Each time Alfred Mutua opens his mouth he mirrors forth his incompetency and or lack of knowledge and appreciation of pertinent issues and diplomatic relations.As a trained and accomplished Journalist he seems to be stumbling and setting off too many minefields in his present role.
President John Kuffuor of Ghana is due into the Country today due to the political crisis and prevailing quagmire.Mr Alfred Mutua says "he is here for a cup of cofffee at the invitation of the State and as President Mwai Kibaki's peer" .In essence he is denying the gravity and seriousness of the skirmishes that have plagued this Country in violence resulting in internal displacement of persons and Genocide! To him Kenya is not at war....but is that not the case.I take the liberty of here defining war at least in layman terms hopefuly to his appreciation.The Websters oline dictionary defines war as : (1): a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations (2): a period of such armed conflict (3): State of war b: the art or science of warfare c (1)obsolete : weapons and equipment for war (2)archaic : soldiers armed and equipped for war2 a: a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism b: a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end .
It is apparent therefore that the term war is wide enough and sufficient enough to capture and describe the state of armed hostilities that the country has witnessed since the 28th December, 2007 to date due to the flawed elections resulting in more than 450 deaths and 300,000 displaced !Kenyans are actually running to Uganda and Tanzania as refugees but to Mutua that warrants the President having a cup of tea with his Excellency Mr Kuffuor.It is minor incident and the Government is in full control of the state of affairs.What a gross state of denial, acceptance and acknowledgement.Had Mr Mutua stood up for election he would have suffered the fate of the 18 or so former cabinet ministers.Kenyans are too intelligent for mere hogwash. One should note that war is not marked by the severity of the fatalities but by the existing state of affairs.Well i do not expect Mr Mutua to use alarmist statements but i expect him to manourve across diplomatic mine fields in a cultured and learned way to protect the interests of his principal.The wrong words attract extra scrutiny and reveal glaring faults resulting in negative connotations that affect the image of his employer!
That is but one incident ,previously Mr Mutua was having a one on one interview with international media-Al Jazeera in particular and is reportedly heard to have said"Kenya does not need international interference!" in reference to the international concern generated especially in regards with the current conflict.
I bluntly do inform Mr. Mutua that his utterances are lay and irresponsible.I honestly believe that sometimes he exceeds his mandate and at times issues personal opinions and rhetoric just to be seen to be working!The world is a global village and a community of States with the G8 Nations playing the big brother role ,those who do not tow the line suffer,the likes of Zimbabwe,Iraq,Iran... etc .We do not want to create negative perceptions to the international community as to the sought of Country we are.What he terms "international interference" in diplomatic terms is "diplomatic concern".His statements may very well affect the recognition of Honorable Mwai Kibaki's Government to the international community thereby affecting diplomatic relations, exchange of Ambassadors ,donor aid,grants,tourism and development, State travel and participation in international affairs amongst myriads of other things. But after all Mutua was just 'talking'.Talk is not cheap it can be quite dear and quite destructive!
The situation is already bad, we need to exercise caution not to make it worse.Insight, dilligence and discernment is crucial for the office of chief Government spokesperson.It is my sincere hope that a competency framework be established for this role and the post advertised as the incumbent civil servant many a times has shot himself and his employer in the foot.With the perks and pay the post attracts i would be most happy and obliged to apply for it !For now thumbs down to Mr Alfred Mutua
