re: KALONZO-RAILA 2007: A WINNING TICKET!

To Mr. Michoma and Others of his Ilk,

I think I see why Africa remains where it is globally (always in bloodbath wars and abject poverty). Even people like Michoma who have at least had the opportunity of Education still think so much in the past and uses primitive reasoning. How does circumcision help somebody's reasoning capacity? Has Michoma ever gone for a job Interview and he is asked whether he is circumcised or not? Are there Luos who are not Circumsised who have married in Michoma's community or better still married his relatives? How have their performances been-above or below standard sex wise or otherwise in Family management? Does Mr. Michoma really deserve a forum of expression because in my view he is myopic in his intellectual discourse and especially when discussion weighty matters He doesn't seem to understand what politics is and how issues in politics shape up. Mr. Nyachae was circumcised during the last elections, how did that earn him votes? Kibaki lost the presidential elections twice before, was it because he was not Circumcised or not? Why is there suspicion of the Luos in Kenya? Are Luos not Kenyans? Don't we have Luos running successful companies and outfits in Kenya?

I am a Luo and I am very proud to be one. One thing I can say, is that by being a Luo, I have been well exposed, traveled, educated and I am able to fend for myself and for many people who depend on me. Further if you really want finesse and competence in most areas of the economy then many Kenyans will tell you to look for a Luo to do it for you and that is where Raila comes in. I am sure that after the ODM nominations and the General elections, Mr. Michoma will watch with Awe as this son of the Lake makes a difference in Kenya. They will even say, why didn't we consider Raila for the job earlier? Luos are the envy of most Kenyan communities rather than the minnows that Mr. Michoma would like us to believe. Let's have a practical aspect of this debate. Mr. Michoma, please if you are really convinced that you are right and you really dare to prove your point, please kindly provide an account of your individual achievements based on your Circumcision concept. From this we will believe that indeed you have a Hypothesis "That circumcision does indeed provide individuals with political or other forms of economic performance mileage in activity or real-life-takes"

To other Kenyans, please watch out for people out to soil you minds based on myopic reasoning and lack of proper intellectual discourse like the likes of Mr. Michoma. Let us nurture democracy, tolerance and pride amongst our people. When I see a Kenyan win a Marathon Race, I cheer and jump. It is my fellow Kenyan who has won the race and Kudos to him/her. What we need in Kenya is a difference for our people, good health, satisfactory remunerations, agricultural productivity, adequate and quality shelter, good roads, no slums, good railway networks and working airports. What we want is a healthy and proud nation. We don't need negative tribal engagements. They make us loose focus on otherwise more important things that we need to attend to. Let the presidential aspirants sell their ideas to the people of Kenya and let them decide. I am sure that Kenyans have many criteria and are mature as to make the decision on who to choose as their leader. Raila is a darling of many Kenyans for many reasons other than circumcision. Let him compete on level ground with his peers and let him loose fairly without negative campaigns. Don't be like Judas who sold Jesus for no apparent reason.

Thanks and good day!

Dr. Peter Okoth