Items by ombui
the-xposer
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Moved to www.ombui.net
Posted: August 4, 2010, 7:59 am by ombui
Hello, I have moved to www.ombui.net -
The Media and Raila's health
Posted: June 29, 2010, 1:24 am by ombui
It was remarkable to see the media report the details of what hospitalized the Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday.
Dr Livingston Oluoch – Olunya, a neurosurgeon at Nairobi Hospital tasked himself to explain the intricacies of minor surgery to end intermittent headache (subdural hematoma) the Prime Minister has been battling with for a few weeks. The media picked up this story and reported it. This is the best way to lessen panic and rumours in a "civilized" Kenya.
During President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi's rule, this was unheard of. He was hospitalized severally but the nation was kept in the dark. State House then used to inform the nation that he is in a “stable condition” with no further detail. I remember one time; the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation television replayed some clips where the president was officiating just to lessen the panic in the nation.
The change today means that the government is taking responsibility to inform the nation of what is taking place because be it the president, or the prime minister, the nation should be kept not only on the know, but on the better know.
Congratulations to the media for a commendable job.
*Photo/Nation Kenya
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Chirbit | Share audio easily | ombui | Fistula 1
Posted: June 29, 2010, 12:56 am by ombui
Chirbit | Share audio easily | ombui | Fistula 1
Fistula in Kenya remains a challenge amongst women... -
KBC Managing Director, and Corporation's Secretary suspended
Posted: June 23, 2010, 12:41 pm by ombui
The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s Managing Director, and Corporation’s Secretary were suspended Wednesday over allegations of impropriety.
In a statement read by the board chair, Charles Muoki, the two, David Waweru and Hezekiel Oira were suspended indefinitely to allow independent investigations into money spent to get the World Cup rights, and how the rights were shared with other media houses.
The board never gave clear details of “impropriety” and when the investigations are expected to end, but went ahead to appoint the Editor-in-Chief, Waithaka Waihenya, as the acting Managing Director. On the other hand, Finance and Administration Manager, Musa Muthambi is to oversee duties of the Corporation Secretary.
David Waweru’s second contract was renewed August 3rd, 2009. Hezekiel Oira started working for the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in 1993 as a legal officer and rose up the ranks.
Waithaka Waihenya joined KBC in 2007 after working with The Standard Newspaper as an editor. He is an award winning journalist and author, and a columnist for The Guardian, a UK Newspaper.
On the corridors of KBC, the move by the board seems not to make positive impact. They believe an overhaul should have been done to clean out inconsistencies that have tied the national broadcaster at the opposite edge of excellence.
*Photo/KBC -
Prisoners is Kenya can now vote
Posted: June 23, 2010, 12:37 pm by ombui
You can cast your vote even when behind bars in Kenya.
The High Court ruled Wednesday that prisoners be allowed to vote in the forth coming constitutional referendum.
A bench of five judges also asked the Independent Interim Electoral Commission and relevant authorities to facilitate the inmates to participate in the vote.
Only inmates with sound mind, above 18 years of age and with identification cards will be allowed to register for the referendum.
The Kenyan prisons has more than 50,000 prisoners.
Experts continue to raise questions, if the inmates that don’t have identification cards but meet the 18 years of age requirement will be issued with identity cards too, and allowed to register. Others are questioning whether the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review will be given room to conduct civic education in cells or prisons having in mind that Kenya has less than two months to have the referendum slated for August 4th, 2010. -
The-Xposer
Posted: May 4, 2010, 10:08 am by ombui
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}Very soon The-Xposer will be customized and it will have better products ranging from text to video. As a blogger, I believe it reaches a point where content diversity cannot fit the available free service.
Though I haven’t settled on a name to call my new site, worry not. I will update you on that.
In case of more ideas, please write to jardnimimi [at] gmail dot com.
Fabulous day.
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Quote of the day
Posted: March 23, 2010, 12:54 pm by ombui
Warriors in Africa get cows, but heroes get everything. ~ Jared Ombui
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Quote of the day
Posted: March 23, 2010, 12:43 pm by ombui
...if your eyes fail, please use your ears. If both fail, try feeling. ~Jared Ombui -
Quote of the day
Posted: March 13, 2010, 1:52 am by ombui
a good smile is not when it is only on your face, but when it is reflected on others ~ Jared Ombui -
Quote of the week
Posted: March 13, 2010, 4:38 am by ombui
...A wise man never knows that he is wise, but a foolish one knows he is foolish~ Jared Ombui -
Mon justice: Who are you?
Posted: March 3, 2010, 6:04 am by ombui
It is long before I wrote about my neighbourhood, but here it comes with a connotation “who are you?”
I woke up and the world was getting wetter. A peep on the window was proof it has been drizzling all night into the morning. Water made mini-lakes between my block, and pink and green painted adjacent flat sitting on a swamp. Passersby held up umbrellas, wore rain-coats or jackets of various colours and boots. I didn’t bother if the meteorologists call it El Nino; after all they have been wrong for a year that I have lived in this city, Nairobi.A day off work means relaxing and exploring.
I went down stares after a quick shower and teeth brushing to check a brother to a friend. I chose to watch multiple documentaries on gangs by Ross Kemp, a Sky TV reporter; all from London, Kenya, Bolivia, Belize just to mention but a few. Documentaries, or in-depth programmes and books make my early morning compared to movies that would probably be a lazy way to start a day.Three hours later noise within the block brought us out. Women were standing far and watched with awe as a man, a suspected thief was being hit. Be it kicks and punches, or use of objects, they were random. You might think he (suspected thief) was a boxing punching bag, or he felt no pain.
He was ordered to strip. He began with his torn brown shoes and blue socks; then his silky grey shirt; an old black trouser; lastly a valentine-red boxer that had darken by dirt. Later he was pushed to sit on a cold stare on first floor as deterrence from taking off. The custodian perused through his wallet to get possible identification.
He looked shocked and disturbed to show his light skinned and slender body, and haired on the chest and legs.
Two men passed by us, and went up stares to join others that were spanking the man. They looked like masons, “they must be from a construction a few meters from here,” a lady standing near us whispered. They seemed charged to end thievery. They constantly hit the suspect until he started yelling for help.
“Uuuiii!! Uuuiii!! Please help me. Please don’t let me die,” the suspect pleaded.
“Be silent!! Be silent!! You are the people who disturb peace. Why don’t you work to get what you need?” the muscular and mean looking mason shouted with choked anger.
“Get a tyre and petrol. He needs to be taught a lesson…” The men beating the suspect said consecutively.
The custodian sensed that if the suspect is killed at his block it would have serious legal repercussion. He convinced the aggressors, that it was noble to take the suspect to the nearby police station.
He (suspect) hurriedly wore a boxer just to escape embarrassment from the women around. His clothes were thrown at him, and fell. As he bended to pick them, drops of blood from an injury hit the floor. Even before he rose to walk, he got a kick, “lead the way!” an aggressor shouted.
In less than a minute the suspect was a head while almost a dozen of men hurriedly matched behind him and spoke Kikuyu.
“What is your tribe?” One of the masons slapped him as he asked the suspect.
“I am a Kamba,” he answered fearfully.
“But you had said that you are a Kikuyu!” one of the beaters exclaimed.
The aggressors didn’t care about the injuries and the dripping blood. The suspect held tight a paper bag full of stuff plus his clothes.
In the evening, the custodian informed me that the suspect is in a Police cell.
This incident is typically a mob justice that isn’t shocking in Kenya. Reasons for this are vast; some say the judiciary and the police serve injustice, others feel the public is uninformed of the law that govern the land, but others think the streets convey justice. All these are debatable.
A part from mob justice being inhumane, a tribe question sent me thinking. What if the suspect was a Luhya, Mijikenda or Turkana? Does it mean he would have met his death immediately?
Who are you? Does it matter? How can it be used for good, than bad?
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Chirbit | Share audio easily | ombui | Interview : Dr. Mary Kimani, Lecturer University...
Posted: January 15, 2010, 10:00 am by ombui
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The walk to the North - Pader, two year ago
Posted: January 10, 2010, 10:44 am by ombui
When I watch this old work, am humbled by the inspiration and opportunities I had/have as a human being and a journalist. This is how is was 2 years ago in a visit to Pader District in Northern Uganda.
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I am on Chirbit
Posted: January 10, 2010, 2:20 am by ombui
The desire to have some of my audio project online has come to fruition. Check this Ombui on Chirbit
http://chirbit.com/ombui
Please send your comments, or try it. -
How I am spending a-week-long leave : Day One
Posted: December 14, 2009, 9:56 am by ombui
06:12am I turned, hit off the mosquito net, and staggered to the bathroom to urinate while my eyes almost closed. Coming out a minute or two later, I was a little more awake.
The sun rays though the window panes never suggested that a day had started. I jumped back between the blanket [duvet] and the huge 6x6 blue Tuff Mattress, and switched off the mobile phone. A sleeping day had begun.
01:32pm I shouted, what are we taking for lunch and hid the head inside the bedding. Faintly I heard Cix, my eldest brother on a visit respond, "What do you want to eat. Rice, Ugali, Mandondo (boiled beans)..." He followed it with laughter.
"That's boring," I said as I dosed off.
03:30pm my sleep was cut by Cix miming a Buju Banton's song, Destiny. " The rich man’s way is in the city, yeah! Destruction of the poor is poverty, Lord. Destruction of your soul is vanity, yeah... yeah... do you yeah... I and I, I wanna rule my destiny, yeah! I and I, I wanna rule my destiny. Destiny!! Mama look from where you calling... Destiny!! Mama look from where you calling... I have been blessed, I have been touched. I love Jah so much..."
The problem wasn't miming, but discords and careless shouts.
"Please get a vocal trainer, at least Papa Shirandula will help you, and Ian Mbugua would judge your rendition and others,” I said as I gave him the back to the Kitchen.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! I need a better platform... Something better than 'The Idols', or 'America Got Talent,'" He hit back.
I dropped a 'Sufuria' on the gas with a cup full of raw ground nuts.
"Will that be enough for both of us?" Cix asked sarcastically.
"More than enough," I answered.
I walked to the bedroom to get a newspaper to use so that I avoid my fingers from getting burnt. I checked beside the wall unit and the almost all were current. As I got down to the heap newspapers I came across one that looked an A-4 sized tabloid.
"Ha! Kenya has tabloid?" I said holding the 8-paged Tribune paper.
"Yeah, there are so many, and most with unmemorable names," he said putting a side the headphones plugged on the laptop.
"Who brought this?" I asked.
"Don't worry," he said.
I sat on a plastic chair in the kitchen and looked at the headline that read "Raila: The Kibaki - Ruto Secrets." Reading the piece, there was no secret and they delved on speculations. Anyway, I hate politics and prefer development issues, or issues that check the government performance.
"Do they writer anything about Millennium Development Goals?” I uttered.
So I turned to the third page, here I found a piece on "A Hyena's Tale." It was not about any wild animal, but sex adventure. The language and narration of this story and the one on page five "Places Women Wants To Be Touched" purely confirmed that they were lifted from a Ugandan Tabloid, The Redpepper, or the writers for this paper are drawn from East African Countries, or...
Though the back page of the tabloid indicates it is published in Nairobi, Kenya, I feel there is a case a move to localise sex stories. Will I be wrong to say that "A Hyena's Tale" on the Tribune that is written and presented as the Hyena story on The Redpepper, or do sex writers have same experiences and language... even commas and fullstops?
Away from that, my nuts got ready. I split into half and served Cix. It was escorted with a mug of black tea.
4:30am I held 'Off Came: Private thoughts made public, by Ted Koppel.' He is a thirty-seven year veteran of ABC, and also an anchor of Nightline since the 1980's. This book that am almost on the back cover is simply his journal. It is interesting to read journalist's unsaid perspective, or perception, and critical questions that remain unanswered.
6:00pm let me get Kshs. 20 Sukuma Wiki (Kales), and prepare supper. What will it go with?
Oh! Let me switch on my mobile phone... Her sms will pop... I hope she won't be complaining, or a call for duty... -
A dozen graduate, ready to report
Posted: November 11, 2009, 4:37 am by ombui
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The training that began on the 19th - 23rd October, 2009 was conducted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) lead by Solomon Mugera, Head of BBC Kiswahili Service at the British Council, Nairobi. The training was on writing for radio (cues, dispatches and wrap-ups), how to prepare and conduct interviews, how to use a Zoom recorder, and feedback.
It pooled reporters from various KBC units: Odongo Wandago, Mombasa; Salim Chiro, Pwani FM; Justus Amimo, Dholuo Service; Philemon Emongonyang, Teso Service; Grace Wawira, Central Service; Trizah Wainaina, Coro FM, Chris Wambuno, Metro FM; Martin Mwanje and Wilkister Muga from Current Affairs Desk; Susan Akoyan, Turkana Service; Grace Kaneiya, Radio Production Desk; and Jared Ombui, English Service.
During the training two Kiswahili and two English special programmes were produced and broadcasted in the respective Services.
Reporters attending the training had high expectations, and they were not disappointed after.
"I have learnt two key things, keenness and team work,” Martin Mwanje of Current Affairs Desk, "It is beyond just a Certificate. I am ready to apply the skills for the betterment of KBC."
"Now, I appreciate feedback,” said Susan Akoyan, Turkana Service, "am a better interviewer."
"I am confident to file stories, and even chase unique issues than what am used to," Festus Amimo, Dholuo Service.
The graduation ceremony on a Friday evening of 23rd October, 2009 at KBC's Grey Studio was graced by Anthony Wafula, KBC Radio Programmes Manager; Catherine Fellows, BBC Greatlakes Region Manager; and the KBC Managing Director represented by Mbugua Njoroge, Corporate Affairs Manager.
The trained journalist will roll out weekly news analysis programmes in from November 2009.
The reporters training came a week after managers training by the BBC.
*Photo: Solomon Mugera by Alusainc
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Standardise busfares in Kenya, a better idea forever
Posted: September 24, 2009, 7:02 am by ombui
This morning I woke up 9:00am and prepared to step out the house for work. On the schedule, was a meeting and putting all the nuts and the bolts together to roll the Weekend Breakfast Shows that I co-host Friday to Sunday on KBC - English Service Radio.
After tucking in the long sleeved blue shirt on a navy blue Andriano -Italy Style trouser, I slid a Kshs. 20 coin and a Kshs. 10 coin into the shirt pocket and matched out of the house on to the dusty road almost half kilometre to catch a Matatu to town. From a distance, before crossing the final road, I saw a crowd of people, seemingly stranded. It hit my mind, something was wrong... It is unusual to see such a people waiting for Matatus at 10:05am.
I joined the waiting crowd. 15 minutes later an old grey and rusty Nissan van packed, and the tout raised his voice 70!!! 70!!! 70!!! 70!!! I wondered how it qualified to be on the road. People beside me rushed into it. This time, they never cared how it looked, nor how dirty the chair cushions and materials glared. There was no stereo booming speakers... Just a screeching mono sound, you might think it is a second world war radio call, or mistake it for a shortwave radio signal from Puntland, Somalia.
I touched my shirt pocket again probably the coins had multiplied, but no. So I made quick calculation to cross the road from one side of the round-about the other end maybe I would be lucky to get a Matatu from Mwiki heading to the Central Business District for what I had. 10 minutes later only a yellow mini-bus passed full of passenger, shortly to be followed by 8 traffic officers from Kasarani Station trooping on foot and stopping all motor vehicles on tarmac to check credentials. It was clear that there was a crackdown.
On my phone, I only had Kshs. 110 on M-Pesa (a mobile phone money transfer service). I strolled to Kasarani Centre to cash the money but I was told that it is impossible after a slash of Kshs. 30 service fee. I leanrt then that Safaricom does not transact money below Kshs. 100.
A man under pressure, ever has solutions. I hope I have one. I walked to Roysambu stage - Route 45 but busfare to Githurai too had been hiked to Kshs. 40. This marked the end of thorough ideas to reach office. Githurai was the last option for me to access an Equity Bank ATM where "I am a member."
Kenya busfares have never been stable or standardised. When there is an increase of the oil prices, busfares will go up and never bounce back even if the oil prices go low as far as $40 per barrel. In the capital city, Nairobi, busfares vary with time. Early in the morning if one is heading to the CBD the fare doubles or tripples compaired to when there is less flow of people to the CBD.
I would prefer set fares like in Uganda, where Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA) has specified what individuals pay no matter the time of the day or no matter the weather or police crack down. Through this, Uganda citizens are less prone to extortion from the taxi touts and drivers. Review of the fares too are done after sometime and the public is notified mostly in advance.
Can Kenya borrow from Uganda? That is a question that the public has to decide together with the Matatu Associations and the government. If modern railway transport is introduced, it can do the general public better.
I am at home reading and writing, and sure that tomorrow I will receive a memo for absentism from a crucial meeting at work... But when will the fibre optic cable reach my house so that we can tele-conference instead of running up and down? I am sure, with the Kshs. 30 I would have attended the meeting. -
Ngamia
Posted: August 13, 2009, 8:09 am by ombui
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Sunset in Arusha
Posted: August 13, 2009, 8:02 am by ombui
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Arusha
Posted: August 13, 2009, 7:58 am by ombui
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Arusha
Posted: August 13, 2009, 7:56 am by ombui
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Arusha Camels
Posted: August 13, 2009, 7:53 am by ombui
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Two Students Shot, What Bugema needs to do
Posted: July 28, 2009, 2:58 pm by ombui
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
It was sad to read the newspapers that two students were shot in Bugema Adventist Secondary School, where I happened to be a former student.
The circumstances of the shootings are unclear, and the Police Commissioner, Major-General Kale Kayihura orders the arrest of the Commander at Bugema and further investigation.
The wounded (Wilma Obega, a Kenyan and Mariam Odiera, a Sudanese) are hospitalized at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala. But was the situation too bad for the police to shoot unarmed students?
It is reported that the students had gone on strike complaining of poor feeding and harsh treatment by administrators.
Why international students run to Bugema
Since the year 2002, Bugema went out to source for students mostly from Kenya and Tanzania. Its purpose was purely business out of the desperate parents that wanted to further the education of the children.For sure, Kenya still has so many form 4 leavers and each year almost a quarter a million graduate but the tertiary institutions have failed to absorb even a quarter the figure punching Uganda A-level as an alternative. Tanzania’s education standard is a bit low opting for Uganda’s O-level and A-level education.
Bugema too has a history of producing some of the best students in the region.
This shooting has opened a can of worms
In early 2002 I was in form 6, and I vividly remember that almost 20 classmates were suspended indefinitely for they had only refused to transfer from the upper dormitory to the ones near the classrooms. The next time they appeared they were asked to pick their belongings and suffered so much to get admissions in other schools in the capital city, Kampala. Don’t ask if they were refunded the school fees after all it was a few days into the term, and if the reason for the indefinite suspension was proper.Year in, year out, Bugema went for a huge number than its infrastructure cold hold. Congestion remains a challenge but Bugema has its simplest mechanism to curl out the huge number and that is indefinite suspension which is equally an expulsion. Alternative methods of disciplining are never employed more so for the A-Level students.
A student raising a simple complaint against the administration will automatically mean resistance. Not even dialogue is encouraged over very simple problems. On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist, Uganda Union, seems to act slow on matters arising from its institutions as well as appreciate and implement some recommendations from former students.
Today, A-level teachers have a hectic time balancing the many classes which will slowly impact on the results. What is the essence of having more than 200 A-level students yet 50 of them can’t join credible universities across the country? What defines “quality” education?
Getting back to the shooting incidence, the school should try to reach the real cause and not only put records straight but act accordingly. Is the problem emanating from the administration or the students?
Students have been sent home as they await "issues" to be addressed.
For the better of the institution (Bugema), I suggest change from the top administration and reduced intake, or if business is the catch word then improve the services through the quality expansion of infrustructure.
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Why Kenya National Human Rights Commission published the list of post poll chaos suspected master minder?
Posted: July 28, 2009, 2:56 pm by ombui
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Though the commission categorically stated that the named to be under investigation; it was blamed for carelessly publishing names without prove. So far, some of the named have threatened to sue the commission.
The list is a mix of Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament and Businessmen.
But what is the significance of the KNHRC publishing names of what it calls master minders of the post poll chaos? Unless otherwise, I believe the published list is purely to give a soft landing to the WAKI LIST that the International Criminal Court, Chief Prosecutor, Moreno O’campo opened recently and tightly sealed again.
Last year after the disputed presidential poll results more than 1,500 citizens were killed and close to half a million were displaced within the country while a small percentage fled to Uganda. Today no one has been brought to book for the killings, rapes, looting and a fraction of internally displaced persons languish in camps.
The debate to reach justice spurs three options The Hague, the Special Local Tribunal and the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. A close look suggests that all will be employed and for the better, the International Criminal Court will speed up its investigations and prosecutions to light its efficacy.
This week the appointed to serve in the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission will be sworn into office, and to be chaired by Ambassador Betwel Kiplagat.
Now the only struggle that the Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo face is to convince parliament that if the special local courts are set they will deliver justice and away interferences. On top of that work on the witness protection Act.
For the common Mwananchi, it will be proper to see the named in the Waki list resign from government and parliament to pave way for investigations or answer charges.
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Notes of a young Journalist (Three)
Posted: July 28, 2009, 2:53 pm by ombui
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The empty huge single bedroom house swallowed up my belongings. From then, my brain started running wild of ideas of how to get the beautiful curtains, a big metallic bed, a 21 inch flat television, classy sofa set… All that wasn’t backed by the pockets.
I untied the tiny military thin mattress and threw it in a corner of the bedroom. Pilled clothes on the wardrobe shelves; I had no hunger, and pushed the suitcase above the wardrobe.
The remaining task was to open the box full of literature and shoes. The offloaded shoes were on the wardrobe already had cobwebs, and cockroaches that ran faster than my swinging eye pupil.
My sitting room door and window had no curtain. It is only the bedroom that got lucky to have my Kikoi spread across covering a bigger part of the window but the remaining bit continued penetrate light into the house more so the sunrise rays.
The kitchen was smelling paint and filled with old newspapers. I added a plastic cup on the bare shelves.
Stepping into the 1X3 metres bathroom I hanged the towel and checked the toilet flash just to prove it functioned well. I picked an old broom from there and swept the house and later socked a grey t-shirt and dragged it to mop up.
Shortly Baix came in surprised of what I had done in a short while. In his hand, he held two bed sheets and he suggested we fix them as curtains on the sitting room which we did.
We later went to the balcony and talked the entire day sipping coca cola. A good style to catch-up with memories, and build up on the future on a Saturday afternoon.
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Notes of a young Journalist (Two)
Posted: July 21, 2009, 8:26 am by ombui
Sunday 5:30am clicked as I drop off Kampala Coach Bus offices at River Road. Memories of how notorious Nairobi thugs never bothered me. Courageously I moved across the road to negotiate with a taxi driver and picked the luggage to a suburb, Kasarani.
A turn off the sixth round-about, I asked the driver to go slow through erected storey residentials as I made a call to a friend.
Surely, I had all reasons to forget this hood because I am not a city born, but arguing about African cities the difference is minor – I have lived in the Uganda’s capital for more than five years in m. So I know Kampala more than Nairobi.
Anyway, he (Baix) popped a block away from where we had parked the car, “Oh! I was close,” I sighed. We hugged; it was six years since we met.
We reached the flat’s gate and dropped my luggage and cashed Kshs. 700 to the mean-looking driver who had played gospel music along the way, and kept telling me about Jesus who happened to be his savior and redeemer. I wish he knew how tired I was to remember anything substantial.
We lifted a meter wide black Japan made suitcase loaded with clothes, and later lifted a box full of books and a few shoes into Baix house.
Baix hadn’t changed. He was still slender and of light complexion. His charming talk too across the board had grown; politics to religion, academics to rugby, and women to prosperity.
After a shower I was served breakfast and dosed on the sitting room couch only to be woken up by the 9pm television news signature, but I didn’t last long my eyes open. -
Notes of a young Journalist (One)
Posted: June 4, 2009, 6:09 am by ombui
June last year I penned my last exams from the Mass Communication Department in Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Student life with its stress was “over” though I never entertained academic fire – burning of notebooks and examination papers. I firmly understood they played well as references a foot outside college.
The hurry to get back to Kenya, my country kept slugging as days lit and dimmed off. You know Makerere with its intentionally slow bureaucracy that made clearing hard like a walk to hell and back to heaven.
Almost five years of computerization of that hill of knowledge never simplified anything, can you imagine they are proud to dish “electronic” identification cards that have a chip that is never used to even check for a financial statement, but heavily paid for. Don’t ask me the cost of one. Listen to this; I practically had to carry my old torn and wrinkled receipts from first year to third year to Bursar’s office for verification; then ran to the Faculty of Arts bursar’s office for a rubber stamp; and then walk to a mini financial office for a financial statement at the faculty, a vital piece of paper indicating all payments.
When I was in first year, my college ever mentioned “computerization will make service delivery pretty first” but now service delivery is pretty hefty. Was there any computerization and ease?
Hey! Away from “the only university in the region,” words of Prof. Peter Anyang Nyong’o.
I took a bus to Nairobi, Kenya. A place I last stepped in July 2005 for a month-long attachment at Kenya Broadcast Corporation, Business Desk. Sure, I had no proper memories of this big city apart from the pinching cold and the high speed of its inhabitants compared to Kampala.
This came after five months of hustling in Uganda’s capital – men my student life was what I did even after campus. Imagine eating Rolexes (Fried eggs sand-witched by two Chapatis) because the media firm I was working for peddled promises for salaries and I needed real challenge.
--To Be Continued--
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Mkenya daima
Posted: May 10, 2009, 10:46 pm by ombui
Wakati umefika pale ambapo wakenya wanafaa kuelewa kila kitu kuhusu uendeshaji serikali na haki zao. Wakenya wafaa kuhusishwa moja kwa moja kwa sababu sio wanasiasa ndio wanaofaa kuwaamulia.
Hebu tafakari, wanasiasa walisema wamatuwakilisha; Je, wanapopata rushwa, wanatuwakilisha? Wanapolala bungeni je?
Si dhani kuna nia ya kuchagua yeyote asiyeshughulikia matakwa ya raia.
Mkenya daima."Fikra nyingine"
the-xposer
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Government and women launch commercial tree planting drive
Posted: May 6, 2009, 1:25 pm by ombui
Women have joined the tree planting campaign in partnership with the government for socio-economic benefits.
Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy launched a tree planting exercise today, with more than 6 million trees to be planted in 45 districts during the first phase of the three years period.
The Minister for Energy Kiraitu Murungi said, his ministry expects that the campaign will meet not only the economic needs of Kenyans, but also their energy needs.
Firewood remains a dominant source of energy in Kenya despite the Rural Electrification program which is mainly used for lighting.
Kiraitu emphasised that the government would support the empowerment of women by educating them on tree planting in order to maximize on their extended network at the grassroots.
The minister said the government will ban the importation electricity poles and ensure the 6 billion shillings is spent to purchase the posts locally, in the coming financial year. The electricity posts are presently imported from neighbouring countries and South America.
Meanwhile the minister for Gender, Children and Social Development, Esther Mirugi asked the government to ensure that women benefit financially from this initiative. Minister who was present at the launch of the tree planting exercise challenged Maendeleo ya Wanawake to plant a billion trees and make it a continuous process.
She reiterated comments by Jane Kiano, MYWO Patron, to nurture the trees so as to have maximum benefits. Murugi promised the women further funding from her ministry to sustain the tree project.
MYWO chairperson, Rukia Subow, on the other hand commended the tree planting effort appealed to women to join the 57 year-old organisation that has 3 million memberships, a small fraction of the 18.9 million of women in the country.
Director, Capacity Building &Technology Deployment, Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, Rose Njeru says, it takes close to seven years to have fully grown eucalyptus tree ready for harvest.
Kenya has less than 2% forest cover and recently it suffered a blow from the wild fire that lessened the MAU forest and continuous depletion by squatters.
On Monday, the Ministry of Environment launched a nation wide tree planting drive in Kona Baridi in Ngong which was graced by President Mwai Kibaki and the Prime Minister Raila Odinga. -
Nakumatt Downtown: Forgotten deaths
Posted: May 6, 2009, 1:22 pm by ombui
Many days have passed and others will pass, and nothing substancial is to come out of the inquiry team over the deaths at Nakumatt Downtown Supermarket.
The unprecedented inferno killed close to 30 Kenyans, who even after, never reached their resting places so quick because of the sluggish DNA identification - afterall the bodies burnt beyond recognition. It was the worst Supermarket case in Kenya, which reported the emergency exits to have been locked, and even as the fire broke out, the main door was closed too to stop the buyers from moving out with unpaid for commodities.
Jesus Christ being a lover of all, the Nakumatt owners got saved few days after the inferno just like Kamlesh Patni - a goldenberg mastermind did after multiple inquiries into the saga. Anyway, Kenya forgets so quick and forgives once someone runs to the feet of the Lord.
Now life goes on and the cleared fire site serves as a packing lot. But unanswered questions won't pass - because after that a building oozed smoke to the atmosphere for the past two weeks or more on Kijabe Street. Thank God there were no injuries or deaths reported.
Grief and tears occupy relatives of the killed victims in Nakumatt, and they ask, how far with the fire investigations? how many exits were open? Is property important compaired to an emergency? Were the deaths inevitable? Are there charges to follow that?
For the Nairobi City Council, is Fire Brigade now well equiped? -
Can digital voting avert violence in Kenya?
Posted: May 1, 2009, 6:28 am by ombui
The Kenya Parliament made a great step Thursday by approving the membership of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission and asked it to be impartial.
The new team comes in headed for urgent tasks: voter registration, pending by-elections and a complete overhaul of the electoral system.
Its members include:
- Mr. Ahmed Issack Hassan - chairman
- Ms Winfred Guchu - Commissioner
- Mr.Douglas Mwashigadi - Commissioner
- Mr. Simiyu Abiud Wasike - Commissioner
- Mr. Tiyah Galgalo - Commissioner
- Ms. Hamara Ibrahim Adan - Commissioner
- Dr. Yusuf Nzibo - Commissioner
- Mr. Davis Chirchir - Commissioner
- Mr. Kenneth Nyaundi - Commissioner
One thing caught my eye in this proceeding, the Tourism minister Najib Balala called for a “digital voting system.” Is Kenya ready to go digital, and will it avert post election violence in Kenya? -
Civil Societies asks Kenyan Government to be Pro active in the fight against crime
Posted: April 30, 2009, 1:23 pm by ombui
Civil and Non-governmental organizations asks parliament to pressure government for a sustainable proactive national policy to combat mounting insecurity in the country.
The International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) and the civil society Working Group on Transitional Justice supports the demobilization and disarming of militia groups, but suggests enactment of a proactive, holistic and sustainable integrated national security policy.
They urge the Parliament to pressure government to drop political rhetoric on security sector reforms and instead table the draft national security policy before the House for debate, adoption and enactment.
The organizations emphasizes that the national security policy must be paired with an equally robust strategy of sustainable economic and political development, that looks at both short-term to long-term governance and economic goals to foster the security, the uplift of human rights, and peace.
Further they ask for disarmament exercise to adhere to the principles of rule of law and rooting out of the entrenched impunity in issues surrounding militia.
After the formation of the coalition government last year, the two parties made an agreement on the urgent need to disband militia groups under agenda one, but up to date a number of them like the Mungiki do operate.
The group raise concerns of the government overlooking and sidestepping the full implementation of Waki report recommendations on the Security sector reforms.
Similarly, they are calling on the coalition government to set a specific timeline to achieve these reforms as a critical step in restoring public confidence in the security sector, mainly by creating a combined police service that operates under the single command of the Commissioner of Police and is free from executive influences. -
Swine Flu: No need to panic
Posted: April 30, 2009, 12:28 pm by ombui
The director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Peter Maina Ithondeka has asked Kenyans not to panic over Swine Flu.
He says surveillance by the Ministries of Health, Livestock and Fisheries indicate there are no signs of the disease in the country, and asked the the public to report all suspected cases to relevant authorities.
He added that, though Kenya has no swine Flu cases, people should avoid mingling with pigs and uphold high levels of hygiene.
Yesterday the ministry of public health and sanitation in collaboration with the World Health Organization confirmed to have set 26 stations in the country for surveillance and screening of persons from countries affected by the disease.
In Africa, South Africa awaits results from possible cases of the deadly respiratory disease swine flu virus, and Egypt has asked its farmers to kill all pigs just as a safety measure.
Currently, the African Union health experts are meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to establish a continent-wide response to any major outbreak of the virus.
So far, Mexico, USA, UK and some parts of Asia are badly struck by Swine Flu.
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Siku ya wafanyikazi
Posted: April 27, 2009, 4:57 pm by ombui
Siku ya wafanyikazi ulimwenguni imewadia. Tarehe mosi mwezi wa tano viongozi watapiga kelele kama ilivyokuwa jadi.
Wafanyikazi bado wanabaguliwa kwa kupewa marupurupu tofauti, au kuwa na mishahara midogo huku wengine wakinyanyaswa hata kijinsia. Mazingira ya kazi bado ni duni.
Je, viongozi, au serikali wametimiza walioahidi mwaka jana?
* Picha imepigwa na Natall news
"Fikra nyingine"
the-xposer
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Labour Day: Just noise...
Posted: April 27, 2009, 7:19 am by ombui
Labour Day is here, but all the last year's promises by the government never came to play.
Will the government ever be practical when talking about improving working conditions and even salaries?
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Is Easter, or other religious holidays turning secular?
Posted: April 10, 2009, 2:34 pm by ombui
Easter holiday is filling our esophagus with much fun, and remembrance of the betrayal, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the Catholics, it will be another time for pilgrim; the Pentecostals will be discharging heavy music bangs to the atmosphere, and have something to dance to. The Muslims will just have more days to rest, while the atheists will have extra time to engage Christians questioning the existence of God.Whatever category you fall in, have religious holidays become more dotted with sin, or more secular?
"Fikra nyingine"
the-xposer
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Rat fight contest soon in Kenya
Posted: March 22, 2009, 7:42 am by ombui
I had never thought weirdly than today - a rat contest.
This morning I was heading to work, but our Matatu driver saw it wise to turn off Thika Road and pass through Kariobangi, a suburb in Nairobi. So long as I reach town on time, I thought.
Everyone on board was in a jacket and a hood (head woolen sock) to beat the pinching cold at 3am. We were all mum. The only noise, was from the loose metals in that cab.
Later, the metals shook harder; an indication we were off the tarmac road. The dust rose from the rusty-holed points, more so underneath. At least we could peep through the misty-dusty window.
Three minutes in the rough road was horrific. My eyes swerved from the driver’s nape to a pane next to me. What I saw wasn’t real? (thinking aloud).
A huge and muscled rat was fighting the other for a piece of dirt-soaked piece of bread. I think each was more than 25cm long minus the tail with above 10cm height. The punches on each were heavy and the grip on the bread was too tight. The muscles bulged out. Let me not ask about if they are edible, only what make them too big?
In Kenya, we have bull fights, billy goat fights, also chicken/cock fights which are often publicized, and even reported about. I think, rat fights is on the way, just to maximize subjects set for such contests.
Yote yawezekana in Kenya.
*Yote yawekana is in Kiswahili and it means, all is possible. -
Investigative reporting tips
Posted: March 16, 2009, 11:19 pm by ombui
For long, investigative reporting has been quite challenging but now, it easy to read and put into active many tips.
Check this website Media Helping Media
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Re: Women’s Day, a dedication to ladies in the media fraternity
Posted: March 7, 2009, 9:20 am by ombui
On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 5:11 PM, kisiki kali <kisiki.kali@gmail.com> wrote:
Through the week the media was shouting hard in publicizing and sharing experiences of women, but forgot its.
International Women's Day (IWD) annually celebrated on 9th March only was/is an item for all media outlets. Not even one highlighted on the economic, political and social achievements of female journalists, or challenges they face.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation where I work, by a guess, has more women, but bossed by men in most departments. This is not different from other private media.
I take this opportunity to thank women for their professionalism. I figure them holding cameras like Maria Wamala of The New Vision; deejaying like Ann Lemaiyan of KBC (my mentor), or Talia Oyando of QFM - Kenya; editing like Ferial Haffajee of The Mail and Guardian of South Africa; anchoring like Lyse Doucet of BBC; reporting like Yvonne Ndege of Al Jazeera, directing, marketing, or even administrating departments, or houses and so on. They do it all.
Amidst the above, can IWD become a public holiday in Kenya just like in China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria? Can magazines write on female reporters too, not only the female anchors? Can journalist also report on female journalists?
Happy IWD ladies and gentlemen.
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Women’s Day, a dedication to ladies in the media fraternity
Posted: March 7, 2009, 9:11 am by ombui
Through the week the media was shouting hard in publicizing and sharing experiences of women, but forgot its.
International Women's Day (IWD) annually celebrated on 9th March only was/is an item for all media outlets. Not even one highlighted on the economic, political and social achievements of female journalists, or challenges they face.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation where I work, by a guess, has more women, but bossed by men in most departments. This is not different from other private media.
I take this opportunity to thank women for their professionalism. I figure them holding cameras like Maria Wamala of The New Vision; deejaying like Ann Lemaiyan of KBC (my mentor), or Talia Oyando of QFM - Kenya; editing like Ferial Haffajee of The Mail and Guardian of South Africa; anchoring like Lyse Doucet of BBC; reporting like Yvonne Ndege of Al Jazeera, directing, marketing, or even administrating departments, or houses and so on. They do it all.
Now, can IWD become a public holiday in Kenya just like in China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria? Can magazines write on female reporters too, not only the female anchors? Can journalist also report on female journalists?
Happy IWD ladies and gentlemen.
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Egg eating Valentine Day
Posted: February 18, 2009, 6:07 am by ombui
February 14, 2008, Nairobi, Kenya – This morning was nothing close to a Valentine Day. A phone call from Babz, a great friend, woke me at 10:40am. He wanted us to sort out something, and not to buy the red roses.
This is one of the Sabbaths this year that got me unaware that I should be at Church. By the way, most of my clothes are dirty and pilled in a corner near the bathroom. God forgive me for my laziness and please energize me more than what Lucozade drink can offer.
Quickly, I brushed my teeth, dressed and went down to room 3 – Babz's room. He jumped out of bed when he heard me and we headed to Sticky's room, just a block away so that he can take a shower.
It is the first time this year for the taps to run dry in Roysambu, a suburb neighbouring Kasarani Stadium and Moi Sports Centre. Possibly the water shortage is because of a rental house construction nearby.
Sticky's taps were only much drier. We stormed out together and later left him and D'mosh at our gate munching eggs. Our stroll back from M-Pesa Kiosk (M-Pesa is a money transfer by a local phone company) to send some coins somewhere, got D'mosh and Sticky at egg number 7.
We sat for egg eating contest. Each was handed an egg sand-witched with a concoction of slices of Onions, Tomatoes and Dania with a pinch of salt at a time.With all the cheering and disses, it ended with Sticky and D'mosh tanking 8 eggs each, Baiba and I, were equals with only 7. Babz and I still stamp our feet for the next contest. I know we will win... Possibly a record of 30 eggs in case the boiled eggs vendor come with better stock and finds our pockets without holes.
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BOOK REVIEW: New News out of Africa; Uncovering Africa’s Renaissance
Posted: January 13, 2009, 11:24 am by ombui
New News out of Africa; Uncovering Africa's Renaissance
By Charlayne Hunter-Gaulty
Published by Oxford Press, 2006
142 pages
Reviewed by Jared OmbuiThe first chapter begins by exploring Africa in a context of the transforming South Africa, and how different the continent is potrayed in both local and foreign media.
Charlayne correlate the black Americans struggle against racism and bigotry to Africa's struggle against colonialism, or apartheid. Though she recommends the United States (US) steps against racism, she slaps it for its hypocrisy – backing despots in Africa such as Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku of Zaire, who almost emptied the country's coffers; and Jonas Savimbi of UNITA – Angolan rebel group, but, still called Nelson Mandela a terrorist for fighting a justified war against the apartheid regime.
Through her experience as black American, she is in a dilemma trying to reconcile spiritually, culturally and historically to Africa.
Though Africa's young democracies have walked past colonialism and apartheid, there are convoluted walls to tear down: diseases (HIV/Aids and Malaria), economic inequalities, crime, corruption, war and crimes against humanity, and so on.So far, Africans are becoming masters of their own fate and charting ways out. For instance, many conflicts in the continent have ended out of "the African solution, for the African problems." But, she asks how many democrats are in the continent?
Just like any organisation or government, African initiatives like peace-keeping or enforcement mission are halted by limited logistical support and failure of countries to contribute soldiers, and New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) crippled by limited grassroot participation, which is not different from the South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment Act (BEE) that benefited mostly the top echelon.
To fill the loopholes, I agree tis imperative for Africa to revisit its concepts on problem solving, in the African Union (AU) and NEPAD.
On the last chapter, she analyses the role of the media in Africa's renaissance which is only possible, when the media is free and independent to report with intention of truth, and influence sustainable development, democracy and good governance, and economic prowess in all fronts.
She negates "parachute journalism" by foreign journalists that never seeks genesis and depth of African issues. However, she calls for accurate coverage of the continent and portrayal of its people. For the African journalists, a better story is when they report from the prism of their experiences with fairness, balance, and truth telling to develop the continent on behalf of the [African] people.
Charlayne goes ahead to emphasis the significance of a good working relation between local and foreign journalists/media. She points out also, the challenges African journalists face: government gagging the media, inadequate skills and training of journalists.
She ends by encouraging African journalists to live their dreams.
This book is easy to read and to comprehend. This is a-must-read for Journalists, government officials and the general public.
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Kenya's media 2008
Posted: December 20, 2008, 10:37 am by ombui
The Media in Kenya began the year sank into an ethical dilemma - haggling on what, and how to report - a disputed presidential vote. An explosion of frustration and unrest. The disturbance degenerated into bedlam and bloodshed between ethnic groups. The “opposition” supporters hit the “ruling” supporters, vise versa. Where was their nationalism?
Televisions splashed pictures of youth (attackers) using everything from clubs and machetes to bows and arrows, while the radios pricked the ears with the mayhem. The media thumbed hard in reflecting the tense situation [shattered confidence in the government of the day] - a position later barred by the government calling for responsible reporting.
Kenya’s “acclaimed” professional media in the region unfairly covered the turmoil that claimed close to 2000 people killed and more than a quarter million people seeking refugee after being driven from their homes. A few media housed (pathways) censored the content to quell the violence, very vital information on gross and systematic abuse of human rights remained blur.
At a point, political inadequacies propelled an editorial answer – sharing a headline, ‘SAVE OUR NATION,’ that drew Kenyans back to their senses.
After the formation of the government of national unity, the media fell in love again with parties thus subjecting minimal pressure in attaining substantial development and accountability.
This last month of the year, December, journalists made more news fighting against legislators refusing their allowances to be taxed, and the avenging media bill that they referred to as draconian.
Nonetheless, the media still fights and its news hugely shoulders political drama and trickery.
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Media bill, a revenge?
Posted: December 15, 2008, 5:59 am by ombui
Now it is clear why the Kenyan legislators rushed to pass the Media Bill, without proper analysis.
The Standard Newspaper reports, “an Assistant Minister admitted that MPs passed the Bill to revenge what they saw as media persistence for lawmakers pay tax on their allowances.”
True, this is one of the most absurd acts this year from the Kenyan legislators.
If revenge would be the code of operation in this nation, what will happen to morallity? How many Bills have been passed out of revenge???
Download the Bill in pdf. -
Urban Fest
Posted: December 10, 2008, 11:28 am by ombui
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NIPE KITABU kwenye BBC Kiswahili
Posted: December 8, 2008, 9:39 pm by ombui
Jana jioni nilisogea redio yangu ili kusikiliza kipindi cha NIPE KITABU kwenye BBC-Kiswahili.
Mwendesha kipindi Aisha Yahya na Profesa kutoka Chuo cha Dar es salaam waliangazia kazi za Shaban Robert, mwandishi anayesifika sana ulimwenguni, hasa katika uchapishaji kwa lugha ya Kiswahili.
Kuzidi hayo, Profesa aliguzia jitihada za chuo cha Dar kuchapisha kazi zingine asili za Shaban bila kuhaririwa hivi karibuni. Kazi hizo zikichapishwa usikokose kununua mpenda Kiswahili.
Kwangu mimi, NIPE KITABU ni kipindi kizuri sana, na itakuwa vyema kama tungeelezewa mapema wageni wa kipindi hicho moja kwa moja, au wakiundie blogu.
Usikose wiki ijayo...
"Fikra nyingine"
the-xposer
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http://the-xposer.blogspot.com
Posted: December 3, 2008, 9:01 am by ombui
http://the-xposer.blogspot.com -
World Aids Day '08: Encouragement to test
Posted: November 30, 2008, 1:10 am by ombui
It is the 20th commemoration of the World Aids Day, a day when individuals,
organisations and governments, revisit and re-echo the fight against the
disease.This day dawns, as the Kenyan government say that 80 percent of its
population is not tested, and more than a million infected Kenyans are
unaware that they HIV-positive.But how is Kenya and the world to ensure that its citizens test
undiscriminatively to curb the disease?Universal testing for HIV/AIDS seem a better decision, but legal, or ethical
battles are unconsidered so far.Last year, this blog called for prosecution of swindlers of HIV/AIDS
funding. To date, the prosecutions in East African region are still slow and
unconclusive.We also think of the one of the heroes, Philly Bongole Lutaya, the first
Ugandan and African musician to declare he was infected with HIV/AIDS. His
action not only encouraged many Ugandans to run for the test, but also
gave/still give hope to the infected and affected.A step to test today, is an encouragement to others, for the better of us
all. -
The Ivory Post: A Blog idea turned Newspaper
Posted: November 30, 2008, 3:10 am by ombui
It has existed for almost two years, and it intends to go beyond to cover its constituency – Makerere University.
The Ivory Post blog idea turned a newspaper, is a students’ initiative devotes to churn news from one of the oldest universities in the world.
Its slogan is The voice of young journalists and it remains to be the leading online university newspaper in the region... Check it
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Waki "song" report
Posted: November 26, 2008, 5:23 am by ombui
When the Waki report is mentioned in the Kenyan media, it is about politicians' conflict over
its implementation.Today, the politicians that once opposed its implementation and called it
all sorts of names –"neo-colonial, useless, shoddy or divisive" are
now bothered of whether their names are inked in the sealed Waki envelope
handed to chief mediator, Kofi Annan.Politicians that support the implementation are standing firm and
sarcastically describing how visas and air tickets can be acquired to The
Hague, or how easy it is to carry porridge and pieces of bread to Kamiti
Maximum Prison in Nairobi compared to the Netherlands.The Standard newspaper reported that President Kibaki, Head of Civil Service
Francis Muthaura and senior security officers met last week to discuss the
modalities of establishing the special court/tribunal.It goes ahead to say that, local key leaders want a special tribunal
modelled on the International Criminal Court, but manned by local judges -
just to reduce foreign participation as proposed by Justice Phillip Waki.Are politicians now confident of the Kenya's judiciary? Or, have they
forgotten that ICC will be handy in the local tribunal?Last week, opinion polls indicated that majority of Kenyans want the the
Waki report implemented, whether The Hague, or a local tribunal.December 17, 2008 is near and calling for quicker measures. Failure to do
so, Luis Moreno-Ocampo will be handed the envelope.Slowly justice will reign and impunity will be history.
///////
"I deeply hope that the horrors humanity has suffered during the 20th
century will serve us as a painful lesson, and that the creation of the
International Criminal Court will help us to prevent those atrocities from
being repeated in the future." - Luis Moreno-Ocampo on the occasion of his
election as first Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court by the
Assembly of States Parties in New York on 22 April 2003. -
Solio on Safari
Posted: November 23, 2008, 9:35 am by ombui
Solio on Safari -
Kisumu goes Obama
Posted: November 10, 2008, 1:15 am by ombui
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Obama’s win, Africa’s win and real change
Posted: November 4, 2008, 1:47 am by ombui
Barak Obama scooped the US presidency Tuesday to become the first black president. He is the 44th president of the world’s super power. But what does his win mean to the African continent where his father came from?
The young Africans can now believe they can handle leadership and wave the continent to regain its identity washed down by wars, diseases and corruption. The relic mentality that old is gold as far as leadership is concerned is now in the dust bins. Africa will not manufacture neither old leaders like Omar Bongo of Gabon, nor dictators, constitutional manipulators reign, or, life presidents.
For Kenya, it means short celebration for now, but also constitutional reform and transparency in all fronts. Possibly, the current president, Mwai Kibaki will not run for presidency.
Kenya will be a US darling – mostly militarily.
So far, the infrastructure to western Kenya is being upgraded. Think of the tarmac road to Kogelo.
The wars in Somalia, Darfur and DRC will come to an end. The US will advance diplomacy to settle this continent. What will happen to the African Command?
Electoral commissions in this continent, have not only a lesson but a role model. The tallying process should be fast and result released fast - not because of fear of violence, but a right to know the results on time.
Generally, we all now know that we can be successful once we follow the right steps and dedicated.
His win will not mean roses, but mostly, political will and hope.
Obama has done Africa proud, but Africa has to sort out its mess before eyeing the better foreign policies from Obama's government. Africa should also lower its expectations - change within.
Bravo Africa!! Bravo Africa!!
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WAPI 2: MC Straight
Posted: November 4, 2008, 6:29 am by ombui
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WAPI 2: Dance Project Uganda
Posted: November 4, 2008, 6:23 am by ombui
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WAPI 2: Last lady MC of the day
Posted: November 4, 2008, 6:21 am by ombui
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WAPI 2: The youngest
Posted: November 4, 2008, 6:17 am by ombui
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WAPI 2: MC Racheal
Posted: November 4, 2008, 6:05 am by ombui
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Sunset: Ntinda 3
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:43 am by ombui
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Sunset: Ntinda 2
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:43 am by ombui
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Sunset: Ntinda 1
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:41 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: B-Boying/B-girling 1
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:31 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: B-Boying/B-girling
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:26 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: Fashion
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:23 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: Extra Mile
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:20 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: Coin and Bear
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:15 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: Sylvester
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:12 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: Sylvester and Magu
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:08 am by ombui
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WAPI 1: Painting
Posted: November 4, 2008, 5:05 am by ombui
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Do you know of stubborn corpses?
Posted: November 2, 2008, 11:51 pm by ombui
It might sound strange, or even against science, but here is the story of stubborn corpses that “have minds to decide.” Read more
Adopted from The East African Standard, 03rd Nov, 2008.
Blah blah blah
Fish cakes
Alas a fish cake.
Yet more fish cakes
Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.
The end of the fish cakes
