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.