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Kenya: Alex Mwaura Muriu of Kenya won Second Prize of Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2015

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From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

This year’s winners embody the Pan African essence of the prestigious Innovation Prize for Africa award, representing North, East & Southern Africa

SKHIRAT, Morocco, May 14, 2015/ — In a glittering ceremony hosted by the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) (http://www.africaninnovation.org) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, Investment and Digital Economy in Skhirat, Morocco, researcher Adnane Remmal was announced winner of the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2015 Grand Prize (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org), scooping the US$100 000 cash prize. This was a fitting tribute to an extensive research process, providing African farmers with a solution to improve livestock production whilst taking into account consumer health needs.

Capture.PNGLogo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-innovation-foundation-aif.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1990 (Adnane Remmal (right) IPA 2015 winner, with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, Investment and Digital Economy officials and AIF Founder, Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais (centre)

Alex Mwaura Muriu of Kenya won Second Prize, and South African, Lesley Erica Scott was awarded the Special Prize for Social Impact, receiving US$25 000 respectively.

A jubilant Remmal impressed the expert panel of judges, competing with 10 excellent African innovations spanning the health, environment, technology and agricultural sectors. His innovation, a patented alternative to livestock anti-biotics is set to transform the broader medical and agricultural sector in Africa. The natural innovative anti-microbial formula reduces health hazards in livestock, preventing the transmission of multi-resistant germs and carcinogens to human beings through consumption of milk, eggs and meat. Says Remmal: “My innovation provides farmers with solutions to improve their production; it is cost effective and can be easily adopted, giving farmers increased benefits without the side effects of anti-biotics.”

Murui, a Kenyan entrepreneur, developed a system to meet the perennial challenge faced by African farmers in accessing capital to finance planting and harvesting by providing an alternative from the burden of financial loans through his Farm Capital Africa project.

Today, TB is second only to HIV and AIDS as a leading cause of death in the continent. Using the Smartspot TBCheck, Scott, a South African scientist, has developed an effective World Health Organization (WHO) approved calibration method for TB diagnostic machines.

Innovation is a national priority in Morocco, one of the countries leading the innovation frontier in Africa – a strategic location for IPA 2015, and well known for hosting other successful events such as the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. In his welcome remarks, Moroccan Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and the Digital Economy, Mr Moulay Hafid Elalamy emphasized: “Innovation and development, as well as technological innovations must be leveraged for the continent, given that these are major value creations and key ingredients for competitiveness”.

Since its inaugural launch in 2011, IPA has attracted some 3000 applications from 49 African countries. Jean Claude Bastos de Morais, AIF Founder and the brainchild of the Prize, now in its fourth edition, is pleased with the level of innovations this year – a total of 925 applications from 41 countries. Commenting on the role of IPA in fostering innovation in Africa, Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais said:

“I am truly impressed with this year’s winning innovations, which have once again surpassed expectations. At the same time, I am aware that the buck cannot stop here. Let us put it this way; no matter how high a bird flies, it always needs a nest, a base to come back to. African innovators are taking flight, their innovative ideas are increasingly proving to be transformative – not only for Africa – but for the world. Through the IPA, the AIF is fostering the development of robust innovation ecosystems, which are essentially nests for African entrepreneurs and innovators to develop solutions for African challenges”.

African innovators continue to provide more innovative African solutions to address African problems. This year’s winners have a common theme: their innovations highlight the vital and crucial need to respond directly to demanding community needs – the heart of the AIF mandate. The innovations further demonstrate great potential to change the course of history in Africans’ responses to health, technology, enterprise and the agricultural sector, prioritizing needs-based responses through cost effective means – a critical tool for sustainable development.

The IPA 2015 Awards ceremony was attended by more than 400 people that included high level African dignitaries, ministers, ambassadors, AIF partners, past IPA winners, venture capitalists, innovators, entrepreneurs, local and international media, and young people. The AIF believes that young people (below age 35) are the epi-center of the African innovation ecosystem as they represent 65% of Africa’s 1.1 billion population.

For the first time this year, all nominees received recognition through a US$5 000 voucher as a support fund to boost their different innovations in their home countries.

The IPA 2015 Awards ceremony was compered by Lerato Mbele of BBC Africa Business Report fame. Youssour N’Dour, the Senegalese musical legend provided first class entertainment, backed by Bob Maghrib, a Moroccan ensemble, with popular Bob Marley renditions.

IPA associated events prior to the Awards ceremony included a Press Conference, an Innovation Marketplace showcasing Moroccan home-grown talents, and an Ideas Machine workshop focusing on unleashing innovation talent in young Africans.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Innovation Foundation (AIF).

For more information on IPA 2015:

For the African Innovation Foundation
Aulora Stally
Communications Manager
Strehlgasse 4
8001 Zurich, Switzerland
aulora.stally@africaninnovation.org
Phone: +41 79 834 9163

For the Ministry of Industry
Trade, Investment and Digital Economy
Taoufiq Moucharraf
Communications Director
moucharraf@mcinet.gov.ma
Phone: +212 661 522 801

Find us on:
The Internet: www.africaninnovation.org ; Innovation Prize for Africa (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovationPrizeforAfrica
https://www.facebook.com/AfricanInnovationFoundation
Twitter: @AfrinnovFdn; @IPAPrize

Africa Innovation Foundation (AIF) (http://www.africaninnovation.org) works to increase the prosperity of Africans by catalyzing the innovation spirit in Africa.

Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org) is a landmark initiative of the AIF and mobilizes African innovators to invest in African-led solutions to ensure a sustainable, prosperous Africa. Details on IPA 2015 events can be found on http://event.innovationprizeforafrica.org/

SOURCE
African Innovation Foundation (AIF)

TRIBUTE POEM IN MEMORY OF GRACE OGOT

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THE RARE BEACON OF HOPE:-

LETS CELEBRATE GRACE OGOT

O, the rain has come for our icon,

Yawa, let’s

Celebrate Grace Ogot

Our rare multi-multi

Talented icon

Let’s celebrate this ever

Smiling lady of thrift

With the gift for philanthropy

The rare beacon of hope,

During dark days of illiteracy

The rare lily in the Luo universe

Ever

Exuding intellectual fragrance

Let’s celebrate nyar Asembo

Mama Grace Ogot

Who cherished Christian values

This delineated her life

As the only nominated and elected women M.P

For Gem

Gem the home of the legends

Odera Akang’o and CMG Argwings Kodhek

You championed

Education for the girl child.

Let’s celebrate Grace Ogot

The rare beacon of hope

Let’s celebrate this kind hearted

Mulago trained nurse and BBC Radio Journalist

Who inspired by Luo culture,

mythology and folklore

Aspired matured into

A renowned writer

Articulating the role

Of women in

Patriarchal society

We celebrate the life

Of an extraordinary

Mother and wife to an

International historian:

Prof Bethwel Alan Ogot.

Let’s celebrate a great

Personality,always

Elegant in her distinctive headgear

And mono-tone flowing dresses

The rare beacon of hope

The rain has come for our icon

The care beacon of hope

Let’s celebrate Grace Ogot

Born in rural Asembo

This great African writer

Educated at Ng’iya and Butere Girls High Schools.

Government Assistant Minister for Culture in 1987.

We celebrate Grace Ogot

The politician, the nurse, the broadcast Journalist, the diplomat and P.R .practioneer

Besides being a mother and a wife.

We celebrate a nurse, while studying at St James Hospital, England in 1962

She presented B.B.C Radio program

‘’London Calling East Africa’’

We are Celebrating an inspired author

0f nine books

The Promised Land, The Rain Came, The Year Of Sacrifice, Island Of Tears, Ward Nine,

The Graduate, The Other Women, Miaha and Days Of My Life

We celebrate the founder of Writers’ Association of Kenya

One among 570 authors of the 20th century, featured in the 4 volume

Of Modern Women Writers published in 1996

W e celebrate a gold hearted matron

Who selflessly donated her School Jubilee High School to facilitate the Odera Akang’o Campus

In honour of

The legendary Gem Chief.

O WE MOURN A GREATE AFRICAN MATRON

BY

AKECH OBAT MASIRA AND

OMAR NASSER

IN KISUMU, KENYA ON 3RD APRIL 2015

MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE

KENYA: UHURU’S CORRUPTION LIST NOT INCLUSIVE

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From: Joachim Omolo Ouko
News Dispatch with Omolo Joachim

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Willies from Koru writes: “Fr Beste I think you did not answer Richard’s question from Ruiru. I agree with him that you are biased because other news you rush to dispatch but the one of Kisumu you are dodging. You need to do something.”

Nabwire from Bumala writes:”Fr Beste opposition leader Raila Odinga has termed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s list of top officials accused of corruption and whom State House has pressed to leave office to pave way for investigations as a game of musical chairs.

Raila insists that Uhuru has omitted many names in his list. Can you guess who could these people Uhuru has omitted be? Charity Ngilu is saying that she is the target on this list, they want her out of Land’s office- does it mean that the rest will be reinstated? Can you also say something about Isaac Ruto and William Ruto’s politics- is it true that William Ruto is behind his impeachment plan?”

Thank you for the reaction Willies. I don’t think I am biased. Priests from Kisumu Archdiocese have defended Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth against allegations of corruption, arrogance, intimidation among other transgressions.

The priests stood firmly with Archbishop Okoth who they described as their shepherd and father. So if the priests have defended him, what more do you want me to report contrary to this? Unless you have evidence that you want me to report you can send and the News Dispatch will definitely run it.

The priests dissociated the archbishop from the contents of the exposé that aired on KTN prime time news on March 26. Contrary to what was exposed, the priests commended the archbishop for having initiated many projects in the archdiocese, including schools, hospitals and other social facilities and therefore the priests urged the press to be responsible in its reporting.

Thank you for the question Nabwire. I am not aware which list Uhuru has omitted. What is very clear is what some opposition politicians are saying that if President Uhuru Kenyatta was very sincere in dealing with the fight against corruption his list would have included his deputy William Ruto who has been adversely mention in many corruption scandals, especially land.

Raila Odinga said Mr Kenyatta had deliberately left out “sacred cows” in the Office of the President. He also wanted to know why Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officials were not on the list.

On Charity Ngilu it can be possible that she is the target. If this is true then it means the rest will be reinstated. Mwai Kibaki reinstated former finance minister Amos Kimunya after an official of inquiry cleared him of any wrongdoing in the sale of a luxury hotel that triggered a political storm and forced him to step down.

On Isaac Ruto, you cannot rule out any possibility of William Ruto’s involvement in Isaac Ruto’s impeachment by members of the Bomet County Assembly who have now threatened to begin impeachment proceeding against Governor Isaac Ruto.

One wonders why Mr Ruto’s call for impeachment comes only after he has defied a presidential directive to step aside so that he may be investigated on corruption allegations against him. One also wonders why the impeachment campaign comes only after Ruto accused William Ruto of undermining him in his Bomet County.

Sunday, William Ruto issued a withering broadside at a rally in Kapkatet, Kericho, saying that Kalenjin politicians not singing his tune will be kicked out in the next election. Isaac Ruto has time and again accused the Deputy President of funding his political rivals, who include MPs and a number of Ward Representatives, to destabilise his administration with a view to having him impeached.

The Deputy President he says is sponsoring chaos and wrangles all over the place, including the disagreement over the location of a public university to be built by Moi University in Bomet County.

The fact that Isaac Ruto has said that he will run for presidency  in 2022, contesting against William Ruto who is also expected to take over from President Kenyatta after the expiry of his two terms in office, can also give some hints why William Ruto would love to see Isaac dying politically.

Speaking Monday during a fundraiser in aid of boda boda riders at Olengurone shopping center in Kuresoi south constituency, Rutto said he has already started preparing the ground and that nothing will stop him from gunning for Presidency in 2022.

William Ruto’s Hague case is also fuelling campaigns in Rift. Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has launched campaign in Rift Valley to weaken Ruto’s fame in the region. Moi has also declared his interest of standing for presidency in 2017. They have already begun a Kanu membership drive and their first target will be URP members.

The Moi family is understood to be uncomfortable with the idea of Ruto succeeding Uhuru in 2022. The plan is that Moi replaces Ruto as the DP, therefore filling the Kalenjin equation gap of the DP position. Then after he retires, Moi takes Kenneth as his running mate.

City businessman, Jacob Juma, who is also related to Moi’s family because of his marriage to Daniel Moi’s daughter June Moi has also urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to cut ties with his Deputy, William Ruto, if he wants to be re­elected in 2017’s Presidential Election.

Sharing his sentiments through social media, Juma, who is also the Managing Director of Cortec Kenya said Uhuru should “divorce” Ruto and move forward because Ruto and his URP crew are the ones who are tainting his administration by engaging in corruption and graft activities.

Jacob Juma has also filed a case to reclaim the land grabbed by Renton Company which is believed to be owned by the Deputy President but registered under the names of proxies. The case has been certified urgent by Justice Weldon Korir.

The court wants the company, Nairobi City County, National Land Commission, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Attorney General to explain how the prime land, valued at 1.5 billion shillings, changed hands from public to private.

Juma has also given the owner of Weston Hotel believed to be owned by deputy president a 14-day ultimatum to surrender the land to the government. He said at the expiry of the notice he will begin proceedings to have the “illegal title cancelled” and the land returned to the rightful owner.

Juma says the parcel on which the hotel stands is public land grabbed between 2001 and 2002. He says the land originally belonged to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. William Ruto has not held a one-on-one meeting with retired President Daniel Moi one and half years since the Jubilee government came to power.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578

IN KENYA YOU MUST BE CORRUPT TO BE APPOINTED IN PUBLIC OFFICE

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From: Joachim Omolo Ouko News Dispatch with Omolo Joachim SUNDAY, 2015

Victor from Webuye writes: “Fr Beste something must be very wrong with this government, how can President Uhuru appoint former Nambale MP Chris Okemo who together with former Kenya Power and Lighting boss Samuel Gichuru is wanted in Jersey over money laundering?

Chris Okemo (right) and Samuel Gichuru when they appeared in court July 2011. The two are facing money laundering charges in a UK court. A Nairobi magistrate February 5, 2013 ruled that an extradition case against them goes to full trial. Photo/FILE http://www.nation.co.ke/image/view/-/2661718/medRes/972535/-/4fbo2/-/Cartoon+22-03.jpg

Chris Okemo in court July 2011- The two are facing money laundering charges in a UK court. A Nairobi magistrate February 5, 2013 ruled that an extradition case against them goes to full trial.

Thank you for this important question Victor. In Kenya you are only honored when you are corrupt. So don’t blame President Uhuru, he is just fulfilling the policy of the government. Despite chapter 6 of the constitution on the guiding principles of leadership and integrity which requires that anyone appointment in public office is done so on the basis of personal integrity.

This chapter states that such a person must be free of corruption, honesty in the execution of public duties, transparent, discipline and commitment in service to the people, not for his own benefit.

It explains why, even though the civil society organizations have given President Uhuru Kenyatta a seven-day ultimatum to call for a national crisis meeting to tackle what they called runaway corruption, Uhuru may not honor this call because he is just following the policy of the government he inherited.

This country is used to mass action, so even if the President fails to do so as per their demand nothing can scare him. Uhuru owns all the security he will spread them on the street to shoot, even to kill if you persist on your demonstration.

Uhuru laughed when the group demanded that he should address the country within seven days. The group led by Inuka Kenya CEO John Githongo wants the President to convene a national conference that will provide an inclusive platform for discussion on how to reconstitute the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

It is quite disturbing indeed that in two years of Jubilee reign, Kenya “has witnessed a return of corruption to levels comparable to the one-party era, when corruption was part of everyday experience of citizens.

Okemo has been appointed board member of the Kenya Seed Company at the time the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Keriako Tobiko is still seeking his arrest. Okemo is wanted in Jersey Island to face charges relating to offences allegedly committed between February 1998 to June 2002. Okemo vied for the Busia senator seat but lost to Amos Wako because of his bad integrity.

This is not the first time Uhuru has made similar appointment. Last December he appointed 26 individuals, including 15 politicians who lost in the March 4, 2013 general election. Some of the politicians include Jebii Kilimo, Agnes Ndetei, Peter Kiilu, Philip Kaloki, Onyango Oloo and Julius Kones.

Others are Abdul Bahari, Edwin Yinda, Titus Ibui, Mohammud Mohammed, Matu Wamae, Geofrey King’ang’i, Daniel Wamahiu,Taraiyia ole Kores and Samuel Nyangeso.

Mr Okemo has been appointed to the board of the Kenya Seed Company as a member for a period of three years with effect from March 23. Dr Noah Wekesa will serve as the chairman of Bukura Agricultural College for a period of three years with effect from March 16.

Mr Okemo faces 15 counts of money laundering and misconduct in public office, while Mr Gichuru faces 40 counts of money laundering, fraud and misconduct in public office.

Government has been incapable of tackling corruption, not only because its members are beneficiaries, but also many appointments have been done on political favor, no matter how crook you are.

So for President Kenyatta to sound a warning to inept and corrupt public officers saying they will be fired is just to please International bodies and investors. When he says he cautions laziness and graft would not be entertained and that those not willing to work hard were free to go home is just the opposite.

Uhuru sounded the warning after the members of the private sector had raised concern with him that corruption had increased the cost of doing business in Kenya. In Kenya investors must bribe members of the Executive for award of tenders.

Members of key House committees must be bribed by forces in the Executive to stop investigations into the theft of taxpayers’ money. All the sectors must be bribed, especially the police that are just taking bribes openly in day light when people are watching.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ  Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578  E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com

Omolo_ouko@outlook.com            Facebook-omolo beste  Twitter-@8000accomole

Africa: Christmas Day Attack in Somalia

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From: U.S. Department of State
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 26, 2014

The United States strongly condemns the December 25 attack targeting African Union forces in Mogadishu. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the military and civilian personnel who were killed in this cowardly terrorist act. These individuals sacrificed their lives in an effort to bring lasting peace and stability to Somalia. Our support for the people of Somalia, the African Union Mission in Somalia, and Somali government forces in their efforts to defeat al-Shabaab will not waver.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.

External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Stay connected with the State Department:
http://www.state.gov/

POLITICAL INHERITANCE IN KENYA

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From: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014

Peter from Bomet writes: Fr Beste how can ODM claim to be democratic when its leaders including Raila Odinga forcing Moses Kajwang’ to electorates in Homa Bay simply because he is a brother to Otieno Kajwang, yet they blame Uhuru that he is tribal. I am sure if Raila becomes the president today he will favor all his nephews, nieces, sisters, and sons.

See what he did to his brother Oburur Odinga after he tried to force him to be the governor of Siaya and when he was defeated he forced him to be nominated. He wanted also to force his sister Ruth governor of Kisumu until people protested, but still he forced her to be deputy governor. This is very sill.”

I can see your reaction Peter. I always said on this blog that Raila is no better than Uhuru Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki or Moi. These people are the same. In Homa Bay County Raila had force Otieno Kajwang’ to be the senator.

Returning Officer John Mulehi was forced to agree to have Otieno Kajwang’ as the Senate ODM flag bearer. Raila also wanted Philip Okundi forGovernor, and Roselyne Onyuka for Women Representative. He forced party leaders to agree on consensus that Kajwang’ be the ODM flag bearer for Homabay

According to Robert Alai, a blogger and cyber activist, Raila had insisted that Kajwang’s brother must be the ODM flag bearer because his father said if his son does not take the seat he would commit suicide.

This is what Alai wrote in Luo: “Awinjo ni baba Nyiso contestants ni oket owadgi Kajwang’ nikech wuon Kajwang’ nowacho ni odhi dere ka wuode ok omi kom. Apenji, ka ng’ato odere to otho gi ng’a? Ok otho kende? Wek uru tugo kodwa. We need democracy in our party. This is sad!!! I would have loved any other direct nomination but giving it to a relative of the deceased is not convincing to me.

The ODM party must not be so selfish that they listen to no advice. Direct nomination is not democratic. And Moses Kajwang’s only communication now is that he is brother to Otieno Kajwang. We must never allow this.

Otherwise all of us who have never had relatives in politics might never get party nominations because it is now only sexually transmitted. My case is tired but I am yet to rest it”.

Since Moi Kenyans have been forced to politicians in what is known as political inheritance. Moi forced Musalia Mudavadi to succeed his father Moses Mudavadi, Oburu Odinga succeeded his father, Gideon Moi the same, Mutula Kilonzo Junior the same and so the story continues.

Political inheritance is an issue that has the potential to cripple the country’s democracy and erode all gains made thereof. With nomination of Kajwang it is now emerging that you have to belong to the right family or the right party for you to have any prospects of being a leader in Kenya.

This is despite the fact that political inheritance blocks potential leaders by the mere fact that they do not belong to the “right” family. And since politics has been used as a platform for accumulating wealth, the main goal of the inheritor is the security of the family coffers as well as accumulating more.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com
Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

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

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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: WHY KURIA WILL GO FREE OVER HATE SPEECH

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from: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 14

Joan from Nairobi writes: “Fr Beste what do you say about Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria. He has been taken to court over hate speech via social media. Do you think the government will succeed in controlling social media because I believe it is not only Kuria who has been accused there are many people using social media for propaganda.”

Thank you for this important question Joan. Although the Kenyan government has said it will be monitoring users of social media and taking action against anyone found inciting violence or using hateful or ethnic language, controlling social media is one of the toughest missions the government can tame.

Much of the ‘violence’ shifted to the online space, especially Facebook and Twitter following the post-election violence in 2007/08. In November 2012 alone, 28 per cent of a sample of 792 online statements contained one or more examples of “dangerous speech” – a term contain direct threats.

According to Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Keriako Tobiko, the investigating cases, collecting evidence and prosecuting offenders requires both legislation and technology that are not yet available in Kenya.

His suggestion that the police might now need a dedicated “cyber crime unit” to monitor social media can also not be possible. One challenge has also been the reluctance of judges to accept electronic evidence in court, and some cases have been dismissed as a result.

There is a need to amend Kenyan law to be in tandem with technology to enable admission of electronic evidence. As per now it very difficult to monitor and collect evidence on social media, this is because the authors of such stories in most cases are anonymous and post hate messages from discrete sources.

Examining the content of internet posts suggested that a lot of these conversations you are seeing on social media are not really hate speech if you apply the law. That is why going after everyone who posts threatening messages is almost impossible. You cannot even remove them.

But even if police were to be to investigate what is written on social media, they are not always going to be there to investigate every small conversation that turns abusive. You should also know Joan that the current climate favors hate speech because Kenya is struggling with many problems at the same time.

While Innocent Kenyans have been killed, the government is only dealing with the interests of members of their own ethnic group. This creates a situation where people find themselves in a difficult situation they then become responsive to propaganda.

It explains why the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, which was set up in 2008 as an independent institution to prevent a repetition of the post electoral riots, has not been able to stop propaganda and hate speech on social media.

Again Joan, you should also know that it is not only on social media that propaganda and hate speech are being used. You are ware that since the Lamu attacks, hate leaflets have been distributed warning specific ethnic groups to leave the area, with the latest one in Naivasha.

Just yesterday two bloggers have been accused of calling for the killing of Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, triggering fierce debate, with the House demanding their prosecution. Mr Omar had raised the matter, saying that Willy Omosa and Mugo Wa Wairimu had posted messages on social media calling for his killing in a way similar to that of controversial Muslim cleric Sheikh Abubakar Sharrif alias Makaburi.

One fact must be accepted that both the Twitter and Facebook episodes mark what appears to be a shift in online culture, not only in Kenya but global. Globally, throughout the Web’s history, a certain amount of bad behavior has come to be expected, be it intentionally provocative online trolling or earnest hatred spewed more freely because of the ability to do so anonymously.

Hate speech online can be understood as antisocial oratory that is intended to encourage persecution against people because of their race, color, religion, ethnic group, or nationality, and has a substantial likelihood of causing harm.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com
Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

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

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\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

Zambia: PRESS STATEMENT BY MMD PRESIDENT DR NEVERS SEKWILA MUMBA ON 18th NOVEMBER 2014

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from: Charles Banda

INTRODUCTION

There comes a time when courage and faith must be given an opportunity to function. Since the demise of our beloved President Mr Michael Sata on October 28th, 2014, we have witnessed a major struggle for power across the board. We have witnessed how human ambition would rather choose expedience than the rule of law. Our Party MMD has reached yet another defining moment in our on-going process of renewing and re-branding ourselves. The events of the past two weeks have prompted me to face the nation today.

RUPIAH BANDA ISSUE

For many Zambians across the nation, the debate on the possible return of Mr Rupiah Banda, was considered as a rumor until yesterday when it is now in the open that Mr Banda has indeed declared his interest to contest the Presidency in the forthcoming by election. While we have no objection to President Banda’s democratic right to contest any election, we do have a position when the MMD is mentioned to be the platform he wishes to use.

We are deeply disappointed as a party at the unprecedented damage that this quest for power has done to the party. Instead of approaching the leadership of the party, he went into our structures and used unconventional means to destabilize our party by promoting divisions.

On 17th November 2014, our National Executive Committee mandated me to:

1. Explore the option of an alliance with another party

2. To meet President Banda and explore means we can engage him to see which role he could play in the forth-coming by election

Yesterday, I fulfilled the first obligation and met President Banda and discussed several options on how he can get involved in our campaign. It is however unfortunate that during this time some individuals have been working to destabilize and undermine the leadership of the party by sponsoring crowds that have both disrupted meetings and divided the party to such proportions that it will take the party many months to stabilize.

While I was meeting with President Banda, our opponents had started collecting signatures from unsuspecting NEC members to petition for my expulsion from the party because, there was a feeling that I am standing in the way of President Banda’s return. This petition is an illegality and founded on greed and a lack of understanding of our constitution. Brown envelopes are being used to extract these signatures.

I am fully aware of almost all schemes that have been employed to divide the party. Let me state here and now that MMD is not for sale. It is unfortunate that President Banda has tried to use the back door to usurp power in order to contest the presidency.

I wish to state that no one has endorsed Mr Rupiah Banda as the Candidate on the MMD ticket. MMD has one president and that President is myself. I was elected at the last convention with a five year mandate. Our constitution is clear that there is no provision to elect a presidential candidate outside the sitting president. Some have cited how the NEC chose presidential candidates, Levy Mwanawasa and Rupiah Banda, but in both these two cases there was no sitting president who automatically qualified to contest. In 2001, President Chiluba was in illegible to stand and in 2008, President Mwanawasa had died.

LEGALITY

I wish therefore to declare my unwavering commitment to our constitution. As long as I remain President, the rule of law shall remain supreme. I therefore advise that those who have vowed to bend the provisions of our constitution shall not succeed but are free to start their own party and fulfill their aspirations.

It is unfortunate that this development has happened when the party desperately needs unity in order to face the by-election. I therefore wish to dispel the rumor that Mr Banda is our candidate. There is no vacuum in the Presidency of MMD.

We remain committed to exploring all options meant to further strengthen us including that of respectful alliances with other political parties and we have made great progress in this regard.

I wish to appeal to all members across the nation, whose commitment is to the party and not an individual to focus on this coming election.

I appeal to all Zambians, the Church, youth and women to stand with us in this critical hour.

Zambia shall be saved.

 

KENYA: KICKING OUT NYANZA LUO MPS WOULD BE THE END OF THE ROAD FOR ODM

Writes our investigative reporter.

IF the ODM supremo Raila Odinga could be so brave and dare to execute his threats to expel the party’s elected MPS from LUO Nyanza that would spell doom for his political supremacy in the region, which is his home turf and perhaps other regions of Kenya will follow suit.

Raila issued the threat of taking harsh disciplinary action against the dozen or so MPs who are allegedly warming up to the ruling jubilee coalition to make up their minds. The threat was issued in a firm tone .’be with us or join them:

It has since degenerate to more dissenting views from politicians in the region. With some of the MPS defiantly saying publicly that they would continue working in cooperation with the central government because it is the provider for development and devolving funds for their rurally based constituencies

Our investigations, however, revealed that intolerance kind of politics and rumor-mongering peddled by some of the most trusted of Raila’s political cronies and some of the idle sycophants are the major cause of friction and,c0onflicts of interests and the mistrust which has been deviling this one of the largest political movement in the country.

As one of the MPS targgetd for expulsion told us during an exclusive interview,” I am a staunch member of the ODM and I have no immediate plan of ditching my party for another one. But the party leader Raila need to re-brand his political style and adopt new ideas including politics of tolerance and create democratic space and room for its elected MPS to be able to think independently.

It is wrong when an MP invited a CBINET secretary to conduct a fundraising function in his constituency is the next day branded as a jubilee mole. in ODM “This is very insulting because we have only one government in Kenya. The same jubilee government is the one which is providing us with money for the CDF, C School bursary funds and it is my duty as an elected representative to co-operate with it in order to achieve my constituents goal.”

Speaking at his Kangeso home in Rongo, the area MP Dalmas Otieno made publicly clear that he would contest foir the top moist office comes the year 2017 general election as this is democratic right. It does not mean he would be fighting somebody else.

OTIENO also told his audience that last weekend ODM meeting at Oyugis was called deliberately and purposefully to sabotage DR Evans KIDERO’S harrambee funds drive at the HOMa HIGH School. He was pleased that the wananchi together with parents, stakeholders ignored the politics of jealousy and responded well and the well attended meeting realized over KSS 7 Million. This should be shame on the saboteurs.

Speaking at the same funeral, the chairman of the LUO Council of elders MeshackrRiaga Ogalo emphasized the need to have more than political party inside LUO-nyanza as that would created democratic space as opposed to one party monopoly

During the same weekend KARACHUONYO mp James Rege and his Kabondo Kasipul counterpart Silvance Osele jointly hosted the Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku at two different functions in their respective constituencies in their respective constituencies

In Karachuonyo Ole Lenku was the chief guest at A FUND RAISING MEETING IN kanyaluo for an SDA church qwhiuch realized KSHS 2 million with Ole LENKU DONATING Kshs one million from himself ans friends while President Uhuru Kenyatta sent K.sshs 500,000.

The CS letter jointly with the two MPS addressed a public meeting at he famous Alao Rachuonyo during which MP Rege sought for the approval of his constituents to continue cooperating with the government of the day for good governance and development.

IN kabondo-Kasipul the CS announced that more chiefs would be promoted to DOS AND THE CREATION OF THREE ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS FR kabondo East and Kabondo West with the third for Kasipul..

Anew district headquarters to cater for KABONDO-kasipul will Be established at Ramul CENTRE IN Kabondo to cater for the three new divisions at an estimated cost of KSHS 100,000 million with effect from next year..

Other sources of political intrigues in Raila’s ODM party included loose tank by some of its troop soldiers. Those careless talkers included people who claims to having the ears of JAKOM.

They included MPS. For example the Suna East Junet Mohamed a close ally of Raila announced this week that comes the year 2017 the positions of the two governors would be vacant. They included the seat of the Nairobi governor DR. Evans Kidero and that of the Migori governor OKOTH obado. Junet asked those interested in contesting the two positions to get ready and prepare themselves early enough.

Many people are left wondering whether this MP was speaking on behalf of himself or the electorate in the two electoral and he has y consulted the voters in Nairobi and MIgori to speak for them or he is just a mischievous person?

It is high time for Raila to instill some amount of discipline to his supporters and also restrain them from the persistent use of excessive violence to resolve political differences.

The Luo MPS reportedly earmarked for expulsion are those from the greater Southern NYANZA. With only two from the former Central Nytanza. the two are Ken OBURA [Kisunu Cantral} and DavidI Ochieng’{ugenya}But the greater and largest number are from South Nyanza. The latest threat to the MPS only reminds the people in that region of the old bloody political war between the late TOM Mboya and the late Oginga Odinga.

The group that is earmarked for expulsion included Dalmas otieno {Rongo}Agustine NETO {ndhiwa}George Oner {Rangwe},Millie Odhiambo {Mbita}James Rege {Karachuonyo}Jared Kopiyo {Awendo} Silvance Osele {Kabondo Kasipul} and Joseph Oyugi Magwangsa{Kasipul}

However, the possibility of the supporters of the MPS moving out of ODM en mess cannot be ruled out judging from the common talks going around is that “You Kick them out of ODM and we go with them”

Ends

KENYA: ODM MEETING IN NYANZA REVEALED A PARTY IN DEEP INTERNAL CRISIS .

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By our reporter

ODM politics in Nyanza the home turf of Its leader Raila Odinga over the weekend revealed a party in deep internal crisis .

Raila held a delegates conference at Oyugis community centre , which is located at the Sikri School of the Blind. while the Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero conducted a very successful fund drive at the Homa – Bay High School in Homa – Bay Town.

The two functions were only separated by 40 Kilometers apart .

A good number of elected ODM MPS from both Homa Bay and Migori counties skipped Raila’s meeting .This was after the rumours had gone round that those elected party MPS who are perceived as rebellious would be roughed, heckled and perhaps beaten up by the political goons who were ferried into the area from as far as Kibira , Langata ,Nyakach ,Busia and Kisumu would be deployed to deal with the rebels .

And the rumours turned out to be credible in a way because when the Kadondo – Kasipul MP Silvance Osele turned up at Sikri he was roughed up by the goons .

Raila , however intervened and restrained the youth mating more punishment to the youthful MP.

Usele later defended himself saying he was late for the meeting because he was left by the morning by Kisumu – Nairobi flight .He reaffirmed the unshaken loyalty to CORD and ODM.

About a dozen Luo ODM MPS are said to have been identified and classified as rebels .Their only sin is independently speaking their minds and advocacy for constructive engagement between the CORD opposition and the jubilee government headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Those regarded as rebellious included Silvance Osele (Kabondo -Kasipul ) Agustine Neto (Ndhiwa ) Miillie Odhiambo (Mbita )James Rege (Karachuonyo ),Dalmas Otieno (Rongo)David Ochieng (Ugenya )Ken Obura (Kisumu Centra l )Jared Kopiyo (Awendo )George Omer (Rangwe ) and Oyugis Magwanga (Kasipul )

Those in attendance at Railas’s Sikri meeting included Sen Otieno Kajwang (Homa – Bay )Senator James Orengo (Siaya )Millie Odhiambo (Mbita )jjohn Mbadi (Suba ) Oburu Odinga (nominated )Fred Outa (Nyando)Junet Mohamed (Suna East ) Governor C. Awiti (Homa – Bay ) Jack Ranguma (Kisumu ) Cornel Rasanga (Siaya)

However there was a brief stand of between the battery of journalist at Raila’s function political goons known as

‘The men in Black ” made spirited Attempt to block the reporters and threatened to eject them out despite the plea by Raila’s communication man Dennis Onyango. The goons shounted at the pressmen “Hatutaki mabo yenu Hapa .”This came after some politicians in thier addresss accused the media of fueling trouble in ODM .The youth made an attempt to block jounalists from Focusing their cameras at the main dais

MPS who attended Dr. Kidero’s fundraising meeting include Peter Kaluma….(Homabay Town )George Oner (Rangwe )former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo)James Rege (Karachuonyo ) who later hosted the internal security cabinet secretary at an SDA Church Harambes in Kanyaluo in Karachuony o where over Ksh 2 million was rasied .The MP also hosted Ole lenku at another meeting held also Rachuonyo near KendU bay .;

Dr. Kidero fundraising meetign raise Ksh 7 million for construction of the burnt 3 dormitories Raila Sent Ksh 200,000 through Mp Kaluma Kidero only that he was a member of ODM .But emphasized the need of politics instead of Rhetorics and empty slogans stressing that his fundraiser activities have since raised Ksgh 200 million in aid of socio economic project in Nyanza in the last year

ENDS

 

HORRIBLE SEXUAL RITUALS IN MALAWI

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from: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

About 500 bishops from around the continent are set to converge in Harare on November 28 for a two-day annual bishop’s conference meant to tackle women and child abuse cases in Africa. Last year it was reported that a young girl from Malawi by the name Grace went under horrible sexual ritual.

She learned she’d be going to a camp with her friends, she was thrilled. Every girl around her age in her southern Malawi village would attend the rite of passage. When she got she was told she is to sleep with a man and get rid of child ‘dust.’ If you don’t do it, your body will get diseased”, she was warned.

A demonstration involved one girl lying down, with one of the older women on top. “You should be dancing and have a man on top of you, making him happy,” she was told. At age 10, Grace was being taught how to have sex.

Like the other girls in the village, Grace had been sent to camp with her family’s blessings. This is because everyone makes sure their child goes to initiation ceremony because you will not be accepted in the community.

The Education Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Malawi has released figures indicating that more than 27,000 girls dropped out of primary school in the country between 2010 and 2013 due to early marriages.

The Commission warned that unless the trend is reversed, Malawi would not achieve the Millennium Development Goal on universal primary education by the end of 2015. It went further to say that child marriage remains one of the main obstacles to education for young girls in Malawi where many girls are married before they are 18 years old.

The country’s official minimum marriage age is 15 years. The Education Commission has called upon faith-based communities and traditional leaders to join it in its campaign to have the minimum age raised to 18 years.

The conference which will be mainly made up of apostolic bishops will be held at Belvedere Teacher’s College and is also set to tackle child marriage problems in the region. Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Johannes Ndanga, who is co-ordinating the conference, said the gathering will educate and conscientise the bishops on human rights abuses.

The conference that ends on November 29 will be attended by a number of both apostolic and non-apostolic bishops from Malawi, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, among other countries. Zimbabwe is adjudged one of the 41 countries in the world with an unacceptable rate of child marriages.

According to a 2012 report based on data collected by UNFPA during the years 2000 to 2011, the country’s prevalence of child marriage, was at 31percent, and was among 41 nations with the highest rates of child marriages.

Zimbabwe sits at number 39. This comes amid fears that if child marriages were not curbed through legislative measures, the figures could escalate with girls continuing to be deprived of their childhood.

Another 2012 United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) report states that if child marriage was not outlawed by countries practising it by 2030, the number of child brides would grow from 14,2 million girls in 2010 to 15,1 million girls in 2030.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com
Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

African Economic Conference: Video and audio recording of the online press conference of the Chief Economist of the African Development Bank held on Sunday at 14:00 GMT

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From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 2, 2014/ — The Chief Economist and Vice-President of the African Development Bank has held an online press conference on Sunday at 14:00 GMT during the 9th edition of the African Economic Conference (http://www.afdb.org/en/aec-2014).

VIDEO recording of the online press conference of the Chief Economist and Vice-President of the African Development Bank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AiyLxbOjyU

AUDIO recording of the online press conference of the Chief Economist and Vice-President of the African Development Bank: http://goo.gl/4tawmv

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

SOURCE

African Development Bank (AfDB)

Nigeria: Boko Haram terrorists deny ceasefire claim by Nigeria s government

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From: ‘frank patrick materu’

The group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, said the girls had converted to Islam and been married off since being taken, the BBC reported. But the Boko Haram leader said the girls were “in their marital homes” after being married off by the group, the BBC reported.

– – – – – – – – – – – –

On Saturday, November 1, 2014 11:37 PM, “ANS@Assist-Ministries.com” <ANS@Assist-Ministries.com> wrote:
ASSIST News Service (ANS) – PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Boko Haram terrorists deny ceasefire claim by Nigeria’s government

By Michael Ireland
Special Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

LAGOS, NIGERIA (ANS) — In a video released by Boko Haram, showing its leader Abubakar Shekau delivering a speech on October 31, the group denies the Nigerian Government’s claim they have reached a ceasefire agreement.

The video, released on Friday and a screenshot of which was posted to the BBC website, was Boko Haram’s first statement after the government announced a ceasefire.

Boko Haram denied claims by Nigeria’s government that it has agreed to a ceasefire and would release more than 200 abducted schoolgirls.

The group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, said the girls had converted to Islam and been married off since being taken, the BBC reported.

The BBC earlier reported that Nigeria’s army announced a ceasefire with the militants on October 17, saying the girls would soon be freed.

But the BBC says violence has continued since news of the alleged truce, including a fatal bomb blast on Friday.

Boko Haram has been fighting an insurgency since 2009, with some 2,000 civilians reportedly killed this year, the BBC said.

In the video released on Friday, Abubakar Shekau said: “We have not made ceasefire with anyone. We did not negotiate with anyone. It’s a lie. We will not negotiate. What is our business with negotiati on? Allah said we should not.”

The BBC said Shekau also claimed that the militants were holding a German national, thought to be a teacher, who was kidnapped by gunmen in July.

The BBC said there was no indication of when or where the group’s latest video was shot.

In its analysis, the BBC’s Tomi Oladipo in Lagos says the video will come as a huge embarrassment for the Nigerian government after it said it had secured a ceasefire with Boko Haram.

The BBC added that newspapers with headlines on the Chibok girls and their possible release are displayed at a news stand in Abuja. The October 1, 2014 News of the government announcement supposedly sealing a truce with Boko Haram made the front pages.

The BBC explained that the Islamist militants sparked global outrage in April by abducting 219 schoolgirls from the remote north-eastern town of Chibok, in Borno state. Their continued captivity has led to criticism of the Nigerian government’s efforts to secure their release.

It added that hopes were raise d earlier this month when Nigeria’s chief of defense staff, Alex Badeh, announced a truce with the group.

“They’ve assured us they have the girls and they will release them,” he said. “I am cautiously optimistic.”

But the Boko Haram leader said the girls were “in their marital homes” after being married off by the group, the BBC reported.

The BBC added that last week, Human Rights Watch said in a report that Boko Haram was holding more than 500 women and young girls captive and that forced marriage was common in the group’s camps.

Share See all ASSIST News articles at www.assistnews.net
** Michael Ireland is a volunteer Internet Journalist and licensed minister who has served as Chief Correspondent and Senior International Correspondent for ASSIST News Service ASSIST News Service. since 1998. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. For a digest of ANS stories, log-on to Mike’s Monitor at https://paper.li/Michael_ASSIST/1410023867

SON OF MALAWI’S AMBASSADOR TO KENYA DENIS CHIRWA DIES,STABBED TO DEATH IN NAIROBI

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From: Charles Banda

A well known trained journalist Denis Chirwa who is the son of Former Army Brigadier and Currently Malawi’s Ambassador to Kenya has died. It is believed that Denis met his fate at a night out in Nairobi Kenya were he was stabbed to death by unknown thugs.

Denis who nicknamed himself after Former President as Chair was well known in social media circus for his love of Former President Bakili Muluzi,he was also an on and off online journalist who used to show case his skills in writing about Malawi Politics.

Denis Chirwa was currently studying at Kenya’s Catholic University.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE..

Kenya: WaziWazi Legislative ‘Can’ Opener can Open Up those Opaque August Houses

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From: Maurice Oduor

Oyoo wodma,

Contact me privately so I can take part in this.

I have some ideas that maybe of interest to you.

This is something that can be very beneficial.

Courage
– – – – – – – – – – –

On Sat, Oct 25, 2014 at 4:40 AM, Nicholas Oyoo wrote:
Ladies and Gentlemen, I entered an idea to open up the legislative houses in Kenya for public to participate, in a competition called the Global Innovation Competition – Making All Voices Count. The Idea is Called WaziWazi The Legislative ‘Can’ Opener. The Link is shared below . Please go into the page and vote for it. Thanks

<a href=”http://ideas.makingallvoicescount.org/a/dtd/WaziWazi-The-Legislature-Can-Opener/94691-26650″>http://ideas.makingallvoicescount.org/a/dtd/WaziWazi-The-Legislature-Can-Opener/94691-26650</a>

Kenya: Cotu wars

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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

KENYA: SHOULD UHURU KENYATTA’S MILITARY ATTIRE WORRY US ALL?

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From: Juma Mzuri

Recently, the President of the Republic Of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has been seen adorned in military attire at least twice this year. This has created a lot of frenzy from several quarters with some supporting this move with others opposing it. The first time he was seen wearing the military attire was in early September this year when he proceeded for a military function at Archer’s Post in Samburu. The second time was in mid-October 2014 when he officiated the Kenya Defense Forces Day at the Nakuru Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru. Unlike the former Presidents’ Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Arap Moi who adorned ceremonial military attires, Uhuru Kenyatta wore jungle-green military attire during the military function in Samburu and also appeared in navy fatigues during the KDF Day in Nakuru.

Those who support the president’s ‘new’ look argue that (among other reasons) there is nothing wrong with the president wearing the military attires. They label it as ‘military swag’ and applaud how ‘cool’ and ‘fresh’ he looks in the attire. However, those who oppose the move argue that (among other reasons) the president is trying to roll back the country into military dictatorship; and they further argue that it represents a failed or (soon to be) militarized nation, a dictator, or even an attempt by the president to camouflage the numerous failures and challenges that his government is facing when implementing government and public policy. However, both camps (those opposing and supporting the president in military attire) agree that it is a propagandist move or a move intended to appraise Uhuru’s status through public relations resulting from the buzz the whole scenario generates.

For others, they just saw the president ‘dressed in military uniform’. It was no big fete…

Nevertheless, should the decision by President Uhuru Kenyatta to adorn authentic military fatigues be a reason to worry or to make us to have sleepless nights? Is it true that he is trying to turn Kenya into a militarized nation with the recent two public stunts that he pulled by adorning military attire?

First, let us revisit the Supreme Law and what it says about the relationship between the president’s office and that of the military. According to article 131(1) (c) of the Kenyan Constitution, the president is the Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces. His roles as the Commander In Chief are outlined in Section 9 of the Kenya Defense Forces Act, and which are to appoint the Chief of the Defense Forces, Vice Chief of the Defense Forces and the three Service Commanders; and to be responsible for the organization and command of the Defense Forces.

Therefore, the president is not part of the military personnel. He or she is the civilian head responsible for the Defense Forces in terms of organization (structuring and management) and command (giving official authoritative orders). In terms of organization, he acts as the chair of the National Security Council that exercises supervisory control over the national security organs (Article 240). Nevertheless, the law is obscure on whether the president should dress in military attire as part of his duty as Commander-in-Chief.

In my view, the decision by President Uhuru Kenyatta to adorn military fatigues is just a PR move. It is no secret that the Jubilee government is a poorly performing government and it has tried all means, some dubious and foolhardy, in order to regain, retain and maintain public confidence and to also appear ahead as popular in opinion polls. The jubilee government is led by words without action. Thus, the means of persuasion like propaganda, public relations, social media, mainstream media and photo shopping come in handy to propel the exact image they want to feed to the citizens. The buzz created on social media and mainstream media after when the president adorns the jungle-green military attire is sure proof of the how desperate this government is at attention-seeking. It should not alarm us all.

Before, we have seen laws in parliament by the Executive that tried to politicize the military by having internal deployment of KDF done by the Executive without parliamentary approval. Fortunately, parliament rejected this proposal. Therefore, in view of such moves, let’s stay alert to prevent the president from negating the rule of law and the constitution in attempts to plunge this country into retrogression (dictatorship, militarization, etc). Otherwise, his decision to adorn military attire is just pure PR.

(View the original article here
<a href-“http://epikkenyan.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/should-uhuru-kenyattas-military-attire-worry-us-all/”>http://epikkenyan.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/should-uhuru-kenyattas-military-attire-worry-us-all/</a>