THE DEEP DIVE - KIBAKI'S EDITION
This week, Kenyans will lay to rest the third president of the Republic, Emilio Mwai Kibaki. Already, the internet is awash with pictures of his body lying in state at Kenya's parliament, a tradition which has fascinated Kenya's neighbours to no end! This week on the deep dive we take a brief look at Kibaki's legacy and have our ears to the ground with what you have been saying about him. Sam Munia, co-producer of our series "The end of the river" also reviews our work as parts of Kenya and the horn of Africa reel from what is the worst drought in a decade.
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KIBAKI’S COMPLICATED LEGACY
To say that former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki's passing on the 21st of April 2022 presents Kenyans with an easy task in remembering him is to misunderstand Kenya. Mwai Kibaki's presidency meant different things to different people. To those who compare his economy to his predecessor and successor, he was the leader Kenya needed, but one who also let the cancer of corruption spread at a time when it could have been dealt a serious blow. To the politician, he may have been more clumsy, with a far less keen eye on the political pulse of the nation than the one he kept trained on Kenya's treasury. To those watching the democratic underpinnings of the country he was at one time a saviour, and the next moment a demagogue, whose thirst for power brought Kenya as close to civil war as it has ever been. To the Pan-African, he was the quiet, hardworking statesman that many less democratic countries would dream of having. Remembering our leaders once they leave the stage meant that we must do the difficult work of looking at them from as many sides as we can. We must not let the heaviness of mourning periods, while necessary, become the carpet under which we sweep those difficult parts of one's legacy. May Emilio Mwai Kibaki, Kenya's third president rest in peace, but may we remember him truthfully.
Your Take on Mwai Kibaki, Kenya’s Third President.
@iDoc1888 - Kibaki did well. Let us not over sanitize him in death. He played a big role in what led to post election violence in 2007/8.
@KevineOkeyo - Kibaki laid foundation for the modern Kenya. On the flip side, he almost plunged Kenya into civil war after 2007 disputed elections.
@OgalliEmmanuel - Rigging of elections and post election violence
@kyamahpitz - A turnaround of a badly beaten economy he tried bring some semblance of sanity in this nation
@JJonmwangi - He turned around a deeply corrupt civil service and initiated meaningful business development programs all across the country.
@Ruyonza - May his soul Rip. I will remember him for extending the Moi regime and weak on marital affairs as he was slapped by his wife in public!!
@DehMao
THIS !Fast, accessible internet has changed Kenya forever. That's why govt fat cats can no longer do stupid stuff & escape going viral online! That's also why the talented are becoming millionaires online! That's why academic gatekeepers no longer have monopoly of knowledge!
Your Ranking of Kibaki as a President of Kenya
SAVING THE PLANET ONE EV AT A TIME
Fuel prices are hitting the roof in Kenya. With the ongoing global and local fuel crisis that has seen Kenyan motorists struggle in long ques at different filling stations in search of the commodity countywide, packing their vehicles after the fuel stations run dry. Africa Uncensored takes a deep dive into possible solutions for motorists that could also save lives through clean energy. Here’s a sneak peak into Saving the planet One EV at a time. This Piece Premier’s tomorrow at 8PM.
LOOKING BACK - END OF THE RIVER
A severe dry spell in Kenya’s northern range lands is rapidly consuming the livelihoods of inhabitants as natural resources become scarcer. This has resulted into frequent deadly conflicts amongst pastoral communities. Many people have died as result. The livestock, an important source of livelihood, have not been spared either. The region has also lost to the conflict it’s wildlife including elephants, buffaloes and zebras.
Increasing human population, modernization and climate change are making water resources more and more scarce. The Ewaso Nyiro River supports livelihoods of approximately 4 million people. These people and wildlife in this corridor are now at risk if better conservation techniques are not put in place.
Recap of this in-depth six part Africa Uncensored’s series, The End of The River, we take you through the lens in our 2year journey through Nyeri, Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia and Baringo Counties during the Kenya’s worst drought in ten years tearing community relations apart.
Join Our Newsroom - Thursday 28th April Twitter Space.
Finally, this Thursday we invite you to #JoinOurNewsroom in our Twitter Space where we will be discussing Kibaki’s Legacy and how we remember our Leaders. This will be an Open Mic session. See you there. Cheers!
