The Cutting Edge

By THE WATCHMAN
Posted  Saturday, April 23 2011 at 17:51

KIBAKI LEGACY: President Kibaki should use the remaining period of his term to refine his legacy around building infrastructure, entrenching the new Constitution and overseeing free and fair handover elections, says Morrison Muleri. First on Muleri’s list of priorities is building a vibrant local/regional airport to ease pressure on JKIA, repairing the 2,000km railroad to prevent damage to the roads being fixed, revamping Mombasa Port and ensuring a peaceful transition next year. “He can then retire in peace, as we sing his praises,” he concludes.

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MWALA’S (UN)POPULAR SHOW: A keen follower of local TV dramas, Muturi Kigano, has been rather put off by the themes handled by one of the popular shows on TV. Says he: “The violence and blatant disregard of human rights displayed in the series will not endear the station to many viewers. Rudeness, violence and high-handedness appear to be their favourite themes. What does the Kenya Film Censorship Board say about this in light of the new constitutional dispensation and the ongoing police reforms?”

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COASTAL MIGRATION: The Easter migration is on again, says Jacob Obura Bolo, of the boisterous holidaymakers from upcountry, who have invaded Mombasa. Obura, who settled in the town only recently, says he can now understand the resentment the locals feel when mobs from Nairobi arrive and literally take over everything. “I now know why many prefer to remain indoors. The sheer numbers of ‘watu wa bara’ are overwhelming. You can see them taking pictures, and speaking Swanglish, ‘Jana I ended and patad my…”

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BLAME NO WAITER: The people complaining about being ignored by waiters at tourist-class restaurants have themselves to blame as they lack dining etiquette, says hotel worker Nicholas Wambugu. “It’s not the waiters at fault. Most of our people will just stroll past the hostess, whose work is to welcome clients with a warm smile, enquire about their sitting preference and walk them to their seats. She will even pull the chair for you, entertain your children and then assign a waiter to promptly attend to you. We never discriminate.”

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NAIROBI’S ROADSIDE INVALIDS: Parading patients in the streets of Nairobi to solicit funds is sickening, says Stephen Kathurima. While appreciating that poor ill people and their relatives need support, displaying the wounds of badly injured people to attract sympathy is not the best way. “Walking down Tom Mboya Street, you are likely to see people with fresh wounds lying down. Can’t the government spare a little money to assist the most desperate cases? Why should the sick be left lying in the streets like dogs?”

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KISIA SHOULD HEAR THIS: A resident of Westlands, Nairobi, Mukami Kariuki, is demanding an explanation from the City Council as to why Rhapta Road, which serves her otherwise plush residential area, has been left to deteriorate so badly that it now spots potholes and trenches. Mukami says accidents have been occurring at an alarming rate, as motorists swerve to avoid the potholes and end up smashing into each other. “Can Town Clerk Philip Kisia, please, come to our rescue?” she appeals. Her contact is mukamir@gmail.com.

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KENOL PEUGEOT: Car fanatic Martin Ochako’s day is made every time he sees the Kenol-Kobil commercial, which features one of the machines that make his imagination go wild. Says Martin: “I’ve always been a big fan of well-maintained vintage cars, and the Peugeot simply takes my breath away. I wonder. Is it for real? Then it should be used as a showcase to illustrate to motorists one or two things about how to maintain their vehicles. This would be a good lesson for car owners.” His contact is martinetske@yahoo.com.

Have a classy day, won’t you!

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