Is the Sultan system marginalizing NEP?

The control of large budgets and political influence that came with devolution has turned competitive politics in Northern Kenya into a zero sum game. It has also seen the emergence of winter-white haired men with spade-shaped devil’s fork beards. Unlike in the old cultural system where women and youth had a specific role, the new generation of Sultans have completely sidelined this important group despite being the majority and they even determine who gets elected to the detriment of the people.

Since the 2013 elections, NEP counties received close to hundred billion, if not more, and there's nothing much to write home about as far as development is concerned. Why? Because majority of those elected are not answerable to the masses but to these old men who call themselves sultans. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with having a council of Elders but all that is wrong is, they're involved in the wrong job. All communities in Kenya have councils of Elders but they hardly get involved in politics to the extent of nominating individuals for political posts. Theirs is purely cultural. Why can't ours just restrict themselves to matters cultural and allow Northern Kenya residents to exercise their constitutional rights to elect whoever they want? Isn't it time the marginalized majority (Youths and women) wake up and revolt against this barbaric political culture that has made the region lag behind? These Sultans have made northern Kenya more divided than ever.

From Banisa to Tarbaj, Giriftu to Balambala, Madogashe to Marsabit, Northern Kenya's so called Sultans will be converging to 'determine and direct their clan's political future'. Which begs the question, where were these sultans since the 2013 elections? If they really care about their people, as they will claim, why not hold the current office holders accountable and make them answer for every shilling they have received since 2013? Or are the sultans for sale to the highest bidder?
The Sultans have always got it wrong when it comes to deciding the various political posts.

Save for the Majority Leader,– he is not a by-product of the disastrous sultan system and that is why he is who he is today and he is the only MP who represents the larger interest of the Somali community in this country- NEP members of Parliament have failed. Both in the House and in their constituencies. Why? Because they know they are not representitive of the people but a few men who can always be silenced by some brown envelopes.

The recent frenzy on the so-called Sultanship is actually the biggest mistake Northeastern has ever made. Look for instance,  the system encourages incumbents to loot and do less in terms of development because they know very well that they won't be re-elected. The scourge that is Sultanship actually fosters underdevelopment.

Immediately after the last general elections, majority of NEP youth who went back home to vote along with their Sultans were so disillusioned that they vowed they will never repeat the same mistake again. Social media is my witness. Am now shocked to see the same Facebook-ers and the ones in the various whatsapp groups druming support for a system they know well won't benefit them. The only way out is; ONE MAN, ONE VOTE.

The new county governments and the political and economic largesse that comes with them are, if not managed equitably, likely to further exacerbate existing conflicts in the poor and conflict-prone counties of northern Kenya.

Is Sultanship the bane of Northeastern Kenya? Your answer lies pretty well in the track record of its products. Now you know.

Why Duale will determine the Pastoralists’ political future come 2017

Majority Leader Hon Adan Duale with  Sultan Hassan Omar Shurie

There is no one from the pastoralists’ political landscape who can whip a crowd quite like him. Nor are there many with his special talents for handling political foes.

From a junior politician in the 10^th Parliament to a political bigwig in the 11^th Parliament. Currently he commands myriad support across the North – the political base of the pastoralists - not basing on tribal cocoons compared to his foes.

Patronage from his followers is overwhelming, above all, to his political opponents who deploy all means to thwart his political determination. But, he has outshined their conspiracies innumerable epochs and emerged as the winner. Refer to him as the Member of Parliament for Garissa Township or rather the first Majority Leader of Kenya’s National Assembly, Adan Barre Duale. 

The effect of Hon Adan Duale’s national position – Majority Leader of the National Assembly – is being felt across Northern Kenya; from Marsabit to Mandera, Moyale to Masalani just to name a few.

Before Jubilee came to power, Garissa residents – and the region at large - were treated to frequent power blackouts as businesses often came to a halt due to lack of energy. In those days, electricity was a preserve of few and those in urban areas and businesses in rural areas were left to find alternative ways of operating.

Things are different today. Jubilee government’s national project of Kindaruma-Mwingi-Garissa 135 KV line has reached Garissa - the gateway to Northern Kenya since independence- twitted the Majority Leader @HonAdanDuale. The honorable member for Garissa Township also reminded us in his tweets that ‘’history is being made by expanding the transmission line and transforming energy supply to all corners of the country’’. After connecting Garissa, the Ministry of Energy plans to extend the national power grid transmission to Wajir and Mandera. This, says the Majority Leader, will translate to more industries hence improve the economy of the region thus empowering the residents. The President, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, will be in the region to officially launch the project sometime in May, this year.

Hon Duale addressing a mammoth crowd

The energy sector has recorded tremendous progress and continues to register growth under the Jubilee administration. The dedication by President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee government to transform the energy industry is clearly godsend and will help boost the country's economy.

Last July the President broke ground for Africa's biggest wind-power project in Laisamis, Marsabit County – One of the Northern Kenya counties - as Kenya took giant steps in asserting its position as a leader in green-energy production globally. According to reports, the project is the biggest single private sector initiative in Africa, costing about Sh70 billion with a galaxy of investors participating in the project.

The region does not support any other economic activity except nomadic animal husbandry due to its harsh weather. But this is set to change with the new investments that the power project will unveil.

The Jubilee government's goal is raising electricity access to 70 per cent by 2017 and universal access by 2020 and the North won’t be left behind since NEP’s celebrated son will deliver its fair share.

This is a clear indication of Jubilee administration’s interest in developing the restive north. This and other ongoing projects will definitely change the economic aspect of Northern Kenya positively since investors will be attracted to the region due to the availability of power and other related infrastructure necessary for business. Hon Duale, as the undisputed kingpin of the pastoralist politics, has a say in all these and how they unfold.

A mammoth crowd in Northern Kenya listening to the Majority Leader Hon Duale

On Nomadic animal husbandry, the president, on March while addressing the Pastoralist Leadership Summit, announced the formation of the Independent Livestock Authority with the objective of providing a ready market for the Pastoralists livestock.  In the same Summit, the President launched the Sh6 billion Equalization Fund to assist the marginalized areas in providing basic services to bring the counties development to par with the rest of the country.

Infrastructure-wise, the road from Garissa to Madogashe is under construction and the contractor is on site. Meanwhile there is also a plan to start the construction from Elwak to Mandera town as the Madogashe one connects all the way to Wajir.

Lately, the Majority Leader has locked horns with his opponents in their attempt to register a tribal, individualistic political party in the name of Pastoralist Party of Kenya to ‘’fight for pastoralists interest’’ when in the real sense it’s the political vehicle of one Senator who is fond of ranting on social media and castigating other leaders even when he has nothing to show for his time in political office since 2002.

The Senator also knows that his own political star is at its peak today and cannot shine brighter than the Senate seat he currently enjoys. The writing is on the wall!

Hate or love him, the Majority Leader Hon Adan Barre Duale remains the kingpin of the Pastoralists’ political landscape. Hon Duale knows the way, goes the way and shows the way! And the Pastoralists have no option but to be with him. And sure they will.

A road trip to Mombasa and meeting a man I have always admired.

Last week, Friday, 18th December, me and my good friend Ahmed Mohamed -Eastleigh's point man and 'Governor' at large - decided to take a road trip to Mombasa. Though we have been to Mombasa before, this trip was totally a different one for three reasons.

On the road

 One, I was travelling with a story teller. Ahmed - popularly known as @Asmali77 on Twitter, is a close friend, mentor, guardian and big brother all rolled into one - can tell all sort of stories that can make one shriek with laughter. He can translate Somali songs word by word and give you the reason behind each and every song.  Of course we had a full compact of Somali music. The curious beauty of Somali music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad tale. Probably a true love gone sour. Somali music is often about the inspirations of the Somali people. Indeed we're in a festive mood. Ahmed is the kind of man you will cherish to travel with to anywhere.

Ahmed Asmali deep in the sea

Two, we were looking forward to meet a man we have always admired. A man we have interacted many a time on social media. A man who inspires his followers and fans. Am talking about Mohamed Hersi, CEO of the Heritage Hotels.
A week before we decided to travel, Mohamed shared on Facebook about an event -The White Party themed ‘unleash the courage within’. The White Party, organized by the Mombasa Rotary Club, Nyali branch - Hersi's wife, Mrs Sureya Roble is the president of the club - was meant to raise funds for some charity work the club is engaged in. As the guest speaker, Hersi never disappointed. He gave us an exceptional, inspirational talk that gave everyone in the room a reason to look forward to 2016.
Mohamed is an irreproachable and upstanding man. We also appreciate Mrs Sureya's care and concern during our stay.
Even City lawyer Rahma Jilo was there.

From Left: Ahmedkadar, Mohamed Hersi and Ahmed Asmali

Three, we travelled to Mombasa to unwind, have fun, eat Mombasa's mouth-watering Biriani, drink madafu, rediscover the beaches and all that pertains to Mombasa. We really enjoyed the gorgeous beaches - From the Pirates (I have no idea why it's called the Pirates) to Voyager Beach in Nyali - exciting water sports, vibrant night scene and bustling Mombasa city life. Of course you cant be in Momasa and not visit the famous Kongwea Merket.

Ahmed Asmali with a friend (Baken) shopping at the famous Kongwea Market.

Our journey back to the city was equally thrilling. One day, when I grow up, I will relocate to Mombasa and try to see whether I can make a sense out of a coasterian. Indeed Mombasa is a Cockaigne.Watu wa bwani husema, kama raha yaua, sumu ni ya nini??

Boat ride

At the Voyager Beach Resort Hotel

CORRUPTION: NEP Governors owe NEP people a list of corrupt officials.

March this year, while delivering his State of the Nation Address, President Uhuru declared war on corruption. In doing so, the President tabled a list of senior government officials - including cabinet secretaries - suspected of corruption before Parliament.

Recently the President, while reshuffling his cabinet, declared corruption a threat to national security, dropped all the cabinet secretaries mentioned in his March speech and released a raft of the most comprehensive anti-corruption measures in history. The President restated his firm commitment to step up the war against graft in his Jamhuri Day address.

With devolution came governors. A sort of mini-presidents - after all the constitution talks of two levels of government. North Eastern heartily welcomed devolution, for the people of the restive North - who have known no real development, literally - always believed that they were marginalised because of unfavorable centralized national decision-making system. They hoped devolution will be a quick fix to marginalisation which was blamed for the underdevelopment in the expansive region.

Instead of delivering on local priorities long neglected by successive regimes, the region's governors are wantonly blowing money and spending incredible amounts on things that do not benefit the citizens who elected them. Corruption has 'officially' been devolved since reports emerging from these counties suggest that the county leadership has expanded the eating table and spread the loot around. As a result, we have counties where all is in harmony. Where no dissenting voice or challenges to county expenditure or budget is heard because they are all in it together.

In a rare move, NEP residents petitioned the Senate. In the petitions presented separately before the Senate Finance committee, the three governors have been accused of allocating projects in a skewed manner, institutionalized corruption, nepotism and plunder of public resources.

NEP Governors ought to deliver the great expectations with which devolution was received in North Eastern and not dash the legitimate hopes and inspirations of the people.

Therefore the governors of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera owe the people of NEP a comprehensive explanation for what has been happening on their watch.
Above all, they owe us all a long list of shame.

SOMALI HERITAGE WEEK: SOMALI KENYANS, KENYAN SOMALIS, CALL THEM WHAT YOU WILL

This week, a festival of its kind happened in Nairobi - the first Somali Heritage Week – a festival meant to highlight ‘’the contribution of Somalis to the beauty and cultural richness of Kenya’’.  Last night, this blog promised its fans and followers that it will highlight the contributions made by the community to the development of Kenya. But before the blog was published, the Sunday Nation carried a shallow feature with a catchy title but little content. 

Other than quoting some panelists and participants, the Sunday Nation’s feature ‘’Insight into the earliest settlers of EA: Somalis’’ either ignored the community’s contribution politically, economically and culturally or the writers were too lazy to do a proper story. Bloggers have a duty to correct those who disregard the truth and distort facts. Allow me to educate them.

It’s foolhardy to write about the contribution of the Somali community ‘to the beauty and cultural richness of Kenya’ without capturing their daily struggle politically, economically, socially,  how we have reached where we are now and the men and women on the steering wheel of the community.

The Somali Heritage Week – An event that brought together Somali leaders, writers, youths, activists, bloggers including yours truly -was officially opened by Kamkunji Member of Parliament Hon Yussuf Haasan. Yussuf’s  – a veteran journalist, long time employee of the UN, activist and an ex executive member of the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners (CRPPK) – personal story is intertwined with that of Somalis in this country.  His opening remarks “The Somali national is everywhere and is easily visible, yet invisible because little is known about us. It’s now important to engage with other Kenyans,” set the stage for an interesting discussion that lasted for four days.  Hon Abdikadir Ore, Member of Parliament for Wajir West, was also a panelist and heavily contributed to the event’s success.

So, who are the Somalis and what is their story. Why is it important to celebrate them now? In his documentary, “Not Yet Kenyan’’, renowned journalist Mohamed Adow brought to the fore an interesting, dramatic and yet bold narrative of the tribulations the Somali community has endured over the last 50 years of Kenya’s independence. The Somali Heritage Week was meant to highlight this historical injustices, share the community’s contributions to the development of the country and change the perception other Kenyan communities have of the Somalis. In order to overcome ignorance and prejudice, we must celebrate diversity. Diversity is our strength.

As I sip my favorite sweet-hot- black tea, comfortably sitting at the balcony of Diamond restaurant, overlooking Eastleigh’s skyscrapers, let me tell you the story of Somalis commercial enterprise and their political power. Welcome to Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate, you are now at the global commercial hub of Somali entrepreneurship. When the British colonialists established an airbase at Eastleigh, little did they know that it would grow into a huge commercial gateway. It has since evolved into a “Dubai” of East Africa, where cheap imports are accessible. Today, the dry ‘free’ inland port attracts traders from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Uganda. Capitalism finds its real home here; with small businesses coexisting alongside big establishments. Eastleigh, described by many as "Little Mogadishu", as well as a city within a city on account of its robust business sector has come from far. All that thanks to the Somalis who were here as early as 1914.
Somalis are the most entrepreneurial people in Africa. It is due to their entrepreneurial spirit that the Somali grew up with the mentality of leadership. When you have leadership drives you also have entrepreneurship with it because you don't want to take orders from a 'boss' so you go out and set your own business even if it’s a taxi. Somalis have a thing with taking orders.

 

Politically, Somalis have contributed to the political development of the nation, from Lancaster conference, second liberation to the struggle for the 2010 constitution.

Here are the most Notable  Political  figures of the Somali Community.

Hon Adan Dualle –Hon Adan Duale, Mmeber of Parliament for Garissa Township and Leader of Majority is the ruling party’s – Jubilee – top MP and the most senior politician from the Somali Community. Vocal, fearless, inspiring, deeply religious and highly educated.

 To most Kenyans, Duale is the Jubilee government’s foremost defender.
The Garissa Township MP takes on opponents of Jubilee – from the civil society to CORD leaders – head-on. He has heavily to contributed to the success of the Somali community and majority of the community youth see him as a role model.  He has a dream of one day becoming the President of the Republic of Kenya, as he once said on Jeff Koinange’s show, JKL.

Hon Billow Kerrow: The Senator for Mandera  and Chair, Finance, Commerce and Budget Committee, Kenya Senate is one of the most vocal senators in the country. He’s also a columnist with one of the local dailies.

Ambassador Amina Mohamed:  Ambassador Amina Mohamed, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme at Nairobi is Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade. A former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs and former Ambassador of Kenya to the United Nations at Geneva. Amb. Amina Mohamed is a lawyer and diplomat by profession and has served in the public service for the last three decades. Somali girls need not look anywhere else for inspiration.

Hon Yussuf Hassan: Politician, diplomat, social activist and former journalist and Director of IRIN is the Member of Parliament for Kamkunji. The only Somali politician representing a cosmopolitan constituency in the heart of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.

Late Ahmed Khalif Mohamed: The former Labour Minister and MP for Wajir West died in a plane crash in 2003, weeks after he was sworn. One of the most respected and renowned politician since 1978. He was among the founders of KANU B, a rebel group within the then ruling party, under the one party state.