USA: Shameful
From: Nita and Shaunna, Ultraviolet
Time is running out for the Violence Against Women Act--Congress has until the end of the year to reauthorize this life-saving bill. But they will only act if we push them. They need to know women are watching and demanding action. Can you sign the petition?
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/369?t=1&akid=237.6000.TnfYKs
From: Nita and Shaunna, Ultraviolet
Dear Readers,
If Congress does not reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) before the end of this year, shelters, domestic violence hotlines, and other key services could run out of money in coming months.1
This is an emergency for millions of women and men all over this country. In fact, 3 women die each and every day as a result of domestic violence.2 The Violence Against Women Act needs to be a priority for Congress, but right now it's not. You can help change that.
Earlier this year, a bipartisan majority of Senators passed a VAWA reauthorization bill that would have expanded protections to some of the most vulnerable communities, including LGBT, immigrant and Native American populations. Conservatives in the House not only blocked it--they took the unprecedented step of rolling back protections that have been on the books for years.
Now they're facing increased pressure to do the right thing and vote on the Senate version. But they won't act unless they know women are watching. We were decisive in the election a few weeks ago, and we can be decisive in passing one of the most important pieces of legislation in front of Congress right now. Can you sign this petition demanding the House of Representatives pass the expanded Violence Against Women Act right away?
Add your name to the petition.
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/369?t=3&akid=237.6000.TnfYKs
With pressure ramping up, now is the time to push Congress. We'll deliver your comments to the House within the week--and we'll escalate the pressure and make sure our voices flood Congressional offices before it is too late.
Here's how the New York Times put it:3
"By refusing to accept the principle of protecting all victims of domestic violence, House Republican leaders are conveying a belief that rapes of gay people and immigrant women are not “legitimate” rapes, as Representative Todd Akin, the failed Republican candidate for the Senate from Missouri, put it so appallingly. Is that really what Republicans want to stand for?"
Here are some key facts about the Violence Against Women Act:4
Before its passage in 1994, not all states had stalking laws, and many states had weak laws against sex crimes.
Today every state makes stalking a crime. Every state has also strengthened its spousal and date rape crime definitions.
The Violence Against Women Act has provided billions in funding to help training and collaboration between law enforcement, shelters, and medical professionals. In fact, funding from the bill trains more than 500,000 of these professionals every year.
Rates of homicide resulting from domestic violence for both women and men have dropped dramatically. And incidents of domestic abuse have declined by as much as 67% over the years.
Time is running out and we need your voice with us. Please sign today.
Add your name to the petition.
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/369?t=4&akid=237.6000.TnfYKs
Thanks for speaking out!
--Nita, Shaunna, Kat and Karin, the UltraViolet team.
Sources:
1 .What Will Happen to VAWA, End Violence Against Women International, May 25, 2012
2. Each Day 3 Women Die Because of Domestic Violence, National Network to End Domestic Violence
3. The Gop And Violence Against Women,The New York Times, November 24, 2012
4. Factsheet: The Violence Against Women Act, WhiteHouse.gov
The coming fight over violence against women, Salon.com, March 20, 2012
USA: Obama: Couldn’t be prouder’ of Susan Rice
From: Judy Miriga
People !!
Mmmmm ! People are left wondering if it is not hate mongering conspiracy with racial discrimination toppings which motivates MCcain with team in the the GOP Republicans to fight Susan with such lethal venom. Things cannot continue to be this way........It is their way or no way.......Surely, wont they get some reality check, so they engage on repairing their damaged image after such a humiliating defeat.....??? They lost because they did not have any reasonable substantive issues to sell to the people. It is time they be realistic and get some reality check so they join the rest of people in Nation building. I have watched Susan Rice and seen a highly qualified woman with conviction doing her work at the UN Office with dedication, passion and with Grace. She is one of our own we are very proud of. The attack on Susan is quite unfortunate because she used the talking point she was given by the CIA. This confirms that she is not the one the GOP should go after. To me, Susan Rice has outshined many men and this could be another reason she is under attack.........
Divided we fall, United we are strong and together we shall transform the world to be a better place free from pain and sufferings.......
We need each other people, and we learn from our mistakes and No One is perfect......Give Susan Rice a breather and let us all move on aiming at sharing to improve matters......
I love you all people, but we cannot afford to get stuck in the mudslinging we have a lot to get engaged and concentrate to fix fixtures., so life will be of meaning again........
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Maddow Explains Motive Behind McCain Attacks On Susan Rice
Published on Nov 29, 2012 by Tomthunkit
What is the deal with Sen. McCain? Some say it is bitterness, sour grapes after his 2008 presidential election loss against President Obama. Perhaps. One of our contributors says, "McCain has become a case study in lingering bitterness as he morphed from outspoken maverick to cranky old conservative with a hair-trigger temper."
Rep. Kelly Calls for Ambassador Susan Rice to Defend Her Talking Points
Obama calls McCain's attacks on Susan Rice 'outrageous'
Published on Nov 14, 2012 by ThinkProgress TP
No description available.
Rep Marcia Fudge defends UN Ambassador Susan Rice from attacks by Sen McCain
Published on Nov 16, 2012
Rep. Marcia Fudge, along with several other women Members of Congress, call out Sen. McCain and other GOP senators for their inappropriate, outrageous personal attacks on UN Ambassador
Outrageous Republican Attacks on Amb. Susan Rice -- Rep. Karen Bass Joins MSNBC
Published on Nov 20, 2012 by RepKarenBass
No description available.
McCain Leads Smear Attacks Against Susan Rice as GOP Eyes Scott Brown For Senate
Published on Nov 29, 2012 by politicalarticles
The 'Right' To Rule: Why Do Republicans Think They Own The White House?: http://www.politicalarticles.net/blog/2012/11/28/the-right-to-rule-why-do-rep...
Why must they tell Obama what to do?
enkogolic 1 day ago
The Senators vs. The Ambassador: Sleazy Graham, John McCain Attack Amb. Susan Rice
Published on Nov 15, 2012 by politicalarticles
The GOP's Gerrymandered 'Congressional Districts' Give an Illusion of a 'Status Quo': http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard/Article/The-GOP-s-Gerrymandered...
CONDI RICE 43 PRESIDENT BUSH SECRETARY TOLD A BIG LIE ABOUT WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION IN IRAQ ... THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS DIED ... CONDI RICE WAS PROMOTED TO NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR .. NO INVESTIGATION WHATSOEVER WAS CONDUCTED ABOUT ..*THE UNJUST WAR* THAT THE REPUBLICANS SPENT TRILLIONS ON ... LUNATIC LINDSEY AND JOHN McCAIN ..ARE ADAMANT TO BLOCK U.N. AMBASSADOR SUSAN RICE CONFIRMATION ... WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WILL THINK THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL KILL 4 AMERICANS WHOM HE APPOINTED ...
Obama: ‘Couldn’t be prouder’ of Susan Rice
By Olivier Knox, Yahoo! News
White House Corresponden
The Ticket –
President Barack Obama praised embattled U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice as "extraordinary" on Thursday as she looked on during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
"Susan Rice is extraordinary. Couldn't be prouder of the job that she's done," Obama said in response to a question from a reporter. The president and the assembled top aides then applauded.
But Obama gave no clue as to whether he was any closer to nominating her—or anyone else—to succeed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton has said she will be leaving her post after four years as America's top diplomat, a role in which she has won praise from Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
Rice, who is known to be close to Obama, is thought to be a top contender for the job. So is Democratic Sen. John Kerry, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But she has become a lightning rod for Republican criticism of the administration's handling of the Sept. 11 attack on the American compound in Benghazi, Libya. Several top Republicans, including Sen. John McCain, have vowed to block her confirmation.
That assault claimed the lives of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. Republicans have accused the administration of misleading the public by playing down intelligence that it was a terrorist attack. They have also charged that the administration ignored requests for increased security in Benghazi and expressions of concern about extremists operating in the eastern Libyan city.
The White House flatly denies deliberately misleading the public.
Rice's star rises as congressional opposition dims
By BRADLEY KLAPPER and MATTHEW LEE | Associated Press –
WASHINGTON (AP) — With congressional opposition softening, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice could find her name in contention as early as this week to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state. It's a step that may signal greater U.S. willingness to intervene in world crises during President Barack Obama's second term.
As Obama nears a decision on who should be the country's next top diplomat, Rice has emerged as the clear front-runner on a short list of candidates that many believe has been narrowed to just her and Sen. John Kerry, despite lingering questions over her comments about the deadly Sept. 11 attack on a U.S. Consulate in Libya.
According to congressional aides and administration officials, Rice will be making the rounds on Capitol Hill this week for closed door meetings with key lawmakers whose support she will need to be confirmed. Those appearances follow her first in-depth explanation of her Benghazi remarks that Republicans seized on as evidence of the administration's mishandling of the attack that took the lives of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans.
Acting CIA Director Michael Morell will join Rice in her meetings with lawmakers.
A senior Senate aide said the administration was trying to measure the strength of the Republican opposition to a Rice nomination, sounding out the more moderate members of the Foreign Relations Committee such as Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., who is in line to become the panel's top Republican next year, and Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.
Rice is scheduled to meet on Tuesday with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., her most vocal critic on Capitol Hill. She will also meet with Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. McCain and Ayotte are members of the Armed Services Committee.
During an interview on Monday, McCain said he would ask Rice "the same questions I've been talking about on every talk show in America." Asked whether he thinks she's still unfit for secretary of state and what he was hoping for, McCain interrupted and said, "I'm not hoping for anything. She asked to see me and I agreed to see her."
Assessing the prospects for Rice before Obama makes any announcement would avoid the embarrassment of a protracted fight with the Senate early in the president's second term.
On talk shows the weekend following the attacks, Rice relied on talking points provided by the intelligence community that described the attack as a spontaneous assault growing out of a protest of an anti-Muslim film. GOP critics say her remarks downplayed evidence of an obvious terrorist attack just weeks before the Nov. 6 election.
Republicans called her nomination doomed, leading to a vigorous defense of her by Obama in his first post-election news conference. But since then, GOP lawmakers seemed to have softened their views. McCain, who said earlier this month that would he do everything in his power to scuttle a Rice nomination, said on Sunday that he was willing to hear her out before making a decision. McCain ally Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has also eased his opposition and said he is usually deferential to presidential Cabinet picks.
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, had issued a statement highly critical of Rice on the day of Obama's news conference. He indicated Monday that perhaps she didn't know what had transpired in Benghazi on the day of the attack.
"I assumed she had full knowledge of everything that went on. I'm not at all convinced of that now. She very well could have been thrown under the bus," Inhofe said in an interview. He said she hadn't requested a meeting but he would be glad to meet with her.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday that the administration appreciated McCain's latest comments about Rice, but wouldn't say whether the president saw them as an opening to make the nomination. "Ambassador Rice has done an excellent job at the United Nations and is highly qualified for any number of positions," Carney said.
Several diplomats currently serving with Rice said that what she lacked in Clinton's star power, she could make up with a blunter approach that demands attention and has marked her tenure thus far at the United Nations.
Rice, who at 48 is relatively young, has played the role of "conscience of the administration" on human rights and detainee issues and would bring "a certain edge" to the secretary of state job, according one colleague who has dealt with Rice on multiple issues over the past three years.
She "will not be going into the job as a star," said Karl Inderfurth, a former U.S. ambassador and senior State Department official who worked closely with Rice in President Bill Clinton's administration when she worked as a staff aide to the National Security Council and then as assistant secretary of state for African affairs. "She will be a rising star, though."
"Hillary Clinton understood the politics of diplomacy: what the person across the table needs in order to sell something," said Inderfurth, now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. "Susan Rice's background is different. What she'll bring is her experience in multilateral engagement and the limitations thereof."
"But the most important thing she brings to the table is her relationship with the president," Inderfurth said.
Rice, like many other foreign policy experts of her generation, was shaped by the Clinton administration's inability to prevent the genocide of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda 1994. Years later, she told a journalist: "I swore to myself that if I ever faced such a crisis again, I would come down on the side of dramatic action, going down in flames if that was required."
That doesn't mean the U.S. will change its policy of only providing humanitarian support to Syrian rebels fighting to overthrow the regime anytime soon. But Rice's confirmation as the next secretary of state could alter the balance in an administration that has viewed humanitarian interventions with significant skepticism, given its rejection of the Bush administration's war in Iraq.
An early supporter of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, Rice fell out with some of her Clinton administration-era NSC and State Department colleagues who urged her to support Hillary Clinton's competing candidacy, including her own mentor, Madeleine Albright, and some of her top aides.
With the Clinton-Obama primary battle in full gear in April 2008, tension between the two camps was on public display at a ceremony and reception to unveil Albright's official portrait in the State Department's ornate 8th floor Benjamin Franklin room, according to several people present. At those events, Rice firmly brushed aside appeals that she switch allegiance, those present said.
Obama's 2008 election brought with it the prospect that Rice, one of his campaign's top foreign policy advisers, might be in line for the Cabinet job she is known to covet. Instead, however, Obama went with the surprise choice of Clinton and gave Rice the U.N. portfolio, although he attempted to deflect her disappointment by restoring the job to a Cabinet-level position.
But her sights remained set on the top job, according to people who know her.
Since arriving in New York, Rice can point to a series of diplomatic achievements — most notably the NATO-led air campaign that toppled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and tougher sanctions against Iran and North Korea over their nuclear programs.
But Rice has also been criticized — along with other Security Council leaders — for the failure of the U.N.'s most powerful body to take action to end the 19-month civil war in Syria.
She has also been criticized, especially by human rights groups, for being too protective of U.S. allies, namely Sri Lanka where the U.N. says up to 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians may have been killed in the final months of the country's civil war that ended in May 2009, and Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the M23 rebel group that last week took control of the eastern Congo city of Goma.
As U.N. ambassador, she has gained a reputation for a sharp intellect and sharp elbows. She is not known for diplomatic finesse, rather for being aggressive — sometimes too aggressive — and using salty language on occasion. In private, she has a good sense of humor.
In a legendary exchange last December, Rice dismissed an appeal by Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who also isn't afraid to speak out, for a Security Council investigation of civilian deaths in Libya from NATO's bombing campaign as "a cheap stunt" to distract attention from the Syrian conflict.
"Oh, the bombast and bogus claims," she told reporters.
Churkin responded by mocking Rice's Stanford University degree, saying: "We hear that the Obama administration wants to establish a dialogue with the international community in the United Nations... If this is the intention, really this Stanford dictionary of expletives must be replaced by something more Victorian."
___
Associated Press Writers Donna Cassata in Washington and Edith Lederer in New York contributed to this report.
Published on Nov 29, 2012 by Tomthunkit
What is the deal with Sen. McCain? Some say it is bitterness, sour grapes after his 2008 presidential election loss against President Obama. Perhaps. One of our contributors says, "McCain has become a case study in lingering bitterness as he morphed from outspoken maverick to cranky old conservative with a hair-trigger temper."
Some have suggested that his demands for a special Watergate-like select committee to investigate Benghazi (there are several other investigations already ongoing), stem from the fact that, in January, the Arizona senator will lose his seat as the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, due to term limits.
Thus, unless the Senate creates a brand-new select committee with extensive authority to investigate Benghazi — a committee where McCain would probably be the ranking member — the Senator could very well fade into oblivion, perhaps as the ranking member of the Indian Affairs Committee.
Some have suggested an even deeper, more "sinister" motive — albeit a little less narcissist on the part of McCain, because it is "for the Party."
By demonizing Rice and effectively sandbagging her Senate nomination for Secretary of State — "Borking" her, oh sweet revenge! — Obama's hand will be forced and he may nominate Sen. John Kerry for that position. Should this happen, voilà, Kerry's Democratic Senate seat is suddenly vacant and vulnerable.
In a special election, Republican Scott Brown would have a fair chance of winning that important Senate seat. Rachel Maddow, for one, believes that this whole fight over Ambassador Rice is "all about the numbers" and an important factor in the Benghazi-Susan Rice "affair." According to the The New York Times, "Several senators, including Mr. McCain, said they would prefer Mr. Kerry and predicted that he would sail through a confirmation hearing."
It is an interesting theory. However, we are straying from individual motivation, John McCain's, into the territory of group psychosis — the Republican Party's.
Thus back to John McCain's motives for his Benghazi witch-hunt and his Susan Rice obsession.
In all fairness to the Senator, we should not overlook that his motives and intentions may be as pure as the driven snow in Arizona.
His concerns for truth, transparency and trustworthiness on the part of any administration, whether Democratic or Republican, and for the integrity of their staffs and of their nominees for critical positions in our government are unimpeachable, as evidenced by the following actions:
When he vigorously opposed the case for going to war against Iraq, because it was based on faulty intelligence and concocted under false pretenses. A war that killed, not four, but more than four thousand of our troops.
When he aggressively challenged and demanded investigations of the fabricated intelligence information about Iraq's military (WMD) capabilities that was provided to Colin Powell and which the general presented to the UN Security Council in February 2003.
When he uprightly blocked the confirmation of National Security Adviser, Condoleezza Rice — who had made a false and public case for the Iraq war based on misleading information — as Secretary of State in 2005.
When, once the scope of the shenanigans leading up to and occurring during the disaster that came to be the Iraq War became crystal clear, McCain consistently and tenaciously pushed for special select committees to investigate the reasons for such gross malfeasance and deception at the highest levels of our government.
We may never know what motivates this "Maverick," but we can make some assumptions that will be called reasonable or outrageous, depending on the views — and sometimes the (political) motives — of those who make such judgments.
Read more at http://themoderatevoice.com/169276/what-motivates-john-mccain-on-benghazi-and...
The Moderate Voice (http://s.tt/1vcZG)
CONFERENCE INVITATION TO UNITED KINGDOM {14th January TO 28th January 2013}.
From: St. Andrews Foundation
Dear Invited Delegates,
You are invited to participate in this international Multi-sectoral conference bringing together Leading figures, Governments and Various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from across the World to discuss and debate the possible ways and strategies through which the global fight against HIV/Aid Prevention can maximally be attained.
Read Through the attached document for further Information.
You are Welcome.
Cath Arthur
ST. ANDREWS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TRUST(Registration No:372953)
Selkirk House,74 Church Road, Plymstock, Plymouth Devon
PL9 9BD UNITED KINGDOM
Website: www.standrewscharityfoundation.co.nr
- - - - - - - - - - -
INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT.pdf
170K
Page 1
The St. Andrews Charitable Trust International Multi-
Sectoral Conference on Women/Youth Empowerment.
Theme:
HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND WOMEN/YOUTH EMPOWERMENT-THE WAY FORWARD
Venue: THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH CONFERENCE CENTER IN PLYMOUTH FROM THE
14TH JANUARY TO 28TH JANUARY 2013.
Dear Invited Delegates,
Youare invited to participate in this international multi-sectoral conference bringing
together Leading figures, Governments and Various Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) from across the World to discuss and debate the possible ways and strategies
through which the global fight against HIV/Aid Prevention can maximally be attained.
Themain Objectives of the Event are given as follows:
Reflection on the scale and manifestation of poverty around the World;
*Practical evaluation of the impact and success of poverty eradication strategies;
*Assessing the role of the International Humanitarian Agencies in coordinating
International poverty eradication efforts;
*Highlighting the role of governments, companies, NGOs and the civil society in poverty
eradication;
*Considering the formation of partnerships among key stakeholders as a strategic
approach to meeting International MDG targets as well as eradicating poverty.
TheConference will also provide an opportunity for participants to share insights and
experiences and to network with other colleagues from voluntary sectors, health,
education, religious groups, governments, local authorities and other areas. It is also an
opportunity to get direct access to loans and grants from participating Humanitarian
Agencies.
Speakers:
Acomprehensive list of Speakers will be posted on our website in due course. However,
the opening address will be given by the Former United States President - His Excellency
Page 2
Mr. Jimmy Carter. Keynote Speakers include Dr. Margaret Chan: Director General of
World Health Organization, Andrew Lansley: Minister of Health in England and the
Scottish Minister of Health: Shona Robison and others. We also expect numerous Top
Government officials, scholars and philanthropists from across the world to grace this
event.
Proposed Agenda:
*Women empowerment
*Youth empowerment
*HIV and Aids prevention and treatment
*Child development* Employment
*Priority Public Health issues
*Child Abuse * Social exclusion
*Women and Gender equality
*Women and Sex Education
*Health Improvement
*Globalization and Health
*Peace and Security
*Women and Child Trafficking.
*Human Rights Protection.
*Violence against Women.etc
Side Attraction:
*Book launching
*Artistic and cultural activities
*Exhibitions and Grants Approvals
*Banquets, coffee break services
*Musical and Cultural presentations *Presentation of Grant and Charity Awards
*Humanitarian visits to selected Orphanages and Hospitals
*Opportunities for informal networking and alliance building
There will Interpretations in English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian and French
languages during the period of this event.
Registration / Participation fee:
Registration is free. All invited delegates are advised to contact the Secretary of the
Local Organizing Committee on the contact address supplied below for more
information and Registration Forms.
Page 3
Who can participate?
Entrepreneurs, Businessmen, Industrialists, Economists, Politicians, Company
Executives, Health Practitioners, Professionals in relevant fields, Lawyers, Psychologists,
Women and Youth organizations, The Clergy, Religious groups, Social Development
Groups, Government Officials, Donor Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations,
Voluntary and Social Workers.
I can't afford the cost - Can you help?
TheST.ANDREWS CHARITABLE TRUST FOUNDATION and our co-sponsors (Subsea7 (UK)
Ltd London) have set up an Access Fund to support the travel expenses for all qualified
participants. This will be on a first-come-first-serve policy as a result of the large number
of delegates who are expected to attend this conference. More than 200
representatives from the NGO sector, development funding agencies, Religious Bodies,
Government departments and research institutions are expected at this event.
Accommodation /Reservations:
All Intending Participants are required to book for Accommodation / Reservation at the
designated Hotel. A proof of your Reservation qualifies you for participation. At this
point we are providing for just 200 participants so certain logistic Provisions like Flight
tickets, local transportation to the Venue of the Conference, Banquet, All meals and
coffee break sessions will be taken care of by our Foundation. Final Beneficiaries of
these logistic entitlements will be selected on a first-come-first processed basis and as a
result of this, the sooner we receive your applications, the earlier we can process them
.
Visas and Letters of invitation:
Special arrangements have been made by our foundation through our travel consultants
for professional immigration assistance to be given to participants who will require a
Visa into the United Kingdom. The Conference Organizers will arrange for the Letters of
Invitation to be sent to appropriate Embassies as soon as we receive a Proof /
Confirmation of Hotel Reservation via email.
Presentation Proposal:
Participants wishing to make speech presentations on topical issues during the
conference are also encouraged to indicate their interests to enable us enlist them in
the Programme Time table which is being drafted. You should submit a one page
presentation Abstract and your Curriculum Vitae which should be less than 4 pages.
Page 4
For more Information and Registration Forms, please contact the Local Organizing Committee
using the contact information given below:
Rev. Bruce Anderson (Secretary LOC)
Contact EMAIL: st.andrewsfoundation@yahoo.co.uk
Phone Number: +447045773989
We look forward to meeting you here in United Kingdom.
Contact Person: Rev. Bruce Anderson (Secretary LOC)
ST.ANDREWS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TRUST (Registration No: 372953)
Selkirk House,
74 Church Road,
Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon,
PL9 9BD UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL: st.andrewsfoundation@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.standrewscharityfoundation.co.nr
KENYA: LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY
From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images
CIVIC EDUCATION TAKE-3
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012
To address the humanitarian crisis so as to promote healing and reconciliation, overcome political crisis once and for all so as to tackle long-term issues dating back from 1963 and 2008 in regards to gross violations of human rights, economic crimes, illegal acquisition of public land, marginalization of communities, ethnic violence, the context in which the crimes occurred, then Leadership and Integrity chapter of New Constitution must strictly be enforced.
(73) - Responsibilities of leadership
Authority assigned to a State officer—is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that—is consistent with the purposes and objects of this Constitution; demonstrates respect for the people; brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office; and promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office; and vests in the State officer the responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them.
The guiding principles of leadership and integrity include—selection on the basis of personal integrity, competence and suitability, or election in free and fair elections; objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices; selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by—honesty in the execution of public duties; and the declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public duties; accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and discipline and commitment in service to the people.
(74) - Oath of office of State officers
Before assuming a State office, acting in a State office, or performing any functions of a State office, a person shall take and subscribe the oath or affirmation of office, in the manner and form prescribed by the Third Schedule or under an Act of Parliament.
(75) - Conduct of State officers
A State officer shall behave, whether in public and official life, in private life, or in association with other persons, in a manner that avoids—any conflict between personal interests and public or official duties; compromising any public or official interest in favour of a personal interest; or demeaning the office the officer holds.
A person who contravenes clause (1), or Article 76, 77 or 78 (2)— shall be subject to the applicable disciplinary procedure for the relevant office; and may, in accordance with the disciplinary procedure referred to in paragraph (a), be dismissed or otherwise removed from office.
A person who has been dismissed or otherwise removed from office for a contravention of the provisions specified in clause (2) is disqualified from holding any other State office.
(76) - Financial probity of State officers
A gift or donation to a State officer on a public or official occasion is a gift or donation to the Republic and shall be delivered to the State unless exempted under an Act of Parliament.
A State officer shall not—maintain a bank account outside Kenya except in accordance with an Act of Parliament; or seek or accept a personal loan or benefit in circumstances that compromise the integrity of the State officer.
(77) - Restriction on activities of State officers
A full-time State officer shall not participate in any other gainful employment.
Any appointed State officer shall not hold office in a political party. A retired State officer who is receiving a pension from public funds shall not hold more than two concurrent remunerative positions as chairperson, director or employee of—a company owned or controlled by the State; or a State organ. A retired State officer shall not receive remuneration from public funds other than as contemplated in clause (3).
(78) - Citizenship and leadership
A person is not eligible for election or appointment to a State office unless the person is a citizen of Kenya. A State officer or a member of the defence forces shall not hold dual citizenship. Clauses (1) and (2) do not apply to—judges and members of commissions; or any person who has been made a citizen of another country by operation of that country’s law, without ability to opt out.
(79) - Legislation to establish the ethics and anti-corruption commission
Parliament shall enact legislation to establish an independent ethics and anticorruption commission, which shall be and have the status and powers of a commission under Chapter Fifteen, for purposes of ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the provisions of this Chapter.
(80) - Legislation on leadership
Parliament shall enact legislation— establishing procedures and mechanisms for the effective administration of this Chapter; prescribing the penalties, in addition to the penalties referred to in Article 75, that may be imposed for a contravention of this Chapter; providing for the application of this Chapter, with the necessary modifications, to public officers; and making any other provision necessary for ensuring the promotion of the principles of leadership and integrity referred to in this Chapter, and the enforcement of this Chapter.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole
Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ UN Disarmament Conference, 2002
KENYA & RWANDA: WELL DONE GUYS AND THANK YOU (RE: MS. VALENTINE NZIOKI)
From: AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Proudly Kenyan,
Greetings.
Following the appeal for help through my email below, I wish to thank all of you for the generous contributions and your prayers for our sister Valentine. AKR members together with the family and friends managed to raise the required funds and cleared the hospital bill today morning.
I am happy to let you know that, this afternoon, our dear sister Valentine was evacuated on board KQ 442 ! The family has just confirmed her safe arrival in Nairobi.
Many thanks from the family. Be blessed and keep up the good work.
Warm regards,
Carol
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On Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 10:41 AM, AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda wrote:
Dear Fellow Kenyan,
Compliments of the season.
One of our members, Valentine Nzioki has been admitted at King Faisal Hospital surgical ward room no. 203 for a while now suffering from celebral anaetysm. She is required to be airlifted to Kenyatta National Hospital on urgent basis for a procedure not available locally, with possibility of surgery. Her bill right now stands at Rwf 1m, exclusive of the airfare and ambulance to KNH.
On behalf of the family and AKR at large and in the spirit of harambee, you are requested to join family and friends tommorrow wednesday the 28th November 2012 at Carwash from 6 pm to help raise some funds and help one of our own when she needs us most. If you are unable to attend, please send your contribution through a friend or register it with Wahome.
Please remember, the world is changed by those who attend.
Krgds,
Carol
USA: THE HEROIC VICTORY OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
From: Nyambok, Thomas
The Heroic Victory of President Barack Obama as he returns to the White House to serve America and the World for a second term and to complete the unfinished business.
The World can learn that it’s not the color of the skin, but the content of the character and the some should re-plicate elsewhere in the world.
I can’t say how much happy I am as a Kenyan born and as an American, that it took Virginians time to find the fraud that involved dead people at the voting booths that have made Republican Party to turn Virginia to Red State for decades, but now we are here with them no more red State.
The Virginia GOP leaders temper tone on abortion reached a fresh stinging defeat for the presidency and for the U.S. Senate seat. Now that we are facing elections for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general in 2013, Virginia’s leading Republicans appear to be changing to be more pragmatic, and less confrontational on abortion and reproductive rights.
One indication of a shift in strategy was on display at a recent gathering of Republican Women in Charlottesville, where Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling told his party that now they need to respect the abortion rights - favoring Republicans in its ranks and get smarter about pursuing its anti-abortion agenda.
In the past three years, I have been for Women fighting for their rights here in Virginia, Men shouldn’t get involved in the affairs regarding women’s bodies at all in their agendas. I always say let women decide as individuals, even pastors should know this as they offer prayers over such issues because these are issues of privacy.
I would like my opponents to clear up and come clean and tell the women - including the opponents’ wives and daughters what they have been advocating for decades.
The sitting Attorney General Mr. Ken Cuccinelli is going to run for the Governorship come next year, and the sitting Lt.Gov. Bill Bolling - Republican may run on an Independent ticket. I’m ready to face them on their abortion project.
The strange turn around for Bolling is that he will not be on the ballot on a Republican ticket but as an Independent. There seems to be a lot of worries within the GOP party based on statements that have been made - Bolling said that Virginia Republican need to respect members’ views and Cuccinelli said that Republican Party should not be exclusionary.
I will stand firm in support of women’s issues by letting women make decision that are touching on their bodies as I have always done before.
We as Democrats will choose the best to take on the sitting Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli who may be chosen as the best Republican Party candidate - but we must have Virginia back to blue. Doing this needs sacrifices to accept and recommend one contestant from our Democrat party.
Republicans and the T-party in Virginia have realized that Virginians know their voting secretes and tactics for getting in to the mansion house and to other offices. The people will decide this time.
We as Democrats are not thirsty of Power but to deliver for all. We are going to look for each and every avenue that will direct us to decide the one to run for the office because we can’t loose this chance. We will make sure that no more Republican will head Virginia, and if we can do so, we shall win this Governorship.
I became interested when Barack Obama came from Illinois to Virginia to help us campaign together for Tim Caine for the Virginia Governorship. When Tim become the Virginia Governor, I said, well, why not I next time. I came up with my own strategy for running next year for the office. President Obama was a Senator at the time.
While we were campaigning with the then Senator Obama for Tim Kaine, he introduce me to the Virginians as a Kenyan born American who bears a name that might be difficult to pronounce. It is just like mine was difficult to say and his name is called Thomas Nyambok. The people and the University students become wild saying they are happy to have me here with them and to campaign for their next Governor.
After campaign, the then Senator Obama went back to Illinois and within a few months, he declared to run for USA Presidency, it was not a surprise to me because I felt it. I new there was something coming up - remember the speech he delivered at Tampa.
My Interest and my campaign to become the Governor for Virginia started before President Obama became the USA President.
I thank the people of Virginia because they did a lot to have reverted from Red to Blue State; I did a lot too for having found the chit tings of dead voting people that Republicans have been using in decades to have them in the offices the DMV, Social Security, Board of elections, and death certificates offices. We will soon let Virginians know more when I become the next Governor for Virginia next year.
Yours faithfully Tom nyambok.
11/29/2012
Internet as a Catalyst for Change: Access, Development, Freedoms and Innovations
From: Yona Maro
This is Sixth Annual meeting report of the IGF was held on 27-30 September 2011. The objective of the programme was to maximize the opportunity for open and inclusive dialogue and the exchange of ideas; to try and create feedback loops between the different types of sessions; to create opportunities to share good practices and experiences; to listen, engage in dialogue and learn as well as to identify key themes that could, in the future, benefit from the multistakeholder perspective of the IGF.
Link: http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/2012/Book/IGF_2011_Book_Final%20copy.pdf
--
Jobs in Africa - www.wejobs.blogspot.com
nafasi mpya za Kazi www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
Habari na Picha www.patahabari.blogspot.com
KENYA: SCORE CARDS OF LUO MPs WITHIN KISUMU COUNTY.
By Chak Rachar
The recent announcement in Muhoroni Constituency by luo de-facto leader and Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife Ida Odinga that all the current MPs should brace to fight it out with their opponents and the voters verdicts will be respected by the Premier has caught most luo MPs unaware as they had hoped to thrive on the back of Raila ‘s name to ride back to parliament easily.
A group led by Nyando MP Fred Outa who are seeing defeat straight in their eyes have been trying in vain to reach the Premier under the auspice of “Odm Mashinani” in vain as Raila is said to have left firm instructions with the men in charge of his diaries that he does not want to have any single meeting with the said luo MPs whom he has constantly lamented that they are a total let down to him.
The current crop of luo MPs within the entire luo Nyanza at large and within Kisumu County in particular will be forced to go an extra mile if they are to retain most of the seats given that aspirants salivating for their respective seats are really on their heels.
“Most of these MPs can not protect Raila from outside forces who embarrasses him time and again and what is the point of always following him in luoland in nearly all funerals plus flocking around him even when he is in his privacy instead of them going to campaign for him and solicit votes outside luoland?” wondered Nyakach Parliamentary aspirant and former legal officer of Nairobi City Council Joshua Aduma Owuor alias “Ajos Jakabwana”.
The MPs are accused of many things ranging from unfulfilled pre-election promises to misuse of CDF funds and using their positions and connection to push for persecution of their perceived opponents as alleged in the case of Muhoroni Constituency in which the current area MP is accused of having pushed for the sacking of one of his opponents who was giving him sleepless nights.
1-KISUMU CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY.
This is anew constituency which was curved out of the former Kisumu Town West and East Constituencies.
The frontrunner for the seat and one man who was poised to win the seat with ease was Kisumu businessman the late Shem Onyango Kwega who was shot dead by armed gangsters in broad day light in Kisumu last month.
In his absence, youthful Kisumu businessman Abdul Omar alias “Abdul Dubai” has gained considerable ground and he is poised to win the seat as political tides, waves and goodwill are on his side.
He is thriving on goodwill of youths and women within the constituency who feels that they are indebted to them.
Then there is former hotelier Bob Madanje who is trying to send his roots within the cosmopolitan town.
Also is said to be in the race is former MP Ken Nyagudi who can not be remembered for any good thing he ever did to the constituency.
Another aspirant who is making inroads in the constituency is Ken Obura whose campaign slogan has been that he has “been sent by Raila Odinga” which has not been received well by the area voters who sees it as insults on their part.
2-KISUMU WEST CONSTITUENCY
It is also a new constituency curved out of former Kisumu West and Kisumu Rural Constituencies.
Presently the outgoing Kisumu West MP and Harvard law graduate John Olga Olago Aluoch is leading contention for the seat as he says that since he is the one who brought the constituency then he should be the one to officially take it.
He enjoys the goodwill of nearly all cadres of voters within the constituency coupled with his massive CDF investment in the new constituency.
Seems he has his one leg on his seat but he will have to battle it out with one of the leading advocates within the county Advocate Francis Wasuna as well as Roads Construction Engineer Maurice Paul Okeyo.
Then there is Rose Buyu whom believes that Olago is in parliament courtesy of her as she believes that she was robbed of victory and has been lamenting that the ODM top leadership to leaver the two of them in the ring this time.
“My worry is that I might be rigged out of ODM nominations” she lamented recently during the burial of the late Kwega and warned the party Secretary General Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o who was present that this time round she will not take it nicely.
3-KISUMU EAST CONSTITUENCY.
The seat is currently held by Shakeel Shabbir Ahmed, he is accredited with massive development within the area and well utilization of his CDF.
His major achievement was the construction and completion of Omollo Goro Bridge which had cut of voters of the larger constituency from both sides.
He is likely to retrain the seat as his development record speaks for itself.
“Shabbir is above clan politics and he has taken the constituency where it should be, his priorities the constituency according to their needs and not where his loyalists are based” said across section of his voters who were interviewed.
His major challenger is the youthful John Adero Anditi, the youthful aspirant is giving Shabbir sleepless nights as he has transversed the larger Kajulu and Kolwa areas saying its ttime for the youthful leadership.
He is a businessman with real deep pockets and he has been helping financially to all those who turn to him for financial assistance and any other form of assistance.
"My vision is with a mission ,the time for youthful leadership has come and its now" he said in an earlier interview
But he will also have to fight it out with Councilor Robert Oruko Otuge whose guerilla like political campaigns is doing him more harm than good.
Then there is Engineer Job Ndege who has also made inroads within the constituency and is gaining popularity day by day,
Another aspirant is the Chief Executive Officer of Big Pictures Richard Ogendo who’s well oiled campaigns might slightly shake Shabbir as he seems to have deep pocket; he has transverse the constituency giving youths identity cards in readiness for his election, whether those will be converted into his vote’s remains to be seen.
Leading Kisumu Advocate David Otieno Njer is also said to be salivating for the seat but could not confirm nor deny if he will be contesting.
4-SEME CONSTITUENCY
It’s also a new constituency which was curved out of the larger Kisumu Rural Constituency which is presently defunct.
The outgoing MP is Medical Services Minister and ODM Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o who has opted to go for the Senatorial seat.
Nothing good can be said about his management of the CDF fund but its said to be dismal and worth not writing about.
Victor Nyagaya who is Nyong’os Personal Assistant is a leading contestant for the seat and is said to have a higher chance of being the first area MP.
“To be sincere,Nyagaya is leading the pack for those eyeing the seat and it will be amiracle if he faile to clinch the seat, we are doing the much we can so that he wins” says one of his leading strategists Cllr.Ogut Awalla saying Nyagaya can be trusted as he has a lot of experience in the area’s politics given that he has all along worked hand in hand with Nyong’o.
Another contestant for the seat is former Permanent Secretary James Nyikal, he is also on the ground campaigning likewise to Edward Omol who many say started early ad he seems to have lost steam.
“He started well but all of a sudden he has gone quiet which has left us wondering if truly he is still in the race” most of the area voters argues.
5-NYAKACH CONSTITUENCY.
The current MP is Pollins Ochieng’ Daima and he has made it clear that he is defending the seat,
He says that he is worth being re-elected given of what he has done in the constituency but his opponents think his useful as the area MP is long gone.
His fierce opponent who is presently giving him sleepless night is former Nairobi City Council Legal Officer Joshua Aduma Owuor “Ajos Jakabwana”who says his dumbness in parliament is doing more harm than good to the people of Nyakach in particular.
“I sacrificed my well paying job because the people of Nyakach asked me to represent them in parliament as they say I am the one who can give the constituency a turn around it presently needs most” Aduma added.
Then there is Erick Okeyo a security Consultant who also says that he is ripe to represent Nyakach people due to his youthful age.
The likes of Bob Ndolo and Adda Kodera seemed to have opted out of the race or vanished into thin air with many saying their pockets can not sustain the current political campaigns as they are said to be in deep financial crisis.
6-NYANDO CONSTITUENCY.
This is the constituency where the current MP Fred Outa ought to have known that he has lost the trust and confidence his constituents gave him.
He is one MP who has always been permanently out of order in parliament ever since he was elected in parliament.
His CDF record is really wanting and he is destined to jail should the area voters decides so.
His agitation for the construction of Prisons within the constituency arguing that the said facility will be used to house “begging youths” within his constituency whom if not given usually insults him.
The construction of the Prison facility has since been stopped by the Ministry concerned.
He has two fierce opponents led by former Lamu Cler Lumumba Ouya Thomas “Kalausi” and former East Africa Legislative Assembly MP Clarkson Otieno Karan “Ja Migingo”.
Ouya says he is totally against the Prisons facility construction sentiment shared by Karan.
The MP is accused of having exploited rice farmers and doing little for them while he was their MP.
“He has been all along insulting we voters as beggars and sluggard lunatics, does he think we are to forget his insults this soon?”Wondered some of his voters.
Both Karan and Ouya are financially able and can sustain their campaigns against Outa.
Many within the constituency say the duo should agree on one of them to face Outa proper.
7-MUHORONI CONSTITUENCY
The sugar cane growing area is presently being represented in parliament by the shrill voiced Education Assistant Minister Prof.Ayiecho Olweny,.
His key opponent presently is James Onyango Koyoo “Owadgi Ojukaa” whose deep pockets is giving Ayiecho sleepless nights.
He accuses Ayiecho of turning ther area CDF fund as “Committee Developing his Friends” and says he has totally let the Muhoroni people down.
“We thought as a Professor we will head someone with him but he has totally failed us and any inquiry you make in regard to CDF is met with abusive words from him, we must elect K’oyoo to teach him a lesson” across section of the area residents vowed.
Other aspirants are Agwenge Mbeche who brags of always Raila sleeping in his house anytime Raila was in the US.
There is also Engineer Ochieng’ Ayiemba as well as former military man Barack Opiyo.
The battle here will be between K‘oyoo and Ayiecho.
ENDS
KENYA: BISHOP OGONYO DENIES ENDORSING NYAGUDI
By Chak Rachar
A SECTION of Clergy from Nyanza region has refuted claims that they have endorsed a Parliamentary aspirant eyeing the newly created Kisumu Central Constituency seat.
Led by the chairman of the Nyanza Council of Church leaders Bishop Dr. Washington Ngede, the bishops said they only conducted prayers during a breakfast meeting held in Kisumu early this week for Ken Nyagudi who has declared his interest in Kisumu Central.
They said their work is not to endorse any politician for any elective post but to pray for all of them whenever they seek divine intervention from the clergy.
They were reacting to media reports that appeared in a section of the local dailies that they met Ken Nyagudi, an aspiring MP for Kisumu Central Constituency early this week where they endorsed his candidature for the seat.
A section of aspirants for the same seat has taken issues with the Bishops and have since condemned the alleged endorsement of Nyagudi.
But the bishops maintained that they have conducted similar prayers for various politicians who are garnering for different seats within and outside Kisumu County but have never endorsed anyone at any time.
The Chairman who was accompanied by his Vice Chair Bishop Julius Otieno said they are expected to be neutral and will not support any politicians for any seat only to offer prayers for them whenever need arise.
“We have prayed for various politicians who have sought for divine intervention and never at any point have we endorsed any of them aspiring for political seat as this is not our duty as the clergy,” they said.
The clergy at the same time appealed to the government to recognize the various contributions the religious bodies have made towards the progress in peace-building initiatives, adding that it should strengthen the strategic partnerships with religious bodies.
ENDS:
Kenyans in Diaspora miss out on 2013 poll
From: Judy Miriga
Chief et all,
Diasporans have not be consulted for logistics or opinions. They should not be simply taken for granted.
What a shame Diaspora have to be denied rights last minute in a half-hazard manner .... !!!.....
The Coalition Government has now proved itself that it is incapable of leading Kenya to greener pasture. They have failed because of putting Special Interest and greed before Peoples Mandate. They failed because they did not have any Plan of Action when they got into Office, except they engaged in the Plunder of Public Wealth and Resources........They have failed because the leadership was not able to set priorities of Things-To-Do; the Fundamentals of what make people get involved to commit to engage in organized Plan of Action to improve matters of Livelihood and survival, the things that are the engine that drives human activities that make the Country successful and united to achieve goals for life.
I must say that, the Coalition Government leadership spend more time doing nothing good for the Nation and the people of Kenya, with exception of going after their selfish ego and greed. They all failed misserably to comply with the oath they took to uphold Public service delivery as mandated. Many of them have pending cases in court with other irregularities that will not allow them to pass the Responsibility and Integrity Test as a result of so many issues of irregularities with conflict of interest.
They have no moral justice to turn against the Constitutional Legislative Rights of Diasporans. It is an obligation that the Diasporans exercise their voting rights to participate in electioneering process to elect the right person in the leadership of Kenyans. The Diaspora were the voice that saved Kenya from falling apart during the 2007/8. Their participation must be considered crucial and should not be taken for granted.
Kenya's progressive Agenda for Development and sustainability cannot be fully realized without Diaspora's full participation and engagement in election process. To deny them to vote is lacking moral value and legal justification that otherwise can be understood to be against the constitution, jumping the gun in an irregular manner which will not be tolerated nor will it be acceptable unless legally, it is Justified by the High Courts ruling against it with specifics. But, if things must be done the way Hon. Eugene Wamalwa puts it in the statement made in this video here under, then we will be forced to take this matter to be resolved at the court of our choice and the accruing expenses and costs incurred will be borne by the Coalition Government of Kenya.
We now urgently demand for proper explanation from Justice and Constitutional Minister Mr. Eugine Wamalwa to suffice information why Diaspora should not hold them responsible with costs for contravening the Legislative rights policy of Diaspora's to participate in election process.
This matter will not rest until it will have been fairly heard. If Coalition Government leadership has failed they should say so. They had a lot of time in their hands doing nothing. It is time to take stock........!!!
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Kenyans Living Abroad React
Published on Nov 28, 2012 by K24TV
Kenyans living abroad have reacted with fury at the news that they will not be voting in the upcoming general election. This follows yesterdays revelation by Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa that logistical challenges won't allow Kenyans abroad to vote there. And as our reporter found out, most Kenyans abroad took to social media to express their frustration and anger.
It is only last week that PM assured us here in Korea that we will vote. What a turn by the same cabinet he sits on?
wilfody 1 hour ago
You talk as if we not Kenyans!
wilfody 1 hour ago
what a shame
Utadowot 2 hours ago
--- On Wed, 11/28/12, margaret gichuki wrote:
From: margaret gichuki
Subject: Kenyans in Diaspora miss out on 2013 poll
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 8:20 AM
Me too.I don't anymore.There were times I knew all the DC streets and parkings!
And it got worse sometimes when I found myself driving to NY.
Oh not anymore!
On Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 6:17 PM, wrote:
Wams,
I stopped welcoming these selfish mongrels when they visit USA long time ago
Afwande
From: margaret gichuki
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:40:36 -0500
Subject: Kenyans in Diaspora miss out on 2013 poll
Charles,
That's a tall order but lets see.
I like when they ''visit us here''.The world comes to a stand still.
Never again!
On Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 2:30 PM, charles mogeni wrote:
Chifu,
We can also make a statement here in diaspora so that our impact can be felt!
Don't remit any funds for a month or so unless for emergency reasons like express medical care for our families or friends who need it.
I am sure heads will roll in Nairobi! However to reach such a collective decision in diaspora requires a lot of soul searching and committment.
I saw a clip of the video posted by Henry Ongeri whereby the IEBC chair Mr. Hassan claims that here in the USA only 25,000 Kenyans are registered a figure he claims he sourced from the Immigration officials who handle passport applications/renewals. In other words, besides that figure probably there is even less Kenyans registered. That kind of argument about the low numbers wins the day when it comes to allocating funds for a diaspora voter registration drive that there is not enough Kenyans tospend that kind of money.
As it stands now we in diaspora are living in "Loserville City" and when the politicians will be coming visiting our towns we'll be jamming the halls to listen to them and not the other way round! What an irony!
My 50 cents.
Charles Mogeni
From: tomoreje@ . . .
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:00:55 +0000
Subject: Kenyans in Diaspora miss out on 2013 poll
Some fellows like Wa-Mwangi who voted last in 1992 will have to wait for another five years.
From: "chifu_wa_malindi"
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:54:36 -0000
Subject: Kenyans in Diaspora miss out on 2013 poll
Why? shame, shame, shame on you all...
--- On Wed, 11/28/12, samoturiy@ . . . wrote:
From: samoturiy@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: Diaspora to move to court over voting
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 10:46 AM
What is the Next thing? Accept that you are done In and wait for 2017, for now through proxy sends lots of cash to your proxies to support what would have been ur choice. The money you spent on the candidates in not lost.
Future resources put into Diaspora -Investment Co Ltd that has been suggested many times.
Moturi
From: margaret gichuki
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:29:05 -0500
Subject: Diaspora to move to court over voting
http://standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000071667&pageNo=2&story_title=Kenya-Diaspora-to-move-to-court-over-voting
“It is very sad that Kenyan politicians, who have been harvesting money from Kenyans abroad, find it easy to deny them a voice in running the affairs of Kenya. To this we say no. Most presidential candidates and cabinet ministers have been abroad on fund raising missions. It is immoral to exploit money from people whose opinion one has no regard for” Said Professor Fulbert Namwamba of Louisiana.
Amos Wasike of Baltimore, Maryland said he had a lot of misgivings from the day the IEBC visited the US on the so-called fact finding mission. “They kept on insisting on progressive voting in a way that left no doubt in mind that they were not committed to the issue. One wonders why they wasted the tax payers’ money on frivolous trips”.
Doctor Odotte of Pennsylvania said the IEBC never demonstrated due diligence in ensuring that Diaspora voting took place. “They never carried out any expert analysis or studies on what the logistical or administrative obstacles were likely to be because they knew exactly what they were doing”. He said.
Odotte however took issue with what he termed as ‘chronic passiveness’ from people in Diaspora. “I am surprised at the belated outrage from Kenyans abroad now that the gavel has come down on their right to vote. Where were they when petitions that needed to be signed were being circulated” He asked.
Alafu IEBC says this today.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/IEBC-to-make-final-decision-on-Diaspora-voting/-/1064/1631056/-/wqa8wo/-/index.html
And we're saying this:
https://www.kenyansabroadvote.com/voterEligibility . With a million voices, we can move mountains.
Kenyans in Diaspora miss out on 2013 poll
By CAROLINE WAFULA cwafula@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Tuesday, November 27 2012 at 17:27
Kenyans in the Diaspora will not vote in the next General Election.
The bombshell was delivered to Parliament Tuesday by Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa, who told MPs the decision was reached at last week's Cabinet meeting.
It followed consideration of the preparedness of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to handle the massive exercise of registration of voters locally and abroad, he said.
The government cites logistical, financial and time constraints as the main reason for the setback.
"It is therefore not practical to have them take part now," the minister said.
Already, Parliament has passed rules to guide the registration of voters in the Diaspora. The official number of Kenyans in the Diaspora registered with the various Kenyan Embassies stands at 130,000.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, puts the estimated number of Kenyans in foreign countries at 700,000.
In a statement that caught MPs unawares, the minister said it was not practical to have the population in the Diaspora exercise the voting right as enshrined in the Constitution.
The government decision, the minister said, is based on a landmark ruling by the High Court on November 15 that found that though the right is guaranteed constitutionally, it was not absolute and cannot be realised instantaneously but progressively.
Many Kenyans in the Diaspora were looking forward to registering as voters to participate in the March 4, 2013 General Election.
Kenyans in Diaspora miss out on 2013 poll
People queue to cast their ballots during past elections. Kenyans in the Diaspora will not vote in the next General Election, Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa told Parliament November 27, 2012 NATION MEDIA GROUP
By CAROLINE WAFULA cwafula@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Tuesday, November 27 2012 at 17:27
Kenyans in the Diaspora will not vote in the next General Election.
The bombshell was delivered to Parliament Tuesday by Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa, who told MPs the decision was reached at last week's Cabinet meeting.
It followed consideration of the preparedness of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to handle the massive exercise of registration of voters locally and abroad, he said.
The government cites logistical, financial and time constraints as the main reason for the setback.
"It is therefore not practical to have them take part now," the minister said.
Already, Parliament has passed rules to guide the registration of voters in the Diaspora. The official number of Kenyans in the Diaspora registered with the various Kenyan Embassies stands at 130,000.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, puts the estimated number of Kenyans in foreign countries at 700,000.
In a statement that caught MPs unawares, the minister said it was not practical to have the population in the Diaspora exercise the voting right as enshrined in the Constitution.
The government decision, the minister said, is based on a landmark ruling by the High Court on November 15 that found that though the right is guaranteed constitutionally, it was not absolute and cannot be realised instantaneously but progressively.
Many Kenyans in the Diaspora were looking forward to registering as voters to participate in the March 4, 2013 General Election.
The government, however, considered that their right to vote will not be realised immediately, citing challenges facing the IEBC.
"Why it was belated is because we were trying everything to empower IEBC, supporting them fully and holding their hands in every way, but for now what they have on their table is already too much,” the minister said.
The Cabinet considered several options possible, including starting with some blocs such as the East African Community, the IGAD or the European Union community.
2017 General Election
It, however, resolved to give the electoral commission more time to make necessary preparations to have them vote in the 2017 General Election.
"It is just a question of practicability of the exercise with the time left. Can we really expect them to carry out a registration exercise for eligible Kenyan voters all over the world,?" he posed.
“It is a question that needs proper preparation, let us get our house in order, let us prepare adequately to avoid a repeat of the 2007/2008 experience. There will be progress that will be made until they are able to participate,” he stated.
The move will dampen spirits given that the community abroad has been assured time and again that it will be able to participate in the elections.
@@@@
Kenyans in diaspora locked out of March poll
By EDWIN MUTAI
Posted Tuesday, November 27 2012 at 18:57
In Summary
The government decided that it will be impossible for Kenyans living abroad to vote owing to challenges facing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Time and logistical constraints will not allow IEBC to register Kenyans in the diaspora.
Kenyans in the diaspora will not vote in the March 4 General Election, the Cabinet decided last Thursday.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Eugene Wamalwa said the government decided that it will be impossible for Kenyans living abroad to vote owing to challenges facing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Mr Wamalwa said time and logistical constraints will not allow IEBC to register Kenyans in the diaspora.
“I will be the bearer unfortunately of bad news this afternoon. It is impossible for those outside Kenya to vote in 2013 elections. The government decided that IEBC be given enough time to make preparation for Kenyans in the diaspora to vote in 2017,” he said.
Kenya will have to conduct a census first to establish the exact number of Kenyans in the diaspora. An estimated three million Kenyans live abroad, but government figures show only 130,000 registered Kenyans.
“The challenge is that many of those who leave the country do not register with 52 embassies and high commissions where they are,” the minister said.
Maji_Baridi•a day ago
I somehow saw it coming when the ambassador recently stated that he didn't know what was going on back home. Oh well, so much for reforms. Knowing Kenya politics, nothing's gonna change in 5 years. Mdomo tupu.
tim tim•a day ago
Very sad indeed
Voter Registration Kicks Off Today
Monday, 19 November 2012 06:09
http://www.kenyanewsupdates.com/news/voter-education/item/429-voter-registration-kicks-off-today.html
If you want to take part in a ballot and decide who shall manage Kenya at various levels as well as direction country should take in the post-Kibaki era, your chance to register has come.
For a country bruised and torn apart by the 2007 discredited elections, and without a voters’ register, this is a momentous occasion as a new one is rebuilt over the next 30 days.
Even sweeter to the ear this time around, despite the logistical challenges of getting it running, Kenyans will register using the more secure and tamper-proof Biometric Voter Register (BVR) kit
The election itself will be a unique experience for Kenyans given that it will entail six elections in one for President, Members of Parliament for 290 constituencies, Governors and Senators for 47 Counties, County Assembly Representatives and Women Representatives.
IEBC on Sunday announced that all the logistical plans are in place and about 30,000 clerks trained on the use of the BVR kits are ready to begin electronic voter registration.
Voter registration starts on Monday at close to 25,000 polling centers across the country.
On Monday President Kibaki, who is preparing to hand over power after the March 4 General Election next year, launches the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) countrywide voter registration exercise at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi amid protests by Kenyans in the diaspora that they have not been briefed on the exercise.
The electoral commission suspended registration plans in the diaspora last month to establish the number of Kenyans living abroad who are eligible to vote and also await a court ruling on a case filed against the exercise.
On Sunday, Commissioner Yusuf Nzibo, who is in charge of the diaspora vote, said that the case, which was filed by some Kenyans in the diaspora, had disrupted the commission’s plans for voter registration abroad.
“We had to stop the plans, but we will meet on Tuesday or Wednesday to announce a new date for registration in the diaspora,” Dr Nzibo said.
Dr Nzibo noted that there was confusion over the actual number of Kenyans living abroad.
“We have already set aside 140 BVR kits. When we meet the Foreign Affairs officials we will then conclude on the plans and probably make an announcement regarding this matter,” he said.
However, he said the commission had advertised for returning officers and electoral clerks for the exercise that is estimated to cost Sh150 million.
The commission plans to register at least 18 million voters, with some saying the figure could rise to 22.5 million. The 30-day exercise is expected to end on December 16, followed by 15 days of voter register verification.
On Sunday, there were concerns that the IEBC was yet to update Kenyan embassies on the listing progress.
For instance, the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, DC, said in a statement that it was awaiting direction from the IEBC. “I am concerned that Kenya’s largest diaspora may very well miss out on this historic event,” said ambassador Elkana Odembo on Saturday.
IEBC chairman Issack Hassan said early this month that Kenyans in the US will register at the embassy in Washington DC, the United Nations mission in New York and the consulate in Los Angeles.
The same venues are also expected to serve as polling stations during the elections.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should expedite sharing of relevant information with the commission to enable finalisation of logistical details for the diaspora registration,” Mr Hassan said.
Last week, High Court judge David Majanja dismissed a case filed by some diaspora voters and ruled that the IEBC was complying with the law allowing “progressive realisation” of the right to vote by Kenyans abroad.
The registration will take place in 47 missions and consulates and the Foreign Affairs Ministry is to nominate some embassy officials who will also assist in the registration.
PRESS CONFERENCE: Fight against Schistosomiasis in Kenya
From: News Release - African Press Organization (APO)
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS CONFERENCE: Fight against Schistosomiasis in Kenya
WHY: The tropical worm disease schistosomiasis is the most devastating parasitic disease in Africa after malaria. It is estimated that more than 200 million people are infected and that around 200,000 die from it each year. Millions of Kenyans also suffer from this insidious disease. In cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the German pharmaceutical, chemical and life science company Merck has been fighting schistosomiasis in Africa since 2007. This November Merck is going to symbolically donate the 100 millionth praziquantel tablet to its partner WHO in Nairobi.
WHEN: Thursday, November 29, 3.30 p.m.
WHERE: Ministry Of Public Health And Sanitation,
Afya House,
Cathedral Road,
P.O. Box 30016–00100,
Nairobi, Kenya
WHO: Dr. Mark Bor, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation
Dr. Custodia Mandlhate, WHO Representative in Kenya
Dr. Stefan Oschmann, Merck Executive Board Member and CEO Merck Serono
Contact: Nancy Karanja
Tel.: +254 20 3861049/ 3861051/ 2388420/1 Mob.: +254 731 462 604
or nkaranja@apn.co.ke
Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Merck KGaA.
India: Building a Biometric National ID
From: Yona Maro
India’s Universal ID program seeks to provide a unique identity to all 1.2 billion residents. With the challenge of covering a very large population, India is is a unique testing ground for biometric identification technology. Already, the Indian case offers some important lessons: - Using multiple biometrics helps maximize accuracy, inclusion, and security; - Supporting public- and private-sector applications creates incentives for use; - Competitive, standards-based procurement lowers costs; - Cardless design increases security and cuts costs but can be problematic if mobile networks are incomplete; - Establishing clear jurisdiction is essential; - Open technology is good, but proprietary systems and foreign providers may still be necessary.
--
Jobs in Africa - www.wejobs.blogspot.com
nafasi mpya za Kazi www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
Habari na Picha www.patahabari.blogspot.com
World: Google transparency report 2012
From: Yona Maro
Which governments wanted Google to remove content - and asked for information on web users this year so far? Why are UK requests for content to be removed up by 98%? And how does the US compare?
Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/nov/13/google-transparency-report
--
Jobs in Africa - www.wejobs.blogspot.com
nafasi mpya za Kazi www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
Habari na Picha www.patahabari.blogspot.com
Kenya & Rwanda: JAMHURI DAY AND END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS
From: AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Dear Fellow Kenyan,
Compliments of the season.
AKR, in conjunction with the Kenya High Commission, is planning to host Jamhuri day celebrations and end of year party. Watch this space for further details in due course of next week.
During the event, we shall have a leading property agent from Kenya present on the opportunities available back home, to prepare you to scout for investments as you join your family and friends back in Kenya for the xmas holiday.
Carol
Kenya & USA: Fundraising for AIC Obugi Church – Kusa Nyakach
From: Doc Odotte
Request for Funding Church Construction
I was at a highest of highs one Sunday this past summer while visiting my rural village of Kusa, as I sat on the lawn under a Mango tree with the church congregation, keenly listening to the teaching and preaching about God's grace. The congregation was full of interest, listening to the word of the God and singing the hymns.
It made me feel so proud of what we had achieved spiritually amongst the community and for that moment appreciated that the word of God could be just as effective in an open lawn under a Mango tree just as in a structured church building.
It did not take long for the rain to come down heavily, the congregation were soaked in rain and had no shelter to take cover, their bibles all wet and destroyed. I then thought about my grandmother's dream of constructing a church for the surrounding community.
Let me share some story about those dreams of my Grandmother Alando. As long as i remember Kusa people walked 4-5 miles to attend church either in Mbugra or Thurdibuoro since there was none in the area. My grandmother and many others from my community made sure they started their journey to Mbugra church as early as 6am in order to get there on time. Alando Nyar Ongete my grandmother got the community together and discussed the need for a local church in Obugi Nam Kusa. She then donated land to be used to construct the church, unfortunately she passed on in 2005 before this was realized. When i visited my village of Kusa this past summer, my community still did not have a church constructed - I made a promise that i would be back in Kenya in December to break grounds for Obugi AIC church. I'm going back home to build a church can I count on you to help me do this?
For this reason, I am writing to request your help in fundraising for this noble cause. The construction budget has been estimated to be $55,000. Alando’s Kitchen has pledged $2,000.
Fundraiser will be held on December 15th 2012 at Alando’s Kitchen Restaurant, starting at 8:00 PM EST. Guest of Honor will be Doc Odotte. Master of Ceremony will be Enos Odera.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
- - - - - - - - - -
THE PASTOR AND THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF AIC OBUGI NAM CHURCH IN KUSA NYAKACH Cordially Invite
Hon/Prof/Dr/ Rev/ Cllr/ Mr./ Mrs./ Miss
...........
To a fund raising function for the construction of AIC Obugi Nam Church which will be held on Saturday, 23rd December, 2012 at the site of the construction beginning 10.00 am.
R.S.V.P
Emily Anyango Nyindo
Mr. Tom Ogoda- Chairman Japh Olende
Email: nyindodo@hotmail.com Tel. 254 720 903 031 Tel. +254 720 622 402
Your Presence and contribution will be highly appreciated
Cheques/Direct Banking in Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Kisumu West A/C No. 1128494441200
Guest of Honour
Emily Anyango Nyindodo - Proprietor - Alando Restaurant Chain - Philadelphia - USA
Principal Guests
Mrs. Rose Arungu Olende - Consultant Nairobi
Dr. Chimmy Omamo – Olende - ENT Specialist Nairobi
Mr. Abel Munda - CEO CFC Life – Nairobi
Mr. Pascal Mbeche - Practicing Lawyer – Nairobi
Eng. Hesbon Odembe - Contractor – Nairobi
Master of Ceremonies will be Mr. Japh Olende
USA: This is not right
From: Nita and Shaunna, Ultraviolet
Right now if a woman in the military is raped, insurance will not cover her abortion--a ban more restrictive than the federal Hyde Amendment. That's wrong and the "Shaheen Amendment" would end this ban. Will you sign the petition asking Congress to pass the "Shaheen Amendment?"
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/364?t=2&akid=232.6000.ILGhpW
Dear Readers,
This week we have a big opportunity to do right by servicewomen, but it's going to take all of us speaking out together--and quickly.
Here's the deal: Right now, if a woman in the military is raped and becomes pregnant, her insurance will not cover the cost of an abortion if she chooses to have one. She would have to pay for it out-of-pocket.
In 2011 over 471 rapes were reported in the military and the reality of sexual assaults is MUCH higher--the Pentagon estimates only 13.5% of military rapes are reported.1 And most of these women make around $18,000 each year--meaning that if they end up pregnant as a result of a rape, it could end their military careers if they can't afford an abortion on their own.2
Earlier this year, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed the "Shaheen Amendment" that would end the ban on abortion coverage for rape survivors in the military with bipartisan support. But conservatives in the House are blocking it.3 Now, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is back in front of Congress.
A vote could happen any day--so we need to speak out right now and tell Congress they must pass the "Shaheen Amendment." Can you sign this petition asking Congress to pass the "Shaheen Amendment" to end the ban on abortion coverage for servicewomen who are rape survivors? We'll deliver your comments to Congress this week.
Add your name to the petition
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/364?t=3&akid=232.6000.ILGhpW
The ban on abortion coverage for servicewomen is even more restrictive than the federal Hyde Amendment that bans federal funding of abortion for civilians. Even the Hyde Amendment allows for exceptions in the case of rape and incest.4
Our servicewomen sacrifice everything for our country. And rape in the military is a very serious problem. They deserve to have insurance coverage for abortion if they become pregnant as a result of a sexual assault. We should not get in the way of our servicewomen's rights to make their own personal, medical decisions--especially when they are sacrificing so much for all of us.
Take Jessica Kenyon, who was serving in the military in Korea. She was raped by a fellow soldier and became pregnant. Because of the ban in place now, she could not find an affordable and safe abortion where she was stationed. And as a result of trauma from her rape, she was discharged from the military, and eventually had a miscarriage.5
This week we have an opportunity to do better by the women who fight for us. Let's be sure to speak out.
Add your name to the petition
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/364?t=4&akid=232.6000.ILGhpW
Thanks for speaking out!
--Nita, Shaunna, Kat and Karin, the UltraViolet team
Sources
1. House GOP Blocking Abortion Access for Raped Soldiers, Mother Jones, June 13, 2012
2. Ibid
3. What is the Shaheen Amendment? Stand with Servicewomen
4. House GOP Blocking Abortion Access for Raped Soldiers, Mother Jones, June 13, 2012
5. Senator Shaheen Champions Access to Reproductive Healthcare for Servicewomen, National Women's Law Center, June 14, 2012