Rain of terror is back, let’s shed some crocodile tears

Rain of terror is back, let’s shed some crocodile tears

Mike Owuor

The easy option, whenever rain causes destruction, death and displacement is to philosophically explain it away as an act of God. But the realistic alternative is to learn from the past and assuage the effects of floods.

It is the rainy season once again and, as usual, the ‘perennial problem’ is back with the Government and aid agencies waiting to rush to assist. Sadly, it is sometimes too late to save some lives.

Clueless authorities

On November 13, after two of our readers in Budalang’i and Nyando wrote to us, detailing the destruction caused by floods, we asked: What measures were taken in areas susceptible to floods and landslides before the rains began? Does the Government have early warning, emergency evacuation and disaster response systems? The authorities appeared clueless then. Unless they prove otherwise, they do not seem better prepared now.

While we understand the folly of attempting to completely tame nature, we insist it is the Government’s responsibility to protect wananchi. And it is unhelpful for leaders to shed buckets of tears after disaster has struck.

Do hawkers think they are above the law?

M Nkuka in Nairobi says it is not only utterly insensitive, but also insincere for Mr Pius Mulwa to defend hawkers’ attempts to return to the Central Business District (‘Allow hawkers to trade in city centre at night’, April 15, and ‘Council askaris to blame, not poor hawkers’, April 21). Why, he wonders, does this group of Kenyans think they are special? What makes them believe their suffering is more than that of other citizens who are also struggling to make ends meet, but still respect law and order?

"Mulwa and his ilk should realise that after the Government constructed the Muthurwa hawkers’ market in 2007, hundreds of Eastlands residents were punished for their sake. To forcibly provide customers for the traders, public transport vehicles that use Jogoo Road were barred from entering town and ordered to end their journeys at the market," he says.

Nkuka claims the move, which has increased traffic congestion instead of reducing it, has also ensured commuters either pay more to get to the city centre or trek several kilometres.

"Hawkers can’t have their cake and eat it, too. The council should never allow them back in the city centre," says Nkuka.

Laikipia West not in best state

With a rather poetic opening line, Ms Susan Muthara urges the political leadership in Laikipia West Constituency "to aspire to inspire before your time expires". Muthara claims for years residents have complained of poor infrastructure, unemployment, insecurity, killings, brewing and consumption of illicit brews, low education standards and high levels of poverty, but nobody seems bothered to solve the problems.

"Does it mean nothing can be done about the illegal guns? Illicit brews, especially in Karandi and Kinamba, also seem to have been legalised. The police are only interested in collecting bribes," she says.

FACE OF POVERTY

Muthara who warns that "our voters’ cards will still be valid in 2012", asks the leadership to get its act together and fulfil the 2007 campaign pledges. The constituency, she says, is badly in need of development projects yet few are forthcoming. For example, the state of feeder roads makes her wonder when her MP, Ndiritu Muriithi, last used them.

Muthara would like assurances from her MP and other political leaders that they have plans to change the sorry face of Laikipia West.

Siaya co-op opts to hold savings

Ten years ago this month, Mr George Ochieng’ Simeo, a teacher, died. Since he was a member of the Siaya Teachers Co-operative (No 207), his family expected to be paid his savings. However, says his son, Mr Dominic Simeo, it has been an agonising ten years of writing letters, making telephone calls and visiting the co-op’s offices. Nothing has yet come out of these efforts, not even an explanation for the delay.

"My mother tried to follow up the matter for years, until her death last year. I have also unsuccessfully tried to get the money, and now ask for the help of Co-operative Development Minister Joseph Nyagah," says Simeo.

Are mannerless Nanyuki smokers still puffing on?

After somebody blew smoke in his face, on February 26 Mr Charles Langat wrote to ask that smoking in public be banned in Nanyuki town (‘Where there is smoke there is ire’). Langat, who said non-smokers had rights, too, wondered why the Nanyuki Municipal Council Town Clerk had not followed the footsteps of other local authorities last year.

"Why have mannerless smokers been allowed to take over? The least that should be done is teach them smoking etiquette. But the best option is to direct them to designated smoking zones. These people are killing us and must be stopped," he said, in the hope that Local Government Minister Musalia Mudavadi (pictured) would order a smoke-free Nanyuki.

Right of Reply

Next of kin have part to play in delay of payment

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) wishes to respond to a complaint in PointBlank by Mr Edmund Oile over the death gratuity of his mother (‘Family wants an end to anguish over death gratuity’, April 17).

The commission is processing the death gratuity for the late Justine Akinyi (TSC NO 141686). However, the claim has been delayed due to the failure of the next of kin to submit the deceased’s pay slips for December 2001 and January 2002. They should also settle the overpayment against the deceased for the period between December 14, 2001 and January 31, 2002.

The next of kin is advised to settle the overpayment or give authority for the amount to be abated from the benefits so that the claim can be processed.

Clara Ouko,

Public Relations Officer,

Teachers Service Commision.

Point of Order

Wheels turn slowly at KRA as client counts the years

After writing and calling "all offices dealing with road transport" at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on delayed transfer of a motor vehicle, and receiving no response, Mr Billy Luhuzu says he does not know where else to turn.

"My employer bought 13 vehicles from a defunct company, and later submitted duly filled transfer forms together with the required fees on February 9, 2007. However, to date six of the vehicles have not been transferred. I bought one of them (KRA transfer receipt No. 002007040210221H), but I ‘m now stuck," he says.

Luhuzu would like an explanation from KRA on how much longer he should wait for the transfer process to be complete.

Knack for slow service

Last year the Kenya National Assurance Company (Knac) asked its clients to submit relevant documents to enable payment of their dues by December. Mr Kairo Kuriah did just that, but is yet to hear from the insurer.

"Calls to Knac offices are answered with the same line: ‘call next month’. Is there something fishy going on? Was I duped into giving out my original documents? Can Knac give its position on my case?" asks Kuria whose policy number is 0991893.

Psst! The dirty word is out

Is the National Environment Management Authority aware of allegations that two institutions in Kabete might be polluting the Gitathuru stream? GM, a reader in Mwimuto would like to know.