Hospitality • As the politicians on the by-election campaign trail in Mbeere North Constituency sip tea and seek votes, they should not forget that the goodwill isn’t for free, says Edwin Kariuki. “Both UDA and DP should pay for the tea they are consuming. After all, they’re cashing in on the locals’ hospitality. Shouldn’t they just foot the bill for this political theatre?” His contact is [email protected] .
Succession • This is a defining moment as the ODM party celebrates its 20th anniversary, says Chris Kiriba. “It’s time to audit the party’s strengths and weaknesses and plan well to leverage its real strengths. The younger ODM leaders should take a cue from the old horses, but they shouldn’t show their fangs too early or they will be clipped.” His contact is [email protected] .
Extortion • How about this sly creativity in rural Kisumu? Damson Opiyo Onger says there’s a story doing the rounds in Muhoroni about a police officer assigned to guard examinations in a secondary school but who became more adventurous. “He used the opportunity to waylay and extort money from boda boda riders, chang’aa and molasses transporters.” His contact is [email protected] .
Corruption • The high rate of corruption is alarming, says Joshua Mwabali. “Do you need a passport? You must know someone in the Interior ministry. If you open an entertainment club, you must know someone and be ready to give out weekly bribes. You operate a matatu, you must be ready to give out daily contributions. There’s no sign this will end anytime soon.” His contact is [email protected] .
Displaced • A humanitarian crisis is looming as Lake Naivasha continues swelling, displacing hundreds of families, especially in the populous Kihoto neighbourhood, says Joseph Macharia. “As the surrounding areas get flooded, some urgent measures by the county and national governments are needed to bail out the people before disaster strikes.” His contact is [email protected]
Have a protective day, won’t you!
