By Sharmarke Ali, Virginia - USA

The inveterate feud between the president’s family and Haatuf has become an unnecessary distraction, and a trifle hard to construe at this junction, which needs our unity and undivided attention to the more important issues. Yet the manifesto, as its preamble judgment, evinced draconian, making it seemingly predicated on a reflex that rides on the wave of our doctor’s friendship with Haatuf chief-editor. Narrow interest and visceral opposition, along with no confidence in our judiciary system, greatly complicated the feud, often making justice seem like a pawn on other Chessboards rather than a player in its adjudication of the case in our court.

Yes, it is as not Gadabuursi to side with sons/daughters of the tribe for any wrongdoing, as it is not Gadabuursi not to honor the rights of its sons/daughters when it is due . In no sense do the Gadabuursi advocate evading or defying the law of the land by any of its sons/daughters, defame inconvincibly any citizen, and condone an illegal incarceration. Nevertheless our Doctor did not conform to his tribe culture but has shown an egregious padding of the unconvincing evidence presented, rendering his manifesto to have reciprocal relations with Haatuf’s tribal bashing on our president’s family.

It goes without saying that hastiness in publishing investigative reports without properly checking or ascertaining the facts as required by professional ethics and standards does not serve the credibility of the journalistic investigative profession nor the right of the public to truthful and accurate information. Not showing the necessary caution as to the criminal abuses of mass media undoubtedly contributes to the propagation of tribal ideas, defamation of certain citizens, and incitement to violence. While it is indispensable in a democratic society to have a watchdog (free media) to keep check and balance on the governing body. Haatuf, however, has yet to learn how to walk between the two drops of rain.

This Manifesto reminds me of a story told to me by my father. The story is about a husband who had the habit of coming late to his house. His excuse had always been, whenever asked by his wife, that he came home early but did not want to disturb the householders so he slept on another bed inside the house. One particular night he came so late at about 6 am. Then when his wife asked why he came so late? He replied with his rhetoric or usual excuse that he came early but did not want to disturb householder and this time he slept in the patio. The wife replied to him that she took the patio last week. Caught in the act, he said subserviently: Which one are you going to believe, your eyes or I?

Well I want to state the obvious here and to our Doctor…. The silent majority has all eyes to see the truth, but it is unethical to promote personal opinion through our tribal voice.

Sharmarkeali@yhaoo.com