'BEBA BEBA Kama ya Makanga' (Carry People, Carry People Just Like Them Touts)

Lenny Kivuti​'s running mate, former MP Emilio Kathuri speaks defiantly as usual

Anyone who has traveled our Kenya roads by public means understands very well the antics of the so called public transport facilititors (touts) commonly known by the street name of 'Makanga'. These are the guys you'll find at every busy bus stop, shouting at the top of their voices, calling on commuters to come so that they may travel together on the specific vehicle that is picking customers at that particular moment. The funny thing is that the tout never boards the vehicle. Commuters will get on board and travel while the 'Makanga' remains behind to call out to more commuters on behalf of another vehicle.

Touts on a NENO Sacco PSV calling out to commuters; they pose as passengers then remain behind once the vehicle is full

Now, one Emilio Kathuri, running mate to Embu gubernatorial aspirant Lenny Kivuti is alleged to be applying similar techniques in the political arena. The former MP for Manyatta Constituency was once chief of all touts from Nairobi to Embu - he even founded Nairobi-Embu Nissan Operators (NENO) Sacco. It is rumored that the 'chief tout' has not forgotten how to 'carry people' and that even now that's the kind of game he is playing on the out going Senator.

A tout caught in error; they are known to habitually bribe their way out of trouble

Those who know him well claim to have heard him confess that he is not with Lenny for anything but personal financial gain. Sources close to him reveal that Hon. Kathuri has jokingly said that as much as he knows that Lenny can't beat Wambora, he will stick with him as long as he is paying. He has also been accused of 'eating' from KK's camp, with promises of destroying his known benefactor's votes for the sake of his village mate. How so unfortunate for LK but so fortunate for the incumbent governor, Martin Wambora.

THIS IS THE MARK Of a God-fearing Leader

Governor Wambora humbly listens to an old woman

As it written, true religion is taking care of the orphans and the widows. 

It is also well known that the person to whom little children are attracted, and are happy to play around; that's a good man. From the photos above and below, it is evident that governor Wambora of Embu County and president Uhuru Kenyatta are by right such men.

Leadership, as opposed to politics is not to be judged by how much money one dishes around but by the compassion shown to the less fortunate. By that, we are able to tell who the right leaders are, for Embu County and Kenya as a country.

Embu first lady is overwhelmed by
joy as happy supporters dance around her

WHERE THERE IS JUBILATION, THERE IS SUCCESS IN WAITING...Watch this space!

GOVERNOR WAMBORA CATCHES 'The mole' By Offering What It Needs Most - Economic empowerment

Deputy President William Ruto with Igembe Central MP, Mithika Linturi chew miraa during a meeting with miraa growers. PHOTO: Courtesy/DPPS/the-star.co.ke

'The mole' in this article represents the Mbeere (Lower Embu) electorate

Earlier this year, The National Miraa Taskforce kicked off the registration process for Khat (Muguka) farmers in Embu County, in a bid to put up projects from the Sh1billion miraa kitty set aside last year. 

Embu governor Martin Wambora's ingenuity has worked for him again; he prioritized the project, to the joy of Mbeere people, whose main economic activity is Muguka farming. Working hand in hand with the office of the incumbent governor, the task force formed an implementation committee led by Embu Team Leader, Rufus Miriti. The Committee has done a 10-day recruitment drive in Mbeere North and South Sub-counties, to establish the number of miraa farmers in the area and their location. Once the number is established they will recommend on the type of projects apt to counter the farmers' challenges, depending on their priority areas and diverse needs.

Members of the committee when they paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Clerk, County Assembly of Embu

While praising the (County) leadership, Mr. Miriti said that government will now be dealing directly with the farmers through their various savings and cooperative societies, so that those cartels and middlemen who have been exploiting miraa farmers are eliminated. He spoke at the County Assembly of Embu during a courtesy call on the Deputy Clerk Roslyn Miano recently.

The funds will be used to construct dams, water pans and boreholes for irrigation in the semi-arid region that predominantly depends on the herb for their livelihood.

A prominent muguka farmer at his farm in Mbeere, Embu County

THE POLITICAL IMPACT

Politically, governor Wambora's government has endeared itself to the residents of the lower Embu (Mbeere), which has been considered hostile to him hitherto. The effect of this exercise is likely to be that more  people from the region will be happy with the current government and would therefore vote in it's  favor come 8/8/2017, as the projects can only be fully implemented in the second term (2017 - 2022). It's a win-win situation.

'VITU FRESH!' GOVERNOR WAMBORA Penetrates and Creates New Markets for Fresh Farm Produce From Embu.

Enhanced economic activity in fresh farm produce

AGRICULTURE, and more so agribusiness is the the backbone of economic activity in Kenya, given the vast plantations of the Rift Valley and the green highlands of Mt. Kenya; particularly Embu County.

In his efforts to maximumly contribute to the economic development of this blessed land, governor Martin Wambora, through the MINISTRY OF TRADE, TOURISM, INVESTMENT AND INDUSTRIALIZATION, has promoted business and entrepreneurial culture in the County by creating a conducive environment for wealth creation and prosperity of his people. To actualize this dream, the following 27 are SOME of the projects initiated and accomplished across Embu County under Wambora's leadership:

1. Kirimari Fresh Produce Market

2. Embu Town Hawkers Stalls

3. Majimbo Open Air Market

4. Kambo Open Air Market

5. Kimangaru Open Air Market

6. Kithimu Fresh Produce & Livestock Market

7. Ndatu fresh Produce Market

8. Kibugu Open Air Market

9. Kibugu Sho-Map Market

10. Mbuvori Open Air Market

11. Kevote Open Air Market

12. Karingari Open Air Market

13. Mukuuri Open Air Market

14. Kanja Open Air Market

15. Kianjokoma Open Air Market

16. Mugui Open Air Market

17. Gitare Market flood  light

18. Ena Open Air Market

19. Ugweri Open Air Market

21. Kathanjuri Open Air Market

22. Karurumo Sho-Map Market

23. Siakago Open Air Market

24. Kanyuambora Open Air Market

25. Gategi Open Air Market

26. Makutano Market

27. Makutano Jua Kali Market

Floodlights installed at most of trading centers in Embu

To make it even better, all the above market places are so well lit by floodlights that business activities continue till late, without fear of insecurity.

'Watu wa Embu wauliza, "Nani mwingine kama si Wambora?"' (The people of Embu ask, "If not Wambora for governor, who else?")

WHOEVER'S GOT EYES To See, Let Them See...

Young women of Embu
board a lorry on the
fateful day

...and whoever has got ears to hear, let him hear what's being said about Embu governor H.E Martin Wambora's worthy opponent, Mr Lenny Kivuti. 

The out-going Senator is still out pouring money, maybe to prove wrong those who have been insinuating that he is going broke. According to some direct beneficiaries of the cash handouts, the supposedly filthy rich businessman is still giving out FREE money, but more discreetly than before.

Embu gubernatorial aspirant, Lenny Kivuti​

This change of tact is said to be remedial, after the fateful night of 1st June, 2017 (Madaraka Day), when he practically demonstrated how 'the knife cuts its sharpener'. On the very day, he had mobilised over a thousand people to Embu stadium, only to leave them stranded in town until governor Wambora came to their rescue. Going by the views collected from the victims; their friends, families and sympathizers, that was the night Mr. Kivuti committed political suicide. This is how he did it:

A multitude at Embu stadium on Madaraka Day, politically dressed in purple t-shirts and caps

- He dressed people (including women and the elderly) in his politically branded purple t-shirts and caps, to attend his show of might ceremony in the same venue as the Madaraka Day celebrations. 

A non PSV lorry ferries
people from the
remotest corners of Embu

- He had the same people ferried in lorries, against the regulations of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Many of these poor people had left their businesses and families after they had been promised some amount of money each, but ended up spending the whole day hungry and thirsty.

Like cabbages, human
beings were carried

- In the evening, the drivers to the hired lorries that had brought people from all corners of the county claimed to have not been paid for their services and off they went leaving their passengers helpless; no money, no food and no one to turn to. By 10PM, Embu town was still full of cold, hungry and angry people in purple, demanding to see the senator. It is reported that business owners feared for their security, at which juncture law enforcers were deployed, and your guess is as good as mine; there were chaos. Pity!

Old women endured the cold of the night in pursuit of vain gain

- Old women slept on the pavements while some among the young were provided 'shelter' in police cells. Some sustained injuries while others resolved to walk home in frustration, until governor Wambora heard of it and had mercy on them, providing vehicles to round up the people and take them to his hotel, where they were fed and taken home, each with Ksh 500 in their pockets.

Married women are said to have sang 'Ciiko' (as governor Wambora is known) praises until they came face to face with their husbands at two in the morning - that's when the screaming started all over again. It was pathetic... Family breakdowns, injuries, alleged cases of rape, hunger, thirst and cold - not mentioning the time wasted - all for political mileage...

Fortunately, Embu people now know who their governor is, and who is not.

Incumbent​ governor of Embu County, Martin Wambora

IS IT TRUE THAT Embu Stadium and The SGR Are White Elephant Projects?

Governor Wambora addresses the public at Embu stadium on Madaraka Day

EMBU STADIUM AND THE STANDARD GAUGE RAILWAY (SGR) HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON... They are massively beneficial projects, but have received most harsh criticism, some referring to them as 'White elephant' projects.

President Uhuru appreciates dancers during the opening of the SGR

As majority of Kenyans, on 1st of June and 31st May 2017, celebrated Madaraka Day and  'Madaraka Express' respectively, with President Uhuru Kenyatta, a few misadvised individuals have had the guts to find fault with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), coming up with all sorts of dubious allegations about the project.

The SGR train

President Kenyatta is not the only victim of hate mongers; Embu governor Martin Wambora has continually borne almost all the bad-mouthing a man can take, especially from his main competitor - former Embu Senator, Lenny Kivuti and his cronies.

As if that's not enough, 'Riceman', as the aspirant has been nick-named, on 1st June 2017, went ahead to sabotage Madaraka Day celebrations when he paralyzed public transport all through Embu. He had hired almost every public transport vehicle including motorbikes (bodaboda), to ferry people to Embu stadium, for the purpose of heckling governor Wambora, and disrupt the national event. They were however unsuccessful, and the celebrations were like never before, with the stadium filled to capacity.

Embu stadium, the other so demonized project, was filled to capacity on Madaraka Day

You would have loved to see so many youth and women in purple t-shirts and caps (MCC colours) running helter skelter in town. What's disturbing though, is that despite having been promised ksh500 each, so many of them were paid as little as ksh200, while others went home with nothing at all. Some got stranded in town and others were hurt in the process. 

A victim of violence at
'Purple' ceremony

According to reliable sources, quote: 'An aspiring governor in Embu county had organised a ceremony at Embu stadium, on Madaraka Day.


The ceremony comprised citizens from all parts of Embu county, and  as usual after his 'ceremony', citizens waited from 3:30 up to 7:00pm to be given lunch and money, but it was not possible....  all Embu citizens who attended the meeting have become bitter because of fake promises made by the aspirant, and promised to support the current Governor, Martin Wambora...'

'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!