The Independent State of Somaliland

Akelo nyar Kager,
Allow me to contribute to Meshak Owino and Paul Nyandoto's postings. Good arguments for and against seceding have been brought forth. Others have advocated for federalism.

I see no right or wrong solution to the plight of Joluo and would like to offer a different view.

Why do we have to wait for the formation of Winam Republic or the realization of federalism to be contended with our plight? Why wait for the election of one of us to think and feel included in Kenya? Should the idea to secede be a ‘what if’ option in regard to the forthcoming election? I do not know.

I believe that the way forward to realizing our plight is to invest in Luoland big time, and reduce investing and over-spending in Nairobi. Imagine the impact this will have both in Nairobi and Kisumu. Some will argue that by doing so, we’ll miss out on sharing Bwore, the Capital City and ‘a national cake.’ We can still continue co-habiting in Nairobi, if we must, but seriously refocus channeling shillings to Kisumu instead, or as well.

We have the lake, and we have Kisumu City. Individuals in Kenya and in the Diaspora should be educated and encourged to build health, educational, recreational and business institutions around lake Victoria. This way, we can attract more shillings for future development and expand Kisumu airport for more business especially when federalism succeeds. How can we facilitate this informal education?

But first, we truly need to change our perception of dala. We need to think outside the box. Is dala only a place we’d like to go when on leave or for a visit, and only a place we’ll be laid to rest? Is dala a place where all we have is only a Simba which is almost falling apart, needs a new roof and hardly in use? Is dala where we build better structures close to retirement, if at all? What will Winam Republic, federalism or Raila do to transform our only investment such as Simba to a fully fledged income generating venture? Considering that Dala has this magnet that we all must return to someday, shouldn’t the closest town - no City, be the place to build tourist hotels, soccer stadium, industries, private and public institutions of health and education?

We do not need the referee to whistle or the gathering of Jo Thurwa to invest in Kisumu. Land is cheap, and so is labour. Those in the Diaspora, can spare or easily borrow a dollar or ten thousand and in doing so need to heed Jakom’s advice and think again regarding investing for sustenance rather than issuing tokens. Winam Republic idea is not a right or wrong idea, it might just be premature or not the only way to attain autonomy.

Whether in blood or in peace, it matters little if and when the Winam Republic is born. Some in the new state will still feel oppressed and may want to form their State-let. Creating this Winam Republic, may be much harder than turning Kisumu into a true market economy through individual investment by ordinary people like you and me.

It matters a little more, when the desired constitution permits federalism, yet the central government without a strong and independent legislature may still oppress some States. So the proponents of federalism need not cheer either. It will matter a whole lot more when, not if, someone with integrity like Raila is elected President. He shall level the playing field and saw seeds of progress for those who were unable to progress due to political suppression, to initiate even the first steps for raising a hair above the poverty line.

Raila will indeed level the political playing field and with an independent legislature and the judiciary, the rule of law will reign supreme. Nyanza and other provinces left behind during the last three presidential eras will begin to rise, most importantly due to the honest hard work of its people. Yet, since corruption will diminish, it will not be easy to catch up with Rift Valley and Central provinces without honest hard work. Central and Rift Valley provinces on the other hand have no reason to fear because truly, with Raila’s presidency, it will not be the Luo’s turn to ‘eat’, but to begin the end to corruption, nepotism, tribalism and xenophobia. Their honest hard work will continue to develop the economies they have built.

Right now, the focus should be to push for political change and invest in those people who can bring it forthright.
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Dan Oronje,
MARIDADI, Inc.
The Footability Store!
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