Corruption: Is it the moment of truth?

NKWAZI MHANGO NKUZI

IF there is a huge and hard nut to crack for President Jakaya Kikwete, the ruling CCM, and even the general public is none other than the rampancy of endemic corruption.

Like cancer cells swimming in the vein and arteries of our country, its impacts are lethal; its echo is causing seismic tremors the world over. Donors as well as the citizenry are in awe and infatuation.

The economy is in a shambles whilst the conditions of the majority of citizenry are in quagmire. Things are not as rosy as one can think or tell even be told. Even the high and mighty in their offices, are not spared. They are busy devising the ‘truth’ to configure those they say they serve even though it turns out to be self serving in the name of serving them. All efforts have been tried to troubleshoot and synchronize the problem to no avail.

Statistics, real and cooked, are pummeled into the agora for the citizenry to be convinced that things are working even though the difference is dauntingly the truth. Theoretically and politically the country is doing well, though on the ground it’s a different story altogether.

Whilst the kit and caboodle of select few is becoming richer and richer, the majority is cascading into abject poverty.

Hither is where the question, "what is really the truth?" comes in. Theories and assurances are given by those in high offices. The president, with a cup in hand, is busy touring the world to secure loans and aid. Investors are generously ushered in. To make sure that they stay, laws are bent even by allowing them a lion’s share from the society dying of poverty! All is done in the name of resurrecting the sick economy which despite all the aids and loans we keep getting, it is in the ICU!

To make sure that things are working, some ministers have hurriedly and suspiciously signed mining contracts abroad (in hotels not in embassies!), something that drew public ire. Needless to say everybody in his own way is trying to do whatever he could, to see to it that the economy is ‘being resurrected’. "For whose benefit are all these endeavors being taken to revive it?" This is yet another hard question to answer.

Some are saying that the economy is performing miraculously well for the benefit of a few in power whilst those in power say everything is spiffy for everybody. Who is telling lies or otherwise, is yet another ball game.

Some shrewd wananchi are confidently and vocally asking: "If the economy is as rosy as we are told, then why is the government hugely depending on donors?"

Others chip in asking how the economy can shrive amidst the colossal embezzlement and over expenditure that has been unveiled by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) recently.

To crack this nut and face the moment of truth one should listen to noises from hospitals such as Mwananyamala, where we are told four patients share a bed! The Mwnanyamala Hospital situation is typical of what is obtained almost everywhere in the country. To add salt to injury one school was reported recently to have only one teacher in Mara Region!

Another strong evidence that shows all is not well now is derived from the saga of students in higher institutions of learning.

The students have of late ashamed the government. This happened after the government had said without mincing words that it had no money to dish out to them as loans. This drew a logical question: “Where is the so-called economic plane that has started to fly?”

For one to ascertain the abject poverty prevailing in the country one needs to visit the rural areas and see for himself/herself how men, women and children are suffering out there. Their condition worsens each passing day. The story is no different in urban areas! Hence the big question: Who is enjoying the fruits of our ‘well-flourishing’ economy"?

Some say the investors, others the politicians whose perks are growing bigger and bigger day in day out. Some say ‘mafisadi’, barracuda-like beings who are singing sweet songs and dance in joy as they keep on accumulating wealth at the expense of wananchi.

Hither is where the moment of truth resurfaces yet for another time. This moment of truth has already forced ministers and other top party cadres to shilly-shally in rural areas to translate what is in the budget of the government.

Whilst this is going on, the opposition is opposing. It is saying that in fact what these guys are doing is to brainwash the people by defending corruption!

They spill beans saying that Richmond, BoT, Buzwagi and other projects are, but sham projects aiming to fill dosh in the pockets of a few selected ones!

Firebrand Willibroad Slaa, of CHADEMA has already released the so-called ‘List of Shame’ in which eleven names of the top most officials of the fourth phase government have already been mentioned.

This has attracted many theatrics. Some of those accused of indulging in corruption have already expressly said they will sue Slaa. Others have opted not to sue.

This game has many players. Some sympathize, others vindicate. There are those who advised these guys to relinquish their positions whilst others said they should soldier on. But all in all the majority of wananchi prefer the former to the latter. They are saying they are tired of lies and corruption. They are saying so in a black and white tone. How could they stop of calling a spade by its name if in this macabre abracadabra it is alleged that over a trillion Tshs has been swindled?

These guys seem to mean business. For they are hollering on the top of their voices that the king is naked! Please don’t quote me. This is what they are saying. Even some noble emissaries representing rich and stronger nations have already weighed in support. Again who is fooling whom? Let’s face the moment of truth.

Facing this moment of truth, the president is saying "those are but mere noises", hayanisumbui! He said this in Rome after meeting with the Pontiff! Mind you this is but a high stake gamble so to speak. If I can put it in a simple language, what is going on is a very deadly battle especially in the year 2010 when the fruits of the moment of truth will be yielded. This is the time when everything and everybody will be tested to the limits.

Who is telling lies and who is telling the truth; let’s face the moment of truth. With whom does the buck stop? Additional question, who knows who is running the show in this dilemma? How do I know?

nkwazigatsha@yahoo.com

Mkapa is terribly wrong and out of touch!

NKWAZI MHANGO NKUZI

MEDIA for over a year have pressed former president, Benjamin Mkapa, to come clean on plethora of allegations that he wrongly and abusively used the State House for person gains.

Many dared him to no avail. Now at least we know what Mkapa has in store for us as far as allegations are concerned.

At last, on October 17 he came to the agora and said he needs to be left alone to enjoy his retirement. Well, even though he is entitled to freedom of expression, Mkapa must know that people want to know how he managed their country. This is Tanzanians’ country not Mkapa’s.

His pricey stance however, may sound as total admission that he wants to get away with our big bucks. As a statesman, Mkapa needs to be respected and thus back off from these allegations if he truly wants to be respected.

Mkapa’s unconvincing comment when he was asked about the allegations is tantalizing. He said he is retired, thus he cannot agree to be dragged into politics. To him all allegations are, but brawl and political!

This, needless to say, is taken as arrogance and being out of touch with time. But he must clearly comprehend that the wind of change presently pouncing our country can turn the tables on anybody regardless how famous that person is.

I think people need to hear Mkapa’s defence not as means of trying him. They want to know how to deal with the likes shall they act mischievously as he is alleged to have done.

Mkapa’s defiance does not help or do him any good. But again it is a challenge to our constitution that it is providing a breeding bed for corrupt rulers.

Therefore despite condemning Mkapa’s suicidal stance, we need to thank him for this eye-opener. This will knock sense into the heads of those who resist the need to re-write our constitution so that it can be logical to the democratic transformation we need to embark on.

The constitution, legally speaking, is the document by the people for trust worthily and diligently ruling them.

The late Mwalimu Nyerere once warned that had he wanted to become king under the current constitution he would. He went further as warning that shall one day a madman find himself at the helm, the constitution makes it easier for any bulimia to be carried out and still sound legal!

Eight years after his death his warning is proved right. If Mkapa, despite all the noises, can get the muscle to confidently pooh-pooh everything, what else are we waiting for?

Looking at the ‘kinghood’ we are facing presently whereby the president does not bother to accommodate our views, what, for God’s sake, are we then waiting for?

I unflinchingly concur with Rev. Christopher Mtikila who argued all those uncomfortable with Mkapa’s stance to go to court and file a constitutional case. Yes, this is, but a sure way of putting things straight. "Who will bell the cat?"

The law is clear and it has premises for this. This means that our activists like Nola, LHRC, TGNP and others can join hands and do the right thing at this right time by instituting a constitutional case reminiscent to this debacle.

Mkapa and the general public need to reasonably take this situation seriously. For, nobody is above the law and nobody is ready to be taken for a ride. If Mkapa is innocent and clean or otherwise it should be clearly known. If indeed he lives according to what he used to say, he is duty bound to help us out of this impasse. No arrogance or pretexts at this time can help us.

The former head of state used to preach the rule of law. He is the first president to form the ministry for good governance even though it did not exist during his tenure.

This is inclusive by nature. If he clings unto state of denial, indeed he will be conflicting with his own teachings. This is double standard. What bad augury!

If Mkapa and the general public stay put, obvious the thud resulting from this confrontational stance will be tremendous and chances are that one will lose or even suffer before the majority.

Mkapa must understand that he is not an island. People know more than he thinks. His disrespect of the masses, God avert, can gear the people into vindicating his family. He won’t be the first one. We saw this in Philippines, Indonesia, DRC, Ethiopia and what not.

Though Kikwete assured him of his protection, all of them should understand that the country is not a private estate where the owner is acting as he deems fit.

To depend on President Kikwete to act is to overburden him. His share of blame resulting from the escalation and surfacing of scandals is enough. If Mkapa wants to help him, he should cooperate. This again will neutralize mass anger which can be directed to all of them altogether.

Mwalimu Nyerere left a very shining legacy by which people can be guided on how to sort out their differences. And those who think they can cow them should brace themselves for trouble. The best enemy is the dead enemy but not in Nyerere’s case. He becomes much stronger and stronger as days go by due to the speed of erosion of what he stood for. He still has many disciples who can sing ‘Miserere mei Nyerere’ as it happened during his eighth commemoration.

To remind him, if Jenerali Ulimwengu’s school of thought that Tanzanians should embrace themselves to form vanguard and neo-socialist movement to recoup the country and her resources is worked on, indeed nobody will get away with it even survive this Tsunami of awakening.

Though Ulimwengu’s challenge can be taken lightly, it should be appreciated that we still have true patriots who will never stomach what they think is plundering their future generations. They are so many who are on warpath due to their discomfiture with what is going on. If anything, this is Nyerere’s legacy. For he oft-taught that nitaitetea nchi yangu kwa moyo wangu wote, literally, I shall wholeheartedly defend my country. These teachings are still in the mind of the people, believe it not.

So those who think they can suffocate them are wrong. Instead of jumping over a smoking gun they must answer. They must give reasonable answers before people jib.

How can they easily forget these creeds if at all they invested their future in their nation that is unreasonably being trampled as those doing so trump up pretexts and lies to justify their ends?

What makes matters worse is the weight of the pundits that have decided to weigh in. people like Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Joseph Butiku, John Malecela and others who will follow are not cheap shrimps Mkapa and his cohorts can easily gnash. Indeed, Mkapa is terribly wrong and out of touch for the stand he is taking with regards to corruption allegations involving him and his cabal of friends and associates.

nkwazigatsha@yahoo.com
www.mpayukaji.blogspot.com

Analysis: What’s wrong with African rulers-cum-beggars in suits?

NKWAZI NKUZI MHANGO

PRETTY pity as it was, during the G8 Summit in Northern Germany, once again Africa proved to be far behind as far as development and self respect are concerned. The image of our rulers represented by a handful of them was a very disturbing sight especially for Africans and all humans who love equality and human dignity.

Dithering with humility as they sheepishly kow towed, African rulers gate crashed the summit to remind rich countries of their promises they did not live up to.

Theirs (African rulers), was to remind rich countries of their ’sacred duty' to Africa! Ironically the same --African rulers-- are not discharging their?constitutional duties to their people! If anything they arrest the development of their countries. They promise many goodies during election campaigns. But once they ascend to power, they do nothing except to exploit the same guys that trusted and empowered them through their votes!

They arrogantly wanted money for fighting ‘poverty’ and Aids pandemic! Phew! But the reality on the ground is clearly without any shred of doubts that corruption and negligence by our shameless rulers,have contributed hugely to the spread of poverty and HIV-Aids. But again, behind this catastrophe there are the same guys in expensive suits, cap in hand begging! Behind this sacrilege, are the same guys signing dubious contracts of minerals not to mention shell or ghost companies created as conduits of robbing public coffers. Refer to Deep Green, Tangold, Goldenberg in Kenya and others alike.

Many sane people still dispute the normalcy of such rulers. Why? Because Africa with abundance of natural resources, fertile soil, rivers and lakes is not supposed to degrade herself by begging or depending on handouts and left overs. Does it mean that our rulers do not know this? ?Everybody knows. But again once the brain moves down to stomach, chances are that knowing and not knowing may sound the same.

We need to single handedly confront this naked?reality. Something is amiss in our upper echelons of powers, so to speak. How can we feel at home with such degrading donkey-man relationship with our god-like donor on the one hand and our rulers on the other hand? Are our rulers happy with this disgrace. Hell no. Something is likely to be terribly wrong somewhere (upstairs). Importantly we must remember, this is but a time bomb.

African rulers wanted the rich nations to live up to their promises they made in 2005 in Gleneagles, Scotland. But before doing so: Are our leaders ready to come clean on the same? How many of them do not fulfill their promises to their citizenry? Worse enough, when they are reminded of that they vex those who remind them to do the right thing!

They were condemning rich nations for exploiting Africa! Croc’s tears, of course, and sheer stinking hypocrisy! Well, don’t African rulers exploit their citizenry? It came to light just few days ago, that some presidents do not even pay taxes! Where does such a person get moral authority to condemn others? Grand corruption in Africa is rampant. Abuses of office and all sorts of extravagance are a common sight in Africa almost in every country. As of present, Tanzania is entangled in tens of scandals and the president is ranting and raving at those making allegations about these dirty acts! Ruling party’s cadres are dispatched to rural areas to defend the same kit and caboodle of guys! Once again public coffers are ruined under the pretext of educating people about the budget! The so-called government of the people has teamed up with the gang of self serving goons against the very voters that brought it to power!

In the just ended G8 Summit, Africa, among others, was represented by big names such as Thabo Mbeki (South Africa), Umaru Yar’Adua (Nigeria), John Kuffor (Ghana) and Meles Zenawi (Ethiopia).

Whereas Africa was humbly seeking the mercy of the rich countries; G8 leaders were down to serious business. They had pressing matters such as global warming and the threat of relegating back to arm race between The US and Russia.

Africa is the super rich continent when it comes to natural resources. But ironically, is as well super poor when it comes to human development. The question, ’’what is wrong with Africa’’ goes on resurfacing. Why are African rulers at home with degrading begging? Is it because of the ten per cent they scoop off the money they get? Is it the liberty of spending and 'extravagate' the same money without being subjected to auditing or any scrutiny from the citizenry? ?How can a country like Tanzania support this nugatory begging mission whilst at home billions of shillings are swindled and the same does not take any reasonable action to stop the economic terrorism?

There are people who take African rulers as hypocrites. For they condemn what they practice. They act like monkeys which laugh each other’s back. They preach water and drink wine. Some doubt of?their sanity. Sadly though, this has been the impression non-Africans to all Africans! They compare us with an elephant which with all the energy it commands, can not build a hut! It is even outflanked by a bird that builds a nest so warm that it enjoys whilst the elephants sleeps in the cold.

Some go an extra mile by comparing us with a bull or a camel which can be driven and rode by even a young boy without any resistance. But these are beasts guided by instincts not intellect like us.

If I were an African ruler, never would I go cap in hand begging. Instead I would utilize our resources and people to see to it that I revamp my economy. It is excruciatingly degrading to find an old man the age of Mbeki or Kuffor to kow tow before such young leaders from rich countries who, that by comparison, are just like their own kids.

Stephen Harper (Canada), Nicolas Sarkozy ( France ), Angela Merkel ( Germany ), Tony Blair ( Britain ) and Shinzo Abe ( the then Japan premier), are young guys in their early fifties. Yet our rulers do not underscore this! For them money is better than their dignity and humanity! Shame on you!

This shamelessness, uselessness, hopelessness -where the vital human qualities and dignity are ignored by the so-called leaders-show that Africa still needs stable and sane leaders instead of rulers she currently has. This is caused by the fact that Asian and Latin American poor countries of which some are even poorer than some African countries did not gate crash the summit. They did not want to degrade themselves simply because they would be rewarded for that by being tossed coins or a morsel.

If poverty without morality would have been the reasons, one would expect to see rulers of Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Haiti, Costa Rica and what not on the fore front of begging. But despite being poor, these guys are not ready to strip naked. They?can?t stomach?washing their linens in the agora.

There are some countries which did away from begging and they are doing much better than even Africa . Take Cuba for example. For over 40 years it has been illegally and maliciously sanctioned by the US. But again, by utilizing its natural resources wisely and bravely?has soldiered and has even been able to help other poor countries.

Mwalimu Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania, did not subject himself before rich countries. He hated to be called a ‘good boy’. Yet he performed more wonderfully than any other president who came thereafter despite being backed by rich countries!

Currently Hugo Chavez (Venezuela) by teaming up with staunch neo-socialists such as Nestor Kitcner (Argentina),Evo Morales (Bolivia), Daniel Ortega (Nicaragua), Rafael Correa (Ecuador) and others whose stand is in between like Brazil’s Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, Chavez intends to break the jigsaw which we were made to believe is unsolvable. These guys are embarking on what they called socialist revolution. Chances are that they are going to succeed.

While one is wondering of the logic behind Africa’s begging satisfaction, there is yet another wonder. Do you know that some of African rulers are richer than those of the countries they beg from? Why not if they are ruling by the law of the jungle whereby a ruler is, but a demigod?

Whereas African rulers invest in their private business, those in rich countries invest in their people. So our poverty is not God-given. It is certainly unscrupulously man-made. How many African rulers rob their countries’ coffers so as to purchase arms for their private armies?

These guys are good at deal making. Look at Goldenberg and Anglo leasing scandals in Kenya . Look at Richmond, radar, IPTL and others in Tanzania. Who are behind them? They are those who told you they loved you whilst in actual fact their love is to stab you on the back!

While our beggars in suits are burning our money, our people are starving. They are left to non governmental organizations to desperately fend for them. Some of them like World Vision are doing so by advertising such degrading photos of our poor and ignorant people in Europe and America. Who cares? Shame on you all so-called leaders!

Africa has every reason to forge ahead. One thing though is amiss, leadership. When will our rulers behave responsibly like human beings?

Please take a leaf. Begging will never free Africa. Are we together?


nkwazigatsha@yahoo.com?blog; mpayukaji.blogspot.com

Jicho la Kijiweni

Laiti kama tuzo ya ‘Mo’ ingetua kijiweni…
Mpayukaji Msemahovyo
BAADA ya mkuu mng’atufu kujibu mapigo kwa uoza, kijiwe kimekutana ghafla kutoa msimamo.
Tunashangaa na kuhuzunika, tunalaani kitendo cha jamaa huyu kusema hawezi kujibu eti ni mambo ya kisiasa!
Pili, tunashangilia kukosa tuzo ya mabilioni ya Mo. Ingekuwa aibu na pigo kwetu: ungekuwa msiba na angejidai jamaa yetu.
Mpemba aliyerejea kutoka Nzega kuzomea analianzisha. “Yakhe mmesikia Nkapa alivo jeuri? Eti asema hawezi jibu shutuma kwa vile za kisiasa! Huu ujambazi mpya walahi, asema alindwa na katiba. Walahi hii ati!”
Machungi hangoji. “Mgosi unashangaa! Mzee husema kaya inaiingiwa. Kwei inaiingiwa sana. Tisipoamka na kupambana na hawa titajikuta hatina hata nchi, wataiuza hawa mafisi.”
Kachokoza nyuki! Kapende anadanda na mic. “Tuni tuni lazima aambiwe laivu huu ni ujambazi na uhuni hata kama wa wazito. Mbona wakati tukiweka na kuchukua alijifanya mtu wakati fisi? Tuandamane kumlaaani hata kumzomea kama tulivyofanya kwa wezi wenzie.”
Mkurupukaji anaikurupukia mic. “Hakuna kitu kimenikuna kama jamaa kunyimwa tuzo ya Mo. Angejidai na kutuzodoa. Angepewa, ingekosa maana. Ingekuwa sawa na kumpa mlevi tuzo ya utauwa. Wenzetu kimataifa wameishastuka. Unacheza na mtandao nini?”
Mzee mzima singoji kukaribishwa. Nalamba mic.
“Kama wanakaya wamemuogopa sasa ajue nitamfungulia mashitaka binafsi. Akishinda yeye, mkewe na mwanawe na Alter ego yake YonaeDan, nitawapata. Wao watajificha kwenye nini: hawakuwa wakuu?”
Mzee utamshitaki wapi: “Mapilato wote ni wateuliwa wake? Naona tungemtokea na mawe tukafunga mitaa na kumsaka popote alipo ili dunia ijue kaya imeamka. Kibaka ni kibaka hata awe mfalme.”
Mchunguliaji anakuja na mpya. “Wananchi ndiyo hakimu. Kwanza acha nimtapikie asikie. Tunituni ulipayuka, kuropoka, kutapika na… nasi hatukukopeshi tunakupa laivu kuwa wewe si safi, tena chovu. Naomba Mungu hiyo mali ikutokee puani. Kumbaff! wote wanaoshabikia upuuzi na ufisadi.”
Kijiwe hakina mbavu kwa anavyopayuka.
Mzee Maneno hajivungi anakwanyua mic. “Hapa lazima tutoe tamko rasmi kuwa tunalaani wizi wa Tunituni, nkewe na washirika wake wote wawe wameishang’atuka au wanaendelea kuiba inshallah Mungu yupo atawaamsha wanakaya wawasulubu,” alisema.
Katia mafuta motoni! Makengeza anavyotukuta akimnasa Tunituni au nkewe anaweza kufa na mtu. Analamba mic. “Mwenzenu mie lazima niende kwa akina mgosi lau nitupe jiwe moja kwenye hekalu lake.”
Kapende naye hataki apitwe: “Nyie mnamlaumu Tunituni bure. Namshukuru kwa kutufumbua macho. Isingetokea hii nani angejua kuwa huyu naye na kundi lake wana mpango wa kukwapua? Huoni amechukua mafisi na uoza wote aliokuwa nao Tunituni. Kimsingi hawa ni mapacha.”
Mzee Mdomo naye anapoka mic atugune. “Mijizi kweli haina adabu na aibu. Ulimuona yule jambazi wa kike mwenzie na kibaka Tunituni eti anachangisha pesa ya misosi! Tutamwaminije wakati tunamdharau kwa kuwa kibaka na familia na mashoga zake?
Msomi anajilisha upepo. Mbona akina Suharto, Estrada, Fujimori na Chiluba walikuwa wakiota kinga mfu kama yeye: wemefikishwa pakanga.
Katiba hailindi ulafu ila makosa yatokanayo na ofisi, si familia. Wasitufanye hatujui sheria. Nimesoma Constitutional jurisprudence bwana. Anajidanganya sharti arobaini yake ifike.
Tusipomnasa yeye tutamnasa mkewe, mtoto au mashoga zake kama alivyosema mzee mzima pale. Tusitegemee mkuu au mapilato kutusaidia bali sisi wenyewe ambao ni mahakama tosha. Warumi husema ‘vox populi vox Dei’.
Kabla ya kuendelea naona mzee Maneno anataka kupinga kuchanganya kimombo. Msomi keshaliona anakula tena mic. “Nitafsiri wazee. Maana yake ni sauti ya wengi ni sauti ya Mungu, je, wao ni nani wapingane na Mungu? Lazima tuwaambie Ikulu ni yetu si ya mama zao waitumie kutuibia.
“Tunituni Makapu asidanganywe na utetezi mfu wa kina Walioboa wala Cheka cheka mzururaji.
“Wanakaya lazima tuamke tuwaonyeshe kuwa kaya hii ni yetu, si ya wazazi wao, narudia.
“Kama tumeweza kuwazomea wenzao tunashindwa nini kuchukua mabango kufanya kweli?”
Anainua kombe lake na kupiga busu kutuliza usongo na kukusanya mapwenti.
Kuonyesha kijiwe hiki hakimuogopi yeyote hata awe na magwanda, leo tutoe tamko la kuwalaani Tunituni na Mzuraraji mtalii na yule Lwasha na Rasta Azoza.
“Wanakaya tumeanza na kuzomea. Tutamalizia kwa kufanya kweli. Tazameni yaliyojiri kule Tanga na Tandahimba.”
Kabla ya kuendelea kuzoza Mgosi anaingilia. “Je, ya Tanga iikuwa cha mtoto. Azima tufanye kwei. Kwanini kaya nyingine wameweza sisi tisiweze? Timeogwa na nani, nyie wanakaya kia kitu kiko wazi mbee yenu?”
Watu hatuna mbavu anavyokandamiza kisambachi!
Msomi anaendelea. “Kwenye kitabu kipya cha tajiri wa Marekani, Donald Trump anasema. Hili ni tusi kubwa. Tajiri anasema ikibidi hubidika, usitafune maneno. Nami niseme we’ill kick their …." Kabla ya kuendelea kadi nyekundu inaashiliwa na mzee Ndomo. Anasema. “Msomi najua umechukia. Ila ung’eng’e umezidi ndugu yangu.”
”Okay mzee wangu, sina tafsiri ya hili. Halafu jamaa huyu Trump ana njuluku kama hana akili nzuri. Ila alisema kuwa lipi tusi kusema au kutenda?
“Nikija kwenye tuzo ya Mo. Ingekwenda kwa kakumba wetu ingekuwa aibu ya mwaka. Basi kwa taarifa mie ndiye Uvuruge. Nilimtwanga e-mail Mo mwenyewe asifanye ushoga na Tunituni.”
Kabla ya kuendelea kijiwe hakina mbavu kwa anavyotuvunga utadhani msanii na wanakaya au jambazi wake wa dege! Anadhani hatujui kama wanavyodhani majambawazi wetu!
Anaendelea: “Kama kuna tuzo ya kibri basi na apewe tutamuunga mkono wakati tukipanga kumtia adabu na wenzake.
“Kwanza niwachekeshe.” Anageukia wanakijiwe na kuendelea. “Nimecheka kusikia eti jamaa ana Ngo ya kupambana na ukimwi! Hivi kuna ukimwi kama kuuza na kuiibia nchi yetu? Yeye Ngo mkewe Ngo bado kijana wake. Hii kwangu ni miradi ya kuzidi kuwamaliza watu. Finish.”
Mzee Maneno naye anaongezea. “Kweli. Kama anatupenda atueleze kwanini alichezea patakatifu pa patakatifu petu.
Huu nao ni usanii kama wa jamaa zake wanaomlinda badala ya kulinda kaya. Jamani, tutoe tamko la kumlaani jamaa huyu na wenzake.
Wasituhadae na miradi ya kijamii wakati wanaibia jamii halafu wanajitia kiburi kuwa hawawezi kuongelea siasa. Huu ni udokozi siyo siasa wala nini. Nalaani vitendo hivi. Naomba kutoa hoja.”
Kijiwe kinalipuka na kusema. “Walaaaniwe walaaniwe wazomewe wazomewe na mwishowe wapigwe na kutimuliwa.
Taarifa Mbwa Mwitu hajarudi toka Tandahimba alipokwenda kuhamasisha kuwashughulikia mafisadi ambao wameishaonja joto ya mwamko wa wanakaya. Yaelekea ndiye alilitia kibiriti lile hekalu la jamaa.
Hii ndiyo hasara ya vyombo vya kaya kukosa imani kiasi cha kulazimisha wanakaya kuchukua sheria mikononi.
Tukiwa ndiyo tunaanza kutanua kwa sana, mara gari la polisi lilipita, tukaanza kulimwagia maji machafu.
nkwazigatsha@yahoo.com

Conundrum: Will Kikwete stomach this?

Will Kikwete dissolve his cabinet?




The knuckle hop torturing many analysts even myth busters is to rightly predict if and when President Jakaya Kikwete will dissolve/reshuffle/re-cycle his carbuncular cabinet.

Many would like to see all sanctimonious hoopoes have their wings broken or in other words, all allegedly implicated top dogs- in dirty acts- be left in the lurch and hit the road either to the court or oblivion altogether.



Many have strongly urged Kikwete to do the right thing by defrocking all ministers implicated in Dr. Willibroad Slaa’s "list of shame" which sparked huge ambers the country over and beyond.

Methinks, naturally, Kikwete has all reasons to do away from political outlandish hobnob and put forth national interests. Some doubt though. They argue. If he does, where will he be, if at all he is on top of this list of shame? Is this the fact that gives him cold feet? Please tell me not to exonerate him because he is president. Don’t even jog my mind through rigorous provisions of the constitution under which former president; Benjamin Mkapa is wrongly and undeservedly seeking refuge. But if we rightly and legally interpret the provisions of the constitution, there is no shelter whatsoever for individual misdeeds but ones for presidency.

This is my conservatively solid and stolid take. How can Kikwete be exonerated of the alleged crimes committed before ascending to power? We’re told: the mother of all scandals, IPTL, was conceived and signed when he was minister responsible for energy. Likewise bogus hiked radar, presidential jet, and even the demise of the late National Bank of Commerce have Kikwete’s hand as a member of inner sanctum of Mkapa. He then was the one responsible for running errand on behalf of the then government. So up to this juncture, Kikwete as minister not president- mind you- has no way to escape the throe of these "children" the Mkapa government he served sired.

For those kinder enough to spare the man should help and tell us the law they are employing if any. To make their job easier- let them be warned- politics should never been brought in at all.

After all, Kikwete can also be implicated under the doctrine of collective responsibility in that he was Mkapa’s minister. So he is liable to all "sins" resulting from all blunders the regime made. Hither is where constitutional escape can be embarked on if necessary to enable him deal with his people.


Venturing into his role as president, there is blip of doubts to aver that his government -just like that of his predecessor- has already sent mixing signals. It has already ushered in another bogus company to deal with the same business as IPTL. This is Richmond-Dowan deal. Had Kikwete handed this seriously and diligently, he’d be considered for exoneration.


Another fact that shows Kikwete has the muscle (but not the will),-after being exonerated- to fire his lieutenants, apart from being implicated, some disciples are so powerful that it becomes difficult to know who is who in the goings-on in this show.

Take a person like Edward Lowassa, Kikwete’s altar ego-cum premier,-about whom much bugaboo and hullabaloo have been aired- commands immense power and influence that, of necessity, he can use to survive all dangers he faces. Nobody should belittle him or ignore the role friendship (though perilous), can vitally play. There is precedent of the whole fast tracking of the murder-turned-manslaughter case of Ditopile Mzuzuri, the best friend of president and then RC for Tabora.

Despite all hardship and complexity, Kikwete still have some alternatives. He can take a leaf from neighboring countries of Kenya and Uganda.

When Mwai Kibaki’s government found itself in the same situation as Kikwete’s, he closed his eyes and fired his right-hand-man-cum relative; the then powerful and influential minister of National Security, Dr. Chris Murungaru. In this purge Kibaki also fired his classmate-cum-longtime friend, David Mwiraria, the then minister for finance. Also Kiraitu Murungi the then also powerful minister for constitutional affairs was flashed out till the duo of the trio namely Mwiraria and Murungi were cleared of their allegations. Unfortunately though, Murungaru has never returned due to the magnitude of his accusations.

This year we witnessed the strong man in Uganda, Yoweri Museveni crucifying his three ministers all of health after it came to light that they stole public money. Maj. Gen Jim Muhwezi a tribesman of Museveni and comrade in arm had to hit the road and face the music. He is lucky. He fled the country. His two deputies Mike Mukula and Alex Kamugisha are still in hot soup. Museveni does not appear to pull any string in the whole process.

Kibaki and Museveni are not hobbledehoys in politics. When their governments were embattled, they resorted into noble deeds in order to save themselves. They know what public angers mean. They sacrificed their closest allies and friends to suite the demand of wananchi (their employers). Will Kikwete take a leaf from his neighbors? The choice is his.

There is another kettle of fish for Kikwete to apply for his peril though. This is to do things the way Daniel arap Moi, former president of Kenya did. But this is costly and dangerous. It should never be entertained even employed.

When Moi’s best friend and tribesman Nicholas Kipyator Biwott- the most hated- was implicated in sabotage, murder and what not, Moi did not let him go! He loved and used him in doing almost all of his dirty laundry. In a nutshell, they politically died together as they saw the then powerful Kanu crumbling to the oblivion. They realized late as the morsel had already slipped out of their mouths!

In the first two years of their demise, they did not even visit each other as it was before. After their past evils resurfaced under Kibaki’s regime, they inevitably salvaged their ties and came together to serve the man who in return seems to ignore their sins.

This also has its price. If there will be fair play in the coming presidential elections in Kenya, chances are the thud can be heard the world over when a huge tree once again is brought down.

Going back to our bone, Kikwete can fire his ministers and safely survive. First of all, this will defuse the angers of the general public. Secondly his allegations can be reduced given that he did so under somebody’s watch.

Thirdly, by diffusing the anger of the people it can be easier for them to even forgive and spare him from Armageddon.

But if he employs mea culpa as he stays put to save his friends, things may get out of control and cascade into chaos and vindication in the near future. The easy way out of this drama whereby the man has his back on the wall, is to let the guys go in order to save his presidency. He needs to remember his oath of office. "I shall diligently and "justiciuosly" serve my country and her people. Help me God", not I shall protect and save my friends against the people.

Though human beings dishonor their vows and oaths just because the God they invoked is unseen, the experience of those who fell from grace shows that God does punish the oath violators. Who wants his president to face the wrath of God and wananchi? Will Kikwete keep on crossing swords with wananchi who in a way have some blemishes for not being cautious when they were voting?

Now that the used to be weak and inert opposition is healing its wounds, things can fall apart. The results of smear campaigns used in 2005 can add up and turn the tables.
Well, will Kikwete let go his full of maculae friends in order to salvage his already tarnished and standoffish presidency or risk it? Will he save the best for last? Who knows in such willy-nilly hocus pocus? May be he’ll see the light. What do I know? Adios amigos.

Analysis: Are our academicians a let down?

NKWAZI NKUZI MHANGO

WHEN I look at our cabinet lining and even the parliament and other top dogs of Tanzania and Africa in general, I find myself muffled, and even appalled. Africa has her bigger share of the most corrupt academicians on the planet. It is the leading continent on earth that has the most backward looking regimes in power.

If we examine Tanzania, for example, the picture is so grim. The current cabinet consists of many educated figures; there are professors, doctors and others who theoretically sadly know what education really is and mean. It is a multifarious congregation of underutilized talents and knowledge.

Looking at what I shall call deplorable and white elephant-like shining certificates these guys say they have attained, one would expect them to perform mutatis-mutandis in concordance with what their certificates show and tell. But do they perform as they are expected? Sadly a big NAY! They lack credibility. Spare me. I mean academics in political capacities who fail others in their fields by carrying impracticable policies based on self serving.

This appalls beyond imagination. Shall the current cabinet be compared to the first one shortly after independence; one will find that the latter, if anything, is, but a termite hill compared to the mountain under Mwalimu Nyerere.

When the two governments are clinically examined, it becomes evident that the first one was clinically fit while the latter is diseased and possessed. The achievements of the former still resonate even at present thirty years down the line. Instead of filling in the holes the pugilistic Nyerere era left, they are ripping-off everything and are trying to quote and copy everything from the former without any success! They conspicuously have nothing to add save to reduce! This translates into loss making and corrupt outfit or sort of thing instead of being an academic exemplary one.

On almost all rostra everybody is chest beating to toe the line Nyerere way. Behind the curtains, hell, what a let down! Our academics are messed up with and immersed in corruption. If we can openly ask them, aren?t they backward looking elites? If not why then don?t they have any in-put equivalent, or closer to, or much more advanced than Nyerere?s?

When did it start to rain on us? History has it that we had a handful educated people on the day we attained our independence. This lack of educated people badly disturbed the founder of the nation, Mwl. JK Nyerere so much that he declare war on ignorance.

At the beginning our chief foe was ignorance contrary to the present whereby the arch enemy seems to be rotten elites who are plundering our resources. This is an evident reminder that either our education system needs to be reviewed and overhauled or we are undergoing academic bankruptcy, so to speak.

If you look at how corruption is becoming sine qua non, tolerated and defended, you will agree with me that there is a very huge problem. Go to all nitty-gritty as far as accountability and performance are concerned in our country. You will be astounded as I am. Behind almost every table there is an educated person. On the top of every ministry, department and other institutions, there are educated guys. But when you look at their performances you doubt the merit and legality of their certificates.

My palaver today singles out some of the elites from whom the root of our pell-mell state originates. They are politicians turned ones. They are held accountable because the policies they make are the ones that have brought all this purgatory we are in.

At one time when I was on vacation, one old man asked me what I was aspiring to become after my studies. By then I remember I was in O? Level.

I told him I would like to become president! This left him in stitches! He then asked me. Like Mwalimu Nyerere? I answered in the affirmative.

He then said. I am sorry for you. Don?t you see the way the gentleman is becoming skinner and skinner because those he gave education have turned against him?

He added: ?By the way, what is wrong with education? When I look at how we?re robbed; and compare the present leadership with our chiefdoms, I conclude that modern education is about learning how to rip-off uneducated mass!?

His demagogue did not impress me. But again it struck my heart and hurt my feelings. His observations have hunted me since then.

It gets worse when I see the way our people are crying and weeping due to corruption and selfishness. Indeed it is surreal! How will they stop crying and weeping if at all what they thought would be the way forward is shibboleth?

How will they not complain if sheer shilly-shally is the order of the day in high circles of power?

To do away from the miseries the people used to face under colonial rule, they invested heavily in education, hoping to reap the benefits. Every family took kids to school so as to see the light. Here stranded we are now. Those we heartedly and fully supported to emancipate us are the same guys who are stabbing us in the navel!

Go and ask who is behind all these stinking corrupt practices. All of them are educated guys who shamelessly prey on us! They believe they will get away with it always. Because they are groggily fighting heaven and earth to keep us gloomed and brainwashed for ever.

Mtwa Mkwawa and Mirambo with their rudimentary weapons gave Germany the heck. Is there any African country that can face off with them presently?

Though with a poor hurdy-gurdy, one musician put it that, ?usomi wa mtu hauondoi upumbavu? wake literally meanig education does not stamp out one?s folly!

The late Abeid Karume, the first president of Zanzibar was not among the elite of the time. But he built Michenzani flats which since then have never been revamped nor given a worthy face lift. Doctors stepped into his shoes after his passing away. What did they do to realize his dreams? Nothing! Salmin Amour knows well what I mean. Dr. Ghalib Bilal can nicely ponder about it if he cares. If Karume happens to come to life again today and takes the trouble of going through the list of the mumbo jumbos and dilly dollies that sat on his chair, he will indeed slap someone and spit in his face!

Who is practically educated between Mzee Karume and these elites of our time? Karume was not a self seeker or a lame duck. He did whatever he thought to be right independently and without doubts.

Mzee Edwin Mtei, the renowned governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), is a moderate educated person compared to the current one. Go and inspect their books and see what everyone did. You will find an astounding difference like heaven and crust.

Going back to our academicians, they must be told point blank that they have to go to make way for ably and competent people who can nicely use their education for the good of this nation.

The government has to listen to our legitimate grievances and work on them instead of using so-called elites to feed us with empty promises. Our people are brave enough to tell us how they feel about and evaluate us. We thus need to be brave enough to listen to them as we accomplish goals or pack and jump into water. And when facing this reality, our failed kit and caboodle of elites, should never go gaga. They too should not wait for the hoi polloi to try their ways of securing answers. It will be a catastrophe. Take a leaf.

This is how we look at them. Vox populi vox Dei.

Let?s take the bull by its horn and demand explanations.

Jicho la Kijiweni

NIMEZINYAKA za Idodomya mjini mkuu usio mkuu ila wenye makuu.

Ndipo kigwena cha ulaji na usanii cha nambari wahedi kinakutana kulamba njuluku zetu na mkuu kuonyesha ufalme na mazingaombwe yake. Naelekea ulabuni nikitafakari kila sanaa, mizengwe, rushwa za kuombea kura ya kula na ujidhalilishaji wa waliowahi kuwa waheshimiwa.

Namuona mkuu akichomoa mvinyo wa kale na kuuweka mezani. anumwaga wa kale. Ni mvinyo aina ya Peas Msukwa. Ule wa Johnnie Machelani unamwagwa kwenye jalala!

Kuishi kwingi kuona mengi! Mivinyo wenye tofauti ya miezi 12 hakuna tofauti ya umri.

Kibaya walevi wamedanganyika. Wanashangilia kugeuzwa majuha!

Abishae ajikumbushe walivyomshangilia msanii kutoa mvinyo wa kale aliouita mpya.

Nilijua mkuu hatataka tena mvinyo aina ya Johnnie. Ulijitia ukali kama Butuku ukapayuka huku nao ukitokota usijue uko kwenye chupa ya mwenyewe!

Tuache mambo ya ulevi. Nampongeza babu Pius Msekwa kuukwaa umakamu na daraja la ujana. Nampa pole kijana wa zamani John Malecela kwa kutupwa nje, lakini kubaki na heshima kubwa. Ndiyo siasa hizo ndugu yangu hasa za mizengwe kujuana na kulipana fadhila. Usikonde John vuka pazia kama akina Mtei kama utaona namna gani vipi.

John nilikuonya kuwa maneno uliyotamka kuwa Jakaya asafishe nyumba yake ashughulikie mafisadi yatakurudi. Hukujua kuwa naye alitajwa? Shauri yako.

Baada ya kumaliza kuwapongeza na kuwapa pole wahusika sasa natoa tathmini ya maajabu ya mwaka huu wa machungu.

Mosi ni ajabu ahadi ya Kanani kugeuka ya motoni na wadanganyika wasiasi!

Pili ni ajabu waheshimiwa kukesha wakiwanga wakisaka kura za kula. Freddie sumaiye na Dk. Haribu Bilhali mpo?

Tatu ni ajabu kijana wa fomu wani kuwa na akili na busara kuliko Luwasha kiasi cha kumtwanga swali akashindwa kulifuta. Siyo chuku yalitokea Ukara.

Ni ajabu ya pekee mkuu kupendekeza kuunda kamati ya kushughulikia madini wakati Buzwagi zilishahitimisha zoezi.

Je, ni sanaa mpya ya kutia moyo na kukwepa ili kufunika madai ya sasa? Silaha upo? Je utaukwaa huo mkenge kama wadanganyika? Mie simo! Nakushauri umbane kwanza awawajibishe wanaosababisha kuhitajika “marekebisho” haya. Wapo. Kuna Chwenge Anderea na Niziro Kadamage.

Ajabu jingine ni mkuu kutovunja baraza zigo la mawaziri. Kisa? Linachapa mzigo sana . Limefanikiwa kuvuka hata malengo kwa kuwa na kashfa lukuki ndani ya kipindi kifupi.

Ajabu la maajabu ni mkuu kuendelea na ziara ughaibuni. Alituvunga kwa kupunguza kidogo. Sasa ameanza kwa kasi mpya na staili mpya ya kufungua mikutano ya kimataifa! Lakini pesa inayopotea si ni ile ile?

Huu ni wakati wa maajabu jabu jabu! Ajabu jingine? Mkuu kufunga ndoa na wafanyibiashara. Ndoa hii ilifungwa mjini Nyunyoko kwa rais Joji Pori Kichaka.

Usichoke. Maajabu yanaendelea. Kaya kugeuka Tierra del Fuego au nchi ya mioto. Tandahimba wanyonywaji walichoma hekalu la mbaya wao. Bi’mulo kituo cha usalama hakikuwa salama. Kilitiwa nari! Mwe! Amani ipo hapa kweli? Je huu siyo mwamko mpya kwa kasi mpya na zari mpya?

Moto ukitesa, chinga waliamua kuuongezea kinono kwa kuchoma beramu ya nambari wani Iringa! Kipute hiki kikiendelea, wazomewa ndiyo usiseme huko madongo poromoka! Mmoja alizidiwa na hasira hadi akaitungua kopta kwa jiwe si RPG! Huyu akipata bomu, atakuwa mwanachama safi wa mradi wangu hapa chini. Ajabu la mwisho? Kukua uchumi kwa takwimu za kupika! Haya we! Uchumi umekuwa wakati shida zikikua, bei ndiyo usiseme? Bado ufisadi.

Ngoja niende kupata kwanza. Baada ya kuutwika, nakurubia home. Uchache nimeunguza. Ngoja niimbe kumsifia mama Kidume kumlainisha.

Nembogha eee X2
Nembogha ee Nembogha nitakufa.

Nitakufa aaa nitakufa mama,
Nitakufa nitakufa nitakufa bila wewe.

Danganyika aaaX2
Danganyika aa Danganyika nitakufaaa,
Danganyika nitakufa nitakufa kukulinda.

Nitaua eee X2
Wee! Stupid bastard we! Koma hujui huo uchochezi
kutishia walaji waliobarikiwa?

Kama mbaya mbaya. Mweleka! Jasho linabubujika ka’ maji!

Najisemea: Boha la leo si bomba, kajaza maji mama Sheki. Ngoja nimpake. We mama Shekimweli, hujui nina mpango wa kuanzisha kundi la Al-Kayada (kirefu Al. Kayadanganyika), kuwalipua wanaowadhulumu wenzao! Jina langu ni Musama bin Laban. Upo hapo?

Nakwenda chini tena!

Najikusanya na kupiga mbinja na kuendelea: Baada ya kuona kuwa kuanzisha dini ni utapeli tena wa kumchezea mzee mwenyewe huko juu, sasa nalianzisha potelea kote.

Naanzisha kupambana na magaidi wa kiuchumi na kisiasa.

Gaidi Joji Pori Kichaka hatahangaika nami. Sipiganii mafuta na dini. Kichaa changu ni Kaya yangu Danganyika.

Sitahubiri ufufuko wa wokovu. Nitahubiri kifo. Ukifa ukipigania Danganyika: peponi moja dairekti. Utapata utajiri kama Magabacholi na kufaidi ngo… we koma!

Naona kama mshirika yupo dirishani. Ngoja nimpambe.

Naanza kuimba.

Nembogha weeX2
Shetani na mbuyu nami na wewe.

Kama akina nanihino wa kule Idodompya,
Mimi na Nembogha.

Lisirikali na Magabacholi,
Mpayu na Nembogha. Ninihiiii nonohoo!

Nikimfunga kamba haninyimi kitu. Chajio, chausiku na hata ngo…. We stoooopu! Hapo hapo; don’t cross the line. Nikipasha umombo unapaa kichizi!

Nimekumbuka. Siri ya magabacholi kutajirika na wasionekane kwenye madudu ya akina Richmondu, Deep Green, Tangold ni nini? Je hawaparuri? Mzigo mzito mtwishe Mnyamwezi?

Mbona walihonga wakaingia kijiwe cha uheshimiwa wakati siasa yao ni pesa siyo chama wala nchi?

Nani anamdanganya nani? Juzi walitaka kuniitia polisi wanibambike kesi. Nitawakomesha. Nikianza mchezo wa kujial-qaida watanishitaki kwa nani?

Sitanii nitakufa na watu. Kuzomea cha mtoto shurti nifanye kweli kieleweke.

Ngonja niimbe. Pwaa chini!

Hakuna Mungu kama wewe Mfumo eee eeeX2
No nimelewa sistahili kumtukuza Mungu kama wale jamaa wa majoho wanaomtia midole machoni kuhubiri maji wakanywa mvinyo.

Hakuna mwizi kama wewe Kwekwe aaaa
Hakuna mwizi kama washa aaa aaa
Unakomba aaa.

Hii sasa siasa. Nimeachana na siasa na kuanzisha ugaidi mtakatifu. Najua vimbelembele watanilaani kuwa nahatarisha amani ya Kaya. Kuna amani hapa iwapo tunageuza mafala mchana kweupe? Mijitu inakwiba njuluku zetu inakuja kutunafiki itatupeleka kwenye maulaji! Ulaji gani: mnakula bila kunawa mkinya humo humo kama mainzi?

Mandhani sisi ni kama wale fisi mnaowatupia uchafu wenu wawasaliti wenzao? Hatuna roho ya mbweha bwana.

Hatuna roho mtakakitu wala mtenda chafu kama nyinyi.

Hata kama ni walevi tuna roho mtakatifu wa kuikomboa kaya.

Naona hilo nalo na kitambi mimba chake linanishangaa badala ya kujishangaa na kujisikitikia! Kuna nini humo tumboni kama si rushwa?

Ngoja nilisogelee nilipashe. Wewe nakujua. Baba yako alikuwa kibaka na babu yako muwindaji wa ndezi. Leo una mijumba na mgari wako mkubwa! Ngoja nitakula nanyi kia-Al-qaida Al-qaida ndiyo kieleweke. Ngoja niengoee kwa kimombo kuonyesha namaanisha siriyasi. My main and only target is the Gang of Self-serving Goons (GSG).

Unapandisha vioo: mie mvua! Mnaogopa hata mvua ya maneno mbwa nyie! Ku.. ndigisi, kumbaff na wenzako.

Eti linajiita mwanaume! Ungekuwa mwanaume ungewekwa kinyumba na waliokuhonga cheo? Mngekuwa wanaume mngetetemeshwa na washitiri wanaowatumia kama nepi? Linajiita heshimiwa! Heshimiwa au laaniwa! Mbona linaishi kwa haramu kama shimo la choo?

Lione. Ngoja nikupayukie hata kama umefunga vioo. Nyinyi na mfalme wenu wote hovyo kabisa. Mnawaibia wana kaya halafu mnajichekesha chekesha! Ala! Pambaff.

Nyie sawa na mbwa wa kizungu. Nawalisha kwa jasho langu. Ni sawa na mbu. Nawalisha kwa damu yangu.

Ohoo! Ngoja……