Politicians 'on the web'

It seems like the election may (A big 'may') be won on the social media next year. Just think about it, all the 'big' players are twitting(sp), 'facebooking' and the like. strategically, it makes sense, afterall we have seen what the social media do (Egypt is the best example). I will be analysing the effects of this media in  the coming months. In the meantime, check out this related article in techmtaa; http://www.techmtaa.com/2011/09/01/kenyan-politicians-beware-social-media-has-its-ninjas-in-charge/

Public appointments and consultations

May be I dont get this correctly, and may be I am making many assumptions, or remotely, may be I am right - looking at the appointment of the controller of Budget, the Auditor General and the Attorney General, it seems to me that the two strong men bargained on the basis of 'you give me this, and I will let you have the other one'

so where are issues of regional balance?

Silver lining - New state of Southern Sudan

In 2005 when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the government of Sudan (North), and the rebels (South) was signed, it didnt look like it would be long before the agreement would be worth no more than the paper it was written on. This view was porbably more sellable after the long serving 'Rebel' leader - Dr.John Garang died (some say killed) on 30th July of the same year.

Today in 2011, we have in every sense other than the official paperwork and all, a new state of Southern Sudan. The road has not been easy, infact its been difficult, but in the end it has happened.

Bilachuki bouquets go to President Al-Bashir, for accepting the results (making me loose all my bets), the people of Southern Sudan for turning out in large numbers to give the results legitimacy and above all to their leader Silva Kiir for carrying on from where Dr. Garang left and doing so quite competently.

Back

When i started this blog in 2008, it was largely a reaction to the political happenings in Kenya. it was at a time when I was doing a great deal of debating on what the world is vis-a-vis what it ought to be, it was a time when I looked and didnt see where we were heading, first as Kenyans and secondly as Africans. It was a time when the only comfort I found was behind my screen, in the virtual world of the internet, amidst strangers who I had never seen and would probably never see.

Fast forward 2011, 3 years on, nothings seems to really have changed. Sorry, a lot has changed, but things still remain the same. In Kenya, there still is the ICC, coalition government wrangles, poverty, hunger and disesases....

In africa, I hear cries of the people of Tunisia, I see the riots and civil disobidience in Egypt, I can feel the protests of the people of Uganda, there is silent but loud protestation to the rule of Mugabe in Zimbabwe. Africa, mother Africa!

I am back in this virtual world, to 'hide' from my frustrations and dissapointments at what we have turned out to be.

What a year!!

Just about to get the middle of the year and what a year its turning out to be...I have just been thinking of it and this year will surely end up being one of the most eventful years. Just to make you understand what i mean..

1. Kenya erupts into chaos after the general elections
2. Jacob Zuma beats Thabo Mbeki to the leadership of ANC in South Africa.
3.Zimbabwe holds elections in March 2008 and as yet no official results have been announced as i write this (10.06.08)
4.Xenophobic attacks on black non south africans in S.A
5.Barrack Obama gets the Democractic ticket to contest in the presidential election in the USA.


am sure there are many more... i have just tried to concentrate on the issues in our mother Africa.

I know what you are saying but YES Obama is African...wapende wasipende!!!

EURO 2008 - Lessons

Today, Euro 2008 officially starts. I am making my predictions and inviting any other fans to do the same. However, before we do, let me give pointers as to what influences my choice.

1. Hard as it is, in normal life, the bad and the ugly always seems to triumph over the good. (Liverpool Vs. Arsenal champions league quarter final)
2. The unexpexted always happens and when it does, it changes the whole cause of things (JT's slip and penalty miss at the champions league final against ManU.
3. Hardwork usually does not mean success. Tact and reslience usually do.(Again its hard not to think of the Champions league final Chelsea vs. ManU)
4. Starting well and being at the lead does not make you the winner. Being at the lead at the end is what makes you the winner. (Arsenal 2007/8 Premiership campaign)
5. Often at the end of the day, after putting so much work a silly decision by the referee might be the difference between winning and loosing, going home or staying. (That penalty against Arsenal at Anified in the champions league quarter finals)

Based on the above, I am almost sure that its not the sexy football of France, the hardwork of Portugal or the good co-ordination of Holland or Spain that will win the day.

I fear to say the tournament will be worn by ITALY or GERMANY....see you on 29th of June Folks!!!