By Michael Orido
Let presidential aspirants swear to accept poll results
As many other dedicated voters, Point Blank has strong faith in the Issack-led Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The institution, that was last month allocated Sh17.5 billion in the Budget – for the forthcoming election – has so far performed well. Its performance in recent by-elections has been above reproach. Going by IEBC’s work, it is worth believing that the coming General Election will be free, fair and results will be announced on time. Therefore, PointBlank wants to be among the first people to swear that it will accept election outcome. Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has already sworn he will accept results. This is a good gesture and PointBlank hopes other presidential contenders and their running mates will follow suit.
Like IEBC, the Judiciary has gotten back its teeth. The speed with which it is churning out justice can only be compared to a milling machine. Political aspirants have no reason to fear going to court to challenge election outcome. But shouldn’t IEBC come up with a way to make presidential aspirants publicly swear they will accept results, just as a precaution.
Why disaster is looming at Kibarani
He is not a prophet of doom, but Mr Adulsalaam Noorani from Mombasa warns that a road accident may soon happen at the famous Kibarani area, which overlooks the port.
“Cabro bricks that were used to make the road are peeling off at an alarming rate and authorities seem not to care,” he narrates.
To exacerbate the situation, he notes bricks that have peeled off are being replaced with sand.
fix things
“Sand and cabro bricks do not mix. They are incompatible, to say the least. The result is that there are big potholes on the road that connects to the port of Mombasa making driving a nightmare,” he says.
Noorani warns if the situation is left unchecked, all cabro blocks will disappear and it will be very risky for motorists to drive along the road.
“Every day, this place is turning out to be a death trap. This looming disaster must be averted. This is a very busy road with heavy traffic 24-hours. Let us act now and avoid our usual habit of trying to fix things after the worst has happened,” he urges.
Kenya Power client wants to see light
Kenya Power client Joseph Omoum from Homa Bay does not understand why the company has left him in darkness. Omoum says he applied for electricity last year and paid the amount required for installation.
But he claims his woes started when officials at the company’s office in Homa Bay misplaced a contractor’s certificate, which he later resubmitted. “They then issued me with account number 370891701. I was happy since they assured me I would get power,” he recalls. But, according to Omuom, months have passed and nothing has happened.
“I have been to Homa Bay office several times all I get are empty promises. I am tired of staying in the dark,” he says. Omoum, whose contact is 0715255757, is appealing to Kenya Power to ‘empower’ him.
Also seeking the attention of Kenya Power is a concerned employee, who claims nepotism is rife at Western Region (Kericho) office. “A senior officer, who is tasked with recruiting employees has decided that only his kinsmen will work for the company,” recounts the employee.
“Employees are living in fear. They do not know who will be sacked next. Kenya Power authorities should probe this matter and save jobs of hardworking employees,” adds the staff.
Small lessons for bigheaded leaders
International Criminal Court (ICC), notes regular PointBlank contributor Justin Osey, has proved wrong politicians who believed that the institution would take 90 years to rule on Kenya cases.
“In the case of Congo rebel Thomas Lubanga, ICC took just six years. We can now gauge how long the trials of four Kenyans could take. I am certain they would not last 90 years, may be ten,” he offers.
Osey believes the sentencing of Lubanga and former Liberian leader Charles Taylor has proved to many African leaders that the world is watching their misdeeds.
DON’T YOU FORGET
Mr Orengo, is railway line for Kayole pipe dream?
Kayole resident G wanyoike on June 7, wrote to PointBlank (Kayole left behind by ‘2030’ train) seeking to know from Lands minister James Orengo whether Kayole estate has land reserve for a railway line. He claimed that there are rumours that there was once a provision for the reserve along Kayole’s Spine Road and added: “If such a provision ever existed, it was taken over by tall buildings and smiling landlords long time ago.”
It’s over a month now and the Lands minister has not responded to this query. Wanyoike understands that land matters are weighty but believes that Orengo is equal to the task. He would like to see a railway line like the one being built in Syokimau in his estate. But this can’t be possible without land, Mr Orengo. So is there rail line reserve in Kayole?
