The "clever GEMA" line again!
Robina, there is a reason Pundit mentioned Moi in the subject. At the time the last review was done Kibaki was the president and the entire GEMA machinery came in to play. The constitution was written on GEMA's watch and they added the clause denying the IIBRC ( Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission of Kenya) the powers to kill some under populated constituencies and merge whatever remains of the constituents.
Infact the whole thing would have gone unnoticed had Ligale not used the opportunity to create a few constituencies for himself and his paying friends.
On the higher ground: Gerrymandering is the privilege of the people in power. Republicans do it all the time to keep their hold on power in the face of immigration and a changing face of the country.
I read the story and was amused by the remarks made by Shariff Nassir's son. People live where they defecate in the morning for a least most of the year. So if people live in Likoni but work for Arabs on the Island, well they are Likoni residents and that is where they should have their constituency. Abdulsamad can relocate the way Kibaki fled Nairobi back to Othaya.
GEMA have tried everything and deployed every trick. I think even the most bigoted Kikuyu now knows the game is up. They either allow power to be based on democratic principles or the billions they have looted will be eaten up and lost in a civil war. They have reached the De Klerk moment. The boers were told by their special branch to choose between a civil war and loss of lifestyle. They opted for lifestyle. We all know they made a wise choice. My fear is that GEMA may not be as wise.
GEMA are simply clever and organized. They got there first ahead of other groups. By the time the population evens out there will be more devolution, more urbanization, less tribalism, less corruption and no rigging. You're too late to the party.
I watched with amusement yesterday morning - "State of Jubilee" on NTV - as Ruto sucked up to Uhuru and GEMA... after the empty threats he now fully supports Big 4, Handshake and lifestyle audit. And oh, Kikuyus don't owe him nada - he simply supported them unconditionally as a patriot.
He took my advice to lie low like an envelope. Instead of threats and spurring with mighty PORK while he's a mere VP. He can now plan quietly and peacefully while letting Uhuru be full PORK. Instead of the cheap trick of being co-president but wanting swara yote in 2022. At least now he can continue enjoying quarter swara in peace... massage Uhuru ego and throw him under the bus later.