Monday, October 31, 2011

Just how dirty can Mombasa politics get?

By Eugene Omilo
As names for candidates eyeing various political seats continue to sprout, political analysts in Mombasa are worried of the latest strategies being thought out by the top players with the dreaded ‘race factor’ stealthily sneaking into the façade further making Mombasa politics dirtier than ever before.
This is despite warnings by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) that tough action will be taken to politicians who are bent on engaging in hate speech and blatant unpatriotic style of selling their candidatures to the electorate.
Happenings in the political circles in Mombasa recently involving contenders for the top seats remain a stark reminder of where Mombasa politics has come from and where, sadly, some political players want to return to so as to ‘deal’ with their opponents.

An analyst, Mr. Mohammed Yusuf, told this blogger that there are fears that many ‘fair skinned’ candidates have stormed the political scene leaving local residents to ask themselves who will control Mombasa after 2012.
Focal points

“Mombasa and Lamu are the focal points of this region. With the current trend of candidatures, one is left to wonder why a certain group of people are keen to control the politics of the region,”said Mr. Yusuf.

According to Mr. Yusuf, the ‘natives’ or the Waswahili feel they are being pushed in the periphery as far as leadership of the region is concerned as more Coastals of the Arabic roots position themselves to take the major seats in Mombasa and Lamu.

In Mombasa, the analyst continues, a majority of those eyeing the seats of either governor or senator are of Arab descent including tycoon Suleiman Shahbal, Mr. Taib Ali Taib, Cabinet minister Najib Balala and renowned scholar Prof Shakuat Abdulrazak who unconfirmed reports indicates that might be shifting from academia to elective politics in 2012.

In Lamu, there is Issa Timamy who has declared his interest in the post of governor, Lamu East MP Mr. Abu Chiaba who has announced that he will be vying for the post of senator and his Lamu West counterpart Fahim Twaha who will also be eying a bigger seat.

Others are businessman Muhamed Zubedi and political activist Swaleh Imu all of whom are fairer skinned.

The native Waswahili candidates in Mombasa are former KPA chief Abdala Mwaruwa, Changamwe MP Ramadhan Kajembe, Kisauni MP Hassan Joho and of late Human rights activist Hassan Omar.

Mr. Yusuf says with the race for governor getting tighter by the day, some candidates might resort to capitalize on the racial backlash to the disadvantage of the candidates of Arab decent.

“One question that people might ask is how many of ‘these’ will we accommodate yet we have our own sons? ” poses Mr. Yusuf.

Apart from the racial undertones, the battle for Mombasa governorship has also started to feature mudslinging and name calling with the latest spat involving the Mombasa mayor Ahmed Muhdhar who is understood to be a chief strategist in one of the top contender’s camp.

Muhdhar was recently put to the defensive for allegedly insulting Arabs by former Kisauni MP Said Hemed while he was addressing this year’s Idd Baraza at Treasury square in Mombasa.

The hated sentiments had arisen from an apparent onslaught that the mayor made on the candidature of Shahbal by questioning his alleged intention to spend a whooping Sh4 billion as his campaign budget for the seat of Mombasa governor.

"The allegations are unfounded and totally untrue. All I said in my speech was that there was someone who was raised in a poor family background and now wants to spend Sh 4 billion to become Governor of Mombasa County. Even Raila's presidential campaign will not cost that amount of money," the mayor was later quoted as saying in an apparent retreat over his earlier verbal misadventure.

Hemed had stormed the mayors’ parlor to demand an explanation on why his people were being discriminated upon.
The two, (Muhdhar and Hemed) have however reconciled and were together during the opening of the new Tudor Muslim cemetery recently.
Mr. Shahbal himself who was at the time in a tour of the United States has vehemently denied the allegations saying instead that it is a ploy by his competitors to shift the focus from issues of policy to money.

“All my competitors want is to make people believe that I have a lot of money so that wherever I go, they don’t listen to what I have to tell them but what I have to offer as hand outs,” said Mr. Shahbal in a recent roundtable meeting he hosted for journalists at the Royal Court hotel in Mombasa.

During the meeting, Mr. Shahbal also raised concerns of planned vote rigging and intimidation which his competitors , he said, were keen to use to frustrate his candidature.
Interestingly, these claims come at a time when the electoral commission has not even thought of starting the tendering process for printing ballot materials.

Another keen observer of Mombasa politics Mr. Hassan Greave says the emergence of youthful candidates like Mr. Hassan Omar is likely to change the political scene of Mombasa as the last crop of Mombasa old guards might be seeing their last days in the local politics.

According to Mr. Greave, Mr. Omar clearly replaces Mr. Kajembe as the front runner of the senators race as apart from his tag as a human race activist, many young voters would most likely identify with him than the incumbent Mombasa MPs who are also eyeing the seat like Mr. Kajembe.

“The biggest asset for Mr. Omar is his popularity which in this context is based on media coverage.His position in KNHRC gives him a platform to be heard almost every day unlike say Mr. Taib who went underground since he lost the race for Mvita parliamentary seat to Mr. Balala in 2007,” says Mr. Greave.

“Mr. Taib might be coming in as a political novice,” he adds.

Joho man to watch
Mr. Greave though has a different view from that held by many thinking Shahbal might be the man to watch in the governor’s race.

According to him, the dynamics of politics might put Shahbal in a difficult position if he continues to pursue what he terms as a gentlemanly approach to politics.

“Shahbal might launch the most wonderful manifesto and exude the most admirable characters but Joho is not to be slighted as he has cut himself a niche as a very aggressive politician in the time he has served as MP for Kisauni,” says Mr. Greave.
He says local voters have a totally different psychology from that of opinion swingers as they are more likely to identify with a robust personality as their preferred leader than one with a passive personality.

“I would not be surprised next year if the likes of Gedion Sonko are elected because Kenyans would most likely be charmed by an aggressive candidate,” he says adding that Joho can be classified in the same category.
Both Mr. Greave and Mr. Yusuf agree that money will also be a major factor as people will most likely swing to the side with most money.
Given that both Shahbal and Joho are relatively wealthy, their encounter might be a very interesting one to watch.

Their two might as well have to fight for in the ODM primaries if they both choose to stick to the Orange party as their 2012 political vehicle.

A source intimated to yours truly that Mr. Shahbal might be considering to die with ODM because of the fact that many ODM think tanks are favouring him for the post over Joho who is currently the party’s Organising Secretary.
It is also understood that Mr. Shahbal held a meeting with Nairobi architect Mr. Joshua Okinda before his recent trip to the US to weigh the possibilities of capturing the ODM ticket though details of what was discussed remain scanty.

Mr. Okinda is the man who is touted to be eyeing the seat of ODM Secretary General Prof Anyang Nyong’o.

“Though it is too early to say who will most likely be voted as governor or senator in Mombasa, ultimately, it is either money or skin which will be used as the determining factor,” concludes Mr. Yusuf.

All in all, it is not wise to insinuate that the electorate in Mombasa is still the same as the one during the era of spats between Prof Rashid Mzee and late Karisa Maitha in thye battle of Kisauniu. Mombasa residents are today highly educated and liberal and would certainly be voting for their preferred candidates without looking at their tribes or race.

The clarion call is that Dr. Ahmed Yassin, the local ‘hate speech spy’ should be alert to deal decisively with politicians who might want to use this cheap scapegoat to undermine the candidature of their competitors.

Long live the unity of Mombasa and its people!



STOP PRESS: Just before we went to press, an unfortunate incident happened in Mombasa where security officials sprayed acid to anti drugs activists to prevent them from handing over a memorandum to PM Raila Odinga who was visiting the region. It is not clear which local leaders or ODM officials were accompanying the PM at the time of the incident. That all major TV stations and newspapers decided to kill the story makes this brief in a nondescript blog food for thought.





Thursday, October 6, 2011

DUMILA’S TELEPATHIC LETTER TO NOBEL LAURATE WANGARI MAATHAI

Dear Wangari,

We could no longer, physically reach you as you have already transferred yourself heavenward. You would eternally remain with us – physically, intellectually and spiritually so. Thus, this telepathic letter is to confirm that we have built your solidly indestructible monument in our bosom.

It is the monument that will perpetually be reminding us of your noble deeds, your magnanimous heart. Though we were used to be remarkably and admirably so attracted to your broad, consistent smile that exhumed your marvelously charismatic characteristics and a uniquely wonderfully noble minded personality whose benevolence enriched us all who are your admirers, so much so that we have vowed to emulate quite a good number of your good qualities and follow your right path towards serving humanity – world wise. In this ambition of yours, you did distinctly succeed, to the international recognition and appreciation as to be awarded Nobel Prize of Peace for your life long engagement in preserving environment.

You firmly stood up to be reckoned an epitome of Kenyan women, an icon of a humanitarian personality and a pragmatic politician of national magnitude.

It was your indomitable determination as to adopt a stoic philosophy and be able to overcome all the set up obstacles and blocks on your path to achieving your noble objectives, as to ignore the Moi’s regime abominable uttering the tag “That mad woman.” This never bothered you but indeed even deeply inspired to determinedly continue with your noble deeds of serving humanity to the best of your knowledge and ability.

Dear Wangari, I do still express my gratitude to give me the privilege to write on your profile and take you a photo which reflected vividly your charming, cheerful happy face. That was when you had just arrived from the United States for further studies, (Back in 1967) at Chiromo Campus where you were an assistant lecturer and simultaneously a post graduate student in histology and anatomy. Intuitionally, I felt that here was a young brilliant academician who was inherently endowed with a remarkable intellectual mind – actually a genius who would be tenaciously living to utilize her intellectualism in the service of humanity.

I did also have a unique opportunity of writing on your conferring a doctorate of philosophy at the University of Nairobi by the hand of its chancellor – Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. The profile that appeared in SUNDAY POST of Nairobi – illustrated with a photo of you receiving being conferred by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta That enabled you to work your way as to be meritoriously appointed a professor at the same university.

You actually, systemically grew from being a devoted patriot, nationally recognized nationalist and duly appreciated as a dedicated, magnanimous humanitarian – appreciated – world wide. Thus making Kenyans of good wishes, particularly so feminine lots be significantly proud of you because you built for us a brightly shining good image of our beloved nation – Kenya.

Prof. Wangari Maathai you were an internationally renowned, intellectual philanthropist who would be going to various intellectual conferences, symposia, colloquia to dish out your intellectual wealth and the recipients were deeply grateful of your good offer to them. It is this magnanimity of yours that put you line up with internationally renowned statesmen of the category of Nelson Mandela, Mahtama Gandhi, Martin Luther King (Jnr.), Bertrand Russell and Nagib Mahfoudh (Al-Katib) all of whom spent wisely and sagaciously so their preciously lives to make the world united in a harmoniously peaceful atmosphere. So did you Dear Wangari.

Sincerely yours – Faraj Dumila.

RUTO BACK IN COAST ON VOTE HUNTING MISSION

By Walker MWANDOTO and Eugene OMILO

Former cabinet minister William Ruto is expected to tour the region this weekend in what political pundits say is a move to drum up support for his 2012 presidential bid.


The Eldoret North MP who returned into the country recently from his trip to the Hague, Netherlands, where he was attending the confirmation of charges hearings in his ICC case will lead a section of the G7 Alliance leaders in an extensive tour of Kilifi and Kwale counties and partly Mombasa county to popularise the new political alliance.


Ruto’s spokesman Mr. Kibiwott Korross told CTW that the presidential contender is expected to officiate over several fundraisers before addressing several political rallies in the region.


G7 Alliance leaders Mr. Eugene Wamalwa, Mr. Joshua Kurtuny, Mr. Omingo Magara, Mr. Adan Duale, Mr. Charles Keter, Mr. Chachu Ganya and Mr. Chirau Mwakwere are expected to be in Mr. Ruto’s entourage.

Mr. Mwakwere, Medical assistant minister Kazungu Kambi, Kinango MP Gonzi Rai, former Kisauni MP Anania Mwaboza and Changamwe parliamentary aspirant Mr. David Kimanthi who are key Ruto allies at the Coast are expected to lead other local leaders who will accompany Ruto in his four day itinerary between this Friday and Monday.

This Friday, Mr. Ruto is expected to preside over a fundraising function in aid of women groups at Bamba trading centre in Ganze constituency before moving to Bahari constituency where he will address a political rally at Karisa Maitha stadium in Kilifi town.

Coincidentally, Kilifi DC Katee Mwanza will be on official duty at the Hague where he was picked by the Head of Civil Service Mr. Francis Muthura to testify in the confirmation of charges hearings.

Kilifi county council chairman Mr. Anthony Kingi told CTW that Ruto had taken special interest in the county especially after a local councilor Mr. Hassan Mohammed of Roka ward won a civic by- election in 2009 on a UDM ticket.

Mr. Ruto attended the civic leaders’ homecoming party in Bahari Division three months ago where he was given a rousing reception contrary to assumptions that he was not popular in the region.

During the tour, the former minister donated Sh1 million towards the completion of Chumani Secondary School’s administration block which was under construction.

Mr. Kingi has together with former civic leader Shadrack Lewa urged Kilifi residents to attend the Saturday rally in large numbers.

“Ruto is a friend of the Coastal people. His frequent visits here are not just because of 2012 but he has been involved in development issues in the region together with local leaders since his days of Y2K in 1992,” said Mr. Lewa.

“Coast people should embrace leaders who participate in tangible development agendas.We do not want leaders who come here to popularize their parties but without touching on the real problems on the ground,” said Mr. Kingi.

Mr. Ruto is also expected to tour Kaloleni constituency on Saturday where he will address several rallies.


On Sunday, the Edoret North MP will shift base to the South Coast where he will address residents of Ukunda, Lunga Lunga, Kinango and finally Kwale where Trade minister and Matuga MP Chirau Mwakwere will host a major rally for the G7 Alliance.

“Ruto’s aim is to reach out to voters in all parts of the region, last time, he addressed a rally at Tononoka and now he will be in Kwale to show that he does not undermine the potential of any region,” said Mr. Koross when aksed about the decision to hold the major rally out of Mombasa.

“This is not the last time you will be seeing us in Coast,” he added.

The visit comes barely a fortnight after Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka toured parts of the region to inspect development projects as well as sale his 2012 candidacy.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s press unit has dismissed reports carried in a section of the media claiming that the ODM leader will be visiting the Coast region parallel to a similar by Ruto.


The reports had alleged that the PM would be in the region to tour development projects in the same areas that his political nemesis would be visiting.

The director of communications in the PM’s office Mr. Dennis Onyango said there was no such communication indicating that the PM would be in the region.

“Those were just rumours, the PM will not be visiting the Coast this weekend and if he were to do so, it wont be a calculation to interfere with any other leaders’ visit,” said Mr. Onyango who was incensed by the false reports.

LIKONI LEADERS REJECT SULEIMAN SHAHBAL'S OFFER

By Eugene Omilo


Mombasa’s gubernatorial contender Mr. Suleiman Shahbal found himself in hot soup after he made an offer to Likoni leaders to give him a running mate for the 2012 elections after the local leaders scoffed at him saying his offer was tantamount to undermining them.

Led by Likoni MP Masoud Mwahima, the leaders told off Mr. Shahbal saying the constituency was capable of producing a governor for the county.

Mr. Shahbal made the remarks at the Licodep centre over the weekend while addressing a well attended meeting convened by a new political association, the Wamiji Forum, which comprises leaders and professionals from Likoni constituency.

“Asking us to play second fiddle is like assuming that we have already thrown in the towel in the governor’s race which is not the case.Give us time to sit down and contemplate on whom amongst us is fit bfor the job but if we fail, we will call you and ask for such a favour,” said Mr. Mwahima.

Mr. Shahbal however stood by his remarks saying in politics, not all people subscribe to the same school of thought.

“It is normal, you don’t expect everyone to be happy with you in a political meeting, there will always be difference of opinion,” Mr. Shahbal told yours truly after the stormy meeting.

The other contenders for the governor’s post Mr. Hassan Joho and Mr. Abdala Mwaruwa who were also invited did not turn up nor send apologies.

According to the association’s secretary Mr. Abeid Mtsumi, the meeting had been called to allow local leaders and professionals to discuss on ways of developing the constituency as well as chart a way forward to the political position to be taken by Likoni residents in 2012 concerning the various seats introduced by the new constitution.

There was visible tension in the meeting especially as former area MP Suleiman Shakombo shared the dais with sitting MP Masoud Mwahima, with each attacking the other when they rose to speak.

Mr. Mwahima differed with his predecessor concerning the rationale behind constituting the Wamiji forum saying it should not be disbanded as some suggested as it will be a backward step.

“What we need to do is give this committee the support they need and not to start fighting it because they came up with the idea for the good of all of us in Likoni, ” said Mr. Mwahima.

“If we break this committee today, who will bring us together tommorrow?” posed Mr. Mwahima.



Mr. Suleiman Shakombo had together with a section of those who attended the meeting questioned the rationale used to elect the office bearers of the Wamiji Forum saying there is need to have inclusive representation at all levels if the association is to have reasonable impact to the people of Likoni.

Mr. Shakombo who is expected to vie against Mr. Mwahima for the parliamentary seat in 2012 challenged the area MP to put the Kenya Ports Authority management to task over the alleged dumping of sludge by dredging vessels undertaking the deepening of the port from the bed of the Likoni channel to the Shelly beach neighbourhood.

Mr. Shahbal said there is need for leaders from each of the constituencies in the county to unite then face their colleagues in the other constituencies for consensus talks on how they will divide the available political offices that will come with the new devolved structure of government.

The politics of bootlicking where delegations approach the people in power to ask for favours for their people are over. We now want a situation where our leaders will embrace dialogue as equals and agree on equitable resource allocation for their people,” said Mr. Shahbal.

“The people we want to send to demand for our share of the national cake must be people who are in a position to put up reasonable arguments,” he added.

Mwahima on his part challenged fellow contestants for the Likoni seat saying if they all crowded on the parliamentary seat, the constituency will end up loosing all the top county seats to neighbouring constituency.

The leaders also called on Likoni residents to register as voters in order to be in a position to sway the outcome of the vote for the senators’ and governor’s seats.

A participant Ustadh Juma Bega criticized the constituency’s successive leaders for failing to honour their campaign promises once they are elected, a fact that he says has made voters lose faith in the electoral system and opted for joining illegal groupings like the MRC.

Others who spoke at the forum were Likoni parliamentary seat aspirant Mr. Hamisi Ali Domoko and Moi University don Prof Hamadi Boga who emphaisized on the importance of conducting civic education to the electorate so that they make informed choices during the oncoming elections.

The forum was chaired by former Likoni MP Mr. Khalif Mwavumbo.