Category Archives: HEADLINES

KENYA: EIGHT PEOPLE SUFFERED FROM THE ROGUE JALUO LEOPARD ATTACKS

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Writes Leo Oder Omolo

Eight people were still nursing bodily injuries following the recent attack by a rogue male leopard, which had strayed into Muhoroni sub-county. The animal was first sighted at Nyaroche farm, which belonged to the former cabinet Minister the late DR.Wuilliam Odongo Omamo near Kimwani in the Songhor Valley. It had attacked and killed several goats sheep and a cow.

There it was scared away by the KWS officials who made an abortive attempt to have it trapped with food in vain.. But it evaded the trapping and run across the hilly and rocky region into a bush at a place near Got Alils where it went into hiding for some days. Got Alila is situated along the Nyando River in villages separating Kisumu and Kerixho Counties. But when the leopard resurfaced at Kapsimwi village a group of people went around trying to kill it. A police officer was among those who sustained injuries in a fight with the cunning animal as he tried to shoot it with his rifle. .7he leopard has disappeared and went into hiding at the nearby hill and rock village causing fears rgar since it was shot at and missed, the residents are now living under the fear that it could sprung back and strike anyone in sight. This fear has placed the residents of the area under dusk to dawn curfew making people not to dare go outside their houses after dark.

KWS officials believe this animal might have arrayed out of the nearby Nandi forest.AT the same time the people who live along the shorelines of Lake Victoria have of late been complaining bitterly about the alarming increases of cases of Hippo attacks and killing of fishermen Such incidents were recently reported in Bondo,Rarieda and Rusinga Island as well in Rachuonyo North district where farmed are complaining that herds of Hippos were frequently invading their farms and destroying food crops in the farms lying along the lake’s shoreline and have asked the government to look for the lasting solution as well as promptly compensate the families of who have been killed by the animals.

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KENYA: THE GOVERNMENT IS URGED TO ENHANCE THE SECURITY SITUATION ALONG THE NANDI-LUO BORDER

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From: LEO ODERA

The recent reports emerging from Muhoroni Sub-County within Kisumu COUNTY are pointing out the alarmingly deteriorating security along the Nyanza-Rift Valley border. Several people have lost their lives within the last two months as the result o senseless and attacks by criminal elements.

Nyanza regional commissioner Franciis Mutie toured Cgehelil Location last weekend and addressed series of public Barazas and urged the two communities, namely the Luos and Nandis to maintain peace and also warned squatters to desist from the bad habit of invading other people’s lands, occupying them. Mutie did not mince his words and told the squatters that the government will kick them out of the land they were currently occupying illegally.

The first incident was the killing of a night guard at the palatial home of MR Arjit SINGH Singyh [Simba} and his family. They had travelled to Makinndu for religious pilgrimage when the attack took place, forcing the family to rush back home. The night guard was shot at close range with a powerful rifle and died instantly. The unknown assailants later ransacked Mr Singh house turning everything upside down.

So far no arrest has been made by police in connection with the killing of the night guard. Local observers believes that the killing was the result of business rivalry, which is suspected to be connected with the scramble for the Miwani Sugar Mills and its 900 nucleus estate farm. He company was run-down and went burst about 15 years ago.

Muhoroni MP James O nyango K’Oyoo has appealed to the Luos AND Nandis communities to live in harmony.

The MP also termed the action of one community invading the farms which belonging to their neighbors as an act of high provocation, saying that respecting one another property was the best component of maintaining peace and tranquility along the tribal common borders.

The MP’S complaint came in the wake of the killing two weeks ago of a prominent LUO businessman and a farmer who was shot with an arrow at Chepsweta area of Chemelili Location. The deceased, who was accompanied by his sibling, had gone to inspect his sugar cane farm when they were attacked by the Nandi youths. His brother sustained serious bodily injuries and was treated at the Chemelil sugar company dispensary and discharged. YOUTHS FROM THE luo side of the border had grouped to dtsgr rotation, but were restrained and dispersed by the police.

K’Oyoo has since raised the issue in parliament an urged the Nandi leaders to top inciting the youths.

END

KENYA: MIGORI WOMEN REP DECRIES BAD ATTITUDE TOWARDS GIRL CHILD EDUCATION.

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By Agwanda Saye

MIGORI County Women Representative Danita Ghati has decried the attitude of some parents within the county who do not support the education of the girl child.

Ghati observed that Migori County is still lagging behind in terms of girl-child education because of lack of support from a number of parents.

She said parents must be ready to fully support the education of the girl-child within the region as this is their responsibility.

The women Representative singled out both Nyatike and Kuria districts where she said education of the girl child is still compromised due to several factors including cultural believes.

Addressing a gathering during the launch of a strategic plan for St. Joseph Alendo Secondary school-cum education day for Kosiemo and Alendo Primary schools in Karungu East of Nyatike Sub-County, Ghati said it is as if some parents are still living in the past where education for boys was given a priority unlike for girls.

She said both boys and girls should be given equal opportunities when it comes to issue of education because since both have same potentials which can make them excel academically.,

The women leader also took up issues with some teachers whom she blamed for contributing to early pregnancies and marriages of school going girls.

Ghati further announced that she will launch several mentorship centers in Migori County to fully support girl-child education.

The women Rep further said she plans to set up an education trust fund which will help in funding the education of bright but need school going girls within Migori County, urging the stakeholders to properly utilize both the UWEZO and CDF Funds, adding that there was still need for bursaries to improve education in the county.

ENDS

Kenya: East Africa Lawyers

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To: jaluo@jaluo.com

By Agwanda Saye

Lawyers from East Africa will converge in Nairobi to deliberate regional constitutional and governance reforms this week.

East Africa Law Society (EALS) President Mr. James Mwamu said that States in the region are experiencing reforms in the wake of electoral cycles.

“East Africa partner States are experiencing constitutional and governance reforms amidst mismatching limitations in democratic practices,” Mr. Mwamu said.

The Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Mr. Isaak Hassan will officially open the two day seminar on Thursday (October 24th) at Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi.

The EALS President said that other participants include facilitators from the EAC secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly and Judges from Regional and National Courts.

“National Ministries in charge of EAC Affairs, EALS, Media practitioners, seasoned and accomplished legal practitioners and scholars will be present,” Mwamu said.

The theme of the seminar is “Inclusive and Participatory Electoral Processes; the Role of the National Law Society”.

The EALS President said that there was reducing respect for civil liberties and under resourced political institutions.

“Upcoming electoral cycles in the region from 2015 to 2017 have compelled the legal profession to deliberate ways of ensuring electoral systems and processes are credible,” Mwamu said.

The EALS President said that there should be legal avenues citizens’ population to select and hold their elected leaders to account.

“The objectives of the seminar include building a critical mass of lawyers actively engaged in ensuring participatory and inclusive electoral processes within EAC partner States,” Mwamu said.

He said that lawyers from the region also seek to strengthen the capacity and voice of the profession to foster adherence to democratic principles by the EAC partner States.

“We need to share best practices on the management and conduct of electoral processes across East Africa by the legal profession, including the development of an Election Monitoring and Observation Manual for Law Societies,” Mwamu said.

The EALS works to enhance the rule of law, human rights and good governance with a view to promoting sustainable social and economic development and enjoys formal Observer Status with the EAC and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

KENYA: SIAYA ODM MP IS HECKLED BY YOUTHS DURING MASHUJAA RALLY

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From: LEO ODERA OMOLO

Shouts of Alego ni nono oonge Mjumbe rent the air during the Mashujaa rally in SIAYA town last Sunday when a group of ODM youths made an attempt to heckle and evict the ALlego-Usonga MP Omondi Muluany at a well attended rally held at Siaya Stadium to commemorate the heros day. The party youths and security personnel intervened and ejected the rowdy youths out of the meeting venue.

It later emerged that the MP who the Mardh 14th general on the Whiper ticket had skipped all the campaign meetings which were held all over the County during the recent by-election campaign for Siaya governor,including the one which was attended by the party leader Raila O Odinga.

The MP who appeared to have been shocked and shaken described the group as hired political goons

THOSE who attended the Siaya rally were stunned when speaker after speaker heaped a lot of praise at politicians previously aligned to the late Jaramogi IOginga Odinga showering them as The only heroes who fought for freedom.

They deliberately excluded the names of other LUO freedom fighters who were known to have differed with the Jaramogi leadership style. Observers and pundits were, however quick in pointing out that those whose names had been mentioned prominently at the really included those who are known to be Raila sycophants and political surrogates whose contribution to the liberation war and anti colonialists activities are very insignificant.

THESE names represented only the residents of Siiaya County THEY INCLUDED Achieng Oneko, Jaramogi, Argwings Kodhek, Wasonga SijeyoBut even in SIAYA county, the names of political giants and heroes like Walter Fanuel Odede, DO Makasembo were deliberately omitted and replaced by some characters of some former boot lickers of the colonialists.

Odede who later was to become the father in-law of atom Mboy WALKED INTO THE SHOES OF THE Jomo KENYAT immediately after the latter and five other leading nationalists were rounded up and arrested by he colonialists following the declaration of the STATE OF emergency in Kenya by the colonialists. He too was arrested and placed in detention in the remote Northern Kanya district of Samburu and was detained for eight year because he had taken over as the acting President of KAU. Odede like Oneko hails from Uyoms in Rarieda within Bondo district.

Other uncompromising freedom fighters whose names were missing at the Siaya rally included Tom Mboya, Elijah Omolo Agar, Lawrence Gerald Oguda,Daniel OJijo Oteko,John PAUL olola,BARRACK Owuor,The latter two were the founder of the Kavirondo Taxpayers ,which collaborated well with the Harry Thuku led Kikuyu Central Association that gave the colonialists sleepless nights.

THE Siaya rally clearly portrayed an attempt by Siaya leaders as trying at the distortion of the Nyanza region’s political history.

The history of the past should be told as per its true perspective for the interests of the present and future generations.

Ends

KENYA: CHURCH FOUNDATION TO IMPROVE LIVELIHOODS

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To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”
By Chak Rachar

AFRICAN Churches Foundation has embark on various community projects to improve the livelihoods of those people living in extreme poverty.

The Chairperson Bishop Phoebe Onyango said the foundation is undertaking subsistence farming in the seven constituencies of Kisumu county to ensure food sufficient.

Bishop Onyango disclosed that the foundation is training the residents on new farming methods after which they provide them with farm inputs.

She said the foundation also support education sector by funding the feeding programs and access to clean water in various schools in the county.

Onyango said the foundation targets the orphans and vulnerable children from the seven constituencies adding that they provide them with food and medical assistance.

She said the county has a population of 968,909 with 226,719 households saying that 45% of the populations are living below the poverty index.

The leader said the foundation also empowers women and youth economically to enable them start up small business activities.

Onyango asked the churches in the county to support the agricultural initiatives launched by the foundation to reduce food insecurity among the poor.

Speaking yesterday during the church leaders meeting in Kisumu, Onyango said churches have been lagging behind in development agenda.

The leaders were drowned from Muhoroni, Nyando, Kisumu West, Seme, Kisumu Central, Kisumu East and Nyakach constituencies.

Onyango called church leaders to initiate various development activities that can change the lives of the poor communities.

END

CHEMICAL FISHING IS POSING A BIG THREATS TO FISHING AND FISH TRADE IN LAKE VITORIA

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From: LEO ODERA

Kenyan communities which are living along the shorelines of Lake Victoria have raised complaints about the alarming increase in cases whereby unscrupulous fishermen are reportedly using dangerous chemicals which are killing thousands of fish species at the same time causing high risk of health hazards to the consumers.

Reports reaching us from low lying locations along the lake’s shorelines, especially in the Nyanza Gulf says that owing to the laxity and complacency on the part of, and lack of effective patrol of, the lake by the officials of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fisheries Department, there is a sharp increases in the use of dangerous chemicals such as snide and other poisonous chemicals by unscrupulous fishermen.

Experts have said that poisonous chemicals are now being used excessively by unscrupulous fishermen in their concerted effort to enhance catches. Any adverse publicity in the media, particularly in those countries which are currently importing lake Victoria fish could put into jeopardy the booming trade in fish commodity. This is what once happened to the neighboring Uganda some years back when EU and other importers stopped their fish import from that country following allegation about chemical fishing. Kenya and Uganda shared Lake Victoria.

THe regions most affected by the latest incidences of chemical fishing included parts of Suba, Rarieda and Bondo sub-counties.

In Uyoma West Location, the local fisherman had ganged themselves and beat one of them who Was caught red handed using chemical whioef9ishng during the dead hour of the night

Fisherman are also reported to be working in total defiance against the laid down fishing regulations by Way of using unauthorized fishing nets and fish unlawful fishing gears

The Ministry has posted fish scouts at the various points within the lake, but the officials are said to be Corruptly sleeping on their jobs and having been compromised by the unscrupulous fishermen.

Chemical fishing is also said to be so rampant in the two major fishing islands of Rusinga and Mfangano.The practice is slowly spreading into other fishing locations in Karungu and Kadem within Nyatike sub-county of Migori, Gwassi and Kaksingiri areas.

End

KENYA: NYANZA KNUT MEMBERS SAY BIG NO TO NZILI ENDORSEMENT AS ITS NEXT SEC GEN.

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From: Chak Rachar
Date: Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 7:32 AM
Subject: KNUT
To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

By Chak Rachar

Migori County Executive Secretary Charles Katege has distanced himself alongside other fifty council members from the endorsement of Mudzo Nzili who has been the acting Secretary General to go for the position during the forthcoming KNUT’s Annual General Meeting.

Moments after the 84 council members endorsed the acting Secretary General Mudzo Nzili in Kisumu to go for the position, a section of council members distanced themselves from the endorsement.

KNUT Nyanza Regional chairman Stephen Otundoh who had announced the endorsement noted that the council members will vote for the lineup of Nzili.

Nzili on his part thanked the council members for endorsing him promising to continue fighting for the welfare of teachers in the country.

He says his mission is to push for terms and conditions of the service that will pave way for registration of collective bargaining agreement.

Katege who is also vying for the post of assistant secretary general says the council members were duped to attend the endorsement meeting.

He says the field is open for Nzili and the current KNUT national chairman Wilson Sosion who is also vying for the secretary general to campaign across the country a ahead of the by election in December.

KENYA CHIEF JUSTICE TOLD TO CALL EXPERT IN REGARD TO COURT APPEAL JUDGES

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By Agwanda Saye

A regional lawyers’ body want Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to commission an independent expert towards ending the Court of Appeal stalemate.

The East Africa Law Society (EALS) President Mr. James Aggrey Mwamu said that two contradictory reports on the safety of the Elgon Place building in Nairobi is causing confusion. “Two reports in public domain over health risks caused by telecommunication masts next to the building (Elgon Place) where the Court of Appeal should relocate in Upper Hill caused the stalemate,” Mr. Mwamu said.

The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) declared the multi-storied building safe but the Radiation Protection Board expressed reservations.

Court of Appeal Judges have refused to relocate to the building arguing that intense exposure to the telecommunication equipment, which releases radioactive emissions, could lead to sickness and even death.

“The Chief Justice should not snub the fundamental health concerns raised by the Judges,” Mr. Mwamu said. The EALS President said that even the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) raised the red flag over dangers posed by the alleged radioactive masts.

“The LSK are also major stakeholders in delivery of justice and their doubts on health should not be shoved aside,” Mr. Mwamu said.

The EALS President wondered the hurry in relocating the Court of Appeal arguing the Supreme Court where they are currently located is not crumbling.

“The Judiciary deals with fundamental rights of citizens and the Court of Appeal Judges should be protected by similar provisions provided under the Constitution,” Mr. Mwamu said. The EALS President also proposed that the Judiciary call a meeting with the Judges towards settling amicably the stalemate that may cause miscarriage of justice.

The LSK recently also warned lawyers against taking cases to the Upper Hill building until experts cleared the health concerns.

The relocation from the Court is part of a plan to refurbish the building and acquire new premises for the Judiciary over the next five years. Elgon Place was leased for that purpose. The lease has not been without controversy as it is one of the issues between the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Registrar Gladys Boss Shollei.

Ends

KENYA MP FAULTS SHOOT TO KILL ORDER

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By Agwanda Saye

Ndhiwa MP Agustino Neto has faulted the shoot-to-kill order issued by Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo terming it draconian.

Neto says the Kenyan constitution stipulates that every human being is innocent until proven guilty.

He says nobody should be killed based on suspicion and the order is barbaric and should be condemned.

Addressing a press conference in Kisumu, Neto says it is true the country is witnessing a surge in criminal activities and the orders are not the best strategy to tackle crime.

He says the shoot-to-kill order is not hinged on the constitution and must be reversed to protect humanity and blamed the intelligence wing for sleeping on the job.

Neto says the national police service commission ought to have sanctioned the order if it deemed it fit and not an individual making the order without any consultation.

Ends.

COTU CALLS FOR REVIEW OF KENYA CONSTITUTION.

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By Agwanda Saye

THE Central Organization of Trade Unions has called for an immediate review of the current constitution noting that the document is totally unworkable.

Its secretary general Francis Atwoli said yesterday the new constitution is itself jumbled up hence making it completely untenable.

Atwoli said that the constitution has so many structures making very expensive to maintain and implement at the end of the day.

He said the current standoff between the senate and the national assembly was a result of the new constitution.

Atwoli noted that it is very difficult to distinguish between the lower and the upper house the unending standoff between the two arms of the government.

“The senate as we speak today has no powers to veto parliament hence making it irrelevant” he said.

Atwoli was speaking at the Tom Mboya labour college in Kisumu during the launch of as course for students from the Tanzanian Union of teachers and local ones from the hotel industry.

He said the only option which Kenyans have is a review of the constitution noting tat it has too many structures yet some other counties are too poor to sustain themselves.

Atwoli said only a few counties like Kisumu and Nairobi can only sustain them.

He said some counties have to be merged in order to be sustainable.

The trade unionist said some positions such as ministries do not serve much at the county level.

He said the government should revert to the old special system noting the current intelligence service in ineffective.

Atwoli also called for the strengthening of the provincial administration.

Atwoli said that the government should create jobs for the youths in order to avoid a looming time bomb.

He said many young people are jobless adding that even graduates are now cycle operators due to unemployment.

Atwoli at the same time cautioned Nairobi governor Evans against sacking workers.

He instead impressed upon Kidero to look for money since the city is very viable.

Atwoli said sacking 5000 workers would affect 25, 000 family members.

He said the government should crack down on manufacturers who have been evading pay taxes.

“This people did not remit 200 million to the government last year” he said.

Atwoli said COTU and the government have solved the stand off between and workers over the NSSF bill.

He said COTU and the FKE have the highest representative of workers and employers and will have two slots at the NSSF board.

Ends.

Ethiopian prison imposes restrictions on journalist Reeyot Alemu

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To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

By Agwanda Saye

The decision by authorities at Kality Prison to impose visitor restrictions on imprisoned journalist Reeyot Alemu constitutes harassment and runs counter to the Ethiopian constitution, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

"We call upon the Ethiopian authorities to lift these latest restrictions and allow Reeyot Alemu to receive all visitors," said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. " She is a journalist, not a criminal, and should not be behind bars."

Reeyot, a critical columnist of the banned private weekly Feteh, began a hunger strike on Wednesday to protest an order by Kality Prison officials to turn in a list of visitors, according to local journalists and news reports. The officials did not provide an explanation for the request. In retaliation for the hunger strike, authorities forbade her from having any visitors excluding her parents and priest, local journalists said.

Two days later, prison officials said she could receive any visitors except for her younger sister and her fiancé, journalist Sileshi Hagos, the sources said. Sileshi was detained for four hours at the prison later that day when he attempted to visit Reeyot.

Reeyot stopped the hunger strike on Sunday, but decided not to receive any visitors until the restrictions on her fiancé and sister are lifted. The journalist is serving a 14-year prison term on vague terrorism charges that was reduced in August 2012 to five years on appeal.

It was not immediately clear whether the visitor restrictions were in connection with an article published by the International Women's Media Foundation last month that had been written by Reeyot. It is unclear if the journalist wrote the letter from prison or if this was a translation of an earlier story. In the article, Reeyot criticizes Ethiopia's anti-terrorism law, an overbroad legislation that was used to jail and convict her for her critical coverage of the government.

Kality Prison Director Abraham Wolde–Aregay did not respond to CPJ's calls and text messages for comment. Desalegn Teresa, a spokesman for Ethiopia's Ministry of Justice, did not return CPJ's call for comment.

The denial of rights to Reeyot runs counter to the Ethiopian Constitution, which states: "All persons shall have the opportunity to communicate with, and to be visited by, their spouses or partners, relatives and friends, religious counselors, lawyers and medical practitioners."

In a December 2003 report, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment stated that prisoners should be "permitted to have contact with, and receive regular visits from, their relatives, lawyers and doctors." The same report stated that "access to the outside world can only be denied on reasonable conditions and restrictions as specified by law or lawful regulations."

This is the second time in six months that the prison administration has put pressure on Reeyot, according to CPJ research. In March, officials threatened to put Reeyot in solitary confinement, according to sources close to her who spoke on condition of anonymity. Officials accused the journalist of indiscipline, according to news reports, a charge she denied.

In a report issued the same month, the United Nations Special Rapporteur determined that the rights of Reeyot under the UN Convention against Torture had been violated on account of the Ethiopian government's failure to respond to allegations of her ill-treatment. Reeyot had complained of mistreatment, and her health had deteriorated while she was held incommunicado in pre-trial detention, reports said.

World’s Largest Gathering of Malaria Experts to Convene in Durban, South Africa

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From: Dickens Wasonga
Date: Wed, Sep 18, 2013 at 2:37 AM
To: jaluo karjaluo jaluo@jaluo.com

By Dickens Wasonga.

Leading research scientists all over the World are set to present the latest groundbreaking research on preventing, controlling and eliminating malaria , a killer disease and how they have been working to combat the emerging resistance to drugs, insecticides, among others.

This even as the malaria community celebrates 10 years of progress in driving down the unacceptable number of what happened 50 years ago when donor fatigue and a lack of new tools resulted in a resurgence of malaria incidences that took roughly a million lives a year in 2000.

The malaria community is responding by racing to hold on to the gains of the last ten years, while at the same time continuing to develop the tools that could help to eliminate and eventually eradicate malaria.

The Sixth Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Pan-African Conference, the world’s largest gathering of malaria expert,will be held in Durban, South Africa, from 6-11 October 2013.

Leading scientists from across Africa and around the world who are pushing this groundbreaking research forward, will gather to present their latest findings in the areas of malaria diagnostics, control (including insecticides and mosquito behavior), treatment (drugs),and prevention (including long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying and vaccines).

At the conference, subtitled “Moving Towards Malaria Elimination: Investing in Research and Control,” they will be joined by thousands of other experts, national malaria control programme managers, policymakers, health care workers and community members who will highlight new developments and remaining challenges in the fight to defeat malaria once and for all.

Despite unprecedented advances, malaria continues to infect approximately 219 million people around the world each year.

In 2010, it took the lives of an estimated 660,000 people, the vast majority young children in Africa.

History has shown that decrease in support for fighting malaria in areas where significant progress has been made lead to a resurgence of the disease, potentially undoing years of effort and investment and putting millions of lives at risk.

End.

KENYA LWAYERS TO OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICES

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Date: Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Subject: Kenya lawyers
To: jaluo jaluo@jaluo.com

KENYA LWAYERS TO OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICES
By Agwanda Saye
Over 6,000 lawyers countrywide will offer free legal services towards creating public awareness from September 23.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Secretary/CEO Mr. Apollo Mboya said that 6,209 Advocates with valid practicing certificates will offer pro bono (free) services during the annual LSK Legal Aid Week.

“The Lawyers will offer the free services to the public between September 23 and September 27, 2013 at LSK Branches countrywide,” Mr. Mboya said.

The LSK CEO said that Attorney General (AG) Prof Githu Muigai will launch the legal awareness week on September 23 at the Milimani Law Courts Parking yard. The theme of the legal week is Access to Justice through Pro Bono Representation.

“It is important for the public to know their rights to justice and fundamental rights as enshrined in Chapter Four of the Constitution,” Mr. Mboya said. The lawyers will advise the public on all aspects of law.

Mr. Mboya said that lawyers in Nairobi will be advising clients at the Milimani Law courts Parking Yard. “We shall inform the public the venues in other counties in due course,” The CEO said.

He said that the right to legal representation is provided for in the Constitution, which the public must be aware of. He said that Article 159 of the supreme law provided for traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, which many are not aware of.

“We urge the public – especially those who cannot afford legal services – to turn up for free legal advice,” Mr. Mboya said.

Mr. Mboya said that the objective of the Legal Awareness Week is to promote the mandate of the LSK by extending legal literacy and awareness to members of the public. “We will also advise the public on various aspects of the law and civic education,” Mr. Mboya said.

The CEO said that LSK branches countrywide shall also offer the pro bono services and coordinate their activities at branch level.

Mr. Mboya said that organizations involved in legal work will also be given a chance to show-case their services with a view to promoting a better understanding to the public of the role lawyers play in the advancement of legal literacy and advocacy.

Ends

KENYA: FOUNDATION TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY AMONG KISUMU CHRISTIAN WOMEN.

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From: Chak Rachar
Date: Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 6:47 AM
Subject: Foundation on poverty alleviation
To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

FOUNDATION TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY AMONG KISUMU CHRISTIAN WOMEN.
By Chak Rachar

A Christian movement based within Western Kenya based in Kisumu advocating for the needs of the poor communities in Kenya and Africa has embarked on a recruitment mission of Christian women within the seven constituencies making Kisumum County namely;Kisumu Central,East,West,Nyando ,Muhoroni ,Nyakach and Seme laying a lot of emphasis on Christians women empowerment .

According to the Chairperson of the Africa Churches Foundation Bishop Pheobe Onyango their mission is purely pegged on their relationship with their partners through mutual respect, trust and accountability.

Bishop Onyango while Speaking after leading a procession which led to recruitment of other women Christians within Muhoroni Constituency in the company of Tony Rozee leader of Connect International Ministry and who is also a senior leader of the New Forest Community Church in Hampshire in United Kingdom added that they are currently prioritizing to serve the most marginalized and exploited members of the community.

“The African Churches Foundation women initiative which I am presently involved in is a wing within ACF structure which champions women spiritual and development programme and the key therematic areas are; spiritual growth, access to education,socio-economic empowerment programmes,Health/ Reproductive issues, sexual and gender based violence and transformative leadership and governance” she added.

She further said that among the core values of ACF are; networking and collaboration, active participation, support for the needy and the poor.

“Muhoroni is the last constituency in our itinerary after transversing Nyando,Kisumu East,Kisumu,Central and Kisumu West together with Seme and Nyakach” she added

She further added that presently ACF women initiative is involved in water and sanitation, women empowerment, Health, spiritual development and disaster relief and recovery.

Asked about the achievement so far of the women initiative, Onyango said that so far they have been able to mobilize and organize women within and outside Kisumu County as well as initiation of income generating activities at the constituency level.

“In order to ensure sufficient, safe and nutritious food which is both available and affordable, we are in the process of offering training in agriculture eg irrigation,water harvesting ,organic fertilizers ,diversification of farm products ,animal rearing and even product marketing” she added.

Bishop Onyango also stressed that ACF women Initiative will work with their partners to restore local environments as well as promoting access to quality basic education through support for pre-primary education, community managed primary schools where government schools are not available, teacher training as well as adult literacy classes and life skills education vocational education and training.

She added that presently they are partnering with churches, Faith Based Organizations, Government, Development Agencies, International bodies as well as Local and International Business Partners.

KENYA: KISUMU CHURCH FOUNDATION ON RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE SPREE

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To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

KISUMU CHURCH FOUNDATION ON RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE SPREE
By Chak Rachar.
Kisumu County women under the banner of African Churches Foundation has embarked on giving relief and other forms of assistance to widows and orphans within the seven constituencies making Kisumu County.

According to Bishop Pheobe Onyango who is the Chairman of the Foundation their move has been necessitated by the need for better living by the concerned and they are set to transverse Kisumu East,Central and West,Seme,Nyakach ,Nyando and Muhoroni Constituencies.

“We are appealing to the Provincial Administration as well as well wishers to come in and support us in this our endeavor as not only food will we be giving but we have a long term program of even building houses for the widows” she added

Meanwhile, Bishop Onyango has condemned the action by Nairobi Women Representative Rachel Shebesh saying it was not proper and criticized calls for Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to resign.

Bishop Onyango says Kidero need not to resign and called for respect among the leaders.

She says biblically men are above women and that is irreversible noting that the issue should not be politicized.

Addressing a press conference in Kisumu with over 300 women members of the foundation, Onyango says there is need for reconciliation between the two leaders.

She says they are not either happy that Kidero slapped Shebesh but also cautioned women to be respectful to women.

Onyango says women should not abuse gains that have been made in their empowerment to disrespect men.

Kenya: MP and the dead body

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NYAKACH MP DRAGS DEAD BODY TO NYANZA PC’s OFFICE OVER INSECURITY
By Chak Rachar.

Nyakach MP Joshua Aduma Owuor has vowed not to relent in his quest for the insecurity issue to be addressed in his constituency saying his recent dumping of the body of one of his constituents is just the beginning and dared Nyanza PC Francis Mutie to go ahead with his threat to attempt to have him arrested.

Earlier in the week there was drama on Tuesday evening after Owuor dragged the body of an 80 year old man who had been killed by robbers to the offices of the Nyanza Regional Commissioner to protest over increased insecurity in his constituency.

Owuor earlier stormed the Nyabondo mission hospital mortuary where the body was lying with two arrows still logged on the body before taking it to Kisumu.

The angry MP said he opted to take the body of Henry Oyier the deceased to the offices of the Regional Commissioner in order to have audience with her.

The Commissioner was however not in the office when Owuor arrived with the body in a green land rover.

Owuor who was driving the land rover alone after his personal vehicle broke down on the way said that he has spent 10 million shillings burying people killed due to thuggery.

He said the deceased lost a son more than a year ago under similar circumstances and two schools have been set ablaze within the constituency with no any action being taken by the relevant security organs.

“I am a lawyer by profession and I respect law, but when it comes to protecting the interest of my constituents, I will go an extra mile”Owuor vowed

The body which was still in dark blue clothes was placed at the entrance of the commissioner’s office as administration police officers wondered what to do with it.

He added that he has addressed the insecurity issue previously with the PC with no any action being taken

But the regional commissioner Mr Francis Mutie later condemned the incident noting that it amounted to contempt and disrespect for the dead.

Mutie said it is even offence to treat a dead person the way the deceased was treated in the first place.

He said the way the Mp behaved was not the best character of an elected leaders adding that the incident was one of cattle rustling along the common border areas of Belgut,Kericho and Nyakach.

The commissioner said the six cows which were stolen from the home of the deceased had been recovered.

He said elders are at the moment trying to address the issue with a view to coming up with a permanent solution.

Mutie who was annoyed wondered why Owuor did not address the issue with the Nyakach district commissioner Mr Joseph Magoha or the Kisumu regional commissioner Lorna Odero before taking the body to his office.

“There must have been a total communication breakdown.

The body was later taken to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga teaching and referral morgue after Kisumu police Chief Musa Kongoli intervened.

Mr Mutie said Owuor’s action was criminal in nature which can result in prosecution.

Ends.

KENYA: HOMA BAY SEWERAGE AND TREATMENT PLANT TO BE REHABILITATED BY LVEMP

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From: Dickens Wasonga
Date: Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 2:58 PM
Subject: HOMA BAY SEWERAGE AND TREATMENT PLANT TO BE REHABILITATED BY LVEMP
To: jaluo karjaluo jaluo@jaluo.com

By Dickens Wasonga.

There is good news for the residents of Homa Bay town. Plans are at advanced stage to rehabilitate and expand the sewerage and treatment plant built in 1979 and whose operations stalled due to frequent mechanical break downs.

According to Dr. John Okungu a water specialist with Lake Victoria Environment Management program, already a detailed design has been done and Ksh 100 million set aside to do the rehabilitation and expansion works.

This will come as a relief not only to the residents of Homa Bay but also to all who depends on lake Victoria given concerns were being raised amongst various stakeholder s that raw waste could be getting its way into the lake due to malfunction of the plant.

Speaking to the press after a tour of the facility last week, Dr Okungu revealed that although the plant was meant to treat a capacity of 250,000 cubic meters of waste, it was doing only 150,000 cubic meters.

This is despite the fact that the population of the town has tremendously continued to grow over the years.

‘’ Just a half of the waste discharged from the town is treated. This is 60 percent of what was envisaged by the designers that time. Most of the sewer lines are low and soil gets into them and thus leaving many of the lines blocked’’ he noted.

To improve the coverage, the water specialist said they will work on the lines that bring waste into the plant.

He said most parts of the plant depended heavily on electricity to function and were very expensive to repair or replace. Vandalism was also rampant at the plant.

‘’most of these machines are costly to buy and maintain. The municipal council that was in charge of the facility was unable to meet the cost. Most often, electricity bills were huge and the supplier had to cut off electricity supply. This is what we have to guard against in future and it explains why we want to introduce natural ponds’’ said Dr. Okungu.

The specialist said through financial support from LVEMP 2, a consultant was hired to do a detailed design and the draft is ready. It will be for 25 years taking into consideration, the expected population growth.

He said the new design has reduced reliance on mechanized parts and allowed use of natural ponds.

A contractor will soon be engaged to do civil works. Okungu noted that in the past, focus has been in treating and reducing organic loads but omitting to take care of the nutrients discharged.

‘’ To reverse this trend we will now create artificial wetlands to take care of the nutrients and reduce the growth of weeds like hyacinth in the lake.’’ He added.

Plans are also underway to procure aquatic weed harvester to help in removal of the dreaded water hyacinth weed.

Currently scientists estimate that over 100,000 hectors of the Kenyan side of the lake is covered by the water hyacinth whose growth is fueled by the heavy pollution of the waters.

A part from the Homa Bay plant, LVEMP will also rehabilitate and expand sewerage plants in Kisumu and Bomet at a cost of Ksh. 370 million and 40 million respectively. The designs works for the two areas is also complete.

In addition, all sewerage treatment plants will now have a lab. The labs will help to check the quality of what has been treated and ready for discharge.

In Kisumu for example, Ksh. 40 million has been pumped into buying equipment for water quality lab. It will also be used to monitor and control the activities s carried out in the catchment areas.

Some areas in Homa Bay will not be served by the sewer lines. In such areas not covered, 7 exhausters will be purchased by LVEMP to help empty septic tanks. Bio-toilets sanitary facilities will also be constructed in small towns and markets.

In line with East African Community, effluent discharge standards have been established and harmonized amongst the five member states of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.

A memorandum of understanding has also been signed by the five states over the implementation of the same.

END.

KENYA: COMMUNITIES IMPROVES THEIR LIVELYHOODS THROUGH WORLD BANK FUNDED PROJECT

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From: Dickens Wasonga
Date: Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 2:57 PM
To: jaluo karjaluo jaluo@jaluo.com

By Dickens Wasonga.

Communities living along the shores of Lake Victoria are now gaining hugely, thanks to the support they are receiving through the World Bank funded Lake Victoria Environmental Project.

In Nandi in the rift valley and Nyando in Nyanza, the locals have ventured into massive tree planting as a way of environmental conservation and the results are impressive.

A part from reclaiming most of the forest cover that was cleared and turned into farmlands, the residents are now reaping huge benefits from the sale of tree seedlings from nurseries so far established through LVEMP’s support.

The multimillion project which began in 2010 is targeting the implementation of two main broad objectives in its collaborative approach to management of shared natural resources within Lake Victoria Basin.

Working with selected community groups which have been undertaking activities targeting to reduce environmental stress within the basin, LVEMP is also sponsoring activities aimed at changing the livelihoods of the communities.

The regional project is implemented by all the five member states of the east African community.

It is undertaking its activities through the government lead agencies who offer technical support to the benefiting groups in selected catchment areas.

In Kenya it is targeting the river Nyando basin and along the shores of Lake Victoria.

According to LVEMP’s national project coordinator madam Francisca Owuor, so far a total of Ksh 116 million has been disbursed to 114 community groups in areas covered by the project.

It is expected that before the project end in 2015, a total of 240 groups will have been supported.

Speaking at the close of a week-long field excursion organized by LVEMP 2 and attended by twenty journalists from various media houses the coordinator disclosed that Ksh 400M will be spent in the community driven development activities.

She told the journalists that LVEMP has also approved proposals from 225 groups and funding for them is underway.

However, 111 groups whose proposals were approved are yet to be launched to begin implementation of various activities because they are still undergoing environmental impact assessment by the national environmental management authority.

The benefiting groups are those that were already doing something to protect the environment and at the same time engaging in livelihood changing activities.

Most of the groups are for example , engaged in tree planting along the river banks, other s are controlling soil erosion by laying soil conservation structures like gabions and erection of terraces among others.

Apart from conserving the environment, they are also fully embracing commercial agriculture. Some communities have established tree nurseries through the financial support offered by LVEMP while others are keeping dairy animals and keeping bees.

In the North rift, areas around Nandi Hills, in Nyando and Homa Bay counties, communities are now planting millions of trees in their farms and along the river banks. They are also protecting water springs by planting bamboo and other tree species that protect the water towers.

The project was necessitated by the realization that Lake Victoria which supports an estimated 30M people either directly or indirectly was facing huge environmental challenges and the stress was linked to unfavorable human activities within the basin which needed to be reversed.

Water levels in Lake Victoria were alarmingly low due to silting because of poor farming activities upstream, quality of the lake water s was greatly compromised as a result of pollution, aquatic immensely interfered with and so there was urgent need to reverse this trend.

END.

LAW SOCIETY OF KENYA RAIDS KISII ADVOCATES.

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By Agwanda Saye

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has cracked the whip on complaints of professional misconduct against lawyers in Kisii County. LSK Secretary/CEO Mr. Apollo Mboya singled out Mr. Julius Nyabuto Ondika for notoriously representing clients without valid a Practising Certificate (PCs). “Mr. Minda Cyrus Onserio even appeared before the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal last year and found guilty of practicing without a license but is yet to pay a fine of Sh25,000 (including costs) as ordered,” Mr. Mboya said. Mr. Ondika was admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 2000 but last held a valid PC in 2006. “We have evidence that Mr. Ondika continued to practice without a valid PC in contravention of Section 9 of the Advocates Act,” Mr. Mboya said. The LSK Secretary/CEO said that the legal professional body has received a barrage of complaints again The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has supported the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to snub summons by a Parliamentary Committee. EALS President Mr. James Aggrey Mwamu said that National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee grossly breached the sub judiceprinciple in law. Under the principle, any legal matter before a judge or in court awaiting judicial determination should not be interfered with. “Parliament cannot operate with impunity that when JSC wants to uphold the Constitution the National Assembly threatens to disband it,” Mr. Mwamu said. He warned Parliament against assuming that JSC is like any other Constitutional Commission that can be summoned at will. “The Principle of Separation of Power that separates the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive places the JSC in a different position – it is chaired by the Chief Justice who heads the Judiciary,” Mwamu said. The EALS President wondered why Parliament was in a hurry to probe the JSC over suspension of Judiciary Chief Registrar Ms. Gladys Boss Shollei instead of other pertinent matters that touch on the Constitution. “The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Managing Trustee Mr. Tom Odongo was recently unprocedurally sacked by Cabinet Secretary for Labour Mr. Kazungu Kambi and Parliament has not asked why,” Mwamu said. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had earlier cautioned Parliament against interfering with the JSC. LSK Chairman Mr. Eric Mutua said “We (LSK) caution Parliament against purporting to review any decision made by the JSC which is a Constitutional body under the Judiciary – an arm of Government,”. Mr. Mutua further urged the JSC to ensure due process reigns supreme during the 15-day probe of the alleged impropriety of Judiciary Chief Registrar Ms. Gladys Boss Shollei. “We insist that the rules of natural justice (right to a fair hearing) must be observed for justice not only be done but seen to be done,” Mr. Mutua said. Mr, Mutua said that LSK will take its position after the two Committees established by the JSC to probe alleged impropriety by the Judiciary Chief Registrar Ms. Gladys Boss Shollei make their findings public. The suspended Chief Registrar of the Judiciary on Wednesday afternoon appeared before Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee over allegations of malpractices levelled against her. Shollei was last Monday sent on compulsory leave to pave way for investigation into unspecified allegations of financial impropriety levelled against her by some members of the JSC. Chief Justice Willy Mutunga announced the decision to send her on leave pending a probe that must be concluded within 15 days.

Mr. Ondika. Mr. Mboya said that he read in a section of the press today that Mr. Ondika has moved to the High Court in Kisii through lawyer Minda Cyrus Onserio to invalidate legal requirements that lawyers must be members of LSK before being allowed to practice law in the country. “We (LSK) are yet to be served with the suit papers but we want to demonstrate to the High Court how the two lawyers are not only abusing the court process but misconducting themselves professionally,” Mr. Mboya said. The CEO said that Mr. Onserio had filed a similar suit (No. 10 of 2012) at the High Court in Kisii but dismissed on grounds that he never had a valid PC. “LSK arraigned him (Onserio) before the Disciplinary Tribunal last year which found him guilty and ordered him to pay within 60 days a fine of Sh20,000 and Sh5,000 costs to LSK, which he is yet to pay,” Mr. Mboya said. The CEO said that Mr. Ondika has also not been responding to letters from LSK which further amounts to professional misconduct. Mr. Mboya said that the suit by Mr. Ondika is a replica of suit No. 21 of 2011 filed at the High Court in Kisii by Mr. Onserio on behalf of Mr. Kerosi Ondieki (No. 10 of 2012). Mr. Ondika later withdrew the said suit with no order as to costs before Justice A Makhandia.

Ends