Call it as you see it!

So today for the very first time I get to learn about a certain ArtCaffe that is being accused of racism and selective discrimination in Nairobi.  Apparently, ArtCaffe became operational in 2009, and it has since extended to four main branches; Westlands, Gigiri, Junction and Karen. You see, the reason I may be hearing about it for the first time today is because those are not my ‘normal visit/frequented’ places! Perhaps if it was about Paul’s Cookie Man’s Bakery on Tom Mboya Street or the pastry shop at the Nairobi Naivasha stage, I’d be well conversant! For the few times I have been to the Village Market, I do not remember taking any drink or snack there.  Not that I do not love pastry; I always have to resist myself from taking a croissant from one of ‘the state-of-art’ bakeries here in Paris. A simple butter croissant goes for a cool 1 or 2 euros! Now imagine if I took two daily!   But what amazes me is that, I haven’t at any given time been refus...

Kenya is a well-known touristic destination for all the good reasons; beautiful landscape, wonderful and breathtaking wildlife safari, beautiful coastal beaches with good climatic conditions as well as of her hospitable and welcoming people amongst others.     For the few years that I have been living in France, I enjoy taking every available ‘Kenyan moment’ which comes across as a way of representing the brand Kenya; Be it in the annual Paris Marathon where I love cheering the Kips and Cheps (as I fondly refer to them) to the finishing line while answering numerous queries from astonished Frenchmen who want to know why, and how in every marathon, it has to be a Kenyan who wins. Vous savez Monsieur, si à quatre ans vous avez dû marcher 10 kms à et de l'école,  il est seulement évident que vous devenez les meilleurs coureurs du monde Is always the response I give, simply meaning;You know sir, if at the age of four you had to walk 10 km to and from school, it is o...

A few days ago, a Hong Kong newspaper wrote that the new Chinese President, President Xi Jinping had taken a cab/taxi in Beijing last month. The taxi driver Mr. Guo Lixin said that he picked up two men, one of them Xi Jinping,then the head of the Communist Party who was l to be elected   as the Chinese President two weeks later.Guo claimed that he chatted with the President for some time, and the topic of discussion was   air pollution.Guo then made a remark to the passenger who was sitting next to him, "Has anyone ever told you that you look like general secretary Xi?" and he replied, "You are the first taxi driver to recognize me." Later the newspaper and the government website pulled out the story from their websites explaining that the whole story was ‘fake’ This was seen as Public Relations stunt aimed at boosting the image of the new President, who wants to be portrayed as a humble, honest man with a common touch, unlike former leaders who are always...

Ahead of the first ever Presidential Debate in the history Kenya,most people are not optimistic about it since it may have little or no influence on the voter's decision.Why?Because most Kenyans have already decided who they are going to vote for,and their decisions are largely based on tribal factors/affiliation.But this debate should not be in vain;Let it be a chance for the Kenyan voter to gather quality and detailed information about each and every Alliance;its vision,manifesto and above all,assess the candidates INDIVIDUALLY.The Moderators must also make sure that it will be an issue-based debate so that the voters' decision can be influenced by the same(issues). I have faith in this debate and I know it will not only be for entertainment purposes.Let us have a date starting from 6.30 p.m Kenyan time. Vote WISELY.Your Vote is your VOICE. Peace is all we need in Kenya. http://youtu.be/TxpEEFiIgBg Meanwhile,I would like to share wise words from   Maina Joe...

This morning, driven by curiosity from Facebook updates by my Kenyan friends about Mike Sonko’s interview on Citizen TV, I have watched the video clip and seen one hot lady anchor Belinda interviewing the flamboyant Mike Sonko.All goes well, I find Belinda so professional although she could have dealt more on the strategy that Sonko has for Nairobi County. He is as he says, a man of the people and I must admit I haven’t heard any politician talk about bringing leadership to the people, ‘Power of the people by the people for the people’ is one smart phrase. Should I confess that Sonko is a shrewd politician? A few minutes in the debate and the questions props, ‘who is Sonko and where does his wealth come from?’ As he explains who he is and where he acquired his wealth, I hear this, ‘my father was a very influential, wealthy businessman, so I come from a POOR family’. That makes me yearn to listen more!!! He then quotes a few Articles of the constitution, and I am wow! Sonko is ...