2012 BIG NAMES OR CORRUPTION AND MURDER AS USUAL..???

Former Cabinet ministers and MPs are joining sitting ones in early positioning for senators and governors’ seats in 2012. Among them are former ministers Nicholas Biwott, Mutahi Kagwe, Chris Murungaru, Njeru Ndwiga, Marsden Madoka, Mukhisa Kituyi, and Kipruto Kirwa. However, they face competition from sitting ministers and MPs, professionals, businesspeople and youthful politicians who want to become governors and senators — the two most coveted seats under the new Constitution. Serving ministers Soita Shitanda, Wycliffe Oparanya, Najib Balala, Henry Kosgey, Njeru Githae, Joseph Nyaga, assistant ministers George Khaniri and MPs Hassan Joho, Musikari Kombo and Danson Mungatana are also eyeing one of the two seats. Moi University lecturer Mutakha Kangu says the leaders were going for the new jobs because they are prestigious. Mr Kangu argued that politicians like to be seen as their communities’ spokespeople, and being elected senator is like getting the constitutional backing to be the tribal point man. “Politicians realise that to be elected senator, you will have received the direct mandate of voters across the county to speak on their behalf. Your claim will be founded in the Constitution and that has an aspect of prestige,” he said. Comparing the status of an MP and that of a senator, he gave the example of Kakamega County, which has nine constituencies. “The county has a population of 1.6 million people and the senator will feel superior to MPs,” The law lecturer said since governors will be elected directly by the people in a county and will wield executive powers, it is felt they hold higher positions than MPs. “They will have their own Cabinet and a budget to run their own affairs — just like the President does at the national level. They will feel superior,” he said. Who do you think can make the best President,Governor,Senator,MP and Civic leader...?