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31Mar/111

Kenya: Insecurity situation grips Awendo town as two traders are shot dead by night gangsters wthin one week

Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Awendo Twon

Two traders in Awendo town and its environs have been shot and killed by marauding gun-totting night gangsters and robbed of unspecified amount of money.

So far no arrest has been made. The bodies of the two victims, a man and a woman, are still laying at the mortuary. The two incidents occurred within one week.

In Awendo Town a wholesale trader, known by the name as Mr.Okong’o, had his business premises, which is located next to Awendo Market, raided by the gun-totting night gangsters who shot him six times and made off with unspecified amount of money.

Another incident took place at the nearby Ranen Market, which is located on the main Kisii-Rongo highway and only six kilometers from the main Awendo town. A woman, mother of six, who is running an MPESA outlet at the market, was shot dead and her assailant made off with unspecified amount of money. The residents said the woman had twice been robbed previously by people the deceased had suspected to be the same gangsters.

The woman, according to an eye witness, appeared to have known her attackers and had frantically pleaded with them to take the money, but spare her life, but her plea was ignored by the gangsters, seemed to be hell-bent in concealing their identities.

Another grisly murder occurred outside Awendo Town on Wednesday this week. A man suspected to be involved in the chain of Boda Boda trxis motor-bike theftx in Homa-Bay town and its environs was set ablaze while alive and burnt beyond recognition.

The incident took place not far away from the Awendo Office of the District Commissioner and half away between Awendo and the nearby Luwala Primary and Secondary Schools and within the nucleus estates of the SONYSUGAR Company Ltd on the main Awendo-Migori highway.

The incident caused a two kilometer traffic jam which lasted for a close to one hour. Motorists, Matatu drivers and onlookers, crowded the roadside and watched helplessly as the victim's body went up in flames as he was shouting for help.

The man and his accomplis were caught red-handed as they made and attempt to rob a boda boda motor bike taxi rider in Homa-Bay Town. One was lynched in a mob justice action. The other, they tied, then him to Migori town 60 kilometers away so that he could show them the House where the stolen motor bikes were hidden.

There has a been a series of boda boda motor bike hijacking and thefts resulting in the riders being either killed or maimed before their machines are taken away with no trace.

More than 250 boda boda motor bikes took part in the exercise riding their bikes all way the from Homa-Bay to Migori town, an action which took many people by surprise. Upon reaching Migori town, the suspected thiefs took the seemingly enraged motor bike taxis riders to a house, where they recovered some helmets of the victims. A man said to have been inside the house took off through the back door on seeing the enraged mob of boda boda taxi riders.

The boda boda men ransacked the house and found some money and other items. They took a pair of mattresses, tied them on one of the bikes, and rode back to Homa-Bay, On reaching an isolated roadside in a place between Awendo and Luwala, they stabbed the victim with a knife, threw him off of the motor bike, placed a mattress over his body and poured on it five liters of kerosene and set it a blaze.

Many onlookers were socked and taken aback at the cruel death the victim underwent and even some woman, particularly mothers, expressed sympathy for an unknown suspected culprit.

At the same time an Homa-Bay politician has called upon the government to seriously address the insecurity situation in some parts of the greater Southern Nyanza region.

Hilary Ochieng’ Alila, the ODM Youth coordinator at the same time, appealed to the youth to work closely with the police and members of the Provincial Administration in a concerted effort to eradicate the waves of crime in the region, which he said has reached the alarming proportion.

He said the waves of crime in the region could only be eradicated through the co-operation of members of the public and the government security agents when people volunteer information about certain characters they suspect be involved in criminal activities which are so detrimental to the development already achieved after hard work.

Alila who has already declared his interesting contesting the Homa-Bay County Senate seat in the forthcoming general election decried the increased spate of crime in the region and asked the government to improve the police night patrol of several marketplaces and schools and other institutions.

Mean while the residents of Awendo and its environs have blamed the rapidly deterioration in crimes situation in the area to the laxity of the policemen working at the Awendo Police Station. They said some of the policemen including the Officer In-charge {OCS} have overstayed in one station for close to ten years and were no longer productive.

Investigations are done haphazardly, giving the criminal elements leeway of escaping punishment as laid down by the law of the land. In some cases when a resident reported for help after an incident of crime had occurred the officers are allegedly asking for Kshs 1,000 to fuel their vehicle before moving to the scene of crime to investigate the incident in a given area, and the criminal are known to use the time lapse to escape the arrest.

Traders and business community in general want the entire police officers Awendo Police Station reshuffled and new men posted to the station. The maintain that new men and women posted at the station could improve the insecurity situation

Ends

31Mar/110

Coming to a Close of 100th International Womens’ month (March 8 – April 7)

Folks,

No strategy for development will ever pass successful test where women are not engaged and where they are not fully involved. It is important therefore that there be a considered need to Re-think the Economic and Political landscaping in Global perspectives as well.

Women's empowerment as equal partners in development is the key factor to fulfilling Development obligations for sustainability and progress for our improved Global destiny.

If we are trading for good Regional Governance to provide better trading interests, there must be establishment of regulatory principle order that are properly managed at International platform and where governance of all National leadership must remain in the process of proactive as well as proficient and is able to deliver to its people fairly according to the public mandate to avoid conflicts. To achieve good outcome, underlining sustainable approaches for growth that which eliminates poverty and sickness and is able to provide enough food for domestic and enough money to run projects, improving and stabilizing lifestyle of the Middle-Class, is the way to go.

As the month of March is coming to an end, we recognize women's potentials in the Global region as interconnected with the grass root, engaging in the advocacy and fighting hard to improve Global Democratization with just rule of Law.

In this respect, I honor and respect the exclusive strenuous engagement in the human face and participation of State Department Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice at the United Nations Security Council, with other women not precisely noted down but who stood up with voices of reason, to bring to the fore highlights of injustices and inhumane activities that require realist democratic rule establishment and legal justice to be effected accordingly.

Generally, in marking 100th International Women's Year which begun in 1911 - 2011, at the beginning of March, many women highlighted and marked women's achievements, sufferings, limitations, obligations and hindrances at National and Global regions. But, notably, it is true that women's participation all over the world have clearly endorsed women's success stories and efforts that have improved domestic welfare, the Community, the Nation and at the International stage in many ways, yet majority of them are at disadvantaged situation and suffer the most. Celebrating it now, is just the right thing to do as we close the month of March.

It cannot be under-estimated that women's popular participation brings greater opportunities the whole Global Community enjoys. These opportunities if fairly distributed and shared, is able to change landscape for Political Arena, the economics and social interractives honoring basics of sustaining Nature for an improved survival and overcome unproductive unsafe hurdles that are inconsistent with progressive development for success. These changes are able to be brought forward to improve policy changes time and again, that would better improve lifestyle and extend peace through collaborative and shared tradition and cultural diversity unity of purpose.

It is therefore important that majority women be informed, educated in matters of economics and be financially stable so to be able to manage aspects of economic sustainability for growth in self-sufficiency and in development for progress and be able to manage and tackle illegal matters of injustices both in the Domestic, the Nation and the International forum effectively prioritizing micro-economic suitability for the making of middle-class and its effectiveness through evaluation and monitoring assessments.

The success of women programs depends on popular participation inclusiveness without elements of discrimination where matters are discussed and solutions found in openness and where Gender issues are freely discussed and Science and Arts are collaboratively presented for inclusion in the mainstream for action without fear or intimidation.

Challenges that face women all over the world are great and grave and without unity for common purpose, the world is doomed. This is because, women are the backbone to sustainable livelihood.

Migration as Refugees, Trafficking as sex-trade are some grave international concerns. These activity situations are growing as a result of poor political and economic regulatory projection and management. If more women are better placed in the position of policy making, we are able to see marked public improvements in lifestyle from domestic community level to the Global arena, where balanced participation in politics and in economic positions are managed by majority women.

Policy makers should seize the opportunity to adopt policies that reduces external vulnerabilities and ensure sustainable economic growth involving all stakeholders e.g. the peasant farmers in the rural community and majority women in both urban and at the rural community.

This calls for the need to rethink and restructure economic plan that which engages more women in order to improve domestic conditions and be able to participate in the economic growth that which is able to stabilize position of middle-class society to engage in Macro-economic business activities and create opportunity performing guard-rails at the Global Emerging Markets.

Women are by instinct sensitive to matters of domestic welfare, the community; nature and pollution and are able to take immediate commitment to find ways for improvement at all costs. Women are better placed to manage obstacles of development fairly if given a fair opportunity to do so. It is therefore the responsibility of the World Leaders to continue to engage women in areas of responsibility.

There is an urgency need for Global Economic Policy regulators that which is able to work favorably and is able to produce realistic substances for change where Peace and Unity abounds for all without discrimination, sufferings or provide openings to extended human slavery of any form and where finances and resources are balanced without trade theft.

Women at all ages are able to effectively manage risks and are ready to face challenges and competitions that are before them under conducive environment, where such environment can only be created by men who may choose to turn such conditions as destructive or potentially productive as is seen by some men we care to call Gentlemen and not otherwise.

Thank you all,

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA

http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

30Mar/110

UGANDA: MIXED FORTUNE BEFELL TULLOW OIL CAUSING ITS EXIT FROM DRC AND RETURN TO ARBITERS IN UGANDA DISPUTE OF MOU WITH GOVERNMENT.

Writes Leo Odera Omolo

Tullow Oil plc is reportedly withdrawing from the Democratic Republic of Congo {DRC} and dropping a legal suit contesting ownership of two exploration blocks.

International news agencies recently reported its Chief Executive, Aidan Heavey, as having said in its London headquarters that the decision was made after it became clear the firm’s rights were not likely to be upheld as the government maintained it had the right to ignore or revoke earlier award to Tullow.

This happened in the same week that Tullow, after months of the discussions, signed a memorandum of understanding with Uganda, on the capital gains tax dispute to facilitate the development of oil fields..

The MOU which satisfies Uganda’s taxation concerns enable Tullow, China National Offshore Oil Corporation {NCOOC} and Total to proceed with basin-wide development with government with governments full support.

The MOU will result in the government granting Tullow’s request to purchase Heritage's interests in the Lake Albert Basin as well as farm down interest to CNOOC and Total Uganda’s nascent industry.

It is expected to resolve the impasse created by heritage and Tullow tax situations, grant of extension in respect of Exploration Area 1 and parts of 3A in recognition of the time lost.

The MOU is conditional upon signing of sale and purchase agreements {SPAs} between Tullow, NCOOC and Total in 20 working days from March 15,2011.

In in DRC, in 2006, the DRC government awarded blocks 1 and 2 in the Albertine basin to Tullow with compatriot Heritage Oil as a joint venture partner without a presidential decree raising risk the acreage could be transferred to other prospectors.

In June 2010, DRC through presidential decree gave Blocks 1 and 2 to Caprikat Ltd and Forwhelp Ltd that are respectively registered in British Virgin Islands.

Tullow instituted legal action in the British Virgin Islands, but with limited success. The firm obtained an injunction preventing Caprikat and Forwhelp from carrying out any work pending legal determination of Tullow’s rights. Tullow also lodged a case against the DRC at the International Court of Arbitration in Paris.

"Given the expenses of further proceedings and the difficulty in enforcing any award against DRC even in the event of success, the board has taken the decision to discontinue the legal proceedings,” said Mr Heavey in the report.

He was further quoted as having said that Tullow plans, upon getting government approval, to accelerate production stage of successful Ugandan blocks where oil was discovered and the acreage lies across the Lake Albert water.

Tullow has had interests in the Lake Albert Rift basin in Uganda since 2004 when it acquired Energy Africa. Since then, Tullow has drilled approximately 40 wells with all but one encountering hydrocarbons.

Tullow expects the basin to be producing in excess of 200,000 barrels of oil per day {BOPD}. It wants to farm-down a one third interest to China Offshore Oil Corporation NCOOC} and Total to accelerate development.

Tullow, on January 17, 2010, exercised right to pre-empt Heritage’s sale of its interest in Uganda to a third party. Tullow acquired 50 percent interests in exploration areas {EA} 1 and 3A for USD 1.45 billion on July 26,2010.

About USD 1.05 billion was paid to Heritage, USD 121 million was deposited with the Uganda Revenue Authority {URA} and USD 283 million put into escrow awaiting resolving of capital gains tax between the government and heritage.

But last week reports emerging from Kampala says that with Uganda still reeling from a public purse emptied after spending 85 percent of the 2010 and 2012 budget in the first six months to December, it was emerging that the country may have entered into a window-dressing deal in which it could surrender its claim to the USD 283 million in taxes owed by Heritage Oil, further hurting the state’s revenues.

Information received from Kampala, says Uganda and Irish oil prospector Tullow are in for arbitration over a new tax dispute, just a week after they signed a memorandum of understanding that potentially unlocks the long the long delayed commercial development of Uganda’ oil fields.

A source has revealed that despite signing the MOU in which it committed to paying some USD 590 million in taxes, Tullow feels it has been over-assessed.

Although the MOU was scanty in detail, information made available by alternative sources indicates that the figure includes what Tullow will pay Uganda in settlement of USD 283 million owed by its erstwhile partner Heritage Oil as well as its own capital gains tax on the farm-down to Total and the NCOOC.

“When we signed the MOU, but made clear that we were not satisfied with the tax assessment. We all agreed to take our grievances to the Uganda Tax Tribunal and we shall respect the outcome", said source at Tullow’s offices in Uganda.

However, officials at both the ministry of Energy and the Uganda Revenue Authority {URA}have not been forthcoming on the exact breakdown of what Tullow is paying.

According to independent sources, the USD 590 million announced by Energy Minister Hilary Onek is a compound figure that includes the USD 283 million outstanding from Heritage’s capital gains tax and the USD 307 million due on Tullow’s own sale of a 60 percent interest to CNOOC and Total. However, Tullow disputes this valuation and is only wiling to pay USD 469.million.

Apparently , the dispute stems from Tullow’s desire to have the 30 per ent advance that Heritage paid Uganda last year to unlock its sale to Tullow credited as part of its overall tax obligation.

The basis for computation of Tullow’s capital gains tax has been the subject of protracted negotiations, with the prospector trying to drag the baseline north by including what it has spent on the Ugandan program while government negotiators felt that the tax should be based on the difference between what Tullow paid Heritage and what it is getting from CNOOC and Total.

Based on earlier reports attributed to Tullow in the Irish press that suggested the company would earn USD 2.9 billion from the farm-down, Uganda, should have expected at least USD 465m million if Tullow were to inherit the USD 283 million owed by Heritage.

It is however, understood that Tullow could have earned much less than the reported figure because Total and CNOOC have raised questions over the actual value of oil reserves claimed by Tullow and the security of its rights given pending deadlines that it is not in position to meet. While a figure of one billion barrels in confirmed reserves and a prospective 1.5 billion in undiscovered reserves has been thrown about, in reality, well appraisals suggest only about 870 million barrels of oil on the upper side and 720 million on the lower end.

Well appraisal information, that this writer has seen, shows the Bufalo and Giraffe prospects contain 430 million barrels on the upper side and 380 million on the lower while the other large prospect, Kingfisher, can yield 200 million barrels at the maximum and 189 million on the lower estimate.

The Warthog, kasamene and Maputo wells are estimated to respectively contain 120 million,100 million and 20 million barrels of oil at most .With such numbers and a new round of licensing just around the corner, Tullow’s partners are apparently driving a hard bargain.

As Tullow’s Uganda woes appear to be finally on the path to resolution, the question that remains is the status of the USD 283 million in escrow and how Tullow will recover that money.

Ends

30Mar/110

KENYA: REPORT GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, MEDICS TOLD.

By Agwanda Power.

THE medical fraternity have been challenged to report to police authorities cases of gender based violence to curb rising of such cases.

Western Provincial Director of Medical Services Dr. Godrick Onyango says that the elimination of such vices lies with proper information from the medical department.

Onyango says that most of the medical staff in the hospitals tends to shy away from reporting such incidences to the police thus hindering the elimination process.

He says that there should be a concerted effort to assist the judicial process with as much information as possible to pursue such cases and have the culprits punished.

Speaking in Kisumu during a capacity building workshop for health workers to improve on gender based violence and reproductive health service delivery, Onyango also called upon the medical team to reduce cases of maternal mortality rate.

He says that hospitals need to lower charges for pregnant women to lure them to have hospital deliveries as a means of lowering the maternal deaths.

Onyango warned that levying more charges on mothers who seek medical treatment for their children who are under the age of 5 years will only increase the mortality rate among children.

Ends.

30Mar/111

KENYA: THE WORSE NEPOTISM IS REPORTED IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF STAFF AND WORKERS IN AWENDO TOWN COUNCIL.

By Our Staff Reporter

DISCONTENT has gripped the small farming town of Awendo in Migori County with claims that the elected and appointed ODM Councillors have employed close to twenty workers from their own families and relatives.

Awendo district, like neighboring Rongo and Migori, are stroghold of the Orange Democratic Movement {ODM} but reports emerging from there are pointing out the worse type of neptism in terms of employment of its staff and workers.

The civic leaders, according to unimpeachable reports, have employed only their kith and kin in the services of the Council, some of whom are said to be semi-illiterate, but have been engaged at lucrative and influential positions, prompting a flurry of protests from the residents.

It is pointed out that one ODM party appointee, Councilor Better Ogutu Onyango, has employed her own jobless husband in the service of the Council. Another appointee, Councilor Odera Awene, who is the OIDM chairman in the area and has employed his two married daughters, now working as market clerks.

Leading the pack in practicing the worse nepotism is the Council Chairman Johnson Omolo Owiro, who has secured the employment of close to eight workers from his own family of Joka-Owiro in the Council. He is followed by Coun Obuya Gogo of Sakwa West Ward who has secured the employment of five of his relatives and friends.

Awendo, a small farming town within Awendo district in the Migori County, has very limited sources of revenue and depends entirely on the nearby SONYSUGAR Company with close to 2400 workers and few dukawallahs operative wholesale and retails shops as well as kiosk and bars operators. Its own revenue base alone cannot support large number of employees in terms of salary bills.

The residents have appealed to the Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno to intervene and ensure that employment of Council workers is distributed to the residents from within the town’s environs evenly, fairly and devoid of nepotism. Otieno is the Minister for Public Service in the grand coalition government.

The same appeal went to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government, Hon Wycliff Musalia Mudavadi, who has been requested to send a team of investigators from the Ministry Headquarters.

Farmers and traders alike as well as the local residents are up in arms questioning the rationale exclusively employing only people connected with the blood to the elected and appointed Councilors. They are demanding that the issue must be addressed urgently and the number of relatives of the civic leaders’ current on the employment of the Council be radically scaled down.

A source in the Council confirmed the allegations, and wondered why this should happen during this period of transparency and accountability. “It is a big shame because the country is currently going through radical reform in line with the new constitutional dispensation,” said one local trader who requested for his anonymity.

The residents of Awendo and its environs are also demanding the replacement of ODM appointed Councilors who have shamelessly employed their kith and kin be revoked and the party be requested to submit other names for nominations.

This is a very pathetic and shameless act, which should be rectified with immediate effect and let the employment in the Awendo Town Council be free, open, and competitive. The council should not be used as a family entity, because it is a public utility., which is being maintained by the taxpayers money.

Ends.

30Mar/111

KENYA: THE POSTPONEMENT OF ODM GRASS ROOT ELECTIONS ARE CAUSING RIPPLES AND DISCONTENT IN ITS BRANCHES IN LUO-NYANZA AS NYONGO’ IS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL.

Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

Signs of serious disagreement among the Orange Democratic Movement {ODM} among its national leadership and the local branches in most parts of Luo-Nyanza has emerged giving a hint that the party is crumbling.

The party members appeared to have been disappointed by the frequent postponement of the party grass root election, which were originally planned for February this year and were later postponed to April and now pushed forward to June.

A public rally called by a splinter group in Karachuonyo branch headed by Jack Nduri a former STANDARD journalist demanded in one of the several resolutions that the election should go on next month {April 2011} has planned and they should not be postponed again.

The meeting also endorsed the candidature of Prof.. Larry Gumbe for the position of the party's Secretary-General in replacement of the current holder of the same position Prof.Peter Anyang' Nyong'o.

Present at the rally were was the immediate former Karachuonyo MP Dr. Paul Adhu Awiti, who is currently the political adviser to the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Prof. Larry Gumbe who is aspiring for the position of the ODM Secretary General and the chairman of the Center for the Multiparty Democracy CMD}, Ogola Kagoro {Rangwe} Sammy Aroro {Gusii} Donny Opar a perennial election loser in Karachuonyo parliaentary seat

Others included Donny Opar an aspirant for Karachuonyo parliamentary seat, a former Ndhiwa Ward Councilor Akech Chieng’, and other local leaders.

The meeting endorsed another resolution which demanded that there should be a separation between the local branch affairs and the office of the sitting MP.

The meeting endorsed Pro. Larry Gumbe for the party’s Secretary-General in replacement of the incumbent Prof.Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o whose performance came under severest criticism at the rally.

The meeting, according to Jack Nduri blamed the Karachuonyo MP Eng. James Rege for meddling into the party branch affairs.

Earlier before the meeting took place, the MP had made an appeal, via a local FM Radio station, distancing himself from the meeting arguing that the organizers were not the de facto branch official, but a member of the splinter group purported to be running parallel branch to the one whose official were duly elected in the last meeting.

Tension was high, but close to 18 policemen maintained a close watch around the venue, which was at the Show Ground, Kendu-Bay. The presence of the security personnel defused the hitherto highly charged tension.

Nduri claimed that the MP who was invited to attend the meeting skipped it and stayed away, and so were other branch officials including the chairman Ezra Odondi Opar.

A spokesman of the truly elected branch official termed the meeting as illegal as it was convened by unelected branch officials and accused the party headquarters of playing double standard political games.

The party headquarters called a meeting of the two groups sometime last year in Nairobi for the harmonization and the smooth running of the branch. It was agreed at the meeting that the two splinter groups should go for power sharing until the next election.

The Opar’s group had accepted the arrangement as per the advice by the party head office at Orange House, but Jack Nduri group developed cold feet and refused to honor the new arrangement as directed by the party head office.

The observers and local pundits were of the opinion that the presence at the rally of Dr. Adhu Awiti who is the political adviser to the Prime Minister in Nairobi significantly pointed out the direction likely to have been taken by the party leadership in regard to the continued wrangling among the branch officials.

Some of the speakers at the rally blamed top officials at the party headquarters of double speak, and for sponsoring and imposing non-elected officials on the branch.

Several branches in Nyanza like the those in Nyakach, Rongo and other places are facing similar situation like the prevailing in Karachuonyo.In the case of Karachuonyo the party members have pointed their finger at the former area MP Dr. Awiti for being the source of disunity in the branch.

Dr Awiti, they said had lost the 2007 election to the incumbent MPO Eng Rege and had accepted the defeat, and as such should retire honorably and stop meddling in the party affairs. He should be content with his present job of advising the Prime Minister Raila Odinga on political matters and stop meddling in Karachuonyo party matters.

Also in attendance at the Kendu-Bay rally were a number of political hirelings commonly known as “Politicians for Hire”from Kasipul- Kabondo, Rangwe and Ndhiwa who masqueraded as the ODM interim officials of the Homa-Bay County branch, which is still yet to be established.

Reached for comment, MP Rege scoffed at the accusation saying the can only work with the truly elected party branch officials and not members of a splinter group because as the area MP he is responsible for promoting peace and unity of all the constituents.

He blamed those sponsoring the splinter and parallel branch officials as the ones responsible for disunity and called on the population to ignore such impostors and self-styled leaders. “Anyone interested in holding the position at the branch office should come forward and contest the election in the open air when the elections are held in June.

Ends

28Mar/110

Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania in dispute over oil and natural gas exploration

Reports Leo Odera Omolo.

Reports appearing in local media revealed that Zanzibar has triggered fresh confrontation and dispute with the union government over what it calls unnecessary delays in the removal of oil related matters from the Union Article established in 1964. The country has yet to confirm the commercial viability of the recently discovered deposits, though.

The Article of the Union is the document establishing the United Republic of Tanzania - - uniting the then Tanganyika {mainland} and Zanzibar {Isles}, which came into effect on April 26,1964.

The Article, approved by the then President Julius Kambarage Nyerere {Tanganyika} and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume {Zanzibar}, lists matters falling under the union government, which apart from oil, includes finance, international affairs, defense and security. higher education, and home affairs.

The media report quoted Ismail Jussa Ladhu, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Isles main opposition party, the Civic United Front {CUF}, as having told newsmen that Zanzibar expected President Jakaya Kikwete's government to resolve the matter in a timey fashion.

Jussa Ladhu, who is also sits in the Union Parliament representing Stone Town constituency, said that after Zanzibar’s House of Representatives passed the Bill approving the matter, the Chief Minister of Zanzibar wrote to the Prime minister of the Union on the issue, ”but nothing has been done.”

“The government’s slowness is preventing the Zanzibar government from undertaking any substantial decision on oil and natural gas exploration across the Isles,” he said.

It is estimated that the on-going oil exploration could take up to seven years to complete.

However, a source, close to the Zanzibar President’s office, is reported to have said that the semi-autonomous government has continued to restrict exploration companies from carrying out activities regardless of their possession of operational licenses.

Zanzibar would like to see oil produced offshore, onshore and in deep sea under Block 8-12 managed solely for the benefits of the Isles

Under the existing petroleum Act of 1980,Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation {TPDC} is the only body mandated to license, monitor, and supervise exploration and production of oil and natural gas on the entire territory of Tanzania - - Zanzibar included - - whether offshore, onshore or deep sea.

However, for a number of years, Zanzibar politicians have been expressing discontent over TPDC’s monopoly power over Zanzibar, on the grounds that its establishment did not satisfy the requirements of bodies meant to cover both the Mainland and Zanzibar.

A Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office Responsible On the Union Matters, Samia Suluhu Hassan, was quoted by the influential Weekly the EASTAFRICAN this week as saying that the removal of oil and natural gas from the list of Union matters was being dealt with by “higher authorities” and therefore was no longer being discussed in the inter-sector meetings that review Union challenges periodically.

The latest meeting took place on March 19, 2011, Hassan said, adding that the resolution of the matter is long over due.

Exploration carried on by Antrim Energy of Canada shows that the Pemba-Zanzibar block has a proven hydrocarbon system as evidenced by Tandaua oil seep on Pemba Island, and oil shows in previous exploration wells. Multiple source rocks and petroleum reserves are anticipated and numerous projects mapped.

There are 17 oil and gas exploration companies carrying out exploration in Tanzania, mainly in the deep sea and along the coastal areas.

Ends

28Mar/110

Kenya: First Lady Lucy Kibaki Slams Kalonzo Over Kibaki Remarks

Folks,

Hapa, First Lady Lucy Kibaki did well. Mambo ya kuingilia nyumba za watu ni makosa mbele za Mungu. Hawa watu domo domo wana haribu ndoa na familia ilio undwa na Mungu. Hapa nina kuunga mkono.

You have the right to protect your family from marauding hyenas - - people of no moral substance and opportunists who hide under the clothe of "Born Again Christians".

You are right. You have the right to sue Kalonzo Musyoka and others for libel. Kwanini wanakuingilia mambo yako ya nyumbani, kati yako na mumeo? Ni makosa kabisa. Hawa watu hawa heshimu ndoa takatifu?

You did not sign any contract to share Kibaki with other manamba women. Ili iwe funzo, waambie tena wafundishe adabu, wakome kuingilia na kuleta chuchu chuchu kwa mabwana za watu.

Iyo ya nyumbani ndio serious sana. Sue Kalonzo a compensate na alipe damages.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA

http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

- - - - - - - - - - -

First Lady Slams Kalonzo Over Kibaki Remarks

Anthony Kariuki

25 March 2011

Nairobi — Kenya's First Lady Lucy Kibaki has slammed Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka over his unflattering remarks on President Kibaki's health.

Mrs Kibaki dismissed claims by the VP, revealed by whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, that the President relied on medication as he carried out affairs of the State.

"I take great exception to Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka's reported allegations that President Kibaki slept on his job due to drugs administered on him. As Kenyans are fully aware, at no time has President Kibaki slept on his job.Indeed, claims to this effect were never substantiated in the Wikileaks," said Mrs Kibaki in a hard-hitting statement Friday.

At the time the cables were being sent to Washington by US ambassador Michael Ranneberger, Mrs Kibaki said the country economy had begun to register "unprecedented levels of growth" and the VP's claim should be dismissed out of hand.

"Indeed, the economy grew by 5.8 per cent in 2006 when the cables were being wired and rose to 7 per cent compared to 1 per cent in 2002, when the President took office.

"Obviously, this is an indicator of a country under sound management in every respect and does not suggest a chief executive asleep on his job."

She lambasted Mr Kalonzo for appearing to "derive fiendish delight" in the poor health of others saying it is contrary to African and human values as a whole.

Mrs Kibaki said she was "particularly dismayed" by Mr Muyoka's appeal to the US to prevail on President Kibaki not to seek a second term in the run up to the 2007 polls so that he can have an easy ride to State House.

"As Kenyans are aware, ours is a competitive political system and there is no short cut to power.

"Those who seek external influences to better their leadership prospects should know that Kenyans are an enlightened people capable of voting the leaders who will best represent and pursue their interests and the well being of the country," said Mrs Kibaki.

"I urge Kenyans to engage in constructive dialogue that will take our country to the next level rather than smear other people's reputation for their selfish interests."

In the cables, Mr Musyoka, then the ODM-K presidential candidate told Mr Ranneberger of his reservations about the President's health and "and the negative impact on the electoral process should Kibaki experience a health crisis before the elections".

"Musyoka seriously suggested that President Bush should call Kibaki to urge him to step aside," reads the cable sent by Mr Ranneberger to his superiors in Washington.

Mr Musyoka strategy of "hail Mary pass" according to the US envoy would see him receive support from President Kibaki's followers in the event the latter dropped out of the race. He was locked in a three-horse race for the 2007 presidential poll against President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

But in a quick rejoinder, the VP dismissed Mr Ranneberger's assertions as "rumours" and "wild allegations".

"It is unfortunate that Amb. Ranneberger contrary to his mission as his country's representative, has wasted his time in our beautiful country collecting rumours and passing them off as substantive diplomatic intelligence," said a statement from his office.

"The latest wikiLeaks making wild allegations on the person of the Vice President Dr Kalonzo Musyoka should be treated with the contempt they deserve as the product of a very creative mind, whose purpose is to drive a wedge between the President and his Deputy."

On Friday, the First Lady also took issue with insinuations that the President had a second family and that she did not live at State House, the official residence of the First Family.

"I reside at State House," she said.

"In the said leaks, Kalonzo Musyoka is said to have alleged that I do not reside at State House adding that I moved to State House when I learnt there were night meetings taking place there."

Terming the allegations "barefaced falsehood", Mrs Kibaki said all Kenyans were aware that she has "been resident at State House where I have conducted my duties and responsibilities as the spouse of the President".

Further, it is from State House that she undertakes charitable activities within the framework of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV and Aids, she added.

She fervently denied the existence of State House night meetings and said Mr Musyoka's allegations that she moved back to the seat of the Presidency to check on the said meetings were "false and conceived in bad faith".

Mrs Kibaki reiterated that the composition of the First Family was a matter of public knowledge. President Kibaki has, on more than one occasion, clarified the status of his family.

"Further, I wish to clarify that the composition of the First Family is in the public domain and its integrity and moral authority is beyond reproach," she said.

"Any insinuations to the contrary are unfounded and false. As Kenyans are aware, however, it is a well known fact that there are people who go around masquerading to belong to the families of prominent people in public life.

"Members of the public should distinguish between genuine family members and impostors."

28Mar/112

Kenya: PNU’s ICC Deferral push is Class Conspiracy

From: Kennedy Odhiambo

Kenya’s constitution states that all people irrespective of their status in society are equal before the law. But the theatrics we are witnessing as PNU tries to defend the “Ocampo Six” at all cost is purely a class conspiracy.

When youth were arrested in Rift Valley and elsewhere after the Post-Election Violence, PNU strongly supported their trial in courts. Some were incarcerated while others were released after courts failed to get evidence to link them with the violence.

Now, the big question every ordinary Kenyan is asking is if the ICC prosecutor and judges have enough evidence linking the six with violence why should they go and defend themselves? It shows that in Kenya the law can only be applied to the poor not the rich.

Ken

28Mar/110

EU: Electric Vehicles for Europe? New FIA Policy Paper on the Challenges Ahead for eMobility

From: Yona Maro

Consumers will not automatically make the switch to electric vehicles if running costs are high, a recharging station network is not in place, or if new technologies are not user-friendly, according to a new policy paper by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) European Bureau.

Commenting on the paper, Werner Kraus, President of FIA Region I, said: “Up to now, all efforts to make electric vehicles a common sight on our roads have been to no avail, however, with a range of new hybrid and fully electric products due to enter the market in the coming months, it looks like we may finally be on the verge of an ‘eMobility’ revolution for the car industry. Electric vehicles have great potential to improve individual mobility as well as lower CO2 emissions”.

He added, “There will be many challenges ahead. Consumers will not shift to electric vehicles if costs are high, the right infrastructure is not in place, or if they do not understand the new technologies on offer. A range of actors including car manufacturers, battery producers, energy suppliers and distributors, and of course politicians, will have to work together to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is a successful one.”

The policy document, ‘Towards E-Mobility: The Challenges Ahead’, is being released in advance of the anticipated release of a new European Commission White Paper on Transport as well as the entry of several new electric vehicles into the market in the coming months. The role of institutions - European, national and local - is crucial to create a clear vision and a more integrated framework, according to the paper. This should include:

Leading by example with green procurement procedures;

Introducing the correct package of incentives to stimulate specific uses of vehicles;

Working close to business and academia to refine vehicles and battery technology and support a higher volume of production;

Integrating transport policy with urban planning, energy supply and public services;

Encouraging measures for green consumption (for example by promoting labelling systems and developing innovative financial mechanisms);

Fostering a better integration of electric vehicles into the existing urban transport infrastructure.

By pooling the experiences of its 71 member clubs, representing 35 million motoring consumers from across Europe, this FIA European Bureau paper gives a unique cross-border perspective on the critical factors on eMobility currently under debate, both for users and consumers.

To Download Full Text, Visit ...

http://www.fiabrussels.com/download/emobility/emobility_full_text_fia.pdf

To Download Executive Summary, visit ...

http://www.fiabrussels.com/download/emobility/emobility_executive_summary_fia.pdf

For more information, please contact Niall Carty, Communications Manager, FIA Brussels Office: n.carty@ fiabrussels.com or 02 282 0812

27Mar/112

Kenya: A Successful Nationwide Clean-up

From: odhiambo okecth

Friends,

Today we scored a double victory;

Harambee Stars beat Angola 2;1
Many Kenyans turned out across the country to join in the 3rd Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign.
Now, Harambee Stars made us proud after a series of loses that made many of us not go to the stadium. I was in particularly a very happy man except when Mariga decided to undress in public after giving us a deserved lead. I thought he knows the rules; No undressing in public. But we must forgive him and move on. I would have done the same.

Kenyans also made me proud today. Many across the country turned out and helped make Kenya clean. I was at Eastleigh at St Theresa Girls Secondary School and my, what a turn out.

The Nairobi Clean-up was organized by the One Stop Youth Information Centre, a department of the Social Development Department of the City Council of Nairobi in partnership with the Department of Environment at the City Council of Nairobi.

The response was massive; close to 1,200 Youths from all the Eight Constituencies of Nairobi took part. They were joined by a contingent from Kenyatta University Environment Club members under the auspices of NAVNET. The result was massive; we split into eight teams and we cleaned Eastleigh.

We are also happy with the reports we are receiving from all Kenya; Mombasa, Kagio in Nyeri, Nzoia, Migori, Makueni, Isiolo. You all deed well and we at the National Secretariat are encouraged. Our efforts are not going to waste.

We will all be joining hands next Saturday at Ngong Hills with Imani Children Homes to plant 20,000 trees on the Hills. Please join us at 6.30am at Uhuru Park on 2nd April 2011 to enable us move as a team to Ngong. Express Connections Ltd otherwise known us Double M will be providing us with transport to Ngong.

We are still appealing at all and sundry for support.

In conclusion, I must thank the following Teams for making the Clean-up in Nairobi a big success today;

1. The City Council of Nairobi led by the Town Clerk Mr. Philip Kisia

2. One Stop Youth Information Centre led by Mr. Ben Nyamweya

3. Department of Environment at the City Council led by Mr. Gabriel Omondi on behalf of the Director Mr. Isaac Muraya.

4. The Decentralization Department of the City Council of Nairobi

5. The Department of Public Health led by Dr Robert Ayisi

6. The Department of Social Development and Housing led by Mr. Kariuki

7. The Divisional Manager Kamukunji Ms Nancy Njeru and her staff members

8. Eatleigh District Business Association led by Mr. Hussein Mohammed

9. The Co-operative Bank City Hall Annexe Branch led by Ms Caro Wafula

10. The Africa Youth Trust

11. Navnet

12. Kenyatta University Environment Club members

13. Yokesho

14. Juja Road Estate Agency

15. Liverpool VCT

16. Aids Control Unit of the Public Health Department

17. Youths from Langata, Embakasi, Dagoreti, Kasarani, Makadara, Starehe, Westlands, Njiru and Kamukunji Constituencies.

This was encouraging and on behalf of KCDN I say; Thank you all.

<

A Clean Kenya Starts With Me.

Peace and blessings,

Odhiambo T Oketch

CEO KCDN Nairobi

Nationwide Coordinator - Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi Kenya.
Tel; 0724 365 557 0735 529 126

http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com

friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Odhiambo T Oketch is the current Chairman to the City Council of Nairobi Stakeholders Evaluation Team on Performance Contracting and Rapid Results Management. He is also Chair to the Nyamonye Catholic Church Development Fund.He was also the Co-Chair and Coordinator of The Great Nairobi Walk against Corruption that was held in Nairobi on the 22nd October 2010

Board; Mr. Rashid Juma [Chair], Mr. Odhiambo T Oketch [CEO], Mr. Elijah Agevi, Mr. Gichane Muraguri, Ms Kethi D Kilonzo,Hon Lewis Nguyai, Mr. Oduor Ong’wen, Mr. Lameck Siage, Dr Grace Ongile, Mr. Sam Olendo, Mr. Felix Kibet- US and Ms Brigitte Frey- Switzerland

27Mar/110

USA: Libya – From President Obama

Sent by: Judy Miriga

From: President Barack Obama
Subject: Libya

Good morning,

I'm writing today with an update on the situation in Libya, including the actions we've taken with allies and partners to protect the Libyan people from the brutality of Moammar Qaddafi. For further details, please take a moment to watch this morning's Weekly Address:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/26/weekly-address-military-mission-libya?utm_source=email103&utm_medium=image&utm_campaign=libya

Sending our brave men and women in uniform into harm's way is not a decision I make lightly. But when someone like Qaddafi threatens a bloodbath that could destabilize an entire region, it is in our national interest to act. In fact, it’s our responsibility.

Our mission in Libya is clear and focused -- and we are succeeding.

Along with our allies and partners, we are enforcing the mandate of the United Nations Security Council. Working with other countries, we have put in place a no-fly zone and other measures that will help prevent further violence and brutality. Qaddafi's air defenses have been taken out, and his forces are no longer advancing across Libya.

As a consequence of our quick action, the lives of countless innocent civilians have been saved, and a humanitarian catastrophe has been avoided.

The role of American forces in this mission is limited. After providing unique capabilities at the beginning, we are now handing over control of the no-fly zone to our NATO allies and partners, including Arab partners like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States has also joined with the international community to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance. We're offering support to the Libyan opposition and have frozen tens of billions of dollars of Qaddafi's assets.

Our message to Qaddafi is clear: attacks against innocent civilians must end, his forces must be pulled back, humanitarian aid must reach Libyans in need, and those responsible for the violence in Libya must be held accountable.

The progress we've made over the past seven days demonstrates how the international community should work, with many nations, not just the United States, bearing the responsibility and cost of upholding international law.

Every American can be proud of the service of our men and women in uniform who have once again stood up for our interests and ideals. And as we move forward, I will continue to keep each of you fully informed on our progress.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama
President of the United States

P.S. On Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. EDT, I will deliver an address at the National Defense University in Washington, DC on the situation in Libya. You can watch the speech live at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

26Mar/111

Kenya: Politicians in Nyanza protest against the closing down of fishing in Lake Victoria

Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City..

The government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Fisheries, has announced that it would close the fishing in Lake Victoria with effect from first April, 2011.

The plan to close down the fishing business in Lake Victoria for three months has, however, elicited vehement opposition by politicians who have pleaded with the government ton rescind its decision owing to long period of drought and the prevailing famine conditions in most part of lowland location neighboring the lake.

A Homa-Bay politician Hilary Ochieng’ Alila argued that there is acute shortage of food grain, and the planned closing down of fishing business in the Lake Victoria would hurt the residents most.

Many families, especially those living in lowland location along the shoreline of Lake Victoria, are experiencing food shortage. The government should therefore withdraw its plan and allow the fishing to go on, particularly the fishing of “Omena” (ndaga}, which is the common food for the down graded members of the society.

The closing of fishing in Lake Victoria, which will be in effect from Ist April to July 31st, would hurt the locals and hit them below the belt. ”The consumers will have to miss the delicacy of Omena".

The announcement was made by an Assistant Director of Fisheries Michael Obadha when he addressed a workshop of fisheries officials, experts and stakeholders from East, Southern, Central Africa as well as from Caribbean and Pacific nations in Kisumu City. He said the ban would remain in force unless lifted by the Fisheries Minister Amson Kingi.

“We have received messages of concern from fishermen and fish traders that we should lift the ban because of the recent prolonged drought, but that will depend on the Minister’s decree,” said Obadha.

But Alila who is the ODM youth coordinator countered back by saying that “This is a people’s government and it must yield and obliged when the situation calls for the continuation of fishing program in order to assist the poor families that depend entirely on fishing and fish trade.”

Alila who is a leading contestant in the Homa-Bay County Senate seat race urged the government to withdraw the banning notice, saying there is acute shortage of food grain and people who depends on fishing and fish trade would be hurt the most.”There was a crop failure in most part of Nyanza and the people are surviving mostly on fishing and fish trade as their outlet for cash which in turn they are using for buying food.

Omena the smallest fish which is also used in putting ingredient into animal feeds is the cheapest and affordable food for the down trodden people.

Pronouncing the ban, Obadha said the research, conducted on fish movement and breeding, shows that the peak of fish breeding season comes with the long rain, which have began in some parts of the country, hence the fishing ban. During the same period also coincides with the breeding of the economically important Nile perch and tilapia and other species.”And if fishermen are allowed to catch Omena, they were likely to end up catching other juvenile species.”

“This is why we are keen to enforce the ban during the rain season to forestall possible destruction f the breeding grounds.”

He made the announcement amid fear by fishermen of a possible economic strangulation against the local communities..

Each year, thousands of Omena fishermen are thrown out of business and trade by the ban and several sent to prison for illegally fishing in the lake despite of closure of the lake.

The Kisumu workshop had drawn participants from regional organizations, experts from Caribbean, central, east and southern Africa

The expert said that the ban if applied strictly would enhance re-stocking of the dwindling species. They said fishermen should view the ban-as a measure of sustainability, without destroying its diversity and ecosystem.

But fishermen lead by the National Beach Management Unit chairman Tom Guda appealed to the government to reconsider a waiver citing the recent drought. He added that the move will negatively affect the regions economy since brake in Omena could be felt by many Kenyans.

Ends

26Mar/111

Kenya & Libya: Traditional Elders Condemn Libya Bombing

Folks,

These are good-for-nothing stomach elders bull heads who are busy bodies at party enjoy the feast tabled by looters while their communities are invaded, raped and killed with their resources stolen from them in the name of dunderheads ati elders ....... kwenda uko !

They have no business calling themselves elders, they are elders of doom no one want to associate themselves with. They are a complete sell-out and all communities of Kenya and the world must condemn them as such.

Who are they kidding ....... blind fellows who do not heed God's warnings but tests the wrath of God. Hey ! This world, a what mac see ! Truly, it was predicted, leaders of doom are here with us ....... people take stock, how much damage, destruction and pain has Patni with faked corrupt group done to the people of Kenya and Africa, the poor children of God?

Their days are numbered.

Gaddaffi is no good man, a leader who is calling his people ants, mende, dogs and is killing mercilessly and stealing from other Africans including his colluding to Kenya and turning poor Kenyan men to rascal gigolo and ghetto's, is just paying for his evil ways. And his stolen goods must be returned to the poor people of Kenya and Africa for reform and development........Yes, these Patni's and Company must join Gaddafi at ICC Hague so they can explain who gave them authority to sale poor Kenyans to Gaddafi.

We have Mungiki who have infiltrated the Police system, and the leader of Mungiki keep parading at Ranneberger's office for loots and more loots, and Ranneberger is paying out the loot in the name of Youth Project ...... Ranneberger cannot cut both-ways ..... his continuous stay is racking Kenya even more and pushing Kenya to a scenario worse than Somali. This must stop and those in cohort with Ranneberger must understand that we are not happy with their manoeuvres of destroying Kenya and Africa for their business interests. This must stop and stop now ..... Ranneberger must vacate Kenya's office immediately.....they are the ones causing more havoc of destroying Kenya under table with other spoilers at equal contests with China and Libya. So Ranneberger must be removed now and immediately so peace can begin to settle in Kenya. With continuous stay of Ranneberger in Kenya, there is not going to be any peace, we will continue to have mushrooming and more sophisticated Mungiki's, Al-Qaedas and Al-Shaabab, and this must be brought to a stop. Ranneberger is a complete spoiler.

I am truly very sad and ashamed by these kind of characters......This is the reason why Kenya must have the Ocampo six at Hague with no dilly dallying whether Kenya has the court or not.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA

http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

- - - - - - - - - - -

Traditional Elders Condemn Libya Bombing

Justus Ochieng
24 March 2011

House of Traditional Elders of Kenya Vice Chairman Riaga Ogallo has condemned the US, UK and French attack on Libya.

Ogallo said the attack was at a time when the Libyan government had hinted at initiating development projects in various parts of the country before end of the year.

This follows proposals presented by Kenyan elders drawn from various ethnic groups to President Muammar Gaddafi earlier this year in Tripoli.

Over 100 elders led by chairman Kamlesh Pattni took the development request to Gaddafi for Sh100 million for the first phase of the initiative to boost the economic standings of their people.

Ogallo said Gaddafi told the elders to craft a proposal of areas they would want to be assisted on back home and they mentioned construction of schools, hospitals and sinking of boreholes to better the lives of communities at the grassroots. "It is quite unfortunate that this man who would see the development of Africa is now facing the wrath of the white men," he said.

Ogallo said the elders had also included in the proposal a request to help explore mineral resource deposits in various parts of the country. "I believe this would have helped this country a lot if the man was allowed to fulfill his dream," he said. Ogallo said through Oilibya, Libya had shown its commitment to help improve people's lives in Kenya.

House of Traditional Elders of Kenya was registered on December 22, 2009, with Kamlesh Pattni as chairman and Riaga Ogallo as deputy.

Other officials were Phares Ruteere (secretary general), Vincent Mwachiro (treasurer), former Ol Kejuado County Council chairman Daniel ole Muyaa (organising secretary), Haji Ahmed (deputy secretary), Peter Mumia (national coordinator), Julius Nyarotso (deputy treasurer), former Foreign Affairs PS Thuita Mwangi (deputy organising secretary) and Sam Muumbi (deputy coordinator).

26Mar/111

USA, FL: RECEPTION FOR PRIME MINISTER HON. RAILA ODINGA IN TALLAHASSEE FL. ON 14TH APRIL 2011

Prime minister Hon. Raila Odinga is visiting Florida A and M University in Tallahassee FL on the 14th April. A meet the people reception in his honor will be held at 7pm on that day in Tallahassee FL. The location will be communicated later.

Call or email
Dr. Abonyo
18503394806
luo31@hotmail.com

for further details

This is the time for all Kenyans within Florida and all the neighboring states to come and meet their prime minister and even ask him questions one on one. Your presence will be highly appreciated. Please distribute to all Kenyans and friends of Kenya.

Dr. Barack Otieno Abonyo
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Florida A and M University
1415 Martin Luther King Dr.
Tallahassee Fl, 32304
Tel:850-561-2553
1850-339-4806
www.kenyaslist.com

26Mar/112

USA & Libya: Military intervention in Libya is wrong

From: Joseph Lister

I don’t admire what dictators do to their people and nations but using military force to dislodge them from power is not the best way to go as you cannot achieve democracy with bombs and purport to be liberating a nation in 21st Century.

Thinking that Libyans will wake up in a fortnight chanting Allahu Akbar for justice, freedom and democracy when the Country's infrastructure has been destroyed, innocent people killed and probably Gadhaffi and his family killed by bombs is elusive.

It’s true the current bombing may succeed to see Gadhaffi out of power or killed but how about innocent Libyans and the country’s infrastructure?

Does it mean the West hasn’t learnt a lesson about Iraq, which is now a shell? Even the country’s leadership is a punch of puppets for Western powers.

Two wrongs don't make a right…a tooth for a tooth will make us toothless while an eye for an eye will make us blind. If Ghadaffi was killing his own people to safeguard his dictatorial regime, does it mean there were no better mechanisms from the international community to address the problem instead of raining bombs from the Libyans skies and why was the military intervention hurriedly executed?

Its true Ghadaffi is one of the worst dictators of our time but is he the only dictator on the planet? Why Libya and not Zimbabwe, North Korea, Cote Devoire, Iran, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

In 2007, Kenya went through the worst crisis after elections were bungled which was a tragedy to democracy and justice but the international community did not come up with military intervention under the aegis of propagating global democracy.

Even when Kenya was up in smoke because of the stolen elections; resulting to killings and human displacement, the Global community led by the USA was the first to come up with the idea of power sharing between the winner and the loser. Was this democratization?

If the West want to propagate justice and democracy in the globe, it must be applied a close the board.

The situation in Libya is not simple the way the global community seems to think. The Libyan leader is not going to surrender in day; not even in a week ... his armed resistance might take long and the sum total of this will be human suffering especially the vulnerable- women, children and the poor.

The US led forces attacked Iraq thinking that Saddam will surrender in a week but the war has taken a decade. The once flourishing Country is a shell. American taxpayers are reconstructing the Country. Many Iraqis and majority of the World feel that Iraq was better of with Sadam than it is today.

We all love democracy but shedding human blood to pave the way for the same is immoral and inhuman. Me think that peace is better than war and that the life of a single human being cannot be compared with the gold and silver that the Western powers are pursuing on Libya's Oil under the aegis of democratization.

The repercussions of wars- from simple clan feuds, tribal conflicts to full fledged armed conflicts that the world has experienced does not help humanity.

Joseph Lister Nyaringo
United States

25Mar/110

EU & EAST AFRICA: KSHS 3.6 BILLION FOR FISHERIES ALONG LAKE VICTORIA REGION.

By Agwanda Jowi

European Union has disbursed over three million Euros (Sh. 3.6 billion) for the management of fisheries along Lake Victoria region in a four year project that will benefit East Africa countries.

The funds are part of the 30 million Euros disbursed by European Union under 9th European development fund aiming at strengthening fisheries management in Africa Caribbean Pacific countries.

The project funded under, ACP 2 aims at improving fisheries management in the ACP countries so as to ensure that fisheries resources occurring in the waters within the jurisdiction of these countries are sustainable exploited.

ACP 2 regional manager Koanne Mindjibika says during a workshop with stakeholders in Kisumu that the programme that will tackle over 32 regional and national fisheries projects will lead to alleviation of poverty and improved fish security within the East Africa region.

The regional manager says that the East Africa region project will be implemented under five components both targeting improvement of fisheries.

Kenya assistant director of fisheries Michael Obadha says the first phase of the project will cost over 1 million Euro and second phase due to start in November this year will cost over 2.3 million Euros.

Obadha says so far over 40 beach management unit have benefited from the programme in terms of training and 280 more will under go a similar training as the projects get underway.

He says that the ACP2 will address the gains in the ACP1 and introduce new aspects that were not addressed in the first component of the programme.

Ends

25Mar/110

POEM; PAMELA THE TAC: – ANGELIC

from Obat Masira

Dear Sir,

I have a collection of poems. I would like to share my experience .
AKECH OBAT MASIRA

- - - - - - - - - - -

PAMELA THE TAC: - ANGELIC

When power of the arts

With unique magic touches hearts

Like nova, you Pamela Ohonde shine

Among those you have elevated to cloud nine

A champion of orphaned children cause

Being a veteral orphan yourself

Oh Pamela, talented daughter of Ugenya

With what praise can we salute you

For your hearty contribution to the unknown

Orphaned children of fate far, far away…………..

Your fame will echo across- the seas

As your kindness resonates with orphan woes

Feeling the pulse of your help to unknown

In far away in Usigu-Yimbo and Ukwala Ugenya

Where the HIV/ AIDS pandemic has ravaged many

Robbing homes and cropping orphnas everywhere

Oh Pamela, your vision is a worthy mission:

Indeed a hostilic approach to child development

Through reading writing to child development

Harnesing talents of great value to society

When - the power of the arts

With its unique magic touch hearts

The daughter of Nzoia, daughter of Ugenya

You are an angel with a heart of gold

And that’s why your tale must be told

To promote the arts to foster development:

To control, reduce and manage hive/ aids

To consolidate the role of Kenyans in the Diaspora

From the new road Baptist Church, Oxford City

To pay school fees for our orphans education

And to create home based health care for all:

You’re most worthy contribution to the unknown

Oh nyar Siranga, a rare star in our galaxy

What song of praise can we compose for you ,

That would be most fitting for your sacrifice

To the orphaned children of Usigu and Ukwala

The focus of your benevolence and selflessness,

Great attributes that few have,

And yet attributes that very few use………….

To care fro the needy, the lonely and forgotten

Your efforts insulate many from the future disasters

Often child labour, prostitution and molestation

Often opening a Pandora’s box of human cruelty

Where the orphan is stigmatized without sympathy-

Oh Pamela Ohonde, daughter of Siranga

Nyar duke wahinde mar Siranga

Where the mighty river Nzioa brings delight,

We salute you fro your magnamity

And for your open mind

We salute you!!!Pamela the Tac:- angelic

END

AKECH OBAT – MASIRA

KISUMU CITY, KENYA

@ AUGUST 2007

Filed under: Culture No Comments
25Mar/110

OECD: Vote for our African brother’s powerful and honest video defining progress!

From: Annah Sidigu

Hi friends and family!

I just learned about this awesome video competition put on by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and saw a video that I really think deserves your vote.

This is a great opportunity to make a big difference in the life of one of our young African artist-activists, which is something I'm really passionate about. Please check out and vote for the video! It's called: Progress is socioeconomic development through taxation and is by Gabriel Jahmed of Nigeria.

http://www.oecd.org/document/20/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_46513044_1_1_1_1,00.html

You should also check out the other videos. But I really think this is one of the best and deserves your vote. Note: I don't know the filmmaker, but I would like to support our African brother and hope you'll do the same by voting for him and asking others (especially fellow Africans) to do the same. Harambee!

Vote by April 13! The top 3 winners get:

An all expenses paid trip to Paris, France
Screening of the winning films at an international forum.
An opportunity to meet government, civil society and media from around the world.

In solidarity,
Annah

24Mar/110

Kenya: Two children struck dead by lightning while three students hurt by another thunderbolt

Writes Leo Odera Omolo.

AFTER long period of drought that had threatened the lives of millions of Kenyans and their livestock, particularly those living in the semi-arid region in Northern part of the country, the long rains have finally arrived, but have also brought calamities and natural disaster disasters.

It has arrived in time for the farmers to plant their farms in most part of Western Kenya and highlands west of the Rift Valley.

Two children were killed while herding their family cattle in Nkoreta area of Narok County in the South Rift while score of high school girls student at Lwanya Girls Secondary School in Busia County in Western Province narrowly escaped death when the institute was hit by thunderbolt late on Sunday during heavy downpour.

Narok Officer Commanding the Police Division {OCPD} Peterson Maelo confirmed that the incident occurred when several children were sheltering under a huge and tall tree during the stormy rains.

“It was raining heavily when the children who were looking after cattle in the open field decided to shelter under the tree and were struck by lightning killing two of them on the sport and injuring scores of other,” said Maelo.

The police boss said children were from different families. He urged the parents to advise their children against taking shelter under the trees when it rains. “The tree being the tallest object in a given place is always the target attracting the lightning”, he added.

The bodies of the victim were taken to Narok district waiting for the postmortem examination.

The area civic leaders led by their chairman Stephen Tronaiyan who visited the bereaved families, and announced that they will with effect from tomorrow hold a youth forum to be organized by NGO. And the agenda will include sensitizing and teaching the young people about the natural calamities and disaster like floods and lightning.

The meeting will offer the youth’s free education on how to protect themselves against the natural calamities, especially o the danger about lightning which has been so prevalent in the area, particularly during the rainy seasons after a long time of dry spells.

In another near disaster, but unrelated incident, lightning struck Lwanya Girls Secondary School injuring three girls in Busia County, Western Province during the late afternoon down-pour, which was accompanied by storms. The school is situated close to the Kenya-Uganda border.

Doctors at Busia district Hospital where the three students have been admitted for treatment and observation said the girls are in stable condition and are out of danger.

The PPO in Western Province Benson Kibui has urged the schools management to install lightning arrestors to ensure the safety of students.

He said the students had narrowly escaped death because they were not hurdled together.

Two months ago four pupils were strike dead in Nandi while they were playing football.

Last year alone close to 100 Kenyans lost their lives in lightning incidents while property worth thousands of shilling were destroyed or damaged beyond repair..

In Africa, Zimbabwe is leading followed by the neighboring Zambia with the largest figure of deaths caused by lightning every year. The deaths are moderately estimated to be between 180 and 200 in the two neighboring countries.

In Kenya more incidents of deaths are reported in Wstern Keya regions of the North and South Rift, Bungoma,Busia, Siaya,Kisumu, Kisii region and Southern Nyanza.

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