Category Archives: HEADLINES

KENYA & ICC: VICTIMS GRANTED STATUS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONFIRMATION OF CHARGES AT THE HAGUE

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By Dickens Wasonga.

Only 327 people have been picked as victims by the International Criminal Court which is seeking to punish those who are suspected to have been behind the post poll chaos that rocked the country in 2008.

According to Maria Kamara, the ICC’s field outreach coordinator , those were the people who got the approval of the pre -trial chamber judges as victims authorized to participate in the confirmation of charges proceedings at the Hague.

Speaking at a Kisumu hotel on Tuesday during a workshop for journalists covering ICC issues Kamara disclosed that the selected victims were amongst several Kenyans who had indicated interest of participation in the process and did so voluntarily.

She stated that although they have been picked by the judges , they will be represented by a legal team that will be put together and who will travel to represent them at the Hague.

Kamara pointed out that those victims will not have to be present during the confirmation hearings slated for next month and in October where the six suspects will get the opportunity to make a statement on the charges facing them

The first team to appear for the confirmation schedule for September 1st will be the suspects from ODM side of the coalition and includes the suspended higher education minister William Ruto, Kass FM journalist Joshua San’g and Tinderet MP Henry Kosgei.

The other group who includes ambassador Francis Muthaura[ Secretary to the Cabinet] , Hussien Ali [ postmaster Genral] and Uhuru Kenyatta [deputy prime minister] will appear in October.

The coordinator said the victims were picked after a visit to all the hot spot areas and IDP camps by a team of officers from the court’s victim’s participation and reparation division who also held consultations with victims from affected communities.

” Many people indicated interest in taking part in the process, they completed forms provided by the ICC teams and the same was handed over to the judges who picked the 327.”

She disclosed that civil society groups from the regions affected most by the poll chaos were involved into mobilizing the people who showed willingness to participate in the process.

Kamara clarified that the confirmation of the charges was not meant to determine whether the suspects were guilty or not but would offer them an opportunity to make a statement.

It would also give the ICC chief prosecutor Moreno Ocampo the chance to give full evidence he has gathered to build hid case.

And she confirmed that there were no provisions within the operations of the ICC that bar accused persons before it from seeking any political office.

” That is a constitutional matter that each country can address and the court has nothing to do with the political ambitions of those under trial should the charges be confirmed”.said Kamara.

She was reacting to concerns raised by journalists who wanted to know if the confirmation of the charges could stop the suspects from running in the 2012 elections.

This is considering that two of the suspects, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto are presidential hopefuls.

The two have been on a campaign trail and appear not bothered about the impending trails at the Hague.

However according to analysts the duo may not be out of the woods yet especially if the charges were to be confirmed.

They opined that any Kenyan would go to court and seek its interpretation of the constitution.Besides, ICC does not have a time frame of cases before it as long as there is no indication of a deliberate move to delay the proceedings.

That means if the charges are confirmed, the cases could go beyond the set dates for the general elections in Kenya thus complicating matters for Ruto and Uhuru both of whom are viewed as strong candidates in the G7alliance.

ENDS.

Tanzania plans to establish ten new airports to ease air travels in the country

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

INFORMATION emerging from Dar Es Salaam says Tanzania has envisaged plan of establishing and upgrading ten regional airports countrywide at USD 67.5 million infrastructure project set to kick off before the end of the year 2012.

The project will also feature the completion of the modernization of Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam to enable it to handle more than 30 planes per hour, up from the current 11 planes an hour beginning July 2012.

Transport Minister Omar Nundo was quoted last week as saying the airports will be built in Kigoma and Tabora regions in the western parts of the country. In Rukwa and Mbeya regions in the Southern highlands, Mafia district {Coastal},Msalato {Dodoma},Singida,Mwanza, Arusha and Bukoba [Kagera}.

“Construction of the airports will improve infrastructure helping the aviation industry meet the increased demand,” said the Minister.

Despite the existing tourist attractions such as the world famous Serengeti National Game Park, Mt Kilimanjaro and the sea resort of Zanzibar,Tanzania has not hit tourism target due to poor infrastructure and other failures. For example, 794 tourists visited Tanzania in 2010 against a one million tourist target, although earning increased by 11 per cent during the period to USD 1.28 billion.

This has seen mining industry overtake tourism as the main country’s foreign exchange earner. Officials said the initial plan was completed last year, while the feasibility study has been presented to the World Bank for approval.

Construction of Songea International Airport in Mbeya region is currently going on and is on course to be completed in December this year.

The Tanzania Airport Authority has completed feasibility and design for Msato Airport in Dodoma.The government has kicked off a compensation plan for the residents who will be affected by the project.

Finance Minister Mustafa Mkulo was also quoted in the local media as saying that the government was involved in serious discussion with its development partners as well as the Arab Bank for African Development and African Development Bank for a USD 105 million loan for the construction of Msalato International Airport.

The government has set aside USD 650 in the 2011-2012 budgets for the same project. Terminal 1 and 11 at the Julius Nyerere international Airport are currently 12 million passengers a year, but are now handling up to 1.5 million passengers. This should help ease congestion at the airport. The two terminals were designed to handle 1.2 million passengers a year, but are now handling up to 1.5 million passengers.

Upon completion of terminal 111 within the same area, Julius Nyerere International Airport will have the capacity to handle seven million passengers a year.

According to Airport’s masterplan, it will be he largest hub in the region, partly symbolized by TAA’s plan to launch an ambitious export processing zone project to stimulate manufacturing and production of value – added goods, boost exports, and aid in the financing of airport maintenance and upgrading.

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Kenya: Raila tells the Luos to venture into small businesses and free themselves economically and also to humble themselves towards their neighbors

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

FOR the first time the Prime Minister Raila Odinga was brave enough to tell his Luo supporters to discard the culture of begging for handouts and that instead they should venture into small trade and commercial enterprises so as to empower themselves economically.

Speaking before mammoth crowd during the emotional burial of a prominent educationist the late Samson Ojwang’ at Osasa village Kakangutu Location, Kabondo Constituency in Rachuonyo South district within Homa-Bay County Odinga said they should emulate the Jewish Community. A Jew will never beg anything for free thing, but would always borrow money from his friends, relatives and neighbors to venture into a small business enterprise, even if it is too small like a shoe cobbler. But once his business prospers, a Jew would always quickly refund the money advance to him.

Youths in the region, he said, should consider starting small enterprises and other income generating activities instead of pursuing the bad habit of {Gonywa} loosely meaning “Free us”

Gonywa habit and culture promote idleness and laxity and should be discarded at all cost.”Let every able bodied men and women work and by so doing they would be able to free themselves from the scourge of abject poverty.

He also advised the Luos to change their attitude of arrogance to cohesiveness with their neighbor.”Wherever I go Kenyans have always told me on my face that I am good, but once I become the President of the Republic of Kenya my Luoloose tank Luo people will cause havoc to their Kenyans neighbors. You should adjust you culture an be humble to your neighbours,”he said

The Prime Minister moved the crowd when he narrated the history of a world renown business magnate Mr.Hilton, who is today the owner of the globally spread chains of five star hotels. Id Hilton had started a simple as cobbler. The man is to-day a living example of hard work and determination wh9ch pays.

The late Ojwang’ a renowned teacher died at the age of 84. He was the father of a Nairobi and Nyanza prominent businessman –cum- politician Hebert Ojwang’ who at one time was the Prime Minister Personal Assistant, but voluntarily left the job to venture into business And also a prominent Nairobi lawyer Nesbit Ojwang’

The Prime Minister coined his now famous story of the cat and a group of disgruntled mousses who met and decided that they should tie a bell at the end tail of the cat so that they will be able to monitor its movement. But when it came the time of tying the bell now one was ready to be brave enough o accomplish the task. He likened those unnamed politicians who had ganged up against his presidential ambition like cat and mice.

Earlier the former Karachuonyo MP Dr Mrs Phoebe Asiyo had raised the political temperature when she argued that it was wrong for the cabinet to propose changes in the new constitution in a section which says that 30 per cent of the electable MP should be women. He said the women leaders were not happy with that decision.

Asiyo’s sentiments were backed by the Sotik MP Dr Joyce Laboso and Mrs Ida Odinga in their addresses.

Speakers after speakers who included MPs John Olango Aluoch {Kisumu Town West}, John Pesa {Migori } and the host Joseph Oyugi Maguwanga who acted as the master of ceremony scathingly criticized leaders whose names are associated with the outlawed “Mungiki” terrorists.

The late Ojawng” left behind his wife Mama Ruth Adhiambo Ojwang’, two sons and three daughters. He was eulogized as as a man of high integrity and principles whose wisdom has helped many youths access better education and good life

The Prime Minister and his wife presence at the funeral together was rare phenomenon signifying their closeness to the family of the Ojwang’s.

But local political pundits were quick in making intelligent guesswork that it was an outright endorsement of Herbert Ojwang’ who is vying for the newly created Kabondo parliamentary seat. The same pundits viewed the move as an outright campaign to give Hebert Ojwang political mileage over a dozen of other aspirants who have already declared their interests in the seat..

Most of the aspirants for the seat which was created from he larger Kasipul-0Kabondo constituency. Among hem is the incumbent Ojugi Maguwanga, the former MP Dr Ralph Kopiyo,. Prof Otieno Muga former director oaf Medical Services and a dozen of others.

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Eritrea & Uganda: PRESIDENT AFWERKI CONCLUDES THREE DAYS STATE VISIT TO UGANDA DURING WHICH TIME HE HELD SERIOUS TALKS WITH PRESIDENT MUSEENI.

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki has concluded his 3-day State visit to Uganda.

The Eritrean head of state has recently came under scathing criticism by regional leaders over his alleged logistic support for Al-Qaeda backed al-shaban Islamist terrorist in Somalia.

Afwerli’s visit to Uganda has some significantly positive political dimension after the recent meeting of Igad held in Addis Ababa expressed concern over his alleged indulgence in terrorist activities in Somalia.

Among those regional leader who had expressed concern was President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, who is considered to be a moderate and reserved in his handling of crucial diplomtic issues.

Afwerki did not attend the Igad consultative meeting, though Eritrea is a member

President Afewerki, who was in the country at the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni, held bilateral talks with his host during which the two leaders discussed bilateral issues between Uganda and Eritrea centering on regional peace and security, trade and bilateral cooperation, among others.

The Eritrean leader also visited a number of industrial establishments in Kampala that included Quality Chemicals which manufactures anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), the Dairy Corporation and Roofings Limited that specializes in the manufacture of building and roofing materials.

President Afewerki was seen off at State House Entebbe by President Museveni.

Others were minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa, state minister for Regional Co-operation, Asumani Kiyingi and senior Government and Security officials.

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Kenya & Uganda: Tension remained high on the disputed Migingo Island despite assurances by both Kenya and Uganda authorities that the issue will be resolved soon.

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Sori-Karungu Bay.

Tension has eased out on Migingo and the twin islands of Ugingo in Lake Victoria following the announcement by in both Nairobi and Kampala that top security chiefs are scheduled to me in the Uganda capital on Monday to discuss security matters.

A contingent of Kenyan administration policemen landed on Migingo last Monday raising tension as it appeared that he move caught heir Ugandan counterparts unaware or their impending arrival or it was a case of total breakdown in communication between the Ugandan marine policemen who have been manning the island ever since 2004 and their bosses in Kampala.

Unconfirmed reports says some of the Ugandan policemen on seeing their Kenyan counterparts motor boat approaching the island had cocked heir guns in readiness to open for ,but were reportedly restrained by seniors.

After surveying Migingo, the Kenyan security personnel fond the island too congested and could no find enough space to erect tents. They moved on Ugingo Island which is only 100 meters away and pinched their tents.

It is also untrue that Kenyan policemen were frisked of their firearms and disarmed by Ugandan counterparts as was reported by a section of the press. The two groups did not come into direct contact and therefore no confrontation of any sorts took place.

It was the question of accommodation for the Kenyan policemen on he densely populated Migingo that forced them to set their camp at the nearby Ugingo, which is situated only 100 meters away, with enough space for accommodation for 40 or more Kenyans.

On Thursday news came over various FM vernacular stations that the Kenyan Police Commissioner Matthews Iteere will travel to the Uganda capital, Kampala where he will meet his counter part Maj-Generl Sale Kayhihura to discuss and fine tune f the logistics of joint patrolling work by the two sides.

The deployment of Kenyan security personnel o the disputed island was among he resolution passed at a special committee meeting held in Nairobi last month which was attended by Kenyan and Ugandan Ministers.

Kenyan fishermen and traders living on the island said the move was most welcome. They praised President Kibaki and his Ugandan counterpart President Yoweri Museveni and urged the two to find a quick solution so that tension between the two countries could be fizzled out.

Nyatike MP Edick Omondi Anyanga told this writer the patience of his people was running out. The two countries should work out the mode of taxation and levies paid by fishermen and those involved in fish trade. The two governments must agree on as to who should receive taxes and levies on fish catches currently enjoyed by Uganda.

Nyatike constituency has the largest shoreline stretching from Lak-Nyiero on the border of Nyatike and Gwassi districts through Sori to Luanda, Ndiwa, Angugo on to Muhuru-Bay on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It is a distance of about 50 kilometers. Most of the Kenyan fishermen living on Migingo hail from Nyatike and the area legislator has a strong belief that a last solution would be found.

The fishermen, however, have expressed fears that Uganda appeared to be content on holding on the twin islands for their economic viability.

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Kenya: The battle for Kericho County governor heats up with all big guns in the region eyeing the same job

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kericho Town.

The most interesting political scenario expected during the forthcoming general election will be the character of people contesting for the lucrative position of governor in the rich tea land region of Kericho.

Kericho County is located in the heart of Kipsigis sub-tribe of the larger Kalenjin ethnic group. This is the region which produces close to 75 per cent of all the tea produced in Kenya.

The region is agriculturally rich and produces other cash crops such as coffee, cut-flowers, maize, vegetables, bananas, pyrethrum, English potatoes, coffee, beans and vibrant dairy industries.

Kericho district previously had three parliamentary seats, but Parliament has since endorsed the new extra parliamentary seats which were proposed by the disbanded Boundaries Commission which was led by the former Vihiga MP Andrew Ligale.

In the new et up under the new constitutional dispensation, two more parliamentary constituencies are to be created in Sigowet in the Southwest of Kericho Town formerly part of the older Belgut constituency. The new constituency will cover areas like Soliat, Kibeneti, Sondu, Sigowet, Kapsarok and all the areas bordering Nyando and Nyakach districts in Nyanza.

The incumbent MP is Charles Keter who has represented the area for two terms ever since he dethroned his brother –in-law Charles Kirui a former Finance Minister in 2002. Keter is married to Kirui’s younger sister

The second seat will be based at KIpkellion West covering areas like Chilchila, Kunyak, Koru and Fort-Tennan in areas bordering Nyando district. The larger Kipkellion parliamentary constituency is currently represented in parliament by the truthful politician Magerer Lang’at who is an Assistant Minister for Energy.

The big guns said to be rearing to go for the position of the county governor included the former Minister for Water Development Eng. Kipng’eno Arap Ng’eny, who was once a one term Ainamoi MP and a former Postmaster General during the reign of the retired President Daniel Arap moi.

Also said to be in the race is Joel Kiru the youthful politician-cum-businessman. Kirui is the younger brother of the former Finance Assistant Miister Charles Krui.He hails from Kibeneti and he is an accountant by profession. He has vast business interest in London and Kericho as well as farm in Kipkellion.

Other are the incumbent Belgut MP Charles Keter, Jonah Keter a former manager with Cateress Levy Trustee, and member of the Tea Board of Kenya.Dr Paul Chepkwony, a senior lecturer at the Moi University, Eldoret who hails from Chepng’obop in Kapcheptororiet in upper part of the Ainamoi constituency,

Also vying for the governorship is the Kericho based business magnate Sammy Chepkwony formerly an accountant with the Brooke Bond Tea Company. He runs chains of businesses in Kericho as well as large tea plantation near Tea Research Foundation of Kenya. He is also the chairman of the Tea Reserch Foundation and also chairman of Kericho town Water and Sanitation Company. {KEWASCO}.

Judging from the big names involved, the battle for the Kericho County governorship promises to be the most bruising and the most difficult to predict the winner. All the personalities involved in this race are people of substantial means and well known characters to the electorate, and therefore only the ballot box will decide who will occupy the most powerful seat in the County after the next year’s elections.

Kericho County politics always rotate around tea farming, the prices of raw green leaves offered to the small-scale farmers by millers, who includes the multinational tea companies and the KTDA.

Also the contentious issue of the allocation of the promised land to the small Talai community {Laibons}living in oblivion state on a piece of Kericho Municipality land where they settled in congestion after returning from Gwassi in the greater Southern Nyanza where they were exiled by the British colonialists in 1934. They were allowed back to rejoin their cousins and relatives in 1962 only after a motion was moved in the colonial Legislative Council by the former Legco Member for Kipsigis the late Dr. Taaitta Araap Towett was accepted by the government. Numbering about 6,000 the Talai were later to be scattered around when those from Nandi were settled in Kapsisiywo in North Nandi district.

Others bought land and settled in the various settlement schemes scattered in the North Rift and South Rift. But about 200 families have remained unsettled ever since 1962 living in small land plots which belong to the Kericho Municiplity in the outskirt of Kericho town ever since 1962 with promises of the past KANU regimes after one another unfulfilled.

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Kenya: NYATIKE residents enthusiastically received the news about Kenyan policemen having been deployed on Migingo Island

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Migori Town.

The news that a contingent of administration policemen has been dispatched to the disputed Migingo Island in Lake Victoria brought a sigh of joy and enthusiasm

The first bunch of policemen boarded a motor boat that ferried to the Migingo Island at Muhuru-Bay pier. The policemen were given a warm ending off by an enthusiastic crowd.

The Nyatike abrasive MP Edick Omondi Anyanga thanked the two principals in the coalition government President Mwai Kibaki and the Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the tireless effort to ensure the safety of Kenyans living, fishing and operating their business and trade on the two islands of Migingo and Ugingo, adding that the move was long over due. However late it is, the move is viewed by the local population as an assurance on the part of the government that it was genuinely concerned and cared for the welfare of its citizens who for close to four year have been subjected to slavery through the occupation of their country by foreign forces.

The MP said Migingo Island is not an important asset for the people of Nyatike alone, but the whole of Kenya taking into account that the area is now the major source fish catches in the lake. The fish in turn is fetching the country millions of shillings in foreign exchange.

The fishing industry, said the MP played a pivotal role in providing the youths with employment and has become an integral part of the nation’s economic growth and development. Uganda’s seizure of the two island and unilaterally posting their revenue and security personnel to man the two islands in Lake Victoria was an act of high provocation,” he added.

It was good news to the local residents that Kenyan security personnel will now be deployed to man the disputed islands jointly with their Ugandan counterparts. But the numbers of Kenyan policemen will supersedes those of their Ugandan counterparts whose strength has remained at 30 mainly marine policemen.

A team of security back will be stationed on the mainland at Muhuru Bay only a few kilometer from the Kenyan-Tanzanian border for rapid deployment in the eventuality of chaos erupting on any of the important islands, of Migingo and Ugingo have now turned out to be the key and fertile fishing ground on the lake with abundance fish catches.

This is part of the agreement reached in a recent meeting held last month in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi and attended by cabinet ministers from Kenya and Uganda.

Nyatike D.C.Allan Machari confirmed that the police officers were moving to the disputed island as part of the Nairobi agreement by the two sister states of Kenya and Uganda. The Kenyan officers, he said, will be there to ensure “our people are safe.

The D.C. however, declined to confirm the numbers of Kenyan policemen are deployed on Migingo, only saying that the Kenyan security personnel will be slightly more than their Ugandan counterparts and the two teams will work together until the survey work to determine the ownership of the island is complete and determined by the two governments.

Geographically, the two disputed islands are too close to the Kenya mainland in Nyatike district and from time immemorial, only Kenyan were fishing on Migingo and its environs, but only about four years when it was the recent discovery that the area is rich in fish, particularly the highly prized and economically important Nile perch is found there in abundance when it saw the great influx of Ugandans, Tanzanians, Somalis, Kikuyus,Kisiis and other groups arrived for the purpose of scrambling for fish.

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Uganda invites Afwewrki for talks of the alleged his support for terrorists in Somalia

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MUSEVENI HAS INVITED THE ERITREAN HEAD OF STATE AFWERKI FOR DISCUSSIONS OVER CLAIMS BY REGIONAL LEADERS ABOUT HIS ALLEGED LOGISTIC SUPPORT FOR TERRORISTS

Writes Leo Odera Omolo

News emerging from the Ugandan capital, Kampala says that Uganda has invited Eritrea’s leader, President Isaias Afewerki, accused by the West of stoking Somalia’s Islamist rebellion and destabilising the East African region, to a state visit next week, State House said.

Eritrea rejoined the East African bloc IGAD last month, four years after it walked out on the body in protest at arch-foe Ethiopia’s invasion of Somalia to oust an Islamist administration the United States said had ties to al Qaeda.

“Eritrea is one of the strategically vital countries to the stability of the region, especially in the Horn of Africa and the wider global agenda,” State House said in a statement late on Thursday.

A U.N. Monitoring Group report on Somalia and Eritrea said in late July that Asmara was bankrolling al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants in Somalia. Al Shabaab claimed they were behind a twin suicide bomb attack on the Ugandan capital, Kampala, last year.

Horn of Africa experts say that Isaias has become increasingly diplomatically isolated. Leader of one of the world’s most secretive states, Isaias makes few state visits.

The U.N. has imposed an arms embargo on Eritrea, as well as a travel ban and an asset freeze on Eritrean political and military leaders who it says are violating an arms embargo on Somalia.

Asmara denies the charges, and accuses the United States and neighbouring Ethiopia of “irresponsible interference”.

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Kenya: Sugar cane farmers wants the government to speed up privatization in the industry

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

The 351,000 strong members of the Kenya Sugar Cane Growers Association {KESGA} have appealed to the government to speed up the privatization process within the sugar industry.

The Association’s Chief Executive Officer Francis Waswa Mungo charged that cartels of sugar barons are known to be secretly sabotaging the planned privatization of the state-owned sugar mills.

And as the result KESGA has petitioned the two principals of the coalition government President Mwai Kibaki and the Prim Minister Raila Odinga urging them to fast track the privatization process.

Speaking in Kisumu Mungo said only privatization would led to the reduction in the cost of sugar production in the country which is the highest. There cannot be another extension,” we can no longer bend the rules and government must implement the privatization of Nzoia, Sony,Chemelil, Miwani and Muhoroni sugar companies.

The exercise he said would eventually benefit 10 million people in Nyanza, Western and in the lower parts of the Rift Valley regions.“ The people have been exploited and ignored in the past.”

He accused the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Dr.Romano Koome and the Kenya Sugar Board for dragging their feet over the question privatization of state owned sugar companies.

“As a matter of fact and utmost urgency, the two principals in the government should fire PS Koome and put in place a substantive CEO at the KSB to have the process move forward quickly,” he suggested.

He said KESGA which a membership sugar cane growers, will strongly resist attempt by the cartel of sugar barons, certain powerful politicians and millers to derail the privatization aimed at reducing the cost of sugar production from the present Kshs 60,000 per tone down to about Kshs 30,000 per tone.

The Kesga CEO took issues with local sugar millers for underpaying farmers while spending lavishly in advertisements about their ready made sugar products.

Mungo alleged that powerful cartel with intent on sabotaging the economies of Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley regions by arms twisting the privatization and were planning a looting spree in the sugar mills to bring about the collapse to frustrate cane farmers so that the President and the Prime Minister take a painful decision of dumping them out of government now.

He said that in the present state owned sugar mills were over staffed by unqualified relatives of top managers, politicians and all the management pondered to the whims of powerful politicians. But when privatized the mill will operate with optimum staff level adopt better technology and increase efficiency.

He demanded that the farmers who have been ignored by the government and its agencies be consulted on the issue of privatization because they are the suppliers of raw material which the millers thrives on.

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Kenya: Rachuonyo South district residents concern at the strange conduct of their D.C

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Forwarded by Leo Odera Omolo

As the outcry persist in different parts of the country over the conduct of several provincial administration officials who are accused of committing crime ranging from theft of relief food, to corruption and impunity.The residents of South Rachuonyo District in HomaBay County are not spared, they have been left wondering in fear why their area DC John Olekepas and his political bed fellows from the area have chosen to use public political fora to vilify and threaten residents who have secretly tipped him on security matters.

Led by Young Orange Democrats luminaries Aguko Mayora and Omondi Otore, the residents claimed that the area DC’s action depicted him as part of anti-reformist civil servants who is busy serving purposes that are clearly personal and not public.” The DC is not ready to work in consonant with the new constitutional dispensation, he is busy looking for political ways to protect the status quo to propel his political interest in Kajiado in 2012 elections” said Otore.They asked the DC not to get involved in the local politics instead he should try to concentrate on his duties as a civil servant.They further requested the minister for internal security Prof.George Saitoti to intervene and appoint an independent team of detective to investigate the conduct of the DC as members of the public are now scared of passing information to the authorities for fear of being betrayed.

On 18/7/11 the Kasipul Kabondo area member of parliament had convened a political rally at Waradho in Kachien North Location to drum up support for his re-election in 2012.A business magnet from the area Ong’ondo Were got an information from some residents that some youths armed with crude weapons were planning to disrupt the rally and later blame it on him as part of hate and smear campaign against him,Were called the area DC asking him to investigate the claim.The DC who was reportedly in Kisii town a distance of 25 Kms from his area of work is said to have instantly dismissed that information as fabrication and won that the motive of that information was to undermine his authority as head of security in the area.

The Dc who is said to be vying for a political office in one of the constituencies in Kajiado county however, rushed to the rally, instead of keeping vigil or otherwise investigate the allegations,he took to the podium and addressed the crowd revealing to them that he had been called by One Ong’ondo Were to investigate some claims about insecurity at the rally adding that he knew even before he came that he was given a false information and that Were should be forced to substantiate his claim before the District panel.The DC said he was to sermon Were to appear before the District Security team for interrogation the following day.To date the DC has not formally sermon any body over the incident.

The Dc later colluded with a nominated Councilor who the residents have been accusing to have spearheaded the burning of Wire forest during the post election violence to fire residents who are complaining about the DC. addressing a funereal in North Kamagak Councilor Arthur Aoko warned that the area DC will stamp both his political and administrative authority over those who think can undermine his leadership and that of the current Kasipul Kabondo Mp.In another memorable incident last year during the campaign for the new constitution locals got the wind that there were some youths who wanted to disrupt YES rally that was to take place in Kadongo and Oyugis organized by some parliamentary aspirants without the blessings of the area member of parliament.When the DC was secretly briefed by the organizers of that rally he came to the scene closely escorted by the very youths that were being mentioned as suspects the DC instead of providing security dispersed the crowd that was being addressed by prof.Richard Muga as the said youths pounce on innocent people with crude weapon.In another dictatorial move is an incident in North Kamagak where the DC had authorized the prospecting of Iron Ore at God Nyango without consulting members of the community,he even threatened to arrest one Leo Ooro who had challenged the viability of the project.

While addressing several gatherings within the Kasipul Kabondo constituency Aguko Mayora and Otore praised the police for their ethical and professional abilities in handling issues of security.But said they are highly suspicious with the manner in which the area DC is handling his work.”We have a lot of respect to madam(OCPD) and her team ,but not this politician in the name of a DC,we wont surrender to his dictatorial political styles meant to harass and torture innocent residents of South Rachuonyo “said Aguko who was visibly agitated.

KENYA: AWENDO CANE FARMERS BLAMES SONYSUGAR COMPANY FOR DISCRIMINATION ON RAW CANE PRICES AND VOWED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE COMPANY.

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

Farmers around awendo sugar cane growing zone are up in arms against the SONYSUGR company fr what thy termed as gross discrimination on cane prices. They have blamed the company management for being adamant to increase cane prices.SONYSUGAR is still paying the old price of Kshs 3,128/- per ton.

Other millers are now payment between Kshs 3,950 per ton or even as higher as Kshs 4,200 per ton.

According to a Nairobi based business mn wh is also a cane farmer in Uriri constituency John Bob Awiti-Otange this company is fleecing the cane farmer out of their sweats.

He said that while it is assumed, that management of the organization would be more concern about the prevailing conditions in the market in order to monitor the forces of demand and supply which dictates the commodity price per ton. It is because the company is operating under perfect market conditions where there are several participants with little or no influences on prices by one particular participant.

In this regard,Awiti-Otange stated,” continuity in business would only depend on good hospitality and healthy rates being offered to potential customers who are engaged in the supply of raw materials input to the factory for conversion to finished product.”

“Looking at the current market rates, assuming all factories operate under the same environment conversion cost per ton would be the same as sources of raw materials are same, supplied by nearby out growers next to factory location. All factories have similar fixed and incremental costs in converting raw material to finished product ready for sale.”

And in each factory, one ton of raw material yields 100 kilograms of sugar after processing it packaged in fifty (50) kilograms sold @ Kes, 5,600/-. Therefore, 100 Kilograms would fetch Kes, 11,200/- factory price. Whilst Sony Sugar Co. pays farmers only Kes, 3,128/-

Awiti-Otange said the Direct material cost per ton Kes, 3,128/-, Conversion cost per ton 50% of cost direct material Kes,1,564/-,absorption cost per unit (ABC) Kes, 1,500/- therefore total production cost per ton is roughly kES, 6,192/-Mark up is Kes, 5,008/- which is more than cost of material.

Participants in the market are Kibos Sugar, Chemelil Sugar, Miwani Sugar etc which operate under the same environment with similar market conditions and particularly Kibos Sugar pays farmers Kes, 4,200/- per ton whilst other millers have pegged their prices per ton in the region of Kes, 3,750/- and 3,800/-. But Sony Sugar Co. which is also expected to operate in the same environment and under the same market conditions only pays Kes, 3,128/-per ton. What is the rationale behind this big variation in price per ton paid by Sony Sugar.

While some farmers perceive it as punitive measure inflicted by management to get cost advantage, others perceive as inept management which do not bother to monitor the concept of market conditions to adjust prices to motivate farmers for continuity of supply of raw materials to maintain factory’s operational existence.

In view of the above,Awiti-Oange warned” farmers have given the management one (1) week within which to review rates per ton upwards to comply with the existing market rate, failure to which farmers will have no choice save to demand theirs rights by demonstrating along Migori / Kisii highway and finally match to the factory to dialogue with the management.”

Ends

KENYA: RACE FOR NAIROBI GOVERNOR SEAT TURNS MURKY

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BY: JEFF OTIENO.

The titanic battle for Nairobi Governor seat has dramatically turned nasty following early this weeks revelation that a centre associated with one of the aspirants has been given a fourteen days notice to close down or risk being pulled down.

EK centre as it is popularly known is situated in posh and leafy Kileleshwa area of Nairobi and is a launching pad for Mumias Sugar C.E.O Dr. Evans Kidero operating all round the clock with a full secretariat in readiness for next year debacle.

The centre was early this week ordered to close down on grounds that they have not applied for a change of user to operate as it operates now by the Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia – who is also another hopeful for the seat.

Allies of Kidero are reading mischief in the whole thing arguing that it’s full of vendetta, parochial and is doomed to fail because they have been given a license by the same council legitimizing their operations.

A source privy to Kisias modus operandi confirmed to this writer that Kisia is blaming those in the EK centre for violating the council by laws yet some of them worked in the council as commissioners when it was disbanded by the former president Moi regime.

Though Kisia is yet to constitute a campaign structure keen observers will agree that as the town clerk of Nairobi he has of late been criss crossing the city suburbs under the pretext of launching or supervising council services, a move which has really catapulted his bid temporarily.

Some critics are however quick to argue that Kisia is more of an ivory tower kind of candidate who hardly mingles with the down trodden but prefer posh and secluded places dinning and wining with the high and the mighty doing round table campaign theories which have never worked world over.

Dr. Evans Kidero will rely on his humility, charisma and managerial skills which he exhibited in the Nation media group, Smith clime Beecham and now the leading miller Mumias sugar which is unrivalled and a show case to many.

With the new dispensation Nairobi is set to control billions of shillings and a manager of rare caliber is needed to shepherd its operations with vibrance.

Other contestants are a wealthy are a wealthy Nairobi business man Jimna Mbaru and former MP Dick Wathika. The duo are also said to be doing their strategies well and have hired both local and foreign consultants before they hit the road.

Dr Kidero and Kisia will battle it out under the O.D.M flagship according to sources privy to their strategies even though they have not disclosed, while Mbaru and Wathika will rely on another vessel to propel them

END

Kenya: LuoMPs

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From: Chak Rachar

LUO MPs IN POLITICAL DILEMMA,THEIR SCORECARDS AND PERFORMANCES

By Our Political Writer

Most luo MPs who have been beneficiaries of Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s flawed party’s nominations rules are in dilemma after it has become evident that with the new constitution it will be the task of Kenya’s electoral body to conduct political party’s nominations and issue the respective outright winners with party’s nominations certificates.

Beneficiaries like immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’, Lands Minister James Orengo his Medical Services counterpart Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Nyando MP Fred Outa and Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo are some of the beneficiaries who were issued with ODM nominations certificates yet they never deserved and were defeated pants down and bailed out by Raila Odinga.

Presently luos have vowed to vote for their leaders as individuals and not Raila’s song prayers and chatterboxes who are are always going to help “Raila up there”.

“As luos we want to follow the trend of other tribes who usually elect individuals and not those forced on us by Raila,we will teach Raila a lesson this time as those who he gave us are a totallet down”most people within luo Nyanza usually says.

Just a look as to how the MPs have performed and their chances of going back to parliament.

1 -UGENYA CONSITUENCY-JAMES AGRREY BOB ORENGO.

From the mismanagement of his constituency’s CDF fund to full fledged corruption in his Ministry of Lands which elicited outcry from the Law Society of Kenya,Orengo has totally failed to be the man who many people thought he is or would be.

He is a man said to be tasked by President Kibaki to “check” on Raila as is evident during the signing of the MOU towards the establishment of the Grand Coalition and misled Raila to sign a document which wholly supported and given President Kibaki most powers.

He made himself so close to Raila that he knows what the man thinks, breathes and reports to President on daily basis.

He was literally helped to parliament after he was seen by many that he could not contain Steve Mwanga’s political power in Ugenya by then.

Despite the split of the constituency he presently represents, for Orengo to be elected again it will be like a miracle.

He is accused of being elusive and so slippery to his constituents in both Nairobi and Ugenya.

2 -ALEGO USONGA-EDWIN OCHIENG’ YINDA.

Despite being elected on the platform that voters of Alego Usonga “owed” him,Yinda has really failed to be what they expected out of him.

He is neither seen in parliament nor both his Siaya and Nairobi homes unlike before his election, he was really visible and accessible.

He has failed to set the standard of his development record equal that of the man he took over from Arthur Weya.

His CDF office is composed mainly of his cronies, sycophants and yes men who milks the fund with impunity.

Yinda has reached the apex of his politics and he is likely never to be elected again anywhere within Siaya County as people have seen his true nature.

3 -BONDO-OBURU ODINGA

Apart from taking round cabbage vegetables and one sack of millet flour to every funeral,nothing much can be written about Dr.Oburu on top of impoverishing political contestants whom he milks with impunity.

Many luo political aspirants are poor due to Oburu.

He is a stumbling block majorly to Gideon Ochanda whose two previous appointments as a commission has been revoked through his plea to Raila that should Ochanda be given “job” then he is doomed.

Many await his recent announcement that he is likely to go for Siaya Governorship is still awaited with held breath.
4 – RARIEDA -NICHOLAS GUMBO.

Gumbo has failed million times to fit into the shoes of former Foreign Affairs Minister Raphael Tuju.

He has no tangible development he has initiated since his entry to parliament and usually hovers like a vulture in most of the projects Tuju had started.

Many Rarieda voters wonder why they elected a man who could not be made a cabinet Minister and opted out a man who had an ear of the president and was powerful.

He tried to re-locate Rarieda district headquarter which has really made him unpopular coupled with putting his cronies in CDF committee and the misuse of the fund.

Gumbo is a man in real dilemma as he bids parliament good bye with his collapsed engineering firm facing financial problems..

Should Otiende Amollo and Fred Athuok decides to go for the seat then he will have to retreat to his Ngong rd office where he used to be.

Gumbo has totally failed to click and Rarieda voters really wonder why they elected him

5 -KISUMU TOWN EAST-SHAKEEL SHABBIR AHMED

He made his entry into politics as a nominated Councillor then Kisumu Mayor and presently a Member of Parliament, he is said to set his eyes on the Kisumu Governorship.

Among his major achievements so far are; he has brought electricity to nearly all parts of his constituency including Kajulu and Kolwa.

He has also completed the construction of Omollo-Ogoro bridge which sucked a lot of millions during the reign of his predecessor Erick Gor Sungu as it is presently passable.

He is also behind the renaming of Mamboleo-Kasete road which is presently being used for the first time in twenty five years.

The Kilo-Kotuoro-Nyalenda and Chiga-Luanda-Buoye roads which are now in better conditions as well as renovation of Gita Health Centre and Construction and fully furnishing of six laboratories in six secondary schools within his constituency are some of his major achievements.

He has made Kibos School a centre of excellence within Kisumu East Constituency.

The men who used to oppose him most like Eng.Job Ndege and Onyango Ollo appeared to be financially and ideally broke.

Shabbir can go back to parliament again if he opts not to go for the Governorship.

6 -KISUMU RURAL-PETER ANYANG’ NYONG’O.

The major undoing of Prof.Nyong’o is his turning deaf to complaints about his CDF office which is said to be a cash cow which is milked by both the officials and tenderers who hardly do any tangible work.

The office is riddled with corruption and he needs to take urgent action in regard to it.

He is rumored to be eyeing the governorship which he is likely not to get as it can be recalled that Raila gave him a direct nomination to be an ODM party ticket bearer during the last general elections which never augured well with his constituents who staged a demo in the major market centres of the constituency.

Should a free and fair nomination process be conducted, then Nyong’o should be prepared to retreat to his Ratta home

7 -KISUMU TOWN WEST-JOHN OLAGO ALUOCH.

The tall gigantic University of Nairobi School of Law graduate’s development record within the mostly Urban Kisumu Town West Constituency can not be counted as they are beyond counting and documenting.

Most Institutions of learning, Health Centers and infrastructures are all courtesy of him.

What he has done to his constituency for the few years in parliament are said to be compared to a ten year old plan.

A regular debater in parliament who when he addresses his colleagues can be said to have been in the house since his child birth and leaves his colleagues glaringly in ewe with eyes askance.

He is one of the few legal consultants of Prime Minister Raila Odinga,he is undecided as which constituency to go for; whether the newly launched Kisumu North Constituency or the Urban kisumu Town as he is said to be in demand and still admired in both constituencies.

Olago can go back to parliament anytime elections are held even if its midnight.

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8 -MUHORONI-PATRICK AYIECHO OLWENY. .

“Nyakwar Alesi” as he is known is behind the rival of rice and cane farming within his vast constituency.

He is a former University of Nairobi and Maseno lecturer who has really agitated for the education of Girl –Child through the establishment of St.Rita and Francissacan Capuccin Masogo Girls Secondary Schools.

He is behind the establishment of seventeen secondary schools,nine health centres,drilling of boreholes and overhauling of most health facilities within the constituency since his election to parliament.

Two Youth Polytechnics Raila Odinga and Kibigori together with Kegoche College of Technology and Mariwa are as a result of his brainchild.

“As an educationist, I have tried to uplift standard of education within my constituency ,the poorly managed schools have at least build one classroom each while the fairly managed ones we have helped to build four classrooms while those who have finely managed the funds we have helped to build up to six classrooms”Ayiecho added .

He has also established Miwani Resource Centre and helped through CDF fund renovated most Provincial Administration offices and has managed to initiate a lot of floods control and build severally foot bridges and drainage work within the constituency.

Indeed it will be a tall order to have his replacement given that his electorates have total confidence in him.

9 -NYAKACH-OCHIENG POLLINS “DAIMA”.

Might also be life term Member of Parliament of his constituency if he opts to, his constituents says that he is a man of action and not of empty words.

He is behind the murmuring of Kodong’a-Bodi road together with Nyamaroka-Kokumu-Bodi roads which previously were impassible and could not be accessed.

He is also behind the establishment of new schools like Ramula,Odowa,Apondo kapondo ,Kogolla etc etc together with youth Polytechnics like Rota and Kandaria.

The only area he needs to address is the cattle rustling menace and supply rural power to his constituents.

He is behind the Nyakach water project which supplies water to the entire Nyakach presently and upgrading of schools,health cemntres and offices of the Provincial Administration through his CDF fund which is said to be one of the most well managed within the Country.

Should he decide to contest again then he is likely to be elected again

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10 -NYANDO-FRED OUTA.

One man who is always permanently out of order in Kenya’s parliament, nothing worthwhile can be written about his leadership in Nyando which is known as a one term constituency.

He is said to be behind the demotion of most teachers within his constituency who he perceives not to toe his political line as well as exploitation of rice farmers within the constituency who kicked him out of the rice co-operative within the constituency.

A man who was once rice broker for a Thika based rice processing company Outa either always fights with Pastors,Chiefs,boda boda and tuk tuk operators who usually do not toe his political line.

His mismanagement of his CDF fund made his constituents to go to court to stop the funding further.

Should forget any political elected seat in luoland due to his arrogance,his academic capability is questionable due to his one English word he knows of “ I gonna”

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11 -KASIPUL-KABONDO-JOSEPH OYUGI MAGWANGA-“JOSSY” .

The soft speaking hard-to-notice legislator who won the Kasipul /Kabondo parliamentary seat while least expected is a real grass root man who seems to always hate to to be in the media and receive undue publicity.

He has managed to help nearly all secondary schools within his constituency to buy school buses and did all that is required of a Member of Parliament .

However his critic says that the school buses are not viable as the schools needs more than the said buses.

He is behind all the developments within his constituency and has a one hundred and one percent chance of going back to parliament.

12 -KARACHUONYO-JAMES KWANYA REGGE-“Ja Beyi” .

He is behind the internet installation within the entire Karachuonyo Constituency and distributing computers in nearly all learning institutions for them to be computer literate.

The man whom he defeated former Planning Minister Adhu Awiti seems to be tired of criticizing him as many asks him what he did to the constituency for the duration he was in Parliament.

He is behind Karachuonyo Water Supply Project which presently supplies water to the entire populace of Karachuonyo.

The multi-million resource Centre in Kendu Bay is his brainchild and the only man who could have stood on his way to re-election is former Marie Stopes County Director Cyprian Otieno Awiti who has opted to go for the Governorship of Homa Bay County.

He has made roads which were initially impossible to use to be used presently courtesy of his hard work within the constituency.

Should he opt to defend his seat,he is likely to be re-elected

13 -RANGWE-MARTIN OGINDO .

Ogindo was once a ticketing officer in most markets within Kisumu and his chameleone like lifestyle misled his constituents to elect him voting out the aging and imbecile Phillip Okundi.

He has been presently declared a persona non-grata in his constituency which is evident to the jeering, heckling and booing he receives whenecer he attends any public gathering within the constituency.

At one point his constituents told Raila that they were tired withy Ogindo and Raila retorted back to them that its them who elected him.

Rumors had it that he was contemplating going for the seat of Homa Bay County speaker but his limited academic level might be his undoing.

He has done absolutely nothing in Rangwe worth writing home about and his chances of going back to parliament are absolutely nil.

14 -NDHIWA-ORWA JOSHUA OJODE

The most independent, popular and one of the few wealthy luo politicians presently, he can be a life Member of Parliament.

Ojodeh has made Ndhiwa what it presently is due to good infrastructures, better schools and has done all a development conscious leader is needed from.

He has very limited time for funeral and roadside politics and his critics have been branding him a Raila critic yet he is one of the leading financiers of the luo-de facto political leader Raila Odinga.

He is said to be going for the Senator seat which most of his constituents are against saying he should still be their MP.

He is likely to go back to parliament if he opts to..

15 -RONGO-DALMAS OTIENO ANYANGO

His constituents says that the Dalmas they elected is not the Dalmas the current Minister, todate they lament why the never elected Ochillo Ayacko.

He is really inaccessible in both his Rongo and Nairobi homes and offices, he is said to be having sycophants around him whom he uses to avoid his electorate.

Many say that seems he is using his time in parliament to acquire what he never did for the duration he was in political limbo.

Dalmas can be defeated by any political novice unless he changes his leadership mode of operation.

The recent split of Rongo constituency separating him from Ochillo Ayacko might not help him any better.

He might not make it to parliament again

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16 -URIRI-CYPRIAN OJWANG’ OMOLLO

Not much can be written about him as a neither person nor Uriri Constituency.

He hardly contributes to parliamentary debates and his constituents complain about his perennial absence within his constituency.

Most of his constituents say that they elected him under duress as the man he took over from Odhiambo Omamba was never any better.

His chances of going back to parliament are zero.

17 -NYATIKE -ANYANGA PETER OMONDI.

He has thrown his fiercest critic Advocate Ken Okong’o to the political debris, he is behind many development activities which if written can fill up a whole journal.

He has been solely been fighting for better pay and rights of gold miners within his constituency, he can also be credited with bringing to his Constituency an airstrip which has been completed.

He has helped the girl-child education within Nyatike and is a strong agitator for schooling within his constituency.

He has been giving incentives to a teacher who performs better within the constituency which has always been a motivating factor.

The constituency’s infrastructure are in better condition courtesy of him.

Most of Nyatike students in most institutions of higher learning are in their respective institutions courtesy of him.

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18 -GWASSI-MBADI JOHN NG’ONGO

He is notorious for hurling insults at his constituents, former MPs and those he perceives to be strong in the grass root.

He is also known for fight\ting youths in public places and Chang’aa dens he frequents and hurl abuses at elders who questions his leadership.

His CDF committee is full of his clansmen,his wife and friends.

Not much can be said about his development record as there is nothing toi write about.

He has no chance if any of ever going back to parliament.
19 -MBITA-OTIENO GERALD KAJWANG’.

He is one of the beneficiaries of the flawed ODM party nominations in his constituency,Raila compelled Sam Wakiaga to step down for him and later made him a cabinet Minister in the grand coalition government due to his parroting in most ODM rallies.

His CDF office is in pathetic sate as it is jammed by most of his cronies and relatives and nothing tangible nor worthwhile has he done with the CDF fund in the constituency.

The constituency has one of the highest illiteracy levels within luo land and girl-child education is at its lowest ebb.

He is rumoured to be going for the Senatorship which is areal tall order as he will have to square it out with Office of the President’s assistant Minister Josua Orwa Ojode.

His chance of going to parliament is nil absolutely.

20 -GEM-WASHINGTON JAKOYO MIDIWO .

With eleven new secondary schools since he became Gem MP, supply of rural electrification and improvement of infrastructures within the constituency,Jakoyo is likely to be re-elected back to parliament if he continues with his present development tempo.

He has renovated most schools within his constituency which used to be in real pathetic state and fought single handidly and was ready to loose his voters against the schooled elite from Gem who wanted the headquarter to be in Gem and not Wagai which he was fronting.

He has made the high flying Sawagongo and Ondisore Centers of excellence and helped insecurity which used to be so rampant a thing of the past by agitating for the establishment of most police posts within his constituency.

His opponents should be ready to burn midnight oil if they expect to oust him; he has a one and million chance of retaining his seat.

MIGORI-DACHE JOHN PESA.

Migori is the most unfortunate constituency within luo land as you can not differentiate between the former and the current MP as both have totally failed the constituency.

Allegations of Constituency bursary fund finding its way to most of the schools he owns is really ripe in the constituency.

His constituents says that he is alone ranger and lucks team spirit as he makes decisions without involving those concerned and gives CDF fund to those areas he perceives to be his people.

Whenever he is always at home, his gates are usually permanently locked as he says that he has no time for “beggars from his constituency”.

He is likely not to see inside of parliament and his chances of going back are nil.

ENDS

eac leaders in talks to focus on energy shortage, air, roads and water transport system for the future

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo.

ENERGY shortage and poor road, air and water transport will be the key agenda at a crucial East African Community meeting schedule for next month.

The EAC 4th development strategy meeting will also discuss food shortage agriculture, industry, manufacturing and tourism.

A draft, seen as the most ambitious of all plans by the bloc also aims to transform the master plans I key productive areas in action.

Information emerging from the Arusha based secretariat of the EAC says the Secretary General Dr Richard Sezibera while addressing Minister for the Community affairs from the five member state last week disclosed that the would place major focus on the development of Lake Victoria basin as well as rich farmland and fishing shores of Lake Tanganyika.

“The successful implementation of the strategy {2011-2016} shall stimulate investments, promote employment and growth and, on the whole lead to increased diversification and major transformation of the region’s economy,” Dr Sezibera pointed out.

The last week meeting considered he progress made by the regional bloc in the statistics sector to facilitate planning and decision making. It was decided that from now on, the region should consider observing the Africa Statistics Day on November 18 of every year.

The Community ministers further noted that progress was being made on the establishment and maintenance of a web-based statistics database and the program on harmonization of statistics in priority areas.

Addressing, the meeting which was held at the Arusha International Conference Center {AICC}, chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers Ms Hafsa Mossi decried the slow pace of integration.

“We must own up to the fact that our region is not yet cohesive for integrative enough”

Ms Mossi who is Burundi’s Minister for the EAC Affairs, said despite indicators of stable economic growth, the Eastern African region was still riddled with serious problems, citing the raging famine in Kenya and the horn of Africa, the problems of piracy in the Indian Ocean, the terrorist infiltration and threats posed by Somalia and the “energy deficit, which has intensified”.

The Minister went on” It is in times of crisis that regional integration is best tested and it is in the ways and means by which we stand together and forestall or roll back such crises that we should give true meaning and justification of belonging together in a regional bloc.” He said.

Ends

Kenya: Policemen were posted to secure and protect the office of the Lake Victoria South Water Service Board in Kisum as its CEO refused to vacate office after the expiry of his contract

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Reported By Our Investigative Reporter.

THE operations at the Kisumu based Lake Victoria South Water and Sanitation Board came to a standstill earlier this week following life threatening confrontation between the two board’s top officials.

The confrontation between the board’s Chief Executive Officer Eng.Michael Ochieng’ and the chairman of the board of directors George Donji prompting the Provincial Administration to post a dozen of armed administration officer officers to secure and protection the offices.

The two men are all from Ugenya constituency within Siaya County and are said to be neighbors, but have sharp differences on matters of principles and issues of protocol.

The board offices are located in the posh Milimani estates beside the ring rod separating Nyalenda Peri-urban area and Milimani estate.

In January 2008 the compound of the Lake Victoria Water Board was the scene of massive looting and destruction of property worth millions of shilling including brand new government vehicles, most of the fuel guzzling Pajeros and other sleek cars which were torched to ashes by marauding bands of youths in the post election violence.

Sources in Kisumu say the misunderstanding between the two top officials of the board originated from the conflicts of interests between the headquarters of the Water Ministry and the Office of the Prime Minister. This claim, however, could not immediately be ascertained and confirmed.

The same sources revealed that the contract of the CEO Ochieng’ expired at the end of May this year but secret maneuvers were made to have the contact extended. It was eventually extended by one month following intensive lobbying by a cartel of power brokers.

But one month extension expired at the end of July, and it is being alleged that the instruction had come from the Ministry of Water in Nairobi that the CEO should vacate his office immediately pending further decision and that a senior official at the board should serve as an acting CEO pending further instruction. The same instruction seemed to have been given to the Provincial and police authorities.

It is further alleged that after consultations with politicians the CEO decided not to vacate his office unless instructed from the office of the PM.

Meanwhile ODM activists in Kisumu joined the fray and mobilized a band of party youth to escort the CEO to his office and offer him the necessary protection. But this move came later after the administration got the wind of the pending invasion by the youth and posted ten armed administration police officer to secure and protect the offices.

The CEO and his mob of youths arrived at the office and found the gate locked with instruction that nobody should be allowed in, while the police men had secured the compound. Heated argument ensued between the CEO and the security personnel manning the gates who in turn told therou that he had firm instruction to bar anyone entering the compound.

This happened when the chairman Mr Donji and staff were busy working inside the compound, and the CEO pleaded with him that he should be allowed in to collect his personal effects, but at the same time insisted being accompanied by the youths. But the chairman is said to have told the CEO that he could only be allowed into his office alone, but on condition that he would be subjected to police escort and nobody else. The confrontation lasted for the better part of the day, when the CEO eventually drove off in the company’s motor vehicle and never heard off gain.

The latest development and stand off came about following serious allegation of favoritism in awarding contracts to suppliers. And that nearly 70 per cent of jobs at the board worth millions of shillings were contracted exclusively to the two sons of a prominent politician and concubines.

There were also claims of excessive extortion perpetuated by one ODM activist who is a former second hand shoe hawker at the main Kisumu Bus Terminal who is acting as a conduit and power broker at a fee. The man a non-Luo is always bragging of having the ears of all important Luo politicians and even Ministers. He said to be always seen shuttling between Kisumu and Nairobi using flights whose tickets is paid by those seeking favor from “Big Men and Women within the corridors of power.” The same character is being suspected to have played the pivotal role in securing the one month extension of the contract of the CEO.

Contractors and suppliers also have a bone to chew with one unnamed top official at the board who has over stayed and who is said to be so notorious of having perfected in the art of “Kick-Backs and bribery money”. It is also being alleged that the officer in question is always demanded his cut at a certain percentage before releasing cheques to the suppliers for the work done to the supplier and contractors and that such deals are always conducted in bar and restaurants or eating houses.

A story is widely spread in Kisumu and its environs of an MP from the larger Southern Nyanza region who recently stormed the office of the board’s CEO demanding to know the reason why his people have not yet been connected to water supply system for which the government has already paid millions of shillings. The MP is reported to have issued the threat that he would lead his people to stage demonstration protest if his people did not get clean water for health by November this year.

Other unconfirmed allegations are to the effect that the officials of this board have been seen entertaining politicians their cronies and power-brokers at the exclusive clubs in the lakeside city where they are extravagantly spending money for favoritism and protection. In such outing beautiful English speaking girls re not outdone and are ever presence.

As this report was being written, no word has come from Nairobi either from the parent Ministry or the Office of the PM indicating how the matter would be resolved. But strong rumor being spread by power brokers and political sycophants who are closely associated with the senior politician whose two sons are alleged to have undeservedly benefited from contracts and supplies to the board were heard bragging that Eng. Ochieng’ would be reinstated back to his job.

This is against the backdrop of the announcement made on Wednesday that the board has already appointed a Mr Gideon Kirui as the new Chief Executive Officer of the board. Kirui has served the board senior finance officer will be on acting capacity.

The appointment was announced by the board’s chairman George Donji, but Eng Ochieng’ defiantly denied the alleged changes saying the decision was personal and not the board’s decision.

During his tour of Kisumu on Friday, Eng. Ochieng was seen closely consulting with people perceived to be close to the PM.

Ends

KENYA: ANXIETY IN RACHUONYO OVER DC’S CONDUCT

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By Jamumbo Aguko Mayora
Forwarded By Leo Odera Omolo

The residents of South Rachuonyo District in HomaBay County were left wondering in fear why their area DC chose a public political forum to vilified and threatened a resident who had called him to voluntarily tip him over some insecurity matters.

Led by Young Orange Democrats luminaries Aguko Mayora and Omondi Otore The resident claimed that the area DC action depicted him as part of anti-reformist civil servants who is busy serving purposes that are clearly personal and not public.” The DC is not ready to work in consonant with the new constitutional dispensation,he is busy looking for political ways to protect the status quo” said Otore.They asked the DC not to get involved in the local politics instead he should try to concentrate on his duties as a civil servant.They further requested the minister of internal security Prof.George Saitoti to intervene and launch an independent investigation over the incident as members of the public are now scared of passing information to the authorities for fear of being betrayed.

On 18/7/11 the Kasipul Kabondo area member of parliament had convened a political rally at Waradho in Kachien North Location to drum up support for his re-election in 2012.A business magnet from the area Ong’ondo Were got an information from some residents that some youths armed with crude weapons were planning to disrupt the rally and blame it on him as part of hate campaign against him,Were called the area DC asking him to investigate the claim.The DC who was reportedly in Kisii town a distance of 25 Kms from the district is said to have instantly dismissed that information as fabrication and won that the motive of that information was to undermine his authority as head of security in the area.

The Dc however, rushed to the scene where instead of keeping vigil or otherwise investigate the allegations,he took to the podium and addressed the crowd revealing to them that he had been called by One Ong’ondo Were to investigate some claims about insecurity at the rally adding that he knew even before he came that he was given a false information and that Were should be forced to substantiate his claim before the District panel.The DC said he was to sermon Were to appear before the District Security team for interrogation the following day.To date the DC has not formally sermon any body over the incident.

The Dc who has been in this area for far too long is not new to political controversies.Last year during the campaign for the new constitution locals got the wind that there were some youths who wanted to disrupt YES rally that was to take place in Kadongo and Oyugis organized by some parliamentary aspirants without the blessings of the member of parliament.When the DC was secretly briefed by the organizers of that rally he came to the scene closely escorted by the very youths that were being mentioned as suspects the DC instead of providing security dispersed the crowd that was being addressed by prof.Richard Muga as the said youths pounce on innocent people with crude weapon.

In another dictatorial move is an incident in North Kamagak where the DC had authorized the prospecting of Iron Ore at God Nyango without consulting members of the community when a member of the community one Leo Ooro tried to explained to the people that the due procedure had not been followed he threatened him with arrest, the matter has since been taken to court.The same DC is not in good books with members of the public that he usually abused whenever he stand to address them.Recently in a function in North Kachien he rebuked the clan of making bricks yet they lived in mud houses like Eskimos a statement which did not augur well with the locals.

While addressing mourners in a funeral in West Kamagak Aguko Mayora and Otore praised the police for their ethical and professional abilities in handling issues of security.But said they are highly suspicious with the manner in which the area DC is handling his work.”We have a lot of respect to madam(OCPD) and her team ,but not this politician in the name of a DC”said Aguko who was visibly agitated.

END

Kenya: New Counties governors positions have attracted many professionals and high profile individuals in Luo-NyanzaN

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo.

The plum job of County governors is increasingly becoming more incentive judging by the number and personalities of the new entrance into the race.

The latest entries comprise men of high integrity, technocrats and individuals considered to be men of high caliber. They included professors, engineers, accountants and Chief Executive Officers {CEO} in public companies and private sector.

The most interesting feature of the impending general elections is that those who had started their campaign as early as last year are now said to be on the losing trend.

Newcomers to the race seemed to be in the process of overturning the seasoned politicians who had launched their campaign immediately after the promulgation of the new constitution in August 2010.

In the contest for the Homa-Bay County governor, three personalities have been featuring prominently in the race. The front-runners include Eng. Philip Okoth Okundi, the immediate former Homa-Bay MP who is also the chairman of the ODM board of election. Okundi hails from Kochia west within Rangwe constituency. His other challengers were the retired former country director of the Marie Stoppie Clinics Cyprian Otieno Awiti who is from Karachuonyo constituency and Dr. Mark Matunga a senior executive with the Microsoft international Computer firm. He hails from Mfangano Island in Mbita district. Also said to be interested in the same plum job is the incumbent Rangwe MP George Otieno Ogindo, but the latter is of lately talking less about the campaign for the job of late.

The fifth person who had declared his interest the Homa-Bay governor is Opiata Ogad a businessman based in Nakuru town and a native of Rusinga Island also in Mbita district. However, Ogada seemed to have lost interest has not been heard of for some time. He appeared to have gone quiet or lost the steam in the race anymore.

A new entrant in the race whose campaign has sent shock-waves in the spine of other contestants is Prof.Joseph Akeyo who teaches in the Faculty of Physics at the Maseno University. He launched his campaign late last year at his Wagwe village home in West Karachuonyo late last year.

The launching ceremony, which had attracted thousands of people ended up tragically. Within only two days only after the launching of his campaign and while he was driving from his Karachuonyo home, his car had a terrible accident. The vehicle rolled up several time killing his first wife a young son and a brother instantly. Prof.Akeyo sustained serious injuries including a broken neck and skull.

The entry of Prof.Akeyo into the governorship race in the Homa-Bay County has drastically changed the cause of the contest drastically making matters looking gloomy and difficult for the seasoned politician Cyprian Awiti who is also a resident of Karachuonyo east within the same Karachuonyo constituency.

Prof Akeyo is also the chairperson of the Karachuonyo CDF seemed to be enjoying the blessing of the area incumbent MP Eng.James Rege and other leaders from Ndhiwa, Mbita,Rangwe and Gwassi. His popularity is spreading like bush fire and growing day by day. He appeared to have overcome his rivals in the rich voting region of Ndhiwa and god part of Karachuonyo, particularly in patches spots in Central and East Karachuonyo and in Kasipul Kabondo.

Prof. Akeyo is the rising star as far s the contest for Homa-Bay County governor is concern and a man to watch.

The other aspirant Dr. Mark Matunga appeared to have made very little progress, though he enjoyed support in some patches of the region, it will an uphill task for him to clinch the seat. Matunga is being stabbed at the back in his Suba region background with claims and allegations that he is not in good book with the Luo political kingpin Raila Odinga.

The rumor making the round within the County of Homa-bay that he is supporting a rebellion within the community by sponsoring the activities of the so-called Suba Council of Elders. The credence’s to this allegation emanating from the fact that a meeting has been called in his home backyard of Mfangano Island on August 12. In that meeting Ker of Suba Apollo Okeyo Omuga is expected to b officially installed.

The groups viewed by many people in Luo-Nyanza as a splinter and rebellion to the community cause. That of backing Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in 2012.The current set up of the Luo Council of Elders headed by Ker Willis Opiyo Otondi who was installed in a ceremony held at the Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu City. The Vice chairman of the Luo Council of Elders is Ex-Senior Chief Omolo Anditi from Rusinga Island .This has caused a lot of anxiety fuelling the rumor that the group is not supporting Raila’s presidential bid.

If it is true that Dr Matunga support the Suba Council of elders as it is being alleged then his chances of winning votes from non-Suba dominated constituencies in the other regions would be rather remote. He need to come out clean and shake off the allegations and publicly disassociate himself with the activities of this group.

Homa-Bay County covered the largest parts of greater Southern Nyanza with eight parliamentary constituencies stretching from Kabondo, Kasipul, Karachuonyo, Rangwe, Homa-Bay, Ndhiwa, Gwassi and Mbita.

This are even much tougher in the neighboring Migori County.The governor lucrative position has attracted a large number of professionals, professors, engineers and the best brains in the region.

Leading the pact of aspirants is the youthful communication consultant with Airtel in Nairobi Eng Mark Nyamita, who hail from Rapogi Division of Uriri district. Nyamita’s popularity is felt in far afield like Rongo, Ranen, Uriri, Kakirao, Migori town and some parts of Nyatike constituency. However, h could not be reached to confirm or deny that he was in the race.

Also n the race is Eng.Jared Ochieng’ Baraza who is currently an adviser to the International Telecoms Union based in Geneva, Switzerland. Baraza is also the Country Director of the Engineers Without Borders, an international NGO,Ghana Telecoms University in Accra and a visiting professor at the Kenyatta University n Nairobi.

Eng Baraza is currently busy establishing water, electricity and telecommunication Institute and agriculture in Migori.A son of the Ex-Senior Chief of Suna Location the late Chief Baraza, the engineer is said to be very popular with the youth and woman folks.

Also in the race for Migori County governor position is Prof.Rachillo Luo Kobuoyo, a senior surgeon with the US Airforce based in the US. The surgeon who has attained the rank of a colonel with the US Airfore has lived in the US for many years..He hails from Karungu Central in Sori Division, Nyatike constituency and is reported to have been involved in the education of boys and girls in the region as well s financially supporting the needy economic and social projects.

Another person said to be keen in contesting the Migori governor is Christopher Odhiambo Rusana, an immigrant from Tanzania who has settled in Mikuro area of Suna west. He is the Clerk to the Kehancha County Council. He is said to be a native of Wagire a Luo sub-clan living in North Mara region in areas close to Kenya-Tanzania border. The impact of his candidature is yet to be assessed.

In Central Sakwa within the newly created Awendo district Ezra Odondi whom is a CEO in one of the largest auditing firms in Nairobi is also said to be keen in contesting the position of Migori County .governor. The other aspirant is Owiso Ngao who has been working for the oil companies in Saudi Arabia. He hails from Nyamome area of East Suna.

The seat is also expected to attracted one or two aspirants from within the two Kuria constituencies of Kuria West and Kuria East, though no one has so far come forward to declare his interest.

The contest for both Homa-Bay and Migori governors could produce fire work during the actual campaign period given the number of high profile aspirants vying for the the two sets.

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ICC & Kenya: Ocampo publishes the detailed account of charges awaiting for Ruto,Kosgey and Joshua Arap Sang

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Forwarded By Leo Odera Omolo

The fates of Mr. William Ruto and Mr Henry Kosgey at their September 1 confirmation hearing at The Hague hinges on how they fight off charges that they commanded, financed and armed an unnamed Kalenjin terror network.

ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo will be arguing that Ruto and Kosgey, the MPs for Eldoret North and Tinderet respectively, held at least nine meetings at which the post-election violence was designed, and that the planning began in 2005.

Mr Joshua Arap Sang of Kass FM, the third suspect in the joint case with the two former ministers, will also face charges that he sat in meetings where the attacks were planned, and gave the coded orders in his broadcast programmes for the terror visited on Party of National Unity (PNU) sympathisers in various parts of the Rift Valley to commence.

In the Document Containing Charges (DCC) filed by Moreno-Ocampo Monday, he claims that the two MPs and Sang hatched a plot to punish and expel PNU supporters from specified areas in the North Rift region under a ‘common plan’ which had military command structure, logistical approach, and precision in execution.

The MPs were accused of financially supporting the attacks because they were allegedly the direct perpetrators of the heinous crimes. Ocampo also claimed part of the money Kosgey and Ruto raised was used to buy grenades.

“Ruto was crowned Kalenjin leader, which gave him the authority to decide on matters affecting the Kalenjin community,” said Moreno-Ocampo. He claimed given Ruto’s position as the Kalenjin leader, and Kosgey’s authority as his subordinate, the former oversaw attacks throughout the Rift Valley, while the latter oversaw attacks that were executed in Nandi District.

Violence reinforced

He also hints the violence was reinforced with support of other Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs, whose party Kosgey was the chairman and Ruto one of the two deputy leaders.

“In December 2007, other ODM affiliated MPs participated in planning and financially supported the Post Elections Violence (PEV) attacks or otherwise attacks, or otherwise participated in preparatory meetings and even attacks in the Uasin Gishu and Nandi Districts,” argued Moreno-Ocampo.

He said Ruto was the single most authoritative ODM figure in the Rift Valley and therefore used existing structures and roles in Kalenjin society to create the network.

The ICC Prosecutor claimed authority was subordinated only to Ruto, but Kosgey acted in his absence. “Five commanders responded directly to Ruto or to Kosgey in his absence and they both ensured members of the network understood and believed in the common plan,” read the charges.

The network is said to have had a military component consisting of former members of Kenya’s military and police. This is the cadre, the Prosecutor will be arguing, advised Ruto on logistical issues, obtained weapons, identified financial resources and mobilized those who were to commit the crimes.

Military structure

It is further claimed that in 2006 and 2007 the network also had a military structure that included three “Commanders” or “Generals”, all of whom reported to either Ruto or Kosgey.

“The Commanders were responsible for specific geographic areas in the North Rift, including the greater Eldoret area, Turbo town and Kapsabet town, the Central Rift area including Nandi Hills town, and the South Rift Area,” Moreno-Ocampo went on.

Ruto is claimed to have been the head of the Military Component and below him the three Commanders led in hierarchical order in their respective geographical areas. Each hierarchy contained a horizontal layer of subordinates and direct perpetrators.

Moreno-Ocampo further submitted that the two MPs controlled the alleged crimes by operating as the ‘hubs’ of the organisation.

They are further accused of obtaining information from groups in Rift Valley and sharing plans and information from group to group regarding targeted locations and reporting overall progress of the common plan.

Moreno-Ocampo further contends that Ruto and Kosgey garnered supporters to create the network, provided money and weapons to their subordinates and established a localised level of subordinates who were responsible for specific geographical areas.

Apart from establishing a functioning command structure; they also were accused of using events and specific language on Kass FM under the command of Sang to communicate with subordinates and direct perpetrators.

They also provided weapons, training; and imposed order by threatening punishment in case of insubordination. That meant there was near automatic compliance with Ruto and Kosgey’s instructions, he concluded.

Ruto, Kosgey and Sang and others are said to have ensured near compliance with their instructions by indoctrinating network perpetrators to accept and agree with the common plan by referring to PNU supporters in a derogatory manner.

They also allegedly ensured compliance by training direct perpetrators and creating localised coordination structures headed by local subordinates who ensured compliance in their respective areas.

Loyalty was also earned through paying subordinates and direct perpetrators; and instilling in the subordinates and direct perpetrators a fear of punishment if they did not participate.

“Ruto and Kosgey were mutually aware and mutually accepted that implementing their common plan might result in the realisation of the crimes charged,” said Moreno-Ocampo.

He further argued that they intended to commit the crimes charged, or were aware that crimes would occur in the ordinary course of events.

“As the leaders of the Network and architects of the common plan, which called for the commission of the crimes alleged, they had full knowledge that their actions would cause the crimes to occur as they did,” said Moreno-Ocampo..

Preparatory meetings

He said the two MPs forged the common plan, and held preparatory meetings and events to plan and organise the attacks. Moreno-Ocampo will be telling the court Ruto’s awareness and knowledge was demonstrated by his anti-PNU rhetoric at meetings and rallies, inciting anti-PNU sentiment among the perpetrators.

Ruto statements to the network’s perpetrators were allegedly made to attack PNU supporters and expel them from their land, killing them if necessary.

“Ruto’s awareness and knowledge is through the requests to recruit ex-soldiers who were already trained,” said Ocampo.

He claims Kosgey’s awareness and knowledge was demonstrated through his meeting with Ruto to organise and plan for the expulsion of PNU supporters from the area. He also allegedly used derogatory language, directed at PNU supporters and used network perpetrators in advocating for the eviction of PNU supporters from the Rift Valley.

The Tinderet MP allegedly participated in plans for deployment, attacks and logistical arrangements by which reinforcements were co-ordinated between Uasin Gishu and Nandi districts. “Kosgey’s statement that financial assistance would be provided for, weapons, bows and arrows, transportation and food, or for use for bribes,” is cited as proof that he was aware of the pending crimes.

Ocampo said the awareness and knowledge of subordinates and direct perpetrators were demonstrated by their full integration into the Network, their attendance at meetings with Ruto and Kosgey where they received information regarding the planning, organisation, and logistics of the attacks.

Ruto and Kosgey, he will be arguing, should be held liable because of their commitment to listening to Kass FM radio which functioned as a communication tool for the network; and their provision of logistical assistance and or support for the attacks.

Widespread or systematic attack against members of the civilian population, within the specified areas are said to have taken place from December 30, 2007 through January 31, 2008.

Network perpetrators are said to have been responsible for nine attacks in different parts of the region while targeting PNU supporters.

“The direct perpetrators implemented the Network’s policy of attacking the PNU supporters to punish and permanently expel them from the Rift Valley by systematically inflicting fear, killing, looting, burning or otherwise destroying their property,” claims Moreno-Ocampo. He said their express purpose was to force PNU supporters in Rift Valley out using whatever means necessary, including the commission of crimes.

Uasin Gishu and Nandi Districts are said to have suffered the most with approximately 230 deaths recorded. The media, including Sang who served as a broadcaster on KASS FM, allegedly furthered the network’s organisational policy, both prior and during the attacks.

Broadcast propaganda

“Prior to the attacks, Kass FM broadcast propaganda against PNU supporters, broadcast the locations of preparatory meetings and events, and organised fundraising events that financed the attacks,” claimed Moreno-Ocampo.

He further alleged that at the preparatory meetings, the network designated specific persons to call into Sang’s programme and spread the network’s views.

“After the presidential election results were announced, Sang called on perpetrators to begin the attacks and broadcast coded language signaling that PNU supporters were to be attacked; and broadcast the locations where the attacks were to take place,” claimed Moreno-Ocampo.

He said that apart from Kass FM, financial support for the network was received from Ruto, Kosgey, ODM supporters, supporting organisations and businessmen.

“The financial component raised funds to compensate attendees at preparatory meetings, purchase weapons, purchase materials to make traditional weapons and to sustain attacks,” read the charges.

Tribal elders allegedly participated by supporting, planning, coordinating and conducting blessings all of which contributed to the attacks.

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KENYA: HILARY ALILA DECLARED HIS BID FOR HOMA-BAY COUNTY SENATE SEAT BEFORE THOUSANDS OF MOURNERS IN NDHIWA WHO INCLUDED THE PRIME MINSTER RAILA ODINGA.

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo.

A Ndhiwa politician Hilary Ochieng’ Alila stunned a huge crowd of mourners in Ndhiwa when he defiantly announced that he would contest the Homa-Bay Senate seat in the forthcoming general election.

Alila, 37, who is the youth coordinator in Nyanza, dispelled the rumor making the round that he was not a serious aspirant, but only fronting for the Immigration Minister Gerald Otieno Kajwang.

He reiterated his intention to turn the region around if elected as its representative to the covenanted ’tri-cameral parliament in the next general election.

When the Prime Minister Raila Odinga took to the podium he endorsed Alila sentiments saying if the aspirant has gauged his manhood and found that he was mature enough and strong to sustain the hit of the contest then he was free to do so like anyone else

Hundreds of mourners who had attended the burial of George Okeyo Orata, a former senior Co-operative Development Officer left the funeral home and went home saying that Alila had been given the nod by “Agwambo” to be party favored candidate for the Homa-Bay Senate seat.

The Prime Minister Raila Odinga was accompanied by his wife Ida Raila Odinga and other leader who included former Ndhiwa MP Matthews Otieno Ogingo, the Regional Commissioner for Southern Nyanza Erustus Ekidor, ODM regional coordinator Monica Amolo, civic leaders and community elders. The funeral took place in Kanyikela Location, Ndhiwa district within Homa-Bay County. It was held only one kilometer from Alila’s Ndhiwa rural home.

Raila told member’s of the Luo community to be accommodating and to discard arrogance and exercise respect to other communities. He urged to reach out to members of the neighboring communities to support his presidential bid. They should guard against prejudices and arrogance towards other communities.

Raila assured his audience that he will emerge the winner in the next presidential race and need the support of every Kenyan. When become the President he will not be the President of the Luo community alone but will serve all Kenyans equally. “Whenever I go out for votes hunting, other Kenyans have expressed their willingness to vote for me, but at the same time they claim Luos will not exercise respect to other communities.”

He urged the Luos to re-package themselves and discount the fears that persist that Luos will not even pay for their house rents when I become the president.”.

He assured the cheering mourners that he will put up a formidable fight in the next year presidential race

He told the youth who have attained the voting ages to register in large number when the government starts issuing identity cards this month.” I want those who do not national identity cards to get them so that we can go to polls prepared. I am prepared for this battle and I want you to be ready to support me,” he said.

He told the mourners that when elected as the President of this country he would serve all the communities uniformly and he will uphold the constitution.

Raila challenged his political competitors to address issues facing the country instead of incessantly attacking him. He urged the politician to unite Kenyan at the same time discarding tribalism. All the Kenyan tribes should be treated as equal for the country to realize meaningful progress and development.

In his earlier address Alila also appealed to other Luo leaders to visit other regions and campaigned for Raila. They should not only just make cosmetic appearances whenever the Prime Minister is visiting those areas. Such visits should b translated into well cemented down inter-tribal relationship and fruitful friendship.

The leaders from Nyanza should support Raila to the ht by frequenting other regions on their on nd working with local leader in those places to popularize ODM while promoting Raila’s presidential ambition at the same time.

Alila blamed some MPS from the Luo region of laxity and complacency and for doing very little in promoting Raila’s presidential bid among the diverse Kenyan communities. They should spread their wing and cover every part of the Republic while working with leaders from other communities, and make good speeches that could only harmonize the community relations with its neighbors.

Reached by phone, Alila reiterated that he was in the race for the Homa-Bay and not anybody’s puppet.

Ends

Kenya: Kipsigis leaders are pleased with the statement by Nyatike MP on the need to maintain peace and harmony among the neighboring communities

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kericho Town.

KIPSIGIS leaders have praised the Nyatike MP Edick Omondi Anyanga for his recent call that the Luos and Kipsigis neighboring communities should continue living in peace and harmony.

Speaking in Kericho Town the leaders appealed to MPs from the neighboring communities to emulate Nyatike MP and preach only the gospel of peace and love among Kenyans of diverse ethnic background. The MPs the leaders said, must refrain from making inflammatory utterances in public place and gathering which could fuel communal hatred.

Pastor Hezron Cheruiyot of the Methodist Church in Chilchila Division within Kipkellion constituency and Councilor Nicholas Tum of Kericho Municipality said they were pleased with Nyatike MP statement that the differences between the Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto were personal and therefore must not be used to incite the Kalenjin and the Luos into hatred and hostility.

“Elected leaders must guard their tanks against making provocative utterances that could be construed by the general public that could cause confusion and misunderstandings among the neighboring communities. The Kipsigis and the Luos share the common border between Nyanza and Rift Valley and have lived harmoniously from the time immemorial and should be allowed to continue living and working together in the interest of the country.

Pastor Cheruiyot said he regretted an incident in Kericho Town in which an MP from Luo-Nyanza who had accompanied the Prime Minister Raila Odinga was heckled and shouted down and forced to cut short his speech when he made some incoherent utterances which did not pleased the audience who were mainly the Kipsigis people.

Leaders should always weigh their words before making public utterance. Those who have nothing in their mind to say before the multi ethnic audiences should shut up,”said the pastor.

Councilor Nicholas Tum of Kericho Municipality said ODM was still very strong in the South Rift despite of claims by ODM rebel Kalenjin MPs allied to the Eldoret North MP William Ruto that the community in the region has ditched the party.

Tum said some of the MPs representing various constituencies in Kipsigisland who are allied to William Ruto are in for a big shock come the next polls. Those who are persistently attacking the party leader Raila Oodinga whenever they opened their mouths will lose their seats comes the next polls. That is the reason why a good number of the incumbent MPs are scrambling for the two seats allocate for the region in the Senate.

Coun. Tum appealed to the ODM supreme leader Raila Odinga to pick the Road Minister Franklin Bett as his running-mate during the next general election.

He said owing to Bett’s steadfast and unswerving loyalty to the party and his contribution, he would be good bait for votes catching in the South Rift if picked as Raila’s running-mate.

Tum cautioning members of the Kipsigis community against making hasty decision of joining UDM saying that party is still embroiled in prolonged and protracted legal tussle before the court over its leadership. If the community is fooled about with propaganda to abandon ODM, it will be sidelined by the next government which will consign the community to the political periphery.

At the same time survey conducted by this writer in both Kericho and Bomet Counties indicated that members of the Kipsigis community, a sub-tribe of the larger Kalenjin ethnic groups are slowly drifting back to KANU.The Kipsigis is the most populous Kalenjin sub-tribe with more than 1.3 million voters.

The community occupied the fertile region in the highlands southwest of the Rift Valley a region which is agriculturally rich with sufficient annual rainfall which is conducive for tea and coffee growing.

In the year 2007, this community voted for the ODM on man-to-man and gave the party MPS in all the eight constituencies of Kipkellion, Ainamoi, Belgut, Buret, Konoin, Chepalungu, Bomet and Sotik. The region gave the party’s presidential candidate Raila Odinga almost 100 per cent. It also handed the ODM an overwhelming victory in the neighboring Kuresoi constituency in Molo district and another constituency in Rongai where members of the community are the majority of the inhabitants.

However, due to what is seemingly to be irreconcilable differences between the party leader Raila Odinga and his deputy William Ruto the party’s influence I the region is drastically reduced. If the ODM could managed to recruit credible new leaders and support their candidature in the election in all the constituencies, this time around there will be 10 electoral areas after the creation of two extra constituencies in Sigowet in Blgut and Chilchila in Kipkellion, it could still garner enough vote to enable it win at least between five and six seats in Parliament.. Similar percentage could be retained in civic wards within the two Counties.

The party which is likely to slash in the flesh of the ODM is KANU and not UDM. The party of independence could perform well in Kipsigisland if it will back the Vice President Stephen Kalonzo musyoka.

The common saying in the region is that the Vic President who had served in the KANU government under the retired President Daniel Arap Moi for a long time and only ditched the party in 2002 has since maintained a guarded tank and has never publicly issued any statement that is viewed as derogatory and despising Moi in similar in similar fashion like other former KANU luminaries have done.

Members of the Kipsigis community are, however, worried about political instability and endless internal wrangling in KANU pitting the party national chairman Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and other leaders like his deputy Gideon Moi and the secretary-general Nck Salatt.

The community is not comfortable with the idea of having another Kikuyu president after Mwai Kibaki, and if there is no solution on sight within the ODM within the next three months, they switch their support to Kalonzo Musyoka.This is because of the hurdles facing William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta in connection with pending criminal cases with the ICC causes looming large on their path..

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