NIGERIA: THE TSUNAMI CALLED NEO-COLONIALISM.
(AFRICA’S FUTURE CONTINUES TO BE AS BLEAK AS EVER)
By NAIWU OSAHON
Take what the G8 policies have done to Nigeria, for example. Gowon’s military regime in the early 70s structured corruption into governance by importing junk of every conceivable nature; sand, broken bottles, toothpicks and (because European shit is superior to ours), European excrement as fertilizers with the active systematic nudging of the IMF, World Bank and WTO (tagged globalization), to usurp our sudden oil windfall of the era, and get the chance to divert the crumbs received from foreign exporters as agents into their (Gowon and his cronies in power) individual private accounts in Europe. With our foreign earnings from oil exports all returning to Europe to buy rubbish or to idle away in private foreign accounts, more and more of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, began to chase after fewer and fewer US dollars and so began to loose value.
Obasanjo as military Head of state 1976-1979, gallantly resisted IMF and World Bank interference (called SAP, Structural Adjustment Programme), in our economic affairs, although without putting a viable alternative economic programme in place. Shehu Shagari as President between 1979 and 1983 robustly expanded without qualms, on the Gowon’s regime culture of day light looting of the treasury and squandermania, by overwhelming us with more importation of rubbish and the cement and rice deluge, to divert staggering wealth into their individual private accounts abroad and punish us with a debilitating national debt load of over US$18 billion.
We were already a failed state when Buhari (the military leader who ousted Shagari’s regime in December 1983) provided a home-grown alternative to the IMF’s SAP. It was to maintain a strong Naira at approximately one to the US$1.50. Stop all further borrowing from abroad and institute counter trade for essential or desperately needed commodities. Buhari put an upper limit on our foreign exchange earnings used in servicing foreign debts. Rejected all the dubious and unverifiable debts and in less than three years in power, reduced our debt burden by nearly 50%.
Even Britain was already scheming to enter into counter trade agreement with Nigeria when Babangida was sponsored in 1986 by the West to sack Buhari in a military coup and reverse our gains. America, Britain and the other leading western nations hailed Babangida’s coup and immediately sent emissaries to strategize with him. President Reagan went out of his way to send him gifts including books such as Niccolo Machiavelli’s: the Prince, advocating the destruction of civil freedom to strengthen despotism.
Babangida, who promptly crowned himself the Prince of the Niger, pretended to allow a debate on SAP. The masses rejected the IMF programme but Babangida went along with the IMF all the same and instituted what he described as his version of SAP. Babangida’s SAP re-launched our re-colonization in earnest. His leading architects of SAP were two World Bank and IMF trained experts. Chief Idika Kalu and Chief Olu Falae who argued that our economy would collapse without SAP. Our economy promptly collapsed despite SAP.
Babangida entrenched corruption as a way of life on a massive scale and fostered the previously unheard of illegal drug trade and the notorious 419 (the legal code for financial fraud), culture. Babangida compounded our foreign debt crisis by recalling and accepting the Buhari regime’s rejected and cancelled dubious debts and between 1986 and 1991 piled up over US$30 billion foreign debt through dubious contracts, over invoicing and the importation of non-essential services and commodities including toxic waste. He did not bother to service the debt and between him, Abacha and their cronies in office diverted over USA $200 billion, including our USA12.2 billion oil windfall during Babangida’s regime, into their foreign accounts by 1996, buying up posh estates all over Europe.
Babangida alone allegedly garnered over USA $35 billion with which he now cows our politics. He owns estates all over Europe and one of the grandest estates in the world, in Egypt. Babangida’s SAP protagonists told us that we needed to increase our foreign currency earnings to be able to pay our strangulating foreign debts, import more goods and, of course, technology that use foreign raw materials and spare parts to stay in operation. SAP, we were told ensures increased foreign exchange earnings by liberalizing trade and (scandalously) marginalizing the naira to enhance our export capabilities. Sheer jargon because, the liberalizing business turned out to be a one-way trap. A vicious circle in effect, encouraging us to export more at low prices to import more at high prices because foreigners dictate the prices and no matter what we do, we always end up the debtors.
Our IMF African gurus argued further that after all, the Japanese yen is 120 or so to the dollar. What they concealed from us is that Japan is an export dependent country. They have no raw material. Their export is totally based on what they manufacture. They sell cheap to compete. They fixed the yen deliberately that way from inception, with local values in mind; same way as a hundred British shillings was fixed to produce one pound. In other words, the yen was worth about a shilling relatively from start. The yen didn’t just jump overnight from 1 to 120 to the dollar as African economies were forced to do by the IMF? When the yen wobbles a fraction or two downward in strength, the Japanese government panics and moves close to declaring a national emergency. In general, the yen gets stronger against the dollar yearly and the current projection is that it would exchange 115 to the dollar two years from now.
It would be a miracle if the naira has not jumped from its current 150 to a new rate of 1,000 to the dollar by then because it volts abnormally downward only.
That is how the Ghanaian cedi catapulted to 9, 060 to the dollar in thirty years. The government could hardly pay teachers salaries. They collateralized their gold mines to the West to keep afloat. Without regular foreign aids and donors support, budgets would not balance yearly. Although the current civilian government has tried significantly to tackle the economic problems they inherited, the people are still so poor and helpless they are, like other Africans in Africa, dying out gradually from starvation.
The foreigners we are trying to pacify are not investing in our economies. Of course, they are grabbing our forced privatized parastatals like the airways, power and steel, oil, mines, communications to consolidate their control mechanisms and our total emasculation. Why should they invest in the other sectors to earn our worthless currencies?
No one needs to bring money from abroad to do business in Nigeria; rather Indian and Lebanese traders are operating illegal private banks from several bases around the country. Some of the bases in Apapa, a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria, for instance, are well known to the security personnel who even patronize them. The foreigners have no respect for our laws because they are fronts for our leaders and retired generals and where that fails, they can buy off law enforcement agents. Indians and the Lebanese are printing the local currency (naira) illegally to buy up privatized industries and our hard earned dollars to send home.
During the week-ending 24th June 2001, a senior government official (Chief Bode George) who was the Chairperson of our ports announced (and as expected quickly denied it the following day) that five container loads of Nigeria’s new N500 notes were impounded at the Apapa ports by the Nigerian customs. That kind of money (obviously in trillions of naira) would be enough to wipe out Nigeria’s hundred years oil sales revenue in one swoop and oil is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy. The illegal currencies were reported to be as good as our genuine ones and the owners would have been in a position to pay a thousand, two thousand or even a million naira of it to buy a dollar. Even if they spent one million dollars to print it, they could buy millions of dollars with it to take out.
The only group of people making it, apart from the foreign manufacturers exporting obsolete products to us and the Indian and Lebanese crooks in our midst; are our banks round tripping on the exchange rate scheme; retired rogue leaders living off their loot; senior government officials siphoning our resources into their private accounts abroad; their relations favoured with plum government contracts that are paid for without performance; drug barons and the 419 (con-men) kingpins. Nothing productive is going on right now in our society. We still import everything from sand, toxic waste, European excrement as fertilizers, toothpicks and broken bottles just to earn the opportunity to export dollars. The middle class has been completely wiped out. All we are left with are the rogues and the very poor.
The people determining the exchange rate are, of course, the rogues from the unproductive sector of the economy. They are the ones with access to bank’s bidding facilities for foreign exchange allocations. These are armchair opportunists working off their briefcases. They don’t employ staff, need office accommodation or pay taxes. Every naira they corner, they convert into dollars immediately and transfer abroad.
These are the people determining the fate of the exchange rate courtesy of the IMF and the World Bank. The ordinary everyday Nigerian worker, doctor, lawyer, teacher, secretary, market woman, taxi driver, roadside mechanic etc do not make any contribution to the determination of the value of the naira. And yet, they work very hard, so hard that they are the most stressed people in the world, just to earn N100 a day to buy less than a dollar’s worth of value.
It takes less than five seconds for the average worker to earn a dollar in the USA but the Nigerian needs to work a day or two for it because the West wants him to remain ever dependent on them. Today, you need to work 150 times as hard in Nigeria as you would in the USA to earn a lousy dollar. It is the dollar that determines the value of local products. Every one is calculating prices by it, traders, contractors, prostitutes, since the government trades with it and values it more than the naira, thanks to the IMF and the World Bank. A whole day’s wage (which is five seconds wage in the USA) can only buy two jerricans of garri now or four ripe plantains. How can that be value for labour and for exchanging the naira? No one can feed himself and his family that way. Not all of us have jobs so, a day’s work for a lousy meal a day per person is sending all of us to our early graves.
Economic experts from around the world often paraphrase their economic theories with: “all things being equal.” Our IMF and World Bank trained African financial wizards interpret this with their heads buried in the sand because it is obvious even to the most illiterate person that all things are not equal in African economies. We are often one-export product economies. The buyer insists we drastically devalue our currencies because that is the only way we can compete. Compete to do what? We do not manufacture anything. They would not allow us and when they do, they say ours are substandard and put all sorts of regulations to bar our entry into their markets. They have cartels like the EU. They insist we throw our markets open, the world trade trick, and flood us with so much of their junk and rejects, we don’t have time to think of competing anyway.
All we have to sell of our own are raw materials and they fix prices and pay in their currencies. They force us to trade in their currencies. Our governments, banks everybody trades in the foreign currencies. The local currencies respond by continually falling in value (like a discarded bride) to catch the scarce “real” money coming from abroad.
Nigeria, for example, after paying over US $40 billion (N54 trillion) over the years, was still owing $34 billion (N46 trillion) in 2005 for a debt of $19 billion (N11.7 billion) made up largely of interests and penalty charges in 1985, so who is the fool, the IMF and the World Bank or Nigeria? The latest we hear is that the Paris Club and the IMF have tricked Nigeria into parting with US$12.4 billion in virtually one swoop from her recent oil windfall to close the books on the US$19 billion debt that had already consumed over US$40 billion in payments to the Paris Club. At the rate they are manipulating us, we would continue to be indebted to our colonial masters for another one million years even if we never borrowed a dime from them again.
Because of the gross marginalization of the naira, our economy is comatose. Most factories have closed down. The few still in business are operating at below 20% of installed capacity, resulting in massive unemployment. Warehouses are full of unsold goods. All our infrastructural facilities have broken down. It is too expensive to replace them or buy spare parts. Hospitals have no drugs and no new hospitals are being built. Nurses are not being paid on time and receive pittance when paid. Doctors have become government contractors to survive, neglecting their professional callings.
Our educational system is in shambles. When not closed down, there are no books or teaching aids. They are too expensive to procure. No one can afford to buy books and no one is reading except the Bible and the Koran, which are dumped in millions of copies on us free of charge to keep us ever illiterate and subservient to them. Most teachers have even migrated abroad to more lucrative jobs. Thousands of our youths are unemployed and thousands more waste away at home because schools are closed for a year for every month they open. The most actively pursued business by Nigerians right now is the visa to jump out of the Nigerian sinking ship.
Social services are nothing to write home about. Roads are impassable for potholes and floods. We queue for days on end to buy petrol wasting otherwise valuable man-hours in the process. We have no drinking and cooking water in most homes, no electricity generally for months at a time and yet the authorities are threatening to increase their tariffs.
Telephones are a luxury, they are not for the poor, remarked David Mark when he was Minister of Communications in Babangida’s regime and yet telephones are unreliable. The rogue elite minister, with one of the world’s best gulf courses in the US, wakes up one morning as communications boss and jerks up telephone tariffs by some 700%. Why should our leadership hijackers care if the poor are eating from the dustbin? It is our fate. We are eating something anyway, so telephone companies bleed us dry over epileptic, low quality services.
The typical Nigerian family on a monthly salary of N5,000 spends upward of N3, 000 a month on GSM tariffs (which currently are the highest tariffs in the world) and that is only by perfecting the flash, call me back, and SMS text cultures. People unable to feed themselves or their immediate families, or pay school fees or house rents are going about begging for loans for GSM credit vouchers. It costs a day’s average wage to post an ordinary letter by air abroad and still the letter gets stolen or tampered with before destination.
We are under severe siege as a people thanks to the IMF and the World Bank’s marginalization of the naira. Fear now rules our daily lives. Ugly, harrowing fear of the known and unknown. When we go out in the mornings, we are not sure we would return home safely and with our cars, bikes and other properties, including even the shoes on our feet or the earrings in our ears. If we are lucky to arrive to find our homes unraided in our absence, we sleep with one eye open expecting the worst any moment of the night. In other words, we do not sleep any more, and psychologists must have a thing or two to say about the consequences of lack of sleep on our ability to perform daily chores. The orchins controlling our lives are no longer the illiterate, no-good, lay-abouts of yester-years but generally smart looking, well educated and spoken people who could pass any day for bank executives. They are graduates of our higher educational institutions unable to find employment for as many as 8 to 20 years.
Societal values have completely broken down. Marriages are dissolving as soon as they are contracted. Children have lost respect for their hapless parents who can neither protect them nor provide their basic needs. Hard won earnings can no longer buy simple everyday necessities of life, not even garri, our staple food, let alone encourage us to aspire to own a car or a home in a lifetime. Many wives are prostituting to help families make do with the one measly meal a day now available to only a few in society. Many of our daughters leave their university dormitories at night to hawk their bodies to pay school fees and feed. The boys hold up banks, petrol stations during daylight and whole communities at night in convoys and formations reminiscent of military operations, all to make ends meets.
Armed robbers kill just for the fun of it and to watch us agonize in pains. Dead bodies are everywhere. On the streets and in open graves, deliberately piled in sadistic heaps to poison the atmosphere. Lying, cheating, pulling tricks have become virtues and friends and neighbours are usually the first casualties. No one and nothing is spared in the new culture of destruction instigated by the World Bank and the IMF. Suicides have become common place and obituaries are largely about people in their 30s to 50s. The supposed productive age in society.
Our present worthless, nasty, violent life has infested our kids and will infest theirs also like a virus without cure because no one has the courage and vision to put a stop to our rot and gradual disintegration. Recently, thousands of Africans, including Nigerians, died from Meningitis. A few months earlier, a strange Ebola disease ravished lives in Zaire and Cote d’ Ivore.
After the Russian (Chernobyl) nuclear disaster of April 26, 1986, farm products, including cow milk contaminated with nuclear debris and radioactivity, earmarked for destruction were secretly repackaged and dumped in Africa for profit. Nuclear contaminated Russian liquid milk surfaced in Africa as powdered milk under a variety of labels causing strange ailments, suffering, pains and deaths since. For the Group of 8, it is business as usual. Generally, foreign based institutions and NGO’s rushing to our aid from abroad are not in the know about the secret strategy behind the strange and deadly diseases. Often the aid is no more than medicine after death anyway.
NAIWU OSAHON, Hon. Khu Mkuu (Leader) World Pan-African Movement); Ameer Spiritual (Spiritual Prince) of the African race; MSc. (Salford); Dip.M.S; G.I.P.M; Dip.I.A (Liv.); D. Inst. M; G. Inst. M; G.I.W.M; A.M.N.I.M. Poet, Author of the magnum opus: ‘The end of knowledge’. One of the world’s leading authors of children’s books; Awarded; key to the city of Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Honourary Councilmanship, Memphis City Council; Honourary Citizenship, County of Shelby; Honourary Commissionership, County of Shelby, Tennessee; and a silver shield trophy by Morehouse College, USA, for activities to unite and uplift the African race.
Naiwu Osahon, renowned author, philosopher of science, mystique, leader of the world Pan-African Movement.
Kenya: Who is demonizing the Church Leaders?
After failing to convince the government and the people of Kenya on why they are saying NO to the proposed constitution, the Church Leaders are becoming desperate and seeing phantoms.
They have come up with a new twist that they are being demonized. By who, how and where? I would be in the front line to defend them against such persons.
If someone says NO to the proposed constitution and you ask him to defend why he is saying NO, and he gives NO convincing answers, how does that constitute to you being demonized?
Let us take the case of the Kadhi's Courts. If we say NO because of this, we still have it in the current constitution. How will we have solved the problem?
If we say NO because of the Abortion Clause, we will still live with it in the current constitution.
But what is interesting, why hate your neighbour and his religion all of a sudden when we have lived harmoniously for ever? The Kadhi's Courts and the clause on abortion have been with us all along and they have neither multiplied nor reduced the number of sufurias in my house.
They have never made us fight and kill each other.
They have never made us rape our mothers and sisters.
They have never made us stop stealing.
They have never made us stop being corrupt.
They have never made our roads motorable.
They have never made us to collect the garbage that is choking Nairobi.
They have never.....
So, how do you say that you are being demonized on your account of saying NO?
These are desperate attempts by the Church Leadership to sow seeds of discord amongst our people. These are desperate attempts by the Church Leadership to insight
Kenyans against each other.
After realizing that they are on their on on this NO campaign, or rather, with people who never believed in a new Kenya, the Church Leadership is now treading on the verge of Christian Fundamentalism, and this, we must not accept.
Christ came to sow seeds of unity, not disunity. And the Church Leadership must be condemned with the full force of the word.
Odhiambo T Oketch
Uganda: Museveni, a peace maker or a trouble maker?
By Douglas O. Majwala.
I have a concern about trend of affairs in the EAC more especially with regard to political integration in the future. One thing is latent in would be leadership of this unification, and this involves H.E. Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda. All signs are that Museveni is on a blueprint to become the first king of this sub-continent. He is determined and is on a drawing board and is not even known whether others watch this carefully.
Museveni a once guerrilla combatant could have only feared celebrity like the late Mwl. Nyerere who had the guts to silence and reduce to nothing [low profile] those who wanted to rise through barbaric means that could have tarnished the image of independent Africa and destabilize her peace, tranguility and progress.
Recent geological expert reports of Uganda's affluence in liquid gold [oil] makes Museveni heady and has reportedly started importing heavy duty ultra-modern air fighters for unknown ends and that which even the neighbours bother not to be vigilant about the project.
Museveni's trait is beyond tolerance. In no way he would convince any reasonable mind that he is serene whilst the world has entered him in its record of war loving lots and has vowed to remain alert and cautious of him considering his questionable international relations. He has ever had soured diplomatic ties with his neighbours with whom he is trying to form an integration [EAC] e.g. Rwanda, DRC, Kenya, Southern Sudan let alone his own people LRA and the recent Buganda Kingdom poor relationship with his government which does not qualify him to be a truely peoples' leader [he is a least peace maker but more of a trouble maker].
The bully Museveni is dreaming and determined to become an East African superpower at a time when his colleagues in the intergration easily let this go without questioning it for their own individual countries destiny.
EAC should have carried aloft the security agenda for her lasting peace. Late Mwl. Nyerere once said “Tanzania will not consider itself free if other African countries are still tormenting in the yoke of colonialism”. Likewise EAC should follow Mwl’s philosophy by not considering itself a community if other colleagues / comrades are still agonized by LRA, INTERAHAMWE and possibly Somali invasion in north eastern Kenya and some parts of wealthy Tanzania.
Rorya Tanzania.
majwalaoriko@yahoo.co.uk
USA: Re: Press Release: World Religious Leaders Condemn Terrorism at Baku Summit
forwarded by lattif shaban
--- Dr. William F. Vendley wrote:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ms. Andrea Louie, Religions for Peace
New York, USA
Tel: (+1) 212-687-2163
alouie@religionsforpeace.org
Senior Religious Leaders of Different Faiths
Condemn Terrorism and Misuse of Religion
—World Council Co-Presidents from Religions for Peace are among delegates from 32 countries at Baku interfaith Summit —
(NEW YORK, 29 April 2010)—Co-Presidents from the World Council of Religions for Peace, the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, were among the senior religious leaders from 32 countries who this week condemned terrorism and any attempts to use religion for destructive purposes.
The senior religious leaders from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Hindu, and Muslim faith traditions were attending the World Summit of Religious Leaders on 26–27 April 2010, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The religious leaders spoke about their concern regarding extremism, terrorist acts, the use of weapons of mass destruction, human rights violations, and drug abuse.
Among those present providing leadership to Religions for Peace were Co-Presidents of its World Council: H.E. Prof. Dr. Ali Bardako?lu, President, Presidency of Religious Affairs, Turkey; His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, Armenian Apostolic Church; and The Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, Director of External Affairs, Orthodox Church in America and Moderator of Religions for Peace. One of the conveners of the summit was His Holiness Kirill I, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and a former Religions for Peace Co-President.
“People who sow death and destruction attempt to use religious slogans to conceal their objectives,” the religious leaders said in a statement. “In present conditions, the cooperation of traditional religious communities becomes more and more vital. The responsibility for the future of the world motivates us to declare together that compromises in the choice between sin and goodness are inadmissible and to stand together against egoism, violence and enmity.”
A full text of the Baku statement may be found here.
http://religionsforpeace.org/news/press/press-release-world-summit.html
The Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky's remarks at the summit are below.
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Greeting to the World Summit of Religious Leaders
Baku, Azerbajan
26-27 April 2010
The Very Reverend Leonid Kishkovsky
Moderator
Religions for Peace
On behalf of Religions for Peace, I bring greetings to the organizers and participants of the World Summit of Religious Leaders. The initiative of His Holiness Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia and His Eminence Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslim Board and Chief of the Advisory Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States, taken in the framework of the Interfaith Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), is an important, valuable, and timely initiative. Its significance goes far beyond the Caucasus region and beyond the Commonwealth of Independent States. The World Summit has a global importance. Its voice will be heard globally.
Religions for Peace, as a global alliance and fellowship of religious communities and inter-religious councils stands in solidarity with the Interfaith Council of the CIS, which is a most valuable partner in the Religions for Peace alliance.
As we reflect on the theme of "Globalization, Religion, Traditional Values," we seek to articulate and to put into action the religious, spiritual, and moral resources of the great religious traditions in the context of the challenges of our time.
Globalization sometimes is understood - or rather misunderstood - as a process which leads to the blending of faiths and religious traditions. Such blending would violate the integrity of the religious traditions, depriving them of their spiritual power. It is the calling of each religious community to affirm the fullness of its faith. It is also the callling of each religious community to respect the other religious communities. Adherence to these two principles is necessary in order to achieve the collaboration of religious communities in building a peaceful and just world.
There is power and effectiveness in multi-religious collaboration. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one of us can accomplish alone. Multi-religious cooperation for peace can in many situations be more powerful - both symbolically and substantively - than the efforts of individual religious groups acting alone. The witness to peace and to the overcoming of fear, hostility, and violence is always made stronger when religious communities of different faiths act together.
The symbolic strength arises when multi-religious cooperation helps to prevent or stop conflicts that can - directly or indirectly - involve different religious communities. Symbolic actions by religious leaders can open the way to reconciliation and peace.
The substantive strength arises when cooperation helps diverse religious communities to address common challenges together, offers them creative ways to take advantage of their different strengths, and positions them for partnerships with others.
In each religious tradition there are teachings and narratives which mandate respect and love for one’sneighbor. This respect and love extend to persons and communities beyond each religious, national ,or ethnic circle. The teaching to respect and love the "other" is not a suggestion or option, it is a radical commandment and a mandate for action.
Meetings, conferences; and indeed, this World Summit of Religious Leaders, are not only words. They are events and actions which build trust, and which strengthen the voices of communities of faith. Religion is often enough co-opted, even manipulated and high-jacked, for political purposes and malevolent ends. Inter-religious collaboration helps to resist this cooptation and manipulation, helps to protect the integrity of religious communities and the authenticity of religious faith and action.
Religious communities and states and their governments have different and quite distinct identities, mandates, and capacities. Cooperation between them should respect these differences, even as it helps us all to build the peace for which our hearts hunger.
Religious faith and religious communities can translate the moral imperative of love of the neighbor into a political vision of "shared security." Today, my security depends on your security. If you are vulnerable and insecure, I am also vulnerable and insecure. This is not only an insight into the personal dimension of the human condition. It is also applicable to states and nations and societies.
The global family of religious communities in the framework of the World Conference of Religions for Peace welcomes and affirms this World Summit of Religious Leaders. The initiative in convening the World Summit in Baku is an important stage in the journey - the pilgrimage - of religious leaders and religious communities towards deeper dialogue, mutual trust, and common action for peace.
RELIGIONS FOR PEACE—the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition—advances common action among the world’s religious communities for peace. Religions for Peace works to transform violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious societies, and protect the earth. The global Religions for Peace network comprises a World Council of senior religious leaders from all regions of the world; six regional inter-religious bodies and more than seventy national ones; and the Global Women of Faith Network and Global Youth Network.
777 United Nations Plaza | New York, NY 10017 USA | Tel: +1 212-687-2163 | Fax: +1 212-983-0098 | www.religionsforpeace.org
Kenya: Raira is the man to beat in Meru
forwarded by Kuria-Mwangi
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http://www.kuria-mwangi.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/kjmwangi
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By MAORE ITHULA
That President Kibaki is headed for retirement in 2012 when his second term expires is not in doubt, but the reality may be a hard pill for many Meru voters.
During an interview with a cross-section of leaders from the region last week, The Standard on Sunday established the situation on the ground is that of uncertainty, and most MPs prefer to remain silent on many national issues for political self-preservation.
Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders Chairman Paul M’Ethingia concedes residents are politically confused.
Due to this, he says, the council is taking steps to give the community direction in time for the 2012 General Election.
"Yes, there is political uncertainty and we are meeting to map out a strategy. Even now, I’m in a meeting and cannot make detailed comments on this issue until we are through with consultations."
Mr Phares Ruteere, the council’s secretary, says the elders are working round the clock in search of a way forward.
Voting pattern
Ruteere says: "Yes, it is true that people from this area are like headless chicken now that Kibaki is retiring. Everybody is on his/her own. Anybody with a national outlook can get votes from the larger Meru today. After 10 years, I’m sure people will vote with their conscience come the next General Election."
Traditionally, the council has always leaned towards the Government. Even during the Kanu era, when Kibaki’s DP had the Meru region as its political bedrock, Njuri Ncheke elders could not sway voting pattern.
While it is widely believed the Ameru always vote with their Kikuyu cousins, leaders from the area say Meru voters have always had a soft spot for Kibaki and not any politician from Central Province can win their support. Tigania West MP Kilemi Mwiria, who is also Education Assistant Minister, sees the situation a little differently. He says the Meru electorate will obviously vote with their conscience and none of the presidential aspirants — Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta — can get majority vote from the region.
"It is clear people of this region are actually in political disorder. In the prevailing situation, each of the three top contenders (Raila, Uhuru and Kalonzo) have a significant fraction of sympathisers. However, I cannot say which one among them would be a clear winner if elections were called today. Come 2012, the outcome will be determined by how each of them will conduct their campaigns."
Former Tharaka MP Murago Mwenda is confident Raila will take the Tharaka vote.
He says: "I have been watching politics of Meru and Central Province alliances for a long time. Ameru are always taken for granted by Central politics. Apart from Imenti, I do not think there is a Mumeru who will vote alongside Central Province in future. Actually, Mt Kenya becomes flat every time there is a political issue affecting our cousins. But when there is something beneficial, the mountain grows tall to separate the two communities. This must end."
Former Igembe MP Joseph Muturia says Meru voters have always supported Kibaki because he is "an admirable neighbour".
Rights activist-cum-politician Thiakunu Mwirabua of Ntonyiri constituency agrees. He says residents of the larger Meru are likely to be uncomfortable with voting even for Uhuru Kenyatta.
The medic says: "Uhuru is from the same region as Kibaki. However, I do not think he will inherit Kibaki votes from this area come the next elections."
Mr Cyprian Kubai, a retired banker and businessman, concurs. Says Kubai: "I dare say Kibaki’s votes will be taken by Prime Minister Raila Odinga at least if elections are called today. My view is borne out of sheer reality rather than partisan politics because I’m a local businessman who meets people regularly."
Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara is even bolder. He says although he does not necessarily believe Raila will be the most popular in the area come 2012, the PM is the person to beat for presidential votes in Meru.
However, Imanyara goes further to point out although the Ameru are politically lonely for entirely different reasons, central Kenya voters are equally forlorn because it is clear none of their own will make it to State House in the next polls.
Political landscape
Says Imanyara: "People from this region did not vote for Kibaki because he is a Kikuyu. They did so for the person. Otherwise, why did they not vote for Kenneth Matiba as a bloc in 1992 when it was the case in Central?"
Lawyer David Pius Mugambi, a former Imenti South parliamentary candidate, says for the first time, people from the region have changed their mindset to support a person from a different region.
Says he: "From my observation, I have established that the youth are changing the political landscape in Meru. If Raila’s name will be on the ballot paper on the presidential slot in the next elections, people from this area will vote for him."
Mugambi cites Raila’s tour of Meru last month as an indication of growing support for the PM.
Kenya: Secret appointments: Foreign Envoys
Sent by Betty Otieno
By STANDARD REPORTER
When last October Government posted diplomats to missions abroad, there was uproar because most of them were either relatives of senior politicians or election losers.
State officials are at it again and the secrecy this time round is higher than before and style of appointment and induction of the lucky few more questionable.
For a start, our enquiries found out, only about five senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could be privy to what is going on, the full list, as well as destination of the lucky lot and fate of those recalled. It turned out Government is training 14 people who will soon be posted to embassies abroad, through an arrangement with a local university that hosts an institute of diplomacy.
Our sources, whose request for anonymity we respect because they were not cleared to speak on the appointments, said only Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula, Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura and Foreign Affairs PS Thuita Mwangi know the details of the upcoming postings.
It is believed President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are the other two people in Government in the know.
The confidential sources in Government revealed some of those undergoing training for posting include Dave Arunga, a former personal assistant to Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Constitution of Kenya Review Commissioner Nancy Barasa, a respected lawyer, who is said to command professional respect from Wetangula; and Ken Osinde, a senior official at the College of Insurance. He was also at one time a member of former Cabinet Simeon Nyachae’s think-tank. Also said to have clinched one of the slots is Peter Salim Ndemo, a retired Public Service Commissioner said to be related to Information PS Bitange Ndemo.
Bonding session
It is was, however, not clear if the senior politicians and State officials against whose names their appointment were being bandied, played any role in their appointments.
The sources revealed the identity of those being trained was a closely guarded secret. So much that even senior officials invited to their induction, which first started in a Nairobi hotel before moving to Mombasa this week, were not aware who they were going to meet.
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000008758&cid=4&ttl=Secret%20appointments
Part of the excursion outside Nairobi usually is to allow bonding and getting them to know their country better, but in this case they are in a formal workshop whose hallmark is also secrecy and privacy.
Little is said about how they were selected, where they are headed, and their special kills. It is believed their appointments were patterned along an agreement between the President and Prime Minister’s office that at least half of the envoys must be career diplomats and the other lot political appointees.
Several career diplomats — including Benson Ogutu, Josephine Owuor, Anthony Andanje, Anthony Muchiri, Bill Kimaru, Josephine Ngeisa and Karimi Kaberia — could also be headed for foreign missions.
The envoys are said to be awaiting President Kibaki’s return from China before they get their appointment letters and official send off.
The new envoys are set to replace 14 ambassadors who were recalled recently. Over 115 junior staff were also recalled from missions abroad, but it was not clear if their positions have been filled or how it would be done.
No response
Efforts to get official comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed. Even after being called and sent electronic messages, Wetangula and Thuita did not respond.
The diplomats who were recalled include Sospeter Machage (Russia), Mutuma Kathurima (Germany), Ann Nyikuli (Italy), Mwakai Kikonde Sio (Spain), Lazarus Amayo (Zambia), and the vocal ambassador to the US Rateng Oginga Ogego. Sources said they should report back by May 17.
An investigation by The Standard established the training venue for the new envoys was changed from Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nairobi’s Upper Hill to Mombasa, when the training was mid-way.
Inquiries at the ministry on why the training was shifted to Mombasa did not yield any answers, but it is believed it is because the media got wind of the upcoming diplomatic posting.
On Thursday, Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka who was said to be on the way to Mombasa to close the induction said he could not discuss the issue when his comment was sought.
Controversial postings
Last October’s controversial postings caused a stir because those who benefited included Raila’s sister Wenwa Akinyi, Consulate-General in Kenyan’s mission in Los Angeles, US. Elkanah Odembo, a brother-in-law to Government Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo was posted to France, while former Kilome MP Mutinda Mutiso, who is an ally of Vice- President Kalonzo Musyoka, was sent to Tanzania.
Other beneficiaries of the October airlift included Party of National Unity and Kanu point man in Rift Valley in 2007, Stephen Tarus, and Julius Sunkuli, a former Kanu secretary general.
It also benefited former Kiharu MP Kembi Gitura, who was posted as ambassador in Brussels, Belgium and the European Union. Former Nairobi PC Francis Sigei was appointed Kenya’s High Commissioner in Nigeria.
Arunga is reportedly headed for Rwanda, Kaberia Brazil, and Muchiri Libya.
Most of those recalled have served since 2003, when President Kibaki first took over power.
Changes in the embassies were meant to increase efficiency in line with President Kibaki’s challenge to envoys that they aggressively market the country as an attractive and preferred investment destination in their countries of accreditation.
While addressing envoys at Leisure Lodge Resort in Mombasa during the official opening of the 15th Biennial Kenya Ambassadors/ High Commissioners Conference last year, President Kibaki noted that an aggressive campaign to improve the country’s image abroad was important to accelerate the economic developmental goals as outlined in the Vision 2030.
The Head of State told the diplomats to continuously promote the country’s image and strategic interests, particularly those that would catalyse the attainment of Kenya’s priority economic goals.
NEW ENVOYS
1. Dave Arunga
2. Nancy Barasa
3. Ken Osinde
4. Peter Salim Ndemo
5. Benson Ogutu
6. Josephine Owuor
7. Josephine Ngeisa
8. Anthony Andanje
9. Karimi Mberia
10. Anthony Muchiri
11. Bill Kimaru
- - - - - - - - - - -
james maroko wrote:
In due respect and manner from my own opinion held, the foreign affairs ministry under Moses Wetangula has dismally and terribly performed. Allow me to document some.
1. The Migingo saga which tainted our sovereignity
2. Slavery and torture for our fellow Kenyans working in UAE with little assistance from our missions aboad
3. Attacks to kenyans in southern sudan ,infact its more dangerous of late
4. Kenyan students in Uganda being killed every other day.
5. The recent ban of non degree holders travelling to UAE
6. OUR foreign embassy in britain embroiled in debt
7. Attacks of kenyan businessmen in Tanzania
8. Ethiopian attacks on our village civilians in the north
When all this is happening, in the clear watch of Moses, the best he can do is fine rhetoric and hearsay that we are negotiating, it is not right. blah bbla
In fact Makwere performed better than him.
USA: Fw: 2010
Forwarded by Odhiambo T Oketch
Very encouraging.
Oto
- - - - - - - - - - -
--- David Plouffe wrote:
Hello --
There are only 190 days until the 2010 election.
Many of you have been at work long before now. You've held strategy sessions all across the country to discuss how to most effectively help candidates in your community who are fighting to bring about change.
At OFA headquarters, we've been poring over your ideas, your input, and the best data we can get our hands on to determine the most helpful role we can play.
Together, based on that feedback, we've crafted a comprehensive electoral plan that can make a big difference in the upcoming elections.
President Obama recorded a video message to share our goals for 2010 with you -- and to remind us what's at stake. Watch it now.
http://www.barackobama.com/2010/index.php?key=&email=otoketch@yahoo.com
We've accomplished a lot together. But we're in for a tough fight this fall.
Historical trends aren't in our favor -- the president's party generally loses seats in the first midterm election. And even though President Obama has taken bold steps like the Recovery Act to put us back on the path to prosperity, escaping from a financial crisis like this one takes time.
The prognosticators and pundits are predicting steep losses for the Democrats. The Republicans are already measuring the drapes for their new offices, saying that anything short of an electoral landslide that gives them back control of Congress won't be a victory.
But these are the same folks who said Barack Obama could never become president, the same ones who said we were trying to do too much, too fast -- and that we'd never pass historic health reform. They were wrong then, and they're wrong now.
I believe we can avoid the nightmare electoral scenario that Republicans in Washington have already convinced themselves will happen. But only if we work together.
Two years ago, we challenged a group of young and disaffected voters to participate in the 2008 election. They cast votes for the very first time and helped us elect a new president. You told us that your top priority for 2010 was to help these people head back to the polls -- and we built our plan around that goal.
President Obama has America heading in the right direction. But our opponents want to repeal health reform. They're standing with Wall Street banks to block any efforts to rein in reckless behavior and protect consumers. And they're attacking a foreign policy that has renewed America's standing in the world. They are eager to undo all we've done.
The stakes are high. And that's the level of commitment we need from you. So watch the President introduce our 2010 plan -- and find out how you can get involved in the fight:
Kenya: funeral programme for the late Magdaline Owino
from Jactone Otieno
Hi,
Here is the funeral programme for the late Magdaline Owino (Francis Sidigu's sister in-law). Francis has requested that you place it on jaluo.com website.
Thanks
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Celebrating Life
Magdaline Owino
1950-2010
Till we meet again
Thursday: 29th April, 2010
12:00 noon Cortege leaves St. Monica’s Hospital
1.00 p.m. Cortege arrives at St. Luke’s Church (Manyatta)
- Service & Viewing.
3.00 p.m. Journey to Koru for an over-night stay.
- Service at Koru ACK
Friday: 30th April, 2010
10.00 a.m Cortege departs for Kisumu Karateng
2.00 p.m Cortege arrives at St. Phillips Church, Nyabera
- Service
Saturday: 1st May, 2010
9.00 a.m. Speeches
Service
Burial
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers toils and snares
I have already come
Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes when this heart and flesh shall fail
And mortal life shall cease
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first began.
Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour
Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling;
Do not pass me by.
Saviour, Saviour,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
Let me at a throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief
Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.
Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee,
Whom in Heav’n but Thee.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privileged to carry,
Everything to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit!
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayers.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden?
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge:
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield thee,
Thou will find a solace there.
Eulogy:
Mrs. Magdaline Atieno Owino was the first born daughter to the late Mzee Augustine Nyawade and Mama Anastasia Nyawade of Sega. She was born on 22nd October, 1950. She was the first born child in a family of 10. She was married on 6th March 1971 to Mr. Hesbon Owino, Son to the late Eliud Sidigu and Dada Roselida Sule of Kisumu Karateng. They were blessed with six children, Eliud Sidigu, Sr. Salome Achieng, Jackton Otieno, Scholastica Achieng, Absalom Omondi and Emmanuel Nyawade. She was co-wife to Madgaline Amina, step mother to Florida and Rhoda.
Magdaline started her studies at Kongei girls boarding - Lushoto Tanzania (Tz), she proceeded to Shirati MTC - Tz (1968-1970), Sengerema MTC - Tz (1971), Kisumu MTC (1984-1985), Computer Studies (2005) and was a Theology student at St. Paul Theology College - Kisumu (2006-2010).
Her career started at Musoma District hospital (1973-1974) then Homa Bay Dist. Hosp. (1975-1979), Provincial General hospital, Kisumu District hospital & Victoria Hospital (1980-2006), Ng’iya Mission Hosp. (2006-2007) and Holy Family Catholic Mission Hospital - Koru (2008-2010). She was a lay-reader at St. Luke’s Parish - ACK since 22nd Nov. 1998.
Mama Magdaline passed away on 12th April 2010 in her sleep. She was a loving mum & grandmother, a devoted Christian, hardworking person, jovial and welcomed everybody.
May the Almighty Lord Rest your Soul in Eternal Peace. Amen.
Rest in Peace Magda
KENYA: SHARIA LAW ENFORCED EVEN BEFORE CONSTITUTION IS PASSED
From: People For Peace
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA
The fact that the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims in North Eastern Province has banned DStv affirms the allegations by some church leaders claiming that the mention of Islam in the Constitution was a crafty agenda to introduce Sharia law in the country.
The Supkem Mandera branch has not only banned the DStv but also outlawed video dens, blaming them for eroding moral values among the youth and causing poor academic performance. The Supkem also shut down dozens of entertainment spots that air popular video shows and football, “in support of Islamic teachings.”
Even though Information minister Mr Samuel Phogisio criticised the move by the Sheikhs, saying Kenyans subscribe to the service mainly because of the local and international football games broadcast by the station, adding that the ban was a violation of such rights, the fear still remains that when the constitution will be voted ‘Yes’ Muslims may also use it to persecute non Muslims.
In 2007 prior to presidential elections some church leaders had also expressed similar fear when Raila Odinga signed MoU with Muslim leaders, arguing that in doing so he was giving them an ok to introduce Shari'a law if elected.
When the radical Palestinian group was implicated in the bombing of the Jewish owned Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi on New Year’s Eve in1981, some Kenyans had also expressed similar fear that Kenya had already been considered as a soft target by international terrorism experts, but little attention was given.
Even when Fazul Abdullah Mohammed was indicted for planning the 1998 embassy bombings, the Paradise Hotel in Kikambala near Mombasa and the attempt on the Israeli Arkia airliner in 2002 similar fear was expressed, yet no attention was taken.
When in early 2004 the Kenya Anti-Terrorist Police, trained and financed by the United States, were raiding mosques on a tip-off, detaining suspected terrorists all along the Swahili coast the government did not take any action despite the fact that Fazul Abdullah Mohammed warned in time.
The fact that Muslims community in Kenya has not only vowed to fight to the last man standing following what they term as discrimination by the government following an arrest and deportation of Jamaican Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdullah Al-Fasal, are just some early warning signals that Muslims are determined to force their agenda even if the government likes it or not.
Even though Al-Faisal is considered one of the most dangerous persons in the world he was in the country on the invitation of Muslims in Nairobi and Mombasa and had been scheduled to visit various mosques and hold radio shows. Following the arrest the irate Muslims held protest demos in major streets of Kenya capital Nairobi after Jumaa prayers at Jamia Mosque early this year.
This was at the same time the internet had produced a mysterious statement, purporting to come from al-Qaeda, a message, signed by "the Political Office of Qaeda al-Jihad" appeared to claim responsibility for the Kenyan attacks previous week.
It is against the background that Fr. Wilybard K. Lagho who seats in the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue as consoltor and in the Kenya Episcopal Conference Ecumenical Commission, Nairobi argues that with entrenchment of Kadhi’s courts Muslim leaders in Kenya need also to safeguard the true Islamic faith from being hijacked by some Saudi Arabia sponsored puritanical Muslims who appear to be advancing sectarian agendas in the name of Islam in Kenya.
Some Mosques in Kenya today like in many parts of the world he argues have become channels for perpetuating hatred against the so called “enemies of Islam”, which includes all people outside a specific Islamic sectarian group, Muslims and Christians alike.
That is why Muslims have yet to demonstrate to Kenyans how exclusion of the Kadhi’s Courts from the new constitution will affect their faith- if not meant for attacking other religious faiths or use it to make their own laws and parallel government.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
E-Mail news@ppa.or.ke
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website : www.ppa.or.ke
Kenya: Fw: New Tactics thugs are using.
sent by Olita Reuben
--- harrietolita@ . . . wrote:
Grace Kimani/LTO/KRA
To LTO Staff
Subject
New Tactics thugs are using.. Please be careful..
FYI
Hi all,
Yesterday afternoon I went through an experience, I would not wish any other person to go through.
My younger brother was mugged at Baricho road just behind the Nakumatt Uhuru highway Supermarket, at around 12 noon by thugs who were pretending to be athletes joggings along that road. They stole his phone too and used the same to call my elder brother who incidentally had just parted with the younger one in about 30 minutes and headed to upper hill. The thugs scrolled through this stolen phone and noticed that the last call made was from his brother as he had saved it as brother. They called my elder brother claiming to be policemen from Langata station and that my younger brother had been hit by a vehicle and had died instantly and that they were on their way to City Morgue to drop his body there, so they wanted my elder brother to link up with them at a point along uhuru highway , near bunyala road, where they had parked their vehicle with the remains of my brother before proceeding to city mortuary. (Please note..the notorious spot where the KQ pilot was mugged )
Since they spoke with a lot a confidence just like the police do, my brother could not suspected anything. So my bother called me and a few other people. We linked up so worried and sorrowful and with a lot of grieve ,knowing that that’s where everyone of us will pass through some day . We gathered at a point in upper hill to figure out our next move; either to go to the accident site and confirm or to join the said police where they had told my elder brother to meet them or just plan on the next move to take.
Just by sheer luck and God’s grace and indeed a good coincidence even before we could think of going to view the body and confirm as they had said, I got a call from a simu ya jamii number and it was my younger brother whom we had been told had been killed by the car accident. He said he was safe and that the muggers only took his phone .He was calling to inform us just in case we call and we don’t get him on his phone, we know he is just fine.
As you can imagine this was a huge relieve that not only confirmed that he was fine and alive but also that it was a planned plot by the muggers that somebody goes to the said bunyala junction of of course get mugged or who knows…
I thought of the many other people who would be tricked this way and I thought we could play it safe by letting lots of people get to know of this tricks being played in Nairobi. Anyone could easily fall for this trap and the more we forward this the more people will know and avoid such tricks.
I also learnt some few lessons:
Avoid saving in your phone books names as brother, sister, mom ,dad wife husband and the like it gives them an edge should you loose your phone. Never rush to meet any stranger telling you to meet them especially in risky places which you could easily identify as a risky. Always memorize at least two most important numbers which you can call from any other phone should something like this gets hold of you. Always try and get means to alert people who are close to your once you loose your phone.
Ensure to call at least the two numbers and alert them that your phone is stolen and that you are safe in case such calls come their way. Finally do not resist if confronted by thugs especially if you are alone they might end up hurting you.
Please forward to your friends too.
Kenya: Fw: The Kenya Constitution; KADHI COURTS; the media;
Sent by Antony mwangi
--- Frederick Ngure wrote:
from: Frederick Ngure
Kenya Constitution: It's NOW or CRY forever!
Dear Friend,
If anyone is in doubt as to the intentions of the Kadhi courts in the Kenya constitution, this article in the Daily Nation ought to be a wake up call as what Kenya might be a year from now if the kadhi courts were allowed to remain in the constitution. Could this be the sign of things to come?
Read it for yourself: SUPKEM BANS Dstv IN NORTH EASTERN :
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103343482416&s=102
&e=0013PM4ye5Aur_VfQHCXNT_RlHG3pecwlMFAxNrnSAm0CJni
00Vw9HVkpjmabVPW8Fb3jzV3xxlKoVAQl4uLX3Xglfv8oaMEFLU
iqYN6KEcl-cQzh6p1yVqqpISE1oUIVwYnKUXporzI9V9G0_L-Eh
CkDNIzOqo7NObsDZgfARLJdPs9OV49dg42593ErCFSQ0v-35FWu
yQxlakESqHiSw7EV0ZHX9nIo37JMLM5BCprloxzmXwU95jlN8Ry
Poll5gNyFKBMazZYr7tWltxPey3qGextnuVgZwjWrKCN13M3SQ=
What will they ban next, churches? Christians must pro- actively take their stand and firmly say NO to the Kadhi courts and abortion rights being enshrined in the constitution!
Read more in the Featured Article below.
Your co- worker in Christ.
Dr. Stan Wangenye
Eagles' Gathering Christian Centre,
LONDON, UK
www.eaglesgatheringcc.org.uk
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Featured Article:
LIES THE MEDIA ARE SPREADING REGARDING KADHI COURTS
If ever there was ever a case not only for prayers but also for action over the Kenya Constitution, it is now more than ever! I urge you to read the following article and I pray it galvanizes you to mobilize every single Kenyan in the sphere of your influence. We MUST STOP this constitution being adopted as it is, during the referendum. The consequences of it going through as it is will be catastophic and almost irreversible. Again I urge you to prayerfully read this article and do what the Lord Jesus Christ will have you to do for the future of Kenya.
PICTURE THIS
It is five years from now and the Kadhi courts have been operational for the same period. Your uncle is crying, the government has just forcibly repossessed his land and is planning to compensate him for less than his land's worth. He seeks your advice about taking the government to court to get market rate on his land but you advise him against it. To your surprise the government begins to construct a mosque on what was formerly your uncle's land. On completion you are informed it's not a mosque but a Kadhi court. It begins operation and the compound is full of GK vehicles. A convoy arrives with GK vehicles complete with GK drivers and GK body guards. What appear to be Muslim clerics disembark from the GK vehicles. You are informed that these are the khadhis. They are now government Islamic judicial officers (what a contradiction, you think). You draw nearer to get a closer look and the guards inform you that this is an Islamic institution and you should therefore keep off. You leave wondering how your constitution came to allow the government ( Kenya now has a Muslim president) to build and fund a Muslim religious institution. You go to church the following day, eager to share what you have seen with fellow Christians. You find the gate locked and a big crowd outside. You notice the Pastor and you draw near to him. He tells you and others that the government has closed the church because of its proximity to the Kadhi court. He has been informed that the court is constitutional and the church is not, therefore the church must give way. He may rebuild the church at an appropriate distance so as not to disrupt court proceedings, and no, it doesn't matter what came first only what is constitutional.
This is not a fantasy; this may be the reality if the Proposed Constitution is adopted.
LIES THE MEDIA IS SPREADING ABOUT THE CONSTITUTIONAL KADHI COURTS AND ABOUT ISLAM:
LIE NO 1. - The Kadhi courts have been retained in the proposed constitution as they are in the current constitution. This is a blatant lie. Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that the jurisdiction of the Kadhi court in the current constitution is restricted to the 10 mile coastal strip stretching from the Indian Ocean . This was the territory that formerly (before independence) belonged to the Sultan of Zanzibar. This area did not belong to the British and was therefore referred to as the British Protectorate. This area is currently referred to as the former British Protectorate. Furthermore in the Bomas Draft and in all other drafts except the Proposed Constitution, the jurisdiction of the Kadhi court is restricted to this 10 mile coastal strip. In the Proposed Constitution the jurisdiction of the Kadhi Court will be nation wide. I hold that there is a big difference between a ten mile coastal strip and nation
wide.
LIE NO 2. - The Kadhi court will not affect you if you are not a Muslim. This is a barefaced lie. You must not believe it. The courts will affect everything in your life. You may even find yourself without a place of worship as in the story above. Your taxes will pay the Kadhi and his staff. If each Kadhi gets a million and you add construction and other expenses, they could be taking off a clean 20 Billion from our national budget. They will use GK vehicle, they may take your land for construction of the courts.
LIE NO 3. - The Muslim "brothers are friendly people who mean no harm". This is the biggest lie of all; Muslims are sworn enemies of Christians. Their faith encourages them to lie to kafiris. (Non-Muslims) and to kill kafiris who get in the way of their religion. In Islamic nations, like Pakistan , a Christian can be arrested and jailed for preaching. Here in Kenya , we seem to be rolling the red carpet for the Muslims. Take a look at the Islamic nations around us; see the kind of violence we are inviting.
LIE NO 4. - That having Constitutional Kadhi courts in Kenya is purely for sorting out family matters between practicing Muslims. This is also a lie; the plan of constitutionalizing the Kadhi courts is a part of the Abuja Declaration for the Islamatization of Africa. It is not an isolated incident. It happened first in NIGERIA . Today in Nigeria , pastors have to buy guns and hire people to guard churches, but our "Muslim brothers" are still managing to burn some of them.
LIE NO 5. - That all religions will be equal before the eyes of the law. This is the mother of all lies. The CEO deleted the clause" THE GOVERNMENT SHALL TREAT ALL RELIGIONS EQUALLY" This clause was present in the bomas draft , and in all subsequent drafts, but it was deleted by the Muslim headed COE to make way for the elevation of Islam from the proposed constitution. Christians be warned, the only religion in the proposed constitution is Islam. Christianity doesn't even get a mention. Do not be deceived, they are trying to sneak in Sharia Law through the back door. Ask yourself, why would they delete this clause unless the opposite is true?
LIE NO 6. - That the amendments can be done after the referendum. This is probably the most shameless lie of all. The truth is that one requires a million signatures to petition a clause, a 2thirds majority in both the upper and lower houses and a referendum to change a single clause in the Protected Articles. Kadhi courts fall under the article on the judiciary which is protected and Abortion fall under the Bill of Rights which is also protected. They are making a fool of us. If we swallow this, they will soon be laughing all the way to the Consolidated Fund and the Treasury.
LIE NO 7. - This is the best proposed constitution so far, the let church not be a wet blanket by spoiling it. This is merely a guilt card and they should know better than to pull this one. This is not the best constitution so far, in fact it is the worst. It has a host of hidden clauses insert by individuals and groups of individuals with sectarian interests. These clause are so disguised one requires an international law degree just to recognize them. Take the clause on abortion for instance. This is the same clause that was used in the UK to legalize abortion. Whoever came up with the clause must not only be well informed but also very conniving.
SOME ALARMING DEVELOPMENTS HAPPENING IN KENYA AS YOU READ THIS
1. Do you know why government is yet to release the results of the census which ought to have been released ages ago? The reason is not only shocking, but alarming. It is because persons of Somali ethnicity now out number any others in Kenya . Experts are saying this kind of increase can only be explained by immigration not birth. In a case of too little too late, the government has now stopped admission of children into public schools without birth certificates to curb illegal immigration. The question is, what about all those Somalis that now hold illegal ID, what they are going to do about them. The government has already lost cases in court against these illegal ID holders. Our courts appear to hold the view that a national ID is sufficient proof of citizenship .Somalis are 99.9% Muslim. As you read this, these illegal ID holders are now busy being registered en mass as voters by a Muslim-headed IIEC. You still think all is well?
2. Have you noticed that mosques have multiplied ten fold in our neighborhoods in the last 5 years?
3. Have you realized investment by Muslims and Islamic countries have also increased ten fold?
4. Are you aware that the head of IIEC, the PSC, and the COE are all Muslims?
5. Are you aware that our beloved Prime minister has some kind of pact with Muslims?
6. Are you aware that our president as well has some kind of pact with ISLAMIC COUNTRIES?
7. This can only mean Kenya has been targeted to become an Islamic haven. This ought to make you very concerned indeed. They now have the voting power and the money. They are also very united and extremely good strategists.
8. Have noticed the increase of incidences of demonstrations conducted by Muslims for the most minor reasons?
9. Did it capture your attention that for the first time in Kenya , we had demonstrators using guns to attack security officers? Tellingly this was a peaceful demonstration by our harmless "Muslim Brothers". This ought to concern you.
10. Did you know that according to a recent UN investigation hundreds of Kenyan Somali youth are now fighting alongside the insurgent AL-SHABBAB against the TFGORVERNMENT of Somalia? Do you realize that if history is anything to go by, these youths are likely to come back home and use their experience to instigate plan and execute a parallel insurgency right here in our own country. If this doesn't concern you, I don't know what will.
11. Are you aware that our politicians having noticed that the landscape is increasingly Islamic are now falling over themselves to make pacts with Muslim leaders in order to secure their political future?
12. Are you aware that you are now the last hope in this war? The politicians have failed, the civil society has failed, the professionals have failed, and the experts too have failed.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Register as a voter and vote NO in the referendum.
Send this email to all Christians you know including the one who sent is to u. you must do this with urgency. Time is far spent and we must inform all before the Islamic propaganda gets to them.
Print out this email and make copies for the friends you have who have no email. Please do this with utmost haste. The future of the future generations of Christians depends on us.
Translate this article into another language. I do not posses the expertise to do this.
Edit the article to your suitability (Add facts I may have omitted or clarify others) and resend to all Christians you know. And please hurry and do not delay.
Keep the article away from Islamic headed commissions and committees and from the Islamic Nation Media.
We understand that this article may be offensive to a certain category of people. If you find this material offensive, please delete from
your computer ASAP.
NIGERIA: BUHARI, ATIKU, GO AND REST
By NAIWU OSAHON
All our military heads of state were largely insensitive, corrupt, almost illiterate, self-appointed tyrants who seized their stripes of honour (dishonour is probably more appropriate) through coups rather than the rigours of formal training, experience or war. Each one of the military heads of state simply got up from bed one chosen morning, pistil on the hip, jackboots on the ready to besmear our constitution to loot our treasury to their hearts content. Of course, they soon made up on the job for their lack of proper war or soldiering experience by detaining, tear gassing, shooting and bombing citizens protesting against their high-handedness and misrule. Everyone of our coup Generals aspired to be the richest lazy fool in the world sitting like an over-fed baboon atop the tallest tree in our devastated and rotting vineyard, savouring their exploits amidst squalor, hunger and decaying corpses. General Muhammadu Buhari was one of such military head of state.
On the 31st December, 1983, Buhari struck, under the cover of the political commotion that trailed the Presidential election results of the time. In reality, power was seized for the opportunity to destroy documents relating to the NNPC’s missing US$2.8 billion oil money, and punish all those involved in unraveling the scam. Politicians and critics, including Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, notorious for clamouring for the exposure of the oil money rogue Minister of Obasanjo’s military epoch, were locked up without trial. Buhari’s regime had a penchant for incarcerating all and sundry. Satire saved my neck at the time.
Not much is known about Buhari’s family background. Not a great deal has been heard about his educational qualifications either. As head of state, he was a recluse to the core. At least, that was the image he portrayed. His deputy, the late Gen. Idiagbon, was considered by most Nigerians to be the star of Buhari’s regime. It is to Idiagbon that any credit due to that regime is generally attributed. Idiagbon was the defacto head of state. He was honest, upright, disciplined, and like Murtala Muhammed before him, he succeeded briefly in introducing order and sanity to our lives.
Nigeria was already a failed state economically when Buhari seized government from Shagari in December 1983. We had a staggering foreign debt load of US$18 billion, so Buhari stopped all further borrowing, and in defiance of the IMF and World Bank, pegged the exchange rate of the naira at one to the US$1.50. He put a ceiling on the amount of foreign exchange earnings to be used in servicing foreign debts, and after sorting out and rejecting the dubious foreign debts in our portfolio, paid off nearly 50% of the genuine debts by the end of his regime in 1985.
Buhari’s regime maintained a vibrant foreign policy with Africa as its principal focus, and it strongly resisted the IMF. The regime’s fight against corruption is exemplified by the crating of Umaru Dikko to airfreight back to Nigeria from London.
Buhari generally had no agenda for leadership but vendetta against those he called critics and rabble-rousers. After consigning the vexatious matters that brought him to power, to administrative oblivion with the help of Shinkafi, his Secret Service guru, Buhari announced his readiness to quit office.
Idiagbon, as Buhari’s lieutenant, naturally insisted on taking over as head of state from his apparently prematurely retiring boss. Babangida, who was Chief of Army Staff at the time and a member of the Supreme Military Council, insisted it was his turn to rule because he had been involved in virtually every military coup up to that time. The quarrel split the Supreme Military Council members almost equally behind the two principal combatants and eventually led to the overthrow of Buhari’s regime.
Abacha rehabilitated Buhari with the chairmanship of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) before he (Abacha) died in 1998. When Obasanjo returned to power in May 1999, he found that over 2.5 billion naira had not been properly accounted for in the PTF and that there was not much on the ground to show for the colossal expenditure the agency was claiming. On the day Obasanjo announced the scrapping of the PTF, a non-staff brother-in-law of Oga, allegedly serving as his conduit on some PTF projects, died suddenly from what appeared to be heart failure.
Buhari has no respect for democracy. Under his behest, the ANPP humiliated five highly respected South-Eastern Presidential aspirants at their primary for the 2003 presidential election despite having Dr. Okadigbo as Buhari’s running mate. Buhari definitely was not a sellable presidential candidate across Nigeria. What happened was that the incumbent ANPP governors needed a Buhari to help them hold on to their states on religious grounds. After rigging his party’s primary to become its presidential candidate, Buhari felt he was on moral grounds to preach election morals to the world. He ignored the South-West completely in his campaigns, as if it did not exist, and offered the South-South, the unattractive, legally diminished constitutional option on derivation. To rob salt into injury, he threatened to swap NDDC with PTF. If he wasn’t playing with words, he betrayed his selfish ethnic agenda because we all knew what happened in his PTF. The little he achieved was focused in his backyard.
Even in the area of public debate, Buhari was not articulate or detribalized and he lacked charisma. He ignored all entreaties to explain his programmes to the ‘bloody civilians.’ Arrogant and condescending, he was unable to climb down from his high horse as a former military dictator. Infused with the moribund myth that Nigerian leadership was the sole property of his ethnic group, he assumed he could cow the rest of us with a jihad. If that failed, some said, military coup was a possibility because a kaferi must not continue to rule. He concentrated his campaign (if it could be called that, because he said very little at every stop), in the North-East and North-West of the country. The little he said, was only in the Hausa language to titillate the warrior nerves of his jihadist gang.
As for ABUBAKAR ATIKU, the accusation in 1999/2000 that the president’s deputy, Atiku Abubakar, privatized Nigeria Incorporated to himself was not investigated because Obasanjo’s third term ambition was not strong at the time. Atiku denied ownership of African Petroleum (AP), which in the end turned out to be a bobby trap, laced with huge hidden debt, and was re-acquired by the government through the NNPC. However, Atiku was seen as a product of the Nigerian corrupt system. He retired as a boss of the Customs several years ago, an agency of government that reeks with corruption. There were some spats over contracts for the communications target for the 8th All African Games in 2003, in Abuja, and the issue of bunkering crookedness, and illegal rents collected on crude oil lifting, which Obasanjo largely scuttled in the heat of his tenure elongation project in March 2006.
In August 2005, and early 2006, we heard of US security operatives raiding Atiku’s home in Washington, USA, over allegation of involvement with Mr. William Jefferson, a member of the US Congress, in a US $500,000 bribe over a telecommunications deal in Nigeria. In mid May 2006, the FBI claimed in a US court to have found US $90,000, of the bribe money concealed in a freezer in the office of Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson who at the time was claiming to have been duped by some Nigerians, had, in fact, collected $6.5 million from one Otumba Oyewole Fasawe, the Nigerian behind the Netlink Digital Television (NDTV) private business that Jefferson was contracted to supply with technology and failed. Jefferson had with great difficulty, and after a lot of pressure, managed to refund only $1.7 million of the $6.5 million he had received, at the time he was screaming foul-play against his swindled Nigerian partners. Mr. Vernon Jackson, Jefferson’s agent on the NDTV scam, was jailed in the USA in September 2006, for seven years over the deal.
The Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PDTF), under the supervision of Vice President Atiku, had apparently been used to finance the NDTV business and Globacom. On May 31, 2006, the US government, in reaction to public speculation in Nigeria, denied having cleared Atiku of involvement in the NDTV fraud. Early in June 2006, Atiku was again alleged in a US court, where further hearing was continuing, to have been involved in the bribery scandal. In mid July 2006, the EFCC went to a bank and collected statements on Atiku’s current accounts.
On Thursday 7th September 2006, the Senate President read in the Nigerian Senate, a letter from President Obasanjo accompanying some documentary evidence, alleging conspiracy, fraudulent conversion of funds, corrupt practices, and money laundering, against the Vice President. The submission, which was for the information of the Upper House, claimed that the President, acting on information received from the USA government, set up an administrative panel to investigate the allegations against Vice President Atiku.
The report of the panel, along with the findings of the EFCC, claimed that the Vice President utilized for private purposes, funds put in a fixed deposit account for the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PDTF), a department of government under his care. In essence, the Vice President was acting as money lender with government money for personal profit. US$10 million of the US$125 million fund was clearly used as collateral in support of a loan of N1.2 billion granted to Otumba Oyewole Fasawe by the Trans International bank in Lagos.
The financial gain made by the Vice President from Fasawe over the loan was paid into Atiku’s Campaign Organization account with Bank PHB. Umar Pariya, Atiku’s aide, acted as the go between on the transaction. The balance of US$115m of the PDTF money was transferred in April 2003, for reasons unconnected to PDTF activities, to Guarantee Trust Bank belonging to Dr. Mike Adenuga, the Vice president’s friend and Chairman of Globacom. The fund’s transfer, like the US$10 million withdrawn from it earlier, was done without the required recourse to the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Argument by the Vice President that the US$115m was put in Adenuga’s bank eight months after Globacom’s operating license was paid for or that no money was lost, does not alter the fact that the fund was moved without FEC’s awareness and for purposes unrelated to PDTF projects, including possible attempt to cushion Globacom over an urgent business deal or external debt repayment pressures for personal profit.
The Vice president’s defense at the time sounded like: “I am guilty but I shared my illicit gains with the President and my party, the PDP.” The Vice President, now politically dead, alleged that the President’s profits from the messy deals included N3 billion directly; their joint billions of Naira campaign fund; N100 million made to the president’s IBAD construction company; N11 million given to his Bell Comprehensive High School to buy buses; N200 million used to clear some of the president’s debts; N100 million contributed to his campaign fund; ugly arms deal scams; funds given to his African Leadership Forum and to buy cars for women (married or not), he was ensnaring to his bed etc; N500 million made available to the campaign chest of the PDP….
On Tuesday October 3, 2006, Chief Dan Etete, a Petroleum Resources Minister in General Abacha’s regime, opened a can of worms on the Vice President’s ugly oil deals, and how INTELS, (a company in which the VP had substantial interest and shared ownership with two Italians, Messrs Gabriel Volpi, and Angello Perruzi, and a Switzerland based lawyer called Lugano), sold a piece of land on the water front in Port-Harcourt to Shell for US$100m. The VP, using INTELS, and (Pecos Nigeria Limited, a business front of Otunba Oyewole Fasawe), blackmailed and pounced on 50% of Malabo’s oil bloc 245. Then with the connivance, treachery, and crookedness of Shell, the Anglo Dutch Oil giant, stole the entire bloc 245 from Malabo at US$210m profit to the Vice president and his business cronies. Using similar tricks, the VP’s INTELS and Associates cornered 20% stake in oil bloc 247 belonging to another party.
The VP’s defense was that Atete should not be taken seriously because he was in exile after “supervising the collapse of Nigeria’s refineries…. and that Etete stole over US $5bn from the public treasury and allocated the oil bloc in question to himself when he was Minister of Petroleum Resources.” That during the scam in question and since, the Petroleum Ministry has been under the firm grip of the President, “all by himself, these last seven and half years. Every Nigerian is literate to the fact that all enquiries on oil and related matters go to the president’s desk….. When the big masquerade behind Etete is courageous enough to come out, the Vice president will respond.” What this means in essence is that others not mentioned in Etete’s report profited along with the VP from the loot. Atiku, a political prostitute without ideology, principles or discipline, peddles his selfish personal ambition without qualms back and forth in political parties, pushed on by a handful of mucking cheerers hoping he would realize in good time that his nuisance value is only being tolerated.
The way forward for Nigeria’s development and success, is for Goodluck Jonathan to become president, come 2011, if he performs well as acting president because Nigeria is in dire need of good leaders. We need to marry the rotational presidency principle with some amount of merit or laudable performance in office. The PDP, which is currently in power, should limit the rotational concept to the first term in office. The second term should be thrown open to competition between the incumbent and candidates from the alternative geopolitical zone, in party primaries. Two terms in office would then no longer be guaranteed and would largely depend on performance in office the first time. Opposition to the second term in office of a leader who has performed well in the first term, is likely to be muffled. This is because all party members ride on the goodwill of the masses enjoyed by such a good leader, to win their respective elections.
A good leader has no hiding place in society. Take Gov. Fashola of Lagos State currently, for instance. Only a fool from within his own party would seriously try to undermine his return for a second term because all members of his party stand to gain by his success, to win elections. For any of the two geopolitical zones to enjoy two consecutive terms in office as a result of this arrangement, therefore, each zone would begin to go out of its way to put its best brains forward every time. Second term in office would then become a reward for good performance, both for the incumbent and for his or her geopolitical zone.
This would mean that if Jonathan performs well in the next couple of months as acting president, he would deserve to have a short at the presidency in 2011 on a rotational presidency basis. His second term in 2015 would not be guaranteed and would be thrown open to competition between him and candidates from the northern zone. If he wins his second term, it would mean he has performed well in his first term and the rotational principle would come into force again after that. That way, the friction between merit and rotational presidency would be greatly reduced and a geopolitical zone that fails to get a second consecutive term in office would have its self and its candidate's performance in office to blame. The beauty of this arrangement is that the best candidates would begin to be thrown forward to rule and move us forward as a people. Let’s call this the Romerit principle.
NAIWU OSAHON Hon. Khu Mkuu (Leader) World Pan-African Movement); Ameer Spiritual (Spiritual Prince) of the African race; MSc. (Salford); Dip.M.S; G.I.P.M; Dip.I.A (Liv.); D. Inst. M; G. Inst. M; G.I.W.M; A.M.N.I.M. Poet, Author of the magnum opus: ‘The end of knowledge’. One of the world’s leading authors of children’s books; Awarded; key to the city of Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Honourary Councilmanship, Memphis City Council; Honourary Citizenship, County of Shelby; Honourary Commissionership, County of Shelby, Tennessee; and a silver shield trophy by Morehouse College, USA, for activities to unite and uplift the African race.
--
Naiwu Osahon, renowned author, philosopher of science, mystique, leader of the world Pan-African Movement..
KENYA: SACKED AND SUSPENDED KISUMU COUNCIL WORKERS ASSURED.
By Agwanda Jowi.
Sacked and suspended workers within Kisumu Citry Council have been told not to panick as they will get justice as there fate is being determined and called upon to exercise patience, says Councilor Robert Otuge.
Speaking in regard to a row that has erupted between union officials and civic leaders of the Kisumu Municipal council over the fate of workers who were sacked more than four years ago for allegedly heckling the Local Government Minister Musikari Kombo, Cllr. Otuge added that a committee has been constituted but is yet to sit because the council is waiting for the consent of the council's union to set a date for the committee meeting.
"There is nothing to be hidden in regard to the issue, I was tasked as the Chair of joint-staff committee to look into the matter of the dismissal of sixty two workers who were alleged to have been irregularly employed and the six who are said to have insulted the former Minister Kombo", Otuge added.
He made it clear to this writer that when a council is reconstituted after Mayoral elections all the committees sit to reconstitute any committees.
"One thing is for sure, the union need to talk with the staff committee for the first meeting for the constitution of the sub committee yet the union keeps saying that they are awaiting word from their head office, so why am I being accused that I never brought the matter to rest?" he wondered.
Pressed further to admit if the current crop of councillors wants employ their supporters in their stead , Cllr. Otuge said the talk is ongoing but dismissed it as "normal Kisumu rumours"
However the local Government Workers Kisumu Branch Secretary Rashid Ondu has blamed the civic wing for refusing to reinstate the workers despite a council resolution to that effect.
Speaking in Kisumu Ondu said that some civic leaders were opposed to the reinstatement of the over ten workers due to vested interest.
He said some of the civic men want to employ their supporters and relatives ion the chances that were left by those who were sacked.
Ondu said a resolution had been passed that the workers should be reinstated since they were unprocceduraly sacked.
He said even Kombo at the time said he was well received by the workers at the time of the said incident.
Investigations have revealed that some of the workers who were politically connected have been reinstated.
A civic leader Omondi Odinga of Millimani ward when contacted blamed some of his colleagues for the impasse.
He was also of the view that some of the civic leaders want to employ their kin.
Odinga said it had been resolved that the sacked workers would be reinstated.
He blamed a top civic leader for the whole problem.
The workers who were sacked met their predicaments when Prisca Auma Misachi was the mayor
ENDS
Kenya, African Union: Human Rights Watch accuses Kenya and AU of fueling Somali conflict
Folks,
Why would Kenya be involved in this kind of mess? Who is behind this?
Whats up? Kenya Government should investigate. This is worrisome.
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Group accuses Kenya of fueling Somali conflict
A new report has accused the Kenyan government and African Union (AU)...
By Agencies
A new report has accused the Kenyan government and African Union (AU) forces of engaging of facilitating 'illegal' activities relating to decades long conflict in the lawless Somalia.
The latest report by Human Rights Watch accuses Kenyan government officials of directly co-operating with Somalia government military recruiters who conducted "a massive drive" in the Dadaab refugee camps last year, the report says. The report says the recruitment aided by Kenyan authorities was carried out under "false pretences". It cites numerous sources who say the recruiters lied to potential conscripts about payments and told teenagers to falsely state they were adults in order for them to join government forces. The new report says the role of Kenya in recruiting Dadaab residents to fight inside Somalia violates humanitarian principles and refugee law on which they are based.
The rights group calls on the Kenyan government to acknowledge that the recruitment effort was "unlawful." The African Union Mission in Somalia, made up of 5,300 Ugandan and Burundian troops, has conducted "numerous mortar attacks against enemy forces in densely populated areas of Mogadishu without regard for the civilian population, causing a high loss of civilian life and property," the report says. And according to the report, the laws of war prohibit attacks that are indiscriminate. The report points out that in launching their own mortar shells from civilian areas, Islamist insurgents appear to be encouraging indiscriminate counter-attacks that "would kill civilians and thereby generate useful propaganda." Human Rights Watch urges the US government to stop supplying mortars and shells to the Transitional Federal Government until the TFG respects the laws of war.
The report further suggests that Washington, the United Nations and African Union must stop turning a blind eye to their allies' abuses on the ground. By strongly supporting the TFG, these outside interests often play a "counter-productive" role in Somalia, Human Rights Watch observes. Many analysts find it "simplistic" to base policy on the view that the TFG represents a real chance at peace and good governance for Somalia, while al-Shabaab is the potential leading edge of international terrorism in the region," the report states. "The TFG remains a weak faction," Human Rights Watch observes. And while some al-Shabaab leaders do have ties to al-Qaeda, the Islamist insurgency in Somalia is "far from a monolithic tool of Osama bin Laden." This came after reports that the UU-backed TFG in Somalia and its Kenyan allies have recruited hundreds of Somali refugees, including children, to fight in a war against al-Shabab, an Islamist militia linked to al-Qaeda, according to former recruits, their relatives and community leaders. Many of the recruits were taken from the sprawling Dadaab refugee camps in northeastern Kenya, which borders Somalia.
Somali government recruiters and Kenyan soldiers came to the camps late last year, promising refugees as much as $600 a month to join a force advertised as supported by the United Nations or the United States, the former recruits and their families said. Across this region, children and young men are reportedly vanishing as all sides in Somalia's conflict continue to recruit desperate refugees to fight in a remote battleground in the global war on terrorism from which they fled, community leaders say. It is unclear whether recruiting by the governments of Kenya and Somalia is really ongoing. However, according to reports, their military officers continue to train refugees at a heavily guarded base near the northern Kenyan town of Isiolo as the Somali government prepares for a long-planned offensive against the Shabab. A second camp is in Manyani, a training station for the Kenya Wildlife Service in southern Kenya, according to former recruits, relatives, community leaders and UN investigators. The Kenyan government has acknowledged that it is helping train police officers for Somalia's weak interim government but said that the recruits were flown in from Mogadishu.
But another recent UN report on Somalia early this year insisted that recruitment of refugees, including underage youths, for military training was going on. Kenya’s training program, the report said, is a violation of a UN arms embargo, which requires nations to get permission from the UN Security Council before assisting Somalia's security efforts.
KENYA: FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL DROP OUT TO “MANDAZI” SELLER TO A COUNCILLOR WITHIN KISUMU CITY COUNCIL
By Agwanda Jowi.
When Councilor James Osir Nyamwaya started helping the people within Kogony Ward and adjacent areas to his ancestral Kogony village, little did he know that at one point they will urge him to be their civic representative at the Kisumu Municipality Town Hall as a councilor and later head Youths and Women Affairs Committee.
The short, dark, soft speaking Councilor says that there are things which have happened in his life so rapidly that he can only attribute to the almighty God who he says he has never asked anything and has denied him.
While speaking with this writer at his Kogony home, Cllr Osir says that initially he just helped his people as he saw various problems which the orphans, widows and the less fortunate within his village faced.
“At a certain point in life, I asked the almighty God how I could help my people with the little I had as the problems were many and diverse ranging from school fees, strengthening women groups as well as attending to their personal problem because I did not have the answer to all their problems” he added.
He further adds that the answer came in the form of his electorates requesting him to be their councilor a thing he never thought of as initially his major aim was to establish a non governmental organization to help his people but which looked a tall order due to his limited academic background.
“I did my Kenya Primary Certificate of Education and left school after that because my parents were too poor to educate me and I started baking mandazis which I still do hence my nickname “Ja Mandas”, he added.
Osir adds that when his people requested him to go for a civic seat, after a lot of soul-searching he decided to plunge into murky world of politics which he initially thought was bed of roses.
“I contested on the popular ODM party which my people told me to join and that’s what I did, when I started a thorough campaign a head of the party’s nominations my opponents discovered that I was going to defeat them and then they ganged up against me and created chaos which resulted to the nominations not taking place” he laments saying he is a still member of the party and a strong follower of party leader Raila Oginga Odinga.
“Ja Mandas” as he is known laments that some few elements within ODM regional office after the chaotic elections which he believed he had won gave the certificate to one of his nine opponents called Eunice Otieno.
He says that his spirit was not dampened and he was wiling to go and campaign for the lady on ODM party as that was also his party, ”but seems my supporters had other things tucked up their sleeves, they came to me one morning and told me that they were going to elect me still on any other party” he says.
He adds that they picked for him Reformed Party of Kenya on which he trounced his ODM opponent by 1,350 votes to her 350 votes, a feat he could not believe and attributes it to the almighty God as ODM ‘s wave had strongly gripped the country.
Among the developments he has so far brought to his voters are; construction of houses for fifty widows in his constituency and upgrading of Okore Ogonda and Kirembe primary schools and payment of school fees of thirty students from his own pocket and day to day help he avails to his voters, on top of that he has also drilled a bore hole to his voters who enjoys free and clean water.
He says that despite the Kisumu Airport just being two hundred meters from their home, he never thought that at a certain point he will boarder an airplane.
“Reaching only standard eight the furthest I thought I could go was Kisumu to buy wheat flour for my mandazis, today I am always a constant flier courtesy of my position and my advice is this; one should not loose hope in life, he should think on what he can do for his people and above all trust in the almighty God.
He tells the youths to embrace education and work real hard despite their education limitations adding that he will next year enroll for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education as he says that’s a likely requirement should the proposed draft be passed.
“God has made me reach where I am, despite my academic background, at times I use to regret that he never gave me school fees but this days I see it as his ways of elevating me and telling people that his ways are not our ways” he finally says as I leave him but adds that he is going to make a stab again as a civic leader come 2012 on any party Raila Odinga fronts to finish all his development projects.
ENDS
Kenya: Cabinet rules out draft changes
From: Kuria-Mwangi
The Kenya Cabinet has delivered a body-blow to Churches and politicians opposed to the draft law after ruling out any changes before the referendum.
The decision was reached after a meeting called to, among other things, deliberate on efforts to reach a consensus and the timetable leading to the vote.
"After the review the Cabinet concluded that it was practically impossible at this stage to amend the Constitution of Kenya or Constitution Review Act in order to accommodate concerns expressed by Christian Church leaders and others.
"Consequently, Cabinet agreed to support the draft constitution in its current form," said a statement sent to newsrooms after the meeting chaired by President Kibaki at State House, Nairobi.
However, Cabinet agreed that talks between the government and Church will continue to "accommodate the concerns of the Christian Churches on the issue of abortion and right to life."
If agreement is reached, then such changes will have to go through an Act of Parliament, according to the Cabinet.