That the citizens are pawns in his world-view is visible, considering the Parliament is the solution. Just another 24 days ahead of the announced election. Kenyatta feels superior and tries to deflect, that the NASA has no other way out. Like there are no other way to peaceful demonstration. Since the IEBC is rigging for him and that is why they have to turn to the streets. The NASA would prefer long time and reforming the IEBC in dialogue with Jubilee. But Jubilee prefer not to, because they are winning this way by cheating.

So at this state, there is easy say that the opposition are wrong in their act and should go the legal way, but that just fits conveniently for him. That does not fit NASA and does not fit the paradigm of free and fair elections. This will not be served with the current IEBC. The IEBC needs a reform and restructuring before the election. That will cost too much for Kenyatta, he will lose his edge and possible way into a second term. Which is the reason why Kenyatta continues to pound on both NASA and the laws, but not do anything with the IEBC.

That is really suspect, it gains my suspicion since he hasn’t targeted them since the 1st September of 2017. Peace.

Opinion: The Foreign Diplomatic Missions Kenya disappoints in their statement today!

I will not bring the whole detailed statement, the ones that cares should read it. If not its not a loss. The Foreign Missions in Kenya have now put stamp before the 26th October, as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This sort of statement could have been cooked in Atlanta or at the Carter Centre. Since it sounds like John Kerry during and after the August 8th 2017. They want it to just go-on and not stop it. The IEBC just supposed to go-on without question. Just take a look this!

For this to happen, the IEBC must act decisively and everyone needs to respect its independence. Leaders on both sides must be reasonable in their demands of the IEBC and in their actions leading up to, and following, the new election. It would be impossible to remake the IEBC in a way that satisfies all political demands, and everyone should refrain from undermining it. All should give the IEBC space, time, and respect. Do not paralyze the IEBC. It is the only institution Kenya has to run the election and ensure Kenyans can choose their president. This is an opportunity for both sides to demonstrate leadership, strengthen Kenya’s democracy, and build the country’s international prestige. Unfortunately, the opposite appears to be happening. The draft “Election Laws Amendment Bill,” for example, puts at risk the IEBC’s ability to conduct a better election within the mandated 60-day timeline, and unnecessarily increases political tensions. Kenyans can debate whether or not electoral changes are warranted, but the timing is a serious problem. Wise reforms to an established electoral process take time. They require thoughtful reflection and broad agreement from all parties. Well-established international best practice is to avoid changes to electoral rules just prior to an election. In the same vein, the growing list of political demands, inflammatory rhetoric, and boycott threats undermine the IEBC’s ability to carry out its constitutionally-mandated job to hold a new election. For example, if IEBC personnel are to be removed, it should only be done by the appropriate authorities and be consistent with the law and relevant regulations” (US Embassy, 02.10.2017).

I only agree with the Foreign Missions on one of these statements that they did together. That is the change of law, while its coming a new election. The newly announced election should be postponed if the laws are amended. Since the IEBC cannot comply to sudden changes, as they we’re not ready to work consistently with the legal provisions for the election in August 2017. Therefore, now the IEBC doesn’t changes of laws to change their ways.

The reform of the IEBC needs to happen, that without an election. The current IEBC are trying to do the same with the same partners and agreements done in secret. Certainly, this is not just a problem for the National Super Alliance (NASA), it should be a problem for all Kenyans. Since the trust of the IEBC should be all time low. They are trying to pull it off again without any significant changes. When they announced the Jubilee and Kenyatta, when they couldn’t prove the ballot or the tally. This should worry anyone.

Still, the American, Europeans and all the Foreign Diplomatic Missions has no issues with this. They just want the Kenyans to elect a rigged in leader. Because no-one should touch or try to fix the rigging machine of the IEBC. The NASA is not trying to undermine to the IEBC, they are trying to reform it. So it can authenticate the votes and ballots, not just announce whatever that fits on party or coalition. It is a serious problem that the IEBC can issue a new election without doing prior changes or proving their capabilities of an honest, free and fair elections.

If they just go now for a new election without changing, without trying to fix the IEBC. Than, the possible rigging might happen again, as the leadership are connected to Jubilee. Ezra Chiloba has clearly learned the tricks from Ahmed Hassan Isaac, who did his tricks to earn on Chickengate and do bad tenders for the state organization. Most likely he has learned a lot from his former boss.

Therefore, it is disappointing, the statement of the foreign missions in Kenya today. That they are defending the IEBC and say “just continue like nothing” this is “strength of the Kenyan democracy”. Are you kidding me? Maybe someone should rig your local elections? Maybe someone should try to steal your vote? Would they accept if someone took their future away? Because its convenient.

The NASA has to make sure changes happen with the IEBC, so that the elections are credible. Why holding elections this 26th October if the organization running it most likely rig for Kenyatta and Jubilee? Why do I believe that, since the Jubilee wants to fix the laws and the Supreme Court, but are defending the organization who said Kenyatta won earlier this year in August. This with results that couldn’t be verified.

So if the Missions cared about the coming elections. They wouldn’t defend the IEBC like Jubilee. They would actually want a free and fair elections. Instead they are acting like Jubilee-Soft and trying to make it happen without any fuzz and hope that all parties are all smiles. Even if they are rigging into oblivion. Peace.

Reference:

Statement by Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Kenya – In Advance of the New Presidential Election (02.10.2017) link: https://ke.usembassy.gov/statement-ambassadors-high-commissioners-kenya-advance-new-presidential-election/

Opinion: It’s ironic that President Museveni is talking about disciplining the government!

The three arms of government and their sub-branches must have discipline. For example I have been involved in disciplining the army. We should do the same for other sub-branches of government. If the Judiciary is also disciplined in fighting corruption, citizens will lead a good life. – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 1st October 2017, State House Entebbe.

Its just one of these days that hearing the news and seeing the tweets of the President, makes me laugh and wonder if he listen to himself. He knows his system and has made his garden. The way the government steers and govern is because of his policies, his regulations and his support. It is not like there been other ruling for last 30 years in Uganda. The Republic has been under the control of Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The NRM has suffocated all other free-will and control. Therefore, Ministers, Members of Parliament and others seek guidance and funds directly at the State House in Entebbe. Even foreign investors meet there to make agreements. Everything is nearly sanctioned out there. The Discipline now is more on the narrow-minded government that is run from there. The institutions and the procedures are not so important. Since most things happening is with the words from “above”, meaning the President and his close advisers.

It is not rocket science to know where the benefactor or the reason for lacking structures. That is because government waits for their go sign by the State House, they are waiting for funding of the projects and institutions from the State House. The projects and the works of the State House and under the Prime Ministers Offices are the key organizations within this government. They might say all of the massive cabinet has part to play, but that is the facade.

Therefore, it is ironic for a man so controlling and so disorganized that it gives sometimes way to the unthinkable. Just like the Presidential Handshake, that was sanctioned by the State House, but taken form the wrong account. That was the problem for the President, not that the corrupt behavior was occurring on his watch. Its like he talks against himself. Because he has no problem speaking anti-corruption, but if corruption benefit his cronies – its fine and dandy!

I am not surprised by him at this point of time, its fit his narrative. He says what he expects and wants out of others, but the next day he finds a way to benefit or use the loyalty of his cronies. Not like he would have excepted the UCC not to listen and stop the suspended MPs to hit the airways and be broadcast on TV. He rather being himself on radio and in the spotlight, but will accept anyone else sharing the same space.

President Museveni is the proof of someone saying something noble, but doing opposite. He might say something insane, but act rational. Therefore, you never know where you have him. I will never believe him actually disciplining the government, if doing so. It means they are all blindfolded and following his guidelines. It does not mean building proper governance and protocol, neither is institutionalize the departments and ministries, it is all about his will and his stature.

When it comes to Museveni, discipline is about following him. Not building transparent and proper government institutions. Peace.

International Commission of Jurists – Kenyan Section: “Open letter to the Judiciary of the Republic of Kenya” (01.10.2017)