“SAVE US FROM KENYA!”

For quite some time now, this has been the unequivocal message sent out by the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC). MRC is a secessionist group whose foundation and pedestal is Kenya’s coastal region. In what is a clear case of nemesis catching up with the Kenyan government, land issues left unresolved decades ago have come haunting with a vengeance that mere rhetoric will not tame.

Members of the MRC celebrate after the Mombasa high court lifted the ban on the group.

Now more than ever before the group has strongly voiced their wish to secede from Kenya. The emotive land issue is principal on their list of grievances. Their slogan, “pwani si Kenya”, which is translated to mean “coast is not part of Kenya”, has most definitely not augured well with the country’s central government. Members of the MRC argue that the coastal region is well capable of governing itself and as such it does not need any protection from the Kenyan government.

The group cites marginalization, discrimination and neglect of the coastal people as some of their main concerns besides the poignant land issue. They claim that despite the region being their ancestral land, most people are squatters with no land to call their own, while the rich and powerful outsiders own most of the region’s land. 

They also have concerns over the huge sums of revenue raked in from activities at the port of Mombasa. They allege that most of it is advanced to other government projects, rather than been invested in improving the living standards of the region's residents, most of whom wallow in abject poverty. For these reasons they want to secede from Kenya and run their own affairs, a bid that the government of the day will hear none of.  

The port of Mombasa.

MRC had been banned by the government, until a few days ago when the High Court sitting in the coastal city of Mombasa overturned this resolve. In a landmark ruling which left the government split, the bench lifted the ban on the the group, arguing that the members were well within their rights to raise their issues for addressing. It was however pointed out that the group’s main agenda; that of secession can only be determined at a national referendum as stated by the new constitution. 

While it is evident that the group has very genuine concerns, seeking to secede from Kenya will almost not resolve any of these issues. The port of Mombasa is renowned for its deep natural harbors, and is a major entry point of cargo into the East and Central African region. It therefore goes without saying that the Kenyan government gains handsomely from the same. One would expect that the level of development in the region would be quite high, but this is not the case. This can only mean that only a trifling amount of revenue from the port is reinvested into the region.

MRC slogan graffiti that is prevalent in the region.

On the issue of land, the region has very many squatters as most people are not land owners. The available land in the coast is mostly prime property, which only the well heeled can afford. Members of the MRC feel aggrieved that they have to watch foreigners, who possess legal documents to show ownership, kick them out of some piece of their ancestral land since they do not have any documents themselves.

While some members of the government are mooting for negotiations with the group, others are of the opinion that the government cannot negotiate with people that pose a threat to the country’s territorial boundaries. Not surprising, the issue is seemingly been politicized, especially as it comes at a time when the country is nearing a General Election.

It is only wise that both the government and the MRC meet at a round negotiation table and hear each other out. This will not only end the stalemate between the two , but will also see the thorny issues that have been raised solved with finality, so as to prevent an occurrence of the same decades down the line. Every step taken as regards this issue has to be in the best interest of the majority of the Kenyan citizens, while at the same time giving the minority a chance to voice their concerns. Fairness for all should be the guiding principle.

INTRICACIES OF A MINISTER’S MINISKIRT PROPOSAL.

You must know Mutula. Mutula Kilonzo.  If you were betting on a Kenyan Minister who would fearlessly voice their honest to goodness opinion on a particular issue, then he would probably be your best bet. Not long ago, he was moved from the Justice Ministry to that of Education. While he was the Justice Minister, he rubbed some members of the political class the wrong way, following his highly publicized opinion on those not fit to run for the country’s top job.  

A Kenyan high school girl donning a miniskirt - The Education Minister has proposed that the garb be allowed in schools.

The then Justice Minister openly expressed that he was of the view that two presidential aspirants facing criminal charges at the ICC keep off seeking elective posts. He observed that one cannot be facing charges of crimes against humanity, and then seek to lead the same humanity. He further added that if that was not commonsense, then he didn’t know what was.  I wouldn’t have put it better myself!

But this particular post is not about the ICC, nor is it about who should or shouldn’t run for the presidency. Far from it! Thing is, Mutula Kilonzo has made headlines again! In his latest round of eyeball rolling phrases, the Education Minister has proposed that high school girls be allowed to wear miniskirts to school!! The heat wave generated by this debate has seen some sections of the public totally agree with the Minister while others bay for his blood!!! Well, metaphorically speaking!

Kenya's Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo when he voiced the proposal.

In his words, the Education Minister argued that “our girls do not want to become nuns; they just want to be ordinary Kenyan citizens.”  He added that cases had been reported of schools where girls had gone on strike after their schools’ administrators denied them permission to wear miniskirts. The Catholic Church has cried foul over the Minister’s remarks as regards nuns, and demanded that he apologizes for the same. Here goes the tale. Sections of the public opposed to the Minister’s proposal have accused him of wanting to promote immorality among school going children. Those in favor of Mutula’s proposal have however argued that it’s about time Kenya woke up to the realities of the 21^st century already!

By denying high school girls the freedom to wear miniskirts to school, those in favor of the Minister’s idea are of the opinion that more girl schools would go on strike. They further add that the girls’ self esteem would be headed southwards if they were forced to wear clothes they are not comfortable in. This, they say will reflect on their poor performance in school work. 

High School girls in long skirts which are mandatory in most schools - The outfit has been the subject of heated debate in the country.

While those opposed to this bid have raised the morality question, noting that the miniskirt is provocative garb that could see to an increase in defilement cases, proposers have begged to differ. They argue that men are not animals, and hence have the instinct and capacity to bottle up their feelings and keep off the school girls, adding that the whole question of defilement rested with an individual’s moral standing.

  

Those opposed to the bid have further argued that the girls need to understand that high school has its rules, which must be followed to the letter. They further add that the girls have the freedom to wear miniskirts outside the school vicinity but not to school. This point is not without a counter statement from those who would like girls to be allowed to wear miniskirts to school; they reason that miniskirts are a fashion item in the 21^st century, adding that the wheels of fashion evolution would not grind to a halt on account of rules that aren’t cast on stone.

And the debate rages on!! This is one subject that has grabbed news headlines of newspapers, radio and television stations, and of course social networks – this should have come first on the list! Judging from the comments that have been dominating these media, it is clear that sharp stands have been taken by both the proposers and those opposed to the Minister’s idea. 

Having furnished you with the arguments brought up by both sides, I bet you got down thinking about the subject yourself. If you were tasked with making the call on whether high school girls should be allowed to wear miniskirts to school, what would your verdict be and why?

THE CRY OF A NATION.

Ever since the Kenya Defense Forces embarked on an offensive against the Al Shabaab terror group in Somali, Kenya has suffered a myriad of retaliatory attacks within her borders. It is a sheer act of cowardice on the part of the Shabaab; that they would target innocent and defenseless citizens, having fled the battle grounds in fright of the forces out to restore sanity in the war torn country. They surely should realize by now that they are fighting a losing battle. Nemesis will catch up with them sooner than they anticipated.

Victims of a recent terror attack in Nairobi.

A series of attacks on Kenya's major cities, and which are believed to be connected with the terror gang, have left in their wake a disturbing aftermath. A recent heart rending incident left at least 17 innocent worshippers dead, while scores of others were left fighting for dear lives. It was reported that unknown assailants overpowered the policemen on guard outside two churches in Kenya's border town of Garissa, shot them dead and proceeded to unleash terror on the congregants who were at the time in the midst of their Sunday services. Just the thought of this heinous act is enough to make one’s bile spurt. 

AIC church in Garissa - one of the churches affected by the latest terror attacks.

Thing is, the Shabaab menace in Kenya did not start that day. Prior to this attack, similar fate had befallen the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa. In Nairobi, the assailants had the audacity to hit the city’s central business district in broad daylight! The nerve of it! Scores were injured and one person succumbed to injuries owing to the attack. The CBD case was not an isolated one, as the city had experienced attacks at one of its major bus terminals, an attack on a long distance bound bus and in a night club. And in what is seemingly a disturbing trend, a church in one of the city estates was bombed and several innocent lives lost.

The shopping mall that was attacked in Nairobi's CBD.

In Mtwapa, a town near Mombasa, revelers at one of the night clubs fell victim of the enemy’s foul play. In the same breath, worshippers at a crusade in Mombasa were attacked and a life was lost. Shockingly, as soon as the American embassy indefinitely shut their offices in the city and issued a travel advisory to the beach town, a few weeks ago, terror stuck again in yet another night club!

Terror blast victims in Mombasa.

And this count could go on, because what we have here ladies and gentlemen is a case of citizens grappling to come to terms with the fact that danger looms too close for them to sit easy. The government is seemingly putting effort to curb these rising cases of terrorism, but it’s a question of if the effort is enough, which lingers the minds of all citizens.

It cannot be okay when the government issues resounding promises to protect its citizens from further attacks, only for the same to be followed by attacks of even greater magnitude. Sadly, no culprits have been charged over these atrocities committed on innocent civilians. An anti - terrorism bill is scheduled to be tabled in parliament for debate, in a bid that seeks to fight terrorism to the core. However, human rights activists are raising an alarm over the bill, while others claim it targets members of a particular community.

Among the basics for a state to be branded as one that is failing, is the inability to assure its citizens of security. The responsibility of which does not solely lie with the government, but also with other stakeholders. Citizens too must play their part, by blowing the whistle on people of questionable character, rather than wait till it’s too late to voice their confirmed suspicions in front of glaring media cameras. Every citizen must bear with humility the stringent routine security checks adopted to reduce the terror scare. These measures are meant to ensure our security, and not to demean or humiliate anybody, as some people are deluded to believe.

Concerted effort from all stakeholders and by this I mean even the international community, will see the world crash terrorism for good. Future generations will only read about it in history books; and about the coming of this day, just like Martin Luther King, I have a dream!!

SONG LYRICS THAT SEND PEOPLE TO JAIL.

Kenya is really a state on the path of positive transformation. Apparently, and much to the relief of most citizens, hate speeches can no longer be tolerated nor condoned. It turns out that even recording songs that carry messages that could easily be misconstrued as an incitement to sections or the entire public, will not augur well with the relevant authorities. The release of such songs, the citizenry has learnt, comes at much too high a cost.

Musician Kamande Wa Kioi when he was taken into police custody following his controversial song.

As I write this article, a famous Kenyan musician is warming the cold floors of a police cell. Thing is, he recorded and released a vernacular song that supposedly carries an incitement message. The said mantra praises Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta while it tells off Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Both are presidential aspirants in the upcoming general election.

Kenya’s National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) felt that the song would fuel ethnic hatred. The commission set out to have it translated so that they could come to terms with the full magnitude of ethnic vulgarity carried in it. This was followed by the subsequent arrest of the musician, as it turned out the song’s wording bordered on offensive.

National Cohesion and Integration Commission chair - Mzalendo Kibunjia; the commission has set out to crack the whip on songs that contain inciting messages.

Two other musicians have also found themselves in a sticky situation with the law. They too are under investigation for recording and releasing songs that allegedly carry incitement messages. As soon as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission verifies these concerns, they will be joining their colleague as guests of the state.

Musician John De' Matthew - He is under investigation over incitement and hate speech allegations in his song

Musician Muigai Wa Njoroge - He is also under investigation and risks trial if he's found with a case to answer.

The trio could face charges of incitement and hate speech, counts that attract hefty sentences and cash fines. You will agree with me, seven years as a guest of the state is no mean exploit. Cash fines could spiral as high as well over one million Kenya shillings. In a worst case scenario, a guilty verdict could see them slapped with both the jail term and cash fine. If that is not an expensive affair, I really don’t know what is.

As the democratic space in Kenya widens, citizens are reminded that abuse of the same could prove to be a curse rather than a blessing. The freedom of speech that is provided for in the new constitution should be used for national cohesion and integration. Respect for the rule of law cannot be overemphasized. No single person is above the law, be they rich or poor. No tribe is better than the other, all are equally important. And after all is said and done, we will remain citizens of Kenya.

As I pen off, I heartily applaud his Excellency the President for rejecting bills that did not reflect the wishes and views of the country’s majority. That said, I move on to express optimism that indeed better days lie ahead for Kenya. The journey of a thousand miles in the right direction starts with one step. This was indeed one of those; steps I mean!

WHY EVERY KENYAN VOTER MUST MAKE A WISE AND INFORMED DECISION

 (Before you vote in leaders based on their fame rather than policy, or engage in tribal and unjustified politics, you might want to read this)

The last time Kenya went into a general election, a heartrending and blood-spattered aftermath is all she had to show for it. Ethnic hatred which had previously been fuelled during political campaigns had reached a crescendo, prompting citizens to turn against each other using machetes, bows and arrows and other crude weaponry, ensuing in the loss of over a thousand lives. This resulted from the announcement of the controversial presidential election results, and subsequent swearing in of the president at sundown, in statehouse Nairobi.

A woman wails outside the kiambaa church where some innocent women and children were burnt to death at the height of the violence.

During the violence, besides the agonizing loss of lives, over half a million people were forcefully evicted from their homes and property worth millions of shillings destroyed. The events of this very trying moment for the country are still fresh in the minds of many. Tens of thousands of internally displaced persons were forced to languish in camps where they encountered the wrath of harsh and extreme weather conditions their solitary “crime” been having voted during the election.

scores of citizens fleeing their homes for safety.

Justice has barely been served for the victims and to the perpetrators of these atrocities.  It is disappointing to note that the government is yet to fully resettle all the internally displaced persons five years down the line. Four Kenyans are set to face trials at the international criminal court (ICC), following the confirmation of charges brought against them, of bearing the greatest responsibility in the violence.

A mother and her child in an Internally Displaced Persons' camp

The government is obstinately trying to have these cases deferred from the ICC and have the suspects tried locally. This move has not gone without a great deal of disapproval by civil society movements in the country, which site Kenya's lack of capacity and political willingness to fairly try the cases.

Just when one thought that the Kenyan citizenry had learnt a lesson, it is sadly emerging that the bug of negative ethnicity could be making a comeback in the Kenyan political panorama. It is distasteful to see tribal groupings openly vowing to support particular presidential aspirants. This move has so far not augured well with a faction of citizens who warn that going down this path could turn out to be very detrimental to realizing a peaceful and united Kenya after the election. I beg to agree with them. 

The country is reeling from the crimes against humanity perpetrated on innocent citizens as a result of the violence fuelled by negative ethnicity. It is unethical and out rightly wrong for some politicians to gravitate towards tribal and ethnic groupings. Similar mistakes to those committed prior to the last election are what Kenyan voters cannot afford to make during this election period.

Kenyan voters should not have Selective memory. They should recall all the suffering endured by innocent civilians and how the country’s economy came to its knees following the violence. It is the prime responsibility of every Kenyan citizen to make sure that this grim history never repeats itself again. Steering clear of tribal and ethnic politics is the way to go. 

They say a picture can tell a thousand words and if this be the case, it is my earnest optimism that every Kenyan will learn from these few depictions of Kenya's darkest moments and make informed decisions while voting in leaders. 

A leader should be voted in NOT on the basis of their tribe, fame or gender, BUT on the basis of their development track record, respect for the rule of law and ability to crack the whip on errant characters. 

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE!!!