A defector (EDWARD LOWASA) vs. an accidental candidate (Dr John Magufuli).

With a United opposition, led by a high profile political heavyweight candidate Edward Lowasa vs. a last minute accidental John Magufuli so far these elections are turning out to be the most closely contested election in the history of Tanzania.

It all started after a high level drama in selecting the presidential candidate of the ruling party John Magufuli. A sudden coalition of the opposition under an alliance known as Ukawa, was formed by an artful crafty long serving public servant Edward Lowasa in response to one of the one most thwarting plots played by the outgoing President Jakaya Kikwete. One can say that the grey-haired 62-year-old political stalwart Edward Lowasa brought Tanzania’s elections to life over the past few weeks. Buoyed by their heavy-hitting presidential candidate, the opposition –– is more hopeful than in any previous election, and they believe that when the polls are held on 25 October, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party could be in for a surprise.

To give a brief Edward Lowasa was born in 1953 to a herdsman climbed the ladder of Tanzania politics for decades serving various positions as Prime Minister, Minister for Lands and Human Settlement Development, Minister of Water and Livestock Development, and many more. He is known to be hardworking and diligent at his work before the huge Richmond corruption scandal which halted his political carrier for a while. But they all say he is just a scapegoat in the entire drama that happened in 2008 and he saved his party from embarrassment by walking away. 

Dr John Magufulli was born on 29^th Oct 1959 who has served in the Cabinet of Tanzania as Minister of Works since 2010. Previously he was Deputy Minister of Works from 1995 to 2000, Minister of Works from 2000 to 2006, Minister of Lands and Human Settlement from 2006 to 2008, and Minister of Livestock and Fisheries from 2008 to 2010. He has served as a Member of Parliament since 1995.

United Opposition Vs Ruling CCM

United opposition strongly feel the time has come for them by signing their popular slogan of “change” but it’s not that easy to throw away the incumbent party who is in power for the last four decades and one of the longest serving ruling parties in the continent . Popular journalists say “There’s no stopping him” pointing out that the campaigning network – known as mtandao – which Lowassa previously set up is still in place. This time round, it could be used to boost the opposition. “This solid network has been reactivated and it will almost certainly deliver,”. The shifting political landscape in Tanzania could also help Ukawa. After decades in power, many Tanzanians are growing impatient with CCM and looking for change.

At the same time one cannot deny CCM’s support base among the rural electorate remains solid, and although he was not the candidate most were expecting, John Magufuli’s reputation as a no nonsense industrious politician puts him in good stead. Magafuli has also launched an energetic campaign in recent weeks that Team Lowassa has struggled to match.

Whatever may be the outcome I request Tanzanians for a peaceful polls. Already the continent has seen so many disturbances post elections and the disastrous outcomes of the disturbances. May the best candidate win.

BARACK OBAMA VISIT TO KENYA – HISTORICAL, YET EMOTIONAL -MIXED FEELINGS!!!

His infectious grin and his charismatic attire as he embraced his host President Uhuru Kenyatta and told “Happy to be Home”. Ululations and screams rented the air in Kenya capital Nairobi and  other cities around the country when television screams beamed images of US president Barack Obama emerging from Air force one and literally springing down the steps onto Kenyan soil. Barack Obama, the son of a Kenyan is the first sitting President of the United States to visit Kenya. “I’m proud to be the first US president to visit Kenya, and obviously this is personal for me” – these were the words during his recent visit.

Started off his first public engagement with the official opening of the global entrepreneurship summit in Gigiri, Nairobi and later laid a wreath at the memorial park at the site of the former US embassy that was bombed by terrorists in 1998.

The bilateral talks concentrated more on the counter terrorism and precisely on the fight against terror from Al Shabaab. Extending its support, US have released $100 Million as aid package for counter terrorism in 2015 to Kenya. The talks also centered on the stability in the region because of the current conflicts in South Sudan and Burundi. President Obama stressed his stand on the recent Burundi elections saying the elections were against the wishes of the majority and considered were not credible. He also announced that Kenya will be a part of the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored and safe initiative (DREAM), which will see the country will receive additional support to help fight AIDS and other communicable diseases. The extended talks also brought up the issues like Minority rights, Poverty & Malnutrition, Tourism and conservation and Infrastructure.

Not to miss the personal side of President Obama “Any Question of where he fits in the world has long since been answered. But how Kenya fits into his identity remains one of the enduring questions of his presidency.” As the world knows that, Obama has been celebrated as a son of Africa who reached the pinnacle of power and at the same time he also found himself besieged by a conspiracy theory that he had actually been born in Kenya and was therefore ineligible to be president- a theory he felt compelled to dispel by marching into the white house briefing room in 2011 with his birth certificate from Hawaii.

One of the questions from the media personnel, President Obama responded saying” Obviously Kenya holds a special place for me, the roots are from here “it might had been more convincing if he might had visited his Grand Mothers and Sr Obama’s home town Kendu Bay. Hundreds of local residents of the village expected and were well prepared to receive the supreme hero of Africa, but unfortunately emotions shattered. Even if one part of the audience say he is on official visit and can’t mix his personal emotions but other part says blessings from the elders is one of the important traditions to be fulfilled. Overall it’s a mixed feeling other than missing part of his visit to his father land; the positive side is the bilateral talks and the crucial agreements in Health and Energy sector from both the Countries. 

RIP Dr APJ Abdul Kalam- A True Visionary

A Visionary thinker, A Patriot, A Great Scientist,Missile Man  Dr APJ Abdul Kalam passes away at the age of 84.Nation Mourns with his death .

Born in a lower middle class family on the shores of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu Dr Kalam With his Book " Wings of Fire " shown the world especially the young generation the true power of dreams. Indeed he taught India how to dream. Today, India lost one of her most influential sons. We have lost a flame that inspired millions(through his Book "Ignited Minds") with a message of hope and excellence.Dr Kalaam's Clarity of thought can be envisioned with his book Vision 2020. With his Motivational speeches and his unique love towards children, he will be long remembered in the hearts of Billions.

With High Regards and Great Respect Sir I Bow you to Say " You are the True Bharat Ratna " . RIP