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Jaluo Kama Jaluo rade gi joluo wete gi… East African, international, news, politics, culture, business & economy, environment, arts, are discussed by contributors in Africa and world wide. Writers call for social justice, better governance, quality investment.

29Feb/087

KISUMU MAYOR CHALLENGED TO TACKLE GRAFT

by Jeff Otieno, Freelance Journalist, Kisumu
  
   
The newly Elected Kisumu City Mayor Mr. Sam Onyango Okello has been urged by Kisumu City Residents Voice (KICIREVO) to address entrenched corruption in the council.
  
Through a terse letter dated 26th Feb., 2008 to the mayor by the body chairman Audi Ogada, the group noted with concern the looting cartel in the treasury department which has denied the council billions of shillings in terms of revenue. “Supervision and monitoring of the officer in this department should be enhanced to ensure effective and optimum performance,” the letter read in part. The group further noted, “Corruption is evident on revenue collection bases, salary office, license and the audit."
  
  Okello, who is a Mombassa based business guru, will rely on his wealth of business connections and experience to address other issues like ghost suppliers who have fleeced the cash-strapped institution through a series of stagemanaged conspiracies with unscrupulous chief officers.

The softspoken business magnate's election to the council early this week was received with enthusiasm by workers who have not been paid salaries for close to thirteen months.
  
Sources at the institution who talked to this journalist on condition of anonymity appealed to the new mayor to investigate the prevailing discriminative antics where salaries are being paid based on patronage albeit at a compromising fee.
  
END

Filed under: HEADLINES, Jeff Otieno 7 Comments
29Feb/082

MP CHALLENGED OVER CASH PLEDGE

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:15:32
by Jeff Otieno, Freelance Journalist, Kisumu

     
Kisumu Town East newly elected legislator Shakeel Ahmed Shabbir has been challenged by a cross section of his constituents to ensure that he fulfills his last year's election pledge where he promised to part with half of his package for the purposes of development.
   
Speaking to the press in Kisumu under the banner Kisumu Town East Professional caucus the group appealed to the MP to disclose modalities of how the promised package will be known to have salvaged the said downtrodden in terms of audit.
   
“As it stands it sounds a little bit vague because no layman will know that there’s a fulfillment of the pledge on the part of the MP," they noted in a terse statement.
   
During the hotly contested campaigns last year, Shakeel repeated the vow on various podiums.  Since then, however, doubts have emerged that there could be some complacency on the part of the legislator, a claim we could not immediately establish at the time of going to press because the MP's phone lines remained off the better part of the day.
   
Early this week, during a luncheon for local journalists in one of the Kisumu hotels, the MP was noncommittal when one of the journalists confronted him to shade light on the matter.
   
Meanwhile, the long-serving Kisumu District Commissioner Mr. Jamleck Baruga has been transferred to Nairobi as Deputy Provincial Commissioner. Baruga, according to sources in Nairobi, could be replaced by Mr. Oleserian, a Thika District Commissioner.
   
Two years ago, Baruga’s transfer was revoked following his parallel studies at the Maseno University.  He has since graduated. 
   
   
END

Filed under: Who's Who 2 Comments
29Feb/080

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Official KDFC Launch and TASC Conference

Dear Kenyans,

Kenya Development Fund (KDFC) and Tallahassee Sister City Coalition cordially invite you to an African awareness month and KDFC launch between March 17th-21st that will discuss among other issues:

1. Sister City Coalitions

2. Investment funds opportunities

3. Role of diasporans and African Friends in African development

TASCC will honor Ghana's president at the the Ramada Inn on Friday, March 21, 2008 bewteen 8 p.m. - 12 p.m.

The KDFC  launch and other activities will be conducted at Florida A & M University on March 21, 2008 bewteen 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. PLO Limumba. During the African Union NEPAD session on March 19, 2008, Kenya's political and humanitarian situation will be discussed.

Dignitaries from all over the world including the World Bank and African Union representatives will be in attendance. Please circulate the flier below.

MEETING LOCATION WILL BE AT FLORIDA A & M UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND PHAMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA. FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON ACCOMODATION AND REGISTRATION, PLEASE CALL DR. BARACK ABONYO, KDFC PRESIDENT AT 850-339-4806 OR DR. WILLIE BUTLER, TASSC CEO AT 850-766-0173.

Yours Sincerely,
Barack Abonyo PhD
KDFC President
850-339-4806

Filed under: HEADLINES No Comments
29Feb/080

City mayor picked after deal

Published on February 28, 2008, 12:00 am
By Maseme Machuka, Morton Saulo and Brian Adero

A three-day impasse over Nairobi’s mayoral election was resolved on Wednesday through a power-sharing deal between PNU and ODM councillors.

In the agreement, ODM councillor, Mr Godfrey Majiwa, became the mayor. His rival, PNU’s Mr John Chege of Kasarani Ward, became his deputy.

The parties also shared 16 committees. A PNU councillor will chair the crucial Finance and Planning Committee, while ODM will chair Water and Education Committees, among others.

For the full article, please see http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143982513

Sent by Nicholas. 

Filed under: HEADLINES No Comments
29Feb/081

How much do you parents know your children?

For those parents who have children, do you know your children? How much?

My wife and I recently attended a parent-teacher meeting for one of our children. The parent ahead of us took longer than her alloted time. She was not agreeing with the teacher's assessment of her daughter. She felt like the teacher and not her daughter was the problem.

As we sat there, I recalled several cases that I have witnessed in connection with parents and their children. Many parents know their children as good kids. Anything less than that is un-acceptable. I know of cases where parents made a lot of noise when their children were suspended only to discover to their great disappointment that their children were exactly what the teachers said that they were.

Every time your child is send home, or comes home with a bad report, please take your time to find out what's happening lest you embarrass yourself. Children might be nice at home but something else out there.

Let us all continue to pray for our children. Shall we?

Just a thought.

Pr Birai-612-386-4608
www.themaranathasdachurch.org

Filed under: Birai, INJILI 1 Comment
29Feb/081

PRIME MINISTER ISSUE: TIME IS PNU’S BEST WEAPON, WHAT IS ODM’S?

Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:25:35 

As the situation in Kenya unfolds, many are left wondering what next? What next because no one knows the stand of PNU or ODM. The question that must be asked squarely is, does PNU want a coalition governement with an excutive prime minister? It is this question that needed to be unambigously answered before anyone decides to sit on the table. However, now people are on the table and a different question must be asked. The question to be asked can only be based on PNU'S position and this question must be answered within schedule by none other than ODM. PNU has repeatedly said that they will not bulge on this coalition thing and moreso they will not give an inch on an independent prime minister. Knowing PNU's position what are ODMs going or prepared to do?  Are ODMs willing to go for non excutive prime minister. God forbid. The day ODM accepts this, even ODM will conclude that ODMers were just interested in positions not the people. Moreso they will not last one year in this position. We will be in for another form of failed MOU.

ODM must answer this question as clearly as possible. They must answer it in away that the world, PNU and the people of Kenya know exactly what they are saying and what the supporters need to do. So far ODM is loosing ground so fast. They have conceded on every premise while PNU has kept moving goal posts and more so moving backwards instead of forward. PNU has used this pereod of negotriation to establish itself as a bonafide governement. It has transfered police officers and the army in order to consolidate power while ODM is begging the world. I hinted PNU's intention to eliminate some ODM supporters, two MPs have already died and what did ODM do, absolutely nothing. All I saw was the croaking of a frog. No one matched out of the talks even for one day to protest. Arresting ODM representatives, Kibor is already in jail, next time it will be Ruto or Balala. What will ODM do? From the way things are going, I am completely sure that they will do absolutely nothing. This behaviour of ODM is worrying the supporters as it appears that it is an organization which lacks the capacity to protect those who stick their neck out for justice. In simpler terms, it has no teeth.

Kibaki is aware of this game. He has succeeded with this many times. His principle is simple: "Time is the best healer". It is going to be very very difficult for ODM to bring their supporters on the streets after one year of negotiations simply because someone has not become a prime minister. Kibaki is aware of this and is capitalising on it. He knows that Kenyans will very soon care about feeding their children rather than running amoke in the streets for ODM. ODM must therefore start working on resonating with the supporters rather than putting all its eggs in the basket of the international community. It looks like ODM has begun begging the Kibaki governement while they are the ones to be begged. Kibaki is consolidating power very fast and the negotiations are just a buying time tactics. What ODM must do is to use the same time factor to consolidate its base, military support and financial backing. This is what will make it relevant at the negotiation table. As Mutahi Ngunyi said, Kibaki will only listen to someone with a big stick over his head. The question is should ODM look for this stick from somewhere else. My answer is, like Moses, Raila Odinga has the stick, he just doesn't realize how miraculous it can be. He should try using it.

One of the sticks he can use is to balkanize the country. This must be understood in perspective. I do not recommend chasing people of specific communities away, but I believe that regionalisation of Kenya is inevitable. Kibaki and a few people around him want to be in power by all means necessary. It is important to let them have their way but in regions where they command a following. Let ODM declare itself a government in areas where they have support. Isolate the regions that beleieve in Kibaki. Let Kibaki rule central and Eastern because those are the only people who believe in him. I think that is democracy. Because in a democartic rule, one cannnot impose himslef on majority. If the majority is not in agreement then Kibaki must let them go. It is upon ODM to force this to happen. My warning is that if ODM fails to act, splinter rebel groups will start comming up. ODM must save the country fast. Have a backbone ODM. Stamp your feet down. State conditions that Kibaki cannot ignore. While negotiations are going on, consolidate, consolidate, consolidate. That is what Kibaki is doing. Can't you do the same ODM?
 
Barack

------------------

Thank you Barack. It seems that most of what you hoped for was accomplished...

http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143982557&cid=4

"In a nutshell, the deal — which will be entrenched in the Constitution — created the post of an executive prime minister, who will supervise ministers and lead Government in Parliament. It also provides for the sharing of Cabinet positions based on the strength of parties in the House."

Filed under: Kenyan Election Crisis: Negotiations 1 Comment
29Feb/080

RE: One million strong

 

Obama for America  
Annah --

In less than one week, voters across Ohio will head to the polls and cast their votes in the Democratic primary.

This election in Ohio could be a decisive moment in this race -- an opportunity for us to move beyond politics-as-usual and embrace a new vision for Washington and for this country.

I hope you'll take part this weekend in the One Million for Change canvass that is happening across the state.

The work you do reaching out to potential supporters before Primary Day can help make the difference.

Please sign up now and join us:

http://oh.barackobama.com/onemillionforchange

As I've said before, I cannot do this alone.

But together, with a grassroots movement for change that stretches across the country, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Thanks for your support,

Barack

---------Original Message---------

From: Paul Tewes, OH.BarackObama.com
Subject: One million strong

Dear Annah,

One Million for Change canvass I have some exciting news.

Starting this Saturday, March 1st, Obama supporters are launching a One Million for Change canvass across Ohio -- an opportunity to put our amazing grassroots energy to work in support of Barack in the final days before the Ohio primary on March 4th.

We've set a goal of knocking on one million doors between now and Primary Day -- and you can help make it happen.

This canvass will be a great opportunity to reach out to voters face-to-face and help Get Out The Vote for Barack.

Make a commitment to talk to your friends and neighbors about our movement -- sign up for the One Million for Change canvass now:

http://oh.barackobama.com/onemillionforchange

Across the country, we've seen the amazing things that happen when people work together, united behind a common purpose.

Now, we're heading into the March 4th Ohio primary with the most states, the most delegates, and having won the last 11 contests in a row.

This election in Ohio will play an important role in determining the Democratic nominee, and now's the time to make sure as many Ohio voters as possible hear about the kind of change that Barack will bring to Washington.

Be a part of the One Million for Change canvass that is happening in your neighborhood and throughout the state.

No prior experience is required , and I promise this will be an experience of a lifetime. Come out and meet your fellow supporters and talk to people in your community about why you are a part of this movement.

Learn more and sign up to canvass now:

http://oh.barackobama.com/onemillionforchange

Together, we can change America.

See you this weekend,

Paul

Paul Tewes
Ohio State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Early voting is happening at your County Board of Elections office every weekday between now and March 3rd and on the Saturday before the election. Use our online tool to find your early voting location:

http://oh.barackobama.com/OHearlylookup

Here are some things to remember when you go to early vote:

  • All registered voters in Ohio can vote in the Democratic primary.
  • Bring one of the following forms of ID: the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, your Ohio driver's license, a state-issued photo ID, or one of these documents showing your current address -- a utility bill, pay stub, bank statement, or government document.
  • If you have any questions about voting early, call our Ohio hotline at (866) 675-2008 and press 4.

 

This email was sent to: Annah

from "Obama for America" 

RE: One million strong

Filed under: Obama 2008 No Comments
28Feb/080

Odd News of the Day: Inter-Party Violence Over Democratic Primaries in the U.S.

Thanks Orao!  And some thought Kenya was an anomaly... 

We would like to note that these people are actually related! Luckily, this cannot really be considered a Democrat-on-Democrat crime. Otherwise, we would be more worried about whether Democrats will unite in time for November...

 -------------------------------------- 

Personal message:

Please, share this article  with your readers about the intense election contest between: H. Clinton and Obama supporters in  in Democratic primary election in the US.

Orao

-------------------------------------- 

 Stabbing alleged in political dispute

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - Montgomery County authorities say a man stabbed his brother-in-law during an argument over who should get the Democratic nomination for president. What's more, Jose Ortiz, 28, who's charged with felony assault, is a registered Republican.

For the full article, please see
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/odd_primary_stabbing 

Filed under: World News No Comments
28Feb/080

An evil report

From the time the promise was given to the Patriarch Abram, to its fulfillment, a lot of water had gone under the bridge. As you follow what turned out to be the most painful journey, you can’t help but wonder if the generations after have learned any lesson!

Come with me as together we tip toe the painful history of God’s elect. Time and space will only allow for the highlights:

1. Abram and Sarah doubted God’s promises, took matters into their hands, and did that which caused them more pain.

2. The young man Joseph was sold by his own blood brothers as an attempt to hinder him from being their leader.

3. Joseph became the prime minister in a foreign land by God’s providence. He became a savior to his family after many years of suffering

4. Egypt was destroyed by the merciful God when Pharaoh stood on His way to liberate His children.

5. The journey that was supposed to have taken them just one week, took them 40 years.

6. Of the 600,000 people, besides women and children who left Egypt to the Promised Land, only two made it, Joshua and Caleb. The rest were destroyed in the wilderness for what the Bible describes as the "hardness of their hearts." They complained, whined, and tested God to the uttermost. Some were swallowed by the opening of the land due to challenging God’s choice of Moses, as their leader. Even Moses, the meekest man on earth, did not make it to their promised land.

7. When they had come to the borders of the Promised Land, God instructed Joshua to send 12 men to go and spy the land. These were good and able leaders. On their return, 10 of then rendered what the Bible terms “an evil report,” that caused a lot of pain and commotion in the camp. Thank God for Joshua and Caleb, who stood tall and told nothing but the whole truth.
Their resolve saved a situation that would have turned chaotic. That it’s only these two who made it to the Promised Land, underscores the fact that God is mindful of those things that more often than not we tend to regard as minute.

Many years after the story took place and, of course, was recorded for our own benefit, the big question still remains, has any one learned a lesson, any lesson!
Have I? Have You?

What is very clear from the story is this:  Although God in many times acts like He doesn’t care about what goes on in any country or community, there comes a time when He intervenes and acts in a way that leaves no doubts in many peoples’ minds that He is unhappy.

You and I need to tread very carefully when it comes to dealing with God. The classic warning “Do not be deceived: God can not be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7,” remains true to day. Tread carefully, I repeat. Will you?

Just a warning

Pr Birai-612-386-4608
www.themaranathasdachurch.org

Filed under: Birai, INJILI No Comments
28Feb/0810

Creating Wealth for Our Community

JOKA NYAR NAM,

APARO NI MONDO ALOSIE KODU MONDO WANE ANENA KAKA WANYALO BENDO KAA ACHIEL MONDO CHOK PESA MAR LOSO THURWA.  KA WANYALO GOLO $100 NG'ATO KA NG'ATO KUOM JI 100,000 WANYALO CHOKO $10,000,000.  PESA GI NYALO GERO DEPARTMENTAL STORES IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS E THURWA.  ANG'EYO NI JI NYALO PARO TO ERE KA PROJECT MAKA MA NYALO BENDO MANAGED.  AN GI GENO KUOM JOWA NI WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY.  WA NYALO LOSOE DETAILS.  MOKUONGO DAHER MAR WINJO PACH JO THURWA.

RUOTH OBED KODU

MOGENOU

Filed under: WECHE DONGRUOK 10 Comments
28Feb/080

Mass protests called off in Kenya

KIBAKI IS THE DANGER. NEGOTIATIONING IN THE AIR CONDITION ROOM AND FIVE STAR HOTEL ROOM IS WHAT MAKES THE NEGOTIATORS TO CHANGE GOAL POSTS. I WISH THEY CAN SIT NEXT TO WHERE THE DISPLACED ARE SUFFERING. MS KARUA CAN ASK TO END THE ARGUMENT VERY QUICKLY. MUNGIKI MUST GO.

- OPADO

 --------------------------------

Mass protests called off in Kenya

Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga calls off Thursday's mass protests after meeting ex-UN head Kofi Annan.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7266399.stm

Filed under: Kenyan Election Crisis: Negotiations No Comments
27Feb/080

Speaker Marende on a Business Trip in London

 L-R: John Baraza, Hon. Marende (ODM) and Isaac Aluochier; London, Feb. 25, 2008

From left to right: John Baraza, Hon. Marende (ODM) and Isaac Aluochier 

Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:45:35 +0000 (GMT)
From: Isaac A

Dear All,

Newly elected Kenya Parliament Speaker, Hon. Kenneth Marende, is in London, on Parliamentary business. He departs back for Kenya Tuesday 26 February 2008 with the approx. 7 pm Kenya Airways flight departing from Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport. Any Kenyan who desires to meet up with him can do so at the airport terminal at about 5pm. It is difficult to meet him earlier, as he has a day fully scheduled with various parliamentary business meetings, with the last one ending shortly before 4pm.

It is planned, events in Kenya permitting, that Hon. Marende and a cross party team of Kenyan MPs, visit the UK in April for a number of days, and meet up with Kenyans in the process. Details will be availed later, after confirmation.

Regards,
Isaac A

http://www.jaxtr.com/ialuochier

Filed under: Africa News No Comments
27Feb/087

Request for Help in Translating Plant Species from Dholuo to English

Amosi Jaluo wadwa, kibed ka ing'eyo joluo moko manyalo loko na yien gi e dho kisungu. Kindly assist where u can.

Plant Species used for fuel
1.        Osiri
2.        Asao
3.        Kagna
4.        Odagwa
5.        Nyayado
6.        Obino
7.        Ogongo
8.        Nyabende
9.        Kudho
10.        Togo
11.        Omburi

Plants used for making textiles
1.        Odundi
2.        Bao
3.        Kalader

Maureen

Filed under: BARUPE(letters) 7 Comments
27Feb/084

FINAL FUNERAL PROGRAM FOR THE LATE BEATRICE OMORO

Friends,

The following is the rest of the program for the funeral of the late Beatrice Omoro who left us on the night of February 14, 2008 in a tragic accident in Gaithersburg.
 
1. Friday, 29th Feb 2008,  6:00pm - 9:00pm:    Wake Keeping/Viewing:
 
    McGuire Funeral Service
    7400 Georgia Avenue, NW
    Washington DC 20012
    202-882-6600
 
 
2. Friday, 29th Feb 2008, 9:00pm - 4:00am: All invited to Gathering of Family & Friends at:
 
    Langley Park Boys & Girls Club
    1515 Merrimac Drive
    Hyattsville MD, 20783

This gathering has been organized by our friends from Ghana and is most likely to be similar to the one that was held at the same venue on February 23, 2008 (Last Saturday).

3. Saturday, 1 March 2008, 10:00am - 12:00pm: Funeral Service at:
 
    Upper Seneca Baptist Church
    23401 Davis Mills Road
    Germantown MD, 20876
 
4. Saturday 1 March 2008: 1:00 pm: Burial at
 
    All Souls Cemetry
    11401 Brink Road
    Germantown MD, 20876
    301-428-1995

Thank you for the support.

David Opon

Filed under: KUYO 4 Comments
27Feb/0811

Kibaki has completely divided and spoiled Kenya

Kenyans,

Kibaki has completely divided Kenyans. Kenyans who were united 44 years ago and fought for a common goal, our independence. We did achieve our goal then. The problem now is that Kenyans are so much divided that if an invasion does occur like the one IRAQ witnessed when G.W. Bush's forces attacked, I am very much sure that there are a lot of Kenyans who will be ready to join the enemy forces to fight Kibaki`s government.

This old man has divided Kenyans more than any other leader Kenya had during our 44 years of independence. There is no way Kibaki will rule kenya any more. Even the speeches Ms. Rice has made are a very clear indication that Kibaki is going nowhere with all this stupid behaviour. PNU and Kibaki should do something concrete and sacrifice big if they want to lead,  otherwise they are going to lose big. Raila is not the president, he is not even the prime minister, neither is he a minister.  In fact, the position Raila now has is just the MP of Langata who Kibaki rigged of votes . So if we do look at these two people Raila and Kibaki who has anything to lose if Kenya goes to the dogs of war? I do think Kibaki will be the big loser. Raila has nothing to lose now and there is no need for him to keep on backing down. ODM has done all what is possible to have peace in Kenya. Can somebody tell us in this forum what Kibaki has done to bring peace to Kenya? The only peace Kibaki brought was by ordering policemen and Mungiki to shoot to kill. The only peace Kibaki brought is by killing people through Mungiki and policemen, GSU and some  stupid Ugandan GSU.  Who does not know that most of Uganda's things are transported through Kenya and anytime Kenyans disrupt the way, they start shrinking.

I hope Koffi Anna and G.W. Bush really know the person responsible for all this mess. When things go to the dogs of war, I do hope they catch Kibaki alive and take him to Netherlands where Milosovich rested until his burial day.  Kenya will be another glorious country after Kibaki's death or retirement in Netherlands.

Paul Nyandoto

Edited for content by Jaluo Press.

Filed under: Kenyan Election Crisis: Negotiations 11 Comments
27Feb/085

Rice demands action as Kenya talks stall

Kenyans are not fools.  They believe that they are faced with the cruel reality of Kibaki and the Mt Kenya mafia under the Mungiki regime of which they consider a real danger and menace to our beloved country Kenya at the moment.The word danger is very, very big in Kenyans' minds. It means something a normal human being cannot afford to live with. 

The international community are both corrupt and confused so cannot have decisive powers. Annan was invited for a tea-cup and ended falling like a well fed tick. Kenyans knew that they voted for change and Annan's public relations way of kneeling before Kibaki was bound to fail. Kibaki lost the election in the broad daylight and he used the consitution's weakness to have an openly rigged democracy which can't work for the entire nation but only for Mungiki regime. Kenyans needs no permission to exercise their birthright.
Therefore, the only solution is a peacekeeping force to protect Kenyans to ask their right for Kibaki must step aside to give peace a chance to prevail. For resisting may force them to reach the state house for the aim now is that Kibaki and family must go to exile for his safety for we don't have a choice

Opado

Edited for content by Jaluo Press.

----------------------------------
Rice demands action as Kenya talks stall - Yahoo! News

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/kenya_crisis_dc

Filed under: Kenyan Election Crisis: Negotiations 5 Comments
27Feb/080

Condoleeza Rice on Kenya

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman

_______________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                                                                                
February 26, 2008

2008/138

 

Statement by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

 Kenya Political Solution

 

The United States is a strong friend and partner of Kenya.  Since the outset of the electoral crisis, we have urged a political solution  acceptable to the Kenyan people.  The crescendo of peaceful voices  continues to mount from a broad range of civil society organizations,  churches, and directly from the Kenyan people on the need for a political solution. I join my voice to that of the Kenyan people. 
 

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the eminent persons have been engaged in intensive efforts to help the parties achieve a solution. I strongly support those efforts.  Last week President Kibaki and the Honorable Raila Odinga assured me of their commitment to work out a structure for the real sharing of power to govern the country. While some progress has been made, I am disappointed by the failure of leadership necessary to resolve all the remaining issues.  There can be no excuse for further delay. There can also be no excuse for violence, and those responsible must be held accountable.

 
Last week I conveyed to both sides the commitment of President Bush and the United States Government to support a political solution and to provide the additional assistance that Kenyans' will need to rebuild, to reconcile, and to carry out institutional reforms. 

 
I want to emphasize that the future of our relationship with both sides and their legitimacy hinges on their cooperation to achieve this political solution.  In that regard, we are exploring a wide range of possible actions.  We will draw our own conclusions about who is responsible for lack of progress and take necessary steps.  We will also exert leadership with the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, and others to ensure that the political solution the Kenyan people deserve is achieved.

Sent by Elias.

Filed under: Kenyan Election Crisis: Negotiations, World News No Comments
27Feb/083

NYONG’O RESPONDS TO AN ALLEGED ODM STRATEGY DOCUMENT CIRCULATING ON THE INTERNET

The Democratic Party (DP) Secretary-General, George Nyamweya swore an affidavit on 11th January 2008 submitting a document called 'Executive brief on the positioning and marketing of the ODM presidential candidate' as evidence of ODM having prepared the post-election mayhem in advance. I am supposed to have been at the center of this diabolical arrangement. IT IS A LIE, PURE AND SIMPLE. Conceived in September last year by PNU, ignored by us then as a worthless endeavor, it continues to be spread via the internet to tarnish my name. I am now compelled to dismiss it following Nyamweya's
attempt to lend it credibility.

The unfortunate current state of our nation requires that every bit of effort should be directed only at the single most important course - finding lasting peace that will return this nation to the path of prosperity for all. Peace, as we in ODM have said many times since the beginning of this current crisis, and indeed in earlier days, will only be realized when the full truth is told and justice is done. No justice can be done if we allow our political culture to be driven by baseless propaganda.  

But there are people like Nyamweya given to distractive and dangerous gossip and rumour mongering which know no bounds of times and conjectures in the history of our country. Such are the people responsible for producing this document. It bears the word 'confidential' and the date of 8th September 2007. The intention of this desperate propaganda material is cheap and clear. It is crafted to hoodwink Kenyans that the ODM campaign strategy in the last elections entailed the use of violence and whipping up ethnic tensions alongside other aberrations in decent politics.  

This is neither the first nor the only output from the 'dirt unit' of the forces pushing against the people's popular drive for change under the leadership of the ODM. Yet it is the mention of the names of individuals in the party leadership as well as other known personalities in various sections of the Kenyan and international society that compels us to set the record straight. Never mind that the authors of this fabrication had no capacity to even establish the correct full names and titles of some of the public figures named in this disgusting failure of political intrigue.

The contents of this fabrication are at variance with the facts of the ODM campaign strategy as well as the events and entities involved in our campaigns. For instance, as Secretary-General of the party, I did not attend any meeting of a party organ on 8th September 2007. On that date, as the records in my office will show, there was no party organ that met as alleged in the document. Moreover, any inspection of all ODM campaign material will reveal nothing close to this dirty language.

This weak arsenal from the enemy's armoury must be dismissed as a futile attempt to defend the indefensible. It is the work of persons who live under the illusion that truth and fiction are indistinguishable in politics. These are people who continue to live in an island of self denial. They are unable to rise above their prejudices and help us build democracy in our nation. 
 
Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o
Secretary-General, ODM

Sent by George.  Unedited by Jaluo Press.

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27Feb/080

Moi’s Agents Reported to Have Infiltrated ODM, Kipsigis Reject Leadership Inheritance

Kisumu, 26/ 02/ 08
By Leo Odera Omolo
  
THE Orange Democratic Movement members in Ainamoi constituency in Kericho district have appealed to the party’s Pentagon member William Ruto  to exercise some kind of impartiality in line with the movement’s cherished democratic principles.
   
In Kipsigis tradition and culture there is nothing like leadership inheritance, therefore, the residents have asked Hon Ruto to steer clear as far as the forthcoming ODM nomination exercise in the forthcoming by-election to fill the leadership vacuum left by untimely demise of the late Hon David Kimutai Too, the slained former MP elect for the area.
   
The residents have also appealed to the MP for the neighbouring Belgut constituency Hon. Charles Keter to mind his own constituency’s businesses and to leave the electorate  in Ainamoi alone to vote for a candidate of their own choice when the seat is declared vacant by the speaker of Parliament.
   
The residents were reacting to what they termed as unwanted remarks made by both Ruto and Keter during the funeral  of the slain MP at his village home in Chepkoiyo, Ainamoi.
   
Ruto, they claimed, had blundered into making a serious error of judgement when he made a futile attempt to front the late MPs’s younger brother Mr. Benjamin  Too as the most suitable person who would fit into his late brother’s shoes by way of taking the mantle of political leadership in Ainamoi.
   
The residents have also faulted Keter for having exploited the emotion of the mourners to prevent all the other parliamentary aspirants who had contested the election during last December and lost to the late Too from addressing the huge crowd of mourners. This, they said, was a total mockery of democracy.
   
The residents have also appealed to the ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga to tame both Ruto and Keter or risk losing the current nearly man -to -man support the ODM support he (Raila) and the ODM is enjoying among the Kipsigis community.
   
The community had joined Raila Odinga and other democratic forces in taming Daniel Arap Moi by voting for change against the old KANU’s autocratic system previously practiced in Kipsigisland with impunity. As such, they will not allow Ruto and Keter destroy all that they fought for.
   
In December of last year close to 14 parliamentary aspirants contested the Ainamoi seat. Most of them were eliminated during ODM's much flawed preliminaries. Some of them immediately and quickly jumped on the bandwagon of other parties and went on to contest for the seat during the election proper arguing that the former military chief is the most consistent person whose loyalty to the ODM party goes beyond comparison.
   
It has also since emerged that the retired President Daniel Arap Moi and PNU had spent a very colossal amount of money and made other campaign logistics abundantly available to KANU aspirants in nearly all the eight parliamentary seats in futile efforts to dislodge the ODM. But with presentation of the likes of Lt Gen Koech, ODM became unstoppable and sailed through capturing all seats to the chagrin of the retired mentor Moi and his political cronies in Kipsigis land.
   
The forthcoming by-election in Ainamoi could be a test of the political magnanimity of Raila and his colleagues. Residents says they are aware of political maneuvers of Ruto and Keter of supporting youthful political novices in the constituency. Keter in particular is severely criticized for not being comfortable with strong individuals political personalities in Kipsigis land and of playing dirty political brokerage in the area. All these political machinations and schemes are well known to the electorate in Ainamoi.
   
But a few notable ODM stalwarts remained loyal and vigorously campaigned for both the late Too and Raila Odinga.
   
Those notable personalities whose loyalties to the party remained intact include the populist retired fomer deputy CGS Lt Gen John K.Koech, former Kericho mayor Joel Siele, Councilor Rop, Allies Kiplekwet, Eric Sang, Chebosien Rop and Andrew Moritum.
   
Those who defected to other parties include former Minister for Water and Development Eng Kingeno Arap Ngeny, Dr Paul Chepkwony Arap Koros, the immediate former area MP Noah N Too, Mrs Anne Kibet and Kiptanui Kirior.
   
Lt Gen (Rtd) John Koech not only campaigned in Kipsigis land but actually teamed up with other campaigners at the Pentagon and extended his activities to the entire Kalenjin region. He contributed immensely to ODM success in Kipsigisland and also in the Diaspora.
   
A group of public opinion leaders in Ainamoi have come up with the idea which will be presented to Raila Odinga immediately after the seat is declared vacant. They would pressurize Odinga and his Pentagon team to consider the possibility of giving direct ODM nominations to Lt.Gen Koech.
   
Taking into account the gender issue, others argue that Mrs Rehel Yegon could have been a suitable ODM nominee.

    
It has been leaked that apart from Buret MP Franklin Bett, who is credited for having backed the idea of giving the community one slot in the nominations, most Kipsigis MPs did not want anyone to be nominated to Parliament from the region and Hon Keter stands blamed for the apathy.
   
At the Bomas, Lt Gen Koech was chosen to lead the ODM campaign in the South Rift region which also covered Kericho, Buret, Bomet and Kilgoris and part of Molo and Narok, a role which he played with zeal. He had inspired the community who overwhelmingly voted for Raila and ODM MPs and sent PNU and Moi’s agents packing after being given a run for their money.
   
A rumour in the region is that Moi’s agents had succeeded in infiltrating the ODM rank and file. They sponsored ODM candidates in Konoin, Kipkelion, Buret, Bomet and Ainamoi. They sponsored weak candidates to win ODM preliminaries so that they could eventually lose to KANU in the election.  The idea is said to have flopped with a thud.
   
ENDS
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Filed under: Leo Odera Omolo, VILLAGE NEWS No Comments
27Feb/081

KIBAKI’S QUIET MANEUVERS TO WIN SUPPORT OF REGIONAL AND WESTERN LEADERS HAS FLOPPED

Kisumu. 25/02/2008
By Leo Odera Omolo
   
FOR CLOSE TO TWO MONTHS SINCE THE MUCH discredited elections results were announced by the Electoral Commission of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki’s government has stepped up its attempt to mend its damaged and dented image in Africa and abroad in futility.
  
Kibaki has defiantly sent out special envoys to explain the government’s position to foreign leaders and heads of state in order to elicit support and recognition, but all in vain.
   
Last weekend, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka made a hastily arranged visit to Dar Es Salaam where he met with President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania. He then moved on to the Republic of Rwanda to explain the situation to President Paul Kagame.
   
But the Rwandese leader was reported to have been bold enough and told his VIP visitor from Kenya that he was particularly concerned about the Kenyan situation. President Kagame also told Kalonzo that the other EAC member states of Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda were willing to help the Kenyan people, but he did not elaborate as to which way and how soon such help would come.
   
So far, the shuttles of diplomacy seems to have hit the hard rock. Whatever Musyoka's mission was, Kibaki’s bid to reach out to African leaders is yet to bear any meaningful fruit.
   
Very little gains came with the three special envoys Kibaki had sent to African leaders more than one month ago to brief them on the political crisis that has consumed the lives of close to 1000 Kenyans. The envoys were fully and adequately briefed to explain “the genuine situation on the ground in the country."
   
The first of these series of diplomatic shuttles took Kalonzo Musyoka to the Whitehall in the UK and later on to Washington to brief the US officials, especially the US Congress.
   
Musyoka and his team were received in a low-key welcome in both London and Washington. The delegation was shocked to learn that Kenyans living in the diaspora have formed various strong and influential lobby groups,which had already briefed both the UK and US governments adequately on the situation on the ground.
   
The heads of states for EAC countries, save for Uganda’s Yuweri Museveni are closely watching the events from a safe distance.
   
Museveni is the only one who hastily congratulated Kibaki upon his re-election. He is also said to have been instrumental in kick-starting the mediation talks, but he could not go far due to the suspicion which persisted within the opposition ODM. The party, according to sources in Nairobi, has never been  comfortable with his involvement on account of his poor record at home in Uganda.
   
Two weeks ago, an Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD)  Heads of State summit that was to be held in Kenya and chaired by Kibaki was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour following the protest by  the ODM which had threatened to call for fresh mass action.
   
Currently, there is very little information on what an ealier mission to the Tanzania capital by the Kenyan Minister for Local Government Uhuru Kenyatta, former Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju, Education Minister Prof. George Saitoti and the new Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula achieved.
   
Sources have divulged that Uhuru Kenyatta's mission to Dar Es Salaam was a big flop. Uhuru, according to these sources, is said to have been kept waiting for hours by President Jakaya Kikwete and, finally, the two did not meet at all. So Mr Kenyatta returned home a very disappointed man.
   
Wetangula made a surprise visit to Ghana where he met President John Kufuor. He later bragged that his visit to Accra was fruitful. But when Kufuor, who by then was also the reigning Chairman of the African Union (AU) visited Nairobi, the welcome which was accorded to him was not enthusiastic enough to the expectation of many Kenyans..
   
At that juncture, Kibaki hurriedly named half of the Cabinet just when it was thought Kufuor’s visit would initiate the international intervention that ODM was banking on.
   
Musyoka’s visit to Kigali came in the wake of President Paul Kagame’s suggestion that a military intervention would end the post election crisis, a remark which did not go down well with the hardliners in the Kibaki government.
   
Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Charles Mwrigande, who also attended the meeting, said his country was economically and physiologically concerned about what was happening in Kenya.
   
The Minister was quoted by  the government press as saying that “seeing the brutality with which Kenyans were being killed in Kenya was a night mare to Rwanda because it was similar to what was happening in Rwanda during the genocide despite the difference in magnitude.
   
Upon his return to Nairobi, Musyoka will this week fly out to Kampala in yet another diplomatic mission to brief President Yoweri Museveni on the situation on the ground at home.
   
Meanwhile, fears have gripped the region that the current political instability in Kenya was likely to affect the entire region, including countries in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa as well as those in the Horn. Their concern runs the ground of political stability, economic development, relative with other nations and the world as well as the search for democracy.
   
During her brief diplomatic shuttles in Kenya last week the US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice did not mince words. She reminded PNU and ODM of America’s war on terror and of suspected Al Qaeda activities in neighbouring Somalia which is struggling to establish a central government after 17 years of civil war.
  
Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Edited by Jaluo Press.
  

Filed under: East African Community News, HEADLINES, Leo Odera Omolo 1 Comment
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