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Post by Onyango Oloo on Aug 24, 2011 23:34:01 GMT 3
RIGHT OF REPLY: Makau Mutua’s pontifications will not change anything
By Miguna Miguna
August 20, 2011
“In any organization, you have to determine your pathway to success and commit to it. There will inevitably be highs and lows. But you have to give your theory and strategy time to work. Maybe it won’t. Many endeavours fail. But without a clear sense of where you are headed, you will certainly fail”.
That’s from David Plouffe, Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign manager, in The Audacity To Win.
Although Obama started off as an underdog whom virtually no pundit gave a chance, he eventually triumphed over the Clinton mean machine due to his philosophical clarity, single-minded focus and discipline. As Plouffe says in his book, “We tried to be fearless while also being disciplined and committed to our plan. It sounds corny, but we had become a family”.
In other words, the triumphant Obama electoral machine wasn’t constructed on some Machiavellian rhetoric or trickery. There were no cynical and hypocritical betrayals like Makau Mutua prescribes in his article, “Why Miguna Miguna’s Sacking was Long Overdue” (Sunday Nation, August 21st, 2011).
The Obama campaign juggernaut was built on honest pursuit of higher ideals. It defined and believed in “change”. It fearlessly and relentlessly went about explaining what that meant to the American voter. Whether it was foreign policy, the economy, race and health care issues, Obama did not fudge. Obama did not adopt Makau’s deceptive strategies. His campaign wasn’t about “winning an election through grand deception”, which is what I understand Makau to be prescribing for Raila Odinga.
Makau asserts, without any explanation, that “Mr Miguna forgot why he was useful to Mr Odinga”. How was I useful to Mr. Odinga? When and how did that usefulness end? Makau needs to explain what my strategy was and how it differs with Raila’s. Mumbo jumbo won’t do.
Obviously, Makau is good at making bald and unqualified statements. This is rich, especially when you consider that he has spent barely a year continuously in Kenya since 1981! And even then only from the safety of taking a “sabbatical” from his ‘lucrative’ job in the USA.
Virtually all his assertions have no foundation. It would be helpful for Makau to explain which “big” words and phrases I use in my articles and how their usage establishes what he calls “academic insecurity”. These are curious and meaningless words, coming from someone I have only met once. Makau seems impervious. He expresses disdain on my attire as someone who hasn’t understood that the constitution bar discrimination on all grounds. Why should Makau define and dictate how I dress? Does he think we have forgotten how he denigraded and described Raila Odinga’s looks in 2007? Predictably, he now bends over backwards to offer psychophantic praises to the same man? For what?
Makau is preoccupied with the African “Big Man”. He thinks the “Big Man” is God and must be worshipped. He claims that I fell out with ODM MPs and Raila’s “secretariat” without caring to explain what that means. What is “Raila’s secretariat?” Wouldn’t it matter to the professor what we might have “disagreed” over? That’s most irresponsible. He disdainfully states that it doesn’t matter whether my positions are right or wrong. Why not?
It seems Makau doesn’t believe in democracy or the rule of law. He believes that one should be condemned unheard. He doesn’t care about rights and procedural fairness. And that coming from a ‘university professor’? In the Nyayo tradition, Makau thinks an adviser is worthless and not entitled to any legal or constitutional protection. He asserts that I deserve anything the “king” subjects me to no matter how inhumane or illegal. This is pitiful.
He also states that an adviser must have no mind of his own; that the “king” is the choirmaster and the adviser just one of the singers. So how does one “advice” the “king” without having independent thoughts and ideas? Isn’t Makau simply prescribing psycophancy? How is that useful for our nascent democracy?
Does Makau think through what he writes? He has a penchant for exaggeration. He has also exposed his callousness by reminding me of “the Chinese saying — the peacock that raises its head gets shot.” Is Makau threatening me or is he inciting others to harm me? Why should I be harmed Mr. Mutua? Makau also implies that there should be no debates, disagreements or discourse in the “king’s court”. He seems to be encouraging Stalinist intolerance specifically for Raila Odinga and ODM, and ominously, in Kenya generally. Is it because I have “disagreed” with the “king?”
It’s quite disappointing that Makau who prides himself as a “distinguished” professor would refuse to see the fundamental violations I was subjected to. I didn’t know that “employee rights” long ceased being part of the syllabus at Buffalo Law School where Makau teaches. How about the Kenya Human Rights Commission? Does it subscribe to Makau’s outdated and retrogressive views?
Makau asserts for the second time, that “servants in the ‘king’s court’ don’t have public minds of their own...”. Hello? What cave did he just crawl out of? This is the twenty-first century Mr. Mutua! Transparency and accountability are values enshrined in the Constitution.
More egregiously, Makau insists that I have disagreed with the PM and ODM publicly “on a daily basis”. Can he give us dates, places and issues of the “daily” disagreements?
When a presidential candidates sets out to woo voters, he must do so honestly and with integrity. The campaign platform and manifesto cannot be based on lies. “Reform” and “change” aren’t words one should be allowed to use as subterfuges. A candidate must mean every word he utters. His character must be put on the microscope and judged based on both his words and deeds; not on propaganda and empty rhetoric.
Like Obama, a candidate must stand with his team in bad times and in good times. He must not desert his team when ‘tragedy’ strikes. Whether the polls fell or rose, Obama stood with his team. He built loyalty and commitment through honesty and strength of character.
As Plouffe recalled in his book: “by far the most important factor in our success was our candidate. He had the right change message in a change election. But his steady performance, his growth over time, the way he dealt with setbacks, his integrity with all he dealt with throughout the campaign, including all of us...ranks right at the top in terms of presidential candidates.” It’s not just about getting votes at any price.
Integrity. Trust. Honesty. Discipline. Commitment. Care. These are the core values that determines electoral success. Unlike Makau, I dont believe that life is all about plots, schemes, conspiracies and tricks. There is no reason why Kenyan politics cannot be based on honesty, trust and integrity. If Makau thinks that I’m guilty for insisting on these cardinal principles, so be it.
The writer is the Prime Minister’s advisor on coalition affairs. The views expressed here are his own.
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Post by einstein on Aug 25, 2011 3:43:35 GMT 3
RIGHT OF REPLY: Makau Mutua’s pontifications will not change anything
By Miguna Miguna August 20, 2011
“In any organization, you have to determine your pathway to success and commit to it. There will inevitably be highs and lows. But you have to give your theory and strategy time to work. Maybe it won’t. Many endeavours fail. But without a clear sense of where you are headed, you will certainly fail”. That’s from David Plouffe, Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign manager, in The Audacity To Win. Although Obama started off as an underdog whom virtually no pundit gave a chance, he eventually triumphed over the Clinton mean machine due to his philosophical clarity, single-minded focus and discipline. As Plouffe says in his book, “We tried to be fearless while also being disciplined and committed to our plan. It sounds corny, but we had become a family”. In other words, the triumphant Obama electoral machine wasn’t constructed on some Machiavellian rhetoric or trickery. There were no cynical and hypocritical betrayals like Makau Mutua prescribes in his article, “ Why Miguna Miguna’s Sacking was Long Overdue” (Sunday Nation, August 21st, 2011). The Obama campaign juggernaut was built on honest pursuit of higher ideals. It defined and believed in “change”. It fearlessly and relentlessly went about explaining what that meant to the American voter. Whether it was foreign policy, the economy, race and health care issues, Obama did not fudge. Obama did not adopt Makau’s deceptive strategies. His campaign wasn’t about “winning an election through grand deception”, which is what I understand Makau to be prescribing for Raila Odinga. Makau asserts, without any explanation, that “Mr Miguna forgot why he was useful to Mr Odinga”. How was I useful to Mr. Odinga? When and how did that usefulness end? Makau needs to explain what my strategy was and how it differs with Raila’s. Mumbo jumbo won’t do. Obviously, Makau is good at making bald and unqualified statements. This is rich, especially when you consider that he has spent barely a year continuously in Kenya since 1981! And even then only from the safety of taking a “sabbatical” from his ‘lucrative’ job in the USA. Virtually all his assertions have no foundation. It would be helpful for Makau to explain which “big” words and phrases I use in my articles and how their usage establishes what he calls “academic insecurity”. These are curious and meaningless words, coming from someone I have only met once. Makau seems impervious. He expresses disdain on my attire as someone who hasn’t understood that the constitution bar discrimination on all grounds. Why should Makau define and dictate how I dress? Does he think we have forgotten how he denigraded and described Raila Odinga’s looks in 2007? Predictably, he now bends over backwards to offer psychophantic praises to the same man? For what? Makau is preoccupied with the African “Big Man”. He thinks the “Big Man” is God and must be worshipped. He claims that I fell out with ODM MPs and Raila’s “secretariat” without caring to explain what that means. What is “Raila’s secretariat?” Wouldn’t it matter to the professor what we might have “disagreed” over? That’s most irresponsible. He disdainfully states that it doesn’t matter whether my positions are right or wrong. Why not? It seems Makau doesn’t believe in democracy or the rule of law. He believes that one should be condemned unheard. He doesn’t care about rights and procedural fairness. And that coming from a ‘university professor’? In the Nyayo tradition, Makau thinks an adviser is worthless and not entitled to any legal or constitutional protection. He asserts that I deserve anything the “king” subjects me to no matter how inhumane or illegal. This is pitiful. He also states that an adviser must have no mind of his own; that the “king” is the choirmaster and the adviser just one of the singers. So how does one “advice” the “king” without having independent thoughts and ideas? Isn’t Makau simply prescribing psycophancy? How is that useful for our nascent democracy? Does Makau think through what he writes? He has a penchant for exaggeration. He has also exposed his callousness by reminding me of “the Chinese saying — the peacock that raises its head gets shot.” Is Makau threatening me or is he inciting others to harm me? Why should I be harmed Mr. Mutua? Makau also implies that there should be no debates, disagreements or discourse in the “king’s court”. He seems to be encouraging Stalinist intolerance specifically for Raila Odinga and ODM, and ominously, in Kenya generally. Is it because I have “disagreed” with the “king?” It’s quite disappointing that Makau who prides himself as a “distinguished” professor would refuse to see the fundamental violations I was subjected to. I didn’t know that “employee rights” long ceased being part of the syllabus at Buffalo Law School where Makau teaches. How about the Kenya Human Rights Commission? Does it subscribe to Makau’s outdated and retrogressive views? Makau asserts for the second time, that “servants in the ‘king’s court’ don’t have public minds of their own...”. Hello? What cave did he just crawl out of? This is the twenty-first century Mr. Mutua! Transparency and accountability are values enshrined in the Constitution. More egregiously, Makau insists that I have disagreed with the PM and ODM publicly “on a daily basis”. Can he give us dates, places and issues of the “daily” disagreements? When a presidential candidates sets out to woo voters, he must do so honestly and with integrity. The campaign platform and manifesto cannot be based on lies. “Reform” and “change” aren’t words one should be allowed to use as subterfuges. A candidate must mean every word he utters. His character must be put on the microscope and judged based on both his words and deeds; not on propaganda and empty rhetoric. Like Obama, a candidate must stand with his team in bad times and in good times. He must not desert his team when ‘tragedy’ strikes. Whether the polls fell or rose, Obama stood with his team. He built loyalty and commitment through honesty and strength of character. As Plouffe recalled in his book: “by far the most important factor in our success was our candidate. He had the right change message in a change election. But his steady performance, his growth over time, the way he dealt with sebacks, his integrity with all he dealt with throughout the campaign, including all of us...ranks right at the top in terms of presidential candidates.” It’s not just about getting votes at any price. Integrity. Trust. Honesty. Discipline. Commitment. Care. These are the core values that determines electoral success. Unlike Makau, I dont believe that life is all about plots, schemes, conspiracies and tricks. There is no reason why Kenyan politics cannot be based on honesty, trust and integrity. If Makau thinks that I’m guilty for insisting on these cardinal principles, so be it. The writer is the Prime Minister’s advisor on coalition affairs. The views expressed here are his own A few things don't seem to add up on this article. May be you want to clarify? - The date MM wrote this response viz-a-viz the date Mutua wrote his own article.
- MM's status viz-a-viz the PM. Has he been reinstated?
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Post by Onyango Oloo on Aug 25, 2011 8:33:31 GMT 3
OO,A few things don't seem to add up on this article. May be you want to clarify? - The date MM wrote this response viz-a-viz the date Mutua wrote his own article.
- MM's status viz-a-viz the PM. Has he been reinstated?
Greetings. First of all, here is the response from Miguna Miguna himself: As for your other question, I think I can answer it myself. Contrary to widespread misconception, Miguna Miguna HAS NOT BEEN FIRED from his job. He has merely been SUSPENDED. So technically he still retains his title until there is a formal announcement that he has been officially terminated.
Onyango Oloo
Nairobi |
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Post by einstein on Aug 25, 2011 8:56:43 GMT 3
OO,A few things don't seem to add up on this article. May be you want to clarify? - The date MM wrote this response viz-a-viz the date Mutua wrote his own article.
- MM's status viz-a-viz the PM. Has he been reinstated?
Greetings. First of all, here is the response from Miguna Miguna himself: As for your other question, I think I can answer it myself. Contrary to widespread misconception, Miguna Miguna HAS NOT BEEN FIRED from his job. He has merely been SUSPENDED. So technically he still retains his title until there is a formal announcement that he has been officially terminated.
Onyango Oloo
NairobiThanks to you guys for the clarification! MM, remain strong my brother. Every little thing will be alright, says The Most High and The Most Gracious in heaven! My worthy teacher Bob Marley says so too!! Cheers! |
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Post by kasuku on Aug 25, 2011 9:41:09 GMT 3
Mr Miguna
I am a woman who might be older than you and so i give myself the luxury of traditional right to give you an advice (that said with tongue in cheek, for I hate tradition given as a right for anything). Your enemies walk/talk disguises them from your Friends.
That said… it was completely unnecessary to defend yourself from Makau’s articles – as your friends didn’t even read it farther from the title – and even if they read, then just for their own amusement.
Mr Makau’s article Title said all one would want to know. Your time and energy is not worth reading it.
You are a prominent and you should take care of your soul now
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Post by stibin on Aug 25, 2011 9:59:52 GMT 3
My view is that the said article by Prof. Mutua hit a new low and and I believe it wasn’t well intentioned. I really could not understand why a man who has spent several decades preaching human rights could get so cheap to, for example, assert that the innocent cap on MM’s head makes him “look comical”. In fact, when I read this line I had to pause and look up there to re-check the author’s name.
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Post by mzee on Aug 25, 2011 15:05:11 GMT 3
I think that MM has a right to reply to any post that hits him below the belt.
But as has been mentioned above we stopped reading Mutuas articles long ago, for they are mostly rubbish.
Many people will write about MM in the coming days and months just to provoke his response. And more specifically to see him hit out at Raila Amollo Odinga.
As I have said before, Railas enemies are also MMs and this has not changed and will not. Some of us will reprimand both men if there is a need to but we will by no means look to further antagonize them. Reason being that we need both men, for the fight for a better Kenya is not over.
People on the other side of the political divide understand that the RAO/MM combination was going to be lethal, hence the celebrations. They want to make sure that things stay the way they are. MM must not fall for these tricks.
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Post by politicalmaniac on Aug 25, 2011 20:38:54 GMT 3
I think that MM has a right to reply to any post that hits him below the belt. But as has been mentioned above we stopped reading Mutuas articles long ago, for they are mostly rubbish. And I bet you that makau just pulls out his statements from his back side and writes them up hivi hivi, thinking that jsut because he teaches Law, that his B.S is swallowed hook, line and sinker. Jamaa thinks we are all fools and can be fooled all the time with his B.S Hon Miguna has raised pertinent points that makau needs to clarify, but wont. Why? He cant, he does not have supporting facts! Its the reason why I also dont read his crap. He has nothing novel to say, and uses moribund phraseology recycled from other writers to fill up space in the op-ed pages. Epic fail! |
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Post by merlin on Aug 25, 2011 23:21:46 GMT 3
I do not know if Prof Makau Mutua definitions of Miguna Miguna are correct though the academic insecurity does stick out as a sore thumb.Miguna Miguna rarely comments on issues or opinion of someone at a level of equality. Almost every time he degrades the other person on academic level. Miguna Miguna feels insecure on level of equality and has to establish a parent / child relationship before he comments (attacks) on issues. Examples; THE IIEC’S HASSAN ISAACK IS OVER-RATED
Although English has always been the de facto principal medium of communication in parliament, over the years, many MPs have managed make do with a fleeting acquaintance with the language. And since the onset of live television coverage of parliamentary proceedings, we have watched with delight the linguistic challenge most MPs face in both English and Swahili.
Yet of all prominent public figures in Kenya today, the most distinguished linguistic offender isn’t Bifwoli Sylvester Wakoli, Kambi Kasungu, Ephraim Maina, Cyprian Omolo, Wilfred Moriasi Ombui , Joseph Kiuna, or Clement Wabara . The gold medal for linguistic and logical incoherence goes to the IIEC chairperson Hassan Ahmed Isaack. This isn’t a trophy you win through occasional lapses. One gets the ‘privilege’ of holding the title through persistent failure.
Many people watching Isaack speak may feel sympathy for him on the mistaken belief that he stammers. I’ve watched this man keenly over the past three years and can confirm that what sounds like natural stutter is actually due to logical incoherence, confusion and uncertainty. Those who can’t think clearly can’t also speak coherently.
Source: jukwaa.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=5613#ixzz1W1mcrZjn
Buke's Attack on Me Was Cowardly
I believe that Buke has been more than unfair to me. I have never written anything negative about Buke although many people know as a matter of public record that he has nothing to write home about. Apart from running around town jumping from one cause or another for handouts from politicians, Buke has done virtually nothing to complete his education, acquire useful skills and make a substantive contribution to society.
Source: jukwaa.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=5701
Makau Mutua’s pontifications will not change anything
Makau is good at making bald and unqualified statements. This is rich, especially when you consider that he has spent barely a year continuously in Kenya since 1981! And even then only from the safety of taking a “sabbatical” from his ‘lucrative’ job in the USA.
Virtually all his assertions have no foundation. It would be helpful for Makau to explain which “big” words and phrases I use in my articles and how their usage establishes what he calls “academic insecurity”.
Source: jukwaa.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=5718#ixzz1W1jhRnnU Placing oneself above the opponent seems to be a streak of arrogance though often it means the opposite. It is a feeling of inferiority which has to overcome by degrading the opponent. It also means a feeling of insecurity to be able to offer valuable arguments to refute the arguments of the opponent. This manifest itself again in Makau Mutua’s pontifications will not change anything where the attack on the character of Makau is the main message and very little of Makau’s arguments are refuted such as; 1- A senior aide who loses his boss’s confidence must go without making a fuss. 2- Servants in the “king’s court” don’t have public minds of their ownTo refute this argument Miguna offers; “In any organization, you have to determine your pathway to success and commit to it. There will inevitably be highs and lows. But you have to give your theory and strategy time to work. Maybe it won’t. Many endeavours fail. But without a clear sense of where you are headed, you will certainly fail”.
That’s from David Plouffe, Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign manager, in The Audacity To Win. However where David Plouffe refers to the group efforts and speaking about ’we’ does Miguna speaks about Miguna versus Raila. Miguna refers to Obama though in effect speaks about himself as being in honest pursuit of higher ideals. The lines than reads as follows; Miguna defines and believes in “change”. He fearlessly and relentlessly goes about explaining what that meant to the Kenyan voter. Miguna does not fudge. Miguna does not adopt Makau’s deceptive strategies. His campaign isn’t about “winning an election through grand deception”, which is what I understand Makau to be prescribing for Raila Odinga. Miguna does not refute Makau’s argument though confirms his observation; Mr Miguna made no secret that he’d take a bullet for Mr Odinga. Therein lay his fatal mistake. He confused himself with Mr Odinga.3- Mr Miguna forgot why he was useful to Mr Odinga. Presidential candidates — and Mr Odinga is one — must focus on winning elections. The candidate’s men and women must do everything to make him electable.Miguna does not refute this argument. He question if Makau knows the strategy which was defined in the king’s court. However we do not know the strategy though it must have been in the first place to maximise the electability of Raila and secondly within the idealistic concept of the party. I think Miguna could not subordinate himself to this strategy and prioritised his ideals even competing with Raila on these. 4- Second, there can only be one lion king.Miguna does not refute this argument. I perceive that Miguna misses the ability to be a team player. He has a strong longing to be the king. He dresses himself in qualities as being the one and only true democrat, the fearless knight to fight impunity and nowhere relates with mortals who have their doubts, weaknesses and failures in life. However these mortals relentlessly struggle to find ways and means to bring about a better society. Miguna blames Makau as being preoccupied with the African “Big Man” and writes; Makau is preoccupied with the African “Big Man”. He thinks the “Big Man” is God and must be worshipped. I perceive Miguna feels competition as he subconsciously regards himself as the “Big Man” the God of democracy and change. Miguna cannot accept failure and is therefore always in a fighting situation even with Raila. Miguna probably is right about his ideals though is unable to help to pave the way to a better world. Miguna is a warrior and we are in need of builders of a better future. 5- Third, Mr Odinga finally realised that Mr Miguna was a liability.Miguna refute this argument as follows; He (Makau) claims that I fell out with ODM MPs and Raila’s “secretariat” without caring to explain what that means. What is “Raila’s secretariat?” Wouldn’t it matter to the professor what we might have “disagreed” over? We do not know. The relation between Miguna and Raila must have come to a dead end. There must be a history of this journey though Miguna claims that he does not know and Raila does not talk about it in public. It seems to be a traumatic experience for Miguna and he is still in the denial phase of it. However deep the impact is on the personal relations between Miguna and Raila, it is of no importance for the public. Finally, Mr Odinga may have suspected that Mr Miguna was simply using his “zealotry” to serve as pretext to advance himself.Miguna does not refute or comment on this argument. The rest of his writing is an attack on the character of Makau.
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Post by tnk on Aug 26, 2011 0:20:29 GMT 3
merlin
there is some rich irony in your post above
you conclude thus
==
The rest of his writing is an attack on the character of Makau.
==
but the entire post is "an attack on the character of miguna"
i dont really get it, whats your point?
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Post by furaha on Aug 26, 2011 2:25:43 GMT 3
Congratulations Merlin for using psychology 101 to find what I have largely been unable to find in Miguna's writings!!
Your selective use of quotations and applying these out of context is an example of unfairness that can lead to the kind of character assasination that Miguna himself has been accused of by various folks. In other words, be careful not to do to Miguna what you you think he should stand accused of.
and suggesting that Miguna is comparing himself to Obama and/or Plouffe is rather rich.... Volumes and volumes have been written about campaign strategies in different parts of the world. It's a science.... And mentioning a specific and successful strategy does not in any way imply that the writer identifies with the candidate, let alone that the writer would want to indentify himself with the candidate.
So let's stick to facts and leave the psychology to others.
I understand why some people may feel that Miguna has at times gone over the top in his writings, but he has every right to defend himself when he is attacked. And let's be honest, Makau Mutua's column was, to put it mildly, not close to some of his better stuff.
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Post by merlin on Aug 26, 2011 11:37:38 GMT 3
merlin there is some rich irony in your post above you conclude thus == The rest of his writing is an attack on the character of Makau. == but the entire post is "an attack on the character of miguna" i dont really get it, whats your point? My point is different from many others who perceive Miguna as a valuable contributor in the struggle for a better Kenya. I am of the opinion that his ideals are probably right though his method and behaviour in paving the way towards this better Kenya works adverse. He is a hindrance for bringing people together and moving opinion of the citizens in the right direction. In my opinion Miguna misses the professional qualities to be an adviser to Raila and Makau explains this in his article. Makau identifies this in several specific points. Miguna in his reaction on this article does not like to go into these specific points. I perceive this as dodging the issues and I try to make the readers of JUKWAA aware of this. I tried this by highlighting the specific points and the reaction of Miguna on this to enable the reader to form its own opinion. There is one question that should be asked from Miguna; What happened between you and Raila that made you fall-out together?I perceive it as psychological denial if Miguna state; he does not know. Miguna does not have to answer this question as it is private between him and Raila though the consequence is that he should stop moaning and blaming Raila. The alternative is to bring it in the open so we all can take sides of who is the good and who the bad guy. However if this will be a contribution to the struggle for a better Kenya has to be seen. |
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Post by merlin on Aug 26, 2011 12:34:45 GMT 3
Congratulations Merlin for using psychology 101 to find what I have largely been unable to find in Miguna's writings!! Your selective use of quotations and applying these out of context is an example of unfairness that can lead to the kind of character assasination that Miguna himself has been accused of by various folks. In other words, be careful not to do to Miguna what you you think he should stand accused of. and suggesting that Miguna is comparing himself to Obama and/or Plouffe is rather rich.... Volumes and volumes have been written about campaign strategies in different parts of the world. It's a science.... And mentioning a specific and successful strategy does not in any way imply that the writer identifies with the candidate, let alone that the writer would want to indentify himself with the candidate. So let's stick to facts and leave the psychology to others. I understand why some people may feel that Miguna has at times gone over the top in his writings, but he has every right to defend himself when he is attacked. And let's be honest, Makau Mutua's column was, to put it mildly, not close to some of his better stuff. I have tried to structure my comments in order of the article Makau has written (which is the article Miguna reacted on) and used the quotations of Miguna in relation to this. If you feel that I am unfair in this than why not point to the specific items you found unfair. This could lead to a fruitful discussion where we all can learn what actual is happening. Example; Miguna has in several of his writings identified himself as the (only) true democrat fighting impunity. I perceive he quoted David Plouffe in relation with his self-esteem and not that ODM has an honest strategy. To the contrary if you read his response on Makau he blames Makau of plots, schemes, conspiracies and tricks and implicit ODM and Raily.
It’s not just about getting votes at any price. Integrity. Trust. Honesty. Discipline. Commitment. Care. These are the core values that determines electoral success. Unlike Makau, I dont believe that life is all about plots, schemes, conspiracies and tricks. There is no reason why Kenyan politics cannot be based on honesty, trust and integrity. If Makau thinks that I’m guilty for insisting on these cardinal principles, so be it.
I perceive Miguna uses all these words as; "Integrity. Trust. Honesty. Discipline. Commitment. Care." to describe his self-esteem when he writes; If Makau thinks that I’m guilty for insisting on these cardinal principles, so be it. I don’t think you have to study psychology to understand how Miguna perceives his world and why he is unable to bring people together. |
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Post by johnmaina on Aug 27, 2011 4:07:33 GMT 3
Merlin,
wacha hiyo analysis yako ya peni mbili, which i will respond to when i get time, as it just don't make sense.
You telling us you know how MM perceives his world? and is unable to bring pple together? what about those that love reading his articles who are many.
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Post by mwalimumkuu on Aug 27, 2011 4:16:33 GMT 3
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man
Junior Member
Posts: 99
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Post by man on Aug 27, 2011 9:34:39 GMT 3
As for your other question, I think I can answer it myself. Contrary to widespread misconception, Miguna Miguna HAS NOT BEEN FIRED from his job. He has merely been SUSPENDED. So technically he still retains his title until there is a formal announcement that he has been officially terminated.
Onyango Oloo
NairobiAllow me to chime in on your response above. I was a civil servant until about 13 years ago when I left the service to pursue other things. I was a very very very junior civil servant through out my tenure (I have to point that out upfront lest Miguna replies to my post by questioning my academic credentials as is usual in his responses) Back to the topic. At the time I was in the service, suspension use to be called Interdiction., which was for a maximum of six months by which time if investigations were not complete you were reinstated unconditionally. During the six months your were out on interdiction (or suspension), you were entitled to half of your salary for the entire period. Upon reinstatement you resumed your full pay and the other half that was withheld from you during your suspension was also given back to you as a lump sum. Like I said its been very many years since I left the service and things may have changed. I see that Miguna is demanding at least half his salary during his suspension, which means that this rule may still be the same from the time I was in the service. What most of you (Miguna included) don't seem to understand is that these people used the word suspension just conveniently in Miguna's case. The truth of the matter is that Miguna was fired. You can never be suspended indefinately in the civil service and without pay. The indefinate suspension without pay is just a code for telling you that you are fired. And to drive the point home, the went ahead and fired his staff on the spot (those are the people I trully feel sorry for). That means they have no intentions of bringing Miguna back from the get-go, at least not in his former capacity. And if on the other hand those people were genuinely going to investigate the circumstances that led to their action, they do not have any more reason or motivation to pursue the investigation further, not after the tantrums that Miguna threw following his "suspension" In conclusion, let us just accept that Miguna was fired!!! NB: I have to get at least three warnings before your kick me out of the forum like you did a couple of weeks ago. I will risk this as my first warning, so I have two more strikes. |
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Post by merlin on Aug 27, 2011 10:30:10 GMT 3
Merlin, wacha hiyo analysis yako ya peni mbili, which i will respond to when i get time, as it just don't make sense. You telling us you know how MM perceives his world? and is unable to bring pple together? what about those that love reading his articles who are many. Yes people like to read Miguna’s articles when he attacks others. It maybe create a feeling as if we say these things ourselves though miss the words or courage to do so or would not do as it goes against our internal values. (We also view horror movies)Binding people needs an – intangible - common goal, something like a religion or a belief in a better future. It is possible to bring people together on personal rewards such as money, safety, job, or threatening them with the opposite; loss of livelihood, security, though this does not necessarily creates binding. Miguna Miguna does not offer a common goal or a path to a better future. Miguna Miguna points to injustice, impunity, without spelling out what we should do to rid our world of these evils. He does not radiate hope. It is worthwhile to compare his behaviour with that of Raila – who radiates hope – and William Ruto – who radiates fear. Both have the ability to bind people together. 2 Cents Psychology. Although Psychology is a science, everyone uses it all the time in dealing with others. |
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Post by destiny on Aug 27, 2011 10:50:43 GMT 3
On a serious note, I don't think Miguna is tough enough to be involved neck-deep in Kenya's murky politics. He's too genuine and fair for this game. He's too soft, not hard enough, to take the heat from our Siasa duni of deception and fraud. In Kenyan politics, one needs to develop a thick skin and strong shock absorbers because the political road is full of potholes and hazards every few miles. An army of Miguna's critics have slowly noticed his reactionary Achilles' Heel and that's why he's been floored by anyone and everyone as he flounders to reply to every Tom Dick and Kamau. If Prof Makau Mutua was to elaborate on all the questions he's being challenged on by MM, surely, won't he need about 20 pages on the newspapers?
I think Miguna means well when he says he wants an impunity free nation called Kenya where selfish leaders are held accountable for their actions. From his tone, gesture, spirit and facial expression when he spoke to Jeff on K24, you can see this is a passionate man who loves his country. I can't wait to read his book on his experiences when he was working for Raila. perhaps he will explain more what he meant when he said there's rampant corruption in PM's office.
As of now, double M can still serve mother Kenya is many other different way just like he was doing before he was picked to be PM's advisor. You win some, you lose some, but you live to fight another day.
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Post by einstein on Aug 27, 2011 19:40:36 GMT 3
As for your other question, I think I can answer it myself. Contrary to widespread misconception, Miguna Miguna HAS NOT BEEN FIRED from his job. He has merely been SUSPENDED. So technically he still retains his title until there is a formal announcement that he has been officially terminated.
Onyango Oloo
Nairobi (I have to point that out upfront lest Miguna replies to my post by questioning my academic credentials as is usual in his responses) Back to the topic. At the time I was in the service, suspension use to be called Interdiction., which was for a maximum of six months by which time if investigations were not complete you were reinstated unconditionally. During the six months your were out on interdiction (or suspension), you were entitled to half of your salary for the entire period. Upon reinstatement you resumed your full pay and the other half that was withheld from you during your suspension was also given back to you as a lump sum. Like I said its been very many years since I left the service and things may have changed. I see that Miguna is demanding at least half his salary during his suspension, which means that this rule may still be the same from the time I was in the service. What most of you (Miguna included) don't seem to understand is that these people used the word suspension just conveniently in Miguna's case. The truth of the matter is that Miguna was fired. You can never be suspended indefinately in the civil service and without pay. The indefinate suspension without pay is just a code for telling you that you are fired. And to drive the point home, the went ahead and fired his staff on the spot (those are the people I trully feel sorry for). That means they have no intentions of bringing Miguna back from the get-go, at least not in his former capacity. And if on the other hand those people were genuinely going to investigate the circumstances that led to their action, they do not have any more reason or motivation to pursue the investigation further, not after the tantrums that Miguna threw following his "suspension" In conclusion, let us just accept that Miguna was fired!!! NB: I have to get at least three warnings before your kick me out of the forum like you did a couple of weeks ago. I will risk this as my first warning, so I have two more strikes. If your bio data on Jukwaa records is correct, then you are currently 30 years old. That means that 13 years ago, you were 17 years old. Assuming you entered Class 1 at the age of 5 (I doubt it, but let's just assume so) in the 8-4-4 system of education, then at the age of 17 you were doing your 4th Form and at the same time working as a very very very junior civil servant! First, I wonder if you could really combine both and secondly, I thought the majority age in Kenya starts from 18. Now, employment of a minor full time and during school hours could easily amount to child labour abuse and I'm not sure a sane government would want to do that to her citizen! You get my drift, or am I missing something here? Here is your bio data as recorded on Jukwaa:Name: man Email: hidden Birthday: 11/18/1980 Age: 30 Gender: Male Posts: 4 Date Registered: Aug 22, 2011, 8:09am Account Status: Activated |
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Post by politicalmaniac on Aug 27, 2011 22:40:39 GMT 3
He's too soft, not hard enough, to take the heat from our Siasa duni of deception and fraud. As of now, double M can still serve mother Kenya is many other different way just like he was doing before he was picked to be PM's advisor. You win some, you lose some, but you live to fight another day. Eti Hon Miguna is soft? a man who defied kipkrios at the height of his powers openly? At the invitation of older friends and relatives (close SONU associates/friends of Hon Miguna), I played hookey while in secondary school to attend kamkunji's at UoN and the only speech I still remember was by Buke and Hon Miguna. I even remember his attire. I met them all that day. Eti Soft? Meaning What? This misplaced schadenfreude over l'affaire Miguna is puzzling. Its as if Hon Miguna is in a political casket and his public life is over with. If folks bother to look into the CVs of many prominent leaders world over, a lot of them hit speed bumps on the road to Damascus. If anything I see a parallel between the careers of the Rt Hon Prime Minister and Hon Miguna's And If the statement on the Star newspaper (Jukwaaist Akinyi linked it here), attributed to the Hon Prime Minister is correct, this is a mere suspension that will be sorted out definitively sooner or later, one way or the other. Its not the end of Hon Miguna's public life. If anything this saga has proven that he is now an institution in his own right. No one does not know his name and his ideals and what he stands for. No One. Folks are obsessed with him, just like they are with the Rt Hon Prime Minister. As far as I am concerned this is an opportunity for Hon Miguna. Its a lemon out of which, he will squeeze some very tasty lemonade. Wana Jukwaa know what my wishes are for this great honorable patriotic fearless dedicated son of Kenya is. I can only pray and wish him well. What I know, I know. Ngojeni!! |
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man
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Post by man on Aug 28, 2011 8:54:14 GMT 3
OOAllow me to chime in on your response above. I was a civil servant until about 13 years ago when I left the service to pursue other things. I was a very very very junior civil servant through out my tenure (I have to point that out upfront lest Miguna replies to my post by questioning my academic credentials as is usual in his responses) Back to the topic. At the time I was in the service, suspension use to be called Interdiction., which was for a maximum of six months by which time if investigations were not complete you were reinstated unconditionally. During the six months your were out on interdiction (or suspension), you were entitled to half of your salary for the entire period. Upon reinstatement you resumed your full pay and the other half that was withheld from you during your suspension was also given back to you as a lump sum. Like I said its been very many years since I left the service and things may have changed. I see that Miguna is demanding at least half his salary during his suspension, which means that this rule may still be the same from the time I was in the service. What most of you (Miguna included) don't seem to understand is that these people used the word suspension just conveniently in Miguna's case. The truth of the matter is that Miguna was fired. You can never be suspended indefinately in the civil service and without pay. The indefinate suspension without pay is just a code for telling you that you are fired. And to drive the point home, the went ahead and fired his staff on the spot (those are the people I trully feel sorry for). That means they have no intentions of bringing Miguna back from the get-go, at least not in his former capacity. And if on the other hand those people were genuinely going to investigate the circumstances that led to their action, they do not have any more reason or motivation to pursue the investigation further, not after the tantrums that Miguna threw following his "suspension" In conclusion, let us just accept that Miguna was fired!!! NB: I have to get at least three warnings before your kick me out of the forum like you did a couple of weeks ago. I will risk this as my first warning, so I have two more strikes. If your bio data on Jukwaa records is correct, then you are currently 30 years old. That means that 13 years ago, you were 17 years old. Assuming you entered Class 1 at the age of 5 (I doubt it, but let's just assume so) in the 8-4-4 system of education, then at the age of 17 you were doing your 4th Form and at the same time working as a very very very junior civil servant! First, I wonder if you could really combine both and secondly, I thought the majority age in Kenya starts from 18. Now, employment of a minor full time and during school hours could easily amount to child labour abuse and I'm not sure a sane government would want to do that to her citizen! You get my drift, or am I missing something here?Here is your bio data as recorded on Jukwaa:Name: man Email: hidden Birthday: 11/18/1980 Age: 30 Gender: Male Posts: 4 Date Registered: Aug 22, 2011, 8:09am Account Status: Activated einstein, Oh yes, you are missing a lot. If I was your Professor and this was the analytical term paper you presented I would give you a grade of D just for trying. My next option would be F because we do not have any grade of E. Anyway good luck in your effort to chambua me. I hope you don't bruise your sculp while scratching your head trying to chambua me. |
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Post by b6k on Aug 28, 2011 12:26:23 GMT 3
Man, you've been busted! That said whether you were 17 or not when you were drawing your salary as a very junior civil servant I have to totally agree with what you said. MM was fired, or to put it in his own words, politically "assassinated".
The fact that PNU folk were in the meetings leading up to his demise makes it very clear. Gentlemens agreements have been drafted for the next showdown in 2012. Rules of engagement have been agreed to & the first was that MM had to go & go in the worst way possible. There's no two ways about this.
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Post by destiny on Aug 29, 2011 11:00:18 GMT 3
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Post by enigma on Aug 29, 2011 13:21:04 GMT 3
We dont know what differences MM had with Raila. There is no need to speculate. But we are talking bread and butter issues here. MM has a right to a fair dismissal. Take the politics out of it and think about the man's rights.
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