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23:41
From: dkFactor
Read This Entry & More At dkFactor
 It is with great anticipation that I awaited the 3-part documentary 'Diamond Road' that's currently airing on the Discovery Times Channel. I thought this might be a good follow up to another documentary - 'Blood Diamonds' that aired on the History Channel. While the focus of the documentaries might be different, the core message is the same - The diamond industry has been taking us for a ride!
My article is titled 'A Solution To Conflict Diamonds' because it looks like the industry is about implode on itself. Two startups in America are launching an all-out assault on the cartels. Gemesis (Florida) and Apollo Diamond (Boston) are now manufacturing gem-quality synthetic diamonds, replicating in two weeks the 100 million years that nature needs to make diamonds from coal.
As it turns out, it is now getting close to impossible to find any discernible differences between synthetic and natural diamonds. The $7 billion industry has been shaken to its core with unfathomable implications - public perception will surely be affected. In my opinion it can only mean that diamonds will become more affordable as the two startups increase their yearly carat output. Hopefully this will make mining diamonds a worthless endeavour and put an end to the madness.
Diamonds have always been steeped in mystery purposefully in an industry that's increasingly heartless and indifferent - except to the end users of course, who have been duped into believing that a marriage cannot work without a diamond. Conflict diamonds have been sold to buy weapons for the mass slaughter of innocent victims while the diamond cartels like De Beers profit.
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19:50
From: Black Looks
Read This Entry & More At Black Looks
AND I WATCH IT IN MANDELA (by John Matshikiza)
It is not for the safety of silence
That this man has opened his arms to lead.
The strength of his words hangs in the air
As the strength in his eyes remains on the sky;
And the years of impatient waiting draw on
While this man burns to clear the smoke [...]
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13:37
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
Here is a video report from a Kenya media house on the Mombasa rally that saw Mwingi North MP Kalonzo Musyoka humiliatingly shown off stage by a group of slogan shouting youths. Readers are invited to comment on the event, and on its significance both to our general political culture, and to the possibility of reconciliation and unity in the ODM-K movement.
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13:22
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
KANU Chairman and Gatundu South MP, Uhuru Kenyatta demands that ODM-K accept corporate membership, that it sees itself not as a collective of individuals, but as a collective of parties. Where does KANU go from here, and apart from Uhuru who may profit from not being associated with a party opposed to President Kibaki, does any KANU MP really stand a chance outside of the big coalitions? Watch the video here.
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13:20
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
As ODM-K settles its issues out, even in shouting matches and pretend love-ins, their opponents on the right are far from settled. It is not even known what party the President will allign himself with in December. Confused? There are efforts by Dr Noah Wekesa and Prof. Wangari Maathai to revive the election winning coalition in NARC, with party chair Charity Ngilu uncooperative. Then there are defections to Joseph Munyao's Democratic Party, and the wrangles in NARC-K persist. ODM-K would be smiling, if only they did not have so many problems themselves. Watch the videos here.
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13:07
From: Walk of Kings:
Read This Entry & More At Walk of Kings:
Ok today I am feeling Toby Mac enjoy the videos -"MADE TO LOVE" Right now! this song is a complete expression of how I feel. Along the way I mess up and live a not so perfect life ,but I was made to Love you God .Thank you that you never give up on me .Thank you that you are always there for me .Let me walk the way you intended me to walk .Let me love you because that is what you created me to do . I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Romans 1:16 (New International Version)
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12:26
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
I have been forced to delete the post that was "attacked" earlier today and I have re-posted here complete with the comments. Those who have always thought that I have been joking when talking about real enemies of the Kenyan people within the Kibaki regime, can now sample their first piece of evidence. These guys do not want Kenyans to know the truth about these scandals involving huge sums of money. -Kumkeucha- Monday, July 16, 2007 Scandal Bigger Than Anglo Leasing For legal reasons I cannot say very much about this scandal that has been dubbed bigger than Anglo Leasing. But I will be able to do so very soon. The plot in question is a huge chunk hived off the world famous Masai Mara game reserve. If you are in a position to, just check details of the plot Talek 155. Even a Google search on Telek 155 yields this link to a story that appeared in one of the dailies. Several very prominent people in the current administration have been named as beneficiaries of this controversial allocation. This is probably the reason why no action has been taken over the petition lodged almost a year ago ( see article for details). Read more about Telek 155 posted by chris at 11:20 AM 6 Comments: Magothe said... Chris, unrelated topic. Some months ago, you did an interview with Kassam, he of the Trade Bank infamy. You know what the Bible says "evil flourishes when good men do nothing". Did this guy mention James Mwangi, Equity's CEO and how much moollah he carried away or didn't as the case maybe? 2:18 PM derek said... Magothe, there is no judge here. Please, as you have said it in unrelated, I maintain and I believe Chris will also say it that it is a totally unrelated topic and James Mwangi should find a better way of fending off his enemies. This was a matter that came up in parliament and I would not like to challenge that or comment on the contrary, but the privileges that it has within the august house will remain respectful to some extent, from me. Now, the best thing to do is to contact Assam for a better answer or check with Mwangi if your chances of getting the truth can be settled. I believe that Chris only opines and has no authority, legal or otherwise to draw conclusions on Trade Bank and associates. Kindly observe protocol. Did Mwangi sleep with dogs? Believe you me, he will rise with fleas! 3:46 PM Anonymous said... Derek, didn't you know you spoke for Chris. Kwani Chris hana akili yake? Like I said, they are many who pretend to be developing Kenya, but don't want to stand to be counted 10:27 PM Magothe said... Derek-Tx for your response. Anon-tx for the your answer. Apparently, Derek suffers from an ailmnent known as "illusions of grandeur" for which despite extensive research, there is no known cure. 11:49 PM Taabu said... Hope we are not descending to the battlefield guys. First point of correction Bw. Magothe. The Kassam series of interview early this year were conducted by Std (Dr. John Mulla, US) and not Kumekucha. That said, information is never old till you know it and your only sin was to ask. You gave a clear disclaimer that yours was an aside but it apparently pricked brother Derek and hence his bile. There is nothing like old and new thieves, JM can't hide under the plastic growth of Equity to cover his stinking dark past. We are no MPs to warrant lectures on parliamentary immunity. Otherwise everyything would be subjudice. See, I am already sucked in it. As you can see in the heat of all this we miss the light and you can see that all the four posts above have nothing in response to the main post. Come on guys allow people to differ with you without being emotional. That is not asking for to much, or is it? Bring them on. 3:40 AM
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12:18
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
archiveThis is an important notice to all our readers. When former ethics PS John Githongo posted the famous David Mwiraria Anglo Leasing tapes online, his blog was attacked by some nut who posted masses of government documents in the comments area. The idea was to stop any genuine comments by Kenyans getting through and they succeeded. Kumekucha is under a similar attack which started the minute I posted a story about some grabbed land right in the middle of the Masai Mara. Some of you may have seen a lengthy pornographic post intended to divert attention away from this issue of national importance which for legal reasons I cannot say very much about. For some strange reason I am having difficulties technical difficulties deleteing it (but I am working on it). I have also been informed by my sources that there is already great fear within the administration insiders over this scandal (which involves various big names in the Kibaki administration) being revealed. I have therefore moved quickly and taken a number of precautions. If the attack persists, I will have no option but to moderate comments before they appear. I know that we have all enjoyed the chats here a lot, and I sincerely hope that it will not come to this. Obviously they are very determined that the truth does not come out. I am closely monitoring the situation. Why Is Hon Michuki bullying his youthful challenger?The photographs Kumekucha feared to publish.Horror of Kenyan with female sex organ sharing cell with men at Kamiti PrisonAre you a Kenyan? Do You love your country? Join in this noble campaign to change things. Do something instead of just complaining.
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12:17
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
archiveOver the last 36 hours or so, residents of Nairobi and it’s environs have reported experiencing earth tremors and violent shocks. Indeed it has been reported by geological experts that most of the seismic activity is originating from around the lake Natron area. Lake Natron is in neighboring Tanzania and within the Rift Valley that also sweeps across Kenya and is fairly close to Nairobi. Now those who have heard the prophecy of a bearded professor of molecular biology turned prophet, Dr David Awuor must be getting the jitters... Read more
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12:15
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
archiveThe thing to fear is fear itself. During an earthquake it is very important to remain calm. A few basic precautions from kumekucha... just in case. Read them here
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11:58
From: Cock And Bull
Read This Entry & More At Cock And Bull
The prediction has come true once again. Kenya is currently experiencing yet another notorious spell of senseless killings that happen every five years, just before the national parliamentary and presidential elections. These killings of innocent people are usually instigated by amorphous terror gangs that seem to have the ability to permeate through a tight net of crack security personnel, kill using crude weapons and automatic rifles, burn, loot and rape, before slipping though the same cordon. On being questioned, the well armed security personnel often promise that they will diligently hunt down the assailants, and promptly disappear into the bush before they can answer any questions. The arm of the government responsible for security seems just as vague about the nightly orgies. Unfortunately, reports on the ground often seem to indicate that the terror happens in the full knowledge of the government sponsored security. In some instances, the raiders are even ferried using government vehicles!
And now, it seems as if nature has borrowed from us. In the last few days, Kenyans have lived in terror as mild earthquake tremors rock various parts of the country. No one seems to be quite sure just what is happening. On Sunday, the government department responsible for such occurrences reported that the tremors are being caused by seismic activities originating from a neighbouring country. If we did not know any better, we would assume that the government has failed once again to protect its people from outside aggression as often happens when raiders from across the border attack its citizens.
Anyway, on Sunday people rested with a sigh of relief, but as the tremors continued yesterday and today, worry is almost turning to panic. Every radio station is jammed with calls with anxious listeners wanting to know exactly what is happening.
Part of the reason why the mild tremors have caused a lot of hullabaloo is because a few months ago, a self proclaimed prophet appeared on prime time TV news to inform the public that the Nairobi City will soon be destroyed by a powerful earthquake. The reason he gave was because God is angry especially because of the rampant sexual immorality in the society – including the church. The prophet mentioned the area that will suffer the most damage. I wonder how many people are considering moving away from Westlands?
I stayed late in town last night, and just from a glance I could tell that it is the wrong people that are worried. I was tickled by the fact that while the church going, sexually moral people were horrified in their beds as they wonder what fate God has for them, in town the party was still kicking as strong as ever. Despite being a Monday, clubs were jumping and the prostitute infested Koinange street’s red light was blazing full on. This reminded me of the politicians whose concern never seems to go beyond issuing press statements when the election year killings are going on. At that time, each one of them is busy planning their campaigns and aligning themselves with political parties to pay much attention to anything else. And yet, it is an open secret that some of them sponsor the terror gangs. In the meantime, innocent men, women and children cower in their tiny houses waiting for the next attack.
We are all hoping that the prophet on TV was misadvised and the earthquakes will not go beyond the current murmurs. Let us also hope that the violence that is currently taking many lives in our society will come to a stop, once and for all. In the meantime, we can find courage in the remarkable words that were uttered by Abdullahi Yusuf, the president of Somalia during a peace meeting held on Sunday in Mogadishu: “Do not fear,” Yusuf said, as anxiety spread through the packed hall after three explosions rumbled in the streets outside “You will only die when your stated time comes.”
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11:31
From: REBECCA WANJIKU'S BLOG
Read This Entry & More At REBECCA WANJIKU'S BLOG
Stakeholder forum is ok, but does it work? At Safari park hotel, many stakeholders gathered to give their views. From Safaricom, Celtel to the consumer association, they all had something to say about the KCA bill. ICJ described the bill as unprecedented and the PS Bitange Ndemo assured participants that their views would be incorporated. But if the past process is anything to go by, is there any assurance that the views will be taken on board. Stakeholders wanted an expansion of the constituencies expected to be consulted, and an assurance that the views would be considered… no one seemed to answer the question categorically, it was only said that the views would be compiled and forwarded. Others wanted the bill to protect them from any perceived crime because they are carriers while others wanted the bill to conform to other established principles in the commonwealth. It was a productive forum. Those with contentions about the wording of the clauses were also encouraged to help by bringing in the clauses worded in their favourable way. But is this a chance for people to meet, take the tea and lunch or is it going to bear any fruits. I guess the fruits will be manifested by the inclusion of substantial contributions from the cross section of constituencies.
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10:34
From: assidous
Read This Entry & More At assidous
This is an email going round the net. I take it to be an election ploy. My advice, think when Dec29th comes.
THE KIBAKI STORY
Kamau wa Njoroge, (not his real name) who happens to own five
acres
of
land somewhere in the Rift valley - tuseme Laikipia - will this
year
sell his maize, yes! Maize for Kshs. 1,300 a bag. He sells his
produce at the local cereal board (NCPB). Right across the street
from the NCPB, Mr. Kiptoo is doing a roaring business akisiaga
posho.
He even mills the sifted unga and hence no need for rural folks
to
buy Hostess from Unga limited.
Five years ago, he got about shs. 400 for the same if he even
dared
plant
it in the first place.
His five cows give him an average of 25 kilos/litres of milk per
day.
He
reserves 5 litres for subsistence and sells 20 everyday at a
price of
Kshs. 18 per litre. That is kshs. 360 daily and since cows give
milk
even
on Christmas day, it is kshs. 10,800 every month.
He has three kids in primary school. He is a reasonably young man
and
since he is not paying school fees, he is busy saving money for
their
secondary education.
Across the road from Kamas's shamba, his neighbor James Koske has
10
acres. He has put 5 acres under wheat cultivation, 2 under maize,
2
under
other cash crop like potatoes, oranges and other types of
vegetables.
HE will be selling his wheat for about Kshs. 1,500 a bag. That is
about
700 more than what he'd have received 5 years ago.
Wheat yield is about 15 bags per acre. That will give him about
Kshs.
108,000 per year.
He has 7 cows. That gives him over 12,000 shillings monthly. He
sells
oranges and other vegetables. He is smiling because he is getting
rewarded for his efforts.
That is the same case for Simiyu in Mumias and his sugarcane
farm.
Chacha
and his tobacco is getting the same.
Otieno the Jua kali artisan and panel beater has just taken up a
small
loan from Equity bank to expand his business. He has actually
hired
three
more guys, two panel beaters and a painter man.
Mama mboga is doing roaring business at the soko and so is
Joseph,
the
owner of Hilton hotel across the market.
Mwalimu ameongezewa mshahara and so is the civil servant. He now
has
more
disposable income and some of it is being left at mama mboga's
and
Joseph's kiosk.
Dr. Ogeto, a Veterinary Doctor is doing roaring business at
Nyahururu
town
selling Adamycin, anti bloat medicine and Nilzan dewormer to
farmers.
Wakulima wameongeza mifugo coz KMC is doing roaring business and
so
is
KCC.
All these are common dudes. They are the small guys, the small
trader.
ODM, tafadhali acheni fitina. You look bad. Try something else.
The
economy is our strength; it is Kibaki's strength.
The economy is not doing well for two kinds of people;
1. Those who wait for free things, for manna to fall from above.
2. The lazy idlers.
For everyone who has a body temperature and willingness as well
as
the
initiative to take a risk, something is happening.
There are so many University graduates who are unemployed in
Kenya
today.
They are still waiting for those six figure income jobs.
They should go get a life. Start farming. its the easiest way to
make
some
money. Some of them have land lying idle (their parents), but
can't
even
educate their parents on what should be done. Hang on Matatus as
manambas and save some money and do something.
For anyone who had saved kshs. 12,000 last year, that was enough
money to
buy 1,000 shares of KENGEN. (@Kshs. 12.00). He would have made a
cool
8,000 shillings any day after the shares were floated in the
market
for
doing nothing. Reinvest the same money in something else and the
money
would have given 50% yield (shs. 4,000) giving him Kshs. 12,000
or
double
what he had saved. He now has 24,000 shillings in less than six
months. That is enough to secure him a loan at the bank or
something
else.
Remember the woman who borrowed kshs. 100,000, bought 6400 KENGEN
shares for approximately 77,000, sold the shares at Kshs. 40 each
making 28
shillings per share or 180,000 shares, repaid her 100,000 loan
and
made
Kshs. 80,000 ALL THAT IN A WEEK????
Why wouldn't a university graduate do that?
Remember the Chokora who saved Kshs. 50,000 and bought the same
leaving
Kimunya impressed?
Watu! Stop whining. It only makes you look bad.
Finally, everyone has a story of a small trader be it mitumba,
bike
repairer, shopkeeper e.t.c. who has made it in the last 4 years
in a
way
he could only have dreamt of.
Remember, there are no two economies in Kenya. There is just one
economy.
You don't have to be a genius to realize that if all sectors of
the
economy are growing including major employing sectors such as
agriculture and tourism then automatically jobs are being
created.
E.g. 5 new KTB employees go to Europe to promote tourism = Mr.
Shah
gets
10000 tourist through his hotel this year= Mr. Shah needs to hire
cooks,
watchmen waiters entertainers, drivers etc =Mr. Shah also needs
support
services a company to do his laundry and provide supplies.
Mr. Shah also needs to feed the tourist: enter Mr. Kamau. Mr.
Kamau
needs
to supply the fruits eggs milk for Mr. Shah he also needs people
to
go
buy the stuff from the farms clean package and deliver them to
Mr.
shah.
Enter Mr. Mwachofi he knows all the right people to do this job.
While the tourist’s are in Mombassa Salim the local has a tour
guide
company
that guides tourist’s around the coast, he also has a small
kikoi
shop and
curving he employs Mutiso Kilonzo and Mwangumi. Later Mahanga and
his
friends the local beach boys troop in to go sell the carvings.
Meanwhile Mr. Shah, Kamau and Mwachofi need to operate offices to
deal
with billing, payment, taxation to deal with KRA etc by DEC 2007,
600,000
JOBS CREATED NAHIYO NI MAENDELEO SIO MAANDAMANO.
Meanwhile Onyango is still living in Kibera and attending endless
ODM
rallies. While Mr. Shah, Kamau, Koske, Mwachifi, Kiptoo, Salim,
Mutiso
Mahanga and Nyongesa make some money and vote for Kibaki in 2007
and
dont
forget the women Mrs. Shah, Kiptoo, Kamau, Salim and Nyongesa.
CDF projects have also created jobs especially in the
construction
sector, but in some areas MPs resorted to buying lab items from
their
own companies and also spend all the money in giving bursary to
private students attending their private owned schools. People in
such areas will never feel or see the impact of the money.
President Kibaki promised that he would steer the economy to
create
500,000 jobs annually.
Kenya has 210 constituencies.
Each constituency receives approximately Kshs. 20 million
annually in
CDF.
On average, each constituency needs to create 2380 jobs to attain
the
desired goal.
Granted, some constituencies will definitely create more jobs
than
others
for example, Nairobi. This is the hub of commerce and industry as
well as
the service sector be it tourism, banking, hotel etc.
Some areas like the Rift Valley and Central Province are also
very
vibrant
in terms of the economy and will see a disproportionate job
growth
than
other areas.
I believe that we are very close to the said target and in two or
three years, if the status quo holds, we will definitely surpass
it.
KIBAKI'S DETRACTORS
ODM is so discomfited by the good economic news that they are
groping
in
the dark looking for answers.Why not just give credit where it is
due?
If you think about the ODM big 6 (or seven if you add Dr. Julia
Ojiambo),
you'd be forgiven for making the assumption that they are not in
the
country.
When there is good news, they are absent and notably very quiet.
Some days ago, Equity bank announced its profits and the story is
the
same. This is how the bank CEO summarized the rosy picture. This
excerpt is direct from the Kenya Yimes.
"Equity Bank's snowballing profit for the third quarter has
spiraled
by
120 per cent to Sh774 million from Sh351 million recorded for the
same
period last year.
The soaring profitability, attributed mainly to a surge in volume
of
business, is certain to boost investor confidence among the
bank's
shareholders following its listing at the Nairobi Stock Exchange
(NSE)."
He said that it was due to a surge in volume of business.
It wasn't EABL, KENGEN, SafariCom, Mumias and other blue chip
companies
that borrowed all this money; it was you and I, the small guy.
It is good to be objective. It is by being objective that we can
be
proud of being Kenyans. Subjectivity has turned people into
pessimists who cannot see light at the end of the tunnel. This
pessimism has been spread to many ignorant Kenyans
who have fallen prey of selfish politicians. For example Hon.
Musa
Sirma was sarcastic in his criticism of the NARC government. But
today he has seen what KANU was saying was impossible e.g. free
primary education is now possible. We are no longer kneeling down
to
donors yet every constituency including his Eldama Ravine is
getting
something. However there are some who still cannot
appreciate any of these goodies yet you cannot trace any
performance
record when they had a chance.
For Instance:
(1) Hon. Kamotho was Minister for Education,
Transport, Local Government, Trade, and Environment
What legacy has he left in all these ministries? What can you
remember?
Coups in local authorities, chaos in transport, and Oh! What
about
Karura forest? Hon Michuki was in transport for only two years
and he
has made history although Hon. Kajwang calls him - Muchuki.
(2) Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka has been in parliament since 1988. When
expressing himself he has always referred to himself as a
lawyer....
As a
lawyer he advised Kibaki to dissolve parliament and call fresh
elections.
As lawyer he predicted that 2006 would be a year of elections.
Kenyans
need to see his legal competence in parliament. Dont forget Njoki
Ndungu
joined Parliament recently yet she will go into history books
because
of
her contribution in parliament. Kalonzo needs to understand that
Kenyans
need more of actions and less of empty talk. Again he was
Minister
for
Foreign Affairs, Education, Wnvironment etc. Tell me something
unique
we
can remember him for.
(3)Hon. Raila Odinga was made Minister for Energy during the Moi
regime. As a minister during that time do you remember him beyond
landing in
Kisumu in a helicopter? Later he was appointed Minister for
Public
Works.
Do you remember him beyond bringing down buildings on road
reserves?
Give
performance a chance mheshimiwa!
(4) Hon. Balala was made minister for Sports and National
Heritage.
As minister he could not bring order to KFF. Hon. Maina Kamanda
was
recently
appointed Minister for Sports and we can see what is happening to
sports
in this country.
(5) Hon. Ruto can be best remembered in 1992 as a Kanu Activist.
You
remember the economy came to its knees as millions of shillings
were
looted for campaigns and for years Kenyans have paid for this
economic
crime. Anything you can remember him for as Minister? However
within
a
very short time as Minister, Hon. Kirwa has brought sanity in the
agricultural sector.
(6)Hon. William Ole Ntimama became Minister in 1988. However I
tend
to remember him more issuing threats and insults than working as
a
minister.
During the Narc era he was Minister for Public Service. Do you
recall
him
beyond threatening public servants. In the short period Moses
Akaranga
has been Minister do you see what he has done?
Actions speak louder than words. We have seen the likes of
Munyes,Obwocha, Tuju, Karua, Ngilu, Kagwe, Soita...their actions
are
louder than their words.
WE ARE NOT BLIND WE HAVE SEEN AND WE ARE NOT DEAF WE HAVE HEARD.
Does the ODM have an agenda for Kenya or these people have an
agenda
for themselves?
We can differentiate between competence and incompetence,
selfishisness
and selflessness. Can these people be trusted in their
incompetence
and
inconsistency?
You and other Kenyans should advice me. Send this to them and ask
them
to advise a Kenyan who wants to be proud of being a Kenyan. A
sample
of
ten is reasonable.
President Kibaki is going to be re-elected with a landslide,
Wait and see...
AND..
That is the story!
My philosophy remains ''WACHA KIBAKI ABAKI
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10:33
From: Cock And Bull
Read This Entry & More At Cock And Bull
It is quite late in the day and I still have not had lunch. The reason is because I do not want to spoil my appetite which I am reserving for Justin’s home made meal of pork. Justin is my Zimbabwean friend who works in Somaliland. With Somaliland being a Muslim county, Justin has to wait until he comes to Nairobi before indulging in this delicacy. And so as I run errands on an empty stomach, I look forward to going home to ‘eat my swine’.
The fact is that I only eat pork when Justin is around. And I suppose the reason why both of us look forward to enjoying his special home cooked meal of pan fried pork is because we have glamorized it by borrowing the words of one of Oliver Mtukudzi’s songs. I am not sure if anyone else will consider it glamorous, but to us, ‘eating our swine’ is as appealing as the wrongness of one man saluting his friend, “What’s up my dog!”
In the song, Oliver Mtukudzi, the popular Zimbabwean musician and a much celebrated African artist laments the life of too much drinking, partying and socializing. In the song, he moans:
I just wanna get home and kiss my wife
I just wanna get home and drink my wine
I just wanna get home and eat my swine
Due to religious and cultural sensitivity, Justin has never eaten pork or other products made from the pig while in Somaliland. However, like many people who stay for a considerable time in that country and other Muslim States, Justin acquired and incorporated the term “Inshallah” in his day to day speech. Inshallah is an Arabic word than means “If Allah wills” or simply, “God willing”. For an average Somalilander, no sentence that contains a promise for the future is complete without “Inshallah”. For example, when people are leaving the office at the end of the day, they will say to each other, “Let us meet tomorrow, Inshallah!”
I have seem many people – even some who show open disdain in matters of God – seriously consider the implications of daily use of “Inshallah”. I suppose the fascination lies in the simple yet attractive way that people in Somaliland resign all the activities that are out of their hands to the fate of God. Without a doubt, using “Inshallah” is as effective as continuously asking for God’s will in one’s life. Did you know that many people want to know God’s will in their lives, yet do not ask for it?
For now, I just wanna get home and eat my swine.
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10:32
From: For Love and Money
Read This Entry & More At For Love and Money
Once again the trail-blazing Equity Bank has introduced a new product in Kenya. Equity Bank account holders can now request for Cash-back in selected Nakumatt Stores. Barclays and Standard Chartered banks rested on their laurels for too long. Now they have themselves to blame. I counted no less than 5 Equity Bank branches road signs as I drove upcountry.
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9:39
From: Kenyan Pundit
Read This Entry & More At Kenyan Pundit
I’m a huge proponent of building and showcasing our local (African) content rather than bitching up a storm about how neglected we are…here’s two opportunities to do so.
First, the African Cookbook Project launched by the indefatigable Fran Osseo-Asare at TED Global. Please hop over and find out how to contribute…you know when [...]
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9:14
From: For Love and Money
Read This Entry & More At For Love and Money
On this particular day, I decided to drive to Java and download my emails as it had been several days since I had last checked my work email. On arrival at Java - Junction, I found that their internet had been down for the last two days and they directed me to their Adams Arcade restaurant. Once I got there it was a similar story. I then decided to go and try the cyber café at Nakumatt Prestige on Ngong Road which to my delight was working. After connecting my laptop to their LAN, I downloaded my emails and also sent a few emails before deciding to head back home through State House Road. As I casually drove home, an over-speeding taxi deliberately drove into me as I was about to turn into Denis Pritt Road. I got out of the car and argued with the cab driver who didn’t seem concerned over the accident. He took off on foot and went to call the cops who arrived after 30 minutes. They marked the road and asked us to move the cars from the road. After the usual questions, the cops asked me to drive with them to Kilimani police station to record a statement as I had not indicated that I was making a turn though I had stopped in readiness to make a turn. It was then that I asked them why they are letting the other driver go that they became bewildered. When we got to the police station, I waited as they attended to other people. When it got to my turn, I inquired of them again where the cab driver was. I then got into an argument with them over their impartiality in the matter. Before I knew it, I was whisked from the traffic section and into the main police station. It was at this juncture that I called a friend to let them know that I was at the police station. I had not called anyone else before as I considered this to be a small matter. At the reception I was relieved of my belt, cell phone, money, car keys, wedding ring and one shoe before being thrown into the cell. Luckily, I had left my cap, watch, credit cards and other important documents that I had on me in the car. My plea that I should pay a cash bail fell onto deaf years as the police were intent on making sure that I spend a night in the cells. Once I was in the cell, I was given a rousing welcome by other inmates who mobbed me and frisked me to check if I had any valuables left on me. In the cell, there were many cubicles which didn’t have any lighting. The other suspects tried to direct me into the ones at the furthest end but I refused and negotiated with them. Instead, I went and sat next to the lighted entrance where the cell leaders were positioned so that they could usher in new entrants. Knowing that I was in a dangerous situation, I quickly cut a deal with two guys who seemed to be in charge. I gave them my booking slip that showed I had almost 10,000 shillings on me. I told them, that I’ll give both of them 1,000 shillings if they could organize for me to make one phone call to my family. On hearing my offer, they quickly embraced me into their group and regarded me as one of them. Were it not for my fluency in Swahili and Sheng, it would have been a different matter for me. We agreed that when the cops brought in the next suspect, they would organize for me to be given 2,500 shillings. In return, they were going to organize with the policeman such that for 500 shillings he would allow me to call my wife. The moment I was thrown into the cell I quickly adapted to my surroundings such that one of the guys thought I was a rogue matatu driver. As we waited, we introduced ourselves and talked freely about the various offences that had landed us in jail. In the cell, there were also other motorists, including a Caucasian, though they were huddled in one of the cubicles. Most of these hardcore guys had been in jail for weeks and they didn’t even know what was going to happen to them. As we sat down talking, they were smoking marijuana and cigarettes which they offered to me. Not wanting to offend them, I cheated them that I am asthmatic and I would get an asthmatic attack if I smoked.  After what seemed to be eternity, the main door opened and my name was called out. I was escorted out by one of the cell leaders. I was received by plain clothes policemen who had been sent to rescue me. I was given back all my possessions and they took me back into the traffic section where I was held as they processed the charge sheet. After 1 hour, I was charged with careless driving and asked to pay a cash bail of 5,000 shillings. I was booked to attend traffic court the day after and released to go home. Relieved that my ordeal was over, I proceeded to drive home. As I was driving home, I got another call from the Kilimani police station asking me to return. I drove back and was informed that my charge had been dropped and they gave me back my 5,000 shillings cash bail. Unlike most Kenyans, my friend saved me from being hustled in the law courts over a very small matter that could have been settled without me being thrown into the cell. Instead of being given a ticket, the policemen decided to throw me in the cells for a night. Other Kenyans, caught by the wrong arm of the law, who can’t afford to bribe or do not know anyone who can help them end up being incarcerated in police cells as they await holders of justice to have mercy on them. This is the 3rd time in the last 3 years that I have been booked by Kenyan police over traffic offences. Because of these occurrences, I usually prefer not to drive so as not to be singled out by the police who now openly solicit for bribes every time they make a routine traffic stop. As I have made a stance never to bribe them, I have twice ended up in the law courts where I was handed a fine. While I may be an aggressive driver, I am usually very careful on the road and I have driven in several countries without any mishaps. What baffles me is that every time I’m in Kenya is that if I’m not having run-ins with the cops, my car is being broken into or some matatu or bus is hitting me. I don’t know anyone who drives in Kenya who hasn’t been hustled by cops or matatu drivers or street urchins. I have a cousin who has also been locked up at Kilimani because traffic offences (driving without a seat-belt) and ended up before the traffic courts in Kibera. If you are coming to Kenya and are planning to drive, make sure you have the contacts of someone who can rescue you from the police brutality. Instead of protecting Kenyans, the Kenyan police have instead turned to extorting money from motorists knowing too well that nothing will happen to them as they have the blessings of their superiors. From my talks with them at the police station, they proved beyond doubt that they can’t reason and they don’t care about what the public thinks about them even if their actions are giving Kenya a bad name due to their corrupt practices.
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9:03
From: Black Looks
Read This Entry & More At Black Looks
The public use of derogatory slurs is a hot topic these days, with famous utterances from Mel Gibson, Michael Richards, Paris Hilton, and Isaiah Washington. Remember “macaca”? Last week the NAACP buried the word “nigger”.
Today in the news a prominent member of the board and benefactor to Roger Williams University admitted to calling [...]
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8:04
From: Black Looks
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A tribute to Sajida Khan, who fought against global capitalism at the continent’s largest rubbish dump - a fight that cost her life. Sajida was a key activist against carbon trading and died as a direct result of the toxins emitted from illegal medical waste in an incinerator [...]
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7:14
From: AfriGadget
Read This Entry & More At AfriGadget
Phillip Isohe is a metal fabricator in the jua kali, non-traditional industrial sector, in Kenya. In his spare time he builds models of airplanes and buses. This seems to be an extension of what many of us did while growing up in Africa - building wire, or tin can, cars. What’s most interesting is the excruciating attention to detail that he puts into each one. In fact, they each have motors with working lights, steering, engine and interiors.
Phillip had just sold one of his buses, so the only other one I have a picture of is only half-built (picture). However, he did have a finished and working model airplane. It was amazing to see how each piece, engine included, was built from scratch. It’s not every day that you see this kind of detail work on hobbies, no matter where you are in the world.
The models take him 30 days to make and goes for about 25,000/= ($370). That’s likely just his “starting price” though, and they probably sell for a good deal less when he really wants to move it.
Here’s a short video of the model plane:
More pictures:
More pictures like these can be found on the AfriGadget Flickr group.
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7:01
From: Cock And Bull
Read This Entry & More At Cock And Bull
Last night, my friend watched a re-run of the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals between France and Italy. So today, he was excited to give me a commentary of the match, including the infamous Zinedine Zidane headbutt. But the commentary did not move past the fateful 110th minute since we spent the rest of the time just discussing the reasons that might have triggered Zidane’s unexpected behavior.
Having prior knowledge of the headbutt, my friend was keen to observe the circumstances that Zidane was operating under throughout the match. He concluded was that the player appeared tired from physical exertion in addition to being frustrated by the play in the field.
When a person is under considerable stress, he or she consciously or unconsciously looks for an opportunity to vent the pressure. In such circumstances, the end is so important that the means often become secondary, and might not always be acceptable to the person or to those around him or her. For example, in the common case that we are all familiar with of stress at the workplace; the Boss might end up quarrelling the subordinates, a spouse might be unkind to his or her partner, and a parent might become impatient with his or her children. All these undesirable behaviors might be uncalled for, and hence leave the victim feeling hurt and confused and the aggressor feeling guilty and angry. The guilt would be as a result of the misdeed and the anger would be directed to self for lack of constraint.
I suppose that one of the things that puzzle many people is the reason why Zidane lost his cool during the most significant game in his career. Wasn’t it unpardonably stupid? I suppose the importance of this game, plus the fact that the expectations of a whole nation, not to mention millions of soccer fans around the world lay on his shoulders, only added to the pressure he was under. If all the players were balloons at a child’s birthday party, Zidane would have been the biggest, most colorful and most conspicuous. When you were a kid, perhaps you noticed that it was only the biggest and most beautiful balloon that popped for no apparent reason? Did you also notice that it made an unexpectedly loud clapping sound, startling everyone? Of course you now know that the reason is because the more pressure there is in a balloon, the easier it is to pop, and the louder the sound it makes on bursting. Clearly, it would be unfair to dismiss Zidane’s headbutt as just another case of being buttheaded.
Everyone has a button that when pressed could result in a fit of stark, raving, mad rage. If that button is pressed when a person is not ‘himself’ or ‘herself’ – say when a person is drunk, or depressed, or stressed – the results are not often pleasant. For example, every guy knows just what depths of insanity a ‘your mother’ insult could stir when delivered when one is drunk – even by a best friend. And yet, the same joke might be taken with just mild discomfort under different circumstances. Given the right mix of circumstances, the most coy and puny would take on a WWF wrestler resulting in perhaps another monumental song in the league of ‘Coward of the county’ by Kenny Rogers.
‘Coward of the county’ is a country song about a young man – Tommy - whose father had died in prison. Before his demise, the father made Tommy promise to stay out of trouble, by avoiding doing the things that his old man had done. Since the age of ten, Tommy had kept the promise until the day when a group of local toughies took advantage of his girlfriend named Becky. When Tommy found Becky crying after the ordeal, he went to confront the gang, but found himself incapable of doing anything. At the face to face encounter with the gang, his father’s reasoning prevailed and he decided to walk away from trouble. But then, one of the boys made a grave mistake: As Tommy walked away, he taunted loudly, “Hey! Look old yellow’s leaving!” With that, Tommy froze half way across the room, turned around with fire in his eyes and a crazed look on his face. In an unexpected fit of fury, Tommy sprinted across the room and lunged his whole self on the bullies with kicks, blows, bites and headbutts. By the time he was done, none of the bullies was standing. And as he gained his composure after the orgy of violence, Tommy boldly said to the voice of his father, “sometimes you’ve got to fight when you are a man!”
When anger takes over and we find ourselves in situations that we had not planned to be in, we should lay aside our pride and apologize. That kind of humility is what would be required for an employer to apologize to his employee, a partner to say ‘I am sorry’ to the other partner, or a parent to ask for forgiveness from a child. A sincere apology to those we have wronged elicits understanding from them. This is especially important since we so badly need them to do so. Apart from that, we should continue asking for and receiving joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are the gifts of the Holy Spirit promised in Galatians 5 in the Christian’s New Testament Bible.
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5:59
From: My Life is...Mochalicious!
Read This Entry & More At My Life is...Mochalicious!
Akina Milo, Aegeus, Nick, Gish, Archer, etc…….I have beef with you. At least inExes has unleashed kionjo…..ok, pia wewe Milo, but surely YOU CAN DO BETTER! Meet-up vibe???
Right now to the matter at hand.
Before I put up a few pics from my visit to Farmgal’s, I thought I get this out of the way.
Bomseh was first in with his [...]
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5:50
From: assidous
Read This Entry & More At assidous
The Vatican released what is now termed as the Driver's Ten Commandments. Here is the list:
'Drivers' Ten Commandments'
The "Drivers' Ten Commandments," as listed by the document, are:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
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3:15
From: Black Looks
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You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness. In this case, it comes from nonconformity, the courage to turn your back on the old formulas, the courage to invent the future. It took the madmen of yesterday for us to be able to act with extreme clarity today. I want to [...]
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0:49
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
The Kenyan government promised Mungiki a no holds-barred struggle, and in the last month, the police have lived up to their word. Every single day, tens of Kenyans are injured or killed in violence that the media attributes to the Mungiki phenomenon. In our question of the week, we ask your opinions on the violence, and on the extra-judicial response of the state. Is oath-taking in itself a reason for police executions? We also show video from some of the affected areas, with frog-marches and whole neighbourhoods of wananchi are forced to lie on their bellies as interrogations are carried out. Reminisces of the Emergency? You decide. Watch the videos and join in on the discussion here.
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0:47
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
Chiedza Mangiza talks about the definition of love and what it means to her. "If God is love, then that means that I know Him ;and that you know him. Love has to be birthed, like in a moment when you see beauty in someone's heart, or when a parent brings a child into this world. Read more here.
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0:13
From: bankelele
Read This Entry & More At bankelele
Nairobist is a great investment site with reports and charts like those in the business daily. There as an investment report put out on Dyer & Blair that I was able to pull up from their site to read. - They are also looking for a full time blogger - details here- Anyone with a copy of the actual Kenya re prospectus, please email it to me? (investment bank analysis also welcome) - Aly Khan Satchu, who used to post comments here, now has an occasional stock tips column in the Nairobi star newspaper. (His Web site)
Read the complete article at
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