By Chris Maina
With the CORD consultative rallies demanding for #NationalDialogue, the nonsensical hashtag that #WeAreOne is slowly making its way back on timelines, with #KOT going further to start another hypocritical hashtag #StopSocialMediaHate. Another laughable hashtag I saw #EthnicHateInKenya. It just had to be oblivious #KOT. Why not #EthnicBalanceInKenya? I will join that anytime, anyday!
KOT is educated and exposed but not free from the hypocrisy of Kenya’s ethnic elite. They hide behind social media handles. They know who is hating but just will not face them directly simply because they are politically correct.
For instance, I have not seen any #KOT start a #SomeoneTellMosesKuria or #DeportMatsanga who are some of the most offensive hatemongers on social media. #KOT never said anything
Another well known Jubilee blogger with blood relations to the president seemingly suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Raila Odinga.
Mugo Arap Wairimu (notice the use of the respected kalenjin filial title) who is a doctor by profession, does not just insult the former Prime Minister on a daily basis, he goes as far as insinuating the CORD Leader was in USA for three months to plan civil unrest in order to destabilize the Jubilee Government. He provides no evidence.
The same blogger recently openly threatened to turn Kibera into a “Nyama Choma†zone, in an apparent reference to an arson attack on the expansive slum.
In most cases, Arap Wairimu’s anti-Raila Odinga postings are inflammatory, provocative and in very bad taste. No action, no protest, no trending hashtag; nothing but numerous shares endorsing that offensive post. I wonder if anyone would survive a day on social media if they were to post similar attacks on President Uhuru or his deputy Ruto.
Then came some idle fence sitting MPs led by the Hon Richard Onyonka, who is facing corruption charges and must not be seen criticizing government.
The other one was Mvita MP Hon Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir.
Most of #KOT do not realise both of these two MPs are from families whose fathers were die-hard supporters of the dictatorial KANU regime. They know nothing about going to school under a tree or getting all your sanitation down at the river. So it was birds of a feather flocking together.
Those MPs from CORD and Jubilee are those we hardly ever hear speaking on behalf of ordinary Kenyans in parliament but today, out of the blue, are now conveniently calling for a halt of political rallies by suggesting that the rallies are somehow linked to insecurity and terror attacks. Sema balderdash!
These MPs who enjoy state provided body-guards, high salaries and interest free loan facilities from public coffers cannot contribute anything on the floor of the house about the very same issues that have motivated CORD to advocate for #NationalDialogue. Of course these MPs are part of the clueless #KOT.
As long as we remain at the mercy of terrorists and criminal elements, for as long as the 11th parliament solely serves the interests of the executive as opposed to the interests of the people, and for as long as the Jubilee government perpetuates impunity, ethnicity and corruption while undermining the constitution “because they won elections”; you can count me of the #WeAreOne crap. I will join other compatriots in reclaiming our rights and defending our dignity.
#KOT which is mostly made up of middle class, people who hardly miss a meal or walk to work and are in most case under medical insurance cover, is totally disconnected to the needs of the common man. Those men and women you see standing in scorching sunshine at Tononoka grounds 8 hours to listen to #NationalDialogue message and then loudly recite a commitment to support the national dialogue are not on twitter or facebook.
Those masses are not paid to attend the rally. Often he walks there and will not even drink a bottle of water until the rally ends. That ordinary Kenyan was at Uhuru Park #BabaWhileYouWereAway, that man was seen at Migori Stadium, and turned up at Tononoka. You will see him again at all CORD rallies. WHY?
Unlike #KOT that gets easily excited by non-entities like Vera Sidika or trend some third rate video by Sauti Soul, the common man knows exactly what he wants, giving him reasons to attend CORD rallies in the tens of thousands as the message being given there resonates with him and his immediate requirements.
#KOT needs to style up and demand for accountability and transparency from the government. SGR, Laptops, ID cards, Anglo-Leasing are all public money.
But where is accountability and transparency? While appointment to public positions is mostly at pleasure of president, these positions still remain subject to some constitutional provisions on gender and ethnic balance. They also demand utmost compliance to public officer and ethics act. Inequality breeds resentment and can lead to serious conflict, even among siblings. #KOT needs to critically think about the poor and defenceless.
For as long as #KOT cannot think beyond showbiz and ethnic driven political persuasions; we the #KOTs – yes “Kenyans On The Street†– will attend CORD consultative rallies and push for constitutional means to attain #NationalDialogue.