Category Archives: BLOGGERS

KENYA: THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN BATTLE FOR SUNA EAST PROMISES TO BE THE TOUGH; CHALLENGERS HAVE LINED UP AGAINST JUNET

1 Reply

MOHAMMED JUNET FACES ELECTION DILEMA IN 2017 IN MIGORI
News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Migori Town.

The next bilection campaign battle in Suna East constituency is expected to be the touch stone of the entire Southern Nyaza region. THe constituency is a cosmopolitan in the true sense of the word. The residents are people of mixture tribal background.

He Luos are arguably the majority,but other In ethnic groups such as Luyhias, Maragolis, Kisiis and Somalis makes this electoral area a true cosmopolitan in the real sense of the word.

The incumbent MP is the controversial and outspoken Mohammed Junet, a man of Somali origin whose leadership style appeared to have been weaken by his links with political goons and hirelings. The MP who has been bragging to be the eyes and ears of the ODM and CORD leader Raila Odinga in Migori is full of political antics and gimmicks, which has so far made his popularity to wane as fast as he had won the seat in 2013 elections..

The residents accused the MP of being fond of making political rhetoric in Nairobi, but doing absolutely nothing tangible in helping the electorate overcome myriads of problem at the constituency level. On several occassions the youthful legislator has been in brawls in public, and even at one time wrestling with his perceived opponents while scrambling for microphone or address system before the huge crowd of mourners.

The man who is giving Junet sleepless is Patrick Odipo a business magnate in Migoritown who is running chain of businesses including transport and estate agency. Odipom hails from Suna Kadika in Wasweta East in Suba East Division of Migori district. Is a member of the indigenous Jo-Suna sub-clan

Another Junet’s challenger is Hezron Ondigo who is a Maragoli. His parents are living in Uriri sub-County also withi Migori , but he lives in Kakirao area. He is a former school teacher-turned businessman.

During last week burial of a retired teacher the late Angira Angira, at Nyabisawa village, it was Ondigo who turned the heat on MP Junet when he bravely challenged as the legislator to account for what he has done to to his constituents ever since he was voted into parliament two and half years ago.

His sentiments infuriated the MP prompting him to grab and switched off the micraphone as the hundreds of mourners chanted “Junet Must Go”. Sensing the danger the priest conducting the burial prayers moved in and grabbed the microphone and took it to the graveside. He then asked the mourners to move to the graveside and to leave the brawling politicians to fight on.

It was one of Junet’s opponent Patrick Odipo who calmed the situatiion and saved it from getting worse as youths supporting the waring parties were getting ready for a fight, while many mourners scampered and fled the funeral home for their safety.

Suna East is one of the richest constituencies in Migori County. The County has seven parliamentary constituencies, namely Rongo, Awendo, Nyatike, Uriri,una East, Suna West, Kuria East and Kuria West. Its economic dynamic are minerals, highly valued cash crops, which included Tobacco and Sugar cane residents of the lower parts like Nyatike and parts of Uriri sub county, but he is a resident of Kakirao on the Suna-East constituencysde.

Speaking to this writer in his Migori townm Oatric Odipo said that every generation in this country faces unique challenges. Obkthuiatory is able to judge how well they respond to it. Many residents of Suna East were raised in the context where underdevelopment and poverty were pervasive.

Odipo said, “almost every year we faces unique hard economic times. THe population in the area comprises of majority with only primary education or “O” level school dropouts with many seeking manual jobs. Their parents are left to the mercy of nature as they deliver far from the safety of hospitals.

The business tycoon went on saying, ”there is leadership, apathy and the Suna East residents must now question the circumstances and demand leadership to account for their responsibilities and resources utilization.

He added, “changing the course of history is never easy task and only the brave and committed men like myself, he said adding that there will always be some elements of antics who will say how it cannot be done and give million reasons as to to why it would be possible to achieve this. If men listen to them we would have not set foot on the mont, Odipo said philosophically., adding we “We would only pride ourselves for having walked to the next village. The great leaders not not only ask the question why but also why not.

HE said the electorate I Sua East constituency have asked him to rise up and lead them to the next level of development, and in response to the numrous requests he has accepted the challenge and decided to change the course of the constituency’s development trajectory.

Odipo said he was sure of besting the incumbent legislator and his mai agenda would be to create the wealth. He intend to launch wealth creation programme which will transform Suba East into the hub wealth and business activities to be envious to other constituencies in the region. The area lacked fresh water for heath and sanitation. It needs serious youth economic empowerment programme, major healthcare programs, introduction of new method and technology in agriculture, increase in livestock, especially graded dairy cows to increase milk output.

SUNA East constituency is partly in Migori town which it shared equally with Suna West constituency. The town’s proximity to border trades makes it a major hub for business acclivities that attract customers and business people from across the Kenya-Tanzania border

He said the current MP has been sleeping on the job. He lacked commitment to poverty eradication and has been threatening the electorate while using the name the CORD leader Raila Odinga as his protector, and his performance is lukewarm. His performance is dismal and reads zero.

Ends

3 principles for natural resources to become a blessing for development

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

Many of the world’s biggest economic success stories have happened in places with few or no natural resources.

This is clearly visible in Asia. Tiny Singapore, without a single natural resource, has transitioned from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the richest. Japan and South Korea rebuilt their war-torn countries and became two of the most advanced economies on the planet through hard work, industrialization and education. China, which used to be a poor country and net oil exporter, is now the world’s second-largest economy and top importer of oil, with 600 million people brought out of poverty in the process. There are success stories on all continents.

On the other hand, countries richer in natural resources have ended up much poorer. Mountainous North Korea has access to mineral wealth that more successful neighbor in the south lacks. In West Africa, oil-rich Equatorial Guinea has a higher gross domestic product than Poland, but the life expectancy of its citizens is 20 years lower than that of the average Pole. If natural wealth alone determined development, the list of winners and losers would have been very different.
Link:
<a href=”https://www.devex.com/news/3-principles-for-natural-resources-to-become-a-blessing-for-development-85065?utm_source=twengagement&utm_medium=twtweet&utm_campaign=twdailypost”>https://www.devex.com/news/3-principles-for-natural-resources-to-become-a-blessing-for-development-85065?utm_source=twengagement&utm_medium=twtweet&utm_campaign=twdailypost</A>

Trading Away from Conflict: Using Trade to Increase Resilience in Fragile States

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

While economic growth in developing countries over the last ten years has lifted more people out of poverty than in any previous time, more than one billion people still live in countries affected by violent conflict. Conflict weakens governance, undermines economic development and threatens both national and regional stability. Trade shocks, in particular, can have widely varying impacts on conflict. This report sets out to empirically test these linkages between trade shocks and conflict via cross-country and intra-country analysis. On the basis of the analysis, it offers trade-related policy directions to reduce this risk in fragile economies. The results provide convincing evidence that trade and trade policy have a large impact on the risk and intensity of conflict. This report is composed of three main chapters.
Link:

<a href=”https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/20713/931230PUB0Box30UBLIC009781464803086.pdf?sequence=1″>https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/20713/931230PUB0Box30UBLIC009781464803086.pdf?sequence=1</a>

KENYA: GOVERNMENT REQUESTED TO TO INSTRUCT KWA TO CONDUCT MASS CULLING OF HIPPOS

Leave a reply

NYATIKE MP PLEADS WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE THE HIPPOS POPULATION IN LAKE VICTORIA.

Writes Leo Odera Omolo

A member of parliament has appealed to the central government of Kenya to instruct the Kenya Wildlife Service’s {KWS to conduct what he termed as mass culling of Hippo population in Lake Victoria in order to reduce the numerous attacks by these beasts which have resulted in the deaths of fishermen.

Nyatike MP Edick Omondi Anyanga Also decried of the increased population of the dreaded Nile Crocodile in River Kuja, which has become dangerous to the people and their livestock.

The MP comment came in the wake of report that a 28 old fisherman was killed by a rogue bull of hippo.The incident occurred near Muhuru Bay.The 28 year old man whose name was given as Kennedy had gone fishing with a companion when the beast attacked and hit their fishing boat and overturned throwing the two into the deep side of the water, His companion swam to the safety, while Kennedy was thrown into the water and the beast bite him savagely killing him instantly.

His badly mutilated body was later retrieved. There has been several incidents along the shoreline of the lake which have all resulted in deaths caused by hippos stretching from Sindo beach in Suba South constituency following an alarming increased in hippo’s population. The situation now calls for mass culling in order to reduce the population of these dangerous beasts .Hippos are also destructive in a way destroying food crops causing hunger and famine to the communities living along the lake shorelines.

In another unrelated incident a woman was devoured by the Nile crocodile in River Kuja near wath Ong’er trading in north Kadem location also in Migori County.

The MP pleaded with the government to come to the rescue his constituents before more people are killed by These dangerous creature. In the case of crocodile attack the body of the woman a mother of three who had gone to the to wash her clothes in the river was retrieved after three days of search, but thebeast had cut her body into two halves and the reptiles had already swallowed the other half.

ENDS

KENYA: POLITICIANS IN URIRIRI TOLD NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE POLICE WORK

Leave a reply

\URIRI SUB-COUNTY COMMISSIONER PLEADS WITH POLITICIANS TO STOP PROTECTING HARD-CORE CRIMINAL ELEMENTS

Reports Leo Odera Omolo

The government efforts to stamp out thuggery in Uriri sub – county in Migori is being derailed by politicians who preening themselves and requesting the arresting authorities and courts to have the suspects released from the lawful custody before suspected criminals are punished for their crimes .

Uriri sub – county commissioner George Kibet Lagat has expressed concern saying that each time the Aps working the in area nabbed a suspect criminal and handed them to the police to prosecuted the politicians intervene by pleading with the arresting authority to released the suspect .This has made the work of the police in the area difficult and thwarted his concerted efforts to get rid of rampant waves of crime in the sub – county .

The politician, said Lagat include the unnamed MPS and MCAS. These Leaders Should allow the police to do their job. We are here to serve citizens of the area and ensure they live in peace and their lives and properties protected , we therefore need the co-operation of all the local politicians and community leaders .

The suspect criminals who earned their freedom after the intervention of t he politicians usually come back home and continue with their criminal activities while bragging of being untouchable because o f their god fathers .This must stop .The police and courts must be free to discharge their lawful duties.

Lagat cited the example of a hard-core criminal who is a suspect in several cases of burglaries,house breaking assault, robberies and other serious crimes who was recently nabbed by he APS AT Rapogi center and handed over to the police ,but ws quickly released after unnamed senior politician phoned to th arresting authority before the man could be taken to the court in Migori to answer numerous criminal charges.

The commissioner says the politician have their role to play in the society while the local administration and the police plays pivotal role in protecting citizens and their properties and as such should be left alone to carry out their work.

ENDS

Hazard assessment of ores and concentrates for marine transport

from: Yona Maro

This guidance document is intended to assist mining and metals companies in meeting the demands of new marine transport regulations including:

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) – Annex V
• International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC)
• International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG).

In this guidance ICMM sets out the approach that leading mining and metals commodity associations have developed in collaboration with scientific experts from research institutes around the world.

http://www.icmm.com/document/7852

The role of mining in national economies

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

This second edition of The role of mining in national economies provides an update on the contribution of mining activities in each of the world’s 214 national economies. The report extends the analysis of that in the first edition to capture the recent downturn in the mineral prices (2010 – 2012) as well providing a deeper understanding of the role of mining in poverty reduction.

A well-founded understanding of the role of mining and metals in each country’s national economy is critical for sound policy development and societal decision-making. Mining’s role in national economies and society in general is a continued area of focus for ICMM.

http://www.icmm.com/document/7950

Minerals and Metals Management 2020: a chemicals management progress report

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

This report reviews the commitments that ICMM made in 2009 to the United Nations’ Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM); the progress that ICMM and its members have made toward these commitments; how they plan to fulfill them; and where the mining and metals industry stands with regard to chemicals management.

http://www.icmm.com/document/4243

Privacy issues of online marketing techniques in the information society

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

In the digital economy, information plays a key role, as currency that makes the knowledge society further develop. In such world, ensuring privacy of personal data without restricting data flows and the economic and social benefits generated can prove in practice to be quite challenging. In the context of the increasing interest in social responsibility in business approaches, companies should take into account also the responsibility for collecting, processing and usage of consumers’ personal data, while carrying out their core functions. Thus, we analyze and debate on aspects related to direct marketing techniques and privacy issues, in a consumer-oriented approach, focusing on behavior of the Romanian consumer, with taking into consideration the fast development and use of ICT in business and the increasing regulations for ensuring consumer privacy. We raise into discussion aspects related to consumer behavior in function of means used in marketing, focusing more on the online than on the traditional means, from the perspective of ensuring privacy of consumers’ personal data. The analysis is based on data from a survey conducted in Romania in 2011 with regard to the Romanian consumer and direct marketing and also from techniques used in developing websites for gathering and processing user / consumer information, while taking into consideration the existing legal framework. We consider that companies should pay more attention to issues related to consumer privacy online, with ensuring appropriate information and obtaining consumer consent in collecting and using personal data for business development.

<a href=”http://www.csrconferences.org/RePEc/aes/icsrog/2012/2012_1_050.pdf”>http://www.csrconferences.org/RePEc/aes/icsrog/2012/2012_1_050.pdf</a>

Kenya: Cotu wars

Leave a reply

By JEFF OTIENO.

MY DEPUTY A BETRAYER SAYS COTU BOSS.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed his immediate former Deputy George Muchai as a worst betrayer he has ever met in the trade union circles.

He also took on the registrar of trade unions Elizabeth Gicheha for turning down the executive board resolve to suspend the besieged deputy.

“Gichehas move is a clear confirmation of our initial fears that he has been a spy and a project of outsiders out to divide cotu”,Atwoli said.

Any serious government should embrace trade union movement for faster economic growth Atwoli said.

He praised President Uhuru Kenyattas Government for good working ties with trade unions but castigated a few clique of his cronies for sabotaging his efforts by condoning corruption and creating confusion in the unions to make a kill.

Atwoli was speaking in Tom Mboya Labour College Kisumu during a workshop dubbed Trade Union unity and principles of freedom of association in Eastern Africa -Sub regional in collaboration with I T U C and O A T U U. It was a follow up meeting after a major one which was held in Nairobi early in the year.Vice President of O A T U U Alex Bony from Ghana ,Wellington Chibebwe from Zimbabwe and Kweshi Amakwah were in attendance.

Muchai was replaced by Ben Okwaro and another second board meeting is slated on monday 27th to further ratify the same.

The registrar had argued that muchai wasnt served or given time by the board to defend himself as required which is repugnant to justice,

the board has however maintained he was served.A powerful clique within Jubilee is said to be behind Muchai and it will be interesting to see who will blink first between the once best friends turn foes.During the last polls The entire Cotu brigade rallied behind Muchai and ensured he captured Kabete parliamentary seat.

He was suspended by 28 out of 29 board members and one wonders why he couldnt use his financial muscle to divide the board deep in the middle.

His sudden wealth and mean ness seems to have played a part in his ouster and isolation.

Three executive board members confided to this writer that the now rags to riches unionists is building multi million apartments and a state of the art mall around Jkia Airport a move which seems to have made them to be jittery and suspicious with him.

E N DS

Warring S.Sudan leaders accept ‘responsibility’ for civil war

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

SOUTH Sudan President Salva Kiir and his arch-rival rebel chief Riek Machar said Monday they accepted mutual responsibility for a 10-month civil war in which thousands of people have been killed.

<a href=”http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/660925-warring-s-sudan-leaders-accept-responsibility-for-civil-war.html”>http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/660925-warring-s-sudan-leaders-accept-responsibility-for-civil-war.html</a>

Africa: Illicit Financial Flows (ADF Issue Paper) 2014

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

Financing developmental efforts in Africa has proved to be costly in the past, compelling the continent to rely on external sources known as overseas development assistance. This type of assistance is often unevenly distributed, unsustainable, and in some cases, damaging to the national economies in the long run. Lessons learned from the Millennium Development Goals have prompted a fresh wave of thinking towards a post-2015 transformative developmental framework designed to ensure self-reliance for Africa. However, a structural transformation agenda will require an adequate, predictable, sustainable and integrated financing mechanism geared towards financing developmental goals (Abugre and Ndomo, 2014). Also, the continent must embark on reforms to capture currently unexplored or poorly managed resources. This includes curtailing illicit financial flows and rather transforming those funds into a powerful tool for enhancing domestic resource mobilization, as a way of furthering the continent’s development.

[ Download Resource .pdf – 257.23 KB ]
<a href=”http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00090571:1704d563c7722abaaaf773cf13434447.pdf”>http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00090571:1704d563c7722abaaaf773cf13434447.pdf</a>

KENYA: ARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO BUILD 2000 STUDENTS HOSTEL AT A COST OF 2B

Leave a reply

To: Jaluo Karjaluo <jaluo@jaluo.com>

By Dickens Wasonga.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of science and Technology has signed and MOU with Jam ii Bora bank to construct 2000 student hostel to ease congestion currently facing the university.

The bank has set a side 2 billion shillings to finance the project that will be implemented in two phases through a lone arrangement which will see those who own land near the main campus in Bondo benefit.

Speaking during the ceremony the university’s VC Prof Stephen Agong said currently only 2000 students are able to be accommodated at the main campus while about 3000 others are accommodated outside the university.

He said the move will improve the safety of the students if they are within the hostels near the facility and whose management the university is involved in.

He said the financing of the project will not only be a boost to the institution but also to the locals whom he encouraged to take advantage of the offer.

The VC said they were talking with the bank to also consider mortgage financing of additional hostels in its expanded campuses of Miyandhe in Central Sakwa, Kapiyo in Maranda, and Achego.

Those who have land neighboring the Bondo campus will be expected to raise ten per cent of the low cost but modern hostels through the loan whose recovery will take 12 years.

Prof Agong asked Siaya county government to ensure the roads were improved as well as provision of water supply within the area.

” Bondo is set to be to be a university town whose growth will be guided by the growth of the university. staff accommodation is also a challenge to the university.There is no descent houses for them.”he added

Area MP Gideon Ochanda urged the community not to fear borrowing loans to invest adding that long time planning would help them grow academically.

” There is no way you can invest and expand your business without borrowing.That is how most businesses have grown” said Ochanda.

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE OUTBREAK: Business Engagement Guide – In-kind Donations and Direct Engagement

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

To contain spreading the Ebola, it is imperative we mobilize all resources and efforts. The upsurge in the response efforts by the private sector is welcome; but we must do more, and we must do it faster. For this reason we are turning also to private sector to engage with the overall Ebola outbreak response. Refer toBusiness Engagement Guide if you are a private sector actor wishing to contribute to these efforts.

pdf – 4.76 MB
<a href=”http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00090501:07cc79a3448cbb3788cc589da1d43101.pdf”>http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00090501:07cc79a3448cbb3788cc589da1d43101.pdf</a>

Water Supply and Sanitation Blue Book 2014

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

Well-run water utilities play an important role in ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Consumers need reliable access to high quality and affordable water and sanitation services. To deliver these basic services efficiently and effectively requires high-performing utilities that are able to respond to urban growth, to connect with the poor, and to improve wastewater disposal practices. The IBNET Water Supply and Sanitation Blue Book 2014 summarizes the water sector status from 2006 to 2011. Since 2006, municipal water performance has improved despite accelerated urbanization and the impacts of triple crises (food, fuel, and financial). Overall coverage has increased and piped water and wastewater services became accessible to more people. An increasing number of utilities now actively handle the water billing, collection, and water management through metering. IBNET tools, such as data collection instruments and protocols, the IBNET database, and the IBNET tariff database, enable enhanced sharing of information on close to 4,500 utilities from more than 130 countries and territories.

Link:
<a href”https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/19811/9781464802768.pdf?sequence=5″>https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/19811/9781464802768.pdf?sequence=5</a>

KENYA: ANTI-GRAFT SLEUTHS SENT TO MIGORI COUNTY TO INVESTIGATE KSHS 400 MILLION GRAFT SCAMS

Leave a reply

Writes Leo Odera Omolo.

Sleuths from the Kenya Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission {KEACC} have been dispatched  to Migori County government to investigate the alleged corruption. They have  detected and queried various loopholes in procurement, unsupported claims estimated to be  slightly in excess of colossal amount of taxpayers’ money to the tune of Kshs 400 million.

Sources both in Nairobi  and Migori quoted an official of the anti graft commission George Nyabuga as having confirmed the deployment of the sleuths at the MIGORI county offices to investigate extravagant withdrawal of money, and some payments made to phantom people and organizations.

The reports painted the County government as having gone with recklessness and extravagant spending spree.  Among the organizations considered as undeserving is the Nairobi-based Gor Mahia Football Club, which is said in the reported to have received KSHS 168,000 for unexplained reasons..

A management reports which is already in the public domain shows how a clerical officer working as Personal assistant {PA} to the governor called Caspal Obiero extravagantly claimed a total of  Kshs 16 million for traveling and accommodation allowances. The officer mentioned is reported to have at one time drawn three huge claims on one day from the cashier.

The report shows that the county staff extravagantly drew unsupported impress amounting  to KSHS 32  millions. Queries have also been raised about the air-tickets bought for the governor Zachary Okoth Obado and a delegation  for travels for local and international destinations travels.

“Payment voucher number 1842 issued on 24th December 2013 and paid for in cash money to Elsuco Tours  and Travels through Invoice  number218 dated 23 December 2013 indicates that the tickets were bought for the governor’s wife Mrs Hellen Odie Obado and 12 other persons to travel to Mombasa for the colossal amount of Kshs 616,200.”

The audit report is questioning the identities of the 12 people who had traveled  with the governor to Mombasa on the eve of Christmas their titles, role and assignment to county government.

The report further revealed that the delegation were booked at the posh hotel called Amani Tiwi Resort and the Migori County government footed the accommodation bill of Kshs 1.7 million for their accommodation and meals.

Other questionable payments which the auditor gave queried include the KSHS 147.9 million for the unauthorized purchase of motor vehicles..Abuse of Kshs 1.8for the preparation of tender documents. Kshs 15.3 million for the undelivered vehicles Such other payments include Kshs 24.4 million traveling and accommodation.  Another KSHS 10 million was spent for for the alleged hire of equipment for unspecified work. And another sums of Kshs 10 million for the purchase of plastic water tanks.

There was another trip by Governor Obado to the US WITH aNOTHER MAN Called Moses Chamwada US where the air-tickets were bought for him and another person called Moses Chamwada for KSHS 947,588.the deal has also been questioned by the auditors after the passports of the two were not provided or produced to justify and confirm the claims whether the trip actually took place.

Governor Obado on his part has rubbished and dismissed the report as witch hunting.

“The county may be buying air-tickets for people people who are not its employees,” observed the report.

ENDS

KENYA: TWO PEOPLE KILLED AND EIGHT MORE HURT IN LIGHTNING INCIDENT IN ONE WEEK

Leave a reply

Reports Leo Odera Omolo

RESIDENTS of several villages within Nyatike constituency are still in big shock following a series of incidents in which lightning struck four places and killed two pupils within two days and within a radius of eight kilometers apart.

The residents say they have never experienced similar incidents before and called upon the government to send geological experts to go and examine the ground if there are some hidden minerals on the ground that attract the thunder ball in the area.

The areas involved are those close to the closed down former Macalder and Masara gold mines. The mines which had been closed way back in 1962 had a lot o deposits gold, nickels and cooper. They were closed way back in 1962 before Kenya attained its political independence from Great Britain in 1963 and the former owners and managers packed and went away.

Small scale mining of the precious stones are still going on by small time local miners, though of late some prospectors and mining companies from Europe and South African have invaded the area and formed several mining companies.

The first incident took place early last week at Namba Kodero, Kanyarwanda sub-clan where two pupils aged 9 and 13 were struck dead. The incident came soon on the heels of the victim’s father’s funeral.

The second incident took place at Kongili village in Masara village not far from the defunct Masara gold mine. A woman and her small child were hurt as she was drawing the rains waters during the heavy downpour.

Another serious lightning incident was reported at OSIRI gold mine, which is very close to the defunct, Macalder Goldmine and the other one was near airport at a place called God Kwach. Two men who were taking shelter in a house were hurt. The survived but sustained serious bodily burns which required medical treatment.

THE AREA mp Edick Omondi Anyanga has joined the residents in requesting the government to send geological experts to go and examine the grounds in the area.

One scared resident told this writer Migori that the residents were now living in fear at all the rains which come to them. He said many have deserted their homes and moved to other villages faraway from these areas close to the abandoned gold shafts. They are just figuring it out as to whether it’s a pattern.

Many parts of West Kenya are prone to lightning attack during the short rains which begin early in August and end in December. So far the thunder ball has killed more than 12 people in various places including Nandi, Bungoma, Busia and Ksii,and Bomet regions since the beginning of last month.

Ends

KENYA: HOMA-BAY MPS INVOLVED IN LIGHTING PROGRAMME FOR TOWNS AND MARKETPLACES AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

Leave a reply

Reports Leo Odera Omolo in Homa-Bay Town

Recently an ambitious power development project, in Homa-Bay County, estimated to cost Kshs 80 million, which was launched by governor Cyprian Otieno Awiti. Members of parliament representing all the eight constituencies have resolve to supplement the effort of the County government by ensuring that urban centers, market places and public institutions, including schools are connected to power either by the installation of solar light or through the main KPLC lines.

The county has five major towns, which are all by now connected to the main power lines. These urban centers included Oyugis, Kendu-Bay, Ndhiwa Mbit and Homa-Bay town which is the County’s administrative headquarters.

The region has close to ten major market places, which the eight MPS have vowed to ensure that they would receive lights. To supplement the county government’s concerted effort to ensure the trading centers and market paces received lights, the MPS are reportedly working round the clock by making use of the CDF revolving funds for the purpose of installations of solar light in all public institutions, health centers and dispensaries.

The late Joshua Orwa Ojode, formerly of Ndhiwa, had set the ball rolling when he pioneered in solar installation which is now lighting Gandhi market. The major market places included Ladonna, Riga, Moselle, Paley, Oriana’, Madel Krieger, Midi Company, Adora bondholder, Handiwork, Sin do, Haberman Awkward, Range,Indira and Ouch-Shenyang.

And while launching the ambitious power initiative programme GOV ERNOR awiti disclosed that the initiative is being undertaken by the KPLC. Once fully implemented by the governor, the project is expected to end the frequent power shortage in the region. The project is dubbed as “Boresha Umeme Homa-Bay. The project is expected to increase the electricity supply in the region six times over the current volumes. In attendance was the KPLC managing director Ben Chumo who told the gathering that the move was part of the countrywide exercise to upgrade the power supply system in the area.

The launching ceremony was held at Homa-Bay power station and the MD Chumo said that the work involved conducting master repair at existing service stations and upgrading power lines. Chumo said that in an initiative that is expected to create alternative source of power. The power utility has increased threshold is in high demand in the region by the traders who want to enhance their businesses.

Most market places located in Karachuonyo, Kasipul, Kabondo- Kasipul constituencies are on electricity connections.

The MPs representing the eight constituencies included JOHN mbadi [Gwassi}, Oyugi Magwang {Kasipul}, Augustine Netto {Ndhiwa}, Millie Odhiambo {Mbita},George Oner{Rangwe}, Opondo Kalum {Homa-BAY Town}. James Rege reg {Karachuonyo} and Silvance Oselle of Kabondo-kasipul.

ENDS

KENYA: THE GOONS WHO DISRUPTED NYONGO AND RANGUMA MEETING IN KISUMU HAD LINKS WITH MEN IN BLACK SUITS AT KASARANI.

Leave a reply

Reports  By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu CITY

The hired political goons who disrupted an important consultative meeting  between the Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o and a group of MPS IN Kisumu on Tuesday this week were not strangers, but common  characters who are well known to the MPS.

These were the youths who some of the MPS have used before to intimidate or harass their political opponents before. Some of the youths were the same goons who four months ago violently disrupted the ODM elections meeting at Kasarani Sports Complex in Nairobi and forced it to be postponed indefinitely.

Prof.Nyong’o was accompanied by MPS Fred Outa {Nyando}, Aduma Owuor {Nyakach}John Olago Aluoch {Kisumu WestT},MRS Rose Nyamunga {Women Rep}, Deputy KisumuI governor Ruth Odinga. Nyong’o reported that two other MPS who were not in attendance had sent their apology. They includeed James Onyango Koyoo {Muhoroni}, SHAKEEL ahmed SHABBIR {Ksumu TOWN east} and  Ken Obura {Kisumu Central]

According to sources in this lakeside city Senator Nyong’o and the four MPS who attended the disrupted meeting were treated with a dose of their own medicine, and as such should not blame som one else for the shameful act carried out on them.  It was further alleged that some of the MPS were the same people who had contributed immensely in facilitating the traveling logistics for the goons to attend the Nairobi meeting. It only occurred that while ejecting Nyong’o and the MPS out of the meeting, this time around the goons were dressed in their normal attired and not their dreaded “black suits”.

The group was led by the ODM activist Austine Oduor, alias Makamu who is always a frequent visitor at the home of the ODM supremo Raila Odinga’s Kisumu Milimani house. The same man was positively identified as one of the men in  “Black Suits”  at the Kasarani venue of the aborted ODM elections..

THE kisumu debacle has however, caused a lot of embarrassment to the County governor Jack Ranguma who has since came out in full force and distanced himself from the shameful act. The governor maintained that he had no prior knowledge to the shameful action of the goon s  and tendered his sincere apology to Senator Nyong’o. Ranguma, however, insisted that he had already tendered his sincere apology to Senator Nyong’o, But to apology to make to the ODM as a party because he is also a member of the same.  But he insisted that he had no apology to make to the ODM as party because he was also a member of the same party. .

From the look of things it appeared as if a group of Kisumu MCAS who are not comfortable with the new law that has made the Senators to become the chairmen of their County Development Boards respectively, which was recently constituted after President Kenyatta had assented to the County Government Amendment Act{2014} and were not happy that their MPS never put up spirited opposition to the Bill when it was introduced in parliament for debate before being passed into the new law.

The goons had hurled unprintable insults to Sen Nyong’o and the MPS before the police were summoned by Ranguma to come and disperse them. The goons cited some MPS as being jubilee moles in ODM and accused them of conspiring with the national government with intention of scuttling the devolution.

The controversial CDB has prompted the governors through their association to move to court challenging the legality ofth nre law arguing that  it is intended to deprive them the executive powers in their respective COUNTIES.

ENDS

KENYA: MCAS VOWED NOT TO ALLOW OTIENO KAJWANG’ TO CHAIR ANY BOARD MEETING IN HOMA-BAY ASSEMBLY

Leave a reply

WRITES Leo Odera Omolo

The Homa-BY County Senate representative Gerald Otieno Kjanwa’g might not find it easy to chair the newly created County Development Board. The County MCAS hinted last week that they would not be comfortable to allow the Senator to chair the board which was recently created by law. They have termed its creation as illegal and unconstitutional and vowed not to allow Kajwang’ to step into their Assembly under any circumstances

The newly created boards allow the Senators to be the chairmen the County Development BOARDS. Already similar reaction has been witnessed in Kisumuy County where the rowdy youths this week prevented Senator ANyang’ Nyongo’ and a group of MPS from the region from launching the board meeting. In KISUMU.

The contentious issues came Iinto the Assembly hall last week during heated debate initiated by the Kakelo / Kokwanyo ward. Omuga Oriango said the new law was a ploy by the Central government to kill the devolution . The MCAs vowed not to chair any board meeting and vowed they would boycott such a meeting not to allow their Senator

The MCA alleged that Sen ator Kajwang’ has never stepped into the County Assembly ever since he was voted in.

Kajwang’, a close confidant of the ODM leader Raila Odinga, has recently came under severest criticism as one of the party’s leader close friends whose activities are considered to be so detrimental to the party’s unity.A group of MPs and other party leaders from Western Province issued a statement earlier this week citing him and other Luo MPS – – Raila elder brother Dr Oburu Oginga, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, Mohamed Junet of Suna East as among other who Raila to should sideline because they are fond of branding leaders from other regions who are supporting the part as Jubilee moles.

A groip of party officials from all the eight parliamentary constituencies that makes Homa-Bay CountY and announced that they had ousted Otieno Kajwang’; and his entire executive of the branch in County branch where he had been the chairman for a couple of years. They accused the senator for having failed to c all the party meeting to iron out a certain pressing problem.

Raila, however, insisted that Kajwang’ ousting was not in line with the party’s regulations.

In Homa-Bay politics, Kajwang’ is known to be allied to the governor Cyprian Orieno Awiti, But the governor who was in attendance did not utter any word in defense of his political friend, MCAS declared that they would not allow him to chair any board meeting in their assembly, Governor Awiti was present I the meeting, but did not utter any word in defense of his political friend.

Meanwhile, there is an un confirmed report that Awiti and the MPs have resolved to bury their hatchet and agreed to work together for the sake of development.

The agreement came in the wake of claims that the working relationship between AWITI with the seven MPs representing eight constituencies had gone Sour, except for his relationship with the Suba MP John Mbadi. The relations between the governor and Karachuonyo MP worsened after the MP made some announcement that he would contest the governor’s seat comes the 2017 instead of defending his seat.

Rege seemed to have been provoked by Awiti’s remarks during the funeral of the former AREA mp DR. paul Adhu Awiti at his Kanjira Karachyuonyo MP Dr.Paul Adhu Awiti governor Awiti was quoted as having said that Rege had represented the area for two of five years terms and that all the previous MPS for the area have served for two five years terms only .

ends