AINAMOI TEA POLITICS

For the first time in parliamentary politics tea estates in Kericho are a big time issue in Ainamoi campaigns. Dr Paul Chepkwony of UDM and David Too of ODM are fighting it out in the tea cup and the constituents are really moved. It appears to me that the winner will be determined by how the new found tea politics will be conveyed to the voters because the idea of Kipsigis acquiring tea estates now resonates with the people more than any time before.

Tea politics have also soiled Moi through and through. It is now much known that the former president is against Raila because the tea estates he acquired and Okyek's land that he grabbed in Olenguruone may be repossessed if Raila wins. In tea politics, Moi scores zero and Raila scores 100 percent. Raila to many ordinary people is a revolutionary whose time to lead us has come and Moi's and Kibaki's money will never change people's resolve to vote for change in Rift Valley.

On the latest leaflets bearing drawings depicting Raila strangling Moi, PNU and Kibaki scored negative 100 percent because the leaflets were meant to foster a spirit of fear and hate for Raila but instead the wicked strategy backfired. The people in Kericho and Rift Valley knew the origin and the objective of the leaflets. They were meant to win votes for PNU and awaken the spirit of hate towards Raila but instead they strengthened voters resolve to vote Kibaki, PNU and KANU out! Rejection of Kibaki is irreversible and PNU defeat is sure. In fact PNU will cease to exist soon after December, 27 2007 and equality will prevail thereafter.

On presidency, Raila leads while Kibaki trails and Kalonzo is rarely mentioned. Both UDM and ODM are pro-Raila and the works of Lt Gen Koech as coordinator for Raila campaign is restoring ODM as people's party following a dent inflicted by failed primaries. In fact, based on what I gather from the ground, ODM is now more popular than before the primaries.

Thanks, also, to government's slumber and indifference regarding war in Molo and Mt Elgon. Kibaki is now more unpopular than any time before and from what I gather from people, turnout to reject Kibaki will be overwhelming.

Tribal hatred in Kenya is too much at the moment. When I talked to a friend, he said that the relationship between Kikuyus and Kalenjins is like the Biblical relationship between Israelites and Philistines. I was shocked when he said that the two tribes can never ever be friends. Well, for me I am against tribalism and racism and my hate for Kibaki's leadership is based on his failure to unite the country by distributing resources and government positions fairly and nothing racial or ethnic!

J.K.LELEITTO SANG
MINNESOTA,USA