In every society, conflict exists as integral part of communication. The complexity of our integration and the diversity of our societies is arguably the main reason why conflict is observed at all levels of human organizations. Conflict is universal, natural and part and parcel of balance and harmony. Conflict informs us of boundaries and its manifestation is often a sign of a healthy relationship. Conflict underscores the individuality and diversity of the parties involved and if a middle ground is found, relationships thrive based on mutual respect and consideration. The ongoing debate over the rights of sexual minorities in Kenya is getting heated! On one side of the issue are religious organizations that are hell bent on ensuring that homosexuality is singled out as UNAFRICAN and evil. The sight of a bible totting, robe wearing and English speaking Pastor who bears the African name; Canon and an Arabic speaking, Kanzu wearing, Islam following Imam who bears...
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During the sunset years of British rule in colonial Kenya, one brusque man stood out as the likely custodian of the African government that had been at the core of the struggle for independence. The fiery Jomo Kenyatta was installed as Kenya’s first prime minister in 1963, and his administration promised sweeping changes and true representation of the disenfranchised Native Africans. For decades, the brutal British colonial government ruled with an iron fist. Native Africans were forced into camps, and those that were spared had to learn to be Englishmen and Englishwomen. The latter included learning the queen’s language, adopting Christianity and collaborating with the British administration which set the stage for the rise of the Native Kenyan aristocrats. Jomo Kenyatta’s legacy as the first president of Kenya is marred with controversy, his acquisition of over 700,000 acres of prime land in Kenya, billions of shillings in assets left by...
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I have stated before that Najib Balala is not the sharpest knife in the kitchen and I feel vindicated thanks to his 'parade of tears' after being sacked from the Ministry of Tourism. His response to the sacking was that it was an affront to Islam! Najib Balala does not have the luxury of tribe but follows in the footsteps of the tribal kingpins that he has formed a fraternity with and fancies himself the Sultan of Mombasa, representative of all muslims in Kenya. After traversing the country, shouting insults at his party and daring the leadership to sack him, he got what he asked for! It is laughable for him to cry victim. Balala was voted in as the MP of Mvita and not the MP of Muslims and he is seeking the cover of religion in his fight with ODM. The swift rejoinder from the SUPKEM and other Islamic...
Read More......On the 29Th of January 2012 11 year old Andrew Gathae was attacked by Nairobi City Council Askaris(policemen) who cut off his testicles for playing football in Uhuru Park. His life was saved by street children who carried him home to his mother in time to take him to hospital where he underwent surgery. The bumbling Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa made a resounding pronouncement to the effect that justice would be meted out and to this date, a resounding pronouncement is what the family of the 11 year old is left with. The mayor has since made dramatic press conferences declaring war on prostitutes and what consenting adults choose to do with their genitals but has glossed over Andrew's case and taken up the game of hide and go seek. Even with the celebrated new constitution, justice is still a luxury item for Kenyans and a poorly trained, corrupt and...
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From his pronouncements, actions and mannerisms it has always been evident that Najib Balala is not the sharpest knife in the drawer and his existence is pegged on his alliance with the Orange Democratic Movement. Balala bit more than he could chew with his failed revolt in ODM which was also the beginning of his decline. Things are now so tough for Balala that he can not hold a rally in his own constituency without being drowned by the chant 'Balala Kigeugeu' (Balala is a hypocrite) and with the loss of ministerial post, it is clear that he is dispensable and a movement is underway to replace him as ODM's point man in the Coast. His latest move is shocking even for a man of his calibre and can only be equated to a 'blonde move' that will erode the little credibility he has left. Yesterday, he took to the media...
Read More......There are journalists and then there is Dennis Oleltumbi the rumor dispensing star and blood hound that has convinced a handful of people that owning a few $9.50 domains makes him a journalist. When Omar Hassan wrote the highly charged article on tribalism in government, OleItumbi was among the first to spin it into an affront on human rights and a classic example of hate speech in a series of boisterous tweets. That marked the beginning of our colorful history. When the infamous dossier allegedly leaked from the UK government was tabled in parliament, he waved it over his head and stuck to it as bible truth and proof of the gospel that he has made popular on his tiny soap box. Today, Dennis OleItumbi is under arrest over the aforementioned dossier and alleged hacking of ICC witnesses' email accounts. This arrest will undoubtedly earn him the hero status among those in...
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It is a brave new world! The A2 Highway/ Thika road is coming up beautifully and even the skeptics have to admit there is a glimmer of hope! When the idea of constructing this highway was mooted many applied the 'wait and see' view but now we have seen and in this brave new world we can dare to dream big. The tarmac is not all that excites us, but in economic terms, the ripple effect! As a result of this magnificent highway there are multibillion dollar investments for the whole area due to accessibility and the impact on our GDP will be felt. Sadly the forces of impunity are also hard at work. Much of the confusion on the highway is blamed on the fact that it is still under construction and therefore the road surface markings and signage are yet to be installed but the traffic police are...
Read More......CNN is synonymous with sensational, negative and demeaning reports on Africa. Yesterday (10/3/2012) there were grenade attacks in Nairobi that killed 6 people and injured 68 others. This was the 3rd attack by the Al-Qaeda's Somali affiliate terror group Al-Shabaab. CNN ran with the story 'Violence In Kenya' implying that the violence was widespread and did not specify that this was an isolated terrorist attack in a specific part of the country and that Kenyans were victims of terror and not a violent country. When not airing reports on poverty and slums or American influence in Africa CNN is respected for twisting stories to give them that imperial tang that can only be associated with western media. It is not a surprise that the American political discourse is vile, and lacks civility, in a country where blatant lies and insults are traded by right wing and left wing leaning media houses...
Read More......Nairobi and Kenya by extension was set ablaze over the the past weekend when the mayor George Aladwa came forth with the city council's proposal to legalize commercial sex work. The reaction from the church and mosque was swift with each group baying for the mayor's and commercial sex workers' blood in a baffling display of their obsession with what consenting adults choose to do with their genitals. Last year, Kenya's predominantly christian population went against the church's ruling and in an unprecedented move overwhelmingly voted to maintain Kadhi's courts in Kenya's legal system. That was the ultimate expression of the 'live and let live' mantra and muslims maintained their position as the only religious group that has a parallel court system that they can opt for to determine issues related to inheritance, marriage and the family. Today, the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims is leading the charge with inflammatory remarks...
Read More......I think it is possible to have an intelligent discussion without hasty generalization, derailing the discussion or insulting religions or cultures. The fact that many people invest in thought provoking ideas and do not regurgitate the prejudices from ignorance fueled and hate filled existence is what distinguishes the sane from the others. It is possible have a discussion about how the concept of jihad has affected the world or the role of religion in our world without insulting over a billion people or engaging the lunatics in their ideological battle for front row seats in heaven and virgins. Why the fixations with what other people do with their genitalia? There are those that consider it their 'calling' to police consenting adults' bedrooms and swear this 'holy' task is governed from functional frontal lobes per the orders of their spiritual masters but I know I speak for many who know...
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