Category Archives: Jeff Otieno

KENYA: RACE FOR KISUMU COUNTY GOVERNOR GETS HOTTER

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BY JEFF OTIENO

Daggers are already drawn for the Kisumu County Governor seat following the declaration of Mumias sugar sales Executive Simon Hongo.

Hongo aged 40, is a native from Kogony clan and enjoys fanatical youthful following courtesy of his rapport and sound financial muscle.

For the last couple of years he embarked on a vigorous fundraising campaign trying to build schools, Churches and has extended his Olive branch to over 50 bright but destitute students in Kisumu and its environs.

Observers argue that the bespectacled sales executive will be a force to reckon with in the race considering that he is closely associated and a brainchild of the revered Mumias sugar chief Executive Dr.Evans Kidero.

The duo according to observers have literally turned Mumias Sugar Company into unrivalled profit making outfit, thanks to their managerial approach which is an ingredient required in a county like Kisumu.

He will however have to contend with the resilience of 47 years old insurance consultant Simon Ogendo. Ogendo has a masters Degree from one of the prestigious universities in London (City University), he is a fellow of chartered insurance institute London, a chartered insurer with entrenched business links in London.

Ogendo hails from Kasagam clan and is the son of one of the most respected Kisumu Mayor the late Ogendo Ponge. It’s from this political background which has really catapulted his stature a head of the duel.

Wealthy 42 years old Mombasa based business magnet Polycap Ocholla Kamili is also in the ring to be watched.The oil magnet cum property tycoon is said to have also put strong structures in the ground and according to his admirers,its only a question of time to prove that.

Ocholla hails from Nyakach constituency but has settled in Koru-Muhoroni constituency.He has got business outlets in all the three constituencies out of the six which makes up the Kisumu county.Kisumu county has got six constituencies namely Kisumu Rural,Kisumu East Kisumu West Nyando Nyakach and Muhoroni.

Other hopefuls are former Managing Director of Portland Cement John Otieno Nyambok who is a sojourner in Kano but with original roots in Ugenya Kager clan Siaya County.

Before his unceremonious exit in Portland Cement, Nyambok worked briefly with Smithklime Beecham Pwani oil and as a receiver Manager of Muhoroni Sugar Company.During his tenure at Portland Cement, most of his cronies whom he tried to empower were from his place of origin of Ugenya Kager , a move which has impacted negatively on his bid according to political pundits.

To crown the list is Jack Ranguma who also hails from Kano clan and a former commissioner with Kenya Revenue Authority (K.R.A)

Ranguma is a down to earth man but pundits opine that he should move a notch higher by shelving his tower kind of attitude if he’s to triumph.

END

KENYA: KIBAKI WAS RIGHT WITH APPOINTMENT

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FROM: ojoo@ . . .

He may be right only on old constitution but he forgets himself promulgating new constitution .

I sympathize how PNU politicians take advantage of semi illiterate constituents that Kibaki acted within his powers.

One conspicuous thing is that they are not quoting the section of constitution Kibaki used.

If his minister for legal affairs and Attorney general both who should advise him have said he breached the constitution.

Now since when did election thief and economist quack knew law more than the law graduates themselves.

Sent from my BlackBerry Storm®

KENYA: BID TO TAKE MIWANI SUGAR THWARTED

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BY JEFF OTIENO

A bid by a Kisumu based wealthy tycoon Padhal Harjeet Singh & sons to take over the ownership of the controversial and moribund Miwani Sugar Company Limited has hit a snag following a terse environmental assessment test report which has officially been disclosed.

In a letter dated 7th January 2011 ref Nema/EIA/5/2/614 the environmental authority rejects the bid by the transporter tycoon on grounds that the land in question is under contention.

The letter reads in part, “it’s important to note that the environmental assessment license is issued for a specific plot and hence the plot number has to be clearly stated and a copy of title deed attached as a proof of ownership.”

“The authority is therefore unable to process the environmental impact assessment license for the proposal development until the issue of land ownership is resolved and proof of the same submitted to the authority,” the letter continues.

It concludes in part by warning the investor that failure to respond within a period of 60 days for the date of the receipt of the same he will be expected to reapply.

“Kindly note that environmental impact assessment processing time stops running until the above issues are addressed,” the letter written by BM Langwen for the Director General concludes.

Padhal Harjeet and sons had budgeted Kshs. 11 million to set up the plant and were expected to crush 3,000 tonnes of cane per day.

They also intend to produce 23 mega watts of electricity with 18 megawatts being channeled to the national grid and the balance for its internal consumption.

The move by Padhal and sons has elicited outrage from local farmers who say the local transporter is using his high powered connections particularly from the Prime Ministers office to influence a take over through hook or crook yet they have no capacity or expertise on sugar.

The enraged farmers further took issue with a galaxy of consultants who gave clear bill of health to the transport tycoon without considering that there are contentious issues bedeviling the plant.

Padhal and sons were recently ejected from Chemelil Sugar for doing transport on alleged grounds that they were involved in fictitious dealings which were injurious to the sugar miller.

Miwani Sugar issue has braced endless court battles and at one time the said Padhal family were being accused by a clique of farmers for hiring goons to crowd court corridors in a bid to create imaginary impressions to the jurists.

At one time early last year the tycoon had to scamper for safety when the marauding goons demanded that their heckling fee along the court corridors be hiked thundering that they had under estimated the gigantic task involved.

Majority of farmers in that Muhoroni zone have of late sighed with relief following a vibrant policy by the Kibos Sugar and allied workers to pay farmers weekly; a move which has also impacted negatively to rival millers who now view them as “populist”.

It is interesting and imperative to note that the contentious miller is hardly 20 kilometers from Kibos Sugar and keen sugar industry players are watching with batted breath how the regulator the Kenya Sugar Board will react putting into consideration the sugar act.

END

Kenya: Two-Thirds of Citizens Support ICC – Poll

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forwarded by Judy Miriga

Written by Jeff Otieno

Nairobi — Despite the coalition government’s promise of a competent Judiciary under the new Constitution, two-thirds of Kenyans still prefer to have masterminds of post-election violence tried at The Hague.
According a Synovate poll, 68 percent of Kenyans are still wary about the proposal for a local tribunal to handle all post-election violence cases.

“The judicial system is among the institutions slated for reforms under the new constitution. But for many Kenyans, the Hague is still the most preferred option for trying post-election violence perpetrators,” states the poll.

A paltry two in every 10 Kenyans believe the new Constitution has brought real changes in the Judiciary, to the extent that senior perpetrators can be tried locally.

Kenyans, the survey adds, want to see justice done, as only 12 per cent prefer that the culprits be forgiven.
In September Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo was forced to swallow his words after MPs and the civil society condemned his campaign to stop the International Criminal Court from investigating and prosecuting post-election violence suspects.

Mr Kilonzo had argued that trial sought by ICC chief prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo will be unnecessary after Kenya establishes a reformed Judiciary, appoints an inspector-general of police, and installs a new director of public prosecution.

A section of MPs, civil society groups and professional organisations argued that the government was out to protect powerful individuals suspected to have participated in the violence.
According to the survey the preference for Hague has increased from 54 per cent in June to 68 per cent last month, “most likely due to the relentless pursuit of post-election violence key suspects by the ICC.”

Mr Kilonzo has twice presented a Bill to Cabinet for the establishment of a special tribunal to deal with the cases, but was not approved.

Another effort to form a local tribunal in Parliament, by former Justice minister Martha Karua and fellow MP Gitobu Imanyara, was similarly defeated, opening the way for the ICC to step in.

Preference for the Hague option is highest in the counties found in former provinces of Central (73 percent), Coast (73 per cent), Nyanza (72 per cent), Western (72 per cent), Eastern (71 per cent) and Nairobi (64 per cent). However the preference is a little bit lower in Rift Valley (61 per cent), and North Eastern (60 per cent).

“It is also worth noting that the amnesty option is most prevalent in counties found in Rift Valley and North Eastern,” the poll adds.

The survey financed by Synovate was conducted between October 24 and 30 and interviewed 2002 respondents in urban and rural areas. The poll has a margin of error of +/-2.5 at a 95 per cent confidence level.

KENYA: CROSLEY CASE ADJOURNED

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BY JEFF OTIENO

A case in which CROSLEY HOLDINGS LIMITED and others have been charged by KACC for having allegedly tried to acquire huge chunks of land owned by the moribund and controversy plagued Miwani Sugar Company was adjourned to 8th Nov. due to technical reasons.

The court battle which has taken over a month now turned dramatic when hired goons and transporters bayed for the blood of their pay masters in the park facing the Kisumu High Court.

A prominent transporter of Asian origin based in Chemelil is said to have hired the services of the goons of about 200 together with 10 matatus in a desperate bid to attract attention many observers could not immediately establish.

The enraged goons who talked to this writer appointed an accusing finger to a one time KESGA official and a farmer from Chemase Zone for fleecing them of their money yet they had performed their part in the precincts of the court as earlier envisaged.

The enraged goons who had allegedly been fleeced off their money had to brave the scorching sun back to their various destinations.

As for the farmers who were heading to Chemase Zone, a quick intervention of a local politician cum farmer salvaged their neck when he volunteered to ferry them home.

Farmers around Kibos, Chemase, Miwani and Muhoroni are further accusing the transporter of Asian origin for fleecing them of their money by inflating rates courtesy of selective deliveries to specific sugar factories.

A war of words is prevalent in the sugar fraternity with local millers neighbouring the resilient Kibos Sugar accusing it of offering unattainable rates to farmers strategically to frustrate other millers.

Kibos which is currently under maintenance to the tune of 400 million pays Kshs.3000 per tone and is expected to start crushing early November.

In order to entrench their grip among the farming community the vibrant miller has embarked on aggressive social responsibility programme quest where they offer bursary to the children of needy farmers and building and refurbishment of local institutions like schools in the area.

During a brief interview with this writer, the chairman of the Miller Raju Channan said the move to embrace the local farming community isn’t “short-lived” but a policy by the firm.

Over 30 children are beneficiaries so far and the number is set to sky rocket.

“We have further spent a staggering 300 million for cane planting for out growers”. Raju told the press.

Kibos which is geared for expansion will early next year launch co-generation project part of which will go the national grid. “Plans to install more weigh bridges to conform to sugar act and to avert usual spillages in the sector have also been finalized”, the Chairman added.

Crosley Holdings Limited is among group of companies associated with Sugar guru Raju Channan.

END.

KENYA: NGO BOSS ATTACKED BY THUGS

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BY JEFF OTIENO

An NGO Operative Dr. Hezron MC Obewa together with his wife was last night attacked by thugs and sustained a gun shot wound in his left arm.

Speaking to the press in his hospital bed at Aga-Khan Hospital in Kisumu, the NGO guru who is also the Director of OGRA FOUNDATION and the Proprietor of Savannah group of hotels said his night ordeal at the hands of these notorious well coordinated thugs lasted for about two hours.

“At about 9p.m while I was heading home and immediately the watchman opened the gate for me, four well armed men forced their way into the precincts of my compound after battering my watchman mercilessly before they started ransacking my house” , he said.

Inside the house they took all ATM cards, phones and cash of about Ksh.13, 000 which was in his pocket and ordered that they accompany them to unknown destination with their car.

“They took us towards the sugar belt area of Miwani and ordered that they wanted Ksh. 100,000 as a condition for our release”, the youthful tycoon narrated.

The duo had no alternative but to talk to a brother in law who was in the compound when they were being bundled in their car to arrange for the ransom.

He however only managed to get Ksh. 50,000 which he took to the captives in the company of well dreaded flying squad officers.

It took the NGO guru a couple of minutes to plead with the heartless thugs while carrying up his hands that he could only manage half of the amount they were demanding. In an apparent rage that they were not impressed by the amount, the thugs shot him on the left arm, warning him that how dare could he walk with less money in the wee hours of the night.

Interestingly, when the ransom was being handed over it was a distance of about 10metres between the four armed thugs and the four well armed officers. “The officers just decided to shoot in the air to my disbelief”, MC Obewa told this writer.

During the ordeal however, the wife didn’t sustain any injury but was also rushed to the hospital to be treated for shock. The watchman was also treated and discharged.

Kisumu city and its environs is of late a wash with incidences of robberies and many observers attribute it to complacency of the local police. Last week a medical doctor who is a neighbour of Dr. MC Obewa was carjacked and robbed of his vehicle by the gate.

Dr. Chris Oyoo was bundled and taken to all his bank accounts and the clique managed to milk dry all his monies using ATM cards.

He however managed to recover his car after a couple of days.

Still in the same insecurity plagued leafy neighborhood of Mamboleo suburbs, an insurance Executive Albert Ojonyo was attacked by burglars who took all his belongings while they were asleep, he wasn’t injured in the drama though.

Other victims are a former airline boss Christian Gogo, former Kisumu Town West 2007 Parliamentary Aspirant who is also a member of the civil society Joshua Nyamori and the Provincial Medical Officer Nyanza Dr. Ojwang Lucy.

END

KENYA: GOVERNMENT ON THE SPOT FOR CONTRAVENING LAWS

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BY: JEFF OTIENO

A case in which a lands officer in Kisumu Lands Office was charged with others for allegedly having conspired to defraud the government of its land of the controversy ridden and moribund Miwani Sugar Factory, has put the government on the spot.

Legal experts and human rights activists in Kisumu wants the government to shed light over the criteria which has been used to retain the Kisumu Land Valuer Mr. Philip Odongo Kabita in office.

After he had appeared in court and bailed to the tune of staggering Kshs.2.5 million the civil servants ethics act stipulates that he, Kabita should pave way until the case is determined.

Sources within the Lands Office however confided to the press that Kabita’s seniors both in Nairobi and Kisumu have adviced him to stay put adding that whatever the consequences they will rally behind him.

The said Lands Officer is said to be fighting hard round the clock to ensure he doesn’t pave way as demanded by law.

Every evening he has been spotted doing goat eating sessions with high powered intelligence chiefs and top CID officers all in a desperate bid to maintain status quo.

END

KENYA: RACE FOR SENATE SEATS HEATS UP IN LUO NYANZA

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BY JEFF OTIENO

With the promulgation of the new constitution in place politicians from Luo Nyanza are currently busy angling themselves for the lucrative senate seats.

Already Kisumu County seems to be leading the fray if the recent scenario during a church function is anything to go by.

Eng. James Ocholla Ogada who has declared interest for Kisumu county was unanimously crowned by the faithfulls and his bitter arch rival who had earlier declared his candidature Mombasa based oil tycoon Polycap Kamili stunned the audience and threw his support for the Nairobi based Eng. James Ogoda.

For starters Ogoda and Ocholla are natives of Nyakach constituency but both have settled in Muhoroni a move many observers view will catapult Ogoda in terms of numerical advantage if he works overtime.

Kisumu County comprises of Nyando, Nyakach, Muhoroni, Kisumu town West, Kisumu town East and Kisumu rural constituencies.

So far a part from Ogoda, another wealthy Nairobi based Eng. Maxwel Otieno Odongo has declared his candidature and many therefore consider the battle to be a titanic one.

In Homabay County, influential Internal Security Assistant minister Joshua Orwa Ojode is set to battle it out with immediate former Marie – Stopes Country Director Cyprian Otieno Awiti, a move which has not gone down well with their admires who ague that one of them should step down and back the other.

“Both have been close friends doing business and fundraising together and therefore pitting each other is suicidal to people of our region,” argued Kisumu based youthful financial expert Hezbon Omollo who also contested Karachuonyo Parliamentary seat in the last polls.

Already elders and opinion shapers led by the respected Mumias Sugar Managing Director Dr. Evans Odhiambo Kidero have been mandated by pundits to spear head the intriguing bid to impress upon the duo to cede ground to the other, the battle will be close to call in the event that Kidero and CO flops.

While Ojode will rely on his experience and charisma as factors to propel his quest, Awiti will bank on his sterling and unrivalled development track record to triumph.

The entry of Sam Wakiaga could further complicate the matters for either Ojode or Awiti if the rumors currently doing round is anything to go by.

The latter has been a towering figure in Raila’s political circle and to the larger Southern Nyanza for almost a decade.

Wakiaga is in the top echelon of National Social Intelligence Service (N.S.I.S) finance department.

In Migori County, Dalmas Otieno Anyango is set to battle it out with his perennial rival Ochilo Ayako.

Dalmas will peg his experience and the development track record to shepherd his quest, while Ayacko will bank on his usual strategies to bag the seat.

In Siaya County, ministers James Orengo and Finance Assistant Minister Oburu Odinga are being asked by their admirers and handlers to back either of them but the duo are yet to agree according to impeccable sources.

With former powerful cabinet minister now advisor to President Mwai Kibaki Raphael Tuju seems to have thrown the towel, either will easily sail through.

END.

KENYA: MASSIVE CORRUPTION ROCKS KISUMU LANDS OFFICE

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BY JEFF OTIENO

Kisumu lands office is engulfed in corruption with notorious fraudsters operating as land agents becoming millionaires overnight, thanks to the prevailing conspiracy and bad blood among the top hierarchy.

It’s the only office in the land where hardly a receipt is given when you pay for stamp duty during land transaction.

For instance a land which attracts a duty of 4% on a value of Kshs 400,000 will generate 16,000 Kshs is allegedly shared without the government getting a penny.

Three weeks ago the said notorious lands office was completely paralyzed for several days when one of the officials flew to Nairobi on official duty and locked the seal in his drawer in a desperate bid to ensure that no Title Deed is issued in his absence.

The enraged officer had confided to one of his juniors that his immediate deputy had formed a habit of entertaining a cartel of agents who hardly pay stamp duty to the exchequer and therefore that was the only option.

Agents said to be enjoying good rapport from the said notorious lady who hardly sits in the office but prefers exclusive joints negotiating for kickbacks, reacted with fury and have threatened one of the officials known for his stringent management with transfer.

Transfer of lands requires that consent be sought from Land Control Board and a fee of Kshs 1000 is paid. The Board normally sits once a month or at least elapse of six weeks and those with urgent cases pay a special Land Board Fee of Kshs 5000 which is never receipted and goes directly to the pockets of the entrenched cartel which has been operating with glee.

On average there are about fifteen to twenty applicants and the money should be paid to the secretary to the Lands Board.

Kisumu Lands Office has become notorious for effecting dubious Land dealings. Recently a well known wealthy Asian was conned over 18 M for a land next to the airport only to realize it was a police post which was destroyed during Post Election Violence.

END

RWANDA: NATION ON STEADY PATH TO RECOVERY AFTER THE GENOCIDE

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BY JEFF OTIENO – IN KIGALI RWANDA

After loosing over 1 Million people in the 1994 Genocide pitting HUTU and TUTSI’s tribes Rwanda is bracing the odds to once again redefine its destiny.

During the genocide, all the key sectors like Health, Judiciary, Education, Transport among others crumbled.

The government of President Paul Kagame has flexed its muscles and opened doors for foreign investors to invest freely in his country without coercion or intimidation.

During a visit to Rwanda of Kenyan youths and journalists which was sponsored by PEACE and HOPE FOUNDATION which is a brain child of former foreign affairs Minister Raphael Tuju who was also in attendance, it emerged that over 49 journalists were massacred.

The foundation aims to promote peace and hope among the youths across the continent and to empower them to face the future with glimmer of hope.

Also in attendance at the foreign affairs conference hall to grace the occasion were Minister of youths affairs and the Permanent secretary for East African Community.

Post genocide media industry has however given hope and sigh of relief to many practicing journalists in Rwanda. The country has 20 radio stations, 70 prints (1Daily Newspaper) and 1 TV station which is state owned but the figures are set to skyrocket, thanks to article 34 which underlines the freedom of press and information.

There is also an I.C.T bill in parliament which if approved will ensure that hate speeches in the country is curbed or curtailed.

Rwanda is going to the general elections in August 9th and according to a senior foreign affairs official who talked to the press on a condition of anonymity, all the mechanisms have been put in place by the government to ensure that the whole process is free and fair.

In a bid to restore order and give justice to genocide victims, the government in 30th August 1996 formed GACACA courts. Its other objective is to disclose the truth of the genocide events, speed up trials, to eradicate the culture of impunity, to recommend and strengthen unity and to show that Rwanda can solve their problems on their own.

GACACA judges are called “INYANGAMUGAYO” meaning people of integrity and they are elected by the people. GACACA has so far investigated and prosecuted 6000 files out of 120,000 files which the majority feels is below expectations but the judges interviewed are optimistic.

The magnitude of Rwanda genocide is manifested in Kigali memorial hall which was established in 1999. It is home to over 258,000 unclaimed remains from various districts in Rwanda. Inside the magnificently built centre are chambers of heavily battered human skulls, video footages of harrowing encounters at the height of war among other related archives.

Its interesting and imperative to note that majority of the population feels strongly that the church was to blame for some of the animosity and brutal deaths.

They gave an example of a priest of a local church who ordered for the killing of over 2000 people who had taken refugee in the church precincts. Rwanda has a population of about 11,000,000

——- END——–

KENYA: GUARDIAN BANK WOES CONTINUES.

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BY JEFF OTIENO.

There is a sharp split among Board of Directors of Guardian Bank following alleged massive customers exit from their Biashara branch in Nairobi.

The split has been occasioned by persistent allegations that the Managing Director Vassant Shetty has been exhibiting arrogance and racism to both clients and staff with glee.

Sources within the bank confided to this writer that perturbed by the foregoing,the Board last week summoned an impromptu meeting to look into the allegations bedeviling the CEO which has impacted negatively on the institution’s clientele base,according to close sources within the precincts of the outfit.

One splinter of the Board led by Mr. Hetul Chandaria is said to have described him as hard working though very moody at times.

But the other Board members opined that he had outlived his usefulness and should therefore quit in order for the bank to compete and make strides in the competative banking sector.

ENDS.

Kenya: LEADERS INTENSIFIES YES CAMPAIGNS.

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BY JEFF OTIENO.

Across section of leaders from western Kenya region [Western and Nyanza provinces] last weekend launched aggressive YES campaigns for the just published draft constitution to be voted for in early August.

Led by the COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli the leaders have vowed to work round the clock to ensure Kenyans get a new constitution which they have yawned for several decades.

Criss crossing the terrain using a chopper the COTU boss attended a private function in Kisumu before he went to Mbita [Lambwe] to bury the late Filda Atieno Opere mother of Kenyan’s W.H.O representation to Switzerland Tom Mboya Okeyo.

He was flanked by the Mumias sugar Managing Director Dr. Evans Odhiambo Kidero,a Nairobi businessman James Koyoo and marine consultant Edward Ted Odero.

They later went to Bondo to bury former powerful cabinet minister Dr.William Odongo Omamo where the COTU boss was given an opportunity by the president and the prime minister mandarins to campaign for YES to the applause of the crowd.

Both president Mwai Kibaki and prime Raila Odinga were in attendance.

Marie Stopes Country Director Cyprian Awiti has also not been left out. Awiti who is credited for his sterling development track record in the country is also said to be under pressure from pundits and admires to go for a senate seat once the draft is enacted.

Other notable personalities campaigning tirelessly for the draft are former influential cabinet minister Raphael Tuju now president Mwai Kibaki’s personal adviser and Nairobi based Engineer Maxwell Otieno Odongo.

The prime minister’s handlers are said to have advised him to recall his former brigade Tuju to consolidate his grip in the region ahead of his presidential bid.

Tuju according to observers has an admirable development record worth applauding and emulating though it was his first debut in parliament.

Also joining the campaign fray are Mombasa based business magnet Polycap Ochola Kamili.The youthful millionaire has vowed to use his resources to ensure the new constitution is delivered to the people.

During a recent fundraiser in Muhoroni,the soft spoken former Nairobi University graduate was urged by the locals to go the full throttle by taking the mantle of leadership as a senator in Kisumu county.

His galaxy of investments webbing across Nyando, Muhoroni and the larger Kisumu seems to be giving him a head start in his quest if the new constitution goes through.

Long time Raila Odinga’s political ally Eng. Job Ndege who is harbouring interest in Kisumu town east constituency and a Kisumu businessman Odunga Mamba are also burning midnight oils for the YES team.

The duo have take their onslaughts to churches,funerals and harambees.

ENDS.

KENYA: GUARDIAN BANK MD UNDER FIRE;

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BY JEFF OTIENO

Mass exodus of depositors has hit Guardian Bank Biashara Branch, Nairobi, due to what the enraged customers interviewed described as “high handedness, racism and blatant arrogance” by the braggy Managing Director, Mr. Vasant Shetty.

According to the exiting customers and demoralized workers, Shetty has formed a tendency of importing foreigners, mostly Asians, with questionable academic credentials, to take over from Kenyan natives.

To add credentials to the claim, they wondered about the circumstances under which Shetty brought his own cronies from India, contrary to bank ethics. They are Mr. and Mrs. Patwa and Mr. and Mrs. Patni (husbands and wives) employed working at Biashara and Westlands Branches in Nairobi.

Shetty is further being accused by the demoralized workers who are threatening to strike soon if the board cannot intervene for lacking open door policy whenever a client goes to him for advice.

Shetty, who is a fan of prohibited sites in the internet even during working hours, cannot easily be assessed by even prominent clients opting to entrust a clique of his cronies as mandarins.

“We cannot understand who the god father of Shetty is because we have done all we could to prevail upon the board to talk to him with a view of getting a change but in futility”, quipped four workers who talked on condition of anonymity.

“Even if he’s highly connected he should exhibit semblance of rapport and professionalism to customers or else we will continue to lose customers”, they thundered.

END

Kenya Politicians united in grief for Mrs. Abigael Kidero

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UNITED IN GRIEF:
BY JEFF OTIENO

Following the death of Abigael Kidero, wife of Mumias Sugar Company Managing Director, Dr. Evans Kidero, politicians from the entire divide appear to have buried their political differences, and are united to offer solace to the family.

Late last week, it was the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who after a week long tour of Asia, sojourned at the MD’s leafy magnificent home in Gigiri. The Prime Minister was accompanied by lands Minister James Orengo.

On tow was Foreign Affairs Minister,Moses Wetangula from P.N.U coalition, chief whip and Juja MP George Thuo, former powerful Foreign Affairs Minister, Raphael Tuju, Assistant Minister of finance, Oburu Odinga, Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode, KANU stalwart and former MP, Gedion Moi and National Assembly Speaker, Kenneth Marende.

MPs Ochieng Daima, James Rege, and Martin Ogindo also visited with the bereaved family.

Corporate world chief Executives were not left behind either. Immediate Managing Director of Kenya Airport Authority George Muhoho, the Managing Director of Kibos Sugar, Bireh Channan and his brother Raju, Linus Gitai of Nation media also came to offer their condolences. So did Marie Stoppes country Director, who had just come back from a tour of Europe.

Opinion is however divided following a decree by Dr. Kidero that he doesn’t want a fund raiser to help in offsetting staggering hospital bills, both locally and abroad, said to be totaling to over Kshs. 53 Million.

The late Abigael had a long battle with cancer, which she eventually succumbed to. She will be buried on 5th March 2010, at her rural home in Asumbi, Rangwe constituency Homa-Bay District. She has left behind three children.

Meanwhile Tom Onyango Alila, who is the coordinator, told this writer that they have finalized all the plans for the burial.

END

JUDGES RENDER RULING OVER MIWANI SUGAR COMPANY ACQUISITION

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JUDGES RENDER RULING OVER MIWANI SUGAR COMPANY ACQUISITION

BY JEFF OTIENO

Appellate Judges Justice R.S.C. Omollo, Emanuel E. O. O’kubasu and J.G. Nyamu have made a crucial ruling in Kisumu over the controversial sale of the Moribund Miwani Sugar Company.

In a civil suit number 261 of 2008 pitting applicants Miwani Sugar Company (1989) Ltd, which is in receivership, versus Negandra Sexana 1st respondent, and CROSSLEY HOLDINGS LTD as the other respondent, the appellate judges ruled in favour of the defendants.

The applicants were seeking orders to strike out an application by defendants on the grounds that the record of appeal, and the appeal itself, had been filed out of time, and without leave of court. Second technicality was that the record of appeal didn’t contain all the notes of superior court.

In his application, David Otieno for the receivers, urged the court in his affidavit, citing sequence of events leading to the filing of the application, as enough justification for the whole thing to be struck out.

In his part, Pheroz Nowrojee for defendants, submitted that there was no delay in filling the appeal, but added that even if there was a delay, sections 3A and 3B of the appellate Jurisdiction Act would save the situation.

“In view of the foregoing, we are satisfied that the appeal which is sought to be struck out was not filed out of time”, the judges ruled.

“Mr. David Otieno urged us to consider this application under the old rules but even if we do so, as earlier demonstrated, it lacks merit”, they said.

“As for the costs of application, we are of the view that these shall be in the appeal during full hearing”, they concluded.

The battle in court is a culmination of a protest, where the receiver and some stakeholders have been harboring a feeling that the auction of the once giant miller was unprocedurally done.

In the said auction, CROSSLEY HOLDINGS LTD, which is associated with the wealthy Asian family in Kisumu, with vast experience in sugar industry, was said to be the highest bidder, but the other quarters were reading mischief in the whole process, and thus the protracted legal battle to date.

END

FARMERS DEFEND KIBOS SUGAR OVER CANE POACHING CLAIMS

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FARMERS DEFEND KIBOS SUGAR OVER CANE POACHING CLAIMS

BY JEFF OTIENO

Farmers drawn from cane growing zones of Muhoroni, Chemelil, Miwani and Nandi Hills have strongly defended the resilient sugar miller, Kibos sugar and Allied Industries, over claims that they are massively involved in cane poaching, which could be disastrous to other rival millers in the region.

Speaking to the press in Kisumu, the farmers took issue with the said millers, to intensify their managerial skills and rapport with the farmers, instead of resorting to hollow and endless blame games.

The farmers were reacting to press reports attributed to the said millers, which alleged that Kibos Sugar has of late embarked on abrasive scheme to encroach on the territories of other millers, in search for cane.

“This is a liberalized market, where we as farmers are free to exhibit willing, buyer willing seller doctrine”. Mr. James Moi, who is one of the representatives of a co-operative society in Chemase – Nandi, quipped to this writer.

“Our priority as Kenya sugar board is quality service, not mere talks, yet our farmers have suffered for ages at the hands of some of these none performing sugar outfits”, Nicholas Oricho, Kenya sugar board director thundered when asked to comment on the ragging row.

Oricho, whose area of jurisdiction is embroiled over the said controversy, further added that before they joined the fray, when they took over the mantle of leadership last year, some farmers had standing cane, which had over stayed in the farms for over 40 months, to the chagrin of the hapless farmers, who have domestic obligations to meet.

Kibos sugar, which is two years old since inception, installed a multimillion weigh bridge in Awasi a couple of months ago, a move which has been overwhelmingly applauded by farmers and local leaders.

Farmers from as far as the larger southern Nyanza (read Awendo zone) are even opting to bring their canes to the weigh bridge, and in a span of a week, their deliveries are impressively paid.

Asked by this writer to comment on poaching claims by his industry rivals, the Managing Director, Raju Chanan said theirs as a miller is to deliver to the farmer’s quality service, which the farmers have craved for ages.

“I think I’ve no time for cheap and parochial politics which cannot empower our people”, Raju told this journalist on the telephone.

A group of farmers from Nandi cane growing area early last week stunned the sugar fraternity, by going the full throttle of even backing the miller, by donating a huge chunk of land for free to pave way for another weigh bridge.

They further urged the resilient miller to consider putting a bid to take over the moribund Miwani Sugar, arguing that they have shown commitment and capability to run the outfit.

END

Foreign investors left speechless as two Kenyan MPs almost come to blows over revival of Miwani Sugar Mill

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MIWANI WARS INTENSIFY
BY JEFF OTIENO

The battle lines over the control of the moribund Miwani sugar Company has gone a notch higher with two local Mps, Fred Outa of Nyando constituency, and his Muhoroni counter part, Prof Ayiecho Olweny exchanging unprintable words in full glare of the public.

It all started when the Nyando legislator, Fred Outa went to the once giant miller with some three foreign investors, said to be harbouring interests to revive the company dormant factory.

The bone of contention was the fact that the visitors went to Miwani without consulting the area MP, Prof Ayiecho Olweny.

Working on a tip off, the enraged Prof Ayiecho, with some of his youths on toe, rushed to Miwani and started exchanging bitter words with Outa within the precincts of the plant, to the disbelief of the foreign investors being taken on a tour of the plant.

“We will not allow you to mess up the sugar sector the way you’ve messed up with West Kano Rice Farmers”, Olweny told defiant Outa.
“Who are you to stop me from coming to Miwani. I will come several times”, Outa told Olweny.

Sources close to the Nyando legislator confided to this writer that Outa’s impromptu visit to the plant was sanctioned from some powerful quarters in Nairobi, said to be harbouring interests in the plant, who don’t want their names in the open. No wonder, Outa wasn’t moved by Ayiechos out bursts.

Some stakeholders in the sugar sector, led by the Director of Kenya Sugar Board, Nicholas Oricho, have however thrown their weight behind CROSLEY LTD, which won the tender during 2008 auction.

“One of the associates of CROSLEY is a sugar expert with unrivaled track record. We are backing him to revive Miwani for the sake of our people”, Oricho told this journalist.

CROSLEY LTD put an impressive bid worth Kshs. 752 Million, and offered 30% stake to the locals, a move which has been applauded by most natives.

The revival of Miwani Sugar, which has been under receivership for ages, is said to being frustrated by a powerful Nyanza politician, because he is alleged to be nursing massive interests in taking controlling ownership, but he doesn’t have the capacity.
 
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NYANZA POLICE BOSS VOWS TO CRACK WHIP ON THUGS

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NYANZA POLICE BOSS VOWS TO CRACK WHIP ON THUGS

BY JEFF OTIENO

The Provincial Police Officer (P.P.O) Nyanza, Njue Njagi has given a one week ultimatum to notorious robbers who have been terrorizing residents in the province, to surrender to the authorities or risk dire consequences.

In an interview with the press in his office, following a spate of robberies in the Province, Njagi told this writer that he has deployed every mechanism to ensure that the marauding clique’s dirty operations are halted forthwith.

“We cannot afford to be at the mercy of these heartless criminals anymore”, Njagi quipped. He was reacting to a series of fatal shootings, where a scholar in Rachuonyo District, Karabondi Sub-location was car jacked and later shot dead by thugs. The scholar is said to have resisted the demands by the thugs that he surrenders his car keys, culminating in the shooting.

Early last November, a businessman dealing in cereals was ambushed and killed under the same circumstances by robbers in Kendu-Bay, Rachuonyo District, and interestingly they took nothing from the businessman.

Still in Rachuonyo, a notorious hard core criminal nicknamed “Jail bird” last week woke up and hacked to death 5 bulls belonging to one of his relatives, and went scort free, courtesy of his rapport with a local assistant chief in Ringa.

Area leaders led by Marie-stopes Country Director Cyprian Awiti immediately reacted with rage and protested to the government to take action. Former nominated councilor, Ochieng Omutho also demanded the immediate overhaul of the local police officers in Rachuonyo District, adding that they have become complacent, because some of them have over stayed in their stations.

An Asian businessman based in Kisumu was also early last week car jacked and robbed by the said clique of thugs, whose ring of operation, according to the P.P.O stretches upto Western Province and to a neighboring country.

Njagi disclosed that he has sent his hawk eyed officers to the said neighboring country, following impressive leads.

In the third incident the Asian was robbed in Marenyo, around Yala Township of Kshs. 130,000. His vehicle (Lorry) was recovered during a fierce fire exchange with police officers. Crude weapons, including a toy pistol, were also recovered. Two of the robbers were shot and died instantly, while the others fled with gun shot wounds into the nearby thicket.

Njagi could not hide his joy, and was quick to praise his officers, particularly Divisional bosses, OCPDS, who have been working round the clock in places he described as dark spots to bring sanity.

The soft spoken and down to earth top cop at times disguises as a boda  boda rider (cyclists) during routine checks in the province, with his official cars in tow about 500 metres away, a move he described as very successful.

He however singled out Siaya District as the bedrock of hard core criminals, but so far, he has netted 7 of the notorious ones, and the list continues to grow.

The newly posted Kisumu OCPD, Mr. Mwinzi,, has intensified all round the clock vigil to contain robbers and car jackers who have been terrorizing business outfits and motorists with glee.

His Nyando counter part, Mr. Patrick Mbarire, is equally optimistic that the cattle rustling menace, which has rocked parts of Nyakach constituency, will soon be a thing of the past. Mbarire and Mwinzi urged the residents to co-operate and avail information to police whenever they encounter something which is a security threat.
 
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MUMIAS SUGAR’S PROFITS MASSIVE

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MUMIAS SUGAR’S PROFITS MASSIVE

BY JEFF OTIENO

Kenya’s leading miller, Mumias Sugar Company Ltd, has made a staggering profit of Kshs. 1.6 Billion after taxation. This represents an increase of 33% over the previous years profit, after tax of Kshs. 1.2 Billion.

This was revealed during the Company’s 38th Annual General meeting (AGM, which was held at Tom Mboya Labour College (COTU) Kisumu.

The Managing Director, Dr. Evans Kidero, also revealed that the Company contributed a whopping 3.2 Billiiion to the exchequer for the year runnin, compared to 3.4 Billion last year.

Dr. Kidero further disclosed that the Company successfully commissioned the 38MW Co-generation project in May this year. This, the MD noted has led to an increase in export of power to the national grid from 3MW to 26 MW.

“Through this project, the Company has managed to diversify its product range and expanded its revenue streams”, Dr. Kidero told the well attended AGM.

“This is an initiative of the board and management, in preparing for the expiry of the COMESA safeguard measures in 2012, and the full gains will be realized once the loan from PROPARCO of USD 35 Million is repaid in full”, Dr. Kidero reiterated.

The Company Chairman, John V. Bosse, told the attentive share holders that the board is looking at various projects that are aimed at repositioning the Company in the face of the current market changes.

“I’m optimistic and confident that the implementation of the said projects will give the Company a competitive advantage and a better investment refunds”, Bosse said. He however noted that the operational environment has become more challenging than before.

“Whereas the first half witnessed the Perennial adverse weather challenges, the second half of the year met disruption in cane supply, occasioned by political agitation for higher cane prices”, Bosse concluded.

The Company processed 2,161,031 tonnes of sugar cane compared to 2,408,141 tonnes in 2008. Sugar produced at 231,014 tonnes was 13% lower than the 2008 production of 265,263 tonnes. The performance for the year under review was therefore greatly affected by cane supply and factory performance operational challenges.

END

KIBOS SUGAR SET TO INCREASE CRUSHING CAPACITY

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From: JEFF
Date: Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 1:22 AM

BY JEFF OTIENO

Kibos Sugar and Allied industries Ltd has finalized ambitious plans to increase it’s crushing capacity up from 1650 tonnes to a whooping 3500 tonnes per day.

Speaking to farmers and co-operative officials drawn Aldai Division cane growing zones in Chemursoi Primary school during a routine consultation with stakeholders, the Company managing director Raju Channan revealed to ecstatic farmers that plans to scale up the crushing capacity has been concluded and it was now a question of weeks before it’s officially launched.

Brief drama ensued before the marathon farmers meeting when teachers and pupils of Chemursoi primary school confronted the Director to come to their rescue saying that the school had dilapidated administration block which is hazardous to their lives.

Raju immediately responded by donating a staggering Kshs 100,000 as part of his contribution with another Kshs 25,000/= to benefit some 5 bright orphan students from the area.
Mathias rotich the school headteacher could not hide his joy and narrated how the parents have struggled for ages with the school to bring it to the present standards without external support but ran out of steam after the collapse of the once vibrant Miwani Sugar Company.

On squabbles and stalemate bedeviling Miwani, the enraged farmers unanimously endorsed CROSLEY LTD a company associated with one of the Kibos Sugar Directors to revive it for the benefit of the locals.

CROSLEY LTD is said to have quoted an impressive 752 million during last years auction and they are the legitimate title deed holders of the expansive Miwani nucleaus according to government records. Interestingly the machines are differently owned by the government and other stakeholders.

A local influential politician from Nyanza is said to behind the controversy and stalemate to revive the miller. During the bid and thereafter he has been angling himself through a consortium to buy the miller but all infutility to the chagrin of locals who are yawning for ultimate resuscitation.

Key industry players are keenly watching what convincing reasons the government will unleash to deny a potential investor who has shown commitment and capacity to revive the plant.

Kibos Sugar has also gone a notch higher by finalizing its co-generation plans in a bid to diversify income and come end of next year it is expected to generate 22megawatts to the national grid.
Currently it generates 3 megawatts for its own internal consumption. “It is true we’ve contracted a consulting firm from overseas to make our dream a reality”, Raju told this journalist.

“At least now we can take our children to school without kneeling before political brokers and unscrupulous CEOS of some sugar factories to be paid our deliveries”, Mzee Kimetich Chepkwony said during the stormy meeting.

Kibos Sugar has for the last six months embarked on an impressive and aggressive payment scheme schedule where farmers are paid weekly albeit to the chagrin of other millers who view their move as tantamount to a coup and incitement.

Raju ordered his agricultural manager who was present during the meeting to harvest mature canes which have taken 24 months in the fields rotting amid applause from farmers.

Kenya Sugar Board Director Nicholas Oricho who is their representative and was in attendance urged Kibos Sugar to continue with their sterling work adding that he will try to lobby his colleagues in the board to extend and olive branch to the miller for cane developments come beginning of next year when the company shall have attained mandatory 2 years in existence as per the rules of Kenya Sugar Board the regulator.

Oricho was however at pains and battled to explain the logic of awarding a staggering 800 million to the under performing and corruption riddled Chemelil sugar for cane development among other things.

“Heckling and street talk will not salvage farmers from the shackles of poverty, give me support and I will deliver more”, Oricho quipped.

He further urged the government to promptly resolve Miwani issue alleging that so far it is to blame for the prevailing confusing and stalemate.

“The ownership of Miwani should be put to rest since I’ve perused everything with the Ministry of lands, what we now need is action from a competent investor to save our people from economic crisis”, Oricho told farmers.

END

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Subject: KIBOS SUGAR SET TO INCREASE CRUSHING CAPACITY