Category Archives: Kenya

KENYAN POLITICIANS MUST GIVE PRESIDENT KENYATTA AND THE JUBILEE GOVERNMENT A BREATHING SPACE OF TIME TO WORK

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Commentary By Leo Odera Omolo

I should like to extend my passionate appeal to the opposition groups both inside and outside parliament to give the young jubilee government the breathing space of time so that it could implement its election pledges and carry this country to the next level of development.

This government needs sufficient time to enable it to plan well its development activities and programmers. But it could not do so because the opposition groups have kept it on its toes with flurry of destructive criticisms and allegations one after the other making look like if Kenya is permanently on the election mood.

The elections comes and goes, and those who lost their seats and positions during the March 4, 2013 general election should now take the back seats, go home and take care of their cows, goats and sheep if they had any and allow President Uhuru Kenyatta and his teams of youthful technocrats to work under the peaceful atmosphere and in harmony.

Equally important is that there should be only one government’s spokes man who is well versed and fully conversant with the government policy and not not the so-called Tom Dick and Harry.

These characters at times act as agents of confusion through their frequent sycophantic outbursts, which often fell short of convincing Kenya that they are the right defenders of the government.

In this context, I have in mind the like of the Hon. Aden Duale the majority leader in Parliament and the Starehe MP Hon Maina Kamanda and other Jubilee supporters who have been displaying their political mediocrity and naivety each time they opened up in the name of defending the government. Some of these people need to have their statements officially cleared by the government spokesman before such statements are released for public consumption. Kenya is a country of civilized and highly educated men and women, and not a banana state like the neighboring Somalia.

Constructive engagement is the best way of running a country. Therefore our politicians who are engaged in criss-crossing the full length and width of the country while feeding the people with empty poetical slogans and pack of lies are doing a disservice to this nation. THe people need time to cultivate their farms and plant new food crops so that they have enough to eat and not empty political rhetorics based on malice. There will be no other elections until the year 2017 therefore those who wanted to stay afloat and remain relevant in our national politics should strive to find other gainful engagements and allow the Wananchi enough time to go about their daily cores.

The jubilee government is only eight months old in office and as such cannot solve all the problems affecting the Kenyan people overnight. In needs sufficient time to settle down and plan well forth future.

President Kenyatta, I am sure for certain meant well for Kenyans and only need time to implement the government programmers without frequent disruption and endless political agitation by the disgruntled losers of the March 4, elections. Kenyan are so happy that the President appear to be committed to reaching every communities including those living in areas and region which voted against his jubilee coalitions. This is a wonderful political magnanimity on his part, which should be highly appreciated by all Peace-loving Kenyans.

We should all appreciate that managing the state affairs is quite different from seeping a glass of beer or whisky.

Let us all hope that the new year with restore sanity in the minds od the disgruntled oppositionists.

LEO ODERA OMOLO IN KISUMU CITY

THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT SHOULD GIVE THE PROSECUTOR A CHANCE TO USE ANOTHER PART B

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From: Nyambok, Thomas
To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

The witnesses have been compromised by an exchange with money, threats, and by killing them in order to shield the truth.

Ms. Bensouda will now use the outcome from the recommends from Commission chapter contains the Commission’s recommendations that relate to the State of Security Agencies and to issues of impunity. The discussion, findings, and conclusion that the recommendations are based upon are fully laid out in the preceeding chapters.

[ . . . ]

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TENSION BETWEEN URP AND TNA CAN’T BE COMPARED TO SOUTH SUDAN

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from: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

George from Bumala, Kenya, writes: Father Beste I read your article about coup attempt in South Sudan and compare it with current wrangles between URP and TNA on job sharing on key positions.

Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter Wednesday claimed President Kenyatta’s visit to the Rift Valley achieved nothing because the President failed to explain the alleged biased appointments in government as demanded by URP.

He cited the appointments of Mr Joseph Kinyua as the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr John Mututho as Nacada chairman, Mr Joseph Kaguthi as chairman of the Committee on Nyumba Kumi, Mr Lee Kinyanjui as Kenya Road Safety Authority chairman and Mr Njee Muturi as Solicitor General as some of the appointments URP members were unhappy about.

The URP legislators are also accusing Uhuru for not only favoring his tribesmen on sh1.2 trillion launch of standard gauge railway to connect Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan, but also want the sh1.2 trillion project to be renegotiated before it kicks off.

URP legislators are claiming that Kenyans stand to lose a whooping sh400 billion in the railway deal if the current arrangement is not changed’, accusing powerful men around President Kenyatta of being behind the scheme to swindle Kenyans by inflating the cost from $2 million per kilometer to $6m per kilometer.

The URP legislator also accused Uhuru’s TNA of taking advantage of Ruto absence to seal big deals without consulting URP, an sentiments echoed by Bomet East MP Bernard Bett who said there was a group of corrupt officials in Government who were seeking to enrich themselves through irregular tendering processes.

My question Father Beste, don’t you think if things continue this way in Kenya it will be like South Sudan where Riek Machar attempted to overthrow the government of Salva Kiir because he only favours his Dinka tribesmen on job sharing between Dina and Machar’s Nuer tribesmen?”

Dennis from Nairobi writes: “Father Beste I have a quarrel with the people who gave SS only 5 years then they would be allowed referendum for self determination, Kalonzo Musyoka takes pride in Comprehensive Peace Agreement, 5 years was not sufficient at all for such a state emerging from years of war and neglect.

There were no qualified personnel, no systems for accountability in place after those first 5 years. I worked there relocating Save US offices from Nairobi to Juba, and once went to pay for work permits, I was to pay 1,000 USD and instead of getting an official receipt, the guy gave me back 200 USD, as part of my cut but I refused to badge and insisted on something to show that I had paid signed and stamped as for sure they at times run out of receipt books.

To tell it all the corruption ends up in Kampala and Nairobi, every Friday flights to the 2 capitals are full not with Ugandans or Kenyans but with South Sudanese going to visit their families, and carrying with them huge sums of money, that is invested in the 2 cities not Juba so it is not a wonder when you talk of hard currencies not being available as it is carried out. Many of the top officials still have their families in the 2 cities and one thing I must say is that they learnt and perfected in the art of corruption in those 2 cities.

You will agree with me that the 2 countries are well know for corruption, in fact at one time a traffic police officer in Juba stopped us and when he realized we were Kenyans he simply said CHAI, and when we asked what for he told us he trained in Kenya and we know what it means and if we don’t comply he will find fault with the vehicle and take us to the police station.

I wonder whether Kiir himself is keen on fighting corruption, it is mere rhetoric. That country and its hard headed people need divine intervention, and I am sorry to say that Dinkas are the grabbers in SS asking where the rest were when they were fighting.

It is difficult to control that country as it is vast and with poor communication infra structure, and war like people, why war like even in the street of Juba when cars collide it is not strange to see occupants come out and instead of talking to sort out the problem, start exchanging blows even without muttering any words”.

George I don’t think the wrangles between URP and TNA job sharing in government key position can be compared to that of Dinka and Nuer in South Sudan. What is likely to happen if Uhuru does not change his style of allocating jobs to 50-50 percent as agreed between Kalenjins and GEMA is that next elections the Kalenjins may refuse to support him.

Tension in South Sudan can be compared to Francis Imbuga’s Betrayal in the City play book where critics of the government are not tolerated. They are put into prison over false charges.

South Sudan is where Government officials are freely making use of any opportunity to make money through unfair means. It is the character of Tumbo where for instance he declares Jusper the winner of the play writing competition and awards him the winner’s prize money.

What is currently taking place in South Sudan is compared to one third of the six hundred pounds to finance the play writing competition given to Jusper and his girl friend, Regina; and the remaining two thirds to put records straight emphasizing that everything is being done in strict confidence.

It is the country where revenge is the order of the day, where people are falsely accused in order to be favored. Where Boss’ trust of those who advise him especially like Mulili character in the play making him give unbearable directives to silence those presumably against his government including the simple old couple who were innocent.

When the play begins, Adika, a university student, has just been buried. He was killed by police during a student demonstration. His brother Jusper, who feigns madness, kills the local chief in retaliation and in counter-retaliation, his parents Doga and Nina are killed. Meanwhile, the lecturer Mosese languishes in jail.

This is what is taking place in South Sudan currently. Soldiers fire indiscriminately in highly populated areas and targeted people for their ethnicity during recent fighting in Juba.

The fighting followed deepening tensions between President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and the former vice president, Riek Machar, a Nuer. Government soldiers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and police questioned residents about their ethnicity and deliberately shot ethnic Nuer.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.comFacebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
UN Disarmament
Conference, 2002

KENYAN SITTING PRESIDENT AND HIS DEPUTY REQUESTS EXCUSAL FROM PHYSICALLY ATTENDING INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

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From: Nyambok, Thomas
To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta will attend his trial physically present at the trial.

The Deputy President argues that as he is the second commander after President Uhuru Kenyatta, he is mandated to perform various functions in running the affairs of the country and therefore qualifies for excusal from attending his trial at The Hague.

These people have messed Kenyans up. They were warned earlier before the campaign started and also before the voting day. They were asked how they planned to manage running the Government and the Country if they won.

Their reply was as simple as such that they know. That they will use the digital hand held electronic gadgets through the satellite system from The Hague. What is going on now with the system. Each of them will face the trial physically and in person at the trial at the ICC at The Hague.

PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA’S TRIAL DAYS AND TIMES

The President’s Schedule time and days will be very tight that he will not have any chance to get back to Kenya as the Deputy President did. Kenyatta’s trial will start from Monday at 9:00am to 12:00pm, brake for one and a half hours then get back to court at 1:30pm and brake for the day at 5:30pm from Monday to Friday for a period of one month at The Hague.

During those days the Deputy shall enjoy the highest rank and the red carpet before the Chief Commander gets back to the office. There shall be seriousness in the ICC business no matter what. No time shall be wasted as before because the two gentlemen are trying to be smarter than the ICC Judges. They will tell the World how the two former Presidents performed the rigged election that brought the two genocide. Kenyans can still do without one of the leaders at time.

KENYANS NEED MEN AND WOMEN WHO CAN’T BE BOUGHT OR SOLD. KENYANS need courageous Men and Women who are committed to the truth, and who cannot be bought or sold by the money from the red briefcases that come from Kabarak Home or from Kabarak Kibera gardens and also from State House Nairobi.

Kenyans don’t want the people’s house (The State House Nairobi) to be occupied by Presidents who are Alcoholics like the former President Mwai Kibaki. He slept on his two ears while genocide was being executed.

Kenyans are experiencing another Occupant of the people’s house, where the President feels free to be an Alcoholic just as the former President Kibaki was.

Kenyans would like to know more about the former President Mr. Toroitich Arap Moi’s conducts when he was at the people house.

The world and the people thanked Mrs. Grace Michel Mandela for their marriage that was done officially during the broad day light but Kenyans are wondering about the Former President of the Republic of Kenya Mr. Toroitich Arap Moi. There is wonder why Mama Ngina Kenyatta is very close with Mr. Moi since the death of her husband who was the first President of Kenya – Jomo Kenyatta. What is the main reason why Mr. Moi really wanted to install Uhuru Kenyatta as president of Kenya by all means? Uhuru Kenyatta is Mama Ngina’s son.

GO TO THE HAGUE: Kenyans can’t even differentiate when Uhuru Kenyatta or his Deputy William Ruto is in the Country or out of the Country.

There are two former Presidents and some individuals who committed international crimes and whom their names have not been quoted for prosecution on the genocide cases at the international criminal courts. These individuals are shielded from facing justice and that those hauled before the ICC are mere sacrificial lambs purported to have been politically involved in the Kenyan genocides. MOI and KIBAKI together with their administration must face the law at ICC.

The Kenya government and the Jubilee Administration must tell Kenyans why the Westgate mall terrorists left early before 2:00pm through the tunnel under West Gate Mall. Four of them disappeared. The government is now looking for scapegoats to put in custody in their stead.

The former President Mr. Arap Moi, Bewatt and some of the Kanu Administration who killed Dr. Robert Ouko Seda mysteriously will soon be called to the courts of law while they are still alive. Let the law that God gave Mosses be used with discipline. We have been waiting for the goons to be taken to courts of law but nothing has come up so far. Very soon, Kenyans will be going to be on the streets demanding justice for the innocent dead.

KENYA GOVERNMENT must tell Kenyans about the outcome of the former Vice President Professor Saitoti’s death because he was supposed to die previously in Mombasa through the lethal spray on his bed linen. He had to die in order to pave way for Uhuru Kenyatta to succeed Kibaki. Soon Kenyans will be on the streets demanding why these people are getting away with murders. Practical murders in broad day light which they get away with. These people are cold hearted and they do not care. President Uhuru and Ruto should give Kenyans a brake. Let them meet with the Judges at The Hague on a one month rotation – no impunity.

CC. State House

CC. All Kenyans.

Yours, Tom Nyambok

2:00pm 12/20/2013.

KENYA: THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR A NEW SUGAR FACTORY IN RONGIO IN THE NEAR FUTURE

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By a Special Correspondent

There are no plans for the establishment on a new sugar processing factory at Riana in Rongo in the near future, according to farmers in the area.

The only plan which is in the pipeline is the construction of a new white sugar plant at Aoch Muga in east Gem Location, Rangwe constituency In Homa-Bay County. The farmers have scathingly criticized the Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno who recently made an announcement that two new factories would take off in the area In January next year.

The farmers, who spoke to this writer and requested for their anonymity, said the MP”s statement has caused a lot of confusion.in the area. NDEGE oriedo in Riana near Opapo is very close to the Awendo-based Sony Sugar company whereas the Kenya Sug to establish a new sugar plant must ensure its continuous source of supplies of raw material which is the sugar cane.

This rule is meant to ensure that there will be no cut-throat scrambling for the raw material. In the case of Riana the area is less than 40 kilometers from the existing sugar plant at Awendo, there fore what the MP has been telling his constituents is a phantom with not an iota of truth.

In the recent past the Ringo MP has been criss-crossing the region telling his constituents that a new sugar plant would be constructed at Riana and that the investors have already intentions on the site and were training dozens of farmers ahead of the construction. He said 124 acres of land has already been set-aside at Riana for the site of the new plant.

One farmer lamented that it could be that the MP is out to sabotage the new project, which is far away away from Riana. The project has already received the blessing of the Homa-Bay governor Cyprian Awiti and his team.

The multi-million project has also received the blessing of the Kenya Sugar Board, which is the official body tasked with with regulating the sugar industry, therefore we really don’t know what the MP is talking about. We have checked through the relevant Ministry and the KSB and discovered that no second sugar plant has been licensed for the area.

ONE farmer from Rongo disclosed that the MP has recently bought and acquired several parcels of land In and around an area called Ndege Oriedo perhaps in anticipation that when the project takes off at Aoch Muga he would be able to make a kill in the re-selling the pieces of land which he had acquired and this is the 124 acre of land, which he has been speaking about.

Ends

Kenya: Migori governor in political war with odm leaders

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From: LEO ODERA

POLITICAL WRANGLINGS BETWEEN MIGORI GOVERNOR AND ODM LEADERS INTENSIFIED AS SUPPORTERS ACCUSED THE GOVERNOR OF practicing NEPOTISM

The political war of attrition has intensified between Migori governor Zachary Okoth Obado and the local ODM branch officials following accusation and allegations that the governor is hostile towards the supporters and leaders of the party.

Other sources have revealed that the Migori governor has employed his own two brothers (two in total).

The same source gave the names of governors two of them as Daudi Obada the head of revenue and Uhuru Obado market attendant. The two n belong to one father with the governor, the two shared one father with the governor bur from different mother

The governor is a besieged man following allegations and complaints that he had investigated the sacking of the county workers who are perceived to be the staunchest supporters of the ODM from the county services and replaced them with his own kins.

Governor Obado won the March 4, 2013 on the nomination ticket of the unknown People Democratic Party (PDP), which is led by the former South Mugirango Mp Omingo Magara. This was after he failed to secure the ODM nomination certificate at the Party’s primaries.

The ODM ticket was won by Prof Edward Okong’o Oyugi who was later beaten at the election proper by Zacahry Obado. Prof Oyugi thereafter moved to the High Court and filed a petition seeking for the nullification of Obado’s election on March 4, 2013.

The court however ruled in favour of Obado. Prof Oyugi and co-petitioners Mrs Omondi Anyanga the wife of Nyatike MP who was one of the election losers in the contest for Migori governorship. The petition is left pending before the Court of Appeal.

Back to governor Obado home town in Uriri Constituency a group of about 20 youths were his chief campaigners are so frustrated and disgruntled. About 12 youth are fully licensed drivers. But are presently idle, although the county recently purchased a fleet of 12 vehicles and employed drivers, none of the governor’s supporters were considered for employment.

These frustrated youth could be seen idling themselves around Rapogi Uriri trading centres with nothing to lay their hands on.

Nyatike Mp Edwin Omondi Anyanga is the one who fired the first salvo when he went public and accused governor Obado of being alone ranger who work in isolation without consulting with other elected leaders in the county. The working relations between governor Obado and the MPs representing various constituencies within Migori County except the Awendo MP Jared Kos within Migori County is said not to be so cordial, but the governor is reportedto be co-operating very closely with the Awendo MP Jared Kopiyo who also got into parliament through the ticket of Ford Kenya party

The seemingly governor’s supporters last week lamented that Obato has sidelined and short – changed them. He is no longer picking up their phone cells.

This writermade a frantic effort to reach governor Obato via his mobile phone no 0722467587 but the calls were unanswered.

These frustrated youth said they might be forced to consider the possibility of organization street demonstrations against the Migori governor for having short changed them.

Effort to reach the governor by the group has failed. He is no longer cropping at Rapogi or at Uriri Center. His relationship with other Migori MP is no longer cortias.

Ends

KENYA: STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA ON THE STRIKE BY HEALTH SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

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From: Sam Muigai

I have noted, with deep concern, the suffering of Kenyans as a result of the ongoing strike by health workers in Government facilities. This strike is totally unacceptable and goes against the Hippocratic Oath and basic principles of humane consideration for fellow Kenyans.

I urge the Unions involved in the strike to think, not of their personal interests, but the thousands of Kenyans who are suffering.

I call upon all the doctors and other health workers who are on strike to resume work immediately so as to relieve the pain and anguish that Kenyans are
currently enduring.

Whatever differences exist, we have to put human life above all other interests.

We definitely cannot allow men, women and children to continue living each day fearing the worst for themselves and their loved ones as a result of disagreements that can easily be resolved by following the law.

I particularly call on governors and public health workers to speedily resolve the stand-off.

However, in the event of continued disagreement, we encourage governors to make urgent alternative arrangements to ensure all health facilities in
their Counties are manned and operational.

Kenyans have a right to receive essential services and this is not a matter to be negotiated.

Let me make it abundantly clear. My government is committed to fully implementing the Constitution, and especially the provisions on devolution.

The essence of devolution especially of health services is to
bring services closer to the people. We must therefore give devolution a chance to work.

18th December, 2013

KENYA IS HOSTING AFRICAN FISHERIES STRATEGIES MEETING

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

A new partnership for African development (DEPAD) will this morning hold a two days meeting in Kenya, which is expected to finalize strategy aimed at improving returns for small scale players for the fishing industry across African Continent.

The meeting scheduled to be held in the Kenyan resort town of Naivasha about 100 kilometers from the capital Nairobi on today and tomorrow, is expected to agree on fisheries policy for Africa that will then be localized by individual countries on the continent.

The December 17 and 18 meeting aimed at incorporating the views of the small scale sector and fishing dependent communities and generate a shared vision on a Pan-African strategy to guide exploitation of a gigantic resources. The meeting brings together policy makers, government representatives and non-state outers from across the continent.

The strategy expected to boost the management the fishing industry that for long been neglected.

The meeting is expected to finalize the Pan-African strategy is critical for once approved by stakeholders at the second conference of African Ministers of Fisheries and Africa culture (CAMFA), scheduled to be held in February 2014.

The strategy is expected to boost the management of Fishing industry that has long been neglected, according to NEPAD and African Union Interactrican Bureau on Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) statement.

A recent United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO) state of Fisheries and aquaculture report noted that many fisheries in Africa are characterized by weak management system and threatened by over-exploitation in situation has gradually worsened since 1974 eroding initial successes seen in fisheries projects and turning them to failures.

The meeting is part of the wider efforts following the comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Progarmme which was endorsed by the African Heads of State and Government in Maputo Mozambique in 2003 as a framework for Agriculture – economic development.

Despite the potential of the fishing Industry in Africa it has largely been sidelined in the National Development Plans of many African Countries and players still use old fishing methods giving them original returns and at the same time causing damage to the breeding grounds for fish.

The statement adds that the meeting will respond directly to the CAMEA resolution urging African member states to urgently incline small scale fisheries their natural strategies.

ENDS

Special Rates for KDA Members and Affiliates to Kenya Diaspora Home-coming Conferences: Dec 19 – 21, 2013

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From: Shem Ochuodho

Many thanks, Nd. Robin.

Yes, Diasporians, Friends and Relatives of Diaspora (which we all are) are encouraged to participate at the forthcoming two days’ landmark Diaspora conference tomorrow Thursday and Friday at the Safari Park Hotel. H.E, the President and other senior government officials are expected to grace the event.

The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), including its affiliate member organizations Kenya Diaspora Initiative (KDI) and the Diaspora Investment Club (DICL) are co-organizers of the event, alongside GoK (OP and Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the private sector, including Nation Media, KQ, Safari Park Hotel, etc.

Despite Diaspora being treated in the periphery and consequently, being misunderstood, we are as much part of the Kenyan psyche as any other citizen. Apart from being nearly 10% of the total population (at an [under-]estimated 3 million), its economic contribution is even more significant. On average, Diaspora has been remitting about US$ 1 billion per year into Kenya’s economy over the past 10 years or so. In 2010 there was a spike to US$ 1.8 billion according to CBK and World Bank figures. Last year (2012), it is reported to have been US$ 2.6 billion, being 4 times more than tourism (wrongly considered the highest forex earner) at US$ 700 million a year!

The remittance figure for last year (~ KSh 225 billion) is about a quarter of Kenya’s total annual national budget, and by far more than all development assistance (from Chinese, Americans, British, etc all combined) as well as the total average annual foreign direct investment (FDI). And this excludes remittances through informal channels as well as those from “Diaspora corporates” (like Equity, KCB, KQ, etc which trade in other countries and bring in earnings), all which could possibly double the value of actual total remittances. Even if some of it goes into ‘family’, it still plays an important national role. Yet Diaspora’s role transcends way beyond voting numbers and remittances – into Diaspora diplomacy, sport, culture, technology & skill transfer, investment and trade, labour export, etc.

Aren’t these reasons enough to come and join Diaspora tomorrow and Friday? You will also have the opportunity to test-drive the ‘next big thing’, m-kura. It allows you to simply sambaza your vote instead of standing on a queue for 3-4 hours in a hot sun or rain! If you want to access it in advance and you have Android phone or similar, simply search among ‘Google Apps’ or “Appstore” and download. Look for “m-kura”.

Reserve early to avoid any disappointments. Kind regards,
Shem

On Wednesday, 18 December 2013, 11:12, Robinson Gichuhi wrote:

Greetings to all our friends and comrades within the Kenya Diaspora Alliance framework

Dear Diasporan !

This is your Special Invitation

Following urgent and special negotiations between KDA and the organizers of the Kenya Diaspora Initiative, arrangements have been made to make pricing incentives for those who would like to attend the conference (starts tomorrow) while still supporting the strategic initiatives of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance.

For those who are ready to pay the Kshs. 5,500 attendance fee, 50% of that fee will be credited to the KDA Program Account to support the push for voting in 2017 and other office expenses as we strengthen the Nairobi Secretariat. KDA operations have been supported by personal initiatives to date but the expenses are weighing down on co-conveners and it is critical that you support the cause to ensure that your diaspora objectives are achieved.

To purchase a ticket, please call Wanjiru Mbugua on +254722337845 and she will be able to take payment on behalf of KDI/Diamond Media. When making payment, please indicate that you are an affiliate or member of KDA.

More information on the conference: http://www.jambonewspot.com/kenya-diaspora-homecoming-conference-december-19th-21st-2013/?fullweb=1

If you cannot attend the Nairobi conference, but would still lie to make a donation to KDA, please donate online at http://kenyadiasporaalliance.org/fundaising/ or contact Dr. Shem Ochuodho [+254725016679] to get an MPESA number for direct to bank (in Kenya) donations.

The future of Kenya depends on the the Diaspora. Take action today.

Robinson Gichuhi
+1.636.344.0023 | Skype: robinsongichuhi

KENYA: VETERAN JOURNALIST MOURNS WARURU KANJA

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LEO ODERA OMOLO MOURNS THE LATE NYERI POLITICIAN WARURU KANJA

May take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt profound condolence to the family and friends of the late Nyeri fierce politician Waruru KANJA.

I Knew the late Waruru Kanja way back in 1957 when he led a group of hard-core Mau Mau detainees on Mageta Island, Bondo district, now Siaya County, who were involved in jailbreak after killing the European prison commander who was in charge of the camp.

After killing the prison boss, the group escaped MAGETA Island using a makeshift raft and swam across the Nyanza Gulf {formerly Kavirondo Gulf and landed at Ulugi, near Lihanda beach on Rusinga Island in what was then known as South Nyanza distric after swimming for more that 14 hours.

The fugitives were given shelter by the LUO Elders who gave the them accomodation and food inside hideout houses, but only after separating them in four groups. The colonial police launched an elaborate search for the jail breakers both aerially using the police air-wing and motor-boats. The search also went on into the villagers on the mainland locations of Yimbo, Sakwa and Uyoma.

The colonial authorities used motor-boats and even sent their agents to the twin fishing islands of Rusinga, but all in vain, Warurur Kanja and his friends had been issued with new clothes and were living safely in the villages.

I met the late ex-Mau Mau detainee in the 1980s while he was serving in the cabinet as a Minister and Nyeri Town MP in Parliament Building over a cup of tea, and I found his memory to be very fresh. He could easily recognize me, though many years had lapsed because in 1957 I was a young man of 18 of age. Mzee Kanja was a true nationalist and freedom fighter apart from being detribalized person and humanist

May Almighty God give his soul eternal peace.

LEO ODERA OMOLOO
veteran journalist-cum-Author

KENYA: WHY RUTO SHOULD FORGET BECOMING PRESIDENT AFTER UHURU

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From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

Chris from Nairobi writes: “Beste what is your take on President Uhuru telling the North Rift that he will rule for 10 years and William Ruto for another 10 years? Why do you think the president tour to Bomet County was cancelled at the last moment?

Chris I don’t think the presidency will come out of house of Mumbi. You remember late John Muchuli saying they made a mistake to allow Moi to take over from Jomo Kenyatta and they wanted new constitution to make sure that Moi’s term limit would open the way for the presidency to come back to the house of Mumbi.

When Raila said Kibaki tosha and worked on MoU that after he ruled for one term he would leave presidency for him, and that Kibaki would mobilize the Kikuyu, Meru and Embu (GEMA) to make sure all their votes were cast to Raila. The first thing the GEMA did headed by then Subukia MP Koigi wa Wamwere was to destabilize the MoU.

So after Uhuru ruling for 10 years the GEMA will support their own- to stand with Ruto. Remember the GEMA have the money to buy influential powerful leaders from other tribes to add on the number to make sure they retain the presidency.

Your second question why Uhuru’s tour to Bomet County had to be dropped from the list of places where Uhuru and Deputy William Ruto would tour on Tuesday is to do with the rift between Nandi (North Rift) and Kipsigis (South Rift) leaders who argue that 50-50 job slot agreed during Jubilee campaign much of it has gone to North Rift.

Led by Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and Kericho Senator Charles Keter, the South Rift leaders also argue that the 50-50 percent job slot is not favouring the URP but only TNA. The main agenda of the tour to South and North Rift was intended to than the local community for casting their votes for Jubilee Coalition during the last General Election.

The legislators from South Rift had vowed that they would tell Uhuru on his face when he toured Bomet that the sharing of jobs between URP and TNA is not fair, and even if it was the few sharing is only going to the Nandi (North Rift).

Isaac Ruto is even more particular. He has challenged Uhuru for leaving out other communities in job distribution in key position, terming the action as misplaced. Isaac is of the idea that Uhuru has the constitutional mandate to ensure that even regions like Nyanza, Western, Coast and Eastern provinces which voted for the opposition gets a share of the national cake as one way of making them feel part and parcel of the government.

But not all the Nandi leaders are satisfied with the job sharing between URP and TNA. While speaking at funds drive in aid of Lemok African Inland Church in Uasin Gishu last Sunday, outspoken youthful Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter said that Jubilee was formed on a 50-50 basis and demanded that government jobs be shared equally between two parties.

He claimed that many professionals from the Kalenjin community holding key public positions in acting capacity are yet to be confirmed and called for their immediate absorption for fairness to be seen in the process.
URP leaders also want Jubilee government to consider for jobs their professionals whose contracts at various public universities expired earlier this year and they are still waiting in the cold for employment.

Yet Uhuru is to rely on the South Rift votes-close to 2 million. The Kipsigis sub-tribe is the most populous sub-tribe of the larger Kalenjin ethnic groups occupies the two most populous Counties of Kericho and Bomet.

The constituencies include Kipkellion East, Kipkellion West, Belgut, Sigowet, Konoin, Buret, Sotik, Chepalungu, Bomet East and Bomet West. Members of the Kipsigis community have also extended the stakes in several neighbouring districts, and constituencies in Kuresoi East, Kuresoi West, Kilgoris, Rongai, Subukia, Narok South, Narok West and Molo.

Since independence in 1963, many Kipsigis people moved out of the region, bought farms and settled in other areas like Koibatek, Cheranganyi, Nandi Hills, Tans-Nzoia, Laikipia and Nandi North. So their votes count for Uhuru.

Ruto is also to rely on them, not only because they have the votes but also in comparison with other Kalenjin ethnic groups, the Kipsigis are arguably much wealthier due to tea excessive farming and also favorable trades with their neighbors in milk, vegetables, maize and other foodstuff.

Due to he presence of larger number of workers in he tea plantations and factories, the circulation of money in the two Counties of Bomet and Kericho is the highest.

Politically, William Ruto cannot also do without Isaac Ruto and Charles Keter. They are out spoken and most respected leaders in their regions.

The Kipsigis communities have already said they want Isaac Ruto as their defacto leader. This is after it emerged that the Deputy President duped the Kipsigis, who come from the South Rift in his appointments into the public service, instead favoured his North Rift region particularly the Nandis, whom he has appointed to serve in the Jubilee Government.

The Kipsigis is a pastoralist tribal group in Kenya, speaking the Kipsigis language originated in the Sudan, moving into the Kenyan area in the 18th Century. The current settlement of the Kipsigis is in the Rift Valley province of Kenya.

Current estimated population is 785,000. They occupy the higlands of Kericho stretching from Timboroa to Mara River in the south, the west of Mau Escarpment in the east to Kebenet in the west. They also occupy parts of Laikipia, Kitale, Nakuru, Eldoret and Nandi Hills.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
UN Disarmament
Conference, 2002

KENYA IS BLEEDING TO DEATH FROM AL-QAEDA SUPPORTED AL-SHABAAB TERRORISTS ATTACKS

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News Analysis By Leo \Odera Omolo

As millions of Kenyans celebrated the 50th Independence aniversarry marking December 12th the date in which the country gained its political independence from Great Britain in 1963, residents of Moyale District located in the far North and bordering Ethiopia and Somalia had nothing to celebrate.

The residents of this region did not celebrate the century’s 50th birthday with the rest of the country. Thousands of the residents were displaced during last week’s six days of gun battle that claimed more than 10 lives and led to loss of property worth millions of shilllings.

It was sad that some residents were not even aware that 12th December was a special day for Kenyans across the country and the world. Women and children were still camping in different refugee camps in Kenya and in Ethiopia. 90% of locals sought refuge in neighbouring Ethiopia following the attack Islamic terrorists.

The insecurity situation is now posing this threat to the country’s thriving tourism industry. This is because the Somali terrorists appeared to have infiltrated their agents deep inside Kenya, and making the country to bleed to death.

In the Coastal Kenyan city of Mombasa two British tourists narrowly escaped death early this week when a hand grenade was hurled at their vehicle. But the grenade failed to explode.

The two tourists who were traveling to the popular tourist destination of Amboseli National Game Park under the attack at 7.30 a.m (local time) in the Likoni area of Mombasa.

According to some words of the eye witness who spoke to the news men on strict condition of anonymity, the lone man who hurled the grenade at the vehicle carrying the British tourists, a land cruiser as the driver slowed down to negotiate a sharp corner near Mtongwe junction had been loitering around by the roadside at about 6 a.m.

The device hit the vehicle side window and rolled off. Luckily for the tourists, the device dropped onto the road without exploding. The attacker then escaped and fled from the scene. He disappeared in the sprawling village. He had earlier been observed loitering in the busy road as early as 6 a.m.

Meanwhile the police in Mombasa are holding a Kenyan woman who they are questioning in connection with the mysterious death of a British tourist.

The tourist whose age was assessed to be around 70 years tied under the most mysterious circumstance inside his one room rented house. The victim who is said to have been a regular visitor to the coastal city was found dead by the caretaker of the apartment. His mouth was sealed with plastic tape.

The local police chief Julius Wanjohi confirmed the incident and said the ralus were pursuing vital leads that could unravel the truth. The suspect who is said to have seen a girl friend of the deceased is now in police custody. The killing has angered the residents of Nyali neighbourhood who complained of the uprising insecurity in the area.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN KENYA

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from: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013

Yesterday was a great day indeed. While Kenya was celebrating its 50th independent we were celebrating anniversary of my beloved mother Kristina Odin’g Ouko, exactly 1 year since she departed from us.

In his homily, the parish priest of Orian’g Blessed Sacrament Church, Kabondo, Homa Bay Diocese, Rev Fr Christopher Wasonga described Kristina as one of the few Christians in 19th centaury who resisted temptations of abandoning their faith to join indigenous religious cults.

Kristina received her Catholic faith in 19th centaury at the time a new religious movement known as Mumbo cult (Mumboism) founded by Luo prophet Onyango Dunde had a great influence among Luo people.

Prophet Dunde stated that the Christian religion is rotten and all Europeans were the enemies of Africans. Mumboism was considered as one of the forerunners of nationalism within Kenya.

Its followers were most active in the Nyanza region of Kenya near Lake Victoria. The cult began during the British colonial era in Kenya, when Mill Hill missionaries were active in the region.

In 1913, Onyango Dunde began to preach that he had been swallowed by a serpent in Lake Victoria. The serpent spit him out, and gave him a prophecy that he would spread to his followers:

I am the God Mumbo whose two homes are in the sun and in the lake. I have chosen you to be my mouthpiece. Go and tell all the Africans…. that from henceforth I am their God. Those whom I choose personally and those who acknowledge me, will live forever in plenty…. the Christian religion is rotten…. All Europeans are your enemies, but the time is shortly coming when they will all disappear from the country.”

In keeping with the prophecy, Dunde condemned European culture, Christianity, and the influence of colonialism. He also prophesied a golden age that would arrive with the end of the European presence in the region. Mumboism was popular among the Luo and Kisii people, but its influence spread beyond Africans who were formally followers of Dunde.

During the time some Dunde’s followers openly opposed to the colonial government and missionaries. One of the followers was Mosi Auma of Kabondo, the area Kristina was married. In Kisii region, Nyakundi of Kitutu, Omwenga of Wanjare was very aggressive to colonial missionaries.

At the time independent Republic of Kenya was formed in 1964, the minority party, the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), represented a coalition of small tribes that had feared dominance by larger ones, dissolved itself voluntarily and former members joined KANU.

KANU was the only party 1964–1966 when a faction broke away as the Kenya People’s Union (KPU). It was led by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a former vice-president and Luo elder. My mother Kristina was lead the chief entertainers of the party in Kabondo and Nyamira respectively.

KPU advocated a more “scientific” route to socialism—criticising the slow progress in land redistribution and employment opportunities—as well as a realignment of foreign policy in favour of the Soviet Union.

Although Mama Kristina never went to school, she was convinced that development in Luo Nyanza and Kisii could only come about when Jaramogi Oginga Odinga became the president. This was in 1969 when Tom Mboya, a Luo member of the government considered a potential successor to Kenyatta, was assassinated.

Hostility between Kikuyu and Luo was heightened, and after riots broke out in Luo country KPU was banned. The government used a variety of political and economic measures to harass the KPU and its prospective and actual members.

Jomo Kenyatta died in 1978 and was succeeded by Daniel Arap Moi who ruled as President 1978–2002. Moi, a member of the Kalenjin ethnic group, quickly consolidated his position and governed in an authoritarian and corrupt manner.

By 1986, Moi had concentrated all the power – and most of its attendant economic benefits – into the hands of his Kalenjin tribe and of a handful of allies from minority groups who supported his government.

Moi ruled using a strategic mixture of ethnic favouritism, state repression, and marginalisation of opposition forces. He utilised detention and torture, looted public finances, and appropriated land and other property.

Moi sponsored irregular army units that attacked the Luo, Luhya, and Kikuyu communities, and he disclaimed responsibility by assigning the violence to ethnic clashes arising from a land dispute.

Constitutionally barred from running in the December 2002 presidential elections, Moi unsuccessfully promoted Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta as his successor.

A rainbow coalition of opposition parties routed the ruling KANU party, and its leader, Moi’s former vice-president Mwai Kiaki, was elected President by a large majority. On 27 December 2002 by 62 percent the voters overwhelmingly elected members of the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) to parliament.

Since then the political climate in Kenya has grown increasingly unstable. In November 1993, News Network International reported that over 1,000 Kenyans died as a result of tribal violence since 1991.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
UN Disarmament
Conference, 2002

Kenya: multi-billion dollar project in siaya is facing myriads of problems

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NEGATIVE POLITICS AND GREEDINESS FOR THE CHEAP CHEAP HANDOUTS MONEY IS THREATENING TO DERAIL MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR US INVESTOR’S RICE PROJECT IN SIAYA COUNTY

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo

Negative politics and anti-development attitude of Siaya politicians is now threatening to derail a multi million investment by an American entrepreneur who has sunk close to Ksh. 10 billion in River Yala Swamp land reclamation project.

Mr. Calvin Burgess an American investor from Okhlohama, US has invested a lot of money in mixed Yala river swamp land measuring about 17,500 hectares in the farm which is located near Ratuoro in Central Alego, Siaya district, Siaya county.

Yala swamp land reclamation project is a multi purpose farm producing thousands of top grade rice, maize, beans, cotton, sorghum, millet, bee keeping, citrus fruits, fish ponds, and other cash crops.

The vast swamp land on both sides of Yala River is covering Bondo, Bunyala, Budalangi and Siaya district. Before Mr. Burgess started this multi billion dollar investment project the massive swamp, now farm land, was home to crocodiles, hippos, pythons, and highly poisonous snakes.

Dominion Farm Limited has now been turned into ultra-modern mixed farm which of late has become the hub of food production inside Luo-Nyanza. However, the work has not been going on smoothly as expected due to gross interference by lead politicians and some local NGOs, environmentalists and local civic leaders, who had turned this most important project into their punching box, thereby incessantly polarizing its progress and expansion.

The war of words intensified earlier this week after the outspoken Gem MP Washington Jakoyo Midiwo fired the first salvo by issuing threats that he will mobilize and lead a mob of ODM supporters to evict the company.

Meanwhile the Dominion Farm Limited has persistently come out to defend its clean record and dismissed numerous allegations of reneging on the agreement signed between it and the defunct County Council of Siaya and Bondo.

Midiwo’s threats prompted the nominated MP Dr. Oburu Oginga and Siaya County Commissioner Joseph Kimigwi to tell Midiwo off over his threats to lead the company’s eviction by the mob of ODM followers and supporters.

Oburu, the elder brother of the ODM party leader Raila Amolo Odinga said it is naïve to evict the investor who has sunk down Ksh. 10 billion in the Yala Swamp rice development project. The MP warned the County Reps and villagers who are reportedly harassing Dominion Group for cheap hand-outs, jobs and other goodies.

“Let us not fight the investor. This behaviour will scare away other potential investors” said the MP, adding that the Government of Kenya and Siaya County residents should instead protect the US Company which has also created job opportunities for thousands of locals.

Dr. Oginga said there are channels of addressing grievances raised by the residents and their leaders and which should be followed. “Because the investment is of great importance to Siaya County and cannot be wished away over petty issues”

“Such a multi billion shillings investment cannot be shut down at the whim of county leaders. It is inconcurrable”, said the administrators.

The commissioner defender the Dominican Group and vowed to beef up security around the project to thwart any attempt to disrupt its operations.

Mr. Kimigwi went on “ Infrastructure that has been brought up by the Dominican Group will always remain the property of the local community and residents should not just look at immediate gains or hand outs.

Midiwo had issued the threats to evict the US company for allegedly failing to comply with agreed and signed with the former County Council of Siaya and Bondo when it leased more than 6, 000 acres of the swamp land for a rice project.

Some local politicians demanded for fresh negotiations at the agreement arguing that the residents have allegedly been given a raw deal by the US multinational company.

The proprietor, Calvin Burgess, has however dismissed Midiwo’s claims saying the project has employed thousands of workers from the surrounding villages and locations both skilled and unskilled.

This US multinational firm has also revived the old ginnery in the region which went burst many years ago due to poor management by co-operative sorcery and is now encouraging cotton growing in the region

It has established the honey processing plant within its own compound. The firm is known to have freely supplied mosquito nets to the villagers in the malaria prone region for free.

Dominion has vehemently denied the allegations and claims that it is not helping the local RESIDENTS.

Ends

KENYA: PROF LARRY GUMBE HAS JOINED THE ELECTION RACE IN CROWDED CONTEST FOR ODM SECRETARY – GENERAL

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu CITY

The impending ODM national officials party election, scheduled for February next year, is likely to be crowded by many contestants.

The coveted important position of the party Secretary – General is expected to be the most crowded. The position is currently held by the Kisumu Senator Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o who has held it for close to ten years. However, the post seemed to have attracted many party stalwarts, particularly the group of the younger generation, calling themselves the Young Turks.

The group comprising mostly first time members of Parliament has one old and experienced party stalwart in the name of Prof. Larry Gumbe and the Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba.

Others reported to be interested in the same post to included the outspoken Gwassi MP John Mbadi, Kisumu Town West MP Ken Obura, Ndhiwa MP Augustino Neto Oyugi. Also reported by some unconfirmed sources to be eyeing the same position is the ODM Executive Director Magerer Lang’at who is the immediate former MP for Kipkellion.

The young Turks blamed the old guard for having largely contributed to the party’s devastating defeat in the March 14 general election due to their laxity and poor leadership.

The name of the Siaya Senator JAMES Aggrey Orengo has been featuring prominently in other quarters as the one who is likely to succeed Prof Nyong”o. The incumbent of late has been keeping low profile over party activities.

Speaking to this writer via the phone, Prof Gumbe said ODM needs principled and consistent leadership to guide the party become a true grassroots visionary and democratic political movement which will lead Kenya into industrialization.

Ends

KENYA: STOP SUGAR IMPORT,GOVERNMENT URGED

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To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

By Agwanda Saye

Sugar millers in Western Kenya have asked the government to find measures of stopping he entry of illegal sugar into the markets that threatens their operations.

The Kenya Sugar Manufacture Association says there is an influx of cheap sugar crossing the border into the Kenyan market without paying necessary duties.

The association chairman Peter Kebati says the government needs to seal the loopholes at the border where illegal sugar passes into the country.

Kebati says the mills will be forced to reduce the cane price that now stands at Sh. 2,900 per tonne if the issue is not addressed by the government.

Addressing the press in Kisumu after their meeting, Kebati who is also the managing director of Mumias Sugar Company says that the government should advance funds for development of more cane.

He says there are numerous millers in Western Kenya but there is no effort to develop more cane for the mills.

Kebati noted that more research should be done in other areas in the country for expansion of the development of more cane.

Ends.

KENYA: MUHORONI MP ARRESTED OVER HIS ATTEMPT TO KILL KENYA’S NGO’s BOSS.

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By Our Investigative Reporter

Muhoroni Member of Parliament James Onyango K’oyoo finally appeared before Kisumu County Criminal Investigations Department Officers to answer to allegations of being involved in an attempt to kill Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) Co-ordination Board Chief Executive Officer Dr.Hezron Mc’Obewa.

K’oyoo who appeared shaken and sweating profusely was grilled by the Criminal Investigations Officers for nearly six hours before being released and emerging out of the office of the County Criminal Investigations boss David Cheruiyot stating that he was from Nairobi and was “just passing by to greet” the detective boss.

Pressed further by journalists if he was not summoned after a suspect had mentioned him of having given them money to kill Dr.Mc’Obewa , K’oyoo admitted of having recorded a statement but denied ever hiring the said suspect.

“Mc’Obewa is my relative and the suspect has denied that he has never met me,” K’oyoo added

But Mr.Cheruiyot maintained that K’oyoo was summoned by his office to clear his name over the said allegations and he had indeed recorded a statement.

“Dr.Mc’Obewa received a death threat and reported the matter to the police and police managed to arrest a suspect who mentioned K’oyoo as the one who had given them money to kill him and that’s why we summoned him to record a statement which he has done and I have allowed him to go as we continue with our investigations”Cheruiyot said

He added that should there be any need for further clarification on the issue from the MP then they will not hesitate to summon him again.

There has been bad working relationship between Mc’Obewa and K’oyoo as the former has showed interest in becoming Muhoroni Sugar Company Receiver Manager which the latter who is the area MP has vehemently opposed saying such will happened over his dead body.

Contacted ,Mc’Obewa on his part called on the security agencies to speed up their investigations and bring any culprits found to book saying issues of life and death threats should be given attention they deserve.

However he maintained that despite the incident, it will not deter him from his set goals and agenda in helping the people of Muhoroni where he was born and brought up saying he is not nursing any ambition of being the area MP and told K’oyoo not to panic.

“If I am to go to any elective post then I might go for the Gubernatorial seat, Senate seat or the Presidency, I am not interested in being Muhoroni MP” he added

Meanwhile, Dr. Mc’Obewa has warned NGO’s against failing to make their financial returns as stipulated within the law.

Speaking in a Kisumu Hotel during the Kisumu County Government and NGO’s forum in which over two hundred NGO’s drawn within the county attended Mc’Obewa added that the NGO’s working within the County contributed to nearly kshs 200 billion during the last financial year.

“You NGO’s know of the requirement to declare our bank details in your annual reports and to report any changes in addresse or changes in officers as well as submitting an audited returns to the NGO’s Co-ordination board by every 31st March of every year failure of which you will be breaching the 1990 NGO’s act” he told the forum

THE STORY OF A TALENTED KENYAN FOOTBALLER WHO HELPED TANGANYIKA WIN GOSSAGE CUP

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

AS the Cecafa football tournament for this year is just coming to remembering, how it is all started in 1939. It was originally called Gossage Cup, named after an Englishman a colonial civil servant who worked in Kenya as the Commissioner for Community Development Mr Gossage.

Originally only three national football teams competed. These were Kenya, Tanganyika and Uganda with the Isles of Zanziber and Pemba posting a team which later participated in the regional tournament in 1940.

For all those years the prestigious regional football tournament was being held on rotation between stadiums in Nairobi, Kampala, Dar Es Salaam and later on the matches were staged in Zanzibar. The winners were exclusively from Uganda and Kenya while Tanganyika and Zanzibar remained the underdogs every year without a win.

However, the tournament has expanded dramatically years after the end of colonial rules in the countries of East, southern and Central African regions.

The final matches used to attract the presence of the four colonial goernors of the region with reception of Zanzibar which was already enjoying semi-indpendent status as a British Protectorate under the Sultan asyyed assayed of Zanzibar who occasionally used to sit in the VIP podium with the three colonial governors of Kenya, Tangsnyika and Uganda.

Football matches were very popular thereby pulling huge crowd of people, particularly in Nairobi where the now vintage City Stadium was the popular venue. In Kampala Nakifubo Stadium featured in the games while Ilala Stadium in Dar Es Salaam host the games in Tanganyiks.

However, the Gossage Cup games changed face in November 1950 when a young, but highly talented Kenyan footballer suddenly appeared for the Tanganyika team. His name was William Nahashon Ong”weya {Ragwel] from Kobura Masogo sub-location in Kisumu district. Ong”weya learnt football games wile studying at Maseno high School and later joined the defunct East African Railways and Harbors corporation and was posted to work In the lakeside town of Mwanza. As a shed clerk.

He began his football career in Tanganyika by turning up in the local leagues where he played for the Railways. It was during this time when his talents caught the eyes of the Tanganyika national team officials who promptly included hi in the national first eleven team.

In 1950, William NAHASHON was among the the Tanganyika team players who represented that country at the end of the Zanzibar, but the following year 1951 he had changed position from the utility player [No 10} to that of inside right wearing [shirt No8].The tall and slender Kenyan produced the ball jagling style that that took everyone by surprise. The home team beat Kenya 3-2 and clinched the cup for that year. Tohisown credit Ongweya scored two of the three goals for Tanganyika to the excitement of everyone including the three governors, namely Sir Edward Twinning {Tanganyika}, Sir Andrew Cohen {Uganda} an Si Evelyn Baring of Kenya.nzibar. The excitement of the people of Tanganyika went a niche higher.

For the first rime, all the women Kitenge lassos produced by a Textile companies in Mwanza and Dar Es Salaam had the following printed words in Bold and capital letters .

In Kenya a famous guitarist W.W.Witts [ Owiti} from Gem Ulumbi composed a poplar song in praise of Ong”weya Ragwell. Saying the melody and lyrics that Wuod Kobura Ache lKende had joggled the ball and dodged all the teams before a capacity crowd including the four colonial governors. After retiring from the Railways service in the early 1960e, William Nahashon Ong”weya lived on in Tanzania, and died a blind man after poor health in 1980s. his wife has also Also died and buried IN Kano West and both

After the countries of East,Southern and Central African became independence in the early 60s, the annual football tournament was expanded from Gossage Cup to become Senior Challenge Cup. teams competing now in the tournament included Ethiopia, Malawi, Burundi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Southern Sudan.

ENDS

CHEMICAL FISHING IN LAKE VITORIA COULD HURT KENYA’S ECONOMY

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THE DANGEROUS USE OF CYANIDE IN CHEMICAL FISHING IN LAKE VICTORIA COULD HARM KENYA’S FISH EXPORT TRADE ABROAD

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Homa-Bay Town.

UNSCRUPULOUS fishermen in Lake Victoria have recently introduced the use of cyanide and other chemicals to improve their fish harvesting in a manner which could prove to be very harmful and a health hazard to the consumers.

The time is ripe for the government of Kenya, particularly the Fisheries Department in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Minerals – Kenya, especially the Department of Fisheries in the Ministry of Minerals and Natural Resources, to institute thorough investigation on these claims with the view to protect fish commodity from this region as its economic mainstay.

Fish is one of the most important assets, which is raking millions of shillings into the country and as such is playing a pivotal role in Kenya’s economic growth.

According to Homa Bay County Governor Cyprian Otieno Awiti the county is earning about Kshs. 7 billion annually from the fishing industry.

It is being moderately estimated that Kenya earns about Kshs. 15 billion per year,most of the money come from foreign exchange from its experts to foreign countries in Europe, Middle East, Japan, Israel and the US. A highly prized item is the delicious fillets from the economically important Nile perch.

Nile perch fillet dishes is said to be so popular with consumers in the EU countries.

However, the laxity and complacency with which the government of Kenya is treating the fish industry could hurt the fish trade and further force close to 20,000 fishermen currently employed in the industry out of jobs.

In Homa-Bay County alone fishermen harvest approximately 80,000 metric tones worth Kshs 2 billion. This represents about 50 percent of the total catches in Lake Victoria waters, especially along the narrow Nyanza Gulf which the Homa Bay County is sharing with the neighboring Siaya, Kisumu Busia and Migori counties.

According to available statistics out of the total fish landings, Nile Perch accounts for about 40,000 metric tonnes valued at Kshs 6 billion and Omena (Ndaga) accounts 33,000 metric tonnes worth Kshs 2 million.

The Lake Victoria region, however, now has 1,801 fish pounds covering an area of 540,3000 square metres. Annual fish production from aquaculture is about 50 metric tonnes worth Kshs 12 million.

Governor Awiti disclosed that his county government has launched a campaign to popularize aquaculture to help ease pressure on Lake Victoria and its natural resources and is working closely with the Fisheries department in concerted effort to stamp out the use of illegal fishing nets, a practice which is to blame for the sudden decrease of fish stocks in Lake Victoria.

However, the other practice which is proving to be the worse is the increase in cases where unscrupulous fishermen use very cyanide chemicals in poisoning the fish. The practice is so bad as it killed fish in thousands and then destroyed the breeding grounds.

Equally met into great danger are the consumers of those fish killed with chemicals

Overseas consumers of Kenya fish often are unaware of the chemicals fishing method used upon some of imported fish from Kenya. The practice is also posed as being a health hazard to the breed consumers, therefore must be discouraged at all cost.

Fish harvested through the use of chemicals becomes perishable within hours and rotten even before reaching the consumer kitchen.

Ends

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT AND SOLEMNITY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

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From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

As indicated earlier tomorrow I shall be traveling home, Miruka village, Nyamira County in preparation of my beloved late mother Kristina Oding’s anniversary mass on December 12, 2013. I shall not have my Sunday homily on December 8, 2013, Second Sunday of Advent because I shall be co-celebrating at mass in Oriang Catholic Mission, Homa Bay Diocese.

My mother’s anniversary will be celebrated on the day Kenya shall be celebrating 50 years since independence. As Beatrice Wamuyu writes, Kenya is a melting pot of world cultures. It started interacting with other world cultures as early as 2000BC. The first Arabs landed at the Kenyan coast in about 100AD.

According to the 2009 census, there were 40,700 Kenyan Arabs, 46, 700 Kenyan Asians, 5,000 Kenyan Europeans and 2,400 Kenyan Europeans. Non-Kenyan Asians totaled 35,000, and there were 27,000 Europeans, 6,000 Americans, 112 Caribbeans and 719 Australians. There were almost 400,000 people from African nations living in Kenya, according to the census.

Foreign journalists covering for eastern Africa and beyond find Kenya haven place to report from. So when Kenya is celebrating 50 years of independence, it also celebrates the hospitality it renders to peoples of all walks of life. I am glad my mother’s anniversary falls on this day.

It will also be the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared Patroness of Latin America in 1910, and in 1945 Pope Pius XII declared Her to be the Empress of all the Americas.

She appeared to an Indian convert named Juan Diego on December 9, 1531. She left a marvelous portrait of herself on the mantle of Juan Diego. This miraculous image has proved to be ageless, and is kept in the shrine built in her honor, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

As Kenya celebrates 50 years of her independence, the Roman Catholic Church is reforming. In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis not only intensifies his criticism of capitalism and the fact that money rules the world, but speaks out clearly in favor of church reform “at all levels.

He specifically advocates structural reforms — namely, decentralization toward local dioceses and communities, reform of the papal office, upgrading the laity and against excessive clericalism, in favor of a more effective presence of women in the church, above all in the decision-making bodies.

And he comes out equally clearly in favor of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, especially with Judaism and Islam. The pope wants the church move forward and alive. He wants the church that practices mercy-the prefect appeals to God’s holiness and justice.

He wants the coming bishops’ synod on family matters in October 2014 to find practical solutions based on feedback from the laity — the prefect draws on traditionalist dogmatic arguments in order to be able to maintain the unmerciful status quo.

On Sunday, December 8, 2013 will be the second Sunday of Advent. Although Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred from Sunday, December 8 to Monday, December 9, the obligation to attend Mass does not transfer.

On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX officially declared the Immaculate Conception a dogma of the Church, which means that all Christians are bound to accept it as true. This follows his decree in the Apostolic Constitution Ineffabilis Deus:

“We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful.”

In other words, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the saving work of God in preserving the Blessed Virgin Mary from the stain of original sin. Due to its solemnity and importance, is why it is transferred to the next day, Monday, December 9, 2013. It is so important to note that the obligation is not waived when it falls on Saturday or Monday.

In the United States and other countries, the bishops have received permission from the Vatican to abrogate (temporarily waive) the requirement for Catholics to attend Mass on certain Holy day of Obligation, when those Holy Days fall on either Saturday or Monday. Thus, in 2013, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is not a Holy Day of Obligation.

Even though in these USA, the Immaculate Conception is also their national patronal feast, the bishops conference usually waives obligations of Holy Days which are too close to a Sunday (which is always a day of Obligation).

The first reading is taken from Is 11:1-10. On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.

Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.

The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox.

The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair.

There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.

Second reading is from Rom 15:4-9. Brothers and sisters: Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name.

The Gospel is from Mt 3:1-12. John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist.

His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves,

‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.

I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
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Twitter-@8000accomole

Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.

-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
UN Disarmament
Conference, 2002