Economic Programs aimed at Mobilising International Capital is the way forward

Aduoko ero kamano mogundho ni joma ne ochako JALUO.com. Ma en wach maber sidang'. Jaluo.com miwa thuolo mar pimo paro kamoro amora ma wantie e piny mangima. Ma en tich malong'o ndi kendo an gi geno ni oganda duto te biro tiyo gi jaluo.com e yor mbaka kendo puonjruok weche mong'ith machando gwenge wa e pinje Luo.

May I say that a lot has been written about where Luo people stand in the current and past political moves and alignments. This also applies to different divergent views concerning the nation vis-a-vis the development of our region(Luoland) in particular. Comments, actions by some key Luo political figures indicates a strong need to rule the nation. The fact however remains that desires, wants and needs mean very little unless backed by a well-planned, integrated structure, supported by professional integrity, resources and unity among others, to ensure that a common goal or mission is achieved. As things stand now, there is strong indication that we stands a good chance under Od Dimbruok Manjod.

Having said that, I have a big problem with ogandawa especially man oko ka (Europe). The motivation to be in the front table of leadership is good and commendable but this can not yield any meaningful development if we continue to live our own lives. I therefore question our motivation to rule, recognizing our level of disorganization. ''Oganda ma ok kuoth kamoro achiel ok nyal loso gimoro''

Meeting and dialoging is a very important and essential element in progressive and forward looking people. It is fundamental in building a collaborative front and a team of dedicated individuals capable of undoing the bad. Many of us have decided to go solo, don’t want to receive calls, don't return e-mail greetings, don't want to join each other in any initiatives with the view of mobilizing and linking Luos abroad. This must stop, nobody can win alone, we can only win together. Some have even said that they've got no time for such initiatives. It is sad that this is so in the 21st century where there exist great references to increasing global connectivity, integration and interdependence in both economic, social, technological and cultural spheres. I wonder why globalization is not sending us the signal of togetherness and bind us together as people sharing similar challenges.

There's nothing wrong in politicking, but we must politick smart. If the desire to rule is simply to have control or to gain a piece of the pie regardless of what it takes, most Kenyans will recognize that intent and contest the effort. However, my hunch doesn't view the intent of the Luos in plain negative terms but I see a group of disjointed individuals with a common goal and bags of potent prides that derails them from accomplishing that common goal.

I do not agree with the politics of Narck government as I consider it not so different from the baba tawala prime time (patriotic) songs of the past. I wish any Kenyan tribe who unites around their regional problems good luck just like I have wished for other ethnicities to rise to the very top political position rather than being perpetual followers. The main point here is very simple, rise up and solidify (kamoro amora ma untie) or shut up and continue to play your king making roles as usual. There is nothing wrong with being in such roles if we continue to be a community without history and proper vision. Towards this end, I wish to say that the best thing now is to come up with Luoland Economic Recovery Plan. The solution to our current socio-economic problems will not change (even if we get positions of power in the government) unless such a programme is in place. Fighting for a national leadership in order to change this is not smart either. Because others don’t see really what we are fighting for.

I think by now, many of us are in the know, that things will never be like 60s during Kenyatta time. During Kenyatta's regime, people were satisfied, especially after many years of mau mau. There wasn't any robust press to report or sensitise Kenyans about tribalism, nepotism and big time corruption that took place at the time etc. Now, even if we took it, we will not be able to do anything without several press conferences being called across the country. Under these circumstances, I think we can use our position well by stepping up our game. This can be done by embracing a strong philosophy capable of uniting people and changing the way of thinking. We need unity of purpose, be organized and position ourselves strategically. By being a united people with good regional development plan, we can attract international capital and secure jobs for thousands of jobless young people in our villages. Why can't we meet i.e in Berlin, Johannesburg, Osaka, Winam, NY etc to have in place a strong progressive network of people whose sole interest is to fight poverty and promote development?

Last but not least, my message to my Diaspora brothers and sisters (especially in Europe) is; we can only attract investment in our region by opening up not closing ourselves once we reach Europe. Sometimes, I am left wandering how our people change once they reach the industrialized world. Let us not be robots copying the society here as if we don’t have any of our values as people. Its like we don’t have our own minds anymore, we copy a lot. I hate to say this about our people but this is real. Let us copy what is appropriate and do away with those not beneficial to our progress.
Erokamano uru

William Oduor
Denmark

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"I for one believe that if you give people a thorough understanding of what confronts them and the basic causes that produce it, they'll create their own program, and when the people create a program, you get action." MALCOM X