AREN'T THEY USEFUL? RESPONSE TO A COMMENTARY...

                 Yesterday in the article titled "Elderly people are assets", I highlighted the place of elderly persons,their roles and how we can tap the riches in them and turn them into a lucrative business.I pointed out that these chaps aren't irrelevant.They still have something meaningful to contribute.That what they have is original and first-hand.That  we better store what they have since losing it is catastrophic to us and generations to come.

                  A colleague pointed out in a commentary that the usefulness of these heroes has been overtaken by events.That we should hold them responsible for the mess they did to the world and to the present and coming  generations.That their wisdom is obsolete to the extent that it is not in tandem with the present day needs -what he called 'modernity'.I promised to respond by writing a follow-up article to the previous one to drive my point home.And this is it.

                 Methinks it is paramount to note that sins committed in the past can't form basis to lock out fruits and useful deeds that happened in the past too.I'm of the view that these guys did their wrong things.They committed sins.They made wrong and defective decisions that we are now paying for dearly.Yes,this happened.But should we continue staying in self-denial?Isn't it possible to see the good side of these peoples' lives?Is our condemnation of their deeds fair and rational?Can we pick useful lessons from their lives and actions?Do their mistakes and misgivings shape our present day life engagement?

                  My point was clear;that these persons have their angelic side.Lets not condemn them in totality.That this condemnation is of no benefit at all.That we stand more to lose than gain by passing out blanket condemnation on these chaps.That some of the things we need are uniquely within them and can't be found anywhere.And that we should tap these "things",store them and turn them into an investment.I will give few examples on this.

                   The human nature advances through mistakes.That human beings are strengthened by the challenges they face.They grow stronger and "wiser" depending on the situations at hand.And one needs not to experience these challenges personally to learn.Life is always is a web of activities and learnings.You learn through the mistakes of others before you.This is the bottom line.So this begs the questions - are the misgivings and mistakes of those who came before useful?Do they play a role in how we relate with others and environment?

                   Our kids spend hours watching cartoons and comedies.We complain that they are "spoilt".That they are incapable of reasoning and thinking.But have we ever asked ourselves why?Don't we have something useful to offer to counter this "infiltration" of our kids?And that is why I proposed that we tap the riddles, songs, proverbs, late-night-stories offered by these grandmas/pas and animate them.By animating them we make them easy to read and understand by our kids.In doing so we will end up creating employment opportunities and kill this infiltration of our kids.Isn't that useful?..It is up to you to decide!

ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE ASSETS

                    By God's grace my father will be turning 68 early next year.I write this not to celebrate his birthday (in advance). I write this in recognition of the place of elderly men and women in the society.I write this to tell the world about the untapped wealth within these heroes.I do this because we suffer from the disease of ignorance.The disease of looking at shiny and gold-like things.Not ugly ones.The disease of rating persons by their looks and not what is within them.Yes!This is the path we've taken.

                     Elderly people are custodians of knowledge.They are libraries.They are depositories of information.With them you find all contents.They connect the past with the present.They carry with them unedited version of facts.They tell you in black and white.Their content is easy to read and comprehend.It doesn't require much - only paying a visit to them and you get connected to the past.This is the untapped wealth.

                     Elderly people are the moral compass that the world needs.Their lives are full of lessons.Unique lessons - only found within them.They have seen  all.When they give examples,they talk of real life situations.Not fiction.They talk reality.They literally walk the talk.When you talk about marriage,for instance,they know it all.

                   They are the cultural link between generations.Culture is in their veins.It is part of their blood circulatory system.They are the pillars of societies.When you see them you see the true picture of their respective societies.They know the society inside out.They are capable of describing the genesis of the society.Wow!These guys are resourceful.

                    History is bestowed on them.When you eliminate them,you erase history.Hence play a pivotal role in shaping a society.History is an identity.It shows who we are,where we came from,what we believe....and you can find all these within these forgotten chaps.History becomes complete when their input is taken into consideration.

                   They are walking dictionaries.Look at this - how many amongst us can speak our native languages fluently?I guess this is a tall order for many of us.A language doesn't exist in a vacuum.It needs people.And you know what? These elderly guys know it.They have it all.They speak the "uncorrupted" version of the mother language.

                    They are a source of entertainment.With their stories and riddles they transmit wisdom.Their education isn't tiresome.They educate and entertain at the same time.Their education is original.It is not "doctored". It is pure, clean and ready to consume. 

 Food for thought : What if someone opens a Center for the Elderly and tap these riches from them.Wouldn't it be a lucrative business?

                      

                    

WE DETERMINE THE PATH WE TAKE

                             Power belongs to the masses.It is an inherent right of any a people.It is not granted by the State or any person or entity.It is in the person and the person is the power.It is born with the person and dies with the person.It is part of a person.Yes, power is us all.Power is a "two-edged" tool.With it comes progressive actions.With it comes destructive thoughts.All these are possible.

                             In democracy this power is demonstrated by voting.I mean voting.Yes, voting,not just choosing leaders but choosing with our conscience.This is the true demonstration of power!Remember voting is not just a ritual.It is an act that requires reflection and soul-searching.Why?Elections are meant to evaluate work done,progress made and plans realized.Yes,it is a barometer to measure individuals,their work and what they have within them for the masses.This is the core reason for voting.

                             This begs the questions - how can we evaluate someone's performance?Individually can we bring change to our localities?If yes,how?I will not dictate ways here on how to evaluate our leaders.I think it is important to note that this people don't sprout from forests then come asking for votes from us.They were born,grew up,schooled ..... amongst us.So we know them.These people didn't drop from planet Pluto.They are our neighbors, fathers, mothers, ...they are part of us.

                              Equally important is the realization that  individuals don't follow the masses.It is the masses that follow individuals.How?Look at this - a crowd doesn't think,it doesn't appreciate the voice of reason.All that a crowd understands best is chanting empty slogans,lynching and doing all sorts of acts "democratically". Thus change originates from individuals.You think,act,influence then change the masses.This is the way.So do it now!It is the TIME.

                              But how can we realize this dream?The answer is simple.Be informed. Information is the key to unlock all dark secrets.It is a diet that enriches conscience.A healthy conscience is progressive.It looks into the future.It is superior to external influence.It is a pillar that gives form to the power of people.Informed people are confident.They make decisions based on facts and not fallacies.Informed society is tolerant and looks at each member as a player in development.It doesn't subscribe to mtu-wetu(our person) philosophy.Its scope is beyond this.It unlocks opportunities out of challenges.

                               But we need to exorcise the ghost of looking at the strength of numbers.We are afflicted by the feeling that many people means wise decision.This is false.Fools congregate easily.They boast of numbers.Their strength is not about articulating issues.It is about shouting the loudest.To do this is to reduce ourselves to the level of sheep.Yes,you know sheep.Sheep don't follow their own thoughts.Their path is determined by whoever begins the journey.SO VOTE WITH YOUR CONSCIENCE NOT BOASTING OF STRENGTH OF NUMBERS.

                                                 * * * * * * * * * * 

Soon I will state my stand on who I support and the reasons for my decision.

                              

   

LETTER TO MY MAMA

Dear Mama,
                      They say gratitude is more appealing than large sums of money. Methinks this is naked truth. Rarely (if it happens) do people take time to show appreciation to those close to them. Rarely do we "see" the helpfulness of our parents, sisters, brothers, grandmas/pas, neighbors.... We take their closeness for granted. We feel it is our right to have them serve us. We find it easy to appreciate those far away from us. I find this awkward and hypocritical. 
                       I am who I am because of you Mama. Whenever I look at myself I see your hand in all the steps of my life. I feel proud of you Mama. You are a symbol of hope. You chose to look at the bigger picture. You overcame your challenges and turned them into assets. You always maintained a bright and happy look. This is great! Great because you knew those challenges were there for a season. You knew the season was short. You knew man's creativity is activated by the challenges he faces. Thus at the end of the season we will emerge victors. We will emerge happier! And this is what you did Mama! You literally said, "Yes, challenges are there. So? Should we sit down and wait for them to disappear? No! We must rise up and do something! Happiness comes out of hard work!"
                      You assumed the role of a brave, committed general in the face of a hostile and lethal enemy. You took us through the rough terrains of life. We climbed hills and mountains together. We crossed swollen rivers together. Not even a single day did you give up! Wow, what kind of Mama you are! I admire you! Even in the face of danger you were always ready to bite the bullet to keep us happy.
                         Even in an environment where women are confined to the kitchen and only look up at their husbands for daily bread, you decided to go the opposite way. You took the place of a co-papa and complimented the efforts of papa! You turned to be an object of ridicule because of your objectivity and vision.
                     You became a subject of discussion for lazy and visionless idle chaps in the village. They found a wonderful topic with ready-to-be-found content in your person. They needn't do any research about you! They found it easy and cheap to critique you and call you all sorts of names. But you rose above this. You didn't fight them. Not even a single second did I see you trying to engage them to prove yourself. You chose the philosophy of do-it-silently-and-let-them-learn-by-seeing. Yes this is what you did! And now they are seeing! Mum you're wonderful!
                     I find it difficult to figure out the chemistry behind you. I don't really understand the kind of material you are made up of. But it seems your Creator took time to think, get the right material and employing superb expertise to make you. God had a bigger plan for you Mama! It seems He knew He will find it easy to change the world through you.
                      Outside home you always remain a pillar of hope and leadership. Many admire your skills. Many find it difficult to accept the leadership skills behind an illiterate woman like you. They look at you as a woman with no background in academics. They look at you as a symbol of illiterate, brainless woman. But you showed them the way. You literally told them that you have a strong background in the school of life. For them you are "paperless" woman. But for God and the world you are resourceful-illiterate woman.
                    Mum you are great. Your place is unrivaled. You set the bar high despite your capacity. You are my source of hope. My source of inspiration. Yes, you are my role model! I have great plans for you Mama! I must follow your steps!

Your Son.

ABORTION SHOULD BE STOPPED BY ALL

                      Lets call a spade a spade.Abortion is murder.It is an act of killing.And those who do it are killers and murderers.Period!Methinks abortion is murder of the highest degree.It is a pre-meditated murder.It is a planned act.It is an act that can easily be avoided.Thus it is a creation of man.Man himself holds the keys to exterminating it.He is capable of avoiding it,hence stopping it.It is simple.Lets look at it.

                      Life is sacred.It is not bought in shopping malls or supermarkets.It can't be quantified by human standards.It is a gift.A precious one.Once it is gone we can't get a replacement.The defense of life is not a one person affair.It is for all.

                     Life is not a gambled commodity.A "lose-win" game can't be played on it.It is not a collateral for reckless and vision-less behavior.Its place is unreachable by these games and things.So this begs the questions - why should one get pregnant or impregnate another if he/she is not ready to accommodate the outcome?Is the place of the product pre-meditated upon before playing that "sweet game"? If no,why shouldn't one evade "bringing" it into this planet? Yes,you can play your game but please before blowing the start-the-game-whistle think about the place of the product you are about to bring.

                     Abortion is an act of punishing an innocent soul.Look at this - your parents have committed a crime which carries a penalty of death.They are taken to a court of law.They are tried and the judge pronounces the judgment basing on the law relied upon during the trial.That you(kid) should suffer the penalty on behalf of your parents.What would be your reaction on this?.....So this is what happens when abortion is done.An innocent soul is forced to pay its dear life for the "sins" of its reckless parents.

                    Abortion is abdication of duty.Parents are the primary protectors of life.What constitutes parentage is the act of biting the bullet to safeguard the life of an infant.But abortion negates this.It advocates for killing of infants.It propagates a provided-it-is-yours-you-can-kill-it kind of thinking.This is the spirit coming out of it.It is so dangerous.

                   "Abortionists"  are dangerous to all.Love is the glue that holds families together.It is the air that parents and their kids breath.Love prevents the commission of harmful acts on fellow family members.Hence,if one can kill his own kid what prevents that person from doing the same to his neighbor?So get it clear - abortion doesn't stop at killing the infant,it is coming to you.Not to entertain you,but to "finish" you.                     

                   How I wish that someone delivers and leaves the baby at the doorsteps of a neighbor instead of killing it.Methinks doing this is helpful.It is an act of appreciation of the gift of life.It is an act of dignity.It is an act that holds dear the sacredness of life.Doing this is saying "yes I have the baby but with no means to keep it going.Somebody has the means but no baby.Take it!" 

DOMESTIC WORKERS ARE ALSO HUMAN BEINGS

                       Human being is the only creature whose productivity is pegged on the freedom bestowed on him.A free mind is productive.A free mind is creative.A free mind churns out progressive ideas.Freedom is the cornerstone of every human's engagement.This is what binds all men and women. There is nothing so chilling as being considered worthless,"grade-less" human being.There is nothing so discouraging as being perceived as "emotion-less" creature.Men and women have feelings.These feelings dictate their interactions and productivity.They either break or strengthen the human bond.

                       Today I want to highlight the plight of domestic workers.These people are the engines of so many homes.They do all sorts of chores.Their call of duty demonstrates how selfless they are.By accepting to do all sorts of chores - some life threatening - they communicate to the world that they love their bosses more than their(domestic workers) lives.They have literally put their lives on the line of fire to protect the dignity and wholeness of their masters.But how should the world treat these people?How much should they earn to "pay" for their services?Can we really quantify their services as to merit monetary compensation?What value does it have to be paid millions in salary but live in a humiliating and inhuman condition?

                      Methinks no amount of dollars can compensate for their services. Money is not the biting issue here!It is how we "see" these people.It is what we tell them.It is what we think about them.Remember a criminal is always a criminal until you configure your mind to think otherwise.An angel will remain an angel unless you change your thoughts.This points to one thing - that our minds guide us.The mind perceives,thinks,studies and gives directions on how to handle a particular matter or a person.The mind is the "point of reference"  when it comes matters of domestic workers.Our actions  will automatically "say" what we think. 

                      Look at this - when you keep yelling at your house-help from dawn to dusk,when you allow your headless kids to throw all sorts of insults at your gardener,when you look at your workers as robotic creatures that don't get tired,when you delay their pay without any explanation,....what do you expect them to say?It is important to note that human beings are creatures of dignity.They are enjoined by the umbilical cord of brotherhood.This cord doesn't know social status.It doesn't recognize academic credentials.It sees all humans as one.Its philosophy is that of "when you see your neighbor,you see yourself in him".

                      I don't buy the argument that domestic workers are a dangerous lot.That they are thieves.No!They are not.What they do is a response to the humiliating and inhuman conditions meted upon them.They have been so patient for long.Their response is that of a slave who is trying to fight his way out of slavery.Since they can't talk,since avenues to air out their grievances have been locked,they have chosen to "speak by acting".So when you yell at your house-help be ready to receive a loud bang on your face.Don't get me wrong!I'm not an alarmist!But I won't refuse to be one! 

THINK BEFORE RUSHING TO THE VALLEY OF DEATH

                              The weekend incident in Baragoi,Samburu County is a pointer to a fundamental issue that ought not be ignored. Governments are the custodians of peoples rights.Through policies and legislations governments contribute in shaping the social psychology of a society.The resultant social psychology is what characterizes how a society interacts with its government or within(the society) among its members.It is therefore important for any right-thinking kenyan to interrogate the incidents happening in the north of the country on this perspective.

                               The incidents happening at the so called "wild north" purely lie under this reasoning.It is a manifestation of failed governance.It is a show of frustration.I believe in public participation.I hold this belief close to my soul for a reason.No wheels of development can move if the masses are left out.And this is what is happening at the north of the country.Where citizens don't know their government.Where children grow to believe that government is a police officer or any military guy.This is where the definition of government is operation.Really,lets face the facts,how do you expect a chap from this part of the globe to interact with his government?I hope your guess is as good as mine.

                               The situation here is likened to that of a caged dog.This dog is shock-stroked repeatedly.By the virtue of its condition, it can't move,it can't run.Hence has to face the shock head-on.It becomes conditioned to believe that life is  always full of shock.It has internalized the feelings of despair.That no matter what it will do it will never get out of the cage.Thus can't evade the shock.So?It has to adapt!

                               Kenyans in this part of the country are literally "caged dogs".Their conditions are life-threatening.They literally live in their own world.No roads!No water wells...etc!The vicinity is full of frustrating situations.Their cries are only heard when their kins and kith die -of hunger,shower of bullets...etc.This is how chaps from this part of world are trained.They are hardened by these challenges.

                               But what pains is the absentee nature of the establishment.Successive governments have portrayed these people as a burden to the State and ought to be left alone.What a misplaced thought!Is this really the way to go?I hope not!The only State "intervention" is sending men in uniform to "disarm" and "restore peace". Methinks we should ask ourselves these questions;why are these people armed?Why are they hostile?Is their hostility in-born or conditional?What ways should we pursue to restore hope to the people here?...I believe a responsible government doesn't depend entirely on muscles.Muscles don't work.Muscles don't bring sanity,they radicalize the people.Use brains and engage the masses.This is the way.Pull your bloodthirsty troops out of this place.

TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES

                      It seems we've lost the sense of brotherhood.Is it really painful to lose lives?Do criminals deserve any freedom?Should we cheer in solidarity with criminals?Do criminals belong to tribe,race,religion or any social outfit?On November 10,Kenya lost over 35 police officers at the hands of criminals.These gallant men(fortunately no woman was there) paid the ultimate price - losing their lives - for their country.They rose up to the task even in scary situations.This is a show of bravery and dedication to the service of all(including criminals). The public was angered by this.As "payback" the government  unleashed military power to pursue the culprits.Then came the usual hullabaloo.Some people bashed the State for pursuing their "tribe"!That the State is biased!That the State is responding this way to punish their tribesmen!Really,do these people think as humans?Do they have brothers,sisters,mothers,fathers etc?And if they have, what premium do they put on them?

                      Methinks these are not humans!They look "humanly" but they are not humans.Humans are connected.They share a common bond.We ought to be united in times of need.Humans are creatures of conscience.They are not stones that don't think.Humans have reflections.You know what? Some of them even proposed that local politicians should rise and "defend" the "community".What community is this?Is it a community of criminals?Why are humans united in the defense of evil acts?Are we really moving in the right direction?Should one lose his blood brother to feel the pain?Have we decentralized everything to the extent of decentralizing and institutionalizing crime?

                       I think it is imperative for these chaps to meditate.Lets try to take the place of the victims and their families.Lets "act" as if we were the ones in pain.I believe doing this is important.It is important because we aspire to live in a secure and peaceful planet.It is important because by "acting the victim" shall we regain our conscience and bond of brotherhood.It is important because the deaths of these men is as important as that of our brothers and sisters.This is the only way we can show our gratitude to these fallen heroes.

                       For loud-mouths,please stop a minute and see yourself in that situation.Try to picture your "oxygen-less" body wrapped in a polythene bag being handed to your kins.Try to listen to the cries of the widows.Try to reflect on the lives of the orphans left.Try to picture a single mother who was depending on any of these fallen heroes being left without any livelihood in a crude and inhuman manner.YES REFLECT!THINK AND THINK AGAIN!

                      TO THE FALLEN HEROES,may the Good Lord rest your souls in eternal peace.May He remain to be the dependable guardian to your families in this time of need.Although you are not with us physically,we are together in spirit.Rest in peace heroes.You fought a good fight!

IT IS TIME TO ACT ON THEM

                          Information can either empower or destroy.It has the power to open or close doors .It is like food.The aftermath of eating overrides all arguments.It is what comes after swallowing that needs close interrogation.Just like diets,every society is in need of a special "diet" of information.This is what distinguishes societies.It is the dividing line among nations of people.This therefore begs the questions - how useful is  media?Should business interests override professionalism?Is the public interest really of importance when regulating how media works?Should media be left to "shower" the public with any kind of information and "news"?Should media owners be held responsible for the aftermath of their "news"?

                           The public connects to each other and to authorities/governments through the media.It is a platform that brings these partners together.Its importance is therefore of great concern.Methinks this critical link shouldn't be left alone unregulated.It is high time we come together and interrogate the scope of operations of media.Public opinion and psychology is pegged on what they "swallow".And they don't swallow empty air!They "absorb" information!Their actions will automatically resonate on what is bubbling inside them.And this is information.This is "news".This is your normal television programs.Hence the call to interrogate the content.I'm not calling for closing down of media houses.I don't propose that governments should dictate what media houses splash to the public.I strongly support the independence of the media.This independence is what describes the collective conscience we share.

                             Look at this - patients are administered treatments depending on their ailments.You don't prescribe panadol, for instance, to a cancer patient!And this is the path our media has taken!Do you glorify division in a country suffering from effects of division or you preach more about unity?Do you give more publicity to warlords or those with the public interests in their hearts?Do you sanctify the urge to earn more by airing out any kind of "news"?Do business interests override the aspirations of the public?Should we justify this by the virtue of respecting and promoting freedom of information?

                            I think this is not the way to take.Some might say that acting on media will amount to infringing on their rights.But remember we are all connected by those rights.You've a right to hate somebody but when your hatred degenerates to violence it ceases to be a right!And somebody must act on you!Methinks this is the path we should take to bring sanity to media business!

                            Some say that media houses survive on "bad" news because they are sell-able!That this is the oxygen that keeps them moving.That without this most of them will close shop and leave.I don't buy this argument!It is a belief that the world has taken willingly.Hence the justification that media is a business venture.Yes,do your business.But remember your business has limits.You only play within the accepted confines.This therefore demands responsible reporting.Reporting that thinks.Reporting that appreciates the aspirations of the masses.Reporting that is selfless when in comes to safeguarding the public good.Reporting that believes public interests override business interests.This is the way.Yes indeed it is!Follow it!

A LETTER TO MY GOVERNOR

                           It is believed that any society designs its own rules of engagement.They choose by will to play by those set of rules.This is what law chaps call constitution.Methinks these rules are relative to the aspirations and orientations of each society.They "reflect" what they think and do.It is thus an image of them.But I think some issues are not captured in this school of thought.And that is where I question the sanctity of this legalistic path we've taken.For  avoidance of doubt - get it clear - I don't oppose the existence of laws.Laws define the way man interacts with himself and his environment.

                            My path leads me to the streets and the market stalls.Real world is found in these places.In these places you see all types of talents and gifts.A huge chunk of humanity is found in these places.Men and women with visions are found here.This begs the questions - what plans do we have for these people?How can we integrate them with the rest of humanity?Who is supposed to do all these?Are their demands so complicated as to necessitate complicated ways of dealing with them?If they are complicated how can we "un-complicate" them?....I thinks these questions ought to be answered by the so called professionals and leaders.And you don't just give empty answers,you make the answers work.This is the secret!

                            Mr Governor I believe you are capable of tackling these issues.If that wasn't the case I wouldn't have penned this note to you.Please keep it close to your heart. These are the aspirations of the common man and woman you see everyday you peep through your glass window.Their "cries" are as follows : First is the issue of taxes and levies.They ask this question,"does the economy grow by taxing a mango vendor in the street more?...What moral authority does a council 'levy officer' have to warrant confiscating  a hawker's produce because of his  inability to raise the council levies?...On this their demand is simple;rationalize taxation policies.Let your policies be people-friendly.Don't allow the urge of raising more revenue override the aspirations of the people.

                           Secondly,Mr Governor no development happens in the vacuum.Development is a manifestation of the works and actions of the masses.But these actions are pegged on the availability of relevant information.Therefore,Mr Governor,this is what the people want from you; open centers of information and make them accessible to the tiniest creature in your kingdom.

                           Thirdly,you know what?When your people are happier you don't expect them to die prematurely.So this begs the question- how prepared are you to take care of this group of people.Will they be cursed for living longer and refusing to die?Of course not!All eyes and mouths will turn on you!So be ready!

                           Fourth,Mr Governor it is incumbent to note that your people are not in need of "big things".They miss the "small but essential ones".They don't ask you to come and build a world-class university in their village(but if you are capable,don't shy off from building it).What they ask you to do is to build a mixed day secondary to absorb their sons and daughters.Will this take much of your time?I hope not!

                           Fifth,they say their youths are "blind".They are blind not because they are incapacitated to see.Because they swim in a sea of opportunities but still don't see them.So this is what they are saying,"Show these youths 'light!'.Energize them to realize their capability.Even if it means caning them,feel free,do that,provided they are destined to the land of milk and honey".... 

      Regards,

THE PEOPLES' VOICE.

 

ELITISM SHOULD BE DISCARDED AT ALL COSTS

                       

        Human development is anchored on the principle of inclusion and participation of all.It derives its philosophy from the belief that anyone in his/her individual capacity has a role to play and a component to contribute in the pursuit of development.

           With this in mind it is therefore imperative to note that no one is 'naturally' above the others by the virtue of being elite. Methinks the concept of 'elitism' has no place in a progressive society. Why? Let me unfold the reasons.

            Elitism is a concept of exclusion. It advocates for the creation of a 'club of like-minded wolves'. I call them wolves for a reason. They only push for their own nourishment. This group derives its motto from the philosophy of 'eating first and fast'. Their reflections are activated after eating.

            Without this they will and can never realize the existence of humanity around them. They are 'blinded' by this character. So when I hear somebody call me names and stating that I don't hail from Turkana County I only see that this elitist concept of exclusion has really taken root.

             Secondly, elitism kills dialogue. In any union there must be dialogue .With dialogue we gain more. With dialogue we get to know what others can contribute. With dialogue the social bond is strengthened. With dialogue we kill the spirit of exclusion.

             They say that man is not an island. Nobody knows everything. We know what we don't know by listening and talking to others. And this is what is called dialogue. So when you lock out dialogue what do you have in mind? Are you pushing for exclusion? Reflect on it!

              Elitism abhors participation of all. I have stated earlier that development is a product of participation. It is through this that we tap the talents and gifts of others. Between rural folks who come together for a fund-raiser of their own and an 'intellectual' seated somewhere in a busy city street with all his expertise, who is the real advocate of development? So before you look down upon that rural folk that hardly speaks English, compare their actions with what you know but remain confined within you.

               Elitist leadership is not pro-people and pro-development. In my previous articles I have repeatedly stated that leadership is derived from the people. Leadership is given by will. It is an expression of belief and confidence by the masses. They speak out through their leader. Thus a leader is a reflection of them. If they stink their leader too stinks. What moral ground do you have when you say that people are not knowledgeable and are unable to chart their destiny? This is a mockery of the confidence the people have on you. You literally say, "I was only interested in this leadership position for my own gains, not yours!" And this is what breeds frustration and violence.

                Elitism is not ready to pay the ultimate price to safeguard the will of the people. Paying the ultimate price is to walk with people; eat what they eat; interact freely with them; erasing the barriers of communication between a leader and his people; fighting with them and respecting their aspirations and visions. A leader who plays by these “rules” is not fearful of his life. He doesn't require bodyguards when visiting his people. His is in communion with his people. But with elitist mindset this is a pipe dream.