From: JEFF
Date: Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 2:10 AM

BY JEFF OTIENO

Combative Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has declared that he has no ambition to aspire for Presidency come 2012.

Speaking to the press on telephone the Cotu Secretary General said the main priority of Cotu is to ensure that reforms are achieved within a short time frame.

Atwoli who has lined up rallies across the country’s major towns to agitate for reforms, was early this week put on the spot light in a section of the press by a group alleging to be affiliated to the workers body who distanced themselves from his current reform crusade saying they were never consulted.

“I’ve no time for paper tigers, masquaraders and hirelings who are being used by anti reformists to frustrate Kenyans not to get a new constitution” Atwoli thundered.

The said group are also reported to have questioned the funding of the big rallies which he also dismissed as “cheap”.

“Cotu is a vibrant outfit with genuine and committed members who are contributors and everything else we are currently engaged in was sanctioned by relevant organs and therefore whoever is questioning legitimacy of our pursuit should be treated as an outsider paid to derail our course which to me is a game in futility since you cannot stop river Nile from flowing” he quipped.

“The dirty tactics of anti reformists are known in this country and Kenyans should be prepared for blackmail, diversionary tactics and intimidation from the said clique”, he said during the interview.

“Currently they’ve put me under microscope but I want to tell them theyre wasting their time, I remain undeterred until Kenyans get a new constitution” he added.

END
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Subject: I AM NOT INTERESTED IN PRESIDENCY DECLARES ATWOLI

From: JEFF
Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 4:19 AM

By Jeff Otieno

KANU National Vice chairman Gideon Moi has re-scheduled his visit to Nyanza Province until next week.

Gedion whose meeting was slated for (tomorrow) Thursday this week confided to this journalist that he has decided to hold the crucial meeting next week due to what he termed as “inevitable official pressing issues”.

All the 21 KANU branch officials had been summoned to Kisumu by the patron Tom Alila to brain storm on issues bedeviling the former ruling party and to also finalize plans to welcome the guest.

During the marathon 6 hours meeting yesterday, inside sources confided to the press that tension was high and the party officials were sharply divided and at one time had to be restrained from going physical with each other.

A camp allied to finance minister and KANU chairman Uhuru Kenyatta read mischief in the whole arrangement to host the resilient Gedion Moi.

Gedions camp however down played the sharp division and instead urged party members to be more focused on reviving the party instead of jostling for cheap publicity and supremacy.

Kisumu KANU branch office is said to be at the centre of controversy with a clique of officials sympathetic to other rival parties being accused of benefiting from the party’s properties (modern rental kiosks) which generates close to Kshs.400,000/= instead of committed and genuine officials.

Gedion who is also the son of former president Daniel Arap Moi has also declared his presidential ambitions come 2012.

END
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Subject: GIDEON MOI POSTPONES HIS NYANZA KANU MEETING

BY JEFF OTIENO

A case in which two people have been charged in Butere court over claims that they threatened to kill and also extort money from Mumias Sugar Managing Director Dr. Evans Kidero at long last started.

The two Mustafa Juma and Lusule Ole Sangale have been charged that on 12th December 2008 they threatened to kill the C.E.O and further demanded Kshs. 200,000 from him in order to avert everything.

Mustafa Juma who is the first accused stunned the court once again when he demanded for an adjournment for the third time on grounds that he was unwell and needed treatment. The second accused Lusule Ole Sangale however remained mute during the entire proceedings.

He has been in police custody for almost six months after he had jumped bail. Last month when the case came up for hearing Mustafa demanding that his bail plea be granted but the prosecution stood ground arguing that his papers for the same were dubious to warrant a reprieve.

All the seven witnesses were in attendance and Dr. Evans Kidero the complainant, was the first one to be in the witness box.

Three witnesses testified and the remaining are slated to testify on 25th Sept 2009 during second hearing.

END

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From: JEFF
Date: Fri, Sep 4, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Subject: KIDERO DEATH THREAT CASE KICKS OFF

BY JEFF OTIENO

Bedrock Holdings Ltd have moved to High Court in Kisumu to compel Bedrock Security Servces Ltd from operating using their business name.

Before judge John Mwera Bedrock Holdings Ltd argue that their clients have of late been put into confusion by Erick Ouma Okeyo who is the Director of Bedrock Security Ltd.

The defendant lawyer David Otieno of Otieno Ragot Company advocate, however argued in a packed court that it’s the plaintiff Bedrock Holding Ltd which has made his clients to loss business since inception way back 2004. He submitted that Bedrock Holding is only registered to offer grocery and brick laying services.

Judge Mwera ordered that the case be heard on 24th Sept 2009 when all the witnesses registrar of societies included will be present to testify in order to authenticate the genuine owners mandated to operate the security business under what umbrella.

Both firms have got offices in Kisumu and with a sound base of clientele who are now entangled in confusion caused by the same trade name.

Bedrock Holding was represented by three lawyers namely Nairobi based Patrick Lumumba, James Mwamu and Aluoch Kopot.

END
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From: JEFF
Date: Tue, Sep 1, 2009 at 7:43 AM
Subject: SECURITY WAR NOW GOES TO COURT

By Jeff Otieno

Kenya Electricity Generating Company Ltd (KENGEN) has allegedly been rocked by a massive scandal at its KIPEVU station.

In a terse letter dated 10th August 2009 to the Managing Director Eddy Njoroge, Witerose Security Systems Ltd Chief Executive Polycap Ocholla alleges that the station Manager Eng. Abel Rotich has been demanding bribes from him in order to be kept a float to continue doing a contract with the company.

Ocholla said that he started doing business with KENGEN way back in 2003 and emphasized that the relationship has been very cordial.

Torrid ties started in August 2007 when Eng. Rotich wrote a letter of harmonization demanding that Witrose reduces its number of security guards from 44 to 36 irrespective of letter of award Ref: PROC.475/DM/WK dated 26th April 2007 for the ongoing contract. And second letter of harmonization Ref: OM/KPV/117/10/AR/e, dated July 26th 2007.

In the harmonization letter Ocholla alleges that Eng Rotich was suggesting that he reduce the actual guards as per his letter by 11 guards, but he continue invoicing KENGEN as per the letter of award and that the amount of Kshs.10, 440 multiplied by the 11 which is equivalent to Ksh.114, 840 to be shared between them on fifty fifty basis in exchange of a cheque worth Kshs.619, 440.

“Since I knew this would compromise the security of the station at the expense of our image by deploying less guards in very key sensitive positions and considering the negative impact should theft occur, we have never been in good relationship,” the letter read in part.

Ocholla said that he has been at the mercy and has suffered of late in the hands of this manager who at times colludes with his juniors to stage manage theft to portray his company as inept with a view of denying him business.

“Several alleged theft cases of copper cables in KIPEVU have been confirmed to be stage managed by Rotich and his cronies within the station and our guards have never been involved to take stock of length of cables to be used within the precincts of KIPEVU or without, “the letter further read.

He went on to say that when they were previously involved to do stock and to move cables from one outfit to the other, such claims of theft didn’t occur and records are there to attest to the claim.

He continued to mention an interesting case where 80 metres of black cable was cut by a Mr. Gonna of KIPEVU and the same was loaded on a private courier Data Rush Company vehicle registration No. KBB 886X driven by Mr. Thomas Macharia on 25th July, 2008 allegedly being transported to KENGEN Nairobi Office. “Its common knowledge that KIPEVU is supplied from your Nairobi stores, and why would 80 metres cable be taken to Nairobi in a private van and more so without a gate pass?” he questioned.

In a letter which was equally copied to the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) he concluded that since most of the alleged dubious deals being propelled by Rotich have been unearthed by his guards, he’s now pushing that the Managing Director Eddy Njoroge terminates his contruct.

He’s further intending to go the full throttle of swearing an affidavit in regards to all the claims against Mr. Rotich and to even adduce more evidence when called upon by the authorities.

End.

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From: JEFF
Date: Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 5:31 AM
Subject: BRIBERY CLAIMS ROCKS KENGEN

BY JEFF OTIENO

BEDROCK SECURITY LTD which is a security firm based in Kisumu is embroiled in a serious controversy over its ownership and General Operations.

The firm which was registered way back in 2004 by Erick Ouma Okeyo and Patrick Odipo as its Directors are mandated by the registrar of companies to offer security services.

Bedrock is also having a sister company operating under the flagship BEDROCK HOLDINGS LTD which offers services like brick laying, wholesale and retail but not security which they are currently doing which contravenes section 7 and 22 of the company’s act cap 486.

According to BEDROCK SECURITY LTD Director Erick Okeyo, the purported owners are masqueraders who have been using his trade mark to defraud his clients. BEDROCK SECURITY has its roots well spread in the lake side city and its environs for now close to 5 years.

It will be interesting to see therefore what effect and action the looming court battle will have when the recess period of judges end s next week.

Already the registrar of societies has already reacted to Okeyos letter dated 20th Aug 2009 which read in part “The above company (Bedrock Holding Ltd is engaged in security services, cash Escort and Alarm services among others, please confirm to us in writing whether their Articles authorized security business in their objects.

On behalf of the registrar a one Mr. K. Mosoti state council in a letter dated 21st Aug 2009 ref: C 100764, read in part “Bedrock Holding Ltd according to its memorandum and articles of Association is not engaged in the provision of security services or cash escort or alarm or related services. “It should therefore not provide such services as the same or not part of its registered objects. It was copied to its Directors Elias Onyango and Stephen Ayugi

Stung by the looming ramifications of the inevitable legal battle, the two Directors (Stephen and Onyango) paid an advert in a section of the press warning that Erick Okeyo was once their employee and could not be entrusted by anybody to carry business on their behalf.

Perturbed by the move, Okeyo has instructed his lawyers Jude Ragot and David Otieno of Ragot and Otieno advocates to sue for defamation.

The same firm has been instructed to move to court to compel BEDROCK HOLDING LTD from doing security services.

It is worth noting that leading firms and personalities who have contracted BEDROCK SECURITY FIRM LTD are in a state of confusion on who is legitimate to operate with. Both firms have got offices in Kisumu with same logo crowning there precincts.

END
– – –
From: JEFF
Date: Mon, Aug 24, 2009 at 8:40 AM
Subject: WAR ERUPTS IN SECURITY FIRM

BY: JEFF OTIENO

Local leaders in Karachuonyo constituency, Rachuonyo District are up in arms with Mawego Girls Principal Janet Kasuku for running the school with high handedness.

During a well attended funds drive in aid of St. Martin Oluti Secondary School in Kobuya Mawego, Hippo Komutho who is one of the Board of Governors members (BOG) appealed to the government to immediately intervene and transfer the “under performing principal “ to avert the looming crisis in the school.

Komutho attributed the recent riot by the students to “overwhelming pride and arrogance” from the principal who he alleged is doing things single handedly without consulting board members and other stake holders.

Kasuku is alleged to have hired the services of groundsmen as cooks to the chagrin of students who nearly torched the school, but quick intervention from villagers salvaged the day.

“It worth noting that it’s due to the attitude by this principal which has made us to unceremoniously exit from the board”, Komutho noted.

Agalaxy of board members including the chairman of the board who is also Marie stoppes country Director Cyprian Awiti recently quit their positions on grounds said to be related to how the principal has been managing the school.

When he took the podium during the harambee, the Director however down played the prevailing acrimony and tension between the warring parties.

A whopping Kshs. 1.6 million was raised for the construction of Oluti Secondary school classrooms and administration blocks.

Awiti gave a personal donation of Kshs. 200,000; Komutho Kshs. 100,000, Mumias sugar Managing Director Evans Kidero Kshs. 30,000 among others.

END
– – –
From: JEFF
Date: Aug 11, 2009 4:29 AM
Subject: MAWEGO GIRLS PRINCIPAL UNDER FIRE

BY JEFF OTIENO

Interdenominational church leaders in Nyanza Province have hailed President Mwai Kibaki’s three days tour of Luo Nyanza.

In a press statement, the chairman of the group Bishop Dr. Washington Ogonyo Ngede said the visit will go along way in “spurring development in the region”.

They further appealed to other members of the grand coalition Government to emulate both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga in order for the country to achieve faster growth.

“We believe the tour which lasted for three days will go along way in cementing the ties between the Luos and Kikuyus” the statement read. “It’s our humble prayer that all the 42 tribes in Kenya will also borrow a leaf from the President and Prime Minister and work together for the sake of peace and unity of the country”, if further read.

They noted that the country is bigger than an individual or tribal egos and therefore appealed that MPs and ministers should preach peace and unity amongst various ethnic groups to support initiatives of the two principals.

Ngede reiterated that its their prayer for the grand coalition to remain united until 2012 when the country will brace her self to elect a new President without shedding blood as witnessed in the last General Election.

Meanwhile Marie Stopes country Director Cyprian Awiti has appealed to politicians to shun hatred and instead foster unity in order to propel the country to greater heights of growth.

Awiti hailed the two principals consistent moves which he described as “healthy and historic”. He was speaking over the weekend during a funds drive in aid of KenduBay Catholic Church where he helped to raise Kshs.600,000/= with a personal donation of Kshs.100,000/=.

He further urged politicians to seek for God’s intervention in whatever they do.

END
– – –
From: JEFF
Date: Jul 27, 2009 7:16 AM
Subject: NYANZA CLERGY HAILS KIBAKI’S TOUR

From: JEFF
Date: Jul 24, 2009 2:18 AM
Subject: KISUMU TOWN EAST MP HECKLED

KISUMU TOWN EAST MP HECKLED

BY JEFF OTIENO

Kisumu Town East Legislator Shakeel Ahmed Shabir met the wrath of voters when he was heckled in his own back yard by an enthusiastic crowd which had lined up to receive the Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kondele.

The Mp who could be seen nodding his head in disbelief were a group of leaders who had camped the better part of the day right at the airport ready to give the PM a rousing welcome.

During his last stop over in Kondele the PM introduced all the MPs and ministers in his entourage but when he gave a microphone to Shakeel, he was badly heckled and told unprintable words by the mammoth crowd to the disbelief of the Prime Minister who happens to be his political mentor.

Sources with the ODM ranks confided to this writer that Shakeel political woos has been sparked by an unsustainable election pledge where he promised the voters that half of his salary will go directly to his constituents and to date nothing has come forth.

He’s again being accused of arrogance, elusiveness and devising ivory approach to crucial political issues bedevelling his voters when he’s needed.

Back to the prime ministers reception at the airport, it was a low keyed affair in terms of high ranked to government officials who usually grace and take charge of such occasions.

Only the area OCPD Solomon Kiragu and the kisumu Town East DO 1 were the only high ranking officials to receive the Prime Minister.

Despite the well laid red carpet right from the runway up to the VIP lounge, the apparently happy Raila Odinga questioned the absence of the PC, PPO and DC according to an MP who requested for anonymity.

Interestingly, the newly appointed PC was one hour later seen wining and dining with some State House mandarins in a local Hotel. They were later joined for dinner by Nyando MP Fred Outa.

At the airport to receive the Prime Minister were local religious leaders, MPs Fred Outa Of Nyando, Professor Ayiecho Olweny of Muhoroni, John Olago Aluoch of Kisumu Town West, Jakoyo Midiwo of Gem and Shakeel Shabir Kisumu Town East.

Public Service Minister Dalmas otieno Anyango and Fisheries Minister Paul Otuoma arrived with the Prime Minister in his Military Chopper.

Enroute to the town centre, Raila made four stopovers in a bid to prepare ground for president Mwai Kibaki.

He told the Nyanza residents to be patient and hopeful saying elaborate development was underway mentioning the expansion Kisumu airport and the construction of some of the once dilapidated roads as some of the beckoning goodies.

About the prevailing debate of how the region has shared the “ half loaf bread” th PM dismissed the critics as malicious and none starters who had sinister motives to derail his political ambitions.

Nairobi based advocates George onyango Oloo and Ambrose Weda have been leading an onslaught against the PMs way of governance mostly in rural funerals trying to discredit him of how badly he has dished the few government slots allegedly to his cronies and relatives.

Close Raila Odinga pointmen who aggressively campaigned and fought for him at the hour of need have allegedely been sidelined according to political pundits.

They are Malindi based hotelier Otiende Rateng, Mombasa based business magnet Polycap Ocholla, Dave Okwach former nominated councilor, Nairobi business man John Obura Dimo, Samwel Ntere, former detainee olak Diego and the once wealthy but now financially crippled, Mombasa businessman Awiti Habo.

Habo was one of the PM financiers and close ally during the last elections but is now walking a tight rope financially depending on a paltry KSH 50,000 in terms of allowances he gets at KICC as one of the board members but only when the board sits which critics argue is not commensurate to his status and support he gave.

On the controversial Migingo Island , Raila was compelled to address the issue by the crowd in Kondele but he was a little cautious and diplomatic saying that it was a small mis-understanding between the two countries which will soon be resolved.

END

BY JEFF OTIENO

WAR STILL RAGES AT KSB OVER FERTILIZER

The Chief Executive of Kenya Sugar Board Rose Mkok is on the spot light over a staggering Ksh 1 billion earmarked for fertilizer purchase.

A group of farmers led by Tom Otieno Onyango from the larger southern Nyanza Sugar belt growing region have already written to all government agencies including the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission to promptly take all the necessary action to avert what they described as ‘day light theft’ by the Kenya Sugar Board.

The Board recently placed an advert in the local dailies inviting bidders and the bidding period is slated to close on 26th /5/2009. According to the enraged farmers, the board has no mandate what so ever to import the said fertilizer.

They further took issue with the Ministry of agriculture for siding with the board over the impending dubious purchase.

“The money should be used to develop farms and improve cash strapped factories which are heavily indebted,” they argued in a terse statement.”

“Some of the factories like Chemelil Sugar Company in Nyando District have not done maintenance for ages yet the board is sitting on the money,” they noted.

The group went on to allege that Kenya Sugar Board has already conspired with a clique of powerful Politicians in the Sugar belt areas to defraud farmers through the ‘illegal’ fertilizer purchase.

“Mkok is just a pawn of a powerful clique,” Onyango thundered.

Inside sources within Kenya Sugar Board confided to the press how the impending ‘fictitious’ purchase has divided the board with one divide saying the purchase is justified while the other is emphatic that the whole thing is just but a scheme to line the pockets of a few money hungry individuals.

Last week when the Board met to deliberate on the issue, a clique of members who are not for the purchase were allegedly intimidated with suspensions in a bid to cow them in order to succumb to pressure.

The farmers further urged the CEO to run the body professionally instead of operating as a political activist.

END.
– – –
Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 23:32:26 -0700 [01:32:26 AM CDT]
From: JEFF
Subject: WAR STILL RAGES AT KSB OVER FERTILIZER