The historical account of an eye witness account of the Kisumu Massacre which left close to 100 people including school children dead.

Report By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

Many Kenyans from all walks of life have heaped a lot of praise for the lat Dr Njoroge Mungai the former Kenya’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in the post-independence cabinet of the founding President, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

Dr Mungai who passed away early this week in a Nairobi hospital after a long illness also doubled as Mzee Kenyatta personal doctor and was very close to the corridor of power during the early part of Kenya’s independence. In October 1969, he was still serving as the country’s minister for Defense during the Kisumu incident.

However, I have some observation to make about this departed soul – – one of Kenya’s leaders in the protracted war and struggle for the country’s political independence.

Many older Kisumu residents have yet to come through and forgave the late DR. Mungai allegedly fired the first short which sparked off the Kisumu massacre of 1969.The shots which rung out of his hand gun felled two men and a young school boy before everything broke lose followed by mayhem.

As an eye witness I was standing just about 15 meters from the main presidential podium at the New Nyanza Genera hospital; when the incident took place.

AS free-lance journalist I drove my old Volkswagen Beatle car up to Boyani market in Vihiga because it was announced earlier that President Kenyatta was expected to access Kisumu town via Majengo, Boyani and Kiboswa markets in western Province. I joined the presidential convoy and drover slowly behind them.

From Kiboswa market things were quiet and looked normal with isolated shouts of “Dume Dume Dummeee” however, things changed as Kenyatta’s convoy snaked around a

From: U.S. Department of State

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Press Releases: Situation in Ukraine
03/01/2014 07:24 PM EST
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/03/222720.htm

Situation in Ukraine
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
March 1, 2014

The United States condemns the Russian Federation’s invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, and its violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity in full contravention of Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, its 1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. This action is a threat to the peace and security of Ukraine, and the wider region.

I spoke with President Turchynov this morning to assure him he had the strong support of the United States and commend the new government for showing the utmost restraint in the face of the clear and present danger to the integrity of their state, and the assaults on their sovereignty. We also urge that the Government of Ukraine continue to make clear, as it has from throughout this crisis, its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and uphold its international obligations.

As President Obama has said, we call for Russia to withdraw its forces back to bases, refrain from interference elsewhere in Ukraine, and support international mediation to address any legitimate issues regarding the protection of minority rights or security.

From day one, we’ve made clear that we recognize and respect Russia’s ties to Ukraine and its concerns about treatment of ethnic Russians. But these concerns can and must be addressed in a way that does not violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, by directly engaging the Government of Ukraine.

Unless immediate and concrete steps are taken by Russia to deescalate tensions, the effect on U.S.-Russian relations and on Russia’s international standing will be profound.
I convened a call this afternoon with my counterparts from around the world, to coordinate on next steps. We were unified in our assessment and will work closely together to support Ukraine and its people at this historic hour.

In the coming days, emergency consultations will commence in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in defense of the underlying principles critical to the maintenance of international peace and security. We continue to believe in the importance of an international presence from the UN or OSCE to gather facts, monitor for violations or abuses and help protect rights. As a leading member of both organizations, Russia can actively participate and make sure its interests are taken into account.

The people of Ukraine want nothing more than the right to define their own future – peacefully, politically and in stability. They must have the international community’s full support at this vital moment. The United States stands with them, as we have for 22 years, in seeing their rights restored.

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From: Elijah Kombo

We couldn’t have gone thus far on Tobiko’s case. The sanhedrin committee chaired by Francis Atwoli cleared Tobiko Keriako. The team is funded by Kenyans. Atwoli, the owner of a 33 million Mercedeez benz had not reason to thoroughly vet Keriako. He knew that this man will protect me when cases of corruption come up. At his age, Francis ATWOLI is not sound enough to chair a committee. If you have ever been near Atwoli, you will discover how disconnected he is. He doesnt exercise concentration when attending meetings. His phone is alway on and normally excuses himself in a middle of conversation to receive a call. He never answers question directed at him as COTU Secretary General without threats.

How is the constitution allowing Atwoli to chair such an important committee? What did they consider to have him as the chairman? Who pays him to chair such a committee? Politics, politics, politics! Yes politics. He has a lot of respect for President Kibaki and thinks he is one of the greatest leaders in Africa. “Were it not for the Constitution, this man (Kibaki) would still retain the Presidency in 2012. He is democratic,” he categorically says. On Prime minister Raila Odinga, he says, “He is a terrible mobiliser with poor advisers.” Daily Nation quoted “Yet Atwoli’s lifestyle is one of the most privileged in the country. One of his Mercedes Benz cars- an S300 model- is said to be the only one of its kind on Kenyan roads. It was delivered to him last year at a cost of a cool Sh30 million. Only months earlier, another was imported from Germany”.

The semi illiterate man says “Maneno ya elimu wachana nayo. (Leave education matters out). I’m telling all about my life in a book that is coming out soon,” he tersely deflects my curiosity on just where he went to school. Some records say he attended St Mary’s High School in Machakos in 1963′. The DN continues on Atwoli’s sacking in 1967 ‘Elected a shop steward for the East Africa Posts and Telecommunication Corporation in 1967, he was sacked in 1986 “in the public interest”. Public interest, so to say!

On the same spirit of public interest, Atwoli was given the job of interviewing the Chief Public Prosecutor, and settled on Tobiko Keriako. During the vetting, Tobiko was categorical that he will deliver given a conducive environment.

PLO “When Kanu was removed from power, Keriako very quickly developed good rapport with the then Minister for Constitutional Affairs Murungi Kiraitu and was eventually appointed as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),” said Prof Lumumba. PLO is also a beneficiary of the former regimes just like Mutula Kilonzo. These lawyers should not take adavntage of the public ignorance over their past deeds. They cannot deny this.

While the public is wondering, the briefcace thieves are smarting their ways to riches through corruption and impunity!

Regards

Kombo Elijah

Reports Leo Odera Omolo

THREE million Ugandans consume alcohol excessively, according to a rehabilitation organisation.

The agency, Serenity Centre for Alcoholics Rehabilitation, added that about 15% of the 31 million Ugandans are vulnerable to alcohol.

The managing director, David Kalema, said the number was based on their own studies and those by the World Health Organisation.

Henry Musitwa, an educator at the centre, explained that an alcohol addict is a person who cannot do without taking alcohol.

“It is not about how much a person takes, but such a person depends on alcohol. It might be one bottle of beer a day, but he cannot do without it,” Musitwa told The New Vision.

The person’s health also becomes compromised by alcohol. One such symptom is uncontrollable shaking of hands.

Kalema made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a donation of 80 mattresses from Euroflex to assist the centre.

He noted that excessive consumption of alcohol had driven people into poverty and unemployment.

In Uganda, Kalema said, the situation is aggravated by crude waragi and other local brews whose alcoholic content is unknown.

“Central Uganda has the highest number of alcoholics, followed by western. The north and east have the least number,” Kalema said.

He noted that men are more addicted than women, particularly men with responsibilities.

Kalema attributed this to stress caused by the burden to provide for their families.

Kalema said excessive drinking is linked to the increased number of motor accidents, HIV/AIDS spread, indiscipline in schools and family break-ups.

Kalema said some children begin drinking as early as eight years.
The magnitude of alcohol addiction may be bigger than studies show since the country still has a big volume of unrecorded alcohol supply and sales, he noted.

Quoting the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, Kalema said unregulated waragi accounts for about 80% of the liquor produced in the country, and provides income to many people.

Kalema revealed that one cause of alcoholism is based on the family background.

“Six out of 10 patients brought to this centre have an alcoholic trend in their lineage. You find parents and relatives of the patient were all alcoholics,” Kalema said.

The good news, he said, is that such people can be rehabilitated.

“A total of 60% of the patients recover and quit drinking to start a new life, while 40% relapse. We monitor them for one year to see the progress,” he said.
Other factors contributing to alcoholism include culture, peer pressure and political instabilities.

Kalema urged the Government to fight poverty in order to stop more people from becoming alcoholics.

“Very poor people and low-income earners drink more than the well-off people. Some men cannot provide for their families and thus get stress. They resort to drinking,” he said.

Kalema advised that people should closely monitor relatives and children to ensure they do not become alcoholics.
“It is easy. When people start coming home late or dodge you when you talk to them, then suspect,” he said.

Euroflex provided about sh12m worth of aid to the centre located in Bwebajja in Wakiso district. The centre can admit 25 patients. It is supported by a foreign firm, Measan Cara of Ireland and the Irish Embassy.The center was started in 2001.

Ends

From: Judy Miriga

Here is something worth reading. Please share.

When Racism Masquerades As Something Else – from Sylvia Holman

Here is the address to the web site.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/20100425_When_racism_masquerades_as_something_else.html#axzz0oWaVJyLc

[ . . . ]
More than 40 years after my first experiences with racism, I am thousands of miles away in Rome , but surrounded by ghosts. Last year, I received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for a community program called the Big Read, which sponsors activities to encourage communities to come together to read and discuss a single book. I chose Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, in part because I thought that some of the most salient issues in the novel – racism, classism, xenophobia, the Jim Crow era – were perhaps relevant to an increasingly diverse, contemporary Italy .
[ . . . ]

Folks,

This is a sad story if Hon. Members like Ms. Shaaban can respond to REFERENDUM funding in this manner. She sounds very naive which is a pity to realize she has been in the position as a Legislature for all this time in Parliament and yet she has no idea what a REFERENDUM or Government Project as Mandated by the people means to the Majority People of Kenyan. She should not the interest of the majority before she echos that the money should instead be channelled to her Department especially when the Referendum is about to provide an about-turn life for poor people in poverty to an improved life full of expectations and challenges of the struggle to a better life for the poor.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – –

Give us ‘Yes’ funds, says Shaban

By DAVE OPIYO and BERNARD NAMUNANE

In Summary

Minister says Sh541m could be put to better use in assisting victims of floods

The Sh541 million that Treasury plans to give to the ‘Yes’ team to campaign for the proposed constitution should be used to help Kenyans affected by floods, according to the Special Programmes minister.

With 90 people killed, 18,200 made homeless, and 2,500 homes destroyed by floods in 34 districts, the funds would come in handy in assisting those affected, said Dr Naomi Shaban said.

“Politicians who want to involve themselves in the campaigns for or against the proposed constitution should do so from their own pockets,” the minister said at a news conference in Nairobi on Friday.

“It is unfair that the ‘Yes’ team will utilise these funds while Kenyans suffer. This money should instead be diverted to my ministry,” she said.

“Taxpayers’ funds should not be wasted on such issues. The Committee of Experts should be left to do its work of civic education…politicians should not be involved at all.”

Dr Shaban said the heavy rains had also destroyed 247 primary and 28 secondary schools.

Major roads, including the Kapenguria-Lodwar, Moyale-Marsabit, Lodwar-Kakuma, and Samburu roads, had been cut off.

“Livestock has drowned and crops have been destroyed,” she said.

But faced with this destruction, the ministry was short of funds to help those affected.

She said besides catering for those affected by the rains, her ministry still had to contend with internally displaced people.

“We need at least Sh3.3 billion for IDPs and another Sh1 billion for those affected by the floods,” she said.

“We have written to Treasury and been blatantly told there is no money. We wonder why money is being diverted to the ‘Yes’ camp, yet we need it,” she said.

Separately, Treasury is trying to figure out how to raise the funds required for the ‘Yes’ campaign.

Normally, the money would come from the Justice and Constitutional Affairs ministry but it was not in the budget.

Sources said the money could come from the contingency fund, which is nearly exhausted, or a vote will be created.

Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o, a co-convener of the ‘Yes’ campaign team, said on Friday: “The government would be irresponsible not to support the campaign. The new constitution is part of Agenda Four”.

MPs in the ‘No’ team have criticised the bid to use taxpayers’ funds, with Charles Keter, Kiema Kilonzo, Cyrus Jirongo, Julius Kones, and Benjamin Langat saying it would be illegal as the funds had not been approved by Parliament.

Ironically, they saw nothing wrong with the ‘No’ team getting a share should the government decide to use the funds for the campaigns.

Narc Kenya chairperson Martha Karua has said the government should not use taxpayers’ money to fund one side.

On Saturday, the ‘Yes’ team holds a rally in Kayole, Nairobi to be attended by President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.

– – – – – – – – – – –

‘No’ proponents are told to speak the truth and avoid propaganda

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has asked those campaigning against the proposed constitution not to engage in war mongering in efforts to win over voters.

In a veiled reference to former President Moi, he warned against inflammatory statements that he said were likely to instigate intolerance and violence during campaigns for the constitution.

Further, the PM asked politicians to stay out of the constitutional debate to allow the will of Kenyans to prevail.

Avoid confrontation

“We don’t want retired leaders scaring people with insinuations that the proposed constitution will bring bloodshed, yet they failed to initiate the review process during their tenure,” he said.

Mr Odinga, who was addressing a gathering of academia during the launch of the book My Journey with a Jaramogi, asked leaders in the ‘No’ camp to conduct their campaigns peacefully to avoid confrontation with the opposing side.

He said the unfolding constitutional moment was unique and should not be squandered.

“It is a once in a lifetime occurrence therefore that this time round a larger portion of the political leadership is in agreement with the populace that we need to have a new constitution,” the Premier said.

He told those in attendance that the price of freedom was costly as many nationalists lost their lives and careers in the liberation struggle that stretched beyond the post-colonial era.

The book written by Odinge Odera, a long-serving speech writer of the country’s first vice president Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, captures the struggles between the forces for change and those for retention of the status quo.

Mr Odinga said the book traces the detour the country made after independence and reflects the vision that the founding fathers of the nation had before greed and ethnicity took the better part of the leadership.

from: Judy Miriga

presented by Dan Pfeiffe

As debate on the Wall Street Reform bill (
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/economy/financial-reform ) returns today to the floor of the Senate, lobbyists are working overtime to insert loopholes and special provisions into the bill. Back in March, Treasury Secretary Geithner (
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg600.htm ) made clear to the audience at the American Enterprise Institute the threat we face at this stage of the game:

“…watch this process closely, for it will be a test of our capacity as a nation to deal with complex and consequential problems. When you see amendments designed to weaken the basic protections of reform; when you see amendments to exempt certain types of financial firms or financial instruments from rules; ask why we should be protecting those private interests at the expense of the public interest.”

So to kick off this week of amendments and help you follow along, please take a look at the Top Ten Most Wanted Lobbyist Loopholes:

1. Ok, Consumer Protection Rules are Fine… Just Don’t Enforce Them. The current bill would apply the same rules to providers of consumer financial services or products, whether the provider is a bank or a non-bank financial provider. The bill would also allow State Attorneys General to enforce those rules. Lobbyists are pushing hard to amend the bill so that Attorneys General lose their enforcement authority. Why does that matter? Because the Bureau would only supervise larger market participants. Without state AG enforcement authority, the citizens of their states will have much less protection against illegal conduct. If you want to weaken consumer protections, that’s one way to do it.

2. Letting Non-Banks Play by a Weaker Set of Rules. We know this is coming, so keep an eye out: attempts to give car dealers that make car loans and other major providers of financial services a big exemption from the consumer protection rules. Now be aware: some people try to scare small businesses by saying that the consumer financial protection bureau will regulate main street businesses like orthodontists and florists. That is not true. But if a car dealer makes loans, or if a big department store sets up a financial services center, it’s doing what banks and credit unions do, and it should play by the same rules.

3. If You Can’t Kill Consumer Protection Now, Starve it to Death Later. One of the keys to effective consumer protection is having a consumer financial protection bureau that is independent. And one of the keys to independence is having an independent source of funding. So be prepared for attempts to take away the bureau’s source of funds. And also watch out for broader attempts to restrict the bureau’s independence or chip away at its ability to establish clear rules of the road for a fair and transparent consumer financial marketplace.

4. Preventing States from Protecting Their Own Citizens. Under the current bill, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection would set minimum standards for the consumer finance market, but states would still be allowed to adopt additional protections. In other words, federal consumer protections would set a floor, not a ceiling. There’s likely to be a fight about that provision. Citing the doctrine of “preemption,” big banks will try to take away states’ ability to supplement federal consumer protections. Why is this a problem? Because state officials are often the first to learn of new abuses and new problems in the marketplace, and we should not get rid of that canary in the coal mine. Federal law can overrule or “preempt” state law when a state law would significantly interfere with national banks’ business of banking, but states should otherwise have the right to protect their citizens as they see fit.

5. Removing the Derivatives Trading Requirement to Protect Wall Street Profits. Under the current bill, standard derivatives would have to be traded on exchanges or other electronic trading platforms. Expect amendments to eliminate this trading requirement. Why? Because not everyone likes transparency. Today, the big derivatives dealers make big profits by charging end-users extra spreads and hidden fees, and they don’t want that to change.

6. Stretching the Derivatives “End-User” Exemption into a Hedge Fund Loophole. Under the current bill, there is a narrow exemption from the derivatives clearing and trading requirement for commercial firms that are not financial companies, not major participants in the derivatives market, and that are using derivatives to hedge their real risks – not taking one-way bets like AIG. Be on the lookout for attempts to stretch this exemption into a loophole – for example, by saying that the exemption should apply hedge funds and other financial companies.

7. Creating an “AIG Loophole.” Under the current bill, the Financial Services Oversight Council would have the ability to designate a very large “non-bank” financial company – like AIG, for example – for tougher supervision by the Federal Reserve. Since one of the key principles of financial reform is that firms should be regulated according to the risks they pose, not according to their corporate form, this is an important provision. But rest assured, there are large “non-banks” out there who would rather not be scrutinized quite so closely.

8. Who Needs to Know What’s Happening at Insurance Companies? Insurance is regulated by the states, not the federal government – and this bill doesn’t change that. But this bill would give the Treasury Department the ability to collect information from insurance companies so that it can help identify emerging risks before they blow up the financial system – like AIG. After so many insurance companies got into so much trouble that they needed government support to survive, you’d think that would be a no-brainer. But not everyone agrees. Keep an eye out for loopholes that would protect insurance companies from a number of provisions in the bill – including even basic information gathering.

9. Letting Firms Make Loans Without Skin in the Game. A key lesson of the crisis is that firms in the mortgage business should have a stake in the loans they sell or securitize. Skin in the game gives strong incentives to make good quality loans. Mortgage industry lobbyists are pushing hard to kill this idea. It’s cheaper for mortgage lenders and Wall Street to be in the mortgage business if they don’t have to worry about the borrower’s ability to pay – but it’s a lot more costly for Americans to perpetuate the same system that helped cause the housing crash.

10. Preserving “Too Big to Fail” While Pretending to Kill It. The key to preventing future bailouts is to end the problem of “Too Big to Fail.” And the only way to do that is to make sure that we can shut down big financial firms in a swift, orderly way if they’re on the brink of failure. Of course, not everyone wants to see “Too Big to Fail” disappear, since it lets the biggest firms borrow money at lower cost and avoid the consequences of excessive risk-taking. But no one wants to be caught defending the status quo. So defenders of the status quo are using a sleight of hand: pushing to make the resolution process so unwieldy that it can never work. By proposing amendments that look tough but that make the resolution process unworkable, opponents of reform will try to save “Too Big to Fail” while pretending to kill it.

—
Dan Pfeiffer is White House Communications Director

Folks,

Okay now, this is sounding a warning. I scratch my head. And something must be done and done fast.

David confronted and challenged Golliath in a truce, and he David went to fight the mighty and the most powerful who was armed to the teeth, but in his humble state, he defeated Golliath because God was with David. So, we need God to take charge in our struggle. We shall overcome. The war is not ours. It is God’s. God want to save his children from Satan’s grip and oppression. He God is in His business to set us free so LOVE should transcend all others so we can enjoy the benefit of Peace and Unity for a common purpose as we all enjoy and preserve the benefit of NATURE as was created by God.

It is up to us to get the whole thing of Tribunal Court up and running. And plus getting other ways and means to get this criminal matter on its perspective and to its fruition.

We must act now people before things fall apart. There could also be some funny games here too, arm twisting could also be possible. Do we just let this go or look for plan B ?

People, we have struggled this far, lets keep our hopes high because God is with us on this journey. God knew there were storms and thorns on the way. We have climbed so high that we cannot just give up. We have to go the rest of the journey leaning on Gods provisions. Start praying and fasting people, there are temptations here and we have to overcome. We now fear more for the witnesses especially with the kind of sudden deaths that are now taking place. There are reasons for fear. But we do not need to fear folks. God brought us this far, he will not turn against us.

I believe and I give you hope that we will find a way. Keep your hopes high and do not give up.

Cheers !

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – –

Ocampo asks Kenyans not to expect too much

By LUCIANNE LIMO, BEAUTTAH OMANGA and VINCENT BARTOO

Those who expect the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague to solve all criminal cases related to post-election violence should start getting disappointed now.

The ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has asked Kenyans not to raise their hopes because he will not solve all the cases pertaining to the violence two years ago that led to the death of more than 1,300.

“Don’t expect everything from me. I will only prosecute two to six cases and the rest is up to you,” was the message Ocampo had for Kenyans, Tuesday.

“If a neighbour stole my cow, the cow needs to be brought back to me. You don’t need ICC to deal with that,” he added.

The prosecutor, who said he was “saddened” after realising that the Government had not done much to resolve the problems that occurred during the 2007/2008 violence, called on leaders of the State to start mechanisms for resolving the rest of the cases.

He asked civil society groups he met Tuesday afternoon to push Parliament to establish a local tribunal. An attempt to form a local tribunal to handle post election cases was defeated when MPs voted against it.

Perhaps weighed down by expectations Kenyans have on him, the International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo ponders what to say to players in community media who he held talks with at I&M building in Nairobi Tuesday. He criticised the Government for not doing enough to address issues that led to the post-election violence. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA /STANDARD]

“There are people who were raped, traumatised by the violence and others are still in the IDP camps. You don’t require ICC to help solve all your problems. I expect Kenya to do its part and do it now,” he said when he addressed journalists in Nairobi.

Want justice

He however praised Kenyans for their love of peace.

“The reason I feel Kenya is good is because no one is proud of violence. That’s unique compared to other countries I have been to. Kenyans wants justice,” he added.

The ICC chief prosecutor said it was important to deal with the cases before the 2012 general elections to prevent a recurrence of violence.

Ocampo also repeated his often-quoted promise that he would make Kenya a good example to other African countries.

He said 15 elections will be held across Africa in the next two years and Kenya will be an example on how to manage elections.

“I like to serve the people of Kenya and that is why 1 am here. It is clear we have to prevent a repeat of 2008 PEV. You have to trust me. I said I will open investigation and I did. I will so my part,” he said when he spoke to journalists yesterday.

Ocampo said he would present six cases to the judges before December.

“I will present six cases to The Hague and I believe this will prevent PEV. This will be a lesson that violence will be a ticket to The Hague and not to Cabinet,” said Ocampo.

He, however, said that the six cases he is pursuing were not the same ones that were handed to him by the Waki commission through former UN boss Kofi Annan.

“I gave the court the names of 20 people and I told them they are not my list but from the Waki commission. I gave them my list of six people whom I think they are most responsible,” he added.

The prosecutor said that for more that 25 years he has investigated people in power who have used violence in the name of protecting the people.

He said in the Kenyan case, police officers accused of killing civilians during the skirmishes were not the biggest threat but those who were giving the orders.

“The police were not a problem but the bosses who gave orders,” he said.

Speaking after he met Christian and Muslim religious leaders late in the afternoon at Hotel Intercontinental, Mr Ocampo said he asked religious authorities to use their positions to play a role in healing the country.

“Don’t rely on the ICC to bring harmony in Kenya. You have a role to play,” he said.

Bishop Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Church who later spoke to journalists on behalf of the Christian leaders said they called on Ocampo to “punish perpetrators of the post-election violence irrespective of their position in government”.

The Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) Abdullahi Kiptanui who spoke for the Muslim leaders said they were fully behind efforts to punish masterminds of the mayhem.

Kiptanui said Muslims leaders were ready to work with Christians to ensure similar violence does not occur in the country.

“We are happy that Ocampo is consulting all Kenyans irrespective of their positions (in society) to establish the truth,” he said.

The ICC prosecutor also met officials of civil society groups from regions that were affected by the chaos.

The Argentina-born prosecutor is also reported to have confided in the activists that the support he was getting from the Government was lukewarm.

The issues discussed at the meeting with the civil society included protection of witnesses, political interference and safety of human rights defenders.

Ocampo is said to have turned down a request by the human rights groups to set up a field office in Kenya expressing fear that agents of post-election violence suspects could infiltrate it.

Sources said he told the activists that ICC had conducted an assessment of Kenya and concluded that it was a high-risk country for ICC personnel.

He said it was safer to conduct investigations discreetly in Nairobi where ICC personnel and witnesses could meet without notice.

He, however, said Kenya was signatory to the Rome Statute that established the ICC and had no choice but to abide by its rules.

He also recommended what he termed as “protection by denial” for witnesses, saying they should not reveal they were ICC witnesses.

The civil society groups represented were 20 and the meeting lasted for two hours. The main aim of the meeting was to explore possible avenues of engagement between the groups and the ICC.

Ocampo also met top private sector chief executives for talks.

“Ocampo has held very fruitful meeting with leaders drawn from the corporate world and all that he wants us to understand was that he will not be there all the time Kenyans turn against each other,” said Linus Gitahi, the Nation Media Group CEO, who was one of the officials who met Ocampo.

Kenya Private Sector Alliance Chairman Patrick Obath told The Standard; “he wants Kenyans to see his action to prosecute a minimal number as an indicator that crimes were committed and the country can still deal with many others he will leave behind.”

Sources also indicated Ocampo met former Police Commissioner Maj-General Hussein Ali. Ali, however, denied the reports.

The sources said Maj-Gen Ali and Administration Police Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua were among Government officials who met Ocampo at a city hotel for talks.

The two were scheduled to meet Ocampo because of the security positions they held during the post-election violence period.

The ICC prosecutor was also scheduled to meet with three politicians whom he invited because they had been adversely mentioned in the investigations but whether they met him could not be independently established.

From: Robert Alai
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:23:44 +0300
Subject: A White Woman Explains Why She Prefers Black Men

Wanabidii

http://bidiiafrika.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-white-woman-explains-why-she

Robert

On Sun, Nov 1, 2009 at 10:15 PM, wrote:

How can those responsible allow the whole country to be in
darkness,shouldn’t the minister and chiefs of kplc resign ? Some one should ask for their resignation,this is a matter of national security

M.noor
Sent from my BlackBerry®

From: Aggrey Mmbaya
Subject: Re: Blackout
Date: Monday, November 2, 2009, 12:05 AM

What a pity. How low we can adjust our reasoning capacity. Ooh Noor

From: GEORGE MUYA
Subject: Re: Blackout
Date: Monday, November 2, 2009, 2:20 AM

KPLC and responsible should be HATUTAKI MPANGO WA CANDLE.

True godliness leaves the world, convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the only explanation for you, is Jesus Christ
www.calendar.yahoo.com/muya982
Muya’s Archive

On 11/3/09, obora okoth wrote:

Dear All.

This is the Kenya we know. Since the KPLC announced huge profits the other day, accruing from high tariffs – fleecing of consumers, the power blackout is for sure a precursor for huge looting and theft under the guise of procuring equipment parts and components. Look out.

okothpo.

From: Iman Girgit
Date: Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 6:42 AM
Subject: Re: Blackout

Why should KPLC make huge profits like that for a commodity was a
scarely available.

By the way has anyone here used PREPAID meters.HEY.SINANYONYA.

At this rate KPLC will break profit making records next year.

j_d k
date Oct 31, 2009 9:39 PM
subject Lisa Garison [Corruption Free Kenya]

Lisa Garison [Corruption Free Kenya]
.
.
.

Sent jaluo.com surveillance software (spyware) under disguise of an article.

From: collins odhiambo
Date: Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 1:08 AM

haki yetu, haki yetuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just had to forward this mail, watch these daring South African women…..and the men……..compe roho safi or what?

Only in Africa….

More . . .

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Subject: Give me 1 Zuma and I will give u 4 the extremest of it all

From: Obat Masira
Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 8:32 AM

The Lake Basin Jewel ,a newly founded magazine highlighting the beauty and the endowment of the Lake Victoria Basin.The magazine seeks to open up the Western Kenya tourist circuit and film making in the region

The first issue came out in September 2009 and received critical aclaim. Currently we are working on the second edition .We shall be most gratefully if Kenyans in the diaspora could contribute by writing feature articles on tourism, enterprise and cultural development of the Nile Basin.We hope the magazine will be read far and wide both nationally and internationally.

We have started receiving articles from well wishers.We would like to share articles with our brothers and sisters in the diaspora.The first articles are from Prof. Christopher J. Odhiambo (Moi University),a short story titled (THE CELL) and another from Dr. J.G C Amollo (now deceased) titled Masaai Mara Tourism Paradise.
We are selling advertisement space in the LAKE BASIN JEWEL MAGAZINE.The second issue comes out in early December 2009.Kindly support the initiative.See attachment
KUDOS-JALUO.COM
AKECH OBAT MASIRA
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
THE LAKE BASIN JEWEL MAGAZINE.
http/misangoarts.blogspot.com
+254726164954
e-mail obatmasira@yahoo.com
– – –
Subject: SECOND ISSUE-THE LAKE BASIN JEWEL MAGAZINE
To: jaluo dot com jaluo@jaluo.com

From: Kaloki Wamua Wakenya
Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 7:09 AM

After reading a blog on 8.4.4., as a first hand victim, I am obliged to write on our tribulations, triumphs and the way forward.

The year 1985 was one with high levels of anxiety for those of us who were to sit KCPE for the first time. None of us knew what to expect and all around us were negative comments about the new system of education. I however salute the few dedicated teachers who ensured we worked hard to pass and at the same time counseling and encouraging us. Without some of these teachers and parents, many of us could have lost hope.

After four years in 1989, the level of anxiety was much higher than in 1985. The media was full of criticisms against the new system and were wondering loudly whether the secondary graduates were well prepared for university education. Having overcome the anxiety in 1985 many soldiered on and could courageously take on A-Level students on debates. I remember one time our class mates challenging Form Six Students to sit an A-Level Economics paper and show them dust. The challenge was not taken kindly and the school almost went into a war pitting the majority 8. 4. 4 s against the elite A- Level students.

The year 1989 passed by and a number of us made it to the university where even the lecturers could tell us that we were half baked. I remember one lecturer telling us that she did not expect her to pass her course since we had not done preparatory courses at A – Levels. She said some of us were not mature enough to wash ourselves properly. I can however report that a number of my classmates have got their Ph Ds from world renowned universities and others are doing well as top managers in multinational corporations while the poor lecturer is still struggling with her PhD.

From that day on we learnt that we had to assert ourselves for the
university and society at large to accept us and many a lecturer had to eat humble pie by being told to resign if they thought they were not teaching the right people. There are also a number of common courses that were shared between A-Level graduates and 8. 4. 4. and as can be confirmed from the state universities that were in existence then, the 8. 4. 4 lot performed much better than their A- Level counterparts.

The trend continued and faculties that could not produce 1st class honors before started to produce 1st class in 1994/1995 graduations. What I do not know was whether this was political or not but those of us who proceeded for graduate studies saw a trend where those from 8. 4. 4. track were habitually performing better than those from 7.4.2.3 track in graduate studies.

Casual studies of professional exams in Kenya also reveal that pass rates in KASNEB examinations improved markedly with the enrolment of those from the 8.4. 4 track. Better still the recent graduates of such professional examinations are doing well in the job market both nationally and internationally.

I am not denying that there were some flaws with the 8.4. 4 system but would like to encourage all that have followed the 8.4.4. track not to allow anybody to put them down.

More than we have done in the past, we can still do much more and yes we can revolutionize Kenya.

With the old guard schooled in elitism and exclusive management and politics, we need to substitute each of them with those who have been schooled in inclusive approach to issues through the 8.4.4 track.

We’ve got to revolutionize Kenya and I say YES WE CAN for the future is in our hands and we are the majority.

– – –
Subject: TRIBULATIONS AND TRIUMPHS OF 8.4.4 GRADUATES.
To: jaluo@jaluo.com

Forwarded by:: collins odhiambo
Date: Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 1:28 AM

Images link below.
Mature adults only, Please!

– – –
subject: Latest Fad in Kenya

From: Tebiti Oisaboke
Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 8:55 PM

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE 2011 DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAM
(DV-2011)

The congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is administered on an annual basis by the Department of State and conducted under the terms of Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 131 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-649) amended INA 203 and provides for a class of immigrants known as ?diversity immigrants.? Section 203(c) of the INA provides a maximum of 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) each fiscal year to be made available to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

DV-2011instructions.pdf 260K
[ . . . More . . . ]

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Subject: Fw: Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Instructions

From: HELEKIAH EVANS LOLALO MAKIRI
Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 4:20 AM

CHIKE MANYIEN

Kaluwore kod twak manyoro ker otwakgo ka olose wach chike manyien,chuna ni nyaka agolie paro mara matin.

Jokanyaanam, aneno ka koth biro jukowa kod owuoyo kapok wafundo.Gima omiyo awacho ma, en ni nitie nindo moro ma aneno ka dwaro makowa ma ok ber. Wang`eyo malong`o ni joka bimbe bet ga otieno ka otieno ka gi yalo buchegi,
kendo gise gik e wach achiel ni nyaka koro lok chike eka ditam JAKOM yudo kom maduong`no.Ng`euru ni e higa mar 2012 biro yudo ka jakom ose kalo higa mar laro kom maduong`. Watang`uru, kata wayud ng`ato mapiyo manyalo

kawo kar
jakom mapiyo.

– – –
Subject: LOKO CHIKE W
To: jaluo@jaluo.com