Somalia

Enough is enough. Far too often African governments have sat back and watched as masses have gone hungry. I am totally incensed over the idea that Al- Shabab can hold an entire country hostage and deny access of food aid to those that direly need it. As an African, I have seen far too often what happens when we lay aside the common conscious and gut to do what is needed and the far reaching effects of our non-action.

The idea that the west is expected to resolve the Somalia mess is extreme denial for the few countries that border Somalia. Kenya has both the military and political influence to change the landscape in Somalia. After all, Ethiopia pushed back Al-Shabab to Mogadishu, proving beyond reasonable doubt, that this few knuckle headed high school dropouts can be persuaded either politically or via military force to embrace a more progressive school of thought.

Now, I have never been an advocate for military force, but in times like this perhaps a review of that view point is critical. UN just declared that parts of Somalia are under severe famine and Kenya has had to shoulder the weight by have more than 300,000 refuges in our country.

......to be continued.

WHAT MUST BE DONE

WHAT MUST BE DONE
I find myself angry and its never a good feeling. I am appalled that at the election of Obama as president, we have the great audacity to send a delegation of Kenyan leaders to usher in the new era of American politics. Who are we kidding! I saw each one of them adorned in Kenyan regalia and not ashamed at the rate they have rapped our economy and our country as a whole.

Kenyan people have the humble hearts to accept this "leaders" and reelect them time and again. Well i got news for you! Their time is dwindling but before i talk about what we need to do to bring a new form of governance,( and if you are listening to Jesse you would know already what needs done: http://www.nation.co.ke/InDepth/-/490068/517884/-/i0xng9/-/index.html), let me point out what we, the people, expect from our government.

I will put this out as pointers. Most as self explanatory, but just a start!

1. First, it is appalling that a member of parliament makes 10,000 USD a month and a cabinet minister is raking in 18,000 USD a month. Such an amount of money is unfathomable in the present economic atmosphere. Am i the only one who sees irony in our leaders making such cash in a country where the average person is making less than a dollar a day. Is it ironical we are seeking food aid for western Kenya while a few "noble cowards" are making a fortune out of our system. I am appalled at the thought of it. We have to voice our feeling and let this people know that enough is enough. The polls wont be for long and before i ask for a unified front, a topic I'd rather live for another day, let me insist on that "fierce urgency of now."

2. Our education system is a drag to our young Kenyan generation. Our education system needs an overhaul to bring each student to maximize a God given potential and be able to compete on a global scale.

3. Our infrastructure is in tatters now than ever before. With emergence of technology and a globalization, we need to find ways to effectively administer industrialization into our system at a steady pace that integrates environmental measures and preserves the beauty of Kenyan flora and fauna.

4. An entire overhaul of our administrative system is needed as whole. Now than ever before do we have engineers, lawyers, nurses and other qualified professionals who can be able to take critical roles in governance. Now more than ever do we have the man power and brain power to run our country into prosperity.

5. Our medical systems has been in tatters from who knows when. Drugs have become a political asset and under payed staff have made the medical professional unattractive. In raising salaries, building more medical infrastructure, sponsoring workshops for hygiene and HIV education, funding our very own to attain quality education overseas and seeing to it that they use it at home, we can and have enough resources to overhaul our medical system.

6. Tourism is the greatest industry we can have. Rebuild infrastructure, lower taxes on tourist businesses, lower taxes on tourism in general, lower internal flights and expand technology to harness the best from our tourism industry. Expand on conservation and increase employment on to protecting our nature

7. Technology is the guide for the future. Our kids must and should have access to that technology if they are to compete on a global scale. Thus works with companies like Intel and Microsoft to have lasting partnerships with Kenyan entrepreneurs, backed by solid government support, to enhance job creation, technological advancement and the emergency of a new era.

8.Un-muzzle the media, protect our christian attitudes and believes, raise the standards for media reporting, encourage the media to cash in on government propaganda and do expose's on government transactions.

9. Shall we raise a standard of non-complacency in our moral attitudes. While western culture might has been overly adored, shall our education system be revamped in such a way to keep our most intrinsic values at the heart of the Kenya we are. Shall we exalt the church, feed the poor, cloth the naked and never forget that out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speak, and to him much is given much more is required. Shall we elect leaders who will find in them the zeal, energy and strength to carry those values in their daily day to day representation of "we the people," on a local and global platform

10. An overhaul of the education system in Kenyan can be only successful with joint cooperation of other African countries. Not for the sake of political unity but for the sake of mutual understanding and economic development. Shall we find leaders that can build lasting partnerships with other governments while keeping the very interest of " We the people," at the center of their agenda.

11. While racial prejudice has plagued the west, we cannot help but admit our own lack of appreciation for our diverse origins and backgrounds. And while that has remained our greatest weakness, shall we invest in leaders that have traversed the tribal lines and are mature enough to rally a country and the continent towards a the unification of peoples of the country for the common good of the country. Shall our deacons no longer preach hate and tribal slurs. Shall our education system instill in our youth the essence of humanity than the differences in our languages. Shall we educate the young to love each other beyond tribal lines and while the cynics might find it improbable, shall our leadership and our ever tested faith help us erase a dark chapter that has plagued our political landscape.

Lastly, I have been called a dreamer. And a dreamer is what i am! Unfortunately i have no apologies for longing for a better country. And while mine might be a far-fetched dream, the very reality of better days has never been within site than now. While our economy rumbles in turmoil, our leaders pocket hefty paychecks for sleeping in parliament, there are a few noble men and women who are taking that cause ever so seriously and embracing that "fierce urgency of now." An urgency that demands we move with uncompromising grace and strength, with a vivid recollection of a past illuminated by the dark shadow of our past political stalemate, to meet the ever changing demands of our societies and embrace a global trend towards modernization while keeping the best of who we are intact. While ignorance remains the greatest asset our leaders have used against us, we are raising a new generation of well informed readers and leaders. While our leaders have divided us along tribal lines, the global village phenomena has not left Kenya untouched and now more than ever, the very reality of protecting the future generation from knowing and even re-living the bitter hatred of 1990's clashes and our most recent clashes, will not only solidify that hope, but will be the cornerstone on which a new country will birth! While optimism has been met with cynical attitudes and the solemn reality of a better Kenya has been wrenched from our hearts, a few noble men and women, like you my readers, have been granted the opportunity to stir up a revolution and be future leaders, not a call to arms, but a call to shape the ever changing landscape of our social-economic platform. Shall we never be blamed for not taking our responsibility. Shall we all find our place in the equation of unification. Shall we all find who we really are!

Comments to the Elect!

Kudos to Obama!

So much has been said about the US elections and Barack Obama that to try and summarize it would do injustice to the global media for a good job on coverage. I on the other hand have been quite intrigued with The President Elect that I cannot help but express my sincere admiration for the character that he portrays. But it’s not his winning the presidency that commands my greatest respect for him, but his humble story that Barack Obama Snr. would have loved to see the outcome. I cannot let myself get tangled with the story because it will be a story worth telling into my grey years. I have just finished reading Dreams from my father and its a truly inspiring book that bring you into the cornerstone of who Barack Obama is.

What this means for US politics

The argument has been made that Obama is not too black nor too white. I will not get tangled with semantics but there are several things we all can take from his election
One thing is clear the American people have gradually and slowly moved away from the pangs of racism. Not be considered naive, let me acknowledge that racism is a generational issue that is being retransformed in meaning and application on a daily basis, but we can all agree that a good majority of American citizens have embraced the reality that we are all equals.
Shall i speculate that the possibility of electing another black president or minority leader in US politics will see a percentage increase as a result of Obama's election? Maybe! Shall i speculate that Obama’s administration will be faced with outright racial animosity? It’s already happened! Shall I speculate that some conservative people will label him a Marxist or a socialist, hang out with Hannity and Colmes and it will dawn on you. Shall he still be accused of paling with terrorist? Maybe but the American people have vindicated his character? Shall we see dirty politics in the future? Possibly but the standard has been raised by a man who ran an extra ordinary Campaign. Kudos to Obama and the Team.
If his personality was what got people energetic about him, then his economic intellect must have won him the presidency. There is something about hope. It gives hope! During and after the primaries right into the general election, there was the understanding that some decided to take. To talk hope, they said, was mere rhetoric that would not solve the Key issues, unfortunately they skeptism was not vindicated. The reality of it is that people need a president who can both inspire while laying out fundamental policies that will change the way government works.
Now that hope has stirred and Obama is now what most of us consider the most powerful man in the world. Well I should say in about 65 days give and take. I would love to suggest otherwise. Shall I say that he might actually be the weakest of them all. He is now a global servant. We shall and have already set expectations for him and watching him in the days after the election, that hope that he so reminded each one of us about, will definitely give him a platform to meet those expectations.
On home tuff, the economy has spiraled down a constant reminder every day that i come to work i should give it my best. Most of the economic muscles around the world ever so dependent on the US economy are hurting. I really cannot delve into the economy as much but i will ask some of you to chip in especially those that are pursuing business oriented degrees. What i can say, which has been said is that Obama’s winning point was the economy and four years down the line when American Work force management, A.K.A "We the people," render judgment on the President elect, he better have some better financial figures to account to his highly criticized small executive resume.
Foreign policy has been one of those grainy topics. Sadly the foreign policy giant that solved global issues has been at the helm of creating those issues. I watched Iraqis and Afghanistan nationals die under the global hunt for terrorism, the Iranian lawyer who happens to rule the country has had a descent enough play ground with his potential nukes, the situation in the middle east has continually spiraled out of control, Pakistan has raped the reality of democracy gunning down a prominent political figure in the worst case assassinations of the 21st century, Russia has continually defied the odds by mauling tiny Georgia, African governments have gotten richer while 93 percent of African population live under a dollar a day, International companies led by US based companies have transferred their company operations to foreign lands for economic benefits axled by hiring cheap labor, while China has not only oppressed its own people but has defied humanitarian rights and has continued to bargain and trade with rogue governments while expanding its emerging economic muscle, Congo is about to reenact the Rwandan genocide and we hardly talk about Sudan, Somali pirates have figured the perfect lifestyle by adapting into a lucrative trade of ransom paychecks for abducted ships and crew. Global warming has won Al Gore a Nobel Peace prize while failing to acknowledge all the environmentally protective decisions that have been made by many an engineering firms to curb down emissions and improve engineering standards. Don’t get me started.
We have a whole range of expectations Mr. President. I pitty you but then again i do admire the confidence American people have placed on your hands by voting you in. While your election has stirred up so many across the globe, your performance with a steady hand and your ever cool personality will be celebrated when we achieve keys issues such as Medicare for all, food for the hungry and mostly global peace. While our expectations remain high, pressure everyone to play their part. The dad to be there for his kids and to surely keep the Ps2 and Wii Nintendo away and replace them with books, for the Church instead of taking sides on abortion and demonizing each other to work with each other in finding ground breaking compromises that respect everyone perspectives while solving critical issues in our society, remind the school teacher to invest heavily in the young people and reward them accordingly. You lead a great country with a massive wealth of resources that can be tapped into to create new jobs and while you are busy doing that, remind the college kids to pursue academic excellence but most of all find a career where they can be most productive.
We expect that you will stand in the face of rogue leaders and set the table straight with them through appropriate diplomacy and international cooperation. I never intended to critique the Bush administration but since i am already ranting about foreign policy, allow me to express my concern on the level of arrogance and lack of respect that has been shown by the present admin in regards to foreign policy. Find a solution to Gitmo. Its pathetic we hold people while we do not allow them to be properly tried. I congratulate John McCain for not standing with the Bush admin on this key issue. Its pathetic that we have let the politic of fear get us to a point where we can go inhumane in the name of fighting terrorist. While you are shutting down Gitmo, take a look at the constant bombing of Pakistani wedding parties and Afghan homes and do something about. We cannot support Geneva convection while we go around violating it. Lets negotiate with Pakistan and channel appropriate resources to help the country eradicate terrorists from within, but remember every time citizens die, the fight against terrorism is never justified.
The US supports Israel but the reality still exists that Israel has continually oppressed the Palestinians. Demand immediate ceasefires for foreign aids freeze by Israeli government and demanded of the international community to get involved in finding a solution to the crisis at hand.
Back home concentrate on the key issues that have divided the nation ever so often. While my stand on marriage is biblically centered as is my stand on abortion, I am still convinced that we can work together to find a lasting solution to the battles that have plagued our morally broken society. May African nations that so gladly adore American lifestyle of life on the fast hipop lane reconsider our values and options and by all means, Mr. President, protect the definition of marriage and family, help quell the animosity that has been so often rampant towards illegal immigrants and find a lasting solution to the issues at hand. Be it an immigration policy that allows Guest workers with set parameters, a potential work visa for international students upon their degree completion and an increased activism of exploited immigrants, do not shy away from addressing this issues. The might not be American at heart, but our humanity and the understanding of pain and suffering should be a bond that holds us close and helps us stand against the injustices committed to these few that have so little to fight back with.
While Kenyans and the rest of African expects more from you in aid dollars and financial support, I beg of you not to just shell out money to African leaders unchecked. Last year President Bush shelled out a 640 some million dollars of foreign Aid in Tanzania. I expected the poverty levels to shrink, see more schools, better Medicare and potentially more employment for the people. I have not so far heard anything in that regard. Mr. President here is a staggering statistic that will make you reconsider your options. This is statistics based on how much Kenyan government officials are earning. Actually it might make you wish you had run for president in Kenya. They pay pretty well for such a country that is barely out of grassroots economy. "222Mps earn $3,330,000 a MONTH! ($15,000 per Mp). If Minister + Mp= $18,000 more. 1/2 the Kenyan population lives on less than $1 a day. It takes a policeman or a worker in industrial area more than ten years of hard, life-threatening, crushing work to earn what an MP earns 12 days a month (Africanpath.com). 142 MPs didn’t make it to the 10th Parliament; the gvt will spend app. Sh12.7 B ($161M) for their MONTHLY pension. (Less than $50M would quell hunger and improve farming in the arid areas),"{Stats developed by Collins Mwangi- Watch for his blog on this issue} If not to make the matters worse Mr. President the Kenyan MPS acted in unison to block taxation on their hefty paychecks. Allow me to plagiarize this story from BBC but this issue is worth being investigated. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7724284.stm) While we might expect hundred dollar bills from your financially troubled economy, my expectation is that you can challenge this leaders when they come begging for finances from you. I know you can stand up to them and demanded more accountability. One month of combined ministers and MP paychecks in Kenya would definately change the lives of millions. Please do not shell out money to African leaders. The past administrations and some European well wishers with deeper financial pockets have constantly shelled out money to African leaders but the sad fact is that only a small percentage trickles down to the common Kenyan living in the beloved Kogelo village which am sure you have been formally acquainted with.

What this means for Republicans, Independents and Democrats

Surely the red vs. blue map is quite scrambled. Last i checked the republicans had to defend their territory in this last election. While you might say Obama had a deeper financial pocket to draw the crowds and fan the flames of change and hope across the globe and across the country, you must give him the deserved accolade for a hard fought fight with character and integrity coupled with sound economic and foreign policies that were the cornerstone of the US elections. While we may be divided by the views we all hold, the necessity to unite against the very forces of division that pit republicans vs. democrats while maintaining the independents as the Lou Dobbs crew, the "fierce urgency of now" remains crucial in our day an age. We need to unite from across racial lines and across party lines to rebuild a global economy, an ailing health care system, a poor job market and most of all a damaged American image outside the US borders.
That calls for us Christians to Stand up and Stand up for the right thing. It is time to stop demonizing each other but finding time to pray for our leaders while holding them accountable and keeping enough pressure on them to deliver on their promises. How effective would it be if the nation prayed for its leaders. I am still convinced that " If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and I pray, I will hear from heaven," is a fundamental biblical principle that Christians should embrace and use to support the goverment.

History at its best

While some may contend the fact that he might not be black enough or white enough for those who even contemplated that route, mine is a mere appreciation of a man who has accomplished alot with a bad hand. Same could be said for all other leaders out there but his accomplishments were a major forecast of the likes of MLK and have yet again affirmed what we are living in, a more respectful US where color is not a primary factor to what you can be. While some elements have not eroded failure to recognize this great day in US history has been anticipated by many not only because he is black but because he represents an equal amount of hope on both sides of the aisle. Ironically his office will be next to one the hotest slave trade spots in US history a little over 200 years ago. That very irony and that very reality should remind us of a dirty past that still plagues but unite us towards a much better cause of healing the racial divide, uplifting our leaders, demanding our expectatation be met and making the world a better place to live in.

Conclusion:

The tide of history has been overwhelming as has been your historic win, We congratulate you!

The task at hand enourmous and we pray that Hope finds away amid the impossible, Yes we can!

While the worlds looks up to you, Remind us to do our part

Our greatest strength lies in our unity!

"This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected." Barack Obama