Stigma and vilification

Lately I have been watching a movie series. One of the main character Ralph Angel, who happens to be an ex-convict encounters stigma from the society that is supposed to help him recover. One of the scene that draws my interest is how the society treats the poor and the rich. Ralph laments that while he cannot authorize whether his kid should go for a school tour without his guardian consent, Davis who is rich but accused of rape is entitled to be there for his son. What we learn, the society shows a blind eye to the rich.

The role of Public Relations Practitioners in county Government

Abstract

This study is conducted in Migori county government. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of public relations practitioners in county government. In the literature review several aspects regarding roles have been reviewed broadly. The study sample was drawn from county government of Migori employees. Non-probability sampling techniques was employed. The instruments for data collection was questionnaire.
The study revealed that public relations practice according to roles of PRO has its uniqueness in public institutions. One of the major findings was that citizenry reporting is a responsibility of public relations officers.
The study also found out that PRO view their input in the organization as essential to the success of the county government administration.
The study recommends a number of issues to be done by the county government and also to the academicians. More local research should be done on the role of public relations in county governments.
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Am worried for my country Kenya.

When the USA decided to invade Saddam Hussein, Robert Byrd then a senator was against the idea.in his famous speech titled ‘I weep for my country’ he said ‘I believe in this beautiful country. I have studied its roots and gloried in the wisdom of its magnificent constitution. I have marveled of the wisdom of its founders and framers.’ This is not what our forefathers envisioned for. Today I am not weeping because it's not late to get concerned about my country Kenya.

Am not worried of the diverse and culturally rich communities we have always been proud of as a nation. I am concerned about the people whose tongue spit venomous poison whose words leads to alienating and profiling the other.

I am quite alarmed by the level of hatred spread in social media whose impetus even outwits the real state of events. Bloggers have resorted into grouping themselves am them and us. Attacking each other with vile unmatched before.

I am apprehensive about the egocentric, chest-thumping leaders who have become tribal bigots and idol fanatics. Everybody is talking in defense of their party leader no one is in defense of us ordinary Kenyans. wake up, people!

I am angst-ridden of the fence-sitting clergy. Their continued silence and veneer view of events ongoing in our beloved country is alarming. I am reminiscent of the days of Ndigi mwana Nzeki and Timothy Joya when they used to say it in white and black.

The civil society has negated duty and now they are acting as guns for hire apart from a few left with sober minds.

My country is divided into two! My fellow countrymen, I am fearful at the neglect we have inflicted self. We have let ourselves to be rubber stamps and Guns for free. Who will restore sense in us?

Like Abdul Ghaffar Khan who taught that ‘ the man is a Muslim(Christian, Hindu) who never hurts anyone by word or deed, but who works for the benefits and happiness of God’s creature. Believe in God is to love one fellow man.’ We should always love each other.

Max Lerner said that you may call for peace as roundly as you wish but where there is no brotherhood there can, in the end, be no peace. Let not be tricked by people who want to make a name for themselves with sweet tongues but injurious words.

Ngugi Wa Thiong’o in his book ‘A grain of Wheat’ says that our fathers fought bravely. But do you know the biggest weapon unleashed by the enemy against them? It was not the Maxim gun. It was division among them. Why? because a people united in faith are stronger than the bomb; hate speech. Let’s call a spade a spade and stop taking sides. Kenya ni yetu sote.

by Lawrence Mugendi

communication and public relations freelancer

follow me at twitter @Lawi_ke

MY SHUJAA TRIBUTE

Jaramogi Oginga and Jomo Kenyatta

She was born on the eve of independence when our forefathers were rescuing us from the jaws of the imperialist.  When Jaramogi Oginga Odinga declined to form a government until  Jomo Kenyatta release. The Secord to last born among six sisters and two brothers deep in Meru. 

She brought me in this world when the second liberation was gaining traction in Kenya. When the likes Gitobu Imanyara, james Orengo, Paul Muite, Raila Amolo Odinga and other elites were fighting for multi-party. I was born partly after a terrible famine in our land known as ‘mpara ya kiaramo’(sic). She was really struggling, she made sure to give here children education. Even if it means staying hungry. She sacrificed even her dignity to be called ‘nkea' (poor) for us to get an education. 

Gitobu Imanyara, James Orengo and Raila Odinga

She has continued to instill discipline on us even to date. Mama always gave us choices; the good and the bad. She is never judgmental.  I have never complained and I have never disappointed either.

Mama, though I have not made enough in life, soon you will enjoy the fruits of your sweat. Today I may sound mean to many by declaring you my shujaa. But undoubtedly you are my hero, I celebrate you today.

dilemma in the absence of money

Dilemma in the absence of money (a graduate)

It’s on a Monday, another day to continue the hustle. My eyes glued to the screen, my fingers busy typing an impressive word on google; Brightermonday, Linkedin, get a job tirelessly with hope this is my day. Shortly a screen pops up in my window; a freelancer needed. Elated I click the window with gusto.

No sooner had I clicked, my phone starts to ring, picking to know who it was, the caller informed me today was my deadline to pay rent. Aarrrgh a ruined day indeed. Am fumbling now with no option but to lie. I am never short of excuses, I promise the landlord by evening I will wire the money.

Back to the computer, I take a glance at the job requirements, alas! Three years of experience is a must. My hopes now have fizzled out. I scroll from one site to the other with no success. Undeterred kukachora kicks in. I recall yesterday I left a balance of fifty shillings in my sportpesa account. This is where I will stake my hope for rent.

After a thorough scrutiny, I place my bet and take a rest. Time goes by at around six o'clock in the evening I decided to check how my bet is doing because I haven’t gotten a congratulation text. To my disillusionment I have lost, frustrations kick in. what will I tell my landlord? How will I survive? Really, is life cruel or am I?

For a moment, an idea of taking a loan in one of the online providers pops in. without wasting time I install the Tala and branch app. Go through their rigorous registration and verification process. After completing a disheartening text pops up. Dear Dan your name is listed in the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB). I had defaulted to pay 1000 shilling I took via M-shwari. Maangaiko kweli.

Its getting late and nothing to cook for dinner. I remember the mama mboga I used to kopa long time ago( I stopped because I escaped with her money) hoping that she will have forgotten and give me some Sukuma wiki on credit.

On the way I meet my former classmate, Juan and the conversation goes like, hey nigga its long umeisha aje brathe….. and with a cowardly voice I reply; ni Maisha man. As we were walking he decides kutoa fomu (to buy drinks). I obliged because this is a chance to forget my woes for a moment.

Mid the drinks am already bragging and shouting YOLO…… to be continued

follow me at twitter @Lawi_ke

Mr flex cultural week Rongo University

Rhetoric's of government and ignorance of citizens

Rhetoric’s of government and ignorance of citizens

Rarely do you get to hear we obstructed some men who were planning to attack house b but always disheartening news? The death of innocent civilians to the extent of even our security forces being slain. The government is good at post measures ‘we will put the attackers into account’ for how long. This is a mockery of the right to be protected. There must be someone to take the blame and be held accountable for the continued failure of our security forces. But our leaders always protect them, what do you expect? The blame should not be solely on the attackers, someone is sleeping.
leaders should be kept on toes you either deliver or you leave. The security organ of the country is in jeopardy. The leaders in this sensitive docket have shown they can’t deliver. The recent attack in Mandera justifies it all. some few weeks ago in kapendo armed police were attacked by bandits and killed, and then you are left wondering what about the unarmed civilian. In fact, it’s God’s grace that you make it the next day because your security is not guaranteed at all.
But how can us as civilians help ourselves from the world of evil actors (bandits, al Shabaab, extremist and serial killers)?  First, ask yourself have I reported any suspect to the police, was there a time I knew of an impending danger and did not report? But Kenyans ignorant of doing for free will ask you, why do we pay our security forces? And the security forces will say in return, why should we protect you if you don't cooperate? Then you wonder who should care? kenya-hundreds-forced-flee-homes-over-rising-insecurity-Baringo
Unity between the civilians and the police is at the lowest ever. the citizens perceive cops best explained as ‘watu wa kitu kidogo.’ How can we change this? we should have laws that criminalize those who give and take a bribe. Let arrest the one giving kitu kidogo also.
Eradication of ignorant the ‘know ignorance’. People assume they know the consequences and think they are not affected by them. You get to witness a passenger boarding a PSV vehicle carrying excess passengers because he/she is in a hurry. Some assumptions are taken for granted making it difficult to change but persistence can help. Civil education maybe is the cure, who knows.
Harmony between the security organs is of paramount importance to start with. There is disjuncture of communication between the various departments of security. A harmonious institution is vital please Mr. President the NIS, CID and IG heads should plan a working formula.