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African leaders discussion plan to launch mega free trading area for East and Southern African regions

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

PLANS are underway to establish one of the biggest trading blocs in Africa, which will bring together the common Market for East and Southern Africa {Comesa}, the East African Community {EAC and the Southern African Development Community {SADC}.

This was one of the several resolution reached by the Heads of State from East and Southern Africa when they converged in Johannesburg South Africa two weeks ago to thrash out issues ahead of the planned integration.

The existing three African trading blocs made up of 26 countries, with a market of close to 600 million people and with an estimated gross domestic product {GDP} OF USD 860 billion, are pushing for a free trade area.

But according to one participant, drawing the line from the South African meeting, individual blocs have huge tasks ahead of them as the meeting agreed on a raft of agreements.

The three blocs agreed on a three phase roadmap including a preparation phase of between six months to one year from June 2011.

Phase one will have involved negotiations on the trading of goods which would take place for between 24 to 60 months and the last phase will deal with the actual integration

Te officials, however, were unable to set up the time table for the final phase, signaling that “Mega Bloc” could be years away from being a reality.

The first phase required the three Tripartite Free Trade Areas member to disclose their trade agreements with countries within and outside the newly earmarked bloc in the first phase.

Different member countries have varying agreements with similar countries and there is urgent need for harmonization if the 26 countries with a combined gross domestic product of USD 860 were to trade freely amongst themselves.

The East African Community, however, is reported to have agreed that as much as the greater bloc offered a larger market for its goods, it was ahead for its members to belong to more than one bloc and need to agree to the terms of the two blocs for the achievement of the final bloc.

The Kenyan Permanent Secretary to the East African Community David Nalo said during an interview that the most successful of the three blocs might attract more attention leaving the EAC in peril.

“The world market prefers the stronger and bigger bloc with an extended market,” explained the PS.

Nalo, however, added that the blocs would enhance harmonization of tariff among he three member countries. Each of the three blocs has different tariffs therefore its member countries making hard for fast growing extra trade compare with other blocs.”We do more business with outsiders and we are a core market to many of them.”

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KENYA: RAILA REJECTS KISUMU MAYOR PLEA.

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By Chak Rachar

An attempt by the outgoing Kisumu Mayor Sam Okello to have Prime Minister Raila Odinga to intervene and “help him be re-elected” for another term was flatly rejected by Raila who told him straight in his face that he must face his opponents.

In a move interpreted by many that Okello is out of Raila’s favor and he is on his out of Kisumu politics by Raila telling him to face his opponents was like giving him a political rope to hang him with it.

One of the politicians who was present at the said meeting which took place last Saturday in the morning at Raila’s Kisumu residence said that Mayor Okello was accompanied by the factional Luo Council of Elders leader Opiyo Otondi, Councillors Ben Muga , Isaiah Onyango and perennial Kisumu Parliamentary aspirant Shem Oeyo Onyango Kwega .

“When Raila gave them his ear, Ker Otondi was the first to speak saying that he had brought “his son” (Mayor Okello) to him so that he compels Councilors opposed to him during the 1st July mayoral elections to be coerced by Raila to have them re-elect Okello”an insider during g the said meeting said.

He further added that Otondi pleaded with Raila so that the status –quo remains the way it is presently with Okello being the Mayor and Coucillor Soja Oyollo who is his opponent just retaining his Chairmanship of the planning committee.

Okelo also told Raila to help him with ODM youths so that they could reign terror during the elections day so that by the time the elections would be called, he would have organized himself better.

“Raila told them that he was against violence in Kisumu presently as the town was trying to re-invent himself for investors to be wooed and further told Okello that the said status quo he wanted could only be possible if the councilors were united the source further said.

“Find away how you can lure the Councilors presently with Oyolo Soja because the law requires that eventually the elections will be done, Kwega call a meeting between the Councilors and Okello and see if the can some sort of agreement” Raila instructed Kwega.

The group left dejected and were heard murmuring wondering why Raila could not call the said meeting him like he did when he brought Okello the first time.

The said meeting of the ODM party took place and a resolution was reached that Mayor Okello was to eventually face his opponents in the forthcoming elections as he was told that Raila presently was more than a Luo leader.

By the time we went to press, Lord Oyollo as he is popularly known was said to be having eighteen Councilors against Okello’s eleven and he is presently with them in Kampala Uganda strategizing how to win the elections.

ENDS

East African currencies hit the lowest record against the dollar

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

A week after the joint presentation of the annual budget for the expenditure of governments of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for the financial year 2011/2012 the currencies of the three sister states touched new low in trading against the US dollar, putting pressure on Central Banks across the region to raise interest rates in the face of accelerating inflation.

Kenya shilling breached the Kshs.90 level against the dollar, while the Ugandan shilling touched US 2,428 to the dollar and the Tanzanian shilling traded at the record lowest rate of Tshs 1,595 to the dollar.

In the coming weeks, demand for the dollar, especially from the importers in the energy sector, is expected to intensify pressure on the East African currencies.

As importers – mainly in energy and food sectors- pass on the extra costs, inflation is likely to remain high within the region, stifling growth in some key areas.

Moreover, if commercial banks anticipates that local currencies will lose to the dollar, they will hold onto their dollars, further reducing supply.

Central banks have in the past tried to rein in speculative activities by commercial banks with little success.

There have also been attempts to mop up local currencies through repurchase agreements but with limited success.

The only tool that the three central banks are likely to deploy is a hike in key interest rates, such as the Central Bank Rates, the rate at which banks borrow from them.

So far, the Central Bank of Kenya has preferred a moderate increase of 25 basic points to the CBR. But with the shilling trading at record lows, the rate rise is expected to double to 50 basis points at the next Monetary Policy Committee meting.

Analysts said should the benchmark interest rate rise, commercial banks will also read from the same script, increasing the cost of borrowing to consumer and businesses.

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EA states told to speed up reforms to create jobs or face violent unrest

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo.

East African region faces social unrest if governments fail to speed up reforms aimed at job creation and wage growth.

This warning is contained by the latest edition of the African Economic Outlook 2011.It states that while East Africa will record the highest growth in Africa in 2011, governments need to invest more in generation of jobs and boosting basic social service to match up the growing number of graduates entering labor market.

The report, co-authored by the African Development Bank {AfDB}, the OECD Development Center, UNDP and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, says the region’s projected to growth of above six per cent in 2011, compared with North Africa’s 1per cent, Southern Africa 4.5 per cent, Central Africa 5.3 per cent and the continent’s projected average growth of 3.7 per cent.

Experts say rising food and fuel prices have taken a heavy toll; persistent poverty and income inequality are reminders that the fruits of strong headline growth have been unevenly distributed across the region.

“The thing is for the government to recognize and work towards an agenda that will make it inclusive” says Mthuli Ncube, chief economist and vice-president of the AfDB.

While countries are focusing on attracting foreign direct investment, he said it is critical for governments to devote resources to easing business for the local business community.”Sometimes countries spend so much on trying to attract FDI and they {foreign investment} do not come but meanwhile there are local people who are dynamic, who want to invest and create jobs,” Mthuli said.

To enhance growth prospects the region has to accelerate its regional integration agenda. Governments, he said, have to promote investment by making it easy for business to move across borders “Regional integration is not just about goods and services. A Kenyan company in the region should have as much ease as within the country. These are the things that will make the region more dynamic,” he said adding “people with skills can find something to do and re likely to create a small enterprise.’

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Tanzania is seeking multi billion dollars to upgrade its ports

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

Information emerging from the Tanzanian commercial City of Dar Es Salaam says that the Tanzania Ports Authority {TPA} is seeking for colossal amount of money to he tune of USD 800 billion to upgrade ports all over the country.

Economic analysts say the new ports will be able to accommodate more vessels, thus easing congestion and reducing the waiting time for ships.

In April 2007, the TPA commissioned a master plan study covering both sea and inland ports, which experts says will enhance the country’s economic growth.

The study proposed a new port at Mbegani in Bagamoyo to ease congestion at the Dar Es Salaam port about 75 kilometers away. A total of 40 hectare of land has been identified for the proposed new port.

The planning manager of the TPA Modest Kakusa was last week quoted by the media as saying that the feasibility study for the ports was completed in December 2008.

He said the Master Plan will work to sustain continuous growth of port traffic and provide better services to landlocked countries in Southern, Central and East Africa. The master plan will also alert to change in shipping technologies. It hoped to restore capacity-in inland ports and help develop other ports for commercial purposes.

TPA has been pursuing a strategy on private sector involvement in port operations, as well as management and training of ports investments.

Major Private Sector participation started in 2000-with the licensing of the Dar Es Salaam Container Terminal Services {TICTS}.

This year, TPA has been planning to lease its ports in Kigoma and Kasanga in Lake Tanganyika. The money accrued will be used to develop and promote licensing of port services, trade facilitation, fishing industry and environmental support.

“To enhance provision of services and cost effective port services, the TPA continued to invest in modern infrastructure, equipment and technology,” he said.

The TPA envisaged developing and managing ports to provide good services and promote logistics services in East, Central and Southern African regions.

TPA’s chairman of the board of directors Raphael Mollel says that the authority has been seeking private sector involvement in port operations, as well as management and financing of investments, adding that as an organization specified to privatization, TPA could not invest in any major capital project.

Following de-specification, Mollel said, TPA revised its development capital budget upward from USD 32 million to USD 40 million to procure critical equipment and facilities.

In July 2006, the TPA was empowered to improve port infrastructure, equipment and capacity. The authority’s long term measures include development of a new container terminal and cargo freight station at Dar Es Salaam and construction of anew at Mbegani, Bagamoyo.

The required land area for port expansion under the TPA strategy, which on the coast as well as Kigom will be financed by the World Bank, have been earmarked and acquisition process are underway.

Among the targeted ports are Dar Es Salaam, Mtwara, Tanga, Bagamoyo and Mwmbani on the coast as well as Kigoma on the Lake Tanganyika.

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KENYA & SWITZERLAND: HOW ATWOLI LIED ABOUT BEING ACCOMPANIED BY “KENYA JOURNALISTS”_ IN GENEVA SWITZERLAND.

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By Our Reporter in Geneva,

Fresh details emerging from a group of individuals who were thrown out of a hotel in Geneva Switzerland who were booked by Kenya’s trade union leader Francis Atwoli as journalist says they were never such and Atwoli lied to Switzerland authorities that they were journalists and he is likely to face a ban in Switzerland.

A senior official of Kenya’s journalism body who never wished to be named said that none of his known member was in Geneva and his organization refused any of its members to accompany Atwoli to Geneva Atwoli “was” not ready to shed some matters in regard to the said trip.

“As Kenya Union of Journalists we could not just release any of our members without tooth combing and since Atwoli was not ready to divulge to us the necessary queries we asked him ,we found it prudent not to allow any of our members to accompany him as he was behaving “cunningly”, did you see our Secretary General making the trip” he asked upon being prodded further.

He called on Atwoli to come out clear and stop tarnishing the image and dignity of Kenya journalists that they were in Geneva yet in real sense no any Kenya journalist accompanied him as most media houses in Kenya affiliated to KUJ refused to release their staff after being asked by KUJ not to do so.

Senior Editors in most leading media houses in Kenya like Royal Media Group, Standard Goop, The People. Nation Media Group and leading radio stations denied ever releasing their staff for the Geneva trip.

“KUJ wrote to us a letter advising us not to release any of our staff as female journalists who we have released previously has always complained of sexual harassment by leading COTU official who behaves like a bull on heat whenever he saw anything in skirt” a source at a leading TV media house in Kenya told us.

Fresh details gathered further reveal that after being turned down by leading media houses in Kenya,Atwoli gathered his street lieutenants and rumor peddlers in most street in Kisumu and Nairobi took undisclosed amount of money from COTU coffers ostensibly for their upkeep in Geneva which he never did as he was bailed out by International Labour Organization in lieu of his allowances.

More drama followed upon Atwoli and his group of “journalists” arrived in Kenyaata press conference at Solidarity house the headquarter of COTU when he introduced a Kenya Political party youth leader based in Kisumu as “a senior and serious journalist” and failed to mention his name for fear of being embarrassed as journalists in the said press conference began murmuring demanding to know who the said journalist is.

“Why should he lie to us about journalists who knows nothing about the profession? I walked out of the said press conference after discovering that Atwoli was taking us for a ride” a senior editor with a leading daily publication said.

Atwoli who has always bragged that most media houses owners are in his pocket have of late been forced to buy spaces for his blubbering vomits after most media houses discovered that he has nothing of substance to say as he keeps on bragging how he gives most senior editors in Kenya handouts more than what they earn.

He is surrounded by old, hungry, illiterate,senile and sluggard lunatics under the guise of his union officials who depends on him for handouts at any given time and these are the same men he uses to milk COTU dry and “tame” visionary young up coming trade union officials.

Efforts to get a comment from Atwoli were fruitless.

ENDS

Uganda seemed to be toning down over Migingo Island and has asked its survey team to resume work so as to ease tensions

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Ksumu City.

UGANDA appeared to have succumbed to heavy pressure mounted by Kenya on the need to have the dispute over Migingo Fishing Island in Lake Victoria resolved amicably.

This followed the recent harsh remarks by Kenyan leader castigating Kampala for having unilaterally seized the islands, which they knew were right on the Kenyan side of the border.

According to a statement released on Monday this week by the Permanent Secretary in the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs James Migume, the Ugandan Minister for Land and Housing Daudi Migereko flew into the Kenyan capital, Nairobi on Monday on a mission to meet with his Kenyan counterpart James Orengo to set up a joint technical team to tackle the issue.

The two controversial islands of Migingo and Ugingo, each measuring an acre and half in Lake Victoria, have been the subject of heated dispute between the governments for years, and most recently since 2008.

Experts from both sides will immediately begin work to determine the exact position of the border between the states using concessions already agreed upon by the leaders of the two nations.

President Yoweri Museveni and Prime Minister Raila Odinga had agreed that the survey be resumed in order to ensure continuity of the cordial relationship between Kenya and Uganda.

Kenya and Uganda together with Tanzania are the founder member of the East African Community an economic unit that also groups Rwanda and Burundi with its secretariat based in the Northern Tanzanian City of Arusha.

Both governments are therefore expected to take into account their commitment to the EAC and the relationship between the countries as the border survey gets underway.

Mugume said the technical team will initially work on logistical for the survey covering equipment and experts that could be needed in the survey work.

The experts will use the Kenya’s constitution of 1963, and Ugandan constitution of 1995 and an array of British colonial maps in addition to the physical survey to determine the position of the Uganda border. Kenya has been persistently protesting Uganda seizure f the two islands and hoisting of its national flag on the disputed islands.

When the dispute heightened last year the two governments agree to conduct a joint survey so as to establish and determine the ownership of Migingo Island, which was then one in dispute. Both governments contributed million s of shilling for the work. But the Uganda team pulled out and abandoned the work after the preliminary reports showed that Migingo was several meters inside Kenya side of the Lake Victoria waters, saying they were going to consult their bosses in Kampala, but never returned to-date. Kenya team continued with their work and completed their side.

At the same time Kenya MPs representing constituencies neighboring the lake have been pressing the government so hard, urging it to secure the islands by means of force, They consider Uganda’s action as an act of the declaration of war. But the government has been playing it cool insisting that there is other avenues f having the matter sorted out amicably.

President Mwai Kibaki has been in the forefront advocating for peaceful resolution of the conflict insisting that the government would use diplomatic means to resolve the issue, adding that Uganda was a friendly neighbor and big and reliable business partner.

But on June 1st this year while addressing a mammoth crowd which attended this year’s Madaraka Day anniversary at the Nyayo National Stadium, President Kibaki reiterated that Migingo and Ugingo Islands were in Kenya and therefore the property of the Republic of Kenya.

He repeated the same while addressing thousands of mourners in Ndhiwa constituency last Sunday during the burial of Mzee Michael Ojode Otieno, the father o the Assistant Minister for Internal Security Joshua Orwa Ojode at Ratang’a in Kwabwayi Central Location in Ndhiwa district only a few kilometers to the shoreline of Lake Victoria.

The Prime Minister Raila Odinga who also was among the principal speakers disclosed that Kenya would send a strong delegation consisting of the Internal Security Minister Prof.George Saitoti, Minister for Lands and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs James Orengo and others to tackle the issue with their Ugandan counterparts and seek for lasting solution.

But as the issue of Migingo was still boiling up, Uganda moved northward and seized another Island. This time it was Ugingo and posted more security personnel most of them marine police to protect the Ugandan businessmen and fishermen who moved in and began erecting houses on it.

On e morning early this month, a Kenya Army Helicopter made a reconnaissance flights flying low over Migingo while its crew were seen taking aerial photographs as the chopper circled over the tiny island. The next two days, Uganda moved in fresh men with heavy military equipment an even beefed up the number f its marine police from 10 to 40.

Kenyan fishermen and fish traders were not allowed to construct their houses on Ugingo, though the Ugandan traders could be seen cruising in speed boats to do shopping for building materials, particularly corrugated iron sheets and timber from Kenyan businessmen off-shore at Karungu Bay and Muhuru Bay. This is due to logistic problems as the nearby Ugandan trading center or town is ten hours voyage whereas it takes only one hour or less to reach the mainland Kenya.

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KENYA: RAILA AND HIS KEY OPPONENTS MET IN A FACE – TO – FACE- ENCOUNTER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NDHIWA DURING BURIAL OF OJODE’S FATHER AS HUGE CROWDS WATCHED IN DISBELIEF

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RAILA AND HIS KEY OPPONENTS MET IN A FACE — TO – FACE- ENCOUNTER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NDHIWA DURING BURIAL OF OJODE’S FATHER AS HUGE CROWDS WATCHED IN DISBELIEF

Reports By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

The weekend high profile funeral of the father of the Assistant mister for Internal Security and Provincial Administration Joshua Orwa Ojode was a blessing in disguise in the true sense of the word.

Mzee Michael Ojode Otieno a highly respected community leader was laid to rest at his Ratang’a home in Central Kwabway Location, in Nyarongi Division, Ndhiwa district. Hs son Orwa Ojode acted as the master of ceremony and ushered the VIP and other dignitaries.

While addressing the mammoth crowd that had turned up to give Ojode’s father a heroic send off, President Kibaki, was wildly cheered by the huge crowd when he made an impromptu announcement of new plan to improve the key link road in the greater Southern Nyanza.

The President told the cheering mourners that the government would construct Opapo –Magina Pala and Oria road which is traversing Ndhiwa constituency, parts of Rongo, Awendo and Uriri constituencies. He also disclosed that plans are a foot to construct Migori-Muhuru Bay road and also another key road that is linking Mbita and Magunga in both Mbita and Gwassi districts. The roads mentioned covered several parliamentary constituencies of Migori, Nyatike, Ronmgo, Awendo, Uriri, Ndhiwa, Gwassi and Mbita and therefore are s vital for economic activities and access to the markets by farmers and fishermen alike.

President Kibaki also made a light touch about the two controversial fishing islands of Migingo and Ugingo reiterating his earlier statement that the two islands are part and parcel of Kenya, but he was rather diplomatically when he said there was no need for the two friendly sister countries to engage in unfruitful quarrelling over the small islands, something which could easily be sorted out amicably.

The most interesting feature of the event was the presence at the function of the Prime Minister Raila Odinga who met his key opponents on a face-to-face encounter for the past time.

Raila’s key rivals were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, the suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto and the Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and to a lesser extent the Internal Security Minister Prof Goerge Saitoti who is also being rumored to be eyeing the presidency.

The three are, together with other presidential hopeful under the auspices of the so-called G7, who are known to be jointly strategizing to floor Raila Odinga in the 2012 general elections.

Thousands of people had travelled from all over the Luo-Nyanza when it became known by Saturday evening that the two principals together with other political luminaries would be in attendance at Mzee Ojode’s funeral.

In their addresses, however, the rival political camps steered clear of the politics of succession only dwelling in more calls for national unity and cohesion to spur the faster development and economic growth.

It is a real show of national solidarity as the rivals mingled and easily interacted with each other and at time engaged in hearty chatting at the VIP dais in full view of the crowd.

Other members of the G7 present at the function were Samuel Pogisio, MP Cyrus Jirongo, former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara.William Ruto, Eugne Wamalwa, William Kabogo, Simeon Lersima, Ferdinand Waititu, Kambi Kazungu and Jamleck Kamau.

Those in attendance from the OIDM side include Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’, Land Minister James Aggrey Orengo, Finance Assistant Minister Dr.Oburu Odinga, Assistant Foreign Minister Richard Onyonka, Education Assitant Minister Prof. Ayiecho Olueny, Goerge Otieno Ogindo ) Rangwe), John Mbadi {Gwassi}, Edwin Ochieng Yinda {Alego-Usonga},Yusuf Chanzu {Vihiga},James Gesami {Nyaribari Chache} Millie Odhiambo {Nominated} and Fred Outa {Nyando},

Some of the local MPs were later heard complaining that they were not given due attention and respect as leaders

One man who stole the show was Uhuru Kenyatta who instantly became the darling of the crowd earning the longest applause and cheers from the mourners. Many people seemed to having keen interest in seeing Mr. Kenyatta who appeared to be the darling of the crowd as the Gatundu South MP exchanged hearty greeting with almost everybody who came his way becoming instant center of attraction.

Raila Odinga heaped a lot of praise to President Kibaki and his style of leadership, which he said, had seen the country moving much faster in terms of development. He has changed the development tempo from the previous regime where people were forced to kneel down before the President while begging for development.

He told the crowd that the government has instituted a Ministerial team comprising of the Internal Security Minister Saitoti, Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’, Lands and Acting Foreign Minister James Orengo to resume talks with their Ugandan counterparts on the status of the two fishing islands in Lake Victoria which are currently in dispute between Kenya and Uganda.

Two Minister from Luo-Nyanza praised President Kibaki’s development record, and Otieno Kajwang’ of the Immigration dwelt on the new major roads linking districts headquarters in the region, which are being constructed a fresh or in the process of being constructed as some of the example of massive development being experienced in the region.

Orengo pleaded with President Kibaki to restrain his PNU leaders from publicly vilifying the Prime Minister Odinga, adding, ” We in ODM , we respect you as the President of the Republic of Kenyan and the Commander In-Chie of the Armed Forces, and at no time have we talked ill of you in public.

The PNU MPs should reciprocate and show respect to the Prime Minister as an important coalition government partner.

Ojode thanked the President Kibaki for ordering the tarmac king Opapo-Magina-Pala road and for upgrading Mirogi Boys Secondary School to be the constituent college of the Maseno University.

The funeral gathering rekindled the old spirit of unity with which Kenyans fought the mighty British forces and won their political independence after many years of blood-letting struggle. Politics were set aside as the leaders in attendance showed the true spirit of being true Kenyans and a united team.

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Kenya: Uhuru on a quiet political manoeuvres to win voters in Luo-Nyanza in his quest for presidency

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By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta last Saturday made a triumphant entry into Kisumu City and was well received by enthusiastic supporters and political operatives .

Accompanied by the Embakassi MP Hon Mutito, and the immediate former Alego-Usonga MP Sammy Weya, Kenyatta who is among the leading contenders for the presidency in the impending general election and his entourage were booked at the posh Imperial Hotel, which is locate right in the middle of the City’s Central Business district {CBD} was soon joined by Ndhiwa KANU branch chairman Tom Alila and quiet a number of political operatives in town.

And from the look of things, the Gatundu South MP appeared to be very comfortable among his Luos friends. Last year, he hosted a group of Luo professional and businessmen caucus in a Nairobi Hotel and expressed his wish to wok together with the members of the community.

Uhuru had travelled to Kisumu after attending the colorful home-coming ceremony held in Ikolomani within Kakamega County to celebrate the recent election victory of the area MP Dr. Bonny Khalwale who had recaptured his seat during a recent bruising by-election.

Immediately after the news of Uhuru arrival in town spread like bush fire, the Imperial Hotel became instantly the beehive of activities with various interested groups and local political operatives jamming the place to capacity.

Upon his arrival in Kisumu Uhuru received an impromptu invitation to visit Migori County and conduct Harambee fund drive for the youth projects.

Extending an invitation Eng. Jared Ochieng’ Baraza, who is a senior lecturers at the Faculty of Science and Engineering t the Kenyatta University said,” Tell Hon Kenyatta that in 2012 he will get Nyanza votes. We need a change of leadership. There is no genuine multiparty democracy in Nyanza.”

“Nyanza leaders are not development conscious and they have continued fighting he youths, particularly young people like myself who are helping the Wananchi with water supplies, electricity and agriculture. Please ask Uhuru to visit us Migori County and preside over Harambee for youth projects, said Baraza.

Baraza is a member of an international organization of engineers- calling them “Engineers without Boundaries”. The group has been sourcing funds from donors and their affiliates abroad and construction borehole and construction water supplies using diesel-powered engines in the remote rural villages.

Uhuru weekend visit to Kisumu an area considered as the stronghold and home turf of his arch-rival the Prime Minister Raila Odinga signifies some elements of a change of heart and attitudes by the local population indicating that the next election battle for the presidency will be the toughest.

There are significant signs that Uhuru is becoming increasingly acceptable to the younger generation of Kenyans including those residing inside Luo-Nyanza considering the amount of invitation he has received and continued receiving from the various interested parties inviting to visit the region and conducting various fund raising meetings for the youths.

The situation has changed dramatically to the hostile reception he received in the region in the year 2002 when he first ventured into the presidential contest. In that year Uhuru who was perceived to be the project of the retired President Dniel Arap Moi stood on a KANU ticket, but he was badly mauled and trounced by President Mwai Kibaki of Narc-Kenya.

In 2007 Uhuru did not contest the presidency, but threw his weight behind President Kibaki who narrowly retained the presidency in a much flawed presidential contest between him and the Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The election dispute sparked off the violence and orgies which claimed close to 1500 lives and displaced close to 350,000 from their homes.

The next day (Sunday) Uhuru headed to Ndhiwa district in greater Southern Nyanza where he was due to attended the burial of Mzee Michael Ojode Otieno, the father of the Ndhiwa MP and the Assistant Minister for Internal Security and Provincial Administration.

The late Mzee Ojode was given a heroes send off at a colourful ceremony, where President Kibakji and the Prime Minister Raila Odinga were also expected to be in attendance. The burial ceremony took place at Mzee Ojode’s homestead which is locate next to Ratang’a Secondary School and Market in Kwabayi Location Nyarongi Division Ndhiwa.

Prior to the funeral ceremony unconfirmed rumor went around Kisumu City and its environs that the Hon Orwa Ojode and sent a SMS message to the Prime Minister Raila Odinga informing him that President Kibaki will his guest of honor during the burial of his father.

The message was politically interpreted to be in bad taste as meaning that the Assistant Minister had wanted to lock Raila Odinga out of his father’s burial ceremony, an event, which the Luos considered as a solemn occasion which does not require politicking. This is because people always volunteer into condolence the bereaved families on their own volition. The PM, however, is said o have vowed to attend and condole all his people in Ndhiwa who had voted for him on one-on in 2007.

It also reveals how there existed some kind of deeply rooted differences between the Prime Minister and some of the Luo MPs which need to be ironed out before the next general elections.

Indications are some of the Luo MPs and their supporters are warming up for the G7 group consisting of Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto and the Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and others. Najib Balala is said to have already pulled out of the amorphous alliance.

Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, however, the duo are said to be slowly making major inroad into Luo-Nyanza the region which is considered as having been sealed in favor of Raila Odinga and the common talks making the round is that all the presidential aspirants be given free hands to sell their policies all over Kenya without any hindrance so that the voters could make their own decision as to who deserve the op most job on the land.

For the Vice President Musyoka, it is bad luck. Nobody talked about him in the entire Luoland. Perhaps this is because of his persistent inconsistency, which has made him the villain in the region. H is the only politician nobody one to be identified with in Nyanza.The locals treat the Vice President as a political turn-coat and someone not guided by principles.

Uhuru Kenyatta, however, appeared to be the darling of the youth clamoring for peaceful transition and transformation from the old guards and to the youths. He is seen as someone who stands for the youth and what he need is only to organize a good team of campaigners.

The son of the late Jomo Kenyatta visited Nyanza in what the political pundits were quick in describing as a quiet political maneuver to recruit supporters and agents in readiness for the next year’s big contest, first at the G7 preliminaries to choose the group torchbearers in the general election proper. And last weekend visit to the region has placed him ahead of his other colleagues in he G7 group.

Uhuru made the promise that he would soon return to Nyanza to meet his supporters in a venue to be agreed on in order to strategize for the next year’s general election.

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KENYA JOURNALISTS THROWN OUT OF HOTEL IN GENEVA.

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By our Reporter from Geneva

A battery of Kenya journalists who had been taken to Geneva City in Switzerland for the International Labor Organization annual general meetings by Francis Atwoli the Secretary General of Kenya’s Central Organizations of Trade Union (COTU) for two days now have been thrown out of the Hotel where they have been accommodated since their arrival and their personal effects confiscated by the hotel management due to what they say is “aloofness” by Atwoli to settle the bills and have vowed to block Atwoli’s attempt to leave the country until he pays the accrued costs.

The hotel spokesperson Martin Karlson says that their attempts to get money from Atwoli has bore no fruit resulting to them locking the journalists out of their hotel saying theirs is a business which needs to be respected and serviced.

“Its not the Kenya journalists fault, we locked them out and confiscated their personal effects as one way of bargaining as we try to recover our money as we are made to believe that they wanted to leave the country as they claimed that Atwoli has abandoned them and ILO is ignorant of their presence here in Geneva saying it was Kenya’s arrangement” Mr. Karlson added.

One female journalist who spoke on condition of not being named because she is married says that their trouble began when the female journalists refused to have sex with some section of COTU officials resulting to them being abandoned.

“We are appealing to the Embassy here and the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Affairs to come to our aid as we do not have our own passports, when we asked Atwoli,he sarcastically told us that “mtaka cha mvunguni sharti tuiname “,we are married and we never came here for sexual escapades” the weeping journalists said.

Another male journalist lamented that the allowances they were promised that they were to be paid, they have not been paid despite some sources saying Atwoli had there money.

“He pleaded with our bosses to bring us here only to subject us to all these, we appeal to Kenya Government to intervene speedily otherwise we do not know what to do” he said.

Efforts to get comment from Atwoli were fruitless while when we contacted ILO headquarters a lady who never wanted to be mentioned said that they never invited the said journalists and that should be the case of Atwoli to handle.

“Please we only handle our invitees, not tourists and joy riders” she said finally.

Kenya Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka when contacted admitted of being aware of the case and promised to consult the Labour Ministry .

“We will assist them, but laid down Kenya government rules must be followed” he assured.

KENYA: TWO MEN ARRESTED AFTER ATTACKING NYONG’O CDF BOSS.

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By Jowi Rateng’

Quick action by Kisumu police rescued Kisumu Rural CDF Chairman Edwin Ochieng from being burnt by members of the public Unimall Centre situated along Kisumu Kakamega road.

According to the area police two men allegedly attacked Ochieng’ on allegations that he had been receiving money from them ostensibly to prioritize them in the award of CDF funded projects within the constituency a side of the bargain he is alleged to have refused to abide by.

Kisumu OCPD john Mwinzi said that the two tow men met Ochieng’ and another CDF man called a Ogosi and an argument arose leading to the men assaulting Ochieng’ and shouting that he was a thief prompting members of the public to join in the fight.

The driver of a grey metallic land-rover which had brought Ochieng’ to the said meeting took off after the crowd had threatened to set it ablaze together with a Ogosi.

Moments later the police arrived and rescued Ochieng’ who was rushed to the hospital while bleeding profusely and had his clothes torn.

Mwinzi has said that the two are likely to be charged with assault,creating disturbance and any other charges the police will fight viable after the completion of the investigations.

“We are dealing with a criminal offence,the can pursue the debts issue later”Mwinzi added when asked why he was overlooking the siource of the said fight.

He added that they are also looking for the said a Ogosi who has since gone underground to shed some light in regard to the said incident.

“The two men allege that they were to be refunded their money which they claim Ochieng’ had told them that Ogosi was carrying,we are also looking into that” he added.

The arrested duo said they gave Ochieng’ the said money saying it was meant for Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o so that they could be awarded a CDF project which they had an interest in..

“Since they failed to give us the contract we have been telling them to refund us the money and they have even made it impossible for us to see Nyong’o,they were to refund us money today only for him to say Nyong’o had not given him the money with Ogosi”they added

Efforts to get a comment from Prof Nyong’o were fruitless while Ochieng’ said he was trying to reach an amicable solution with the two men whom he says are his good friends.

ENDS

Int’l Labor: 100th Session ILO MEETING OFFICIALLY ENDS IN GENEVA

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BY JEFF OTIENO IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND.

The 100th session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) meeting has officially ended in Geneva, Switzerland.

During the three week long intense session world leaders among them Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Markel, President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete, President of Finland and her Switzerland counterpart graced the occasion in the United Nations General Assembly Hall.

A powerful Kenyan delegation under the tutelage of the COTU (K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Labour Minister John Munyes, Labour P.S Beatrice Kituyi and Federation of Kenya employers Chair Person Jackline Mugo were also in the attendance and gave key note addresses touching on the plight of Kenyan workers and how their welfare can be improved in the near future.

Various adoptions like that of domestic workers were made and only ratification from affiliated member countries is what remains.

The fiery COTU Secretary General also retained his powerful position in the ILO governing body a slot only equivalent to the Kenyan cabinet and whose mandate is to run the daily affairs of the ILO body.

Owing to that position, Atwoli will now be obliged to attend the ILO head quarters thrice in a year for crucial deliberations.

Meanwhile the General Secretary for the aviation who was also in attendance took issue with some private Kenyan companies for muzzling and victimizing shop stewards.

Nicholas Baraza mentioned Flower wing and Transami as the culprits in his brief address at the ILO Assembly Hall.

END

Kenya: Kisumu Councillor beaten

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KISUMU POLICE PURSUES COUNCILLOR WHO ASSAULTED AND INJURED COLLEAGUE.

By Jowi Rateng’

Kisumu police have launched a manhunt for Councillor Caroline Owen over an allegation by nominated Councillor Weda Ogony that she attacked him at town hall and seriously injured him and stolen from him.

Kisumu Officer Commanding Police Division Ndwiga Mwinzi assured journalists

In his office that its only a matter of time before the civic leader is apprehended and taken to court where relevant charges will be pressed on her.

Mwinzi was forced to call a press conference and put to rest the matter after across section of Councillor Weda supporters wondered why the police were doing very little and were reluctant to apprehend Owen who not only assaulted Weda but is alleged also to have stolen from him and also stripped him naked and caused him a real embarrassment within the town hall precincts.

According to Weda ,Owen attacked him in the full view of the council workers before being restrained by other two councilors who he says never attacked him but rescued him.

According to a councilor who witnessed the whole incident but did not want to be named said that trouble began for Weda who is always being beaten by fellow councilors over what they term as “his long mouth” when Owen confronted him demanding to know from him why he travelled to Nairobi to “backbite her with her husband”.

“Kawuono idwaro ng’eya” (today you will know who I am) she yelled before descending on Weda with karate kicks while yelling that Weda wanted to rape her.

The situation was saved by two councilors who separated them after which Weda attempted to run out of the town hall naked but was restrained by sympathizers who gave him a leso to cover his nudity as his private parts were visible as a result of the torn trouser.

Weda has vowed to have Owen arrested as he says that he lost kshs.2000 and her clothes were torn seriously.

He later said that his failure to fight back did not mean that he is weak saying “cowards live longer”.

Contacted, Owen wondered why the police went public in regard to the matter yet she had not been summoned to any policed station and denied that she had gone underground.

“Anytime I will be summoned at the police station I will go but I will not go there through press summon” she added.

Councilor Weda has been beaten always by his fellow Councilors as male ones says he backbites them with their wives while the female ones also says that she wrecks their homes.

ENDS

Kenya & Uganda: KISUMU MAYORAL ELECTIONS, COUNCILLORS GOES TO CAMP IN UGANDA.

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By Our Reporter

Eighteen Kisumu Councillors opposed to Mayor Sam Okello and associated with Kisumu businessman billionaire Councilor James “Lord “Oyollo have crossed the border to Uganda where they have vowed to camp and only come back on the eve of the elections and vote out Mayor Okello and his team .

The Councillors who crossed the border in shuttle matatus vowed that they will remove Okello through balloting and replace him with “Lord” Oyollo ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for first August

They have accused Okello of arrogance and being out of touch with the realities of the council a fact the group allied to the Mayor led by Councilor John Onunga has vehemently denied saying that the said Councillors have ganged up due to reasons best known to them.

He says that the record of the Mayor speaks for itself as he has tried the much he can to bring sanity within the town.

“Presently workers salaries are being paid on time and we have tried to re-plan the city in preparation to it being the head quarter of the East Africa and boda boda ,motor cyclists and tuk tuk s have all been evicted out of town giving leading businessmen conducive atmosphere to do their businesses within the Central Business District” Onunga added.

But a close ally of “Lord” Oyollo who is rumored to be his running mate Councilor Oruko Otuge says that what has made the Councilors come together with a view of ousting Mayor Okello is that he has lost with reality and has failed even the Prime Minister Raila Odinga who brought him.

“He has killed Council Committees and rendered them irrelevant as he is still bitter that all his men lost during the committee elections which we swept en -masse.as a result also element of Council Committees have also been killed “ Otuge added.

He further said that policy formation from the grass roots through elected leaders are irrelevant as the outgoing office ignores committee stages and takes things straight to the full council meeting .

“As a result deliberations on crucial issues are being denied as the Clerk Daniel ole Nkere appears to be reading from the same script like them” Otuge said.

By saying that they were nineteen in Kampala this means that they are destined for an outright win as the council has twenty nine councillors

“This is what our camp says is titanic battle and we must win” he added.

ENDS

Kenya: ANOTHER US based high profile Kenyan is eyeing the newly created Awendo Parliamentary seat

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By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu

ANOTHER us based Kenya with the most attractive profile has declared his interest in contesting a parliamentary seat in the newly created Awendo constituency in Awendo district.

Reuben O Oduwo, who before moving to the US had served as the deputy principal and the principal at the various secondary schools in Rachuonyo and Nyando districts.

Oduwo who is well known to his peers as “Jomo Oduwo”hail from Waware sub-location in Sakwa East Location, Awendo district within the Migori County. In his message for declaration of intention to contest the seat, which is hived out of the old Rongo constituency, Oduwo said that the tome for electing mediocre into high offices such as Parliament or Senate are long gone.

Kenya can only move forward under the new constitution if the electorate could be wise enough and choose wisely to make sure that the right people were elected to the house, especially those with broad knowledge of legislative system, interpretation and their implications.

Oduwo holds a Mater’s Degree in biology {Aquatic and Conservation} at the University of Nebraska at Omaha post-graduate, and a certificate in geographic and Information Science. He studied for a diploma in science education at the Kenya Science Teachers College, a certificate in environmental education at the Moi University, Eldoret in Kenya.

Oduwo is the former Principal of Magunga Secondary School in Nyando district and also worked as the deputy principal Hum Girls Secondary School in Kisumu district and later at Atela Mixed Secondary School in Kasipul-Kabondo in Rachuonyo South district.

A son of the Awendo based business magnate the late Mzee Joash Oduwo Owino whose rural home situated near Ranen Market in Sakwa East Location

He said Awendo is agriculturally rich area, which is producing a lot of maize, sugar cane, tobacco and other cash crops therefore the region’s potentiality in contributing to rapid economic growth f the region need to be addressed by the relevant government ministries.

Oduwo pledged to fight for the down trodden cane farmers in Awendo and its environs who have suffered a great deal in the hands of the Awendo based SONYSUGAR company including undue delays in paying the cane farmers their dues, poor harvesting plans and system.

He also said that he would spearhead the privatization of SONYSUGAR and press the demand that the farmers get 45 per cent of the share equity.

The region, said Oduwo is prone to crime waves, and that he would work closely with the provincial Administration and police authorities to ensure that crime rate in the region is reduced drastically and pave the way for faster development. He would also work hard to create peaceful atmosphere and cordial relations among the people of different ethnicity living in the region like the Kisii, Luos, Kuria and the Maasais.

He will thrive to develop economically important infrastructure such as good roads to enable the farmer to access market places for their farm crops, construction of new bridges for easy cross through feeder and access roads. Improvement of the education standard, providing the residents with more well stocked health center and dispensaries.

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leodera@yahoo.com

KENYA: CLAIMS THAT FORMER CABINET MINISTER FROM NYANZA HAD GRABBED A PIECE OF LAND WHICH WAS MEANT FOR JOINT COMMUNAL FARMING AND CONVERTED IT INTO PERSONAL USE.

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Our investigative Reporter at Kendu-Bay In Rachuonyo South.

CLAIMS and allegations that a former cabinet minister from Nyanza Provincegrabbed a piece of communal land which was set aside for group farming and converted it into his personal use.

The project was originally initiated by the same MP who persuaded the villagers to donate pieces of land parcel under the pretext that the farm would be used in production of horticultural, bananas and other cash crops as part of the scheme to eradicate poverty in the area.

Those who donated pieces of land were supposed to retain their own pieces as demarcated on the ground. One member of the group donated his lorry to serve the group farmers and later purchased a water pump and its engine for Kshs 248,000 and surrendered to the group. But the engine altogether with the pump was later sold out in his absent in unexplained circumstances.

The engine and the water pump were supposed to be used in irrigating the farm.

Deeply involved in the alleged land grabbing scam is the former two times MP for Karachuonyo, Dr. Adhu Awiti.

The former MP at one time had served briefly as the Minister for Planning in the Treasury during the brief merger between KANU/LDP under the retired President Daniel Arap Moi. He lost his seat in 2007 when he suffered defeat under the incumbent Eng.James K Rege during the ODM preliminary nominations.

He is currently serving in the Officer of the Prime Minister as an adviser on political matters to Raia Odinga.

The farm in question measuring between 20 and 30 acres is baptized as “Atandi Farm. It is located near Miti Mbili fishing landing beach in Kanjira sub-locatin, Karachuonyo West in Rachuonyo North district within the Homa-Bay County. It is situated along the shoreline of the Nyanza Gulf {part of Lake Victoria}.

It could be assessed from the Junction of Pala Market and the road to Huma-Kanam.

It is located in an area which is bordering the Kapiyo sub-clan of Wagwe to the east and the Ohindo Kamunga sub-clam of Kanjira clan in the west. Those donors who surrendered their farms which were later converted into “Atandi Farm was mainly from the Ohindo-Kanjira group, but with few other peasants’ farmers living along the boundary of the two sub-clans.

Rumor making the round is that one widow who resisted the scheme and refused to surrender her piece of land had her house burnt to ashes by some people suspected to be hired political goons. But the rumor could not be confirmed immediately.

According to a Kisumu based prominent businessman-cum-politician, Mr George Kwanya Odidi, the farm was established and built out of consolidated pieces of land donated by the local peasant farmers on the understanding that it would be registered and turned into a group farming. And that the profits accrued from the sales of its products would be distributed to members and shared equally by the group. But has not been the case.

A relative of the MP who was previously working in Nairobi as a dress-maker Mr Magonya Otondi was engaged and posted to the farm to work as its manager. The said manager has sine left the areas in huff and went back to Nairobi where he resumed his tailoring work in the City.

The former MP is currently growing bananas , vegetable and horticultural crops for himself and his family as if the entire farm belonged to him. The issue has elicited discontent in the area with those farmers from Wagwe sub-clan demanding that the former legislator vacate the land so that it could revert to its original owners.

Odidi told this writer that he had sourced a very powerful leister engine which he bought from a farm machinery and implement in Kisumu. The engine and the water pump were to be used in irrigating the farm.

As he was by then working as a senior employee of the Ministry of Water Resources and at one time, he was sent for further training abroad. He left the engine and the water pump in a working condition and under the custody of the former MP for safe keeping.

But upon his return, he only learnt through hearsay that the engine altogether with the pump had been sold to some farmers from either the Rift Valley or Central Province at a double price of Kshs 480,000 and he was mesmerized and perplexed at the turn of events

Information reaching us says the matter has caused jittery and even at times charged tension with the farmers demanding back their land as the project seemed to have failed before taking off from the ground.

Dr Awiti is currently involved in the campaign for the ODM grass root elections, which has since been postponed for more than thrice. He has been on the ground in Karachuonyo addressing a series of ODM party campaign rallies across the vast Krachuonyo Constituency while working together with groups identified as anti-the current MP Eng James K Rege.

Ends

Kenya: aspirants told to build more schools for disabled children to adequately prepare them for the future

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Homa-Bay

The Residents of Luo-Nyanza were at the weekend urged to establish more schools for the children with the body disabilities so that the handicapped youth could be prepared for the future real task of nation building.

The number of children with the body disability are on alarming increase, therefore it is the responsibility of the parents, members of the public and stakeholders to consider the possibility of establishing more schools which could offer specialized training.

This sentiment was expressed by Hilary Ochieng’ Alila, the ODM youth coordinator in Nyanza when he addressed well attended and a successful Harambee fund drive for Ogande Disabled Children School in Central Kanyada, Rangwe Constituency, Homa-Bay County.

He said people with body disability could be trained and prepared to be productive members of the society, therefore they should not be discarded. More schools offering specialized training for the disabled should be established in almost every location because the number of children wiih their body disability was on alarming increase, and people must prepared to meet the challenges of offering them adequate training.

Alila who is on of the leading contender for the lucrative position of Homa-Bay County Senate seat was accompanied by a Homa-Bay and Nairobi lawyer George Opondo Kalumawho is also aspiring for the newly created Homa-Bay parliamentary seat.

The new parliamentary electoral constituency is among the newly created 80 parliamentary constituencies country-wide. It is to be hived out of the old Rangwe constituency to cater for mainly the residents of Homa-Bay and its environs.

A total of Kshs 300,000 was realized with Kaluma donating kshs 100,000 while Alila who was the chief guest donated Kshs 70,000.

Alila advised the old-guards to voluntarily give the way for the youthful and energetic leaders with vision to turn the country around. Those who have served in the past regime and enriched themselves should retire honorably and live the field open for the younger generation.

He sounded stern warning to an elderly but unnamed politician who is operating within the Homa-Bay county and who is on the record as bad-mouthing the youths aspiring for the various positions in the country, parliament and Senate that his days are being numbered. He need to shut his big mouth or else the youths would soon take him head-on.

He told the government to urgently consider sending relief food to the hunger stricken region within Homa-Bay County, saying residents of Suba, Rachuonyo, Gwassi, Rangwe and Homa-Bay, specially those living along the shoreline of Lake Victoria are currently experiencing acute shortage of food grains.

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Kenya: many people injured following skirmishes between police and residents of Awendo Town

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Writes Leo O dera Omolo in Awendo Town.

SCORES of people including a policeman were injured following violence protest by the residents of Awendo Town in Awendo district in Migori County.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning when the residents blocked the main Kisii-Rongo-Awendo-Migori highway with big boulders and set old lit the bon-fire thereby blocking the main rod that passes through Awendo Town.

This followed the Saturday night incident in which a petrol station attendant was captured by unknown armed thugs from his house within the town and forced hi to accompany them to the station. They tied him and stabbed hi on the head and stomach. The night security guards was also murdered.

The attackers were reported to have picked the fuel station attendant Mr Isaac Onyango 24 and forced him to accompany to his workplace so that he could show they where the money was kept for the night. On reaching the station, which is located only a few yards from the District Commissioner’s Office, which is guarded by he Administration {Policemen for twenty four hours, the thugs tied him and stabbed him several times. The night security Stephen Ogutu was also killed in the same manner.

Insecurity in Awendo and its environs has been the subject of bitter complaints by the resident who had petitioned both the D.C’s of Rongo, Migori, Uriri and Awendo requesting the government to improve night patrols by the police.

The residents have also appealed to the Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere to effect the transfer of the Officer In Charge of Awendo Police Station who is said to have overstayed in one work place for close to 12 years and has since became unproductive.

The residents other bone of contention is that some senior and junior police officer have over stayed in the region and have become unproductive and perhaps conduits to criminal activities in the area. Any officer transferred from any of the three stations, is always recycled and posted to the next station within the region, which is making nonsense of it.

Five traders and businessmen have been reported killed within Awendo Town and another businesswoman running an MPESA outlet at the nearby Ranen market was killed two months go when thugs raided her residence and shot her four times in the presence ofher small and school going children.

Her husband was also attacked, but he fainted death and was presumed dead and left.He was later hospitalised. The businesswoman had been attacked previously and robbed of unspecified amount of money. So the thugs suspected her to have known them and they came back and finished her out and killed her while her five small children watched helplessly.

A trader dealing in women and men’s hand-bags at Awendo market was ambushed in his residents and shot three times. Two people suspected to by Motorbike thieves were also set alight and burnt to ashes by the mob of people within Awendo Town.

Local leaders have voiced their concern at the rapidly deteriorating security situation at Awendo Town. The residents said they have lost confidence in the OCS and his team of policemen and wanted the station completely overhauled and new men and women posted there.

The chairman of Awendo Town Council Councilor Johnson Omolo Owiro and his Deputy Coun Martin Ondong’ has appealed to the Provincial Administration and the police authorities to intervene on matters of insecurity in Awendo town, saying that traders and businessmen in the small farming town were worried about their safety.

On Sunday, the enraged residents came out in full force and staged violence protest against what they termed as” serious collapse in security system and laxity on the part of the police officers serving at Awendo Police Station.

Despite of five people having been killed within the last two months, no arrest has been made and investigation is said to have been carried out in haphazard manner.

The residents say there several police officers who have worked in the region for close to 15 and have since became laxto performing their duties as required of them. Some of those who have been transferred have found their way back to thee same station through unclear reasons.

Some suspect with serious allegations have found their freedom through backdoor negotiations and the situation is so pathetic that it now call for the entire Awendo Police Station to be overhauled and new staff posted in.

Chiefs and their assistants in the outlaying locations and division have also complained that each time they arrested some suspect with serious criminal offences, the culprits easily find their way out of Awendo Police Station before being arraigned in court to answer criminal .

On District Commissioner in the neighboring district confirmed that his chiefs and their assistant have complained to him about the undoing work at Awendo Police Station have found their freedom without charges preferred to them. This laxity on the part of police has placed the region as one of the area prone to crime.

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Kenya: Academic giant joins the race for Migori governor position and with a pledge to turn the region around

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Write Leo Odera Omolo In Awendo Town.

A top most academician with the highest profile in medicine and surgery has joined the race for the lucrative position of Migori County governor.

Dr. K’Obuoyo Luo Rachillo is currently working as surgeio with the United States Air force. He was at one time President Barack Oama chief campaign in California and he is now acting as the US President adviser on Africa and Middle East Affairs.

He has attained the rank of Lt.Col in the US Air force,but always remember the down trodden Kenyans back home and has frequently participate in development activities back home.

The 35 year old heart surgeon {specialist} trained at the Harvard University School of Medicine said in his message of declaration that if elected to the position of Migori County governor, his first and foremost task, would be to make true the policy of zero tolerant to corruption and economic crime.

The son of the late mathematics and science genius teacher, Jakwth Obuoyo Awino Rachillo, the aspirant hail from Wachara village in Sori Sub—Location, Karugu West, Karungu Division, Nyatike Constituency in Migori County.

Dr K’obuoyo is an associate professor of medicine and surgery at Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and also Flight Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Research Cardiologist with United State Airforce.

He took his early education at Wachara and Mirogi Primary Schools, and later moved to Koele Scondary School and lenan High School before joining the University of Nairobi-Rhodes University of Cape Town, South Africa and later moved to Oxford University in the UK for his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgeon {MBcHB}.

He obtain his Phd degree t Harvard and later joined Yale University –MD/JD, Doctor of Medicine and Juris Doctorate. He moved to University of California Medical Center Residency Training and post-graduate fellowship and the United States Airforce Academy-Flight surgeon and Commissioned Officer Trainings.

Talking about his vision to Migori County, he said the new County would require someone with vst experience and both national and international outlook, which are the best ingredient for full sourcing funds from national and international financial agencies.

His other other priority would be develop infrastructure in the entire Migori County and ensure that access and feeder roads of all weather are in place to facilitate quicker economic growth. Farmer and traders would use the ultra-modern rod to access markets for their farm products.

He would promote fishermen and fish traders and those involved in the export of fish to foreign destinations. He would also promote agriculture and ensure that the residents of Migori County are self-sufficient in food grains.

One of his priority is to improve educational standard and to upgrade all primary secondary schools in the region.

Migori County has a lot of kjineral and he would ensure that mineral resources are exploited for the betterment of the local communities. The is abundant minerals such as gold, copper, nickel, uranium, which are yet to be exploited to the maximum.

Medical facilities, water supplies ans sanitation would be part of his priority and he would ensure that Mnigori County become the most vibrant regional authority. Tobacco and sugar cane farmer would need to bring them on board for improved production of sugar and tobacco which are grown in the region in abundance.

Dr. K’Obuoyo felt that the current corruption ridden coalition government of President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga has no vision to eradicate corruption nor is it capable of stamping out the ever alarming surging rate of crime.

Dr K’obuoyo has the most attractive track record of active participation I the development of economic projects in Migori and has always sent hefty donation whenever Harambee fund drive is called. He is currently paying school fees for 17 orphan children I from Migori who are learning in the various secondary schools and other institutions of higher learning.

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Kenya: SONYSUGAR is on the turn around to become a vibrant economic enterprise in the greater Southern Nynzan region

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Writes Leo Odera omolo In Awendo Town.

The Awendo-based white sugar manufacturing SONYSUGAR has envisaged tentative plans to turn itself as one of the most vibrant sugar companies in Nyanza region.

The company has envisaged a plan to diversify its production and use of its by production to produce ethanol from its molasses and also to produce power using its bagasse.

When all these come to full scale production, it is hoped the company would be the most stable in the region.

The company’s managing director Paul Odolla said during an exclusive interview with this writer at his Awendo factory office.

Odolla said the company was satisfied with the performance of its close to 2400 employees and workers. It is also pleased with the cooperation and the existing cordial relations with its close to 25,000 cane growers providing it with row materials. It has a similar number of cane farmers covering districts of Rongo Gucha, Trans-Mara, Kuria, Ndhiwa, Migori and Awendo.

The company, said Mr Odolla, is playing significant role in the economic growth of the larger Southern Nyanza Region.

Despite all these, SONYSUGAR, is still facing other hurdles such as the impending privatisation programme, stiff competition in both sales and row cane expected from the up-coming sugar manufacturing factories within its neighborhood. One such firm is the Sukari Industries now under construction at Paw-Otange in Ndhiwa district. Another factory is coming up in the Trans-mara district.

There are tentative programme for another project, a medium sized sugar factory under the proposal to be established at Opapo also in the neighbouring Ndhiwa district.The plant has yet to take of and is stillin the drawing board.

Odolla, however, blamed the local leaders for not sensitizing cane growers and residents of the region about the impending privatisation of the company,which they ought to have done by now.The farmers are entitled to know the effect of such scheme, its benefits and the percentage that should be allocated to the farmers and the investors respectively in order to pave the way for smooth transition from a public to a private company.

Other hurdles is the Comesa deadline, which required the local sugar companies to reduce the cost of production drastically so that they could compete effectively with sugar produced by Comesa countries and the share of the market.

He said owing to the commitment of both the workers and the cane growers within Awendo and its environs, the company has realized stability enabling it to play its pivotal role in the economic growth of the region.

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