A tale of two farms and the enduring questions of land policy in Kenya

President Ruto greets his deputy Kithure Kindiki at JKIA as he departs for Accra, ahead of President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration. [PCU]

I am holding on to my New Year resolution to steer clear of politics and politicians—even though I was tempted to analyse the possible causes of Deputy Prezzo Kithure Kindiki’s signature vein that juts at the temple, suggesting he needs longer breaks than he said he was accorded by his boss recently.

But I paid Kindiki no heed, or even probe the ominous vein, as he delivered a crypt warning to his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua aka Riggy G, whom he accused of galvanising disaffection against the government around the Big Mountain, aka Murima.

Instead, I headed towards the Big Mountain, partly lured by wanderlust and promise of some unique experience. Well, full disclosure: The mission was to see a relation who has been in failing health, before retiring to rustic cottages on the banks of a river in Naromoru.