Miguna showed his dark side by peeling back the mask

The book authored by Mr Miguna Miguna, Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s former aide has attracted varied reactions from the public, and rightfully so.

To Raila’s adversaries, it is God sent political ammunition. I am however disappointed that the book does not contain any meaningful or earthshaking revelations as the author made us to believe.

It somewhat dwells on the obvious infighting between the coalition Government partners and the petty rivalries and corruption in the PM’s office.

This, however, is not news. Granted, the corruption allegations at the PM’s office may be true, but they are not confined there: the same happens in other Government offices.

The content of the book does not add any value to public service. In reality, the book has primarily helped to shed light on Miguna’s egocentric and self conceited nature: an individual who made life difficult to his erstwhile colleagues at the Premier’s office.

The question many are asking is, if Miguna is honest as he portrays himself, why did he not report the then happenings to either the relevant authorities or to the PM himself; unless, of course, he was part of the alleged malpractices? It is obvious that his is a case of sour grapes.

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On the 2007/2008-post election violence, Miguna claims he has credible evidence against the individuals involved. One wonders why he has kept the information for so long – unless his motives are ill intentioned? As a lawyer, Miguna should be aware concealing vital evidence is a criminal offence: for this he should be prosecuted.

Abisai Mundia, Nyeri

The decision by Miguna to leave the country is simply an act of cowardice. It is unfortunate he had to flee at night and claim he is going to market his book abroad.

What is the significance of going to market his book abroad when the Kenyan market is not yet saturated? And why does he have to go with his family to market the book?

Miguna should have the tenacity to stand prosecution if only to prove he is the bigger man.

This is the only way he will earn the trust of Kenyans. Otherwise, he will be considered a political psycho whose strength is to speak louder than he acts. It is true that cowards live longer: but Miguna’s actions leave a lot to be desired.

Christopher Ngolo, Nakuru

Lack of family planning will strain resources

Medical Service Assistant Minister and MP for Kaloleni Kazungu Kambi should be commended for his efforts to ensure more health facilities are equipped with maternity wings. Nevertheless, his advice that family planning will negatively affect the population of Kaloleni and thus his encouragement to the constituents to have more children is misleading.

A high population only serves to negatively affect the welfare of a community, especially now that the economy is turbulent. It is a fact that every newborn needs food, medical services, clothing, shelter and schooling. With no birth control, the population is increased: people are forced to fight for the rather scarce resources such as land, jobs, medical facilities and schools, just to survive.

The area residents ought to be encouraged to embrace family planning to ensure a good quality life. This is the only way to realise development in the area.

Ngugi Ng’ang’a, Nyeri

Helb, increase loan amount to students

Lately, university students have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

It is clear they are struggling, and this partly; if not wholly, explains why they are opting for crime to make ends meet.

The gravity of the situation was published last week in a special report by The Standard On Saturday.

Students have been forced to engage in crime in order to find an extra coin to cushion their stay in school. In this light, the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) should review the loan amount they extend to students.

The maximum amount afforded to them is barely enough. Ask any undergraduate and he or she will tell you this amount is not sufficient to carry them through a full academic year.

It is only prudent to keep learners as comfortable as possible. In any case, the sum loaned is paid back with interest.

Alex Barasa, Kenyatta University

Let everyone strive to ensure a cancer free nation

I would like to congratulate the Africa Cancer Foundation (ACF) for marking their one-year anniversary not by a private luncheon; but by holding a medical forum where experts deliberated on key issues on the way forward towards cancer management.

To further show its commitment to the fight against cancer, the organisation offered wananchi free education and testing on cancer in collaboration with medical experts.

It is sad that the day of the anniversary saw the loss of baby Lexxie, who had been fighting leukaemia, a type of blood cancer. This should be an eye opener for people to go for medical checks up so as to manage the malady early, as prevention is always better than cure.

Cancer is ranked among the top three killer diseases in the country, and efforts to raise awareness on the same needs to be doubled. Also, those privy to information on cancer should enlighten others, especially those in rural areas.

We should all be our brothers’ keepers and play a part in supporting the Government and organisations such as ACF in their course to ensure a cancer-free nation.

Sigei Mark, Nairobi

Honour teachers’ plea for a salary boost

The recent pay rise awarded to civil servants raises pertinent issues on wage policy and the constitutional mandate of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

When doctors and university teaching staff went on strike last year, the Government was categorical that salary review for all public servants was in the jurisdiction of the salaries commission.

The call was for the workers to wait for the formation of the commission and channel their longstanding grievances through it. However, not much mileage has been covered.

Teachers continue to teach but with little pay. Lest we forget, teachers are public servants and they too deserve a pay increase for obvious reasons. One of the mandates of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission is to ensure equal pay in basic salary for public servants with same academic qualifications and belonging to the same job group.

Awarding salary increments to sections of public workers is unconstitutional and insensitive to the roles played by those left out.

There is a legal notice on salary adjustments for teachers that the Kenya National Union of Teachers is pursuing; this should be realised without compromising what the teachers rightfully deserve from the Government.

The Government should voluntarily award a pay rise without being prodded by the teachers by way of strikes and ultimatums. Meanwhile, teachers remain a demoralised and dejected lot.

Patrick Mutua, Graduate Senior Teacher, Kibwezi

Children don’t deserve violation

Cases of child defilement and ultimately murder have been on the increase. The incidences are more, only that only a few cases are reported.

It is unfortunate that those entrusted with caring for children are running away from responsibility, and messing up the lives they should be protecting. Those who witness this vice must report to the relevant authorities for action.

Heavy penalties ought to be meted out on sexual offenders to discourage others from committing the same. Sexual abuse and murder are vices that should not be condoned.

Samuel Kegwaro, Kilgoris

Counseling is best for students

In 2001, the Government passed a law that was to end corporal punishment in schools.

However, the law is more often than not overlooked. Even intervention from human rights groups has not been enough to instill sanity in primary and secondary schools.

Teachers should employ guiding and counseling, since this is the best mode of correction. Some forms of corporal punishment are inhumane and degrading.

Schools are meant to be learning centres, and not halls of punishment. The system of education at present is different from that of early 90s and before, even the type of learners.

Aseri Dickson, Kakamega