...
written by Mr. Vikii , January 29, 2008

This whole thing may turn out to be nastier than people think. Such cases like this, which everyone with a brain knows has everything to do with disgruntled losers, will definitely be given distorted interpretaions. It has the potential of being the proverbial time bomb.

It is important to note that all three closest challengers of Were (DP, PNU and ODMK) publicly and jointly voiced their refusal to recognise Mugambi Were. Instead of having ordinary voters file the petition, the candidates themselves did it. Dirty power games these ones.

Let\'s get derty !
written by wawa , January 29, 2008

Were's death has thrown spanner into the Annan's works and as a matter of fact it has indeed fuelled already volatile situation.Quiet bizarre that it happened in the full glare of international media and the buck has to squarely fall somewhere regardless of whoever did the barbaric act.It also shows nobody's safe at the moment and it might be prelude of what's bound to occur. God help Kenya. What was someone thinking ? It won't be business as usual between the PNU and ODM and tempers gonna flareup with accusations and counter accusation. Me think from what me read that only Mombassa cool at the moment but it's bound to go nuclear anytime. With Mombasa on fire , Kenya will be virtually on fire and it will have to take Army to quell the vicious terror given the fact that the police are overwhelmed if the polarisation issue is anything to go by. My word of advise is that political class to move very fast and come up with a roadmap to no-where in the name of political compromise as a short-term measure before this thing get ouuta hand. This is a true recipe of making a failed nation and Kenyans themselves should take charge before they are engulfed by the skirmishes.

UNWARANTED KILLING
written by a guest , January 29, 2008

The killing of Hon. Were is unwarranted especially at this time that Kenya is in turmoil. I have always wondered why human beings kill each other as if they (killers) will live forever and ever! You can not tell the world that this is a normal gangster issue as nothing was taken from late Hon. Were. Where are we taking Kenya to? What is it that Kenyans are killing each other for? Control of power and wealth? If this mayhem continues then tell me if there is gonna be Kenya for Kibaki, Raila or whoever to rule. Wake up everyone and more so the Ministers, Vice President and President and do something about our current situation.

I believe that the best way out of this current mayhem is to remove partisan politicians starting with Kibaki, Raila, Kalonzo, Karua, Ruto, Balala and their likes and get fresh politicians but retain the likes of Prof. Maathai, Hon. Mudavadi and Paul Muite.

re: UNWARANTED KILLING
written by aeichener , January 29, 2008

and get fresh politicians but retain the likes of Prof. Maathai, Hon. Mudavadi and Paul Muite.

Believe me, Paul Muite is among the very first members of the political class in Kenya whose death would be fully warranted.

re: THE HYENAS
written by aeichener , January 29, 2008

the hyenas have killed, not one of their own,

So he was not one of the hyenas? That may well be; and if Melitus Were was an exception within Kenya's political class, then please write a fitting and truthful obituary and contribute it here. KenyaImagine would certainly welcome it.

Alexander

THE HYENAS
written by Farouk , January 29, 2008

To quote Martin Shikuku on JM murder, the hyenas have killed, not one of their own, but for their own selfish interest, with complete total disregard of the National interest. You dont have to be a rocket scientist to see the equation and mathemetics behind this inhuman killing.

ALL KENYANS SHOULD CONDEMN THIS AND DEMAND FOR JUSTICE.

The quote was John Keen's. If you've managed to divine the identity of Were's murderer so quickly, and at this distance, don't let us stop you from sharing your evidence. Eds.

...
written by (Use another login name) , January 29, 2008

The killers of Mr. Were should be sought and brought to book. Whatever the country is undergoing it is because of such nasty behaviours. It is so sad that most of us have lost their loved ones and jobs as a result. This are just people who are taking advantage of the situation.

...
written by dalani , January 29, 2008

aeichner the political class, as you call them, may be the only hope; otherwise it's hoodlums and vandals running amok

(Editorial comment: the notion of a "political class" is absolutely commonplace when describing the Kenyan situation, so its not aeichener's personal parlance. The distinction however between Political Kenya, Wealthy Kenya and Poor Kenya, as our author Nanjala Nyabola has brilliantly undertaken in her recent article, is newer. Ed.)

Equal Animals
written by micom , January 29, 2008

"All animals are equal but others are more equal"from the Animal farm.With Hon. Were Killed, see it as another Kenyan out of the Hundreds if not thousands already killed.Nobody is immune.Nothing special here in my opinon.Lets ALL act in unison to end this shame.

ODM KNOWS WHO KILLED WERE
written by lulu , January 29, 2008

He was uncomfortable with the way things were being run within the ODM, in fact he was a goverment sympathiser, he had been seen with government allies and Ruto had made a threat.
ODM knows what happened and they want to blame someone else shame on you.

(Please prove what you allege. Eds.)

Political analysts/Engineer
written by Zecky , January 29, 2008

This condition is becoming unmanageable even to the government itself.

Overwhelmed policemen turns even worse to the angry citizens, brutal killings, rape and looting from citizens. (...)

I say this because I (on the ground) physically see the expressions of anger from the citizens. Look here. Before election, there had been some fuel poured in the hearts of Kenyans right from the colonial period to independence. It has been there waiting for who to bring the matchbox to light that fire on, until the matchbox was brought by politicians and flamed inside the hearts of Kenyans. I tell you its more painfull inside there more than the shooting. Now who will resolve this situation?
Get this statement; it is from one of the stearing committee of the clashes opposing Kibaki's government: "We shall fight till we achieve what we want no matter what Koffi Annan concludes"

What can you please conclude about this? That is what they say down on the ground. I think the opposite of what they want. Let Kibaki accept going for a re-election and genuine justice practised. LET JUSTICE BE SEEN PLEASE SEND THIS TO KIBAKI

(Trying to edit a bit for clarity and sense... not easy. Sorry if our attempt would have misrepresented anything. Eds.)

re: ODM KNOWS WHO KILLED WERE
written by mkosakabila , January 29, 2008

He was uncomfortable with the way things were being run within the ODM, in fact he was a goverment sympathiser, he had been seen with government allies and Ruto had made a threat.
ODM knows what happened and they want to blame someone else shame on you.

(Please prove what you allege. Eds.)

This is new. And hot. More on this, please!

...
written by Stephen Wanyama , January 29, 2008

It is difficult as asked to prove anything, and it is indeed possible that some of these killings we see today would have taken place whether or not there was an election at all, I mean it goes without saying that Nairobi is a very dangerous place to live (especially its lower end) and that there are without doubt many Kenyan crims who are taking advantage of the general unrest to exact revenge, settle grudges and so on.

Undoubtedly, the ODM and Raila will try to make out that this was an assassination (remember Mbai) and the government side will counter (with the usual petulance) that it was ODM wot did it.

One thing that has to be said however, there is absolutely no doubt, even beyond the silly reports from the observers that these elections were not at all free and fair, in many constituencies across the country there were damning irregularities, including Embakasi, Langata, Westlands, Kamukunji, Dagoretti and many many more. I suppose more civilised minds than Raila's have taken theirs to court, let us hope that no aggrieved parties will resort to assassination to achieve their ends.

...
written by Leoedd , January 29, 2008

Lets grow up. He is not more than other ordinary kenyans who have died in the tribal fighting. Let it be a known fact that everyone including Kibaki and Raila can be killed. If we embrace violence as a way of life, then lets be prepared for its consequences. Raila asked whether youths would like guns in Kisumu. The very same guns have gunned their own. Lets preach peace, it worries me to see sane kenyans think that weres life is more important than the many children who have died, lost kenyan potential. It saddens me to see unrealised potential buried. All kenyans are important, if you think theyre not, mungiki or taliban could kill your brother or sister or YOU. And if it takes MPs deaths to sober up, more should die, and well call them freedom fighters, as Raila called the people buried in Kisumu. Preach peace!

...
written by Cindy , January 29, 2008

I strongly believe that Hon. Were's murder could be linked to the hotly contested Embakasi seat. I do not see why the government would want him dead though I have no intentions of sanctifying it. It is now apparent that even politicians will not be spared in the vicious bloodbath that has gripped our nation.

Cindy

God Help Kenyans
written by Roni , January 29, 2008

Not here, Roni. If you have such a pressing need to publish nonsense, please let us suffer your absence. Thank you, Eds.

...
written by Mzalendo , January 29, 2008

Intelligence reports indicate that the late Mugabe Were had just accepted to join the cabinet.For sure this powerplay has gone too far.

Were\'s death
written by Jandege , January 29, 2008

Raila asked whether youths would like guns in Kisumu. The very same guns have gunned their own. Preach peace!

Loedd,

Why are you distorting facts? The aggrieved residents in Kisumu mourning their dead asked for guns yet Raila told them their vote was more portent. I am surprised the moderator allowed this comment to be published uncensored, are we still objective or what?

Mugabe Were's death should be condemned same way as others have been. In our tribalised Kenya, expect Western Province not to take this lightly even some of the few MP's on PNU side.

More than ever we need bridges across our divides and let us not shy away from facing the truth, seeking justice and calling for peace.

Kibaki says that there is a government in place and at the same time asks ODM to accept that this is so. Does he need ODM's approval to legitimize his claims to government? You have to ask yourself where the government is as the country slides into anarchy. I am afraid force may prevail in the short term, but lets not kid ourselves. Adolf Hitler used barbaric force to maintain his stranglehold over other nations but in the end he died a lonely death. Afrikaners suppressed the will of the people and even introduced apartheid but in the end the people's will triumphed. This is the hope for Kenya.

re: Grave issue
written by Farouk , January 29, 2008

Intelligence reports indicate that the late Mugabe Were had just accepted to join the cabinet.For sure this powerplay has gone too far.

Kindly elaborate on your sources instead of treating us to James Bond movie fairy tales. Remember the conspiracy theories surrounding the assination of the two presidents of Rwanda and Burundi? Remember Kagame's arguement on who killed Habyarimana? is not internationally accepted and belived that RPF gunned down the plane carrying the two presidents?
This issue is grave, and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves instead of making it look like childplay.

Re
written by Imma , January 29, 2008

Leoedd,

You missed the fact... Raila never asked Kisumu residents if they wanted guns. It's the residents who asked for guns but he said he'll give them ballot instead. Pls, stop falsifying information.

Nimechoka na Siasa za Kenya
written by New Day , January 29, 2008

Enough has already been said about the political feud happening in Kenya. We have successfully transitioned from empty word craft and propaganda, into street bruise and crude tribal warfare and now cold blood killing of members of parliament. Where will it end? Who is next tomorrow?

One thing is certain, the country is falling into the abyss that ate Somalia. What is so different between kenya's tribe system and somalia's clan system, they both sing the same refrain of secession.

there is still hope
written by New Day , January 29, 2008

However, do not give up yet. Even after 100 years, Kenya will still belong to our children and grand children, and we all want things to be okay for them. We do not want them to go into the future with bad governance and hate like we live now, much to the pain and regret of our own fathers who thought the future then (now) would be bright with the independence from white rule and later freedoms of association and expression and multipartysm.

Kibaki will be long gone, Raila will be gone too. The hardliners from both sides will also be history (and no one will want to keep their memories alive either), so weep not child.

...
written by manta ray , January 29, 2008

There is a strong rumour going round that Mr Were was actually coming from attending an all night meeting with PNU Officials before being gunned down outside his house, and that he was about to defect and accept a Cabinet position.

re:
written by a guest , January 29, 2008

There is a strong rumour going round that Mr Were was actually coming from attending an all night meeting with PNU Officials before being gunned down outside his house, and that he was about to defect and accept a Cabinet position.

Strange, there is another rumour that Were and Gumo had convinced Wetangula and Wekesa to abandon the 'government' on account of the killing of innocent people in Western Kenya by police. Rumours go further and claim that Kombo and Kituyi were present and concurred.

...
written by Nyabs , January 29, 2008

Very very sad.

From Anonymous account above, Were strikes me like the type of person who could have been nurtured into leadership of this country: detribalized, cosmopolitan and young.

It is very tragic that his life should end so brutally and no reason whatsoever justifies this brutal act. We pray that his killers will be brought to justice.

...
written by Beverly , January 29, 2008

I don't like the Yahoo has the top news story as Kenya's potential "Civil War". I think this is dangerous and further stokes the violence. I just think Kenyans want a resolution more than a civil war. Let's pray this is the case.

re: re: re: THE HYENAS
written by Q , January 29, 2008

the hyenas have killed, not one of their own,

So he was not one of the hyenas? That may well be; and if Melitus Were was an exception within Kenya's political class, then please write a fitting and truthful obituary and contribute it here. KenyaImagine would certainly welcome it.

Alexander

I grew up with this boy. Hon Mugabe Were was born into a poor family and worked his way out of the Dandora slums. From there he managed to win an academic scholarship and travel to Germnany to study, achieving a PhD degree. He started a Charity to improve the lives of poor people in Dandora, including founding a youth centre, an exchange programme, a gym and social centre all of his own account. He lived simply, preferring to remain in Dandora until he was elected councillor for the ward 5 years ago. He did not want to be MP but felt compelled to do it as many of his former constituents in the ward saw him as an opportunity for change and improvement. Were bridged the tribal divide in Eastlands, he recieved support from ALL tribes in his election campaign, and I should know, I was there when he was running.

And if you MUST know, he was neither Luo nor Kikuyu, he was Luhya.

What a waste! RIP Mr. Were!
Those who bring some sort of hope are always gone too soon.... sad!
I curse Kibaki and Raila and those who surround these 2 who are doing NOTHING but watching from the wayside thinking that this will just GO AWAY! IT WILL NOT!
You all had the guts to go around into every constituency to beg for or buy a vote and now you all stand aside and watch!! It's a shame that Annan is telling us to our face what we already know but these "LEADERS" refuse to take off their blinders! I CURSE you to the ground that is soaking in KENYAN BLOOD...Hamna maana nyie kazi ni kula tuu na kuwatenganisha watu ili mle zaidi

...
written by D , January 29, 2008

May he and the other 800 people that have senselessly lost their lives rest in peace.

Is the power of the presidency so sweet that we must endure the bitterness of violence? You see when milk spoils, you can't unspoil it. It is now sour. Tainted. That is what the presidential seat has become. This is no longer a fight for democracy. It is getting too expensive and people's lives are at stake.

Please look at this disturbing photo posted in the Kenyan jurist blog:
http://www.kenyanjurist.blogspot.com/

All Kenyans need to see these pictures so that the blame game can stop and we all take a step back from this madness!

re: re: THE HYENAS
written by a guest , January 29, 2008

the hyenas have killed, not one of their own,

So he was not one of the hyenas? That may well be; and if Melitus Were was an exception within Kenya's political class, then please write a fitting and truthful obituary and contribute it here. KenyaImagine would certainly welcome it.

Alexander

I grew up with this boy. Hon Mugabe Were was born into a poor family and worked his way out of the Dandora slums. From there he managed to win an academic scholarship and travel to Germany to study, achieving a PhD degree. He started a Charity to improve the lives of poor people in Dandora, including founding a youth centre, an exchange programme, a gym and social centre all of his own account. He lived simply, preferring to remain in Dandora until he was elected councillor for the ward 5 years ago. He did not want to be MP but felt compelled to do it as many of his former constituents in the ward saw him as an opportunity for change and improvement. Were bridged the tribal divide in Eastlands, he received support from ALL tribes in his election campaign, and I should know, I was there when he was running.

And if one MUST know, he was neither Luo nor Kikuyu, he was Luhya.

Who assassinated Hon. Were
written by Jandege , January 29, 2008

(Toxic waste deleted. Ed.)

Take Two
written by observer , January 30, 2008

This is really sad it reminds me of the waste of talent and promise I felt when Robert Ouko was killed.

This is Kenya
written by Savant , January 30, 2008

Of all the posts I have come across here, none really captures what Kenya is or gets it. Call this whatever you want murder or assasination, but the end result remains the same.

This is about the resort to violence by the status quo to deter and cow the opposition. Additionaly, this killing bears all the hallmarks of another killing in Kenya some forty years ago.

On February 25, 1965, Pio Gama Pinto was shot and killed at very close range on the driveway while waiting for the gate to open.

I can say with the highest degree of confidence that anyone who knows Kenya knows that political murders in Kenya are never solved.

RIP Mugabe Were.

...
written by Mr. Vikii , January 30, 2008

Savant, I was not around in 1965, but I have read History. All evidence suggests that Pio Gama Pinto's death was sanctioned by either Jomo Kenyatta or elements within his administration because he was rubbing their evil designs the wrong way. Pinto, just like Kaggia and others, was on Kenya's side as opposed to the establishment's side.

Now tell me why you rushed to allege similarities between Pinto's and Were's deaths. Perhaps you should tell us who Mugabe Were was and what he stood for. How was he a threat to the status quo?

(Ad personam insult deleted. Ed.)

Absurd rumor
written by clifford , January 30, 2008

Were would have first had to get permission from ODM's top brass to join Kibaki's cabinet or vacate his parliamentary seat and run for a re-election to do so.

Clifford
written by Timothy Wainaina , January 30, 2008

Actually, no. He would not. He would have had to get permission from one Mugambi Imanyara who is the party's real chairman. Even if he did not, the constitution of Kenya is really open to interpretation as to who can be appointed by the President, with one part insisting on the acquiescence of part bosses and the other giving the President unfettered access to all MPs.

AnalysEng.
written by Dady , January 30, 2008

Let peace be preached more than it is already done."God turn your eyes to face Kenya for peace to come down to your beloved People"

Imagine a month from today!!Whow may lives will be lost for that month? It is only a month since we lost direction,check how low we are.Now another month!! To theground i promise you.

I say this because the number of civil servants who are paid are still the same even to this destructing economy.Day by day revenue reduces what do people like Kimunya think.

Surely, Annan would have taken shorter time than thatso that we know our fate earlier.What is it they is to be discussed everyday for a whole month

...
written by aeichener , January 30, 2008

Clifford is wrong. The provision which he quotes from memory was indeed included in the first draft of the Parties Bill, but was struck out during the presidential assent stage, and did not become law. Look it up online, in the Laws of Kenya database.

As to Timothy, it is not the constitution which must be questioned. The actual version of the Parties Act does require prior written consent of the party leadership, but is silent about the legal consequences of an appointment to a ministerial post without such consent.

In view of the fact that the law is not self-executing, in further view of the fact that lacking prior consent can be replaced by posterior assent, and lastly in view of the unbearable consequences of a void (ex tuc) as a opposed to a voidable (ex nunc) appoinment, the jurist will necessarily have to conclude that appointments without such party consent are against the law, but remain legal with all consequences until finally voided by court decision.

Alexander

What if ?
written by wawa , January 30, 2008

Were's untimely death confounded so many and depending on ones political divide, one tends to believe any theory in ones favour.At this point in time it is quiet difficult to come to a conclusion as to the motive of the assassins and it may be even nothing to do with politics.It may even be a deal gone sour only that the timing was perfect given the prevailing political situation in Kenya. Politics has always been a dirty game and many politicians world over Kenya no withstanding are alleged to be financed by the underground barons to enable them further their selfish pursuits.
Kenyans main worry should be how safe are the ordinary citizens if a senior citizen's life can be clipped off with such a ease.
On the Naivasha incident it is quiet interesting to read about a story that an alliance of tribes including Kikuyus,Luos and other tribes have come togethert to defend themselves against " attackers " who seems to be imported from somewhere by some moneybags with instructions to attack certain tribes so as to look like revenge. Somebody out there please tell me what is happening in Kenya !

...
written by aeichener , January 30, 2008

Anybody who googles "Woodley Estate" together with "KACC" will find interesting things quickly. It is not said that this background had anything to do with the murder of Were though.

What is so sad is to note how easily Were would have been able to defend himself, and to repell the attackers, had he only had a gun. The "Standard" story shows it in all detail. :-(

Alexander

...
written by a guest , January 30, 2008

Guns...yeah, I don't think that the thing that Kenya needs right now is guns. Can you imagine all of this AND all the illegal weapons already out there AND legally purchased guns?

...
written by aeichener , January 30, 2008

Individual Kenyans need *more* guns right now, not less. Almost all the victims were helplessly slain by a numerical superiority of attackers armed only with crude weapons. Most of them would still be alive today, had the been able / enabled to defend themselves.

The murderers, arsonists, rapists are cowards. They merrily slaughter women, children, old people, and hapless single males of other tribes, but they run away as soon as bullets fly, as you can see every day on TV and video clips.

what folly!!
written by Stephen Wanyama , January 30, 2008

Now Alex, your suggestion supposes that the guns would only be acquired by the innocents, and that assailants would still come bearing sticks and stones. You seem now in union with Raila's mob, believing that greater violence is the solution. A fire and stones kill how many people? Cf. a MAC-10.

That said, it is true that Somali shops in Kisumu were not looted, the attackers quickly dissuaded by superior firepower.

...
written by aeichener , January 30, 2008

Now Alex, your suggestion supposes that the guns would only be acquired by the innocents,

Criminals already widely have guns. So have the hitmen of politicans.

And for Wanjiku, it does not make the slightest difference whether her skull is split open by a panga, or her aorta torn by a AK bullet.
It makes however a big difference if she can defend herself.

You seem now in union with Raila's mob, believing that greater violence is the solution.

It is. Police now stand by with their hands in pocket (reasons in this sequence: frustration, cowardice, tribalism). What would be most necessary is a reckless and ruthless display of force by the security agencies, including the military, and the immediate shooting of any armed attackers at sight. Roadblocks would vanish within 2-3 days, and order and calm would be quickly restored.

That said, it is true that Somali shops in Kisumu were not looted, the attackers quickly dissuaded by superior firepower.

Correct.
And have you ever seen Mungiki roughing up or "taxing" a Miraa truck? They know why they do not even try...

Alexander

...
written by Timmy , January 30, 2008

I would advocate for the availability of guns and armed protection. Then I would go on about how the legal restrains on gun ownership for the common mwananchi just makes it more available for the hooded gangster. Then I would get lost in the bureaucracy of procedure and so on and so forth.
But the threat of a bullet flying might have made the 7 rapists who attacked my friends hesitate and maybe go back home.

Mungiki on Were\'s Murder - a
written by cload , January 30, 2008

Credible investivgation process will establish who killed Were. I am therefore not obliged to have an opinion as to who I think killed the MP. Mungiki's comming out to announce their involvement as well as issue ultimatums may seem to be an indicator to what really happened. But looking at the background of Mungiki and its operation, this group is very sneaky group that hardly comes out to own responsibility, not even when the killed the Matatu owners association official. Stakes are high in the murder, in both sides of the political devide, the leadership, the Emabakasi Opponents to the late MP. One thing is however common, none of these people would want to be linked to the death. The all want to have the guts nad genuity ofv sending messeges of condolences to the family and to be seen at the time of by election as innocent especailly for the aspirants. One person therefore owning the crime is a step in the right direction, especially for the murderer. Mungiki can not be charged. It is not a person nor a recognised institution. It is a scarecrow. The clue to the murder of the MP would most likely lie on the persons he met and the content of the discussions at the parliament building, the friend he dropped in Fedha estate and the profile of the wanted list by Mungiki. One would expect that if there was an agreement between the MP and PNU to accept a cabinet position, the loudest of the PNU MPs could have by yesterday midday brought out the clue. What if the cabinet position proposal was not agreeable to Were? Does the argument about who killed him change? Why are there reporters on the wanted list from Citizen or KBC? One MP less from the election of the speaker, why woul ODM risk one MP less in parliament?Mungiki, may be someone's cover up and a threat to ODM MPs.

Police stop wasting time looking for Mungiki for the murder, look for the persons Were met, the person he dropped in Fedha (I guess an MP would most likely have their own car)and scrutinize the wanted list. There lies the truth.

Tribalism in Kenya - Our Value
written by cload , January 30, 2008

The eminent ethnicity presently characterised in the country through the skirmishes are issues of tradition and values. The journey Kenya has bred many belief structures. Coupled with crimes that were committed against certain individuals, Kenya has taken a long time to heal from Tom Mboya, Robert Ouko, JJ Kariuki and the rest. Kenyans got to a level where they developed stereotypes of the other communities. When Moi was removed from power, certainly communities sighed with relief and expected expected that the differences would be sorted out. For along time those who were active in fighting for the freedom became by default tribal lords. If you offeended them you offended their community. In addition the formation of NARC made Kenyans fee that different ethnic communities could work together in mutual understanding. One unspoken principle that some of the members of NARC did no subscribe to is the deeply entrenched unspoken African value of Reciprocation. Perhaps is was unspoken or may be it was the MoU.

The dishounoring of the alleged MoU was the first step towards the abuse of values. The second step was the mannerisms with which the President treated people who vitually represented their tribes. President Kibaki developed the mindset that a president can have good will among an ethnic community when he is openly heard abusing the ethnic chief.

The ethnic chiefs do not choose to be ethnic chiefs, they are made by default based on how the community can identify them with their issues, struggles and dignity.
(An interesting and challenging observation as a contrast to our reality. About which country do you speak? It is certainly NOT Kenya. Ed.)

If your values compell you to honour your promise to your son/wife/husband/parent (to fulfil your promise or a reciprocative worth of what accomplished), politics is not different. Political values are greater and more demanding since it involves more and diverse people. If you build your leadership style and integrity on African values and more so family values, you will see every child that is left vulnerable to a crisis as your own and will be obliged top offer a deserving reciprocation even if it is not foramally documented.

Our values, Our values

In November, as a nation we had tigheted our values to be able to voluntarily reward a street boy who returns a lost and found wallet with passport, now we ask ourselves, what do we get.

In November, out teenagers would certainly not buy stolen phone from the streets, now they think the lack credibility of the electoral process does not condemn stolen phones.

Lets be African and Let our leaders subscribe to values

caution required
written by jayawardene , January 30, 2008

Mr Mellitus Mugabe Were, too young a real talent taken away in such callous and brutal fashion. We demand that his killers are caught and swiftly brought to justice. Rest In Peace, Hon. Were

Brothers and sisters we are living in times of heightened tensions and we all feel strongly about certain posts. Sometimes we will feel the urge to post a comment and add our view to those already here.

In light of the times that we are living in I would like to make a most humble suggestion. If your new post happens to contain the phrase.."there is a rumour going around.." or words to that effect, perhaps you will take a moment to reflect on it before clicking on the send button.


thanks.

re: caution required
written by a guest , January 30, 2008

Mr Mellitus Mugabe Were, too young a real talent taken away in such callous and brutal fashion. We demand that his killers are caught and swiftly brought to justice. Rest In Peace, Hon. Were

Brothers and sisters we are living in times of heightened tensions and we all feel strongly about certain posts. Sometimes we will feel the urge to post a comment and add our view to those already here.

In light of the times that we are living in I would like to make a most humble suggestion. If your new post happens to contain the phrase.."there is a rumour going around.." or words to that effect, perhaps you will take a moment to reflect on it before clicking on the send button.


thanks.

I second this motion. And if I had schizophrenia I would third it too...

...
written by lovin kenyan , January 30, 2008

(Indeed every life is valuable, so spare your snide comments. Ed.)

re: Tribalism in Kenya - Our V
written by MZALENDO , January 30, 2008

(Over-quotation condensed and shortened, because it detracted from your good posting. Ed.)

...issues of tradition and values. (...) If you build your leadership style and integrity on African values (...)
Lets be African and Let our leaders subscribe to values

African values. Interesting concept this.
I do KNOW that there is NO tribe in Kenya where a visitor is not honoured. In all the places I've been, the grandma, gog, cucu, kukhu, etc, would welcome me with open arms, get me a cup of tea and ask that I eat the juiciest of yams/ cassava/ potato.
My tribe would never come up!
When an abandoned toddler was found, a woman would be found to breast feed it. No questions asked!
When we go to eat in a group, the broke guy will always get a share. We find it impossible to eat with someone who is NOT. We buy beer in rounds, no use of getting drunk alone. Go drink or eat with a mzungu and notice the difference!
Our values represent who we are and how others perceive us. Right now, we are unfortunately bloodthirsty mongrels.

What are our values?

...
written by tyna , January 30, 2008

you talk of guns like they take away the threat.Arent bigshots like Were licenced to carry some.We need guns and other stuff

re: re: Tribalism in Kenya - O
written by pndiangui , January 30, 2008

(Over-quotation condensed and shortened, because it detracted from your good posting. Ed.)

...issues of tradition and values. (...) If you build your leadership style and integrity on African values (...) Let's be African and Let our leaders subscribe to values

African values. Interesting concept this. I do KNOW that there is NO tribe in Kenya where a visitor is not honoured. In all the places I've been, the grandma, gog, cucu, kukhu, etc, would welcome me with open arms, get me a cup of tea and ask that I eat the juiciest of yams/ cassava/ potato.
My tribe would never come up!
When an abandoned toddler was found, a woman would be found to breast feed it. No questions asked!
When we go to eat in a group, the broke guy will always get a share. We find it impossible to eat with someone who is NOT. We buy beer in rounds, no use of getting drunk alone. Go drink or eat with a mzungu and notice the difference!
Our values represent who we are and how others perceive us. Right now, we are unfortunately bloodthirsty mongrels.

What are our values?

I am afraid 'who we are' and 'what we represent, cherish and defend' in this case the 'values' is almost empty. Starting with its drowning out during the eras of forced slavery then colonialism and lastly in the last 40 years the leaders that we have put followed have broken the last camels' back. Where integrity doesn't stand a chance, where one can get what they want no matter what the means !! and so one .

really?
written by Stephen Wanyama , January 30, 2008

KTN really are a most dangerous outfit, as is Aketch. Now what are the chances in these dark days that Mungiki would kill the MP and then go on to boast about it? This certainly has never happened at any time in this country.

Secondly, who is Mungiki? The BBC has of course thane a line on the conflict and stayed loyal to it, but who is Mungiki? An angry GEMA man?

People like Aketch and the animals at the Standard are very happy to destroy Kenya, the rest of the country would do well to ignore them as much as possible.

(Ahem. Strong language.
Let us maybe rather say that the established media have let us down, and have not only not lived up to their duties, but have even been co-responsible for the present situation.
As to M.M. Were, it is both saddening and telling that no online edition of the three papers published an obituary even remotely comparable in quality to our poster Farouk - many thanks to him! Eds.)

Mungiki signs Were\'s death
written by Wuod Aketch , January 30, 2008

Mungiki has signed Hon Were's death. They have also issued several warnings about imminent attacks of several journalists of KTN, The Standard ...
News on KTN 29th Jan 2008.

(1. The pertinent section in the mixed KTBN clip extends from 4:38 to 6:48.

2. The report is really about the threats against many journalists. The anonymous authors are not in any way identified. They claim to be Mungiki; they could also prankish busybody imitators, NSIS desinformers or ODM propagandists.

3. The link to Were's death is not credible. It came much too late and in the wriong context. If you now claimed you have killed him, would that claim make you the murderer? Eds.)

These goons are playing a losing game. The army will have to come out of the barracks.

re: Mungiki signs Were\'s deat
written by letter to the editor , January 31, 2008

Mungiki have never been afraid to say they killed someone they terrorised people openly before elections.Mungiki are not an angry GEMA man they are a terrorist group that killed many many kikuyu too.Cmon stop defending those that have already said they are responsible.Are we that twisted?ODM propagandist THEY CAME OUT AND SAID THEY DID IT MUNGIKI (a terrorist group responsible for several murders regardless of ethnicity.open your eyes.Unbelievable editor unbelievable.And to your third question please claim to any media that you are al qaeda after a terrorist attack and see whether you will be shipped of to Guantanamo?of

Re: letter to the editor
written by a guest , January 31, 2008

While I'm also against mungiki, what many of us are uncomfortable with is the idea of labeling any form of kikuyu resistance of the recent widespread attacks visited on them as mungiki terrorism.

That implies that any form of kikuyu resistance is tantamount to terrorism. Now, tell me, who are the terrorists here; the north rift individuals (note, I refer to them as individuals, not collectively as kalenjins) who have managed to kill, rape, maim and displace close to 250,000 people.

What about the individuals in western who have managed in a month of destruction, rape and looting to completely trash and burn down a city and ethnically cleanse it?

Yet there seems to be contentment in calling these latter group of individuals otherwise peaceful citizens who acted spontaneously to a rigged election. We continue to hear justifications such as they acted spontenously with the implication that they are not to blame.

Call the mungiki terrorists if you like, for their history has shown that they terrorise their victims.

But please, in that same breath, also treat the acts to violence after the elections with similar sentiments; terrorism of selected communities.

...
written by to anonymous , January 31, 2008

Mungiki,taliban,sabaot land defence and all those 'individuals' responsible for shooting,raping ,maiming and arson are all terrorist and should be dealt with accordingly.by the way which kikuyu resistance do you speak of?people who have been attacked and protected themselves or people who have just decided to actively seek and kill another community?what are you talking about by 'kikuyu resistance'

...
written by a guest , January 31, 2008

By kikuyu resistance, I mean any force used to defend yourself, your loved ones and your property, including reacquring land that you legally owned and was forced off of.

sir
written by cicero , January 31, 2008

I am yet to see any such thing as a "kikuyu resistance". The atrocious violence on non-kikuyus in central/parts of RV is just as barbaric as the attack of Kikuyus in some parts of Kenya.

Nothing can be gained by avenging the death of innocents with more innocents.

...
written by a guest , January 31, 2008

And just so I'm not misunderstood, i don't consider the murdering of Were or the nurning of Luo women and children in Naivasha as justified, whether or not mungiki was involved, and the perpetrators should be made to answer for these crimes.

...
written by Anonymous , January 31, 2008

No Kenyan in their right mind Luo, Kikuyu, Kalenjin etc has the right or moral authority to end another's life just because they have been wronged. Having said that though,we cannot undermine the role that leaders of these factions( I never thought that I would ever use that word in Kenyan environment) played, the role the media played in their umbrella of free speech nor can we undermine the role of all leaders who are passive and as Barack Obama said "Passive indifference is same as active malice" so let no Kenyan point fingers because me and you and all contributed to this ingrained tribalism one way or another. We as Kenyans ignored the time bomb that was so apparent to us and we choose to use the famous phrase " Kenyans are not like that" Oh really!

Oh well reality has dawned on us that Kenya was in the blink of falling apart. I think a lesson learnt from all this is the fact that we as a people need to stop behaving and assuming that all is well as long as it does not affect us directly. As I write , there many forums that we have Kenyans in diaspora advocating for violence and forming groups to fund others so they can eliminate another . Why? Because as long as they are in safe haven , then create fire as long as you do not burn in it. As crude as this sounds, perhaps this is a blessing in disguise for we will not assume Kenya is high and mighty but we will strive to understand what democracy, judicial institutions, electoral process and government works. We will no longer be naive to be brainwashed to support , kill or maime any political individual based on their tribe . God Bless Kenya. It is just annoying to be writing this at the moment!

re:
written by anonymous , January 31, 2008

By kikuyu resistance, I mean any force used to defend yourself, your loved ones and your property, including reacquring land that you legally owned and was forced off of.

so 'kikuyu resistance'does not exist.because its not only the kikuyus affected man

re: Clifford
written by Mzalendo , January 31, 2008

Actually, no. He would not. He would have had to get permission from one Mugambi Imanyara who is the party's real chairman. Even if he did not, the constitution of Kenya is really open to interpretation as to who can be appointed by the President, with one part insisting on the acquiescence of part bosses and the other giving the President unfettered access to all MPs.

I presume you are referring to the political parties bill. This has yet to beame law. After the president signed it, someone forgot to take it to the kenya gazette.

I also thought that the party chair is hon Kosgey. Pls correct me.

re: re:
written by a guest , January 31, 2008

By kikuyu resistance, I mean any force used to defend yourself, your loved ones and your property, including reacquring land that you legally owned and was forced off of.

so 'kikuyu resistance'does not exist.because its not only the kikuyus affected man

If you have a problem with my using the word kikuyu in "kikuyu resistance", then fair enough.... I'll rephrase; I believe all Kenyans have a right to defend their and their loved ones lives as well as their property.

As for resistance, correct me if I'm wrong, but prior to the eruption violence in Nakuru, there were reports that there were plans/threats to attack camps of displaced people. Im not sure whether such attacks were attempted, but I believe that any force used to repel or prevent such further attacks is justified.

re: re: Clifford
written by a guest , January 31, 2008

Actually, no. He would not. He would have had to get permission from one Mugambi Imanyara who is the party's real chairman. Even if he did not, the constitution of Kenya is really open to interpretation as to who can be appointed by the President, with one part insisting on the acquiescence of part bosses and the other giving the President unfettered access to all MPs.

I presume you are referring to the political parties bill. This has yet to beame law. After the president signed it, someone forgot to take it to the kenya gazette.

I also thought that the party chair is hon Kosgey. Pls correct me.

I thought the issue with the political parties bill was that even if the president went ahead and appointed an opposition member to the cabinet, there is nothing much the opposition party can do because the clause requiring that the MP seek re-election was deleted.

re: re: re: Clifford
written by Mzalendo , January 31, 2008

Actually, no. He would not. He would have had to get permission from one Mugambi Imanyara who is the party's real chairman. Even if he did not, the constitution of Kenya is really open to interpretation as to who can be appointed by the President, with one part insisting on the acquiescence of part bosses and the other giving the President unfettered access to all MPs.

I presume you are referring to the political parties bill. This has yet to beame law. After the president signed it, someone forgot to take it to the kenya gazette.

I also thought that the party chair is hon Kosgey. Pls correct me.

I thought the issue with the political parties bill was that even if the president went ahead and appointed an opposition member to the cabinet, there is nothing much the opposition party can do because the clause requiring that the MP seek re-election was deleted.

The Parties bill was to stop the shenanigans that were occuring with "opposition" M.P's sitting on the government side.

It now ensured that the M.P would have to be cleared by his party first. (no backdoor defections)

But the messenger from State House only reached Serena today. Government printer iko mbali sana!

Tribalism and Our Values - MoU
written by cload , January 31, 2008

I certainly am also exposed to several rumours. Obviously people are divided in terms of the political inclinations. The rumour you hear that you really are excited to share, most likely is one that favours your political inclination. You must have noticed by now that the stronger we keep our inclinations the more difficult it becomes to offer any short or long term solutions to the problems.

I agree with one of the bloggers that we need to scrutinize the hearsay that we pass on as fact. I am for the opinion that is we are inclined to make for a helpful exchange and at least reform our diverse mindsets we need to restrict ourselves to facts and reasonably argued issues.

Well I raised the issues about values and there was a tendency of many in the exchange to imply that we do not have values. We live in a society in which all over we interact with friends, transact and make relationships based on values. Why do we think that politics is different? Politics is about social life and the same values that apply to our individual lives apply to our political lives, especially to the leaders. I still insist that leaderships modelled on values that are typical to individual family life, and values that cohere our society, is that leadership which will be sensitive to the needs of the common man and is the leadership that will succeed in a time of crisis like this.
Where did this problem begin?
Lets objectively reflect on the following what ifs.
What if in 2002 the choice of the Presidential candidate for NARC was subjected to delegates votes? Who would win? Would NARC have remained together?
What if after Kibaki came to power, he retained the NARC institution of the Summit? The summit in this case was to actively participate in party governance decisions such as proposing cabinet and civil service appointments, distribution of resources and development priorities? What role could the existence of summit have played, with respect to the situation that we currently face?
With the scenario above, what would have been the situation in election 2007?
Kalonzo just signed an MoU with PNU. Are the arguments floated against the alleged NARC MoU still of substance?
You may not have enough time to take this grilling imagination. I will be honoured to have you on board in this reflective process.

...
written by aeichener , January 31, 2008

Two remarks:

1. When wananchi are murdered by the hundreds, and armed mobs set up roadblocks for slaying, police carefully keep their hands in pockets. But when an MP is shot, a "ballistics expert" (okay, "expert" by Kenyan standards - meaning that he can distinguish the front end of a gun from the back end) is immediately dispatched to the crime scene, as the Standard reports.

2. The newspaper additionally relates there:
The car dealer told the detectives that Were had asked him to help buy a vehicle. He said the slain MP had first wanted a Range Rover, but changed his mind on Monday and requested a Hummer instead. Were also made a down payment for the Hummer, the man said.

I am afraid I am inclined to think a bit less highly of the deceased now. *sigh*

Alexander

Mugambi still the bonifide cha
written by pndiangui , January 31, 2008

In fact it is surprising but Mugambi is still the bona fide official chairman of ODM. The officials list hasn't changed hands because this is a personal acquisition of Raila Odinga. The transaction costs were Ksh. 80 million plus the power to choose the party nominated MPs.
So may be the full payments haven't been completed for the interim party officials like Nyong'o and Kosgey to take up office, since the party nominated MPs haven't been selected. (just speculating) But the fact of the matter is Mugambi is still the chairman of ODM, treasurer is Chege.
Already there are wrangles on whose list of nominated MPs should be taken up, with Interim officials forwarding a list that is deemed to have ignored the prior party sale agreement.
It would be interesting who is the custodian of the current ODM constitution and the powers that Mugambi has. Can he fire or expel party MPs at will the KANU style if they don't tow the line? What if the elections of officials are done at the Chairman's will? Now this might be the real dilemma that Raila faces next. This statement here from Imanyara, might warrant to my claims,
http://africanpress.wordpress....ent-slots/
Nyongo has no authority or capacity to prepare and file any such list. His own certificate was signed by us and ODM filed a list of authorised party signatories on September 29, 2007 with the ECK Mr Imanyara said.

In line with this, its impotant to remember that before the hand over of the party an attempt to take Mugambis life happened. More so during the hand-over of the party to Raila, one of the most notable things was the Gun Imanyara was carrying. Its significance might be hard to ascertain.

However, its clear that a battle for the controll of ODM affairs lies ahead.

Could it be Raila wants to treat ODM as his business? Thus he might also avoiding the take over of ODM by intellectual and ambitious politicians like Nyongo. Not sure , Or might it be that Raila took kina Nyongo and even Mugambi about the future officials of the party?
Step-in Kiraitu and the Money-bags from Mt Kenya , and ODM officials might be in for another transaction for the highest bidder!!! Again time will tell.

Mrs
written by LIlian Karimi , February 07, 2008

Why are our Eastern brothers left out in this debate? I mean Sam Kivuitu and Steve Kalonzo. Aren't they the cause of this fire burning us. Look at it this way if they acted according to any sane Kenyan rightfully then we could not be having these blames here and there.

Sijui tufanyeje
written by Owish , February 07, 2008

Maze hizo makillings na maexile zimefanya hata hatuongei na mabeshte wangu kwa gari. We were once neighbours, friends and to some extent relatives. But now.....please save the country we are not the Kenyans who voted peacefully, the Kenyans who lived, dined and drank together in the pubs.....just act maze.