'LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME', Says Governor Wambora

Governor Wambora gives free milk to children

Luke 18:16 -   'But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God'

THE SIMILARITY BETWEEN WAMBORA AND OUR SAVIOUR

Back in the days when the son man (Jesus Christ) walked the earth, doing good and teaching this world of sin the way, he said, "Let the children come to me".

He also added, "The kingdom of God is for those who are like children". My point is, children have a special place in all of us. If you ever see anyone to whom children are attracted, that person is godly. The opposite is true. In the same light, if you see any leader taking care of children, know that automatically, this is a God-chosen leader.

Therefore, gauging from the efforts of Embu governor, His Excellency Martin Wambora, in establishing ECDE centers, equipping the same and hiring of professional staff for the kids (on permanent and pensionable basis) it is clear that 'Ciiko' cares for the posterity of Embu. What more prove than the free milk program for the children? Embu shall be great even in years to come, courtesy of Wambora.

Milk for the children; prosperity for posterity

ARE QUITERS WINNERS? Joe Nyagah and Joshua Kanake Yet To Prove

Former Political Advisor to Governor Wambora, Mr. Joshua Kanake (left) with Embu Senator and gubernatorial candidate, Lenny Kivuti

Whoever said that quiters are not winners had a point yes, but modern day philosophers will prove to you, that the opposite is true. If you consider this argument fallacious or controversial, you need not look further than the volatile political dynamics in the country and the counties as well. Well, it's no longer 'teething' problems of devolution, no, now the baby has got teeth - teeth that can bite - courtesy of the president and the governors, with the help of their Political Advisors, of course.

In the recent past, we have had two Political Advisors: Joe Nyagah and Joshua Kanake; advisors to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Governor Martin Wambora of Embu respectively, quit their jobs in pursuit of elective positions. An optimist would call it sacrifice or calculated risk while a pessimist may argue that the two didn't really quit their jobs. They were fired, and so sought power as a solace.

Mr Kanake's campaign poster

According to the 'Star' dated May 05, 2017, former Gachoka MP (now Mbeere South constituency) Joseph Nyagah, popularly known as Joe, '...has resigned as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s adviser in light of his plan to seek election as an independent candidate in August'

Joe Nyagah, son to veteran politician, Jeremiah Nyagah​ and former advisor to President Kenyatta

In like manner, Joshua Kanake, who is accredited for transformation of the tea industry in the County after serving as a Director for close to 10 years, 'quit' his enviable position to contend for the Embu senatorial seat on a Maendeleo ChapChap (MCC) ticket, against  former Cooperatives Minister, Njeru  Ndwiga of Jubilee Party, also a member to the Embu County Public Board. 

Former Manyatta MP, and Senatorial aspirant, Njeru Ndwiga (Jubilee Party)

It is not clear whether Joe Nyagah will join them as an independent candidate.

If, however, these two gentlemen, Joe and Joshua win the positions they seek in the August 2017 general election, then it will be proven that quiters can be winners, after all.

Winners in the recent Jubilee Party Primaries;
Incumbent governor Martin Wambora (left) and aspiring Senator, Njeru Ndwiga.

'FISI WA KISIASA' Revealed in Embu, Guess Who?

Embu Governor Martin Wambora (right) with County First Lady Theressia, when he officially launched his re-election bid and named his Deputy at Moi Stadium, Embu on 17th May 2017

THE ANCIENT TALE OF THE GULLIBLE HYENA... With a Political Twist

Once upon a time, there was a gullible hyena. To be gullible is to be easily deceived or duped; naïve, easily cheated, fooled or tricked because of being too trusting. So, this is how the 'fisi' (hyena) was gulled.

The gullible hyena

One day as she marauded in the jungle in search of food, she came to a junction. A place where the path branched, forming a Y-shape. Priory, she had given the lion a rough time, trying to have the same prey that the king of the jungle was hunting. Obviously it was all in vain, as she later realized and off she went seeking an alternative meal, until she reached the junction. At this juncture, she caught a whiff of rotten meat from one direction and another strong smell of fresh meat from the other.

A screenshot of Cess's declaration to support Lenny

In her gullibility, she chose to go for the rotten meat, but then she didn't want to miss the fresh meat either. She therefore put her right foot on one branch and her left on the other. This way, she was convinced that she would have both meals, and so off she went. However, she didn't get far since the further the paths got from each other, the more her legs spread apart!

Another screenshot; Cess declares her support for KK

Eventually, she came to a point where her legs could not go any further apart without the danger of splitting away. But how could she go back when the food was so close? As she drew closer and closer to the meat, her legs couldn't help but open completely, up to a point where she could actually see the carcasses - and at this point, she split herself up from between her legs (front), all the way to her tail. End of the story.

The story above was narrated to us by one gifted orator during a recent political debate, where 'Siasa za Embu' (Embu politics) was the main subject. He however gave a disclaimer that should the story seem to describe the antics of some politician or other, he is not to be blamed for the opinions people would form therefrom. It was then that another speaker brought about matters to do with the aftermath of the Jubilee Party primaries conducted a few weeks ago. He confessed that since his favorite gubernatorial candidate, the one he had voted for during the nominations had lost, they have been politically scattered like sheep without a shepherd. 

An illustration of sheep without a shepherd

In his lamentation, he alleged that after losing to governor Wambora, Cess (the speaker's formerly preferred candidate), approached LK with claims that she could deliver all her former supporters' votes to the tycoon's camp. According to this speaker, the 'iron lady of Embu', as she's known to some, had hoped that Mr 'Moneybags' would be as generous as he had been, back when the two were plotting the incumbent governor's downfall. That was long before their public debacle at Karurumo, Embu. 

Memories are made of this

This time round, however, her ex-benefactor either became tight-fisted or his resources are dwiddling. There was no money, period. Upon learning this, she has shifted her support to KK, but without decamping from LK's camp, probably due to the fact that she had declared her support for the Senator publicly, not so many days ago.

Embu gubernatorial candidate
Kithinji Kiragu (KK) addresses
the press

Since she has allegedly deceived KK as well, that she is coming on board with all her former diehards, she has done a good job of confusing her supporters up to a point where they'll most certainly cast their votes to the one leader who has not only remained firm on his stand, but has also fought vicious political battles and emerged victorious. 

Who else but Embu County Governor, His Excellency Martin Nyaga Wambora?

TO BE GENEROUS IS TO BE PROSPEROUS'; This Scriptural Truth Stands True in Politics Too.

Lubricant for the political machine

King Solomon put it down eons ago,
'... and to be generous is to be prosperous...'

Considering that this ancient King of Israel is universally known to have been the wisest and the wealthiest king in the history of world politics, it would only be wise to assume that this wise saying truly works! Not like it hasn't been proved by some of the greatest scholars and politicians, anyway. No wonder Kenya's opposition leader, RAO was in Israel to 'face the wall'.

Generosity is the willingness to give. On the other hand, the willingness to receive on the part of the beneficiary is innate; inborn so to say. Almost everyone wants to be given.

In the last few days following the Jubilee Party Primaries, I have been back to the ground more regularly than before, whereby I have interacted with the voters, especially the youth in my Constituency, engaging them in political debates, with the intention of learning their stand and that of the majority. 

This has been some kind of an informal poll survey, and tell you what; if there is a subject that keeps the youthful voter glued to his place, it is that of monetary generosity by various aspirants seeking elective positions in August 2017. The appetite for free money has increased in consequence to the skyrocketing prices of basic food stuffs. In effect, that politician who dishes out cash in these hard times is likely to win more favour with the electorate than that who does public good in form of development projects. 

'CIIKO' - Actions by Governor Wambora

It is indeed a crucial time for some politicians to change tact, especially those contending on the Jubilee Party ticket, in the Party's strongholds. Embu County is one of these strongholds. In such regions, the sharp rise in the price of maize flour, sugar and milk, is costing the Jubilee government it's popularity leading to more and more people resolving to defect to NASA, or to at least not vote for any JP candidate come the general election in August. Embu is the only County in Kenya where there is no candidate vying on a NASA ticket, after all.

That, coupled with claims that some Presiding Officers and clerks in the Primaries conducted almost three weeks ago haven't been paid to date, means that the incumbent Governor, Martin Wambora will have to up his game.  It is time he realized that any failure by JP is indirectly connected to him, and the longer those whose input contributed to his success remain disgruntled the more the erosion of voters from his camp. In the meantime, his competitors; Senator Lenny Kivuti, Kithinji Kiragu and Leonard Muriuki are traversing the county, seriously wooing Hon. Cecily Mbarire's former diehards, with cash money as their main incentive. Nevertheless, Mbarire's votes are so swing and scattered all over the county that the assertion that her voters have decamped to Lenny's side is far-fetched - just a publicity gimmick. 

Remember this?

Now this!

Word on the ground: Governor Wambora needs to keep his 60K+ votes garnered in the Primaries, and target to double the number come August. With sufficient online presence, well motivated pillars on the ground and the right running mate to be named on Wednesday 17th May, he's got it wrapped. 

MORE FIRE! Gubernatorial Race in Embu County Phase 2 Gathers Speed

Embu gubernatorial aspirant Kithinji Kiragu (left) with incumbent Governor Martin Wambora at the latter's office in the past

Political perambulations by Embu Senator and gubernatorial aspirant Lenny Kivuti, characterised by massive voter bribery have turned many a youth in upper Embu County into idlers; an unproductive lot. You will find that wherever the rich businessman but poor orator perches to give out cash hand outs, hundreds of young men and women will be seen loitering around with nothing to do but wait as patiently as vultures til they get that two or one hundred shillings then accompany him to the next centre for more. 

Villagers wait expectantly for Lenny's hand outs

It's actually not much different from the shenanigans of the proverbial stork (ngune mbooro) that after 'fishing' one frog from the water, will place it aside and go ahead to fetch another, only for the first prey to jump back into the river to be caught again. In the end the poor preditor flies away with a single frog. It would therefore not be a surprise to find that the politician, who was once overheard saying that he will buy Embu voters like green vegetables (sukuma wiki) ends up giving so much money to very few individuals and errorniously hope to have made an impact. Talk of fetching water using a gunney bag! How sad and sorry.

The other aspirant, Kithinji Kiragu, popularly known as KK seems to have his goose cooked early. After being very active (sic, passive) on social media following what people say but saying nothing himself, he at last posted something, and what came out of the aged brain was pure venom. His quick temper became his destruction when he prided himself as one who doesn't argue with fools as people won't know the difference. He forgot diplomacy, but then, that's how the cookie crumbled.

KK is rich enough to brand himself properly, but poor in people skills; he is said to rarely talk to commoners

Leonard Muriuki, the other gubernatorial aspirant with a future has gained favour with the young and the inexperienced as far as politics is concerned. Well, the guy is a gifted public speaker, yes, but one small mistake on his part may cost him. In politics, just as in courtship, it is always wise to keep people guessing. Leo has however made a fatal error by following Lenny's lead and naming his running mate so early. The two don't seem to know that naming a running mate before the right time only gives opponents grounds for attack. Those who are against any politician who does that will not only mudsling the candidate but his deputy as well. To make matters worse, whom did the political infant, as he has come to be referred to as, named? Former Ambassador S.M.K Gakumu. 

Gubernatorial aspirant Leonard Muriuki (left) with running mate SMK Gakumu

Now, I don't have anything personal against the former Principal, Nguviu Boys High School. In fact, so many successful middle aged men today will testify to have tasted Mr. Gakumu's whip, which he seemed to use needlessly sometimes, and with obvious pleasure. That's not the point though, but old boys of that record-setting school will tell you that the man was an academic sadist. The point is, S.M.K is more of an ideologist than a politician. When he resigned from his Ambassadorial job to vie as Embu Governor in 2013, he was thrashed at Primaries. Now what political analysts wonder is, how do you pick a political failure as a running mate and expect to win? Leo has been advised to keep his ante up as he prepares for 2022 - people might consider him then.

That leaves us with the incumbent, Governor Martin Wambora. The much tried and tested leader has come to be known as one with the nine proverbial lives of the cat, after beating Runyenjes MP Hon Cecily Mbarire in the recent JP Primaries, inspite of so many attempts to derail him during the course of his tenure. Mr. Wambora, fondly referred to as 'Ciiko' owing to his development record, has shown himself to be a wise man, an able leader who has made Embu shine. 

Some of Governor Wambora's complete projects in Embu County

This humble politician plays his cards in such a cool manner that some people have judged him to be more of a manager than a politician. Albeit so much negativity directed towards him, he has held the county together and those with the interests of Embu at heart will concur that he deserves a second term. He has not yet named his running mate but the moment he does, the deal is sealed. Watch this space!

ON YOUR MARKS - GET SET - GO! Who Among KK, Wambora and Lenny Seems Unprepared?

Believe you me, I have been all through several search engines, looking to see how sure and confident  these three gubernatorial aspirants are with their respective political parties of choice.

It is only logical that if a candidate is at home in his party, then his posters, whether in soft or hard copy would be out by now, clearly showing their closeness with their respective parties.

Well, both Kithinji Kiragu of PNU and the incumbent governor Martin Wambora of Jubilee Party have their posters, complete with respective party logos easily available. Surprisingly, for Lenny Kivuti, the only image that remotely depicts his affiliation to Maendeleo Chap Chap party (MCC) is an old photo with MCC in the background, where he is titled as Senator, whom he rightfully is. There is no indication whatsoever that he intends to run for Governor on the party's ticket.

Another thing, in the posters of the first two above we see them in pulled back shirtsleeves, expressing a ready to work stance. On the other hand, Lenny, in his best party-related photo appears all bossy in suit and tie as seen above.

Conclusively, it appears one of the three seems not to be well set, therefore not ready to go. Question is, who is the odd one out?

IS CECILY MBARIRE aka CESS APAA A CORRUPTION ADDICT?

Cecily Mbarire addresses a public gathering during happier times, on her campaign trail

Drug addiction is said to be the worst form of addiction, but after witnessing in different Media how corruption mulled the botched Jubilee Party primaries on 21st April 2017, in Embu County especially, I have a different view. Corruption addiction is real.

During campaigns, she was treated like a queen and made to believe that she was the people's favorite

I guess Cess Apaa, would get a seizure, flu or something if she takes a break from engaging in corrupt activities. She may even feel itchy and start scratching herself in public. You might think I have something personal against this daughter of Ndega but no, in the contrary, I love her - as a woman, not as a leader - its only that I respect her marital status else I would not mind; after taking her to a ‘corruption rehab center’ on behalf of EACC, of course.

She is beautiful alright, but behind that beauty is a political alligator; a cold, calculating, ruthless political vampire who can suck the blood of her opponents like a cold glass of milk on a hot day. Damn! She is a thirsty political vampire.

Moment of shame; Cess is alleged to have been caught with her thongs down, messing with votes

For starters, she is a scion of KANU – political machinery - we know what that means. She has been the Member of Parliament for Runyenjes Constituency since 2007. In those ten years, plus five as a nominated MP, give me A LIST OF ONE THING she has done to improve the lives of her constituents. There is a way MPs lobby government and government agencies to get jobs done in their constituencies, but in Runyenjes, women still fetch water from rivers, or from neighbors whose taps still run. Kamwithi’s taps. (Those born in 70s and early 80s know what I’m talking about)

Five of those years, she was Assistant Minister for Tourism, and with all the tourist attractions in Embu, she didn’t do anything relevant to promotion of domestic tourism. At least not in Embu. 

Again, even with the aggressive rural electrification program, there are villages with no power; apparently, they are too far from transformers, but in real sense, it is because some villagers in such areas had dared pinpoint her weaknesses. That is not funny.  Now she wants to become Embu governor. Now that’s funny.

Dispensaries she has built using CDF, at inflated costs, are yet to smell drugs and staff. Her operations are very predictable: Appear during campaigns, work with a few people, pour money, bribe voters, and then disappear to her Teso home and make profit from the huge campaign investment, it’s very painful.

As if that is not enough, she is a known national looter, every now and then caught up in a web of graft allegations. Every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that. She is the ax that felled the celebrated anti graft Tsar, PLO Lumumba, when he targeted her for investigation on graft allegations. Companies associated with her close family members are adversely mentioned in multi million government tenders malpractices.

She is very cunning though. Every times she’s caught with her thongs down, she calls the press and wearing that innocent baby face, pleads innocence until babies believe she is innocent! That’s exactly what she did in the cancelled party primaries, and after the exercise was rescheduled, whereby she lost to the incumbent governor, Martin Wambora, she’s gone ahead to petition.

The thunder that will strike her is still doing press ups up in the skies - a political thunder that will shake the entire Embu politics.

                           The author is a professional Political Analyst, and a resident of Embu County

WARNING! WAMBORA ADVISED Not To Be Too Sure of Victory in August

Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti  (Left) is said to be buying off Wambora's top brains

LENNY KIVUTI HAS VOWED NOT TO LEAVE ANY ‘LOOSE CHANGE’ UNSPENT…

Whoa! Embu governor, His Excellency Martin Nyaga Wambora may, by right, be allowed to let out a sigh of relief following his triumph in the recent Jubilee Party primaries, whereby he floored Runyenjes MP Hon. Cecily Mbarire, beating her by close to 20,000 votes.

Governor Wambora receives his certificate after win

However, the jubilant leader, who has become a political celebrity after being hyped by the media as the governor with the proverbial nine lives of the cat, needs to spring back to action. Fast! Well, this won’t be too hard for him considering that he is a man of action as depicted by his fond name, ‘Ciiko’, meaning action.

According to political analysts close to the now tried and tested leader, the only thing he will have to do is work smart. Work as hard but work twice as smart. He will have to pay more attention to his teams of strategic thinkers; both formal and informal, for these and not his regular sycophants, have a clear picture of the fiery political darts about to be unleashed by his major opponent, Senator Lenny Kivuti.

Mr. Kivuti is said to be a very rich man, known for his generous contributions at fundraising functions and his crowd-pulling tactic of dishing out cash to obviously needy youth. Now, having learnt that some in Wambora’s elite team are disgruntled, the tycoon has sworn to shower them with money, in a bid to woo them to his side.