The Watchman
18 July 2008
column
While empathising with prison warders for the poor living conditions and other woes they have to endure, they are generally not a very honest lot, notes S.N. Oresi.
"If you happen to be a guest of the State, you will realise that nothing moves without kitu kidogo (bribe), which is brazenly demanded. The money those in remand and inmates deposit with them is often never refunded as they will say it's for their milk for the assistance given, even if the court fine has already been paid."
Childline Kenya national coordinator Irene Nyamu, responding to recent complaints, wishes to assure all that the No 116 emergency helpline is functioning and free.
Says she: "However, due to the overwhelming number of calls received since its launch on May 31, it is often congested. We would like to assure you all that the congestion is being sorted out. Should you call once and find it engaged, please try again."
Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang' is doing a great job, inviting appeals from applicants denied visas and work permits as this will help curb endemic corruption, says David Okunyah.
"It's really nice to know you can appeal and someone higher up will listen. Giving work permits to a welder and a salesman is OK if they have jobs in Kenya. KRA will tax them and they will pay for the permits, which is good for the economy. Other ministers should also open up to serve the people better."
After Joel Abaya cleared his electricity bills and closed his account at his Kisii house before going overseas, the new tenant illegally reconnected the power supply, says KPLC communications officer Kevin Sang.
He adds: "Unfortunately, the bills generated were sent to Mr Abaya's old address. However, this anomaly has since been corrected and the bills will be followed up with the current tenant and the landlord. We sincerely apologise for the error."
The contractor who repaired Lower Kabete Road in Nairobi from the KIA up to Brookside Drive should go back there and see what a lousy job he did, says Pravin Shah.
"No sooner had they left the site than potholes began to reappear. What a waste of time, money and labour!" Shah says Town Clerk John Gakuo should ensure the job is redone.
A resident of Naran Apartment in Nairobi, Rose Kamanja, says that in the past two weeks, they have not been supplied with water.
However, water vendors, selling water at Sh50 a jerrican, have been doing roaring business. Says she: "With the soaring food and fuel prices, rent and other expenses, we can't afford to pay that much for water."
She hopes property managers Villa Care will do something.
Beatrice Mbogoh is surprised that in this day and age, a Kenyan would be so proud of sharing a foreign name with people he will probably never meet.
"The best Michael Lochali could do is get his inspiration from these people and probably even outdo them. If he had two African names, such as Kasuku Lochali, and went on to beat all the foreigners at their own games, I'd be even more proud of him!" adds Beatrice, swearing that she's not proud of her own foreign name.
Have successful day, won't you!
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