The Cutting Edge

By THE WATCHMAN Posted Saturday, January 8 2011 at 17:46

THE ‘K’ MAGIC: The letter, “k” has some political significance in Africa, claims Hezron Nambiro, adding: “Many presidents in East and Central Africa have the letter k in their names. They include Joseph Kabila, Paul Kagame, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Mwai Kibaki, Jakaya Kikwete, and Pierre Nkurunziza. Other famous personalities with the letter k include Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Kenneth Kaunda, Dedan Kimathi, and Jomo Kenyatta. Others are Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Uganda’s Kiiza Besigye. So where does that leave Raila Odinga?”

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LOCAL TRIBUNAL: The decision by MPs to pull Kenya out of the ICC over the naming of high-profile suspects by prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo is one that Wilson Awili would consider, but only on one condition. Says he: “If our parliamentarians, who voted to get the country out of the ICC and also force on us a local tribunal to try The Hague 6 suspects, it should be on condition that they all be remanded at Kamiti or Shimo la Tewa prison to prevent witness tampering. What’s their take on this?”

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WRONG ANSWERS: Accusing Shinda Smart raffle organisers of confusing participants by giving wrong answers to some questions, Patrick Obath says those who have spent money sending text messages should be given refunds. “I am horrified that there have been some false answers. This is unfair, as they charge a fee on every SMS. An example is the question on Ali Mwakwere, whom you said is the Minister for Transport. He is not. He’s the Minister for Trade.” Patrick’s contact is pobath@gmail.com

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INCOMPETENT DRIVERS: Traffic jams in Nairobi have been the subject of discussion among residents. However, Simon Wambatha, who has heard many explanations, including the huge increase in the number of vehicles and poor traffic control by police at roundabouts and junctions, says the main reason is incompetent drivers. He says: “If only motorists could just adhere to the basic rule, ‘Don’t enter junction until the exit is clear’, the jams resulting from congestion at junctions would cease.”

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DANGEROUS ROADS: Ongata Rongai township in Kajiado has seen tremendous growth in the past five years or so, remarks Dennis Ndung’u. But, Dennis adds, it has not been a bed of roses. The growth has not been matched with development of the infrastructure ... “There are only two government schools and one public hospital. The roads are full of potholes and carjackers have been taking advantage of the situation to pounce on motorists as they slow down. Can’t the CDF be used to patch up these roads?” Dennis asks.

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POOR TRAIN SERVICE: What took all the fun and shine out of the New Year celebrations for John Smith was the poor passenger service by Rift Valley Railways on the Nairobi-Mombasa route. Says he: “The first class compartments are in a bad condition. The toilets stink; there is no running water, no soap or hand towels. The restaurant should be closed due to poor standard of hygiene and bad food. To make matters worse, the train arrives four to eight hours late.” His contact is jsjohn90@gmail.com.

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STINGLESS INSECTICIDES: Mosquitoes in Nairobi appear to have become resistant to insecticides, claims R. Gatobu. In the past three months, he has bought leading brands of insecticides which he sprayed on mosquitoes, without much effect on the little creatures. “After spraying my bedroom, mosquitoes still fly around and bite as hard as ever. What is Icipe doing and what of the Kenya Bureau of Standards, which has certified the ineffective insecticides?

Have an effective day, won’t you!

Email: watchman@nation.co.ke or mail: The Watchman POB 49010, GPO 00100, Nairobi. Fax 2213946.