FAILURES OF OUR POLITICAL TALK SHOWS AND A PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Contenders and Pretenders for the Key Address in Kenya

Coming to the wire, we must consider the effect of these coming presidential debates. As they may very well play a huge role in determining the next Commander in Chief of this our young democracy, and maybe just maybe will inform the electorate to adopt a policy driven election. 

The race is tight between the two sons of our founding duo as the old adage, history repeats itself. This time however it plays out in real time, though to a way more polarized nation than it was 50 years ago.

Just as it was half a century ago, the winner will have the unique opportunity to chart the path for our people under a new dispensation. There in is the importance of the debates, to further illuminate the agenda these men and women are offering to 38 million of us in terms of leadership.  

Other than the criteria for selection of an audience which remains a mystery, you can almost be certain there will most likely be an absence of the simple Man on the Street. 

a question of more pressing concern to me is Who will moderate and how will that moderator be selected?

Mainstream media will no doubt have its way and take charge of the process. With the owners and associations writing the rules and building the entire process legitimacy becomes an issue. 

This is due to the undisputed fact- many of our politicians do own these very media houses, chief among them are the sons of Kenyatta and Odinga. Let alone their several big money surrogates and supporters who are in media. 

With Kass FM's Mr. Sang, standing accused at the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity, the power of the media cannot be under looked, and the importance of transparency in the entire process will play a key role in breaking socio-cultural chains rampant in the villages and towns around our country.

It is thus an important question to ponder, who will moderate and what is the selection criteria?

The Contenders and Pretenders  

NTV has without a doubt done a great service (don't tell them I said this) in airing the gubernatorial debates- albeit half baked at times. Linus Kaikai though an accomplished journalist lacks a killer mentality when it comes to question selection and falls short even further in the duty of keeping them honest, much like James Smart and his interview sessions.

Their line of questions invariably fall along a generic line that a high school graduate can ask. They raise neither provocative nor penetrative issues nor offer any new insights that can truly make you gush. Makes you wonder about the capabilities of researchers at behind the shows.

James Smart's THE TREND had an excellent outing on Friday 20/10, this was however more a testament of the quality of the guests, in the Red corner TNA sent in-Mr. Oloo to the ring against comedian-cum-political extraordinaire John Kiarie. 

The epic duel I dare say if TNA and ODM were to stand the test of time would provide excellent political fights down the line on ideological lines and not tribal.

K.J took the day however, with the TNA man coming off as bitter and at points just he came off as a spin doctor, who can't tell which way is up if it doesn't tally with party lies but I digress this is about quality hosts for the debate.

news presenter maina kageni

KTN has interesting morning shows that focus on quite a large range of issues. The inspirational sections are quite uplifting. My only qualm with the presenters is the quality of research. The shows gravitate towards shallow run on the mill type questions and offer nothing of genuine weight. 

It is more of a platform of self expression than interview offering genuine enlightenment. Furthermore KTN hosts please know the lingo in the sector, if its financial or otherwise, makes for a much better conversation.

The King of the forest of Kenyan talk shows Mr. All Kenyan, All The Time- Jeff Koinange has etched his name in infamy as top dog in that pound, sure enough K24 carries several great talk shows, none however can hold a match to THE BENCH. 

He too however, is guilty of his competitors' sins, giving us a polished gloss over of events and not an incisive discussion on issues affecting me, the Man on The Street.

Caroline Mutoko who to many was the Voice of the Voiceless has since lost the fire in her belly that made me for one an ardent listener of her morning shows, as she would inform and entertain the masses with great interviews. I still recall a show hosting Mwalimu Mati. The fire in her belly has since died out it would seem- much to my disappointment.

I would love to add other contenders to this list but popular Maina Kageni is more of a very interesting comic which is excellent for a chuckle in the morning but hardly a sober moderator to entrust with the first of our national debates.

The best option it would appear is the beautiful and intelligent Julie Gichuru of Citizen and the premier news show Sunday Live. She offers well researched stories and is an excellent purveyor of news stories. My top two pick would then in the dynamic Duo of Julie with the possibility of the legendary, forever young Kathleen Kasavuli making a most timely comeback to mark the transition to what is the next generation of Kenyan politics. 

The only problem with a majority of the national media is the political underpinnings that are overlain by their "independent" and "non partisan" character.

  

WHO'S FOOLING WHO. ERC PRICES AND AN OBESE BABY

WHAT HAPPENED TO NO PRIVATE GAIN FROM PUBLIC OFFICE

The GoK is a spoilt obese child who gets what he wants regardless of consequences, this was most apparent by the super tantrum the Honorable Parliamentarians had as they were halted by Hotel Echo on their way to a stupendous KES10 million date with their bank accounts.

Top of the list and most passionate supporters are MPs from N.E Kenya, whose populations are on the front lines on the fight against poverty, disease and ignorance. Instead of them being the passionate voice of the poor, they seek out ways of looting the coffers to line their pockets. Thus I ask, what happened to no private gain from public office- as a priciple of public service?
The list of shame here  

It would appear that the crafty members of the house have found a way to fatten the cow before bleeding it dry- Raise the pump prices and blame it on the international market prices. A slum dunk!

Like blood to the body, oil is an essential resource to the productivity and development of  a country, as such the E.R.C came to be. In exercising its mandate to regulate the energy in the country, it is responsible for setting prices on the petroleum. Its most recent adjustment came in yesterday evening, a whooping KES 6 rise that will see Nairobi motorists pay 115 shillings per liter- really ERC.

I was convinced that mischief was afoot especially when you consider recent utterances by MPigs Who will Get their Money at all costs. The ERC chalked up the latest stuffing of Kenyan interests to Changes in International Oil prices. So I went to the OPEC Website.

On the OPEC website, I noticed a peculiar trend when I compared its trends to the national pump prices of the ERC. believe you me somebody is taking us on a ride, somebody is making mad mulla (in 21st century speak) off the backs of Kenyans. Why are we being fooled?

NOTE: 1 BARREL HAS 159L THE KES PRICE IS 84.90 TO THE $  do the math. 

Graph comparing OPEC Crude oil price Trend to Kenyan Pump Price

As evident from the graph, the new oil prices are completely unjustified and are not tethered in any way or form to international prices.

Lest I be mistaken the current price should be sub 106 to the liter, as it was in AUG-SEP when the international prices were most similar to today's crude.

The July shocker of an excuse was the current stocks were not over, however to the convenience of big oil, the stock always end when the price rises.

In essence, it is my opinion that we are being had people, the bureaucratic leadership of ERP and GoK needs a change either in one of the 3Ps- Practice, Policy or Personnel- am rooting for personnel.

38 million Kenyans are at the mercy of big oil, the ERC is not doing s thing to help us

The best alternative would be an open tender system for a single national supplier. The suitable candidate needs to be able to meet the supply needs at a stabilized price on an annual basis or biannual basis, this month by month system is killing the economy and creating uncertainties in the market that definitely reduce investor confidence.

The aristocrats of our time have taken us to be the grass that they can feed their lives of extravagance with no one to hold them to account, definitely not our Honorable Members, who often accuse each other of being for sale. The Wanjiku on the street has no champion for her rights, and she has to speak for herself. She must. 

Wake-up people, lets stop being grass.  

we need to put this obese child called the GoK on a diet. Slimpossible do something!

WILLIAM RUTO: COALITIONS ONLY WAY TO KEEP US UNITED, "TRUTH OR LIE"

The only problem in life is where to stand, once you find it however, stand rooted, stand tall and stand proud. In other words be consistent and stand by your word.

Mr. Flip flop Ruto

This quality of leadership seems to conveniently escape our leaders' gaze, non more so than Eldoret North MP Hon William arap Samoei Ruto. 

Professional flip flop politician, William Ruto is at it again, misleading the populace in his latest statements concerning presidential elections.

rev Njoya gets a whooping for multiparty democracy

Mr. Ruto record is self evident as he has been in the public limelight since his days in YK92. Yes, this newly branded "reformer" never fought for multiparty democracy. While H.E Kibaki, P.M Raila and other second liberation heroes and heroins ate tear gas and rubber bullets for lunch, the Honorable Member was at the lap of luxury enjoying the fruits of the iron handed Moi Regime. 

Whether for profit or political advancement, he fought for the status-quo, yet this same leader claims to be a visionary and a reformer to whom we should entrust our already raped constitution. Really?? 

I wont even touch the maize issue.

The URP flag bearer has proven time and time again that he is not a leader to be trusted. On the I.C.C affair, He has flipped and flopped all over the place. he was for, then against before you could say Emillio, he had made another 180! is this kind of bendera hufuata upepo leadership What we want? A man whose word is only as strong as the winds that blow his way?

To add insult to injury, his strongest claim of ditching the ODM, was a lack of democracy- a common reason shared by fellow drop out and nominated MP Rachel Shebesh, whose reasons (have since been dispelled by Mama Ida and her NTV interview) were for political opportunity more than anything else. check the Trend interview.

THE NEW LIE: coalitions good for unity

The member has recently spied an opportunity, an opportunity to use his URP (widely considered a tribal outfit) to get him back in the corridors of power. In his Latest assertion, he goes on the premise: coalitions will lead to unity.

Recent history, showed tribal alliances aimed at getting power will lead to the end of this country. The way forward for Kenyan political leadership and unity is having parties with national structure and composition.

The only purpose of these coalitions is to divide and conquer. We have all seen it happen before, that is politics as usual, that is what lead to 2008.

We need, a party that is transparent and has grass roots support in ever single constituency and a following among different tribes. This unfortunately is only one party closest to this at the moment, ODM with Mr. Uhuru's TNA rapidly building footholds.

Mr. Ruto should be honest and admit, URP is a tribal outfit designed to get him back to the House and not behind any vision or higher ideal of service to the nation.

UhuRuto both enjoy strong following in their tribal bastions

Is this new union, UhuRuto in the twitter-verse, that has been talked about all over the media for the past two years just a marriage of convenience, similar to a common event in many campuses. The only thing they have in common is their stand on the ICC dock and a commitment not to see the PM take seat in the state house. No higher ideals. 

The way I see it, UhuRuto will go the way of every other campus cohabitation- not that far.  

I for one will dedicate my time to keeping them honest and exposing the inconsistencies of any and all political leaders. question is what about you? 

Drop a comment, suggestion or criticism and Share. help shape a more honest and policy driven debate on issues of national leadership! 

THE DEVILS ADVOCATE: STOP BLAMING THE SEATS.

The twitter-verse was awash with many a Kenyan voice over the stupendous pay hike-the only thing they always agree on- our legislators awarded themselves. Sobriety has for the moment been restored by Pres. Kibaki in his refusal to sign the crazy proposal- cheers to that!

in the limelight

My bone of contention, is however the unfair criticism with which the general public is focusing on the seats of parliament. The refurbishing of the house, much as it took its fair toll on the coffers, will probably be the single most memorable deed this House of miscreants has achieved.

indulge me for a while, the house was built with locally sourced materials by Kenyan contractors. The seats stand as a beacon of hope. Built by the prisons service, they are a national reminder of what we can achieve as a people. Built by our prisons department, the seats need to be a source of national pride not a pinata to be struck by everyone feeling discontented with the GoK.

The poor seats have suffered from teachers insults, doctors' jibes and seem relegated in infamy to be the butt of all jokes. 

In all honesty however, this is national-escapism, we as a nation are always intent on making excuses and facing fact. in all honesty, the current crop of leaders did not install themselves (may be not all) but by and large, the honorable members got in the House from our votes, yours and mine.

Many of us voted along tribal lines, or sold our votes for a tipple. now that the seeds bear thornes and not the sweet fruits of democracy we direct our anger to the "Honorable Seats". Get real people, the seats will serve generations of leaders, generations of Kenyans. I for one am proud to stand part of the times when we achieved this single great and lasting achievement.

the ball is in our court, why not vote for Waheshimiwa who actually deserve those seats? why not vote for a VP who deserve that plush new residence and a Parliament that earns its hefty perks?

Lets stop seeking the easy target and find the true culprit of our problems, I know he is the guy looking back at you in the mirror!

importance of home insurance

Your home is possibly the single biggest investment you have made. As such do you really need to insure it? What should you look for in a policy carrier? Should you substitute home insurance with another type of insurance? This article provokes the reader to take action.

Current uncertainties in economic realities such as increasing risk of job loss and money market upheavals are some of the key reasons as to why you need to insure your home more than ever. You have probably considered reducing the premium on your home insurance as a good way to cut on spending, however, is this approach really the best way to go?

Consider this statistic.

Studies have shown more people are opting out of flood damage and content cover, as they seem “unnecessary”, big question is what happens in the event of calamity? How will you rebuild?

Opting out of the cover leaves you and your loved ones exposed to unimaginable misery in the event of an accident. This exposure almost always results in huge bills you must foot from rebuilding and recovery costs due to severe damage or complete destruction of your home.

Why you need home insurance

The main reason is peace of mind for you and security for your family. In case of any incident, having a good policy goes a long way in mitigating the costs you suffer in rebuilding, moving or legal fees. Property Insurance covers for destruction or damage to your home and possessions.

Another benefit of having property insurance is the cover provided in case injury on your property or injury caused by you, members of your family and even your pets, providing you with protection from liability and legal responsibility. This is crucial when it comes to paying for hospital expenses and damages.

Did you know: mortgage companies require that loan applicants acquire and maintain home insurance for the duration of the mortgage?

When it comes to the possessions inside your home such as expensive electronics and gadget, jewelry as well as furniture can all be covered under the home insurance. This is especially helpful in replacement in case of loss or damage. Note that your policy may vary when it comes to possessions.

It is not enough to simply have insurance cover for your property; you must keep the policies and inventories up to date. You must be fully aware of the limits that the policy covers. In the event you don’t keep up with your payments, you are still exposed and the companies can flat out reject you claims.

Consumer advice

Shop around for the best providers available that will offer adequate cover and makes sense to your budget. Before you purchase the policy, be well informed on all aspects that the policy covers especially the claims processing procedure. Some companies give direct checks for the property others make payments in installments.

Additional resources are available online; check out websites such as onlyinsurance.com, investopedia.com and many others that offer a rich trove of information dedicated to insurance.

Always keep an eye on the fine print and you will be okay

Keep in mind that the cheapest is not always best and neither is the dearest.

HIPPOCRATIC OATH AND LASTING SOLUTIONS

is this strike really the way to solve the problems facing our healthcare sector? and what happened to the Hippocratic oath!

the last three lines of the Hippocratic oath in Kenya read:

"I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help" read the full version here 

state of health care:

it is in no doubt the inherent failures of our political and government structure when it comes to the most crucial Healthcare Sector. the hospitals are in want, the medicines are a hit and miss affair- the result suffering of a majority of Kenyans who cannot afford private health care. 

we need reforms, we need better governance, but more than that we need patriotism from our people, leaders and especially our professionals like the doctors.

doctors take an oath to mankind and have a sacred duty to our people and not the government. they point out poor pay and facilities as reasons for the strike, weeks later, the only people suffering are Kenyans, not the extravagantly paid leadership who seat in the expensively furnished House, no it is the poor mother at Pumwani, it is the sick toddler at hundreds of clinics around the country who are being punished by our Doctors for failures of the GoK.

don't get me wrong I do see the merits of what these most cherished civil servants offer, to me however, the strike is akin to soldiers deserting their posts in a time of war!

my question is have we really exhausted all other avenues for the doctors to seek redress?

people power

we all tout the gains our constitution has made in advancing civil liberties, it is a shame that we only use the parts that are most convenient to our needs. the doctors under looked the power of the people when it comes to this most timely fight, together, doctors and we, the citizens who see and understand their plight have the power to force the government in to action.

petitions

a million signatures is an easy figure for our health care professionals to hit, this would force the government to the will of the citizens. the right petition, asking for the health care budget to be given a percentage of the national revenue, just like the judiciary. the fund would be directed by elected officials of the KMPDU, KNHRC and several other actors and stake holders from the citizenry. 

this would be a more sustainable and lasting solutions to the ails that face our crippled Healthcare system, better than the current trend of striking whenever the tide turns. this would be better for doctors and Kenyans alike.

let us end this culture of downing tools for the sake of short term solutions and focus on real solutions to Kenya's problems. if not, how long then to the next strike? how long to the next batch of Kenyans who will die because we kicked the can down the road. these agreements are like an aspirin for HIV (pardon the expression).

its time to seek lasting solutions, to all our problems.  

IT'S OUR GENERATION'S TURN TO ACT

A great man, elected to presidency in his early 40s made one of the most memorable speeches in all of mankind, the quote that is still remembered to this day "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This was John F, Kennedy America's most popular president second only to Honest Abe.

The similarities between these two iconic Statesmen border on providence, on this story however, my interest is solely in their ability to push their generation to action. It is upon the weight of history laid by these men that I ask my fellow youth what can we do for our country?

Easy as it must be for us to lay the blame squarely at the feet of our fathers' generation that has been characterized by the failures of our political leaders. failure which have sown the seeds of tribalism, nepotism and selfishness to at the foundations of government and indeed our national structure plunging many of us to an abyss of hopelessness and want, my challenge still remains what can we do Kenya?

will we wait until the seedling grow and mature to force us to act, are we waiting for our country to disintegrate to levels of oppression that led to the Arab spring in order for us to take action and rise to the challenges of this generation, when we can act now, at this most pivotal time in history to turn tide, to change the course of our nation's history.

At Uhuru Park, our fore bearers erected an everlasting monument to espouse the words and spirit of our country, PEACE, LOVE AND UNITY, structure of stone that all will withstand the test of time to remind all generations of what they fought for, what many a hero whose deeds have gone forgotten and lost through the cracks of history bled and died for in forest for the cause of liberation in the MAU MAU rebellion.

our history is littered with acts of great self sacrifice by men of incredible character and vision. Great men like Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Oginga Odinga, Charles Rubia, Wangari Mathai and of course the priest who got beat up on national TV, just so we can enjoy the right and freedom of speech and self expression. for every one we remember, there is a multitude of fallen warriors who defended our country and shaped it to what we now enjoy.

On the shoulders of these great patriots we stand, under the tall shade of their shadows cast we stand, question is what are doing? What about us?

In their youth they acted in solidarity with their backs against the ropes facing oppressive regimes, be it the colonial powers of history or the oppressive regime of recent times past, our generation however has not a thing to show in contribution to the making of our nation. Our generation falls short.

It is not done yet, the spirit of brotherhood, we should, we can and we must prevail, let this generation rise above tribalism and nepotism, let our deeds be carried by all the tides of time to the unseen expanse of time, that all generations to come may remember, it was at this time that we stood, it was at this time that we raised up and achieved real change in our nation's politics.

Let us for vote patriotic leaders with vision, purpose and passion to lead us to the next phase of Kenya's history.

Change starts with you!!!

God Bless Kenya.

check out my blog, watibryan.blogspot.com, follow me on twitter @watibryan  

  

ARTICLE 27: IS IT ABOUT WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND ISSUES OR HOUSE SEATS?

The Constitution of Kenya Article 27(8) provides that:

 “the state shall take legislative and other measures to implement the principle that no more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be comprised of one gender.”

The August House, in more than typical fashion has yet again failed Kenya in its core task, legislation.

Two years after the pomp and ceremony that marked the promulgation of The Constitution of Kenya, we are finally faced with a real opportunity to have a sober look at this and possibly other articles of our Constitution as never before.

Key questions to ponder: With the benefit of hindsight, did we rush in to this? Is this Constitution truly the best piece of legislation both in word and spirit that we as Kenyans deserve? Will our constitution bear the weight of time?

“The true test of quality is in the test of time.”

The gender question: Is it about women issues or women seats?

Gender parity in representation is by all means a hall mark of an advancing and well rooted democracy, and we as a society must aim to grow it from the paltry 9.8% women to a much higher figure. The key question on this however is: how do we achieve a feminine voice at all levels?

The gender debate in our country has been viewed largely through the tinted lenses of feminists, whose purpose it is to have a female issues articulated at all costs. I dare say many of our female leaders are using the gender debate to further fuel their own gains of political power and personal ambition.

Key question: what is the performance of female Members of Parliament on female issues?

Female MPs and feminist organizations are using the tagline ‘women understand women issues and more women in parliament will result in better women’s laws to aid the women in growth and development,’ to push for article 27.

Upon scrutiny we see there is little evidence to support this claim. Since the sexual offences bill sponsored by Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u in 2006, the Honorable ladies have only sponsored a handful of women centered. Many of them dealing with security and protection but very few if any actually have a direct impact on the economic situation of the poorest women.

During the lifespan of this August House, the Lady legislators through their parliamentary group have a scanty record of reforming or reshaping national debate on the issues affecting women, their key achievement has been:

·         the Prohibition of FGM Act 2011 – Initiated by KEWOPA, and moved an Honorary KEWOPA Member Hon. Fred Kapondi  

·         Counter Trafficking In Persons Act 2010 by Hon. Millie Odhiambo, MP

They have instead focused their thoughts on civil work such as sensitizations and trainings which mind you, is not why we pay them! Check out Kenya Women Parliamentarians link: http://www.kewopa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=134

Don’t get this blog wrong, it is not expression of chauvinism, far from it, this blog is simply asking women around the country to ask the tough questions of their leaders. The article also serves to direct the mwananchi to ask what has my MP (male or female) done for Kenya and for me since 2008 ?

The responsible route

“The power of nomination goes to the political parties in case the country cannot achieve a one third minority representation at the ballot.” This is a possible amendment to the law that politicians are trying to make.

Instead of instituting a Constitutional quota system that is susceptible to abuse by political parties and other special interests who will usurp the citizens’ right to suffrage, why not seek a more moderate yet deliberate system that will guarantee better articulation of women issues?

The feminist groups and current MPs have their eyes on the seats and not on the myriad of issues facing women, especially the poorest who need the most help. They would have us believe that Kenyan men- despite being sons, husbands and fathers of women, cannot articulate or understand the problems faced by 52% of our population.

We should leave elective politics to be just that, “elective” where aspirants slag it out on an open and level playing field. Let the women leaders among the people be vetted and selected by the court of public opinion, fully aware that it will not be easy, but then again nothing good in life is supposed to be!

What example are the women leaders setting to the many girls in schools who have dreams of leadership, that it is okay to create sexist laws to better your chances at advancement? Or do we want the next generation of female leaders to know that it is through hard work that you get there.

Do we want a legacy of strong women leaders in the mold of Martha Karua, who don’t want votes because of her sex, but because of her policies? Or do we want a legacy of women who run for president on the basis of their sex (clue mama rainbow)?

Ultimately as a country do we want to institute a culture of policy driven leadership, where we elect leaders on merit or to change the forest but retain the monkeys? We are at a precipice people and our next step will set footholds for generation.

Share your comment or opinions thanks.

  

THE LEADERSHIP WE WANT

UNDER THE GUISE OF FINANCING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, OUR GOVERNMENT HAS PUT THE HEAVY YORK OF DEBT LIKE A NOOSE AROUND THE NECKS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.

AS AT 30TH JUNE 2011, OUR NATIONAL DEBT STOOD AT 1.3226 TRILLION KENYA SHILLINGS, WITH 697.8 BILLION BEING EXTERNAL DEBT AND 624.8 INTERNAL. 

THIS IS MONEY THAT WE, ALL OF US REGARDLESS OF TRIBE, GENDER OR CREED WILL HAVE TO PAY. THIS MONEY WILL COME FROM HIGHER TAXES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL INCREASE YOUR NSSF AND NHIF (as they are now), DOWN THE ROAD, WE WILL TURN TO GREECE WHERE THE GOVERNMENT IS STRAPPED FOR CASH- AND THAT IS WHERE THE REAL PROBLEMS WILL START.

 BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS DEBT IS EVER INCREASING WITH EACH AND EVERY DAY, MINUTE AND SECOND. 

http://knbs.or.ke/downloads/pdf/Kenyafacts2012.pdf 

THIS BRINGS US TO THE QUESTION, WHICH TYPE OF GOVERNANCE DO WE WANT FOR OUR COUNTRY? IS IT THE TYPE THAT WILL RESPOND TO THIS DEBT AS A NATIONAL CALAMITY, OR DO WE WANT THE GOVERNMENT THAT WILL GO ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL?

KEY QUESTION TO THE ELECTORATE IS HOWEVER: WHAT DO WE WANT?

DO WANT THE FUTURE GENERATIONS TO REALIZE THEIR ASPIRATIONS OR DO WE WANT A FUTURE OF SLAVES TO FOREIGN POWERS (CHINA AND THE U.S), AND LOCAL BIGWIGS WHO HAVE POSITIONED THEMSELVES TO HOLD THE LARGEST SHARE OF PUBLIC DEBT.

ARE KENYANS EVEN INTERESTED IN KNOWING THAT THEIR GOVERNMENT EXPENSES RUNS AT 909.9 BILLION?

THROUGH SHREWD MANAGEMENT A GOOD PORTION OF THIS MONEY COULD BE USED TO IMPROVE PAY FOR CIVIL SERVANTS SUCH AS DOCTORS, CLERKS AND TEACHERS. MEET THE CHALLENGE OF HOUSING FOR THE POOR AND EMPOWER THE FUTURE GENERATIONS OUR MARGINALIZED BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE ARID AND SEMI ARID AREAS. IT CAN SAVE THE LIVES OF SLUM DWELLERS WHO DIE FROM SENSELESS ACCIDENTS- SINAI TRAGEDY, POVERTY, DISEASE AND LACK OF SANITATION.

THE REMEDY THAT WE NEED:

WE NEED VISIONARY LEADERSHIP THAT HAS GENUINE PLANS FOR EMPOWERMENT OF OUR COUNTRY, NOT BY BORROWING LARGER SUMS OF MONEY TO PAY FOR THIS AND INCREASING THE TAX BURDEN ON THE POOR TO PAY FOR THAT, 

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT IS RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOR AND THE DISENFRANCHISED. A LEADERSHIP FOCUSED ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF THE MIDDLE CLASS TO BE THE ROBUST BACKBONE OUR ECONOMY AND INDEED THE COUNTRY NEEDS.

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT IS CONSCIOUS TO OUR FOOD SECURITY NEEDS AND WILL INVEST IN BETTER AGRICULTURAL POLICY TO FEED OUR GROWING POPULATION. THAT WILL INSPIRE THE YOUTH TO TILL THEIR LANDS TO FEED OUR NATION AND NOT TO RUN TO THE CITIES AND TOWNS TO A LIFE OF HARDSHIP AND POVERTY.

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT IS CREATIVE IN ITS SOLUTIONS TO OUR CHALLENGES. THAT WILL BUILD LADDERS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL WHO CAN TO CLIMB TO THE HIGHEST ECHELONS OF SUCCESS, AND NOT A GOVERNMENT THAT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY ONLY FOR THE RICH AND CONNECTED, EVEN THE POOR HAVE DREAMS.

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT IS ACCOUNTABLE TO WANJIKU ON THE STREET. THAT WILL EXERCISE ALL ITS POWER AND AUTHORITY STRICTLY FOR THE WELFARE AND ADVANCEMENT OF THE COMMON MAN AND NEVER FOR ITS PERSONAL BENEFIT, DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH OF OUR COUNTRY AND NOT TO THE GROWTH OF AN INDIVIDUAL, OR TRIBE OR REGION.

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT BELIEVES IN EMPOWERMENT AND EQUITY. THAT WILL PROVIDE STRUCTURES FOR WOMEN AND YOUTH TO ASSUME POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND NATIONAL SERVICE. 

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT SERVES THE PEOPLE AND NOT INTERESTED IN SELF SERVICE FROM THE PEOPLE. A LEADERSHIP THAT HOLDS TRUE TO THE ETHOS: A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE.

WE NEED A LEADERSHIP THAT IS FOCUSED ON MAKING PARTNERSHIPS WITH FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND NOT IN GETTING HAND OUTS AND CHARITY THAT THEY MAY USE AT THEIR PLEASURE.

KENYA NEEDS US:

KENYA NEEDS PATRIOTS.  CITIZENS WHO WILL TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SECURITY, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF KENYA.                                                                                                                                

KENYA NEEDS VOTERS. AN ELECTORATE WILL ELECT LEADERS WITH NEW IDEAS, VISION, INTEGRITY AND MERIT. NOT VOTERS WHO CAST BALLOTS BASED ON TRIBES AND BRIBES.

KENYA NEEDS NATIONALISTS. A PEOPLE ENJOINED BY THE WORDS SET BY OUR FORE BEARERS OF PEACE LOVE AND UNITY. NOT A PEOPLE SEPARATED BY CREED, RACE AND TRIBE.

KENYA NEEDS LEADERS. DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS WHO GIVE SPEECHES OF POLICY AND FACT. NOT SWEET WORDS LACED WITH THE HATEFUL POISON OF INCITEMENT TO CAUSE BLOODSHED JUST TO GET A BALLOT WIN.

KENYA NEEDS A GOVERNMENT THAT WILL SERVE IT, FILLED WITH PATRIOTS FROM PRESIDENT TO PEASANT. NOT A GOVERNMENT THAT WILL SERVE ITS MOTIVE AND THAT OF INDIVIDUALS AND PEOPLE ASSOCIATED TO POWER.

KENYA NEEDS A FUTURE. A FUTURE- BRIGHT AND PROSPEROUS.

WATI BRYAN