Tribes and tribal diatribe: Will this nonsense ever end?

The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission has released its long-awaited report, which tells us what we have heard talked about in hushed tones over the years. It confirms what we already know: Ours has been a messed up country, a nation on self destruct mode, busy trying to kill itself. 

But what’s perplexing is that Kenyans never learn from history. The injustices that were committed before and soon after independence are still being committed with diabolical zeal. Just how did we get ourselves into the 2007 violence mess? The truth is, there are people of clout in this country who use ‘tribe’ to insult and attack others to gain political and economic power.

Over the years, they have managed to cover their tracks and conceal their evil deeds from assassination to land grabbing and tribal public appointments. This is the ghost that TJRC sought to exorcise. But it is a stubborn ghost that thrives on tribe and human blood, and it’s unlikely we have seen the last of it. Kenyans, however, must remain on the path of justice by condemning violations of ego-centric fiends who care about nothing apart from themselves.   

City, crime and illegal structures

A resident of Embakasi in Nairobi is concerned over the mushrooming of illegal structures opposite the Coca-Cola factory and Tuskys Supermarket on the road leading to estates such a Nyayo Estate, Simba Villa and Embakasi Village.

The resident complains that the illegal structures are not only an eyesore, due to “uncontrolled garbage” but also pose a security threat to adjacent businesses and commuters using  the Embakasi train. Some criminals, he adds, hide behind the structures and mug commuters especially early in the mornings and late in the evenings.

“On behalf of the residents of these estates, I humbly request Governor Evans Kidero to take  action and return normalcy to  this busy estate access road by getting rid of these unauthorised structures,” he pleads.

He adds: “We have confidence that in your (Kidero) usual professional manner, you will act fast to save us from this menace. It is our deep desire as residents of Embakasi to support your County Government in all ways possible so that we can  restore Nairobi’s lost glory as the ‘Green City in the Sun’.” Will you hearken, this resident’s cry, Mr Kidero?

Hustlers and their unusual hassles

During the recent General Election, Mr James Okong’o  remembers that aspirants seeking to identify themselves with the majority poor branded  themselves “hustlers”, firing up the politicians’ and the word’s publicity.

But as most politicians are people of means, the meaning of “hustler” started to confuse some people. But despite being adopted by the high and mighty, the word according to Okong’o has not undergone semantic shift. So, just who is a hustler?

Here is Okong’o’s definition: “A hustler is a person who works on freelance to make quick money. A hustler’s work is usually dishonest and/or illegal. A  hustler’s work requires the sleight of hand and deceptive skill. A hustler is clever, cunning, street smart and quick witted.

“A hustler is a person who is forced to use his brains to make it in this world and always wins. Hustlers know how to get money and are skilled at getting it. They can also be sly and sell you stuff you do not need.

“Hustlers are usually involved in more than one job and they outsmart the smart. They are not in legal employment but they make a living out of other people’s money.” Is this really what a hustler is?

 

DON’T YOU FORGET

Were allegations about Leseru plunder probed?  

On April 18, some concerned residents of Leseru, about 20km north-west of Eldoret town, wrote to PointBlank complaining about the theft that was going on at the local railway sub-station. The residents lamented that Leseru had become a magnet for thieves who stole rail parts and other properties.

“It started with some pieces of railway line in a nearby swampy area... anybody who dared ask questions was warned to keep off and even told that the local railway OCS was aware,” they alleged.

The brazen thieves, according to the residents, have also felled trees for timber at the sub-station to satiate their appetite for money. The residents asked Kenya Railways to investigate the matter and arrest the culprits. Did Kenya Railways headquarters do the necessary?

Potential client for Egerton

At this time when institutions of higher learning are engaged in cutthroat competition for students, one ‘customer’ matters a lot. And Egerton University should count itself lucky because there is a potential customer out there. Unfortunately, Mr Ken Ochoggia has been trying to reach the university through the telephone numbers on its website (0512217891 and 0512217781) in vain.

“I have been calling daily for over 30 minutes the past month but no one ever picks my call,” he laments. Is there no one to answer calls at Egerton? Ochoggia’s contact is 0721253952.

Right of Reply
 

Tuskys rejuvenates customer’s loyalty
This is in reference to the article titled, “Loyalty Card, Tuskys loses faithful customer” published in the PointBlank column yesterday.

We would like to apologise for the delay in issuing Ms Pauline with a Loyalty Card. We contacted Pauline yesterday and asked her  to collect the card at the Tuskys Pioneer, Moi Avenue.

Customers with queries on Loyalty Cards can contact Tuskys Customer Care at [email protected] or 0706171155.

Winnie Komora

Manager, Customer Care & Public Relations.

*****

I might soon join PointBlank reader AO Pauline  in boycotting shopping at Tuskys.

I applied for a Loyalty Card in March/April 2011, yes 2011, to be delivered at their branch at Adams Arcade.

To date, it has never been delivered! The number in the temporary card has faded completely, luckily l had crammed it. I have been shopping at this branch and has made numerous inquiries, but l always get the same reply: “we shall text you when we receive it”.

A friend who we applied for the card at the same time has since boycotted shopping at this supermarket!

Do I join the list?

Fred PM,

[email protected]

Man appeals to President Uhuru over Identity Card
I wish to salute the outstanding PointBlank column for keeping us glued us to The Standard.

In addition, allow me to revisit the complaint I raised here on November 5, 2010, in which I explained my frustration in trying to get a replacement for my lost identity card. 

All my efforts to get the all important card have not been fruitful. I have been given excuses such as the “file was taken to Jogoo House for vetting and has not been returned to F7 for lodgement” and it appears that someone is ‘sitting’ on the file.

I was not able to vote during the General Election and I cannot do much without an Identity Card.

As a Kenyan, I hold the Registration Department responsible for bias and negligence and I now appeal to His Excellency  President Uhuru Kenyatta to correct this case of gross injustice and help me get my ID and possibly a job in this department  so that I may make a positive contribution to the system.

Adil Abdulrahman Asad

0737000214