For Peninah Wanjeri, the déjà vu feeling at the Beijing Olympics was the performance of former Kenyans for their adopted countries, including America's Bernard Lagat, who failed to make the 1,500 metres final.

She adds: "The Games will go down in history as the breathtaking and electrifying two weeks of sports ever. The memories of Kenyans winning, US 'Lightning' Bolt's heroics, and the opening and closing ceremonies will never fade. Maybe, after all, the Olympics are for those who proudly represent their countries."

.............

The proposal to pay Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka's spouses monthly allowances of Sh400,000 each is simply nonsensical, says Dorothy Ogut, adding that even the American President's wife does not receive such pay.

"Why such extravagance for a few when the majority of Kenyans can hardly afford a decent meal a day? Why not cater for those displaced during the post-election violence?"

..............

Cases of side-mirrors and indicators being ripped off cars in traffic jams are spreading fast, with the most shameless of the vandals now operating on Forest Road and in Pangani, Nairobi, says Keziah Gakahu.

"It's happening every day and yet we have police manning roundabouts. Can't they protect motorists from these crooks even as they control traffic? Please, curb this menace," she pleads.

...............

A connoisseur of the South African Viceroy brandy manufactured under licence by Kenya Wine Agencies Ltd in Nairobi for the local market, C. Kioli, says it's really wonderful stuff but what puts him off is the poor quality of the material used to seal the bottles.

Every time he buys a bottle, he always has difficulty opening it because the "seal keeps going round and round without breaking".

...............

Do the MPs insisting that the Kenya Ports Authority MD's post be held by a person from the Coast realise the full implications of their unfortunate utterances? asks Mwabili Kiongo.

He adds: "Though I, too, come from Coast Province, I take great exception to their stand. Aren't they aware that there are many people from the Coast holding top jobs in various sectors right across the country? The call is utterly regressive and truly disgusting!"

...............

The recent beastly acts in Naivasha are just a reminder that we still have savages in our midst, says Mark Mutuma. But knowing that the wheel of justice moves slowly in such cases, he fears that the vampire could soon "regain his freedom like many others before him, thanks to botched up police investigations or strange rulings about infringement of individual rights".

He wants police boss Hussein Ali to ensure all the loopholes are sealed.

..................

Naivasha is a town of many paradoxes, says Kairu Kamuri of his hometown.

He adds: "It's a town without peace, what with the incessant road accidents, rape, incest, highway robberies, and the recent expose of a vampire! Yet politicians, civil society and other groups, even from neighbouring countries, often retreat to this town whenever they have a dispute to solve.

"Perhaps, it is only serious soul-searching that can help us understand what is happening."Have a serene day, won't you!

.................