Why Rutto Will Give in to Raila's Demands

 

 By Jackson Kinyanjui

In Kenya, we have been witnessing a political feud between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The latter has made demands on the government, threatening to hold peaceful demonstrations on 20th March 2023 to force the government to comply. Although the protests were supposed to begin last week, they have been postponed to 20th March. The economic situation in the country is dire, and peace and food are what Kenyans need most. All leaders need to unite to fight hunger, poverty, and tribalism, which are causing Kenya to bleed.

President Ruto has refused to meet Raila's demands, insisting that he is acting in accordance with the law. However, it is highly likely that they will eventually have a handshake, just as the events of unfolded in 2017.

Looking at two examples of mass protests that have made presidents flee or resign, one clear indication is that power belongs to the people. President Ruto will not want to let things escalate to that point for two main reasons.

Firstly, he is a man of God who will not let people die on the street just to prove a point. In 2017, more than 30 people lost their lives due to similar protests. Secondly, the international community and investors will give him a cold shoulder if there is political instability in the country. Political stability is good for business, and instability will lead to unemployment and economic instability, which no leader wants. Lastly, the business community in Nairobi will not want to close their businesses for weeks because of the protests. They will put pressure on Dr. Ruto to resolve the issue and return things to normalcy. President Ruto enjoyed their support in the 2022 elections and still needs their support in the upcoming 2027 elections.

This Mess called love

By Jay

This mess we call love,

My heart is stormy, my soul is smudged.

It doesn't matter what I feel,

Hurricanes, sunshine, rainbows, and moonbeams,

Not to mention the storms and waves.

I'm not okay, though I say I'm fine.

What I want is an enigma,

Soap bubbles, and at least some star twinkles.

But now I'm all alone,

Willing to fight for love, I always had been.

But before I signed up for the war,

I needed to make sure I was fighting for a warrior, not a deserter.

It takes a lifetime to love,

And no time at all to leave.

Just like the tired sunsets and the tired people,

I wish it had meant as little to me as it did to you.

It seems like a fantasy to me,

The words seemed more beautiful in my head.

It's like I'm homesick for a place that doesn't exist.

I was fantasizing about a love that was one-sided,

And only felt by me, I created my own heartbreak.

I'm still trapped with the idea of "us."

I need to remind myself that maybe

My version of "us" is different from yours.

It's not your fault; actually, I expected too much.

Perhaps I wanted you to fight for me,

But I was the ocean, and you wanted rivers.

I was the moon, and you chased the stars.

The way I would have fought for you.

 

This mess we call love

Is so messy I can’t tidy it up

Thank you for the love, thank you for the joy,

But I don't want to fall in love again.

Mashetani Wekendu wageuzwa kitoweo “Anfield”

 

Na Jeremiah

Baada ya msururu wa ushindi wa mechi kadhaa bila kusahau kutwaa kombe la Carabao jumapili iliyopita,hatimaye  Manchester United    wapokea kipigo  kilichowaacha wengi vinywa wazi.Hiki ndicho kipigo kikubwa zaidi kunakiliwa msimu huu katika ligi kuu ya Uingereza .Vilevile,  ilikuwa historia hasi kunakiliwa  kwa upande wa Manchester United katika karne ya ishirini na moja .

Kambi yote ya wababe hawa wa Ulaya ilionekana kutoyaamini macho yao  toka kwa mkufunzi wa hapo awali , Sir Alex Ferguson hadi mkufunzi wa sasa ,Eric Ten Hag ambaye bado alikuwa mgeni katika ligi kuu ya Uingereza. Kwingineko, nyuso za mashabiki wa Manchester united zilisheheni soni na ghadhabu dhihirisho wazi la kutamaushwa na matokeo hayo.

Upande wa pili, ilikuwa furaha si haba miongoni mwa kikosi cha Liverpool kwani, kila mshambulizi aliyesajiliwa msimu huu alizitikisa nyavu mara si moja; sisemi Darwin Nunez bali pia Gakpo . Pamoja nao walikuwa mashabiki  wa timu zenye uhasama na Manchester united; hii ni ikiwemo Arsenal, Chelsea na Manchester city ambao waliusherehekea ushindi huo kote nchini sisemi mitandaoni,katika vyumba vinavyouzwa vileo na hata vyuoni ungedhani timu zao ndizo zilizoshinda.

Timu zote zilionekana kutoshana  nguvu dakika arubaini za kwanza.Aidha,ngome ya ulinzi ya Manchester United  ilishindwa kustahimili makali ya washambulizi wa Liverpool .Baada ya  kulaza damu katika dakika ya arubaini na  mbili , Cody Gakpo alitia wavuni bao lililowaweka Liverpool kifua mbele katika kipindi cha kwanza.Hapo awali Marcus Rashford alikuwa keshapata nafasi ya kucheka na wavu ila mlindalango wa Liverpool alionyesha umahiri wake kwa kulinyaka shoti hilo kwa urahisi.

 

Licha ya Wout Weghorst na Diogo Dalot kuonyesha mchezo wenye kiwango cha chini,Ten Hag alionekana kuwa na imani nao kipindi cha pili kwani hakufanya badiliko lolote la kuwatoa mwanzoni mwa kipindi cha pili.

Kipindi cha pili kilipong’oa nanga ,dakika hazikuzidi tatu Liverpool wakaongeza bao la pili kupitia kwa mshambulizi Darwin Nunez .Kila kiungo cha Manchester United  wakati huu kilionekana kujisahau kwani dakika ya hamsini  Cody Gakpo aliongeza bao lake la pili na  kuifanya timu yake kuongeza ushindi wao kwa mabao matatu bila jawabu.

Kadri muda ulivyoyoyoma mbinu za mibabe hii kutoka jiji la Manchester zilionekana kulemaa na hivyo kumlazimu Mkufunzi wao kufanya mabadiliko mawili dakika ya  hamsini na nane. Hata baada ya mabadiliko hayo,wapinzani wao walionekana kuwazidi katika safu zote si ushambulizi tu bali pia viungo.

Kama ilivyo ada yake, Mohammed Salah aliyafichua makucha yake dakika ya sitini na sita alipofyatua kombora lililomwacha De Gea hohehahe na hivyo kuongeza idadi ya mabao hadi manne. Wana Liverpool walionekana kutotosheka  na mabao kwani dakika tisa baadaye , Henderson,kiungo wa Liverpool alimmegea Darwin Nunez krosi ambayo Nunez alitumia kichwa chake kuiunganisha na kucheka na wavu kwa mara ya pili.

Liverpool walifanya mabadiliko yao dakika ya sabini na nane, sabini na tisa na themanini na tano mtawalia. Wapinzani wao kwa upande mwingine walimalizia mabadiliko yaliyosalia dakika ya sabini na saba na themanini na tano mtawalia.

 

Mnamo dakika ya themathini na tatu ,Salah alitia kimiani bao la sita alilolisherehekea kwa kuivua  jezi yake.Tukio hili lilimfanya aadhibiwe kwa kupewa kadi ya manjano.Dakika mbili kabla ya mechi kutamatika,Roberto Firmino aliyekuwa mchezaji wa akiba alitamatisha karamu ya mabao kwa kufunga bao la saba.

“Wasio na taaluma.”Ten Hag alithibitisha katika uchambuzi wa baada ya mechi . Kipindi cha pili kilikuwa dhihirisho wazi wa aliyoyasema Ten Hag. Kikosi chake kilikosa dira ama kwa uhakika. Walishindwa kuidhibiti kasi ya  mchezo  kinyume cha wapinzani wao walioonekana kuwa watulivu licha ya shinikizo kutoka kwa washambulizi kama Marcus Rashford. Baadhi ya wachezaji walionyooshewa vidole kwa kuchangia ushinde huo ni pamoja na Wout Weghorst,Diogo Dalot,Luke Shaw na Rafael Varane.

 

The Political Arena

 

By Harry Ivan 

1. RAILA ODINGA LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE MASS ACTION.

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday declared the official start of countrywide mass action after the lapse of 14-day ultimatum issued to the Kenya Kwanza government. Azimio also launched the Movement for Defense of Democracy (MDD), an initiative that is against the current regime.

"We have launched a campaign of defiance of peaceful picketing, peaceful protests, boycotts, strikes, disobedience, petitions, sit-ins and peaceful demonstrations. And it begins today and now," said Raila.

Speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Upper Hill, Nairobi, Odinga also signaled a massive rally planned in Nairobi on March 20.

"After we have done what we have to do, wherever we are in every corner of the country, we shall finally converge in Nairobi. Take note that on March 20, 2023, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi," he added.

Hours later, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued a stern warning that anyone who attempts to access security offices without permission will face full wrath of the law. Kindiki reiterated that no individual will be spared if found trespassing such facilities regardless of positions they hold in the society.

 2. MATIANG'I APPEARS BEFORE DCI

Embattled former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i last Tuesday honored a summon by the DCI at the DCI headquarters. In videos widely circulated on social media, the ex-CS arrived in company of his lead lawyer Danstan Omari and a battery of lawyers. Matiang'i has been under probe by the DCI following alleged police raid at his Karen residence in February. Matiang'i returned to the country after a 2 week tour in Europe to attend to private family matters amid speculations that he had fled the country.

The Tuesday stalemate lasted hours after Dr. Matiang'i failed to respond to any of the accusations, invoking article 49 of the Constitution of Kenya where one has a right to remain silent if he feels he has nothing to say. Opposition chief Raila Odinga was denied entry at the DCI headquarters where he had gone to express solidarity with Dr. Matiang'i. A bitter Raila retorted after being told that the DCI boss Mohammed Amin had directed that he should not be allowed in.

3. THE 16 BILLION SAGA

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged that 16 billion shillings of taxpayers’ money including funds meant to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, was stolen by senior government officials days before the Kenya Kwanza administration took over power. The DP sensationally alleged that top officials in Uhuru's government looted a total of Sh16 billion from the National Treasury before President William Ruto was sworn in. Speaking on Friday evening at a Nairobi Hotel where he attended a high-profile meeting with professionals from Nyeri County, Gachagua claimed the money was ferried in cartons from Wilson airport to individuals homes. The DP added that the current sorry state of the country's economy was trigered by the former government's looting of public funds.

Last Tuesday  Controller of Budget Dr Margaret Nyakang’o told Members of Parliament (MPs) that she was pressured to authorise the release of Ksh.15.2 billion just five days to the August 9 General Election. Dr Nyakang’o recounted before a parliamentary committee how the then Treasury CS severally invoked President Uhuru Kenyatta’s name to press her to approve the payments. Former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani has however released a statement defending himself against claims of coercing her to release Sh15 billion just days before the election. Yatani has threatened to sue Controller of Budget Dr. Nyakang’o over her revelation to Parliament that the former CS coerced her to approve payments from government accounts without the approval of lawmakers.

 4. UDA STORMS KISUMU

President Ruto's United Democratic Alliance party (UDA) last Saturday launched party membership recruitment drive in Nyanza. Led by UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala, the party is seeking to lure Nyanza residents into the ruling party. Former Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma who switched allegiance to president Ruto said there's no need for Ruto to engage Nyanza kingpin Raila Odinga, since the president has done a handshake with the people of Nyanza. 

The event meant to popularize UDA in the Nyanza region began with visits to various UDA offices within Kisumu Cojnty before culminating in a mega meeting at Ahero Multipurpose Hall in Nyando constituency. The Malala led team called on Nyanza leaders to come out in their numbers to register for UDA membership, adding that through their registration, they’ll secure their stake in UDA government and will be able to reap development among other benefits.

Cleophas Malala is still under fire for his sentiments that all parties under Kenya Kwanza Coalition should dissolve to join UDA in order to have one vibrant ruling party.

5. COURT UPHOLDS GIVERNOR WANGA'S VICTORY.

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has lost a petition against Gladys Wanga's victory in the Homabay gubernatorial race in the August 9th general elections. The High Court on Tuesday upheld Governor Wanga's victory dismissing Kidero's claims that the Homabay gubernatorial race was marred with irregularities. In her ruling, Justice Roselyn Aburili certified that the election was conducted in accordance with the law and that the third and fourth respondents were validly elected. She further directed IEBC to issue a certificate of determination to Gladys Wanga. Wanga was declared the winner of Homabay gubernatorial race in the August general elections, with 244,559 votes against Kidero’s 154,182 votes. Mark Rabudi of UDA came third after getting 1,244 votes.

Kidero complained that there were glaring irregularities during the election which made him lose to Wanga. He complained that the elections were full of voter bribery and violence meted on people he perceived as his supporters. He also claimed that his agents were denied entry or accorded late entry at a number of polling stations on polling day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Women's day

By Jackson Kinyanjui

The world is a better place today because of a woman. The world remembers the journey of women on march 8^th, annually. We celebrate women for the achievements they have made in life may it in the field of political, economic, social, and cultural among others. Women have come a long way in getting their voice heard. This current generation is unstoppable. Women now more than ever are speaking out and taking up space. With the conversation on equity taking center stage in this years celebration , more is yet to come .

Wangari Maathai, Martha Karua, Lady Justice Martha Koome, Joyce Banda, Samia Suluhu, Margaret Thatcher, Martha Teresa, and many other women both locally and internationally have proved that being a woman can't prevent you from achieving anything achievable in life. These women have beaten all odds to leave a mark in the universe.

 This year's international women's day theme was DigitAll which mainly will focus on digital inclusivity as according to research that was conducted last year, the gender digital gap stood at 18%. This means that women are 18% less likely to have access to a smartphone and the internet and this is according to Thursday, March 9^th, 2023 Daily Nation Newspaper. UN wants to use digital avenues to fight and address the challenges that a mordant day women face may it be sexual harassment in the workplace or even at home, gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, denial of inheritance rights, and discrimination among others.

Did you know that in the 20^th century, women were not allowed to vote, go to school, or even be employed at workplaces? The work of a woman was to reproduce and take care of her husband and children. But today we have women who are presidents, CEOs, doctors, engineers, pilots, and many other big careers that were dominated by men. Women have refused to leave under the shade of society and have made their path, a painful path but rewarding one. The counties that practice female genital mutilation have made many girls lose their lives or have their futures destroyed. The ones that refused to undertake the cult were forced to run away from their home and go to a foreign land where they were given an education which they later used to transform their society by ending this evil act.

Though women have taken big strides to be who they are today, there is much to be done. Rome was not built in one day. Things like the 2/3 gander rule remain a jigsaw puzzle in Kenya. There are a few communities that also still practice FGM. Women still face sexual harassment in work places. We give credits that more has been done but still more can be done.

I will conclude by quoting The Legacy Chief Editor Maria Njoroge. "A woman is like gold which is heated at a very high temperature for it to be fine and useful.” She continues and say. "The challenges that the woman has undergone in society have made her so strong and resilient to face and overcome any challenges in life." She made those remarks as she joined other women in commemorating the big day at Mega Bites Hotel where they were having dinner as discussed how to use the digital platform to make the life of a girl child better at Moi University.

The Illusion of Power

 

By  Jackson Kinyanjui

Power is a seductive force, capable of captivating the mind and soul with its irresistible allure. It can be as addictive as a drug, with a potency that leaves those who seek it forever changed. Like a mirage in the desert, it appears to promise salvation, but ultimately leads to ruin. Power has been likened to a flame that can either illuminate or consume, depending on how it is wielded. Before the birth of democracy, those who sought to wield power did it by sword. However, times have changed and in the 21st century, one, man vote can change the power course of a nation.

Last week, Nigerians were on the ballot to elect their leader after the current president Muhammadu Buhari's term reached its expiry date. Last year here in Kenya we went to an election that was one of the most peaceful elections that was ever held in Kenya. Were power just a word, we would not have people killing each other over it. Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea just the other day extended his 43-year rule.

The corrupting influence of power is often compared to a black hole, with an insatiable hunger that devours everything in its path. Those who become consumed by it can find themselves trapped in a cycle of greed and manipulation, where their thirst for control knows no bounds. Some people are voted in because citizens view them as an ideal solution to their current problems but when these individuals get power, they change just like a chameleon! How many politicians have been taken to court in our beloved country due to corruption scandals? The list is endless. Like a virus that infects every part of the body, power can spread and corrupt even the most virtuous of individuals.

Power like a Pandora's box once opened, it can never be fully closed, and the consequences of its release can be catastrophic. Those who seek power often justify their actions as necessary for the greater good, but the pursuit of power can quickly become an end in itself, with no regard for the consequences. With power comes the potential for greatness and the seeds of destruction. In last year's general election in Kenya business personnel was leaving their lucrative jobs just to join politics, just for power!  Why does someone spend billions during campaign period for a job whose salary is just 1.5 million monthly? , containing within it both the potential for greatness and the seeds of destruction.

In the end, power is a double-edged sword, capable of both empowering and corrupting. It can be wielded for the betterment of humanity, or it can be used to oppress and subjugate. When Hitler got power, World War II came to be. During Hitler's` regime, Nazis killed about 11 million people. Saddam Hussein, the Iraq former president, Saddam used terror and murdered his people using gas to subdue the Kurds. He attacked Iran and 1 million people died. The challenge lies in recognizing the true nature of power, and understanding that the true measure of power is not in how much one possesses, but in how one chooses to use it.

Power is good! Barrack Obama used power in a good manner and transformed America, Nelson Mandela brought a change in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi achieved a lot in India and Abraham Lincoln used power to abolish slavery and grant slave freedom.

Maybe there is more to power than we know .Secrets politicians do not divulge .There is more to leadership than the politics of it all.

China Square

 

BY : MBOTO HARRY IVAN

China Square has been the talk of the town for several days now. Along the Thika Super Highway, close to Kenyatta University, sits the retail establishment called China Square at the UniCity Mall. It offers cheaper alternatives compared to like Dubois, Eastleigh, Kamukunji, and Gikomba. On January 29, 2023, China Square officially opened its doors and since then, the relatively new, amazingly massive shopping store seems to have the city under its spell. The expansive indoor store has drawn a frenetic crowd of eager shoppers who go there every day, in their numbers, clogging the cashier area in seemingly endless ques for hours on end.

Under one roof, it sells a variety of household goods, including cookware, furniture, decor, stationery, electronics, and tools. Since then, Kenyan traders have claimed that China Square is elbowing them off the market by offering its products at steep discounts.

Industry, Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria now wants China Square to cease operations in the Kenyan market. Through his Twitter handle, CS Kuria revealed that he was in talks with Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina to buy out the lease for the retailer currently trading at Unicity Mall along Thika Road and hand it over to local Kenyan traders.

“I have today given an offer to Prof Wainaina the Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University to buy out the lease for China Square, Unicity Mall and hand it over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa 1 and Eastleigh Traders Association,” the CS stated. Kuria also noted that Chinese investors should not trade in Kenya.

“We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya but as manufacturers, not traders.” He added. In exchange, CS Kuria presented proposals to China Square, that the government is willing to help the Chinese businessman set up a manufacturing plant to produce goods locally.

In my view, for this to succeed, we must re think of our tax policies. In Kenya, the main hurdle in setting up manufacturing plants is the high electricity prices. Close to 65% of power costs are taxes and associated levies. Even a local businessman would be hesitant to invest in a power-intensive facility, therefore preferring to produce things abroad then import them, a decision that deprives us of numerous prospects for employment and other advantages. The government's decision to create a conflict that could result in the closure of the well-liked store, which has only been open for two months, is in my opinion, irresponsible. International investors will also be scared off by this, particularly if it turns out that the Chinese business complied with all rules and laws for business operation in Kenya. The Chinese store should be permitted to continue operating because it is suplplying a market niche  that enjoys a variety of  relatively cheap goods and all under one roof. Kenyan businessmen need to quiet down and make an effort if they want to compete effectively. It is lazy to assume that since we are aware of the availability of goods at lower prices, we will close down the Chinese business and drive him away rather than analyzing what the Chinese are doing better than us. Instead of interfering with the already established business, the government should consider putting in place favorable policies to foster local production of goods to match the international market competition, and also research on what other successful traders are doing that we are not.

Kenyatta University student leaders have also reportedly come out to defend retailer China Square which has been temporarily closed down.

"For donkey years, the UniCity mall has remained under-utilized, if this was about the government promoting local traders then it would have been done a long time ago," Muiruri said. Truly speaking, the mall has been existing for the last six years and the said local businessmen did not occupy it. What is it that will make them occupy it now?

CS Kuria's remarks over closure of the China Square has attracted criticism from the President Ruto led Kenya Kwanza camp. Speaking on a local television station on Monday February 27, Belgut member of parliament Nelson Sonko Koech of UDA party said China Square has created job opportunities for hundreds of Kenyans, and closing it will do more harm than good.

"Carrefour is also owned by the French. So, is it only about China?...Let there be a robust competition and allow Kenyans to get products at a cheaper prices", added the MP.  Miguna Miguna, a controversial Kenyan lawyer who switched allegiance to President Ruto,said, "If we close down China Square and chase away the owner who gave poor Kenyans alternative competition to consumer gods, will we be genuine and extend the 'ban' on white owned enterprises and banks in various parts of the country?"

On the high customers flow to China Square, Grace Wanjiku, a trends expert, believes all will be back to normal when the buzz eventually dies and the social media hype decreases. Grace adds that there is no cause for alarm because the masses are basically driven to China Square by curiosity, and the need to find a better deal, whether or not it exists.

 

 

 

 

Blessed March Folks

 By Ivan  Harry 

I have to confess that listening in on other people's conversations is one of my toxic traits. I partially blame my lecturers for this behavior because they constantly remind us to be startlingly alert and to be fully conscious of what's going on in our surroundings as media students.

Free Wi -fi is one campus privilege that I make great use of. Today is no exception. Two ladies swiftly walked by to join a group of guys seated at one end. They exchanged hugs, as is the campus norm, before beginning a quiet discussion. They were quietly talking of how companionship has evolved into sex for amusement and leisure in modern campus society. They also concurred that both sexes can now have as many as ten sexual partners, and that finding partners is no longer an issue.

"These days, you simply must have an intercourse when the urge strikes. It's very normal", one of the guys remarked. The other guy responded with great excitement, "exactly! It's no longer difficult to find a sexual partner in these areas (campus). You simply call another lady if the first one says no. And they are numerous, not just two or three ".

As the conversation became more interesting, I pretended to be exceedingly busy browsing content on my phone. One of the ladies openly acknowledged that women nowadays prey men for sex.

"You'll see a lady visiting a butcher shop, buy beef worth 100 shillings, and cook it skillfully. She then makes numerous calls to her male besties, inviting them over for dinner until one shows up. That's it, then ". The lady said.

Before I knew it, it started to drizzle, so I had to walk to a shelter.

 The new month has nonetheless begun well for the Moi University comrades. It has drizzled for the first time since we set foot in the main campus this semester! What a fete! The air is crisp cool and it smells so fresh. The dust has vanished and the roads have traces of mud. We thank God for the 'rain'.

The situation is however different in University of Kabianga. Save for the dust, Nipashe Campus Flavour reports that Kabianga comrades are really disappointed after the Chief hasoraa failed to turn up for their 10th anniversary celebrations despite having confirmed attendance earlier on. He is said to have instead sent the Education CS Machogu to represent him.

It's interesting to note that the University of Kabianga closed its main gate A  few weeks ago and made some minor repairs here and there in preparation for the Commander in Chief. For weeks, comrades, lecturers and staff had to bath in dust as they used alternative gates to access the institution. How disappointing.

Happy March folks

Heartfelt Dilemmas

 

By Maria Njoroge

Somewhere between the bliss of a campus beginning and the hell of a four-year hassle, something happened. Something undeniably magical. I remember the first time I saw you, actually saw you. I could not believe that I had passed you all these years and nothing ever seemed out of the ordinary. I wonder how I never first saw your deep brown eyes. How I never noticed your shirts were always meticulously ironed. How did I who was always aware of my surrounding miss out on how many walks to the lecture halls we were together? I was oblivious to it all.

I remember the weather that day, the chilly evening, the drizzling, the strong wind. Most important of all I remember the light in your eyes when you saw me. I cannot quite describe it. I can not put words in what happened at that particular moment. All I know is, I want you to keep looking at me like that forever.

Love, the confines of the system have been great, but the harsh reality of it will soon dawn on us. I have seen the pensive look in your eyes. The searching my face as though to look for meaning . I know you do not want to voice it. You have always hated my lack of spontaneity and my desire for a solid plan. I have heard you sigh in your sleep and I have seen you practice your life without me. All I have is a sweet memory of the evening you walked with me and I wanted it to be like that forever.

Now , all I can do is picture our last walk together around campus . Maybe you will hold my hand with the same tenderness like you did before. Maybe your eyes will tell me what I need to hear. What I want to hear.  As graduation approaches, I find myself struggling with the knowledge that our time together is coming to an end. I know that we have both talked about our plans for the future, and how they will take us in different directions, but it still breaks my heart to think about it. Even for a hopeless romantic, this dream is just that a dream.

But maybe, just maybe, on that last walk, you will tell me a different story . I know that we have talked about how we will stay in touch, and how we will make the long-distance thing work, but it still feels like the end of an era.

 

 

The Beautiful Game

 

By Harry Ivan 

An argument broke out last Wednesday night while we were about watch football on TV in the students' center. Rival teams Manchester United and Arsenal were set to play at the same time, with United competing for a spot in the FA Cup quarterfinals and Arsenal playing in the league. As is customary for them, the boisterous, loudmouthed Manchester United supporters were not going to permit the comparatively quiet Arsenal supporters to watch their game on the main screen. One of the United fans, a tall man with a receding hairline and shoes that had bent out of shape declared that since they were the majority, they were going to watch their team's game from the main screen and directed Arsenal fans to move the lower screen associated with inferiority. There was only one guy who spoke up for the defenseless Arsenal supporters. When the defendant realized he couldn't win the case, he abandoned it, and Arsenal supporters were unceremoniously ejected from the main screen amid cheers from Man U supporters. I was not happy!  Then there were the Liverpool supporters who had no say at all. They had no choice but to watch their team's game elsewhere. Here is how the action-packed night unfolded.

After giving the relegation-threatened Everton a comfortable 4-0 beating at the Emirates Stadium, English Premier League leaders Arsenal are now five points atop the standings table. The Gunners got their revenge on home ground for a humiliating loss they suffered at Everton's Goodison Park last month in Sean Dyche's inaugural game as manager. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time with his 10th goal of the season before Gabriel Martinelli added a second in stoppage-time. Captain Martin Odegaard made it three in the second half and Martinelli sealed the victory as the Gunners put on a marvelous show for their ecstatic home fans. Arsenal now has three consecutive wins, reinforcing their case for the league championship, while Everton is still in serious danger of relegation in 18th place.

Liverpool defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League thanks to late goals from Virgil van Dijk and Mohammed Salah, boosting their chances of finishing in the top four. When Darwin Nunez's goal for Liverpool was disallowed by VAR, Jurgen Klopp's team appeared to be in for a frustrating evening. There was gloom and doom at Anfield following Liverpool's 5-2 humiliation in the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League the previous week, but Van Dijk eventually broke the score in the 73rd minute when he headed in Diogo Jota's cross from close range and Mohammed Salah scored Liverpool's second. The Egyptian forward is currently one goal away from matching Liverpool's Robbie Fowler's total of 128 Premier League goals. The rematch between Liverpool and Real Madrid looms on the schedule but their immediate focus will be on Sunday when they travel to play an in-form Manchester United, with their unbeaten domestic run providing a much-needed boost in confidence at this crucial time of the season.

Carabao Cup winners Manchester United came down from one goal to secure a win against West Ham in the FA Cup quarter final qualifier. United looked demoralized after Said Benrahma put David Moyes' West Ham into a deserved lead at Old Trafford. But Nayef Aguerd's 77th-minute own goal sparked an impressive turnaround, with United's teen sensation Alejandro Garnacho curling in a 90th-minute strike past Alphonse Areola, before Fred steered in an injury-time third goal to put the hosts into the last eight and see off the battling Hammers. Their quarter-final will take place on the weekend of March 18 and 19th.