Africa's Democracy a Mockery!

Zine El Abidine Ben with supporters Photo courtesy

AU has lost its relevance and credibility. I came to this conclusion after the conspiracy in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal and Niger where rulers tampered with their countries’ respective constitutions to remain in power. Sadly though, they got away with it. with the stamp of AU.

AU messed in Kenya and Madagascar- not to mention Darfur in Sudan where it openly backs the butcher of Sudan Omar Hassan Bashir (a black slave that calls himself an Arab). AU’s recent nod to charade elections in Tunisia proves how more moribund, irrelevant this club for African leaders is. BBC quoted the head of the African Union observer delegation, Benjamin Boungolous as saying that this (abuse to democracy) was free and fair.

How can elections be free and fair when the ‘winner’ has been in power for over two decades? How can Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who came to power by means of a coup secure such a landslide- ninety per cent victory ?

This is Ben Ali’s fifth “win”! How can it be

free and fair as the opposition cry foul? This time the winning margin has gone down by five percent. Official figures say 84% of the country's voters turned out for the presidential and legislative polls.

While AU was extolling the elections, Ahmed Ibrahim of the Ettajdid (Renewal) Party, also a presidential candidate, was quoted as saying: "The government is preventing me from getting public platforms to speak to my supporters. The state TV changed my air time slot… they're trying to censor my election statement."

African dictators and winos in power have been fooling the world. Firstly, they convene elections themselves. Secondly, the so-called civilized world recognizes them just because their interests are protected by those potentates. This is the miracle by which dictators in Angola, Cameroon, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda and elsewhere in Africa survive the wrath of the people.

While this macabre act was unfolding, another dictator in Niger, Mamadou Tandja ‘won’ elections which by AU’s standards were ‘free and fair.’ The same AU did not say anything when the son of a dictator, Ali Ben Bongo in Gabon was declared winner after fixed elections! Who would point a finger whilst almost all African potentates are the products of the same dirty game? If Mandela were still in power, he’d have said something.

Many thought Africa and AU would come of age especially in the 21st century. But nay! The same rudimentary methods former dictators used in the 60 and 70s used are still at work! Africa is sinking deeper as time goes by. The modern dictators spend much more money on their survival than the past ones thanks to the Non Governmental Organization and disgruntled population that give them a heck. Even butchering opposition has slightly dwindled thanks to globalization.

Apart from forming bigger governments consisting of their cronies, they spend big chunks of their budgetary money on private armies. To get away with it, the military budget in Africa is still a ‘top national security secret’ as they call it. The current arch foe-cum-threat for Africa is nothing but her gluttonous rulers and their cronies who steal more many than they offer to social services.

Given that dictatorship helps producing countries to do business, it has become difficult for democracy to thrive in Africa. The world is now blaming Hutus in Rwanda for committing genocide. But the same chameleon-like world does not blame Belgium racists who sired the seed of hatred between the Hutus and Tutsi. It does not want even to turn all stones so as to accuse the current regime that started the same!

Shamelessly, the same hate-planters are blaming Africans for being inhuman! What of missionaries, explorers, merchants, administrators with their hickory dickory dick when paving way for colonialism? Some Western self-declared experts on Africa are saying that we should forget attrocities inflicted upon us by foreigners. How can we do this without being redressed? If Jews can nary forget the holocaust, why should Africa easily and blindly forget her holocaust? Wasn’t slavery worse than the Jewish holocaust?

Africa is accused of tribal wars as if she espoused the whole concept of tribalism! Tribalism is all over the world. If you go to the real meaning of tribe, all those groups you see fighting today are tribes. Al-Qaeda is a tribe. Protestants and Anglicans in Ireland are tribes. So you can choose the way you translate this concept. But when it comes to Africa, it is used with bad connotation just like being black.

Going back to democracy, Africa is hampered by the tribe of dictators and their western allies. Donors and investors are a tribe. Look at how they shuffled a mule-like government in Kenya or a surrogate one in Zimbabwe after noting that their interests were endangered. This new tribe is destroying democracy in Africa. The winner and loser end up becoming winners and cobble a carbuncular government. It recently came to light that most of Kenyan’s ambassadors and high commissioners abroad are related to top government officials. In this feat-cum-nepotism, merit does not add up except blood and political connection. Everybody strives to have his people in power in order to do his show.

Source: The African Executive Magazine Nov. 11, 2009.

Rites na serikali, uwekezaji au ujambazi?

HABARI zilizofichuka hivi karibuni baada ya Mkurungenzi Mkuu wa Kampuni ya Reli Tanzania (TRL), Hundi Chaudhary, kuilima barua serikali akiandaa mazingira ya kuvunja mkataba ili waondoke na pesa zetu, haziwezi kupita bila kujadiliwa.

Umma wa Watanzania umeshangaa kusikia aliyosema Chaudhary hasa mazingira na masharti ya mkataba wa uwekezaji ambao kimsingi, si uwekezaji kitu bali ujambazi na uchukuaji wa mchana. Sitaki niongeze kitu.

Mkurugenzi huyu wa TRL inayomilikiwa kwa ubia baina ya serikali na kampuni ya Rites ya India, alionekana akiihimiza serikali itoe pesa ya kuiwezesha TRL kuanza kufanya kazi.

Wengi wanashangaa ni mwekezaji gani anategemea mtaji kutoka kwa serikali ya nchi anayowekeza wakati tuliambiwa: kigezo kikubwa cha mtu kuwekeza ni kwa anayewekeza kuwa na mtaji wa kutosha kuwekeza?

Hebu soma maneno ya Chaudhary hapa: “Serikali kwa kutumia kampuni ya Rahco iliyopewa jukumu la kusimamia mali za lililokuwa Shirika la Reli (TRC), inapaswa kutoa fedha za kusaidia mpango mkakati wa biashara kama ilivyowasilishwa na TRL”.

Bila aibu wala kuficha, Chaudhary anaendelea kuvujisha uoza wa ajabu. Haijulikani kama alijua hatari ya kufanya hivyo au ameamua kumwaga mboga au kuanza kumwaga mtama ili serikali izindukane kwa kuchelea hasira za umma.

Chaudhary alikaririwa akisema: “Fedha nyingine zenye thamani ya dola za Marekani milioni 115 na deni lenye thamani kati ya dola milioni 226 na 300 ambazo serikali ilipaswa kuzitoa kwa ajili ya mtaji katika kampuni hiyo, lakini hadi sasa hazijatolewa.”

Hebu zingatia maneno: ‘Kwa ajili ya mtaji.’ Jiulize mantiki na sababu ya mgeni kuaminiwa, kwanza kufanya biashara nchini na pili kupewa mtaji wa pesa ya wavuja jasho maskini ni nini kama si upunguani, ujambazi na ufisadi? Je, hii ni dharau kiasi gani kwa mwananchi anayehenyeshwa na umaskini wa kutengenezwa?

Kwanini serikali itoe mtaji tena kwa kampuni ya kigeni? Ilikuwaje kampuni lisilo na mtaji tena la kigeni kuaminiwa na serikali bila kuwapo mazingira ya rushwa hata wahusika kuwa mawakala wa mafisadi ninaoamini kwamba wamo madarakani?

Hivi tukisema kuwa licha ya kushindwa huku kwa serikali ya sasa ni ufisadi uliokithiri, tutaambiwa tunaiandama serikali! Je, kwa ushahidi utokanao na mkataba huu mmoja, ukiachia mingine mingi, hautoshi kuwaambia Watanzania kuwa serikali yao ndicho chanzo cha ujambazi na ufisadi unaoendelea?

Je, hawa walioingia mkataba wa kijinga kama hawa, kweli wanaweza kujiita wasomi au ndiyo wale wanaoshutumiwa kughushi ingawa hawajatajwa wote?

Hebu angalia uoza mwingine kwa mujibu wa Chaudhary: “Serikali imeshindwa kulipa kiasi cha dola milioni 0.2 ambazo ni malipo ya mwaka ambayo TRL inapaswa kuilipa Mamlaka ya Kudhibiti Usafiri wa Majini na nchi Kavu (Sumatra ).”

Hata kodi ndogo, TRL inaibebesha mzigo serikali tu? Je, serikali iliposema inajitoa kwenye biashara ilimaanisha kurejea kwa mlango wa nyuma kufanya hivi inaotuaminisha ni uwekezaji wakati ni uchukuaji na ujambazi wa mchana?

Huyu mbia anachangia nini zaidi ya kuhamisha pesa zetu baada ya kuwapa mafisadi asilimia kumi yao? Anayeona tunaishambulia serikali, anisaidie aandike makala au atoe maelezo yanayoweza kumshawishi mtu yeyote kama huu si wizi unaofanya na serikali.

Kama kodi ya Sumatra, yaani dola laki mbili TRL inaitegemea serikali, je hizi kodi za kawaida za mapato, uingizaji wa vifaa na mambo mengine yanayopaswa kukatwa kodi zinaishia wapi kama si serikali na uoza huu kujisamehe huku wananchi maskini wakizidi kunyimwa usingizi ili walipe kodi ya kuwapa wawekezaji uchwara?

Jibu la hili limo kwenye taarifa iliyofichua uoza huu. Kwani ilitaja maeneo mengine ambayo serikali ilipaswa kutekeleza kwa mujibu wa mkataba wao ni pamoja na serikali kusaidia katika malipo ya kodi zote kama ilivyo elekezwa kwenye mkataba wao.

Je, mambo kama haya hayamwaniki Rais Jakaya Kikwete, anayejipiga kifua kuwa ataleta maisha bora kwa wote ilhali muda unamtupa mkono na uoza wa serikali yake ukizidi kufichuka?

Je, hapa itakuwa vibaya kuwambia wapiga kura kwamba wakati wa kuking’oa madarakani Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) umefika? Maana licha ya kushindwa kutimiza ahadi zake, kimeongeza sifa nyingine ya kushiriki ufisadi kwa kuibia mabenki yetu hadi kuzitoa kafara mali za taifa letu.

Si matusi kusema serikali yetu ni taahira. Hebu soma maneno ya Chaudhary, akiitishia na kuiamuru serikali ituibie. Anasema: “Tumelazimika kuandika barua hii baada ya kubaini kwamba serikali imekiuka mkataba wetu na endapo hayatatimizwa ndani ya siku 60 ninaweza kuvunja mkataba huo ama kuongeza muda, hivyo tusubiri siku 60 zimalizike.”

Jeuri hii Chaudhary anaipata wapi? Je, haina maana kuwa kulingana na kupindisha sheria na kuridhia upuuzi, kuna vifungu ambavyo Rites inaweza kuvitumia kuifikisha serikali mahakamani na kulipwa fidia nono?

Je, ni vibaya kusema kuwa ‘wataalamu’ mbwa mwitu walioridhia upuuzi huu walijua fika kuwa kama hili litafanyika, watapata mwanya mwingine wa kuliibia taifa na kuambulia asilimia 10 yao?

Je, hawa si wabaya wastahilio kupigwa mawe kuliko vibaka tunaowaua kila siku kwa wizi wa kuku na mabeseni? Je, ni vibaya kusema kuwa Tanzania sasa imani hakuna ama ni kichwa cha mwendawazimu?

Je, huu ndio utawala bora unaowaneemesha wezi wa kigeni kwa kuwatoa wananchi kafara na mali zao? Ningependa kusikia mama utawala bora Sophia Simba, akitoa utetezi wake kuwa serikali yake inaandamwa kwa chuki na uroho wa madaraka.

Bila kusema mengi, ni kwamba kama kuna eneo kuna ufisadi unaonuka, unaowahusisha watawala wetu, si jingine bali uwekezaji ambao kimsingi ni ujambazi wa mchana unaofanywa na wale tuliofanya makosa kuwapa dhamana ya madaraka.

Je, kinachoendelea baina ya serikali na Rites si ujambazi wa mchana? Je, serikali inayofanya ujambazi inayoupamba kuwa ni uwekezaji inapaswa kuendelea kuwa madarakani?

Ili ifanye nini zaidi ya kuuza nchi na watu wake? Ningekuwa naombwa ushauri, ningependekeza tubinafsishe Ikulu kwanza, mengine yafuate. Maana imekuwa muhuri mkuu wa ufisadi na ujambazi huu ingawa haitaki kukiri hivyo.

Rais wetu kama hataingilia kati, hali itazidi kuwa mbaya kiuchumi. Nakuomba Rais Kikwete litizame kwa makini suala la mkataba k ati ya Tanzania na Rites. Kazi kwa wenye nchi ambao wamegeuzwa wapangaji na wakimbizi kwenye nchi yao wenyewe.

Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Nov. 11, 2009.

Mie sikughushi, nichagueni mwakani jamani

NAITWA Mpayukaji Msemahovyo PhD (Economics) PhD (Abracadabra and Hoaxes) Masters (Lies and faking) Masters (Corruption and Bribing) Advanced Dip (EPA and Richmond), BA (Performance and Ngonjera) etc. Kumbuka, tuna uchaguzi karibuni kwenye kaya ya Waliwa Wadanganyika. Hivyo, naanza kupiga kampeni hata kama tume haijatangaza hivyo. Ukizingatia huu ni msimu wa kuvuna ambacho hukupanda kupitia kura ya kula, nimejiandaa kuwatumikia wanakaya. Hata kama sistahiki heshima, bado nimekamia kuitwa Mheshimiwa Mchumiatumbo. Siwezi kuacha ulaji huu wa bure upite iwapo matapeli wengine wanaweza kuufaidi kwa kutoa kila ahadi za uongo. Nimeishaweka mikakati. Kwanza, nimeishajipatia shahada saba toka vyuo vifuatayo: Commonwealth Nonexistent University, Havazard, and Edenbug, Quacks’ Open University of the World (QOUW), New York na Make-believe University, Bangalore, India. Kadhalika nimeishaongea na jamaa zangu (mnaowaita mafisadi) wa Kimanga na Kigabacholi kuchangia kampeni zangu ili nikishaupata uheshimiwa nihakikishe wanawekeza nchini. Kwa vile nitakuwa mtunga sheria, tutatunga sheria za kuwapendelea kuwekeza na kujimegea neema mnazoita kutorosha mitaji. Nitaanza na kuchangia miradi ya kinamama na vijana na baadhi ya shule kwenye jimbo langu. Yule rafiki yangu Sheikh Brigedia Ally atamwaga pesa kama hana akili nzuri kuwahonga wanakamati ya uteuzi wa wagombea chamani. Kwa dola 5,000 kila kichwa najua hakuna atakayeruka. Sikutajwa kwenye EPA, Richmond, Meremeta, Kagoda na ujambazi mwingine. Hata kama nilipata mgawo wangu, inakuhusu nini? We usomaye waraka huu usimwambie mtu. Soma kimya kimya. Kwa taarifa yako, EPA yangu itatumika kuwalainisha walevi na wake zao kwa khanga, T-shirts, nyama choma na upuuzi mwingine. Ila kumbuka. Mimi si papa wala nyangumi. Ni safi kama Enderea Changa, Ewassa Eddie nk. Kadhalika, nimeishapata makanjanja wenye njaa kama fisi kulipamba jina langu kwenye magazeti yao. Kaulimbiu yangu ni: ‘Mchague mkombozi chaguo la Mungu awavushe kwenda Kanani nchi ya mvinyo na nyama choma’. Mimi si kihiyo. Pamoja na kutumia karne nyingi bila kuingia kwenye hekalu la Mungu, nimeishajiunga na baadhi ya makanisa na misikiti tayari kunipigia upatu. Kitaalamu naitwa Swindler Conman, PhD Phil, MA (Abracadabra and Hypothetical Thinking), BSc (Lies), Dip (Corruption and Mafia), Masters (Public funds Terrorizing), MBA, Masters (Money-making and Forgeries), etc. Watani wananikejeli eti ni mbunge wa tumbo. Mimi ni mzalendo wa kupigiwa mfano. Shahada zangu zinahitaji mtu mwenye kichwa kinachochemka ambaye Waingereza humuita genius, hasa zile za MA in Lies and Hypocritical Thinking. Ni wachache waliweza kuzipata kama vile Tunituni, Dany kurap Hoi na wengine kama Bob Mugambe, Jack Zumari, Joweri Msaba na Yahya Jammeh. Unajua? Mipango yangu ni mikubwa kuliko mlima. Hebu fikiria; nawatwanga Wadanganyika kwa kaulimbinu ya pili isemayo ‘nguvu mpya, mipango mipya uzalendo na mwanzo mpya’. Hakika walevi wataniamini kwa maangamizi yao baadaye. Kwa kuanzia, nitakunywa nao bila kuwabagua ingawa ni wachafu. Nikisalimiana nao nitawataja majina wajue nawajua na kuwamaindi ingawa zote kamba tupu. Sitasahau kuwakumbatia huku nikikenua kama vile nawapenda. Pia nitahakikisha shangingi langu la VX linageuka daladala ya walevi. Nitawapeleka popote watakapo huku mke wangu akitumia NGO yake kugawa rushwa kwa njia ya misaada kwa akina mama na shule za misingi na sekondari kaya nzima. Atawafunga kamba akina mama kuwa nikishinda atahakikisha akina baba wanapiga deki na kuosha watoto bila kusahau kuwavisha magagulo huku akina mama wakirejea usiku wa manane wakitoka kufaidi uhuru mpya. Pia nitaanzisha mfuko wa kusaidia jamii uitwao “Swindler’s Anthropological Society of Thoughts” (SAST) ili kupigania haki za viumbe wote kuanzia mapapa, nyangumi, fisi, mafisadi, vikongwe na albino. Nitaitisha mikutano ya harambee kuchangia wagonjwa na mashule jimboni mwangu. Hapa nitanunua vyandurua 500 kwa ajili ya zahanati jimboni na madawati 200 kwa ajili ya shule za misingi. Pia nitanunua mipira na jezi kidogo huku nikivaa moja na kucheza kabumbu na vijana wa vijiweni wajue mimi ni mwenzao. Ingawa huwa nawaogopa kama ukimwi, mara hii nitakula boli nao huku msaa wangu wa Rolex wa bei mbaya nikiuacha hom maana wanaweza kuunywa wezi hawa wa kutengenezwa nasi. Kumbuka, nimeishawaweka sawa wazee wa kabila letu kwa kumpa chochote kitu kiongozi wao. Usishangae kuniona nimevalia mavazi ya kiasili nikitawazwa kuwa kamanda wa vijana wa wilaya wa chama changu. ‘Nyumba yangu ndogo’ niliyozaa nayo toto la kiume na kulikana, nitairejea kwa haraka sana ili asitoboe siri zangu. Mwanaharamu wangu huyu atageuka ghafla kuwa mtoto wangu kipenzi na nitamuahidi mama yake kuwa nitampeleka sekondari nchini Uingereza. Kumuweka sawa kwanza, nitatafuta shule moja ya kimataifa ya uongo na ukweli nikifanya maandalizi ya kumrusha majuu. Nitamfunga kamba kuwa namuandaa awe rais wa nchi baadaye. Wafa na nguna wajinga nitawaahidi kupigania bei za mazao yao. Hapa lazima nikope ujanja toka kwa Mheshimiwa Mizengwe. Nitaahidi trekta kila kijiji bila kusahau maji safi na umeme usiokuwa wa mgawo. Hapa Mwarabu wangu wa Dubai atanipiga tafu. Kuwaua kabisa, nitaalika wanafunzi wa chuo cha maji kuja kufanya tathmini ya mradi wa maji na umeme kwa vijiji vya jimbo langu. Mbinu nyingine ni kumtetea mwenyekiti wa taifa wa chama changu cha UNM, yaani Ugali Nyama na Maharagwe kwa kila upuuzi atakaofanya. Nimeishatishia na kuapa kwa miungu yote kumnyotoa roho yeyote atakayempinga. Huwa naapa kwa kupandisha mwenembago kama morani wa Kimasai niapapo kwa miungu yote ya uongo na ukweli. Wengi watadhani naota. Lazima niingie bungeni. Kwanza mie ni handisamu kama Njaa Kaya. Isitoshe ni kijana kinda wa miaka 59 ambaye hutabasamu hata kwenye msiba. Pili, mimi ni chaguo la Godi. Tatu ni mtaalamu wa sanaa hasa lugha tamu yenye kupumbaza na ahadi kem kem. Nne ni mtu wa watu. (Usiulize kama kuna mtu wa fisi). Tano nimeleta amani kwenye kijiwe na mifuko ya wapiga kura. Nina sifa zaidi ya elfu na moja. Hivyo leo nakumegea. Inshallah nategemea kuelezea sera zangu huko tuendako, hasa jinsi ya kupambana na wizi wa kura na migawo ya umeme hewa na maji. Nitahakikisha natetea haki za wanyonge, hasa kwenye wizi huu uitwao multiparty hoax - samahani siasa za vyama vingi. Pia zingatia. Mbinu zangu ni mpya na hazijawahi kubuniwa wala kutumiwa na mtu yeyote isipokuwa mimi tu. Niachie hapa niende kuandaa nyavu za kuwanasa wajinga. Kaa chonjo saa mbaya! Wajinga ndio waliwao. Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Nov. 11, 2009.

Dead Aid or Wrong Approach?

The good analysis by Helmut Danner on Dambisa Moyo’s book can not pass unapplauded. It was nice and educative so to speak. I am not going to revisit the same, thanks to the good tour Danner did.

Dambisa’s book “Dead Aid or Wrong Approach?” against the odds, is the recent work from Africa that positively captivated the world. Though the idea is not new, it adds up.In a nutshell, let me add a few points. Much of the moneys offered as aid are squandered by rulers.

Donors’ money is either used to do globe trotting or is used to convene pantomime elections that scoop a lot more money. When ‘winners’ are declared, they steal, abuse office and consent to exploitative and misleading policies that enable western companies to rob Africa of her wealth. It recently came to light that mining companies in Tanzania give not only give false information with regards to the amount of minerals they dig, but also cause a great environmental abuse. If such offences were committed in the developed world, the perpetrators would end up becoming bankrupt and their contracts revoked.

Any African will tell you that aid is meant for rulers and if it is stopped, only rulers will be in trouble. Take, for example, the money that is channeled into supporting the budgets of African countries and compare it to the expenditure of the same as opposed to development programmes. You will see the rationale. Budgetary support money ends up being abused by rulers. They use it to pay their private armies and party carders in order to remain in power (not to mention their gargantuan governments made of their cronies and relatives). This is why the budgets of the ministries of defence have been dubiously kept a top secret in Africa.

In 2005, Tanzania Central Bank was robbed by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) at the tune of over $ 500,000,000. This is a huge amount for a poor country like Tanzania. The money was spent on bribing voters. Although evidence has been adduced to this effect, donors have turned a blind eye given the current regime, as the former one, allowed Western companies to massively steal minerals and land lucrative tenders. The same donors offered money for the charade elections.

When it comes to the loans they extend to poor countries, the common man in the street pays them in future as he is forced to droopingly bow before robbery as we see in investment in Tanzania currently where much wealth is robbed as the citizenry cascade into abject poverty.

What’s more, aid money is given by the left hand but it ends up being snatched by the right one! To muse on this, try to imagine how bigger and extravagant governments- in Africa compared to donor countries- are. Refer to the sacrilege that came to light recently whereby in Kenya, most ambassadors and high commissioners are kins of a ruling kit and caboodle.

Aid has neither solved Africa's problems nor spurred expected development levels as Moyo observes. This can be easily seen on how the recipients have become chronic beggars and dependent. In fact, much of the money is stolen by thievish rulers to end up being stashed in Western banks. Refer to Mobutu Seseseko, Sani Abacha and Nigeria respectively.

The other venue that used to be effective and reliable as far as utilizing aid is concerned was by the way of channeling it through Non Governmental Organisations. But recently things have changed. Government agents have invaded NGOs and are getting away with it. Imagine. What is an NGO manned by the first lady for if not to scoop this generously given money? Sadly, donors favour these NGOs in order to entice and induce the big man in the state house. This is the breeding ground for corruption. Why should a president’s spouse form NGOs only after her hubby ascends to power?

I fully concur with Moyo when she says that free market based on socialist values is the way forward. Such a proposal needs courage of the mad at this time where capitalism is everything. Was it admitted due to the shake up that resulted from the global credit crunch? Is it welcome simply because the world now needs more cash than democracy? This is when China comes in.

Though we’re told currently that we are under globalization and free market, this concept is a hoax and the beneficiaries are but Western countries whilst Africans lose.Terms of trade are not uniform. Again that’s where China makes more sense to do business- despite its hidden repercussions in the long run. Given that it is geared by profit, China may turn out to be as destructive and exploitative as the West is. How one is going to avert this depends on how one utilizes this competition between West and China.

One thing that demeans China’s reputation is its fake and substandard products. China, like India, exports its people to plunder other countries and sends back home the loot. Currently in Angola and Tanzania, Chinese are doing businesses that are supposed to be done by locals.

Source: The African Executive Magazine Nov. 4, 2009.

Hoseah anapata wapi jeuri hii?

UZOEFU unaonyesha kuwa ving’ang’anizi wanapobanwa huapia miungu yote kuwa hawatajiuzulu kama ilivyotokea kwa Mkurungenzi wa Tume ya Kupambana na Kuzuia Rushwa (TAKUKURU), Dk. Edward Hoseah.

Ila mwisho wa siku, ving’ang’anizi hawa kwa nyonde nyonde na aibu, hubwaga manyanga na kutoweka. Tuliyasikia na kuyaona kama haya kwa Nazir Karamagi, alipokumbwa na kashfa ya Richmond mwaka jana bila kusahau kina Basil Mramba na wenzake.

Nchini Kenya, Aaron Ringera, aliyekuwa mkuu wa Tume ya kupambana na ufisadi ya Kenya (KACC) alisema kama alivyosema Hoseah hivi karibuni akiwatolea nyodo wabunge wa Kenya.

Wabunge hawa mahiri, katika kumwaga mboga, walimtaka Rais Mwai Kibaki kuchagua; aondoke yeye au mtu wake. Na mwisho wa yote Ringera amebakia katika historia.

Hivi karibuni Hoseah alikaririwa akisema: “Sasa nakwambia, sina mpango wa kujiuzulu, siwezi kujitia kamba eti ili nionekane mzalendo bila kosa, kwanini unataka nijiuzulu au unataka kuchukua nafasi yangu?”

Bahati mbaya, hakueleza ni mbunge au wabunge ama watu au mtu gani anainyemelea nafasi yake. Kwanza, ile nafasi si yake, bali ya umma ambao ndio wenye ofisi. Inapofikia mtu anaanza kuifanya ofisi ya umma kuwa mali yake binafsi, ujue kuna tatizo.

Wengi wanajiuliza mantiki ya Rais Jakaya Kikwete kuonekana kupwaya hasa wanapotajwa wateule wake wenye madoa. Inasikitisha na kukatisha tamaa. Kwani hii si mara ya kwanza kwa Kikwete kugwaya kumfukuza mteule wake alipotuhumiwa.

Mkakati usiozaa matunda unaoendelea wa kuwasafisha, kwa mara nyingine, watuhumiwa wa kashfa ya Richmond unaofanywa na serikali kwa Tume ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa (TAKUKURU) ni ushahidi tosha kuwa TAKUKURU hata serikali hawafai. Wanafanya ‘utoto’ usiolingana na hadhi wala umri wao.

Katika kikao cha Bunge kinachoendelea mjini Dodoma, kuna kila sababu za serikali kutaka kuizima kashfa ya Richmond hata kwa kuwatisha, kuwadhalilisha na kuwanyamazisha wabunge.

TAKUKURU na serikali, kwa makusudi mazima na nia ya kutenda jinai tena, wanataka kuwasafisha watuhumiwa wa Richmond iliyomwondoa madarakani aliyekuwa Waziri Mkuu, Edward Lowassa, mwanzoni mwa Februari mwaka jana.

Mpaka anastaafu, mwanasheria aliyeondoka Johnson Mwanyika, alionekana kuwa mwamba na mbabe mbele ya rais, wananchi hata wabunge. Je, ni kwanini inakuwa hivi?

Je, hawa wateule wa rais wanaozidi kumdhalilisha na kumuumbua wanapata wapi jeuri hii? Je, kuna kitu wanakijua hasa kuhusiana na kashfa zinazowakabili kinachoweza kumweka pabaya rais kiasi cha rais kuwaogopa?

Ingawa Hoseah kaanza, tunajua wabunge watamaliza kama ilivyotokea kwa mwezi wake uliopita huko Kenya, kwa mtu aliyekuwa na nafasi anayoiita yake ambaye alilewa urafiki na ushirika wake na rais kiasi cha kulidharau Bunge.

Wabunge wa Kenya walipomtaka Ringera aachie ngazi, aliwakebehi kuwa anafurahia sarakasi zao, asijue angelizwa na hao hao aliowakebehi.

Tujiulize. Inakuwaje mtu anayemwakilisha mtu mmoja kujiona bora na mwamba mbele ya wawakilishi wa umma? Zaidi ya tumbo lake na rais, Hoseah anamwakilisha nani?

Zaidi ya kutegemea kuteuliwa, Hoseah ana ridhaa gani ya umma kuwa pale alipo kiasi cha kupatumia kuhujumu umma? Rejea, Hoseah kwa kutumia TAKUKURU, alivyowahi kutaka kuwasafisha wezi wa Richmond, kwa kudai hapakuwa na mchezo mchafu wakati dalili zote zilionyesha kulikuwa na rushwa achia mbali mchezo mchafu ambao unaweza kupunguza makali ya jinai.

Je, tutaendelea na kuwa na watu wababe kwenye ofisi zetu hadi lini? Je rais ana nini na Hoseah kiasi cha kujiruhusu na kumruhusu awadhalilishe wawakilishi wa wananchi?

Ni muhimu Hoseah akaonyeshwa kuwa nchi hii ni ya wananchi wala si ya rais na wateule wake. Je, wabunge wetu wataufyata mbele ya mtu asiye na mashiko kwa sababu tu ni mteule wa rais?

Kwa vile Hoseah katia mkia wake kwenye kundi la siafu, umma unangojea kuona atakavyoondoka kiasi cha kuondoka akilia. Kwanini kuwahoji wabunge sambamba na kujadiliwa kwa kashfa ya Richmond ambamo Hoseah amehusishwa?

Kama kweli alivyosema Waziri Mkuu, Mizengo Pinda, kuwa TAKUKURU iliamrishwa na Ikulu iwadhalilishe wabunge, basi kuna uwezekano wabunge wakatumia kura ya kutokuwa na imani kwa rais na Hoseah.

Maana huu ni ushahidi kuwa TAKUKURU haiko huru na haipambani na kuzuia rushwa bali wale wanaotaka kupambana na wala rushwa kama inavyojidhihirisha kwenye hoja uchwara ya kuwahoji wabunge juu ya kula unbuge ili kuwaokoa waliokula mabilioni.

Haiingii akilini na inasikitisha sana kuona mamlaka zenye kuheshimika kuwa nyuma ya ufisadi.

Licha ya watu kuhoji anakopata jeuri Hoseah, wengi wanangojea kuona Bunge litakavyolinda heshima yake na kutenda haki kwa umma wa Watanzania wanaohujumiwa na wezi kama wale wa Richmond.

Wapo wanaoshauri hata TAKUKURU ivunjwe au kuondolewa chini ya Ikulu ili iwe huru na iweze kupambana na ufisadi kweli.

Je, Hoseah anapata wapi jeuri hii na rais anayempa jeuri hajui kuwa wabunge wakichachamaa wote wawili wanaweza kuishia kula jeuri yao badala ya mahanjumati ya ukubwa wanayofaidi na familia na marafiki zao?

Nijuavyo, ndivyo ilivyo. Hakuna aliyewahi kuwashinda wabunge hata angekuwa rais katika nchi yoyote yenye demokrasia.

Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Nov. 4, 2009.

The Cartoons And Photos That Tell It All

I am not a cartoon buff in the first place. This taboo, however, had to be broken when I saw the following Cartoons and photos. I therefore invite my readership to share them with me.
We've vehemently been trying to portray what is going on in Africa to no avail.

You can see how Ugandan tyrant Yoweri Museveni invented a human robot known as (MANROBO). He can use, misuse and abuse without any criminal liability with regards to human rights and crimes against humanity. This robot, different from the ones you know, does not use electricity. It also does not have buttons to press. But it receives orders and it has brain though dormant. Shame on both!

I know this is not a laughing matter. But looking at another picture alongside the Roboman, this will leave you in stitches. Did you know a goat can employ a human being to give it a ride especially on his own back? Now you know. Seeing is believing. This is Africa in the 21st century.
To know what I mean. Please look at the cartoon depicting the much touted investors and listen to what they are saying about those that run errand for them. Or put it this way. Those that do their dirty laundry or political laundromats.

Though things seem to be spooky and creepy, we still have guys that can do something to rearrest them. Look at how the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere- the founder of Tanzania- is trying to instill some discipline to the villains he wrongly entrusted his beloved nation. If the dead can try, what of us-the living ones? It's better and worthy to die in honour than living in odium. It's better to act than to keep mum. Acting entails, even,exposing the rot you evidence; even criticize it not to forget to condemn it. Well done Mwalimu Nyerere.


Now that some of our colleagues have their own way of telling it all, why shouldn't we cheer them and honour their works? Before winding up, I must admit and complement. I got all those cartoons from Tanzania's Newspapers that I hugely thank.

I am used to writing long articles. This time, the cartoons and photo will run the show for me. I believe you who's reading this epistle will be captivated the same way I have been.
I therefore invite you once again to read and share your insights on this.
Thanks and bienvenu all.
Source: My bleeding heart.

Forgery: Is Tanzania Going the Sassou-Ngweso Way ?

The Mandela Foundation was galled by a very saddening episode where Congolese dictator Denis Sassou-Ngweso used the name of anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela to illegally paint a rosy picture for himself. Sassou-Ngwesso proved to be a plagiarizer-in-chief in his book ‘Straight Talking for Africa’ whose forward was invented by his colleagues and praises Mr Sassou-Nguesso as "one of our great African leaders.” How can you compare a wino and patriot? How can you compare a sinner and a saint?

"Mandela's name doesn't belong to the foundation but to the African continent. We don't need their authorization to publish what Mandela said after the Congolese gave their blood for the liberation of southern African countries," Sassou-Nguesso’s Whiz kids argued. Alain Akouala, former communications minister in Congo, accused Mr Mandela's aides of treating the anti-apartheid icon's name "like a brand".

Let’s go to Tanzania’s shame of forgery. African rulers are obsessed with the idea of being regarded as elites, regardless of whether they are semi-illiterates or illiterates altogether. We have Dr. Alhaj Yahya Jammeh, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete and others who have never seen any PhD Panel.

Recently in Tanzania, six ministers, some DCs, RCs and four Members of Parliament (among 19 under scrutiny) forged their certificates. Ministers are Mary Nagu (Commerce and industry), Emanuel Nchimbi (Defence and National service), Makongoro Mahanga (Labour Youth development), David Mathayo David (Agriculture food and Co-ops) and Diodurus Kamala (Regional Cooperation).

This is a big number by all standards and it puts Tanzania on the top of the list of known forgers. What confuses is the fact that even when this crime was reported, the authorities did not take any action. One MP, Samuel Chitalilo was water-tightly implicated. But again the authorities did not take any action!

Despite the fact that Tanzania is seen as a shining example of peace and tranquility on the outside, inside, it is like a grave. The current regime also allegedly robbed the Central Bank to fund the campaigns that propelled President Kikwete to power. Kikwete has been doing whatever it takes to push this under the carpet to no avail thanks to opposition staying put. National resources are plundered in broad light whilst the government watches. Its economy is cascading, thanks to surging corruption. Currently, Tanzania is facing grave power crises due to corruption in procurement and contracting. Uganda, with a quarter of resources compared to Tanzania, is supplying electricity to Tanzania. Food shortage and hunger are looming.

The Tanzania Commission of Universities (TCU) funded the sifting of these allegations from June 25, 2008 to October 9, 2009. The countries in which TCU trailed the records of these big con men and women in power involved India, UK and USA where the said bigwigs alleged they did their courses. The results were stunningly surreal. Almost all those alleged fakers are holding full ministry positions and they did not substantiate to the contrary. When they were contacted by the media, they gave hogwash instead of denying or admitting.

Given that all those alleged are MPs, TCU submitted its report to the speaker of the parliament to act. But those familiar Tanzania’s ‘who do you know?’ policy doubt if the speaker can do anything. Tanzanian police force, Prevention and combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and all responsible organs kept mum even when this damning report was made public! The president who is the chairman of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has also maintained silence.

Interestingly when most of them were contacted by the media to comment on the allegations, they gave similar responses. They alleged they had not heard of a person or a commission alleging they are fakers!

One may ask: Is Tanzania’s cabinet of fakers a replica of what’s going in upper echelons of power in Africa? Isn’t this a new type of corruption and conspiracy to steal from public coffers? Imagine. How much money have these fakers already been paid? Think of the misery they have already caused the people by serving under the capacities they are not qualified for? It is time for universities in Africa to sift their rulers.

Wajue vigogo vihiyo na matapeli

Pichani ni Smuel Chitalilo (Bingwa wa kughushi), David Mathayo David, Victor Mwambalaswa, Emanuel Nchimbi, Raphael Chegeni,Makongoro Mahanga,Mary Nagu, William Lukuvi na Diodurus Kamala.
Hatukuweka shahada zao kutokana na kuwa na ugogoro-Adminstrator

Vyeti vyao vya elimu vyadaiwa vina utata
Yumo Mkuu wa Mkoa na wabunge watatu
Orodha yawasilishwa kwa Spika wa Bunge
Dk. Mary Nagu Waziri wa Viwanda, Biashara na Masoko.
Dk. Emmanuel Nchimbi, Waziri wa Ulinzi na Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa-JKT)
Dk. Makongoro Mahanga, Waziri wa Kazi, Ajira na Maendeleo ya Vijana.
Dr. David Mathayo David, Waziri wa Kilimo, Chakula na Ushirika.

Mawaziri sita na wabunge wanne, wametajwa kuwamo katika orodha ya watuhumiwa 19 wa walighshi vyeti vyao vya elimu.

Utafiti huru uliofanywa na Mwanaharakati, Kainerugaba Msemakweli kwa msaada wa Tume ya Vyuo Vikuu nchini (TCU), katika kipindi cha mwaka mmoja; umebaini kwamba wanasiasa hao wametumia vyeti vya kughushi na kuwasilisha katika ofisi za umma kwamba wana elimu hiyo, kitu ambacho si kweli.

Utafiti huo ulianza kufanyika Juni 25, mwaka jana hadi Oktoba 9, mwaka huu katika nchi za Marekani, India na Uingereza, ambako vigogo hao wanadaiwa kuwa walisoma na kupata shahada hizo.

Baada ya kubainika kwamba hawana sifa za elimu wanazodai kwenye wasifu wa elimu zai, ripoti hiyo imekabidhiwa kwa Ofisi ya Spika wa Bunge.

Kuwasilisha nyaraka za kughushi katika ofisi ya umma ni kinyume cha Katiba na sheria za nchi.

Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari jana, Msemakweli aliwataja mawaziri hao kuwa ni Dk. Mary Nagu (Viwanda, Biashara na Masoko), na Dk. Diodurus Kamala (Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki) kuwa miongoni mwa vigogo wanaohusika na kashfa hiyo.

Pia, kuna waziri mwingine mmoja ambaye jina linahifadhiwa kwa sababu hatukuweza kumpata kuzungumzia tuhuma zake jana.

Mbali na hao, pia Msemakweli aliwataja manaibu waziri, Dk. Makongoro Mahanga (Kazi, Ajira na Maendeleo ya Vijana), Dk. David Mathayo David (Kilimo, Chakula na Ushirika) na Dk. Emmanuel Nchimbi (Ulinzi na Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa-JKT) kuhusika na kashfa hiyo.

Wabunge, ambao wametajwa na ripoti hiyo, ni pamoja na William Lukuvi (Ismani-CCM), ambaye pia, ni Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam, Victor Mwambalaswa (Lupa-CCM) na Dk. Raphael Chegeni (Busega-CCM).

Kuna mbunge mwingine ambaye pia alitajwa kwenye kashfa hii na kwa kuwa jana hatumpata kuzungumzia suala hilo, jina lake tumesitiri kwa sasa.

Vigogo hao wanadaiwa kuwa walighushi taaluma kwa baadhi yao kujiwasilisha kuwa wana shahada za masuala ya kimataifa na diplomasia, biashara na utawala, wengine shahada za uzamili, udaktari wa falsafa, na wengine dhahada za ualimu nakadhalika, wakati si kweli.



Msemakweli alisema katika taarifa aliyowasilisha kwa ofisi ya Spika aliomba iwawajibishe vigogo hao kwa kashfa hiyo.

Alisema vigogo hao waliwaghilibu wananchi wa majimbo wanayoyawakilisha na kuwafanya wapate ubunge na kwamba, kwa kutumia shahada hizo za kujipachika, wameweza kuaminiwa na kupewa nafasi za kisiasa na kiutawala.

Alidai ana ushahidi wa kutosha juu ya madai anayoyatoa dhidi ya vigogo hao kwani ameyafanya utafiti wa uhakika na kwamba, kigogo yeyote atakayehisi kuwa ameonewa aende kwenye vyombo vya sheria na yuko tayari kwenda kuthibitisha madai yake.

Alidai Lukuvi alighushi sifa za taaluma kuwa ni msomi mwenye shahada ya masuala ya kimataifa na diplomasia wakati elimu yake ni darasa la saba na ualimu wa shule ya msingi.

“Hajawahi kuingia darasa lolote la digrii (Shahada) wala kufanya mtihani wowote wa digrii wala kusoma digrii yoyote, wakati wowote, katika maisha yake yote na mahali popote duniani,” alidai Msemakweli.

Alisema wakati anaiwakilisha Tanzania nchini Namibia katika mkutano wa wabunge wa Jumuiya ya Madola, Lukuvi aliwasilisha taarifa za kuhusu taaluma yake kwa kudanganya kuwa yeye ni msomi mwenye shahada ya uzamili katika masuala ya biashara na uongozi.

“Taarifa za kweli ni kwamba baada ya kumaliza elimu ya msingi na kuishia darasa la saba mwaka 1975 Mheshimiwa Lukuvi alienda kusomea ualimu wa shule za msingi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Ualimu, mkoani Tabora,” alisema Msemakweli.

Alisema Dk. Mahanga “…ameghushi sifa za kuwa ana shahada ya uzamivu (daktari wa falsafa) wakati hajawahi kusoma shahada hiyo wakati wowote na mahali popote duniani”.

Msemakweli alidai Mwambalaswa ameghushi sifa za taaluma kwamba ana shahada ya uzamivu ya biashara na utawala (MBA) wakati hajawahi kusoma shahada hiyo.

Alidai Dk. Nagu ameghushi sifa za taaluma na kujiwasilisha kwamba ana shahada ya udaktari wa falsafa wakati hajawahi kusomea udaktari wowote na mahali popote.

“Yeye amesoma na kuishia shahada ya pili kwa kutumia shahada hiyo ya kujipachika ameweza kuaminiwa na kupewa nafasi za kisiasa na kiutawala wakati… Katika maisha yake hajawahi kusomea udaktari wa aina yoyote,” alidai Msemakweli na kuongeza:

“Amefanya …kumdanganya Mheshimiwa Spika wa Bunge la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Taarifa katika Ofisi ya Mheshimiwa Spika na ambayo Mheshimiwa Spika anazo zinaonesha kuwa Mheshimiwa Mary Nagu ni msomi mwenye digrii ya daktari wa falsafa wakati hajawahi kusoma udaktari wowote katika maisha yake yote.”

Msemakweli alidai “Dk. Nchimbi ameghushi sifa za taaluma na kujifanya kuwa ana digrii ya Uzamivu (Ph.D). Hivyo kujipachika sifa za udaktari,” alisema.

Alidai Chegeni ameghushi sifa za taaluma na kujiwasilisha kwamba ana digrii ya uzamivu (Ph.D) na hivyo kujifanya dokta wakati hajawahi kusoma digrii yoyote ya udaktari au uzamivu, wakati wowote na mahali popote duniani na vyeti alivyonavyo kuhusu elimu hiyo ni vya kughushi.

Msemakweli alidai: “Dk. Mathayo ameghushi sifa za taaluma kwamba ana stashahada ya juu katika masuala ya mahusiano ya kimataifa wakati hajawahi kusoma stashahada au diploma hiyo wakati wowote na mahali popote pale duniani.”

Kwa upande wa Dk. Kamala, Msemakweli alidai: “Ameghushi sifa za taaluma kwamba ana digrii ya uzamivu (Ph.D) wakati hajawahi kusoma digrii hiyo, wakati wowote na mahali popote duniani.”

Nipashe iliwasiliana na vigogo hao, jana kupata maelezo yao na kwanza alikuwa ni Lukuvi ambaye alikanusha vikali kuwahi kusomea au kudai kwamba, ana shahada ya biashara na kusema kuwa: “Mtu anayedai hivyo ametia chumvi.”

Alisema aliyonayo ni diploma ya sayansi ya siasa kutoka Urusi na shahada ya taaluma ya Kimataifa kutoka Marekani.

“Sijawahi kusoma biashara na wala sina Masters (shahada ya pili) ya biashara. Kama ana ushahidi athibitishe,” alisema Lukuvi.

Dk. Mahanga alisema hayuko tayari kusema lolote kwa vile mtu aliyetoa madai hayo ahamjui.

Kwa upande wake, Dk. Nagu alipoulizwa na Nipashe, alisema: “Ngoja kesho niongee na mtu huyo kwani sasa hivi niko Morogoro, nitawasiliana naye kisha tutaongea Jumanne (kesho) .”

Dk. Nchimbi alisema: “Mimi sijamsikia (huyo mtu). Wewe mwenzangu umepata kumsikia. Mimi mpaka nipate bahati ya kumsikia.”

Dk. Chegeni alipoulizwa na mwandishi wa Nipashe juu madai ya elimu yake, naye alimuuliza mwandishi kuwa: “Mtu akikuuliza mimi ni mume wa mama yako utajibu nini?” Lakini mwandishi alipomtaka ajibu swali aliloloulizwa, aliongeza: “Kama mtu huyo amesema ana haki ya kusema.”

Mwambalaswa alisema watu wanaomhusisha na kashfa hiyo kama si katika kundi la mafisadi, basi watakuwa ni watu ambao walioshindwa kufuatilia kuhusu ukweli wa elimu yake.

Alisema shahada anayodaiwa kughushi aliipata kihalali katika nchi za Uholanzi na Uingereza.

Naye Katibu wa Bunge, Dk. Thomas Kashilillah alipoulizwa kama barua ya Msemakweli imefika katika Ofisi ya Spika, alisema kwamba, bado hajaiona.

“Nimesikia suala hilo leo asubuhi kutoka kwa waandishi wa habari. Mimi barua sijaiona. Sina uhakika, hivyo siwezi kusema lolote,” alisema Kashilillah na kuongeza kuwa Spika amesafiri.

CHANZO: NIPASHE

Guinea tyrant must face charges

In its efforts to return the genie back into the bottle, EU decided to come forth and stand to be counted.

Recent heroic and encouraging remarks by EU’s development Chief, Karel de Gucht sound cool and can not pass without being enlivened. He said that Guinea head of Military junta, Cpt. Moussa Dadis Camara who took power on the wake of the death of Guinea’s dictator, Lasane Konte be arraigned in connection with crimes against humanity.

If anything, shall this be effectuated, it is but good and calculated move especially at the time after toothless and goofy AU has been dragging its feet since the brigands illegally came to power. The world, with fresh memories, still remembers horrendous killings of innocent 157 protestors in the streets of Conakry on September 28.

This should not be erroneously confused by interfering internal affairs or colonialism or tutoring Africa as African potentates normally claim when either they are, or one of them is cornered.

Gucht did not languish in diplomatic jargon. He termed the bone-chilling killings as an act of brutality never seen before."

He was quoted as thus: "This is a crime against humanity. It is a crime against the citizens of Guinea," In law and morality these killings were indeed a crime against humanity perpetrated by the man calling himself a leader of the people.”

Apart from being the very right thing to do, this overture is but litmus test on the seriousness of international community. By arraigning Camara, justice will be served and the clear signal will be dispatched for all winos dreaming about taking power to abuse. It will make more sense than ever. How can, for example, the same international community squeezes Kenyan authority to bring the perpetrators of post-poll killings to book and turn a blind eye to this barbarism?

For the stint Camara has just been in power, he goes down annals of history as one of the modern mad men of Africa . His erratic behaviour has chagrined very many if not all. More often than not, Camara has proved to be a mad man and an accident in the office of the president.

By taking the bull by horn, EU has set a precedent that, if upheld, may balk military regimes in Africa for once and for all. All those day dreaming to come in and plunder will have to rethink their take.

When he took power, without being forced, Camara told the world that he’d pave the way to democracy. He said: “We are patriots, not hungry for power. We don’t intend to stay in power forever.”

But as days went by, Camara proved to be even more a chameleon and megalomaniac. Contrary to his cross-gained vows of returning Guinea to democratic path, he was quoted as saying: "I have nothing more to say, except that I might or might not stand. No-one can stop me." When he said this and his true face revealed, people’s power tried to stop him. They did not want to let him continue with his megalomania. The results were surreal. Hundreds were butchered on the bloody day light. After the massacre, once again, Camara proved to be behind all machinations. He was quoted saying that if is not allowed to stand for presidency another dam honcho will take over! Gosh! All these are but a bit more of puerile lies and rubbishes. And mark my words once more. Much is to come after the tyrant is squeezed even more.

To jump a smoking gun, Camara was quoted contradicting himself as saying that he was a prisoner of his own army especially those that ordered the shooting. But by all implications, Camara is the one that ordered the killings. He prior said that nobody would stop him from running for presidency. It is childish to say he was a prisoner. France knew his tricks. It was the first country to propose that the tyrant be arraigned. Now that EU has stepped in, surely the genie may be returned to the bottle. Nobody knows. How can the head of the junta become a prisoner of his own army!

And mark my words. This time, the lame duck AU won’t step in or bleep to back the tyrant. Its mess of supporting Sudanese butcher, Omar Hassan Bashir is enough.

Being rabid, if Camara, like a serpent, is not conked, is likely to become suicidal so as to commit even graver crimes against humanity. All maniacs Africa has witnessed in Idd Amin, Mobutu Sese seko, Sani Abacha, Jean-Bedel Bokassa, Samuel Doe, Charles Taylor, Robert Mugabe, Yahya Jammeh, Fodday Saybana Sankor, Jonas Savimbi, and what not started this way.

Were he not a maniac, he had no reason to spoil his coup that was termed as bloodless. Now that his barbarism has turned his bloodless coup into a bloodbath sort of stuff! What else is he asking for?

The best gift-cum-aid the international community could offer Guinea is pressurize this tyrant and his cabal of killers to step down so that democratically elected government can come in. why was it possible to disarm and thwart Charles Taylor who was a bit smarter than this stinking yokel? Good news is that ICC has already zeroed in to see if charges be laid.

Though AU has its wing of Human Rights, the fact of the matter is: it is as useless as AU itself. Thus, Human Rights activists wherever they are must stand together and support this bold move by EU with regards to prosecuting Camara and his cabal of killers in uniform.

Guinea tyrant must face charges resulting from committing crimes against humanity. And this must be done while the injuries are still fresh in the minds of the world.

Seriously, time for bringing Camara to book is now; just now.
Source: The African Executive Magazine October 21, 2009.

Mpayukaji aadhimisha miaka kumi ya kifo cha Nyerere

Katika kuadhimisha miaka kumi tangu kuondoka kwa paka na panya kujitwalia uhuru- yaani miaka kumi ya kifo cha mzee mchonga Julius K. N Burito, mzee mzima Nilitinga Butiama. Ni baada ya kuona kila mmoja akijitahidi kuonyesha sanaa zake.

Ingawa matendo yangu hayafanani ya marehemu Nyerere, bila aibu, nilijipeleka Mwisenge kuuhadaa umma kuwa nilimpenda mwalimu wakati nilimchukia hasa kuingilia ulaji na dili zetu na ndugu yangu Eddie Ewassa Mchunguliaji wa Mkwapuaji.

Kama walevi wengine, nilitinga Butiama kwa pipa la Precision Eya. Nililipa bei gani? Hayakuhusu. Najua vizabazabina vitaanza kuhoji nilipata wapi hizi chapaa au ni yale yale ya EPA na Richmonduli? Kwa taarifa yenu nilitumia pesa ya kijiwe full stop and period.

Baada ya kufika nikiwa nimejinyenyekeza kama kondoo ilhali ni chui kwenye ngozi ya kondoo, nilikutana moja kwa moja na mjane wake, Mama Maria pamoja na vitegemezi vyake. Ingawa roho ilikuwa ikinisuta, sikuwa na jinsi bali kwenda ili kupata tafu kwenye uchaguzi wa kijiwe ujao. Mambo ya politics na politricks za kijiwe bila kufanya usanii unaweza ukaumbuka mchana mzee mzima.

Kuzidi kuwabamiza mkenge wadanganyika walevi, niliamuru wapiga picha wangu wakiongozwa na Mchuuzi, Mbwa Mwitu na Mgosi Machungi wapige picha kama kufuru ili zitoke kwenye magazeti na walevi wazione wajue siku hizi nimeokoka toka kwenye ufisadi na kurejea kwenye Ujamaa na kujitegemea -wakati ukweli ni kwamba siasa zangu kijiweni ni za uhujumaa na kujimegea. Upo hapo mwanangu? Wajinga ndio waliwao. Tusameheane. Na isitoshe sikuitwa bingwa wa sanaa kimakosa. Ni msanii kweli kweli kuliko hata yule mwimbaji wa ngonjera mkuu.

Siku hiyo sikuvaa suti. Nilivaa vazi la Chu En Lai alilopenda Mwalimu ili nionekane nafanana naye wakati kutulinganisha ni sawa na kumlinganisha kupe na tembo! Na kama si kuogopa wambea kunipakazia ningetinga na mgolole kama aliouvaa mwalimu wakati wa kupokea uhuru. Lakini ningefanya hivyo ningeoneka nasikiliza ushauri wa Mizengwe iliyopinda wa kuacha kupiga pamba kali. Ingawa moyoni nilikuwa na furaha kwa kufaidi uhuru bila mwalimu kuwepo kunisuta kwa ufisadi wangu kwa kijiwe, nilijifanya nina majonzi kumpoteza shujaa huyu nguli.

Kuwapumbaza walevi, niliapa kwa miungu yote kuwa urathi wa mwalimu hautatoweka kabisa ingawa mema yake yote aliyopigania tumeishayamomonyoa.

Kunogesha mambo, niliandamana na mama Kidume (ambaye watani wake wanamwita Mama Machinga msaka ngawira na mchumia tumbo na kadhalika na kadhalika) ili kumpa tafu Mama Maria. Kwa vile mimi si mwepesi wa kulia, ilibidi niende naye ili ikibidi kumwaga chozi anisaidie. Ingawa mama Kidume na Mama Maria ni sawa na kifo na usingizi kutokana na anavyotumia cheo changu kukiibia kijiwe, hivyo hivyo, kisanii kama mumewe, tulijitoa kimaso maso.

Laiti walevi wangeangamua kuwa Mama Maria alikuwa amezungukwa na walevi na wazinzi kuadhimisha kifo cha Mtakatifu mtarajiwa, angetutimua kama mbwa koko hata kusiri. Hata ukijikumbusha vitu vya mke wangu, utagundua hili. Wakati Mama Maria alivalia kama wanakijiwe wengine, bi Mkubwa alijitona midhahabu chekwa kama hana akili nzuri. Mama Maria hakuwa na kampuni ya kuchotea pesa ya taifa sawa na bi Mkubwa wangu ambaye ana kampuni yake iitwayo MAWAWA yaani Maulaji ya Wake za Wakubwa-aitumiayo kukikomba kijiwe.

Walevi kweli ni walevi. Una habari eti walitaka niwe mgeni rasmi kwenye kumbukizi hili lakini waliogopa wakamwalika mkuu badala yangu kwa kujua angejinyonga kama angejua adui yake mie ndiye mgeni wa heshima hata kama hatuna heshima.

Nilipiga mbio na kwenda kwenye kaburi la Mwalimu na kuomba sala ifuatayo:

“Ee Mwalimu Nyerere, kwanza naomba tusameheane kwa yote ninayokutenda. Naomba unisamehe sana kwa kuwakumbatia wezi na vinyamkera kama akina Mbwa Mwitu, Mgosi Machungi, Ewassa aitwaye Mchunguliaji, Enderea Chenga wa Makengeza na vibaka wengine. Najua unajua. Tumebinafsisha kahawa, kashata na tangawizi hata vigoda tunavyokalia bila kusahau hata kijiwe chenyewe. Nakiri ulikuwa mtu safi . Mimi ni mchafu ninukaye kama nguruwe. Kwa vile wafu hawasimulii hadithi, naomba unisamehe ninapofaidi huu uhuru. Paka akindoka Mwalimu, panya hujitawala. Najua inaudhi hasa kuona tunakutenda hivi. Tunahujumu kazi zako na kujitia kimbelembele kuwa tu wanafunzi na wafuasi wako.”

Nilikohoa kidodo na kuendelea. “Mwalimu siasa za dunia ya karne ya 21 zimebadilika. Zama zako siasa ilikuwa ni utumishi wa umma. Kwa sasa ni kuutumia umma kupata mshiko ukwasi na sifa kama zangu. Pia ni kuchuma mipesa na kuficha nje. Hatuna haja ya kutaja mali zetu. Maana walevi wakijua wanaweza kutunyotoa roho. Wewe hukuwa na haja ya kutangaza mali zako. Kwani zilijitangaza. Ulikuwa rais kapuku. Mimi siwezi kutaja maana utajiri wangu na marafiki zangu na mshirika wa bedroom zinatisha mwalimu.”

Nilikohoa kidogo na kuendelea huku mama Kidume akijifanya kumwaga chozi la mamba hadi Mama Maria akamuonea huruma na kumfariji asijue ni msanii na kibaka wa kawaida. Niliendelea. “Mwalimu hukuandaa vitegemezi vyako kuchukua madaraka au kukalia nafasi nono chamani na serikalini. Mimi nimeruhusu vitegemezi, ndugu zangu na bi mkubwa wangu kukitumia kijiwe kujineemesha. Hukutoa takrima ulipoingia madarakani. Mimi niliibia kijiwe kiasi cha almanusura nikifilisi. Mie ni mchafu mwalimu. Naomba unisamehe sana kwa uongo ninaowaambia watu wako na familia yako. Mie sina taifa lako moyoni kama wewe. Mie nina tumbo langu moyoni. Uliongoza kwa ushupavu. Mie ni ujanja ujanja. Kijiwe nakiendesha kama danguro mwalimu. Naomba unisamehe sana kwa ninavyoendesha kijiwe. Hata hivyo siyo tatizo sana kwa sababu mimi si rais.”

Nilivuta kitambaa toka mfukoni na kujifuta chozi la uongo hadi Mama Maria na umma kwa ujumla kunionea huruma wasijue wa kuhurumiwa ni wao!

Nilimalizia. “E nwalimu, sistahili kuja kwako. Lakini nasema neno moja tu ili roho yangu ipone. Mimi ni fisadi uliyemstukia mara nilianguka kutokana majonzi na uchovu wa safari.





Khalas tamam

Kikwete ameshindwa, ameangusha umma

NIMEVUTIWA na mjadala unaoendelea juu ya utendaji kazi wa Rais Jakaya Kikwete. Niseme kuwa Tanzania haijawahi kupata rais mwenye kutatanisha na aliyekatisha tamaa kama huyu wa sasa.

Kazi na wajibu wa serikali yoyote duniani ni kuhakikisha usalama wa raia na mali zao. Serikali isiyoweza kusimamia hayo basi haiwezi kuitwa serikali, bali kitakuwa kikundi cha watu kinachojipachika jina la serikali.

Kikundi hicho kinaweza kikawa na sura ya serikali kwa maana ya kuwa sehemu ya mihimili mitatu ya dola. Lakini bila kutimiza wajibu wa kuhakikisha usalama wa mali na raia wa nchi inayoongozwa, hakifai kujiona au kuitwa serikali.

Ukiangalia tangu serikali ya awamu ya nne iingie madarakani, haraka utagundua kwamba haijatimiza matarajio ya wananchi. Na ukiangalia wakati unavyoyoyoma kuelekea uchaguzi mwingine, haraka utajua kuwa kile ambacho watoto wa mjini hupenda kuita “changa la macho” kimetimia.

Rais Kikwete na chama chake – Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) waliahidi Watanzania mambo mengi. Kikubwa waliahidi maisha bora kwa kila mwananchi.

Kabla na baada ya kuingia madarakani, Kikwete aliahidi kwamba serikali yake itapitia upya mikataba ya madini, itaboresha hali za wafanyakazi na itatokomeza rushwa katika serikali na ndani ya chama chake. Yote hayo sasa yamebaki kuwa tamthilia.

Hadi sasa akiwa anatimiza miaka minne madarakani, Kikwete ameshindwa kutekeleza ahadi hata moja wala hakuna dalili kwamba atatekeleza hata nusu ya ahadi zake.

Kutokana na hali hiyo, wananchi wengi wameanza kukata tamaa. Wanamuona rais wao kuwa ni mtu anayetoa ahadi, lakini anayeshindwa kuzitekeleza.

Wengi wanamuona Kikwete aliyeitwa “chaguo la Mungu” siyo huyu wa leo. Huyu wa sasa ni dhaifu asiye na ubavu wa kuchukua hatua.

Kikwete huyu anabeba makundi mawili: Kulia ana wananchi, kushoto amebeba kundi dogo la mafisadi. Matokeo yake ahadi zote alizoeleza wakati anaingia madarakani zimepoteza matumaini kwa wananchi.

Hakika, chanzo cha kuanguka kwa uongozi wa Kikwete kinajulikana. Uongozi na ushindi wake vilipatikana kwa hila, kuchafuana na rushwa ndani na nje ya chama chake.

Amejitahidi kukaa kimya kila zinaporushwa tuhuma kwamba chama chake kilichota mabilioni ya shilingi za umma ili kumuwezesha yeye kushinda katika uchaguzi wa mwaka 2005.

Ameshindwa kutoa maelezo ya kina kuhusiana na ushindi wake kuhusishwa na hongo iliyokusanywa kwa njia ya kuuibia umma.

Kashfa mbili kubwa kati ya nyingi zilizogeuka jinamizi la utawala wake ni ile ya EPA, Deep Green Financial kwa upande mmoja na Meremeta na Tangold kwa upande wa pili.

Ni Kikwete aliyetuhumiwa na wenzake katika chama kwamba alitumia vyombo vya habari kubomoa wenzake huku vikimjenga yeye. Mbinu hizo sasa zimeanza kupwaya, ingawa amejitahidi kupenyeza watu wake kwenye baadhi ya vyombo hivyo ili kusaidia kumjenga.

Chanzo kingine cha kushindwa na maanguko ya Kikwete ni aina ya watu aliojizungushia. Licha ya kurithi makapi ya watu fisadi wa utawala uliopita, Kikwete aliongeza watu wake chini ya dhana ya mtandao.

Hawa ni wawezeshaji imara kwenye wizi wa kura au wa fedha. Na hii ndiyo imekuwa sababu kuu ya Kikwete kushindwa kuwakamata na kuwafikisha mahakamani waliowezesha wizi wa mabilioni ya shilingi za umma.

Minong’ono imeanza kuzagaa kwamba Kikwete anahofu ya kushughulikia wenzake hawa kwa vile watamwanika.

Kukwepa hili Kikwete anaonekana kufurahia ufunguzi wa kesi zisizo na mashiko. Wengi wanaona kesi hizi kama “danganya toto” na njia ya kupoteza muda.

Serikali ya Kikwete, licha ya kutotimiza ahadi, imebainika kuwa na matumizi mabaya na makubwa ya fedha za umma. Rejea ugunduzi wa upotevu wa Sh. 1 trilioni uliogundulika kuwa umefanyika katika wizara kadhaa katika serikali yake.

Kinacholipa nguvu hili ni ile hali ya Kikwete, serikali yake na chama chake kushindwa kutoa angalau maelezo zaidi ya vitisho na visingizio.

Kitu kingine kinachoonyesha kushindwa vibaya kwa Kikwete ni ile hali ya kutokuwa na falsafa wala sera za kutawalia. Ukimuuliza Kikwete, hata baadhi ya Watanzania wengine, nchi yao inatawaliwa kwa sera zipi, utaambulia upigaji domo tu.

Kikwete aliwapa ahadi Watanzania kuwa angewaletea “maisha bora” kwa kile alichoita safari ya Kanani ambayo imegeuka kuwa safari ya kuishia Misri au jehanamu.

Leo maisha ni magumu kuliko hata yalivyokuwa wakati akiingia madarakani ukilinganisha na hali ya mambo ya Misri.

Wakati haya yakiendelea, Kikwete anajikuta akikabiliana na matishio makubwa manne.

Kwanza, kushindwa kutimiza ahadi zake. Pili, kutoonyesha ushawishi kwa kubadili maisha kiasi cha kuhofia kupoteza kwenye uchaguzi ulioko mlangoni sasa.

Tatu, kukata tamaa kwa wananchi na migawanyiko kwenye chama tawala. Rejea migomo na migongano ya mara kwa mara baina ya serikali na wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu na wafanyakazi wanaodai malimbikizo na kuongezwa maslahi mengine.

Nne, kuanza kuandamwa na waliokuwa maswahiba zake kwenye mtandao alioshindwa kuwalinda au kutimiza matarajio yao.

Hali hizi zimefanya baadhi ya Watanzania kukosa imani na serikali ya Kikwete na hata Kikwete mwenyewe. Vitu hivi vinamchanganya Kikwete ambaye watani zake kisiasa wamempa jina la “Msanii” huku kila asemacho wakikiita ngonjera. Na kweli ni hivyo.

Kwa mfano alimwaga pesa isiyo na maelezo ya jinsi ilivyopatikana, maarufu kama mabilioni ya Kikwete. Haikufua dafu. Hadi leo ukiuliza imeleta mabadiliko gani, hakuna jibu la maana utakalopewa.

Kipindi kuelekea kwenye uchaguzi baadhi ya wachumia tumbo walitunga vitabu kumuonyesha Kikwete kama tumaini lililokuwa limerejea. Waulize sasa wanasemaje? Ni aibu tupu! Wengi wao hawataki hata kumuongelea.

Sina hakika kama mwandishi wa kitabu hicho leo anaweza kutoka hadharani na kujitangaza kuwa yeye ndiyo mtunzi wa kitabu hicho. Kwani licha ya kutokuwa na maana ni uongo na kujikomba vikilenga kumhadaa Kikwete na wananchi.

Jingine kubwa linalotia doa utawala wa Kikwete ni kushindwa kuchukulia hatua mtuhumiwa mkuu wa ukwapuaji wa EPA ndani ya BoT – kampuni ya Kagoda Agriculture Limited.

Huyu Bwana Kagoda ndiye kinara wa ukwapuaji. Anajulikana kwa wengi. Kuna wanaodai kuwa ni mmoja wa maswahiba wa rais. Mwenyewe anatamba ameweka serikali mfukoni.

Katika mazingira hayo, wananchi hawana tena matumaini na serikali. Hawana tena imani na Kikwete. Ni jukumu la Kikwete kuamua, ama kufanya kazi na kurudisha matumaini hayo au kuendelea kukatisha tamaa wananchi.
Chanzo: Gazeti la Mwanahalisi Oktoba 15, 2009.

“Sorry Mwalimu, I’ll nary commemorate you”

My name is Glutton, son of Conman.

Though as I’m jolting this down, 166 youths are toiling to track from Mwanza to Butiama, as the commemoration of your historic journey to support the late Arusha declaration, I won’t emulate you at this 10th anniversary of your heroic death. Hereunder are the reasons:

Firstly, I am light ‘hearted’ especially when I see money and power. I am a hypocrite, even a stinking materialist. I am corrupt through and through.

To be honest with you, I stink like a pig. My colleagues call me a liar and conman. I, therefore, am not supposed to get near your grave, wife, kids even your nation that I am sabotaging.

So too, which declaration am I to support, if at all I am ensconced amidst those that felled Arusha declaration? How will I commemorate you whilst human rights, equality have varnished as corruption, daylight robbery, and lies have taken over?

Good teacher, I don’t want to cheat you and myself. You fought for freedom based on self reliance. All these are long gone. Instead, there’s self-inflicted slavery and underdevelopment. You shaped socialism and self-reliance. We now are doing self-serving and nihilism. Yours was the future of the nation. Ours is to place these goodies in the hands of mighty investors, donors and those that run errand for them. You fought for and preserved our land and its minerals. Currently we’ve small gulf emirates amidst us. You know what, go to Loliondo. You’ll be welcomed to Gulf Emirates as if you’re in the Gulf of Arabs. Truly, they’ve engulfed us thanks to their sweet ten percent.

I’ve no qualms to emulate and commemorate your legacy. Do you know that all minerals you preserved for future generations are gone thanks to the quacks you accidentally backed?

Mwalimu, I can not honour you whilst I abhor and look down at you. Had I loved and honoured you, I’d have abided by your will that we love and help each other. I help nobody except my family and my stomach. You died grieving for your people after discovering you entrusted them to hyenas.

To say a least, your Mara region has already witness live bullets being fired to kill trespassers. When it comes to environmental degradation, God only knows what is on the offing. With all these blunders, do I deserve to emulate and commemorate your legacy? Is emulating you words or deeds? I am afraid. I’m not a parrot that says what it doesn’t do and does what it doesn’t say.

Though you are no more Mwalimu, you still do our nation better posthumously than the living ones that bring shame and miseries to us. They’ve privatized us including themselves and their heads. What’s more, your stint in power proved how selfless you are. You did not survive any kids in high echelons of powers like it is currently, where every who’s who is mentoring his kids to take over after most of them are done. We now have kid presidents, wife presidents and whiz kid presidents almost everywhere.

All was done. One thing will nary be forgiven by your suffering people. This is the taking of Kiwira charcoal mine that was built by Chinese, thanks to the friendly hand extended by your best friend Mao Tse- Tung.

Mwalimu, the bête noix you left behind cheated us. They told us that investment and privatization are the sole means of revamping our all-time-sick economy. They promised better life for all little knowing, ‘all’ means all of them not all of us! We’re now vending each other. There’s no difference between a police man and the thief. We recently witnessed police killing innocent businessmen they called thugs whilst the truth was the difference.

During your stewardship everybody was protected. Currently albinos are killed indiscreetly. It is believed by some goons that their body parts bring luck to their business! At your time, leadership meant service to the people not self serving. Ikulu was the holy of the holy, not a deal-making place. Leadership meant truth not lies. Politics was blessings not like now. It is a curse.

Thanks to dirty politics all those sons and daughters of stinking paupers you enrolled in free schools are now super rich. There’s one goon among them that called one billion shillings just mere peanuts! Even those thieves you cursed for amassing ill-gotten wealth came into the play. Their colleagues backed them so as to end up becoming biggies before they’re booted down, thanks to their evil desire of stealing from your people.

Mwalimu, I won’t emulate you. How could I whilst my bread comes by the way of selling drugs, receiving kickbacks, lies, empty promises, sabotage and whatnot as opposed to your teachings?

Is it possible for rats to emulate the cat instead of enjoying freedom thanks to its absence? Can a tick live without sucking blood? Isn’t the tick wicked even if it is fat and shiny?

Mwalimu, I’m even afraid to come to Butiama or stand before people on the tenth anniversary of your demise. How could I eulogize you whilst my deeds dress you down? I am afraid. Your wife Maria, even your children, might feel bad and tell it to my face. They know me well. I don’t want to be degraded by any of them that would be annoyed by my lies despite the fact that my deeds degraded since long.

Mwalimu, you’re bright. I am but dull and Tabula rasa. You were clean. I am dead dirty. Your wife did not use your office to steal from your people. Even your kids did nary vie for high offices as it is now. I’d like my kids to become presidents just like those of others I see being mentored.

Mwalimu, you introduced free education. To the contrary, I am the fan of cost sharing and bearing for poor all aimed at fattening the purses of those in power. You fought for the land and minerals. I wish I were president. I’d sell the all land and privatize minerals. You’re not in bed with thieves concealing themselves behind business. They’re my best friends and donors.

Mwalimu, you fought for equality of human beings. To me, equality is an archaic thing. Human value depends on his purse. And all human beings are not equal.

In a nutshell, I won’t emulate or commemorate you Mwalimu. For whatever I do and believe in is contrary to what you did and believed.
Source: Afro Spear Think Tank

Vita Dhidi ya Ufisadi Inapogeuka Maigizo

WALEVI wapendwa, sina haja ya kuwa mkweli. Kabla ya kurudi ghafla wiki iliyopita, sikuonekana kijiweni takribani wiki mbili hivi. Wajua ni aje? Kwanza, nilikuwa nimeuawa ukiachilia mbali kwenda kwa Obama kuhudhuria Kijiwe cha Umoja wa Kaya. Mungu si Mpayukaji.

Tuanze na kuuawa kwangu. Nilijipinda na kukukuruka nikayashinda mauti. Wajua kosa langu nini? Kama Spika Six, kupambana na ufisadi tena kwa kutaja majina bila ya kubahatisha wala kuzungusha. Sikujua kuwa mafisadi wana nguvu hivi!

Wajua ilikuwaje? Walitishia kuninyotoa roho. Mie sikujali. Walipoona sitishiki si wakaamua kumvaa mhariri. Nusu wamnyotoe roho. Kisa nini? Kwa nini analiruhusu Payukaji liwatilie kitumbua chao mchanga kwa kuwapayukia?

Ajabu, eti hata wale wanaonuka nongo nao walisema nawachafua! Eti kosa ni kuonya kuwa ‘vita’ dhidi ya ufisadi imetekwa na mafisadi wenyewe! Eti kosa ni kuonya tusiwaamini majemedari feki wa vita hii ambao kwa kila kigezo ni mafisadi hata uwepo wao sehemu sehemu umetokana na ufisadi.

Mambo yalikuwa mambo tena mambo mambo. Walitishia kunifikisha kwa pilato ili nisulubiwe pamoja na mhariri. Uzuri hatukukubali kufa kibudu. Mie nilipinga sijamchafua mtu bali uchoyo na ufisadi wake.

Katika hekaheka hizi mambo yalizidi kuharibika. Mhariri alijaribu kuwauliza wasomi (wanasheria). Nao bila aibu, eti walisema nina kesi just kwa kutaja majina yanayokaribia kufanana na yale ya mafisadi.

Japo tumekubali yaishe, bado kama gwiji la sheria, nakataa. Huwezi kuandika Mpuyukaji kisha Mpayukaji akaja juu. Maana, sheria inasema wazi. Lazima uthibitishe dai lako bila kubakisha chembe ya shaka.

‘By using implications you can nary prove your case beyond reasonable doubts’ kama sheria ituamuruvyo. Hayo tuyaache. Kwa vile wachumia tumbo wako katika kila sekta, napanga kurejea chuoni kufundisha jurisprudence ili kuwa na mapilato waliobobea.

Nani angeamini kuwa kupambana na ufisadi kwa vitendo kungegeuzwa kosa, tena la jinai, kiasi cha kutaka kuwanyotoa watu roho? Hivi mabunga haya yalitaka nifanye usanii kama Cheka Cheka kupambana na ufisadi kwa njia ya kuupamba huku nikiwaaminisha walevi wanichague tena wajutie ujuha wao?

Hata hivyo, kuna kosa moja kubwa hawa wajalaana walifanya. Mie si kiumbe wa kutishiwa nyau. Hivi kweli ukisema: kile kizee chenye miaka 800 kilikwiba kwa kumtumia mshirika wake wa bedroom ni kukipakazia?

Hivi ukisema EPA inaepwa kwa vile kuna mkuu wa kijiwe nako ni kumpakazia kweli? Jamani, mbona tunageuza uongo kuwa ukweli na ukweli kuwa uongo? Mbona tunabariki haramu na kulaani halali kwa kubatilisha halali na kuhalalisha haramu?

Halafu jitu linaanza eti kupiga ndogo ndogo tulipe tena ulaji litumalize. Looh! Mkifanya kosa msijesema Nabii Mpayukaji sikusema.

Hivi Mpayukaji akiangalia mateso yanayotembezwa Loliondo na lisirikali kwa kuhongwa na Mwarabu kwenye youtube akapayuka waseme anawapakazia, kusingizia au kwachafua wakati ni uroho na upofu wao?

Na haya matangazo ya Karibu Kwenye Falme za Kiarabu yameanzishwa na Mpayukaji? Waarabu walituuza kwenye utumwa, bado hatujaridhika tunawakaribisha kwa mbwembe na hoihoi kuwauza upya watu na wanyama wetu?

Kwa nini hatujifunzi kutokana na historia? Mmekumbatia wezi kwa kuwatosa watu wenu tukisema mnasema tunachochea. Mnaochochea ni ninyi mnaoendekeza njaa. Uhuru umetoweka na utumwa na ufisadi vimechukua nafasi yake.

Hivi pale Kiwila si wizi mtupu? Je, kwenye mataruma pale kuna nini zaidi ya uganga njaa na ufisadi? Kila siku mijitu inatupigia kelele eti inapambana rushwa wakati imelalia Richamando na kuepa EPA.

Acheni kutupigiza makelele. Mijitu inaiba yenyewe, wake zao, nyumba ndogo hata vitegemezi halafu inatupigia mikelele eti ina mpango wa kupambana na mafisadi wakati yenyewe ndiyo mifisadi namba moja. Mkome na mlegee, mlaaniwe na mnyong’onyee.

Leo mibaba mizima bila aibu inadanganya mchana eti ina mipango madhubuti ya kuendeleza kaya. Kwa nini saa hizi? Miaka yote mliyokuwa hapo zaidi ya kuiba mlikuwa mnafanya nini?

Kwanza lazima niwape pasenali. Mmefulia na mjue walevi washawajua kuwa nyie hamna lolote zaidi ya ufisadi. Mna uchu wa fisi. Hamuoni wala hamjitambui mkidhani na walevi wataendelea kutojitambua ili kuwatia adabu.

Anyway, hayo tuyaache. Ngoja niwamegee kidogo. Majuzi nilibahatika kukutana na Obama. Si utani. Nilikutana naye kwenye mitaa ya Washington pale Pennsylvania Avenue NW baada ya kumkosakosa kule New York kwenye makutano ya Tudor City na E Third Street. Wajua ni wapi hapa? Makao Makuu ya UN. Tuyaache.

Tulichonga sana baada ya kukasirishwa na kijiwe cha Nairobi asijue na kijiwe chetu kinaongoza hata cha Nairobi. Baada ya kupata ujiko wa kuangukia kama zali la mentali, niliwaambia wapiga upatu wangu wapige picha kwa sana ili kunipandisha chati tayari kwa walevi kunipa kula kwenye uchafuzi ujao.

Upo hapo? Atakayeendelea kufuata mkumbo ataingizwa mkenge upya mara nyingine. Na mara hii kumbuka. Ni lala salama. Tunakomba kitunituni tukijua hatuna haja tena ya kurejea kuusaka ulaji wa dezo ukuuni. Mpo wadanganyika wangu hapo?

Kwa vile nilikuwa nimeanza kuumbuka kutokana na kashfa zetu na kina Mbwa Mwitu kuzidi kufumka, naamini Obama atakuwa amenipiga tafu si kawaida. Laiti angejua nami ni kibaka kama kaka yetu wa jirani asingepoteza muda wake.

Najua kosa kubwa la Kabaki ni kumkingia kifua Dani wa Kurap Moyi. Nami nimeamua kufa na Mbwa Mwitu wangu. Napiga picha. Kama Jadwong Obama angejua ukweli kuhusiana nami si angejilaumu kuruka mkojo na kukanya kinyesi kweli?

Kaya hii kuna mtu mzima? Kama huna ukimwi una UMAKI yaani Ubutu wa Mawazo Kayani kama siyo UUKA yaani Ukosefu wa Ujasiri Kayani. Tusingekuwa wagonjwa wote nani angeridhia vita dhidi ya ufisadi kuwa maigizo na makamanda wake kuwa mafisadi wenyewe?

Hivi inawezekana nyoka akajikata kichwa chake akijua ndiyo mwisho wa maisha yake? Vita dhidi ya ufisadi tunapaswa kuanza upya kwa kasi mpya nguvu mpya na ari mpya dhidi ya kasi mpya ari mpya na nguvu mpya ya mafisadi.

Khalas kweisi.

Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Oktoba 14, 2009.

Samahani mwalimu, sitakuenzi wala kukunafiki

Naitwa Mchumiatumbo mwana wa Tapeli.

Ingawa wakati naandika waraka huu vijana wenzangu wapatao 166 wamo wakimenyeka toka Mwanza hadi Butiama, kama ishara ya kumbukizi ya safari yako adhimu ya ukombozi ukiliungua mkono marehemu azimio la Arusha, mimi sitafanya hivyo.

Nina sababu. Kwanza mimi ni mnafiki wala mjamaa kama wewe. Nina roho nyepesi hasa nionapo vitu kama pesa madaraka na sifa.

Mimi ni mbabaishaji na muongo; au msanii kama washikaji wasemavyo. Ni fisadi through and through. Ninanuka kiasi cha kutostahili hata kukaribia kaburi lako achia mbali nyumba yako, wanao, mkeo, watu wako hata taifa lako. Nisingependa walevi na wazinzi kufagia makaburi ya mitume mwalimu. Hivyo, kwanza nakuwa mkweli kwa nafsi yangu na kwako na umma wako.

Tatu, nitaunga mkono azimio lipi iwapo ninaoona wamenizunguka wakiwaibia watu wako ni wale wale walioliua azimio la Arusha? Nitaadhimisha vipi iwapo miiko ya uongozi na usawa wa binadamu vimetoweka na nafasi yake kuchukuliwa na ufisadi, ujambazi wa mchana, ubabaishaji na uongo?

Nne, mwalimu, sitaki kujidanganya na kukudanganya. Kile ulichopigania kwa sasa hakuna. Ulipigania uhuru na maendeleo. Sasa kuna utumwa na kuporomoka. Ulitekeleza ujamaa na kujitegemea. Sasa tuna uhujumaa na kujimegea. Ulipigania mstakabali wa nchi toka kwa wakoloni wawe wavumbuzi, wamisionari na watawala. Sasa mstakabali huo umo mikononi mwa wawekezaji, na wafadhili wa makuadi wao. Ulipigania ardhi ya Tanzania kabla haijaingia mikononi mwa vijifalme vya kifamilia. Nitakuenzi kwa udhu upi iwapo kila nipitapo Loliondo nakaribishwa kwenye falme za kiarabu utadhani hapa ni uarabuni?

Nitapata wapi mshipa wa kukuenzi wakati nakung’ong’a? Je mwalimu una habari? Yale madini uliyosema vizazi vijavyo vingeyaendeleza na kufaidika nayo yaliuzwa na jamaa yako Tunituni uliyempigia debe usijue jizi.

Tano, mwalimu siwezi kukuenzi wakati nakuchukia na kukudharau. Ningekupenda na kukuheshimu ningeshika urithi wako na kuheshimu wosia wako wa kupendana na kutohujumiana. Nakumbuka wakati ukianga dunia ulikuwa ukiwalilia watanzania wako baada ya kugundua makosa uliyofanya kuwaweka mikononi mwa nunda wala watu. Nami ni mmojawapo.

Je una habari mkoani mwako watu wameishamiminiwa risasi za moto kutokana na kukatiza kwenye ardhi ya mwekezaji na si mtanzania? Una habari mkoani mwako uchafuzi wa mazingira unatishia maisha ya ndugu zako? Hapa kweli nina sababu ya kukuenzi? Je kukuenzi ni matendo au maneno mwalimu?

Ingawa ukiwa kuzimu bado unaliletea sifa taifa langu, sifichi wala kuchelea kukwambia kuwa waliohai wanaliletea aibu na fedheha baada ya kulibinafsisha huku wakibinafsisha hata akili na roho zao. Mwalimu nilikufahamu sana . Ulikaa madarakani kwa kitambo kirefu ukiacha nyuma familia isiyo na ukwasi zaidi ya utu. Uliowawezesha wamefikia hata kuchukua ule mgodi wa makaa ya mawe wa Kiwira uliozawadiwa na rafiki yako Mao Tse Tung.

Mwalimu, vinyamna mwitu na mbwa hawa walitutenda kweli. Walitudanganya kuwa uwekezaji ndiyo sera na njia pekee ya kutukomboa tusijue walikuwa wakimaanisha kinyume. Wengine walituahidi maisha bora kwa wote tusijue wote ni wao washirika zao, watoto zao na wake zao hata nyumba ndogo zao. Tupo msambweni mwalimu wakati huu tunapozidi kuuzana na kuhadaana. Je unaweza kuamini kuwa kwa sasa hakuna tofauti ya polisi na kibaka? Nina ushahidi. Juzi polisi aliuawa kama kibaka na wananchi wenye hasira na kukata tamaa huku polisi tena wakubwa wakiwapiga risasi wafanyabiashara wakidai ni vibaka!

Wakati wa uongozi wako matupinkele au zeruzeru kwa lugha rahisi walikuwa salama. Baada ya kuingia pepo la utajiri usioulizwa ulivyopatikana, maskini hawa wanatolewa kafara na wanganga njaa wa kienyeji. Hivyo ndugu zetu hawa wanauawa hata zaidi ya swala mwalimu na hawana mtetezi zaidi ya vijikesi viwili vitatu vya kuondolea lawama. Tembo kwa sasa wana ulinzi madhubuti zaidi ya ndugu hawa.

Zama zako uliongoza. Uongozi ulikuwa utumishi wa umma na si uchumia tumbo na utumikishaji na uhujumu wa umma. Ikulu ilikuwa mahali patakatifu siyo pa deal. Uongozi ulikuwa uongozi na si uongo kama sasa. Siasa ilikuwa baraka si balaa kama sasa.

Wale watoto wa wachunga mbuzi na maskini wa kunuka uliowatoa kwenye umaskini na kuwasomesha sasa ni matajiri wa kutupwa. Yupo mpumbavu mmoja jizi aliyewahi kuita shilingi bilioni moja vijisenti ukiachia mbali wengine uliowaachia laana kuwa walikuwa wamejilimbikizia chumo la wizi. Na kweli maneno yako hayakuanguka. Kwani wezi wenzao waliwabeba na kuwakweza hatimaye tamaa zao na upofu vikawadondosha.

Mwalimu sitakuenzi,. Siwezi kujidanganya na kuidanganya dunia. Nitakuenzije iwapo kipato changu kinatokana na rushwa, uwekezaji, uuzaji mihadarati, uongo, ahadi hewa, uhujumu na mengine mengi yapinganayo na dhamira ya dira yako mwalimu?

Hivi kweli panya anaweza kumuenzi paka zaidi ya kufaidi ‘uhuru’ baada ya paka kuondoka? Je nune aweza kuishi nje ya kinyesi cha ng’ombe zizini? Si haki nune kuwa mwalimu wa usafi wakati mlo wake na makazi yake ni kwenye uchafu hata anenepe na kunawiri vipi.

Mwalimu naogopa kuja Butiama au kusimama mbele ya kadamnasi ya maadhimisho yako na kukupamba wakati nilisha kuvua nguo. Naogopa. Maana mama Maria hata wanao wananijua. Inawezekana nikakulamba uchogo na kukupaka mafuta kwa mgongo wa chupa kiasi cha kumkera mmojawapo akaamua kunizodoa na nikazidi kudhalilika ingawa niliishadhalilika muda mrefu.

Mwalimu ulikuwa na akili inayochemka. Yangu mimi ni bongolala. Ulikuwa msafi na mwadilifu. Mie ni mchafu sina mfano. Mkeo hakuwa akitumia ofisi yako kuubia umma. Mie wangu nami wote tu wezi. Nikiiba huku yeye anaibia kule. Hata watoto nimewaingiza. Nataka hata ikibidi wawe marais kama siyo mawaziri. Je hapa mwalimu nitakuwa na cha kukuenzi?

Mwalimu ulileta elimu bure kwa wote. Mie nashabikia kuchangia gharama ingawa kimsingi hakuna gharama za kuchangia zaidi ya kutunisha mfuko wa walaji wakubwa. Ulipigania ardhi. Mie natamani niwe rais niiuzie mbali nipate changu nifiche ughaibuni. Mwalimu ulichukia wafanya biashara wezi. Mie hawa ndiyo washitili wangu.

Mwalimu ulisisitiza usawa wa binadamu. Mie naamini binadamu si sawa wala si mfano wa Mungu kama wachungaji wasemavyo. Usawa ni mambo ya kizamani. Kwangu, heshima ya binadamu haitokani na ubinadamu wake bali pochi lake. Hukusikia wahenga wakisema mwalimu kuwa aso kitu si mtu bali kinyama mwitu? Mtu chake bwana. Kwa imani yangu mie si mfano wa Mungu bali mfano wa shetani kutokana na uroho na roho mbaya vyangu. Mungu si mwizi wala muongo wala mbabaishaji kama mimi mwalimu.

Waraka wa Mpayukaji kwa wanakijiwe na walevi

BAADA ya wadau wengine kutoa nyaraka zao wakiwahimiza wafuasi wao wakiminye Chama Cha Maja-sorry, huku wakuu wakilalamika, Mzee mzima naja na waraka kwa wanakijiwe.

Kwa vile sasa dini na siasa vinachanganyikana, si vibaya kuchanganya siasa na ulevi.

Walevi fanyeni yafuatayo:
Ipigeni chini serikali au chama kinachotetea ufisadi na kuweni makini na matukio yanayodaiwa kuwakuta akina Sam Six na Mdingi Machela na vigogo wengine wa nambari nonihino.

Ogopeni serikali inayoneemesha mafisadi, isiyotekeleza ahadi yoyote isipokuwa kuwalinda na kuwaneemesha mafisadi huku ikitukana matusi ya nguoni kuwa itanunua Bajaj kwa ajili ya kuwaulieni mbali wagonjwa. Kwa nini kaya nyingine zitumie helikopta sisi tutumie Bajaj?

Wapigeni chini vihiyo wote walioghushi shahada na vyeti vyao; waliokataa kutaja mali zao huku wakijulikana walivyo wakora na vibaka.

Hakikisheni hamuwarejeshi madarakani wote waliotuhumiwa kwenye kashfa mbalimbali zinazodumaza uchumi wa taifa letu na majambazi wengine wote.

Madhumuni yawe kupambana na ufisadi baada ya serikali kuonekana kuelemewa na mzigo wa mapambano hayo.

Imani

Ondoeni imani na utawala wa kaya iliyoshikiliwa na mafisadi waliokubuhu, wakiongozwa na watu wanaotuhumiwa kuingia madarakani kwa fedha chafu pasipo kujibu tuhuma hizo.

Kitendawili. Tega. Ni kaya gani tajiri wa rasilimali, lakini wanakaya wengi ni maskini? Kwa nini?

Hiki ni kitendawili kikubwa ambacho tunapaswa kukijibu. Na kukijibu ni kuwasulubu mafisadi wawe wakubwa au wadogo wenye madaraka au la.

Kama siyo kubakwa na kutawaliwa na mafisadi, kaya hiyo ni kigogo wa utajiri barani. Mpo hapo ndugu walevi?

Kaya hiyo ina kila kitu isipokuwa uongozi wenye visheni, utashi na uadilifu. Imetamalaki mafisadi sambamba na rasilimali. Imejaza wezi na wavivu kwenye taasisi zake nyeti hasa pale kukuu.

Ingawa jamaa wa majoho wanasema: tumeumbwa kwa mfano wa Mungu, nabii Mpayukaji napinga. Mafisadi wameumbwa kwa mfano wa shetani na fisi hata mbwa.

Huoni walivyo na uroho kama fisi wakitenda madhambi ya kuua wanakaya kama shetani? Hivi akina Makombo, Tambo Hizo, Kimdunge kweli nao ni mfano wa Mungu? Kama ni mfano wa Mungu basi huyu Mungu hana maana.

Mungu ni msafi na si mlafi kama wao. Hivyo, hawa kama wana mfano mbali na fisi, ni mfano wa shimo la taka au gunia au pakacha. Hawana tofauti na dumuzi au panya wagugunao kila kitu.

Hivyo, lengo mojawapo ni kuwafunda wanakaya kuacha ukenge na woga. Wajitoe mhanga tulivamie hili genge na kulisambaratisha kabla halijauza kaya yetu.

Juzi nilikuwa kwenye mbuga za wanyama. Nilishuhudia yule Mwarabu jambazi aliyeletwa na Muhuniduni Ndongala na mzee wetu wa zamani kidogo akiendelea kufanya vitu vyake.

Baada ya kumaliza wanyama, amewageuzia kibao akina Ole akitaka wahamishwe na kuwa wakimbizi kwenye kaya yao. Hapa kweli kuna lisirikali?

Kama lipo ni ajali na ni la kijambazi. Pale kwenye shirika la mataruma kuna lisirikali zaidi ya wezi wachache wakijiuza kama vyangudoa?

Nawataka wanakaya na wapiga kura kwa ujumla, kuchagua viongozi waadilifu, wazalendo na wenye kujali watu; lakini wasichague viongozi wezi, walafi, mafisadi na wakwapuaji wengine wa mali za umma.

Sitaki kuona takataka zenye uraia wa nchi mbili au zitokanazo na utajiri uchwara wa ama mama zao au baba zao na vikaragosi vingine kama hivyo.

Wala sitaki wachague takataka zitokanazo na ukubwa wa majina ya mama au baba zao. Sisi si Wahindi ambao huchagua ukoo badala ya mtu.

Hatutaki akina Kennedy, Bush, Gandhi, Bhutto wala Bandranaike weusi hapa. Wala hatuwahitaji akina Eyadema, Kabila, Karumekenge, Bongo, Khama, Mswati, Kenyatta, Mudavadi, Odinga na wengine wasio na chochote bali majina machafu yatukuzwayo ya baba zao wezi au watawala wezi wa zamani. Nop. Never. It should nary happen. On my dead body! Mkirejesha mbweha hawa, mie najitoa roho ili laana ya kumuua nabii iwaandame.

Kitu kingine, yale maeneo yaliyoathiriwa na uwekezaji uchwara hakikisheni wale wezi wote walioshirikiana na wachukuaji wawekezaji wanatimuliwa.

Hawa hawafai kuongoza hata kundi la mbwa. Wanafaa kuwa lupango. Ndugu zangu wa Mwanza, Shinyanga, Mara, Mererani, Loliondo na kwingineko shikilia nukta hii kieleweke.

Suala jingine ni kuhusu utekelezaji wa ahadi zilizotolewa na jamaa yangu. Asiwaletee mashairi wala ngonjera. Kumbukeni kuwa ametimiza ahadi mbili tu.

Nazo ni kumlinda Tunituni na kumneemesha ma mkubwa. Mpo hapo washikaji wenye bongo zinazochemka? Jumlisheni mbili na mbili mtapata jibu kama siyo jipu. Mie simo.

Kwenye uchaguzi, hakikisheni hamchagui lisirikali linalotupa shinikizo ili tusibaini uchafu wake.

Namaanisha kutukandamiza na kutufanya tuwe maskini kiasi cha kunusurika na kushughulikia mambo ya kipuuzi kama wapi utabomu, kuiba, kudokoa, kudoea au kujikomba ili liende.

Hamjawaona wazee wazima na wanaume wanaojikomba kama vyangudoa? Unadhani Kimdunge alisukumwa na nini kukandia waraka wa rafiki zangu wa majoho? Na Makorongo na akina Tambo Hizo?

Lao moja. Kutumia utumbo kufikiri badala ya ubongo; kuendekeza ukuku na uumbwa ili liende. Mwenzenu siyawezi haya.

Kuna jamaa zangu wa Mbalanga mliolipukiwa na mibomu na kuambulia fidia ya madafu thelathini utadhani mlimsaliti Yesu. Nyie hakikisha hamtoi kura ya kula kwa mpuuzi yeyote toka chama cha upuuzi kilichosimamia mateso yenu. Never.

Pia hakikisheni mwenyekiti wa tume ya uchaguzi na tume yenyewe, msajili wa vyama wanakuwa si wanachama wala washikaji wa chama chochote.

Hili ni muhimu sana. Maana chama fulani kwa kutumia washikaji na washirika zake hawa kimekuwa kikifanya unyani wa nyinyi kuweka wao wakachukua waaa, nanyi kuishia kuchagua balaa.

Pia ule upuuzi wa polisi au wanajeshi kusimamia uchaguzi wakati ukweli wanasimamia wizi wa masanduku ya kura unatokomezwa.

Kitu kingine, shinikizeni misikiti na makanisa, misiba, harusi na mikusanyiko mingine ya kijamii kutotumika kufanyia kampeni.

Kubwa kati ya yote ni kudurusu sera za vyama na kuwapiga chini wale waliokwishatangaza kugombea hata kabla ya kipenga cha mwisho.

Juzi nilisikia chama fulani kikisema kuwa mwenyekiti wake aachwe agombee kwa tiketi yake ili amalizie ngwe yake utadhani kaya ni mali yao!

Wale wagombea wote wenye wake wenye NGO’s pigeni chini. Maana hawa wanadaiwa kuzitumia kuiba na kupatia mtaji wa kuhonga.

Nimalizie. Msikubali kununuliwa kwa upuuzi mdogo mdogo kama bia, nyama choma, pombe, lifti wala takrima uchwara.

Mkiendeleza libeneke la kupenda takrima mauza uza katika kaya yetu hayatakoma. Mnadhani mwawala kumbe mwaliwa!

Naomba nitoe hoja.
Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Oktoba 7, 2009.

King and Emperor: Which Way for Uganda?

President Yoweri Museveni receiving Kabaka Mutebi II at State House


When he toppled the government in 1986 using Baganda, thanks to entrenching his rebels- as they were referred to then- in Luweero triangle, he promised them heaven after the hell experienced in Luweero massacres.

To hoodwink them and buy time and loyalty, he restored their kingdom along with those of Toro and Bunyoro. When it came to Ankole kingdom, Museveni had some reservations. He did not like to become a subject of a traditional king whilst he was himself an emperor. Since then, nobody knows exactly what made Museveni shelve his own king if kingdom were a good thing and an in-thing Ugandans deserved.

Recent revolts in Kampala that left scores dead and hundreds behind bars act as an early wake up call for Museveni to contemplate vacating presidency in lieu of staying put in his phantasmagoric world. Ugandans are now tired and ready to take on him.

For decades, Museveni has dubiously been everywhere and everything in Uganda; in the seating rooms, bed rooms even in the pubs.He tampered with the constitution to remain in power by producing and reproducing a host of pretexts all based on naked lies. Right now, Ugandans are tired of misrule and nepotism. This explains why youths in Kampala took to the streets after King (Kabaka) Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II was barred from visiting his subjects in Kayuga.

Though the cause of revolts may be lightly associated with this denial of the right of the king, the truth is, it is but a pretext. Ugandans are using this to take on their tyrant, who, as time goes, keeps on changing into many things; from a freedom fighter to a dictator not to mention his adopted name of Kaguta that signifies toughness. Is Museveni still tough really amidst corruption, nepotism, nihilism, humiliation and what not with regards to misrule and abuse of power? Time will truly tell.

By reinstating the king of Buganda, Museveni wrongly goofed believing he’d get away with it. How could he whilst he barred the same from vying for any political post? This is a constitutional right for every citizen of a free country! Did Mutebi accept this token knowing that time would come for him to strike back and get back his constitutional right? Is this what the youths that wrecked havoc in Kampala wanted him to pursue?

Museveni wrongly thinks he can outsmart Ugandans. How, if at all, he turned Uganda into a one party state heading for a kingdom of emperor Museveni I- a banana republic of course? How could he whilst he is ruining Uganda using his dynasty? Will he neutralize this new awakening as he did with Kiiza Besigye?

Ugandans are not stupid and sheepish as people wrongly perceive. They know their dictator has ruined their country and reputation abroad. Refer to Congo invasion whereby many innocent people were killed and their property was robbed. The majority in Rwanda will nary forgive him for siring his replica in a new draconic ruler whose struggles to grab power culminated in genocide and the destruction of this tiny nation.

As for Kenyans, Museveni’s attempts to annex Migingo Island do not augur well with them. If anything, in East Africa, he has a good relationship with Tanzania that cloned and exported him to Uganda after Tanzania had a score to settle with Idi Amin after Milton Obote proved to be a failure.

Aristotle had it that the worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal. For long, Museveni has posed as a messiah for Ugandans thanks to coming to power under the post-Amin euphoria-cum-phobia. Though Amin was kicked out by Julius Nyerere, Museveni still poses as the one who did it. He has used this to score many credits unworthily. No messiah has ever used excessive force or dubious means to attain his goals-emancipation as it is for Museveni. Basically, any meaningful and true emancipation largely depends on those it aims at emancipating. Ugandans are stating categorically that they don’t need Museveni’s emancipation. Instead, they need to be emancipated from Museveni and his cabal of looters.

Though Mutebi has never put it straight that he aims at political power, shall people want and stand behind him, will he turn them down? He is true Ugandan, educated, loved, and all in all, capable of unifying them especially at this very hour of need.

One does not need a PhD in political science to tell that Ugandans are tired of a one man show. They need a new leader of their choice not that of the gun. They need and deserve a democratic elected leader. They are tired of a ruler superimposing himself on them. The two decades Museveni has been in power are more than enough. That’s why, in reality, things are likely to take a new turn.

Let us face it. Which is better; to have an emperor or a king? To me, Museveni I and Mutebi II are at par. The difference (and a good thing) is, Mutebi has never ruined and mismanaged Uganda. The former became a king by the means of his blood whilst latter by means of his gun. In this showdown, who will triumph between emperor Museveni and King Mutebi?
Source: The African Executive Magazine September 30, 2009.

Ali al-Megrahi Reception: Shame on the AU!

Megrahi receives a hero's welcome Photo courtesy

The report that Ali al-Megrahi, the alleged Lockerbie bomber (released recently on the grounds of poor health, received ovation from African Members of Parliament in Libya is disgusting and shameful. The 57-year-old was serving a life sentence in Greenock prison for the 1988 bombing of PanAm flight 103 over Lockerbie, which killed 270 people.

The speaker of AU parliament, Idriss Ndele Moussa from Chad, said he and his colleagues had come to "express solidarity." To express solidarity! Alas. This is but criminal solidarity. He’s quoted as saying that Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi was a "… victim of international injustice and a policy of double standards."

Legally speaking, al-Megrahi is a terrorist. Giving him a standing ovation is nothing but condoning terrorism and yawing. What AU’s MPs did is conspiracy so to speak. They don’t see the danger today. Time will come when this new marriage with terrorism will flail.

Why did such a respected institution behave this way in the first place? The reason is simple. By attending 40th Anniversary of Gadaffi’s revolution, they’re given gifts; yum-yum even kickbacks that geared them show such suicidal solidarity. Today, in supporting Gadaffi, they’re openly hanouring a convict terrorist! Tomorrow they’ll, likewise, issue a statement supporting even al-Qaeda before the whole outfit flail.

Their presidents recently backed Sudanese Dictator Omar Bashir that is wanted by ICC for genocide in Darfur not to forget how they cowed down before Robert Mugabe. What pains, the same countries whose presidents and MPs support terrorism are the same creatures spending much time in European capitals begging! What I just can’t understand is: why are rich countries being so sheepish and timid before such double faced creatures of Africa ?

By backing al-Megrahi, Gadaffi has shown openly how he’s relegating back to financing terrorism after getting the support from Hugo Chavez among others. Those who know why Gadaffi denounced terrorism and became a ‘good boy’ before the West, still remember. He backtracked after seeing what goons like Saddam Hussein got from their megalomania. Now that the heat is off, Gadaffi daydreams about going back.

Gadaffi is lucky that tough guys like George Bush are no longer in power; otherwise, he’d be manacled and taught a lesson. He’d have been held accountable for this new take on terrorism despite all parody of bringing him back to the fold.

If the West does not want to repeat regrettable mistakes that will cost it a lot, it should not tolerate and trust Gadaffi anymore. It should shy away from being satisfied with the redress Libya paid to the victims of Lockerbie. Middle East dictators did the same. They hypocritically cheated goofed America that they support it on the war on terrorism. But the same dictators apart from allegedly producing many terrorists that attacked the US on September 11, did finance terrorist organizations.

This, to some extent, forced some Americans to think and believe that their colleagues were killed and ignored thanks to saving petrol business in lieu of the livelihood and security of Americans and all that perished on September 11. And truly, this has been repeated in the case in point.

This can be easily traced in the words of British justice secretary Jack Straw’s spokesperson. He was quoted as saying: "And yes, that included trade because trade is an essential part of it and subsequently there was the BP deal." BP’s ambitions are currently causing mayhem in Nigeria where fights over oil have become the order of the day. Refer to how Ken Saro Wiwa and his colleagues were butchered simply because they questioned this sacred business.

Once again this proves how Western countries sacrifice innocent people thanks to their dubious vested interests in poor countries. Just imagine. If Western countries can release a terrorist that killed hundreds of their people, will they pay any damn when it comes to the rights and lives of the people in poor countries? Currently in Tanzania, famous Maasai in Loliondo are being evicted to give room to an Arab investor who decimates animals like crazy. This was recently reported by big newspapers in the Western: The Guardian, Economist and The Financial times after local papers warned but were either gagged, reprimanded or ignored.

In Mara region, there have been reported grave environmental degradation caused by foreign investors mining gold there. Sadly the story is the same almost everywhere in Africa. In Kenya, the murder case involving Lord Delamere’s grandson, Tom Cholmondeley, left Kenyans breathless thanks to stupid protective policy in investment and the leniency of the court towards investors and top government officials. In Uganda, we still remember how Indian tycoon was offered Mabira forest as opposed to the interests of Ugandans. Thank lord they stopped this bulimia.

To halt this new criminal solidarity, several steps must be taken. Firstly, seeking explanations from African countries individually then AU itself. This will help to avert the repetition of this flaw. It they hardened their heads, rich countries should stop helping and supporting them. I wonder how countries whose budgets depend on donors would develop such myopia and criminal solidarity!

Secondly, the citizenry must give their corrupt governments a heck so as to make them ungovernable. By making them ungovernable, the darling investors will never risk to do business in chaotic environment. Refer to how recently the US issued a new directive warning its citizens to visit Zanzibar after it was tarnished by chaos resulting form political unrest thanks to a doctored voter’s registry.

Thirdly, donor countries should stop double standard and favourably hunkering with multinational corporations doing business in Africa. Fourthly, they should stop cast a blind eye on corrupt African rulers that they use to rob Africa’s resources. And this is why stinking dictators and thieves like Denis Sassaou Ngwesso, Teodoro Obiang Nguema and Paul Biya are still in power plundering and ruining their countries. My cry has always been to categorize theft by rulers a crime against humanity. For it kills many especially in Africa.
Source: The African Executive Magazine September 23, 2009.

Thanks President for meeting-the-hoi polloi strategies though

First of all, I must admit. I’m not the creature that praises others especially the biggies like President. This time, I’ve to break this taboo. Mr. President’s new performance has captured me as much as it waterlogged sitting rooms as people watched him skunking us in this game of empty hope giving.

Though, at this eleventh hour, it needs the courage of the mad to allow the general public turn you into a question-marksman’s target thanks to inquisitive and testing questions resulting from angst and broken hearts. Yeah. It needs the courage of the mad to assure heartbroken populace that you’ll deliver. This needs the art of turning things upside down and downside up.

Interestingly, some fyatus are asking: why Mr. President’s waited for good five years without doing anything. What flapdoodle? Better late than never. Didn’t they know? The good prezzo’s busy traveling to attract aids and investors? And why didn’t you remind him? Don’t you know he’s a lot of things to do that make him neither see nor hear anything till the eleventh hour?

The recent meet-the-people-PR strategy or call it: pretending-and make-believe by ndugu Jakaya Kikwete can not go without receiving my accolades despite his detractors saying: too late too little after messing a lot. I’m not saying he messed even though they say he did. I don’t even upbraid bro Tido Mhando for turning profession into kow tow stuffs -as others say- for watering down their questions so as to allow his man to offer majibu ya kishikaji, or, manipulatively muting and shrewdly, neutralizing those that wanted to put his man on shame-cum-cross. Shame on them that did not get it regarding politics and its acrobatics and theatrics!

Let me ask them. What did you want Mr. President to do after noting that his policies time and strategies are hitting a snag? Don’t you know we’ve elections next year? Who wants to become a sitting duck after being a lame duck?

I know. My enemies will come in with stuffs such as-“he did not lived up to his words vis a vis delivering on his promises. Didn’t you know? That’s politics. To help you understand the lesson, be prepared to be given even more promises so that you dish out your votes once again. And that is it.

Those saying Mr. President did not deliver must have their heads examined. He did deliver a lot more than even expected. He consented to immolate his consigliore Eddie Lowassa to save the outfit. Remember. Recent reports have it. This time, Kagodamn will be truly nabbed after cat-rat meanderings and chasing.

I heard some guys complaining their questions were distorted or not answered. Well and good. Blame not the president but those that shamelessly pushed your questions under.

But you needn’t to worry guys. I’ve spoken with him. He’s concerned. Next time his meeting-the-people performance will be hosted by Chris Mtikila and Augus Lyatonga whilst the supervisors will be Prof Ibra Lipumba and Sayf Maalim. Get it?

And one thing must be twigged. Even though you say the good man whitewashed, at least, he performed and I’m sure the guys in rural areas will subscribe to this as his whiz kids pray.

Going back to delivering, let me tell you my friends. Since he came to power, new and sound investments such as RITES have been attracted so as to become even tough and mightier than the power that be even after messing. Can you blame the president for this or RITES?

Another interesting thing is kicking out Maasai invaders from Kenya . I know. Many are wondering why ‘Maasai from Kenya ’ should be kicked out so as to give room to Arabs to make private kingdoms. Yeah. Maasai have no investment but Arabs have. See. They can not cough ten percent.

Another stuff, sorry, thing, is the whole question of president being upbeat with regards to his so-called successful fight against grafts. Yeah. He persecuted Basie, Son of Jonna and Mgonjwa. Aren’t they sharks? Given that these are the only big fish that embezzled public funds, he’s taken on them. If there would be others, he’d not budge but to take on them as well or keep tabs on them.

To prove his seriousness, he expedited Joe Makamba to go to Urambo and soften Samuel Sitta so that he, too, can soften his take on graft. What’s more, he allowed RCs like Mwakipesile to freely regurgitate on MPs like Mwakyembe that took a hard line on graft. To win over graft one needs to deal with it politely and softly as it is the case currently.

As for fight against larceny, we’re all witnesses. The likes of Zombes are allowed to shoot to kill and do their trigger joy stuffs. And when ignorant and abhorrent guys bay for their blood, the police files cases full of legal flaws as to get them off the hook.

When it comes to democracy Mr. President excelled. He allowed his party to rant and rave on the speaker. What else do you people want? In Pemba , we’ve heard it. The voter’s registry is a unique success.

As for our economy, it’s shriveling, sorry, shriving. If it weren’t, mammoth scams like Richmond , EPA, CIS, Meremeta and others would sink it. But thanks Lord. I can see many oil guzzlers, that’s shangingis, been bought even more despite swearing that they’d be phased out. You banish them by buying more expensive ones as the old ones are sold to top officials at a throw-away price as it happened with Tanesco’s castles.

In a nutshell, Mr. President is now prepared to solve our problems for once and for all. Do you get it?

Let’s wait for yet another performance. Importantly, beware. There’s a fly in the ointment though.
Source: Thisday September 2009.

Africa's Becoming more Despotic and Nepotistic

"King of Kings" Gaddaffi

The seven-day 40th anniversary of Libya strongman’s autocratic rule and charade elections in Gabon where the son of the former tyrant was declared a winner after a fixed vote, forced me to revisit Africa's political landscape.

In Tripoli, the jamboree-like festival, a posh and king-size celebration- made possible by public coffers- lasted for a week. This does not augur well to a toiling Libyan common man or woman who sees Gadaffi as a dictator and a self seeker that hides behind power and its trappings.

For a good leader, listening to others’ opinions and respecting them or availing others a chance to rule are a cardinal thing. A true leader must respect and uphold democracy. But for Gadaffi, Yoweri Museveni, Hugo Chavez and others, a good leader is the one that rules ad infinitum even if it means to spill blood. To them, democracy is a one-man show.

Gadaffi still hoodwinks Libyans by all good names and promises. Libyans are tired of more-of-the-same stuffs for forty years. How can he become a good leader if what we witnessed on his 40th anniversary was nothing but extravagance and abuse of public funds? He allegedly paid over $ 52,000,000 to performers! This does not include other millions he paid to those that built the stage among other things.

To know that Gadaffi’s time is up, look at the comment by Libyans, "It's been 40 years of the same thing, perhaps 40 years of going backwards not forward," Says a middle-aged man who preferred anonymity.

He goes on, "We are just six million people and our wealth is countless from natural resources and foreign investment, but until now we've seen nothing from it."

Another chips in, "He was a young, handsome, and ambitious man with big dreams for us when he took over," one elderly woman said.

"But then things changed... maybe it is those who were around him, who knows?"

One young taxi driver knows all as he puts it: "We don't care who was responsible for what, we just want to work and move on with our future."

Though Africa is more democratic than it was 40 years ago, its future has nary treaded water with me. How can it make sense if it still has stinking legacy of having dictators that ruined their countries for over 40 years such as Gadaffi, Omar Bongo, Gnassigbe Eyadema and other that have been in power for over thirty years?

How can Africa make it democratically if all we see is the coming back of ruling dynasties hell bent to prolong and extend their stays in power in order to conceal their dirty linens-by the way of passing the batons over to their kids or cronies?

Whilst other continents are boasting of democracy and prosperity, Africa is cascading into despotic and nepotistic rules. In the main, currently, Africa has more sons-of-rulers-of-yore presidents in many countries than any continent all or continents put together.

Africa boasts of four seating presidents in Aman Karume (Zanzibar), Foure Eyadema (Togo), Ian Khama (Botswana), Joseph Kabila (DRC) and King Ali Ben-Bongo (Gabon). As the days go by, new princes will jump into the fray of terrorizing democracy. It is no secret that Gadaffi who likes to be referred to as the leader of the people is grooming one of his sons to inherit his kingdom. Sayf al-Islam is touted to be behind this dubious project. Some say Moatessem-Billah Gaddafi-that once tried to overthrow his father but now holds the post of national security adviser and heads his own unit within the army after being pardoned by Gadaffi, may be the power to reckon with.

In the neighboring Egypt Hosni Mubarak is grooming his son Gamal. The game does not end up hither. In Congo, where mbochi tribe commands everything, Denis Christel Sassou Ngwesso the son of Congo’s tyrant commands immense powers whilst in Zanzibar the brother of the current president, Amani Karume, Ali has already declared his intention to take over after his brother is done!

In Uganda and Rwanda, a clique of related people from the minority communities is ruling the majority. In Rwanda, the Tutsi that comprises of 9% of the population has more top officials than the majority Hutu. And this has been made a sacrilege to touch thanks to genocide. Most importantly, many analysts are afraid of facing this simply because they’ll be told: you’re supporting genocide as it recently happened to BBC when it wanted to shed light on what is going on in Rwanda.

In Uganda, the Ankole are ruling the country whilst in South Africa, Jacob Zuma was supported by Zulu-his tribe-simply because he’s Zulu himself. In Kenya, fertile land and almost all lucrative business are in the hands of the ruling families including some Indians and consigliore from the tribes thanks to their own men being in State House. Kikuyu and Kalenjin-from which three Kenyan presidents hail, have a special place in the commerce of Kenya along with Indians that were brought by British colonialists.

Thanks to land-grabbing policies that Kenya’s first president fathered and fostered, most often than not, almost everybody that comes to power has and thinks about nothing but to rob and grab. If there is no land to grab, they will invent things like Goldenberg, Anglo-Leasing and other dubious wheel deals to see to it that when he leaves the state house he must have immense wealth.

Nepotism is becoming a breeding ground for corruption to shrive. Being a syndicate to ruin and rob the state, no relation can keep tabs on or bring to book any of his tribesmen and women or clan mate. Kaleb Akandwanao aka Salim Saleh (Museveni’s brother) stole billions of shillings. But he has never been brought to book, thanks to being who’s-Museveni. Take for example the clan crooks commanding immense powers and run the show under Museveni.

More on Museveni dynasty, there is Lt. Col Muhoozi Museveni (Museveni’s son). He command his father’s presidential guard unity while Maj. Bright Rwamirama (Museveni’s cousin) is he State Minister for Agriculture in charge of Animal Husbandry. The list goes on. Shadrack Nzeire (Museveni’s step-brother) is involved in youth mobilisation at State House whilst Mariam Karugaba (Museveni’s sister) is employed as an administrator a t the state house. Maj. Sabiiti Magyenyi (Museveni’s cousin) is currently the overall commander of the elite Presidential Guard Brigade.

Others are Col. Kateera (cousin to Janet Museveni) is second in command at the Gulu-based 4th Division. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi (an in-law to the Musevenis; whose wife Susan is a cousin to Janet Museveni) made away with billions thanks to ruining Global Fund.

Justus Karuhanga (cousin to Janet Museveni) is a legal aide to President Museveni. This is but a drop in the ocean of Museveni dynasty that’s milking Uganda whilst the common Uganda is dying of treatable diseases and abject poverty. The situation is worse in Cameroon, Congo, DRC, and Kenya, Libya and Rwanda not to mention the Sudan.

This is what is going on in many African countries where royal families run the show of ruining and stealing from the hoi polloi they have hijacked in the name of democracy. No doubt. Africa is cascading into nepotism and despotism at an alarming speed. Indeed, Africa is becoming more despotic and nepotistic.
Source: African Executive Magazine September 16, 2009.

Mpayukaji awa mgeni wa Gadaffi

WIKI mbili zliyopita sikuonekana mitaa ya Posta, Magogoni na Kariakoo. Nilikuwa nchini Libya nikijichana mikuku kwenye sherehe ya miaka 40 ya kuadhimisha kusimikwa kwa demokrasia ya kijeshi nchini Libya.

Najua wambea wengi watapinga na kuniona mzushi. Hawa siwajibu. Picha zangu kwenye mitandao ya kijiwe zitawaonyesha nani muongo na nani mkweli.

Tuliongea mengi na mheshimiwa mwana mapinduzi ambayo mengi ni siri kwa ajili ya usalama wa kijiwe.

Ingawa yote ni siri, nitawamegea moja. Kwanza , jamaa pamoja na wakosoaji kumuita imla amejenga nchi yake. Wakati sisi tuna watu wasio na kazi zaidi ya nusu ya idadi ya wana kaya wetu, yeye ana aslimia 13 tu. Wakati sisi tunajenga uhujumaa na kujimegea, mwenzetu anajenga himaya yake vilivyo. Maana anamuandaa mwanae Sayf al-Islam kuchukua ukanda sawa na Ala Mubarak atakavyofanya huko Misri.

Kitu kimoja kilinistaajabisha. Kumbe jamaa huyu ana asili ya Bongo tena Ushoto kwa akina mgosi Machungi wa Sengaa! Maana wao wanamuita Kadhafi. Je hii ina tofauti gani na Kashafi wa Lushoto? Hiyo mtajaza wenyewe.

Jamaa anaongea bwana. Wakati mwingine anavuka mipaka. Unajua alituchamba kuwa tunapaswa kuzitumia vizuri raslimali zetu badala ya kuwa ombaomba kwa wazungu ambao ingawa siku hizi amekubali yaishe, hawapendi. Pia alisema hakuna haja ya kuwa na uchaguzi kama mtawala aliyepo ni kipenzi cha watu na chaguo la Mungu kama mimi. Jamaa ananata anapoelezea mafanikio ya utawala wake ambao, kimsingi, ulituvutia kiasi cha kutaka tuwe karibu naye lau atumegee galoni kadhaa za mafuta.

Najua wabaya wangu watasema nilikwenda kule kuzurura na kutafuta sifa. Nimesikia wengine wakihoji ni kwanini sikumkaripia Hugo Chavez aliyetoa mwaliko kwa jamaa yetu wa Sudan , Omar Bashir anayesakwa na mahakama ya kimataifa kwa kuwadedisha wadafuri. Hawajui kijiwe chetu kinamuunga mkono mia kwa mia na kwa geresha bwege tumetuma jamaa zetu waende kumsaidia!

Mie siwezi kumlaani Chavez wakati ana wese ambalo tunalihitaji kwa udi na uvumba. Upo hapo? Pili sisi AU tunamuunga mkono Bashir kwani ni mwenzetu na anafanya vitu vyake kama sisi. Tofauti ni kwamba yeye anataka kuibinafsisha Sudan kwa waarabu. Sisi tunagawa kwa wawekezaji na wachukuaji.

Kabla ya kuanza maroroso ngoja niwamegee msafara wangu wa juzi kule Tree-pori nilikokaribishwa na kiongozi wa watu mpendwa kwa sifa na kujisikia Kanali Kadhafi alipokuwa akisherehekea mapinduzi yake matukutu.

Ingawa wachambuzi wengi wanatukandia kuwa ombaomba tulijipeleka na kujipendekeza kwa imla huyu huku nchi za wafadhili zikimpiga kibuti, si haba tulitanua. Kwanza kulikuwa na vimwana wa kimanga usisikie. Mie na Mswati tulitaka kuondoka na kimoja kila mmoja lakini si unajua wamanga wasivyoruhusiwa kuolewa na waswahili ambao huwaita watumwa?

Noma nyingine ni kwamba bi mkubwa alikuwapo kiasi cha kunichunga utadhani mbwa kaingia jikoni.

Mambo ya vidosho tuyaache. Wakati wanakijiwe kwa uvivu wa kufikiri kama alivyosema mjasiriamali Che Tunituni wa Makapu, wanasota kwenye nyumba za kupanga na kuishia kubakana, nchini Libya serikali hutoa nyumba na mahari kwa wanaotafuta majiko tena majiko kweli kweli siyo haya yetu ya chuma ulete.

Tulikuwa tukishutumiwa kuwa tunatumia vijisenti vya walipa kodi kusherehekea upuuzi. Jamaa alimwaga bonge ya pati kwa wiki nzima huku akiupamba mji wa Tree-Pori kama bibi harusi. Una habari jamaa kalipa pauni za Uingereza 30,000,000 kwa watumbuizaji tu? Wapo wanaosema kuwa jukwaa tulilokuwamo lilojengwa na kampuni ya kiingereza liligharimu pesa nyingi zaidi ya watumbuizaji. Bado hujaweka makando kando mengine kama zawadi wa watawala wachovu na omba omba. Hizi zikitolewa kwa kijiwe chetu angalau watoto wote wa wanakijiwe na kaya kwa ujumla wanaweza kusoma hadi chuo kikuu huku wakiendesha migari ya bei mbaya kama yetu na wengine kusafiria midege kwenda kufanya mitahani.

Kitu kingine, wapo waliosema eti wamanga wa Kiswahili wa Libya ni wabaguzi. Si kweli. Kama ni wabaguzi basi ni kichini chini. Hata kama wanabaguliwa kuna mtu aliwaita? Mbona niliona waswahili wengi wanaotaka kuzamia zao majuu wamejazana pale Tree-Pori. Mswahili bwana hana dogo. Wakati napita kwenye mitaa ya Sawan bin Adam kuelekea Awlad bin Ahamad kabla ya kwenda kuhudhuria maonyesho ya ngoma za kiasili kwenye mitaa ya Suq al Jum’ah na mingine mingi yaliyotukaribisha kwa kupamba mitaa tukitoka Tripoli International Airport niliona maajabu. Nikiwa nafaidi maraha yangu si nilisikia mzamiaji mmoja akipayuka kwa Kiswahili: “Mzee sisi huku tunasota tupigie debe lau tupate gamba tujichome zetu majuu.” Mie nilikausha. Naye hakunikawiza. Nilisikia akisema Ibn Muthnake huyo hana lolote bali kuzurura na kujilisha pepo.” Jamaa inaonekana anatokea kwenye mitaa ya Saigon na Sinza Sinza kwa washikaji zangu au Makongo na UDSM kwa vidosho. Maana nilivyomuona si mgeni kwangu. Nilipoulizia maana yake nilitaka kupasuka. Tuyaache haya ya waswahili na misoto yao .

Nyakati za usiku tulikwenda kujimwaga kwenye mitaa ya Umar al Mushtar na An Nasir na Jamhuriyah kutaja kwa uchache.

Makazi yangu yalikuwa kwenye hoteli ya kifahari ya Bab al Bahr. Nilipenda sana heshima ya Walibya. Kila anayekuja kukuhudumia utasikia akikuita Basha. Msidhani nawatukana waswahili, Basha kwa ndugu zetu wa Libya na Misri ni bosi na si matusi ya nguoni kama kwenu uswekeni. Hivyo nilikuwa bonge ya Basha yaani Bosi.

Ujumbe wangu ulipelekwa bichi kwenye maeneo ya Bu Sittah ambapo kila mmoja alijimwaga kivyake. Vijana watawasimulia makamuzi na matanuzi ya siku hii. Mshirika wetu Chavez alikipiga kwenye hotel ya Zumit kwa ajili ya usalama wake huku ujumbe wake ukikipiga kwenye hotel za Funduq al Bahar na Funduq an Naher. Si unajua tena anavyowindwa na mabeberu. Hayo tuyaache.

Kuna kitu nimejifunza. Tuache utani. Kumbe ukipambana na ufisadi na ukausikiliza umma hata uwe dikteta, ukiwapa watu riziki zao na maendeleo wanatulia! Kumbe demokrasia kwenye umaskini ni uongo. Maana demokrasia siyo maneno bali matendo. Ingawa jamaa anasifika, kuna tatizo. Sifa zake zote zinatoka upande mmoja yaani serikali yake.

Hakuna upinzani kule. Nani apinge? Hajitaki? Watamzomea.

Loh! Kumbe muda umekwisha!

Niger’s Referendum to Dictatorship

Tandja casts his vote

Dictator-turned president of Niger, Mamadou Tandja, is at sixes and sevens thanks to the anger and rumpus of the people after tampering with the constitution to illegally secure a third time in office. He is not the first, may be, even the last to embark on such macabre tricks.Tandja seems hell-bent to remain in power contrary to the wish of the people and tenets of democracy.

Africa’s democracy has been receiving a kick in the head from current mumbo jumbos who wrongly think they’re created to rule.The continent is quickly cascading to dictatorship under pseudo-referendum-the votes of manipulated people and cheerleaders. Voix populi is no longer vox Dei especially when the many are evil and dubious. For living potentates, it started with Gadaffi of Libya; Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak and Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. Thereafter, Yoweri Museveni, Paul Kagame, Abdoulaye Wade and now Tandja followed.There is no voice of the majority in the voices of criminals and stooges being fed by dictatorship. Tandja won by 92% thanks to having many stooges behind him.

Tampering with the constitution is as futile as coup d’etats. It suffocates democracy and derails the process already put in place at the expense of donors and poor taxpayers. Why should poor countries spend millions of dollars on charades whose results are easy to predict? Why should donor countries support such nugatory regimes if it is not double standard and conspiracy?

In essence, after military coup d’etats which are returning slowly thanks to what recently happened in the Central African Republic (CAR), Guinea and Mauritania, civil coup d’etats are doubling. Refer to the above rulers that amended their constitutions and remained in power. Currently Africa has three novo military rulers in Francois Bozize (CAR) Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (Mauritania that recently won macabre elections) and Moussa Dadis Camara of Guinea. As it happened for Abdel Aziz, the duo too will convene charade elections and become elected leaders as it happened for Museveni, Kagame and Zenawi. Who knows? Camara was recently quoted saying: "I have nothing more to say, except that I might or might not stand. No-one can stop me."

There is yet another danger-cum-threat for democracy in Africa-rigging. Unfortunately, the international community hates military juntas but not vote riggers! This was seen in Kenya’s flawed elections where the loser ended up being awarded presidency by the same international community. To ‘solve’ the problem (after Kenyans butchered each other in post election bloodbath) the international community sent Koffi Annan, the former UN chief to reconcile the two protagonists: Kibaki and Raila by means of power sharing. The deal was reached and two genies were returned to their bottles.

In the two incidents, the voter’s voice was ignored. The voter was robbed of his right in the name of peace that has never prevailed. How can it prevail if the perpetrators of this carnage are still in public offices destroying evidence and stealing?

Another growing threat for democracy is inheritance by former rulers’ children or their protégés. Currently Africa has two presidents who inherited powers from their parents. These are Joseph Kabila (DRC), Foure Eyadema (Togo) and the third one is in the making in Gabon where Ali Ben-Bongo is expected to inherit his father. Some sons of former presidents use their fathers’ manipulation to ascend to power. President Ian Khama of Botswana is a living example. We currently have people like Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi; Amani Karume (president of Zanzibar); Dr. Hussein Mwinyi (Powerful minister in Tanzania who is believed to be eyeing presidency in Zanzibar where his father was president before he became the president of the union). Others are appointing their wives as it happened in Uganda where Museveni appointed his wife a minister.

Another threat is suffocating and killing the opposition. This applies almost everywhere in Africa except in a few countries south of Africa. Ruling parties have overthrown the majority and usurped their powers. They’ve taken over from military juntas. In Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has been in power thanks to felling, sabotaging opposition and rigging. High rank soldiers are appointed in political capacity to manipulate the army to support this phantasmagoria. Most District and Regional Commissions in Tanzania and Uganda are soldiers. In Ethiopia and Rwanda, ruling parties have become governments. Media and opposition in these countries are harassed and silenced in the name of national security. CCM, EPRDF, NRM and RPF-Inkotanyi wage more powers than even the governments in the countries.

Though Ethiopia Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are called democracies, in actual fact, they are fascists. As per the definition of fascism hereunder, to me, the duo is ruled by dictators even if they are said to come to power through the ballot box. Fascism comprises a radical and authoritarian nationalist political ideology and a corporatist economic ideology.

Fascists believe that nations and/or races are in perpetual conflict whereby only the strong can survive by being healthy, vital and by asserting themselves in conflict against the weak. Fascists advocate the creation of a single party state. Fascist governments forbid and suppress criticism and opposition to the government and the fascist movement. Fascism opposes class conflict, blames capitalist liberal democracies for its creation and communists for exploiting the concept.

In the economic sphere, many fascist leaders have claimed to support a “Third way” in economic policy, which they believed superior to both the rampant individualism restrain and severe control of state communism. This was to be achieved by establishing significant government control over business and labour (Mussolini called his nation's system "the corporate state").. No common and concise definition exists for fascism.

Going back to Tandja, he and the likes have proved to be politically dangerous to the continent. What pains more is the fact that the same came to power under democratic rungs just like Wade.

Though democracy has failed to bring freedom in Africa, at least, there is a sigh of relief. Slowly, countries like Botswana, South Africa, Malawi and Zambia have proved that if the voices and will of the people are respected, they can add up. Tremendously democratic institutions in the above countries are growing from strength to strength.
Source: African Executive Magazine August 2, 2009.

'Well done' Kingunge dhidi ya kanisa

KWA mtu anayejua historia ya mzee Kingunge Ngombale-Mwiru na jinsi anavyosusurika kujisafisha na kujijengea kinga chamani, hashangai kusikia anayosema kuhusu waraka wa Kanisa Katoliki kuelekea uchaguzi mkuu wa mwaka 2010.

Kimsingi, waraka wa kanisa umetuama kwenye uadilifu na kuchagua viongozi waadilifu kitu ambacho binafsi nadhani kuwa ni kero na ndoto kwa watu wa kada ya Kingunge.

Hawawezi kumpenda mtu anayeuzindua umma, kujikomboa na kuutokomeza ufisadi ambao pengine kwa walio madarakani ni mradi unaowaingizia pesa nyingi.

Nashawishika kuamini kuwa ufisadi ni sera ya kundi la kada ya kina Kingunge aliyeamua kuikamua serikali kupitia Ubungo Bus Terminal!

Badala ya kumlaani na kumshutumu Kingunge, namshukuru kwa kumtoa paka kwenye kofia. Maana chama cha Kingunge (CCM) kimekuwa kikikanusha na kujinakidi kama chama kilichodhamiria kuleta maendeleo ingawa matendo yake ni kinyume.

Hebu fikiria; kama wazee tuliodhani wana busara na udhu, mfano Kingunge, wanaweza kusimama na kuwakaripia watu wema wasihimize wema, hao wengine wakoje?

Matendo na maneno ya Kingunge yakiongezewa na ya CCM ni ushahidi wa uozo usiovumilika. Ni harufu mbaya ya chama kilichochoka kiasi cha kulea na kutukuza ufisadi na mawazo mgando. Ni ushahidi kuwa kinachoitwa maendeleo ni ndoto.

Tulipoambiwa maisha bora kwa wote, tulisahau kuwa wote waliomaanishwa katika hilo ni wale walio karibu na Kaisari. Waliobaki lieni tu. Hamna chenu hapa. Kwangu hii ndiyo maana sahihi ya tafsiri ya karipio na kejeli za Kingunge na wenzake.

Kingunge haoni baya lolote katika sera nyakuzi na nyemelezi za chama chake. Ataona baya gani iwapo anakula mkate ulioloa siagi akiwaambia Watanzania wale mawe?

Kwa kina Samuel Sitta, John Malecela na wengine waliogutuka na kukengeuka kuwa umma unaweza kushtuka na kufanya kweli, wakaona kuwa ufisadi ni mbaya.

Wao ingawa wamo ndani wakishiba na kusaza, bado machale yanawacheza kuwa umma huu si wa mawe ni umma wa wanadamu ambao siku zote ni vigumu kuwatabiri.

Hivyo basi, kwa nia nzuri au mbaya, wameamua kusimama upande wa haki hasa kipindi hiki tunapokaribia uchaguzi ili kuhakikisha hawakosi baraka za wananchi.

Hawa wanaogopa kwa kufahamu ama kuona cheche za mabadiliko zilizo wazi kwenye jamii ya Kitanzania. Hawa si vichwa ngumu kama kina Kingunge na chama chao.

Wanaendelea kuwahadaa Watanzania, kama vipofu, kuwa CCM imefanya maajabu! Kama kuna maajabu iliyofanya si mengine, ni kuendelea kuwa madarakani bila kutimuliwa na umma licha ya kashfa mbalimbali zinazoihusisha yenyewe na vigogo wake.

Kingunge ni kada ya wana CCM wanaowachukulia Watanzania kama wale wa kwenye ‘Pepo ya Mabwege’. Hawa kwao, ni halali kwa kupe kukwea kwenye mgongo wa ng’ombe na kumnyonya.

Hawategemei ng’ombe hata anyonywe na kukonda vipi aasi. Kwa kuwa ni hayawani asiye na uwezo wa kupambanua mambo.

Hivyo, kwa kuonyesha jeuri na kejeli za CCM tuna kila sababu ya kumpongeza na kumpenda Kingunge kwa kutuzindua ili tufanye kweli.

Kingunge ananikumbusha hadithi ya mke wa mfalme aliyesikia watu wakiandamana mitaani kupinga utawala wa kijambazi wa mumewe mfalme kwa kusababisha ukosefu wa mikate.

Mama huyu juha na kipofu aliwajibu waleta habari: kama hakuna mikate si wale keki? Maskini juha huyu hakujua kuwa nje ya kasri lao, maisha yalikuwa ni jehanamu!

Leo CCM, watawala, wapambe wao kama kina Tambwe Hiza, Salva Rweyemamu na wengine wameshiba hadi kulewa kiasi cha kujiaminisha kuwa mambo yataendelea kuwa yalivyo.

Haiwezekani. Haiwezekani kabisa CCM iendelee kuwa madarakani tena kwa usalama huku ikiongozwa na watu ambao ama wao au marafiki zao wanatuhumiwa kwa ufisadi.

Kama kina Kingunge wangesoma alama za nyakati, wangeshinikiza watuhumiwa wa ufisadi wanaotajwa kila kukicha wafikishwe mahakamani na kusafishwa au kupatikana na hatia kutokana na tuhuma zinazowakabili.

Wasingeridhika na matumizi ya mchezo wa nyani kusafishana kwa mawe na vijiti wakati wahusika hawasafishiki.

Watu wenye visheni na misheni wangelaani badala ya kubariki. Wangeonya badala ya kutisha. Wangesuluhisha badala ya kupatiliza. Wangetahadhari badala ya kukejeli.

Ila kitu kimoja ni wazi. Watanzania hata wa mashambani wanaanza kujua kinachoendelea huko juu. Wanajua kuwa deste lao limejaza mikono ya walafi na wachafu wakila bila kunawa tena kwa mikono na miguu.

Kwa watu wanaojitakia mema, wangetumia ukaribu wao na Rais kumueleza ukweli kuwa utawala wake umeshindwa kila upande na kwa karibu kila kitu.

Wangemkumbusha ahadi alizotoa hasa kupambana na ufisadi. Ajabu wameamua kwa makusudi kumuingiza kwenye kila upuuzi. Je, wanafanya hivyo kwa sababu wanajua alikuwamo tangu mwanzo au kwa vile haoni kama wao?

Rais naye ameridhika. Kama mwenyekiti wa chama nadhani amebariki haramu na kulaani halali. Namna hii hatufiki popote. Hatuna tofauti na pweza ajipaliaye mkaa asijue utamuunguza na kumgeuza mafuta.

Hii ni alama na ushahidi wa chama na wakubwa wake kufilisika kisiasa kisera na kimkakati. Kwa nini kupinga watoa hoja badala ya hoja yenyewe?

Ninaamini CCM ipo taaban hasa tunapoelekea mwaka 2010. Haijitambui mbele ya ufisadi kwa kuwa watuhumiwa wakuu wa ufisadi wamo ndani yake, ndio wanaoisaidia kwa namna moja ama nyingine.

La muhimu kufanya si kupambana na ukweli bali kutafuta ukweli ili kuwa huru. CCM ina lipi la kufaa kurejeshwa madarakani? Naamini kwamba kuirudisha CCM kwenye utawala ni kubariki dhambi isiyostahiki msamaha!
Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Agosti 2, 2009.