Cheruo'sThoughts & Insights

If Kenyans were allowed to speak their minds ...

2013-04-16T05:26:00.003-07:00

If Kenyans were allowed to speak their minds ...: If we the people were allowed to speak our minds without being intimidated, coerced and manipulated ...

North Korea is a Toothless Dog

2013-04-16T05:26:00.001-07:00

North Korea is a Toothless Dog

What Will Make or Beak Uhuru Kenyatta’s New Government

2013-04-16T05:25:00.003-07:00

What Will Make or Beak Uhuru Kenyatta’s New Government

US Must Know it Cannot Democratize the Whole World

2013-04-16T05:25:00.001-07:00

US Must Know it Cannot Democratize the Whole World

Why the 11th parliament could be the worst ever

2013-04-16T05:22:00.003-07:00

Why the 11th parliament could be the worst ever: Legislators challenging the validation of Uhuruto win need to know that some issues need to take precedence over others.

The new regime must restore sanity in Kenya

2013-04-16T05:22:00.001-07:00

The new regime must restore sanity in Kenya: We must think hard as a nation and embrace sanity and sobriety.

It's time for the retiring right Hon PM to move on

2013-04-16T05:21:00.001-07:00

It's time for the retiring right Hon PM to move on: Whatever happened at the Supreme Court or during elections happened and we cannot change it at least for the next five years.

Facebook increasingly becoming a sex den

2013-04-16T05:20:00.003-07:00

Facebook increasingly becoming a sex den: Truth be told we are fast becoming a sexually pervert nation; a nation that worships sex more than God.

Insecurity is hurting our economy

2013-04-16T05:20:00.001-07:00

Insecurity is hurting our economy: Statistics places our ‘former peers’ like Malaysia and Singapore miles away in terms of their economic growth and technological achievements.

Will satelite evidence corner Uhuru & his deputy?

2013-04-16T05:19:00.001-07:00

Will satelite evidence corner Uhuru & his deputy?: It’s too early for our president His Excellency Hon. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and his Deputy Hon. Ruto William Samoei Ruto to celebrate.

A Country Gone to the Wild Dogs

2013-01-10T06:41:00.002-08:00

Unlike in the Advanced Economies like the U.S.A, China, Russia, Israel, France, Germany & Japan where a death of even an infant normally spurs national outrage and widespread condemnation; here in Kenya it is always superseded with a ‘don’t care ‘ attitude and a subsequent ‘business as usual’ general euphoria! The masses have been overtime inculcated into nurturing this thought that it matters the least provided it isn’t you or your own; so it seems. Murderous scenes usually attract huge crowds that are ever likely to giggle shyly and marvel like toddlers who just uttered their very first word ever! Corrupt security forces, traffic officers and the ever inadequate Intelligence Unit Guys have caused our beloved country innumerable loss of lives, wanton destruction of property and grave security bridges. Deadly weapons of mass destruction have been reportedly ended up in wrong hands (notably the notorious AL-Shabab Extremists, Mungiki Sect Members etc.) after being ‘okayed’ by money-thirsty security personnel. Church bombings, grenade attacks, fatal road accidents and a horde of other evils have been the daily consequences of such selfish acts. Kenyans are perishing daily in their hundreds whistle the big men and women are wining and dining; whiling their expensive time in luxurious hotels discussing a series of an unimportant issues. Human live no longer matters a thing here in Kenya...it is rumoured that our ‘kind, loving & gracious M.Ps’ usually groan and mournfully regret the ‘loss of vital votes’ whenever yet again Kenyan is pronounced dead! To them, we only matter when we can send them back to parliament: a place where many have pitched camp enriching their own and fattening their wallets. Kenya is a country whose systems are enshrined in shrewdness and massive corrupt gestures; a Nation whose respectable leaders lies, kill and torture without a slight blink of an eye. Given the un-attended to loop holes and fissures, illiterate sons and daughters of the mighty have ascended to top ranks in our institutions; are the new employers who fancy hiring and firing and rarely tolerate brilliant and hard working staff members! Indeed, in some instances, only one out of five present-day Kenyan employees has clean and genuine papers! The rest are cheats who have been robbing us silently, crippling our weak economy, offering us low quality services and denying our bright sons and daughters a chance in life! Kenya is a nation whose citizens has employed crooked means of survival, lives in the expense of others, cares the least about humanity and is ever more than willing to do anything to plunge every vulnerable life into a pitch-dark abyss! It is a lovely den of hungry wolves whose ugly claws often extend a cold handshake to every beggar in the next turn. The grand questions each one of us must start asking ourselves seriously are: until when are we going to allow all these evils to engulf our peace-loving nation? For how long are we going to remain tight-lipped? Until when will be cowed and cajoled by a few super-rich Kenyans whose aspirations and ambitions are to down-trod the masses? In the meantime, we can only pray and hope for the best! ©2013 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

THE HARD FACTS WE MUST FACE AS A NATION

2013-01-10T06:39:00.003-08:00

Kenya is ranked second as the worst place to be born in and as if that's not enough, Nairobi is the second worst city to live in the world according to the latest statistics (Washington Post, 8th January 2013). While a certain level of corruption goes on in every country, corruption in Kenya is a particularly large problem. The average urban Kenyan has to pay 16 bribes a month to get his regular affairs arranged. In the 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index, issued by the anti-corruption organization Transparency International, Kenya ranks 147th out of 180 countries, meaning 146 countries are supposed to be less corrupt than Kenya, and 33 countries are more corrupt. For comparison, the 180th country was Somalia whereas the 1st was Denmark. And interestingly, Kenya is among the chart-topping nations in terms of remunerating its leaders, with President Kibaki toppling many of the world’s richest states. President Kibaki’s annual salary and benefits top the earnings of President Barack Obama of the United States, the world’s most powerful nation, by more than Sh3 million a year. It also overshadows that of leaders of other world leading economies such as Germany, Russia, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. At Sh2 million a month ($26,000) basic salary, President Kibaki earns Sh24 million ($312,000) a year, slightly higher than German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s $303,000. Germany is Europe’s largest economy, and the world’s fifth. Kenyan mps are among the best paid law makers in the world as far as I know. To them (I call them greedy fellows) the amount they earn isn’t enough and unfortunately they are always agitating for a salary increase. Here is what a Kenyan member of parliament makes in a month (30 days to be exact) • Basic salary sh.395,000 • Entertainment allowance sh.60000 • House allowance sh.70, 000 • Car maintenance allowance sh.247, 000 • Gym membership sh.2000 • Vehicle fixed cost allowance. Sh.336, 000 • Committee meeting allowance sh.40, 000 • Constituency allowance sh.50, 000 A grand total amount of shillings 1.2 million which is equivalent to $14,118 The World Bank estimates that Kenya’s poverty level stands at 44 to 46 per cent, which is almost the same level it has remained for six years. However, it represents an improvement from 12 years ago when poverty level stood at 56 per cent before falling to 46 per cent in 2005/6. While some progress has been made in meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the World Bank estimates that the battle is far from won. Unemployment Rate in Kenya increased to 40 percent in 2011 from 12.70 percent in 2006. Unemployment Rate in Kenya is reported by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Historically, from 1999 until 2011, Kenya Unemployment Rate averaged 22.4 Percent reaching an all time high of 40.0 Percent in December of 2011 and a record low of 12.7 Percent in December of 2006. In Kenya, the unemployment rate measures the number of people actively looking for a job as a percentage of the labour force. Food insecurity in Kenya has been a major challenge that has faced the country for many years plunging majority of Kenyans especially low incomer earners into abject poverty. The latest index indicates that the national poverty levels stands at 47 per cent and it might increase if inflation rates, shilling volatility and poor farming methods are not curbed early. High inflation rates that stand at 18 percent as of October are the highest levels ever to be recorded in the country since independence. These levels have mainly being fuelled by high food and fuel prices. Surge in international food prices from 2008 has raised the price of food, hurting low income earners. Being that majority of Kenyans spend over 50 percent of their household incomes on food alone these rates have increased food insecurity and living cost in the country pushing Kenyans to a concrete economic corner. *** All that said, and given the fact that our M.Ps just sneaked in yet another proposal to award themselves an outrageous send off package totalling Ksh 9.1 Millions; as a people, we are expectantly waiting for His Excellency the President of the republic of Kenya (Emilio Mwai Kibaki) to hearken to our heartfelt please...our deep felt concerns about the economic impact such an evil gesture will have to our beloved nation. As the minutes tickled by; bringing even closer the much anticipated ‘date’ with the shrewd bunch of Legislators, I feverishly hope that we will be able to cast our votes peacefully come March 4th 2013. And just many other distraught Kenyans, I honestly hope that we’ve learnt our lessons the hard way (as the electorate) and that never again are we going to entrust our hard-earned sweat in sly & corrupt politicians. I know we are much wiser now. We’ve had our share of the bitter lemons that have been time and again handed down by the big men and women who abandoned our social amenities, never bothered about the impassable roads back at our villages and worst, enacted laws that have made our ‘has been miserable’ lives not any better than five years ago! As we prepare to embrace the electioneering period, let us remember that while we’ve peacefully co-existed, inter-married, interacted in our workplaces and laughed and cried together as purely Kenyans; we’ve also learn that turning against a brother is meaningless, barbaric, demeaning and inhuman. We must also put in mind that Kenya will forever remain far much bigger than any one single tribe, an individual or even a political party affiliation. © 2013 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

A PEACEFUL ELECTIONEERING PERIOD WILL BE DETERMINED BY YOU AND ME: PERIOD!

2013-01-07T06:55:00.001-08:00

It is time every sane man and woman calling himself/ herself a true Sabaot rise up against a bunch of well known 'mafias' who are out there again; arming our vulnerable youths so they can slain, maim, murder and terrorize every breathing soul in the mountain. We must vehemently condemn such insane, inhumane, retrogressive and barbaric gestures orchestrated and perpetrated by our very own whose exaggerated love for self is both demeaning and astonishing! Just the other day, our awe-inspiring and elegant Mountain witnessed horrendous 'escapades' stirred and directed by a bunch of a merciless, ruthless and 'blood-thirsty' brainwashed idlers. Surely we do not want to see a repeat of the same, do we? We are tired to the borne with these senseless killings and the 'war lordship' tag every prospective Mount Elgon Parliamentary Seat Aspirant is eagerly embracing. Such methodologies ought to be buried in the icy past and replaced with a splendid wave of democracy enshrined in the rule and respect of the law; in retrospect, abiding by the rules governing human rights and most vital, coupled with an eternal urge to wholeheartedly, selflessly and genuinely condone 'political tolerance'. It is time we shun such divisive tactics employed by shrewd, sly and corrupt politicians. It is time to 'police' our Motherland effectively by naming and shaming any shady deals between the remnants of the 'boys' and their financial benefactors. It is indeed time we smoke the public 'enemy' and cast him/ her into the political dustbin for years and years to come! A people divided will inevitably fall united. That said, the back stop at us: you and me! Let's walk the talk in every tiny village, in every mad house; preaching peace and psyching our people to say a fat, round NO to politically motivated skirmishes. I have forwarded my deeply felt concerns to the authorities in Mount Elgon and they have assured me they are following up on the matter. In the meantime, I urge all the aspirants to unite our people, refrain from making inflammatory remarks and denounce barbaric formulas of playing their 'dirty politics'. ©2013 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

THE PLIGHT OF THE MARGINALIZED SABAOT COMMUNITY IN REGARD TO MARCH 4TH GENERAL ELECTIONS

2013-01-05T06:01:00.003-08:00

Under three Months time only and Sabaots (one of the marginalized communities in Kenya), will cast their most crucial vote alongside other Kenyans. Just like previous elections, it will be with mixed feelings: with only a single representative in the Kenyan Parliament since independence, poorest infrastructure, perennial land conflicts and a horde of other challenges; ‘negotiated democracy’ is widely seen as the only way out! The community cuts across the larger Bungoma & Trans-Nzoia counties where it is seeking a political ‘walk-away’ amidst a robust, prominent and almost ‘omnipresent’ Bukusu Community: their main ‘political’ adversaries since independence! Indeed, the two shares an icy past which has spring forth ugly and deadly confrontations that either of them are not anticipating and are more than willing to prevent from ever happening again. Land-based conflicts have been a common phenomenon in Kenya since the pre-colonial days. Community conflicts and violence have erupted over land and associated resources in different parts of the country, particularly between agriculturalists and pastoralists, resulting into the loss of many lives, massive destruction of property and livelihoods, population displacements and human rights violations. Indeed, analysts generally agree that the unresolved land question was at the root of the unprecedented violence that rocked the country in the aftermath of the disputed December 2007 elections, not least because the violence was most widespread and intense in the Rift Valley region, where the land question has been most intractable. Yet, the rhythmic nature of land-related violence, often coinciding with general elections and other critical moments in Kenya’s national politics, indicate that there may be more to it than just land disputes or pure inter-community hatred. Indeed, it points to a possible political motive for the chaos. This is borne out by the fact that in some instances, state agencies have been implicated in the conflicts, while in others the state has remained ambivalent It will be worthwhile to note that after Kenya’s Independence, the government did not have a national policy on the rights of the marginalized and the minority. In the Kenyatta Administration, the government displaced Sabaots and resettled the Bukusus because Sabaots were thought to back the defunct Kenya African Democratic Union and Bukusus supported Kanu. The subsequent move by the government to displace the Sabaots who were then in KADDU while the Bukusus supported Kanu led to the first clashes and to a broader extend; all the troubles and successive wrangles (the worst being 1992 clashes) that tore down the once firm fabric of trust the two communities had enjoyed for years on end! Today Endebess, Saboti & Mount Elgon Constituencies are perceived to be Sabaots strongholds (that is as far as history is concerned). Truth is, apart from Mount Elgon where outright win is guaranteed, Saboti & Endebess has registered an overwhelming number of voters from the Bukusu Community! For Bukose (Endebes) & Jonas Kugo (Saboti); both of which hails from the larger Sabaot community, it is going to be tough walking-good the ‘tight-rope’ held firmly by the ever-domineering Bukusus. Despite the fact that countless meetings (both in the night and day) have been held, schemes lay down and strategies established: the looming distrust that has withstood the test of time is undeniably holding every Sabaot hostage. The whole community is apparently faltering in its shaky political steps; in the horns of dilemma and uncertain of what will become of their candidates come March 4th 2013. For the time being, every Sabaot can only watch: their ‘third eyes and ears’ ever alert; eager, uncertain, impatient and hopeful perhaps! More so, they have another hope: the back up enshrined in the constitution which safe-guards the interests of the Kenyan Communities Categorized as ‘marginalized’ and/ or ‘minority’. Will the government ensure justice is done to such ‘marginalized’ communities? Time will tell. For now, it is the government’s duty to protect every single Kenyan: marginalized or not, whether in ‘would-be-political-marriages’ or not; simply put, come 4th March 2013, every Sabaot and Bukusu will peaceful cast their votes in favor of their favorite candidates (since it is their democratic right anyway) and be able to co-exist peacefully thereafter! -Kaptama, Mount Elgon © 2013 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

I HONESTLY KNOW, CHILD

2012-12-29T06:45:00.003-08:00

I KNOW, CHILD... All night long, I will keep wondering why you are bound not to ask why, Why the huge smile from my heart, Why the bliss, the secret peace whose slap will always come strong? Why the worry, Though miles away, Any time wrinkles of sadness forms in your gorgeous face, Or when the slap of the world, Leaves a bruise in your heart, Why mine shadow now cares so much about the sly wind, So it might not suddenly blow your way, And leave you a mark, So it will steal the warmth, And deny you the peace of the heart, Emily. *** In-between the syllables of this poem, Mine soul keeps embracing a stranger, An alien whose shadow I have sniffed, Wrestled with numerous bargains… Of the worries that come with the distance, the space between an aging man and his beloved Emily, that keeps growing unfriendly each minute… Yet I know you wouldn’t ask why I will even sacrifice the atonements, Skip the feasts, and prefer the silent moments, Wiping away tears from imaginary eyes, Lighting the candles, So the blanket of night, Will not cover your rays of hope, And make you cry! *** “I am more than ready, though,” says his shadow, Inside- It knows it will be a bed of roses and thorns, Innocent laughter of her great eyes, Its pleasing echo, That will ring in the ears of its heart for ages: Inside-It knows even if she dares not to shun its humble gesture, It will be so long a journey, With cordial embraces, coldest handshakes, There will be times so hard, Grandpa, You will wish you were never set forth; So, you will cry and cry and cry, Fall into the arms of fate, Recalling those would-be indispensable minutes, Yearning for those moments, Yet another retreat, To where you are bound to start from, Inside- It knows – so you should, Emily. The fierce army in-waiting will be there, Slowly engaging in a conspiracy, To bring demise to your would-be joyous days, So strong they will come, With subtle, unkind tell-tales, But inside, It knows, your love will be bold, Fenced with a fabric of passion, coated with a firm volition Of never despairing! You will go past the obstacles, the darkest of the moments, Through the narrowness of lady luck, Abreast the inner passion, That will fight for your love, You will together untie the knot of pessimism, And wear the white robe, Plausible ray of light, In the depths of darkness! © Cheruo Levi Cheptora

AN OPEN LETTER TO MWAI EMILIO KIBAKI

2012-12-29T05:56:00.003-08:00

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki (born 1931) ushered in an era of change upon his election, pledging to restore his country's economy and wipe out government corruption. Kibaki succeeded President Daniel arap Moi, under whom Kibaki served as vice - president. Moi took office in 1978 and remained in office for 24 years. Kibaki launched his campaign for the presidency in 1992, when the Kenyan constitution first allowed opposition parties to participate in the country's government. After two unsuccessful bids, Kenyans overwhelmingly elected him to the post in 2002. Unlike during Moi’s era when looting of public coffers was rampant, large-scale and solely centred around the Moi’s family & his notorious cronies like Total Man; your tenure in office only did managed to register a handful of vices of that nature notably the Anglo Leasing Scandal, Grand Regency Scandal, land grabbing’s here and there and well, of course we cannot forget the mysterious disappearances of Forms 16 A when Kivuitu Failed to Tell the nation who had won the 2007 General Elections! Sir, remember forty two tribes elected you unanimously back in 2002. They cared the least whether you were from the ever mighty MUMBI house or not. They simply believed in you. Down the line, it is alleged that you wholeheartedly, helplessly and willingly embrace your ‘own’. Those cronies that have always surrounded you ensured the National Cake was distributed disproportionally towards their own (e.g. funding massive infrastructural projects in Thika, Gatanga and many other parts in Central Kenya). We saw this and we were not happy. We never celebrated when your office ensured every successive list of Prospective Public Servants had a majority of names from the MUMBI house. And that is why many of us chose not to vote for you in 2007! More vital, Kenyans will never forget witnessing you promulgating the New Kenyan Constitution (20110). We heaved with ecstasy, bliss, anticipation and everyone felt a new wave of change surging in our midst! It is unfortunate that under your very watch, impunity-inspired sentiments are beginning to clot the new constitution. You and I know the County Commissioners are illegally implanted in their offices. I will forever remember your name should you rise up beyond the apparent ‘love for self’ inculcated in those around you whom are known for perennial run-away impunity, and say a FAT, ROUND NO to County Commissioners! We will be a happy lot should you help us mitigate this renewed resurgence of impunity, not forgetting the tribal hooks & animosities that currently hold us tight together! As you prepare to retire honourably, I would love to join other Kenyans in wishing you a meaningful rest. Just like an ideal coin and any normal human being, you had commendable merits and lamentable demerits. I know it is with mixed feelings you are setting out at last. Given a chance, perhaps you wouldn’t have minded ruling us for the next a hundred years, just like your peer Mugabe Robert aspires! We will miss your jokes and your level-headedness. Mama Lucy will also be dearly missed by the journalists and your staff in statehouse. May God’s mercies and graces be upon you for as long as you live! ©2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

LETS EMBRACE 2013 WITH ABSOLUTE SANITY AND SOBRIETY

2012-12-29T05:56:00.000-08:00

As we bid a solemn goodbye to the year 2012, let us include in our numerous list of resolutions for the forthcoming brand new year 2013, one most important promise: that as Kenyans, never again are we ever going to find ourselves in the murderous situation that has prevailed in the country for days on end. Never again are we going to meekly heed the preaching of hateful tribe-chiefs and ethnic lords whose massive quest is to protect their pockets by hook or crook (by using our vulnerable brothers who are jobless and without means of surviving the trying moments characterized by massive financial challenges and economic struggles). Never ever again will we allow a few politicians to set brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour and sister against sister! Yes indeed. It is time Kenyans must re-discover their uniqueness and massive potential enshrined in their diversity. It is time for Kenyans to move forward meaningfully – set the unwinding path straight than ever before and embrace political sanity and sobriety. More so, it is time we turn back to God as a nation; be prayerful, remorseful and repentantly oblige to His eternal call engulfed in kindness, love, and enormous understanding. Indeed, a nation without God is like an orphaned child – without proper upbringing and vulnerable to evils from every possible enemies and angle! It shouldn’t matter a thing the number of ministries and the burden of effecting the new constitution. It doesn’t matter the mysterious ministries of beautifying what and what that has clot and clouded the spirit of effectively and efficiently serving Kenyans for the last many years. There should be no problem either with the additional, eager and would-be ungracious pockets to stuff more millions from our public till. Or rather the heavy burden placed squarely in our heads- what is important is that we will be able to live together; just as before, as Kenyans, we are going to live like brothers and sisters! As Kenyans, we are now wiser. Soon, the ‘bad beans’ will be out in the cold. The shrewd ‘suckers’ will surely be shown the door. For long, some had abandoned their electorate. They had neglected me and you and never bothered whether our roads were passable or impassable. The poorly maintained social amenities in our neighbourhood never meant a thing to them. Many were engaging themselves in noise making sessions in parliament (instead of enacting worthy laws for our country) and enriching their families instead. Armed with a voter’s card, we are going to hire and fire! And fire mercilessly we will! Until then, let’s sharpen our appetite to usher in yet another new dawn with fresh awakening! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013! ©2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

THE RETURN OF MAYHEM IN OUR MOTHERLAND

2012-12-29T05:55:00.000-08:00

Terror, confusion, fear, trauma among other not-so-kind gestures; are the trademarks of the once dreaded S.L.D.F Militia that served as a platform for power-ascendancy back in 2007 for some local politicians. The symptoms are here yet again with severe signs exhibited in Nomorio, Gituamba, Kimobo and Kaptama (a recent attack being yesterday night). The ‘boys’ whom a number of politicians are used to arming, have loose tongues and easily let go their secret escapades and occasional dilly-dallying with a number of people long known as ‘Elgon Mafias’. I have a not-so lovely date with you once the leaked information is accredited and verified. I’ll name and shame you and forward the stunning revelations to relevant bodies. If you think you will kill, maim, torture and enslave my friends, relatives and kinsmen so you can easily walk easily the ‘tight’ rope; better think twice this time round! We are tired of these senseless killings and the terror your ‘boys’ are unleashing! More so, a close source has informed me of possible collusions between the ‘boys’ & the Security Personnel (who are apparently helpless) as the invincible enemies of the people wander around freely during the nights! Hawa majamaa waende transfer Baragoi kaa wameshindwa na kazi! Na wakome kukusanya hongo barabarani na kushika akina mama pima vijijini! ©Cheruo Levi Cheptora

LET US JUDGE EVERY ASPIRANTS ACCORDING TO THEIR PAST RECORDS SOLELY

2012-11-28T00:48:00.002-08:00

It is election season once again. A season that Kenyans always embrace with mixed feelings: a time to scramble for cash and gifts from a handful of the greatest thieves of Kenya and the would-be ‘great thieves indeed’. A time much despised and feared by ‘explorers’ who have been accidentally milking a cow they have never herd since independence; a period of imminent disaster and an ever vague tomorrow! Politicians have always known the issues that deeply concern us (including those that divides us), and will be harping on them to touch our hearts, coat our innocence with tribal goggles and woe our votes by hook or crook. Theirs will ever remain “A life time conspiracy to steal, maim, murder, live large and steal again and again!”As such, armed with our stolen money, they are more than ready to play a cruel game we’ve never mastered its unscrupulous rules! One of the long running and perennial concerns of Kenyans is the runaway corruption in our public processes. In 2002 as well as in 2007, corruption had been a key campaign issue. Already it is an issue on the lips of many politicians indicating that the coming general elections will be no different. But considering the lessons of the last 10 years, should we take mere promises and the mere mumbo jumbo to do away with corruption and other massive theft of public coffers for good? What must we do to avoid being taken for a ride by corn artists who are either deeply rooted in grand corruption or are the greatest and loudest defenders of those suspected of looting public coffers? Considering the undisputed fact that our legal system has been unwilling or incapable of delivering justice in matters of corruption for years on end, we cannot just look at convictions or lack of it, as the basis for determining people’s fitness to hold office. In other words an acquittal is not, especially in our circumstances, conclusive proof of innocence. Failure to be prosecuted should also not be the standard for determining who, from an ethical perspective, qualifies to be our leader. As Kenyans who are tired to the bone with hypocritical leadership, we need to turn a leaf in the way we elect our leaders. It is time we take an about-turn and say enough is enough. Indeed, it is time we stand united and shun every tribal hook, every single nepotism shred and set the record straight once and for all. We must examine records of every would-be political master keenly to understand what they will likely become if we give them the mandate to guard our hard-earned wealth. We must base our decisions on people’s record in shunning and fighting corruption. Mere rhetoric is not enough. An eloquent character won’t deliver us from this bondage of slavery unless his or her past is scrutinized, questioned, judged rationally and determined by a fair and just mind. Candidates should articulate what they have done and plan to do to fight corruption. We need to subject this rhetoric to their past record and assess whether it is worth believing or not. © 2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

THE TRUEST SABAOT AT HEART WHO IS MADLY IN LOVE WITH HIS COMMUNITY

2012-11-26T05:48:00.002-08:00

Exactly a year and a half today, Daniel Psirmoi, then unknown fully to me, offered to interview me as far as my first ever publication was concerned: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/245114. Many of you read the interview and this served as a milestone regarding my part-time career as an author. Daniel became a friend, almost an elder brother to me. In highs and lows, he has remained a truest friend I’ll ever have! Like to most of you, his sincerity, charisma and understanding has always remained fresh in my mind. He has proven, time and again, that he cares for our motherland...his numerous writings have helped opened a third eye and ear of our community. True, many a Sabaot can now hear and see clearly as far as matters politics are concerned. Today, I honestly must congratulate him for the achievements that he has so far registered, notably, his latest appointment as a Standard Newspaper Correspondent for Bungoma County. Daniel may God’s graces and mercies be upon you ever. Kindly surge forward meaningfully, walk the talk, and be a good ‘boy’ I have always known. As my gift, I’ll dedicate one of my forthcoming novels to you: for being a mentor, an inspiration, a motivator and above all, THE TRUEST SABAOT AT HEART WHO IS MADLY IN LOVE WITH HIS COMMUNITY! © 2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

2012-11-26T03:52:00.002-08:00

I just realized that when we stick to our ignorance as a society, clinch our 'love for self' fist, resist every sound gesture by good-willed people; then we are doomed to fail...forever, we will be dragging our heavy feet headed to nowhere in particular and inevitably, a time will come when we will wish we had rather hearken to the voice of reason....

WHO IS TO BLAME FOR MOUNT ELGON WOES?

2012-11-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

WHO IS TO BLAME FOR MOUNT ELGON WOES? Gone now are the nightmares of the horror movie stirred by One Wycliffe Komon Kirui Matakwei and his ruthless army of die-heard ‘butchers’. It is business as usual and people are going on with their normal activities. The spell-binding beauty of the Mountain is eternally irresistible once you grace the footsteps of MT. Elgon. The ever green sight is usually refreshing, welcoming and you instantly feel at home...Across the strip of forested land bordering Mount Elgon Forest Reserve, women and their children are ever busy striving to make ends meet. From Kaberwa, Kongit, Kaboywo to Kiborowa, they usually trade in charcoal (apparently the main economic activity of many a Sabaot House-wife). A Forty Five Minute journey via motorcycles from Kaptama, takes you to Kapsokwony: the Head-Quarters of Mount Elgon District. The Class-D tarmac road is of age now and the carelessly floored road is vulnerable to erosion. Commissioned back in July 2007 by President Mwai Emilio Kibaki, the then ambitious KAMUKUYWA-KAPTAMA-KAPSOKWONY-KOPSIRO-NAMWELA project is yet to be completed and has ever since been diverted to KIMILILI from Kapsokwony (courtesy of the wielders of power and run-away corrupt gestures encouraged by KUNDANI SIGNH, the contractors mandated to complete the project). Kapsokwony is now a home of Transit-Goods locomotives, occasionally criss-crossing the district in search of timber and other forest products. The once thick forest which was a home for wild-life is slowly being reduced to an expansive open land. Relatives and friends of mine have complained day in day out and even reported illegal activities as far as harvesting of trees is concerned, yet no one from the District Headquarters Offices has ever responded. Moreover, in spite of the heavy deployment and presence of security personnel in the District Headquarters, we still hear of gunmen attacks and killings of Mount Elgon Residents. Night clubs and drinking joints are now homes for these law-enforcers and their main activity has since effectively been transformed into ‘heart’ issues with locals. It is feared that on the contrary, they are siring kids and spreading STIs amongst the residents and their fellow law-enforcers instead. The grand question I have been asking myself is: who is to blame for all this mess? Who is to shoulder the woes bedevilling our beloved motherland? Indeed, like they usually say, time will tell! For the time being, man must live!!! ©2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

CRY THE MOST BELOVED MAMA (KENYA)

2012-11-21T07:52:00.001-08:00

First, came the PEV after the contested elections of 2007, killing close to one and a half thousand innocent Kenyans. Exactly seventy two hours later, following the unceremonious announcement of the presidential elections: mother Kenya descended into untold chaos. Trauma embraced every soul. Mother Kenya (considered one of the most stable and economically developed states in Africa), was on the verge of tearing apart. In almost every corner of the republic, neighbour turned against neighbour. Old scores were settled with machetes and pangas. Across the awesome land, beyond the spell binding and beautiful highlands; rapes, mutilations and communal violence gripped the country with such awesome might. Children were orphaned, neighbours were pulled apart, and friends were separated. Couples were disunited and thousands lost what they had called home all their miserable years here on earth. Communities lost trust it had on each other. Marriages were forcibly broken. A robust economy was hence dealt a severe body blow; it will take years, blood and sweat to recover. Then there was the Mungiki menace, the subsequent extra-judicial killings and the dreadful S.L.D.F Militia which embarked on a killing spree, butchering fellow tribesmen, drinking their blood and eating parts of their bodies... The world watched, we waited, time tickled, passing by carelessly and uncaring and still; we were proud to be Kenyans: we hoisted the national flag happily and sang the national anthem with exaggerated enthusiasm. We continued priding in our leadership and hoped for the better. Nearly five years down the line, Al-Shabab descended upon our ‘haven of peace’, spreading terror, shelling buildings, and denying our economy a chance to flex its muscles through tourism and other vital activities. What started as rag tag army in Somalia was slowly revolutionizing into a sophisticated guerrilla outfit. True, it was believed to be sending the government security personnel into desperation as they chase what could only be declared as “shadows of invincible enemies of the people.”It was well equipped and fully backed by the residents of Somalia. The inevitable ‘Operation Linda Nchi’ came with mixed fortunes: the world now thinks we are a little safer (that they can trade freely without worrying about their precious necks), yet still their sympathizers are sending shivers across the peace-loving nation as they bomb churches, Matatus, business premises and hell knows where else! Just a few days ago, the Samburu Bandits claimed close to fifty security personnel in what has been described as the worst fatal ‘mission-impossible’ ever undertaken by our Police men and women! We are getting used to it, or so it may seem. Deaths of innocent Kenyans under the now ever-cruel and merciless arms of Al-Shabab, bandits, and armed robbers and law-breakers; doesn’t stifle any one anymore. It’s so natural and the government machinery seems helpless, or even unwilling to lift their ‘burden –loaded’ fingers. Talk of the symptoms of the end of the world or simply a society gone t0 the dogs...whichever the case, we must think hard as a nation and embrace sanity and sobriety! © 2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

TALK OF BAD MOTHERS, BAD FATHERS, BAD BOYS AND GIRLS OF 21ST CENTURY

2012-11-16T00:38:00.000-08:00

Unlike back in my village, the people of Rangwe, Homabay; appeared disciplined, organized and culture-sensitive lot during the day we arrived to mourn the father of our fellow comrade sometime last year. It had been a long, tiresome and sombre journey...True, Luos do respect the dead and normally accord them a descend send off, a nd so are many other African Communities. Having subsequently attended a handful of other burial ceremonies of friends and relatives(including that of my late grandfather two months ago) back in my motherland (Mount Elgon), I came to realize the exaggerated extend to which my community has gone in trampling down its culture and esteemed norms. Respect for the dead is no longer a concern and mourning has been since effectively replaced with a celebration that never ends until the deceased has been laid down to rest. People are usually all over the compound. Dozens of bulls are slaughtered; wines and spirits (in our case, Chang’aa & Busaa) are normally in abundance. And so are delicious meals. The relish is eternally awesome, yet grown ups usually fight over left-over’s and wrestle still over Busaa & Chang’aa, day in day out! During the night, young and old, parents and their children usually demand for secular music (after which they dance, wiggle their buttocks and shake their bodies); some drink themselves stupid and engage in sexual activities in the fool glare of the moon and kids will be sired moths later… It is always a battle to flex ones sinful muscles and outwit each other when all they ought to do, is to mourn their beloved and offer them their last respect! It seems in the end that friends and relatives usually come in the hope of confirming whether the deceased is really dead or had just fabricated the whole thing. Others wail bitterly, and then in the darkness, scream that such was a gentle riddance! Others are normally busy distributing the few belongings of the departed amongst themselves, fighting over the same and hell knows what else! After the inevitable send off, life is bound to go on normally. Nobody cares anymore. And they will forget about it and still, yearn for yet another burial ceremony, for yet another night-adventure, for yet another chance to flex their sinful muscles! ©2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora

THE ‘TRIBAL’ FACTOR IN USA-OBAMA RE-ELECTION

2012-11-07T00:22:00.000-08:00

America has ever since pride itself in exceptional democratic credentials, maximum ‘tribal’, sorry, racial tolerance, nobility, and civilization...the just concluded elections have accidentally unearthed fissures and in effect, showed that the mighty nation (just like most of African & Asian nations), is also capable of flexing its ‘tribal’ muscles! Republican Mitt Romney is on record for “winning the votes of white male and female voters in what has been a ‘bitter’ desire to dislodge President Barack Obama, but among all other ethnic groups, Romney did trailed by large margins”, according to a Reuters/Ipsos exit poll on Tuesday. The Report further asserts that: “White male voters chose Romney by about a 20-point margin, while white female voters favoured the former Massachusetts governor by more than a 10-point margin, according to the poll.” More so, Black-Americans and other ‘non-natives’, notably Americans of Mexican Origin, did casted their votes in favour of Barack Obama Husein! The helpless disenchantment amongst ‘American Natives’ has since been prevalent since it emerged that Obama will carry the day once again! The Multi-Dollar-Billionaire, Trump, has tweeted his resentment and regretted the American’s Big Decision. “The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy”, read one of the tweets. “Our nation is now in serious & unprecedented trouble...like never before.” Read another tweet. While ‘pure whites’ are mourning, the other lot are celebrating and are happy to give Obama yet another chance to write ‘every perceived wrong’ and fulfil the many promises Democrats have been pinning down by hook or crook! Here in Kenya, mixed feelings have greeted the grand news. However, it is evident that a majority are happy to see one of their ‘own’ again in the most respected seats in the world. For the time being, we can only hope...we kindly wish him all the best! Bravo thumps up, kudos Mr. President! ©2012 Cheruo Levi Cheptora