Raila Should Pick Gitobu Imanyara As Running Mate

[Omwenga]

The Standard Online in a story, www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000060222&story_title=Will-Raila-pick-Imanyara-his-running-mate? has joined others in speculating that Raila may be zeroing in on the Central Imenti MP and certified reformist Hon. Gitobu Imanyara to be his running mate.

This follows Mr. Imanyara’s joining the influential Friends of Raila (FORA) lobby group where he was immediately appointed as deputy patron, a key position in the group and Raila’s reelection campaign.

I am proudly and enthusiastically calling on Raila to make our good friend Imanyara his running mate and end the speculation because Imanyara is not only a true reformist committed to bringing about change in the country much as Raila is, he provides the best option for regional balance without resorting to tribal based arithmetic which those who believe in it would say Raila must pick someone from RV.

As yours truly has been saying on these blogs, Raila is seeking the presidency based on a 47 County Campaign strategy (47CC), which means he will traverse and harvest votes across the country and regardless of what region or tribe because his goal is not only to get more than the requisite majority to be sworn as president but also to be elected with a commanding majority from across the country so that he can bring about the long overdue transformation of our country he has promised.

Hon. Gitobu Imanyara will be an ideal running mate and Deputy President to help him bring about that transformation.

That does not mean there are not others equally impressive and/or qualified as Imanyara who can take the spot as well; there are and I am sure the PM can toss a coin as between and among them and pick one with the same desired outcome of having a credible running mate who can bring about regional balance and as they and ODM go on to sweep the country at the polls.

The only thing I would say is, if one or another is not picked, especially among those others whose names have been recently mentioned as potential picks for running mate such as Henry Kosgey, let them not let that be a reason to slow down or hold back their support because there are many other ways they can contribute and impact in the transformation of the country working with Raila, if Kenyans give him the nod again as they did before but was prevented from being sworn as president.

Indeed, with the selection of Imanyara and the ongoing and steady regaining of lost ground in RV, this election maybe a repeat of 2007 must all of its ugliness, namely, Raila and ODM yet again sweeping the country.

This is because more and more Kenyans are saying enough of mambo ya ukabila, corruption and impunity.

They are also demanding that the constitution be fully implemented and none other than Raila of those out there with a serious shot at the presidency can make the case they can even come remotely close to Raila in fully implementing the constitution while at the same waging and winning a serious fight against corruption and ending impunity.

None

Uchambuzi Tanaka, www.omwenga.com

[mwalimumkuu]

Omwenga,

When you hit the keyboard to write about some of these things, be prepared to go an extra mile at least beyond what we already know. Otherwise regurgitating what has been reported by the common media does not help us that much.

On this one for instance, I would expect you to tell us why think Gitobu would be a better deputy to Raila than say the thieving Koskei. Or what does he bring that the juvenile Namwamba does not. Or what are his favorables as compared to the mungiki lawyer Muite? In other words, what exactly does he bring to the ticket that the party does not have?

I have tried to understand the man since the media reported this move, and apart from the fact that the man was kicked by Moi on several occasions, I have not seen anything to write home about.

This is a man who has never been able to hold on to his seat for two consecutive terms. He has no any tangible legislative history. Anytime he takes on his feet in bunge, he does nothing but share with the nation his paranoia as a result of his midnight rendezvous on lonely streets of Nairobi.

So what exactly do you see in him that would miraculous stop the titanic from sinking?

[job]

Jun 21, 2012 6:29:53 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Omwenga,

When you hit the keyboard to write about some of these things, be prepared to go an extra mile at least beyond what we already know. Otherwise regurgitating what has been reported by the common media does not help us that much.

On this one for instance, I would expect you to tell us why think Gitobu would be a better deputy to Raila than say the thieving Koskei. Or what does he bring that the juvenile Namwamba does not. Or what are his favorables as compared to the mungiki lawyer Muite? In other words, what exactly does he bring to the ticket that the party does not have?

I have tried to understand the man since the media reported this move, and apart from the fact that the man was kicked by Moi on several occasions, I have not seen anything to write home about.

This is a man who has never been able to hold on to his seat for two consecutive terms. He has no any tangible legislative history. Anytime he takes on his feet in bunge, he does nothing but share with the nation his paranoia as a result of his midnight rendezvous on lonely streets of Nairobi.

So what exactly do you see in him that would miraculous stop the titanic from sinking?

Frankly, Omwenga's (& the Standard writer's) arguments are apparently beyond the spectrum of your political prism. Gitobu Imanyara is not only Presidential material; he can singularly lead Kenya's national reform movement. The fact that Raila recognizes Gitobu has all it takes to lead Kenya's transformation - able to take the Presidency in a heartbeat - shouldn't bother you afterall ama?. Afterall you think Gitobu is paranoid - "belonging to lone streets of Nairobi"...why then are you worried about paranoid fellows? Brace for a new Kenya.

[reporter911]

Jun 21, 2012 6:29:53 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Omwenga,

When you hit the keyboard to write about some of these things, be prepared to go an extra mile at least beyond what we already know. Otherwise regurgitating what has been reported by the common media does not help us that much.

On this one for instance, I would expect you to tell us why think Gitobu would be a better deputy to Raila than say the thieving Koskei. Or what does he bring that the juvenile Namwamba does not. Or what are his favorables as compared to the mungiki lawyer Muite? In other words, what exactly does he bring to the ticket that the party does not have?

I have tried to understand the man since the media reported this move, and apart from the fact that the man was kicked by Moi on several occasions, I have not seen anything to write home about.

This is a man who has never been able to hold on to his seat for two consecutive terms. He has no any tangible legislative history. Anytime he takes on his feet in bunge, he does nothing but share with the nation his paranoia as a result of his midnight rendezvous on lonely streets of Nairobi.

So what exactly do you see in him that would miraculous stop the titanic from sinking?

Opps! where did all this insults on Gitobu come from? or other politicians mentioned? so if one were to describe Uhuru yours truly presidential candidate, what stands out in a nutshell? I don't think anyone would want to go there..
Throwing matusi at Gitobu won't change anything .... it just shows ignorance and pettiness

[kamalet]

Jun 21, 2012 8:22:20 GMT 3 job said:

Frankly, Omwenga's (& the Standard writer's) arguments are apparently beyond the spectrum of your political prism. Gitobu Imanyara is not only Presidential material; he can singularly lead Kenya's national reform movement. The fact that Raila recognizes Gitobu has all it takes to lead Kenya's transformation - able to take the Presidency in a heartbeat - shouldn't bother you afterall ama?. Afterall you think Gitobu is paranoid - "belonging to lone streets of Nairobi"...why then are you worried about paranoid fellows? Brace for a new Kenya.

And this is exactly the reason why Kenyans feel that they cannot trust Raila to be president of Kenya! If anyone for a single moment thinks that Imanyara is presidential material then even their judgement of that Raila is presidential material must be equally warped!

[job]

Jun 21, 2012 9:16:20 GMT 3 kamalet said:

Jun 21, 2012 8:22:20 GMT 3 job said:

Frankly, Omwenga's (& the Standard writer's) arguments are apparently beyond the spectrum of your political prism. Gitobu Imanyara is not only Presidential material; he can singularly lead Kenya's national reform movement. The fact that Raila recognizes Gitobu has all it takes to lead Kenya's transformation - able to take the Presidency in a heartbeat - shouldn't bother you afterall ama?. Afterall you think Gitobu is paranoid - "belonging to lone streets of Nairobi"...why then are you worried about paranoid fellows? Brace for a new Kenya.

And this is exactly the reason why Kenyans feel that they cannot trust Raila to be president of Kenya!

For clarity - let's get this right. Kamale and his like-mined ilk cannot even pretend or purport to represent Kenya. This is the singular sin that drove Kenya into PEV. Some fellas think their views are representative of an entire country called Kenya. That's totally misguided, chauvinistic and misplaced. Kamale's views aren't synonymous with views of Kenyans, period! Kwa hivyo what you think about Raila is immaterial in as far as the county goes. If you don't trust him, don't think majority Kenyans think like you.

If anyone for a single moment thinks that Imanyara is presidential material then even their judgement of that Raila is presidential material must be equally warped!

When you're used to a colonial-minded, collaborator-guided yardstick for leadership...who can blame you? Reformists scare the heck out of you. This is exactly what makes Gitobu Imanyara popular...when he scares the marbles out of status-quo trees like you - it makes me feel good!

[destiny]

In an ideal world, yes Hon Imanyara would be picked without any fuss. I know he's not a saint but he's one of the best among the rotten lot of kina Kosgey who collapsed Kenya National Assurance and also happens to be Moi damu. But sadly when it comes to our tribal politics, brave Imanyara doesn't have any chance or the numbers to bring on the table. He also lacks that much cash to toss around to hungry crowds bought to attend political rallies by local councillors. Then again there would be tantrum in ODM if such a "sensitive" seat is given to someone who is relatively new in the ODM circles. Does Raila have the guts to overlook some of those points and go for Imanyara???

[Omwenga]

Jun 21, 2012 6:29:53 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Omwenga,

When you hit the keyboard to write about some of these things, be prepared to go an extra mile at least beyond what we already know. Otherwise regurgitating what has been reported by the common media does not help us that much.

.

Mwalimumkuu,

Really?

Taking this ingenuous point from you we should never debate anything that has been reported in the "common media" because doing so would be regurgitating it?

Really? Are you proud and patting yourself on the back for making this profound proposition? Would you go to your students, if any, and declare, "hear ye, hear ye, I have today proclaimed no one should post anything on the leading Kenyan forum Jukwaa anything that has been reported in the media because doing so would be tantamount to regurgitating?!

Unless your students are Standard Two pupils who would laugh at you for having no clue what you are talking about, the rest would laugh at you and demand that you are promptly fired as their teacher for trying to impress them with this as some kind of a profound proclamation when its anything but.

On this one for instance, I would expect you to tell us why think Gitobu would be a better deputy to Raila than say the thieving Koskei. Or what does he bring that the juvenile Namwamba does not. Or what are his favorables as compared to the mungiki lawyer Muite? In other words, what exactly does he bring to the ticket that the party does not have?

.

I already answered this in the short blog but here is a summary for you and more:

[1] Reform credentials as human rights lawyer
[2] Demonstrable sharp leadership political skills and ability
[3] Relatively clean politician; no heavy baggage much like Raila
[4] Charming personality that adds to, and complements Raila's
[5] Excellent intellectual acumen

Your assignment is to connect the dots and determine how these qualities set Imanyara apart and make him an ideal candidate for pick as Raila's running mate.

I have tried to understand the man since the media reported this move, and apart from the fact that the man was kicked by Moi on several occasions, I have not seen anything to write home about.

.

All that this tells us is you that you don't care about those who have put their lives on the line for our country and their sacrifices which is a shame. This one don't even share with a preschool child for they, too, will demand you get sacked immediately as their teacher because even at that age, they understand the value of sacrifice that you apparently don't.

Imanyara's reform credentials, and yes that includes "being kicked by Moi on several occasions" you are belittling makes him presidential material ten times better than either Uhuru or Ruto we all know to be your ideal candidates for president.

Just in case you may not know about this radiant reformist Imanyara, I share the following mostly from his Wikipedia entry:

After Imanyara spent more than two years in Maximum Security Prison on charges associated with his work as a human rights lawyer, he founded the Nairobi Law Monthly in 1987. It was not supportive of Daniel arap Moi's one party policy and Imanyara was arrested for not registering the magazine.

He was again arrested 1n 1990 after writing a special issue entitled "The Historic Debate: Law, Democracy, and Multi-Party Politics in Kenya." At one point he was held in a prison psychiatric ward, though he re-released the issue following his own release. Receiving the International Editor of the Year by the World Press Review while in prison, he was called "the boldest voice for a free press in a country whose intolerant government does not hesitate to shut down publications and where most journalists practice self censorship."

Imanyara was arrested for a third time in April 1991 after police confiscated that moneth’s issue of the Nairobi Law Monthly. The offending information was about the formation of an opposition political party. It is instructive that he went on to become the founding secretary general of the Forum for the Restoration of Demoracy, FORD KENYA, 1990-2002. This was the first opposition party to be registered in Kenya for many decades.

While in custody, Imanyara developed a brain tumour. Luckily it was successfully treated. Kenyan aid money went down significantly after that arrest, and the U.S. State Department called it "another denial of freedom of expression in Kenya." Imanyara was awarded the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award later that year, but due to authorities not allowing him to leave the country for it, Liberal International President Otto Lambsdorff brought it personally to Nairobi in early 1992.

At the Kenyan general elections in December 1997, he won a regional landslide victory and was elected MP for Central Imenti Constituency. He continued to publish his magazine, which was renamed the Africa Law Review.

Now, tell me how does this not make Imanyara an excellent choice for Raila's running mate but on second thought, just keep mum for their is nothing plausible you can say to make that case.

This is a man who has never been able to hold on to his seat for two consecutive terms. He has no any tangible legislative history.

.

If legislative history is the yardstick by which you are going to measure Kenyan politicians, then you obviously know nothing about Kenyan politics.

What more noble can there be but passing laws to fully implement the constitution? Do you know why those laws have not been passed to date? Can you honestly blame the likes of Imanyara and other reformists for that failure? Do you really understand how Parliament works and how laws are enacted in Kenya? My guess would be "no" based on your attempt here to discredit Imanyara's credentials on account he has no "tangible legislative" history.

BTW and fyi, history, legislative or otherwise can never be "tangible" so your argument fails on its face as well.

Anytime he takes on his feet in bunge, he does nothing but share with the nation his paranoia as a result of his midnight rendezvous on lonely streets of Nairobi.

.

This is once again a shameless attempt to belittle Imanyara's ordeals but only the likes of you would do that; the rest of the country understand threats to people's lives in Kenya are real and many have succumbed to it.

So what exactly do you see in him that would miraculous stop the titanic from sinking?

.

First, see all the above.

Second, the only political boat about to sink and no miracle or anyone on site to save it is the one your favorite and true choices for president are riding in.

[mzee]

Whoever is supporting Uhuru Kenyatta and dismissing Gitobu Imanyara is out of his mind. Let’s face it. Uhuru Kenyatta is an empty coat with nothing but a silver spoon in the mouth. It’s a joke of highest order to call Imanyara anything but reformist. The man is presidential material because he takes the laws of the country seriously. He protects them the best way he know how unlike muthamaki whose sole aim is to water down gains achieved by Kenyans. Mutha is the most selfish, undemocratic and incompetent individual in Kenya. Imanyara has a track record of reform. What does muthamaki have? Hague? Mungiki? Tell me another.

[phil]

Gitobu Imanyara's public service record including his parliamentary track record speaks for itself. This is not your run-off-the-mill politician cut from the same cloth as akina Ruto and Mudavadi.

I want to believe the running mate issue is strictly an ODM affair.

Perhaps it is time some mafians went ahead a placed a price on Gitobu's head as they did for KANU mandarins Ruto and Mudavadi; and then be prepared for the response they will receive.

[kamalet]

Oh hail Gitobu Imanyara and let us all hope that Raila actually picks him for a running mate!!!

The real pity is that Raila is slightly wiser than the Jukwaa sycophants and will not make that mistake......he has bigger mistakes to make in the future why make a small one like this!!

[mwalimumkuu]

Jun 21, 2012 8:22:20 GMT 3 job said:

Jun 21, 2012 6:29:53 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Omwenga,

When you hit the keyboard to write about some of these things, be prepared to go an extra mile at least beyond what we already know. Otherwise regurgitating what has been reported by the common media does not help us that much.

On this one for instance, I would expect you to tell us why think Gitobu would be a better deputy to Raila than say the thieving Koskei. Or what does he bring that the juvenile Namwamba does not. Or what are his favorables as compared to the mungiki lawyer Muite? In other words, what exactly does he bring to the ticket that the party does not have?

I have tried to understand the man since the media reported this move, and apart from the fact that the man was kicked by Moi on several occasions, I have not seen anything to write home about.

This is a man who has never been able to hold on to his seat for two consecutive terms. He has no any tangible legislative history. Anytime he takes on his feet in bunge, he does nothing but share with the nation his paranoia as a result of his midnight rendezvous on lonely streets of Nairobi.

So what exactly do you see in him that would miraculous stop the titanic from sinking?

Frankly, Omwenga's (& the Standard writer's) arguments are apparently beyond the spectrum of your political prism. Gitobu Imanyara is not only Presidential material; he can singularly lead Kenya's national reform movement. The fact that Raila recognizes Gitobu has all it takes to lead Kenya's transformation - able to take the Presidency in a heartbeat - shouldn't bother you afterall ama?. Afterall you think Gitobu is paranoid - "belonging to lone streets of Nairobi"...why then are you worried about paranoid fellows? Brace for a new Kenya

Job,

Whereas true that we look at these things from different political prisms, it shouldnt be hard to argue a case for your prism. I ask again, what is it that makes Imanyara not just a suitable running mate but a presidential material as you posit? If it is Raila's endorsement that makes him fit, what say you to those of us who share in the American's view of the man as feckless?

[mwalimumkuu]

Jun 21, 2012 11:49:30 GMT 3 Omwenga said:

Jun 21, 2012 6:29:53 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Omwenga,

When you hit the keyboard to write about some of these things, be prepared to go an extra mile at least beyond what we already know. Otherwise regurgitating what has been reported by the common media does not help us that much.

.

Mwalimumkuu,

Really?

Taking this ingenuous point from you we should never debate anything that has been reported in the "common media" because doing so would be regurgitating it?

Really? Are you proud and patting yourself on the back for making this profound proposition? Would you go to your students, if any, and declare, "hear ye, hear ye, I have today proclaimed no one should post anything on the leading Kenyan forum Jukwaa anything that has been reported in the media because doing so would be tantamount to regurgitating?!

Unless your students are Standard Two pupils who would laugh at you for having no clue what you are talking about, the rest would laugh at you and demand that you are promptly fired as their teacher for trying to impress them with this as some kind of a profound proclamation when its anything but.

.

I already answered this in the short blog but here is a summary for you and more:

[1] Reform credentials as human rights lawyer
[2] Demonstrable sharp leadership political skills and ability
[3] Relatively clean politician; no heavy baggage much like Raila
[4] Charming personality that adds to, and complements Raila's
[5] Excellent intellectual acumen

Your assignment is to connect the dots and determine how these qualities set Imanyara apart and make him an ideal candidate for pick as Raila's running mate.

.

All that this tells us is you that you don't care about those who have put their lives on the line for our country and their sacrifices which is a shame. This one don't even share with a preschool child for they, too, will demand you get sacked immediately as their teacher because even at that age, they understand the value of sacrifice that you apparently don't.

Imanyara's reform credentials, and yes that includes "being kicked by Moi on several occasions" you are belittling makes him presidential material ten times better than either Uhuru or Ruto we all know to be your ideal candidates for president.

Just in case you may not know about this radiant reformist Imanyara, I share the following mostly from his Wikipedia entry:

After Imanyara spent more than two years in Maximum Security Prison on charges associated with his work as a human rights lawyer, he founded the Nairobi Law Monthly in 1987. It was not supportive of Daniel arap Moi's one party policy and Imanyara was arrested for not registering the magazine.

He was again arrested 1n 1990 after writing a special issue entitled "The Historic Debate: Law, Democracy, and Multi-Party Politics in Kenya." At one point he was held in a prison psychiatric ward, though he re-released the issue following his own release. Receiving the International Editor of the Year by the World Press Review while in prison, he was called "the boldest voice for a free press in a country whose intolerant government does not hesitate to shut down publications and where most journalists practice self censorship."

Imanyara was arrested for a third time in April 1991 after police confiscated that moneth’s issue of the Nairobi Law Monthly. The offending information was about the formation of an opposition political party. It is instructive that he went on to become the founding secretary general of the Forum for the Restoration of Demoracy, FORD KENYA, 1990-2002. This was the first opposition party to be registered in Kenya for many decades.

While in custody, Imanyara developed a brain tumour. Luckily it was successfully treated. Kenyan aid money went down significantly after that arrest, and the U.S. State Department called it "another denial of freedom of expression in Kenya." Imanyara was awarded the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award later that year, but due to authorities not allowing him to leave the country for it, Liberal International President Otto Lambsdorff brought it personally to Nairobi in early 1992.

At the Kenyan general elections in December 1997, he won a regional landslide victory and was elected MP for Central Imenti Constituency. He continued to publish his magazine, which was renamed the Africa Law Review.

Now, tell me how does this not make Imanyara an excellent choice for Raila's running mate but on second thought, just keep mum for their is nothing plausible you can say to make that case.

.

If legislative history is the yardstick by which you are going to measure Kenyan politicians, then you obviously know nothing about Kenyan politics.

What more noble can there be but passing laws to fully implement the constitution? Do you know why those laws have not been passed to date? Can you honestly blame the likes of Imanyara and other reformists for that failure? Do you really understand how Parliament works and how laws are enacted in Kenya? My guess would be "no" based on your attempt here to discredit Imanyara's credentials on account he has no "tangible legislative" history.

BTW and fyi, history, legislative or otherwise can never be "tangible" so your argument fails on its face as well.

.

This is once again a shameless attempt to belittle Imanyara's ordeals but only the likes of you would do that; the rest of the country understand threats to people's lives in Kenya are real and many have succumbed to it.

So what exactly do you see in him that would miraculous stop the titanic from sinking?

.

First, see all the above.

Second, the only political boat about to sink and no miracle or anyone on site to save it is the one your favorite and true choices for president are riding in.

Omwenga,

Kenyans are not voting for people who suffered brain tumors in Moi era, no. Were this to be the qualification, we would be queuing behind Stanley Matiba; he did not only develop tumors, but he was rendered useless in prison. He therefore paid a bigger price than Imanyara.

In any case, Kenyans are not obligated to pay for what Moi did. As a matter of fact some of these guys have already misused such sympathies to get into very influential positions only to perpetuate the KANU philosophy of corruption, nepotism and patronage.

But that is neither here nor there and is beside the point. What Kenyans are looking for in 2012 are not leaders who feel and think that the country owes them, but fellows who demonstrate that they understand what the country needs to move to the next level.

I certainly do not see such an understanding in the ticket you propose. That is why I want to hear more from you. Otherwise narrating to us things of the 90s when some of us were not even there to properly put that into context and are no longer our current problems is wasting our time and showing just how this could have been a better ticket yesterday than it is now.

[reporter911]

Jun 21, 2012 14:35:09 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Jun 21, 2012 8:22:20 GMT 3 job said:

Frankly, Omwenga's (& the Standard writer's) arguments are apparently beyond the spectrum of your political prism. Gitobu Imanyara is not only Presidential material; he can singularly lead Kenya's national reform movement. The fact that Raila recognizes Gitobu has all it takes to lead Kenya's transformation - able to take the Presidency in a heartbeat - shouldn't bother you afterall ama?. Afterall you think Gitobu is paranoid - "belonging to lone streets of Nairobi"...why then are you worried about paranoid fellows? Brace for a new Kenya

Job,

Whereas true that we look at these things from different political prisms, it shouldnt be hard to argue a case for your prism. I ask again, what is it that makes Imanyara not just a suitable running mate but a presidential material as you posit? If it is Raila's endorsement that makes him fit, what say you to those of us who share in the American's view of the man as feckless?

If it is Raila's endorsement that makes him fit, what say you to those of us who share in the American's view of the man as feckless?

I guess then you also share the American view of Uhuru being a drunkard, pot smoking clueless individual who has no business being in any government position.. riding on his fathers name !! lakini these Americans must know what they are talking about and Mwalimumkuu supports their views 100%..

[reporter911]

Jun 21, 2012 14:52:25 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Jun 21, 2012 11:49:30 GMT 3 Omwenga said:

.

Mwalimumkuu,

Really?

Taking this ingenuous point from you we should never debate anything that has been reported in the "common media" because doing so would be regurgitating it?

Really? Are you proud and patting yourself on the back for making this profound proposition? Would you go to your students, if any, and declare, "hear ye, hear ye, I have today proclaimed no one should post anything on the leading Kenyan forum Jukwaa anything that has been reported in the media because doing so would be tantamount to regurgitating?!

Unless your students are Standard Two pupils who would laugh at you for having no clue what you are talking about, the rest would laugh at you and demand that you are promptly fired as their teacher for trying to impress them with this as some kind of a profound proclamation when its anything but.

.

I already answered this in the short blog but here is a summary for you and more:

[1] Reform credentials as human rights lawyer
[2] Demonstrable sharp leadership political skills and ability
[3] Relatively clean politician; no heavy baggage much like Raila
[4] Charming personality that adds to, and complements Raila's
[5] Excellent intellectual acumen

Your assignment is to connect the dots and determine how these qualities set Imanyara apart and make him an ideal candidate for pick as Raila's running mate.

.

All that this tells us is you that you don't care about those who have put their lives on the line for our country and their sacrifices which is a shame. This one don't even share with a preschool child for they, too, will demand you get sacked immediately as their teacher because even at that age, they understand the value of sacrifice that you apparently don't.

Imanyara's reform credentials, and yes that includes "being kicked by Moi on several occasions" you are belittling makes him presidential material ten times better than either Uhuru or Ruto we all know to be your ideal candidates for president.

Just in case you may not know about this radiant reformist Imanyara, I share the following mostly from his Wikipedia entry:

After Imanyara spent more than two years in Maximum Security Prison on charges associated with his work as a human rights lawyer, he founded the Nairobi Law Monthly in 1987. It was not supportive of Daniel arap Moi's one party policy and Imanyara was arrested for not registering the magazine.

He was again arrested 1n 1990 after writing a special issue entitled "The Historic Debate: Law, Democracy, and Multi-Party Politics in Kenya." At one point he was held in a prison psychiatric ward, though he re-released the issue following his own release. Receiving the International Editor of the Year by the World Press Review while in prison, he was called "the boldest voice for a free press in a country whose intolerant government does not hesitate to shut down publications and where most journalists practice self censorship."

Imanyara was arrested for a third time in April 1991 after police confiscated that moneth’s issue of the Nairobi Law Monthly. The offending information was about the formation of an opposition political party. It is instructive that he went on to become the founding secretary general of the Forum for the Restoration of Demoracy, FORD KENYA, 1990-2002. This was the first opposition party to be registered in Kenya for many decades.

While in custody, Imanyara developed a brain tumour. Luckily it was successfully treated. Kenyan aid money went down significantly after that arrest, and the U.S. State Department called it "another denial of freedom of expression in Kenya." Imanyara was awarded the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award later that year, but due to authorities not allowing him to leave the country for it, Liberal International President Otto Lambsdorff brought it personally to Nairobi in early 1992.

At the Kenyan general elections in December 1997, he won a regional landslide victory and was elected MP for Central Imenti Constituency. He continued to publish his magazine, which was renamed the Africa Law Review.

Now, tell me how does this not make Imanyara an excellent choice for Raila's running mate but on second thought, just keep mum for their is nothing plausible you can say to make that case.

.

If legislative history is the yardstick by which you are going to measure Kenyan politicians, then you obviously know nothing about Kenyan politics.

What more noble can there be but passing laws to fully implement the constitution? Do you know why those laws have not been passed to date? Can you honestly blame the likes of Imanyara and other reformists for that failure? Do you really understand how Parliament works and how laws are enacted in Kenya? My guess would be "no" based on your attempt here to discredit Imanyara's credentials on account he has no "tangible legislative" history.

BTW and fyi, history, legislative or otherwise can never be "tangible" so your argument fails on its face as well.

.

This is once again a shameless attempt to belittle Imanyara's ordeals but only the likes of you would do that; the rest of the country understand threats to people's lives in Kenya are real and many have succumbed to it.

.

First, see all the above.

Second, the only political boat about to sink and no miracle or anyone on site to save it is the one your favorite and true choices for president are riding in.

Omwenga,

Kenyans are not voting for people who suffered brain tumors in Moi era, no. Were this to be the qualification, we would be queuing behind Stanley Matiba; he did not only develop tumors, but he was rendered useless in prison. He therefore paid a bigger price than Imanyara.

In any case, Kenyans are not obligated to pay for what Moi did. As a matter of fact some of these guys have already misused such sympathies to get into very influential positions only to perpetuate the KANU philosophy of corruption, nepotism and patronage.

But that is neither here nor there and is beside the point. What Kenyans are looking for in 2012 are not leaders who feel and think that the country owes them, but fellows who demonstrate that they understand what the country needs to move to the next level.

I certainly do not see such an understanding in the ticket you propose. That is why I want to hear more from you. Otherwise narrating to us things of the 90s when some of us were not even there to properly put that into context and are no longer our current problems is wasting our time and showing just how this could have been a better ticket yesterday than it is now.

Neither are Kenyans voting for Drunkards, accused Murderers facing a case at the ICC ama? Gitobu or Raila are not in that category unless you have proof to post here..

if Kenyans were given a choice to vote between

1. people who suffered brain tumors in Moi era, versis
2. Drunkards, accused Murderers

Kenyans would definitely vote for the Brian tumour guys.. because they did not commit any crime, they were just victims of a vicious rogue government.. unlike the blood sucking murderers!

[mwalimumkuu]

Jun 21, 2012 15:02:31 GMT 3 @reporter911 said:

Jun 21, 2012 14:35:09 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

Job,

Whereas true that we look at these things from different political prisms, it shouldnt be hard to argue a case for your prism. I ask again, what is it that makes Imanyara not just a suitable running mate but a presidential material as you posit? If it is Raila's endorsement that makes him fit, what say you to those of us who share in the American's view of the man as feckless?

If it is Raila's endorsement that makes him fit, what say you to those of us who share in the American's view of the man as feckless?

I guess then you also share the American view of Uhuru being a drunkard, pot smoking clueless individual who has no business being in any government position.. riding on his fathers name !! lakini these Americans must know what they are talking about and Mwalimumkuu supports their views 100%..

Kenyans pay more attention to more meaningful issues such as mental frame and intellectual capabilities than drinking. That is why they would more concerned by a fellow who is adjudged as feckless than anything else.

[stibin]

Mr Headteacher, You better be advised not to bring silly arguments just to counter factual opinions you find difficult to disagree with. I really find it insensitive to attack Imanyara on the basis of a brain tumor which in any way was beyond his control. And it’s quite irrational to suggest that you don’t want to hear stories of 90s because probably you weren’t born then. You simply can’t determine how credible a person is without going back in history.

[kamalet]

Jun 21, 2012 16:39:30 GMT 3 stibin said:

Mr Headteacher, You better be advised not to bring silly arguments just to counter factual opinions you find difficult to disagree with. I really find it insensitive to attack Imanyara on the basis of a brain tumor which in any way was beyond his control. And it’s quite irrational to suggest that you don’t want to hear stories of 90s because probably you weren’t born then. You simply can’t determine how credible a person is without going back in history.

... you cannot teach at Mukibi's if you were born in the 90's!

[mwalimumkuu]

Jun 21, 2012 16:39:30 GMT 3 stibin said:

Mr Headteacher, You better be advised not to bring silly arguments just to counter factual opinions you find difficult to disagree with. I really find it insensitive to attack Imanyara on the basis of a brain tumor which in any way was beyond his control. And it’s quite irrational to suggest that you don’t want to hear stories of 90s because probably you weren’t born then. You simply can’t determine how credible a person is without going back in history.

Stibin,

I am sure you know how to read and make sense of what is written. I never attacked Imanyara on his brain tumor, no, that is your thinking. I instead advised that, that cannot and will never the basis for choosing my president. I do not owe him anything, he did what he did because he thought it was right. If anything we have already overpaid for the 'kindness' of these heroes of yours. They are the people who came to parliament and tripled their salaries, refused to pay taxes, stole our money through the anglo leasing types, ate out maize, drunk our water, killed KKV, killed out healthcare etc.

But now, that is none of my worries, and neither is it a concern for the generation I spend the entire time with here. It will help you to remember that it is almost 15 years since Moi ceded power. Those who were born then, are now in high school, with totally different concerns, diametrically different from what we are being told here that the Raila/Imanyara ticket would represent. They listen to these 90s tired lines just as they listen to vitendawili, entertainment.

Otherwise, they are looking for a leader who will improve their chances of accessing higher education, heighten opportunities for investment, improve economy, invest in modern technology, enhance productivity etc, which we do not see in these two gentlemen. That is all we are saying. I have always indulged you to look at the ministries run by these reformers and compare to those by the so called status quo and show us the difference, I must say, I have been disappointed so far, even as I keep waiting.

So for those of you who want to keep walking the 90s road, keep going, we wont excommunicate you. Only that, we shall keep reminding you that you do not have many in this country who are interested in that.

[Omwenga]

Jun 21, 2012 17:43:03 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

I never attacked Imanyara on his brain tumor, no, that is your thinking.

.
Stibin, this post from Mwalimumkuu is directed at you but indulge me to respond to him.

You are right Mwalimumkuu you did not attack Imanyara on his brain tumor but you chose to make it an issue where it is obviously not an issue and to compound your problem in logic and reasoning, you are now arguing that you "instead advised that, that (brain tumor) cannot and will never the basis for choosing my president."

Who asked you to choose a president on the basis of their brain tumor?

Imanyara is not even running for president!

I do not owe him [anything], he did what he did because he thought it was right. If anything we have already overpaid for the 'kindness' of these heroes of yours.

.
It tells us a lot about your character and what motivates you to say much of what you say that is so full of negative energy and often with nothing positive when you can unambiguously tell us you don't care about the sacrifices people like Imanyara have made and suffered simply because they were fighting for others human rights, including yours to be free from oppressive government.

That's so inconsiderate and selfish there is really nothing more anyone can say other than to hope someday you will come to appreciate the meaning and significance of these sacrifices people like Imanyara have made for the sake of our country.

They are the people who came to parliament and tripled their salaries, refused to pay taxes, stole our money through the anglo leasing types, ate out maize, drunk our water, killed KKV, killed out healthcare etc.

.
You are now here engaged in fallacious reasoning that tells us nothing about Imanyara's suitability as as Raila's running mate.

You can list a number of ills all politicians and leaders have committed at home but that cannot be the basis to disqualify any one of them from holding public office.

Tell us of those vices or wrongs you have listed, which one has Imanyara committed that will disqualify him as presidential running mate?

But now, that is none of my worries, and neither is it a concern for the generation I spend the entire time with here.

.
I am sure you don't mean this for it makes no sense; the basic needs of Kenyans which our government as all other governments must provide for or help meet have never changed since our independence and will never be any different for generations to come.

Beyond that, individual or collective prosperity becomes a function of many factors of which government is but one of them.

It will help you to remember that it is almost 15 years since Moi ceded power. Those who were born then, are now in high school, with totally different concerns, diametrically different from what we are being told here that the Raila/Imanyara ticket would represent.

.
This is really a fascinating thought that gives us a glimpse into your inner thinking.

Do you really mean to say the concerns and aspirations of our children are any different than when we were their age and before?

What is it that these 15 year old are being told by Raila that is different from their own needs?

Is it creating opportunities for job creation Raila and ODM have as the cornerstone of their political ideology they are indifferent to and don't care about as not one of their needs?

Is it eradicating or at least minimizing the impact of corruption and impunity both of which have held the country hostage and incapable of progressing that Raila and ODM promise they don't care about as not one of their needs?

Or is it good governance overall that Raila and others have been in the forefront fighting about that these 15 year old don't care about as not being part of what they need?

Is it or is there more you can share with us?

They listen to these 90s tired lines just as they listen to vitendawili, entertainment.

What tired lines and which vitendawilis?

Otherwise, they are looking for a leader who will improve their chances of accessing higher education, heighten opportunities for investment, improve economy, invest in modern technology, enhance productivity etc..

How is this different from what 15 year old expected or needed in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, or 90s?

...which we do not see in these two gentlemen.

When you say, "we" can we assume you are referring to the anti-Raila troops or at least those who don't support him or are you by any chance trying to convince us that you speak for all Kenyans about this?

Would you be surprised that others like yours truly and a majority of Kenyans beg to differ with you because they see Raila with the leadership qualities and ability to bring about these very noble changes you highlight?

That is all we are saying. I have always indulged you to look at the ministries run by these reformers and compare to those by the so called status quo and show us the difference, I must say, I have been disappointed so far, even as I keep waiting.

.

All of us are disappointed in how all ministries have performed but that's not the issue here and neither should it be.

As I have previously argued, it would be unfair to judge Raila and other ODM ministers on their performance in their respective portfolios because Kibaki and clique have ensured from day one that they do no succeed and if the do, do so minimally as the PM has albeit with significant impact in what he has accomplished.

So for those of you who want to keep walking the 90s road, keep going, we wont excommunicate you. Only that, we shall keep reminding you that you do not have many in this country who are interested in that.

You have this upside down and wrong I hope you can see why in light of what I have said above.

[reporter911]

Jun 21, 2012 19:19:15 GMT 3 Omwenga said:

Jun 21, 2012 17:43:03 GMT 3 mwalimumkuu said:

I never attacked Imanyara on his brain tumor, no, that is your thinking.

.
Stibin, this post from Mwalimumkuu is directed at you but indulge me to respond to him.

You are right Mwalimumkuu you did not attack Imanyara on his brain tumor but you chose to make it an issue where it is obviously not an issue and to compound your problem in logic and reasoning, you are now arguing that you "instead advised that, that (brain tumor) cannot and will never the basis for choosing my president."

Who asked you to choose a president on the basis of their brain tumor?

.
It tells us a lot about your character and what motivates you to say much of what you say that is so full of negative energy and often with nothing positive when you can unambiguously tell us you don't care about the sacrifices people like Imanyara have made and suffered simply because they were fighting for others human rights.

That's so inconsiderate and selfish there is really nothing more anyone can say other than to hope someday you will come to appreciate the meaning and significance of these sacrifices people like Imanyara have made for the sake of our country.

.
You are now here engaged in fallacious reasoning that tells us nothing about Imanyara's suitability as as Raila's running mate.

You can list a number of ills all politicians and leaders have committed at home but that cannot be the basis to disqualify any one of them from holding public office.

Tell us of those vices you have listed, which one has Imanyara committed that will disqualify him as presidential running mate?

.
I am sure you don't mean this for it makes no sense; the basic needs of Kenyans which our government as all other governments have never changed since our independence and will never be any different for generations to come.

Beyond that, individual or collective prosperity becomes a function of many factors of which government is but one of them.

.
This is really a fascinating thought that gives us a glimpse into your inner thinking.

Do you really mean to say the concerns and aspirations of our children are any different than when we were their age and before?

What is it that these 15 year old are being told by Raila that are different from their own needs?

Is it creating opportunities for job creation Raila and ODM have as the cornerstone of their political ideology they are indifferent to and don't care about as not one of their needs?

Is it eradicating or at least minimizing the impact of corruption and impunity both of which have held the country hostage and incapable of progressing that Raila and ODM promise they don't care about as not one of their needs?

Or is it good governance overall that Raila and others have been in the forefront fighting about that these 15 year old don't care about as not being part of what they need?

Is it or is there more you can share with us?


What tired lines and which vitendawilis?


How is this different from what 15 year old expected or needed in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, or 90s?


When you say, "we" can we assume you are referring to the anti-Raila troops or at least those who don't support him or are you by any chance trying to convince us that you speak for all Kenyans about this?

Would you be surprised that others like yours truly and a majority of Kenyans beg to differ with you because they see Raila with the leadership qualities and ability to bring about these very noble changes you highlight?

.

All of us are disappointed in how all ministries have performed but that's not the issue here and neither should it be.

As I have previously argued, it would be unfair to judge Raila and other ODM ministers on their performance in their respective portfolios because Kibaki and clique have ensured from day one that they do no succeed and if the do, do so minimally as the PM has albeit with significant impact in what he has accomplished.

So for those of you who want to keep walking the 90s road, keep going, we wont excommunicate you. Only that, we shall keep reminding you that you do not have many in this country who are interested in that.

You have this upside down and wrong I hope you can see why in light of what I have said above.

rebuttal please mwalimuMkuukamalet.. Omwenga has just done a clean sweep phew.. na mambo bado looking forward to 2013 elections... ;D ;D

[morimax]

Omwenga,

Kenyans are not voting for people who suffered brain tumors in Moi era, no. Were this to be the qualification, we would be queuing behind Stanley Matiba; he did not only develop tumors, but he was rendered useless in prison. He therefore paid a bigger price than Imanyara.

In any case, Kenyans are not obligated to pay for what Moi did. As a matter of fact some of these guys have already misused such sympathies to get into very influential positions only to perpetuate the KANU philosophy of corruption, nepotism and patronage.

Read more: jukwaa.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=7086&page=1#ixzz1yRy4dIeL

Mwalimukamalet

At this rate I would, ask the admin. to open the flood gate for a few minutes, so we could go the late Job Omino Style... Omino would ask his audience if it was OK to throw an insult to unreasonable politicians, and those who wouldnt listen to the voice of reason. Job would go .. " jokanyanam atom nu go? !!.. "amiye achiel kende" and the crowd would give him the go a head, and what would follow would be the one big insult.
Mwalimu, surely Gitobu does not deserve such comments from you have undergone the pain that he didn't deserve. Mwalimu some, actually most of your posts are senseless and irritating. Fortunately it is all about debating nothing personal.

[Omwenga]

Jun 21, 2012 20:31:52 GMT 3 morimax said:

Omwenga,

Kenyans are not voting for people who suffered brain tumors in Moi era, no. Were this to be the qualification, we would be queuing behind Stanley Matiba; he did not only develop tumors, but he was rendered useless in prison. He therefore paid a bigger price than Imanyara.

In any case, Kenyans are not obligated to pay for what Moi did. As a matter of fact some of these guys have already misused such sympathies to get into very influential positions only to perpetuate the KANU philosophy of corruption, nepotism and patronage.

.

Morimax,

You are making the same false argument Mwalimumkuu made that I have disposed of above.

What a person seeking high office such as the presidency has done as a sacrifice for others is very relevant in determining whether one is qualified to be elected president over others vying.

We have many people alive today who have paid varying degrees of personal sacrifices but we can only have one president and none of them are vying any way so you point about Matiba is simply a moot one.

If Kenyans are to move from ukabila based politics to issue and/or ideology based politics, those inflicted with it must disabuse themselves of this notion that one's past sacrifices for the sake of the country doesn't matter; it does and it better do otherwise what's the point of making such sacrifices if everyone has to be the cowards most people are as they accept status quo?

We'll still be singing "Nyayo yajenga inchi" when the masters of corruption and impunity are busy looting it 100 times worse than now thanks to the sacrifices of reformists like Raila, Imanyara and others we have at least put some breaks on this but the gravy train being looted has yet to come to a standstill so we can offload the thieves and looters.

[morimax]

Jun 21, 2012 20:46:32 GMT 3 Omwenga said:

Jun 21, 2012 20:31:52 GMT 3 morimax said:

Omwenga,

Kenyans are not voting for people who suffered brain tumors in Moi era, no. Were this to be the qualification, we would be queuing behind Stanley Matiba; he did not only develop tumors, but he was rendered useless in prison. He therefore paid a bigger price than Imanyara.

In any case, Kenyans are not obligated to pay for what Moi did. As a matter of fact some of these guys have already misused such sympathies to get into very influential positions only to perpetuate the KANU philosophy of corruption, nepotism and patronage.

.

Morimax,

You are making the same false argument Mwalimumkuu made that I have disposed of above.

What a person seeking high office such as the presidency has done as a sacrifice for others is very relevant in determining whether one is qualified to be elected president over others vying.

We have many people alive today who have paid varying degrees of personal sacrifices but we can only have one president and none of them are vying any way so you point about Matiba is simply a moot one.

If Kenyans are to move from ukabila based politics to issue and/or ideology based politics, those inflicted with it must disabuse themselves of this notion that one's past sacrifices for the sake of the country doesn't matter; it does and it better do otherwise what's the point of making such sacrifices if everyone has to be the cowards most people are as they accept status quo?

We'll still be singing "Nyayo yajenga inchi" when the masters of corruption and impunity are busy looting it 100 times worse than now thanks to the sacrifices of reformists like Raila, Imanyara and others we have at least put some breaks on this but the gravy train being looted has yet to come to a standstill so we can offload the thieves and looters.

Omwenga
Thanks, but I was responding to Malimus comments about Gitobus KANU inflicted tumours. Yes we can only have one PORK, and not all that have sacrificed their personal times and energy are fit for the seat. Having said that, it is inhumane and immoral unappreciative, irresponsible for someone in Mwalimumkuu to trash Gitobu on the basis of his undeserved tumour. That is what i call senseless.

[Omwenga]

Jun 21, 2012 21:02:54 GMT 3 morimax said:

Omwenga
Thanks, but I was responding to Malimus comments about Gitobus KANU inflicted tumours. Yes we can only have one PORK, and not all that have sacrificed their personal times and energy are fit for the seat. Having said that, it is inhumane and immoral unappreciative, irresponsible for someone in Mwalimumkuu to trash Gitobu on the basis of his undeserved tumour. That is what i call senseless.

I get you Morimax and we are on the same page.

As you can see, however, this issue (whether its true or not is another issue) is already sending a few friends to the periphery I hope they remain focused on the bigger picture.