Category Archives: BLOGGERS

Rifts emerge in scientists’ views on safety of GMOs

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From: Yona Maro

Claims of there being a scientific consensus that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe are misleading and misrepresentative with potentially dangerous effect on regulation of GMOs, says a group of scientists.

The statement was signed last week (21 October) by an international group of 93 scientists, academics and physicians, gathered under the umbrella of the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility, a non-profit association.

Based on scientific articles and reviews that show contradictory data on the safety of GMOs to human health and the environment, they argue that claims of there being a consensus that GMOs are safe, presented by “GM seed developers and some scientists, commentators, and journalists”, is “misleading and misrepresents the currently available scientific evidence and the broad diversity of opinion among scientists on this issue”.

It could also encourage “a climate of complacency that could lead to a lack of regulatory and scientific rigour and appropriate caution, potentially endangering the health of humans, animals, and the environment”.

Scientific research on GMO safety “has raised more questions than it has currently answered”, they say, with results that are “nuanced, complex, often contradictory or inconclusive, confounded by researchers’ choices, assumptions, and funding sources”.

Link:
http://www.scidev.net/global/gm/news/rifts-emerge-in-scientists-views-on-safety-of-gmos.html

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By Choice, Not By Chance: Family Planning, Human Rights and Development

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From: Yona Maro

All human beings—regardless of age, sex, race or income—are equal in dignity and rights. Yet 222 million women in developing countries are unable to exercise the human right to voluntary family planning.

This flagship report analyzes data and trends to understand who is denied access and why. It examines challenges in expanding access to family planning. And it considers the social and economic impact of family planning as well as the costs and savings of making it available to everyone who needs it.

The report asserts that governments, civil society, health providers and communities have the responsibility to protect the right to family planning for women across the spectrum, including those who are young or unmarried.

Nevertheless, the report finds that financial resources for family planning have declined and contraceptive use has remained mostly steady. In 2010, donor countries fell $500 million short of their expected contribution to sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. Contraceptive prevalence has increased globally by just 0.1 per cent per year over the last few years.

Link:
http://www.unfpa.org/webdav/site/global/shared/swp/2012/EN_SWOP2012_Report.pdf

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KENYA: HOW URIRI D.C. PLACED HIS LIFE AT RISK OF DEATH IN THE LINE OF DUTY

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From: LEO ODERA

AFTER receiving a tip from good citizens that a wanted notorious criminal thug was planning to stage a night robbery in his district, the D.C., George Lagat in the company of two armed AP decided to lay an ambush to the heavily armed thug.

The D.C and his team drove from his residence at Rapogi Centre in the evening and stopped by toad side on the Awendo-Migori road. And at around 8.30 PM the notorious criminal thug while armed with an AK47 assault rifle pulled up from Migori direction. He was riding a motorbike and carrying two of his companions. UPON SEEING THE GK vehicle parked by the roadside, the notorious criminal thug made a sharp about-turn and rode back towards Migori town. Upon seeing the D.C. and his team getting closer to him while he run on foot, the thug opened fire aimed at the group. The policemen returned the fire hitting hitting him in the abdomen. The gangster fell down in the bush and threw his gun away. He also dropped a mobile phone handset, which the police took with them for further analysis to assist them in their investigation to unearth and establish the identities the thug’s contacts and accomplices.

The notorious thug died in a hails of bullets and his two companion fled on foot an disappeared inside sugar plantation.

It was later discovered that the firearm this thug was carrying is the same which had been used in killing a police officer in Awendo town a couple of months ago. As it was in darkness the D.C. sent for reinforcement of more policemen from the nearby Awendo, Rongo and Migori police stations.

It was policemen from Migori who arrived at the scene and recognized the felled criminal as Otieno, a notorious an wanted criminal thug, who has been terrorizing business people in Migori Town and its environs where he conducted day and night raids against businessmen.

It was established that Otieno hails from Ka-min-Olewe area in Central Kanyamkago location, Uriri district in Migori County. After staging a series of night robberies in the district he relocated to Migori town when he realized that the police were looking for him.

Otieno is said to have been the leader of a gang of notorious criminals in Migori which for the past four to five years gave the police sleepless nights. His body was taken to Ma Mortuary in Migori district hospital while the police were still pursuing his two companions who had escaped.

The shootout occurred only a kilometer from Urirri Centre and the market. It was not immediately established as the destination of the slained criminal thugs. It could have been Awendo, Ranen ,Mariwa or Rapogi trading centers,

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UGANDAN BUSINESSMEN WANTS THE ADMISSION OF SOUTH SUDAN INTO THE EAC BLOCKED BY COURT.

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

REPORTS emerging from the Arusha based secretariat of the EAST African Community says that top Ugandan traders operating inside the Republic of South Sudan have moved to the East African Court of Justice and filed a legal suit asking the court to block the impending admission of that country into the East African Community as its sixth member.

The newest African nation had applied to join the regional trading unit. Its application for the entry into the Eac is expected to be top on agenda for the next summit of the EAC Heads of state and government, which is scheduled for April next year.

The businessmen have cited bad governance, lack of democracy, arbitrary and illegal arrests of its members and detention, rape, maiming and confiscation of merchant goods belonging to its members and confiscation of vehicles.

The legal suit is filed by members of the Uganda Traders Association comprising mainly Ugandans who are doing business in South Sudan. The Ugandans claimed that that country does not meet the criteria and lad down the rules stipulating by the EAC Treaty for admission of its membership. Their objection is on the ground that the juba regime does not met the prerequisite condition and requirements for admission into the EAC membership.

South Sudan government, they claimed has failed the test of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice. They further accused the Juba regime of failing to satisfy foreign investors operating businesses and trade in that country. Their members are allegedly being killed, maimed, raped and brutally beaten up by that country’s primitive and untrained security personnel. They laid claim of approximately 4.9 US dollars owed to them by South Sudan authorities related to unpaid bill on credit line and compensation for financial losses incurred due to the said violation of universally acceptable trade deals.

However, the Ugandan Minister in-charge of the East African Community Affairs Shem Rugena blamed the traders for having rushed to court, saying that they should have forwarded their claims to the EAC Council of Ministers before fling the court cases.

Meanwhile Kenyans arriving home from South Sudan alleged that close to ten Kenyans have died in that country under very mysterious circumstances. Some of them have disappeared without trace suspected of either held in illegal detention camps of killed.

Kenyans, they claimed, expect bare faced mass deportation and are being asked to finance the cost of their deportation. This is sometime exaggerated by the police, put at Kshs 200,200. Whereas the cost of travelling from Juba to the Kenya South Sudan border posts does not exceed Kshs 30,000 . Those under arrests or placed in police custody are tortured and at the same time being asked to pay colossal amounts of money to buy their freedom.

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KENYA: BOTH CORD AND JUBILEE COULD BE THE BIG LOSERS IN THE KISII BY-ELECTIONS

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News analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisii Town.

UNLESS Cord and Jubilee coalitions changes their tactics and abandon the idea of handpicking their preferred candidates without giving the electorate the free opportunity to nominate the most popular candidates through by conducting preliminary nomination process the two leading coalition parties could face an inevitable defeat in the two parliamentary by-elections.

The commonly popular opinion in this town and its environs is that the voters are unanimous that they will not vote for any candidate who is hand-picked by the either CORD or Jubilee headquarters.

The by elections are due to be held in Nyaribari Chache and in Bomachoge Borabu. Cord has already declared its support for the immediate former MP for the area Chris Bichage. Its principal partner, the WPD, is said to be in the process of choosing Richard Tongi,the man who had petition the high court and caused the by-election.

Rumours making the round here is that Ford People’ s party which was sounded by the former cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae.However, the two leading parties appeared to have ignore the influence of the former Chief Secretary in Kisiipolitics. Leaders of these parties might not be in the know how that ignoring Nyachae waves of influence in Kisii , which is still intac, they re doing so at their own peril. Moreover Nyachae is highly respected member of one of the eight sub-clans, which are known as the kamba nane group in both Nyaribari Chache and in Nyanribari Masaba. He is still calling the shots within the two region Kamba nane which controls the majority of votes in Nyaribari Chance

The By-election in Nyaribari chache could be so complicated by the entry into other election race of Kennedy Omanga, who is the son of the former Nyaribari MP, the late Andrew John Omanga, who had also served as a cabinet Minister for many years. His mother Clara Omanga was once a Councilor in Kisii Municipality and rose through the ladder to became the rank of the town’s Mayor.Other credible aspirants included Ben Mogaka. In Bomachoge, Jubilee has settled on the former MP Joel Onyancha, while the Cord has declared its support to Peter Kimori. Another credible candidate who is likely top give Kimori a run for his Kimori a run for his money is Alfred Nyaundi,

This time around, the by-elections will be pitting the two Kisii political giants in two different opposing camps. These giants are Prof. Sam K.Ongeri who will be heading the Jubilee campaign team and Kisii Senator Chris M Obure of CORD. The two men have fought some of the fiercest election campaign battle in Kisii County before. They were involved in a bruising campaign for the Kisii senatorial seat which Obure won on March 4.

In 2008 Ongeri and Obure were locked in another by-elecion in Bomachoge after the High court in Kisii had nullified Oyancha election of 2007.Obure had succeeded in pushing John Ogari to victory in the consequent by election.

Obure and Onger were in the last Nyayo cabinet which was headed by the retired President Daniel ArapMoi. The two had supported different camps during the constitutional referendum voting of 2005. Ongeri Qa is the PNU torchbearer in Kisii and backed the Banana side, while the Narc government was headed by President Mwai Kibaki. Thereafter the referendum voting saw Kibaki beaten hands down with over one million votes.

Kisii County is an area where clan politics is still thriving and at times even supersede party politics. Clan politics is popularly known among the Abagusii as {\Obonyumba}This kind of clans politics gives advantages to those parliamentary aspirant from larger clans over their minority neighbors no matter how good is a candidate.

As far as the politics of Kisii is currently stand on the ground cord still control the largest parts of the region, but the coalition which is led by Raila Odinga who lost the presidential contest on March 4 to President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Jubilee has lost considerable ground to the waves of Jubilee which has made major inroads into many constituencies. Raila, however, must switch from his party’s usually flawed nomination system and give the voters their democratic rights of nominating the candidates of their own choice instead of dictating to them the handpicked canddate.

In the two by-elections, smaller parties including that PDP of Omingo Magara which had only one MP, namely Jared Kopiyo {Awendo},could make gains.

CORD and Jubilee must also watch the activities of the party independence KANU whose RESUYRGENCE IN Kisii region is unceasingly becoming visible.

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KENYA: THE GOVERNMENT IS URGED TO BEEF UP SECURITY POLICE PATROL ALONG THE NANDI-LUO BORDER

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

SECURITY along the Nandi-Luo border should be improved in order to save the lives of people now being killed every night. The situation now calls for urgent action by the higher authorities on both sides of the border to restore peace and calm.

Borders within Muhoroni sub-county is getting worse day by day. The residents have now appealed to the government to beef up police security night patrol. At the same time, politicians, especially MPS who are representing area close to the border area have been asked to hold public meeting and educate their constituents on the importance of living in peace and harmony, and to find the way o f resolving the land disputes amicably.

The people, who are believed to be member of terror gang from Nairobi, last Saturday night raided the small Police post at Ruga near Chemelil and attacked the policemen with arrows, machete and other crude weapons. The gang injured one policeman forcing his colleague to retaliate resulting in the three member of the gang being shot dead. The rest fled and disappeared under the dark cover.

The raid on the police post was staged at about 1.30 AM.

This attack came only a few hours after the revelers in a pub, which is located at Kibigori were forced to take cover following arrow attack by unknown people. Kibigori is an old, but a small town situated along the Kisumu-Nakuru railway line, but on the Kisumu Countryside.

The revelers were mainly a group of school teachers who were returning home after attending the colorful burial of their slain colleague Mr. Abira, the retired former head teacher of Nyakoko School and a Kisumu based businessman. He was shot with an arrow and killed by the Nandi youths two weeks ago. The incident took place when the retired teacher had gone to Chepsweta area to inspect his sugar cane. The deceased was given a warm send off in at the burial which attracted hundreds of friends, well-wishers and relatives at his Kajulu home. His killers have yet to be arrested.

As the teachers were enjoying their refreshment in a small bar, unknown people fired poisoned arrow into the pub. As they run helter-skelter, the bar owner went out to check in the darkness as to what was happening outside. He was shot with the arrow and another man followed suit.

No arrest has been made so far no arrest has been made.

The Kisumu Regional Commissioner Ms Lorna Odero is the only senior government official who has visited the area and preached peace to the two communities. of the border.

On the Nyanza side of the border only Muhoroni MP James OyangoK”oyoo has toured the troubled areas. He told the two warring communities to live in peace. But his Nandi Hill counterpart has yet to be seen in the area. K”Oyoo told the two communities to love one another and live-in peace and harmony.

Sources in both Muhoroni and Chemilil have confided to this writer that the latest flare up which has brought about the insecurity situation along the border between the two communities is abut some old and outstanding land disputes. One community is claiming that farms, owned by large scale farmers and those under the Settlement Schemes, were originally their ancestral land.

Settlement schemes in areas like Muhoroni, Songhor, Koru, Fort-Tennan,Kimwani were opened shortly after independent in 1965.These were the areas previously known as the White Highland, which were large scale mixed farms and belonged to the departed white settlers.

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KENYA: GOVERNMENT URGED TO TAME ROGUE HIPPOS IN LAKE VICTORIA

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Writes Leo ODERA Omolo In Kisumu City

HUMAN – wildlife conflict is the latest subject of discontent and complaints following the numerous incidents of the reported Hippos attack in Lake Victoria which have resulted in the death of dozens of people in the recent months.

Savage attacks by the huge amphibious animals have claimed the lives of fishermen in Bondo, Rarieda, Mbita, Suba and Nyatike sub-County of Migori County. Other deaths CAUSED BY Hippos attacks were reported from Rusinga Island also within the Homa-Bay COUNTY. These series of incidents have prompted the residents of Nyanza, particularly those living along the shorelines of lake to make an urgent appeal to the Kenya Wildlife Services {KWS} and the government to come to their rescue.

Three fishermen were killed two weeks ago in Kakisingri, near Sindo CentreThe three were sailing back to the lake and the catches haul into the water.

The three fishermen made an attempt to swim to safety, but the animals followed them biting each one of them savagely thereby leaving them fatally injured and drowning in the seep waters.

According to information reaching us,the latest incident involving of hippo attack took place last weekend at Nyang”uena beach in Central Kadem Location in Nyatike sub-County within MIGORI County. There three fishermen who were among the four who had gone into the lake to check in heir nets were attacked, in this particular incident Nahashon Abiero and Kisuge Odingo narrowly escaped death. The two, however, narrowly escaped and swam to safety while their other three colleagues escaped unhurt.

Between last year and this year, close to 12 people have perished as the result of attack by hippos. The residents of lowland locations which are lying along the shorelines of Lake Victoria are up in arms and wanted the relevant government Ministry and the KWS to scale down the hippos population.

Similar incidents have also been reported in Bondo, Rarieda and in other parts of Siaya County.

Two deaths by hippos were also reported from Rusinga Island in Mbita district.

IN Rchuonyo North district, farmers who cultivate their lad near the lake have had a lot of problems with the herds of Hippos reportedly destroying 80 per cent of their grain crops in the field.Any frantic attempt by farmers to chase these animals away from their farms have also resulted in the attacks.Hippos are known to be docile animals and not so aggressive towards human being with exception of mothers nursing their calves. Experts have pointed out that hippos in lake Victoria have turned out of late to be so aggressive due ye to the scarcity of weeds and grasses on which the animals feeds on due to excessive cultivation by farmers of the land along the lake shorelines, which has destroyed the weeds and grasses. The only lasting solution I for the KWS to move in and scale down the hippos population. These animals are currently protected by the law

Under the conservation regulations aggrieved farmers cannot be not permitted to kill them, causing the animals to starvation.

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Kenya: IS THE ODM – WIPER COALITION HEADED ONTO THE ROCKS?

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

SIGNS are emerging out of Luo-Nyanza indicating that relations between the Orange Democratic Movement [ODM] and the Wiper Democratic Party may be heading onto the rocks.

This could be judged by the recent events in which Members of Parliament who had won their parliamentary seat on MARCH 4, 2013 elections on WDP tickets have been placed under political siege, and are reported to be having it rough.

Both the ODM and WPD are the leading component of the CORD coalition, which also brings together other smaller parties. ODM is headed by Raila Odinga, while the WDP is under the leadership of the former Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka.

The symptoms of the rapidly widening gap and differences between the two partners surfaced during last week homecoming party for the Alego-Usonga MP Omondi Muluany. The gathering appeared to have been boycotted by senior ODM politicians in Siaya County. The only ODM luminaries in Siaya County who attended the party included Nicholas Gumbo, The MP for Rarieda and his Bondo counterpart Gideon Ochanda.

Muluany was elected on WDP ticket. Before this homecoming party, the legislator had faced rowdy ODM youth who confronted him and shouted him down during the Mashujaa DAY event held in Siaya town the previous week,

Senior ODM politician who were notably absent included Siaya Senator James Aggrey Orengo, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and his two counterparts from Ugenya and Ukwala constituencies. Also absent from the gathering was Dr. Oburu Oginga the former Bondo MP and several Ward representatives from the various parts of Siaya County. The minority leader in Parliament Nyenze from Ukambani was the only senior politician from outside Luo-Nyanza who attended the gathering.

Another MP who is said to be under siege is Fred Kopiyo [Awendo}. He too was voted into parliament on a FORD Kenya ticket. The MP who is prior to his election was living in a rented house within Awendo Town is reported to have relocated to and is now occupying a rented house near Rodi-Kopany within Homa-Bay Town constituency due to pressure mounted by ODM youth in Awendo. He is reported by sources to be as rare visitor to Awendo Town

The same sources say Kopiuypo these days changes his mode of travels whenever he is visiting his rural home which is in Sakwa West Location within Awendo district. He changes vehicles at the nearby Rongo town before he proceeded home where he is reported to be putting up an ultra modern house, which is still under the construction.

Reports emerging from Awendo says that an ugly incident recently occurred at the CDF office, which is also used by the MP as his constituency office when it was invaded by a group disillusioned and frustrated ODM youth who caused a fierce fighting. The attackers are said to have gone to the office with intention of forcefully ejecting the manager and workers out of the office. The fracas left several people inured and needed medical attention. Those who sustained bodily injuries included the MP’s personal assistant {PA}

Unconfirmed reports say the MP”s constituents are finding it difficult to communicate their messages to home because his cellphones are permanent switched off. They included the Ward representatives from the various locations within the constituency. The MP also sent his donations towards funeral gathering during the burial of his fallen constituents through emissaries. The MP could not be reached for his comments over these allegations as his two phone lines are permanently switched off.

The majority leader in the Migori County Johnson Omolo Owiro who represented Central Sakwa Ward is the one who is now handling most problems within the constituency because the MP is nowhere to be seen.

Owiro, the former chairman of the defunct Awendo Town Council confirmed in a phone conversation with this writer that he is also finding it difficult to communicate with his MP, but he is not nursing any ill=feeling towards the legislator and only wished well. He denied the rumor and speculations making the round that he is nursing parliamentary ambition, and might be a candidate for the seat in 2017. Kopiyo used the ticket of the PDP party of Omingo Magara after having losing the ODM ticket during the party’s primaries to his populist challenger Walter Sirawa.

Those politicians in Luo-Nyanza who the elections using other party tickets including those parties which were perceived to be friendly to the ODM and CORD have found the going difficult to integrate smoothly with their ODM colleagues and are therefore in political dilemma.

KOyoo is currently giving sleepless to the manager of the sugar mills which are located within his Muhoroni constituency, and who he has persistently accused of fleecing sugar cane farmers on their harvested cane crops and for the unnecessary delays in paying out raw cane bill after the deliveries.

However, there is only one Luo MP who has defied these political machinations and has integrated well with his ODM parliamentary colleagues. This is the Muhoroni MP James Onyango K”Oyoo. This is due to the fact that the outspoken MP is one of the shrewdest Luo politicians in the 11th Parliament.

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Young Global Leaders – Sharing Economy Innovation

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From: Yona Maro

This paper represents the effort of various Young Global Leaders (YGLs) in placing the sharing economy on the global agenda, underscoring its significance for actors in the private, public and civil society sectors. Emanating from the YGL Circular Economy Innovation and New Business Models Dialogue, the work identifies the history, characteristics and exemplary models of the sharing economy. As well, the paper steers the sharing economy dialogue toward the coming years by investigating future challenges and societal implications of the movement. Finally, recommendations are offered for business and public sector leaders and policymakers throughout the world.

Link:
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_YGL_CircularEconomyInnovation_PositionPaper_2013.pdf

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Secret structures, hidden crimes

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From: Yona Maro

Tax evasion poses an acute challenge to developing and developed countries. From 2000 to 2010, illicit financial flows deprived developing countries of US$5.86 trillion. Tax evasion is not a victimless crime – for people in the developing world, the consequences of tax evasion can be a matter of life and death.

Companies and other legal structures that are anonymously owned and controlled are a key mechanism of tax evasion. Securing more disclosure about who owns and controls these vehicles would not only help prevent capital flight in future but may also bring trillions of dollars of offshore wealth back into the tax net. If countries could start to recover this untaxed wealth, it could have an enormous impact on people’s lives.

Tax evaders use many of the same techniques to move their assets as criminals involved in corruption, terrorist financing, nuclear proliferation, arms smuggling and many other abuses. Therefore many of the measures taken to tackle these activities, especially around transparency, are the same.

This summary sets out how opaque ownership structures are a key tool for money launderers, and facilitate crime. It also shows how anti-money laundering frameworks provide an opportunity to secure transparency by revealing the identity of beneficial owners – the real people who own and control bank accounts and legal structures such as companies, trusts and foundations.

Link:
http://eurodad.org/files/integration/2013/01/Secret-structures-hidden-crimes_summary_web.pdf

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KENYA: THE FUTURE OF ODM IN LUO-NYANZA LOOKED BLEAK AS THE RESULT OF KIDERO SAGA

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

The over all influence and popularity of the Orange Democratic Movement {ODM} Inside Luo-Nyanza is gloomm following the recent deadly rumors and speculation of in-fighting Within its rank and file in both the national office and local branches.

The situation is aggravated and worsened by the latest widely spread newspaper reports that some of the Orange party luminaries are not comfortable with the performance of the Nairobi governor Dr Evans Otieno Kidero. and ware actively plotting for the governor’s downfall.

The news about clandestine under current activities against the Nairobi governor, if true, could split the ODM in Luo-Nyanza.

The same could rekindle the old near violence confrontation which was witnessed in the region in the middle of 1960s and early 1970 when the two political giants in the region and heroes of the struggle for independence burst into open and caused a major split between the LUOs of Central and those of then greater Southern Nyanza

The close to violence confrontation between the late Jaramogi Oginga Oding and Tom Mboya did not only destabilized, but also polarized the region when the supporters of the two went for each others neck.

Luos living in Central in Central Nyanza rallied behind Jramogi while those of SOUTHERN nynza supported Mboys. The two traversed the region addressing series of rallies while tearing at each other’s style of leaders. These wrangling only came to ubpru0t end following Mboya”s assassination on July 5,1969. Thereafter Jaramogi became the undisputed and overall leader of the community.

CORD and ODM stalwarts in Kisumu and rural areas have been heard making malicious and wild allegations against Kidero to the effect that he was betraying CORD because of he is working in close relations with President Uhuru Kenyatta and other Jubilee leaders, and as such undermining the CORD the party which had sponsored his election as the City governor during the March 4, 2013 general elections.

Other accusations which are so common is that Dr KIDERO is currently warming up towards the jubilee leader Raila Odinga comes the year 2017 general election by contesting the presidency of the Republic.

Kidero only sin is having ushered President Kenyatta for a luncheon at his palatial Muthaiga upper market residence and for having travelled in President Kenyatta”s entourage during his recent state visit to Russia an China.

Those speaking in defense of Nairobi governor have dismissed these allegations and claims as cheap and petty and only based on nothing, but naked jealousy. Kidero supporters have been heard purring up the strong but logical argument that Nairobi County is the seat of the national government of Kenyan which is headed by President Kenyatta and as such the protocols requires the governor to work closely with the government of the day.

Kidero, according to the majority of CORD members has done nothing wrong to warrant such bashing, which are based on negative suspicion. Others are saying that that Raila has had enough backing for the community, though owing to bad luck he has failed to capture the presidency having contested thrice for it, and that it was time he gives up his presidential ambition and pave then way for another youthful Luo to take over the mantle of the community political leadership.

KIDERO who has a Suba ancensestry background hails from Gem Location in Rangwe in the Central region of the votes-rich greater Southern Nyanza.

Prior to his joining Nairobi politics he had served for well over a decade as the Chief Executive of Mumias Sugar Company in Western Province, which had successfully turned around from loss to profit making. the most dynamic , prolific speaker and uncompromising champion of the struggle for Kenya’s freedom. It is indeed in the lips of many Kenyans that the late Mboya whose life was cut short by the bullets fired by an assassin in a Nairobi street on July 5, 1969 was the true architect of Kenya’s political independence. he died while serving as the Minister for Economic Planning and Development in the post independent cabinet and also the Secretary-General of the then ruling KANU party a position, which he had ever since its inception in 1969.

Dr Kidero had traversed many parts of Luo-Nyanza while giving hefty cash donations towards the various economic project, and at first many people in the region thought he would contest one of the parliamentary seats in Southern Nyanza, but having born in NAIROBI he finally settled for the City governor position.

So far the ODM leader Raila the has kept mum, not to uttering anything in regard to the on-going reported under current and undercutting activities against Kidero by other party luminaries. including some Luo MPs.

However, those privy to ODM have been heard as saying that the issue is likely to boil up in the near future unless Raila himself come out in the open and restrain his supporters from making uncalled for criticism of Kidero who is said to be doing a good job for the Nairobi people.

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Chronological History of Tanzania

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From: Yona Maro

Chronological History of Tanzania

1st Century B.C. Cushites from Ethiopia settle in Tanganyika.

2nd Century A.D. Agriculturists from Cameroun and Nigeria settle in Tanganyika and Iron Age Civilization develop.

12th Century A.D. Swahili Civilization established in Zanzibar and Coastal Area of Mainland Tanganyika.

15th Century A.D. Organized Kingdoms and Chiefdoms established in various regions of Tanganyika.

1866-1873 European adventure trips to Tanzania including the visit of Dr.David Livingstone.

1880 German Colonization of Tanganyika.

1885 Partition of Africa; German Rule of Tanganyika recognized by European powers.

1885-1905 Wars of Resistance against the Germans.

1890 British Rule in Zanzibar recognized by major powers.

1919 League of Nations decide to place Tanganyika under British Rule.

1946 Tanganyika becomes UN Trust Territory under British Administration.

1961 Independence of Tanganyika.

1962 Tanganyika becomes a Republic.

1963 Zanzibar becomes independent.

1964 Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

1985 President Nyerere retires from Office; President Ali Hassan Mwinyi takes over.

1992 Multiparty-politics re-established.

1995 President Ali Hassan Mwinyi retires and President Benjamin William Mkapa takes over.

Tanzania is the cradle of mankind, for it was here in the Olduvai Gorge that Dr. Louis Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of Zinjanthropus calculated to be 1.75 million years old, the forerunner of modern man. South of Olduvai Gorge, a trail of hominid foot prints 3,600,000 years ago were discovered at Laoteli only 30 kilometers from Olduvai Gorge.

Tanzania is home of about 126 African tribes, the majority being of Bantu origin who migrated into Tanzania from West and Central Africa. While in Tanzania, they assimilated most of the people of Khoisan and Cushitic origin who had been there since the 3rd and 1st centuries BC respectively. Very few groups of people of these origins (Khoisan and Cushitic) remain in Tanzania today.

Besides peoples of Bantu, Cushitic and Khoisan origin, there are also groups of Nilotic origin the most famous being the Maasai. These are said to have settle in Tanzania in the 1st century AD. On the other hand, the Ngoni tribe, fleeing from “mfecane” (the times of troubles) brought about by the Zulu expansion under their famous King, Shaka, entered southwestern Tanzania in 1840 and defeated the Fipa who moved to northwestern Tanzania.

Arabian merchants visited the Tanzanian Coast 2000 years ago and later settled in Zanzibar around 7th century AD. They established trade routes into the interior and in so doing helped to spread the Arab influenced culture and language of the coast : Swahili culture and language.

The Portuguese established temporary settlements in the 16th century, and a relic of a Portuguese Fort, “Geresa” built in 1505 is in Kilwa. In the late 17th century, however, the Portuguese were supplanted by the Omanis who established trade in ivory and slaves. Ivory was in great demand in India, where married women were expected to wear ivory bangles which were buried with them when they died. Ivory trade was also established in the 18th century with Japan where it was required for production of “netsukes” (ivory buttons used to suspend objects from a belt). Slaves were used to carry ivory to the coast but were also required for clove plantations in Zanzibar and in sugar plantations in Mauritius. Other slaves were exported to the Persian Gulf, Europe and Americas.

The scramble for Africa by the European powers at the end of the 19th century led to the occupation of the mainland by Germany despite resistance by leaders such as Abushiri of Pangani, Mkwawa of Iringa, and Kinjeketile of Rufiji. The latter led the famous Maji maji uprising of July 1905. Zanzibar became a British Protectorate. After World War I, Germany was forced to surrender mainland Tanzania to British rule. The mainland (then known as Tanganyika) became independent in 1961 and Zanzibar in 1963. In 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form United Republic of Tanzania.

Contact with China and Japan
From 1000 A.D., a considerable amount of trade went on between China, Persia and Tanzania Coastal Areas. Much exchange took place with India until after 1500 A.D. when Chinese merchant ships reached East African Coast. Chinaware of 700 years ago have been excavated in Kilwa,

Tanzania bearing evidence that the Tanzania Coast was once part of a developed culture that boomed along the Indian Ocean Coast. As stated above, ivory from Tanzania was also exported to Japan around this period.

http://www.tanzaniaconsul.com/history.html

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The road to IATI: are NGO concerns justified?

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From: Yona Maro

Some 200 organisations have committed to a common standard and time schedule for publishing aid information under the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). This is great news for transparency advocates. But in a Center for Global Development blog earlier this month Will McKitterick pointed out that of the 125 international NGOs that published data in the IATI registry, only six are US-based organisations. McKitterick noted: “The US NGO community seems to be dragging its feet. Some see costs as their main impediment. Others are concerned that publishing could put their staff and activities at risk. But there is good reason to consider these apprehensions overblown …”

As Linda Raftree, Plan USA’s project manager in charge of IATI publishing effort, said: “We started wanting to be as transparent as possible … publish everything IATI asked for … but after wider consultation with other teams, we ended up with something a bit more realistic.” Rather than publishing everything all at once or making a quick decision on publishing a limited data set and being done with IATI, we’ve designed a three-phase process that will allow us to improve our internal systems while gradually publishing more and more of our data.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2013/oct/23/plan-usa-iati-aid-transparency?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonvavKcu%2FhmjTEU5z17%2BstXaK2gokz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMRMFkMa%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7bNKc1r2NkQXBfn

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Going visible: Women’s rights on the internet

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From: Yona Maro

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) create new scenarios, new ways for people to live, and these reflect real-life problems. Women need to assert their rights here with determination and without delay. Women may not have been an active part of policy-making conversations when internet governance started, but the rapid pace of change online means they need to participate now to ensure that the future of the internet is shaped taking into account women’s rights. For people who have little access to other kinds of publics due to the multiple forms of discrimination they face including gender, age, class or sexuality in the internet can be a particularly important space to negotiate and realise their rights.

For women, the internet is a vital public sphere due to barriers of access to media or political representation. Inequalities that women face in terms of economic power, education and access to resources also affect access and participation in shaping the internet, its debates and policy. This explains why the internet has become an increasingly critical public sphere for the claiming of citizenship rights and civil liberties, including women’s rights. For those who have little access to other kinds of “publics” due to the multiple forms of discrimination faced – including based on gender, age, economic status and sexual identity – it can be a particularly important pace for the negotiation and fulfillment of their rights.

http://www.genderit.org/sites/default/upload/going_visible__womens_rights_on_the_internet_-_womens_rights_programme.pdf

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KENYA: SIAYA ODM MP IS HECKLED BY YOUTHS DURING MASHUJAA RALLY

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From: LEO ODERA OMOLO

Shouts of Alego ni nono oonge Mjumbe rent the air during the Mashujaa rally in SIAYA town last Sunday when a group of ODM youths made an attempt to heckle and evict the ALlego-Usonga MP Omondi Muluany at a well attended rally held at Siaya Stadium to commemorate the heros day. The party youths and security personnel intervened and ejected the rowdy youths out of the meeting venue.

It later emerged that the MP who the Mardh 14th general on the Whiper ticket had skipped all the campaign meetings which were held all over the County during the recent by-election campaign for Siaya governor,including the one which was attended by the party leader Raila O Odinga.

The MP who appeared to have been shocked and shaken described the group as hired political goons

THOSE who attended the Siaya rally were stunned when speaker after speaker heaped a lot of praise at politicians previously aligned to the late Jaramogi IOginga Odinga showering them as The only heroes who fought for freedom.

They deliberately excluded the names of other LUO freedom fighters who were known to have differed with the Jaramogi leadership style. Observers and pundits were, however quick in pointing out that those whose names had been mentioned prominently at the really included those who are known to be Raila sycophants and political surrogates whose contribution to the liberation war and anti colonialists activities are very insignificant.

THESE names represented only the residents of Siiaya County THEY INCLUDED Achieng Oneko, Jaramogi, Argwings Kodhek, Wasonga SijeyoBut even in SIAYA county, the names of political giants and heroes like Walter Fanuel Odede, DO Makasembo were deliberately omitted and replaced by some characters of some former boot lickers of the colonialists.

Odede who later was to become the father in-law of atom Mboy WALKED INTO THE SHOES OF THE Jomo KENYAT immediately after the latter and five other leading nationalists were rounded up and arrested by he colonialists following the declaration of the STATE OF emergency in Kenya by the colonialists. He too was arrested and placed in detention in the remote Northern Kanya district of Samburu and was detained for eight year because he had taken over as the acting President of KAU. Odede like Oneko hails from Uyoms in Rarieda within Bondo district.

Other uncompromising freedom fighters whose names were missing at the Siaya rally included Tom Mboya, Elijah Omolo Agar, Lawrence Gerald Oguda,Daniel OJijo Oteko,John PAUL olola,BARRACK Owuor,The latter two were the founder of the Kavirondo Taxpayers ,which collaborated well with the Harry Thuku led Kikuyu Central Association that gave the colonialists sleepless nights.

THE Siaya rally clearly portrayed an attempt by Siaya leaders as trying at the distortion of the Nyanza region’s political history.

The history of the past should be told as per its true perspective for the interests of the present and future generations.

Ends

Friend of Africa 2013 Economic Development Conference- Event Report

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From: Yona Maro

The Friends of Africa Economic Development Conference held on the 5th of October 2013 at the Ball Room of the Sheraton Hotel And Conference Centre, Toronto.

Pre- Conference Meetings
The Conference started with Pre-conference infrastructure development strategy meetings of the Public Sector delegates from Nigeria and the Ontario government on the 4th of October 2013 at The Persian, Westin Prince, Toronto. Leading the Ontario government was MP Micheal Coteau, Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, while his counterpart in the Economic, Investment and Trade Ministry; Mr. Debo Ajayi led the Nigerian delegation.

Economic Development Conference
The Economic development conference opened on the 5th October 2013 with welcome remarks delivered by the Premier of Ontario, represented by PA Monte Kwinter of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The High Commissioner of Nigeria, Consular General of Ghana- HE, Kodjo Mawutor and Consul General of Uganda- HE Navin Chandaria and President Casa Foundation all brought good will remarks from Africa.

The full day event witnessed a gathering of professionals, business owners and public sector leaders from various parts of Nigeria, Canada and the USA participating at the roundtable sessions on the theme Transforming Africa. Presentations focused on opportunities for business development in Africa and Ontario. All Presentations and Communiqué are available on Casafoundation website-Details below.

Private Sector Speakers:
Navin Chandaria- President of Conros Corporation, USA & Canadaand Director at Element Capital- A Toronto Stock Exchange listed Private Equity Fund with investment Focus on Africa.
C. J Shah- Managing Director of Midland Galvanizing Steel-Africa, Asia. A Steel manufacturing plant started in 1975, which grew to employ10, 000+ staff in Nigeria, Kenya & Hong Kong.
Lucien Bradet- President, Canadian Council on Africa discussed the giant strides made by Canadian businesses in Africa

Olutoyin Oyelade-President of Casa Foundation spoke on the recent investment ventures in Africa and how businesses can leverage these opportunities to expand.

Public Sector Speakers:
PA Monte Kwinter- MP, Minister of Financial Institutions 2007, Chair, Ontario Trade and Development Council discussed policy and growth opportunities in Ontario for business owners.
Debo Ajayi-represented the Governor of Ekiti (who was inadvertently absent due to an air mishap) and presented business development opportunities and Partnership for Professionals in Southern Nigeria.
Jim Karygiannis- Federal MP, Chair of house committee on Nigeria, Coptics Egypt and democratic republic of Congo reported ways to collaborate for growth in Africa.

Business Integration Roundtable featured:
HE Kodjo Mawutor- Consular General of Ghana, who spoke on business integration initiatives by the Economic and Trade departments of African embassies, focusing on Ghana.
HE Navin Chandaria- Consul General of Uganda presented a paper on opportunities for Small business owners in Kenya and Uganda. Umar Nataala- Minister of Economic Development, Nigeria High Commission was also at the discussions.

Friend of Africa (FOA) Awards 2013
Dr.Tanya Pelcher- Herring, renowned Speaker with the US anchored the Friend of Africa awards.The Consular General of Ghana- HE Kodjo Mawutor presented the following shortlisted nominees to participants for induction into the Friend of Africa- Hall of Fame:

1. Ms. Betty Makoni

2. Dr. Mary- Anne Chambers

Dr. Mary- Anne Chambers emerged the Friend of Africa- 2013 and was presented with the Award.

Full Details and Reports of the FOA 2013 Conference do click the following links:

For Conference Materials & Highlights

clickhere

For Nominees into ‘FOA’ Hall of Fame

click here

For A Profile of Casa Foundation

click here

For Conference Pictures

click here

For Conference Videos

click here

For News Reports

click here

Registration is required to access conference documents. Click the ‘register’ link on: www.casafoundation.ca

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