The Hague hypocrisy ...

The Hague drama .... on stand-by; roll on!

Story By MEEME JOSHUA

Written on 06-Feb-2012

The jury is out. The Hague circus is no longer vague; going by the words of Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto. Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto have been indicted at the International Criminal Court. Unless the Appeal Chambers overturn the decision by the Pre-trial chamber II, the future of the duo is definitely uncertain. Whether Kenyan have crossed the Rubicon in political hatred and tribal stereotypes, only time will tell. Legal analysts may argue that the two can vie for any seat during the general elections.

However, the bone of contention is not the letter of the Constitution but the spirit. In strict legal terms Uhuru and Ruto can vie for any seat. But practically speaking this vying must be guided by moral character and logic.

While Chapter Six on Integrity and Governance is silent on suspects on crimes against humanity, the spirit of the New Constitution was not meant to leave an escape route for those indicted. Technically speaking it would be difficult for the two to vie for the seat as the Rome Statutes do not allow trial in absentia.  The suspects with their lawyers must be present during the hearing. Kenyans must search their souls and decide whether to put Kenya as a country into ridicule after their President elect is required to appear at the Hague to hear their cases.

Kenyans should be able to detach from the personality euphoria that follows the two from their ethnic groupings. The two may be tribal Kings in their communities, but Kenya has more than two communities. However, Kenyan nation is bigger than the Kalenjin and Kikuyu nation. The holistic view of the debate is not Justice Lenaola's ruling but the conscience that guides Kenyans and the rule of law. We cannot though crucify the two on the altar of public lynching.

The law should be allowed to take its course while upholding the dignity of Kenyan people. It is not time to sing praises of the suspects but time to reflect on the mistakes we have committed as a country and prevent a recurrence of the mayhem.

Wangari Maathai fought a good fight, she has finished my course, she has kept the faith ... RIP prof.

Prof. Wangari Maathai's Awards: 

2010: Earth Hall of Fame, Kyoto (Japan) 
2009: Earth Hall of Fame, Kyoto (Japan) 
2009: Humanity 4 Water Award for Outstanding Commitment 2 Action 
2009: The Order of the Rising Sun, Japan 
2009: Judge, 2009 Geotourism Challenge, National Geographic, USA 
2009: NAACP Chairman's Award , USA 
2008: Dignitas Humana Award, St John's School of Theology, USA
2008: Cinema Verite, Honorary President, France 
2008: Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Honorary Fellowship, UK 
2007: The Nelson Mandela Award for Health & Human Rights, South Africa 
2007: The Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, India 
2007: Cross of the Order of St Benedict, Benedictine College, Kansas, USA 
2007: World Citizenship Award, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts 
2006: The Indira Gandhi International Award for Peace, Disarmament & Development, India
2006: Premio Defensa Medio Ambiente, Club Internacional De Prensa, Spain 
2006: 6th in 100 Greatest Eco-Heroes of All Time, The Environment Agency, UK
2006: Medal for Distinguished Achievement, University of Pennsylvania, USA
2006: Woman of Achievement Award from the American Biographical Institute Inc., USA 
2006: The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights,Milele(Lifetime) Achievement Award 
2006: Legion D'Honneur, Government of France 
2006: The IAIA Global Environment Award,International Association for Impact Assessment, Norway 
2006: Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Award, USA 
2006: World Citizenship Award 
2005: New York Women's Century Award, New York Women's Foundation, USA 
2005: One of the 100 Most Influential People in the World: Time magazine, USA 
2005: One of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World: Forbes magazine, USA
2004: Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Norway 
2004: Sophie Prize, the Sophie Foundation, Norway 
2004: Elder of the Golden Heart, Republic of Kenya 
2004: Petra Kelly Environment Prize, Heinrich Boell Foundation, Germany
2004: J. Sterling Morton Award, Arbor Day Foundation, USA 
2004: Conservation Scientist Award,Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, Columbia University, USA
2003: Elder of the Burning Spear, Republic of Kenya 
2003: WANGO Environment Award,World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations , USA
2002: Outstanding Vision and Commitment Award, Bridges to Community, USA 
2001: Excellence Award, Kenyan Community Abroad, USA 
2001: The Juliet Hollister Award, Temple of Understanding, USA 
1997: One of 100 in the World Who've Made a Difference in the Environment:Earth Times, USA 
1995: International Women's Hall of Fame,International Women's Forum Leadership Foundation, USA 
1994: The Order of the Golden Ark Award, the Netherlands 
1993: The Jane Addams Leadership Award, Jane Addams Conference, USA 
1993: The Edinburgh Medal, Medical Research Council, Scotland
1991: The Hunger Project's Africa Prize for Leadership, United Nations, USA
1991: Global 500 Hall of Fame: United Nations Environment Programme, USA
1991: The Goldman Environmental Prize, the Goldman Foundation, USA 
1990: The Offeramus Medal, Benedictine College, USA 
1989: Women of the World Award, WomenAid, UK 
1988: The Windstar Award for the Environment, Windstar Foundation, USA 
1986: Better World Society Award, USA
1984: Right Livelihood Award, Sweden 
1983: Woman of the Year Award

Why does Kalonzo fear anything that has mark of Raila?

Kalonzo fights any shadow that resembles Odinga

Updated September 20, 2011 Story by Josh Wa Meeme

The public have been treated to theatrics of words from Kalonzo and group over the IEBC selection panel list of 44 applicants. I'm trying to understand why these people are complaining about the selection panel list if they do not have interest. Simply because Chairman Ekuru Aukot was picked by PM Raila is a reason enough to oppose him? In the words of Kalonzo 'we cannot allow next election to be rigged in 2011.' And this group want Kenyans to believe that they have no interest in the team that is going to manage the election?

This is the group that has publicly stated that their mission is stop Raila from becoming President. What makes them think that Kenya will buy such myopic narrow thinking? I still wonder why this group really fear the Raila Presidency. Kenya will not choose the president based on hatred of a group of people.

Well, the group is clasping on false hopes. They tried to frustrate the enactment of constitution by either being in the watermelon team or strictly red. They failed. They tried to block the Hague cases through shuttle diplomacy and admissibility claims. They failed. They placed another boulder by blocking Dr Mutunga from assuming office as the CJ. They failed. They have tried desperately to turn the public against PM Odinga. They have failed. Now the want to block a constitutional process of appointing the IEBC team. What makes these perennial failures that this time they are going to succeed?

Indeed, am of the opinion that these dudes belong to the political dustbins. Why would Kenyans want to have these Kanu aftergrowths as their leaders? They all think they will be anointed as the heir apparent of StateHouse. They have not taken time to study Kibaki the man they have worked under fro the last eight years. Both the Hague Hyenas and Hague preys are in for rude shock come the next elections.

If Kalonzo was a person with something in between his ears, he would have befriended the IEBC selection panel and not fight them. This is constitutional body and fighting it is like fighting a losing battle. If the cases at the Hague are confirmed Kalonzo will be political orphan who will find it difficult to sell what he believes to the people of Kenya.

Hague Session II

Hague Session II featuring Uhuru, Ali and Muthaura


Updated 18 September, 2011 By Josh wa Meeme

I have been waiting for the moment to watch the unfolding Hague drama. However, to the brothers affected this seems like a nightmare that does not seem to go away. I pray that whoever they believe in will give them strength to overcome the temptations to make trivial and costly mistakes.

In Session I the world was treated with so unnatural witnesses whose evidence to the highest court under the Heavens. These witnesses were so symmetrical that their submissions were carbon copies of each other. Indeed after listening to them I thought it could have been wise if the defence applied to the court to have one person appearing twice as two different witnesses for the same suspect. It could have reduced the cost of keeping these people at a far country when they not their evidence only confirmed the fears that they had been coached on what to say and how to exonerate the suspects.

Sorry, if I sound too skeptical and cynical, am only playing the role of devil's advocate for my beloved brothers. Indeed they all concede that crimes were committed but no one want to shed some light on who, where, why the crimes were committed. In the first session the most mentioned word was 'Spontaneous'. I'm still wondering what magical word will be used by the second group of suspects. Could be retaliation, help? am still waiting for the start of the hearing.

The suspects should have now known that their evidence may not count if the plan by the ICC to set up an office in Kenya is anything to go by. Just like we say in our community when someone is drowning it is bu reflex action that they clutch on the floating logs and other useless debris.  Sorry if it becomes difficult for anyone to read between the lines of the ICC intentions. The die has been cast

Could Ruto have been testing his popularity with RED campaign?

Playing the referendums RED card in the next general elections

Updated: Thursday, 25 August, 2011

Story by: MEEME JOSHUA

The signs of Ruto's sacking have been hovering for a long time. Indeed the sacking will endear him to more Kenyans who have rightly forgotten he headed the RED card centre. Now the PM Raila Odinga will licking his wounds in Rift Valley in what has been orchestrated to mean a purge on the area leaders.

Region's leaders have been made to believe that Raila originated the woes Ruto faces with ICC cases. In the event that charges against the sextet are confirmed at the Hague, Ruto will intensify his blames on Raila. With the Constitution being silent on suitability of people appearing before a court like the international criminal court, Ruto's name will definitely appear on the ballot.

The question that we seek to answer is, will Ruto support another person? Let take a walk down memory lane. Delegates conference in Kasarani, that anointed Raila as ODm presidential candidate, Ruto had calculated well that he would clench the nomination. However he was prevailed upon when he was promised the premier's post. The fallout in ODM inner circle was attributable to that day promises and failure to honour them.

His recent statements that he has been supporting others during the 8th anniversary after the death of Kijana Wamalwa speaks volumes. In a coded message he seems to tell other contenders to support him for the stab on the presidency. He tested himself against Raila during the refendum for the New Constitution. Having garnered two million, Ruto feels that is a large block of votes to front for others to support him. This is block that he want others to consider in support for his bid.

It should not be forgotten that all the rest except Cyrus Jirongo were either watermelons or Greens. If Ruto convinces other to support him, Kikuyus will not feel rightly represented in the government based on history. Why are the members of the community apprehensive of Ruto's rise to power? When Moi became the President he brought all prominent Kikuyus to their knees. The community has not forgotten  but are holding a grudge against their suspect friends.

During the 2007 post election chaos, it was the two communities that suffered the highest damages. The issue of IDPs in the area and around the country has not been resolved. This is to mean that the unity calls could be just a veneer that covers the hidden agenda of their leaders.

Among the Ruto supporters, his sacking depicts Raila as being intolerant to diverse views. But that was dilemma that Raila faced; damned if he never sacked the rebles, damned if sacked them. If opted for the latter.

Mutua should have lost his job, not Chief

Kenyans say: Release Chief and crucify Mutua

Updated: Wednesday August 10, 2011

Story by: JOSH MEMENTO

The Chief from Kalapata area bore the brunt of telling the world that his people were dying of hunger. This was after Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua challenged the media on his weekly media briefing to reveal any information of a person who had died of hunger and not disease or old age. Who between the two should have lost his job?

Dr. Mutua was serving his employer diligently by covering his nakedness even when the employer was dying. The Kalapata Chief was serving to save his people from more deaths. Kenyans of goodwill could not turned p in large numbers had they known that the government was on top of things in alleviating hunger. But because we knew the bureaucracy and sluggishness in attending to issues that deserves urgency, Kenyans-for-Kenya went out to help their brothers and sisters suffering suffering in Northern Kenya.

Indeed it should have Mutua who should have lost his job for not representing facts. Being out of touch with the people that pays him, is a crime that should have cost him his job. But this is Kenya. The chief was sacked for exposing the dire situation affecting his people. To rub salt to an injury, the Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia justifies sacking the chiefs. Where do this guys live? Indeed now I understand why when most people coming from these regions claim to be coming to Kenya when they coming to Nairobi. This is because they do not consider themselves to be in Kenya.

This impervious government turned its deaf ear on the meteorological warning that that rain would not be enough and many people would suffer famine. If indeed the problem was logistic as the government's spin doctor want Kenyans to believe, they could have measures in place to avail the food to the people at the opportune. However what we see is  shameful knee-jerk reactions to hunger when people are already dying.

From the success stories, that have aired in the media, Kenya is not hungering for food but for resolute leadership. Why would a government that has taken oath to protect Kenyans, result to reactionary measures of sending relief food when these people can in fact feed themselves. Information is power. Many of these in Northern Kenya do not have a choice to be pastoralists but this is the source of livelihood that they know. If the government can avail water either from the underground or from the rivers across the country, these areas can be food sufficient. Sacking the chiefs was not a solution to the problem of hunger. This exemplifies a situation of killing the messenger from bringing the message to the relevant people.

Wake up guys! Kenyans will not remember you for the good cars that you drive or by how well you argue on behalf of your employer but by how well you represent actual information. Dr. Mutua must be forced to resign for denying that there were people suffering of hunger; the chiefs should be promoted for bringing to the attention of Kenyans the fate of his people.

Has God forsaken Kenyans?

Rain clouds: Now Scientists want to make rain for Kenyans

Has God forsaken Kenyans or is it vice-versa?

Updated Saturday, July 30, 2011 Story by: JOSH MEMENTO

Has God taken leave of duty on Kenya, or Kenyans have deviated from the path of righteousness and wrath of God has befallen us? James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that may be perfect and complete, lacking in anything.”

the Bible is explicit that that the people shall meet trials that will test their faith. But now it seems the tribulations have become too much to bear. Pangs of hunger are biting hard and may be God is watching from from Heaven; He has closed the flood gates of rain, now drought is more seasonal than rain; Kenyans are starving without food and God's people are dying in droves!

Have Kenyans forsaken God or God has turned a deaf ear on Kenyans? Whichever the case scientists now are seeking a man-made solution to man-made problems of droughts – making artificial rain! We must applaud the humanitarian effort to feed the starving. But this will not go on forever. We need a permanent solution to alleviate food scarcity.

Statistics show that 70 percent of rain falls in the Oceans and Seas and 15 percent falls in deserts and other other areas that are not good for farming. The command that “man shall till land” to put food on the table is no longer tenable. Due to the problem of global warming even the 15 percent that was falling in the right places at the right time is no longer falling!

The result is perennial droughts and droughts, lack of food suffering of people and animals and death. Since the problem is man-made, it deserves a man-made solutions. We cannot blame God for problems of our own creation. We must seek solutions. Aquiess Global Rain Project led by David Miles seeks to provide the solution. Through scientific magnetic technology the group will divert rain that falls in the oceans to fall on our land. Viola! The suggestions knocks down Kenyans with a feather.

While many people in Kenya and the Horn of Africa go everyday without food, changing weather patterns have definitely changed their fortunes. Now in 90 days we are sure of man-made rain for our land. Rest assured! It is not left to chance any more! But are we making God irrelevant? I do not thing  so. Genesis 1:26 says “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” In God's likeness, man is becoming artificial rainmaker!