Humphrey Gathungu

Father, Traveller, Africa Enthusuast, Mentor, avid photographer, aspiring golfer, bibliophile and whisky lover

[Chidanand Tripathi @thetripathi58]

A brilliant statistician who spent 50 years studying why massive engineering projects fail realized one terrifying truth:

Individual incompetence is almost never the actual problem.

His name is W. Edwards Deming, the man who famously rebuilt Japan's post-war manufacturing empire from scratch. He argued that we obsess over individual performance and completely ignore the environment.

Here are 4 operational frameworks he used to build elite, failure-proof organizations:

[GeniusThinking @GeniusGTX]

A "Paradox" is a statement that seems contradictory but actually contains a hidden truth.

Once you see them, your worldview changes forever.

Here are my 10 favorite mind-bending paradoxes that will upgrade your thinking & decision making: 🧵

1. The Paradox of Choice

[Eric @amerix]

A man's life is built on a system.

The system is built on five Japanese philosophies:

Ikigai – Your reason for waking up.

Kaizen – Microscopic daily improvement.

Hara hachi bu – Disciplined abstinence.

Wabi-sabi – Failure is fuel.

Gambaru – Masculine endurance.

[Geco Expeditions @GecoExpeditions]

8th-12th October 2025 You owe Us nothing.
What an amazing trip down the Valley
Memories and stories were created with friends and Family.

#GecoExpeditions

[Kipkalya Kones @MrKipkalya]

The post of Kenya Army Commander, a Three Star General command, has been held by some of the best military leaders in all of Africa. Some of the legendary commanders here include the then Lt Gen Daudi Tonje (who served for only a short time before proceeding abroad for a year-long course in readiness for promotion to full General), Lt Gen Lazaro Sumbeiywo, Lt Gen Agostine Stephen Karanu (ASK) Njoroge, Lt Gen Agostine Cheruiyot and Lt Gen Adan Ahmed Abdillahi. Needless to say, it has also been held by lacklustre and hopeless commanders, relying largely on political patronage, like Lt Gen Jeremiah Kianga, Lt Gen Peter Njiru, Lt Gen James Lenges and Lt Gen John Sawe.

By all accounts, Sawe was the worst man to ever hold the title. He was clueless, indecisive and lacked basic officer principles. It is easy to understand why. He was a Colonel when Moi took power in 1978, the highest ranking Kalenjin in a military overflowing with Kambas. But Moi knew that whereas the military was a Kamba institution, the heavily mechanised, funded and equipped GSU was a Kikuyu organ, and they were coming for him soon. He needed a Kalenjin in the military's most powerful post; Kenya Army Commander. So he rushed Sawe through four ranks in just three years, record to date (nearly matched by Uhuru Kenyatta's promotion of his ADC, Col Peter Njiru, all the way to Lt Gen and Army Commander in just over four years).

For Sawe to reign, Moi had to prematurely retire many Kambas and Kikuyus in the General ranks. Some, like Brigadier Lucas Matu, even went to court. Anyway, because Sawe was so unprepared and totally clueless, when the coup happened, it was his deputy, a proper infantry warrior, Maj Gen Mahmoud Mohamed, who took charge of restoring Moi's power, with serious work being done by the then Majors Opande, Sumbeiywo and Musomba, hardened battle leaders. After he retired, Sawe drifted into obscurity and died in infamy.

I can confidently predict today that the newly appointed Army Commander, Lt Gen David Keter, will join Sawe as the two worst Army Commanders of all time. In fact, the removal of Lt Gen Tarus after such a short time, reminds me of Lee Njiru's book, where he narrates the intrigues of intra-Kalenjin sub tribe rivalries in the security forces. Tarus is a Keiyo, and is said to have been firmly opposed to military deployment in crushing Gen Z riots. Keter is a Nandi, and the possible calculation is that with DIG Eliud Lagat, another Nandi, always poised to be IG, the two most important security posts will be held by Nandis, and a proper protection ring for the throne will be created. Tarus, like the great Army Commanders before him, was not beholden to political expediency.

Of course one or two appointments stand out. The appointment of Maj Gen Bernard Waliaula as Kenya Air Force Commander returns the post to a real airman, and a pretty good one at that. Also, the promotion of Brigadier Joyce Sitienei to Maj Gen was long long overdue. She is one of my favourite officers. But in the continuation of the bad manners, Ruto now announces promotions even at Colonel level. The Defence Council and the Commander in Chief traditionally make promotions and appointments within the General ranks only (Brigadier to full General). The rest are handled by internal KDF promotional boards. But I saw Ruto announced even the promotion of Lt Col to Col. There are just three officer ranks below Lt Col (Major, Captain and Lieutenant). This means Ruto will soon start announcing the promotions of Lieutenants to Captains! This must be the most petty regime I've ever seen.

There is something else hiding in these promotions and appointments...
1/2

[Hanifa @Honeyfarsafi]

Where is Ndiangui??? Abducted by the @DCI_Kenya !!!!
#FreeNdiangui

[Humphrey Gathungu @HGathungu]

@WanjikuReports @gtrtanuki Do a diesel one pls

[Sputnik @SputnikInt]

🧵REDNOTE EXPLOSION: MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DISCOVER A DIFFERENT CHINA

(1/9) The US TikTok ban, aimed at countering Chinese “influence operations,” seems to have backfired as American users flocked to RedNote, a popular Chinese social media platform. Here’s what they’re finding

[Ole Lehmann @itsolelehmann]

2 years ago, I moved my entire life to Cyprus to escape Germany's 50% tax rate.

It was the most expensive "money-saving" decision I've ever made.

Here's 21 brutal realities of tax haven living (that nobody warns you about):

[Joey Yochheim @joeyyochheim]

Ever wonder how the rich & famous always look young & healthy?

They spend millions on treatments you’ve probably never heard of.

But I found their secrets to everlasting youth.

Here’s a full deep dive into what they’re doing & how you can copy them (without spending millions):

[Amina Guleid @GuleidAmina]

I hope 2025 is the year we find a better way of acknowledging unmarked/ branded photos of creators or users.

I find mentioning and tagging to intrusive

Tried both recently and don’t like the experience isn’t for me my proposals

1. The video works is so much better and I wonder if the same can be done

Or

2. an automatic marking with handle especially for premium users

Sample below of me mentioning it’s not so natural 👇

🙈

[MxM @Mukurima]

If you told the Paris Olympics organizers that their decision to hold the opening ceremony along the Seine River was a masterstroke of symbolism, they wouldn’t have needed convincing.

The Seine, the lifeblood of Paris and a witness to centuries of history, has always served as a stage for triumphs, transitions, and farewells.

It was here, on this historic river, that Janet Wanja, one of Kenya’s most beloved volleyball players, embarked on her final mission for the Malkia Queens. As part of the technical bench during the Paris Olympics, Wanja represented the heart and soul of Kenyan volleyball—a career defined by dedication, resilience, and a legacy that transcends the court.

The Seine has long been a silent witness to the climaxes of human endeavors. Not far from where this photo of Wanja was taken during the Olympic opening ceremony, stands the Conciergerie, the prison that held Marie-Antoinette before her fateful march to the guillotine. The Conciergerie is a haunting reminder that even the greats must face their final act.

Wanja’s presence at the Paris Olympics mirrors the historical gravitas of the Seine’s past. Her career, like Marie-Antoinette’s journey to the Conciergerie, reached a poignant culmination along this iconic river. For Wanja, this was not a prison but a platform—a chance to guide the Malkia Queens, instill her wisdom, and witness the world come together in celebration of sport.

History demonstrates her vital role in Kenya’s volleyball journey. At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the Kenya volleyball team achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever set at the Games. That team comprised the best Kenya had ever produced, including Mary Ayuma, Violet Barasa, Doris “Scud Thrower” Wefwafwa, Judith Serenge, Emily Wesutila, Jackline Makokha, Margaret Indakhala, and Dorcas Ndasaba. However, for some players, it also marked the twilight of their careers. The Athens Olympics that followed four years later saw the inclusion of a new generation of talent, with Janet Wanja, then in her early twenties, among the four players born in the 1980s. She symbolized the transition to a new era of Kenyan volleyball.

Standing at 5’9, Wanja’s spike and block reached an impressive height of 110 inches—a testament to her athleticism and dominance on the court. If you follow volleyball, the legendary Brazilian setter Helia Rogerio de Souza, popularly known by her nickname “Fofao” won Olympic gold in 2008. She stood at 5’8 with a similar vertical elevation as Wanja, showcasing the elite company our Wanja kept in terms of skill and physicality.

There is no doubt, Wanja’s precision and court vision made her not just a reliable player but also an indispensable leader for the Malkia Queens. As the team’s setter, she was the like the mother who made sure the children (read players) were fed, so they could go for the spikes and finish off the opponent.

Isitoshe,

Much like the Seine, Wanja carried the weight of history. She was the bridge between Kenya’s volleyball past and its future, having inspired generations of players with her on-court brilliance and off-court mentorship. Her presence in Paris was not just a duty; it was a farewell to a life devoted to the game she loved.

As we reflect on Janet Wanja’s life and legacy, the Seine’s enduring flow reminds us of the beauty and brevity of human achievement. It is a river that has seen the rise and fall of empires, the celebration of nations, and now, the quiet farewell of a Kenyan icon who gave everything for her sport.

May the day break.

[Anthony Pompliano 🌪 @APompliano]

Worth reading. Never stop learning.

[Raad @R44D]

If you found this interesting, would really appreciate you reposting it to your audience.

Just click the tweet below and hit the repost button.

https://t.co/tJHvitbEr1

[Porter Stansberry @porterstansb]

Why is silver soaring? The banks are in trouble. These details are public: Berkshire (BRK) sold 260 million shares of $BAC at $41, for proceeds of $10.6B. But Berkshire still owns more than $30 billion worth of $BAC. But probably not for long: here's what's not public, yet.

[Nathalie Yamb @Nath_Yamb]

Beware! The French are coming! After being kicked out of the Sahel, France is seeking a redeployment in the eastern and southern parts of the continent, Pan-African leader Nathalie Yamb warns. Video in English with french subtitles.

🎥 https://t.co/gU4qdahlaz

[Jason Nguyen @jasonngsx]

GPT-4o is a genius stock trader.

But only 1% of investors are aware of this.

Here's how to use AI for trading:

[Zoltium @ZoltiumHQ]

15 Deep Visuals about Psychology and Life:

1.

[Hasan @Ubermenscchh]

The Best 12 Movies Based on True Stories.

That will change Your Prespective About Life.

🧵 thread

🔖Bookmark for the upcoming weekend.