Africa's Dictatorial Leadership

Ever wondered why there are so many African dictators?  Men who have continued to govern nations for decades; and it’s not because citizens vote them in; but instead use force and bribery to get in and remain there.

Dictatorship is most prominent in Africa…maybe because we were used to monarchies before the white man came.  But I’ve come to learn that once you get hold of something, even if its not yours, with time, you start to claim its ownership and find it difficult letting it go.

The recently created administrative posts in Kenya for instance now call in for more old people in leadership.  You thought that you could only have an old President or MP?  Wait till you see more grey hair holding the Senator and Governor seats come 2012. 

I have no beef against the senior generation; only that I believe they should get involved in advising the young leaders and not fighting for leadership posts.  Why should you vote in for someone who went through a British curriculum, and even sat for an exam set and marked by the Cambridge University; the type that cannot even construct a grammatically correct Swahili sentence?  To them, the Internet is a mystery, being a global village is a menace and giving way for young innovative minds is a risk that our ancestors would never be proud of.  And forever we shall be; a backward nation.

Instead of these wiser guys sitting back, enjoying and having a good time with their grandchildren, they opt to live their last days on earth under stress.  And when competitive and rival youth groups invade their rallies and create chaos, they get a heart attack or stoke.  This is the time when your taxes come in; they use them to fly abroad and seek treatment in the best hospitals and hire the best of doctors.  Now you see why there can never be development in nations governed by the elderly?

I realize that the main reason behind all of these problems is; lack of enough nursing homes…  Here is the solution-build more nursing homes; and don’t vote for someone whose dreams are already outdated, unrealistic, or on the edge of dying.

Hon. Charity Ngilu-Guilty as Charged?

The wise men said;  'Charity begins at home',
 

Why then do Kenyans expect Hon. Charity Ngilu to start it elsewhere.  The ones pointing fingers at the iron lady are those who come from the greener parts of the country.  I grew up seeing women from Ukambani walk long kilometers without food and water...and with malnourished kids on their back...come to our place to beg for food.  The day I saw some eat ugali that had already gone bad made me realize that something was truly wrong somewhere.

We are tired of seeing our fellow people seek the help of Red Cross and USAID.  When one of us comes and helps them...its termed as tribalism.  Where were the water minister supposed to initiate these projects; in Kibera, or is it in Kitale?  I'm totally behind this lady.  What she has been able to do cannot get a reward from this country.  We will only acknowledge her efforts when she wins an International award; or during her funeral.

It's been years since I last saw people from Kamba land in our region.  Not that we have broken the ties...but knowing that they are now independent makes me feel good.  As for those baying for Ngilu's dismissal, only God can understand you.

-MJN

THE GOVERNMENT DOESN’T CARE

The July attack of the Ugandans by the Al Shaabab militia and the action taken towards the suspects is a clear indication that the government does not care about its people.  After all, we only heard of the victims after the blast.  

The victims of the 1988 bombing in Nairobi too have not been compensated.  The suicide attacks in Middle East have become the norm of the day.  The US army in Iraq lost and amputated many of her soldiers. 

As President Yoweri Museveni may say, there is no way he is withdrawing the troops out of Somali soil, despite knowing the situation they have to deal with.  Why should Uganda play the hero when she can’t face Joseph Kony, a war leader in her very own soil, yet, go to another land for a peace keeping mission?  It is incongruous!

I do believe President Museveni, he is a man of his word and deed.  No soldier will be packing for home anytime soon.  But, as long as none of his kin is on the battle field, or is victimised by the Al Shaabab, he will never take the issue seriously, nor will any leader.

The message being sent by Somalis or any other Muslim national(s) fending for their own unity and sovereignty through such vengeful missions will never get through.  If it does, it will not achieve its intended action.  Action can only be achieved through hitting the bull’s eye.  Why would someone aim at a cat when he wants to get rid of the rat?

MJN