Friday, February 26, 2010

Joseph Hellon on the Bench (K24)

I had been really looking forward to hear Hellon speak out without the pressure of journalists and the circumstances. I think the bench would be the ideal place for this and so it really caught my attention.

There are all the questions and speculations surrounding Hellon, including being said to be heading a cultist organization. After listening to him, I can’t really say that Finger of God Ministries is a cult. That would not be my issue. In fact, I think what he says has soundness if you measure it with the bible. And I appreciated the fact that he was not shying away from the bible in today’s very secular world.

But that does not mean I agree with him; I find his approach is too strong; Christian faith is founded on principles of love, forgiveness, humility and such. I've been taught that if we’re so concerned about proving a point to someone, then something is wrong. I think Hellon has enough people whom he seems ready to get even with. He was saying it on the show; for instance, he really blasted the guys from his church who differed with him; he actually fired them in the first place!

Then comes Esther’s case: this is a young woman who has her life put together, flying high in her career, preparing to get married while all of a sudden these things take a totally different turn, due to association with Hellon’s church. I don’t about you but we don’t do that in the church I come from! At present, a word has it that she’s be receiving professional help.

Then I have a question for Hellon: what’s his vision for this country, as he prepares to vie for the high office? I ask this because what I see of him, is more of a fighter, ready to finish off an opponent. Well it’s true that this has its place, but by now we need to have seen a vision; someone with a mission. Maybe he’ll eventually convince me and the people.



Esther Arunga on the Bench (K24)

I watched Esther Arunga on the bench. She looked good and pretty as always. One thing was quite evident from her tone and her emphasis: combat! She came out very strong, and she had a word or two for several people whom she was not very happy with. She has several law suites to file too. Then the quite huge announcement that one could expect from her, that of running against Joseph Hellon for the country’s top job! She’s not just announcing this, but has all the faith that it will be realized; she actually said she’ll be very surprised if it doesn’t.

But this is my confusion right there: what is it about? Is it about faith or political goal. I’ve no problem with either but the connection between the two ought to be properly defined.

I also couldn’t stop thinking that Esther is not herself. For instance, if you say that someone is planning to kill you, and say it on television, articulately identify the person without blinking, you’d better have the evidence. It should not be so easy for anyone. It’s also hard to understand how she decided to quite her job. One might think that her positioning would be the best for someone in her profession. The fact that she broke her engagement with Wilson is quite worrying; and the reasons are very contradictory: is it infidelity, or is it that he was pressing for sex before they were married?

Well, that aside, it later emerged that Esther is having some consultations with a doctor, and I cannot agree more; I thinks she really needs that, time to reflect on all this and the turn of events that have happened just too fast.



Dr. Phil on Family TV @ 9.35PM Weekdays

Dr. Phil is a well renowned psychologist, and a great show host; so much that he’s one of the few ranked among the top show hosts in the world like Oprah.
He brings guests on the show that happen to be ordinary people dealing, or having dealt with diverse level of circumstances; from those that every person can identify with, to others that are quite isolated. That makes it very interesting because we are naturally like both. He’s really cool calm and collected and authoritative at the same time, especially when he brings in some technical input which he does well.

He offers help to his guests and viewers, based on the topic being handled in the show, which he presents it to his guests and leaves it to them to consider. It’s productive given the fact that he’s an expert in what the show is all about.

From time to time, Dr. Phil commits to bring back some guests who have been in his show, to evaluate the progress they made since they had to his show last.

Dr. Phil has his signature of ending the show by getting his wife off the audience as she’s always conspicuously in the show, and grabbing her hand as they walk off, with her quick short steps while he waves. Might look dramatic at times but interesting; people have actually written to him just on this one alone.



On the Bench by Jeff Koinange on K24

This is probably one of the most popular shows. If you’ve heard something that’s phenomenon about anyone, chances are that you’ll find them on this show being interviewed by Jeff Koinange. The former CNN reporter is a well articulated show host – quite rare to find; his style might be controversial: heavy western accent, strong body language, dramatic accentuation and all, but there’s one thing that no one can dispute: he sure stands out in his profession.

As he ends the show, Jeff will have to make you say the station’s slogan with you; it doesn’t matter who you are, but you’ll say the last part of the line, “All Kenyan, all the time”. All guests do comply, with one exception, one veteran politician; he was straight on it, “No I won’t do it”. That was right on the show; it might have appeared humorous at first but I later thought, we’ve had a culture of hurting one another; those who’ve fought for democracy in this country have had a bitter share of this. This can affect someone, to an extent of being very cautious before trusting anyone on anything. I’d to hear you take on this show.



Drive Through History on Family TV

Dave visits some of the most historical sites in America such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Valley Forge and the Polish Patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Special emphasis is given to understanding the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

In a fast, fun style all his own, Dave Stott’s explores the rich history of early America and he embraces the Christian influences that helped shape history. Christian history is always part of every show.



Kirk Cameron on Family TV

Kirk Cameron takes a radical approach to evangelism. He calls it the way of the master. He maintains that when Jesus was on earth, He spoke the truth directly, calling the people to “repent or die”. He’s against the gospel of preaching the gospel of, “come to Jesus and your life will be good”. He argues that when someone finds challenges in Christian life which is expected as opposed to the “good life” all the way, the person is bound to give up and turn back.

The way of the master is a reality TV, where Kirk Cameron and his co-host walk up to people in the streets and engages them in conversations, aimed at showing them their spiritual position in relation to judgment, by just using the 10 commandments. For instance, if someone has ever told a lie, looked at a woman with lust and so on, common things that people are guilty of, one is brought to realization that they have fallen on God’s standard and stand to face judgment. On the basis of this new knowledge, one can seek a solution which is to accept Jesus as savior and Lord.

The hosts also encounter people from different sects and cults, and in the show they bring out their beliefs, explaining exactly how they’ve deviated from the truth.



700 Club on Family TV @ 11PM Weekdays

The show is produced by US based TV station by the name CBN (Christian Broadcasting News). It’s hosted by various hosts including it’s founder Pat Robertson, his son Gordon Robertson and others. They also highly publicize their news portal, CBN.COM

They focus more on international news in America as well as world wide, especially those that religious or morality significance. Pat Robertson is quite out spoken especially on Middle East and America’s political issues.

The show also spends enough time on health, fitness and lifestyle, including diet and exercise tips. I feel this is important since healthy people are more productive, and also many problems we face can be easily checked by observing a healthy lifestyle.



Cleflo Dollar on Family TV @ 10.30 PM Weekdays

Dr. Cleflo is a preacher of the Word of God. The 30 min program is packed with teachings from the bible that are very enlightening. They run as series runs for a period of time, before another new one takes over and the process continues.

There is a misconception that Dr. Cleflo teaches on prosperity alone. By listening to this program you’ll then realize how untrue this is. The teachings cover various aspects of a Christian life including holiness, living right, relationships and of course Word of faith including principles that bring health and prosperity. My personal view is that there is nothing wrong with on prosperity, as long as it’s given its place and God is given His place in ones life. In fact we need to be prosperous in order for us to be effective in what God has called us to do. God comes first, and after focusing on Him seeking Him, then as the bible says we’ll experience blessing and all other good things that we need for this life.



Praise The Lord on Family TV on Weekdays Latenight

This is a TBN show brought on Family TV. TBN is an international satellite TV station that was founded by the Crouch family.

The guests in the Praise the LORD show include people who have made great impact in the world. They are interviewed by other established individuals in spiritual leadership. These are mostly pastors, and bible teachers and also people in the entertainment industry, like actors, movie producers and renowned gospel artists. Some people who’ve made appearances on Praise the LORD show include Bishop TD Jakes, Pastor Benny Hinn, Prophetess Juanita Bynam, Dr. Mark Chirona, Brother Kenneth Copeland, Cece Winans, Kirk Franklin, Cryphton Davis, Jason Crab and many more.



Stitchie on Jam 316 (Radio 316)

Stitchie is a renown International gospel reggae artist from Jamaica. He is visiting Kenya and is scheduled to perform in Mavuno Mega Dome. He made an appearance on Mike on the Mike’s show on Radio 316, where he narrates his life, what he believes, but it’s how he gave his life to Jesus that captured my attention.

Stitchie was not initially a born again Christian. But in an international festival, he performed and the remarkable thing is that on a stage where people were mentioning different kind of gods, he mentioned the name of Jesus Christ which was quite a shocker to everyone. He went ahead and became the best performer in that festival. After all the attention he got from that, one man approached him and gave him a gift; it was a small Gedions Bible as he came to find out.

In his hotel room, he could go through various scriptures given for different life situations; when discouraged, when lonely and so on. He was then so convicted that he needed to change his was of life and turn to God. He told his crew that he was quiting music and gave his life to Christ!

Stitchie has this inspiration to share, that it’s important to know who you are; what’s your identity? He reminds us that we are a holy nation. He quoted the song, “Justified, royal priesthood, holy nation, little lower than the angels”.

When asked what to expect in the concert, Stitchie promised ‘Love in the Dome’. ‘Expect God’s presence, love, come to see not what Stitchie will do but what God will do.’. He said. He promised to perform to the best of his ability in excellence, “Because I give praise unto the King”, he added.



Jam 316 with Big Mike on the Mike on Radio 316, Morning Weekdays

Mike on the Mike comes to me as a person full of energy and passion. He is loud and gives one the kind of start ones need for the day; got to start strong! His sense of humor is very balanced, and it doesn’t matter what your morning is like, or how dull you feel, Mike will sure get your face lighting up!



Route 104 with Justus Owaka on Hope FM @ 4 PM Weekdays

At a time when hoping to get home fastest you can, Justo, as people fondly call him, will give you real company. Here’s how I would describe him: warm, funny and loud! And a good singer himself too. He probably should consider doing a CD… He likes to laughs and he’ll take you with him for sure! The music is also very balanced gospel and great too. He also occasionally gets candid about some issues affecting the society, telling it like it is, and stepping on toes if necessary which is quite another side of him



Shangilia with Anthony Ndiema on Hope FM @ 1 PM Weekdays

If you ever listened to this show, you’ll hear something like, “Niko darasani” (I’m in class), and you think, no one should be listening to radio in class!! But you’ll soon to realize that the class is the show, and teachers are the hosts (Anthony Ndiema and John Gichuru mlipa ushuru aliyeone nuru). And I quite like it.

If you ever wanted to hear the best of Gospel Kenyan local, then Shangilia is the show for you. One thing that you will realize on this show is that Kenya has talent. Kenyan local music has surely come a long way, and the appreciation that it has continued to receive from Kenyans is very well substantiated.

Something else unique about this show is that it’s the only one done in Swahili in an English language station. Anthony Ndiema, one the show host has a quite charismatic personality, and has a rich tone of pure Swahili language unlike many of the younger generation that are more into Sheng (Swahili’s slang). His co-host John Gichuru is a perfect complement.

Shangilia’s listeners are usually treated to some appearances by various Kenyan gospel artists. Daddy Owen aka Papa Fololo aka King of Kapungala, Jimmy Gait, Christine Ndela, Rough Tone, Mercy Masika, Neema, Eunice Njeri, Blackman Muthami, Asha Mapenzi to name just a few are some of the artists who have be guests at one time on Shangilia.



Praise Junction with Wambui on Hope FM @ 11AM Weekdays

Wambui brings various guests who tackle spiritual issues from listeners. These are mainly pastors and bible teachers. Once in a while, experts in other fields outside spiritual circles come on board to handle issues in the relevant fields. One such is a show dedicated to a gynecologist once a month to handle productive health issues; there is one also dedicated to a lawyer to handle legal matters.
The show is very enlightening to a Christian in knowing how to relate some life’s issues with the bible. The expert shows are also really educative.



Rush Hour with Shaffie Weru and Kalekye Mumo on KISS 100, Evening Weekdays

The show is hosted by a young and energetic duo, who regularly get into heated discussion between them, and almost always falling out. It runs in the evening and is popular with many listeners for some relief in the evening traffic jam. The show plays a wide range of contemporary music including R&B and Hip Hop



Rush Hour with Shaffie Weru and Kalekye Mumo on KISS 100, Evening Weekdays

The show is hosted by a young and energetic duo, who regularly get into heated discussion between them, and almost always falling out. It runs in the evening and is popular with many listeners for some relief in the evening traffic jam. The show plays a wide range of contemporary music including R&B and Hip Hop



Kiss Big Breakfast with Caroline Mutoko on KISS 100, Weekday Mornings

Caroline is one of the most celebrated radio personalities. Many find her to have a strong temperament, may be by the manner in which she carries herself: no apologies at all. She would make you feel like if you stood up to each other on the face, she could easily knock you out! She’s known to cause temperatures to rise as a result of her approach in tackling some society issues. For instance, she’s remembered to have caused some serious friction with a certain major political figure in the government. The battle ended in court and went on for sometime.



Miss Figure 8 on Love Connection on Mapenzi (Classic 105)

This particular lady is 22, beautiful, describes herself as a ‘figure 8’. My only question is the match she’s looking for: above 35 years man; I think this gap is too big, and I doubt if she’s after a committed relationship. A love relationship is a serious thing, and if it’s not intended to be a committed lasting one, it’s better not start it in the first place. You can save yours and another’s time. Correct me if I am wrong but someone putting great effort to find someone 13 years plus older, to me does not fall into the category of a long and lasting relationship; probably something for fun, while waiting to move on to something else. And that’s not okay.



Love Connection on Mapenzi by Angela Angwenyi on Classic 105 Weekday Evenings

You’d probably find nothing wrong with the phrase “Love Connection”; after all, it’s a good thing to find love! I thought the same until I heard a lady in this show, who needs a man, to ‘spoil her’ and treat her as she would love to be treated. Of course there’s nothing wrong with this, except for one reason: she married.

And so on this front, I disagree with Angela. Probably some moderation would make the whole difference: what can go on air and what should not? Have some guidelines. That’s all I’m saying.



Maina and Kingangi on Classic 105 Weekday Mornings

The show has a fantastic duo host, Maina Kageni and Mwalimu Kingangi. Mwalimu, as his co-host likes calling him, can make you laugh till you drop. You’ll hear virtually every public transport tuned to this show, and once in a while it’s common to have a whole bus lose composure especially on Mwalimu’s antics; the two makes quite a unique team that’s hard to come by any other way.

I however have some reservations on the later part of the show; various topics are tackled, most of which I personally disagree with on the basis of how lightly they are handled. I believe that nothing should done be at the expense of human values and propagation of the same. Unfortunately, I think this happens a lot in this show, by the look of most of the topics discussed and the tone with which they’re discussed. I must note that some of the topics are however objective and safe.

From time to time, I do make postings from these topics and give my views. You can join me in addressing some matters that could be hanging carelessly to the detriment of the youth and the society in general, and also give credit where it’s due.



Truth FM

Truth FM is one of the newest Christian radio stations. It is good to have choices for great things and the station has provided just that. Filling the airwaves with the gospel is something great to happen.



Radio 316

Radio 316, formerly Family FM, is the first Christian radio station in Kenya. It’s owned by Family Media, which also owns Family TV and Tune Inn music shops and the Friendship Company. Their offices are situated in Kileleshwa, one of Nairobi’s up market suburbs. The station runs Christian shows and Christian music. Their style of music seems to have a bias towards rock, whose taste is not as in many people as in other styles like R&B, Reggae and local.

But they do have inspiring shows, vibrant hosts and great music too. At some point at late night, the station is hooked on to it’s sister TV station’s voice, Family TV, so that you can follow the show that’s showing on TV on radio.

The station will always be credited as the pioneering Christian radio station, which has been a big desire in many Kenyan Christians.



Hope FM

This is the second mainstream Christian station to be introduced in Kenya. Owned by Christ is the answer ministries, the station has a balanced content with music spread over several genres. It has interesting shows and lots of music. The music featured includes praise and worship, gospel local and contemporary. Some shows are very much focused on the bible, for instance preaching from Jonnie Corson, bible questions with Wambui and various guests who are bible teachers and ministers.



Easy FM

Easy FM is owned by Nation Media Group (NMG) and plays exclusively Blues and R&B music. This station uses the approach that life is already hard enough, (and no one should allow it to be made it any more difficult - I suppose). So a remedy for a hard life is necessary and Easy FM poses as that remedy.



Classic 105

Classic 105 plays exclusive classic and soul music. Some of its shows are probably unrivaled by any other in the country in terms of popularity. It is owned by Africa Media, who are also the owners of Kiss 100, a sister radio station and two of one of the latest TV stations to be unveiled, the Kiss TV and Classic TV. Some of its popular shows include Maina and King’ang’i on Classic 105 and Love Connection by Angela Angwenyi