Nairobi Metropolitan Development and Implementation of Vision 2030

Oh for crying out loud!

I knew it was too soon to celebrate. Obviously, Kenya needs more than just change, we need to get rid of a whole lot of people. And when I say get rid off, I don't mean dispatching them to their obscenely large farms to spend the rest of their days counting their horses and farming brussels sprouts or whatever it is that obscenely rich retired people do!. I'm after a more permanent form of getting rid of.

Read into that statement what you will.

Nairobi Metropolitan Development and Implementation of Vision 2030?

What the hell do these guys take us for?? Ati 44 ministries? Ok, honestly, why the hell do we still put up with this band of fools?

What will heck will the minister of Special Programmes be doing anyway that the minister for National Heritage and Culture will not? Will the minister for development of North Kenya and other Arid Areas (productive) live in Wajir?

So now we need two separate ministries for 'Trade' and 'Industry (productive)'?

I'm so done with those fools!!!

Who has Bin Laden's phone number?

Facing up to the truth

For the past few days, I have butted heads with friends and loved ones about this, and prayed for the courage to write a post worthy of what I truly believe. Infact, I have enough worked on several drafts.

Today, I stumbled onto the MadKenyanWoman's realm, and lo and behold, there it was. The truth.

Here it is: Enough!

I post below a few paragraphs that immediately resonated with me, because this is exactly what I was telling my friends at the bar on Saturday, before they chose to walk away from me and avoid me all night.

"How have we produced this population of Kenyans so estranged, so alienated from a sense of collective hope and a progressive trajectory that they are willing to burn to the ground this national edifice we call our home? I begin to suspect that it might have something to do with the ways in which we treat our people as if they are disposable nappies....first we crap all over them and then we throw them away. Or, first we work them up with visions and dreams of a utopia denied them only by the holding of office by the ‘the other side’ then we slyly make insinuations of how much easier life would be without ‘them’ and then we give them a little nudge and say “oh look, there goes one of them now. And who left this panga lying about in the open like that, all nice and shiny and sharp?”

And then we exclaim in shocked horror: oh goodness, me! However could this have happened? Oh please, please, well, gracious me, whatever shall we do?

On the other hand, whatever can Kikuyus think we are about, saying complacently that “we” won the election when even Europeans who can count are quite able to figure out the implications of votes which add up to fifty thousand and are transmuted into seventy thousand by some mysterious Kikuyu alchemy? It boggles the mind, the sheer bare-faced effrontery of fraud meant to thwart the popular will and carried out in naked defiance of international observers and Kenyan media. We may not have universal education yet, but a good number of Kenyans can count for themselves with a fair degree of confidence in their own tallies. What on earth do the people of Central Province mean, dancing about in the streets like that with joy, when it is evident to anyone who believes in this country that uchawi numbers are self-evidently not a cause for celebration?

There’s hubris, and then there’s Central Province. I am fairly sure that it didn’t help matters. No one has won here, folks. We are all our own victims and our own oppressors—and some of us are guiltier than others.

The drunken man in a bar in a PNU stronghold who leeringly raised his glass to me in celebration of the government being “ours as usual” should, as he nurses the inevitable (and I hope excruciating) hang-over, ingest with his Panadol the human costs of maintaining the feudal principality of Kikuyustan--especially when other people would rather live in Kenya. Where does he think he will flee to, when the flames of discontent spread, as they inevitably will unless we come to our senses?

Amongst the many things that should stop the down-swing of that upraised panga is the fact that our neighbours in the region are deeply inconvenienced by our violent naval-gazing proclivities. It will probably serve us right to be in the position of receiving humanitarian assistance from countries we have regarded with pitying superiority up to now. Perhaps we will then understand that refugees are not lazy people on the dole; they are innocents trying to save their own lives.

Enough. If we are to sink with the ship, let us at least not pretend that all along we thought it was only a spring shower that was brewing, and not a furious tempest. Self-truth is a good platform to stand on and from which to survey this mess and decide what to do next. Enough pretence.We cannot bleat on endlessly about the wonders of our economic growth when most Kenyans have yet to see the evidence of such growth. We cannot leave people out in the cold whilst we luxuriate in the warmth of our riches and then, to add further insult, disingenuously ask them why they don’t come into the light of the fire when we know we’ve barred all the possible means of access beforehand."

In the end, truth and justice are the only pillars for true healing and reconciliation.

Let us all embrace the truth.

Cuppa?

Today there is indeed a glimmer of hope. Leaders from both sides deserve praise for making efforts to reach out to each other.

ODM leaders must be commended for having the foresight to cancel the rallies and give way to mediation and dialogue.

Also, after blocking AU chairman President John Kufuor's visit last week, President Kibaki also deserves praise for inviting him back.

Now we can see that there is some effort by the two to sit down and seek solutions to this crisis.

But of course, every circus has its clown.

I am appalled by Alfred Mutua's continuous crass, and careless manner of talk.

Mr Mutua, when you say:

"If he (Kufuor) is to come over he is coming invited by our president as a colleague to discuss issues. So he is not coming as a mediator. So we don't have mediation happening because you don't mediate where there is no war. So we are expecting quite a number of African leaders to come over to Kenya, former heads of state and also sitting heads of state who would like to come and have a cup of tea with our president as invited guests."

Do you expect the Kenyan people to stand up and clap at your "genius"? Do you think this is a matter to be made light of?

Come to have a cup of tea indeed!

And when you say, Mr Mutua, that Kibaki has a lot of friends and they are just coming to chat with im, do you not realise that the people of Kenya have even more friends?

I wish Mr Mutua would stop treating us like blithering idiots. Mr Mutua owes us more than this drivel.

He has made many gaffs in his time as government spokesman. But this time, he should handle this matter with the seriousness it deserves!

Dear Mwafrika...

You said in your comment to my last post "Stop the violence":

What's with the misleading title?! One thing you have to admit is that there
were flaws in that electoral process. Kibaki may have won but how it was
done left to much for people to doubt. "Even if you slither back, we
WILL get rid of you eventually". Threats will get us nowhere, we need
to look for peace by all
means.

I would hope that what I meant was obvious but I would hate to leave you in doubt.

My headline was simple and to the point: "Stop the violence" Now, days later, even i must admit that at the time I was writing that, I didn't expect it would get as bad as it did, as fast as it did.

When I said:

I believe it is time for those who are trying to be underhanded to stop!!! This
country is much bigger than your selfish interests, you nasty bunch of
losers!!... Stop it and walk away. Read the writing on the wall. We are done
with you. Even if you slither back, we WILL get rid of you eventually. We may
fight today, we may be unreasonable and make off-hand senseless remarks about
each other. But tomorrow, we will heal. We will rise above your mercenary
shenanigans and then, THEN, we will have a common enemy and it will be you!! And
God help you when we set our sights on you!! Make no mistake, we will get you.

I surely was not advocating for violence. I firmly believe that the situation we find ourselves in was caused by a bunch of leaders who decided they were more important than the rest of us.

And while our hope is shattered, and our belief that we can shape our future lies in tatters, I believe that one day soon, we shall drag ourselves back on track, we shall stand together and we shall use our vote to get rid of them. Properly. Fairly.

That is what I said. That is what I believe.

That is what gives me hope when I despair. That the human drive for truth and justice will triumph.

Stop the violence!!

The joy and pride I was brimming with yesterday is sadly nowhere to be found today.

A colleague just walked in saying he had been mugged by a group of youth who inspected his ID and told him "Its good you're not a Luo. Those Luos will see us [watatuona]."

Another colleague tells us a story of his friend who escaped narrowly when he drove away from a crowd demanding to see his ID.

Who are these people? What is going on?

I'm particularly subjective today as I strongly support one side and believe that one specific party is squarely responsible for the violence and renewed tribal animosities we are witnessing today because they are refusing to take their fate like men and admit defeat.

But I won't get into that cos that storo will never end.

However, I believe it is time for those who are trying to be underhanded to stop!!! This country is much bigger than your selfish interests, you nasty bunch of losers!!

We have lived and still live side by side and your petty ambitions are irrelevant. We hang out together, we get married to each other, we work together.

Stop it and walk away. Read the writing on the wall. We are done with you. Even if you slither back, we WILL get rid of you eventually. We may fight today, we may be unreasonable and make off-hand senseless remarks about each other. But tomorrow, we will heal. We will rise above your mercenary shenanigans and then, THEN, we will have a common enemy and it will be you!!

And God help you when we set our sights on you!!

Make no mistake, we will get you.

I hope and pray that people across the country will come to their senses. Our power is not in pangas or sticks or violence, our power, our strength is our vote and our voice.

Let us not sacrifice our gains and growth at the hands of a bunch of grumpy old men who are out of touch with the times.

And I hope Odinga and Kibaki realize, and quickly, that they need to stand together and save this country before it burns.

Who will save our country? I know I sound alarmist, but my blood curled when my colleague walked in with that story. It could be me, it could be one of the people I love. And the next person will not be so lucky. And it could be you.

God bless Kenya.

Ecstatic!!!

WHAT!!! I must partake of some serious celebratory bevs today. Everytime I think about the results, I swear I get teary-eyed.

I am SO proud of Kenyans today. With turn-out set to rock over 80 %, we are making history here people!!

Need hanky for real. It’s getting real emotional for me yaani!!

Revolution!!

We all knew it was coming, but I don't think even the most ardent of those of us who were clamouring for change could have ever predicted this.

I dare say, this is a revolution we are witnessing in Kenya.

At my last count, and according to unofficial results by Kenyan media stations, atleast 12 immediate former ministers have lost their parliamentary seat. What!?

Moody Awori, Simeon Nyachae, Kipruto Arap Kirwa, Moses Akaranga, Musikari Kombo, Raphael Tuju, Mutahi Kagwe, Paul Sang, David Mwiraria, Njenga Karume, Newton Kulundu, Kalembe Ndile, Mohammed Abdi… And I fully expect a few more scalps by the end of the day.

Also, news just in, Paul Muite has lost in Kikuyu!

Unfortunately Michuki "the rattler" has managed to slither back. But the foundations have been laid.

I am overwhelmed!! Really I am. I am bursting at the seams with pride for just how far Kenyans have come. A little more than five years ago, we did not have the power to do this. We didn't even know that we could do this.

Look what God can do!!!

I am getting a bit teary-eyed right now. This is…… more, more, MORE than I ever dared to hope for.

Watching the series "Making of a Nation", has made it so clear to me, and I am sure to many others, that the time is ripe for change and we must not look back. We must not let "these people" continue to live large at our expense.

And for me, the parliamentary polls are so, SO much more important than the presidential ones. Don't get me wrong, of course the buck stops with the president, but to have a good capable and competent parliament…… so much more important to me.

I know by the end of this exercise, some good people are likely to fall by the wayside. Right now, I really want to see Patrice Lumumba, John Kiarie, Jonathan Mueke, Mutava Musyimi make it into the August House. I pray the good people in the relevant constituencies give them a chance to make their mark.

I hope this really marks the point in our nation's history when we, the people, take back control of our country. We can no longer allow an elite group to plunder and loot our future.

I hope our leaders, across the political divide, in all the different parties, are receiving us loud and clear.

"We have a vote, and we know how to use it!!"

I hope the ECK can get its act together soon. We need to start seeing some official results soon!

THIS REVOLUTION IS BEING TELEVISED!!

Update 1310 hrs

Murungaru sent packing!

Update 1430 hrs

Dzorro out

KJ with slight lead over ?Mugo

I voted!!!

I know many of you are wondering what the heck I'm so excited about, but first time voters know how I'm feeling.

Not that i just turned 18 (ha ha)!! General apathy and youthful folly made me disregard earlier elections but this time, nothing and no-one was going to stop me.

I missed the early morning crush by going later in the afternoon, and got to the polling station when things were rather calm and orderly.

I think the system of alphabetizing registers really helped, despite rejection in some polling stations.

My heart was pounding as I picked the ballot papers, but after I had done the deed, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy.... followed by anxiety.

Oh Lord, I hope I marked it right. Please don't let my vote be declared spoilt. I hope he wins. Oh man, this is so cool that I'm getting to vote!!

As I walked out i did a little jig, I am so excited to have voted. My entire left pinky finger is purple. A badge of honour!!

Man, I felt so powerful in that 30 seconds!! Wish I could bottle that, and sniff it very sloooowly over the next five years!!!
People power!!
(Obviously I'm a bit delirious from my 30-second power high!)

I really believe my preferred candidate is the best choice for this country. I hope he wins.

But mostly I hope the attempts to scupper and rig the elections fail miserably!!

I vote in Langata, and I hope Stanley Livondo gets like 5 votes!!! Teach him to stick to his shady business. People like him have no place in our parliament.

I must say I am bursting with pride at the fantastic turn-out!! Kenyans have shown today that they will not be taken for granted anymore. We are here, and we are in charge. Politicians best recognize that!!

I am also sad that Kenyans have had to die because of politician's selfish interests. I hope Kenyans will be restrained and mature as results begin to trickle in. Because the fact of the matter is, after the elections, we all continue with our lives. My neighbour remains my neighbour, policemen go back to work and we all must live together. Let us shun divisive politics and show some maturity.

As much as I pray for peace, I will be at the forefront of condemning those who show no respect for our democracy by rigging or other shenanigans.

There is so much I want to say, but for now, I hope all of you got a chance to vote, and that you voted safely.

I pray that the next few days will prove that Kenyans have matured politically.

God Bless Kenya!!

Merry Christmas

Why am I in the office on Christmas day while the rest of the world (well, ok, except the guys here at work with me, and emergency services) is busy stuffing themselves?

Also on the day my chest hurts, and I'm sick, and I'm petrified I have contracted some diease with a scary name like bronchitis.... mere days before my only break in the last six months!!!

Well, at least, ceteris peribus, the constant and irritating politicking that has been going on for what seems like forever will soon be over. I do want my candidate to win, but actually, all i want is peaceful polls and most important, a leader who can heal the serious ethnic animosities that have once again emerged in the run-up to this election.

I, for one, am tired of these damn stereotypes and bloody useless animositybetween so-called rival tribes. And it disgusts me that it is the people I least expect it from, my peers, who are now spouting this nonsense.

Can we all just get along!!! God help us.

Anyway, I hope I get over this damn bug by Sunday!!

Merry Christmas all, and a happy and blessed new year to you and yours!