The Conquest for Democracy in Kenya

Democracy is a distinct word in the African society that hasn’t found its respective place yet as it often causes unwanted tension. This is evident as scores of Kenyan citizens are struggling to make ends meet this New Year.

The post-election violence that has reigned in Kenya has cost the, “ordinary mwananchi” more than they can bargain for. It has left numerous Kenyan citizens displaced as the ongoing battles between the opposition demonstrators and the GSU police force have become a tedious routine. The conquest for Kenya’s democracy has ensued controversies, the Kenyan people should ask themselves whether Kenya is ready for democracy or not. The struggle for what is termed as, “Haki Yetu”proves that in Africa there is no democracy; the word exists but has no respective place in the modern African society.

The opposition government (ODM) is fighting a battle that is well lost or won depending on the Kenyan perspective of democracy. The initial fact that the elected government representative in office (PNU) has been questioned by the Kenyan people and the international community on election transparency has caused speculations. It makes one wonder whether the elections were truly democratic.

Kenyan history proves that it has struggled for democracy and is currently battling the same issue. There are political perspectives that Kenyans are seeking and want to accomplish. They are battling between political elites in the hope of creating a democratic state. The political realities they are battling to meet are genuine elections in a multi-party system that has been dwindled with. The Kenyan constitution needs to be reviewed because it has stepped on the fundamental basis of democracy. This is evident as the constitution doesn’t control the authority of the government which includes the balance of power and the it’s stained doctrine on democracy. The Kenyan constitution must make long-term choices that include the limit of powers to enhance the development of a democratic state.

Nonetheless democracy means different things according to different individuals. That is the core of the on-going Kenyan political violence. The fact that Kenya is a divided nation exaggerates the political situation. In Kenya power is closely attached to democracy, the image of democracy has been tainted with power. Therefore when the political leaders are fighting for what hey term as “justice,” it’s a psychological term for the quest for authority. The current political stage proves that both the acting government and the opposition government are fighting for ultimate power which collides with the fundamentals of equality.

The question as to whether Kenya is ready for democracy hence proves to be a rhetorical because it has been replaced with power. With power one is able to lead a nation with force ignoring the balance of power. However with democracy one leads a nation strictly based on the peoples’ choice of government alone and there is a notable balance of power. Democracy in Africa is reduced to a mere word that is spear-headed in the Western political arena.

The struggle for Kenya’s democracy will not be simple as it requires not short-term solutions but long term solutions. The word democracy greatly involves the support of the people; the Kenyan people seem to be playing a key role in delivering democracy. None the less the great division between two rival tribes can disrupt Kenya’s conquest for democracy as ordinary citizens are forced to believe that democracy equals to power. Kenya has toppled the dominoes of many African countries that question the choice of democracy in their society. It’s palpable that democracy is a cry far away from Kenya as PNU proves to be loyalists and ODM as radicals. Political feudalism has given birth to the current situation in Kenya. Kenya should exercise democracy by having a distinct meaning so the multi-party system can have a win-win situation to eradicate the search for power. Hence politicians should be left to battle for democratic rights as an alternative.

Lastly more civilians in Kenya will continue to die as they fight for what they term a democracy; the Kenyan struggle continues.

Smoking outlawed in Nairobi: Is it an easy target for the poor?

The mayor of Nairobi Dick Wathika has enforced the ban of smoking in public areas in the city of Nairobi. The need to combat smoking in Nairobi arose following the footsteps of Nakuru and Mombassa. This new law is for the betterment of the Kenyan people both health wise and environmentally.

The new law to combat smoking has provoked other issues, it’s imposed on any ordinary mwananchi however it seems to be targeting a new audience, becoming a predicament for the “poor mwananchi.”

Just to mark the Kenyan government in the current budget has increased the price of cigarettes by six Kenyan shillings. This increase in the purchase of cigarettes isn’t aimed at a brand of cigarettes called Roosters. A single cigarette by this brand costs 80 cents. It’s obvious what class of people smoke these cigarettes. The ironic fact is that smoking laws have been introduced and the fine is 2000 Kenyan shillings. This is a contradiction to a person who would buy a cigarette for 80 cents and be charged 2000 Kenyan shillings for smoking in public. Were the laws created for the purpose of exploiting the poor?

With the introduction of smoking zones in Nairobi, a common scene often reiterated that is worth note taking that will grasp your attention; is the initial fact that in the smoking zones is inhabited by the deprived mwananchi’s. You will find a few of them in this zone pacing, waiting anxiously for other smokers to finish smoking so they can devour on the last few puffs. A number are caught in the act of borrowing cigarettes from those who appear to have plenty. There are those who lament in the recent act that has outlawed smoking in public areas, a swift reaction to their addiction. It’s overt that the smoking ban is meant to protect the ordinary mwananchi yet the sufferers of these laws are the poor people!

The smoking ban should implement justice however the laws affect the poor tremendously. It leads us to question where do the rich people smoking their cigarettes or cigars?The simple answer is that they can afford to pay the fine; they don’t smoke cheap cigarettes but Cuban cigars in expensive suits in private rooms. Little do they have to be concerned about the new proposed law by the Mayor?

Are we just with our laws or is it for the betterment of the government? Or an economic loss for tobacco firms? And an issue targeting the poor class.

The disputes over the smoking laws leads one comprehend what Alan Paton had mention about law. “The judge doesn’t make the law. It is the people that make the law. Therefore if the judge judges according to the law, that is justice, even if it is not just!”

Insecurity in Kenya

The Mungiki sect has been terrorizing civilians recently. It seems that the sec has chosen an ideal time. Being aware that elections are taking place towards the end of the year. What seems more remorseful is that this crime organized sect is claimed to be backed by “certain” politicians. The Mungiki’s have so far burned three matatu’s in town in a revenge mission aimed at matatu conductors who are supposed to pay them commission for protection.

The Mungiki sect has also terrorized certain estates where innocent civilians are forced to pay for protection. The amount of money being paid isn’t precise but what is precise is that if you fail to meet to their demands they will ambush your house and definitely kill you.

This sect reiterates the insecurity in the country and the main concern is that the government should deal with them firmly. The government is but the Mungiki’s aren’t giving up that easily, they shot three police men in raid attack alongside injuring innocent civilians.

This has caused fury among the Kenyan public, surely if the Kenyan Police men are being killed then what chance do we as civilians have? The Kenyan government is taking action, but I doubt its effect. If too much action is taken it could cause a swift reaction of violence by the sect. This is a sensitive case as it involves politics and to make matters worse thieves are acting in the name of “Mungiki” so it may be hard to tell who’s who in this violent threat to security in Kenya.

Peace of mind is the most important thing, knowing that when you go to bed or pace the streets and that you are completely safe.

Security is a right and not a privilege and the government should do all it can to contain this intensifying violence of Mungiki’s.

What's your deepest fear?

What’s your deepest fear?

Sometimes you meander through life before you finally realize what‘s at your doorstep. And at your doorstep you find your ultimate destiny beckoning at you and there you are standing afraid, but proud. Afraid from what? God knows!

Afraid that you have eventually hit your aim(s) but then again, they say, “aiming isn’t hitting!” The human ideology of fear, yes that fear that resides in the depth of your soul. (Come on everyone has the feeling, unless you are in denial). Fear isn’t sin, letting fear empower you sin.

Sometimes I think fear and destiny go hand in hand. Destiny exists because you acknowledge the notion that you have a purpose in life. And fear perhaps derives from the fact that you have a purpose and you are scared because you don’t know if you will accomplish your fate or become another loser…

Just a note, it’s not the fear of snakes or those things that creep you up! Not entirely ignoring the above statement because that too is something to fear. I’m writing about profound fear, deeper than you think or imagine, that fear intertwines with your destiny.

If you ask someone why they abandoned their dreams when they became older and altered their path. It’s because of fear; because they doubt their strength while deep down they know that impossible is nothing and attaining your dream is following your purpose. Being keen to achieve your dream while young is a fortune to keep, because when you finally discover your purpose the world helps you attain your purpose.

Everyone’s is born with fear but you only let it get as profound as you want. Nobody’s born a loser and even more important, never let your dreams die; keep it alive because it gives you something worth living for.

My deepest fear was that I was frightened to follow my destiny because doubted my strength. That fear has died because I know I have a purpose…and I’m keeping my dreams alive!

What’s your deepest fear?

Kenya and homo-sexuality

A few days ago i was havin' a hearty chat with friends and we resulted to the topic, "homosexuality in Kenya." We were commenting about the World social Forum that took place in Kenya recently. This reminded me of our lecturer stating that this forum gave the opportunity for all sorts of MAD people a chance to showcase their beliefs, mainly homosexuals.

I had a debate with friends for the reason that i support Gay people . Very soon i think Kenya will see itself allowing gay marriages. Just take a walk in town and my dear you will be very shocked. A couple of weeks ago my friend sited a man dressed in "pink" strapped top with tight kahaki's! and this was a man! I'm an advocater of supporting Gays but those ones that are in born, not culturally influenced.

But at the end of the day, i think it's freedom of choice, it's not like we are living in the dark ages, there is a lot of open-ness nowadays and it's alright. As long as it's in born i support it!

Don't this people deserve freedom?

Mandatory HIV test stirs controversy

Mandatory HIV test stirs controversy
Please follow the link so you can fully understand my comment!
My take on this, I completely support it because Kenya is a country facing AIDS epidemic. It protects you; sometimes you never know your partner’s status and it can cost your live. So before you make a rush to the alter I think it’s a good idea that you both know your status. If weddings have to be cancelled by the churches hosting them because they are waiting for a conformation it’s alright. It’s worth it because what would you prefer? The wedding takes place and later you find out he/she has AIDS? It’s a good way to combat AIDS. But there are others who completely do no share the same view as me, I respect that but what's better?

What’s your take on this?

The Power of Photography

Photography is a hard career to get involved with therefore I’ve always admired photographers. These people have the weight of the world on their shoulders, as with a single photo they are expected to portray a message. Moreover there should a swift reaction and as a result they are shaping the world and awakening us.

Predominantly for war photographers I have empathy, because they put themselves in a difficult position. Taking photographs for them is a matter of life and death, at any moment things could go wrong. They are heroes because they deliver the truth and suffer the aftermath of taking appalling photos for our sole purpose.

Our generation has become dumbfounded and not many people are paying attention to current affairs. An innovative way of getting their attention is through photography because not many people are willing to read.

My loved photographer is Don McCullin because he has covered numerous wars. What really captures my attention about him is the fact that his photos are very disturbing hence there is a quick response. His autobiography (Unreasonable Behaviour) is worth a read because he explains his emotions whilst taking photographs at the peak of wars. His passages are profound and as a reader that’s what you’re looking for, the harsh truth!

Don McCullin on AIDS in Africa

In Biafra during the civil war.

Homeless man in Ireland

“Photography for me is not looking, it's feeling. If you can't feel what you're looking at, then you're never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” Don McCullin