"They always end in doom when such concerns are ignored"

Sometimes the newspapers here are just great -- for example, this story in the Daily Nation today about Kenya's new water and irrigation minister, Charity Ngilu.

"Tears accompanied her sacking from  the Ministry of Health in December 2007, but instead of being overwhelmed by the emotions shown by her staff, she made a more prophetic statement and took the dismissal in her stride.

The staff wept but she uttered the words “I will be back” as tears rolled down the cheeks of her close allies after being relieved of her duties  by President Kibaki.

Mrs Charity Kaluki Ngilu kept the faith of not fearing authority that only threatened her body but could not kill her spirit, by uttering the  words known to have tied  Christians to be apostles of Jesus Christ. It was clear to her the side she supported would win.

Jesus also said; “I will be back” and this act of faith keeps Christianity burning the flame of resurrection from the dead and life after death for those who have kept the word."

Power of women

The powerful words she uttered with a smile and drove her vehicle out of Afya House today confirm her faith. Looked at differently, the words reinforce the belief in the power of women, who use words and action to mobilise success.

Although the Presidential results were disputed, Mrs Ngilu is now the minister for Water and Irrigation, thanks to Mr Kofi Annan, who brokered the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, which midwifed the power sharing deal between ODM and PNU.

In  some communities, it is believed  that a woman’s warning always comes true.

It is conventional wisdom among many Africans that when one’s wife warns her man against travelling or getting into a deal, they always end in doom when such concerns are ignored.

 

Comments

[Steve]

A truly appalling piece of journalism. The Nation's, that is, not yours Nick. To compare Charity Ngilu, as much of a 'big man' politician as any other cabinet minister, to Jesus Christ is sheer lunacy.
The article ends with a reminder that Ngilu once described Kibaki's government as a "bunch of looters". What it fails to point out is that she only said this when she left. And why did she leave? Because she thought Kibaki wouldn't win and Raila would.