"Natangaza nitakufa leo mchana", afanya kweli

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Kikongwe mmoja nchini Kanada ameshangaza dunia kwa kutangaza kifo chake na kukitekeleza kama alivyoahidi. Gillian Bennett wa B.C aliamua kujiua baada ya kusumbuliwa na ugonjwa wa kupoteza  kumbukumbu, dimentia kwa muda hadi anajiua. Pamoja na kuchukua uamuzi mgumu, Bennett anasema kuwa licha ya kuchoka na maisha ameamua kukoa kiasi cha Dola za Kanada 75,000 ambazo walipa kodi wangetoa kumtunza kwa mwaka. Kwa habari zaidi BOFYA HAPA.

Why boozers hate red carpet?

          Although many people, especially the high and mighty in the upper echelons of power love red carpet, I must admit.  Boozers hate it due to the fact that its presence and the pride it emanates have caused a lot of miseries to boozers, especially, in ever-and-over-begging countries. When it comes to abusing and doting red carpet, African potentates are second to none. Wherever they are, there’s a red carpet. It is different from our former colonial masters to whom red carpet is a thing of the past. Look at the president of the most powerful nation on earth, US, Barack Obama. He sets foot on whatever’s on the floor whether it is black or yellow carpeted. Atypically, when these carpet lovers die, aren't buried with their beloved red carpet.

          I know. Many people’d like to know why our ever-begging tops love the red carpet. Firstly, they want to be recognized. Don’t say that they’re suffering from inferiority complex or colonial carryover. Nay, why shouldn't they show off the same way colonial governors used to do? They’re enjoying the beauties and goodies of power. Even when they fly, they fly in the first class in order to enjoy their phony grandeur and showcase the difference between them and common bin-Adams.

          Another important factor that forces our biggies to love red carpet’s the fact that colonial governors used all such abracadabra to inculcate fear in our people. Who doesn't want his subject to fear him so that they don’t endanger his power? Power must be feared and felt. Don’t you see them accompanied by tens of unwanted body guards and convoy of vehicles wherever they go pointlessly? Unwanted body guards spend a lot of our dosh. Who are they afraid if they always tell us that they’re in power for our good?

Why paupers whose rules depend on donors buy and use the red carpet? It can’t be me. Any sane mind can’t stomach or espouse such indignation or self-seeking. It boggles mind to find that 50 years after independence we’re still doing the same things as if we don’t learn. Who wants to learn something that diminishes or looms his power like spending wisely? Why spending wisely while you've a lot of paupers to pay tax for your enjoyment?

Oftentimes, red carpet is purely a sign and symbol of self-seeking, selfishness, ignorance, corruption, better than thou and colonial mentality not to mention lack of self-confidence as a people. For, if you ask red-carpet fans the logic behind using and loving it, the answer they’ll offer is: This is how it’d be. Why? For, when they took over from colonial masters red carpet as one of the trappings of the game. This shows how we still slog under the aftereffects of colonialism despite cheating ourselves that we’re independent. If we’re, it is but theoretically. Practically we’re still colonized even if this colonialism is manned by black colonialists. Colonialism is colonialism regardless to who’s on the helm.

Let’s think together.  Ask yourself. How much money Africa’s already sank since independence buying the red carpet for our potentates? How many schools or hospitals this money’d build. How many megawatts such money’d produce? How many lives would such money save and serve? How many kids such money’d see go to school and better their lives? Again, who cares? Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely? Since power became an eating-for-free frenzy, who cares or bothers if at all power if about, “This-our-time- to- eat madness?”

As the days go by and the so-called democracy shrives. So too, the love of tapis rouge for the rulers of former colonies is surging. Why? Is it because people say one thing and do another as far as politics is concerned? Before being elected to presidency they used to rub shoulders with us.  They used to walk on dusty roads, roads whose carpet is red dust. After being sworn in they become Behemoths that are afraid of us so as to misspend our dosh to let them ensconce themselves amid intimidating body guards.

Oddly, while beggars feel good to trample on the red carpet, their donors feel shame to do the same same simian business. For them, no red carpet befits them like to see their people’s lives improve than they turning themselves into demigods and Middle East sultans and emirs with petrodollar windfall.  This is why I hate red carpet especially if the said red carpet is loved by an earthling whose power emanates from the paupers going with empty stomachs as he enjoys the carpet.

Source: Guardian.

Tunapofundishwa Kiswahili na wasiokijua

          Hakuna ubishi. Kiswahili chimbuko lake ni Tanzania ingawa hali ilivyo, Tanzania itaanza kufundishiwa Kiswahili tena kibovu tokana na kuvuruga mfumo wake wa elimu. Tanzania, kama taifa, tumeanza kupoteza umakini kwa kiwango kikubwa. Wengi walitegemea tungenufaika na kuwa wenye lugha ya Kiswahili. Lakini wapi. Badala yake wanaonufaika na lugha hii adhimu inayopanuka kwa kasi barani Afrika na ulimwengu mzima si wengine bali wanafunzi wetu. Ukiachia mbali uzembe tulioonyesha kwenye nyanja za uongozi hata elimu na kujitambua, tumeonyesha aina nyingine ya uzembe ambapo tunapwakia kila kinachokuja kwetu bila kufikiri wala kuhoji.

Nani alitegemea kuwa Tanzania ingefundishwa au kuridhia kutumia Kiswahili kibovu au cha kupotoshwa? Hili kwa sasa ni dhahiri na halina ubishi na wala hakuna anayekereka nalo kiasi cha kuchukua hatua mujarabu.

Leo tutataoa mifano michache ya kuonyesha jinsi nchi ambayo ndiyo chimbuko la Kiswahili inavyofundishwa na wanafunzi wake tena maneno yaliyokosewa. Leo tutaongelea baadhi ya maneno tunayotumia vibaya kana kwamba hatuna maneno sahihi kwa dhana husika.

Hivi karibuni maneno ufisadi, fisadi na mafisadi yamesikika sana. Yamekuwa kile kwa kiingereza huitwa buzzwords yaani maneno yanayotumika sana kiasi cha kuwa kama fasheni. Kila unaposoma au kusikiliza vipindi redioni utasikia mafisadi, ufisadi au fisadi yakitumika kwa makosa kumaanisha kile kinachopaswa kuwa wahujumu, uhujumu na mhujumu kama tutatumia Kiswahili sahihi.

Ingawa neno fisadi ni la Kiswahili, halimaanishi wakosefu wa maadili kiuchumi bali kimahusiano. Na kama likitumika kumaanisha ukosefu wa maadili humaanisha watapanyaji na si wezi wanaoiba na kuficha au kutumia kwa anasa na matumizi mengine yasiyo utapanyaji. Fisadi kwa Kiswahili sahihi humaanisha mtu mchonganishi au mfujaji lakini si mwizi. Mtu wa karibu na fisadi ni mfitini anayeweza kufitini na kufitinisha watu sawa na fisadi ambaye ni mtu mwovu mwenye kufisidi na kugombanisha watu hasa wenye uhusiano mzuri akisikumwa na roho mbaya au wivu au kijicho. Ukiangalia maana halisi ya fisadi, unashangaa kugundua ni kwanini wahujumu hata wala rushwa wakaitwa mafisadi. Je wanamfisidi nani wakati wanachofanya ni kuhujumu au kumwibia fulani?

Ukiachia mbali neno fisadi, kuna dhana nyingine inakosewa sana. Dhana hiini kuhusiana na ajira. Kiswahili sahihi tunasema fulani ameajiriwa. Wenzetu ambao Kiswahili si lugha yao wanasema fulani kaandikwa kazi. Haileti maana zaidi ya kulazimisha dhana nzima. Hata ukiangalia historia ya ajira ya mswahili, utakuta kuajiriana mara nyingi kulihusisha vibarua mashambani ambako kila muajiriwa alipewa ngwe yake na kuifanya. Ajira hii haikuhitaji wala haikuwa na kuandikana hasa ikichukuliwa kuwa yalikuwa maridhiano na makubaliano ya watu wanaofahamiana na wengi wao wasiojua kusoma na kuandika. Sasa hii kumwandika mtu kazi imetoka wapi? Wenye kufahamu wanaweza kutuelimisha lau tujue na kujadili zaidi dhana hii tuone matumizi yake sahihi.

Dhana ya ajira haiishii kwenye kuandikwa bali inakwenda hadi kuleta dhana nyingine ambayo ni kufutwa kazi. Kwa vile aliyeajiriwa, kwa mujibu wa Kiswahili cha wenzetu ameandikwa basi kuachishwa kazi kwao ni kufutwa kazi. Kwa mswahili haswa mwenye kuimanya na kuitumia vizuri lugha ya Kiswahili mtu anaposita au kusitishwa kazi ima awe amestaafishwa au kuachishwa au kufukuzwa kazi. Hakuna cha kufutwa wala kuandikwa bali kuajiriwa na kufukuzwa kazi au kuachishwa ajira. Hii ni mifano tu. Yapo maneno mengi ambayo ima yanatumika kimakosa au yametengezwa na wenzetu kwa vile sisi hatuwezi. Mfano ni maneno kama runinga, rununu, na rukono yakimaanisha televisheni na simu ya kiganjani mtawalia. Je sisi hatuwezi kutengeza yetu mfano badala ya kutumia runinga tukasema kabapicha yaani kabati ya picha au pichambali? Ni mfano tu.

Pamoja na Kiswahili kuwa na historia ndefu na mfumo mzuri, bado waswahili wale wale wenye asili ya lugha yenyewe wamegeuka wazembe kiasi cha kufundishwa lugha potofu wakati walipaswa kutoa muongozo wa nini ni sahihi na nini si sahihi.

Je ni kwanini Tanzania imefikia hatua mbaya ya kufundishwa Kiswahili kwa mfano na Kenya? Japo jibu la swali hili ni refu sana, kwa ufupi, tunaweza kusema kuwa chanzo kizuri ni kuvurugwa na kuuawa kwa mfumo wetu wa elimu ambao unazalisha ima wasomi wasioiva kiasi cha kufikiri na kudurusu na kuandika mambo au wasiojua dhima nzima ya jukumu lao kama wasomi. Kutokana na hali hii ambayo imechangiwa na uhujumu kulhali katika kila nyanza, wasomi wamegeuzwa watu wa kufukuzia pesa hata kama ni kwa kutelekeza taaluma zao au kuziuza kwa yeyote ambaye anaweza kuzitumia atakavyo. Ndiyo maana tuna maprofesa wengi wanasiasa kuliko wana taaluma.

Baya zaidi, maprofesa au madaktari hawa tunategemea wawe wameelimika, wanapopewa nyadhifa huvurunda karibu kila kitu. Leo tutatoa mfano kwa profesa mmoja aliyewahi kuwa waziri wa elimu akaivuruga. Huyu si mwingine ni Jumanne Maghembe ambaye chini ya uongozi wake elimu yetu ilizidi kuporomoka hadi alipokuja mwingine daktari Shukuru Kawambwa akaimalizia kabisa. Huu ni baadhi ya ushahidi kuwa baadhi ya wasomi wetu ni kama hawakuelimika.

Imefikia mahali Tanzania tunaingiza vitabu feki na visivyofikia kiwango kwenye mitaala yetu kwa vile waliovitunga wamepiga ‘dili’ na wakubwa wanaoamua nini kufindishwe na nini kisifundishwe. Mfano mwingine wa haraka ni pale ambapo taifa linakuwa na ukame wa vitabu vilivyotungwa kisomi na kisanii.  Badala ya wahusika kuangalia ubora wa kitabu wanaangalia namna ya kuingiza vile vinavyoweza kuwapitia chai yao. Je namna hii tutafika ambapo tumefikia kufundishwa Kiswahili potofu na kibovu na wanaopaswa kuja kujifunza toka kwetu?  Basi tubadilike kabla hatujawa wakimbizi na wafungwa wa kila kitu kwenye taifa letu hasa ikizingatiwa kuwa nyanja karibu zote zimehujumiwa.

Chanzo: Dira 

When African Prefects pigged out with Obama

                   After African prefects met with US President, Barack Obama, to pledge their loyalty to economic exploitation, we must wait to hear a lot of noises about this “milestone.” If anything, the just ended US-Africa summit epitomizes the big man syndrome that’s been going on since independence. US didn't want to miss the break especially after China proved to be a hard nut to crack.

Looking at how the big man of the big nation treated them, I, automatically, stopped regarding African rulers as presidents but prefects lining up to get into White house and present themselves before the headmaster to show their loyalty. For many, despite such humiliation, it is, indeed, what they've waited for years.

Was the summit about African or her resources?  How’d it be about Africa if at all the champion and teacher of democracy invited stinking dictators such as Theodoro Nguema Obiang? When asked why the US invited Equatorial Guinea’s, Obiang, one officer told Al Jazeera that if they didn’t Chinese’d have invited him. Thus, America’d have lost business opportunities Obiang has to offer.

 Ironically, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe wasn't invited as if Chinese can’t invite and dine and wine him.  Does it mean that Zimbabwe doesn't have business opportunities? Why’s democracy important for Zimbabwe but not for Equatorial Guinea? How can economy grow in Africa without political accountability as it is in the US? Why didn't US embody democracy in its deals? It knows. If she does then won’t be able to plunder as pleased given that the people’ll have a big say in their economies. This is why it makes sense to do business with dictators like Obiang. Was the reason business opportunities or somebody who can easily be fooled and offer those business opportunities at the peril of his people as it is currently in many African countries?

Once again, by inviting Obiang and boycotting Mugabe, the US has shown its true duplicity.  Those who can’t toe the line aren’t wanted just like Mugabe. Human rights activists were infuriated. Lisa Misol, senior business and human rights researcher at Human Rights Watch was quoted as saying, “President Obiang is trying to shed his image as the head of a corrupt and abusive government.”  Again, do Human Rights matters before America’s interests? Ask DRC under its former plunderer Joseph Desire Mobutu who’s always a comfy guest at the White House.

The major question we need to ask’s: Will Africa benefit from this summit? The answer’s likely to be no given that Africa didn't benefit from Agoa a few years ago.  Will America’s investment consider vital areas such as infrastructure, human development and parity in business? Bob Collymore, chief executive officer of Safaricom Ltd., East Africa’s largest mobile-phone operator has the right answer as he was quoted as saying in one interview in Washington , “Does America want to invest in infrastructure in roads? Probably not.” If anything, here’s where China scores greatly despite its weakness. Many Chinese companies are busy building roads and dams (however substandard they might be) while American companies want to offer services such as mobile phones, estate agency and whatnot. If china underscores this, chances are that it’ll keep on beating America in the game.

Will African benefit really? Many are worried given that when African leaders went to the just concluded Summit, they seem not to be prepared. One’d hope that the whole issue of equality in business would have been addressed. One’d hope that America’s business protectionism would be addressed. Again, nope, many were chest beating as one offhand president’s quoted as saying, “These resources give a chance for our country to bid farewell to poverty…I want my successor to lead a different country.” Is this realistic or just sweet words aimed at self-pleasing and killing time? Looking at what’s been going on in his country; one wonders if such self-seeker’s really serious.  He might be right that he won’t preside over a poor first family given his tenure allowed them to plunder. When it comes to the county, go tell it to the birds Sir.

Looking at how Africa’s been losing big, one may ask: Were African prefects prepared to negotiate deals or just to show off in Washington, New York and elsewhere?  Are they dancing with the devil or kissing the viper? African needs good results but not photo ops and many bold but empty words like those quoted above regarding presiding over a poor country but rich in resources.

Again, nothing stunned the Obamas like the fashion savvy African leaders displayed. Some went with their spouses, others with their daughters and others alone. Interestingly, the first ladies captivated the media whereby one’d this title, “From high hair to status handbags, Africa’s first ladies use fashion to talk about the past and the future.” The Washington Post had this to write, “If all those bags were authentic, there was at least $20,000 worth of internationally-recognized status on display in the form of satchels and shoppers. “This is how Africa benefited.

Source: Business Times Aug.,22,2014.

Hizi tuzo zingine kwa Rais Kikwete hapana

HABARI iliyosambazwa kwa vyombo vya habari ni kwamba Rais Jakaya Kikwete amepewa tuzo nyingine ya The Icon of Democracy. Ni icon au agony of democracy? Ajabu!

Pamoja na wahusika kujisifu, ukichunguza sana unagundua kuwa nyuma ya tuzo hii kuna Wanigeria. Kulikoni? Je, kuna matapeli wanaomzunguka Kikwete na kusuka apewe upuuzi huu ili baadaye wahusika waje kumtumia baadaye kwa kumtoa upepo au kutafuta fursa na kuchukua kwa njia za uwekezaji uchwara kama ilivyokuwa kwenye tuzo nyingine ya kutia shaka ya The Most Impactful Leader of Africa iliyotolewa na Jarida lenye uhusiano na Wanigeria?

Kama Kikwete ni most impactful leader of Africa wale ambao ni truly most impactful watawekwa fungu gani? Je, huu si utapeli wa mchana? Maana tunaambiwa yupo Mwandishi wa habari ambaye pia ni pastor Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh kwenye tuzo ya sasa sawa na African Leadership Magazine ambalo makao yake makuu ni 13 Mambilla street, Off Aso Drive, Asokoro.P. O. Box 9824 Garki – Abuja, Nigeria.

Je, wahusika wanajua tabia ya Rais Kikwete ya kupenda sifa na kuthamini sana waandishi wa nje kuliko wa ndani? Je, Kikwete na walioridhia kupokea tuzo hii wanajua sifa za waliotoa tuzo husika?

Je, mamlaka zetu, badala ya kupokea na kuwapatia tuzo, zinafanya utafiti na kujiridhisha kuwa wanaotoa hizo tuzo wanafaa kufanya hivyo? Maana, ukiangalia kinachoitwa tuzo na walioitoa unapata walakini.

Hata jina la gazeti lenyewe shaka tupu ukiachia mbali mwenye kulimilki. Je, kwanini wapokeaji hawakujiuliza maswali muhimu kuhusiana na tuzo husika au ni kwa vile wanavishwa kilemba cha ukoko?

Je, kweli Kikwete ni Icon of Democracy (kielelezo cha demokrasia) au kinyume chake yaani Agony of Democracy?  Hawa hawajafanya utafiti. Kama wameufanya, wamemhadaa.

Pia, kutofanya utafiti ni ushahidi wa ukosefu wa uelewa wa wahusika. Ni bahati mbaya, hata wanaopokea wanatenda kosa hilo hilo. Si kila king’aacho ni dhahabu. Haiwezekani mtu aliyevuruga mchakato wa katiba mpya ukiachia mbali kutuhumiwa kuingia madaraka kwa fedha iliyonyakuliwa kwenye benki ya umma (EPA) asikanushe, akawa icon of democracy. Vinginevyo neno icon limepoteza maana kama si kumtapeli ili wahusika waje wamtumie baadaye.

Hata ukiangalia tuzo ya The most impactful leader haina maana kwa mtu ambaye impact yake kwa uongozi na kutokaa ofisini akitumia muda mwingi ughaibuni kwa shughuli ambazo zingeweza kufanywa na waziri wa mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa.

Rais Kikwete anawezaje kuwa icon of democracy wakati serikali yake inasifika kwa kutumia polisi kuwapiga hata kuwaua wapinzani na waandishi wa habari na watetezi wa haki za makundi.

Rejea mauaji ya watu watano kule Arusha kwenye mkutano wa Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) mnamo Januari 2011, utesaji wa Dk. Steven Ulimboka hapo Juni 26, 2012 na kutekwa na kuteswa kwa Mwenyekiti wa Jukwaa la Wahariri (TEF), Absalom Kibanda hapo Machi 5, 2013, kutaja kwa uchache bila kuongelea mauaji ya rejereja na mara kwa mara ya polisi ya watu wasio na hatia katika sehemu mbalimbali nchini.

Kwanini hawa kama si matapeli wa kawaida wa kinigeria, hawakuzingatia yote haya? Tuzo za Kikwete ni kashfa kwa Watanzania hasa wahanga wa utawala mbovu.

Rais Kikwete hawezi kuwa the most impactful leader au icon of democracy kwa madudu yote haya. Hapa hujaongelea ufisadi, uzembe, matumizi mabaya ya fedha za umma na kutotimiza ahadi alizotoa kwenye uchaguzi wa kidemokrasia. Hujaongelea uchakachuaji wa kura uliomwingiza madarakani kwa kipindi cha pili. Hujaongelea mbinu chafu zilizotumiwa na kundi lao la mtandao kuwachafua wenzake kwenye uchaguzi wa 2005 na matumizi mabaya ya fedha na vyombo vya habari.

Cha mno ni kutambua kuwa wanaompa nishani Rais Kikwete, licha ya kuwa matapeli wa Kinigeria, wanajua fika kuwa wanachofanya ni kutumia upenyo huo  kuficha utapeli wao unaolenga kumtumia kwa sasa au baadaye kujipatia nafasi kukamata rasilimali zetu.

Hebu jiulize, yuko wapi yule profesa kidhabu aliyeandika kitabu cha Kikwete kabla ya kugundulika kuwa kumbe ni kilaza anayedesa kazi za wenzake? Je, ilikuwaje washauri wa Kikwete hawakungundua kuwa mtu kama huyu mwenye usomi wa kutia shaka hakufaa kuandika kitabu cha Rais?

Hata hivyo, utamlaumu nani wakati Rais mwenyewe anasifika kwa kuwakingia na kuwateua watu waliotuhumiwa kughushi sifa za kitaaluma kama wale waliotamalaki kwenye baraza lake la mawaziri na wengine ubalozini?

Je, tumegeuka taifa la kitapeli au taifa la kutapeliwa kirahisi hata kwa kusifiwa uongo na upuuzi? Je, waliomshauri Kikwete kupokea tuzo hizi wanangoja nini ofisini iwapo itabainika watoa tuzo hizo si watu wa kuaminika?

Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Agosti 20, 2014.

Kijiwe kulipiza kisasa kama Silaha atauawa

BAADA ya kunyaka nyuzi kuwa baadhi ya makada wa Chama cha Mauaji (CcM) kupanga kumnyotoa roho katibu mkuu wa Chakudema Dk. Willy Silaha, Kijiwe kimeamua kutoa msimamo wake kuhusiana na huu mfumo wa kigaidi na kijambazi unaoanza kuzoeleka.

Mbwa Mwitu anaingia akiwa anaimba, “Wameishiwa! Wamezidiwa! Wamegeuka chinja chinja! Wamegeuka magaidi!”

Wote tunashangaa staili hii mpya ya kuingia na mbwembwe, tambo kushangilia na kuzomea. Mpemba anaamua kumuuliza Mbwamwitu nini kimemsibu na hao walioishiwa ni akina nani. Anasema, “Yakhe mbona watuchanganya? Hao waloishiwa ni nani?”

 Mbwa Mwitu anajibu, “Ami hujui! Husomi magazeti nini?” Anamrushia gazeti la Danganyika Always Today. Kichwa cha habari kinachoongoza kinasema, “Mashele apanga kuwanyotoa roho Dk. Silaha na M-nyika.”

 Wakati Mpemba akiendelea kujielimisha na gazeti, Msomi Mkatatamaa aliyekuwa ameishazinyaka anaamua kushuka kinoma. Anasema, “Tulishasema. Uteuzi wa hovyo wa wahuni na wapuuzi wasiojua mipaka ya madaraka yao utawatokea kinywani. Hivi mtu kama huyu aliwezaje kuteuliwa waziri?

Mijjinga aliyekuwa ndiyo anaingia anaamua kupoka mic, “Kwanza wakubwa niwape habari njema. Bi mkubwa ametuletea Queen Anatalia.”

Kabla ya kuendelea Mipawa anakwanyua mic, “Nkwingwa, kwanza hongera. Je ni kwanini umempa jina la Anatalii? Je ni kwa vile amezaliwa chini ya utawala wa mtalii Njaa Kaya ambaye yuko kwa Kichaka akitanua wakati wenzake waliisharejea siku nyingi?”

 Mgosi Machungi anaamua kuchomekea, “Ulitaka amwite Salma au Aisha?”

Mijjinga anakwanyua mic tena, “Hilo la mtoto si muhimu sana. Nataka nijibu maswali mazito na magumu ya Msomi anayeshangaa Mashele aliwezaje kuteuliwa kuwa waziri. Kwanza, uwaziri siku hizi hauna tofauti na utarishi hasa ikizingatiwa kuwa kuna vilaza na vihiyo wengi tena walioghushi walioteuliwa kwenye nafasi hii.”

 Mipawa anakubaliana naye, “Huyu jamaa namfahamu sana akiwa anasoma shule ya Msingi Ngokolo. Hana lolote na hafai. Akifaa basi anafaa kuwa baunsa lakini si vinginevyo. Hata hivyo, sishangai. Najua uhusiano wake na mtoto wa kigogo mwenye maulaji ambaye naye amegeuka kuwa mkuu kwa vile baba yake ni mkuu. Huyu ndiye aliyemsukia akaula.”

Msomi anatikisa kichwa na kusema, “Sasa naelewa. Maana hata kwenye madai ya kurubuni hawa madiwani huyu kitegemezi anatajwa sana pamoja na wahuni kama vile Mwiguu Michembe, Nipe Mapepe Ninaye na Eddie Ewassa. Jamani wanaipeleka wapi kaya yetu hawa wanahizaya?”

 Sofia Lion aka Kanungaembe aliyekuwa akifikicha kucha zake anaamua kukamata mic, “Hakuna haja ya kutukana watu kuwa ni wahuni. Kama mwenye mamlaka ameona wanamfaa nyinyi ni nani kuhoji kama siyo utovu wa adabu?”

Kanji hafichi ushabiki wake. Anakatua mic, “Sofia ambiya yeye kweli. Hii nasumbuliwa na viwu tu. Kama yeye fahamiana na toto ya kuba kosa ya nani?”

Kapende aliyekuwa amekaa kimya muda mrefu anaamua kumchomekea Kanji, “Wewe na Sofi tunawajua sana. Mna mapenzi ya kibubusa. Kwa vile nanyi ni wasaka tonge lazima muunge mkono kila upuuzi wa chama chenu.”

Sofia hakubali. Anakwanyua mic tena, “Wewe unayajua mapenzi ya kibubusa au unasema tu?”

Kabla ya kuendelea Kapende anamchomekea akisema, “Sofi angalia lugha yako vinginevyo nitamwita We-rema aje akushughulikie ukome.”

 Mheshimiwa Bwege aliyekuwa akicheka anaamua kuokoa jahazi kwa kuingilia kati akisema, “Tuachane na upuuzi wa We-rema na Mashele. Nadhani cha mno na muhimu kujadili hapa ni hatua gani tutawachukulia hawa magaidi wanaopanga kunyotoa roho wenzao. Napendekeza tutoe karipio tukilaani ugaidi huu kwa kutaka vyombo husika viwachukulie hatua hawa magaidi kabla hatujaenda kuwachoma moto kama vibaka.”

Huku akitikisa kichwa kumkubali mheshimiwa Bwege, Msomi anakatua mic, “Mheshimiwa Bwege umesema mambo makubwa na ya maana. Kwa vile Dk Silaha na M-nyika ni viongozi wa watu wote, lazima tuwalinde na kuwapa moyo wasiogope.

Nani huyu anayetaka kutoa uhai wa wenzake kana kwamba yeye hatakufa? Mashele aambiwe wazi kuwa kama amezoea kuua vikongwe huko kwao, ajue. Hawa si vikongwe wala vihongwe bali watu makini wanaoweza kumgeuzia kibao kisheria tena kwenye asasi za kimataifa akapotezwa. Wako wapi akina Chaz Taylor wa Liberia na wahuni wengine waliojiona miungu kwa vile walikuwa madarakani?”

Mgosi anaamua kuongezea, “Tiwafahamishe waeewe kuwa hata kama wengine ni vitegemezi wa wakubwa au wametumwa na baba zao, hakuna mkubwa kuliko kaya. Titawafunga. Tena hawa ni ahisi kuwafunga ikizingatiwa kuwa mwakani watakuwa nje ya madaaka. Wasitichezee. Ohooo! Mwenye akii na atie akiini.”

 Mpemba baada ya kumaliza kusoma gazeti anaamua kula mic, “Hivi hawa jamaa wameingiliwa na nini mbona huko nyuma hawakuwa hivo? Wadhani waweza kudhulumu roho za watu wakashinda? Wallahi hili halivumiliki hata kidogo. Lazima, kama alivosema mhishimiwa Bwege tuwashughulikie hawa manyang’au kabla hawajatekeleza ugaidi wao.”

Kijiwe kikiwa ndiyo kinanoga si lilitolewa wazo kuwa tumwendee Mashele huko aliko tumtie adabu. Hivyo, wote kwa pamoja isipokuwa Kanji na Sofi tuliamua kuingia mitaani kumsaka Mashele ili tumtie adabu kwa kumfanyia kitu mbaya.

Chanzo: Tanzania Daima Agosti 20, 2014.

Makinda anapodhihirisha ubovu wake

        Japo Tanzania haina utamaduni wa kuwajibika, kuwajibishana, tokana na umma kuwafumbia macho wanaopaswa kufanya hivyo, kuna haja ya kubadilika. Ni wakati muafaka sasa kwa umma wa watanzania ambao, kimsingi, ndiyo waathirika  wakubwa wa ufisadi na wizi unaoendelea katika ofisi za umma kuanza kubadilika ili kubadili jamii kwa ujumla na kuondokana na ubovu huu.

Leo tutaongelea baadhi ya mawaziri na maafisa wengine wa juu wanaokabiliwa na tuhuma za wazi ima za wizi wa fedha za umma au matumizi mabaya ya vyeo vyao. Hawa, kama Tanzania ingekuwa na utamaduni wa kuwajibika kama sehemu ya uongozi bora, walipaswa kuwa nje ya ofisi wanazokalia na kuendelea kuzitumia vibaya.Tutaongelea mawaziri Anna Tibaijuka (Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya makazi), Sospiter Muhongo (Nishati na Madini),  na Katibu wa wizara hiyo, Eliakim Maswi, Saada Mkuya (Fedha na Uchumi), Mwanasheria mkuu wa serikali Fredrick Werema na Gavana wa Benki kuu Benno Ndulu, Maafisa tajwa wanatuhumiwa kwa makosa mbali mbali kuanzia wizi wa fedha za umma hadi matumizi mabaya ya ofisi za umma. Kwa mfano, mawaziri Muhongo, Katibu wake Maswi na Ndullu wanakabiliwa na tuhuma za kuchota pesa ya umma bilioni 200 toka kweye akaunti ya ESCROW. Hii si pesa ya ugoro wala vijisenti. Ni pesa ambayo kama ingetumika vilivyo ingeweza kuleta nafuu kwa watanzania maskini wa kutupwa. Ajabu ya maajabu, hata baada ya kushutumiwa na wabunge, wahusika wameendelea kukaa ofisini huku wakitoa visingizio mbali mbali kana kwamba hawahusiki na kashfa husika. Hata kama hawajapatikana na hatia, wangekuwa safi basi wangejiwajibisha kwa kuachia ngazi ili ukweli ujulikane na kuwaweka huru. Kama alivyowashauri mbunge mmoja, kama wana hakika hawahusiki na wizi husika, wangoma nini kuwajibika? Ni bahati mbaya hata aliyewateua anajulikana kwa tabia yake ya kukingia kifua wahalifu.

Waziri Tibaijuka, sawa na wenzake, ametuhumiwa na wabunge kwa ufisadi mkubwa kwenye sekta ya ardhi. Badala ya kuonyesha usafi, udhu, ukomavu na uwajibikaji, naye anaendelea kung’ang’ania ofisi huku akitafuta wachawi na kutoa visingizio vya kitoto. Wajibikeni. Inashangaza kuona wahusika ambao wengi ni wasomi kufanya mambo kana kwamba hawakwenda shule. Muhongo na Tibaijuka ni maprofesa wanaopaswa kuona mambo kwa uoni mpana kuliko watu wa kawaida. Ukiangalia wanayotenda na jinsi wanavyoyatenda, unapata wasi wasi na usomi wao. Dhana hii inazidi kupata nguvu hasa ikizingatiwa kuwa mawaziri wengi tu wanaojulikana kwa kughushi wamo kwenye baraza la mawaziri. Inakuwa vigumu kutofautisha walioghushi na ambao hawakughushi kwa mawaziri hawa hasa ukiangalia utendaji wao na majibu wanayotoa dhidi ya kashfa zinazowakabili.

Mawaziri hawa wanatukumbusha kisa cha mwenzao ambaye naye anaokena kuwa msomi Dk Shukuru Kawambwa ambaye licha ya kuua elimu yetu, ameendelea kujifanya hayamhusu hata alipotakiwa aachie ngazi ili wenye uwezo na uchungu wachukue nafasi yake. Ni jambo la aibu kwa rais na mawaziri wake kushindwa kujua kuwa uwajbikaji ni msingi wa utawala bora na wa sheria.

Kuhusiana na tuhuma za wizi dhidi ya Muhongo, Mbunge wa Kigoma Kusini David Kafulila alikuwa na haya ya kusema, “Mheshimiwa Spika, hakuna dhambi mbaya duniani kama unafiki. Kama kweli Bunge hili linataka kujua ukweli, tuunde Kamati Teule, watu wametoa bilioni 200 kumpa Singasinga ambaye kule Kenya alikumbwa na skandal ya Goldenberg iliyoiangusha Serikali ya Kenya.“Ushahidi ninao, lakini kila nikitaka kuuleta spika anakatakata kona.” Je ni kwanini spika anapiga chenga? Je huu si ushahidi mwingine kuwa spika wa Bunge Anna Makinda alisimikwa hapo kuwalinda mafisadi kama ilivyodaiwa wakati wa kumuengua Spika wa zamani Samuel Sitta? Je Spika anakataa kuunda kamati ya kuchunguza kashfa hii kwa sababu zipi? Kuna haja ya kumwambia Spika kuwa bunge si mali yake au ya chama chake bali mali ya watanzania wanaoibiwa huku akiwalinda wezi wazi wazi. Naye anapaswa kuwajibishwa  kwa vile hafai na si kwa hili tu bali kwa mengi tangu asimikwe kwenye kiti cha spika.

Kashfa nyingine ziko wazi wala hazihitaji hata kufanya uchungzi. Kashfa hizi mbili ya ardhi na wizi wa ESCROW ziko wazi. Tibaijuka ametajiwa kiasi cha ardhi alichokwapua na kilipo wazi wazi. Hakupinga. Badala yake aliingiza siasa kwenye shutuma ili zionekane ni za kisiasa sambamba na Muhongo ambaye amedandia maadui zake kuwa ndiyo wanaomchafua badala ya kupangua hoja kwa hoja zinazoingia akilini. Viongozi wasiopenda kuwajibika, licha ya kuwa waroho na wenye roho mbaya, ni wahalifu wa kawaida wanaopaswa kuwa mbele ya mahakama. Je watanzania wataendelea na woga na uvumilivu huu ambapo sasa umefikia kiwango cha ukondoo hadi lini? Kila ajae anajiibia atakavyo. Imefikia mahali nchi yetu inaonekana kama inakaliwa na raia hamnazo kwa jinsi tunavyotenzwa.

Je hii pesa ya ESCROW, kwa mfano, imeibiwa na maafisa tajwa pekee au kuna mkono mkubwa zaidi ya huu hasa ikizingatiwa kuwa kila unapokaribia uchaguzi hutengenezwa mazingira ya kuiba pesa ya umma ili kutumika kwenye hongo kama ilivyotokea kwenye ujambazi wa karne wa EPA unaosemekena kumsaidia rais Jakaya Kikwete kuingia madarakani na asikanushe. Je wahusika wanakataa kuwajibika kwa vile wanajua kuna wakubwa wao walioshirikiana nao kuiba fedha husika?

Kitendo cha Spika kukwepa kuunda kamati teule ya bunge kuchunguza ujambazi huu kinaweza kutumbua macho kuwa wezi ni wengi zaidi ya hawa tuliotajiwa na Kafulila. Tutumie fursa hii kumshauri Kafulila aendelee kuwaumbua wezi hawa hadi kieleweke.

Wakati wa kuwawajibisha Makinda, Maswi, Muhongo na Ndullu umewadia. Watanzania tukatae kugeuzwa asusa huku tukiendelea kuambiwa haya ndiyo maisha bora kwa wote. Tuukatae ukondoo na utaahira wa kujitakia ambao unatumiwa na kila vibaka na majambazi wa kalamu kutuangamiza kama jamii na taifa.

Chanzo:Dira 

Step aside mura Werema please

          Novelist Henrik Ibsen said, “The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone. This time around my brother and learned bro, Judge Freddie Werema won’t stand even alone. He’s always been a good company of the one who appointed him to mug and bully others. Looking at the mess he’s in, I doubt. Jake Kiquette won’t continue to support and protect him anymore.  Hell no. He won’t let his name keep on being blotted simply because his appointee doesn’t want to face the reality.

          I recently came to light that the boxer lawyer, who also doubles as a butcher, nearly punished Madam Sophy Lion after the duo disagreed on dual citizenship. The lady’s for the dual citizenship while they judge’s against. Ironically, the good lawyer doesn’t know that dual citizenship is not a favour or an offer but a right for boozers. If rich countries such as US, Canada, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Australia you name it can allow paupers from Africa, Asia and elsewhere to have dual citizenship, what’s Bongo afraid? Sheer fear of course!

          History has it that Sophy’s neither Werema’s first nor last. It started with Swiss ambassador, Olivier Chave, when he said that the power that- be doesn’t join forces with his country to return billions of dosh stashed in offshore banks in his country and elsewhere. Given that lawyer’s job is to defend suspects and criminals, Werema sprang into action to defend govt-favoured- dosh stashers.  Being a govt’s chief counsel, many wondered what he had in common with known and stinking criminals. Many wrongly goofed thinking that this was an end. Nay, it was the beginning.

          Thereafter, the good Mura took on Dev Kafulila whom, apart from threatening to give a beating, he, so too, wanted to behead after calling him a simian. It takes two to tango.  Though Kafulila is not that sane, this time he’s wronged. Remember. Chave and Kafulila’s sage weren’t the first ones. The good mura’s already answered some hishimiwas’ questions using callous language so as to raise a few and some eyebrows.

          After intimidating madam Sophy, many are waiting to see what his lawyer, madam Speaker Anna Makidamakida, will say given that this time the one assaulted is a woman and a member of the establishment. So too, many are waiting to see what Jake will do to assure his ministers that they’re safer from his bullying fella.

          If Jake still needs the guy in ulaji he’d see to it that he sends him to boozers so that they can teach him some conflict resolution skills. Boozers quarrel now and then. Again, they don’t exchange punches. For, they know. Doing so will invite cops who’ll charge them with trumped up charges or make a killing out of them. To skilfully avoid losses, boozers have trained and enlightened themselves in Conflict Resolution Skills especially communication and some techniques of managing conflict skilfully and reasonably. It is pity and unbecoming for the so-called learned brother to lack Conflict Management know how. This means. If such a person can’t know how to go about such simple issues, his education is wanting. It creates many qualms. Thus, mura Werema needs to prove he’s educated not by words but by actions. Yeah, actions speak louder than words. This is the norm. If your actions show you’re but a goon, even if you stand on the top of the roof and shout that you’re enlightened, it is in vain. American psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” If, indeed, Werema is truly educated, he needs to change. Failure to change means witlessness will always haunt him.

          One of the changes Werema needs to display is step aside so that those with qualities and hearts serve. Enough is enough especially at this time Werema’s image is epitomized with fracas, brouhaha, hounding, spite, uncouthness you name it. Bro Werema, step aside please. If you cling unto ulaji, one day you’ll be shown the door unceremoniously so as to mark you fall from grace. Who wants this to happen to him or her? I know Sophy. She may keep mum in order to defend the integrity of the party. Again, given that fighting is in your blood, I would suggest that you open a boxing club to enjoy the game like most, fighting, quarreling and better than thou. Importantly, you need to understand. The rules of the game in politics are different from masochism.

Source: The Guardian Aug., 15, 2014.

Mlevi atikisa kwa Obama

       Baada ya mlevi kutoa tishio la kutaka kubomoa ghorofa uaji la uhindini si wahusika wameamka na kuogopa hadi wakapiga nyundo mahekalu ya mchunaji Rwakatarehe. Hayo tuyaache humu si mwake.

Najua wengi wataona natania wasijue mwenzao si mwenzao bali ni Future World leader. Basi washirika, si nilipata zali la mentali kuhudhuria kongamano la Young African Leaders kule kwa mzee Brack Obama kama ambavyo bi mkubwa wake Michele wa Mpunga hupenda kumuita. Tuliteuliwa vijana wanaochemka kwenda kumpa jamaa tafu kuhusiana na jinsi ya kuitawala dunia ambayo imegeuka gunia kutokana na wajuaji na wajinga wengi kuiyumbisha kuanzia ugaidi wa akina Bin Aladin hadi wa ule wa akina Ben Niitenyau pale Gaza na kwingineko,

          Kwa vile mimi ni kipanga katika kufikiri na kuchemsha akili, nilikaribishwa pamoja na bi mkuwa wangu yaani Mama Domo Kubwa Kulakula binti Kutanua kwenye kongamano hili la Young African Leaders ili lau niwafunde wahusika wajue majukumu yao baadaye baada ya Afrika kuliwa na wakoloni weusi. Si baada ya kumaliza huo mkutano wa Young African Leaders tukaarikwa kwenye mwingine wa Old leaders African Leaders. Mwakwetu, hapa kulikuwa na mambo na vijimambo usisikie. Kwa vile Old African Rulers wameishazoeleka na vimbwanga vyao, waliowika kwa vimbwanga wakati huu ni bi wakubwa zao wapendwao kuitwa First Ladies hata kama wengine ni second ladies. Hayo tuyaache.

          Nawapongeza sana first ladies wetu kwa kuonyesha jinsi bara letu lilivyotajiri. Maana walipiga pamba hadi Michele akaonekana kama housegirl wao. Walikula vitu vya bei mbaya kiasi cha gazeti moja kuchanganyikiwa na kuandika, “If all those bags were authentic, there was at least $20,000 worth of internationally-recognized status on display in the form of satchels and shoppers.” Maana yake kwa kimasai ni kwamba kama mikoba yote ilikuwa si feki basi wapo walioshika mikoba yenye kufikia dola za Kimarekani 20,000. Wamarekani walishangaa sana na kuhoji kuwa inakuwaje waume zao waende kuomba wakati utajiri wanao na wanaukalia? Mmojawapo aliniuliza nikamjibu kuwa Afrika kwa ufupi haikuwa maskini bali tajiri maskini. Nilimfahamisha kuwa, kimsingi, waliochokuwa wakifanya first ladies ni kuonyesha madaraka ya waume zao ambayo ni yao pia. Walikuwa wakionyesha faida za kulala kitanda kimoja na bwana mkubwa kiasi cha kugeuka bi mkubwa yaani rais nyuma ya pazia.

           Baada ya Michelle kugundua pamba aghali walizokuwa wamepiga first ladies wa Kiafrika, aliamua kujivalia kagauni ka mtumba ili kuogopa kumufilisi mumewe ambaye ukimlinganisha na marais wa Kiafrika kiutajiri utagundua kuwa yeye ni maskini kuliko hata shamba boys wao. Anachowazidi ni kuongoza taifa tajiri kuliko yote wakati nao wakimzidi kwa utajiri wakiongoza mataifa maskini kuliko yote duniani. Unaambiwa wamama wa watu walifanya kufuru kiasi cha kuwaacha wamarekani wamechachawa na kutaka waende Afrika kugundua siri ya utajiri huu wa kutisha.

          Baada ya kugundua ushamba wa wamarekani wa kushangaa vitu vya kawaida kama ukwasi wa watawala wetu na wake zao, niliwatolea uvivu kwa wasome tabu langu la Nyuma ya Pazia. Niliwapa kiduchu kuwa wake za viongozi hawapaswi kutumia kwa woga wala kujali nani anakula au kulala njaa kwa vile wao wana walipa kodi wanaogharimia matanuzi yao.  Hivyo, kazi yao ni kutanua na si kuwaza nani analala njaa au kufa kwa magonjwa yanayoweza kutibiwa au kuzuilika.  Katika usawa wa kifisadi kufikiria mwenzio ni ushamba. Niliwapasha wamarekani wasishangae kusikia eti watawala wa Kiafrika wanaomba au kukopa. Hii ni kutokana mazoea tu ili kujichangamsha na kukutana na wenzao lau wapate namna ya kusafiri nje na kujifunza maajabu ya dunia. Wahenga husema: Kutembea kwingi ni kujua mengi. Unaweza kuongeza kuwa kusafiri sana ni kupata per diem nyingi. Nani asiyetaka kutanua huku akilipwa Per Diems kwa kufanya hivyo?

          Hakuna walioniacha hoi kama jarida la Washington Post ambalo huwa napenda kulisoma ninapokuwa Umarekanini. Nalo liliona miuya na kuandika, “From high hair to status handbags, Africa’s first ladies use fashion to talk about the past and the future.” Hii sitafsiri. Kama hujui kinyasa shauri yako. Naongopa kuharibu uhondo wa kichwa hiki cha habari kinachoongea yote. Wakati jamaa hawa wakishangaa shangaa mavazi wapo waliozimia dogo dogo ambao baadhi ya vibabu vimevuta. Jamaa yangu Paul Bia wa Kameruni aliwaacha hoi na kimwana wake Chantal. Pia mhuni Junkun Yahaya Jammeh ambaye tulipiga skuli pamoja alitisha na kimwana chake  Alima Sallah binti wa balozi wake Saudia alichoozwa kumlia vyake baada ya kushindwana na bi mkubwa Zeinab aliyetimkia Umarekanini. Waswahili kwa kutetemekea na weupe acha!  Utadhani jamaa zangu akina Mura Wirema!

          Ukiachia mbali mashindano ya kupiga pamba, First Ladies walishindana kutafuta wafadhili wa makampuni yao almaarufu NGOs ambayo waliyaunda baada ya waume zao kuukwaa. Wamarekani walishangaa wakihoji kama wahusika hawatatumia njuluku hizo kupiga pamba na matumizi mengine binafsi. Wakati wakishangaa mikoba ya dola alfu ishirini wapo walionusurika kufa kwa shinikizo la moyo nilipowapa kuwa hiyo dola 20,000 ni pesa ya kifungua kinywa kwa wamama hawa waliobarikiwa kuliko wengine. Maana niliwapasha kuwa ukihesabu thamani ya mikufu na migold yao wengine wanavaa midudu hadi ya $300,000. Hapa hujaongelea akaunti zao nono zilizotapakaa ughaibuni wala za waume zao au vitegemezi vyao.

          Kwa kufuru na nyodo walizomwaga first ladies, acha niachie hapa vingenvyo mwaweza kuzimia nikisema yote. Good news, mke wa mlevi wala hakuonekana kwa vile alipiga pamba zake za mitumba ya Manzese.

Chanzo: Nipashe Jumamosi Agosti 15, 2014.

When prince becomes plebeian-cum criminal

          Boozers, recently, evidenced awkward turn of events when one time Prince in Zenj, Mansur Jose Hamidy’s apprehended in connection with illegal possession of firearms. This, if anything, used to be an abomination in the hunk where the relatives of the high and mighty are always but hallowed cows that can’t be cowed. Thus, boozers were shocked to death. Again, there’s a significant lesson that once power escapes from the holder anything can happen on him from git-go. Wonder not. Under such a situation a prince or a princess might end up becoming a plebeian.

          As I mused on this telling scenario of muscle flexing between two royal coteries, I found that things are changing for the better though out of the blue. The said prince’s netted not just because his king brother is no longer on the cathedra. Nay, methinks. The guy’s apprehended simply because he burnt his bridge with the hounding outfit. This is why the he’s bullied and vexed. This, again, shows that the ruling party’s bigger than the kings who once presided over its affairs.  Secondly, I found that once power gets into heads chances of creating a temporal insanity is high.  This is why the relatives of this prince made a lot of rumpus as if all other innocent boozers rotting behind bar as if they’re not’t bin-Adams. Yeah. How many outfit-affiliated criminals do we’ve that have always lorded it over boozers without being seized? I still remember one, meku Alexis Mathawe who used guns and became a tycoon without being bothered. He only landed in troubles after starting to sympathize with and supporting the opposition. When he’s in bed with the outfit, whatever crimes he committed, weren’t dealt with given that he used the spoils to finance the outfit.

          Himidy’s predicaments are a reminder that all those who commit crimes because of being in relation with the powerful would be warned that their relation isn’t forever like diamond. Once, either those in power vacate offices or make mistakes all those depending on them for favours become vulnerable. This is why I won’t wonder to find current princes and princesses behind bar a few years to come after one of theirs leave the office. In his book The Power of One Bryce Courtenay says, “I have found in life that everything, no matter how bad, comes to an end.” It is sad when the end is worse than the beginning. Again, who bother to muse on the end even if they know that it is always there waiting for them?

          The splendour of family-shared-used-and-abused power is that when one of yours is in power you all are in power. You enjoy power. You eat and drink power till it climbs into your head. You start threatening people saying, “Do you know who I am?” True, those who don’t know the rules of the game do shiver and wobble when you bully them. Some use you to make a killing. They do so knowingly that once your dad or mom is gone everything’ll be gone. They, thus, fool you as you fool yourself that your supposedly power won’t come to an end.

          Boozers, despite the effects of booze, have one philosophy. Live as if you’ve nary lived. Avoid being noticed. Don’t behave like a grasshopper that hops and soars the sky to be seen by eagles. Again, how many have guts and veins to keep low profile while they command power. Lord Macaulay wrote, “The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.” We can easily see wickedness in our monarchs. We see kids of presidents becoming presidents just because their fathers or mothers are presidents.  These illegal and unconstitutional presidents do things even their parents can’t do. They enjoy ulaji and other goodies not just because they deserve them. Nay, it is because they’re the progenies of the kings and queens. They become rainmakers not just because they’re smart or enterprising. No, it is just because they’re enjoying their parents’ power. Once such power's gone they too find themselves bearing the blunt for whatever mess they made. Again, this depends on the system governing their hunks.  When Mtukufu Daniel elf Moja was president in the hunk of Kenya, his sons and daughters were in the news almost every day. But when the old man was bundled out of power unceremoniously, some of them are facing criminal charges and nobody can help them. Their father is no longer the head of everything in that hunk.  How many have taken a leaf from this epic example. Who cares? They’ll care when princes and princesses become plebeians-cum-criminals even fecklessly.

Source: Thisday Aug.,17,2014