tribal platform
written by Mr.Kay , August 23, 2007

Though her actions were not entirely civil, I think Raila was intentionally trying to provoke a reaction to further his tribal campaign.

who ain\'t a tribalist?
written by ole mepukori , August 23, 2007

Remember the biblical Moses? he took sides with a fellow Jew and murdered an Egyptian, this was a guy who was brought up by the Pharaohs and am told this was part of Gods plan. We should treat tribalism as a good thing and try to minimise its negative side, if communities came together for a great cause what is the problem? it is human nature to kill each other once in a while, brothers kill each other, couples do. What we should all embrace is peace, love and unity and we will be fine. Love your neighbour as you love yourself, the bible says

...
written by a guest , August 23, 2007

"The fact that people in Nyeri are peace-loving is also irrelevant, a large number of humans on this planet love peace especially those who lack it. We should see it for what it is, we are not as communal as we would like to perceive, we like the people we like and those who are different from us we treat differently and with a hint of suspicion. It’s true of Kenyans and all other dwellers of this great earth."

Errr...now that we realize how inadequate we are as humans, are you suggesting that we should let it be?
Just because Kalonzo, Raila, Nazlin...male or female...experienced it does not make it right!.

The reason we have the law is because we are incapable of 'doing good all by ourselves'...for the same reason the bible was invented!

Apples and oranges
written by Man R , August 23, 2007

The hotel owner's action of kicking out Raila from her premises was an act of discrimination; Kalonzo and Nazlin predicament in the hands of opponent's supporters were acts of rejection very common in politics.

The woman in this case seems to harbor a personal sentiment against Raila, but the supporters who heckled Nazlin and Kalonzo just din't want to give them audience.

In the case of Raila, he was about to buy a service, he never asked the woman to give her drinks or food for free. (She claims they took too long to order, which is very relative) And in the case of Kalonzo and Nazlin, they were seeking an audience with the people for free.

Raila's case is also uniquely disturbing because the individual involved is a prominent business person and member of the Kibaki family. She came out and claimed she could not let Raila plot Kibaki's downfall in her hotel. Her statements just shows she doesn't understand the first thing in democracy. Incase she missed the memo, this is an election year.

We also take particular attention to it because of the manner she went about it, it was crude and spiteful. You can conclude that it was a move motivated by hatred than principle.

But in Nazlin and Kalonzo's case you cannot blame an individual. The acts were purely political. You probably could point out who the beneficiary of the heckling was, but you cannot say for sure the beneficiary put them up to the mischief.

And I'm also certain nobody would have kicked out Kalonzo or Nazlin from a hotel after the heckling.

Most politicians have suffered what Kalonzo and Nazlin went through at some point in their careers. Moi saw it in the largest scale during Kibaki's inauguration. Kamotho get's it all the time in Mathioya, Tuju should be used to it by now, Raila faced it in Kisii in 2002 when he was campaigning for Kibaki on Nyachae's turf. That was so serious they threatened to lynch him. Kenyatta suffered the same stuff several times, George Bush gets it all the time. politics is a matter of popularity and if you're not popular in an area you can suffer heckling among other bad things.

Despite all that, civilized people are expected to be hospitable. You don't deny strangers or visitors food. The woman's actions reminds me of the time Lucy Kibaki refused to shake Materi Keriri's hand. Such pettiness must be condemned.

The hotel owner's action, her rights notwithstanding, was primitive and uncivilized.

right to refuse admission
written by Timothy Wainaina , August 24, 2007

Ole Mepukori
Moses action in killing the Egyptian task-master was not an act of tribalism. As per the account in my Bible, he did it out of sympathy for the poor slave who was getting whipped to within an inch of his life.
The rest of your comment is pretty ambiguous, what exactly are you on about?

Man R
Is the R for Raila? Well, well, this is a rather grand mountain you have constructed out of a molehill. While it is understandable, that you and Raila will do all you can to extract points from this encounter, it is unfortunate that you have to do it on these terms.

In your warped opinion, the actions of Lucy Weru are more immoral than the heckling of Kalonzo and Nazlin because her's was a personal dislike? Kijana open a hotel tomorrow and you can pretty much have or not have anyone you please, including people in sneakers, people without jackets or people working to make your in-laws jobless.

....molehill -->mountain^^^
written by emmo opoti , August 24, 2007

I think all decent people are agreed that what happened was regrettable and that Mrs Weru should perhaps be ashamed of herself.

However there is such a thing as private property in our laws, and Mrs Weru is the proprietor of that hotel. If as is becoming clear from press reports she felt that she was not happy with having the ODM team at her hotel then that is her right, and her loss.

All insinuations about racism, tribalism and accompanying allusions to Rosa Parks or apartheid are unnecessary and even fouler than the original act, especially as they are in themselves inflammatory and irresponsible.

tribalism in Kenya
written by Amina , August 24, 2007

with elections around the corner, tribal politics will continue rearing its ugly head. Perhaps, Kenyans should be forced to integrate? Learn each others cultures and be accepting as we did in National high schools? Unless I was oblivious to my surroundings, I never saw any tribalism there.

Even if I don't agree with the politics of someone I know I wouldn't let it interfere with my business. But then that's just me.

Did you see in the news a few months ago, someone kicked OJ Simpson out of his restaurant? Well, some people cried racism, however, the proprietor simply did not want a murderer eating in his restaurant.

God--dammmm!
written by Man R , August 24, 2007

Wainaina,

Dude you just went for the jugular there. Why didn't you attack the other views with half the vigor you did on mine. P/S, R stands for Ralph-- my first name.

Man R
Is the R for Raila? Well, well, this is a rather grand mountain you have constructed out of a molehill. While it is understandable, that you and Raila will do all you can to extract points from this encounter, it is unfortunate that you have to do it on these terms.

In your warped opinion, the actions of Lucy Weru are more immoral than the heckling of Kalonzo and Nazlin because her's was a personal dislike? Kijana open a hotel tomorrow and you can pretty much have or not have anyone you please, including people in sneakers, people without jackets or people working to make your in-laws jobless.

Yeah, in my opinion Ms. Weru is worse than the crowd that heckles any politician. She's a bigot, an open tribalist. She's some kind of civilization throwback. Like I said in my opinion above, politicians should always be ready to be booed and heckled when visiting areas they're unpopular. A lot of politicians know that and they don't even trip when it happens. Raila, Moi, Kenyatta, Kamotho, Tuju, George Bush have suffered similar stuff. Let's not pretend that what happened to Kalonzo was so terrible...

But here is Raila who's just come to a funeral and he's taking a break not disturbing anybody and she comes out a kicks him from the hotel. Comeon that's primitive and backward. I bet you top dollar Kalonzo would never have suffered the same treatment had he brought the whole Ukambani with him.

Look, that Ms. Weru woman has every right to refuse admission to Raila or even the Pope, but we also have the right to judge her accordingly and that's not making a mountain out of a "molehill." (Did you mean anthill by any chance?)

Pleaaase!
written by Hon , August 24, 2007

What can't youll see here!
Mrs. Weru exhibited tribalism at its best. A national first family would come out to disagree with her sentiments. But she has the audacity to say she does not care. It is the same Babrbarism that Kenyatta ran the country with!
And if it were not so, why has no one from Kibaki's family come out to make amends.
This was not the govt, it was Kibaki's mother in law.
And if it is ok for her, then it is damn ok. to send all kikuyus out of Likoni.

Once again, just like the referendum: It is Central vs. Kenya.

WE CAN SKIRT AROUND THE TRUTH, OR IDENTIFY IT AND DEAL WITH IT HEAD ON!

...
written by emmo opoti , August 24, 2007

How on earth this becomes a sign of tribalism is beyond me. Apparently, Mrs Weru kicked out the non-Kikuyu and allowed the Agikuyu like Mumbi Ngaru and so on to stay at her hotel?

We haven't a clue whether or not Weru is a tribalist, but it seems to me that the facts at hand do not support such a conclusion. Was the action churlish, yes that is very likely, although in absence of the facts of the case, I am afraid we are mob-lynching Mrs Weru. It is possible that she was given reason to be unfriendly towards the ODM crowd.

Anyway, I find it is reasonable, entirely reasonable that if I can somehow throw a spanner in the works of my in-laws political enemeies, that should be a thing I could do, especially if as in this case, the law was on my side.

The real tribalists I am afarid, are those looking at this and seeing a war between the races.

War btwn trribes not races
written by Hon , August 24, 2007

Emmo
Yours is an ideality that is non-existant in Kenya.
There is nothing wrong with embracing ones tribe in all reality, but there is everything wrong when it dictates how you treat someone.

Personal preferences may have played a role in her reaction or tribe may as well have played a role. The probability of each is halves, but the later stands on solid ground.

Emmo Opoti
written by Man R , August 24, 2007

Wassup bud, I must tell you that it took a lot not to call your naive assertions here a nasty name.

But it's asinine of the highest order to act as if you don't get it. That woman, Ms. Weru, who also happens to be Kibaki's son mother in-law, kicked Raila out because he's a Luo doing a good job in opposing Kibaki's poor leadership. I don't need evidence to know that, I only need to understand the region and how Kenyans think.

Asking for evidence or hard facts in matters like these is also very bizarre? What do you want--blood? semen? This is not a court of law, we're not trying to prove anything beyond the shadow of doubt here, but if you understand Kenya, you can put several mitigating factors together and arrive at the conclusion that Raila was discriminated against. And while it's ok to spin stuff in favor of your son-in-law's father, you need tact. This certainly has not helped at all. If she had kept quiet and let them handle their business, we won't be discussing this issue right now.

To excuse her actions, her rights notwithstanding, is to assume that our politicians are enemies. We know they're not enemies, they're rivals in politics. I'm sure Kibaki would have no problem picking up the phone and calling Raila if he needs to and vice versa.

Her actions were spiteful and condenscending.

How on earth this becomes a sign of tribalism is beyond me. Apparently, Mrs Weru kicked out the non-Kikuyu and allowed the Agikuyu like Mumbi Ngaru and so on to stay at her hotel?

We haven't a clue whether or not Weru is a tribalist, but it seems to me that the facts at hand do not support such a conclusion. Was the action churlish, yes that is very likely, although in absence of the facts of the case, I am afraid we are mob-lynching Mrs Weru. It is possible that she was given reason to be unfriendly towards the ODM crowd.

Anyway, I find it is reasonable, entirely reasonable that if I can somehow throw a spanner in the works of my in-laws political enemeies, that should be a thing I could do, especially if as in this case, the law was on my side.

The real tribalists, I am afarid, are those looking at this and seeing a war between the races.

Your idealism belongs somewhere else bwana Emmo Opoti. Let me ask you this, did Raila deserve the treatment? How many other Kenyan politicians have you ever seen get kicked out of a hotel for no reason at all?

Let's not make excuses for bad behavior. Call it what it is and move on.

...
written by emmo opoti , August 24, 2007

Well, well, well. Let's put my 'ideality' aside and deal with the facts at hand.

It is clear first, that State House had nothing to do with this action. The people of Central Kenya also had nothing to do with this incident. Quite clearly, it was ODM that was ejected from the hotel, not Raila, not Luos but ODM. Unless we are making out that ODM is a Luo party, which I guess is not our intention, then all talk about tribe and such is without basis.

If Man R got ejected out of a Hamptons soiree, he may want to opine that the ejector was racist, or a xenophobe, or anything else. However unless the ejector had made a statement that specifically calls your race, or nationality into question, what you are doing is guessing.

All we know is that ODM is the main threat to Kibaki's continued tenancy of State House, and that Mrs Weru is a relation of the President's. She is fully within her rights, bad manners though everyone concedes it is, to deny her support to the ODM campaign effort, including accomodation.

Finally, speaking of rivalry and enmity. I believe it was the dear Lang'ata legislator who described the people of Central Kenya as adui.

Oh comeon Emmo...
written by Man R , August 24, 2007

This case is like obscenity, you know it when you see it. Expecting evidence is a bit much. And I have no quarrel with her rights of admission, I just want us to agree that her motives were loaded with sentiments against Raila as a Luo and Kibaki's greatest challenger. I doubt Kalonzo would have got a similar treatment.

You're giving this matter a very simplistic analysis it baffles. That woman technically kicked out ODM, but the media and every Kenyan see it as if she kicked out Raila. Perception is king here Emmo.

Well, well, well. Let's put my 'ideality' aside and deal with the facts at hand.

It is clear first, that State House had nothing to do with this action. The people of Central Kenya also had nothing to do with this incident. Quite clearly, it was ODM that was ejected from the hotel, not Raila, not Luos but ODM. Unless we are making out that ODM is a Luo party, which I guess is not our intention, then all talk about tribe and such is without basis.

If Man R got ejected out of a Hamptons soiree, he may want to opine that the ejector was racist, or a xenophobe, or anything else. However unless the ejector had made a statement that specifically calls your race, or nationality into question, what you are doing is guessing.

All we know is that ODM is the main threat to Kibaki's continued tenancy of State House, and that Mrs Weru is a relation of the President's. She is fully within her rights, bad manners though everyone concedes it is, to deny her support to the ODM campaign effort, including accomodation.

Finally, speaking of rivalry and enmity. I believe it was the dear Lang'ata legislator who described the people of Central Kenya as adui.

And funny you bring up the adui comment. You must not know what the politicians in Central Province said about Raila during the referendum campaigns. It was nasty bruh--words I cannot even say here. It must have taken a lot of strength of character for Raila to have taken all that without going crazy. About the comment, it was the wrong thing to say but it was said at the heat of the moment and it was taken out of context, but I totally understand where he was coming from.

Stop excusing that woman bwana. We both agree she has every right to choose who comes in her place of business but the behavior was ill informed.

more than meets the eye
written by Peter Ndoli , August 25, 2007

What the news are not saying is that even before the hotel, there was already drama at the funeral when Raila was talking. In fact, he had to cut short his speech for security reasons.

PR exercises
written by Jayawardene , August 25, 2007

There is certainly substance in your arguments ManR but Emmo's assertions are equally compelling.

Somebody somewhere did a lot of mis-calculating prior to making the decision to stop at Mama Kali's for luncheon or else or we are bystanders witnessing clever chess moves by experienced wana siasa and all we can do is pass comment and move on. The politicians who are falling over one another to condemn the incident sound so insincere it is laughable.

The only thing that we learn is what we knew along. The Enigma will never cease to evoke reaction; a prophet who is revered in his own land in his own lifetime. Whether he opens a new hospital or makes grand entry in a nyundo, whether he unveils his biography or visits the home of his athoni, just like Jesus of old Agwambo will always pull in the crowds.....

...
written by a guest , August 26, 2007

Mrs Weru defended her actions saying.http://allafrica.com/stories/200708221083.html

Ours is a business and we allow all patrons regardless of their political affiliations or tribe," she said.
Relevant Links
East Africa
Kenya

Weru claimed that the Raila group invaded her Karatina Tourist Hotel for a meeting without her authority.

"I wonder what this furore is about," she told the Press at the hotel on Wednesday.

Weru said she kicked out the over 60 guests when she learnt that they had not ordered any food or drinks.

Personally I'm persuaded by her arguement Odinga and his supporters should have booked a meeting room at the hotel if they wanted to hold a meeting. Certainly the hotel dining room where other clients are enjoying their dinner is not the proper venue for political meeting. If Raila and his supporters wished to eat then they should have ordered food and drinks. No hotel will allow anyone to host a meeting on their premises without notifiying them and ordering some food or drinks. Mrs weru kicked out the whole group which included merus and kikuyus not just the luos so we cannot label her actions as discrimination.

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written by David Mwangi , August 26, 2007

One of Raila's campaign strategies starting from the referendum has been to whip up ethnic emotions against people from one region at every opportunity he gets. This Karatina thing was just one of those opportunities, and it seems that true to his plan, he has milked it to the fullest. The incident was planned and it has accomplished what Raila wanted.

If you are going to bring a group of 60 people to a restaurant, at least have the courtesy of pre-arranging with the owner of the place! The owner reserves the reght to welcome or not welcome any client to his/her establishment, ethnic or political affiliations not withstanding. That is the law, and if Raila doesn't like that law, he is an MP and he can take it to bunge to have it changed.

...
written by Man R , August 27, 2007

Dude,

Raila forgave the woman and moved on. It's that woman and her craziness that continues to fuel the matter. Did you see her press conference? She's just primitive... I feel sorry for her. It's obvious Raila gained a lot of support from the incident, but you cannot claim that he engineered anything. That assertion is just foolish... So what do you suggest he did-- gave the woman a script on how to kick him out and also conduct a primitive spiteful press conference?

You people should stop this notion that Raila is hating on a certain region because that's just false. He may have made some unfortunate statements but you gotta put such stuff in context.

If everybody is to follow the woman's crazy precedence, then democracy would die.

One of Raila's campaign strategies starting from the referendum has been to whip up ethnic emotions against people from one region at every opportunity he gets. This Karatina thing was just one of those opportunities, and it seems that true to his plan, he has milked it to the fullest. The incident was planned and it has accomplished what Raila wanted.

If you are going to bring a group of 60 people to a restaurant, at least have the courtesy of pre-arranging with the owner of the place! The owner reserves the reght to welcome or not welcome any client to his/her establishment, ethnic or political affiliations not withstanding. That is the law, and if Raila doesn't like that law, he is an MP and he can take it to bunge to have it changed.

That woman is just arrogantly primitive and she should be left alone. Maybe one day, when she discovers Kenyan politics is made up of more than just Kibaki, she'll learn how to conduct herself.

...
written by David Mwangi , August 27, 2007

It seems some people here are incapable of dis-agreeing on something without getting into name calling. How sad?

Dave Mwangi
written by Man R , August 27, 2007

I apologize if I came on too strong.

It seems some people here are incapable of dis-agreeing on something without getting into name calling. How sad?

...Will watch my mouth in future.

re: Oh comeon Emmo...
written by Watetu , August 27, 2007

And funny you bring up the adui comment. You must not know what the politicians in Central Province said about Raila during the referendum campaigns. It was nasty bruh--words I cannot even say here. It must have taken a lot of strength of character for Raila to have taken all that without going crazy. About the comment, it was the wrong thing to say but it was said at the heat of the moment and it was taken out of context, but I totally understand where he was coming from.

Stop excusing that woman bwana. We both agree she has every right to choose who comes in her place of business but the behavior was ill informed.

Man R, you seem determined to see this as a purely tribal issue. A lot of the comments posted by Emmo to my mind make perfect sense. What I find interesting is that you are quick to defend Raila's name calling but condemm Emmo for suggesting that Mrs. Weru's actions may have been

taken out of context,

That's a bit of a double standard don't you think?

...
written by mosaisi , August 27, 2007

The woman in this case seems to harbor a personal sentiment against Raila, but the supporters who heckled Nazlin and Kalonzo just din't want to give them audience.

If you don't want somebody's audience, you sit in your house and roast maize. Blocking streets and stoning people and property should not be a civil way of showing displeasure.

Such actions have led to loss of lives in Kisumu. The people who organize such primitive actions come out to blame the person who dared to address his 3 supporters in Kisumu for the violence and deaths.

It is argued that the victim of violence should have known better than addressing a meeting in a Raila stronghold. In other words, so parts of Nyanza are a no-go zone for anybody or any idea that is not Raila certified.

While you defend "innocent" Raila, don't forget that he is actively involved in the balkanization of Luo Nyanza. Luo Nyanza is his bargaining chip and he will do anything to keep it. That is why he is fond of issuing orders like:

"I am busy fighting at higher levels and you too should do your work down here! You know what to do if they try to hold this rally on the 23rd,"

And his side kicks like Sunguh barking:

"I appeal to Tuju to take his campaigns elsewhere... Kisumu people have taken a stand, which is irreversible. It is a big No!"

Such orders are normally followed by violence.

It is hypocritical of the preachers of hate and violence to cry themselves hoarse when they are subjected to a violence free eviction from a private property and by a single person.

Ms. Weru ... kicked Raila out because he's a Luo doing a good job in opposing Kibaki's poor leadership.

The problem with Raila supporters is that they see him a Luo before seeing him as a leader/politician. Defending Raila is akin to defending one's tribe. Do you think the 2002 "Kibaki Tosha" Raila could have been kicked out by Lucy? What about Tuju?

Equating this incident with apartheid seeks to rouse hate. They want to make this a campaign of Kikuyus vs Kenyans. They think that they will win the election if they rally Kenyans against the "Kikuyu Government." Atieno and Wambui who borrow salt from each other have no problem living as neighbours. If Raila has an issue with Kibaki let the 2 fight without draging entire communities into their wars.

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written by Hon , August 27, 2007

It is so Kikuyu vs. Kenya God help us!


There is what you young fellows think you know, then there is he real misplaced thought by Kikuyus that 'Nyumbas' must rule forever!

Who are we kidding? Say it as it is! Raila is an MP of Kibera, Nairobi, not Nyabondo.

Kenyan politics
written by Man R , August 27, 2007

If you understand Kenyan politics, you'll see why it's virtually impossible to say ethnicity did not have anything to do with this.

I'm not in the business of self-deception.

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written by Marangu , August 29, 2007

I very much doubt that Mrs Weru was acting on instructions from state house, she may very well have thought she was serving Kibaki well but ended up embarrasing him. Why this cannot be seen as an indiscretion on the part of the owner who declared Agwambo and his party persona non grata has nothing to do with either of the two, the Kikuyus or the Luos but those who yap here.