Last week we discussed challenges facing families in Kenya today. The theme for this week is ‘Unity for Peace and Development’. The author uses the story of Mawiano Primary School to demonstrate how the Kenyan society suffers from identity formation. The first reading is taken from Exodus 17:3-7, second reading from Romans 5:1-2.5-8 and the Gospel from John 4:5-42.
One of the key drivers of conflict in Kenya as the author describes is the dimension of community identities – which is in itself closely related to the issue of land, borders and associated historical grievances – plus a challenging regional security environment and political transition.
Although the primary and key player in solving this conflict is the family by teaching children as the author recommends, the fact that most conflicts occur in our families in front of our children it is difficult for parents to teach their children about peace and conflict management.
It is also a very difficult task for Schools, Churches and other social settings to be used as a platform of educating our children and all people the need to unite at all levels and live in peaceful environment.
It is very unfortunate that most of our families today, domestic violence has become the order of the day. Children who grow up in violence family or being abused usually grow up in poor health, low self-esteem, difficulty sleeping.
Some children may indulge in drug and alcohol abuse risk, isolation, suicidal thoughts, and extreme loneliness and fear. Children are mainly affected from verbal abuse. This is where the father use aggressive actions such as name-calling the mother, blaming her, ridiculing her, disrespect, and criticism.
Whichever way, whether the father or mother using the same actions towards the father, or both. That is towards children abuse as well. Some long term effects on a child who comes from an abusive household, or have been abused themselves are guilt, anger, depression/anxiety, shyness, nightmares, disruptiveness, irritability, and problems getting along with others.
This brings us to challenging questions:
1. As parents, community and the Church how do we help our children to acquire positive values and appreciate the different ethnic communities in Kenya?
2. What can we do as a family, Small Christian Community, the Church or a community to promote unity as a national value begging with our families?
3. What are some of the actions that can be done at Small Christian Community, Parish, Dioceses and National levels to promote unity, patriotism, and peace in Kenya and our families?
Answer these questions keeping in mind that some cases of domestic violence occur due to jealousy when one partner is either suspected of being unfaithful. It can also be seen in a situation where one partner is doing better than the other. For example: the woman being more successful than the husband.
Some violence occurs when one partner has control over the other partner’s access to economic resources, preventing a spouse from resource acquisition. Some because of physical force to compel a person to engage in a sexual act against his or her will, also known as marital rape.
Another type of violence is expected to occur now that men’s tyranny of numbers in parliament has proposed amendments on marriage bill 2013. The amendment requires that a man should not ask his wife if he decides to marry another wife.
Already in Kenya women sometimes only find out at their husband’s funeral that he had secretly married a second wife and had children with her, leading to inheritance disputes. The bill provides for a certificate to be issued when such marriages take place.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com
Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
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Twitter-@8000accomole
CAN THE GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATE CLAIMS THAT ROGUE POLICE OFFICERS ARE INVOLVED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING IN NYANZA?
Investigative Report By Leo Odera Omolo
The easiest way of stamping out bhang trafficking from Nyanza to Nairobi and to other Kenya towns and other illicit cross border trades is to equip the Kenya police with speed boats similar to those deployed in Lake Victoria by the Uganda marine Police.
There is also need to overhaul top policemen working in the sensitive border regions and counties like Migori, Nyatike and Suba regions.
There is rampant rumors, allegations and claims of police complicity in the lucrative bhang trafficking in the region trades. In some yet to be proved incidences racketeers involved in the illicit trades are said to be enjoying protection by some rogue and un-patriotic policemen stationed in the smuggling spots in Migori and Nyatike county.
The recent events and happening shows the illicit drugs coming into the country via porous Kenyan borders with the neighboring countries via Lake Victoria waters.
Large consignments of bhang get into Kenyan mainland side of Lake Victoria through the disputed Migingo Island. Other smaller fishing islands located on Kenya side of Lake Victoria also being used by the drug traffickers as conduit for smuggling and easy access to the mainland regions and eventually to the markets
Such spots include Migingo, Ugingo, Ringiti, Lolwe, Ngodhe and Oyamo islands.
Bhang is also grown in abundance in Sigulu island which is about 10 kilometers off Budalangi shoreline in Busia county. However, smaller quantity of bhang is also said making its way from Tanzania into Kenya on the main Migori highway that is linking the town to Sirare border post. But the ever presence of policemen on checkpoints and road blocks on the road has curtailed the trafficking forcing the smugglers to use ‘panya’ routes using bicycles and boda boda motorbikes.
Reports emerging from Musoma and Tarime towns say bhang is grown in large quantities in some parts of the world famous Serengeti National Gane Parkand in the neighbouring Ukerewe island In Tanzania
Other landing spots of bhang smuggled from Tanzania include Sori and Muhuru Bay towns in Nyatike sub-county within the larger Migori County
A truck loaded with bhang was recently spotted as it loads the illicit drug behind a store in Sori whose street value was estimated to be around Ksh. 50,000.
The incident took place within only three days after police discovered 7 acres of bhang farm on top of Kimaye Hills near with Ong’er in North Kadem ,which is located less than 10 kilometers from Sori town
Close to 60 policemen spent the whole day uprooting the bhang. They were then enforced by over 50 inmates from Migori G.K. prison .The police succeeded in apprehending six men who were tending the bhang farm and took them into custody .The men were reported to have been working for an influential and wealthy politician in the region who is said to be working as a bhang trafficker .
All these is said to be happening despite the fact that in most parts of Nytatike the police road check-points and road-blocks are there the whole day, and traffic police officers manning these check-points re mains in some places even soon after dark
What give credence to the claim of police complicity in the massive bhang trafficking in the region is that most vehicles nabbed by police in roadblocks are always found far away from Nyanza, mostly in Molo,Naivasha ,Nakuru and Narok area .Perhaps this is after such vehicles had travelled long distance from Nyanza while under the alleged police escort ,which saw them passing through Migori,Kisii,Nyamira and Bomet.
Police road blocks are everywhere in Migori ,Kisii ,Nyamira ,Kericho and Bomet but the bhang traffickers have always been nabbed in places far away from the region.Many of these are sure to conceal the drugs source of origins and supplies
Gwasi Hills ,Ungoe and Gembe Hills in Gwasi and Mbila constituencies are other areas where bhang is grown in abundance.
Before the coming of Independence in 1963, the colonial authorities knew these places and used to dispatch contingents of regular police GSU and APS.during dry seasons with ….to hunt down and burnt down the bhang as well as the makeshift house erected on hill tops by the farmers and those tending the farms. It worked well, but after the attainment of political independence, the successive KANU regime went into deep slumber and relaxed paving the way for more bhang farms to spring up.
The 7 acres bhang farm which the police discovered last month …..was estimated at KSh. 50 million in street value. The bhang was burnt and destroyed at Macalder Divisional Police headquarters.
Residents have however confided to this writer that there existed other bhang farms along the valley of River Kuja in areas not far away from Gogo falls, which is generating electricity for the KPLC and close to the famous pre-historical Thim Lich Ohinga which is now in the management of the Kenya Museum services.
Since the horrific killing of the civilians in Juba on 15th December 2013, I have been hearing people crying for justice hoping that the government of South Sudan will talk about the Nuer Massacre in Juba and held those who involve accountable for the crime they committed against the humanity. Surprisingly, the government has consistently been accusing the opposition about unjustifiable attempted coup against the government, instead to dealing with the crisis responsibly. The infiltration of fighting!
I am here to inform the world that genocide was committed by the presidential guards (mainly Dinka) with the order of the president to kill innocent Nuer. The UN and other organisations reported that over 1,000 were killed. Unfortunately our government took a partial position by refusing to publish a correct number of people killed in Juba or attempted to stop the killing of innocent people. I am one of the survivals of the Nuer mass killing that happened in Juba and I witnessed the situation. Below are the numbers of people killed in Juba and those who are affected by the conflict in Juba from 15th- 30th December 2013.
1000 University graduate who went to Juba to look for work were killed simply because they are Nuer.
1000 SPLA soldiers and policemen were killed while on duty to serve lives from 15th – 23rd December 2013 in Juba.
2300 civilians including civil servants and youth were killed
1000 children under 10 year old were killed a long side their parents
More than 3000 people still missing
More than 2000 Nuer people wounded and denied access to medical services by the SS government.
More than 18,000 Nuer escaped to UNMISS compounds for protection.
Therefore the total number of people killed was 5,300. Perhaps these figureswill help the relevant institution of the government and human right organisations bases in Juba to initiate a rigorous investigation about the Nuer massacre. The dead bodies were put in the big containers and bury them in mass grave outside and inside Juba by the Loyal Forces of the president. They also placed some dead bodies in the containers and throw them in the river. Unfortunately, the media was prevented to report on killing of innocent Nuer or to know what the killers were doing with the dead bodies, relatives were denied to bury the bodies of their love ones. I strongly advice the international community to consider what occurred in Juba serious, investigate the cause of it and held those who involve accountable. I will help with the investigation of the scent should I be alive.
The government has been conveying a misleading messages to the community alleged that the conflict was not a tribal conflict while the loyal forces were specifically targeted and killed Nuer in Juba because that was what they were instructed or oriented to do by the President Kiir. Neither Dinka, Cholo nor Equatorian was killed in Juba and those who killed Nuer in Juba were all Dinka, the so call the presidential guards.
For that reason, I believe that this is a tribal conflict. If the president intended to target the communities’ member of those who opposed the SPLAM direction, then, the loyal forces perhaps would have killed other nationality of South Sudan. This would have both the legitimacy of the government’s claim that this is not a tribal conflict.
The so call government spoke person, Makuei Lueth failed to define coup as the government claimed. He has been distorting the cause of the conflict and condemned ‘white army’ for what happened in Jonglie. If in fact, the government was to deal with this crisis responsibly, perhaps what happen in Jonglie could have been avoided. But what the so call “loyal forces” did in Juba after the president announced the curfew was intend killing and elimination of Nuer. No one talk about it event now from the government of South Sudan. This is an indication that the government take side and that it perform it duty in the tribal line. Furthermore, if any civilian was killed in Jonglie I guessed that could have been through cross shooting between the army forces.
Finally, the civilians particularly the white army weighed war against the government simply because the government they voted for killed their innocent children who went to Juba for business and looking for work. Not because they were mobilised by Dr Riek Machar.
The SPLA freedom fighters that joined the opposition did so because their families were killed while they were on duty in Unity State, in Jonglie State and in greater Equatoria region protecting the sovereignty of South Sudan. How on earth should a family of national army soldier plan coup when the father/mother is serving the nation elsewhere?
I call upon the government to show leadership this war. I will keep you update on new development in Juba.
The author of this paper is resident of Juba and can be contact by jangq15@gmail.com
Following the rising levels of insecurity in the country, the government of the United Republic of Tanzania has issued a travel advisory warning the wildebeests intending to migrate from the Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The Tanzanian government warned that it couldn’t assure them of security. The wildebeests migrate seasonally from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara, in search of pastures. It is feared the directive is likely to disrupt the travel plans for tens of thousands of them.
Security threats
While issuing the travel advisory, the Tanzanian government claimed that Kenya faces considerable security threats, and therefore it was left with no choice but — to do what is within its powers — to protect the lives of all the life within its borders. “While our major concern is the wildebeests, since they comprise the majority of visitors from our country to Kenya, we may revise that in the future to include more species,” James Bukuku the Tanzanian minister for Migration explained.
The travel advisory is likely to strain the relationship between Kenya and Tanzania, especially since both have not only been engaging in some sort of regional supremacy war, but also getting involved in endless trade disputes.
Scavenging
If the retaliatory acts that follows after every trade dispute are anything to go by, it remains to be seen what measures Kenya might take other than perhaps returning the favour. It is suspected that Kenya might hit back by issuing retaliatory travel advisories in which it will —very likely — urge stray dogs that might decide to cross the border to Tanzania for bones and squirrels scavenging for nuts to do so at their own risk!
But Tanzania‘s travel advisory is not alone in the neighbourhood. Other neighbours who have also issued ‘sector-specific‘ travel advisories include Uganda and Ethiopia.
In the case of Uganda, the travel warning is aimed at its citizens who engage in cross border cattle rustling. It advised them against crossing over to the Kenyan side to avoid putting their security and safety at risk. “We urge all our hardworking cattle rustlers to pause and think and stop coveting the cattle across the border however fat they are!” Rogers Mugisha — the Ugandan minister for Public Safety, Order, Teargas and Walking to Work — is reported to have said at a press conference.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, has communicated a travel warning to the Oromo Liberation Front urging them to avoid crossing over to the Kenyan side over security concerns.
Narcotics
The Oromo Liberation Front is known to sporadically stroll into the Kenyan side where they raid Kenyan villages. “Before you decide to take a walk to the Kenyan side to plunder and loot, consider your security first and stay in your country where it is much safer,” Meles Tesfaye, an Ethiopian government official, is reported to have said.
It is also understood that various other African countries have urged their human traffickers to avoid using Kenya as a transit point, owing to the security situation. This now means that police officers who are constantly nabbing foreigners who can neither speak English nor Swahili, can breathe a sigh of relief. This is because the problem of having to find translators is gone for the time being.
Drug traffickers from the west side of the continent have not been spared either. Those who may be planning to travel to Kenya on business have been urged not to worry so much about being nabbed with narcotics, but worry more about their safety and security.
From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013
One of the News Dispatch readers writes: “Father Beste what is your take, why is Uhuru administration demonstrating extreme disrespect to Raila Odinga yet he is among few courageous leaders who fought for the reform of this beloved country of our, Kenya”? There is also rumors going on that FBI has revealed the cause of fire at the JKIA have you had it?
Asante ya punda ni mateke (gratitude of a donkey is a kick) so the Swahili saying goes. Frustrating reformists is not only a Kenyan problem. Indeed it is a global problem. This is because political systems in most countries, especially developing worlds have no room for reformists.
Your concern is also a concern of Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and former president Daniel arap Moi. Both are not happy with the way Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration has demonstrated extreme disrespect to Raila Odinga.
Moi’s reaction according to media reports is about the Francis Kimemia’s circulars that barred Odinga from using the VIP Lounges at Kenya’s airports. This has dented Uhuru’s image among his peers, including his ardent supporters- Presidents Museveni and Moi.
This came about when President Museveni held a meeting with President Uhuru when he visited Uganda recently. It was at this meeting according to the report that Museveni sought to know what exactly was happening in Kenya, specifically media reports of Raila queuing at the airport’s general public entrance for clearance before boarding.
Museveni was shocked that the man whose name whenever mentioned reminds him of his pan African ambition was treated like a junior government employee by just a mere secretary to the cabinets in the name of Kimemia.
Museveni- who is said to have been incensed with what he called nonsense and childishness, asked Uhuru why Raila could not be allowed to use VIP lounge, retain government vehicles and enjoy police security like Kibaki and Moi.
It was at this point that Museveni gave an “order” that Raila should be allowed to keep the cars, maximum police protection to all his homes and properties and an all access to VIP sections of the airport.
Moi and Museveni were also not happy with recent remarks by the former Government Spokesperson Muthui Kariuki who has been redeployed within the Civil Service. His position has been merged with that of Manoah Esipisu as the Communications Secretary and State House spokesman.
Although Uhuru claimed that he abolished the office of government spokesman because the Office of Public Communication Secretary and Government Spokesman do not fit within the new structure of his administration, this office was disbanded shortly Moi paid a courtesy visit to Uhuru at State House.
The unit is headed by Mr Esipisu who will now be entirely responsible for communicating government activities, ensuring clarity and consistency, unlike Mr Muthui who came under intense scrutiny in the past month over his statements on Raila, which at times have been contradicted by Cabinet Secretaries.
He was used by some Cabinet Secretaries, some of whom have been in political arena with Raila and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka to ruthlessly humiliate Raila and Kalonzo in public for holding on to government vehicles.
The same secretaries used Mr Muthui also to accuse Mr Odinga of planning the heckling of government officials during the funeral service of students who died in a road accident in Kisii on their way to the district sports competition.
Mr Muthui took over the office from Dr Alfred Mutua who helped set up the unit after the Narc government came into power in 2002. Dr Mutua who is now the Machakos County governor is now a close ally to Raila and Kalonzo
Earlier on before Muthui made a remark Senate Majority Leader, Kithure Kindiki called on Raila to stop creating his own laws and challenged him to seek advice from the Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo, if he has any problem with his security.
He noted that the Jubilee Government will not allow Raila Odinga to drive on the wrong side of the traffic with a fake siren, saying he risks being arrested for flouting the traffic rules because he is endangering other road users. These were the exact words said by Muthui later on.
Concerning FBI leaked report, yes, the Kenya Today on its opinion column said that the fire at JKIA was caused by infighting among the drug dealers. With the rise into power of Jubilee, there has been a realignment of the drug dealing fraternity. Click here to read the article-http://www.kenya-today.com/opinion/how-the-jkia-fire-was-started.
It says that the deportation of Chinedu and numerous other Nigerian drug dealers is believed to have been orchestrated by drug dealers, some of them who occupy top government positions in the Jubilee government. Some of them, flamboyant ones are Governors, while others are Senators and MPs.
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
From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
Catholic Relief Services is in the midst of distributing a projected $2.789 million grant to one of the leading voices in the international abortion movement, LifeSiteNews reports. The U.S. Bishops’ foreign relief agency is distributing the funds to Population Services International, a $670 million organization that markets abortion drugs in the developing world.
This takes place barely a month when the Catholic Bishops in Kenya took a united stand against a series of advertisements by the pro-abortion lobbying group Catholics for a Free Choice promoting condom use in the country.
The advertisements read “Good Catholics use Condoms”, and have been seen on billboards across Kenya, as well as appearing in leading newspapers in the country. Cardinal John Njue, the Archbishop of Nairobi, who serves as president of the Kenya Episcopal Conference wanted those adverts pulled out.
It is also taking place at the time a Polish priest is contesting his removal from the position of pastor following a blog post in which he reportedly denounced the Polish bishops’ condemnation of the sins of abortion, euthanasia, contraception, and in vitro fertilization, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Fr. Wojciech Lemanski, 53, has been removed from his leadership position of the parish of Jasienica by Henryk Hoser, Archbishop of Varsovie-Praga, for “lack of respect and disobedience,” and for causing “serious damage and confusion at the heart of the community of the Church.” Fr. Wojciech Lemanski was reportedly removed for dissent.
Lemanski initially refused to vacate his parish, but has now decided to leave in accordance with canon law while disputing his removal with the Vatican. The temporary administrator sent to oversee the parish by the archdiocese was refused entry by parishioners supportive of Lemanski.
The removal follows a series of conflicts between Lemanski and the archbishop, which the priest claims were provoked by his work to commemorate the killing of Jews in Poland during World War II, a labor that was recognized by the Polish government in 2008. Archbishop Hoser denies the claim.
Jesuit professor Stanislaw Obirek supports Lemanski and is expressing hope that Pope Francis will support the priest in his struggle against Archbishop Hoser. “The priest Lemanski opposed the language used by the Polish church which is hurtful for people who think differently, particularly on the subject of in vitro fertilization, abortion, or homosexuality, a language of hate,” Obirek said, according to AFP.
Obirek believes that the conflict represents “a new stage in the confrontation between an open Chuch,” represented by Pope Francis, “and a closed Church,” represented by the Polish bishops.
On the U.S. Bishops’ foreign relief agency distributing the funds to Population Services International, when questioned about the grant, CRS initially claimed PSI had merely sold them mosquito nets to combat malaria, but when presented with more information, the Catholic agency acknowledged that the abortion giant took a decidedly more active role.
Founded in 1970 by porn baron Phil Harvey, who initially used his porn profits to fund PSI, the organization networks and trains local providers throughout the world to offer “safe abortion.” The group’s “charity” work largely involves “stimulat[ing] demand” for contraceptives and abortion drugs among the world’s poor and then selling them the products.
Asked on Friday to explain the grant, CRS communications director John Rivera told LifeSiteNews that in late 2011 they had purchased water purification packets from PSI in Panama to help with water contamination following a major tropical storm.
PSI is open about its promotion of abortion even on its own website. On its page about “reducing unsafe abortion,” the firm explains that it “works to increase access to WHO-approved medical abortion drugs.” Its website also mentions its provision of medical abortions in Cambodia and Nepal, noting that in Cambodia it launched the country’s “first safe medical abortion drug, known as Medabon.”
The website says their work in India focuses “both on the demand and supply side” of the medical abortion and IUD markets, explaining that they promote the use of the products by “target[ing] audiences with information and messages using inter-personal; mid and mass media.”
As with its controversial grants to the pro-abortion group CARE, CRS’ $2.7 million grant to PSI Guinea is “pass-through” funding, meaning that CRS acts as a principal recipient to a funding agency and then doles out part of the funds to sub-recipients.
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
Q: Good morning Bwana Mugo and welcome to our first meeting of the summer. It reminds us of how big our world is – doesn’t it? – when we complain about heat here in LA, even as our brothers and sisters in Kenya experience the cold chills of June-July.
Mugo: Yes, this is true. Good morning ndugu and asante for another session.
Q: Start by giving us your tip of the month?
Mugo: Sawa. Because I have a food fetish today, why don’t I share with our readers a foodie item that’s been intriguing me lately? It’s called digestive lassi. Not only is it great tasting, but as its name suggests, it’s also a potent aid to digestion. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, a lot of our health problems are largely attributable weak digestion which leads to food not being completely digested. A by-product of this feeble digestion is ama, a sticky residue that binds to some part of the body (like the joints) giving rise to discomfort, pain and ultimately disease. So here’s a simple digestive lassi recipe (for one serving) that can be easily made at home and enjoyed by the family:
-1 cup room temp water
-¼ cup fresh homemade yogurt
-a pinch of ginger, cumin, coriander and salt
Blend for one minute and drink after lunch………you’ll be sure to notice a difference in just a matter of days as your digestive juices perk up and burn all that ama away. Good luck and great health!
PRESIDENCY & GOVERNANCE
Q: Asante for that ndugu. There are good number of areas that I’d like us to touch on for this issue. But why don’t we start with governance in general, and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s style of leadership in particular. When you compare Uhuru to immediate former President Mwai Kibaki, would you concur with me that there’s a substantive change in style of leadership?
Mugo: I think it’s a little early to talk ‘substantive’, but there is an important ‘style’ difference. President Uhuru Kenyatta appears keener to engage with the different facets of Kenyan life – businesspeople, students, athletes, teachers, and so forth. I welcome this and consider it a 180-degree pivot vis-à-vis Kibaki’s style which came across as rather stoic and distant……unless, of course, you were a visiting dignitary, or perhaps had something to do with building a road.
It didn’t seem to matter to Kibaki whether folks had just lost their lives from a landslide or even the fall of poorly-built buildings, as was the case in Kiambu on a number of occasions. Moreover, I distinctly remember feeling that the president needed to go and be with the IDPs to do some hand-holding. But Kenyans failed to see a ‘feeling’ Kibaki. And if he did indeed feel something, he certainly had a curious way of showing it by not showing it. I think it’s important for a president to be seen to “feel your pain.” And this is where I see an immediate contrast with Uhuru for whom visibility seems to be an important part of his politics and diplomacy. You get the sense that he wants to be there, that he wants to be seen to care.
Q: But you think it’s too early to gauge ‘substantiveness?’
Mugo: I do. In all fairness 100 days haven’t even elapsed. As I said, Uhuru’s style is a propitious development for the presidency. But being a ‘seasoned’ Kenyan who’s now had the opportunity of seeing three presidents in motion (I was rather unsophisticated during Jomo Kenyatta’s tenure), I first wait to see how much tofu is on wananchi’s table first. The mouth follows the eyes.
Q: Meaning?
Mugo: Meaning engagement is not the end product, simply the means. When I begin to see the business of Government becoming increasingly free from corruption, then I think we can talk ‘substantive.’
PORT AS A PORTAL
Q: Let’s view some the changes that have occurred this past month through this prism. And ‘hoot, hoot!’ the Port of Mombasa is our first call. Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto view an efficient port system as being pivotal to Kenya’s economy. Are you happy with the steps the president has taken thus far?
Mugo: Yes. Remember Mombasa cannot be seen outside the context of its vast hinterland which spans Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and eastern DRC. Interest in Mombasa has even been expressed from some unlikely quarters. Zambia was exploring the possibility of using Mombasa as a conduit for its copper exports about 1 ½ years ago (about 95% of Dar’s capacity is consumed by Tanzania’s own imports and exports). All these partner-states have one common denominator: the centrality of Mombasa to maintaining and growing their economic vibrancy and overall wellbeing. And I think this fact dictates how far up Uhuru’s to-do list this item gets positioned. I’m happy with the noises I’ve heard so far from State House…… joyful noises, I’m sure, if you asked our neighbors.
Q: Given all the cartels at the port, do you actually see the son of Jomo taking the bull by its horns on this on?
Mugo: Clearly yes. This is no longer Uhuru the Campaigner; you’re seeing Uhuru, the Chief Executive, setting a goal (5 days for cargo to move from Mombasa to Malaba), having a plan crafted to achieve that goal, and, importantly, overseeing the necessary follow-up in order to gauge performance. I think he realizes that large bureaucracies often lose sight of the big picture, not to mention getting caught up in turf wars.
Q: What is the overall picture?
Mugo: Well I’ve partially sketched it out from the geographical point of view. Moreover, the big picture requires a foundation of gratefulness: it’s about being grateful to our neighbors for the opportunity to serve their business interests vis-a-vis ‘they-have-no-choice-but-to-go-through-us’ type of attitude (in Kiswahili slang, Uta do?). I think the president wants this ‘servant’ mentality to underlie port operations as a precursor to continuing to earn our partners’ trust. Second, it’s about understanding that Mombasa cannot operate outside the commercial axis of Dar es Salaam and – judging by the $10 billion agreement inked by Chinese President Xi Jinxing and President Jakayo Kikwete this March 2013 – Bagamoyo.
Have we been good stewards of our port endowments? Uganda certainly doesn’t think so. Why would she otherwise begin exploratory talks with Rwanda and Burundi about a railway line through their three nations and then on to Dar es Salaam, totally bypassing Kenya? They’ll continue exploring that option as long as they feel we’ve basically insensitive to their needs. I think Uhuru’s efforts should be seen in the context of securing the future of Mombasa both as a major economic hub and a crucial employment provider in the Coastal region. And I really like Michael Kamau, his point man in all this. Gichiri Ndua, the KPA MD, has an unsigned letter that would give anyone the chills.
DRUG WAR
Q: Interesting. Let’s talk a little about Nigerians and drug dealing. These guys didn’t arrive in Kenya yesterday. It’s safe to say that they’ve had significant time, resources and protections to sink their roots. The President was pretty irate about ‘sing-song’ drug conferences that turn out to be a bridge to nowhere. He ‘coughed,’ and certain folks got expelled from jurisdiction.
Mugo: Again, a superb demonstration of how the levers of presidential power can quickly turn the tide and make it ‘BUSINESS AS UNUSUAL.’ 40 drug dealers were escorted back to their country in one fell swoop, ‘’even without sweating,’’ as the Nigerians would say. Talk about a tsunami with no warning! This is ‘chamtemakuni’ policy and we need more, not less, of it.
People begin to see why elections matter; new blood brings new vitality and a new environment where old protections don’t necessarily hold. But it’s still too early to celebrate. A lot more needs to be done to rid our society of this menace. Will we see investigations to finger big-time colluders in the police and in politics? Will the ‘sensitive’ but neutered American evidence about specific senior government officials as being sponsors of the drug trade in Kenya be reverse-neutered and used to go after Mbuta dealers? This belongs to the future, hopefully Uhuru’s Kenya future.
Q: I remember there being virtually no drugs in Kenya during my teenage years. We just saw or heard about the stuff in movies. Seeing someone in high school with bhang (marijuana) was a huge deal. Let’s hope we quickly return to those days. Alright, let’s move on to wildlife and poaching. We touched on this subject last month and it doesn’t appear to be receding as a news item. Share with us some developments recently.
WILDLIFE POACHING
Mugo: Four things: first, the Cabinet approved more stringent punishments for poachers. If the Legislature moves in tandem and approves the measures, it will be a powerful signal that the matter is being given the weight it deserves. Second, global players are coming in to correct the tilt in power dynamics that have favored international wildlife trafficking networks. One that needs to be singled out for praise is the Google initiative called ‘Global Impact Awards’ which recently advanced US$ 5 million to the World Wildlife Fund for the purpose of enhancing herd tracking & management capabilities through the use of sensors, tagging collars and other digital analytics. Lastly, the Philippines recently demonstrated their resolve to be partners in the service of protecting the world’s elephants and rhinos by destroying a huge stockpile of ivory tusks in the full glare of the media and public. They didn’t write articles about sending text messages to their citizens.
I’m glad to see WWF pioneering the use of drones in a few Southeast Asian & African countries. Kenya, I suspect, will be a test case. We called for the use of drones in the fight to save the rhino and elephant here in this report some 7-8 months ago, and it’s gratifying to see this happening.
Finally, before leaving Tanzania at the end of his second visit to Africa, President Obama announced via Executive Order the setting aside of $10million to be distributed amongst several African nations – Kenya is slated to be a recipient of $3million – to boost the fight against poaching. These are small but significant steps that should boost our wildlife protective assets.
SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS
Q: I wanted to conclude by reviewing some missteps that the President and Deputy President have experienced this past month. Why not start with Ruto’s trip to several West African states at a cost of KShs. 18 million. There are some reports that the total contractual amount is a staggering KShs. 100 million! What are your thoughts?
Mugo: This issue is still murky due to lack of transparency in government dealings. It was clear that Bitange Ndemo was out to protect Ruto, perhaps hoping perhaps to line up a job as Principal Secretary for himself in the same vein. In any case, this was an unfortunate development for a government that’s trying to carve out a message of fiscal prudence. But I would wait and see if this is acknowledged – albeit not publicly – as a faux pas. Kenyans through the press should scrutinize Ruto’s future foreign travels for spending indications. Talk about the role of a free press in our democracy…..the NATION did an outstanding job on this expose!
Q: Why in the midst of the need to be fiscally prudent would President Uhuru approved the allocation of KShs 700 million for the purchase of a building to house Kibaki’s office in retirement?
Mugo: Another unfortunate development of shooting yourself in the foot and chipping away at wananchis’ trust. Remember, but for the diligence of Suba MP John Mbadi and Committee Chairman Musyimi Mutava, this sneaked-in allocation might have very well gone undetected. I’m not proud of the president on this one, especially since it was hot on the heels of his admonishment of MPs, teachers, etc. about a ballooning public sector wage bill and its threat to national development. Even the scaled down figure of some KShs. 250 million still smacks of wastefulness.
I think the principle ought to be that former presidents’ library-cum-offices be entirely privately funded. Now there’s no doubt that our constitution drinks heavily from America’s fountain. So, I argue, must our best practices. George W. Bush’s presidential library at Southern Methodist University is an illuminating example.
There are other more worthy projects. Like the 1million acre irrigation project which I admire. Or a genuine reforestation program that seriously takes a stab towards the 10% forest cover we all desire. Both would elicit broad public support; even each alone would cement an enviable legacy.
It’s important for the two leaders to realize these ‘on-the-quiet’ allocations will just make them lose credibility in the public’s eye. Recently we read about tenders to re-furnish the Deputy presidential mansion in Karen at a cost of some KShs. 100 million. Apparently the current gym facilities, the swimming pool tiles and the mansion windows are not entirely pleasing to Ruto.
Can you juxtapose that with the KShs. 10 million solar-powered water borehole that World Vision recently commissioned in Ol Makau, Namanga area, and whose direct impact was to provide water for 700 families and 1,500 animals? Now multiply that by 10 – water for 7,000 families and 15,000 herds. Do you see what I mean?
Q: Sawa. I think we stop here. Asante for a stimulating discussion. Mpake next month, ndugu.
Mugo: Asante vile vile. And happy ‘digestive lassis’ to you.
The latest, but unfortunate incident of shooting to death of a wealthy Kisumu businessman – cum – politician by gangsters was a pure case of thuggery and robbery with no political related angle attached to it.
However, the prevailing insecurity situation in this lakeside city and in some parts of Nyanza Province cannot be solved through violent protests and street demonstrations, lawlessness and destruction of properties.
And even blame games and the demand for the transfers of senior police officers in the region could offer any amicable solution to the insecurity problems in Kisumu.
The solution, however, lies on a joint concerted effort with city fathers, elected leaders, top security men the provincial administration, representatives of the business community and all stakeholders brainstorming together in close door top security meeting. Such a meeting should be organized and held in a soberly atmosphere in closed door top security meeting.
The reason why such a meeting is necessary is that insecurity situation has because the worsened security situation is most worrying aspect of life, considering that criminal thugs armed with sophisticated weapons are on the loose This lakeside city has become unsafe place to walk around. Kisumu requires urgent reinforcement of a strong police to man its streets.
The shooting and killing of the late Mr Shem Onyango [Kwega} or “onagi” is not the first incident in which criminal thugs have shot and fatally wounded or killed resident of this town and got away scots-free.
There have been other killing in the recent past, which just ended without the perpetrators being brought to book to answer serious criminal charges to the killing.
A few years ago a senior manager wit the Kenya Pipeline Company Limited Mr Chirchir was shot and fatally wounded as he sat on table having drinks with friends inside a popular public joint down town Kisumu .He was flown t Nairobi or an emergency specialized treatment. Unfortunately M Chirchir succumbed from his injuries and died. So far nobody has ever been arrested. The assailant had travelled t the pub using a saloon car parked outside by three other young men looking like policemen.
Later on a young India doctor working in Kisumu was shot dead at the doorstep of his clinic which was located near Mosque Estate. The gunman opened the door of the car and pumped bullets into the body of the doctor who was jut preparing to g home after duty. He was sitting in a car with his young son who was serious traumatized. In this particular incident n arrest has ever been made.
In another incident a prominent surgeon at the New Nyanza General Hospital Dr.Opondo was shot and killed last year in one of the bar located around the wayside area. Thugs burst into the bar as it was jut abut to close its door for business, and Dr.Opondo who was to days failed to respond to their instruction to revelers to lie down. He was shot fatally wounded and died on the sport. To – date no arrest has been made.
In the same Kibuye area of the town near the R.C.M Catholic church, a n entrepreneur and a prominent community leader Mr Abdul Ebrahim Dahya, who at one time was the Dept Mayor of Kisumu was shot an at a point blank range and seriously wounded as he drives his car from Kibuye towards the town by an idler who was standing by the roadside in wait as come over a road bump. Mr Dahya survived, but no arrest has ever been made by the Kisumu police.
The killer of the businessman Shem Onyango Kwega according to some account by the eye witness had big guns which looked either G3 or Ak47 riffles and looked very professionals. Although they carjacked another car and drover to the nearby Nyamasaria peri-urban a well known dens of criminal gangs immediately comb the area in search of the immediately.
However, there has been hue and cry from member of the public about the rationale of deploying so many policemen n traffic control duties while leaving the City unguarded.
In Nyanza police deployment of the few policemen on road-checkpoints instead of having some policemen policing the street of Kisumu. This is a city where one can walk for a long distance without meeting any policemen on patrol. But anyone driving from Kisumu towards Ahero Tow a distance which is less than 20 kilometers, one can encounter u to six police check-points, which normally manned by between three and four policemen and policewomen.
This is an area where the PPO, the OCPD, the PCIO stand the blame for complacency and laxity, and which the elected leaders and City fathers should tackle with the forces of law enforcement instead of leading poorly coordinated street demonstrations, which are only prone to looting and destruction of properties.
Our leaders must also look into the possibility of stamping out politically aligned gangs of goons, some of them who of late have styled themselves as the America Marine, China and Israel and making lives difficult for the residents.
Properly organized and well coordinated street demonstration by people to express their dissatisfaction with how thing are going are welcome. But let the hooliganism not take advantage of the protests to camouflage themselves for looting other people property.
Drama was witnessed within Muhoroni Constituency when the area MP Professor Ayiecho Olweny was forced to leave a funeral ceremony in Nyando county council in a huff after his political archrival James Onyango K‘Oyoo arrived triumphantly at the same function in Nyando.
K’Oyoo arrived in the company of his supporters forcing Olweny to protest bitterly before leaving the place in a huff as two of his bodyguards shot in the air as angry mourners bayed for his blood.
Olweny whose political fortunes have been dwindling very fast protested over the scenario
He equated himself to a river which can not be stopped on its course saying that he is pragmatic leader.
A number of youths were injured during the stampede.
Olweny said that he was grateful that some youths were stabbed as a result of the incident.
“That is what those who are opposing me will get in Muhoroni knife stab” he said in a shrill voice
Both the leaders were attending the burial of the brother of the Nyando County council chairman Samuel Onyango.
Among those present were medical services minister Peter Nyongo and Nyando Mp Fred Out who left the venue amidst tension.
The Muhoroni parliamentary aspirant equated himself to running streams which cannot be prevented at all costs.
Olweny blamed K’Oyoo for the chaos where several people were injured after Ayiecho told his hirelings who were high on drugs to charge “and discipline”Koyoo’s followers.
Nyongo who was also present took to his heels
Among those present were former Muhoroni town council chairman Billy Adero and Nyando aspirant Lumumba Ouya.
NACADA the Kenya’s agency tasked with fighting drugs and alcohol is supporting the proposed amendment to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 which initially criminalised those who were selling alcohol to the underage and now wants [parents enjoined and committed to jail.
The agency’s Chief Executive Officer DR.William Okedi says that they as an agency welcomes the said amendment which will criminalise parents who are primary caretakers of the underage to be held responsible or be fined kshs 10,000 or three months in prison or both.
He however lamented that its no secret that substance abuse is a major global problem with serious ramifications to the society adding that though previously viewed as a criminal problem, alcohol and drug abuse has in recent years become a threat to the socio economic development of the country and Kenya risk loosing the nation’s hard earned gains.
He added that drug abuse is observed to not only affect the individual drinker but the society at as its usage goes beyond the physical and psychological health of the drinker.
“Diminished academic performance, insecurity, hooliganism and motor vehicle accidents are some of the social effects of alcohol consumption , others include, infertility, reduced work performance as well as wide range of social ills such as child abuse, rape ,domestic violence and murder” he added he added that after the government acknowledged the negative impact of alcohol and drug abuse, it responded to the alcohol and drug abuse challenge by requiring that all public institutions mainstream alcohol and drug abuse prevention in their programmes.
From: Ouko joachim omolo
Voices of Justice for Peace
Regional News
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2012
Concerns raised by Catholic Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau of Nairobi Archdiocese Sunday over heavy alcohol drinking culture among the residents of Central Province leading to most young people in the region not interested in marriage life is not something new.
While the habit is making young people not to marry, it is already causing a lot of problems in the family unit where most men have become sexually inactive. As a result women in the Central divorce or look for other men out of the region who can sire children with them.
Besides Niavasha Member of Parliament, John Mututho lobbying for alcohol law aiming at minimising drinking habit with view to save the families from the region, this has not done any impact at all.
Murang’a County is among the areas in Central Province worst affected by alcohol abuse especially among the youth. This has extended to Dagoreti constituency in Nairobi where pupils in various schools have the highest rate of alcohol consumption despite Ministry of Youth and Sports’ effort to introduce an age-group football tournament in Dagoretti and Lang’ata constituencies to raise awareness on drug and substance abuse among the youth.
While boys were found to generally take more alcohol in their lifetime, girls are reported to be taking more than the males in one sitting. The study identified several factors that could make a student turn to drugs: being male; living with a grandparent; professing the Christian faith and residing in Dagoretti among others.
Statistics from national census indicate that population growth in Central Kenya had declined from 1.8 percent in 1999 to 1.6 percent in the latest census in 2009. Enrollment in schools also on a downward trend due to reduced birth rate.
According to Central provincial Commissioner Kiplima Rugut, even though the number of bars in the province has significantly been reduced from 9,000 in 2007 to 4,950 by the liquor licencing committee he chairs, alcohol consumption in the region is still high.
Although the consumption of drugs and other related substances was practiced in African traditional societies, this was done within the set rules and regulations that governed the production and supply of these substances and also determined who was to use them.
Recent study found out that this controlled consumption of drugs was undermined by the coming of colonization in Kenya through the setting up of new social, political and economical structures. These structures commercialized the production and supply of some of these drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.
This study has established that drugs of abuse to be easily accessible to most of the adolescents in our learning institutions. The objectives of this study were to find out; the extent of drug abuse in teachers training colleges, sources of these drugs and to identify the factors that influence students to abuse drugs. The study was carried out in primary teacher colleges in Central Province of Kenya.
Although according to National Agency for Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) the Province leads in abuse of drugs in schools, with 68 per cent of students being exposed, this is not the first time drugs abuse related issues is being highlighted in the province.
Since May 2001 the alarming incidents of drugs abuse in the province have been hindering education programme in the area. The increase is also the main cause of unrest in schools.
According to preliminary findings, one of the reasons for this lawlessness according the then Education Permanent Prof Japheth Kiptoon is that a number of students do not see themselves as having any future that is why they ended up abusing drugs which led to unrest in schools.
Although in most communities in Africa, cultural traditions prohibit women from using drugs, today most girls in schools smoke and drink alcohol.
Findings of the National Baseline Survey, a research conducted by NACADA in 2001 show that on a national scale, 60 per cent of Kenyan students aged between 10-24 abuse alcohol, 57 per cent abuse tobacco, 22 per cent bhang and miraa while 6 per cent abuse inhalants.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
People for Peace in Africa
Tel +254-7350-14559/+254-722-623-578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Peaceful world is the greatest heritage
That this generation can give to the generations
To come- All of us have a role.
Nairobi, September 20, 2012–Three Somali journalists were killed and at least four were injured in a suicide bomb attack in a Mogadishu café today, according to news reports and local journalists. The attack took place across the street from the National Theater, where a bomb blast in April wounded at least 10 journalists, news reports said.
Two unidentified men entered “The Village” café at around 5:30 p.m. and detonated bombs, killing a total of 14 people and injuring 20, according to news reports and local journalists. Ali Mohamud Rage, a spokesman for the militant insurgent group Al-Shabaab, said the bombing was carried out by supporters of the group, according to Agence France-Presse. “We did not directly order the attacks, but there are lots of angry people in Somalia who support our fight,” AFP reported Rage as saying.
[ . . . ]
read full artical
http://cpj.org/2012/09/three-somali-journalists-killed-in-suicide-bomb-at.php
From: Ouko joachim omolo
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012
It is hardly twenty four hours ago I reported how Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko will not be able to implement the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Committee on the controversial issue of the 1.2 tones cocaine haul seized in 2004 that it is back in Parliament again.
That was then, now the MPs are still demanding a full disclosure of investigations into the matter. Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale is accusing Attorney-General Githu Muigai for keeping a safe distance on the matter when the House was looking for him to answer what he knows on the impounded cocaine.
It is not that Prof Muigai is refusing to answer questions, only that he needs more time to consult the DPP on the queries of how sensitive the issue is and what implication it would entail should they make it public. AG cannot answer the questions on whether names of MPs implicated in the report have a hand or not.
Internal Security Minister George Saitoti had earlier informed the House that MPs Ali Hassan Joho (Kisauni), William Kabogo (Juja), Harun Mwau (Kilome) and Gideon Mbuvi alias Mike Sonko (Makadara) and Mombasa tycoon Ali Punjani are being investigated for alleged drug trafficking.
The names are in a US embassy dossier which former ambassador Michael Ranneberger gave to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (Kacc) some months ago. Mr Kabogo had a dossier of his own, which he claimed also named Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua. He also said it implicates the wife of “a very senior person in the country”.
Mr Kabogo and Mr Joho did not only deny all links to drug dealing and insisted that those who had mentioned them be investigated for “peddling falsehoods, Mr Joho demanded unsuccessfully that his name be removed from the list until investigations are concluded, saying the allegations against him were scandalous and meant ‘to kill him politically.’
Mr Mbuvi on the other hand described the report “as full of false allegations”, claiming that that three senior police officers who had forced their way into his parliamentary office at Continental House linking him to drug trafficking did that falsely.
US President Barack Obama did not only list Mr Mwau and businesswoman Naima Mohamed Nyakinywa as drug traffickers, slapping harsh economic sanctions against them but also US citizens who do business with Mwau risk going to jail for 30 years or being fined as much as Sh400 million.
Those listed as drug traffickers stand to lose all their property in the US, or any business in which they have an interest. This is because many international financial transfers are processed in the US. The Kingpin Act, signed into law on December 3, 1999, gives the US government power to seize property belonging to people the president believes are drug dealers.
It also gives the government authority to block the property of any person or company “materially assisting in, or providing financial or technological support for or to, or providing goods or services in support of, the international narcotics trafficking activities of a person”. It is the same law that prohibits US citizens from doing business with listed suspects.
Others whose properties have been seized under this law are Manuel Torres Felix (Mexico), Gonzalo Inzunza Inzunza (Mexico), Haji Lal Jan Ishaqzai (Afghanistan), Kamchybek Asanbekovich Kolbayev (Kyrgyzstan) and Javier Antonio Calle Serna (Colombia).
US have to be hard on drug dealers following an urban legend which states that most US banknotes have traces of cocaine on them. This is in fact accurate according to 1994 when the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that in Los Angeles, out of every four banknotes, on average more than three are tainted by cocaine or another illicit drug.
Since 2006, some 22,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence in US. Thousands more have been wounded, countless others “disappeared or tortured.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODOC) estimate that profits derived from narcotics rackets amount to some $600 billion annually and that up to $1.5 trillion dollars in drug money is laundered through seemingly legitimate enterprises.
In most cases drug dealers have a wide connection that is why it is very difficult to fight against it. In Afghanistan for instance, Ahmed Wali Karzi, the brother of the Afghan president and a suspected player in the country’s booming illegal opium trade, instead of being arrested gets regular payments from the Central Intelligence Agency, and has for much of the past eight years, according to current and former American officials.
The agency pays Mr. Karzai for a variety of services, including helping to recruit an Afghan paramilitary force that operates at the C.I.A.’s direction in and around the southern city of Kandahar, Mr. Karzai’s home.
Mr. Karzai is also paid for allowing the C.I.A. and American Special Operations troops to rent a large compound outside the city — the former home of Mullah Mohammed Omar, the Taliban’s founder.
This is despite the fact that the Obama administration has repeatedly vowed to crack down on the drug lords who are believed to permeate the highest levels of President Karzai’s administration.
Even the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico is not safe either. In July 2009 the spokesman for the Archdiocese of Mexico City, Father Hugo Valdemar, told reporters that three bishops in Michoacan have received death threats from drug trafficking gangs.
The bishops were not only to be killed for preaching against the illicit drugs but because one of the churches in Mexico received money from drug traffickers to build the church.
Mexican officials estimate that over 34,000 have been killed in the country due to drug-related violence since 2006. Corrupt officials are allying with criminals to skim drug profits and using the military to murder criminals who might reveal any collusion.
Some churches have benefited from the criminal underworld, receiving hefty donations from members who sit in their pews on Sundays but work as traffickers during the week. That is why most priests are not preaching against the trafficking.
Some priests of course, do not preach against it because they have also been the target of violence. Masses have been interrupted by gunfire, and some priests have been shot dead when they attempt to preach against the trafficking.
It explains why when Pope Benedict XVI at a huge outdoor Mass on Sunday in March this year condemned drug trafficking and corruption in Mexico, urging people to renounce violence in the country where a brutal war between cartels has killed tens of thousands of people, he did that under a tight security.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
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Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Tel +254-7350-14559/+254-722-623-578
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The popular making the round in many parts of Luo-Nyanza, especially in the greater Southern Nyanza is that the government should consider the possibility of introducing stringent rule that would require speakers at funeral gatherings to be subjected to the police licensing.
The proponent of this school of thought maintains that owing to the fact that the general election is around the corner, such a move would be most appropriate for the maintenance of law and order and would ensure that the peace and tranquility prevails during he electioneering campaign in the entire region.
The recent incidents where funeral goers were forced to scamper for their safety are testimony. Some politicians have shameless turned funeral gatherings into political platform.
Such commotions have resulted in innocent peace-loving citizens sustaining bodily injuries and such must come to an immediate end.
Unpopular aspirants vying or the various elective position are known to have been using funeral gatherings for making reckless and provocative pronouncements against their perceived opponents either real or imagined.
At the same time two senior ODM politicians in Southern Nyanza region have been warned to desist from making slanderous utterances in public gatherings which are meant to discredit the reputation and image of their perceived political enemies either real or imagined.
The two unnamed ODM leaders in the region are all candidates aspiring for the various positions of Senate, Parliament and County governorship.
The warning came as the result of numerous accusations and allegations against the two disgruntled ODM politicians in the region whose chance of winning any seat are said to be too “slim’. The two have been quoted in certain quarters as having engaged themselves in utterances considered to be provocative and bordering on character assassination.
All the aspirants vying for the various elective positions either in the County governance, parliament, senate and location Wards in the Council should guard against making sweeping and unfounded allegations against their opponent. The party should move fast and instill discipline that would require aspirants to engage themselves on the issues-based campaign as opposed to threats intimidation and uncalled for personal attacks, which are the recipe for chaos.
The kind of public gathering guidelines being asked for would compel the bereaved families to have the names of their earmarked speakers’ submitted to the police in advance. This would also require the speakers at such gatherings to account for all kinds of allegations and insinuations whenever required by police to account or heir utterances.
One of he ODM operatives in Rachuonyo South district said it had become evidence that some politicians were now roaming the entire region in search of places where there are expected huge crowds of people to the burial ceremony. Burial ceremonies should be the solemn peaceful sending off of the departing loved ones, and therefore should not be turned into political platform for electioneering campaign speeches.
One of the unnamed politician who is being accused for bad mouthing his rivals, it is being alleged to have recently branded some of the populist youthful aspirants, particularly the Nairobi businessmen, accusing them of being “drug dealers’.
The politician who is said to be eyeing the position of the County governor, is said to be too old and worn out and as such cannot offer any effective leadership to the community.
A group of youths allied to one of the contenders for the County senate seat have advised the bad mouthing politician to take a rest as he is time bar for any elective position and should vacate the field for the young and energetic aspirants for the position.
Meanwhile reports emerging from Homa-Bay say the contest for the position of Senate representative ha kicked off in earnest.
The Senate seat ha s attracted the youthful Nairobi based businessman Hilary Ochieng’ Alila who is likely to face two senior ODM politicians I the region. The two include the Immigration and Registration of Persons Minister Otieno Kajwang’ and the Internal Security Assistant Minister Joshua Orua Ojode.
Kajwang’ is the ODM Homa-Bay County branch chairman and the MP for Mbita constituency in Suba South district while Ojode is the MP for Ndhiwa.
Minister Kajwang’ has already declared his interest in the seat, while Ojode has yet to make his intention publicly known.
Both Ministers are seasoned politician who are well known to the voters in the entire Homa-Bay County, while Alila who had started his campaign as an underdog has taken the early lead owing to his effective campaign which has endeared him to the youth and women groups.
Alila has made major inroad into all the eight parliamentary constituencies, which include Kasipul-Kabondo, Kasipul, Karachuonyo, Rangwe, Homa-Bay Town, Ndhiwa, Gwassi and Mbita.
DEATH has occurred of a prominent and pioneer woman farmer in Kasipul-Kabondo who in her life tie had pioneer and embraced the new method of farming technology in the region.
Mrs Dorcas Akeyo J.Oyugi-Ogot who together with her late husband Mr James Oyugi Ogot had introduced the latest ultra modern farming technology in their mixed farm, which is located near Mikaye/Ober market next to the main Oyugis Kisumu road died on Saturday after along illness.
The family medium size mixed farm in Kakelo/Dudi Location in Rachuonyo South district within Homa-Bay County has remained a role model in the region for well over three decades.
They were the first couple to introduce graded dairy animal in the region in the late 1960s. He husband James Oyugis Ogot a top educationist who taught as a school teacher and later rose to the rank of a District Education Officer {DEO} in Siaya where he retired ten years ago before he a succumbed to his death about eight years ago.
However, Mama Dorcas Oyugi continued with her farming effort, which made her a role model in the region. The farm used to be the center of agricultural activities and had attracted the attention of the government and particularly the Provincial Administration. It has become the site for the annual Field Agricultural Day where farmers from all over Nyanza Province used to converge every year for training new method of farming.
Mrs Oyugis a mother of eight children all grown up with several grand children. After her husband’s death, she has continued with her farming activities under the guidance of her eldest son Dr. Kenneth Kambona a top agronomist who is working as regional consultant with the UNDP.
Top politician in the region have sent their condolences to the family of the pioneer farmer. Among the them Kasipul-Kabondo MP Joseph Oyugi Maguwanga, Karachuonyo MP Eng James Rege, an aspirant who is a candidate for the Homa-Bay Conty women representative Mrs Roselyn Onyuka, a former PDE Nyanza, former Kasipul-Kabondo MP William Oloo Otula, an aspirant for the Homa-Bay County governor Cyprian Otieno Awiti, another aspirant for the newly created Kasipul constituency Ong’ondo Were, civic leaders and members of the farming fraternity in the region.
A staunch member of the SDA church, Mrs Ouis was also a church leader and she had inspired many young Christians and members of the farming fraternity in the region.
From: Ouko joachim omolo
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012
In India a special liturgy and a Way of the Cross was offered yesterday in commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Msgr. Oscar Romero, archbishop of San Salvador. He was assassinated by US-supported rightists on March 24, 1980 while celebrating mass.
Msgr. Vincent Concessao, Archbishop of New Delhi celebrated the liturgy. He pointed out that the prophetic ministry of truth and justice of Archbishop Romero is crucial for the Indian Church.” Today is also the 19th World Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs. It is also World TB Day.
Archbishop Oscar Romero was a man of great faith-the man who loved justice. He was quoted telling the reporters of El Salvador, “Even if every prophet fighting against injustice is killed,” Romero prophesied, “New prophets will arise; for you are God’s microphone! “A bishop might die, but God’s people will never die.”
Romero died because of his outspoken condemnation of militarism and injustice. He had emerged as the highest-profile defender of impoverished campesinos and idealistic members of the Catholic clergy who were demanding an end to centuries of inequality and repression in El Salvador.
Romero became a Christ-like figure, who followed Jesus’ example of unflinching anticipation of martyrdom. Romero also adopted the methods of Jesus, a strategy of active nonviolent resistance. He repeatedly called on the security forces to stop the repression.
Romero is not alone in the fight for justice. In January 2012 the Fides news agency published a list of pastoral workers who were killed during their missionary work, even though not all of them were martyrs in the strict sense.
In 2011, 26 pastoral care workers were killed: one more than the previous year: 18 priests, four religious sisters and four laypeople. For the third consecutive year, the place with the most deaths was the American continent, with the deaths of 13 priests and two laypersons.
Following was Africa, where six pastoral workers were killed: two priests, three religious sisters, and one layperson. In Asia two priests, one religious sister, and one layperson were killed. The least affected continent was Europe, where one priest was killed.
Many of them were killed in the course of attempted robbery or kidnapping. Others, the Fides report said, “were killed in the name of Christ by those opposing love with hatred, hope with despair, dialogue with violent opposition.”
The Fides report cited the words spoken on Dec. 26 by Benedict XVI, during his Angelus message on the day of the liturgical feast of the martyr Stephen: “As in ancient times, today the sincere adherence to the Gospel may require the sacrifice of life and many Christians in various parts of the world are occasionally exposed to persecution and martyrdom. But, the Lord reminds us, ‘he who endures to the end shall be saved’ (Matthew 10:22).”
In America, the most violent country was Colombia with seven deaths out of the overall total of 15. Mexico was in second place with five. Brazil, Paraguay and Nicaragua each accounted for one death. Those killed were the following:
Colombia: Fr. Rafael Reátiga Rojas and Fr. Richard Armando Piffano Laguado killed by gunshot by a murderer who was traveling with the two priests: Fr. Luis Carlos Orozco Cardona killed by a young man who shot him among the crowd; Fr. Gustavo Garcia Eudista was murdered in the street by a man who wanted to steal his mobile phone. Fr. Jose Reinel Restrepo Idárraga, killed by unknown persons while he was riding his motorcycle, which was then stolen along with other objects belonging to the priest; Fr. Gualberto Oviedo Arrieta, found covered with wounds and knifed to death in the rectory of his parish.
A layperson, Luis Eduardo Garcia, a member of the social pastoral ministry, attacked by a group of guerrillas, kidnapped and then killed.
Mexico: Fr. Santos Sánchez Hernández, attacked by an intruder who entered his house, most likely to steal; Fr. Francisco Sánchez Duran, found in the church with wounds to the neck, perhaps in an attempt to stop a robbery in church; Fr. Salvador Ruiz Enciso, who was kidnapped and killed; Fr. Marco Antonio Duran Romero, killed in a gunfight between soldiers and an armed group. A laywoman, Mary Elizabeth Macías Castro, of the Scalabrinian Lay Movement, kidnapped by a group of drug dealers and brutally killed.
Brazil: Fr. Romeu Drago was killed in his home. His body was then brought to about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from his home, where he was burned. Paraguay: Monsignor Julio César Álvarez was killed. His body was found in his room, hand and foot bound, with injuries and scratches and strangled.
Nicaragua; Fr. Marlon Ernesto Pupiro García was kidnapped and killed. In Africa the killings took place in Burundi (2) and one each in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan, Tunisia, and Kenya. Tunisia: Fr. Marek Rybinsk was killed, a Salesian missionary, whose body was found dead in a local Salesian school of Manouba.
Kenya: Fr. Awuor Kisero was attacked in a suburb of the Kenyan capital.
Congo: Sister Jeanne Yegmane was killed in an ambush. South Sudan: Sister Angelina, while bringing medical aid to refugees. Burundi: during a robbery attempt Sister Lukrecija Mamica, of the “Sisters of Charity” and Francesco Bazzani, a volunteer. In Asia there were four deaths, three in India and one in the Philippines.
India: Fr. G. Amalan was killed in his room by a person who escaped with a few rupees found in the home; Sister Valsha John, who worked among the poor and tribal people, killed in her home, a catechist and lay activist Rabindra Parichha, kidnapped and killed.
Philippines: Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME missionary was killed, while on his way to a priests’ meeting, two gunmen shot him in the head and back. The sole death in Europe was in Spain, Fr. Ricardo Muñoz Juarez was killed by thieves who broke into his According to information in Fides possession, during the decade 1980-1989- 115 missionaries were violently killed. The summary of the years 1990-2000 presents a total of 604 missionaries killed, according to their information. The number is significantly higher than the previous decade.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Tel +254-7350-14559/+254-722-623-578
E-mail- ppa@africaonline.co.ke
omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Website: www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org
From: ouko joachim omolo
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011
Being a Police Spokesman in Kenya today is one of the most difficult responsibilities. Eric Kiraithe spoke on behalf of Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere to react to a report by KTN and The East African Standard that detailed how Sh6.4 billion-cocaine haul was seized, stored, investigated and disposed in 2004, the drama that revealed how General Service Unit (GSU) senior officer Erastus Chemorei was brutally killed by security officers.
Kiraithe was there to convince Kenyans that Iteere was innocent and at no time did Chemorei get access to the key to a room where the cocaine was kept and even if he did, he could not have gone with the keys to his home while on leave. This sentiment leaves a lot to be desired.
The big question that remains unanswered is that if Iteere has been falsely accused, who then planned for the killing of Chemorei and why? Will the opinion of the Attorney General on what action he intends to take against anyone who has made false accusations about the drugs help solve the brutal death?
The Police Commissioner intends to sue the Standard and KTN if Attorney General advises so. He wants to sue them not only because he claims he is innocent, but because the publicity on this haul has caused a huge damage on him. What about the trauma children and the widow Chemorei left behind are undergoing? Which is more damaging?
And if it is not true that as Iteere claims there was no way Chemorei would have gone with the key at home, to whom did he leave with the key with, and why was he given un usual leaves against his wish from time to time- which according to documents, he was told to proceed on leave in December 10, 2004, February 1, 2005, February 8, and February 17, a move which according to his family members and other people close to him at his Kitalale home made Chemorei to be disturbed man.
One fact remains for sure, that Chemorei was keeping custody of the key to the store where the Sh6.4-billion cocaine haul that was seized by police in a private villa in Malindi was kept. This fact according to the report was known in top security circles, including Iteere himself.
Thanks to Standard and KTN that shed the light that as Kenyans were made to believe Erastus Kirui Chemorei was killed because he was in the police most wanted list of the criminals and that he had been the architect of robberies and killings in Kitale can no longer be convincing.
What was not very clear and the Police Commissioner did not answer is why the death of Chemorei came just at the time when by then GSU commandant Lawrence Mwadime and Assistant commandant and current Police Commissioner, Mathew Iteere, were mandated to keep safe custody of the cocaine – the biggest ever netted locally in history of Kenya.
If Chemorei was among the most listed police criminals and that is why he was inhumanly killed, how come that he was not only entrusted with the key of such huge asset money wise but also an adjutant at the GSU Training School, Ruaraka. Simple logic is that he was picked because he was seen as honest, secretive, and trustworthy.
But even so, if Chemorei was a criminal as earlier alleged, why had the whole battalion of 70 police officers led by then area DCIO, Julius Sunkuli, OCPD Augustine Kimantheria, and DC Christopher Musumbu surround his house on February 19, and instead of arresting him he was to be killed like a dog as his son Elijah traumatically wondered.
Why again did they force Abubakar Latama who says he had just concluded a deal to buy a cow from Chemorei when they heard vehicles roaring near the gate of the deceased to drink his brain? According to Latama they had just finished taking tea and after h handed him Sh8,500 for the cow h had bought from him (he needed the money as his son had been sent home from school because he had not cleared his fees), he led him outside to where the cow was, when the police vehicles pulled up outside his gate.
This is not the first time police is killed in connection with drugs. The lead police officer investigating drug trafficking through the Port of Mombasa died mysteriously. Kenya Ports Authority District Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Hassan Abdillahi was murdered on December 31, 2004.
Abdillahi was perceived by a number of Embassy personnel as being deeply committed to tackling fraud and drug trafficking at the Port of Mombasa. Although a number of suspects have been arrested for questioning about Abdillahi’s death, among them Juja MP William Kabogo, who is also owner of a port container transshipment company, how come no conviction has been made?
Internal Security Minister George Saitoti named former assistant minister and Kilome MP Harun Mwau, Kisauni MP Hassan Joho, Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi, Juja MP William Kabogo and prominent businessman Ali Punjani as those under investigation for alleged drug trafficking.
The sad story however, is that when such containers are seized by police or customs officials, the traffickers allegedly pay millions of shillings in bribes to have them released or silence the officials. One such incident is cited as having occurred in October 2008. The dossier says that one of the two containers of used clothes was held, but the importer paid a Sh1 million bribe to have the customs officer who had taken action replaced.
In July 2008, one of the suspected drug kingpins allegedly received “unspecified narcotics from Pakistan, Dubai and Tanzania which he stored in Gikomba, Mathare and Githurai.” The dossier alleges that the crew of his public transport vehicle fleet was used to distribute the drugs in Nairobi’s Buruburu estate and the CBD. The same suspect is said to have previously used a location near the Eastleigh Air Force base in Nairobi as a processing and packaging facility.
Heroin, the dossier claims, was brought into the base by couriers where it was packaged and shipped out in military vehicles to other distribution sites. Although Sources close to the Internal Security ministry say the United States wants Kenya to start the prosecution of drugs barons right away, this cannot be possible in Kenya as yet since the deal involve people who matter in this country called Kenya.
The largest ever haul of cocaine weighing 1.5 tonnes and worth Sh6.4 billion arrived at Kilindini, Mombasa, from Venezuela in December 2004. The documents on the drug network in Kenya show that those involved have been shipping in drugs hidden in containers said to carry used clothes or shoes.
For instance, they indicate that one of the key members of the drug syndicate shipped in cocaine from Latin America in December 2007 disguised as used computers. Another member of the cartel brought in heroin and cannabis from Pakistan, Dubai and Tanzania in July 2008.The dossier also says the suspected drug lords distribute the narcotics to several city estates.
When the Jicho Pevu and Inside Story expose titled ‘Paruwanja la Mihadarati’ and ‘The Untouchables’, it gave in inspiration that any officer who push for further investigation and arrest is at risk. That is why officers linked to drug cartels may have conspired to eliminate Erastus Chemorei after he allegedly refused to hand over keys to a store at the GSU headquarters where the Sh6.4 billion cocaine haul had been stored.
These were similar tactics used by Moi. He used it to say his government did not involved in Dr Robert Ouko’s assassination, even though according to Scotland Yard’s Superintendent John Troon who led a team of detectives to unravel the murder of Ouko revealed that Moi’s government was fully responsible.
Initial investigations zeroed in on two key suspects; the late Internal Security PS Hezekiah Oyugi and former Energy minister Nicholas Biwott. Ten government officials, including Biwott, were held in police custody for questioning for two weeks in November 1991 but a Kenyan Police investigation concluded that there was no ‘evidence to support the allegations that Biwott was involved in the disappearance and subsequent death of the late minister Dr. Robert John Ouko’.
Instead a Nairobi court in November 2000 awarded Mr Biwott record damages of Sh30 million arising from a case in which he sued the British forensic expert Dr Ian West and others for linking him to the Ouko murder. Earlier Biwott won Sh10 million from Bookpoint, a popular Nairobi bookshop, for stocking copies of the book Dr Ian West’s Casebook.
Troon traced the circumstances leading to the murder to a Presidential trip to the United States in January 1990, where Moi led a strong delegation of government officials. During the Washington trip, according to Press reports, the American media “launched an ambush” on Moi by accusing him of running a dictatorship rife with human rights abuses.
Ouko, who was then the Foreign Affairs minister, was reportedly cast in positive light. Troon’s investigations centred on the alleged massive corruption at the Kisumu Molasses plant, and efforts to conceal the alleged perpetrators-It is claimed that Ouko had conducted thorough investigations into the malpractice at the plant, which allegedly touched on key Government officials close to Moi and who were opposed to the revitalisation of the plant.
On November 26, 1991, Moi disbanded the Ouko Commission of Inquiry, which was chaired by Justice Evan Gicheru, now Chief Justice. Moi later said the discontinuation of the commission was to enable further investigations to be carried out into the minister’s death and also into alleged obstruction and interference in Troon’s work.
Practically all those who knew about the death of Ouko also died mysteriously. Oyugi died in the United Kingdom where he was being treated.Two weeks later, Mr Obati also died. He was a former Interpol chief in Kenya, he died at the Nairobi Hospital where he had been hospitalised for three weeks. He allegedly developed liver complications.
Some of the people who knew the death and still alive include Mr Jonah Anguka, a former Nakuru District Commissioner who was charged with Ouko’s murder. He is in exile in USA. Anguka, who was a friend of the murdered minister, is alleged to have been spotted in a white saloon vehicle believed to have been central to the murder.
Former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi who rejected calls to appear before the committee investigating the death of Foreign Minister Robert Ouko is also still alive. His lawyer, Mr Mutula Kilonzo, said the attempt by the team of Gor Sunguh’s commission to question the retired head of state was malicious because he (Moi) had nothing to reveal to the committee.
Mr Troon was among the experts Moi invited to examine the death. Report was vigorously disputed by the Moi government when it was ultimately handed in to the authorities.
When the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR), an independent body set up by an act of Parliament, said it had evidence that almost 500 suspects were shot and their bodies dumped during the past five months, the story was the same. A police spokesman dismissed the allegations as nothing more than “rumors,” even though according to then director of the KNHCR, Maina Kiai police were involved.
Maina challenged the police to explain how hundreds of bodies had been delivered by police vehicle to mortuaries, yet the force had denied any involvement in the deaths. Researchers had spent three months collecting the data from mortuaries as relatives came forward claiming that their loved ones had disappeared.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Kenya Government must be made and be forced to act against Drug peddlers, it is killing and destroying our youths and Kenya’s larger society.
This is not how Kenya should prepare to go to election, with thugs and criminal networks taking control of Kenya’s leadership. It is Evil and Wicked.
This coalition of Kibaki and Raila cannot manage or improve corruption, drug and human trafficking, they are the aiders of corruption, impunity and graft including drug and human trafficking. They must resign immediately. They both seem to give corruption a blank cheque to run wild in Kenya. This is why, police reform is far from being realized. Kenyans cannot keep living in fear and hopelessness.
We need help all over the world to stamp this drug network and improve security in Kenya. Coalition Government must resign now for order to take place in Kenya.
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
– – – – – – – – – –
KTN Kenya (Inside Story) – The Untouchables – Part 1/2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RleMpkbAko&feature=related
Uploaded by abelsez on Nov 7, 2011
^^ if you are not familiar with the alleged players,skim through that! The cop killers are known(page 34).The document is at least a year old.The 1st time I read that,it came off as some mindless drivel of an attention seeking loon but the parallels with this report just gives it credence.
Part 2 Jicho Pevu
other links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_Mexican_Drug_War
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
This video is for purposes of launching a discussion on kenya’s fight against drugs termed under “fair use”.Viewers are authorised to watch the video “KTN Kenya -The Untouchables – Part 1/2” only for the puposes of launching a discussion on Kenya’s fight against drugs.
KTN – Jicho Pevu Part 1 (The Untouchables) – Nov 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWLkQXoxIjE
KTN (Jicho Pevu) Paruwanja la mihadarati (The untouchables) – Part 2/2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbdLfWHFGjI
Uploaded by abelsez on Nov 8, 2011
^^ if you are not familiar with the alleged players,skim through that! The cop killers are known(page 34).The document is at least a year old.The 1st time I read that,it came off as some mindless drivel of an attention seeking loon,this now gives it some sort of credence.
other links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_Mexican_Drug_War
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
This video is for purposes of launching a discussion on kenya’s fight against drugs termed under “fair use”.Viewers are authorised to watch the video KTN (Jicho Pevu) Paruwanja la mihadarati – Part 2/2″ only for the puposes of launching a discussion on Kenya’s fight against drugs.
Part 2
KTN – Jicho Pevu Part 2 (The Untouchables) – Nov 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFmJvRIdQBE
chris murungaru…. I can’t even capitalize your name coz I don’t have time for that. Senior government official my? foot. Nkt.
david kiragu be released immediately or because ignorancy is not an excuse in the court law his sentence should not be? more than 3 months nd a fine of ksh 1000. the only ignorance i see here is the stupid gov officials who think they are above the law
asenath89 47 minutes ago
These Kenyan top? dogs will die a bitter death!
twittqueen 1 hour ago
Part II PRONTO!!!!?
Head1Ngumu 5 hours ago
Everyone mention in this story should be? arrested
christophermbithi 10 hours ago
Dennis for Chief of? CID & Mohammed Ali for Police Commisioner!!!
walewaleable 10 hours ago
Please upload the rest of the videos, this is very shocking! Keep it up Dennis and Mohamed? Ali
^^ if you are not familiar with the alleged players,skim through that! The cop killers are known(page 34).The document is at least a year old.The 1st time I read that,it came off as some mindless drivel of an attention seeking loon,this now gives it some sort of credence.
Uploaded by KenyaMOJAvideos on Nov 7, 2011
http://www.KenyaMOJA.com
part? 2 please
asenath89 2 minutes ago
i clearly remember when Chemorei was murdered in his home in kitale, not far from my home, hard to believe how far the story goes,? what an investigation, upto today Chemorei’s family seeks justice, now i know why that justice is so far away!
MrSireed 1 hour ago
SHOWS THERES MO THAN? U MAY THINK
frankfiveable 1 hour ago
Shocking is an understatement how we let these people get away with somethings is beyond me. Saddest thing is they will run for elections and get back into govt and carry on …… We should make? them an example for others so hiyo tabia ikome, they should be stripped off their positions and jailed …… Those journalists are amazing please carry on the good work we need more people like you …..
ctaaka 1 hour ago
shame on you Govt of kenya. shame on? you
ShattyDiablo 5 hours ago
@langaxx2? make that two
ShattyDiablo 5 hours ago
good investigation MOHA?
fello2015 7 hours ago
good investigation MOHA
Pirates jicho pevu
?
Uploaded by jichopevu on Jul 17, 2009
no description available
Artur Brothers Report
Uploaded by kenyacitizentv on Nov 24, 2010
A report on the activities of the Artur brothers is out and Environment Minister John Michuki is among some of the high profile names mentioned as having been heavily involved in the activities of the infamous duo. The report made its way to the floor of the house. And differences between the Executive and Parliament over the latter’s zealous fight against corruption played out in parliament when Prime Minister Raila Odinga cautioned Parliamentary Departmental Committees to allow relevant government bodies to conduct investigations into corruption allegations before pointing accusing fingers and demanding the resignation of ministers. Andrew Ochieng has been monitoring proceedings in the August house.
The Artur duo were conmen and traffickers
Uploaded by NTVKenya on Nov 24, 2010
A parliamentary committee that investigated the infamous Arturs brothers says the two brothers enjoyed protection from powerful people in government. They now want several top officials including cabinet minister John Michuki to
Prove that I am a drug dealer,Mwau insists
Uploaded by NTVKenya on Oct 31, 2011
http://www.ntv.co.ke
Suspended Assistant Minister for Trade Harun Mwau is once again challenging anybody with evidence linking him to drug trafficking to present it. Mwau who has kept a low profile for nearly four months now, spoke to NTV on a day of high drama at his offices, as police took into custody a foreigner suspected to have been spying on the Kilome legislator. Robert Nagila reports.
HARUN MWAU EXCLUSIVE ON K24
Uploaded by K24TV on Jun 3, 2011
no description available
John Harun Mwau’s Profile
Uploaded by kenyacitizentv on Jun 2, 2011
Kilome mp john Harun Mwau is one man who has simply never managed to shake off controversy. For a man who is no doubt one of the wealthiest in the country, information is scanty about him or his businesses. A flamboyant lawmaker, who does not even bother with his parliamentary salary, Mwau has continuously been associated with the illicit trade of narcotics, an allegation he has persistently and vehemently denied. So just who is this man John Harun Mwau, and what business interests does he have? Francis Gachuri gives us this insight.
The Mwau’s Sanctions Saga
Uploaded by kenyacitizentv on Jun 4, 2011
The government is confirming that no official extradition request has been received from the U.S. regarding Kilome MP John Harun Mwau, and businesswoman Naima Mohammed Nyakinyua, the two Kenyans U.S. President Barack Obama has sought sanctions against on drug dealing claims. Internal Security Minister Professor George Saitoti says that no action can be taken against the duo until the US government shares the evidence it has to prove that indeed the two are drug barons. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere says it will take the police time to piece together any evidence against Mwau and Nyakinyua on the drug dealing claims. Chris Thairu reports.
Fighting drug lords has deadly consequences
Uploaded by NTVKenya on Mar 29, 2011
Is it a war that can be won? This is the question that dominates debate as Kenyans watch the unfolding events in the wake of the capture of heroin worth millions in the coastal city of Mombasa.
Narcotics purge
Uploaded by NTVKenya on Mar 27, 2011
http://www.ntv.co.ke
The six suspects arrested in Mombasa with a consignment of heroin with a street value of nearly 400 million shillings will be back in court to take a plea on drug trafficking charges. The suspects were not able to take a plea last Friday, when they were first arraigned in court after the state failed to get an interpreter for one of them, who only communicates in Persian.
Pirates inside story
Police on Terror Suspects
Uploaded by kenyacitizentv on Mar 7, 2011
Onto security matters now and police released the names of nine most wanted Kenyan terror suspects alleged to have links with Somalia’s al Shabaab militia group. Deputy police spokesman Charles Wahong’o said the nine were among a group of eleven Kenyan terror suspects on the loose but whose two members were later gunned down in a fire fight with the police after the slaying of two traffic police officers along Thika road last year. And as Abdi Osman reports, police have urged members of the public to offer any information they may have on the suspects to the nearest police station, pledging that this will be treated in utmost confidence.
AXIS OF DEATH PT 3
Uploaded by jjournals on Mar 20, 2009
Third part of a three part KTN Inside Story Series on Drugs, Porstitution and poverty in the coastal town of Mombasa.
Reporter: John-Allan Namu
Camera: Joseph Njagi
Kenya: Powerful Criminal Networks Hold the Nation Hostage
Rasna Warah
27 October 2011
analysis
Kenyans are seen to have a “business-as-usual” approach to corruption, but a new report published by the International Peace Institute shows that our extreme tolerance of impunity is having devastating consequences and is, in fact, undermining the State’s legitimacy,’ writes Rasna Warah.
Kenyans are seen to have a “business-as-usual” approach to corruption, but a new report published by the International Peace Institute shows that our extreme tolerance of impunity is having devastating consequences and is, in fact, undermining the State’s legitimacy.
Endemic corruption and powerful transnational criminal networks are “white-anting” state institutions and public confidence in them, says the report. These “termites” are hollowing out State institutions, thereby rendering them impotent.
Peter Gastrow, the author of the report titled “Termites at Work: Transnational Organised Crime and State Erosion in Kenya” [PDF], says that rampant corruption within the Police Force, the Judiciary and other State institutions has allowed criminals to penetrate political institutions.
Powerful criminal networks with links to Parliament currently pose a big threat to the creation of laws, policies and regulations that could help curb money laundering and drug trafficking.
Governments that lack the capacity or the political will to counter such penetration, he says, run the risk of becoming “captured states” – that is, states whose government structures have become captives of uncontrolled corruption.
If this goes unchecked, he warns, the criminal networks could penetrate the East African Community and cause havoc in neighbouring countries.
This could result in the kind of lawlessness that has turned countries such as Mexico and Colombia into murderous, violent places where drug lords and criminals hold organs of the State hostage, a scenario that is just too horrific to imagine.
The following highlights from the report are most worrying:
– Increased volumes of heroin from Pakistan and Iran, and cocaine from Latin America, are being transmitted through Kenya. At least 10 major international drug trafficking networks, headed mainly by West Africans, but also involving Kenyans, are responsible for the bulk of the cocaine and heroin trafficked into and through the country.
– Drug money is increasingly being used to attain positions of influence, particularly in politics.
– Militia groups in Somalia have started to profit from drugs trafficked into Kenya. The port of Kismayu in southern Somalia is used to import drugs into Kenya.
– Kenya is the biggest market for counterfeit goods from India and China.
– A Kenyan cartel comprising current and former MPs, activists linked to politicians – including a prominent businesswoman – and customs personnel are working with a network of Chinese, Somali and Pakistani criminals to smuggle drugs, counterfeits and other illicit commodities through the port of Mombasa.
– During the first nine months of 2010, at least 10 small arms seizures were reported on Garissa road en route to Nairobi from Somalia. The UN’s Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya is sometimes used as a storage facility by arms smugglers.
– Corrupt staff at the Dadaab refugee camp are involved in human trafficking and the sale of “slots” for refugees wishing to migrate to South Africa, Europe and the United States.
– Eastleigh in Nairobi is East Africa’s hub for the smuggling of migrants and the trafficking of women and children. About 50 girls, mainly from Somalia are trafficked every week from north-eastern Kenya to Nairobi.
– In 2010, a staggering $2.1 billion found its way into the economy without the government being able to explain its source.
– Funds laundered from Kenya sometimes end up with al Shabaab in Somalia.
If no action is taken, there is a huge risk that Kenya’s State institutions will be eaten up from the inside by criminal elements. As a result, the legitimacy of the State will be undermined.
Kenya will crumble as criminals will be at the helm, making laws to suit themselves and bribing their way through murder, drug and human trafficking, sale of illicit arms and a whole range of criminal activities.
The report recognises that the current reforms in the Judiciary could restore the public’s confidence in government institutions.
However, these reforms must be accompanied by far-reaching steps to counter crime, corruption and impunity, including the appointment of special police taskforces to investigate these crimes and taking drastic action against those involved in corruption.
Unfortunately, the government appears unwilling – for whatever reason – to take these steps.
Rasna Warah is a columnist with the Daily Nation.
Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Kenya: Iteere Blames Drug Barons for Heroin Haul Controversy
Maxwell Masava
1 April 2011
POLICE Commissioner Mathew Iteere yesterday blamed unnamed drug traffickers for the fiasco over the actual weight of the heroin impounded by police in Mombasa last week.
Iteere said the drug traffickers and cartels in the country were trying to manipulate the investigations by compromising some of the junior and senior officers at Vigilance House.
In a statement issued by Iteere and read on his behalf by police spokesman Erick Kiraithe, the commissioner accused the drug traffickers of mounting a “media campaign” to discredit the detectives working on the case. He cited the weight discrepancies as one of the areas being used by the drug traffickers to manipulate the investigations.
Civil as well as religious leaders have been raising queries about the discrepancies in the weight of the drug police announced when it was impounded.
There have been growing claims that 94 kilos of the seized heroin went missing, a claim police deny. The original haul was said to be 196 kilos packed in 98 sachets. However, police amended the haul to102 kilos after weighing it claiming the original figure of 196 kilos was just an estimate.
On Tuesday, detectives assigned to investigate the seizure were summoned to CID headquarters to explain the discrepancy in the weight of the heroin recovered and the actual weight of the drug presented before the courts. Kiraithe explained the detectives had earlier relied on initial estimates of 98 sachets each weighing 2 kilos to give the total of 196 kilos.
But subsequent weighing before the consignment was taken to court as exhibit revealed it weighed only 102 kilos. The drug produced in court was said to be worth Sh392 million as opposed to an earlier estimate of Sh500 million.”Since the Commissioner took concrete measures to break the drug cartels operating in the country, the beneficiaries of this evil trade have been on the war path,” said Iteere.”Their ultimate aim is to compromise these diligent officers and force out those who cannot be compromised including those in the top echelons of Kenya Police,” he added in his statement.
He said that “well known individuals”, whom he did not name, had vowed to influence changes within the police department, especially at the Coast over the latest crackdown on drugs trade.”We are aware they have vowed to use every means possible to frustrate the current onslaught. After failing to use bribery, they have now embarked on a campaign to discredit, intimidate and demoralize the dedicated officers,” he added.
The statement was issued as Nairobi Chief Magistrate Gilbert Mutembei remanded the six suspects accused of trafficking in the heroin valued at Sh204million until he delivers a ruling on their application for bail.
Mutembei remanded the suspects for a week after the prosecution sought more time to complete investigations. The prosecution said these investigations would be jeopardised if the suspects were released from jail.
Three Kenyans – Yusuf Hassan Ibrahim, Hasan Ibrahim and Joash Omondi, two Iranians, Abdolbaset Ali and Ali Bafkin and the Pakistani Khan Haider have denied having the drugs, two pistols and ammunition. The three foreigners are further charged with being in the country unlawfully.
Defence lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Kiraithe Wandungi opposed the prosecution’s request to have the suspects remanded in custody claiming the police should have completed their investigations after holding them at Kileleshwa Police Station for three days.
Claiming that personal liberty should not be compromised at the behest of the authorities, the lawyers said the six would abide by any rules imposed by the court when it granted them bail.
Mutembei remanded the suspects in custody until April 4 when he will decide whether to grant them bail.
The two lawyers complained that they had received more threatening text messages even as they argued their clients’ cases in court. Mutembei told them they had two options – report the matter to the police or withdraw from defending the suspects.
The suspects have denied trafficking by storing 102 kilogrammes of heroin valued at Sh204 million on March 24 at Shanzu area in Kisauni District within Mombasa County.
Iteere on Drug-lords
Uploaded by kenyacitizentv on Dec 1, 2010
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere says the police will make public the names of the suspected high profile drug dealers in two weeks’ time. Addressing journalists in his office Iteere said detectives have been piecing together the final bits of a probe into Kenya’s powerful drug cartels and will release the names should the investigation gather evidence that can sustain a prosecution. And in parliament, Prime Minister Raila Odinga was hard pressed to table the names of the high profile government officials involved in drug trafficking. Tony Sanya has the details.
The narcotics’ trail
Uploaded by NTVKenya on Jun 29, 2011
http://www.ntv. co.ke
Despite the U.S branding Kilome MP Harun Mwau a drug dealer, police insist he’s a clean man. Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere says they are yet to get any evidence linking Mwau to drugs. However, Mwau finds himself in trouble after police announced they might charge his aides with giving false information over an alleged shooting incident last Thursday. According to Iteere, investigations have established that the incident was stage-managed. Jane Kiyo reports.
The Mwau’s Sanctions Saga
Uploaded by kenyacitizentv on Jun 4, 2011
The government is confirming that no official extradition request has been received from the U.S. regarding Kilome MP John Harun Mwau, and businesswoman Naima Mohammed Nyakinyua, the two Kenyans U.S. President Barack Obama has sought sanctions against on drug dealing claims. Internal Security Minister Professor George Saitoti says that no action can be taken against the duo until the US government shares the evidence it has to prove that indeed the two are drug barons. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere says it will take the police time to piece together any evidence against Mwau and Nyakinyua on the drug dealing claims. Chris Thairu reports.
Kenya: Name Drug Barons, Muslims Tell Iteere
16 December 2010
Nairobi — Muslims have petitioned Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere to name the drug barons barred from visiting the US.
Speaking during a press conference at Nidhamia Women Hall in Malindi yesterday, officials of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) urged the police boss to follow the example of International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Moreno Ocampo and name the barons.
“Mr Iteere promised Kenyans he would name the suspected five barons within two weeks. That period elapsed yesterday and we have not heard a word from him. He should not take Kenyans for a ride,” said Sheikh Famau Mohamed Famau.
A Malindi Muslim women’s representative, Ms Mariam Jeneby said the issue of drugs should not be taken lightly as many youths had been affected and turned into zombies.
“The society is under real threat from drugs and the barons must be named and shamed, arrested and prosecuted and their property confiscated,” she said.
CIPK Organising Secretary Sheikh Khalifa Mohamed said the drug problem should be declared a national disaster.
Mr Famau, the chairman of Maaruf Anti-drugs and Aids Project, and Mr Abdalla Ali Mbwana Alaus, the Community Policing chairman said senior police officers were in Malindi last week, where they received names of suspected drug lords.
In Mombasa, Municipal Council employee Ali Mchemi alias Shee Lako, was on Thursday charged with six counts of disguising proceeds of drug trafficking.
Mr Mchemi was accused of disguising four parcels of land acquired in Mombasa between 2008 and 2010, all valued at Sh25.5 million and two vehicles worth Sh1.4 million, which directly or indirectly represented the proceeds of drug trafficking, to avoid prosecution.
He denied the charges and was remanded in custody until next week when the court will give a ruling on whether to grant or deny him bond.
Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria)
Kenya: Police Reforms Crucial to Restore Public Confidence
Irene Ndungu
20 October 2011
analysis
Public confidence in Kenya’s police force has been eroded due to accusations of impunity, excessive use of force and brutality, disregard for human rights, abuse of due process and malignant corruption. The promulgation of a new Constitution in August 2010 was designed to changed all that. It provided the bedrock for instituting extensive security sector reforms in Kenya after decades of demand for political and socio-economic transformation. Most notably affected by the reforms are the police.
Public outcry for transformation in the police sector in particular have been driven by the ills in the police force whose nefarious reputation has eroded public trust. Those feelings continue to persist but the on-going reforms have brought some hope that the ‘force’ will transform into a ‘service’ that is accountable, professional, transparent and possessing a human rights sensitive approach;, as well as the operational capacity to deliver on its obligations to the Kenyan public.
Prior to the passing of the new Kenyan Constitution, the Commission of Inquiry into the Post Election Violence in Kenya submitted an indicting report in 2008 regarding police conduct, as did a subsequent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions. Both reports offered recommendations for the overhaul of the existing policing system. In pursuit of these recommendations, the government set up the National Task Force on Police Reforms in May 2009 headed by Judge (Rtd) Philip Ransley, to recommend proposals for police reforms in the country. Afterwards, the Police Reform Implementation Committee (PRIC) was set up by the President to fast-track and coordinate the implementation of the 200 recommendations of the Ransley Task Force in line with the new Constitution. The PRIC has since prepared five Bills that provide a framework for the implementation of the reforms and if properly enacted as stipulated in the Bills, the reforms should effectively transform the previous policing system. The Bills are the National Police Service Bill, the National Police Service Commission Bill, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Bill, the National Coroners Bill and the Private Security Industry Regulation Bill.
Civilian oversight is critical to the democratic control and governance of the security sector, and the creation of the Independent Police Oversight Authority, stipulated in the IPOA Bill is as such crucial as it will provide much needed accountability and monitoring functions over the Police Service. Part of the IPOA mandate will be to receive public complaints regarding police conduct and will also have powers to conduct its own independent investigations. If faithful to its responsibilities, this civilian oversight body will contribute in restoring public confidence in the police and in stemming political interference, which has been a major hindrance to police performance. Those mandated to run the body should as such be of impeccable character, vetted by the public and possess the will and ability to carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour.
Another significant reform affects the management of the Police Service, through the introduction of a single police command structure. The National Police Service and the Administration Police, previously run separately, will now be headed by an independent Inspector-General of Police, who will be appointed under the advise of the Police Service Commission. The police, effectively transformed from a ‘force’ into a ‘service’ is also another important reform aspect expected to reverse decades of a police culture characterized by impunity, secrecy and brutality into one that is more transparent, humane, responsive and proactive rather than reactive. To support these efforts, the Police Code of Conduct should be revamped in order to transform general police behaviour and end years of unethical conduct.
Other reforms address issues of capacity within the police service. Gaps in terms of manpower and training fostered by years of malignant corruption, nepotism and lack of resources have also contributed to poor service delivery by the police. Police morale as a result of poor pay, deplorable living and working conditions and an unsympathetic public, (which finds it hard to appreciate some of the good work of the police), are also challenges to efficient and effective police performance. The reforms which the ministry of internal security estimates will cost over 80 billion Kenya shillings over a three year period will be used to address these capacity gaps through proper remuneration and housing, refurbishment of police stations, new equipment and vehicles, upgrading communication equipment and skills training. Community policing strategies introduced almost a decade ago to enhance public confidence but which have produced little success are also set to become more effective once the reforms take hold. In order to properly address these capacity issues, government should therefore ensure that budgets and funding for the various projects are adequate, released on time and that reforms remain sensitive to gender and minority concerns.
Granted, local ownership of the reform process will be fundamental to effective police reforms in Kenya. However, critical to the reforms will be continued engagement with the international community, because their involvement has contributed significantly in filling critical gaps through provision of technical expertise and funding along the reforms journey. Sweden, the United Kingdom, the US, Japan and the UN are some of the key partners and donors supporting the reform efforts and to the extent necessary their continued participation should be encouraged.
In order to effect comprehensive systemic change, coordination with other parts of the security sector and its actors will also become critical in achieving desired reform outcomes. This is because owing to their function, the police are inextricably intertwined with the criminal justice system and their performance inevitably impacts on its effectiveness. It is therefore significant that the judiciary and other security sector actors such as the Criminal Investigations Service and the National Security Intelligence Services are undergoing similar reforms. However, these efforts should be well coordinated in order to achieve a properly functioning and efficient criminal justice system, able to deliver with fairness and justice.
Successful implementation of the police reforms in Kenya will serve as a good model for SSR in Africa. Also, with the next general elections set for 2012 and considering police conduct during the last elections, the reforms have been widely welcomed by the public. The political will displayed thus far by the government to the reform process is as such commendable and will be imperative for sustaining the reforms and delivering meaningful institutional change within the Police Service and also across the security sector in general. In this respect, outstanding Bills that have yet to be passed in parliament and signed into law by the President should be expedited. Also, civil society actors, who indeed play an invaluable and active role in the reforms process, should continue to raise awareness, advocate and monitor performance in the reform process, conduct research and provide information and expertise relevant to achieving sustained and successful police reforms in Kenya.
Irene Ndungu, Consultant Researcher, Peace Missions Programme, ISS Pretoria Office
A survey carried out by KEMRI/CDC shows that 10% of the people living within Kisumu’s slum areas are suffering from Bilharzia.
The three months survey showing the unexpected high prevalence of the disease in the informal settlements of the lake side city has now seen KEMRI/CDC’s neglected tropical branch kick off a spirited campaign to rid the area of Bilharzia through mass drug administration.
Speaking in Kisumu’s Nyalenda B estate on Thursday last week , the KEMRI/CDC neglected and tropical disease principal investigator Dr. Pauline Mwinzi said this is the highest rate to be recorded within a town settlement such as Kisumu.
Dr. MwiNzi said the survey conducted between January and March this year in all the slum areas of Kisumu showed a surprisingly high levels of transmission of the water borne disease that cause fever,malnutrition,anemia and learning disabilitie.
The disease whose high prevalence rates has traditionally been noticed along the shores of lake Victoria also causes general fatigue ,abdominal distention,bloody diarrhoea/urine and anemia.
The study was done in Nyalenda, Bandani, Obunga, Nyamasaria and manyatta areas of Kisumu where Nyalenda B area recorded a massive 35% prevalence rate with Nyamsaria closely behind with 22% while Bandani recorded 20%.
” These rates are considered high for such residential areas and represent the most alarming figures and hence the need for mass deworming” Said Dr. Mwinzi.
Given the study findings , the neglected tropical disease branch of KEMRI/CDC has launched a mass drug administration campaign in the affected areas of Kisumu city.
This is the first time the research institution is carrying out a mass deworming activity in the city or any town settlement set up for Bilharzia.
The KEMRI/CDC researchers said the high prevalence rates in the town was a pointer to inadequate sanitation and poor water safety.
” It is also due to the presence of vector snails that transmit the disease especially in the pool waters found in the estates due to poor drainage” said Mwinzi.
The mass deworming program which began early this month saw 77 teachers from four schools trained on drug administration targetting to reach about 5000 children in selected primary schools in the slum areas of Kisumu.
19 community health workers and 9 village/units elderrs were also trained to reach out an estimated 10,000 children who will not have been covered in schools as well as close to 80,0000 households in Nyalenda B where the first phase was launched.
The community wide treatment kicked off this month with school based treatment at Joel Omino,Nanga,Dunga and Pandpieri primary schools while door to door treatment carried out by the CHWs is also under way.
” The school based program will work very closely with the schools while the community wide treatment is closely working with the community health workers and the village/unit elders to ensure that everybody is covered in the targetted areas.”said Dr.Mwinzi.
KEMRI/CDC two years ago launched a similar campaign against the disease in Rarida district where several fishermen and schools were targetted.
The campaings in Kisumu is supported by the European Foundations Initiative on neglected tropical diseases in collaboration with the municipal council of Kisumu , the ministry of public health and sanitation and KEMRI/CDC.
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
from ouko joachim omolo
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAKURU-KENYA
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011
NAKURU WORKSHOP TAKE-4
Rev Fr Richard Quinn, MM, Blessed John Paul II Evangelizing Parish Teams Spiritual Director is hosting more than fifty participants in a workshop which begins today through Sunday at Nakuru St Mary’s Catholic Pastoral Center.
The workshop whose aim is to promote and protect African family values will attract married couples, youth, University and College students with Kenyatta University representing the majority.
As Regional News already reported, this year the focus is going to be mainly on our youth and children-how parents, teachers, churches and mentors can assist them maintain and embrace these values-how they can desist from dangers that negate these values among others.
In Europe, US and developed countries the secularism has taken over the family values-that is why they prefer to marry same sex-youths in these countries are confused, they do not know who turn to for help and guidance.
In Spain some Roman Catholic priests are using the youth to protest against Pope Benedict XVI visit-a chemistry student working as a volunteer for the pope’s visit to Madrid was arrested on suspicion of planning a gas attack targeting protesters opposed to the pontiff’s stay.
Pope Benedict XVI is due to arrive today for a nearly four-day visit to celebrate World Youth Day. Thousands of protesters railing against his visit marched Wednesday through central Madrid to the central Sol plaza, where they have held months of demonstrations against the government’s anti-austerity policies.
The workshop is coming at the time fear is spreading in Tanzania that some six religious leaders are recruiting youth in drug trafficking deals. According to Inspector General of Police Mr Mwema, legal action awaits the six religious leaders who confessed to being involved in drug trafficking. The clerics made the confession before the Ethics Committee for Religious Leaders and Community Privileges last month.
Mr Mwema according to media report made the remarks in answer to a question by a journalist who sought to know the position of the police on the clerics who have admitted being involved in the trade in illicit drugs and are involving youth. The clerics report says made the surprise confession after they were interrogated by the police, pleading for protection for fear of losing face before their followers.
Existing laws and systems provide for stringent punitive measures against all those involved in illicit drugs, regardless of whether the suspects are religious leaders, journalists, doctors, political party leaders or police officers.
Roman Catholic Cardinal Polycarp Pengo on Sunday demanded that the government name religious leaders it said were involved in drug trafficking, referring to President Jakaya Kikwete’s allegations that some religious leaders were involved in the illicit trade.
President Kikwete who was speaking at the ordination of Mbinga Catholic Bishop John Ndimbo, said some clerics had been involving young Tanzanians in the business, by helping them to acquire passports to facilitate their travels during drugs peddling.
Although this is the third time the cardinal has publicly challenged the authorities to reveal the names of the drug culprits, in 2009 the Vatican removed from office Bishop Jakob Koda of Same Catholic Diocese in Kilimanjaro region for alleged violation of church moral teachings.
While the Vatican did not elaborate on what type of violation of moral teachings of the church, local press reported quoted bishop Koda to have accused another unnamed bishop of engineering his ouster, alleging that he was a Freemason member whose movement is identified with drugs and were involving young people in the deal.
The Vatican Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania Archbishop Joseph Chennoth was quoted to have told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam that Bishop Koda has now been ‘advised to take time for rest, reflection and personal study.
The committee’s Chairman, Rev William Mwamalanga of the Pentecostal Church of Tanzania was reported to have said that the full list includes 18 prominent business people and politicians “but all names will be submitted to the anti-narcotics unit”.
It is easier for young people to peddle on the drugs given that Tanzania is still being used as a transit route for illicit drugs despite the ongoing international campaign to stop the spread of narcotics.
A Kenyan woman has been arrested in Dar es Salaam just few months ago for possession of three kilogrammes of heroin worth millions of shillings. Rebecca Wanjiku, 48 was apprehended at the Ubungo upcountry bus terminal in the city allegedly in the process of trying to transport the narcotics to South Africa.
Last year controversial Jamaican Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdullah al-Faisal sneaked to Kenya via Tanzania border. It demonstrates how easy it is to pass Tanzanian border without being noticed. Kenyan officials said al-Faisal travelled from Nigeria through Angola, Malawi, Swaziland, Mozambique and Tanzania by road before entering Kenya.
According to a report made available to The Express Newspaper by the International Narcotics Board, illicit drugs for abuse have been passing through Tanzanian entry points unabated. The report said that Tanzania was a good centre for drugs in transit to other African and world countries where consumption is much higher. It said other African nations notable for drug trafficking are Mozambique, Kenya and South Africa.
While delivering homily during the AMECEA meeting in Nairobi, Kenya last month, Cardinal Pengo admitted that devil worship had taken root in the Catholic Church, wondering why this could take place in the holy church of Christ.
When devil worshipping was very rampant in Kenya in the 1990s, it was reported that young people were involved for sexual orgies. The report said they drunk human blood, used sex as spiritual climax. Young people were asked to strip naked at night in dark rooms so that adults could have sexual orgies with them.
The report further alleged that they were introducing the worship in boarding schools where students were promised to be assisted financially if they accepted to join the practice and introduce it to other students.
Daily Nation reported on June 6, 2010 that when Philip Onyancha was a Form One student at Kenyatta Mahiga High School in Nyeri, then President Daniel arap Moi appointed a commission to inquire into devil worship in Kenya.
At that time, the country was throbbing with claims of widespread devil worship with some reports linking the practice to people in high places. The commission headed by Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima, was appointed in March 1995 when Onyancha was in his first term in secondary school. Onyancha claimed to have killed 17 people.
The team had been established to investigate whether there were devil worship cults in Kenya and whether they were linked to drug abuse and other anti-social activities. The report was not made public until 1999 when the Nation published parts of the findings that had been selectively released to religious organizations.
“Devil worshippers are usually wealthy and prominent people who drive expensive cars. Some of them own large commercial enterprises,” the report claimed in parts.
The report said devil worshippers use their wealth to attract new members and gave graphic details of initiation rites including eating human flesh and licking blood.
In the case of Onyancha, his former teachers at Kenyatta Mahiga said he was a bright student for the first two years, but his performance declined in the final two. It is not clear if the school made any effort to investigate the cause. The report said some satanists had even infiltrated the Kenya Students Christian Fellowship to recruit members.
Some of the devil worship rituals in the commission’s report include: human sacrifice, drinking human blood, eating human flesh, nudity of the participants in the ritual, incantations in unintelligible language, sexual abuse, especially of children; black magic, narcotic drugs and presence of snakes. Body parts such as tongues, eyes and limbs are also used in the rituals.
In Tanzania 25 people with albinism have been reportedly murdered since March. Albinos are targeted for body parts that are used in witchcraft. The latest victim was a seven-month-old baby. He was mutilated on the orders of a witchdoctor peddling the belief that potions made from an albino’s legs, hair, hands, and blood can make a person rich. There are estimated to be about 17,000 albino people living in Tanzania. They lack pigment in their skin and appear pale.
It is very unfortunate that all the abuses are targeted on youth and children. Today for example, the sex abuse cases which were initially a problem only for national bishops’ conferences, particularly in the United States, Ireland and Germany, have merged into a crisis for the entire Catholic Church, Africa included.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Tel +254-7350-14559/+254-722-623-578
E-mail- ppa@africaonline.co.ke
omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Website: www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org
