I must apologise for having gone AWOL or missing in action for a
while. So much has been happening and there has been a bit of travel
so living in and out of a travel bag has been the order.
First things first. Condolences to our Nigerian brothers and sisters
for the loss of their President Yar Adua who passed away last week.
Sad that he passed away but the whole secrecy and intrigue around his
health could have been avoided. We in Africa seem to be allergic to
death and illness and consider them taboo. No it shouldn't be that
way. It is very natural to die and it is human to be sick.
Kenya takes a great deal of the international limelight at present.
Dubai put in place stringent measures recently on visa requirements to
Kenyans who want to visit or transit through. You were required to
have a degree to get a visa. That was indeed tough and it took some
begging, pleading and admission of diplomatic incompetence to get that
order thankfully rescinded. Once again it exposed our beloved
country's lack of clear cut foreign policy. What we are good at is
appointing friends, relatives and political rejects to plum diplomatic
postings as recently witnessed.
The push for a new Constitutional Order takes centre stage for the
next few months. Two key issues and a third have emerged as
contentious, controversial and excuses that will be the focal point as
whether to vote YES or NO in the forthcoming referendum. Kadhis
courts, abortion and land form the basis of the argument. Politicians
true to form have come out in their true colours giving their own
original interpretations of the draft. Their levels of imagination are
unbelievable and a lie said many times sadly beomes the truth. I ask
the mwananchi to read the draft and make up your own mind. Those of us
who are priviledged in understanding matters legal better should take
up the mantle and institute voluntary civic education on the masses.
The church leadership should not engage politicians in a tit for tat
fashion. Continuing to do so will make one wonder the say "birds of a
feather flock together". As for now one can't tell the difference
between politicians and men of the cloth as they all seem to be
babbling the same thing. What is clear is Kenya my country is in dire
need of a new constitutional order that will embed institutional and
political reform, social justice and equitable distribution of
resources. Rooting out corruption and proper environmental stewardship
of our natural resources is a must without argument. In simple terms
we need to clean up our house and put it order in a peaceful and
civilised manner.
Ocampo Ocampo Ocampo. Who is this Argentinian with a Luo sounding name
that keeps sending shivers down the spine of some? Presently in Kenya
and loving every moment of it, this man carries the silent hopes of
many a Kenyan whowere affected directly or indirectly by the 2008 post
election violence. Working under the banner of the ICC the lawyer
prosecutor is currently in Kenya to set the ball rolling on nailing
the bad boys of Kenya political scene. The hurdles he will face are
many as their is bound to be resistance to his efforts. All I can say
is good luck sir. If in doubt ask John Troon for tips.
I have been told that I focus too much on sports at times so I will
try and keep it at a minimal. (Try is the key word). The Soccer World
Cup kicks of next month and Africa will be the focus as the continent
hosts this glorious event courtesy South Africa. Ideally this time
round from the 6 African countries will participate boosting our
chances of lifting this coveted trophy. Apart from hosts South Africa
we have Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria and Nigeria in the
running for glory. The likes of Drogba, E'too, Kalou, Kanu, Obi Mikel,
Yakubu, Song, Anichebe, Odemwinge, McCarthy, Pienaar, Dindane, Hassan,
Nomvete who are our African stars or our genuine African millionaires
through sheer hard work and not corrupt methods will be hosting other
mega soccer stars in the likes of Messi, Rooney, Torres, Chamakh,
Ballack, Fabiano, Ronaldo, Terry, Gattuso, Park, Donavan, Lampard and
Peter Crouch among others. With all these names our continent the
focus of the world will solely be Africa for 30 days exclusive. Never
before has that happened before in its entire history for non
political reasons. So the naughty boys had better be on their best
behaviour for that period. One thing for sure is the withdoctors will
be in big business as they work on ensuring their teams come good.
FIFA has even acknowledged and accredited them so do not be surprised
if an African country lifts the World Cup trophy. During last years
Confederations Cup, the Spanish soccer team complained of too many
Africans in the stadium with their vuvuzelas. All I can say is that
you ain't seen nothing yet. More of us are coming to fill the stadiums
and the streets of South Africa in a carnival mood to blow those
vuvuzelas in your faces. Hello hello welcome to Africa.
On a more personal note congrats to Kenya Harlequins rugby for winning
the Kenya Cup and well done Tottenham Hotspur for getting into next
seasons Champions League.
The volcanic ash from Iceland once again showed us that Mother Nature
is indeed boss and that we must act responsibly to the environment or
else she will get angry and erupt again. Indeed there are forces
greater than man out there and at times we need a subtle reminder.
The elections in the UK have produced a hung parliament. Our advice
from Africa is simply form a coalition goverment all three parties and
share the posts eqaully : Prime Minister and two deputy Prime
Ministers. Have a national accord which can signed in front of the
Queen and witnessed by all the African ambassadors. After all its
working in Kenya and Zimbabwe so why not UK. Then after that their is
need for a constitutional review in the UK to ask the people whether
they want two centres of power or one. A referendum can be held there
too. Do we want the Queen or is it time for a strong presidency in the
UK? This is the advice from Africa.
Have a good week:)
