Re: Raila a risk?

Wananchi,

I appreciate your responses on my take of Prof. Mazrui's interview as reported in the Standard.

Couple of things:

    * I think we all have a democratic right to support ideas, parties and/or people as the case may be. This equally applies to elections. In a democracy, everyone should hold some position and the majority should win. And when that majority wins, we should respect that verdict.
    * We cannot all agree all the time! Case in point: back in 2002 as the elections drew near, Raila and co met with protesters in MN. People were angry that he had been party to prolonging Moi's stay in power. In that entourage were Balala, Ruto, Tumbo Oeri, Adagala, Ojode, Kaindi and others. When they arrived in Toronto, they were spoiling for a fight, expecting a similar demo as had happened in MN! We instead challenged them to a debate in a public forum. The organizers asked me and Adongo to be the panelists; and we debated issues and at the end of the day bid they good bye! Today, Raila has a fanatical following in MN! So you see, today you may disagree with me; tomorrow you may not. And that is life.
    * Some people keep speculating the reasons for my stand even suggesting that I have been promised positions in a future Kibaki government should he win. Good people, I am quite capable of seeking public office myself. Further, I am where I am through my effort, work and the help of people (family, friends and colleagues) far from the public limelight. There was such speculation in 2002 and people fought me because of imagination they had that I was seeking some public office (elected or appointed). They were wrong then; and they are wrong today.
    * Some people have become professional at bashing others. It seems to me that such people jump at attacking others regardless of what is said. They don't even look at the point of argument and stuff under discussion. And we cannot be expected to respond to all such people.
    * Finally, let's remember that we will be around (God willing) beyond the elections; and we will be back to work; and we will be challenged to build a prosperous nation of Kenya in which we all co-exist and respect each other. So don't get carried away by today's high energy and euphoric atmosphere! Let's place things in perspective; and as for ideas for our community development, let's keep them coming; and let's partake in our collective advancement because that also advances Kenya.

Have a good Jamhuri.

Unedited.

Matunda Nyanchama