Israel and Palestine should start considering a one state solution

Like any relationship, be it marriage or a business, any form of partnership requires a level of trust but more important compromise. We can`t always get what we want else this world would be chaotic, so the way to live in peace is to give some in order to get some. It`s not what we like to do or hear as human beings are inherently selfish but it’s a  way of resolving issues and living in harmony.

Take Sudan and South Sudan for example, they went to war, tried obliterating each other, insulted each other to get their way but look at the two now! They have agreed on oil exports from South Sudan, a demilitarized zone and cessation of hostilities .(http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/south-sudan-and-sudan-agree-on-oil-but-not-on-border-or-contested-area-of-abyei/2012/09/27/491c3174-0917-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html) Both parties finally understood that they can`t go on fighting forever! 21 years of war was a good enough price, and now it’s time to build and not to keep tearing down.  They do have more issues they need to tackle, specifically the Abyei region, but at least they have started somewhere and that gives many people hope. Let`s hope implementing the agreement will not be a hurdle.

That said, I think it`s time for Israel and Palestine to consider a one state (Secular) solution. They can share Jerusalem and everything else they deem ok, so that this enmity can end once and for all. But even as I speak of such, and I ask the two nations to consider this path, I paused for a minute today morning and wondered if I were in their shoes, would a one state solution work for me? Would I be ok sharing my country say for example with (just an example) our Somali neighbors should they say that the Northern part of my country belongs to them? The fears are real; if they come in, they might decide at some point that Kenya should become a Muslim state and we`d all be forced to adhere to their principle or they might decide that women should only be seen and not heard…..the list is endless.  I wondered though if I experienced the bloodshed and the chaos, the insecurity and instability that comes with having two nations fighting, if I’d be ok with a one state solution and the truth is still NO! No way would I be ok with this.

Thus even as I advocate for the one state solution, I understand the difficulty that comes with it. The trust element that would be tested greatly and the fears that are all too real for any outsider to understand; yet all this should be done in context. I know even though I would detest the idea, deep down the price of peace would be worth sharing my country. I know I would constantly be afraid of the eventuality…….. always looking out and not easily trusting the “outsiders” but for the sake of peace, for the sake of my children to get the opportunities I would not have gotten, I might just chose to compromise.

Ultimately I believe it’s for each to look inside themselves and take a chance. The leaders might not, but the people need to move on with their lives. Enough of politics…..buuuuuuuuuut with Iran on the other side…hmmm external influences ……tricky….but life is about taking a chance and we all live once….! So Israel and Palestine take a chance; compromise if you must!

Bogonko

A LETTER TO MY MUSLIM BROTHERS: YOU NEED TO START LOOKING AT THINGS AS THEY ARE: Response on protests over an anti-Islam video

I know am stepping into murky waters here, but I have to ask; why do most Muslims behave like they are holier than other people; that their religion is greater than others and therefore need to be recognized more. I understand the fury about the film and why they feel so grossly offended….after all “they are the only ones who hold salient beliefs; the only ones whose identity should be revered and respected” but what I don`t get is why it’s being taken out on innocent people.

The film in question was uploaded on YouTube in July and has only caused uproar in September … and only got noticed after an Egyptian television apparently aired it and some anti-Islam characters promoted it online. The film producer is allegedly an Israeli whose character and sanity is questionable as he has been indicted before by US Attorney’s office with numerous aliases. It’s this film that led to the senseless death of a US Ambassador to Libya and other American officials in Benghazi.

My question to our Muslim brothers is; why attack people who had nothing to do with the film? Why do Muslims feel that they have been sooooooooooo wronged that they have to take it out on their “worst enemy” who clearly had nothing to do with it. Christians and other religions have suffered the same fate where our God/Jesus is called all sorts of things, and am sure the case remains the same for other religions but you do not see us all, up in arms chanting “down with whoever”.

My guess is the thoughts and convictions in that film do not represent the views of many people. This was a project by an individual (perhaps with his minions) who felt the need to express himself with no regard of the consequences. We all have things we don`t like about each other, about each other’s religion but we don`t go parading them.  But not everyone can self regulate; it’s therefore obvious that there will be those who will feel the need to put their thoughts and feelings out there and whereas they can be prosecuted for it in one form of the other, the consequences of their actions as is in this case cannot be undone. The onus then is upon those who feel aggrieved to chose the right thing by looking at this as a specific case by some nut job who still behind bars will hold the same opinions so really there is nothing you can do about it as far as his thoughts are concerned. But you can do something about your reactions and instead of senselessly killing people, take counter measures and show the world who prophet Mohammed really is not just through film but by embracing his ideals and resolving conflict like civilized human beings.

I grew up with Muslims and I know this is not every Muslims stand on how the issue should be handled; so enough already! The world stands with you in condemning Nakoula`s film and understands your bitterness but what as human beings we`ll not condone is taking of innocent lives because you feel pained. How different then are you from him? Where is your honor? How is your act any different from Nakoula`s (he has many aliases)?

We should all learn to tolerate each other’s religion. These absurd acts of violence that have gone viral and taken hold in more than 10 nations should be an opportunity to showcase the unity that makes you one religion and not to take the lives of others. It`s ok to protest with an end goal in mind but don`t take it out on innocent people.

Treat others as you (Muslims) would like to be treated.

http://www.aljazeera.com/ Muslims unjustified in their response to the Nakoula`s film

OUR LAISSEZ-FAIRE PRESIDENT (Hon. President Mwai Kibaki)

I had to go back and review the various leadership styles, in a bit to understand President Kibaki`s governing style. For some of us who believe in keeping track of progress and working as a team, yes delegating but ensuring that what was set out to be done has been done; I find it very hard to understand the old  man. See if we were talking about a project and you have assigned various duties to specific individuals I’d be ok with the laissez-faire approach ; if it was negotiating agreements with foreign companies or states I would totally understand; I would also understand if he never spoke a word in his house and let mama Lucy dictate… sorry…run everything. But what I don`t understand is how the old man can go about his daily chores as scores of people are killed in Tana and other parts of the country!

Lest Mr. President forget we are in elections season, what would be acceptable in other days (silence) is not acceptable now! Kenyans did not elect you to sit back and watch; they elected you to act day or night. The day you chose to become the President of Kenya you forfeited you right to silence and ‘doing things your way’ in any matter that concerns the country. People don`t care what you have going on behind the scenes, they need to know that you care about them. That life in Kenya for a commoner is as valuable as that of a member of parliament. (Don`t get me started on the teachers/doctors/lecturers strike).

People believe in you Mr President. There is still a window of opportunity you can seize to get this right and make it right. Not for you but for every Kenyan. It’s about time you showed Kenyans that their welfare is important. By now we should have heard a national address on the matter and forces sent to reinforce the area. You sent our forces into Somalia to keep our borders safe, now we need you to send forces to Tana to save the lives of mothers, children, elderly men and women who are defenseless. Mr. President I may not jump up and down about it but you are my President and I respect that, what I do not respect is you toying with the lives of Kenyans. Stand up and act NOW because we demand it of you and your position rightly requires that you do so.

We hope for better headlines tomorrow!

SHEIKH ROGO WAS A DEAD MAN WALKING

Not to sound like a cynic but the guy was on the US terror list; sooner or later he was going to be gunned down. See what happened to Osama? Someone should have reminded Rogo that if you live by the sword, you`ll die by the sword. I sympathize with the family, but what surprises me is the kind of outrage his death sparked. One would expect that he be sent off in silence considering the kind of person he was, but instead the goons chose to torch churches and cause chaos. What kind of society have we turned into?

Am not saying one human`s life is more valuable than the other, but the man is dead and no amount of destruction will bring him back. Instead of destroying others, we should be thanking God for one less type of Rogo in our midst.

Am sure as a teacher he had his followers, but is “blind faith” the new fad in town? A religious leader in the days of old was one to be looked up to and emulated because he or she espoused the virtues of a society; but not anymore. Many have taken to the pulpits and madarasa`s to preach hate instead of holding up the society. When a man chooses a path that leads to destruction; when what brings them joy and purpose in life is the death of another; when all they speak, think and believe is the violent end of a society, sect or religious grouping; when that person loses their moral fiber and has no conscience, no value for life, theirs or another’s…..that person is not worth living. This kind of a person has sold their soul to the devil and they should be joined in eternal bliss……

Still………. he was a child of God, so I pray for his family; may God strengthen them and cause them to hold onto the hope that only lives in Christ… 

Tana RIver Massacre was a planned affair

If the headline in today`s Star newspaper is anything to go by, then we need to all speak in one voice that violence in whatever format shall not be tolerated no matter who you are in society. I am not surprised to learn that the whole thing was organised but what baffles me is why the culprits thought they could get away with it? Thank you technology for allowing us to go back in time and review data on our crimes or whatever else we chose to pass on to those that we communicate with on our cellphones, emails etc. This will go a long way in prosecuting the perpetrators as its their own words that will hang them.

This was organised crime and as such everyone who participated in whatever form or the other needs to pay. Only animals can be allowed to walk away after a heinous crime but even then they are locked up to avoid a repeat. These human beings of the lowest order need to pay dearly for butchering 52 people. How do they even sleep at night or even walk without wondering whether the ghosts of these individuals are following them.

I am just happy that they can get to the bottom of this. My only prayer is that the police does not drop the lid on this one. I love my country but am also aware of how it functions.

Thank you technology.

White versus black supremacy

Go to this link and share your thoughts.... thank you.
http://t.co/S2zg5Xci

Kenyans celebrate Rudisha and Kitum

http://www.nation.co.ke/sports/-/1090/1475900/-/x6ltsrz/-/index.html

Victory is indeed sweet. It ignites a new kind of energy and pride that reminds one self that we can conquer the world. No, we don`t have many medals in our pouch but we have pride that no one can compare.  We celebrate Rudisha and Kitum for making Kenya proud. It feels good to be able to share in their victory. It`s not about the number of medals we have won but it`s what we do with what we have won. As China and the US lock horns on sports supremacy, Kenyans are content with their few victories. Am not saying that we should not aspire for greater heights or more victories, all am saying is, we appreciate what we have. We are proud of our athletes and am sure now the government will think of supporting them better and making sports (whatever kind) an option for career choice. 

In that moment when Rudisha clenches his fist almost saying...."who`s the man now" it feels as though we won all the games in the Olympics. Viva Rudisha, Viva Kenya….

The Third Side in a Conflict - Ted Talks

http://www.ted.com/talks/william_ury.html

Listening to this guy twice i wonder why simplicity is no longer appreciated. Conflict will always be around us - with us. It`s how we as the people who really never started the conflict choose to act. When the choice is right, their is a high probability that the conflict will fizzle. A group does not start a conflict; it`s always one person who leads and incites the pack.

How about stopping him/her on his tracks.

Think of any violence in the world, their was a point of return that people and mainly the third siders refused to take. At the point the conflict starts, what should we do? Be part of it or be the sense in the situation? think about it. The same applies in your relationships be it with your spouse of children or those cranky extended family members that you can`t stand?

Nancy Baraza, pride comes before a fall!

I keep wondering why Baraza did not take the money and run? Kenyans have a short memory and with no time, some other big shot will have done something foolish to replace her in the headline. So once again I ask; why did Nancy Baraza chose to drug her name in the mud, in the name of proving her innocence? Really miss lady? How innocent does one think of themselves when you are sited in full view of other onlookers committing the said offence or when you go behind the scenes to conjure up evidence?

For a country that has very few women leaders in top influential positions you really know how to pull the rag right off under our feet. Just when we had whisked out our vuvuzelas to celebrate a milestone in Kenya`s history, you had to bring out the villager in you and your egotistical self. Why didn`t you think of the other women? When did the struggle become about you and not the women of this country?

I hope you have learnt your lesson. Either way I don`t think you could sink any more than you already have? All the best in your future endeavors....

WHY COMPETITION FOR OUR KENYAN RUNNERS IS HEALTHY

Kenya is renowned for its long distance runners who over the years have continually laid claim to the title (most of the time), not letting even the most enthusiastic taste the glory. The London Olympics are however painting a different picture of what the future looks like for our dear brothers; that this show will not be for Kenyans to dominate as the likes of Ethiopia steps in the scene. 

This should however not deter or worry us, but should encourage our brothers and sisters gifted in that area to strive for nothing short of the best.  In our own homeland, for a while, running was the preserve of the Kalenjins and Kipsigis and you know…their kin; but this trend has changed with other tribes traditionally not considered runners entering the race.  I therefore think that in the same manner we can welcome Ethiopia and any other country that is interested to go ahead and compete…..and may the best man/woman win.

Am not an athlete, heck I don`t even go to the gym but I know that with practice we can get better at what we do. I know that, Kenya not getting gold medals in most of the long distance races have got many like me wondering …are we losing our “thingi?” But I will take heart because ….i believe it was written by some person in history….that Kenya`s thingi will be running and will be crowned for that (ok wishful thinking) but at least, it makes me have hope.

In other news, like many other observers i`d like to take issue with the Olympics organizers; some of the sports one has to compete in are ridiculous for Africans, let alone Kenyans. How in heavens name do they expect Anyango in Kisumu to do gymnastics or our sisters in luhya land let alone our Nigerian sisters to attempt the same? I think Africans need to come up with games that take into consideration the African physique and enter them in the Olympics. Any wonder that swimming is represented by the Dunford brothers? Not sure  if being white or light skinned has anything to do with it, but the Olympics should be considerate and either have some of these games competed separately or Africans to just get with it, eat less and go discover new games. 

Either way, the diversity of the Olympics games, I think is its down fall.