You have to admit it by now that in the current Muso office, we only have artists, activists and others. An old cliché describes a leader as a people’s servant. Each year, we go to election full of hopes that some thing is going to change. We spare a few minutes of our privacy listening to promises, policies and manifestoes of fellow students we believe are honest and can do something, yet every beginning of a new era, the first thing that goes is hope. At last, we begin to realize the vicious cycle of hollow words, broken promises and petty threats. Too early at the dawn, we begin to experience desperation, then disgust and lastly annoyance. That the student of Moi University is a perennially annoyed lot is beyond question, this is an understatement. They get used to it and move on silently. A few get extremely annoyed and begin to question how things are handled here. It is this lot which some times you hear Mwamburi calling “election losers, dwarfs and cowards”. We are yet to see anything tangible being done by the current Muso office. Like their predecessor, they have adopted the ‘eat, do nothing and go’ attitude of the Rashid-Karega reign. In Tyrannical Reign of the Flies, poet Pablo Neruda calls them domain of the flies. . . the leader fly is a crook, the worker fly is a crook, the female fly is a crook, the child fly is a crook. . . he concludes by saying all ‘flies are crooks’. The entire leadership wallows in miasma of corruption and deceit, they have perfected the art of leadership by trickery. And while their business interests suffers no harm, they make other students lose business opportunities, did you know that a student has taken another to court over the use of items which he had acquired to use in chips café A at Soweto only to be shortchanged when he realized the premise had changed hands to some two Muso officials? Did you know that he enjoined Okeri Orina (Sec Gen) and one Olando David (Accommodation Director) as interested parties? You might not have known this because the media in Moi do not want to report these events. They still walk everywhere in campus shoulder high is because they have compromised a certain media house( which is said to be undergoing internal restructuring after senior officials disagreed why comrades are not being adequately informed about this and other ‘secrets’ we are yet to put on these walls) .
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Wednesday, 7 September 2011
TYRANNICAL REIGN OF THE FLIES BY JOEL MOLA
The Hague Reality; impact on 2012 By Maureen Wairimu
Based on our painful history as a country where grave injustices have been committed with no attempt of any justice, many of us can be forgiven for having been cynical about these Hague proceedings. When the terms ICC and Ocampo came up, we made jokes about them and even comedians got fodder for their entertainment. It is this mutual belief that led our leaders to overlook this looming factor and indulge in deep campaigns towards the coming general election. Alliances have been formed and talks held to choose and prepare candidates for next year’s election because our leaders, and even us as the voters, believed The Hague situation would have no significant impact leave alone taking place. However, following the ongoing confirmation of hearings at The Hague, the seriousness of the issue can now be felt and this will have an influence on the 2012 elections. It is emerging that some of the key contenders in the next election may not take part in the process after all. Mr. Ocampo and the prosecution have proved that they have undertaken composed and deep investigations that could indict these leaders. It is also evident that the trial at The Hague will carry on throughout 2012 and even some years after. Could our constitution or even the citizens embrace a head of state that makes monthly trips to answer grave court charges? It is highly unlikely. The biggest change however will be on the perception of the voters. Lying on my bed and keenly following the hearings, I could not help but recall the happenings of 2007 and 2008. There have been repeated mentions, details and discussions of this dark time throughout this process and this exposure will change the way people view those particular leaders. They could be exonerated but the image that will remain in the voter’s mind will most likely be blemished. The process of justice is finally catching up with the country and this reality will eventually create cracks in the prevailing political alliances and laid plans as well as shattering political dreams. My hope is that fellow citizens will see through this process with clear minds and realize the change that we have to make through our choices. By Maureen Wairimu The Communicator, Political Editor. Follow The Communicator on www.tcommunicator.blogspot.com And be the first to get the latest news and developments in and around campus. |
Newton’s letter to his son’s teacher BY KAKIM MWANGO
| He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not equal, all men are not just, all men are not true; But teach him also, that for every scoundrel, there is a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. . . Teach him for every enemy there is a friend. Steer him away from envy, if you can. . .teach him the secret of quite laughter. Let him learn early in life, that the bullies are the easiest to lick. . . Teach him if you can, the wonder of books, but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and the flowers on a green hillside. In school, teach him it is far honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with the tough. Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon. . . But teach him also to filter all that he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through. Teach him if you can , how to laugh when he is sad. . . Teach him there is no shame in tears, teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. . .teach him to sell his brain and brawn to the highest bidder but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right. Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire, makes fine steel! Let him have the courage to be impatient. . . Let him have the patience to be brave Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself-Because then he will have sublime faith in mankind. This is a big order, But see what you can do. . . HE IS SUCH A FINE LITTLE FELLOW. - Abraham Lincoln Chairs to be Fixed in LT4 By Stanley Mathenge The School of Human Resource Development is set to solve one of the biggest problems which has perennially affected students of the school-chairs. The school is planning to fix permanent chairs in Lecture Theatre Four (LT4) where most common courses with large student concentrations are usually taught. In the recent past, students from the school have raised the issue of lack of chairs as one that affects their concentration and time management. “I stay in Hostel K and can’t carry my room chair all the way to ICDC, some times you reach class only to realize there are no seats.” a first year female student said of the daily predicaments students from this school undergo. This situation will be a thing of the past if students are to believe the school administrator, Mr. Maritim. In a meeting with second year students who jammed his office due to clashes on lecture venues, the administrator revealed plans are at advanced stages to get permanent seats into LT4. Meanwhile, many students from the school are yet to have their exam results as fear and uncertainty about supplementary exams (sups) set in. The most affected are members of the second year class who were told to wait for another week before they can get the full results. |
OPPOSITION WILL TRIUMPH BY STEVE MACHARIA
| Allow me to loot some sentiments from history: Whoever lived in the early nineties read to it on the rise of second democracy which conceived multiparty .This was triggered by the mounted efforts by the opposition martyrs. The tale of the high profile opposition veterans in the 90s isn’t foreign and we are well accounted with its unwrithing. This is the vessel that was boarded by Ken Matiba, Charles Rubia and the then new crop of young Turks; James Orengo, Gitobu Imanyara… I subscribe to the opposition doctrine as we reap frolic fruits from its protagonists, having been disdained and displaced to seek refuge after the 25th SGC campaign trail and victory. A remedy to my panacea has come knocking as the opposition has instigated efforts to push for what the lip-service officials hurled as lies in their votes seduction escapades. To me, these are my unscandalized directors, and they do not own shops. The opposition right men hail from martyrdom domicile, theirs is to rephrase and reconstruct mutilated promises sent to shallow graveyards immediately we cast our votes to elect what we thought was a new generation of reformers. To scoop and digest better my bulky optimism embedded in hopes and promises of recent happenings, I will pin and hammer on great strides and the public goodwill the opposition has so far attained in their efforts to clean and renew students confidence in Muso politics, once and for all. The opposition conceived the idea of quenching students thirst for good leadership practices through total overhaul of our present constitution. This was especially in regard to governance and management of students finances. To prove how determined they were, they approached the dean for his take on recent pressing issues in campus.. In the marathon four hour meeting with the dean, they realized that part of the major defect in management of students affairs was due to inept leadership by successive SGCs, especially in the last four years. Contrary to usual accusations failed MUSO officials put on the deans office, the opposition asked the single question which most arise whenev t these people advance this line of argument is: why have they not told comrades exactly what the Dean has refused to do? On the constitution note: the dean approved the formation of an INTERIM CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE which in turn incorporated MUSO leadership thinking they would be genuine for such a noble idea. It did not take two days before the Sec Gen decided to turn the process into a publicity stunt by sidelining the very people who came up with the idea, now revelations emerge of defections of members of the ‘new team’ he lured into the review process through the back door. . . The opposition is yet to laugh last! Things started being shuttered on dark zones when Okeri Orina involved his ego in the whole process. He infracted procedures, abrogated agreements with the committee which was in place, and assisted by his 3rd eye friends, went ahead pasting memos every where forming his own committee. The existing committee in turn released another memo disowning Mr Okeri’s memo and urged him to be extremely honest with his actions. Okeri’s actions irked even some of the SGC members who now vows not to honor his new committee. It remains to be seen whether this noble idea from the opposition will see the light of day. If you think this is the first time MUSO is messing up good intentions of the opposition, then you will be more shocked to hear the fate which befell the two Da Shuttle buses. It is said a senior member of MUSO blocked the whole process claiming he was not consulted by the concerned students he always insults as “political losers, dwarfs and cowards”. To him, only the SGC can do any thing tangible to comrades. Yes, and they did tendering, remember? MU-84 SACCO is extremely happy with him, the touts at stage call him “mtumishi” the hard working one. One of the new buses registration number KBL 737 Q was set for launching two weeks ago but hardworking “mtumishi” still has to be invited. How cosy! The opposition, all these hurdles notwithstanding, is determined to forge ahead. Hail the revolution. The writer is the former 3rd Eye managing Editor. |
Sunday, 4 September 2011
THE SUGAR SHORTAGE FIASCO
THE SUGAR SHORTAGE FIASCO
By STEVE .W.OSOMBAH
The country is facing an acute shortage of sugar perhaps the worst in the history of Kenya. First it was fuel shortage then flour now it is time for sugar to take the center stage. It has come at the worst time when we are grappling with high inflation rates of about 13% and it is expected to continue going up the ladder. The high cost of living has already caused enough stress for Kenyans and when coupled with shortage of this sweet product, it becomes too much for one to handle. The price of sugar has hit an all-time high price, with 1kg packet of branded Mumias/Sony sugar going for a whooping Ksh.250 while the unbranded ones go for about Ksh.190! Things have become thick even for the working folks. Families have been forced to cut down on expenditure especially on luxurious items so as to stay afloat in these difficult times. Here in campus we have not been spared either, the prices have been adjusted just like ‘outside there’. Am trying to imagine how we are going to survive here in campus since the weather is not so favorable, it’s damn cold and we need to keep ourselves warm at least with a cup of tea/coffee/cocoa. I guess we will have to reduce the number of cups of tea we take and visitors will have to accompany themselves with a packet of sugar if they want tea!! Take no offence, it’s just that things are thick and we need to survive in this harsh economic times.
Seven sugar companies…
But wait a minute ... It’s absurd to say that we have a sugar shortage, yet we have not one, two or three but seven sugar companies in the country! Kenya has seven sugar companies .They include Mumias, Chemelil, Muhoroni, Sony, West Sugar, Nzoia and Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries all located along the Sugar Belt in Western Kenya. With all these companies and some in the process of being set up the million dollar question is, where is the sugar? The sugar shortage is alleged to have been caused by close down of Mumias Sugar Company for maintenance. The sugar companies are claiming that the farmers are not delivering their produce to the factories which has been downplayed by the farmers so it’s not clear who is telling the truth. Although Mumias is the largest producer of sugar among the seven, its closure cannot leave the country in acute shortage of sugar! In addition to that, the country imports sugar from COMESA member states to supplement the internal production.
Unscrupulous business people
I tend to believe that the sugar is there in plenty but somebody is hiding it. There are unethical business people who are hoarding the sweet product making the situation worse than already is. They are hoarding sugar in order to create an acute shortage which in real sense is not there! They then increase the price and reap super normal profits. The high cost of living caused by high prices of oil, extended drought season, and the selfishness of some business people have led some individuals to abject poverty. What gratification does one get by hoarding goods? You can exploit people for now but don’t forget they will be your customers even after the crisis. Profit making is the primary motive of any business organization but it should be done in a legal and ethical manner. Just remember don’t burn the bridge you may need it on your way back.
Bleak future…
The current high cost of living being experienced across the country has been largely attributed to high prices of oil in the world thanks to turmoil caused in Libya by Col.Muarmar Gaddaffi. Libya is among the largest producers of oil though the prices are expected to come down since the dictator has been removed from power. It will take time since the country’s infrastructure was destroyed during the war. Ladies and gentlemen lets brace ourselves for tough times ahead; the future is bleak. The prices of virtually all commodities have sky rocketed and it is expected to continue rising and on the other hand, employers are not increasing salaries for the employees. I guess for us students we will have to engage in fresh negotiations with our parents to adjust the subsistence fund and those folks from HELB to increase their disbursement.
Please send your comments, views and opinions to w.osombah@gmail.com
A faithful pal
A faithful pal
By Namwene Mukabwa
Wake up, wake up!
My darling pronounces
Shut up, shut up!
I reply with pounces
She doesn’t give up.
She stays by my side,
Firm she holds my floss,
If I take the bike she enjoys with me the ride,
On the campus lawns the grass she kills with me.
In the boring of lectures,
She lets me have her body to caress,
I do it with undivided devotion,
For she gives me unrivalled passion.
She doesn’t ask for chocolate or roses,
Nor does she care who I talk to,
She knows all about my concubines,
Still she doesn’t give a hoot.
My darling is fun,
She plays with me when she is full,
When hungry she cries for food
Chips-chicken is not her thing,
She demands a treat though,
20bob seals the deal…
My darling is faithful,
She will sit with me past midnight,
Helping me through the eleventh hour,
Of a month-long assignment due tomorrow.
My darling is a liar,
Her lies are sweet tweets,
She lies to my friends about my location,
Even when I am with another woman,
She has to guard her dignity,
Lest they laugh at her stupidity.
My darling kisses me goodnight,
Sometimes she walks me through the bleakest night,
And with the lightest strike of light,
She wakes me up hoping everything will be alright!
The phone is here to stay…
The phone is here to stay…
By Namwene Mukabwa
Just imagine age-long sayings like “as faithful as a dog” being replaced with the 21st Century creations such as “as faithful as a mobile phone!” I bet the latter would make more sense to anyone regardless of their location as opposed to the former especially in a generation where some offspring of our species cannot differentiate between a dog and a goat! If you haven’t read between the lines, don’t worry, just revisit Sir. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution-with a mirror before you- and you might just realize that you are not to blame!
Indeed, the 21st Century has been phenomenal, the mobile phone not withstanding. Ever since the discovery of this gadget by one brilliant Dr. Martin Cooper, life has never been the same for billions of people across the world. I was thinking about the faithfulness of this gadget and crazy comparisons crossed my mind. Sweetheart, I am sorry if you are reading this but for a second, yours truly compared you, with his “mulika mwizi” phone. If I publish the findings, I know my fate with you will have been determined.
I am not sure what I have is what Dr. Cooper had in mind when he invented the phone, but I know I trust my phone with everything of mine. I trust it with all my secret conversations. I trust it with all my text messages-allowed and forbidden. I trust it with my coded information. I trust part of my finances with it. It wakes me up to go for the early morning class. I know, with my phone, I am just seconds away from the people I love. Sometimes I get a sense of security just by having this gadget as “getting lost” is out of my mind. Because of my “mulika mwizi” my current relationship seems to be working thanks to the reminder which does miracles about “important” days in her life like birthdays, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries!
My friend Njoro, a classmate, confides in me over the phone that he has saved his “side-kick” as “MPESA” and therefore goes scot-free with text messages emanating from the clandestine association. Agreeing with him is Joan, a second year student in the School of Human Resource Development who says that saving her School of Engineering boyfriend as “Battery low” beats his classmate-boyfriend’s prying eyes!
Stanley, my roommate, discloses that losing his current phone could amount to robbery as all his vital ATM PINs are saved there. Some of my classmates cannot do 2-3 minutes without a social network-2Go, Facebook, casual dating, tweeter, qeep, MySpace among others. Albert, one such classmate, does not have real friends other than the online ones. My “mulika mwizi” on the other hand, cannot access the social networks but that does not deter me from “chatting.” I send text messages in real time and they are responded to the same way. Mobile phone service providers have heard the plight of yours truly by lowering the cost of sending text messages.
This small gadget can actually walk you through bleak moments including boring lectures and assignments. I wonder what a 2011 CPR student would do in a CPR class of 1991! I cannot figure out another source of information to an assignment that is due the following day given the few and sometimes irrelevant books in our MTL!
Courtesy of this gadget, I don’t waste time going to a friend’s room when he or she is not there. For those who have been here long enough, what do you think of “bei ya campo?” It should be back!
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