Category Archives: Political Party

Kenya: Will the Luo – Kuria power – sharing arrangement brokered by Raila Odinga stand the test and earn him votes in the region?

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Migori Town.

The power sharing which was recently hatched and brokered by the ODM leaders in Migori County which resulted in the apportioning of all important elective positions in the newly devolved County governance. Will this work in favor of the Prime Minister galvanizing the Kuria votes for his presidential ambition ?

The answer is “big No”. This is because the arrangement which was brokered under the Minister for Public Services Dalmas Otieno in collaboration with few Luo MPs in total secrecy behind the locked doors of hotel room in Nairobi had excluded many stakeholders in the Migori regional political derby.

The original aims and objectives of this arrangement was meant to ensure the minority Kuria community, which is one of the smaller and marginalized communities, would not be swallowed by their neighboring Luo majority when it comes to the allocation of decision making positions within the MIGORI county under the new constitutional dispensation.

The idea was noble, though it cane very late and only after several Luo and Kuria political personalities had already launched their campaign for the various elective positions.

Under the new arrangement several positions a were dished out exclusively for the Kuria. The senior most of all was the coveted Senatorial position. The County governor position was given the the Luos, while the Deputy Governor position went to the Kuria as well as the County CEO and Speaker of the Regional Assembly.

Among the Luo politicians whose campaign trail had already hit the ground included the former Mathare MP and at one time a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, Gilbert Ochieng” Mbeo, A one time two terms KANU MP for the larger Homa-Bay constituency Phares Oluoch Kanindo. Also in the ace for the Senate seat was a prominent Kuria politician John Magaiwa is the current ODM Migori County branch chairman.

Migori County is a region whose inhabitants comprises of communities from diverse communities. There are thousands of Abaluhyia, Maragolis, Kisii, Abasuba and Somalis therefore it was a great mistake and miscalculation of the fact for the ODM having thought of the Lus and Kurias only.

There were several Luo personalties who were also eying the governor position. They included Prof Edward Akong’o Oyugi, a young technocrat Mark Nyamita, a member of the Kenya Sugar Board Zachary Okoth Obado.

The decision which is believed and suspected to have been influenced and brokered by the former Kuria MP Dr Wilfred Machage. DR Machage is a Kenyan Kuria politician whose family is deeply rooted in the neighboring Tanzania. He has been an MP for Kuria ever since 2002. But wanted to find a soft-landing spot after sensing that PNU was heading for political limbo.

The arrangement was readily approved by the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who made two quick tour of Kuria region for the purpose of ensuring that the new arrangement between the two communities is harmonized ahead of the March 4, 2012 general election.

The new arrangement of power-sharing between the two communities was endorsed by th Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who made two quick tour of the region to try to harmonize the frosty relations between the two communities.

What Raila Odinga did not know was that Machage has no political clout over the Kuria people, though he has been their MP for two terms. He is not welcome in many parts of the two administrative districts of Kuria East and Kuria West.

Dr Machage had demanded that he be given direct nomination to the Senate seat by the ODM leadership to the chagrins of the voters and other ODM politicians Dr Machage was found of bashing Raila and the party. The former MP remained the most vocal of critic of ODM and Raila Odinga while he was serving in the coalition government as an Assistant Minister for Works on the PNU side.

At one time he was arraigned in court and charged with making inflammatory and hate speeches the charge which prompted his close to one year suspension from the cabinet

The Kura community is divided into four major sub-clans, namely Nyabansi ,Bugumbe, Bukiria. And Buirege. The constituency has since been sub-divided into two parliamentary constituencies and named by the IEBC Kuria East and Kuria West. It was one of the 80 extra parliamentary constituencies created last year by the ICEBC and endorsed by an Act of parliament .Most of the four sub-clans had close tie with their cousins living across the Kenya-Tanzania borders.

The Luos in Migori County vehemently objected to the new arrangement arguing that apportioning the political seats would mean balkanization of the tribes in the area, though they two communities have lived in peace and harmoniously in the past.·

The power-sharing issue had elicited the heated debate and argument , but Raila Odinga insisted that the Kuria must be brought to the mainstream of ODM so that he could harvest their votes.

When the ODM primary nomination was conducted in the region on January 17, 2012. Raila Odinga’s man Dr Wilfred Machage was handed down e devastative defeat by John Magaiwa who polled over 72,000 votes against Dr. Machage’s 51,000.But strange things happened, Magaiwa wad denied the nomination certificate, which was handed over to the Defeated Dr. Machage.

Magaiwa who had been steadfastly an ODM leader in Kuria for the last two decades was kicked out of the party. He has since reportedly sought for an URP ticket. But on the ground the decision made by the ODM headquarters of denying Magaiwa the party’s nomination certificate despite of his landslide victory over Dr. Machage has disappointed the Kuria people who have now vowed not to vote for Raila Odinga.

Other short-changed aspirants for Migori Senate seat and that of governor have jumped the ODM bandwagon. Other like Ochieng’ Mbeo have decided not to contest the election on other party tickets, but vowed not to campaign for the ODM and Raila Odinga in the area.

With the populist Magaiwa jumping the ship and joining the URP, the ODM should as well forget the Kuria votes. Also short-changed was Ms Ghati, a young Kuria woman who had vigorously campaigned for the Migori women representative. Although she had won in the primary nomination, she was denied the ticket which went to Mrs Owino Acholla, the wife of the one time former Migori MP was dished out to Mrs Anne Omodho Anyanga, the wife of the Nyatike MP Eick Omond

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Kenya: Tension has gripped the South Rift regions following the zoning of the area as the exclusive URP electoral zone

Writes Leo Odera Omolo.In Kericho Town

Political temperatures has arisen up followed by tension in the South Rift region of the expansive Rift Valley Province after several districts were Cannibalized together and declared the exclusive voting zone outside the jubilee Alliance.

The issue came to the surface immediately soon after the recently concluded Jubilee Alliance primary nominations. In the nomination exercise, TNA, which is the principal alliance and partner of the URP had its members barred from contesting the elective positions in areas which were classified as the URP electoral zones.

The districts which were grouped together and declared as the exclusive electoral zone of the URP included several Counties of Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Baringo, Keiyo, Baringo, Trans-Mara, Molo, Nakuru Kuresoi and other places.

An aspirant who was vying the election in the newly created Sigowet constituency in the lower Belgut region of Kericho County said that those who turned up ready to contest the elections on TNA were turned away and told that they cannot contest any seat in those areas which had already been classified as the URP electoral zone.

A good number of aspirants have since sought for accommodation in other parties, and the fear persist that those who won in the URP primaries in the region might not make it to the next parliament after March 4, 2013.

In the same context, the jubilee Alliance is also risking being rejected by the electorate in the region due to its discriminative policy, which has Balkanized the communities on tribal line.

TNA members were denied the right of contesting the election on Jubilee ticket and told they can only do so on URP ticket. But not on TNA which is the umbrella of the Jubilee Aliance

Members of the Kipsigis sub-tribe of the larger Kalenjin ethnic group who form the bulk of the majority of the resident of the South Rift region are known not to be comfortable with the jubilee Alliance that has in the face of it brought together the Kipisigis and the kikuyu community.

This particular community has yet to e wholeheartedly in the Jubilee Alliance, and view the URPO leader William Ruto who has secured the powerful position in the alliance of being the running – mate for the Jubilee Alliance Presidential candidate as someone who has mortgaged the community for his selfish interests.

The Sigowet aspirant who requested for his anonymity has since moved to another political party outside the Jubilee Alliance and has appealed to other who felt grieved to do likewise.

The zoning of these electoral areas is illegal and was made deliberately to have William Ruto’s political surrogates and sycophants get political mileage over their opponents during the much flawed primary nominations. He also blamed the former Belgut MP Charls Keter for being the architect of the political zonng of the South Rift region, and warned that the former legislator who is now vying for Kericho County senate seat will pay dearly for his part in ill-advising the URP to create the tribal zoning.

The zoning of several districts had disarmed many would be aspirant for the various elective positions in these area. It has also raised political temperature in the region which could see the majority of the voters drifting back to ODM and CORD.

The common talks making the round in Kericho and its environs is that William Ruto the URP leader had miscalculated and underestimated the intelligence of the voters in the region in is plan to convince his Jubilee partners that he had the political clout over the voters in the zoned districts, something which he will pay dearly for his mistakes.

The zoning of the vote’s rich districts into URP exclusive electoral zones, might also have a serious repercussion on Uhuru Kenyatta presidential voting system.

“Our people are not for sale, and Ruto seemed to be hell-bent in auctioning the Kalenjin voters for his selfish interest, but we shall teach him a lesson that he will live to regret for years to come, let him just wait for the March 4, 2013,” retored Mr Josephat Lang’at a Litein politican.

The Kipsigis sub-tribe, the most populous among th Kalenjin ethnic group has about 12 parliamentary constituencies in Kericho, Bomet, Molo and Rongai. Some of its members live in Nandi, Cheranganyi, Nakuru, Narok South, Kilgoris,Trans-Nzoia and Subukio.

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Election violence in Kenya? … Not again

From: Judy Miriga

People,

This is not what Kenya expects in the Reform Change we have been fighting for.No corrupt person should be forced on people once they are rejected. The peoples verdit is final……..People are the boses, they choose how they wish to be governed and all political players must respect wishes of the people.

The fight for Reform change is not over people, we shall continue fighting till the “Voice of Reason” is respected and honored.

We are all in this together for the sake of Reform Change and let justice speak up for the people.

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

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Election violence? Not again

Updated Wednesday, January 23 2013 at 00:00 GMT+3
By Njoki Karuoya

Last week, I lost hope that the March 4 elections would be peaceful. With all the main presidential candidates working hard to be seen as national by appointing running mates from different communities, I was confident that a repeat of the 2008 post-election violence would not occur. But now I’m not so sure.

While the violence that seems set to rock the country in six weeks time may not be tribal-based but more about individual winners and losers, the scary fact is that violence will be a reality; and it may be worse than what we saw last weekend.

Bloated pool

I’m I being pessimistic? Perhaps, but imagine this. The post-primary violence was at the level of aspirants, and a bloated pool at that, which means hope more than guarantee, carried the day. Now there are all these candidates carrying around nomination certificates that declare them as bona fide party representatives for various seats, who believe they are the one.

And in the next six weeks, that ego will get so bloated that it will not be contained within the confines of a ballot box. So can you now imagine the explosions when their opponents are declared winners?

If the police want to ensure a more level-headed, violent reaction (if there is anything like that) after the pronouncement of winners, they need to, between now and then, disarm all Kenyans off pangas, jembes, tyres, matches, petrol and other inflammable and blunt objects. These are often the tools of violent. If they can manage this too, they need to force all Kenyans to attend anger-management crash courses that will also include lessons on the importance of peace, including peaceful protests.

Most importantly, the police will need to increase their bullets (hopefully the rubber bullets), tear gas and other riot-control weapons.

Abducted

But seeing as all these may be a tall order for the police, I’m worried for all those innocents who may be at the right place at the wrong time, and accidentally find themselves in the middle of abrupt violence. The victims of such mayhem are often women and children. When such violence erupts, women walking around are grabbed and gang raped. Children are abducted or killed.

And yes, it may be easy to tell people to lock themselves in their houses right from the evening of March 4 (after the voting exercise) till Sunday, March 10 when, hopefully, the final results will have been announced and any violent rages following such announcements have run out of steam. But we all know that violence tends to find people in the perceived safety of their homes.

Five years ago, when some people went out of their houses to protest the controversial presidential elections, many stayed at home. Others ran to places of ‘safety’ like churches, police stations and the chief’s camp. But the bloodthirsty killers went after them. People were killed in their homes, either by the rioters or by the police. Others were killed in church, while women were raped everywhere.

Accept loss

This is not the life I want for myself or for any Kenyan. I want us to live in peace, irrespective of other people’s opinion – because that is what elections are all about; providing individuals with the opportunity to exercise their opinion. The majority of Kenyans with the same opinion carry the day. That’s just the way it is. If you and those thinking like you lose, it’s simply because not as many people thought the same way.

Maturity is the skill to painfully accept your loss, find reasonable ways to vent your frustration then move along. Violence is never the answer as it costs more than acceptance, what with the collateral damage and loss of property and livelihoods.

Just how mature are we as Kenyans? That will be the major test as we get closer to March 4. Let us choose peace and tolerance instead of war and intolerance.

I wish all candidates the best, but as they campaign, they must realise that those nomination certificates they hold are not the tickets to success. They could lose come March 4, too, and they need to act as gentlemen and ladies when the proof is presented to them; and as leaders by calming their supporters down to peace instead of inciting them to violent protests.

South Nyanza Protests

Published on Jan 18, 2013

Protests rocked most parts of the County over alleged manipulation of results. Riots rocked Kendu Bay town amid claims that the nomination for Karachuonyo Parliamentary seat had been manipulated while in Ndiwa, scores of demonstrators poured to the streets claiming manipulation was going on in favour of outgoing Mp Augustine Netto.

Protests over insecurity in Kisumu

Updated Monday, October 29 2012 at 00:00 GMT+3

By Mangoa Mosota

Prominent Kisumu businessman Shem Kwega has died and his wife critically wounded after being shot by thugs in broad daylight.

Shem Kwega and his wife Rose Onyango were admitted at the Intensive Care Unit at Aga Khan Hospital soon after the incident. Kwega later succumbed to injuries.

The duo was shot at a few minutes after 10am, along Nyerere Road, near Mamba Hotel.

A witness, Morgan Ashino, said the two thugs armed with a G3 gun, blocked Kwega’s car, before he got out.

“He came out and held the gun, before one of them hit him on the head with a fist,” said Ashino, a motor cycle operator.

Kwega then got into his car and tried to drive off, but the thugs shot him several times, as the vehicle swerved into a ditch. His wife was also shot as the gang forcefully took a bag reported with some money from her.

Ashino said together with four other motor cycle operators, followed the thugs all the way to Nyamasaria, about five kilometres away.

The shooting incident sparked off a wave of protests by an assistant minister Ayiecho Olweny and local residents who marched in the streets demanding action.

Protestors blocked the Kisumu – Kakamega road, with over 500 of them surrounding Kondele police station.

More than 30 police officers drawn from Kisumu and Nyando Divisions are hunting the gang, who drove from the town in vehicle they had earlier hijacked.

Kwega is the Kisumu Town West Constituency ODM chairman and in 2007 sought parliamentary seat, but lost in the nominations. He owns two petrol stations in the lakeside town.

The shooting comes only two days after an acclaimed researcher was killed by thugs in Tom Mboya area.

Dr Joseph Odhiambo, of Centre for Disease Control (CDC) was hacked on his head on Saturday night.

The deceased was a senior technical adviser to the CDC’s Global Aids Programme.

Nyongo’ under fire over flawed Kisumu vote

Updated Saturday, January 19 2013 at 00:00 GMT+3
By Rushdie Oudia

KISUMU; KENYA: Five governor aspirants in Kisumu County are demanding the resignation of ODM Secretary General Anyang’ Nyongo’.

The aspirants accused Prof Nyongo’ of interfering with party nominations in the county, alleging he was to blame for the flawed exercise.

Led by Owino Omolo and Ruth Odinga, the aspirants also called for the nullification of all governorship results, saying the process should be repeated.

The aspirants alleged that Nyong’o was working with Jack Raguma, who is also in the governorship race, to ensure the two of them win. Ms Odinga alleged that Raguma alongside Nyong’,o had gone to collect ballot papers at the Kisumu Airport on Thursday, which was illegal.

“It is wrong for ballot papers to be in the hands of an aspirant,” she said, alleging that the two had a cup of tea with one of the ODM returning officers, who was to oversee the nominations.

“No nominations will take place until returning officers and presiding officers are changed,” said Ms Odinga. However, Nyongo dismissed the claims as cheap politics, saying he was not meddling.

How Kisumu was turned into a battlefield

Updated Monday, January 21 2013 at 00:00 GMT+3

By Maureen Odiwuor

KISUMU, KENYA: A returning officer was escorted by heavily armed security detail to Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu where he announced the Kisumu County nomination results.

The officer, said to have been appointed by the party after Albert Mbwaga was replaced for allegedly colluding with Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o, addressed impatient party supporters at 10.30pm on Saturday.

He declined to identify himself but went ahead to read a list of results that he referred to as provisional. He started by declaring Shakeel Shabbir as the Kisumu East parliamentary nominee.

For Nyando, Kisumu West and Muhoroni, where voting was still going on at the time of announcement, former MPs Fred Outa, Olago Aluoch and Ayiecho Olweny were declared winners respectively. Ochola Ogoda was announced the winner for the senate seat while in Seme constituency no winner was declared.

Mlolongo results indicated Dr James Nyikal was ahead of the rest.

Heated reactions

Hell broke loose when he announced Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Ruth Odinga, as the ODM governor nominee. This sparked reactions from ODM supporters who began protesting following an earlier announcement that Jack Ranguma had clinched the governor ticket.

The angry crowd reacted violently, with one General Service Unit officer was hit by a stone on the head.

This prompted security officers at the scene to lob teargas canisters to disperse the protesting youth before the team that announced the results was escorted out of the venue.

Tension had been heightened by the long wait supporters had to endure for the release of the results. At 9pm, the impatient crowd attempted to force their way into the college

List of ODM nominees as submitted to IEBC

Updated Wednesday, January 23 2013 at 00:00 GMT+3

Women Representative-Florence Mwikali Mutua

Siaya County

Gubernatorial -Cornelus Arasanga Amoth

Senatorial -Hon. James Orengo

Women Representative-Emily Agnes Awitta

Kisumu County

Gubernatorial -Jackson Ranguma

Senatorial -Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o

Women Representative-Rose Auma Ogendo Nyamunga

Homa Bay County

Gubernatorial -Cyprian Otieno Awiti

Senatorial -Gerald Otieno Kajwang

Women Representative-Gladys Atieno Nyasuna Wanga

Migori County

Gubernatorial -Prof. Edward Oyugi Akongo

Deputy Governor-Anne Omodho Anyanga

Senatorial -Hon. Wilfred Gisuka Machage

Women Representative-Susan Millie Owino

Kisii County

Gubernatorial -Hon. James Elvis Omariba Ongwae

Senatorial -Christopher Mogere Obure

fredrick Ja Gem24 January 2013 3:25 PM ODM should stop fooling around with luo Nyanza people,the days of party euphoria is over,the days of imposing leaders to people is a “thing of da past” Let Raila and his party know that we need change in our region and NOT BIG names like Nyong’o,Midiwo,Oburu,Kajwang’ and other non performing leaders,Odingaism will never exist in luo Nyanza if this is the case,common mwananchis’ right cannot be violated by some few characters in the name of ODM…ON that note right now am mobilizing Siaya county residents to vote candidates of their choice and not party….Dictatorship should be stopped and democracy be exercised,we are perishing because we lack knowledge and wisdom nnktt.

Esther Wanga24 January 2013 10:16 AM Clearly ODM.Can you revise your list otherwise Raila wont see my vote.I’d rather vote Uhuru.dont u think you are hurting people???Mr Bett???Can you give us the people we chose.I’m disappointed particularly for Homabay County_Rangwe constituency.You replaced the MP we chose together with all the county reps.How do you explain Position 5 securing a certificate??????DEMOCRATIC INDEED!!!You’ll be in for a rude shock!Keep up you mulpractices!!

PAUL TWENYO from Homabay24 January 2013 9:46 AM Sincerely,I am greatly disappointed with ODM party,I have just realized it has its owners,wait for a rude shock on 4th of MARCH 2013,we cannot continue suffering at expense of other peoples benefit,it is in Nyanza where a meter from fresh water lake is a desert,and it in Kisumu where 20litre water goes 20 Kenya shillings during dry season yet, fresh water lake is at stone throw.We must be allowed to elect those we feel can meet our needs “Nitawakataa” come rain, come sunshine.

JARAE24 January 2013 8:56 AM We are not happy with the way Raila dictates luo Nyanza.Nyong’o and Midiwo did not win.This is a total shame and should have just gone ahead to include Oburu and Ruth.Shame

Victor JaAlego23 January 2013 6:46 PM Guys, RAO is not OMNIPOTENT, in fact he was sitting somwhere sipping his tea.Your fury is directed to the wrong person.The National Election Board are to blame and surely something is happening.The corrupt parted with money and will be drained down the loo.ODM is the party to beat like it or not.

Ndege23 January 2013 6:37 PM ODM if that is the way democracy is done then i aint voting any ODM candidate. surely we are no robots they should have seen the mood on the ground imposing leaders on people and its the electorate who have the voice that’s a big NO. Like Muhoroni the so called Prof was beaten yet he was handed nomination. rude shock is awaiting ODM on 4th March.

CONCERNED SERIOUS KENYAN23 January 2013 5:28 PM AS YOU MAKE YOUR BED, SO SHALL YOU LIE ON IT. COME 4TH MARCH 2013, RAILA AMOLLO ODINGA, DON’T REGRET ON THE OUTCOME. YOU MIGHT GET YOUR PRESIDENTIAL VOTES WITH NO MPS, GOVERNORS, SENATOR, COUNTY REPS ETC. THE MAJORITY MIGHT COME FROM OTHER PARTIES WHICH DEMONSTRATE SERIOUSNESS WITH PROPER DUE DILIGENCE ON THE CANDIDATES THEY PICK TO SUPPORT THEIR VICTORY. REMEMBER CHAPTER 6 ON INTEGRITY WHIC DOES NOT EXCLUDE NOMINATION OF PROPERLY VETTED CANDIDATES. I WISH YOU WELL IN YOU PRESIDENTIAL BID.

Elphas Osii23 January 2013 4:43 PM I cant believe what has just happened….if that is the so called Democracy,Jakom,watch these space on 4/3/2013…..

Siasa Kali23 January 2013 1:18 PM Please, this is not what we want or expected, why leave all the preferred nominees and pick your own for the specific sits? Was the nomination process for formality? Wait and see, come 04/03/2013, i know i’m not alone, we will serve you right. I now understand the internal dictatorship within the ODM that sent away all the PENTAGON members.

Thugs attack Judge probing Tana clashes

By CYRUS OMBATI
NAIROBI, KENYA: A High Court Judge was on Wednesday night carjacked and kidnapped in a robbery incident in her Karen home, Nairobi.

Lady Justice Grace Nzioka was driving into her compound at about 10 pm when she was confronted by five heavily armed men.

The Judge, who chairs a commission investigating the Tana River clashes that have claimed more than 160 lives and displaced thousands of people, told police that she was alone in her official car when gunmen who seemed to have been waiting struck.

Taking her hostage, they forced her into her house and ransacked it. The attackers confiscated several documents, a laptop, television set and other electronics.

The Judge’s husband, who is a businessman, drove in during the robbery unaware of the attack. The gang also took him hostage for hours as they demanded cash and other unclear “information”.

Police say the gang later abducted the two and drove with them out of their compound to Dagoretti area where they withdrew more than Sh40,000 from their ATM accounts.

They then took them to Kangemi area where they abandoned the two in the darkness and directed them to where they would leave the cars.

The Judge and her husband later drove back to their residence after they alerted police.

Police, who are still investigating the attack, have questioned why Nzioka’s personal body guard and a police officer stationed at the Judge’s home were unarmed at the time of the incident.

Detectives who visited the scene say their preliminary analysis shows that the gang was interested in the Judge’s laptop.

“We believe the other items they stole were just a cover up and their interest was in the laptop which they took. We are investigating,” said a senior police officer.

Nairobi Area head of police operations Wilfred Mbithi says no arrest or recovery has been made so far.

Judge Nzioka chairs a commission that is investigating Tana River clashes that have so far claimed 160 lives.

She was scheduled to officially release the report on the clashes on Friday after hearing evidence from more than 130 witnesses.

The night attack is believed to be linked to the report that the commission was compiling.

The incident comes a week after lands permanent secretary Ms Dorothy Angote and her husband were attacked in similar incident in their Lavington estate, Nairobi.

Their car is yet to be recovered after they were carjacked and robbed.

The couple was attacked last Wednesday night and robbed before they were dumped in a coffee plantation in Kikuyu.

According to police, Angote and her husband were driving to their home when they were attacked by three gunmen who had posed as her security guards.

Apparently the thugs had earlier attacked the security guards at the compound, stripped them of their uniforms and tied them in a corner. The thugs later wore the guards’ uniforms and positioned themselves in the compound.

When the couple arrived at about 10pm, the thugs ushered them in before holding them at gunpoint. According to reports, the gang was armed with AK47 rifles.

Angote and her husband were then driven around the city before they were abandoned in a coffee plantation past midnight. They were later rescued by police after villagers found them tied to a tree in the coffee plantation.

Police who saw them said they were unhurt. On Wednesday, police said they were yet to make an arrest or recovery of the car.

Detectives handling the case said they have a clue on who the gunmen were but they are yet to know the motive and were trailing them.

Police said the thugs also stole the couple’s X-Trail car, jewelry, cash, an iPad and other personal valuables.

THE FIASCO OF ODM PRIMARY NOMINATION IN NYANZA HAS EXPOSED THE PARTY LEADERSHIP AS NOT BEING SERIOUS WHILE CRUSADING FOR REFORM AND DEMOCRACY IN KENYA.

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

.It is like as if the ODM leadership is preaching water while they drink wines. The outcome of the last week’s flawed ODM primary nomination should place the party leadership into a very shameful position which needs a lot of concentrate and more energy in public relations work.

This mismanaged nomination has obviously given and equipped Raila Odinga rivals in the presidential race with ammunition with which they could use to discredit his crusading for reforms and democracy.

Despite of the strong of massive rebellion against the Prime Minister by his Luo supporters in his home backyard in Nyanza, the corruption ridden and much flawed ODM preliminary nomination exercises has left “Agwambo” like a wounded bull of buffalo.

What has since emerged like selection and not election will see Mr Odinga sitting in the eleventh parliament with not very credible MPs who can be said to be enjoying the public confidence, but a bunch of selected group rigged into the August House. And because the Prime Minister is facing an up-hill task of overcoming his opponents in the presidential race, he really needed a solid support and backing from his Luo home backyard in a similar fashion which he enjoyed in the 2007 general election.

This is so important because of Kenya’s politics is based on ethnicity strength and numbers, it appears here as if the Prime Minister had taken his tribesmen for granted and made no effort of sensitizing the on the importance of maintaining high standard of discipline in their undertakings, especially on matters related to the competitive politics.

Here are the list of the number of parliamentary constituencies where no genuine voting took place, and people purported to have won the nomination and those who are purported to have won the primaries in these constituencies were only handed the nomination certificates by the ODM in silver platter.

In Homa-Bay County, there were no elections which took place in Kabondo-Kasipul, Kasipul, Rangwe, Homa-Bay Town, Ndhiwa, Mbita and Gwassi..It was a big miss because the election materials either arrived in those places twenty four later after the expiry of the dateline and deadline set by the ICEBC.

The valid reason for the apathy shown by the voters in those places could as well be attributed to non-arrival or late arrival of election materials from the ODM headquarters in Nairobi, massive corruption practiced openly by those who were appointed and sent into those rural constituencies either as presiding or returning officers as well as polling stations clerks.

These personnel who were supposed to be responsible in supervising the nomination exercises went into bribery spree accepting money from the competing aspirants and then declaring those who had performed dismally at the polls as the winners to the chagrins of the electorate. After accepting bribes the returning officer later faked stories of kidnapping, some said they were intimidated and that their lives were placed in great danger. and yet some of the were known to have laughed all the way to the banks after receiving fat bribe money.

Still in Homa-Bay county, here no voting took place in places like Mbita, Homa-Bay, Town, Rangwe, Kabondo Kasipul, Kasipul Gwassi and Ndhiwa. Thee only place where members of the public had the slightest chances of casting their votes was in Karachuonyo constituency. Bribery is said to have not been confined within the constituencies, but had also started all the way from the party head office where some ballot boxes were poorly packed and sent out in insecure condition which were prone to interferences while the documents were still in transit

Some places receiving ballot boxes and ballot papers without bearing the names of some candidates or some candidates had their names missing from the ballot papers. This was the case of Kabondo-Kasipul. .In Migori County, genuine voting exercises only took places in two constituencies, namely Migori East and Migori West. It was only in Rongo constituency where the actual voting exercise took place, though there were inadequate election materials.

In the newly created Awendo cons politician with contact and influence at the ODM headquarters is believed to have prevailed upon the party’s election board members to have his political surrogate and sycophant declared the winner in a place which had not received even one single ballot box.

Rumors were also rampant that a vehicle loaded with panga Machetes] had ferried the consignment from Kisumu to Awendo. The machetes are said to have been distributed to the youths, for the purpose of committing a felony during the primaries and thereafter during the election proper.

He residents have appealed to the police to launch a thorough investigation with the view to unearth the whereabouts of the huge consignment of machetes. The same could be used on March 4, 2013 for the purpose of causing mayhem.

Hired political goons were deployed everywhere, including inside polling booths. In places where the goons perceived that their master was on the losing end, they moved, invaded the polling stations,seized ballot papers and destroyed election materials including the votes which had already been casted. To-date nobody had appeared before a court of law charged with the offences causing willful damages to property.

It was in Uriri constituency within Migori district where the voters were able to vote, though in a small scale. And they sent the former MP Cyprian Ojwang’ Omolo packing and replace him with the populist Eng Kobado, a former Principal of the Kenya Railways Training School, the only man in greater Southern Nyanza who is believed to have won his primary nomination genuinely.

The former Luo-Nyanza MPs who lost the nomination, though some of them later found their way after their names had been submitted to the ICEBC include Ayiecho Olueny [uhotoni} Otieno Ogindo{Rangwe} Oyugi Magwanga {Kasipul], Edick Omondfi Anyanga [Nyatike}, Fred Outa {Nyando}, Pollyins Ochieng’ Daima, {Nyakach, Jakoyo Midiwo {Gem{, Olago Aluoch {Kisumu Town West[.

Hose who had defended their seats successfully included Eng. Nicholas Gumbo [Rarieda],Shakeel Ahmed |Shabbir {Kisumu Town East, Dalmas Otieno,{Rongo}John Pesa [Migori East}Eng James Rege [Karachuonyo} and John Mbadi {Gwassi}.

KENYA: CHAOS MAR PARTY NOMINATIONS AS CANDIDATES IMPOSED TO VOTERS

From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images
MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2013

If Kenyans were to take the advice of Eagle Coalition presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth seriously that they should not vote in the wrong leaders who have been imposed to them by party leaders, then they will not regret later.

Against the background that even though voters were crying foul that wrong leaders were imposed on them against the their wish, speculations spread across the country that certificates have already being issued to party preferred candidates.

That is why cases of violence and chaos were witnessed during nominations carried out by the, particularly Amani, CORD (Coalition for Reforms and Democracy) and Jubilee coalitions and other smaller parties. That is also why angry voters took to the street to protest against leaders who were imposed on them by top party leaders.

The ugly head of violence surfaced in several polling centres mostly in Eastlands in Nairobi, Kendu Bay, Siaya and Kisumu because these were the regions where voters complained bitterly they leaders were imposed on them.

In Kisumu for example, a returning officer was escorted by heavily armed security detail to Tom Mboya Labour College where he announced the Kisumu County nomination results against the wishes of voters.

He declined to identify himself but went ahead to read a list of results that he referred to as provisional, starting by declaring Shakeel Shabbir as the Kisumu East parliamentary nominee, and in Nyando, Kisumu West and Muhoroni, where voting was still going on at the time of announcement, former MPs Fred Outa, Olago Aluoch and Ayiecho Olweny were declared winners respectively.

Kisumu turned small hell when he announced that Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Ruth Odinga won the ODM governor nominee. Against background that ODM supporters began protesting. Earlier announcement and the preference of Kisumu voters had it that Jack Ranguma had clinched the governor ticket.

Similar sentiments were experienced in Homa Bay where Otieno Kajwang was announced to have won the senate seat, Eng. Philip Okundi as governor and in Siaya Raila’s elder brother Dr Oburu Odinga as governor, contrary to the wishes of voters.

Chaos began in Homa Bay shortly after returning officer Mr John Mulehi who was in the company of a fellow returning officer had just given the results to The Standard on the telephone when armed men walked into the hotel he was in.

Sources said the two officers were accosted by unknown men and forced into a waiting car before driving away. As the kidnappers in a convoy of seven cars left the premises as the police arrived, a few minutes later, Mulehi called saying he wanted to change the results he had given on phone, saying the ODM headquarters had asked him to do so.

“Please, help me. Change the results that had been given on consensus to the following: Cyprian Awiti 52,294 and Philip Okundi 15,370 for the governor seat, Gladys Wanga 61,793 and Roselyne Onyuka 12,545 women representative seat. For Kasipul Kabondo, change to Oyugi Magwanga 7,620 and Tom Okoko 2, 640,” he told the press.
Mulehi had earlier on indicated they agreed to have former Mbita MP Otieno Kajwang’ as the winner of the senate seat, Okundi (governor) and Onyuka (Women Representative), totally against the wish of voters.

In Kisumu County where Ayiecho Olweny Muhoroni MP (ODM), Fred Outa Nyando MP (ODM), and Olago Oluoch Kisumu West (ODM) were earlier announced that they were defeated, only to change later that they won, is why chaos erupted, especially in Nyando where voters say they are totally tired with their former MP Outa.

Similar chaos were experienced in Gem, Siaya County where Raila’s cousin Jakoyo Midiwo was announced defeated, only to learn later that he was in the ballot for March 4 general elections.

Other earlier results indicated that in Kisumu County Ochola Ogola (ODM) won for senator while Riala’s sister Ruth Odinga (ODM) won the seat for governor and Rose Nyamunga (ODM) for women rep. It means that these are the people who will be issued with party certificates if we are to go by speculation that these are the types of leaders ODM top organ wanted.

In Rift Valley, especially in Baringo County, tallying was halted for over four hours after URP aspirant for governor Simon Chelugui complained that votes from polling stations had been tampered with. While for voters Chelegui was the preferred candidate, for the party they had one in mind.

Chelugui lost in the nomination to former Higher Education and Loans Board Secretary Ben Cheboi. It was announced that Cheboi won the party’s ticket for governorship; Grace Kiptui won the women representative while Bishop Jackson Kosgey was nominated to fly the party’s senatorship flag.

In Parliamentary seat, Kanu nominated Leah Manyarkiy for Baringo Central, Gideon Moi for senator and Stanley Kiptis for governorship. In Kericho, there was fracas at the ODM offices when a member of county assembly aspirant stormed the building and tore the results, which were being compiled.

The same thing was also experienced in Nairobi where an aspirant for the Makongeni Ward was Sunday admitted to hospital after being hurt in a scuffle as he struggled to get his nomination certificate in vain.

Peter Imwatok who is aspiring to be the County representative for the Makongeni Ward on ODM ticket was injured in a scuffle outside the residence of outgoing Nairobi mayor George Aladwa where he was waiting to be awarded his nomination certificate.

Some of the preferred aspirants by top party organs issued certificates even after the IEBC issued a statement notifing members of the political parties that party nominations ended midnight (Jan 18) and any nominations ongoing were illegal and against the Elections Act as per the Kenya Gazette Notice Vol. CXIV- No. 132 of 28th December 2012.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ UN Disarmament Conference, 2002

KENYA: KAJWANG AND OKUNDI AWARD THEMSELVES SENATE AND GOVERNOR SEATS

From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2013

If we go by what Standard has just reported few minutes ago that ODM risks massive petitions over the controversial party primaries in its Nyanza strongholds, particularly in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties, where it emerged that consensus was used in some areas to pick candidates then this is very absurd indeed.

In some areas, especially in Kisumu, Migori, and Homa Bay counties where former MP Shakeel Shabbir who claimed to have won the Kisumu East ODM ticket, the returning officer could not be reached to announce the results.

In Homa Bay County the story is even shocking. Returning Officer John Mulehi was forced to agree to have former Mbita MP Otieno Kajwang’ as the Senate ODM flag bearer, Philip Okundi (Governor), and Roselyne Onyuka (Women Representative).

“We agreed on consensus and the party head office allowed us to file the results,” Mulehi told The Standard on Sunday. The closed-door consensus meeting was allegedly attended by former MPs Augustino Neto, Millie Odhiambo, John Mbadi, candidates who won the ODM ticket for various seats, Ongondo Were, Silvan Osele, Everest Okambo, and Judith Omogi.

Mulehi who had been roughed up by voters on Thursday afternoon released the results in Migori constituency instead of Homa Bay.

This is similar story where in 2007 ODM nominations that were defeated were issued with party certificate of clearance. Prof Patrick Ayiecho Olweny despite having deployed violent tactics on the polling day was defeated by a large margin of over 1000 votes, yet he was issued with certificate. Olweny had polled 7840 votes against the winner Mr. Joseph Omulo Okal’s 8494 votes.

When Okal the winner visited the party head office in Nairobi on Monday morning to collect his victory certificate, he was shocked when he was told that the former MP Prof Ayiecho Olweny had already been issued with one in a mysterious circumstance.

Winners of the nomination were short-changed in Gem, Ugenya, Nyakach, Kasipul- Kabondo, Kisumu Town East, Kitutu Masaba, Kitutu Chache, Konoin, Kipkellion and Ainamoi.

In Kisumu Rural, where Prof. Anyang Nyong’o faced imminent defeat, he was given “direct nomination” in a move which ignited violent protests and riots. The situation was even (more) grave in Mbita where a prospective candidate and the people’s choice, Sam Wakiaga, was coerced and forced out of the manipulated and fraudulent primaries in order to give way to Otieno Kajwang.

Justice was only seen where voters violently resisted imposed nominees. This include Rangwe where an attempt to return Eng. Philip Okundi was resisted and in Alego Usonga where voters firmly rejected Jackline Oduol.

Philip Okundi who was rejected by the people of Rangwe is now being awarded governor seat. Areas like Ugenya, Mbita, Bondo and Kisumu Rural where voters never resisted ODM succeeded to impose their hirelings on the electorate.

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

Protests in Kisumu city over announcement that Ruth Odinga is the successful candidate

From: odhiambo okecth

Looks like The Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga does not want to be the President of Kenya.

Let us all hold forte and defend Democracy.

Oto

— On Sun, 1/20/13, Mark wrote:

From: Mark Juma
Subject: Protests in Kisumu city over announcement that Ruth Odinga is the successful candidate
Date: Sunday, January 20, 2013, 2:33 AM

Reports coming in on NTV say there are serious protests in Kisumu town after word went round that Ruth Odinga has been given the ODM nomination certificate to contest as Governor for Kisumu County

The protestors insist it was Jack Ranguma who was earlier announced as the winner by the electoral officers on the ground.

It seems the change has been made at Orange House in Nairobi….

Orange house election officials are nowhere to be seen and there is also a huge crowd of various aspirants camped there since yestrday night just not to take chances so that succesful ones are not outmaneuvered.

Of course some unsuccessful one’s are also there lobbying to turn around things!!!!!!!

Democracy the ODM way…I fear for Kenya if these are the leader’s we plan to elect!!!!!

Pathetic to say the least!!!

TNA ….not any better!!! TNA nominations far-from complete despite the so called DIGITAL generation

KENYA: BRIBERY, NEPOTISM MANIPULATION OF VOTERS WHILE THE HIRED POLITICAL GOONS REIN SUPREME EVERYWHERE FEATURED PREEMINENTLY DURING THE MUCH FLAWED ODM PRIMARIES IN LUO-NYANZA.

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

MASSIVE bribery of voters, political manipulation, nepotism and undercutting were the order of the day during the two days of the much flawed ODM primaries conducted inside Luo-Nyanza.

The outcome of the poorly conducted nomination primaries could spell doom to the presidential ambition of the ODM leader Raila Odinga, and perhaps ruins his chances of clinching the presidency come March 2013.

Failure to conduct credible and fair nomination primaries in many parts of the region has left many wounds in the hearts of the electorate who are left nursing the feeling that the Orange Democratic Movement {ODM} and its enlarged CORD alliance lacked disciplinary of making credible nomination in its own.

According to the chairman of the ODM election board, Mr Franklin Kipng’etich Arap Bett, who is also the Roads Minister all the nomination exercise should have come to an end by |Midnight on Friday. However, by Saturday morning, the voting was still going on in some places, like Homa-Bay, Ndhiwa, Mbita Awendo, Nyando and Muhoroni in total defiance of the IEBC rules.

What is most interesting is that one of the newly created parliamentary constituency in Migori, Awendo never received even one single election materials include ballot papers and voting boxes.

Awendo had ten aspirants, each of the paid a nomination fees of Kshs 100,000 bringing it to a total of Kshs One Million. But the aspirants had waited from Day one, Day two, up to Day three, in vain without receiving any election materials.

In places where the voting took places, the polling stations were marred with acts of lawlessness such as stone throwing and destruction of the election papers. In some places the coordinators and returning and presiding officers were forced to flee the polling station as drunken bands of hired goon emerged from the nearby “Chang’aa drinking dens, settled on the election materials with kicks and destroyed even ballot boxes.

A number of Raila’s loyalists were floored and forced into exit. Other who survived did so narrowly, but with flurry of complaints from their rivals claiming they were shameless rigged in.

Raila’s own older brother Dr Oburu Oginga suffered heaviest defeat in his ambition to become the first governor of Siaya County, forcing the election coordinator a Ms Monica Amolo, a perennial parliamentary election loser in Ndhiwa to use mobile tallyng centers, which the voters in Siaya violently disputed as not “ very credible’.

Citing insecurity and safety of her team, Ms Amolo shifted from Siaya Town where she was supposed to announce the outcome of the governorship contest between Dr Oburu Oginga and the populist Paul Oduol and moved to Bondo,.The voters were, however, not amused and saw the move as one way of rigging Mr Oduoo votes. It actually happened, when the figures were turned upside down with new figures reading that Dr.Oburu Ogingsa had [polled 62,000 votes against Oduol’s 35,000 sparking off the strongest protest.

Fears now persist that with thousands of voters in the region dissenting the outcome of the ODM primary nomination, the likelihood massive fallout cannot be ruled out. Those voters who feel offended after being denied the right to choose their own representative could turn into a major rebellion and cast their voters to Raila Odinga’s rivals in the presidential race.

In Homa-Bay County, things were so bad that marauding political goons destroyed or burnt most of the election materials meant for the various constituencies in the region. These included ballot boxes and voting materials meant for Kabodo-Kasipul, Kasipul, Homa-Bay Town, Ndhiwa and Mbita.

In some places the goons beat up election officials and party leaders sensilessly. In Muhoroni within Kisumu County one man suffered serious knife stab and had to be rushed to Ombei Dispensary in Nyando district.

In Kisumu Town East, the outgoing Shakeel Ahmed Shabir had won his primary, But the rumor went round that the party bosses were in the process of issuing Shabbir’s rival a Mr. Micholas Oricho with the nomination certificate. This deadly rumor immediately raised political temperature in the violence prone Kisumu City.

In the contest for the lucrative and powerful position of the Kisumu County governor, the excessively arrogant Raila Odinga’s sister Ruth Adhiambo Odinga became another casualities within the Odinga family She lost the governorship to the former senior accountant with the KRA Jack Ranguma who beat close to six other aspirant.

Ruth Odinga is the managing director of the Kisumu based Odinga family business flagship The Spectre International, which is managing the Kisumu Molasses.

This particular position was contested by among other aspirants Mrs Rhoda Ahonnobadha, former AFC regional manager for Nyanza and Western Provinces, the former cabinet Minister Ojwang’ K’Ombudo, Prof.Menya Kariaga, a senior lecturer in one of the US universities Dr. Barrack Abonyo, a Nairobi based business woman –cum-lawyer Atieno Otieno.

The outspoken Raila ‘s sister Ruth Adhiambo Odinga had been advised to abandon her ambition for the governorship by close friends and relatives, but she defiantly went on and contested the position fairing badly.

Other Raila casualties included the abrasive Nyatike MP Edick Omodi Anyanga, Uriri MP Cyprian Ojwang’ Omolo who lost to a former Principal of the Kenya Railways Training School Eng. Kobado. Nyakach Mp Ochieng;’ Daima,Eng Philip Okundi, who contested Homa-Bay County governor, Raila’s cousing Jakoyo Midiwo, the gem MP

Other whose position remain unclear by late last night included Muhuroni Mp Patrick Ayiecho Olueny, Nyando MP Fred Outa who is married to Raila Oding’a cousin.

In Karachuonyo constituency also withinHoma-Bay County, the election loser ganged up hired drunken goons ws were heard singing derogatory songs saying No Adipo Okuome No Raila or Rege Must Go.

The song implying that without Adipo Okuome they voter would not votefor raila in his presidential bid on March 4, 2013.

This was so despite of the fact tat the outgoing MP Eng. James Rege had beaten his rivals hands down with a big margin.

ODM need to out its hoiu8se in order, and instill high discipline among the party youths.

Ends

KENYA: ODM NOMINATION PRIMARIES IN NYANZA WAS A SHAM AND MOCKERY TO DEMOCRATIC TENETS AS IT WAS MARRED BY ACTS OF HOOLIGANISM AND POLITICAL THUGGERY

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

THE just concluded ODM primary in many parts of Luo-Nyanza was a sham reflecting a political movement in crisis with its members.

It has since sparked off discontent and complaints which the party supreme at the headquarters should move with the snake speed and have the anomalies rectified before the March 4, 2013.

The primaries were marred by acts of hooliganism and political thuggery of the highest order. The marauding goons moving in groups of between 30 or more made it sure that no credible primary nomination took place.

The outgoing MPs from the region stand lamed for the lawlessness and criminal activities meted out by their supporters to the genuine voters who had turned out in their thousands ready to caste their votes and chose leaders who would take the community to the next level of development.

The voters in several parliamentary constituencies were in actual sense de-franchised and denied their rights of voting.

In the newly created Kabondo-Kasipul constituency in Rachuonyo South district, the ballot papers and other election material arrived late close to noon hour. But some of the aspirants, particularly the populist Hebert Ojwang’ had his name missing from the ballot papers.

In the neighboring Kasipul about 50 goons raided a polling station near Agoro-Sare High School within Oyugis Town and seized all the election materials. The goons sent the presiding officer and his entire team of election clerks fleeing for their dear lives.

Another bunch of hired political goons invaded five polling station in Kachien location, destroyed ballot papers and other election materials forcing the stations to be closed prematurely, though the election material had arrived late from Nairobi. Despite of high provocation, the voters persevered and continue voting into the late hours of darkness, but only for the goons to return again , ransacking the polling station n seized ballot boxes and destroyed them.

In Homa-Bay Town a presiding officer by the name Mulei was ambushed at 4.a.m and beaten senseless and left for the dead by un known goons.AS A RESULT BALLOT BOXES AND VOTING Election materials meant for for the neighboring constituencies of Mbita, Gwassi, Ndhiwa, Homa-Bay Town, Rangwe and other places were displaced like Mbita, Ndhiwa, Gwassi .Homa-Bay Town, Rangwe and other places went missing. The region was later become awash with rumours of ballot papers being recovered mysterious at places like Kodiera, Mbita Junction .

Election materials which arrived in Mbita Town were found to be inadequate. However, the aspirants jointly reached a consensus after consultation to produce duplicates of the few ballot papers that had arrived late in the evening on the first day of the nomination. All the ballot papers and election material were kept at Mbita Town offices of the ODM. But the next morning the office was found to have been broken and all the material missing either destroyed with no trace.

The same goons are said to have set a blaze dozens of ballot boxes containing ballot papers in Ndhiwa Town not far away from the local |D.C’s office and got away scot-free with this heinous crime. The song was the same in Awendo and Rongo constituencies as well as in the neighboring Uriri, In all those places no voting took place on the first day. The reason being non-arrival of the elections materials and the election official having failed to turn up in time to serve the electorate.

Thousand of the would be enthusiastic voters who turned out in their thousands went home disappointed after waiting for the whole day with no election material on sight. The situation became so pathetic and the disillusioned and frustrated voters walked home.

From the looking of things it appeared as if all the outgoing MPs in Luo-Nyanza had conspired secretly with some top officials of the ODM at the Orange house, Nairobi and hatched a secret plan so the frustrated the outgoing MPs could maintain their status quo.

These anomalies were experiences in Siaya, Migori and all other places. In Siaya a vehicle packed with crude weapons were intercepted by police and close to 32 occupants nabbed.

IN Nyakach voting did not take place in five sub-location with over 3,000 registered voters, though the returning officer a Mr Okoth defiantly announced the result in favor of one of the aspirants. Similar incidents were evidence everywhere.

In some places even police and members of the Provincial administration appeared to have been compromised. They became toothless bulldogs and made no effort to prevent crime or any act which fueled violence in the polling stations.

What emerged was that political parties are not capable of organizing successful and credible nomination exercises in this country and the sooner political parties deliberated on this issue and found a solution the better.

The abrasive Raila Odinga’s cousin Jakoyo Midiwo of Gem was one of the leading casualities and so was the Prime Minister own elder brother Dr. Oburu Ogings the Finance Assistant Minister whose bid to become the first governor of Siaya suffered the heaviest blow.

Ends

KENYA: HOMA-BAY DIRECT NOMINATION SAGA

from: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013

As ODM nominations are carried out today, Kenyans are eagerly waiting to see whether allegations that Eng. Philip Okundi has been given direct nomination will come true.

Okundi who is also the former MP of Rangwe was quoted by some sections of media as claiming that he has already received a direct ODM nomination ticket for Homa-bay gubernatorial seat. Click here to read the claim DAILY POST: SHAME: PHILIP OKUNDI has a direct ODM ticket.

According to the report, the ex-MP said he is guaranteed that the CORD nomination will ensure he wins the Governor’s seat he is seeking, after which he will be appointed Finance Minister.

Philip Okundi is a close ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and he was appointed to the board of Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) after he lost the Rangwe parliamentary seat in year 2007 on ODM ticket.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.

-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ UN Disarmament Conference, 2002

Kenya: Prof ANYANG’ NYONG’O and RUTH ODINGA – the CASUALTIES in ODM

From: Pharis Macharia

Medical Services Minister Prof Anyang Nyong’o and Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Ruth Odinga, might become the first casualties of the ODM nominations in Kisumu County.

Ruth, Raila’s sister, who is vying for the Governor seat in Kisumu County and Nyong’o who is eyeing the Kisumu Senate seat, were today booed in Kisumu town as they tried to oversee the nominations.

Nyong’o is facing a bruising battle with Pastor George Weda, Mr James Ochola Ogoda and Mr Maxwell Otieno Odongo who have immense support and have already taken the lakeside county by storm.

Ruth Odinga is also facing stiff competition from Peter Odoyo and she has already claimed that ODM nominations in Kisumu County were flawed.

Nyong’o and Ruth Odinga are now calling on the ODM National Elections Board chaired by Roads Minister Franklin Bett to extend or post pone the nominations.

An Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) aspirant from Kisumu was on Wednesday arrested buying pangas and machetes at a hardware store in Kisumu town.

Detectives derived from Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested the man who was allegedly buying the weapons to be used today, to cause mayhem in ODM nominations.

Kisumu police boss Musa Kongoli said the man was arrested on suspicion of having bought a large number of weapons comprising of 100 pangas and 50 machetes

The suspect only identified as Seth Kanga is vying for Kisumu County ward representative.Wananchi protested the arrest of the aspirant and stormed Central Police Station demanding his release.

One police officer was shot during the scuffle and he is recuperating at AgaKhan Hospital, Kisumu.

Kanga was later released with a cash bond of Sh 10,000.

However, Kanga’s lead campaigner Ken Akoko said they suspect a sinister motive behind the arrest.

The Kenyan DAILY POST

Kenya: A voter in Homa-Bay County wants Minister Otoeno Kajwang’ to be barred from contesting any elective position on integrity

A HOMA-BAY VOTER HAS WRITTEN TO THE LSK AND IEBC AND ASKED THAT IMMIGRATION MINISTER OTIENO KAJWANG IS UNFIT TO HOLD ANY PUBLIC OFFICE AND SHOULD BE BARRED FROM CONTESTING ANY ELECTIONS.

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

A Nairobi based firm of lawyers has written to the Law Society of Kenya {LSK} raising questions about Immigration and R4gistration of Persons Minister Gerald Otieno Kajwang’s suitability to vie for public office given that he was struck off the Rolls of Advocates a couple of year ago.

The law firm is acting on behalf of a registered voter in Homa-Bay County Mr Edward Ochieng’ Otieno who raised eleven [11] point issues of complaints about the minister’s suitability to hold any elective office or the appointive one.

The law firm of Ekuru and Nyamuthwe company advocates wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the LSK Apolo Mboya,and copied to the Attorney General the chairman of the LSK Eric Mutua, the chairman of the LSK, Mrs Gladys Shollei, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Franklin Bett, the chairman of the ODM Elections Board, the ODM, The party leader Raila Odinga, the ODM’s Secretary General Prof. Peter Anyang Nyongo’o, the leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, the leader of the Ford Kenya Moses Wetangula and the chairman of the Independent Electoral Boundary Commission [IEBC].

Observers in Kisumu and its environs were quick in pointing out that barring Otieno Kajwang’ from contesting the Homa-Bay Senate seat would dealt a heavy blow to the ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Kajwang’is believed t0 be Raila Odinga’s pointman, especially in the greater Southern Nyanza. He is currently the ODM Homa-Bay county branch chairman.

The action came about after the voter in question had learnt that the ODM headquarters had already cleared Minister Otieno Kajwang’ to participate in the party’s primaries on Thursday {17th January 2013].

The contentious letter states, ’We have been retained by Mr Edward Ochieng’ Otieno, a registered voter who seeks clarification on a number of issues pertaining to the Hon.Otieno Kajwang’.

In addition, our client wishes to bring to the attention of the Law Society of Kenyaevents that requires your attention. Thus we write to you as follows.-

{1} That in exercise of his civic duty as a registered voter in Homa-Bay County, Mr Otieno is keenly monitoring the extent to which the rule of law in respect of the above person {HON. Kajwang’] under the reference is being followed. This issue arises because of what has come to the fore that Hon. Kajwang’ has been struck off the Roll of Advocates and therefore a person not fit to hold, let alone applying for public office whether elective are appointive.”

[2} That to this very date, the Hon. Kajwang’ stands struck off the roll of Advocates and as such he is a dishonored member of the legal profession reason why he was removed from the Roll of honour of advocates in accordance with the enabling law.

The letter went on, ’Our client now requests for a confirmation from your offices whether Hon. Kajwang’can be said to be a member of the LSK in good standing? How many times has been struck off the Roll of Advocates?

{3} That it has come to our client’s attention that Hon.Kajwang’ has initiated from you whether indeed Hon. Kajwqng’ has initiate this process and who are the parties or institution presiding over the proces? a process to be reinstated into the Roll of Advocates. Our client seeks to know from you whether indeed the Hon. Kajwang’ has initiated the process and who are the parties or institution presiding over the process?

{4} That further to the foregoing our client seeks further to know the process that an Advocate who has been struck off the rolls of Advocates follow? Our client further seeks to know from you whether it is indeed that Hon. Kajwang’ has indeed initiated a process seeking to clear him to stand for elective office?

[5] Our client points out to you that the Hon. Kajwang’ now seeks to be elected as a member of the Senate to represent the County of Homa-Bay. Our client contends that Hon.Kajwang’ has initiated this process with the full knowledge that he has serious integrity issues on account of having been struck off the Roll of Advocates. This is convenient cleansing on his part that is intended to defeat chapter 6 of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.

{6] Our client is aware of the good role the LSK continues to play in issuing Clearance Certificates of good conduct and standing during the recruitment of its members to various public offices, interlia, the IEBC. Could you confirm to us whether you intend to follow the same process in clearing those seeking elective posts such as Hon. Otieno Kajwang’?

[7} Our client asserts that the LSK should guard the Constitution and refuse to allow the LSk to be used conveniently by those now seeking clearance to vie for elective posts. Our client contends that the Hon. Kajwang’n is a man whose integrity to hold public office is very wanting and cannot therefore be cleared by the LSK to stand for the Senatorial seat for Homa-Bay County.

{8}Our client observes that the Hon. Kajwang’ has conveniently initiated the process seeking to be restored to the Roll of Advocates. Our client contends that the requirement for public officers to demonstrate integrity is a gain in the new Constitution and the LSK should protect that gain at all costs.

{9} Our client further seek to know if it is indeed true that hon. Kajwang’ has appeared in the recent past before the Advocates Complaints Commission and whether he indeed apologized for having misappropriated clients money; reason why he was struck off the Rolls of Advocates in the first instance?

[10}It is true that the Hon. Kajwang’ on his own admission that he had stolen client’s money, what does the LSK plan to do with this confession on the part of Minister Otieno Kajwang?’. It is our client’s firm conviction for that Hon. Kajwang’ should be prosecuted forthwith.

[11} Our client urgently requires the information herein sought to enable him make a determination whether to proceed to court or not for reasons that our client is aware that the Orange Demcratic Mvement Party{ODM] plans to include the Hon. Kajwang’ as one of the candidates for the Senatorial seat for the Homa-Bay County.

It is our client’s firm conviction that Hon. Kajwang should not be cleared by the LKSK to stand for any public office until such time that he is properly retored into the Roll of Advocates.

Hon Oteno Kajwang’; could not be reached for his immediate comment over the issue, but the matter is increasingly becoming an election issue within the Homa-Bay County.

Ends

KENYA: KISUMU POLICE BLAMED FOR RELEASING POLITICIAN’S VEHICLE.

By Chak Rachar

Former Lamu Town Council Clerk and Nyando Parliamentary aspirant Patrick Lumumba Ouya has questioned the motive of the area police releasing a land rover belonging to one of his opponents which was arrested with crude weapons and released under mysterious circumstances at the Kisumu Central Police Station.

Speaking in Kisumu Ouya vowed to pursue the issue with the relevant police authorities saying the vice might catapult to massive violence during the forthcoming ODM nominations.

“If a land rover caught carrying pangas,simis ,bows and arrows is released ostensibly under the order of a senior police officer based at the division level, surely what are we talking about?” he wondered.

One of his campaign managers Dr.Sammy Oron lamented that the police might be held responsible incase chaos broke out during the forthcoming party elections as terror weapons were released by the police.

“Let senior police officers at the Provincial level investigate the incident or we petition their headquarters” Oron added

KENYA: MUHORONI VOTERS CALLED ON TO MAKE SURE THAT RAILA WINS.

By Chak Rachar.

Nairobi based businessman and Muhoroni Parliamentary aspirant James Mathew Onyango Koyoo has declared that he will be ready to forego his parliamentary ambitions if he looses fairly and ODM CORD Presidential nominee wins the Country’s top seat.

Speaking in his Muhoroni Constituency while meeting various leaders who endorsed him for the seat, K’oyoo called on peaceful elections and called on the ODM elections board to discipline any aspirant him included who will be found to be orchestrating violence.

“I better loose fairly and Raila wins the Presidency rather than I win and Raila looses the Presidency, also there is a need for us to conduct a very peaceful and an all inclusive party nominations” he added.

K’oyoo also asked the area police concerned to adequately provide for security saying ODM nominations within luoland usually is like the general elections.

“Our party’s nominations is like a general election, so they should not leave any extra strength, they should fully provide security for this nominations” he added

KENYA: KISUMU COUNTY RESIDENTS BACK RANGUMA.

By Chak Rachar.

Hawkers, Traders, Mechanics, Proffesionals, Political Activists and University Students in Kisumu County have vowed to support ODM party Governor Aspirant Jack Ranguma for governor position.

Led by Kisumu County University Students Chairamn Moses Ogolla who is pursing electrical engineering at the Kisumu Polytechnic, the students say Ranguma is best suited for the position.

Ogolla who read the declaration to endorse Ranguma at a Kisumu hotel says the aspirant has positive policies for the growth of the county.

He says Ranguma has elaborate plans to ensure education standards are raised and those graduating absorbed in the market.

A group of cane farmers also endorsed Ranguma saying that sugarcane farming which remains the backbone of the county economy will be revitalized.

Ogolla says farmers have been hoodwinked and Ranguma will now ensure that all that is extracted from cane is paid to the farmers.

He says that it is unfortunate that farmers are not being paid for the bio gas, ethanol and other products derived from cane.

They called on all their members and supporters to back Ranguma saying he stands for the growth and development of the County.

Ends.

KENYA: MINISTER DALMAS OTIENO”S MOTORCADE CAME UNDER HALE OF STONES AMID ACCUSATIONS BY ODM ASPIRANTS IN MIGORI COUNTRY THAT HE HAD HATCHED A DICTATORIAL PLAN OF DISHING OUT DIRECT NOMINATIONS CERTIFICATES TO THE PREFERRED CANDIDATES.

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Migori Town

The on going electioneering campaign by people who are vying for various elective position in ODM tickets had become the sources of discontent in many parts of Luo-Nyanza with aspirants vying for the various elective positions within Migori County have accused Dalmas Otieno the Minister for Public Service of gross interference in what could otherwise be a smooth and peaceful elections campaigns in the region ahead of next week’s ODM nomination exercise.

Earlier this week Minister Otieno ‘s convoy of several sleek campaign vehicles had come under halls of stones, a clear indication that things are not moving smoothly in favor of the Minister who is also the incumbent Rongo MP, and who is defending his parliamentary seat.

The Minister was driving back to his Rongo rural home after addressing a series of campaign rallies at Kamgundho, Cham-Gi-Wadu when rowdy and drunken youths hurled stones to his motorcade.

The symptoms that the Minister is not all that a comfortable man even at his family level is the fact that his elder son Jared Oteno aged 46 is among the aspirants who have signed a statement requesting the ODM headquarters at the Orange House to instill some amount of discipline to the Minister.

The aspirants want the ODM to stop his plan of dishing out nominations certificates to certain preferred candidates a head of the ODM nomination exercise schedule for January 17, 2013.

The protest by ODM aspirants came about after Dalmas Otieno had released a press statement detailing how all elective positions will be dished out in Miori County. The statement has it that the position of Miogori governor would go to Prof. Edward Akong’o Oyugi, while the deputy governor positions will go to Zachary Okoth Obado, and the Senator seat will go to Dr Walter Machage the current MP for Kuria.

The aspirants have said that Dalmas Oteno ha no constitutional mandate of giving direct nomination to any aspirants and they insisted that all the aspirants irrespective of their status within the society should be subjected to open, fair and just nomination. They termed Dalmas Otieno’s action “dictatorial and mockery to the democratic principles.

The Minister’s own son Jared Otieno is among those contesting for the Migori governor seat and he is in a different and parallel election campaign camp.Jared Otieno launched his campaign last Sunday with pop and pageantry in Migori town.

He has since been tearing into his father’s private life and questioning the Minister’s integrity as a leader. While the Minister is reported to have disowned his son in private, but never uttered any tired vitriols against his son publicly, and the campaign by the two against each other is drawing a lot of interests in the region and could weaken the ODM voting strength unless the party acted with speed and have the sanity restored.

The Senate seat has also attracted the former Mathare MP Ochieng’Mbeo who has twice served as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly in Arusha, John Magaiwa,the ODM Migori County branch chairman,Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti. One of the aspirants who got disgusted Phrares Oluoch Kanindo a one time two terms MP for the large Homa-Bay constituency has since pulled out in anger and declared that he would contest the Senate seat as an independent candidate.

Many other aspirants on ODM tickets in Migori County said they would consider ditching the party unless Dalmas Otieno is disciplined by the ODM head office.They are arguing that the Minister is contradicting the party’s declared policy that nobody would be given a direct nomination,a stand which the Prime Minister RailaOdinga has persistently reiterated many times make it quite clear that no such a thing will happen and that all must go to the ballot boxes to determine the winner.

The protest note was signed by one Paul Abuor who is perceived to be a Dalmas Otieno’s protégé and who is an aspirant in Rongo parliamentary seatand Jared OtIeno the Minister’s own sons.

The stoning of the Minister’s vehicles came in the wake and after only a week after another aspirant for the governor position Mrs Anne Omodho Anyanga had her cart windscreen smashed by rowdy youths suspected to be supporters of Dalmas Oteno I Rongo Town. The youth roughed up Mrs Anyanganga who is the wife of the Nyatike MP Edick Omondi Anyanga,who has mounted the most elaborate campaign using a hired chopper.

Mrs Anyanga, who was traversing the entire Rongo constituency, had landed at Rongo Primary School, which is allocated inside main Rongo market.

Market and a crowd rushed to the scene where she was addressing a huge crowd which had formed itself instantly at the places .
.
The youth were shouting “Gonywa Gonywa” and menacingly demanding that she give the money, but sensing the danger of her persona l safety Mrs Anyanga jumped into her vehicle which drove to the Choper.The chopper took off amid hails of stones thrown to it in the air by the youth.

Looking shaken Mrs Anyanga flew out of Rongo and landed in some other places within the constituency like Opapo, Ranen, Kodero Bara, BUT SCATHINGLY CONDEMNED THE INCIDENT , WHICH SHE SAW AS AN ATTEMPT TO DISCRIMINATE THE GENDER AND WOMEN FROM CONTESTING PUBLIC OFFICES.

ENDS

Kenya: Nairobi based business magnate has joined the race for Awendo seat causing great panic among other aspirants

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Awendo Town.

The latest entry into the contest, for the newly created Awendo parliamentary constituency, of a Nairobi based business magnate, Walter John Owino Sirawa, has sent a half a dozen or so parliamentary hopefuls into great panic.

Owinoi Sirawa entry into the Awendo race has hit the ground with thud forcing his rivals into resorting to unorthodox means including character assassination

Sirawa is the managing director of Gillies Security Guards. His entry into the race has drastically changed the contest while his popularity has hit the region like Tsunami. His candidature has attracted a large following by the youths and women folks within Awendo Town and its environs.

Walter Owino photophotograph of Walter John Owino Sirawa

Within only a week or so Mr.Sirawa’s campaign trail has hit the sugar cane growing region like thunderstorm attracting the attention of the usually marginalized and manipulate sugar cane growers in the area.

Sirawa told this writer by phone that his vision for the Awendo residents is to thrive for the unity of purpose of all the stakeholders without discrimination based on clanism.

His other visions include youth empowerment through training for self sustenance and fighting for the rights of cane farmers.

Also to be given priorities under his leadership is women economic, empowerment – strengthening women groups. Poverty eradication, better educational facilities, good feeder and access roads and the stamping out of the menace of cattle rustling in the region.

Other priorities included economic infrastructure such rural electrification. He will thrive to ensure that the residents get good and clean water for health in their homes.

Other priorities include taking care of the old and aged people and ensure that they enjoyed the government funds, To protect and assist the boda-boda motorbike and bicycle riders.

His other priority will be to ensure that Awendo has a well equipped technical school and village polytechnics in all the five administrative locations that makes the constituency. And to facilitate funds for the assistance of both primary and secondary school teachers to pursue their further academic ambition and to work close with the teachers to ensure their welfare.

Insecurity in Awendo and its environs will get top priority so that the residents of the agricultural rich rural constituency could go about their daily business without being molested by criminal thugs. On CDF projects, he said there will be zero corruption.

During his tenure as the MP for Awendo, Sirawa said he would work hard in collaboration with the NGOs, all registered farmers’ primary co-operative societies, and civil servants, in order to expedite development activities in the region.

He challenged his rivals to get prepared for a bruising election contest, to stop panicking or getting involved in unorthodox and cowardly crude methods of undercutting through character assassination.

He an ODM stalwart and life member who had been dong everything in promoting the party in the region and appealed to the residents to vote as a bloc for the Prime minister Raila Odinga to realize his presidential ambition come March 2013.

Sirawa is facing five other aspirant who included the former KRA top official Jude Ayieko, a former Gamba High School Principal Jared Kopiyo, and executive with the NGO Eric Oyoo, Joseph Owuor who is the PA to Dalmas Otieno the Minister for Public Services.

Ends

– – – – – – – – – – –

from: ” . . . gillyssecurity . . . ”
Sent: Monday, 7 January 2013, 17:02
Subject: Fwd: Picture for Walter Owino

Mr Leo,

Trust you are well, we spoke earlier. Please find attached my photo.

My vision for Awendo people are outlined below,

1 Unity of purpose for Awendo people (no clan discrimination)

2. Youth empowerment through training for self sustenance

3. Fighting for the rights of farmers

4. Women empowerment – strengthening women groups.

5. Infrastructure – roads/electricity.

6. Clean water for all homes

7. Good health care for all

8. Care for the old – funds for the aging elders

9. Road safety – Boda boda riders welfare

10. Equitable college, high schooland primary school bursary for students

11. improve school infrustructure

12. Have a technical institution in Awendo

13. Have a university college in Awendo

14. Assist teachers pursue further studies

15. Improve teachers morale.

16. Empower widows,orphans, people with disabilities & special interest groups.

17. CDF projects for all – ZERO discrimination.

18. Improve security for all.

19. Collaborating with NGOs/civil societies to improve livelihood for the people of Awendo.

regards
Walter.

Kenya: Karachuonyo ODM aspirant is under probe in land and government house grabbing

Writes Our Staff Reporter

A parliamentary aspirant in Karachuonyo constituency within Homa-Bay County could face court action before the next March 4, 2013 genera election.

Tom Dolla who is vying for Karachuonyo constituency in Rachuonyo North district is currently under probe for allegedly having grabbed a government house in Kisumu City.

The House which belongs to the Lake Basin Development Authority is located in the posh milimani estate in Kisumu City. Dolla was once an employee of the LBDA, a government parastatal organization.

Sources at the Kisumu based LBDA have hinted that the authority is contemplating suing Mr Dolla for illegal occupation of its house for close to a decade, and that the matter could land the aspirant before a court of law within the net few weeks.

The LBDA want to reclaim and retrieve its property, in which it had no tenancy agreement with the politician despite the latter having occupied it for close to a decade.

Dolla, who is wearing two hats and at one time acting as the ODM REGIONAL OORDINATOR IN Nyanza is among half a dozen of parliamentary aspirants vying the Karachuonyo seat. The incumbent MP is Eng. James K Rege.

Other contestants include the perennial election loser in Karachuonyo Adipo Okuome, a Kisumu dentist Dr.Ofafa Adede, and others.

Information making the round on the ground says the immediate former MP Dr. Paul Adhu has also been campaigning mostly in West Kareachuonyo. However, a check with the ODM headquarters indicated that the former cabinet Minister for Planning during the brief KANU/LDP brief merger under the retired President Daniel Arap Moi Awitihas yet to deposit his nomination fees, though his campaign is said to have already hit the ground.

Karachuonyo is one of the most populous rural constituencies within the Homa-Bay County and residents interviewed were in full praise of eng. Rege the current MP for having restored political sanity in area previously prone to political violence.

Eng. Rege is also being credited for having made use of the CDF and other government devolving funds such as school bursary and road maintenance. The area has realized other development in infrastructure, and this is being attributed by the residents that it is due to the MP’s political magnanimity and dynamism, which has witnesses all the local committee charged with the task of distributing government development funds being handled with credible individual personalities, most of the intellectual and university lecturers. As opposed to the common practice in many constituencies in Luo-Nyanza where CDF steering and disbursement committees are full of semi-illiterate people with no experience in government accounting system .Other committees are filled with MP’s relatives, political cronies.

All the indications are that Eng Rege is on his way to retain his Karachuonyo seat come the March 4, 2013 election. Several other possible contestants who had already declared their interest in the seat appeared to have pulled out one by one living only a handful of aspirants, some of who lacked the track record of development in the area.

ENDS

KENYA: UDF IS A TRUE REPLICA OF THE DEFUNCT kadu AND IS OUT TO CAUSE CHAOS AND POLITICAL MAYHEM

Commentary By Leo Odera Omolo

READING about who is who among the leading political personalities and UDF supporters who converged at the party’s delegates conference in Nairobi and endorsed the Hon. W Musalia Mudavadi as the party’s flag-bearers in the 2013 presidential race, I am not amused in saying that this purely a Neo-KADU.

Those who have lived in this country long enough like myself, especially during the colonial area and the pre-independence days politics of the late 1950s and early 1960s will agree with me in principles that the UDF is a replica of the defunct Kenya African Democratic Union {KADU].

The UDF has truly balkanized all the Kenya tribes and communities which had supported KADU and collaborated well with the white settlers in a conspiracy to cause the delays in the attainment of Kenya’s political independence, which eventually was ushered in by KANU in 1963.

In the forefront of KADU were the late Ronald Gideon Ngala a Griama from the Coast Province, Henry Masinde Muliro a Bukusu from Western Province, Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi a from Tugen sub-tribe of the larger Kalenjin ethnic groups and Taaitta Araap Towett, a diminutive Kipsigis politician from the South Rift.

The UDF is therefore a true replica of the defunct KADU because it has amalgamated of Kenya’s tribes and communities which had a very negative attitudes toward the politics of true nationalism and patriotism. These communities have gone down in the history of Kenya as those who had collaborated well with the die-hard white settlers and colonialists, which were vehemently opposed to the country’s liberation and the struggle for independence.

The communities which I mentioned above had ganged up with the white settlers who were heavily funding KADU with intention, aims and objectives of delaying the Kenya’s political independence under the pretext that they were representing the marginalized minority groups.

They were the blue-eyed boy of the white settlers and colonialists who had hatched a secret plan to make Kenya a dominion country under the British Empire like Southern Rhodesia, New Zealand,Canada,Australia, and the defunct Central African Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland then under the white settlers Prime Minister Sir Roy Welensky.

Kenya was then viewed as a Whiteman’s country and its fertile highlands christened The White-Highland. The collaborating KADU politicians dined and whined in high places and five star hotels in Nairobi with the white supremacists, led by the late Group Captain L.R. Briggs of the whites only United Kenya party, the late Sir Michael Blundell of the multiracial Kenya National Party, which was later late transformed into the New Kenya Party.

The conspiracy against nationalism began in earnest immediately after the British Colonial Office in London lifted the state of emergency and lifted the restriction on the formation of the countrywide Africans political movement. Hitherto Africans were only allowed to form district political associations. But immediately after the first round table constitutional conference, which was held in the Lancaster House in London from Fabruary 1960 to April the same year.

This saw the birth of the Kenya African National Union [KANU} AT Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu on June 30th 1960. Ngala, Moi, Muliro were conspicuously missing at the meeting that witnessed the formation of KANU in Kiambu. However, Taaita Arrap Towett was present, though he was roughed by KANU youths.

But within two weeks thereafter, the three Ngala Muliro, Moi and Towett with the help of the colonial administration and white settlers brought together the Maasai United Front then led by David Lemomo, The Towettled Kalenjin political Alliance led by Taaitta Toweett, Mombasa African Democratic Union [MADU] led by F.J.Khamisi, Coast African People Union [CAPU] led by one D.N.Korokoro and Msanifu Kombo and other Coastal politicians like Apollo Kilelu, S.Roggers Msechu

And that came the birth of KADU.Ngala Muliro and Moi declined the position offered them in KANU during the party’s inception at Kiambu.But readily accepted the positions allocated to them in KADU.

This is exactly how Mudavadi, Eugene Wamalwa, Gideon Moi,Nick Salat and others have been behaving since the clamor for the formation of political alliances

The only Rift Valley politicians who stood firm and remained steadfastly with other early nationalists were Danile Moss of the Mount Elgon District Congress and John Marie Seroney.

The late James Samuel Gichuru was made the first President of KANU on interim capacity while awaiting for the release of the late Jomo Kenyatta from the colonial detention and restriction camps in the northern

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was made the vice president of KANU while Tom Mboya was named the party’s secretary general. The trio had the backing of other true nationalists like Julius Gikonyo, Kiano,

Dr Mungai Njoroge,Josef Stanley Mathenge, Eric Edward Khasakhala, J.D.Otiende,Mohinga Chokwe, Eliud Ngala Mwendwa, Mister Mister Arap Korir, Christopher Kiprotich Arap Murei,William Mbolu Malu,George Nthenge F.J Mukeka and others.John Kebaso, Washington Ondicho, Lawrence George Sagini,James Nyamweya and others who stood firm and steadfast with KANU and flatly refused to be manipulated by the colonialists and white settlers.

The coming weeks will certainly rove the like of Wamalwa, Mudavadi, Khalwalewrong when Kenyans would be deciding as to which group is best suited tor the Amani Group, Jubilee or CORD. However, all the indications are that CORD would overcome the two other groups which are full of masters of political deceits. I am really sorry and sympathized with Musalia Muadavadi and wondered why should the son of my old friend the King of MululuMoses Sabstian Budamba Mudavadi should be prone to political conmen and miss the boat once again as he missed in 2002.

In this context, I am not ashamed to say that politics of tribal balkanization has no room in the modern day Kenya. Therefore the time for reflection will come soon and those who are there simply to protect their status quo and stood on the way of political reforms in this country will be taught a good lesson that they will live to regret for the rest of their lifetime.

I also beg to request the Hon Najib Balala the Mviuta Mp to correct a statement which he uttered during the TNA/URP alliance rally at the Tononoka ground in Mombasa recently touching on the horny issue of land redistribution at the coast and redress against the injustices committed against the coastal communities over their ancestral land.

Could Hon Balala be more specific and honest to tell us who owns the Taita Concessions Limited, the TaitaSisal Estate,at Mwatate which is measuring close to 36,000 hectares of land. How about rhe Ziwani Sisal Estate in the neighborhood near Mwakitau,

How about the ownership of \Jipe Sisal Estate, Taveta Sisal Estate and 0ther prime land at the coast. It is high time those defending impunity be told in a clear cut-sort of terms that Kenyans are tired of leaders whose families are associated with land grabbing.

Ends

KENYA: THE ATTACK AND STONING OF MIGORI WOMAN ASPIRANT HAS SPARKED OFF WHOLESALE CONDEMNATION BY THE REGIONAL LEADERS WHO CALLED FOR PEACEFUL CAMPAIGN AND GENDER RESPECT.

Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Awendo Town.

ODM LEADERSHIP IN Migori County have come out in full force and severely criticized those who hatched the heinous criminal attack on one of the aspirants aspiring for the powerful position of Migori County governor.

Mrs Anne Omonndi Anyanga who is vying for the position of Migori County governor was attacked in Rongo Town by rowdy youth suspected to be supporters of the Public Service Dalmas Otieno, who is also the incumbent Rongo MP.

The goons tore into pieces the T-Shirts bearing her portrait, which she had just been distributing to the electorate for free. THey demanded that she give them the money, shouting “Gonywa Gonywa”.

Sensing the danger of her personal safety Mrs Anyanga dashed to her waiting car, which drover her to safety amid hails of stones, one of which hit her car front windscreen.

Mr Omomndi Anyanga, who is the wife of Nyatatike MP Edick while on her campaign trail flew into Rongo Town and landed at the nearby Rongo Primary School which is located in the middle of the Town.

Her arrival had coincided with another political function which was taking place at the nearby Kuja School of the Deaf and Blind.On seeing the Chopper huge crowd of people who were attending the function, in which the area MP was launching his campaign in defense of his Rongo seat surged forward and dashed towards Mrs Anyanga’s Chopper.The crowd abandoned Dalmas Oteno’s meeting and went to the venue where the Chopper had landed.

Some of the rowdy youth looked excessively intoxicated with chang’aa and menacingly demanded that Mrs Anyanga give them the money.

Looking disappointed Mrs Anyanga condemned political thuggery saying some people appeared to be hell-bent on intimidating her. She asked his rivals to respect democracy and gender.She defiantly flew to other places like Opapo. Kodero Bara, Rakwaro and Raneni and continued with her campaign.

It was learnt immediately that the eldest son of the Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno Fred Otieno was also simultaneously launching his campaign for the same position of Migori governor at a different function held in Migori Town.

Mrs Anyanga has been traversing the entire Migori County in the last two weeks using rented helicopter, which has taken her to many places inlcuding the two Kuria district of Kuria East and Kuria west, Nyatike, Uriri ,Rongo and Awendo while conducting roadside shows and public rallies.

SHe is facing one of the ODM’s stalwart Prof. Edqward Oyugi Akong’owho is perceived to be Raila Odinga’s closest friends and political adviser for the same seat. Prof Akong’Oyugi launched his campaign in Migori town last week, but it attracted only a paltry crowd.

Other candidates included the ODM’s stalwart Prof. Edward Akong’o Oyugi, who is perceived to be a close friend of the Prime Minister Raila Odinga and political advisor. The Prof. Oyugi was among the radical politicians who were detained for many years by the former Moi’s Nyayo regime for radical political activities.

Prof Oyugi who hails from Suna West launched his campaign officially last week in Migori town, but the function attracted only a paltry crowd. Other aspirants included the Kenya Sugar Board Awendo zonal director Zachary Okoth Obado who hails from North Kanyamkago in Urirri district who appeared to be the darling for the majority of sugar cane farmers in the region.

Also in the race is the youthful senior manager with the Airtail in Nairobi Mark Nyamita who hails from Central Kanyamkago in Uriri district whose candidature appeared to have attracted many youths.

However, Mrs Anyanga who is a business woman in Nairobi seemed to be the strongest and serious contender and someone to watch.

The late entry of Dalmas Otieno’s son Fred Otieno for the same position is likely not to alter anything significantly among the gains already secured by both who have been on the ground longer than one year.

Rumor making the round within Awendo and Migori as well as in Rongo is that Fred Otieno is not enjoying the political goodwill and patronage of his father Dalmas Otienm and as such his candidature is expected to make very little impact

Mrs Anyanga therefore stands the better chance of clinching the Migori governor steas, because she is the only aspirant from the votes-rich Nytatike constituency, whereas the majority of aspirants are people from Urirri and Migori constituencies.

Among those politicians who strongly condemned the attack on Mrs Anyanga is Eng.Phillip Odero Makabong’o who is contesting the Rongo parliamentary seat against Dalmas Otieno.Makabong’o appealed to the ODM headquarters to instill the highest standard of discipline including disqualification of those candidates found to be promoting war-mongering and political thuggery. He condemned the use of political goons to intimidate opponents by some politicians in the areas.

Dalmas OItieno could not be reached for his immediate comments about the attack on Mrs Anyanga by goons suspected to be his supporters in Rongo town.

Ends