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US couple reunited with 1940s love letters - Americas - Al Jazeera English

2013-01-07T13:59:00.001-08:00

US couple reunited with 1940s love letters - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Romney pulls a sterling performance to emerge second in Kogelo polls

2012-11-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

Republican hopeful Mitt Romney put up a spirited fight to emerge second in the just concluded presidential elections in Kogelo, Kenya.

In what would have been an Obama walkover following the tilted pitch in his favour, Romney surprised many when he polled twelve votes against his erstwhile opponent Barack Obama. Obama who carried the day with a massive win of 143 votes in the Electoral College is said to have fought hard to shrug off a possible Romney close.

It is not lost on many a Romney supporter though that Obama enjoyed undue advantage in almost all fronts. First, Kogelo, the political battleground is technically Obama’s backyard, him having had his father born in this village and two, he, Obama having planted vegetables in one of the gardens when he visited in 1987 while tracing the roots of his father.

Romney acknowledges his supporters in Kogelo

It is said the vegetable Obama planted has some kind of half life tendencies which make it survive generations and could therefore last more than Obama’s second term. The tradition among the locals is that it’s only the grower of such seed who can terminate the life of the plant through a ritual. For now, Obama is back to Washington for business and talk of a ritual may have to come after the second term. It therefore goes that since almost all the voters in the state had partaken of the vegetable, they were bound by the vegetable juice to pay homage to the owner, only traced to Obama’s hands.

Secondly, the resistant and somewhat hostile environment which the polls were conducted made it almost impossible for Romney supporters to do business freely and display their unwavering support for the Republican contender. This was further compounded by the electoral queue system which had a black man guiding Republican voters. This, of course was uninviting for white voters.

Obama celebrates election victory with family.

Despite these shortcomings, Romney fought a good fight to scoop the swing states which added up the numbers to twelve. The swing states are largely made up of disenchanted voters who feel Obama’s policies have not had any positive impact in their lives. These states included Kogello Kar wang, Kogelo McOnyango and Koger Kogelo. The voters in these states differ with Obama’s policies particularly on healthcare, famously dubbed Obamacare. This, they noted that despite the positive nature of this policy, their states had not been considered for the same owing to the relative distance from Kogelo, Obama’s campaign headquarters and home.

Obama’s failure to visit these swing states in his first term was also his undoing. Residents observed that Obama had only concentrated his efforts in his home state-Kogelo with just a single visit to Koger Kogelo in 2010.

Additionally, Obama’s rather liberal attitude on marriage, family, don’t say don’t tell and contraceptives became Romney’s cake. The swing states, largely considered conservative were critical of Obama’s policies on these issues terming them as foreign and evil. Romney who came in as the Mormon man of cloth and defender of marriage as God’s design of man and woman found comfort in these states thus a twelve vote win.

Romney though conceded defeat after hope waned following a major loss from one of the swing states, Koger Kogelo once considered a red state.

London is Burning, Anyone out There?

2011-08-10T01:51:00.000-07:00

A disgruntled man sets himself ablaze in Tunisia and the whole country erupts into a frenzy which ultimately dethrones an African despot-Ben Ali.

Shortly thereafter the Saharan heat is felt across Egypt. Tahrir Square captures world attention as Egyptians pour out in hosts into the streets. In a matter of days another African strong man tumbles from body and soul and finds himself in a cage en route Police Academy to answer to charges.

Libya picks the cue and the Maghreb is now on fire. This proves to be an acid test as the King of the North and de facto financier of the African Union spells doom upon protesters as he opens fire and condemns them as cockroaches. The UN intervenes courtesy of NATO. Rain, rain and rain as NATO deploys its military might to oust this man seen by many as friend and foe in equal measure. As we go to press, the Libya Affair has turned into Obama’s war as Iraq and Afghanistan was Bush’s.

A Divided Vote

Meanwhile, across the Mid East, the desire for regime change gathers momentum as Syria, Jordan and Bahrain enter the fray. The resistance proves tough as the Arab iron fist rulers stamp their authority. Many lose lives as the UN Security Council is divided on how to word its condemnation particularly of the Syrian president Assad. Russia and China, they of ‘non-interference’ policy keep their cool and US’s ally in the East-Saudi Arabia fires the first salvo in the region condemning Assad of unacceptable crimes. The Security Council is torn apart.

For long, and perhaps traditionally, protests, looting and all acts ‘short of civility’ blended with heavy handedness from government has been a preserve of the third world. The developed world must always stand up to condemn this. It is very important indeed that a genuine friend points out your fault.

Enter London

Perhaps it was unfathomable that such riots reserved for LDCs could find way in Capitals of the developed world. Yes, sometimes choose who and how to condemn. This is the third day running as England battles with the reality of a citizenry running amok in the streets of Tottenham, London Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol. Looting and destruction of property are the major highlight of these riots. Though the rioters are not calling for regime change as is the case in most Middle East and North African cases, it is evident that these protests share a lot in common.

An Angry and a Hungry Lot

The citizenry in the Middle East and Africa for example rose up after many years of repression and denial of many basic rights. The London case is not much different in the sense that the citizenry here have also suffered a sense of inequality but suppressed through hospitality and well orchestrated public relations schemes to portray these countries as no problem regions of world. Interestingly, the protesters in London seem to have changed course from a protest into a looting spree each one helping his or herself with a find. This is clearly indicative of not only an angry people but a more hungry lot than seen before in Europe.

London is burning. Who will fetch the engine, pour on water and offer a hand of help? Who will stand up to condemn what is happening in this once universal empire?

None perhaps is indispensable.

The Death of the Paper, the Ethical Question and The Murdoch Effect

2011-07-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU AND GOODBYE, was News of the World’s flashy headline as it bowed out. In a characteristics picturesque outlook reminiscent of olden day yellow journalism, the paper bade bye to its loyal and sometimes irked readers and to the public at large after 168 years of concerted effort to satisfy its readership.

News of the World, one of Britain’s most selling daily and News International’s stable came tumbling from body and soul on July 3, 2011 rendering jobless 200 employees and a readership torn apart, the circumstances surrounding its closure notwithstanding.

It was the death of the paper for more ways than one. This has been the paper which has dominated the UK market for many years rubbing shoulders with many a people in the land from celebrities, politicians and all the high and mighty not only in the UK but borders beyond. However, what came up as a shocker to many were revelations that the paper has not only been snooping into private affairs of individuals but hacking on phones of victims of violence- classical being 13-year-old Milly Dowler who had been murdered.

The Ethical Question

NoW has for long spurred a lot of debate in the UK and the US on media laws, ethics and regulation. The debate has been a healthy one because the UK houses of parliament have been forced to engage in a national discourse on matters of privacy, breach of confidence and related areas as contempt of court. When the UK parliament tabled the white paper courtesy of Lord David Calcutt in 1990, one of the motivating factors was a result of complaints about breach of privacy, harassment of individuals, inaccurate reporting and intrusion. NoW largely did not escape mention. This debate was the closest the UK got to legislating on privacy, a worrying trend in am democratic society.

The Murdoch Effect

For a long time, Rupert Murdoch has literally been the man behind the throne in the UK and across the Atlantic-The US. A number of Murdoch's outlets have always served as propaganda machines advancing rightist ideologies-a case in point being Fox News which has been the Republican Party's public relations tool though of late it seems to be moving far right developing warmer relations with the Tea Party in the US. Back in the UK, News International, a franchise of the mother company News Corp. has over the time enjoyed very close ties with UK premiers from Margret Thatcher to later day establishments.

A look at News Corp's outlets shows how much Murdoch has influenced not only those in power but also people from diverse backgrounds globally. A quick search points out the following: 9 satellite TV networks, 100 cable channels, 175 newspapers, 40 book imprints, 40 TV stations and 1 movie studio. The effect of this empire translates to the following: US Tv newtworks have an estimate outreach of 280 million people, 300 million people by the Asian satellite network while cable channels reach 300 million homes. Murdoch wraps it up with a magazine outreach of 280 million people.

What do all these translate to? The Murdoch empire commands an audience which three quarters of the world population-4.7 billion people.

The collapse of the Empire?

Following the revelations by its rival, The Guardian that News of the World reporters have been engaging in unethical ways by hacking into people's private conversations, the House of Lords has summoned News Corp's proprietor Rupert Murdoch, Chairman James Murdoch and News International's Rebekah Brooks to appear before the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee. With these developments, Murdoch has humbly eaten the pie and closed News of the World, surrendered his bid for UK's most profitable media outlet BSkyB and seems indicative of parting ways with his other papers-The Times, The Sun, and The Sunday Times. There is already a build up of pressure across the Atlantic that News Corp could face prosecution under Federal law based on The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) which outlaws the bribery of foreign officials.

A Call for Media Regulation?

A glance at some of the reactions in Britain following what has now been loosely termed as The Watergate -scale' scandal is quite telling about how much Murcdoch's empire is shaping the British media industry. Deputy Premier Nick Clegg has called for a "fundamental reform" of the British media, based on the principles of "freedom, accountability, plurality", and independent regulation of the press. This is likely to bring into light once more the role and capacity of the Press Complains Commission, an independent newspaper and magazine regulatory body.
Ironically, Murdoch has also sucked in the House of Commons regarding its constitutional authority to summon non UK citizens to appear before it.
Whatever the direction this case takes, a fall or a dent on Murdoch's empire will greatly define the future of the media industry in the UK.

Of Illegal Vows and a Call for a Retake

2011-07-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

A retake in marriage for ages remains a no (wo) man's wish even when a life of bliss is forthcoming and an assurance given that old habits will no longer die hard.
This, no longer a wished away dream is slowly becoming a reality in Uganda as the governement declared many marriages null and void. That the many an institution of marriage is an illegality and therefore do not command any legal standi in the event of contestation by any of the parties to the marriage including on property is the more disturbing development among some Ugandan couples.

Null and Void

The development came up when the state registrar of marriages announced recently that a number of church ministers had celebrated marriage without any legal authority, and that their religious institutions had not been licensed to conduct such activities.
However, speaking to BBC's Focus on Africa programme, Pastor Joseph Serwadda chairman of the Born Again Pentecostal churches in Uganda noted that the church's mandate to unite two in marriage is a divine act from God and therefore a preserve of the church. "There is nothing like null and void - they are only null and void as far as the law is concerned, but as far as the Bible is concerned the marriages happened," he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.

Fresh Vows

Throwing the spanner into the works is Bishop Grabe Illukol from Tororo who says he has conducted over 600 marriages in a span of four decades as a church minister. However he admits, that for all this time, he had been issuing church cerfiticates which the registrar of marriages says do not have any legal standing thus annulling the marriages.

Though the Bishop agrees with the state on the legality of the marriages and calls on all the affected to take the vows afresh, his dilemma, he says is the fate of those couples who've died over time. More still, taking vows afresh perhaps is not just a simple legal process but a challenge to the soul and self. How for example does this man of God intend to reconcile couples who've over the time lived not to the first vow however illegal it may have been?

Of a Humiliation Reserved not for a President

2011-04-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

When you are weaker, never fight for honor’s sake; choose surrender instead. Surrender gives you time to recover, time to torment and irritate your conqueror, time to wait for his power to wane. Do not give him the satisfaction of fighting and defeating you – surrender first. By turning the other check you infuriate and unsettle him. Make surrender a tool of power. Law 22: Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power

Smoked Out
The drama which rocked Gbagbo's bunker could not be over emphasised. Perhaps Robert Green and Joost Elffers in 48 Laws of Power captures the intentions and soul of this former troubled Professor of Political Science turned failed president.
How else can you describe a man short of strategy and exposed to the vagaries of a world out to condemn him for his illegitimate stay in power?
After months of whirlwind diplomacy by many a diplomats in Africa and international pressure, the man behind a cloudy throne was smoked out like a run away terrorist wanted for crimes of international degree.
This Man Gbagbo
Now of interest perhaps is no longer what happened thereafter though the very compromising state in which he was caught is rich fodder for the gossip columns.
What endears one though is what makes a man of Gbagbo's ilk degenerate as low as he sunk to defend an already lost throne? It's quite illuminating perhaps to understand what kind of a man this man Laurent "Cicero' Gbagbo is.Cicero, a nickname given to him during his hey days in Sobornne University for his love of Latin.
Skillful Wheeler-dealer
A skillful politician for some, a wheeler-dealer for others, Gbagbo cut his teeth as a trade union leader, an astute academic before plunging into politics. As the Texans say what goes around comes around, Gbagbo's fate was to befall him later in life after muzzling the national assembly to extend his term limits in 2002. This man has been described in many circles in a myriad of ways but perhaps The Telegraph captures it well in this description: A skilled orator who likes to play the man of the people, shedding suits and ties for African shirts, Mr Gbagbo conceals a ferocious will behind an affable exterior.

Law 24 : Play the Perfect Courtier
Indeed though he came tumbling from body and soul during that afternoon of reckoning, Gbagbo mastered Robert Greene's sets of laws; The perfect courtier thrives in a world where everything revolves around power and political dexterity. He has mastered the art of indirection; he flatters, yields to superiors, and asserts power over others in the most oblique and graceful manner. Learn and apply the laws of courtiership and there will be no limit to how far you can rise in the court.

Law 30 : Make your Accomplishments Seem Effortless
Perhaps the wish of every man is that the next person is stupider, and maybe that kept Gbagbo going strong even when the whole world including the United Nations acknowledged his bitter arch rival Alassane Ouattara as president. He kept his faith even when his chances of ever walking a free man once again dwindled. Save for the counsel (of the wicked) his wife, this man seems to have struck a deal with destiny.

The question oft disturbing is, what makes a man at the apex of his life's achievement so obstinate and obdurate to a point when the same things he endeared himself to as a budding politician sound like a gong at the back of his head? It's quite ironical to see a president once enjoying the lavishness of power and all that be reduced into a powerless state suggestive of an urchin under mercies of pedestrians.
Only he/she who has trudged this path before understands it better.

Of a Beleaguered President and Desperate Lot

2011-02-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

What becomes of a leader who can't read the signs on the wall? How else can you redeem a besieged man courtesy of his own (in)actions? For a long time especially in continental Africa, presidents have made a habit of imposing themselves on their subjects and having their way without much struggle.

Not Anymore
Gone were those days. Times have changed. Anybody who doubts this should cast an eye on the North and ask not if one of Africa's longest serving(dictating) despots will ever see this weekend or worst tomorrow in the throne.
One of the interesting part of this African story is that presidents stick to power, become so unpopular that when time draws nigh for their forceful exit, their closest of liutenants shun them, castigate their actions, join the rebelling force and pave way for the president's exit.
The examples range from Tunis, Egypt and now Libya.

Of a story with a homeward stretch
Does this narrative sound familiar to the Kenyan scenario? Indeed yes and real. Kenya's even worse. For the three African presidents recently deposed, their cumulative time in office comes to 93 YEARS .For president Kibaki, two terms have made him out of touch with his Justice Minister, Attorney General, Judiciary and obviously the larger public. This is a president whose cards have been exhausted and the last he remains with is a Jocker which of cause salvages not a cards player. The man perceived years ago as a likely master of the chase game has lost it all and employs the last of the tactics available for a man under siege, under the guidance of a desperate lot crying foul of framing by an international court.
Any way out?
What Mr.Kibaki would you consider the best option to deal with this impasse as an individual? I see it this way, that perhaps for the umpteenth time you came to the public to raise your concern about the speaker's ruling, you seemed not yourself. Help, somebody is ensnaring the president, boxing him into a corner, left to throw harmless kicks which cannot even scare a coward opponent.

Watch, Mr. President, hear Mr.Kibaki, feel the mood Mzee and strike that last gentleman's cord with destiny and allow reason and the law to carry the day.

The fellows you sent your ever fidgetty assitant, Kalonzo to beg support against ICC are leaving the stage very frustrated, ashamed and sad. Gadaffi, Mubarak and southern Africa's shame, Mugabe are very disturbed men. You do not want to join their league.

A President confounded by realities of a new constitution he proclaimed in August 2010.

Ruto's attempts to Dethrone PM Misplaced

2011-02-24T05:34:00.001-08:00

Days, and years were when boardroom coups was common day in this country. Self-styled politicians and corporate leaders had developed a rather homegrown solution of dethroning those they found unfit or 'unfriendly' for the positions they held. Notable institutions notorious for this kind of practice was the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce which had come of age in this art.

Last week, politicians, and musketeers allied to Eldoret North MP William Ruto came up with a wild idea of deposing the Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the Prime Minister leave alone party leader on account that he no longer commands political auuthority in the House. The last time one bothered to check with the registrar of parties, one found that all these guys shouting at the top of their voices were still members of the very political party they so distance themselves from like plaque. Theoretically ODM, based on the registrar's understanding is the party with the most number of seats in the 10th parliament thus to insinuate that the prime minister does not enjoy a sizeable backing from the house is fallacious.

Numbers, yes, but.....
In practice, the prime minister has been orphaned a great deal since parting ways with with his earstwhile political foe, William Ruto. The latter claims to command a good number of MPs both from ODM and PNU. That, he says is the numbers. It is on this ground therefore that Ruto believes he has the audacity to dethrone Raila from premiership. What this bunch of renegade forces forget is that the Prime Minister's office is an office set under constitution (National Reconcilliation Accord Act).

Kick him as Party Head but not PM
It follows therefore that Ruto's (or his stalwart's) attempts are futile and only take a man who's just landed in the planet to do so. They can perhaps marshall the numbers, if their claim is true, and eject the premier from his position as party head.

Word of advice
The political machinations against the premier courtesy of Ruto and PNU hypocrites, which by and large has the blessings of Kibaki are tunnel visioned and ill informed. Leave the party, seek a fresh mandate and come back. Acquaint yourselves with The Political Parties Act ladies and gentleman.

Dear Mr. President Kibaki

2011-02-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

What, Mr. President is the measure of an educated man? His mastery of his mother tongue, civility, adherence to set standards? Or perhaps ability to articulate issues and present a sober judgment based on an informed decision? Could it be a good legacy for you?To many, these among others could form a bench mark.
Of a rushed decision, roadside declaration
Last week, Mr. President, shortly before you left for Addis Ababa for the AU summit, you scribbled a paper and there we were with the Attorney General, Chief Justice, Director of Public Prosecution and Controller of Budget (all these, provisional). Even before you settled to breath the Abyssinian air, there was hue and cry from many quarters in this country from friend and foe alike. They said you never followed the spirit and letter of the constitution. That you were not faithful to your pledge you made on August 27, 2010 at Uhuru Park.
One thing I understand and would not easily fault you for is that you had a tough date with IGAD heads of states shortly before you proceeded for the AU summit. You had to dangle the carrot in order to sell an idea (described in many quarters as archaic, quite unpalatable and in-congruent with the signs of time). Nonetheless though, you just had to. You had to convince your fellow heads of states that a deferral from the ICC would be a better option for Kenya and the only tinge of evidence that you would be a trustworthy player was to inform them you had even gone ahead, appointed new constitutional office holders, hitting the road for judicial reform to handle the ICC matter.
New Wine, old wine skin
However, what you seemed to have forgotten is that your actions could only have been acceptable if we were operating under the Lancaster Constitution. You did not, or perhaps your henchmen forgot that we had already proclaimed a new instrument of power which tilted the playing field against your actions and made despondency a fossil. Your advisers failed you a great deal sir. They never reminded you for example that the Judges had to be vetted first before any appointment. That is why you justice minister just last week republished the Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Bill 2011 and the Judicial Service Bill 2011 to pave way for this process. At best, you were overtaken by events sir. You witnessed the serving of new wine on August 27, but unfortunately, it was served on old wine skins, you been one this time barred skins. What a waste of a gem!
Lessons from the North
May this be a kind reminder to you sir that there comes a time when people can no longer fathom illicit actions and have to let out their anger. It should not be forgotten or ignored by any one of us that the developments in northern Africa and across the Arab world are not only confined to those regions. It should be an constant reminder to you sir that whereas we may not got the way of Tunisia or Egypt now, it is only a matter of time before everybody shouts at the top of their voices to your chagrin and annoyance and the best you can do would be to fold your regalia and head home wards.

A good legacy to you sir, should be the measure of an educated man.

.

What Becomes of Ex-African Leaders?

2011-02-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

Despots on the run, arrested and jailed for plunder, exile and/or death? Perhaps the list may be endless. The question still remains interesting to many an observer of this continent. It cannot and should not escape our attention as to what becomes of these men and women who serve in the highest offices of our lands. After the developments in Tunisia which saw the immediate former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali take to the skies in sojourn for refuge, it interests to do some comparative analysis.

Wanted, Warrant of Arrests
Immediately after taking off, the interim government of Tunisia issued a warrant of arrest against Ben Ali and his family for what it calls "illegal acquisition" of assets and "illicit transfers" of funds abroad.Interpol issued a global alert known as 'interpol diffusion' to member countries to locate and provisionally arrest Mr Ben Ali and six others.

Bedfellows
Ben Ali is not the only one. Other classical examples include the former Ugandan dictator Gen Iddi Amin who later died in Saudi Arabia, CAR's former dictator Jean-Bedel Bokassa and the list goes on and on. However, the most interesting could be the despots currently in power whose exit from power may not be any different from Ben Ali's. In an article, 'Worst of the Worst' Foreign Policy magazine released the list of the world's most awful tyrants and without doubt (politics of magazine's origin aside), out of twenty three autocrats, thirteen are from African nations.
Write books, Build a Library and Leave a LegacyWhile comparison with their peers for example in the US may not be scientific, it is though refreshing to do so. Most, if not all former American presidents resign to writing memoirs, setting up charities and world class libraries for use by generations after.In the fullness of time, some of these libraries and foundations are handed over to The National Archives for example The Nixon Presidential Library. Though former president George W. Bush may have left office when ratings were all time low,The George W. Bush Presidential Library is currently on course coupled with a memoir.
Indications
The current wave sweeping through the Mahgreb region is indicative of a despotic nature of governance which has become characteristic of the African continent for eons. Perhaps this justifies why some of these leaders cannot engage in worthy causes other than fight of litigations, take flight to nowhere in search for refuge or live in solitude for fear of recrimination.

Ironically, most of these leaders enjoy world class treatment while in power, operating on run-away budgets at the expense of desolate and impoverished citizenry. Towards the end, it dawns on them that they may have to spend the rest of their lives very troubled. It's no wonder some of them succumb to death whilst in power for reasons sometimes seen as combined spell.

The Rise of the Incumbents

2011-01-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

The recent developments in Ivory Coast, formerly one of Africa's bread basket, with attendant countries such as Zimbabwe is indiacative of a return to the post colonial African struggeles which featured between the 1960 and late 80s.
It is a sad reminder and perhaps a spirited return to the dark ages of the continent shortly after the long fought for independence was attained. This was a time when the dreams of many, which had just come to view were disappearing at disturbing rates as the oligarchs who had just been weaned by the colonial master took over power.

Lessons from Previous Classes

It is perhaps interesting to note that though the tactics employed by Gbagbo do not necesarily replicate the gorilla tactics of the 70s, its inidicative of lessons learned from the over 70 coups which took place in the aforestated period strongly come in handy. The rise of the incumbents would best title this argument.

There is a growing realisation by incumbets of the need to stay another day in power to safeguard interests acquired during the (il)legimitate terms. In a bid to protect these interests-both individual and communal, they have earnestly and faithfully drawn lessons not only from fellow African heads and former but also got inspiration from such other places as Latin America.

The Three Tier Approach

The tactics takes a three tier approach: Manipulate and own the electoral stystem, terrorise and endear parliament to change constitutional provisions for extension of term limits or as a last resort, act arrogantly, throw caution to the wind and deny ever losing any elections even when the whole world is cock sure you lost the count.
The million dollar question is, did Laurent Gbagbo have to scratch his head on choice of these options? Obviously not. He only had to engage in a picky pong game, close his eyes and there he was with the third option skillfully crafted as a hybrid system by borrowing a little from the first option.

Who thou art inspired thee?

But how and where did he get this idea of sticking to power? Fellow octogenarians and faithful students of the yester year schools of politics were a great inspiration to admire. Zimbabwe, which is still grappling with a fledgling coalition governement wasn't far to draw inspiration from. However, research requires a corroborative design and to achieve this end, Kenya, the maiden example of bungled elections came in handy.
Now the irony is that the home of phony politics provides the best choice for African Union as a mediator.
Not a bad choice though as he(the Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga) can apply some of the skills by Koffi Annan to box him into a power sharing deal.

But what becomes of Africa after the Ivory Coast affair? Your guess is equally as good as mine.

Mixed Fortunes, Infidelities Unearthed and Faith Unfailling

2010-10-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

The final rescue of the thirty three Chilean miners on October 14, 2010 heralded more surprises than relief.
After seventy days underground, gambling and mastering courage from the deepest of their hearts, men of fortune finally came back to the other side of the earth where fellow human beings inhabit perhaps with a totally different world view.
It was dramatic, heart rending, chilling, ecstatic and at some point orgasmic as the world turned its attention to the plight of these miners in Latin America. The media chewed the cane hard as they tried to outdo each other and scoop the competition with the latest exclusives in what was largely seen to be a godsend fortune for ratings especially after the economic slump for the last two years.

Cameras and Notebooks on the Beat: San Jose Mine.

Media houses all over the world, especially the networks trained their cameras and notebooks on the Chilean beat for the last twenty on so days as the rescue mission intensified with the prospects of a christmas day final rescue. The small media scattered the world over relied on wire services and obviously the major networks. Breaking Story, Exclusive, became the by-word as others sexed up the story to give a much more captivating view. Ratings went high. Over 2,000 journalists descended on San Jose for real-time coverage.

Of Hidden Infidelities and the Untimely Revelation

As the miners and the rest of the world crossed their fingers on what would be one of the most unnerving experience of a lifetime, one of the miners, Yonni Barrios cursed the collapse of the mines not for the unfortunate situation he was in but because of the rat squeezing itself out of the bag. One of man's most confidential secrets(even acknowledged by the law of confidence) was about to be revealed. His wife, was to learn that her husband was not only an expansionist in search of fortunes underground but also one with an ever expeditious spirit, out to conquer the world in many ways, this time round, the power of love (or its attendant-lust).
The collapse indeed proved a (mis)fortune for families as this additional report came in: One of the 33 trapped Chilean miners will have an extra family member waiting for him when he makes it to the surface. Ariel Ticona's wife has given birth to a baby girl, the couple's third child. The couple had planned to name their first daughter Carolina but will now name her Esperenza—Spanish for "Hope."

Faith Unfailling

True to their faith and believe in super natural power, the miners kept on strong, despite the nerve chilling fear of the unknown as the clock ticked. Even they, who believed not in God may have had a chance to gamble over an unforeseen force.

Another Blow to Kenyan Justice?

2010-09-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

Kenya, or perhaps a section of governement has declared that it does not need the services of ICC after all. This comes shortly after the governement signed an agreement with the prosecutor's office at ICC which granted it (ICC) unfettered access to information, sources and victims of the post election violence(2007) in quest for the long awaited justice.
Through its justice minister, the governent has indicated that with the endorsement and subsequent promulgation of the new constitution a month ago, the government of Kenya had acquired the right and adequate instruments to met justice on its on based on the standards of the Internation Criminal Court. in what appears to be a calculated move to protect status quo or perhaps the high and mighty in and outside government, the minister noted that the Kenyan case was more complex."I am not out to undermine the ICC and its obligations, but the fact is that the Kenyan case is complex and it will be better dealt with locally," he said.
The question is, is this the final blow to attempts by ICC to hit the last nail on the coffin? Is it coincidental that Louis Ocampo, the ICC chief prosecutor is coming to town in October? Is there a conspiracy in government to frustrate Ocampo's efforts? And, doesn't this raise eye brows given that it comes barely four days after a Cabinet meeting?
All these conspiracy theories combined scare the rat out of innocent Kenyans whose property were pillaged and lives destroyed by blood letting thugs in 2007/2008 violence.

Al Jazeera English - LISTENING POST - Media spin on the Iraqi elections

2010-03-23T00:29:00.000-07:00

Al Jazeera English - LISTENING POST - Media spin on the Iraqi elections

Of Two Centres of Power and a Citizenry in Limbo

2010-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

The recent developments in Kenya pitying a frustrated prime minister and a don't care-wait and see president last this week once more opens sour and seemingly healing wounds of indifference which characterized the political aura in 2007/09.

Kenyans though are no stranger to this tussles on who exactly wields power between the president and the prime minister but a reminiscence of the post election violence a year or so ago whose memories still linger in the minds of many is the most worrying to say the least.

The country was once more treated to the theatre of the absurd, perhaps not just a fight against corruption but an indication of a spectre which has always done rounds in government circles since the signing of the now controversial National Accord which led to cessation of hostilities by both sides of the divide and an embrace of a union which still holds fragile.

The Honey Burger, ferocious snout and honey in plenty

The most disturbing thing though is not whether the prime minister acted ultra vires but the fate of corruption which remains the single most undoing bedeviling the coalition government. Many have argued against the prime minister's actions which perhaps hold water, much more corroborated by the Attorney General on whose backyard executive authority rests. This argument stands legitimate but one thing lost in the process of this argument is the fate of millions of school going children and the country's grains reserve system which is alleged to have been robbed of millions of dollars through phony practices in the parent ministry. It is also in order to appreciate that official corruption does not end there. A number of ministers and other senior officials in government corporations are on an eating spree laughing all the way to the bank and driving fuel guzzlers in the name of rewarded hard work.

Laid Back, chewing Cane and Rarely Heard

One man, suggestive of innocence seats on the fence pulling strings and lavishing the dance, not disturbed and not uttering a word safe for occasional statements issued through the official media vessel. The man is the president, Mwai Kibaki. This is a politician who has thrived for long and perhaps cherished the cancer of corporate thinking and its attendant-amnesia in Kenya. Nobody seems to be questioning his position on the fight against corruption but instead the country's attention has been diverted to the prime minister who is at pains to explain to Kenyans aspects of consultation in the coalition.

Ask this man Kibaki

It's time Kenyans demanded of political responsibility from the president since he comes in as minister number one and therefore ought to take responsibility as the PM or any other minister would. To the PM, an afternoon well spent at Nyayo stadium after cracking the whip on the two cabinet ministers and later on an official trip to Japan was the best thing to have happened to him.

A divided government, a blood boiling party serves not as the best welcome scenario for the PM from Japan. Be it as it may, your cards must always remain on your chest.

Too Early in the Day, Hat off my Head

2009-12-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Finally, the curtains have unceremoniously come down, with awe and sadness, the sun has set early in the afternoon. From this stage of life dominated not only by scribes of your ilk but also all and sundry from many a sectors in the society.
Black Saturday the 28th of November is the day when my friend, brother and confidante Wilkins alias Producer exited leaving many groping for facts about his untimely and 'unannounced' departure.
Down Memory Lane
I, fellow scribe and friend have mourned all this days but have grown and found it not only fit but also wise to celebrate you, journey with self down memory lane, share the moments despite the killing nostalgia and more so learn to make the best of this life, for short are man's days an equivalent of a passing shadow and a wilting leaf.
Dark, it Became
You endeared the qualities and virtues of a good man in this world, blooming with talent and promising to hit the skies in a while but just before that happened, the bud was nipped and like the sparrow from the skies short of breath, you came tumbling down from body and soul to the amazement and chagrin of all of us. The dreams and vision you had long ago written in the tablet of your hand had just shown signs of fruition. In the prime of your youth you had just learned the ropes of the trade and was ready to immerse yourself into the profession to prove not just your salt but also confirm God's promise of prosperity and hope. You had just realised that mention of the future had come and no more would one say to you of the old and patronising claims of the 'future leader'. You were just out to inform them, to surprise them that, that future had finally come.
Time Running out
Just before all these happened, the clock went-tick, tick, tack tock and ultimately the lights went off, the stage was deserted and many an audience were left wondering that maybe you had missed the lines, sometimes characteristic of a refined thespian. They thought you had employed many of your rib cracking ways to liven the auditorium as you would sometimes especially when you played 'Pieces of Chalk'. It was no strange to many anyway because you had invoked such before.
For the Umpteenth Time......
This, apparently was not the normal joke. It was real- the stage was to remain silent and the audiences gripped by fear, worry and gloom as they learned that it was not that you had missed the lines but that you had lost them. Your breath was no more and like orphaned children, the audience gathered in groups whispering in low tones as they tried to come to terms with the development.
To your Maker you left
Perhaps, we never knew that time was running out. Indeed for me it took long to realise that our meeting was actually crucial. We kept postponing every time, with flimsy reasons of course to support our argument. Little did I know that you were operating on borrowed time and that the bells of exit were beginning to ring from a distance. Soon the sound of the bells went high and high though not loud for me and you to hear. It was just reserved maybe for your hears only if at all you heard it at the last minute.
Then it was
Ultimately, the day of fire came and you had no option but to respond to that calling of eon which none of the mortal being can resist. The last line of the long verse was just being read, and out, you exited the stage.
To your maker you returned. Unto those left behind, we can't mourn you my friend anymore. I have learned to celebrate your life and grow stronger, learn many other lessons especially on procrastination.
Fare thee well my friend, brother and confidante.

Time or not another

2009-11-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

Kenya's moment to get a new constitution and perhaps right the wrongs commited over the years has come.
The long walk to a new constitutional dispensation is likely to come to an end if only the citizenry engage and make informed decisions devoid of political manipulation and misinformation from politicians. However, there still remains the big challenge of having Kenyans read the document within a thirty day time frame seen by many as short and likely to expose many to waylaying by politicians.
If the document comes to pass, then it will be Kenya's day of relief though not necessarily the end of the struggle.

Behold, the Day of Fire

2009-11-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

Like the angel of death in the days of yore, the ICC prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo will set foot tomorrow on Kenyan soil breathing fire and promising to devour without fear or favour to the excitement, fear and awe among all and sundry in the country.
Finally the day has come and Kenya, like a number of a handful of other world countries prepare to face the wrath of the International CriminalCourt which, in the words of the prosecutor promises to make Kenya a lesson to many across the globe.
Never before has it sounded real like today. The mood in the country ranges from excitement, to a state of mixed feeling especially given the binding loyalties, to that of fear, worry and more worry. To the suspects of the post election violence, the day of reckoning seems to have come and like many death row convicts in various prisons of the world, their date with the finisher of suspense and agony is finally here.
Even as many in government still contemplate Ocampo's decisions, views across the divide are suggestive of a country whose patience for justice seems to be running out. Ocampo's coming to the country perhaps to many is considered long overdue owing to the degree of impunity which has become synonymous with Kenya and perhaps personifies the country now than never before.
For now, crossing our fingers would be the most honourable thing to do, hoping that the President and the Prime Minister do no harbour ideas of sweet talking the man with a message from the world court.

End of the Ring-era

2009-09-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

No lettin' go, no letting' go..... but when the push persists, you got to let it go.
Indeed the man at KACC has always considered himself not just the learned man, but also Caesar's wife. However, as things seem to be, one has to learn something-that you cannot fight the wind. Even though you are being cheered to stay on the top, there comes a time when you have to loose confidence with your backers.

Think of the KACC boss Aaron Ringera whose connotation of an error seems banal to most Kenyans by now. His attempts to prove wrong parliament and the country at large seems not to be bearing fruit even though one phony minister of justice seems to be proping him day by day despite the fact that the verdict is irreversible.
Perhaps the big lesson we ought to learn even as we wait for Ringera to throw in the towel is that at all times we ought to be guided by our conscience and read the signs on the wall. To ill intentioned sycophants like Mutula Kilonzo and company, your counsel is questionable and your presence in the justice docket is a diservice to this nation, perhaps to borrow from Obama, 'you are on the wrong side of history.'

A Case of Loyalty and Sycophancy

2009-09-17T03:45:00.000-07:00

The long and winding debate over the reappointment of Justice Aaron Ringera to serve for the second five year term as KACC chair came to a tragic end yesternight when parliament handed its harshest penalty on the executive.
After protracted battles, canvassing and horse trading across the politcal divide, the House burnt the midnight oil to assert its authority and send the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission reeling in abject spirit perhaps contemplating its future.
It indeed marked the end of a debate which has also caused rage around the country with the civil society organising protests, filing suites in court and the general populace cursing from their hearts.

Breach of Law

The president though with a seemingly strong defence was humiliated and strongly criticised for breaking the law on reappointment of Ringera. Parliament was turned into a battle ground of wits as a plethora of laws and sections were reffered to by a number of members, each trying to quote and either defend or condemn the president. Legalise and all sorts of jargon surfaced the House with others crossing frontiers to borrow from the UK parliament and American Congresss for guidance. War time leaders such as Winston Churchill may have turned in their graves when mention of their actions was made.

Loyalty Versus Sycophancy

Perhaps the very interesting part of this sojourn in the House came up when some members sought the guidance of the chair on the loyalty of cabinet ministers to the president. It serves us right to recall the day when MPs were sworn in for the tenth parliament early last year. The post poll animosity was so real that some led by the current Prime Minister refused to swear loyalty to the president but rather to the constitution.
It was time once again to test this level of loyalty. Mention of the doctrine of collective responsibility by government ministers attracted the wrath of a number of ministers who sharply argued on the contrary saying that they were not ready to pay for the sins of their boss on grounds that collective responsibility does not impune collective suicide.

Semantics, Grammatical Basics and Legalise

Indeed the former minister for Justice, Constitution and National Cohesion, Martha Karua took the House through some basics in grammar on the difference between appointment and reappointment. The Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo had earlier on defended the president's decision that reappointment of KACC chair and deputies did not need direction from the advisory board and parliament as is the case with appointment. The difference between the two is pronunciation, spelling, character count. To reappoint is to appoint for the second time, the Gichugu MP informed the House.

It is in this definition that the MP declared the Justice minister and all of his camp as sycophants rather than loyalist. Loyalists, she says tell the president on the face that he is wrong while sycophants mislead him for political expediency.

Life Line Cut

The House finally decided to cut the life line of the anti graft body by blocking the minister of finance from presenting the Appropriations Bill which would have given KACC funding to the tune of 1.2 billion shillings for the next fiscal year.

Rule of Law

For a long time in Kenya, those exercising executive authority from the president and his cabinet have always broken the law whenever it suited their whims but yesterday's show in parlimanent is a warning that the rule of law must prevail at all times even if personal interest are at stake.
It is the expectation of many therefore that the tenth parliament will act in the same zeal and zest to right wrongs and guide the country towards the respect of rule of law.

A Life well Lived Maruge

2009-08-18T04:13:00.001-07:00

In obedience of age and beckoning of time, the curtains have finally come down for Kenya's oldest pupil Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge.
His demise is significant in many ways. His life and times too is significant much more perhaps than his death.
Maruge's life is a clear picture of Africa's history traversing the political, social and economic spheres. It is a life well lived but informing in many ways. His late life sojourn for knowledge is a real testimony of many Africans struggling to fulfill a life's vision which is about to be shattered by so many mitigating factors which cuts across the aforesaid spectrum.

A Reflection of Despair and Neglect

His life represents the ambitions of many a struggling lot in society which have remained a distant dream consigned to limbo by African leadership to a large extent and also Western greed and alienation which has seen many dreams shattered.

Maruge also represents the lost chance which surfaced during independence in most African countries only to disappear shortly after and in its place power, with its attendant prodigy-greed, selfishness, discrimination, paranoia and finally extermination of the shared vision which kept the freedom fighters going on in the forests of Africa.

The elite and their relatives and friends secluded themselves from the common destiny and made the African struggle a masterpiece of fiction. It is no wonder in most African elite families the liberation struggle is only revisited during national holidays marked with pomp and colour while the underlying realities are better handled as an African man's sympathy tale tell.

Hope personified

On a positive note, Marugi represents a virtue best exemplified in the undying spirit of a man trying to pursue a vision once written in the template of his heart more than eight decades ago. That he enrolled for primary school at the age of eighty five is an encouraging thing that time is no hindrance to man's achievement.
In September 2008 Marugi was in New York under the auspices of the Global Campaign for Education to address the United Nations on the importance of free primary education. With the custodians of power and authority, he shared a platform. Himself a beneficiary of free primary education, Marugi called on the UN to help some 115 million children denied education because of poverty. "To me, Liberty is going to school and learning," he said.

A Life well lived

A week ago, Marugi's candle went off after close to a century of struggle, hard work and determination chasing his dream. His travails in pursuit of a fulfilling life were halted when he finally submitted to an eternal call of nature. He had indeed lived a life worth emulating. Time could not allow him to see his dream come to pass. He had once intimated that he wanted to learn arithmetic to enable him count the money he was to receive from the British government as reparation for loss during the colonial period. He holds the Guinness World Record.

A Dream frustrated, resisted and ultimately killed

In his sunset years, Marugi lived a horrible life subjected to terror, lack and menace. He had been rendered a refugee in his own country and consigned to an internally displaced persons camp as a result of post poll violence which visited the country in 2008. Perhaps it reminded him of moments in the cold fighting the white man whom he was to take the podium and address years later on in New York. This time around though, his motherland had gained self rule and was independent from a direct colonial power.

His health was frail, a dream disappearing into the oblivion by the minute, a reminiscence of a struggle of a lifetime, a quest to conquer life's challenges then, finally, the candle went off and Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge's sojourn in the sands of time came to an end.

The Forum salutes you Monsiuer Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge for a life well lived.

Cabinet Fails to Disappoint

2009-07-31T01:28:00.000-07:00

The search for justice on post poll violence in Kenya has taken a new twist. The cabinet has finally made its position known that indeed it does not have the guts to let any of its own brought to books.
Yesterday, (July 30, 2009), the president with a lieutenant of cabinet ministers made his stand known regarding the fate of the post election violence perpetrators, dealing a big blow to a large section of the Kenyan population who have called for the Hague option.

The cabinet seem to have been categorical in its view of the situation. The president indeed made it clear to the media and the public at large that a Hague or local tribunal option does not come in the picture.

What then is the way forward for the debate on prosecution of the perpetrators? The cabinet proposals revolve around an old idea whose mention has deafened ears by now. It's all about reforms in the judiciary, police force and related institutions to pave way for an effective court system to try the post poll suspects. The choice for the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission is no stranger to many a watchful Kenyan. Its hurried formation despite hue and cry from a section of the Kenyan society was suggestive enough of a choreographed idea.

Different Story,shared destiny

For a long time now cabinet has not come out with a common front on this issue but yesterday seems to have signaled a turn of events on a compromised position indicating that the Kenyan cabinet is not ready for any directions either from Koffi Annan, Ocampo or any other foreign body or person out to suggest or dictate the modus operandi of the whole justice process.
Indeed as it has been pointed by many people across the divide, the idea of giving government a leeway to decide on the process was indicative of the cow given a choice of a slaughter house. The Waki report contains names of the high and mighty in the political and business scene and as such therefore, interests have to be protected.
The 2012 race reminds us that we need each other as politicians and businessmen, none is indispensable. It is in this spirit of give and take therefore that cabinet has found it wise to rubbish calls for international prosecution and any other instruments of justice that are likely to be detrimental to status quo.
What is left for Ocampo? A pull out from ICC a tenable option?

Reality Bites

2009-07-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

The fate of alleged post election violence suspects in Kenya is now very real than never before and every minute of the day reminds suspects of the prospects of spending years arguing out a case in the Hague.
It has never sounded or seemed like this. For sometime now, politicians across the political divide have exchanged bitter words and others even bragged of their courage and ability to handle the possibility of being a visitor of the world court.
Like never before, life of many a politician in Kenya looks dull and confounding. The courage and power to ignore threats seems to be fizzling out by the day. The analogy of the cat hiding behind the lion and threatening to unleash terror on would be enemies only to chicken out when the lion leaves the stage perhaps explains the scenario in Kenya.
It is no wonder therefore that even those who drummed up support for ICC seems to be backing off and instead calling for a Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). Moreso, others are ready forewarning the public about their names appearing in the envelop and seemingly exonerating themselves way in advance.
The power to read what is inside a closed envelop is Kenya's newest discovery and may be worth recommendation by the tourism board to potential tourists and to scholars, a fertile ground for research.
The international community's intervention led by the EU is a significant move towards the conclusion of the big debate between the envelop and the local tribunal which interestingly is taking the way of the age old argument on the egg and the chicken.
However on a lighter note the prosecutor at ICC has given the country another six months to come up with the necessary mechanisms to handle try the post election perpetrators, a case which helps engage the public discourse for quite a considerable time again.
The interesting thing though is that 2012 is not far and the way of the ballot will soon be nigh. Therefore the fate of many politicians in the next general elections will be dictated to a great extend by the outcome of this case. Perhaps many will lose out and to others a major victory since many will ride on the results of the Waki report.

Finally, the Envelope is Gone

2009-07-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

Gone with the wind to the desk of Moreno O'Campo. Indeed it is gone and the rest is O'Campo's.
Yes finally, the former UN Chief and peace negotiator in post poll violence in Kenya Dr. Koffi Annan has ultimately put the case to rest.
He has finally handed over Kenya's Pandora's Box to the International Criminal Court, the land of teeth gnashing and groaning.
A Twist of Fate
This perhaps partially closes the chapter of horse trading, threats, divided loyalty and anguish among many a politician in the Kenyan arena where for the last ten months or so politicians have been engaged in war of words and shifting loyalties as others seemed to have used the envelop to fight their perceived political enemies.
In the public domain also there has been a lot of speculation as to whose name would be in the list. This development seems to have paved way for Kangaroo Courts where politicians of various shades have been handed very tough judgments by members of the public who in one way or the other were forced to come up with tentative measures in place of ICC or a local tribunal.
A Hope for Solace
Recently there have been very interesting moves in the country regarding this envelope. Bare a week ago, a team of ministers headed by the Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo sojourned to O'Campo's office in the Hague to discuss possible options of dealing with the menace of the post poll violence. This was occasioned by the tough and seemingly common stand taken by most members of parliament to reject a local tribunal and hand the envelop to ICC. This move seems not to have sank well with the two leaders of the coalition-PM and President and also Koffi Annan who has called for a local tribunal as well.
Twelve Months More...
Interestingly, the Prosecutor at ICC gave Kenya another grace period of twelve months to come up with a panacea which in the mind of the government included a third option of setting up a UN backed Special Tribunal in a different country.
Today(July 8, 2009), the chief negotiator has thrown the spanner into the works and further complicated the whole issue. Many questions are bound to resurface now and indeed those questions are fundamental: Did the Prosecutor at ICC overlook Annan's ultimatum? Was the ICC obliged to go by Annan's ultimatum? Could this be suggestive then of a futile effort by Koffi Annan to hand over the envelop to a man who has given suspects more leeway?

Credibility Test
It is also worth noting that ICC is facing a great credibility test from African leaders. A few days ago, the African Union (AU) unanimously agreed not to hand over the Sudanese leader Omar Elbashir whom a warrant of arrest had been issued against by the International Court some time last year.
From the Kenyan front, the air is full of suspense more than ever before regarding the envelop. It is in this breath that President Mwai Kibaki has today called an impromptu cabinet meeting to chart the way forward.

No reprieve yet
The president and the Prime Minister had been exonerated by the Waki Report which investigated the post election violence and subsequently prepared the envelop. Against this backdrop, it is imperative to note that the Rome Statute, which created ICC provides for prosecution of not only those directly involved but also those who abated and more importantly those who neglected responsibility of averting the crime, read:

In the case of civilian superiors, a superiors’ inadvertently negligent disregard of information indicating that a crime of their subordinates is impending does not suffice for their responsibility. Therefore, it is their “conscious disregard” of such information (recklessness) that the Rome Statute sets as the lower limit of their responsibility. This means that according to the Rome Statute, a superior can be held responsible on the basis of his negligence for an intentional crime or even for a crime which requires coloured intent (dolus coloratus, such as in case of genocide from the article 6 of the Rome Statute). Article 28 b (i-iii)

Like more than never before, the reality of joining the ranks of other sixteen African leaders and politicians in the ICC list is a reality.
The proverbial Sword of Damocles once again hangs precariously in the Houses of parliament, Cabinet offices and all corridors of power awaiting who to devour come a pronouncement from the Hague.

FARE THEE WELL MJ

2009-06-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Controversy, fame and indeed weird at some quarters. Perhaps we may not find all the best and bad words to describe Michael Jackson. He proved that it was possible despite prevailing circumstances.
'Michael was the King of Pop; Elvis Presley was the King of Rock N Roll', went the crown, though may be debatable, but it serves better.
Finally, the King as he declared bowed out at 50 sending the whole world into a state of awe and confusion and to others a state of sadness. Sometimes even the strongest are moved when some one of MJ's stature passes on. Indeed it was no surprise that Hugo Chavez could not fail to mourn MJ despite his negative view of the North.
Back in Kenya, even those who never knew MJ joined in the fray to mourn and celebrate a man whose view of Africa was bizarre and down trodden. MJ's disks and casettes resurfaced even after it may have been long forgoten.
Fare thee well MJ and greet Presley. Dont mind about your differences, perhaps you even married his daughter.