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Are there any good apples at all?

Written by Open Thread

Monday, 01 October 2007

Even as they go into the elections in strong support of one side of the other, few Kenyans will have been impressed by the delivery of most of their politicians. In our question of the week this time, we offer an opportunity for the exoneration from blanket guilt of any politician who has proved himself worthy of the tag, leader. Please give a specific reason for your backing of this particular politician whether in parliament or at the local government level, and the reasons for which he can be distinguished from the prevalent view that all politicians are greedy, selfish and self-seeking charlatans.

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laurels for the ladies
written by Edna Kirimi , October 01, 2007

Njoki Ndung'u has stood out head and shoulders above everyone in parliament. Not just for her passionate defense of the Kenyan woman, but also for her ability to work and build alliances, to research and to boldly stand up to the ridiculous chauvinists we call Kenyan male MPs.

I must also say a word for the indefatigability of Charity Ngilu and Julia Ojiambo. Whatever your political procilivities, it is hard not to admire the enormous boost that these two women have given to the stature of politics for Kenyan women. These women are not dolls, and their passion and ability to follow through are attributes our attempt at democractic governance can only benefit from.

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written by aeichener , October 01, 2007

Now for a positive example:

Martin Wambora (Runyenjes). Has almost single-handedly spearhanded the liberalization of the coffee industry, and improved the livelihood of tens of thousands of farmers.

Alexander

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written by aeichener , October 01, 2007

Njoki Ndung'u is actually one of the very worst people in Bunge, whom I would gladly see promoted to the gallows, together with such criminals as Ole Ntimama. There is no worse enemy of women and girls in parliament than her. With this very bill, she has hurt them more than a thousand rapists could.

To look for better female candidates, go to http://www.gendergovernancekenya.org .

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written by Don , October 01, 2007

I want to claim that Edna is a staunch feminist, hence the support for Njoki. I think Njoki Ndung'u is a joke, not fit to be anyone's MP; all she does is floss her feminine whiles while talking a lot of nonsense. I doubt her legal credentials too.

On good apples, I'd list the following:
Joe Khamisi--Bahari
Eng. Karue Muriuki--the brain behind CDF
Omingo Magara---S. Mugirango
Prof. Wangari Maathai--Tetu
Prof. Ruth Oniang'o--Nominated MP
Peter Kenneth--??
Eng. Nyamunga--Muhoroni
Eng. Okundi--Rangwe
Anyang' Nyong'o--Kisumu Rural
Mutahi Kagwe
Beth Mugo--Dagoretti (without her hawkish side)

Damn! Those names are hard to come by

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written by Don , October 01, 2007

I forgot one Maoka Maore--the brave man who brought us Anglo Leasing Opera to theaters near us. Since his days in DP, as shadow Minister for Finance (?), the guy has served wananchi well. He pulls no punches when it comes to proper management of public coffers, even when his actions plunges him into political turmoil. It's a shame that political gods have conspired against him to an extent that he might never become a minister in Kenya. Now the political current has forced him to join DP but, will PNU ride back to power to give him hope? Even so, have they forgiven him enough up there in Mt. Kenya to be trusted? Only time will tell. I'd elect him anytime.

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written by Tim Norwood , October 02, 2007

Errr Don,
Who is Anyang' Nyong'o? That former reformer and man of independent mind who is now employed as a lackey of the Enigma's? What have Nyamunga and Okundi done that distinguishes them? I had a very high opinion of Mutahi Kagwe until his cosiness with his father-in-law and his support of the media Bill changed my mind.

Meanwhile,
Here is saying something for
a) Joseph Kamotho
b) Joe Khamisi
c) Raphael Tuju
d) Maoka Maore

The better judgement now has it that we must look for leaders who can make a difference even when the sun is not shining on them politically.

I will go with Edna on Ngilu and Ojiambo, although the Odinga lackey that is Njoki Ndung'u is a shameful display.

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written by Timothy Wainaina , October 03, 2007

Jesis H. Christ. He can also be the President after Raila, or Kibaki can use him to resurrect his reelection bid. We can look forward to some good Madaraka Day speeches, and a decrease in the minimum wage, as the poor store up their riches in the kingdom of heaven and the wealthy attempt a navigation of the needle's eye.

Meanwhile, Donaldo,
Maoka Maore is a grand idea for MP of this parliament. But his story also shows you exactly what is wrong with our politics, the fact that a party needs to be big to win is detrimental to our long term political development. Look for example at how the SDP has been consumed by the ODM.

My nominees,
Paul Muite- like Maore he has been brave enough to stand apart when he needed to.
William Ruto- for sheer indefatigability, creativity and the way he has used the CDF. One can only hope he will be a positive effect on ODM.
Jimnah Mbaru- ok, I am only joking.

Can I also list the worst?
Sospeter Ojaamong, Njoki Ndung'u, Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, Mwai Kibaki (in the interests of better language), Paddy Ahenda, Kiraitu Murungi and Francis Atwoli.

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