Monday 26 November 2012

Uhuru, Ruto teams differ over regions

By Vitalis Kimutai
NAIROBI; KENYA: Teams fine-tuning an alliance and pre-election power between Mr Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr William Ruto have failed to agree on where their parties will not field candidates for the other’s sake.
The fresh tussle held on even as the United Republican Party and The National Alliance, who have just lost Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa, prepared to sign the deal on Tuesday next week. Insider sources reveal URP has been given the Deputy President position in the alliance, the Leader of the Majority and one of the Senate’s Speaker position while TNA has the Presidency and Parliamentary Speaker.
It is not clear yet what Water minister Charity Ngilu will be getting under the alliance. The ministerial, ambassadorial and Cabinet secretaries positions will be shared on a 50-50 basis, sources familiar with the talks reveal. “URP will be getting a huge chunk of the key positions for the simple reason that Ruto has agreed to give up his presidential ambitions and become Uhuru’s running mate,” revealed Emgwen MP Elijah Lagat.
The party is now struggling to calm internal tensions set off by disagreements over whether TNA should field candidates in select Counties in Rift Valley when URP has agreed to stay out of Central Kenya.
The tug of war progressed as it became clearer the Eldoret North MP who is facing serious crimes against humanity charges at The Hague together with Uhuru would be the running mate and the Gatundu South MP the presidential candidate.
Pre-election deal
Ruto was last evening set to host MPs at his Karen home in Nairobi to brief them on the progress of the pre-election deal. “Ruto will be meeting MPs tonight at his home where the pre-election deal will be discussed and alternatives explored ahead of the signing of the deal on December 4, by the two parties,” an MP close to Ruto told The Standard on Monday evening.
A follow-up meeting by the MPs will also be held at the Eldoret North MP’s home this weekend ahead of the signing of the deal next week.
“Let us deposit the pre-election agreement at the office of Registrar of Political Parties at the last minute instead of rushing to sign it and lock out others in the process,” said Mosop MP David Koech.
The deal, sources revealed, is almost ready, but teams on both sides want several issues ironed out before then. While both sides agree that Central Province is to be left to TNA, the Rift Valley is proving to be the most difficult to decide on in the attempt by the parties to form an alliance that would not fight within itself over specific party blocs where each claims to have unrivalled control.
There is also broad agreement between the parties that North Rift will be left to URP. However, the cosmopolitan Nakuru and Kajiado, also in the Rift Valley, are bones of contention.
Those who spoke to The Standard said most MPs are opposed to the zoning of regions fearing it would divide the coalition and create an opening for rival parties to pull the rug from under the feet of the alliance, as those who would be locked out are likely to vote for other in protest.
“Even as zoning is being discussed TNA is laying claim to Nakuru and Kajiado Counties which traditionally are seen as URP regions as they fall under Rift Valley,” said a Cabinet minister involved in the talks.
“What will the alliance do with the larger Meru region which though it falls under Mount Kenya region gravitates towards URP instead of TNA?” asked the minister.
Naivasha MP John Mututho (Kanu) argued it was important the alliance’s members remain united until after the next General Election. “Leaders should not be driven by greed for the Presidency. Let the members use statistical formula and will of the people in the power sharing deal,” advised Mututho.
He said the proposed zoning of regions by TNA and URP should not be embraced because it would bring conflict among the members. “What should happen is for us to go to elections after which sharing of key government positions would be based on the performance of parties at the ballot,” Mututho said.
Uhuru and Ruto reportedly met the negotiators in Nairobi to discuss the unfolding scenario.
Details on why Wamalwa quit URP-TNA alliance also emerged even as URP was said to be trying to woo Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka back into G7 Alliance.
On Wamalwa, sources said he had decided to quit Uhuru and Ruto alliance after the two declined to heed his demands. The sources said TNA and URP had already shared out seats and only told Wamalwa to be patient and agree to take what he would be given. Ruto is said to have argued that since he had ceded the presidency, his side would also take the slots for Majority Leader and that of the Senate Speaker as well as half the maximum of 22 Cabinet Secretary slots.
He is said to have argued TNA would then take the other seats for the National Assembly Speaker and half of the Cabinet.
The Ruto team is said to have argued both Wamalwa and Ngilu having come to the alliance through TNA should demand their slots from Uhuru, a move that seems to have angered the Justice Minister, prompting his walkout from the alliance.
“He (Wamalwa) demanded that he must be Uhuru’s running mate under the alliance and was not willing to take up the Speaker’s position which he had been offered,” said a member of the negotiating team.
However, Kalonzo has insisted he would not accept anything short of a ticket for the Presidency in the G7 Alliance and is finalising a pre-election pact with Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
Kalonzo on Monday met Wamalwa at his Karen residence to deliberate on a possible inclusion in the alliance with Mudavadi.
“Ngilu will be given a position on her own in the alliance, but the announcement would not be made public until the morning of the deadline,” said another source.
“Wamalwa has simply chosen to cut the same hand that has all along fed him,” claimed Cheranganyi MP Joshua Kuttuny.
But Nominated MP Rachel Shebesh said: “I do not think Wamalwa will leave the G7 alliance because that is where he belongs and where he gets acceptance, and already he had been offered a position that he would not get anywhere else.”
Kieni MP Nemesyus Warugongo said that Wamalwa should reconsider his stand and rejoin the TNA-URP alliance because he cannot make much impact on his own.
Unite Kenyans
Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo argued: “We are fully behind the alliance which brings together youthful, vibrant and visionary leaders with a clear mission to unite Kenyans and turn around the economy,” Kilonzo said.
Konoin MP Dr Julius Kones said URP-TNA deal was rushed and Ruto had not consulted members of his Kalenjin community.
Former Moi University law lecturer, Mr Kipchumba Murkomen is leading the URP team of experts crafting the deal, while the TNA team includes the party’s Secretary General, Mr Onyango Oloo.
“The agreement will not be signed until next week because we are keen on accommodating others willing to come on board,” said a source involved in the negotiations.
— Additional reporting by Martin Mutua

Thursday 18 October 2012

Be gentle with yourself.

 

Be gentle with yourself.Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Thursday 12 July 2012


MIGUNA PEELED HIS CAREER WHILE PEELING BACK THE MASK

      When Miguna Miguna first talked of writing a book about his former boss, I knew it would fall nothing less than pilling his own mask. He went ahead and gave a huge sneak preview of what the book would be about; his former boss, Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga. For a moment I feared for the Prime Minister that his former aide would spill the millet around chickens. But now as the book is already published and about to circulate the market, I now realize the consequences Magana’s Pearling Back the Mask has subjected him to.
     The book presents a sinister insider’s account of the intrigues, discussions and power plays that have occurred in Kenya’s “corridors of power” in recent years majoring on what transpired during and after elections making it a must read for everyone interested in social justice and pristine governance in Africa. The book depicts a cowardly and dishonest leader undeserving of the praise and attention leaving one to wonder how guileless Miguna can be. In a nutshell, Peeling Back the Mask narrates to the public how Prime Minister`s rulings is dire.
     For me, Peeling back the Mask, Miguna’s account of his time as a senior aide to PM Raila Odinga, is one of the most explosive books in the country and compares to John Githongo’s revelations on grand corruption within President Kibaki’s circle.
     When Miguna Miguna first came on screen and talked about how Raila used to call him 'Janyando' and so on, I for once compared him to a jilted lover and knew he was losing it. Unlike in most cases, Miguna will never merit from his service as Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Adviser.
 Referring to himself as a Barrister and Solicitor, Mediator and ADR Consultant, Miguna is expected to manifest utmost discretion in keeping secret what is meant to be such. However, in this case he has defied norms and has since gone public and talked about the negative things about his former boss, something that even me cannot do given a chance.
One thing Miguna Miguna does not understand is that the public is judging him on his credibility to make a good adviser? Most of his clients who need a great deal of confidentiality will from now on shy away from him. Nobody will ever entrust him with any serious law suit .
If what Miguna claims about Prime Minister Raila Odinga has some basis and that he wasn’t pleased with what happened in ODM, why didn’t  he come out and condemn it then? Miguna has taken on an act that none of his colleague would have taken. Try comparing him with PNU rebels like former Justice and Constitutional Minister Martha Karua. When she was not pleased with what went on in PNU management and felt short changed, she resigned and played low. That is the courage I expected Miguna to emulate.
Thumbs up for Prime Minister’s tactful silence about Miguna’s distress. I don’t know how best the Prime Minister could have handled such a runny mouth from a former aide.
                                                                                      by Killion James.

Tuesday 3 July 2012

THANKS GIVING PRAYER.

   [Giving You thanks Jesus
Dear Jesus, we give You thanks for a brand
new day,
we thank You for our health and strength
from day to day.
We give You thanks for the blessings, You
pour into our lives..
You are such a awesome God...
Jesus, there are those who need you in a
special way.
We ask that You would surround them
with your love and protection at this time.
We ask that You will anoint those who need
healing
and that You would take away the pain.
Lord, that Your mighty hand would reach
out
and touch them in a special way.
Lord, we know we are nothing on our own,
we need You more today than yesterday.
So we pray that You would just come along
side now
and touch those who need a special touch
from You.
Guide in ways that we may think is
impossible
but nothing is impossible with the God we
serve.
Jesus, You are the Rock in which we can hide
from all the storms that come our way.
Lord, draw each one close in Your loving
arms right now.
May they feel so loved in Your presence.
Lord, for those who need Salvation, we
plead
the blood upon them in these last days of
time.
How we pray that they would realize your
return
is near and the importance of being ready...
We pray their eyes would come open to
your
truth and their hearts would recieve You.
We are not worthy of all your love but,
through your precious blood you made us
worthy...
You are always there when we cry out to
You.
You always say, I'm here my child, "Come
unto me"
We thank you for our families, those that
You
gave us to teach and to love, we give You
thanks
for the work you are doing in their lives.
We ask that You would place a hedge of
protection
around them at this moment..
We continue to pray for those who is still
not into the fold of God we continue
to pray that Jesus, You will wait a little
longer a few more days to get our loved
ones in...
We pray that a revivial would sweep over
our
world in the mighty name of Jesus and save
our people before it's too late.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in
the world.
Giving You thanks Jesus!
© 2005 Bernice Ward
Bernice's Inspirations
Mat 6:9...... After this manner therefore
pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name. Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom
come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in
heaven. Mat 6:11 ...Give us this day our daily
bread. Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive our debtors. Mat 6:13 And lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.........]
posted from Bloggeroid

Sunday 15 April 2012

by KILLION JAMES.facebook page

Honestly, we will have these answers in our mind ...
but we give different, tailored and suitable answers to the guy !
1. Why did you apply for this job?
I have applied for many jobs along with this and you called me now.
2. Why do you want to work for this company?
I have to work for some company who ever gives me a job,
I don't have any specific company in mind.
3. Why should I hire you?
You have to hire some one, you may give me a try.
4. What would you do if this happened?
Well, it depends my mindset and mood at that situation...
5. What is your biggest strength?
Basically, daring to join any company who pays me well,
without thinking of the fate of company
6. What is your biggest weakness?
Girls
7. What was your worst mistake, and how did you learn from it?
Joining my earlier company and learnt that I need to jump to
get more money, so I am here today
8. What accomplishments in your last position are you
 most proud of?
Had I accomplished any in my last position, why do I need to
change my job? I could demand more and stay there.
9. Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
Biggest challenge is answering the question "why are you
looking for a change" and I started blabbering irrelevantly
to overcome that.
10. Why did you leave/ are you leaving your last job?
For the same reason why you left your earlier job
11. What do you want from this job?
If no work is given but keep giving good hikes
12. What are your career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
Make more money and for that keep jumping companies for every 2 yrs
13. Did you hear of our company and what do you know of us?
Yeah, I know that you will ask this, I've gone through your website
14. What is the salary expected and how do justify that?
Well, no one will change job for the same salary, hence,
give me 20% extra than what I am getting and that
is unpublished industry standard
(I know you will bargain on whatever I ask, hence,
I have already hiked my current salary by 30%)