Monday 25 November 2013

An open letter to Prof Kibwana

Dear Sir,

I hope that you are managing alright.

I take note of the achievements, thus far. The humanitarian effort to that school in Kibwezi stands out as a moment of resolute leadership. Flatteringly, it was a moment of magic to see you move in with speed and rescue those kids. Honestly, the 'face' of that school was debilitating.

I also take note of your resolve to ensure that MCAs didn't run away with our money. Okay, i am pretty aware that you live in two different worlds. (definitely i don't expect someone who is schooled in Harvard to reason in tune with some quarter literate county assembly members). For this i don't blame you, i blame the people of Makueni for voting the wrong people.

That is so much of praise, and if i continue on that note i will accuse myself of boot-lick, sycophancy and political confusion. Straight to the point.

Whenever you see those crowds in rallies or in political meetings, just know that every 6 out of ten people there are poor. Just Know that 6400 out of 10000 people don't know what they will eat for supper. Just know that they don't choose to come to the rallies. but they didn't have anything to do with their time.

Whenever you take lunch, just know that 8 out of every 10 people in Makueni didn't have the same luxury.

Makueni is poorer that the much televised Kitui county,I am writing this in the wake of a poverty level report by the Society for International Development. I chose to write to you because i know that you might have lost the facts. I always feel that majority of us forget the reality on the ground as we move up the social ladder.

I request you one thing. When leaders and misleaders gather at Uhuru park to celebrate Kenya@50, please stay at home. Our county has no reason to celebrate, after all the situation has worsened over the last 50 years due to unfavourable climate change. Keep yourself in your bedroom and pray for the county, reflect and see what you can do.

I know many people are pairing comparisons with Machakos county, but i am more of a realist, and i know Mutua, with all respect, is on his own league. So i won't request much from you.

I will request for things I am sure they can be done so easily. I will request for provision of Mbeu to the farmers every planting season.

I request for boreholes. A borehole is only 5M shillings. That makes it over a 100 boreholes per year with an amount equal to what you will spend on the MCA allowances and salaries. That makes it 500 boreholes in 5 years, is that too much to ask?

I saw the plan to invest 100M in a fruit processing. I lament the fact that you didn't seem sure of the location. Speed is of much essence if we are to realize economic freedom. Given that you have been in office for six months, such nitty-gritties should have been sorted out, once and for all. With our poverty levels 20% more than the national average, our county needs to grow by 20%, at least to move to middle class by the turn of a decade. I have assumed that since the country at large needs to grow by double digits to achieve such milestone, we need to grow by double that double digit.

I know that there are rich people in the county heaving demands on you to give them tenders at blotted quotations. You have a choice between serving the majority, the people who voted you, or the influential well-to-do men and women. It is a choice between giving a bursary to a needy soul or a rich student.

I also know that it is not easy being a leader, but it it this dilemma which makes great leaders out of ordinary people. We, the people of Makueni, think that you are able, and capable. It is time for you to prove that you are.

Lastly, i wrote this letter on behalf of thousands of poor Makueni people, thousands of children who have sat for their exams and are damn sure that their education is over, for hundreds of women waking up with a tear on their left eye as they can't afford to fend for their little kids, for men and women who wake up, look at their Shambas and feel hungry, and angry too, when the rains fail. I have written on behalf of the the syana ndiwa. I have written this for me, and, for you.


Yours faithfully,

Bantu Kivai


7 comments:

Jeff Munyae said...

Consultative meetings are needed for Makueni esp in Nairobi to capture the busy elite: it's a worthy cost. Makueni has very brilliant sons, more than Mks > make use of them !

Tom Mutuse said...

What an honest open letter,I believe this is achievable in the near future,if the county government believes in ANDU MBEE.

shadi said...

Absolutely I like this letter. You are a leader, go for your talent :-D

Unknown said...

I just Hope and wish Mr Governor will have a look at this ,at least a look. I hope it will drive some sense , some little sense in his mind. good job bro

Unknown said...

I agree with Bantu Kivai. The entire leadership of Makueni county has to rise to the occasion and tackle the unending poverty. Away from your comfort cocoons and deliver the promises you made during the campaigns. Invest heavily in agriculture and our county shall be far much better than Mchakos and Kitui. There is also the need to tap the talent of all Makueni county; be they within or without. We need tangible services otherwise lip service will not suffice.If you choose to maintain the current state of affairs, we shall demonstrate day and night until our cries are heard or urge the President to suspend the county government pursuant to Article 192 (1)(a)(b) of the constitution of Kenya 2010.

Unknown said...

And if we make noise, noise through the proper channels with utmost respect, we will see better leadership and integrity in our county.

Unknown said...

This is good Kivai. Hope the Governor will not only see but put your ideas into consideration. Thanks.