Cutting Edge

By THE WATCHMAN
Posted  Saturday, June 11 2011 at 11:57

VETTING OF CJ, DCJ: Watching live on TV the vetting of the candidates for Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice during which they were questioned on their morals, Jackson Macharia says, many are happy about the transparency of the whole process. However, he is a bit apprehensive about the harsh and probing questioning by panels that could embarrass interviewees and their families. “I can imagine the reaction of Willy Mutunga’s relatives when he was asked whether he is gay. Next time, the questions should be moderated,” urges Jackson.

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SCRUTINY OF NOMINEES: The blunt questioning of those seeking key public offices, especially in the Judiciary, is something Ruth Muhiuha says she really likes. And, going by what Kenyans have seen so far, she adds, those keen on holding top public offices in future will have to think twice if they are not men and women who have nerves of steel. Alternatively, only those who are sure they have no skeletons in their cupboards will dare. However, Ruth wishes this could be extended to MPs as well.

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USE OF VERNACULAR: Reacting to some MPs’ bid for a law seeking to outlaw the speaking of vernacular in public offices -- in an effort to banish tribalism and forge nationalism -- Gachiengo Gitau says, the jury is certainly still be out on this particular issue. However, he poses: “How will our speech be monitored (forgive the pun!)? Could we be seeing the comeback of the ‘‘monitor’’ or ‘‘monto’’ of yore, back in our primary schools days? And, really, will this be limited to only the four corners of the office, or even the corridors or compound?

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THIEVES ON THE LOOSE: Having side mirrors ripped off one’s vehicle while sitting in traffic is painful and expensive, yells Ng’ang’a Nixon. It happened to him at the Ngara roundabout in Nairobi on Monday, June 8, early in the afternoon “in the full glare of a traffic cop and other motorists and despite my loud shouts of ‘thief! thief!’” He is convinced a ready market for the items is fuelling the daylight theft. “Handling stolen goods is a serious offence. Who will break up this syndicate?” Nixon can be reached at nganganixon@gmail.com

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WAYWARD OFFICERS: Making a mockery of the newly- opened offices of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission in Jubilee House in Kisumu town is the brazen bribe taking by traffic police officers at the Migosi junction that goes on during most of the day, says local resident Kenneth Ruto. In the evenings, the extortionist officers simply shift base to the Mamboleo junction, also not far away from the centre of the lakeside town. At both locations, the wayward officers, he adds, mainly target matatu and lorry drivers. “Anti-graft officers should act right away,” he pleads.

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ZAWADI REWARD POINTS: Mobile phone subscriber Ndung’u wa Karugguh has something to smile about, finally. His account has already been credited with the 1,000 ‘Zawadi’ reward points he had been promised for moving to Airtel in the ‘Kuhama’ scheme, says Airtel Kenya managing director Rene Meza. He adds: “I wish to confirm that our customer care team has already spoken to Mr Ndung’u about the delay in the award of the points. We attach great value to the feedback from customers on our service. We wish to thank Mr Ndung’u and assure him of quality service.”

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NOISE POLLUTION: Nema and City Council of Nairobi employees can only justify their monthly salaries, says Dr Waris, if they move quickly and eliminate the noise pollution on Sixth Avenue, Parklands. The neighbourhood, he adds, always has to put up with extremely loud music that makes children to have sleepless nights. “What are they being paid their salaries for?’’ asks Dr Waris, worried about the long-term effect on the children whom, he says, are left agitated. He can be reached on Tel 020-340861.

Have a tranquil day, won’t you!