Counter the Political Wave of Deceit!

[abdulmote]

My dear Kenyans,

Under this topic, I wish to continue with the debate I had initiated earlier about the need to counter the political wave of deceit as "intervened" within the thread on 'Turmoil in KANU'. May I offer my sincere appologies to those who may have been misled into thinking that the 'ODM/Mirage' topic was meant to be so. I should have parhaps mentioned that fact before, in fulfillment to the two or so requests given, but I do hope much is not lost and we can take it from here for the purpose of appropriate relevance of debate. To those who may have liked to indulge more on their 'punditry excercise' in the 'Turmoil in KANU' thread, I say poleni for having taken it off the theme and to have rather made it 'distasteful' for an ideal continuation or so it seems!

Now then, for the purpose of relevance and continuity, I deem it fit to include herein some of the postings offered in relation to the subject topic from elsewhere as indicated above. In doing that, I shall ask for OO's understanding and acceptance of this parhaps rather inconvenience move I may cause to the smooth ops of the Forum. I hope it remains within acceptable limits. And whilst at it, I would indeed like to invite OO, Job, Adongo, Emmo, Kamale, and equally all other beloved members to chip in towards this debate with their 'two cents'! I have do doubt that this is an important discussion and would certainly welcome everyone's constructive input.

Having said that, I shall paste the relevant previous postings below for the sake of ease of reference, after which any further responses should then follow. I begin with my initial "intervention":-

Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #28 on May 29, 2006, 9:13am » By abdulmote

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What is happening here is very sad indeed. For days and months on end, eveytime I log into a Kenyan political forum, all I can read is a 'heated' debate and the so called 'political analysis' of our Kenyan politicians. Everyone seems so keen on demonstrating their 'punditness' in telling the future of our 'beloved' leaders. Almost all the posters I have come across appear keen on showing their writting, analysing, and forecasting skills of who is doing what and why, and who will do what and when, besides who should do what and how.

But one thing all these posters have in common is that they seem not to realise that they themselves have been immersed deeply in the political game they seem so gripped about. For some reasons, people find themselves seriously engaged in figuring out akina ruto's, uhuru's and raila's moves to name a few, as if that is the only thing worthy of everyone's attention at the moment and that is all that matters. We have got akina gichohis and kamales on one side, stubbornly pitching their tents for the Gikuyus, and we have akina roughriders and others telling us that ODM is our only way out!

But what makes me sad more than anything is the fact that alarmingly up until now, we appear not to have realised that all those power seekers in the current format are there simply for themselves and nothing else. From kenyatta, to moi, and then kibaki, kenyans have conclusivey seen their capacity for greed, selfishnes and destruction upon our innocent nation. Next in line we have aina raila, uhuru, kalonzo, ruto narc-kenya and what have you, all readying themselves for the take-over bid and so secure their chance to 'eat', as if they have been starving all along in their lives!

Fact is all what we have at the moment are clearly the type of people who are readying themselves for their 'turn' to eat, thereby ruthlessly repeating upon us what others have similarly done before them! Fact is kenyans appear to have a disease of the mind, which afflicts those who ascend to power, with the capacity of almost instantly changing our 'sainthood' into greedy 'evilness', the minute they get voted in. This indeed is what concerns me most and so should you!

Please tell me that we have measures in place that will specifically cut off the vicious circle of self-destruction as is being practised. Please tell me that someone is presenting kenyans with a different focus, that we may be able to reverse all the loses made so far. Please tell me that we have a fool-proof system in place, that will ensure kenyans are never taken for a ride once again as has happened so many times before.

But parhaps the time is not ready yet, to discuss what ought to be discussed as a matter of priority and objectively so if at all. [/color]

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And the following is a second repeat of my call after a rather 'deafening' silence from the various responses that followed my initial "intervention' as above:-


Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #36 on May 31, 2006, 3:30am » abdulmote

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FRankly speaking, I have had enough, and I repeat, ENOUGH! of debating about who will make a better leader for us Kenyans. No one can ever convince me yet, even for double my lifetime, that Kenyans have found what they are looking for amongst the crop of leaders we have on display. And with this I mean the lot! Yes, from Raila, to Kalonzo, Uhuru, and forget about Kibaki, all these are mere conmen in disguise! In fact I even hate to use the term 'disguise' because it ain't! They are simply and plainly a bunch of conmen in the open, and I should not even bother to explain if you have not realised that yet.

Amazingly, many forumers in here have been actively engaged in some verocious debates on our Kenyan politics for over the last TWO years! And all this time, surprisingly so to speak, we have been almost solely concerned with "who should be the next president" and amost failed to notice and appreciate the weakness which persistently exposes us to the ever existing cancer. In the process of these debates, we have indeed also explored and criticised extensively and intesively on the corruption levels and abuses of powers as demonstrated by our politicans. And with the same zeal we must observe, many have clearly displayed extreme bias on our subject contents and our analysis have ended up being a reflection of intensely distorted thinking which bore nor direction, neither reflection of the effort needed towards finding suitable and sustainable solutions to our miseries. In reality if you come to think of it, our participation in these fora has been mainly to use it as a tool which incidentally it appears, the purpose is only to satisfy our own premature egos through what we can freely publish for everyone to read!

But I can understand.

Rather than strive to become the source of Kenya's solution, our typical selfishness, shortsightedness, and ubiquitous corrupt nature, appears to have commonly and immensely influenced our judgements. In other words, we have simply and sadly become part of the problem! We have indeed denied ourselves an opportunity to make that vital difference, depsite such a potential as can be imagined the internet has provided us!

And this remains to be the problem.

You see, ladies and gentlemen, in all honesty, Kenya does not at all lack members of society who are indeed very capable of providing our beloved nation with very good if not excellent qualities of leadership, at least on the outside. By looking objectively upon the people and personalities available within all our ethnic groupings, it may appear that there are plenty who seemingly display some signs of good and genuine desire of bringing about changes that may be intended for the better of our nation. But in the process of admiring and 'advertising' their potential, I am also of the opinion that we tend not to look beyond and behind what had actually necessitated this desperate search for a 'better alternative'. Persistently we have only deeply immersed ourselves on the issue of promoting 'our' offer of alternatives, without asking ourselves that critical question; what had actually happened BEFORE we found ourselves in this situation? Our point of focus seems to be completely fixed only upon the urge of becoming 'one of the influences' for a particular selfish outcome, reasons of which can be many but sometimes unexplainable or simply irrational! Much as we would like to believe in our choices of actions and their merits, we strive hard to shut our minds completely out of the actual causes of our calamities and repeatedly fail to address the problem confronting us time and again!

And so here we are more than two years on and the problem has hardly been identified, let alone the solution be found.

Fact is there are many who had come before us and appeared to sincerely offer the people hope of good governance and desirable changes. In doing that, they were able to articulate their 'vision', with utmost zeal and unhindered enthusiasm never witnessed before. And the public inevitably recieved them with hope, joy, and never-experienced expectations. They went on to shower them with fragranced bouquets and sang and danced to rythms and sounds which only predicted a brilliant and positive outcome just about everybody would have ever wished for!

And then the results.

But here we are now again. I cannot help but tremble at the thought that we may not have enough courage and honesty within our souls in order to confront this everlasting devil. I am certainly appalled at the number of times I have tried to mention this fundamental problem of ours, and repeatedly, almost everyone has shied away from offering any appropriate response leave alone suggest a solution! In fact I am now inclined to think that Kenyans are parhaps more corrupt as a society than any one can dare imagine and it is our preferencial situation to remain in! Every time one talks of the need for accountability and transparency, one gets a resounding silence as if wishing 'those scary' comments away. Why? I ask.

What is indeed important is that we have to refresh our mental facaulties with some obejctivity and honesty, and try again and again until we can address appropriately, meticulously and specifically, the core of the cancer that is repeatedly eating and wasting us away. In doing this, we must not tire to confront our own weaknesses and should remind ourselves of the same again and again..

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Next followed maina's response:-


Abdulmote,
Those are captivating and perspicacious sentiments.

But seriously why the rhetoric though? Why don't you kindly tell me who you envision as a suitable and practical president for Kenya in 2007?

Or rather, are you seriously intimating that Kenyans should not go to elections next year until we wait for Kibaki to give us a new constitution - one that works? Or might you also professing that Kenyans should not be electioneering and categorically and prudently participating in the prestidigitation and smear campaigns associated with elections? Isn't this the case everywhere else in the world?

I think we need to forget about a new constitution for now. Kibaki must first go in order for Kenya to decorously develop! TQuite frankly there are no two ways about it! Actually, if you disagree, please (and compassionatly I mean this) advise me how we should go about things. Just point at it!

Kibaki must surely go! In so doing, Kenyans must prepare for elections. That is the only way a democratic society embodies change, because change is necessary in Kenya; not now - yesterday!

Maina

-unedited-
« Last Edit: May 31, 2006, 6:18am by maina »


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And the encouraging Alexe's:-


Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #38 on May 31, 2006, 6:20am »

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Bigmanism still running rampant. Some people are just willfully blind - they do not WANT to understand what Abdulmote so aptly and so fervently explained.

Alexander

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Next comes Mr. RoughRider's!:-


Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #39 on May 31, 2006, 7:42am »

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Abdulmote,

I respectfully disagree with many of your assertions.

There is nothing wrong with discussing ‘the next president’, his shape and color, especially in Kenya where nothing substantial can happen until a president decrees. Bigmanism may be a problem, discussing presidential candidates is not.

I challenge you to open a thread titled ‘why we should post here’ outlining your constructive agenda for debate on Jukwaa and we shall engage you.

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And Bwana Kamale's:-

Abdulmote,

I think you are being patronising here. Personally I like the passion with which people discuss politics in this forum and it is presumptuous of you to tell off people that post here. It is even worse when you see Gichohi and Kamale moving the gikuyu agenda whilst the rest move "an ODM agenda". In short you are accusing Gichohi and I of being tribalists!! Or is the "ODM agenda" nationalistic hence holier than what all others post?

Sadly, that is where you go wrong! I do not think people like RR or Job support ODM simply because it is led by Raila (whom they share a mother tongue), but because they are able to align themselves to what they believe ODM means to them. For those of us (like Gichohi and I) who do not believe in ODM do grant us some space, and perhaps associate us with Mungatana who does not agree with ODM either....or is the drift too difficult to catch?


Eeiiiish!

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Kamale's again in support of RR's observation:-

Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #41 on May 31, 2006, 9:35am »

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May 31, 2006, 7:42am, roughrider wrote:Abdulmote,

I respectfully disagree with many of your assertions.

There is nothing wrong with discussing ‘the next president’, his shape and color, especially in Kenya where nothing substantial can happen until a president decrees. Bigmanism may be a problem, discussing presidential candidates is not.

I challenge you to open a thread titled ‘why we should post here’ outlining your constructive agenda for debate on Jukwaa and we shall engage you.



Kamale adds:-

I will have to agree with RR here. How would it be possible to discuss politics and not have human beings as part and parcel of that discussion?

Abdulmote would rather we do not discuss politicians but just politics, and I am sure that would be silly! Every play has actors and that includes politics.

What Abdulmote should do is introduce a thread on POLITICAL SOLUTIONS FOR KENYA and in the post ensure that he does not include human beings as part of the solution, then see if it would be readable. Sadly he fails to recognise that even if we replaced Raila with Tony Gachoka or Uhuru with Dan Amayo, it is just names and nothing else.

Let us please happily discuss Raila, Moi Uhuru, Kibaki et al., therein we shall find strengths and weaknesses of our leaders and should our names replace theirs, then we will have learnt our lessons!

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Here is my further 'unheeded nudging'!

Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #46 on Jun 1, 2006, 3:58am »

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People, Kenyans are trully amazing! I have no words to describe what I feel about this! Simply amazing. And Alex, thank you for your courageous support. Sadly many others who log in here would rather just watch in silence than say something to help us understand more about such an important discussion if at all possible. It doesn't help.

Let me be honest about this. I did not underestimate at all the complexity and 'toughness' of appreciating what I had stated above. And I am not saying this smply for the sake of 'blowing my own trumpet' as if boasting about my capacity to understand the same. Neither am I trying to sacrcastically belittle any of you in any way but far from it! I certainly have genuine and sincere respect for all of you! And I also appreciate your own unique mental faculties which certainly show remarkable abilities within your individual selves in your own individual manner.

But that is besides the point.

As I grew up, I learnt and realised that confronting ones own weaknesses can be one hell of a job. The process of 'accusing oneself' and accepting fault can be quite repulsive, especially where a person is very protective of their own 'ego'! Fortunately it is also a process that with effort can be learnt. But understably it also takes time, and this is why I can understand.

Now, I am not arrogantly trying to suggest that you have some form of 'under-developed minds' here. Not at all. Rather, I also do appreciate that every individual has their own 'path' of development which one pursues out of various factors, and that is not in dispute. But again I have also observed, that many and commonly so, find it difficult to confront the jinni in them by confronting its existence within, and here is a typical case!

What is this eh?

I have gone through all the responses given to my comments above. And I am sad to notice that apart from Alex, who came out very clearly in acknowledging the inherent objectivity in the contents of my post, majority others have conveniently 'evaded' my point of contention. Simply brushed aside, as if I was just talking of rubbish!

Here is one of the paragraphs again:-

Fact is there are many who had come before us and appeared to sincerely offer the people hope of good governance and desirable changes. In doing that, they were able to articulate their 'vision', with utmost zeal and unhindered enthusiasm never witnessed before. And the public inevitably recieved them with hope, joy, and never-experienced expectations. They went on to shower them with fragranced bouquets and sang and danced to rythms and sounds which only predicted a brilliant and positive outcome just about everybody would have ever wished for!

And then the results.

How can any of you forget eh? Was it not just the other day when akina muite and the late Jaramogi who were the champions of 'freedom fighting' for kenyans? Was it not the dreadlocked Koigi who was willing to put his own life on line for his people? What was Ruto doing for moi in his 'KY92' or something like that? Was it not Raila, kalonzo and uhuru plus others who used to share 'secret links' with moi, whilst others were sweating it out' against them? Was it not kibaki who promised kenyans so much and in return gave so little topped up with ultimate betrayal against the same?
Go on, try completing the list if you can!

Then what???!

And now it 'appears' as if all of them have mutated into angels once again and are forgiven for their past sins. Freshly repackaged and waiting to be 'served'! It is just 'politics' we are told.

And look at what you guys are talking about. I certainly will refuse to become part of what perpetuates the miseries Kenyans have been suffering for so long! I refuse to become "willfully blind" to crispt reality which is so threatening to the masses we all pretend to fight for! To continue to praise any of those dudes mentioned above and dance to their tunes in such a manner, is nothing but sheer recklessness and hypocrisy of the highest order, against the very people we claim to cry for!

OK, it is right for Maina to observe that ultimately Kenyans need to have a president. But that means just that; getting a replacement president, full stop. What happens after that? How many times do we have to put up with betrayal after betrayal after betrayal and keep on coming for more? Have the 'strokes' not been enough yet for people with your capacities to appreciate the next very real possibilities eh? Replacement? Have we not realised yet that all we are doing here is behaving like hamsters running on their wheel in circles? When do we need or have to put a stop to this? For how long more before we say it is enough?

What I am saying here is lets just keep this 'president' thing aside for now, and I don't mean not to talk or discuss about it. But let us not give such discorse such a priority it may not deserve at the moment. Instead, let us try to work out a formula which will ensure that we do not continue to become part of the perpetrators of Kenya's miseries once more, by recycling the 'same old habits' through the same old ways and sheer naivety combined with our 'corrupt nature'. Let us not become part of our dark history I say. We can do this by ensuring that we do not take anyone for granted in their offer of leadership and be ready and willing to question their every move. WE can do this by first identifying the existence of our perennial problem through acknowledging the reality, and then seek to create possible solutions to remedy the same.

This is what in my opinion deserves a priority. The need to cover any potential loophole which sends us back again and again into the same nasty and destructive trap! This is the priority more than anything you can imagine. And I am not talking of the Constitution here. I had concluded long ago that not kibaki, neither any other president to come will give kenyans the constitution they really want! All of them are just conmen and women, and I simply cannot bear the thought of self deception in me! We need something else, ladies and gents. But first, we need to have true courage to confront our own weaknesses.

Take your time in digesting what I am saying here, and no evasive tactics please. Just open up your minds and you shall see.




« Last Edit: Jun 1, 2006, 4:10am by abdulmote » [/b]

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[abdulmote]

Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #47 on Jun 1, 2006, 4:40am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------maina responded thus:-

Abdulmote,
Like I said in my previous thread (even though you conveniently took no notice), yours are captivating and perspicacious sentiments!

Nonetheless, your argument is still so much a faze to me. So I have to ask you directly; will you vote in 2007 if the status quo remains (that is, if all these enticing "things" you have mentioned do not materialize)? And if so, who do you presuppose you will vote for come 2007? I ask that because these are the exigent issues every Kenyan is talking about right now.

Just look around............aren't parties beginning to organize themselves (by holding internal elections, et cetera) in the auspices of courting the mwananchi for next year's elections?

Quite frankly, if you answers to the above questions is "NO", then I will rightfully begin to reason with you! But if it is "YES", please believe that I will continue to dress you down!

Maina

-unedited-

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And here was my last relevant response under that thread:-


Re: Turmoil in KANU
« Reply #48 on Jun 1, 2006, 8:31am »

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maina, I take note of the accolades you have bestowed upon me and at the same time appreciate your concerns. As a habit, I am not comfortable with re-focussing on any praises or indeed criticisms upon my person. They make me feel as if I am repeating the same in praise or otherwise of myself for others to see, something I don't feel anyone should be doing. Besides, I take yours to be a positive reaction to what I have stated as reflected in your perception and not necessarily a recognition of some form of 'excellence' I may have acquired and so deserve praises as such. No, but mine is just a simple efffort and I am to be thankful if at all I can be understood by anyone, and excercise patience and review my presentation where many may have missed my point. This subject is certainly deeper and weightier than I can admit so soon and I cannot pretend to have all the answers raised to the questions within. It is also not something one could just unwrap for all to digest at an instant, for everything within is not so simple and can be very daring even at the thought of seeking to understand the same.

To answer your question firstly maina, I think it wise always to bear in mind that one can and should only plan and prepare for matters to be held well long after present but not with a fixed mind and not open to unavoidable changes lying ahead. Will I vote come 2007 based on the current settings and understandings? I'd say NO! and the reason is simple; there is no potential change foreseeable to be worthy of that effort. None at all and that is my personal judgement and opinion.

In saying that, i am not at all calling for everyone to do the same. I am not suggesting that everything should come to a standstill and simply not vote or do nothing about it. On the contrary, I would urge more active involvement and participation in trying to ensure that whatever the outcome, acquires maximum improvements and becomes potentially sustainable and at the least beneficial to the longterm desires of the electorates. That should be everyone's aim and desire. What I was trying to observe earlier, is calling for everyone ones attention on the gapping loophole which renders everybody's effort as futile the minute campaigns and elections are over. Here I am talking of the actual vicious circle we tend to immerse ourselves in time and again! I am talking of the betrayals we have almost become immuned to, that we are so quick to forget and infact even ready and willing to help recreate once again!

If it is true that we come here to talk with genuine intentions just as many a times we proclaim to do, then all I am saying is let us give priority in addressing and seeking to eliminate such a fundamental cause towards our own destruction as a nation. We need to give priority upon the efforts of trying to find a sustainable remedy upon such a flaw inherent in our leaders, past, present and future. We need to make sure that whoever gets elected by us, does not and cannot end up betraying us at a flik of an eye once in power! In other words, we need to have preparatory and dettering measures which can provide us with such important and vital assurances and protection. But the question is what and how, and I do not mean about Ruto, Balala, Raila, Uhuru, Kalonzo, or Ngilu! I mean what do we do about this problem and how?

My dear people, the issue of elections coming is only a fallacy of the game! Five years is the term. For every five years, Kenyans vote for whoever they want. But since the removal of moi who had reigned for twenty four unsatisfactory and certainly brutal years, Kenyans have began to demand for a quicker and faster turnaround of our political offices. But five years remains as standard and that cannot be reduced. At at the same time we have to understand, Kenyans do not make a judgement upon the incumbent immediately one resumes office on being elected, particularly if one is new and fresh as had been kibaki as the President. In all probability, it takes at least two to three years before the public is confronted again with the prospects of change calling initiatives after very dissappointing regrets on the trust they had naively assumed. And then as is the case right now, the public gets engaged in verocious activities of trying to prepare for that change through various efforts as can be seen for the sake of mending the damage done. Next come elections and the whole circle begins afresh!

BUt look, there is an obvious gap here and something is obviously and prominently amiss! Do we ever talk of the betrayals just gone by? Do we ever ask ourselves what actually happens in the process that Kenyans find themselves in such a place, again and again? What appears to be the problem and how do we stop it from occuring even one more time despite all the promises and rhetorics given by our 'beloved' leaders? Are we genuinely honest with ourselves if we are to be easily swayed into campaigning for those who seek power, yet totally ignore the potential and everpresent causes that provide another set of opprotunities for another era of betrayals upon the people by the theiving elites in a few days time?

And if we don't raise such fundamental questions, is it because we are content with what we have and there are no further improvements that can be achieved? Or is it that we are so corrupt, we'd rather retain and maintain the status quo, with the aim and hope of parhaps 'benefitting' from the same shorfalls and loopholes, that have provided 'opportunities' to those we seek to remove? Or is it that we are simply so blind and shortsighted that we cannot see beyond our two inch noses? Huh?

There is no one for me to vote for yet!

Absolutely no one! No one has yet vigorously raised this very important and fundamental issue and that tells us a lot. They all appear to have common negative traits apart from the many we have raised here time and again and none is worthy of our wholesome trust and faith as given. Greed and selfishness. There is no hope within any of them and if that be the case, what is the point in the whole thing Iask?




« Last Edit: Jun 1, 2006, 8:50am by abdulmote »

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Like I had said earlier, if taking you all the way back again was a pain and unnecessary to you, then please accept my sincere appologies. I am just begining to get "passionate" about this you know, and I can see that its going to become some very hard work indeed! And with the following last response by maina under the new thread I had started on the "ODM is nothing but a Mirage" debate, I shall resume with where I had left with this debate last as re-posited above:-


Re: ODM is nothing but a MIRAGE!
« Reply #2 on Yesterday at 5:57am »

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Abdulmote,

Thanks for beginning a new thread on this matter as per my request earlier. Now we can deal with two threads without having to commingle ODM and KANU matters.

Anyhow, a while back, I was arguing politics from your same objectivity. If you can remember, I never boosted any one of the presidential dreamers until Uhuru Kenyatta kissed the ODM goodbye. You see I began to literally perceive (just like you are) that there is something ingenerate and licentious with Kenyans. It affects us in such a clossal manner that we know it and can identify it, but when contentions like power, money, education, et cetera spring up, it manifests itself overtly and without shame! I am talking about tribalism!

I am thoroughly convinced that the reason Kenyans do not want to discuss the issues you have wonderfully raised (actually, you referred to it as hypocrisy) is because of tribalism. That those issues are not important saa hii but will be plunged into once Messers Raila Odinga is President (for the Luos that is), Ruto is President (as per the electioneerings of the Kalenjins), and so forth! It is an awfully tricky issue and it is my opinion that it needs to be dealt with first and foremost, even before we begin to deal with these other matters you have raised. Otherwise every Kenyan will want their overlord to ascend to power so that they can govern as they dissipate the country's resources!

However, I agree with your analysis completely. These issues you have raise need to be dealt with urgently and before the next general elections. But since the elections will and must be held next year, we also need to discuss personalities. That is necessary. Like I said before, the only way to effect change in Kenya today, is by voting in next year's election. Also, any attempt(s) that may result in giving Kibaki more time in office (such as abnegating or failing to vote) will surely cost us.

Quite frankly Abdulmote, there is absolutely nothing we (the mwananchi) can do or even say here because of the impertinent matter of the tribe and its eventualities with respect to election politics and governance in Kenya. Everybody thinks and believes they are right on the mere fact of being Kenyan citizens and are categorically therefore entitled to be governed by their own tribal president! That is also why I have been telling the Raila Odinga wooers that they will be beautifully appalled if they envision their grandstander and his ODM/LDP being elected as per the predilection of the referendum outcome, once the election results are announced next year.

And speaking of Raila Odinga, I actually give Biwott (read the Total Man) so much more respect than him. As his mesmerized wooers menacingly avow that "he is a different man", I believe Raila Odinga is worse than Biwott in his virility. The man, just like any other politican should not be entrusted to run anything that is of Kenyan fellowship! Raila is not straight! He gathers his domination singularly from Luo Nyanza, and he does that in the meanest of ways! Over the years (besides riding on his father's distinction) he has assaulted their intellect, volition and imagination geniuses such that they blindly envision and believe in no other leader but Raila. That is dangerous! Besides, have you ever seen any one of his worshippers, either right here in this Jukwaa blog or even in the Kenyan papers ever discussing his grievious corruption and bribery claims, and perhaps even questioning his credibilty? Didn't he commit those crimes in his Luo Nyanza?

But how do you begin to solve such a problem? Isn't it tribalism in its essentiality that we are dealing with here? And anyway, how do you make sure a character like Raila will deliver on his promises (which I do not know by the way), considering the fact that he, his father and Moi were once cronies? What is the point of reference for evaluating truth here? You see truth can never be relative as social democrats fantasize. Truth has absolutes because it is exclusive. I do not think we can tackle this matter until we as Kenyans thoroughly address tribalism, period!

Maina

-unedited-


« Last Edit: Yesterday at 6:02am by maina »

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And now I will get with it at last


I must first begin by ackowledging that RoughRider also did post a 'response' to my last assertions, which impliedly was meant to 'counter' my arguments under the ODM/Mirage topic! But unfortunately I think, what RR had stated as a response was completely apart from any relevance of the issues raised regarding my earlire concerns as re-posited above. And that is despite my earlier 'warnings' to avoid any "evasive attempts"! On the other hand, what RR had argued in there was parhaps more relevant to that particular thread, which was to do with the ODM and its percieved 'Mirage' image, as far as I am concerned. Indee, the ODM/Mirage debate is meant to be a completely different thread within it's own criteria and inherent arguments, and I shall respond to RR in there accordingly! And at the same time, i do re-invite all to participate in this discussion in one way or another. This is an urgent call to all!

Going back to maina's last response and his suggestion of "tribalism" as a factor and needs to be dealt with first, here is my observation; tribalism is NOT the primary factor to the problem of betrayals, real or potential, past, present or future's. Simple equation; even if you remove the tribalism factor and imagine Kenyans are one unique and cohesive society, which does not think through tribalism instincts but only as Kenyans, you are still left with the danger of the potential betrayal vulnerability as always has been the case! Why? Because there are no efficient mechanisms yet, which can act as a deterent to the would-be Hypocrites, dishonest and destructive individuals! Why? because the Kenyan society as a whole and as reflected in this very Jukwaa Forum here, is not in the habit of 'confronting' its own corrupt nature and ask questions which prominently factor in their lives!

More later.

[abdulmote]

Didn't I say this earlier in the Turmoil/KANU thread? That mine is one issue not many like to discuss honestly or engage in? Fact is I have tried many times before in various forums and the silence can be deafening! But thanks to maina, at least he had the courage to objectively respond as should have been the case with the others as well. Cowardice, I say!

How can any one choose to remain mum amidst some very critical observations centered upon the integrity of one's thinking? How? How can you say; "I don't wanna know what you are talking about", and continue burrying your head in the sand whilst singing 'songs of praise' as if you are in a trance and stoned with some dodgy sniffsnuff? How?

There are certainly some pertinent issues touched in this thread which we cannot simply wish away and I am desperately waiting for more observations that we may move a step forward. Please keep coming.

[abdulmote]

Try the following article from my archives. Did it in January 06 and just about two months after the Referendum. How sad we all are eh?:-


"Fifteen years, over ten billion of Kenyan shillings, emotional and psychological pain, topped up with a considerable number of innocent lives lost! And all for an eventual defeat plus a possibility of going back to the drawing boards' would you say?

And if not, what was it? What was the purpose of the whole exercise if we had known it was going to fail anyway?"

This was a really simple question but which again was being brushed aside as if it was a simple nonsense not worthy of any attention in the way it was answered!

The bananiac’s excuse of wanting to go ahead with it, was that "the country had been going through the turmoil of the Referendum for too long now". That Kenyans needed to have a break they deserve, by getting over and done with the Referendum and the Constitutional tension and get back into the business of "nation building"!

Wow! Just like that! Cast your vote, declare the winner or the looser for that matter, and get on with it as if nothing ever happened! Simple!

And the Oranginas?

These were very optimistic with a win. All indications were that the nation will over whelmingly vote 'NO'! "Rejecting this Wako mongrel", we were told. And yes, that came to be true.

But what we were NOT told, were the specific gains if any, which were going to be realised after the envisaged victory. Oh yes I do understand that victory was important in 'defeating' "the mongrel", but to me that is the whole point; If we knew then that by defeating the Draft it meant that there will have to another Constitutional Review after the exercise, why then not stop the same before and without the additional costs attached to the Referendum, and take it back to the "drawing board" for the necessary 'ironing out' as would have to be the case anyway?

Or is it that the 'victory' would have provided the Oranginas with a rare opportunity of turning the tables on Kibaki and so 'hold him to ransom'? Amazing!

Soon the public was to find themselves betrayed and conned once again. As the dust is beginning to settle, there we can see the intensification and scramble to make 'good use' of the opportunities that have been made available. And once again, the people find themselves and their priorities to have been pushed to the back seat, as the politicians assume their 'rightful positions' in preparation for their turn to “eat”!



abdulmote
20/01/2006

[dubois]

Abdulmote,

If only a majority of Kenyans had your good sense........ Unfortunately that is not the case and we have to work from where we are. Firstly, in 2007, you'll either go for ODM or the current government and there is no grey area. If, for whatever reason, you choose to remain neutral (like i did in the referendum) you will become irrelevant. We simply have to elect a government in 2007.

Secondly, i agree with most of your arguments. The difference between the current government and a future ODM government is like Tweedledee and Tweedledum. And by the way, isn't it strange that ODM is eerily taking the same path as Narc (a broad coalition of strange bedfellows). However it may turn out well in the end. Probably in future, the Gema communities and the western/nyanza communities will form the two main parties with other smaller communities being the swing voters. Whoever forms the government will then have to look into the interests of the smaller communities to remain in power and vice-versa. Thats an extreme case but we have to be realistic.

Finally, no matter what you think of ODM; it is here to stay, at least in the foreseeable future, and you have to work with them or work against them. Right now, ODM is the only viable opposition to Kibaki's government. As a result, we have to clearly make a choice and hopefully also make a strong argument for or against Kibaki/ODM in the 2007 polls. Whatever the case, both groups need to evolve into focused, democratic political parties and this will take time. For example the formation of Narc Kenya is a positive thing; we hope they will form a formidable opposition if ODM wins and vice-versa. I feel hopeful (no matter what happens in the next two years) because the quality of our governments will have to keep rising if there is a strong opposition.

[abdulmote]

dubois,

I am not at all discouraged by your unfortunate defeatist position because I can understand where you are coming from. And I don't mean your ethnic ancestory here! Your thinking is rather common and indeed not surprising at all. "Kenyans don't think like that", "this is the way we are", "we have to vote in a government come 2007" "ODM is the one" etc, etc. And I am not impressed at all.

First of all let me state that my style of thinking or "senses" as you put it, are not unique or special at all. But the only difference is the fact that I try hard to weigh any matters confronting me by taking utmost consideration of the truth as reflected in the state of reality regarding the same. In a nutshell, I simply hate self-deception, and thats about it!

Take for example your 2007/government/voting excercise. In your case and so a good many others I have noticed, appear to be so concerned that the date is getting nearer by the day. That "the dealine" is kind of approaching fast and we have to prepare for it as a matter of urgency. But if you had bothered to go through what I had stated earlier regarding this issue, you would have noticed that in truth it does not matter! It is a "fallacy of the game" I had stated.

Elections in Kenya are held every five years. The first two and a half after the elections, are spent 'giving a chance to prove oneself' to the President 'elect'. The remaining two and a half years are spent trying to build a coalition for the President's removal after one's dissappointing failure and betrayal! And then the vicious circle starts all over again! Is that necessary? Running around and round like a hamster on its wheel excercising its legs? I mean what is the logic here? Why do we have to feel as if simply by changing the person on top, that everything else will be sorted? If you ask me, that sounds rather naive on our part and purely self deceiving!

In response to your other issue raised regarding the formidability of ODM, I have do noubt that right now your observations are indeed correct. But we must also observe and be ware that the monopoly of ability in the ODM as can be imagined and wished for, is not necessarily the panacea of our perenial problems, and indeed will never be! In saying that, I have no doubt that removal of Kibaki should be given the priority it deserves, and that means right at the top. But at the same time, all the people of Kenya, irrespective of their 'tribal' or political affiliations, must learn to hold their leaders to strict accountability, in tandem with the support they are willing to give to the same without any hasitation whatsoever! Is that too difficult to understand and appreciate its necessity?

[Onyango Oloo]

Abdul:

Greetings from Nairobi. How is the English weather?

I have been reading and mulling over your commments on this and other threads.

I just want to say a few things:


There is this mistaken assumption that all Kenyans are neatly divided into pro and anti-ODM/pro and anti-NARC-Kenya contingents and that these divisions seep over in the JUKWAA forum.

Such an assumption is contradicted by the empirical facts on the ground and the actually existing threads on this and other Kenyan forums.

Take my positions on the ODM for instance.

On the day after ODM was formed, I called for a Red Movement:

jukwaa.proboards58.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1127760309

For years prior to that, I have been consistent in calling for a Kenyan National Democratic Movement which transcends the confines of the above mentioned camps:

kenyasocialist.org/kswsfiles/nationaldemocraticmovement.html

Here is one of my many comments on the "revolutionary potential" of the ODM:

kenyasocialist.org/kswsfiles/2005/oloo_on_revolution.htm

What I am trying to say is that JUKWAA, and by extension, Kenyan society has many political analysts and observers who have perspectives which go beyond the binary reductionisms that are often ascribed by others to others.

Some of us who come from the socialist school of thought see the ultimate goal as being far reaching revolutionary changes in Kenyan society spearheaded by organized Kenyan revolutionary activists rooted among the ordinary wananchi.

At the same time, being wide awake realists, we know only too well that socialism IS NOT on the Kenyan political agenda just yet.

Right now our main task as a people and as a nation is to complete the historic tasks of achieving true national independence and thorough-going democratic renewal as a prerequisite for social justice, national development and wide ranging agrarian, commercial, technological, educational, social, cultural and other reforms which in turn would be building blocks for an eventual Kenyan socialist society.

We see our forward progress in dialectical terms- i.e- in building up our organizational strength step by step over time as we consolidate our democratic victories.

It is in this context some of us see the NARC victory over KANU as a milestone and the ODM victory over the Bananiacs as another one.

If Kenyans successfully dislodge the corrupt and tribal cabal next year, the stage will be set for another qualitative advance because believe you me, the political agenda for Kenya's future is no longer in the hands of the reigning political barons either in government or the opposition.

The initiative is with the people.

Those of us who want to contribute to real change must do at least three things:

1. Pay close attention to what Watu wa Chini are hankering for;

2. Identify like-minded Kenyans and forge alternative political coalitions FROM BELOW that act as a bulwark to the horse-trading among and across the political elite;

3. Be practically involved in working with at least five other Kenyans in pursuing these objectives- away from the online forums.

Onyango Oloo
Nairobi, Kenya

[politicalmaniac]

Its easier to read an Bukusu translation the Holy Quaran than the ramblings of Abdul.
@ Dubois how can you remain "neutral" in the banana Vs ODM? How?

OO,
Your prescription is spot on.
Thats exactly What I am doing, not just spectating from the sidelines as an armchair online activist

[abdulmote]

David,

Asante for your feedback which I found encouraging amidst all the hulabaloo. Sometimes expressing oneself to others can be difficult as you may very well know and in this one task I am not at all an exception as amniac would testify.

To comment on your views above, I noticed that you have nicely rounded the summary of the 'bigger picture' from 'our' socialist perspectives which can be realised given time. The removal of KANU by NARC was one, the Oranges and Banana Ref. outcome was another and as you finally put it, the dislodging of "the corrupt and tribal cabal next year" will be the next step forward. This indeed is a fine observation and it does somehow provide us with the relief of knowing something positive is taking shape.

However, it appears that I may have to dig deeper in here. Muone huyo maniac, the poor fellow admits that he could not understand a thing of what I was trying to observe. Too complex for his feeble mind to digest, or parhaps it is my lingual capacity to blame. And to that I say pole ndugu kwa udhaifu wa kimawazo yako, for learning is a continuous and never ending process, so please do keep trying.

One thing that parhaps I should reiterate about all this, is that here I am not at all questioning what is actually being done right now in the political front by various others, or who is actually doing it or what. But rather, the point which I wish to lay specific focus on, is the persistent betrayals inherent in such efforts once realised. Onyango, my point of observation is that there have been perceived "dislodging of the corrupt and tribal cabal" before by others, which the public had held in the highest esteem ever witnessed in the political history of Kenya! I have no doubt that when the 'young turks' were being offered as an ideal alternative a short time ago, with the eventual removal of KANU by NARC, that indeed was the established perception and everyone 'knowingly' supported it!

But then what happened after?

And this is precisely the fear that I have in mind. The fear of finding ourselves betrayed once again, that is what I have been complaining about all along. The fear that even those who may appear to be honest and genuine when presenting themselves this time, may turn out to be hypocritical and dishonest ones elected tomorrow, that is my concern. And here I am not talking of any group or party, it could be any of them that enjoy some popular support as we can imagine.

Onyango, you bravely declared that the "political agenda for Kenya's future is no longer in the hands of the reigning political barons either in government or the opposition." That .""the initiative is with the people." That is fantastic and quite reassuring news, but are you categorically convinced about such a belief and its realistic realisation? Do you think given the established trends or political manipulation and rampant corruption as our leaders' potential and real 'second nature', such a wonderful public resolve can be secured and put to good use by the public as things and trends stand out to be?

I noticed that you wisely observed that it is the "revolutionary forces" from the "bottom" that are going to cause the desired difference once established. I honestly could not agree with you any stronger. But, does it not follow that the problem of "the potential betrayal" would still remain intact if not addressed adequately and appropriately well before that happens?

My friends, I have no doubt and fully agree that Kenya is bestowed by a lot of talents and gifted individuals who are capable of bringing about real changes many can only dream about and the diversity of our capable perception can only enhance that. But it is with the same token, that I have to urge all for persistent and consistent vigilance upon our affairs, when we simultaneously and so confidently entrust our nation in the hands of the inherently "weak" humanbeings we passionately call leaders!

more needs to be done.

[wanyee]

Abdulmonte,

You and I are definitely on the same wavelength. Thank you for starting this thread. It's about time that we addressed this 'problem'.

I only recently began to participate in this forum, and I have also made similar observations regarding the issues that some Jukwaa members have been PRE-OCCUPIED with. I do not have anything personal against anyone here, but the political discourse sorrounding these so-called "leaders" has been / is POINTLESS, and I challenge anyone to state otherwise. Let him / her start by telling us what has been achieved by discussing / analyzing these clowns so far.

As far as I am concerned, Kenyans must not venture into another election, without a system of checks and balances. Once again, I challenge anyone who thinks otherwise, to very clearly state WHY NOT. I dare that person to state one good reason, why the people should risk going through the same vicious cycle...

Allow me to re-post the following quote from the Daily Nation:

"If we had a constitutional framework that would insulate crucial national and governmental processes from the political nonsense, we would have the luxury of turning our backs on our clamouring politicians" [The circus and greed for power - Daily Nation, 9th April 2006].

I do not want to say more, because I will be repeating myself. We must indeed counter the political wave of deceit NOW.

---

NO REFORMS, NO ELECTIONS!

[roughrider]

Abdulmote

Perhaps it is better that I respond here, for it seems you want to discuss the issues you raised all over right here.

This will be my third response to you on this; I believe: and my last; I hope.

Let me aver that in my view what you call the ‘wave of deceit’ is nothing new at all, in fact it is the very nature of politics – politicians make promises and create electoral and other forces (propaganda is one) in the name of the people, most of which they do not deliver. And it is not unique to Kenya. So you just need to understand what politics is about. The aim of a politician is to get power – power to serve certain interests that may or may not be beneficial to the people.

I have often said that Kenyan politics is currently based more on personality and less on issues. This is a reality we must live with and work with. It is the product of historical social (read ethnic) and political processes that we are all too aware of.

But there are those who are too idealistic to work in such environments. Idealism is good, but it is utopian. Idealism must be tempered with Realism. Those who can not work around and countenance the stark reality of ethnic, personality based politics – i.e. those who lack the right dose of pragmatism to season their lofty ideals - are invited to do two things: One – stay above the fray (so to speak) and shun political involvement (See Joseph Murumbi) or Two – try to curve their own excessively idealistic approaches to political matters and live with potential consequences including irrelevance (see Prof Makau Mutua - although his pompousness and arrogance are also objectionable).

I need to deal with a second issue – the complaint that I am not responding to certain specific issues you claim to have raised in your writing. It is a baseless claim. I can only repeat what I have told Wanyee in another thread. I do not have to respond to actual word for word statements. Sometimes responses can be targeted to the philosophy, the reasoning, the implications and the assumptions. Do not be lulled by the thought that I might not have read any of what you’ve written. Indeed I have. Only that I chose to respond to things that may not be apparent even to you but are underlying.

Now, Abdulmote, normally I would charge for a diagnosis, but in the spirit of the World Cup, this is a freebie.

I am surprised that you think I am on some kind ego trip when I respond to you. Interesting.

[mzee]

There are some arguments which don’t make sense. How can a person who wants to talk politics claim to have the ability of discussing political issues while side stepping political leaders. Is is not self destructive to leave political leaders to run all over the place unchecked? If we don’t discuss their conduct who will? The last time I checked all serious newspapers around the world, the main topic of discussion was political leadership. Kenya is not an island and has some of the problems that are experienced by other countries around the world. It is therefore the height of political naivety to tell people not discuss their leaders. These people hold public offices and must be accountable. We must know what they are doing with our hard earned tax money. These we can only do when we focus on them.

[maina]

mzee1 said:

There are some arguments which don’t make sense. How can a person who wants to talk politics claim to have the ability of discussing political issues while side stepping political leaders. Is is not self destructive to leave political leaders to run all over the place unchecked? If we don’t discuss their conduct who will? The last time I checked all serious newspapers around the world, the main topic of discussion was political leadership. Kenya is not an island and has some of the problems that are experienced by other countries around the world. It is therefore the height of political naivety to tell people not discuss their leaders. These people hold public offices and must be accountable. We must know what they are doing with our hard earned tax money. These we can only do when we focus on them.

WRONG! ................very wrong! You talk as though Kenya's problems are uncaused............that they just exist! That is an awfully wrong assertion.

Maina

-unedited-

[abdulmote]

Brothers and sisters,

Salaam to you all.

May I express my sincere appreciations and pleasure on knowing that at least there are some in this forum who are willing to share my thoughts such as expressed in this thread. I take comfort from the views given by alex, maina, and indeed wanyee. To you, gentlemen of honour, I say keep up the spirit of honesty for the sake of our mother Kenya!

On RR, although I am somehow disappointed with the open insult on our intelligence by opting for such flimsy and pathetic arguments in support of his stand, I must also accept and recognise his to be such common characteristics as can be found in many of the political hypocrites we aggressively fight against through such forum as this on daily bases. Indeed I must admit that I found RR's response as typical of the many Kenyan politicians who always seem not to shy away from regurgitating silly excuses in justification of the indefensible obvious, and in their effort towards protecting their own selfish ends! But there you are, we just have to keep up the fight in defence of upholding the truth on behalf of the vulnerable mwananchi no matter what.

If "reality" tells us that our Kenyan politicians are a lot of scheming thieves, then reality dictates that we must fight them to the last person standing, by demanding for transparency and accountability as we go along irrespective of the resistance people may encounter along the way. That is the logical thing to do for all those who genuinely care for our mother nation!

[roughrider]

My response here addresses comments made by Wanyee and Maina in another thread and others by Abdulmote on this thread because I think the larger issues have been mixed up to the point of fusion… and confusion.

Abdulmote goes first; don’t be ridiculous my friend. Opposing positions in your view are necessarily an openly ‘insult on our intelligence’ and are ‘flimsy and pathetic arguments’ while those who agree are ‘gentlemen of honor’? This is classical fallacy. I am yet to see any firm rebuttal of the position we have taken on this issue and it bears repeating: there is no discernible underlying change in the way we do our politics in Kenya and Africa; there is no ‘wave’ to counter. Instead it is business as usual, and it has been so for 40 plus years. Once we understand these them we can either engage gainfully based on the reigning ‘rules of the game’, making incremental gains or we can whine on Jukwaa or make verbal propositions about red, green and purple movements. The other alternative is to execute a revolution.

Let’s not argue for the sake of it. Disagree, yes, but often, agree.


Maina – in your last, typically knee-jerk reaction, where you purported to advance a muddled counter-view to my Adam Smith quote; you entered into an arena for which you are ill-equipped. A summo wrestler wriggling into an F-1 race car! Adam Smith is a classical economist. He was a teacher of moral philosophy and in those days’ economics was political economy. It is other people who later interpreted and refined his work. As a result both socialism and capitalism can be traced to Smiths discussions on the causes of the ‘wealth of nations’ – it seems you know that Marx was an illustrious consumer of Adam Smith’s work? But then for moralists like you he wrote a magnificent treatise on the ‘Theory of Moral Sentiments’.

The fault with what you say in that ‘Yala Project thread’ therefore is to consider the self interest and the invisible hand as ‘assumptions’, for they are NOT. In fact they are basic tenets of natural law. In the animal kingdom, self interest is in fact ‘survival for the fittest’, which taken to its logical conclusion ensures survival for society. Self interest is natural imperative inherent in man.

I do not see how you make the leap from railing at ‘roughrider’ to making conclusions about Kenyans behavior. Surely, an individual cannot represent the whole and neither can the whole be the sum of the parts!

Let’s not argue for the sake of it. Disagree, yes, but often, agree.

Wanyee – I find it a bit ironical that a Kenyan sitting in Canada finds some issues with globalization. Don’t get me wrong, naturally, there are problems with all these things but there are good sides too and I would have expected that people who have studied, worked or sought succor abroad would see them first.

Many of the things you say are good. I like them. But they lack balance – they only tell one side of the story and this, when taken to the extremes you are courting, is usually called bigotry. It may be accepted in activist segments of civil society but it is frowned upon in professional academic discourse

I make a distinction between capitalism and globalization; in many instances they intersect and are mutually reinforcing and in other ways they oppose each other. Globalization is much more multidimensional; hydra headed. You can have globalization of capitalism as well as globalization of socialism

Globalization has its advantages and, yes, its discontents: some of which you ably discuss. But it is a reality that in my view can be slowed down but CANNOT be stopped. The trick is to learn how to engage with it, reaping its positives and mitigating any negatives.

Let’s not argue for the sake of it. Disagree, yes, but often, agree.

[abdulmote]

"I am yet to see any firm rebuttal of the position we have taken on this issue and it bears repeating: there is no discernible underlying change in the way we do our politics in Kenya and Africa; there is no ‘wave’ to counter. Instead it is business as usual, and it has been so for 40 plus years. Once we understand these them we can either engage gainfully based on the reigning ‘rules of the game’, making incremental gainsor we can whine on Jukwaa or make verbal propositions about red, green and purple movements." -- RR


Amazing. I wonder how far Kenyans can get towards genuine democracy accountability with such mentality. Whowould have thought such thinking as above would have existed in sucha person as you two years ago? This clearly demonstrates what Kenyans have to be vigilant against. Pretty sad. "Namubaki hivyo hivyo", Moi used to say. I am beginning to think that the wave of deceit is actually much bigger than anyone can dare think!

And please. Cut this nonsense of your newly introduced finishing signature. "Agreeing" with anything which smells like rotten fish for even once out of a thousand times, could be too much to accept even for a village fool. indeed agreeing or disagreeing IS certainly NOT a matter of frequecy but the contents! Mbona unatufunya wapumbavu hivi?

[aeichener]

Abdulmote:
Another poster has agreed with you very ably in the Nation Forum when addressing somebody else, so allow me to quote him:

"Why are you obssessed with who instead of how? Governance should be hinged on individuals but institutions. This will enable even you to walk into that office and provide better and quality leadership than the moron we currently have."

Alexander

[abdulmote]

Thanx Alex.


Here follows just a thought:

As I try to learn and understand more about human selfishness and greed, I find myself frequently confronted with individual but common reaction, which displays some kind of an ‘allergic’ response every time the word “self deception” or “our human weaknesses” is mentioned. I have noticed that human beings do not like to be pointed towards acts which tend to prove how hypocritical and selfish they actually are or can be, despite the facts which clearly show how wrong and perhaps even self-destructive such an attitude may prove to be. Our natural instincts seem to be very strong in stimulating our illusionary selfish desires irrespective of some rational or objective understanding of matters before us as individuals. I assume this is what the ‘realists’ believe formulate the core human nature which ought to be understood, appreciated and perhaps even ‘encouraged’ as the ultimate way of survival, but with the same token, I must highlight that belief’s potential for the eventual and even perhaps inevitable anarchy and general destruction were the same to become our sole guidance and principle of the said survival. Ultimately, it is true to observe that our planet is dotted with significant human materialistic achievements which even nations proudly credit to their own ‘individual successes’ by pursuing such principles, but again, such successes as possessed by a limited few amongst the population, inevitably alienates many and condemns them to eternal and painful poverty as we know of. Such is an observation which anyone should logically make when considering matters affecting the many, but considered “utopian” or “unrealistic” when viewed by the selfish and opportunistic few!

Now then, this is one subject content that I feel should to be treated with utmost concern and must be given its due weight considering its potential effect on our political destiny. Yet I cannot help but feel the almost total neglect or perhaps deliberate avoidance of the same, by many who are active participants or shapers of that destiny and this is a very disturbing reality.

One key observation I would like to highlight today, is what can be found frequently in many political activists’ characteristics specifically in our Kenya (By using the word ‘activist’ here I mean to include everyone who is active in our political matters irrespective of their own individual political status, from on-line political activists, to akina Raila and Kibaki). You will notice that those who are somehow able, are quick to grab an opportunity which allows them to be in a position of influencing decision-making on matters of public concern, hence their activist status comes into being. And in fulfilling that role, it may be possible that at the beginning one is not entirely and necessarily motivated by either greed or selfishness per se, but perhaps by the real and actual desire to bring about positive change which may be beneficial for our common good at some point and time in our lives. In fact I dare say that this is actually a very common motivational ‘starter’ for many who venture into ‘political activism’ on behalf of their people and I have no doubt of its nobility and foundation of purpose. But talking of the now cliché hypocrisy or betrayal of trust, subsequently that original motivation becomes converted into an opportunity of self-enrichment once the 'activist' begins to ‘smell’ the aroma of wealth such a status offers, and is thereafter tempted and lured to the benefits of the same.

It follows that the minute such selfish desires set in, the urge in many becomes overwhelming in strength and the activist becomes henceforth busy trying to reap maximum self-benefits of ones position and the ‘opportunities’ available by virtue of the status enjoyed. Indeed some of us can potentially be very effective in criticising the many faults characteristically inherent within our politicians as can be imagined. But the sad reality remains that we are equally and potentially corrupt and inherently faulty, such that without adequately and appropriately addressing this fundamental human characteristic, whatever we intend to put in place as the remedy to our miseries is very likely going to be ineffective and eventually will fail!

[abdulmote]

As each day passes and we continue to wallow in our familiar murk, sadly there appears to be no end in sight of a cleaner existence. Even as many are persistently arguing as to who should do what and criticising all that appropriately attracting criticisms, I am afraid to notice that no one is yet to offer us any hope of a better alternative but only obvious deception. Submissively it seems that some are of the naïve expectation of a possible ‘good’ change come election 2007 through what we have on offer. But again, what many fail to appreciate is that even the best of our current ‘oppositions’ are simply one and the same breed of scavengers we are so keen to replace or so it seems.

You just have to imagine that anyone of them members of the opposition leaders taking over from Kibaki after the election win, and immediately you can begin to see the eventual picture of what will inevitably follow. Say for an extreme example, Raila, who a good many tend to think could be our messiah in waiting takes over the leadership of our nation, can you imagine him not uniting with his ‘old pals’ to form the government? Chances are even before the elections take place, deals will be made that they may share the loot once the ‘scramble’ is over, evidence of which already can be seen! . Kalonzo will be given his slice and so will akina Ngilu, Kombo, Uhuru, Ruto and the rest. More than that, others from the ‘previous’ government may also be invited ‘in order to strengthen the ruling government of national unity’, whatever that may be. In fact I dare say that eventually one may find it difficult to differentiate the composition of the new government ‘elected’ with the old one! And just like under Kibaki before them, soon Kenyans will find themselves back to square one they are so familiar with, they naively had thought was to be their past! After all, my dear sisters and brothers, are they not all birds of a feather who always flocked together?
In my persistent “moaning” about the continuing deception unfolding, some may wonder what solutions am I to offer that we may counter the same. But before anyone can embark on such a task, I should emphasise on the need NOT to focus on the immediate ‘winning’ formula. Fact is, in order that we as a nation may benefit from a genuine change of governance, it is inevitable that we must start bringing about that change beginning with ourselves as individuals. In doing that we must condition ourselves to tackle our own individual “weaknesses” of greed and selfishness we talk about so frequently in these pages and other places. Our focus as a people who desire genuine change, must be to bring about that change as a permanent and long term strategy and not just a change for the sake of it, simply because the stipulated “five years” are over. Our focus of attention should not be to ‘win’ the elections coming simply because we ‘have to win’ and so must backup a potentially “winning" and familiar well known candidate! On the contrary, we must prepare ourselves to sacrifice an 'immediate win', if that means it is the only way to ensure ‘permanency’ of our conviction which is planted as a seed for a better tomorrow, for those who will be lucky to enjoy the fruits of that sacrifice, even at the exclusion of our own selves! It means we will have to be selfless in what we desire but only pursue what is for the common good, which will eventually benefit every individual. It means that we have to sacrifice our own individual immediate ‘wants’ and desires, that our natural and inherent “weaknesses” may not serve to defeat our declared intention and ultimate objectives! ?

How I yearn for the ultimate and true journey to begin.

[abdulmote]

Sad as it may seem to be, I am convinced that the only reason Kenyans are frequently deceived with such success is because of their own failure to wake up to reality surrounding them. Increasingly in our search for the ‘magic wand’, we are quick to attach ourselves to whoever appears to speak our ‘language’ even though only partially so. Unfortunately, however many and strong in unity a people can be, sadly and ironically, they always remain vulnerable and desperate for just a single body which may seem capable of providing them with suitable guidance and leadership out of their perennial miseries. Like the humongous and numerous cattle, sheep and goats, the human flock has to be herded along its pastures that they may avoid hunger, but only by a single skinny person and armed with just a flimsy stick! What they may not know however, is that their herding is only so that they may be fattened, for the day when they shall be slaughtered to feed their human masters, who so lovingly cared for them everyday before, or so it seemed.

But unlike the domesticated animals, I think our case is probably worse than can be imagined! For unlike the animals, we are bestowed with intelligence to think and abilities to refuse to be led to our own slaughter that we may feed our enemies within, yet frequently choose not to! Because of our individual selfishness and inherent naivety which we frequently refuse to acknowledge, our resultant disintegration and lack of objective unity only serves to benefit our ‘herders’ who are quick and ‘efficient’ in exploiting our vulnerability of being, purposely and solely for their own individual but unnecessary advantage, which ultimately only serves to destroy us as a people.

Sadly I also do realise, that human nature is never static in its being. It is quick to change as a response to its environment and the dictates of its circumstances. And as a result, the human beast frequently alters its objectives and desires that one may efficiently exploit the opportunities available, but only with narrow selfishness in mind and at the expense of what may be desirable for the common and beneficial good! It follows that where there are many and vulnerable humans, there are also those who appear capable of causing about change which everyone desires for the better of all. But ironically in the process towards realising the improvement of conditions affecting all, the representatives of the vulnerable-many inevitably experience the transition of their individual status, be it in the form of fame, or indeed the collective power of influence as mandated by the people, which empowers one to direct the decision-making process meant to benefit all! And indeed alarmingly and hypocritically so, it is this individual but unavoidable change, which tends to isolate the vulnerable-many from the collective force they once possessed, by becoming alienated from their own chosen representative who was once part and parcel of their own lot! The representative thus changes sides and status of class, and becomes one of those who the many had always wanted to fight against and not one of their own!

The question then is this; how do we maintain and firmly retain the power of influence which the many can easily create and possess but only and solely for the common good as always should be the case? In other words, how can the people ensure that they do not eventually loose the power of their collective being, once their representatives have undergone the inevitable transition of their individual status, through the mandate given sincerely by the people?

[wanyee]

Roughrider,

"Sitting" in Canada has not exposed me to the supposed long-term benefits of globalization. On the contrary, it has been an eye-opener on the adverse impacts of this trading system, and the urgent need to replace it. (Please refer to my last response to you, in the "YALA SHOWS RAILA VISION" thread).

The fact of the matter is that globalization is detrimental to mankind's progress. It is a reality, only because we have allowed it to be so. And if we can seal the previously dreaded hole in the ozone layer, then we can address this issue.

Haven't the last few years convinced you that globalization does NOT benefit the masses? Do you not see the evidence of this all over the world? Globalization has only benefitted multinational corporations, and their wealthy host economies. We do not need to learn any tricks about how to engage with this system, in order to reap its "positives" while mitigating its "negatives". It's an unfair game with unfair rules, and it is time to stop playing it (Re: The Doha Round).

I am not arguing for the sake of it, nor is there anything that I'm saying, that 'lacks balance'. This is not idealism. This is about changing paradigms that do not work - changing the way we do things (e.g Foreign Direct Investment v/s Local Direct Investment). Obviously, the proposed solutions are going to be revolutionary, as has always been the case thorughout history.

Remember that the problem with the rat-race, is that at the end of it all, you are still a rat!

wanyee.

[abdulmote]

After having a closer look at the 'picture' in today's headline news, my heart could not help but 'sink' in dissappointment.

www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&newsid=79961

Or do you think this bunch is any better than the Rainbow Coalition which 'removed Moi from power? Just wondering eh. I need not repeat what I have already stated in my posts above.