Tuesday, January 15, 2008

CONCERNED NOBLE WANGARI MAATHAI WRITES

It is almost three weeks since the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) announced the results of the disputed Presidential Elections and declared President Kibaki the winner.

Almost immediately, the country was thrown into the current crisis that refuses to go away.

The ECK may have an argument as to why it got rid of both the local and international press before making the announcement exclusively before the State-owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

THERE MAY ALSO BE REASONS WHY the swearing in ceremony was so hurriedly conducted at State House shortly after the announcement.

However, many people wonder whether ECK had something to hide. The fact that ECK has already admitted to being under tremendous pressure to announce results, even as some commissioners were admitting that there were irregularities, only puts doubt in the credibility of the results.

To those who are conversant with political games of intrigue and trickery, this was just another situation in the games politicians in this region play. The only “misfortune” is that someone got caught.

Under “normal circumstances”, leaders in Africa do not lose elections they organise! Such “fixed election games” would go undetected and elections would be declared largely “free and fair”.

Political champions will advice that if you are not willing to play such games, you have no business being in politics for you are bound to lose. It is at the altar of our politics that values like transparency, honesty and accountability are often conveniently sacrificed. It is also here that bribery of voters, election officials, government officers as well as theft and manipulation of votes are given the label of “political wisdom”.

If you are not caught, you get away with it and may even be called a ‘professor of politics’. Indeed, I am advised that politics is the art of the possible and values count for nothing. This is most unfortunate because it is this kind of politics that is responsible for the inability of this region, and our country for that matter, to move forward.

Many ordinary people, who supported President Kibaki, believe that “God” was on their side and performed a miracle, helping them outmaneouvre ODM. They are largely unaware of the long term implications of being perceived as a community that stole votes and assumed power against the wishes the majority.

To these masses, the killing and the displacement of their own from certain regions is the “work of the devil and God will intervene”. The masses are not aware of how their elites use them in their struggle for power.

On the other hand, President Kibaki’s elite colleagues may not believe in divine intervention. But if nothing happens to stop them, they will nevertheless smile all the way to the Cabinet and enjoy the spoils. With all the instruments of power at their disposal, President Kibaki and his advisors can afford to continue engaging others in futile discussions for the longest time, irrespective of the damage the impasse is causing the country because they believe they have nothing to lose.

This may be because, many of those who supported President Kibaki are looking for a solution but not one that contemplates President Kibaki losing some of the powers that “God” has now given him. They are praying that Raila will “see the light” and leave the President alone to do the work that “God” has assigned to him. So they too, are not eager for dialogue and concessions.

Unfortunately for the government and the suffering masses, ODM may not relent. The ODM finds it incomprehensible that they are not the ones “wearing the crown”. They want to do everything to have the crown given back to them.

HE ODM WILL CONTINUE TO PUT pressure in the hope that the Government will take reconciliatory steps, more so for the sake of the suffering masses.

The unfortunate messy performance by the ECK only serves to give ODM public sympathy and energise their supporters. To date, hundreds of people have been killed, thousands displaced and properties destroyed, especially through burning and looting. Leaders have appealed to those causing mayhem to stop the violence, but few seem to heed that call.

The tragedy is that, despite all the suffering, the move towards dialogue is extremely slow. Perhaps more public and international pressure is needed for the leaders to seek a lasting solution.

I appeal to the international community to continue putting pressure on President Kibaki, Raila Odinga and their teams to put the welfare of Kenyans before their own personal ambitions, and dialogue for a political and legal settlement sooner than later.

By Wangari Maathai
Monday, January 14, 2008 10:43:00 AM

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAFIE

MK wishes all Kenyans a prosperous new year. Do not cast your lot with politicians. They will only destroy you and then leave you to stew in your broth. Unite and demand your rights, not supporting certain politicians in the hope that you will be nominated to this or that position. Make your resolution to do something for the deaf this year, while at the same time reaching for your goals.

God bless Deaf Kenyans.

MK.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Is Raila Paying for those adverts?

The adverts by Nickson Kakiri on disability kenyas website are driven by sycophancy. Raila will win alright, but the idea that he will give certain deaf big seats in his government is misplaced. Are those ODM adverts in disability kenya website paid for? Its sad that we are willing to stoop this low just to win slots in the next government. Will that benefit the deaf people? MK urges the deaf people to fight for what is genuine. Do no fight for individual seats since that is futile!!!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

From Washington Opiyo

Dear Leila,


It is really great that the organizing committee is taking our
suggestions
more serious. It also appears that things at the 2008 AIDS conference
will be effectual

It would be a great idea to have international interpreters at the
conference to make information accessible to all participants from
different
countries. I have two professional international interpreters in mind,
however, WFD would be of great assistance.

I look forward to seeing all of you there...



Washington Opiyo sati

Disability Programme Coordinator

Liverpool VCT, Care and Treatment Kenya

P.O.BOX 19835- 00202

Tel: 254-20-2714590, 254-20-271308.

Fax: 254-20 2723612

www.liverpoolvct.org

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 7:53:

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Mzee Kiziwi receives this abusive comment

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

Please do not be narrow minded, idiotic and senile.

The article on Mzee Bubu did not mention any names or refer to any one in specific. It is very embarrasing to see this commentator call names and bubble words hurling insults at different people. S/He should be ashamed of themselves and find a hole to hide themselves.

Whoever it is you cannot hide from the TRUTH.

NGOs like Deaf Aid, GDC, CMB, SHIA/Deaf Blind project, Sense International, etc have failed the Deaf people in Kenya.

KNAD has failed the membership. It concentrated on the politics and forgot the important things of nurturing the membership. Imagine all Deaf Kenyans giving atleast 100 bob a month - We would have alot of money for development and not beg Sweden and the like to fund our activities.

Kenyan Governement has failed the Deaf people. It is true we need to respect and work with the government BUT as taxpaying Kenyans WE HAVE TO DEMAND provison of essential service! GoK has not given the Deaf anything to celebrate in the last 44yeears of independence.

We need the following from the above groups of people!

1. Recognition of Kenyan Sign Language as the official language of the Deaf in Kenya. With this we will have research into the language, documentation of the same, Trainign of teachers and interpreters.

2. Amendment of the Disability Act to explicitly mention the Deaf as a sociolinguistic minority with unique needs and aspirations.

3. Advocate that the organizations working with the Deaf to be veted and regulated by the various bodies and these must include Deaf indiividuals as board members, staff and beneficiaries.

4. Deaf people themselves to get out of their fatalism mentality and be among those fighting for their own liberation.

5. It is ashaming to see the like of Kevin Warnke, Jean Claude, Joel Runnels, Penny May, Morrisey, K. Henderson, Shane Mwangi coming to Kenya, establishing 'businesses' and gaining lots of money in salaries and benefits in the name of the Deaf in Kenya. I wonder if Togo for instance has a Deaf Association? or an Education system for the Deaf students? BUT Jean Claude purportedly is in Kenya as a good will ambassador! FUCK!!!!!!!

In Norway and Scandinavian countries it is very scarse to find many interpreters - why can't Deaf Aid and SHIA train and supply that demand up there??? they have to come to Kenya.

Hypocrates!!!!

The USA is very ahead in amny of the issues of Deafness BUT we do not want to have degenerates being posted to Kenya inform of Joels and peace corps volunteers. Their contributions are vlauble BUT until they view the Kenyans as partners they will keep giving us more and more white elephants to add to our wildlife collection.

6. We need more blogs like this one. For the dunderheads who do not understand a blog - it is a public diary with private thoughts. Deaf Kenyans do tis kind of gossip on the street anytime every day at Ambassaduer hotel, KENCOM....for those uptight and fear the blog - Meza Wembe. Kubaffu Bure KAbisa.

7. Justice is needed for ll the people who have been implecated in embaselemnt of funds, we must have a clear process of justcie.

those are 7 strong points you can publish Mzee Kiziwi and stop being a PNU sympathezer!

P - People of

N - no

U - Understanding

Kazi Iendelee kama kawaida na Raila Anatosha huku Kibaki Anatoka!

Friday, November 16, 2007

First Corrupt Interpreter, Aggrey Akaranga, Jailed!

Mzee Kiziwi has learnt that Aggrey Akaranga, http://www.disabilitykenya.org/about.htm the famous corrupt Kenyan from a genetically Deaf family’s was charged for forgery, false pretense and obtaining of funds with intent to defraud and bribe a government official!

The forty days of a thief!

He also faced the alternative charge of trying to help a foreigner acquire a Kenyan Work Permit.

This man, Aggrey is well known in the Deaf community as a corrupt money bags.
He was involved in the death of Kenya National Deaf HIV/AIDS Education Programme.
He was involved with Joel Omondi’s Disability Kenya where he is the project interpreter!

Yet he could not raise his massive bond of 100,000 which the learned judge has set thanks to the magnitude of his crime.

In the end he and his brothers Washington Akaranga and Boniface Inyanya had to turn to their Minister brother, Hon. Moses Akaranga, Minister for Public Services.

This is the same Minister who refused Deaf people employment for teaching sign language to Public Service Commission employees. It is worthy to note that Akaranga will never return to become an MP because Pentagon Member Mudavadi will take his rightful place as the Sabatia MP after five years in the political cold.

Now Aggrey is free roaming in the streets of Nairobi. Be aware! Mzee Kiziwi and agents are watching you!

M.K.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Mzee Kiziwi received this comment to IPDD

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

The whole issue that your author, illiterate Interested Party to Deaf development in Kenya, raised is really thrash and not worth my comments!

But because your author thinks he is so clever let me comment just to show him dust.

First, it is not your stupid writer's mandate to decide who has the right to education in this country.

Education is a basic human right.

Anyone who provides it is given the revered title Mwalimu, Teacher and is greatly respected in our country.

That Mr. Jean Claude and Deaf AID are starting a School for the Deaf where presumably the Deaf will receive free education should be greatly supported and applauded.

Does your foolish writer have money to help the Deaf people of Kenya? What exactly has he done to give himself moral authority to demand that all foreigners should not start a school for the Deaf? Is it him Deaf AID wants to educate or poor and orphaned Deaf children? This is indeed so stupid and I shudder to think that Mzee Bubu supports you enough to give your article prominence in the blog.

He thinks that he is clever by plagiarizing Kenya Society of the Deaf Children’s repot which states inter alia “The biggest problem all private school face today in the Deaf education sector is the fact that they can only get a little support from the government. Government sponsored schools receive tuition fees from the government at KES 10,000/- or more per child, private special schools are getting a mere KES 2,000/-. This is problem....you may ask why? here is the reason. Majority of the Deaf students in the schools comes from poor families and therefore they rely on external aid to educate the children. We will continue to make these children and their parents’ objects of benevolence and never teaching them to fish for themselves or have the government support the children through the huge taxes we are paying through VAT and other various taxes that are currently at between 30-35%.”

What a pity! By its very natural and derived meaning the above article supports private intervention in Kenya’s Special education because of government inertia. How do you teach a child to fish when you do not give it the opportunity of an education? Yet because you have nothing to offer organizations like Deaf AID are not allowed, eh? How clever are you? Up to which lever did you reach in your useless education?

Please give us a break and respect our intelligence. The Deaf children whom you want Deaf AID not to educate are defenseless. They have no other option. Your mother fucking KNAD is dead as a dodo. Your Wango is only interested in his survival only!

The only thing I agree with him is that we must empower the Deaf people of Kenya. But I disagree with you louts on how to achieve this. Here is how to do it!

A; Let anyone who wants to educate the deaf do so without your stupid fuss. It’s their money not yours. This is a free market economy if we don’t like Deaf AID it would not be here. It’s useful as it is.

B. Let us build united and educated Deaf elite. Today only Dr. Ndurumo is the only recognized scholar. Stop our Deaf people ‘failing in KCSE’ we do not fail. We are educated in an unequal system meant for normal children. Let’s petition your Raila to get KSL in the revised curriculum.

C. Let our own Deaf NGO’s CBO’s be run in a transparent manner. Your corrupt deaf leaders like Wango have no moral authority to block Deaf people’s efforts to become self sufficient.

D. Once we are united and we have humble leaders not alcoholics, Yaya whoremasters, etc. we will be able to get one of our own even to the parliament!

Why?

1. KSDC serves its own purposes. Your mother and father probably would never have sent you to school if it were not for the work of this organization!

It does not matter if Shane establishes 1001 schools for the Deaf for the Deaf you illiterate. Learn to appreciate positive contribution that people like Deaf AID do for Kenya. It is their money stupid.

Why not try and ask Deaf elites like Nickson to leave Yaya and use his money to start a school for the Deaf?

I think that the question should be to ask donors politely, pointing out that pointing out that we do not need a Deaf school in Nyabondo in Kisumu while NE province have maybe 2-3 schools? Nairobi has no Deaf school. In any case it is the Government of Kenya’s responsibility, silly!

2. KNAD. Wango. Corruption. Abuses. UNDP mess up. Ogola insults. These are self explanatory and well known.

These are self explanatory and you never have courage to tell Wango to resign. Ha. Many Kenyans really hate Wango’s abuse of KNAD. Why don’t you join me? Because I am a Kikuyu and your brother Wango is a Luo? You complain about lack of coordination, but no, you want Wango to stay because like Kibaki ‘better the devil you know than the angel you don’t’

KNAD has members who are alive and actively working in various places in Kenya please get on your feet and defend your country oh sleeping giant, awake from your slumber oh mighty KNAD!!!!-Amen, but the buck stops with you! Ask not what others can do but initiate!

3. Kenyan government officials who are complaisant, lazy and gullible your days are numbered. We can not be paying huge taxes and you do not give us services - We demand transparency and accountability in the Education sector - KSL to be recognized, all teachers teaching in Deaf schools should be able to use KSL no questions no compromise we want KSL NOW!!!!-

-WOW how will you achieve that? You will bring a nationwide laughing stock because of the mess within your community! Brothers and sisters the only way forward is friendship with our hearing pigs like Jack Owiti, not threats. We will still need these hearing government fools for many years to come.

4. KNAD to organize a million Deaf March in January of 2008!

-Oh brother, KNAD cannot even raise a handful of delegates.

5. NGO council to be given a list of organizations to be audited for compliance and accountability.

-Good: You just give a list to the NGO council? Did you know that corruption is every where even within this watchdog? Oh go ahead with Raila’s authority I hope you will add KNAD, Mzee Bubu, Mzee Kiziwi, ICD, etc. but what will they serve? You are really a fool devoid of the knowledge of micro/macro economics. They will simply cover up their annual books of accounts or refuse because they know how to do so.

Ask Wango how he did it with Abilis AIDS Money!


You say, “These organizations have been given licenses to operate in Kenya to offer service BUT where are the tangible results?”

- The tangible results are there you fools. They have done so much. You instead of looking for a job are watching and farting over what other people do with their money?”

Let’s audit Shane and Nickson too, huh? Where does he get the YAYA apartment money? Could it be money meant for me and other Deaf Kenyan citizens?

5. Petition the next parliament to take action on halting the mask of benevolence.

-The parliament has gone to the dogs a long time ago. No Deaf Luo is currently qualifies to be nominated as a MP. Mr. Nickson take head. You are illiterate for all your degree and you do not know Kiswahili. Raila won’t remember you even if he gets to be the leader of official opposition.


Kenya is ours! Oh yes. And we have the world’s highest inequality. Nickson and Polios of this world life in mansions while the majority of the Deaf lives in slums. Then they (includes you) yell DEAF AID is corrupt! CMB is corrupt! KSLRP is corrupt! KNAD is good! GDC is bad! Shit! You think we are fools to follow you blindly? Just like the Pigs in the Animal Farm -Two legs good, four legs bad?

We will support those NGO’s who want to start schools for the Deaf anywhere in the republic. Your useless words benefit no one but your colonial masters.

Anonymous Critic