Category Archives: Kenya

Kenya: Why I don’t care who our next president is

From: Josiah Ogalo

Dear fellow Kenya-ans,

At the time I’m writing this, we don’t have a result in Kenya’s presidential election. I don’t know who our next president will be. But frankly I don’t care. I care more about what happened to my country during this election, than I care about the identity of its next leader.

This is because one of my fervent wishes for Kenya is that we someday get to the point where it matters not a jot who leads us.

Let me explain. Consider the following countries: Luxembourg and Norway in Europe; Singapore and Hong Kong in Asia. They consistently have the highest average incomes per person in the world. In Africa, that ranking is topped regularly by Mauritius and Botswana.

Now name their leaders.

Once upon a time, those countries had renowned leaders, recognized beyond their borders. But over time, the nation’s character, ethos, institutions and competitive advantage took centre stage. Now, leaders come, leaders go – but prosperity continues apace, with scarcely a ripple.

Contrast that with our own land. Its graph of GDP growth since independence is a landscape of peaks and valleys: high growth between elections, deep troughs just after them. We are forced to press ‘reset’ during every election, and start afresh the task of building our economy.

It will take time to get there, but we will someday create a country that flies on autopilot, with leaders who don’t have to do anything beyond checking the controls and providing inspiration.

With that theme in mind, let me share some reflections on the election we have just (I hope) concluded.

On voting day, I was immensely proud. I gazed at the resolve of the people of this land queuing to vote from before dawn until after dusk. I saw people from opposing camps stand shoulder to shoulder in peace. I saw diversity, I saw tolerance, I saw a dedication to democracy. And my heart swelled.

The people fulfilled their part of the deal. They made their choices in peace.

In Kenya, things tend to go wrong in the second part of the contract: in relaying, counting and confirming the will of the people. And so we had mysterious breakdowns in electronic voter identification; in data transmission and receipt; in rapid tallying.

That is why, as I write this, I still don’t know who won this election. But I don’t care. There are, nonetheless, things I do care about. Let me list them here.

I care that our presiding electoral body, after suffering the potentially fatal setback of electronic failure, rescued itself sufficiently to revert to a manual and physical counting procedure – and retained, albeit grudgingly, the faith of the people in an atmosphere of great tension and suspicion.

I care that the voters held their patience, reassured one another, passed messages of peace, and got on with their lives and livelihoods.

I care that many shops reopened, people went back to work, market indicators stayed stable – despite not knowing who our next president will be.

I care that Kenyans finally believed they had a constitution and a judiciary that would resolve any disputes or malpractices that might arise.

And I care that all of those things are an order of magnitude better than they were five years ago.

Of course, I care also about the things that don’t reflect well on us. I care about the billion of shillings of taxpayer’s money we seem to have blown on an electronic system that failed and threw us into disarray. I care that the pattern of voting remained as brutally tribal as ever. I care that we harbour people of influence who show not the slightest concern at tense times in spreading childish rumours and vicious hatred.

But we will overcome all these things. Slowly but surely, we will create a country where you, my dear reader, also don’t care who our next president is.

http://www.sunwords.com/2013/03/10/why-i-dont-care-who-our-next-president-is/


CPA Josiah Onyango
Mobile: +254 735 312678

KENYA: POLITICAL ROW LIKELY TO ERUPT BETWEEN THE KURIA AND LUOS OVER THE DISHONORED POWER-SHARING ARRANGEMENT IN MIGORI COUNTY.

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Migori Town.

Political row is simmering between the Luos and their neighboring Kuria community in Migori county following the power-sharing deal which was hurriedly brokered by the cord leader Raila Amolo Odinga shortly before the March 4, 2013 election.

Under the deal, most key positions within Mogori County governance were supposed to be the preserved to the minority Kuria community.

In return the Kuria voters in the two parliamentary constituencies of Kuria East and Kuria west were to vote as a bloc for the ODM and Raila Odinga.

One of the posts which was at stake is that of the Senate representative for Migori County. The deal was brokered by Dalmas Otieno the Minister for Public Services and the four other former Luo MPS representing various constituencies and the former Kuria MP Dr Wilfred Machage.

The deal, however, flopped and did not materialize. On march 4th, 2013, the voters in both Kuria east and Kuria West constituencies voted heavily for the jubilee candidate Uhuru Kenyatta who appeared to have shared the votes in the region with Raila Odinga on almost equal terms.

The elective positions which were at stake include the coveted Senate seat, women representative, deputy county governor.

Dr. Machage went on and contested the Senator seat during the ODM primary nomination and was beaten hands down by one John Magaiwa from.the party headquarter in Nairobi which turned the results of the election upside down and handed the nomination certificate to Dr.Machage, who went on to win the seat.

The Minority Kuria community are sharing the Migori County with their neighboring majority Luos. However, the Luos have a bone to chew with Raila Odinga and all those who brokered the deal which left the community with no senior position in the County governance.

However, the Kuria attitude leaned toward voting for Uhuru Kenyatta, instead of Raila Odinga as had earlier been agreed on between the two communities. The issue has raised political temperature in the region. And the Luos are now demanding that the ODM should appoint Gilbert Ochieng’ Mbeo, the former Mathare MP as the Speaker of the Migori Regional Assembly in order to strike the tribal balance.

After the deal was struck, Ochieng’ Mbeo, Magaiwa and Phares Oluoch Kanindo who is also the former Homa-Bay Mp who were on the campaign trail for the Migori Senate seat, were prevailed upon to stop their bid so that Dr. Machage could win the seat.

And now the Luos feel they were short-changed in the deal. They want the ODM to appoint Mbeo the Assembly speakers because their Kuria neighbors failed to honor the arrangement and voted for the jubilee candidate instead of the ODM and Raila Odinga.

The mandarins at the ODM head office who took part in the discussion and negotiation for this arrangement have been urged to reconsider the possibility of appointing Ochieng’ Mbeo the Speaker of the regional Assembly.

The Luos clinched the position of County governor which was won by Zachariah Okoth Obado, who had also a Kuria as his running-mate, meaning the Luos have been left empty handed.

Ends

Kenya’s Democracy on Trial Speech by Hon Raila Amollo Odinga

from: Yona Maro

www.wejobs.blogspot.com Jobs in Africa
www.jobsunited.blogspot.com International Job Opportunities
www.naombakazi.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

Kenya’s Democracy on Trial

Speech by Hon Raila Amollo Odinga

Fellow Kenyans:

We have created a new Kenya out of the ashes of the one that was nearly destroyed by the terrible violence, which followed the tainted election of 2007. It took five long years to rebuild this beautiful country, and foster reconciliation among those divided and traumatised by events of 2007-2008.

Our people have passionately embraced an unprecedented new order of reforms and economic vibrancy that will deliver a more prosperous and equitable society, contained in a new Constitution that is the envy of the world.

March 4 polls

And so last Monday, on 4th March, we all watched with utter gratitude the massive turnout as Kenyans waited patiently amid hours-long delays to fulfill their desire to vote for the people they want to lead them.

Despite the hiccups the IEBC experienced in implementing a smooth and transparent run-up to Election Day, Kenyans were convinced the IEBC would translate their faith in democracy into a credible election, which would unite the country.

What Kenyans witnessed instead was the failure of virtually every instrument the IEBC had deployed for the election: The poll books, the servers, the telephonic transmission, the BVR – they all failed despite the billions spent on acquiring them.

After the vote

Two days after the vote, the electronic tallying was discarded and counting began afresh, manually. That too turned out to be a flawed exercise in which, among other things, there was massive tampering with the IEBC Final Register of Voters.

Voter registration numbers were reduced in our strongholds and added to Jubilee strongholds!

To give just one example, Ndhiwa constituency had 61,339 voters listed in the IEBC Final Register.

But in the votes and election results that IEBC announced, it indicated Ndhiwa had only 48,535 voters! At the same time, other constituencies saw the numbers of registered voters rise.

On Friday, the IEBC announced the results of the presidential vote for Laikipia North constituency. In the Friday announcement, I had 11,908, and the Jubilee candidate had 11,361.

But the Laikipia North results had been announced by the IEBC the day before!

The result then was different – I had 11,596 votes while my opponent had 9,707. Where did these extra votes come from? This is not the time to point to other examples of rampant illegality. That time will come.

There had been a massive public investment in the IEBC to ensure this first post-2007 election would firmly entrench democracy and the rule of law.

The commissioners criss-crossed the world to study how best Kenyans would have a credible election, which would allow them to support their new President, whether they voted for him or not. Now, it is clear the constitutionally sanctioned process of electing a new set of leaders to take us to the next level has been thwarted by another tainted election.

This is not the IEBC that Kenyans and Judge Kriegler envisioned. This crisis is not just about the IEBC. It is a crisis in the very workings of the faith that Kenyans have placed in their institutions to respect their democratic rights and the rule of law. It is democracy that is on trial.

Conceding defeat

As we said repeatedly during the campaign, we would have readily conceded if IEBC had attempted to deliver a reasonably honest election.

Or even if it had addressed the serious concerns the CORD team led by the Vice President formally presented to the commission three days. We only want to lead if Kenyans want us to. We have no other vested interest.

Both Judge Kriegler and ECK chairman, the late SamuelKivuitu acknowledged that it was not possible to know who won the 2007 election.

We thought this would never happen again. It most regrettably has. But this time, we have a new independent judiciary in which we in CORD and most Kenyans have faith. It will uphold the rule of law, and we will abide by its decisions.

We will therefore shortly move to court to challenge the outcome that the IEBC announced a few hours ago. We want to appeal to all Kenyans to respect the rule of law and the Constitution of which they are so proud.

Let the Supreme Court determine whether the result announced by IEBC is a lawful one. We are confident the court will restore the faith of Kenyans in the democratic rule of law.

Any violence now could destroy this nation forever. That would not serve anyone’s interest.

Please therefore look upon each other as brothers and sisters whose national bond should not be broken.

Thank You and God Bless Kenya.

~ Hon Raila Amollo Odinga

Kenya: Uhuru Kenyatta Acceptance speech

From: Yona F Maro

Jobs in Africa – www.wejobs.blogspot.com
International Jobs – www.jobsunited.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

I thank all those who have remained vigilant in prayer for our nation
during this time. I want to thank the people of the republic of Kenya
who have shown patience over the last few days as we all awaited the
outcome of this election. I thank the thousands of officials who
worked with the IEBC to make this, the most free and most fair general
election in our nation’s history. Despite the challenges that you
faced, you managed to keep the trust of Kenyans and to do your job
professionally.

While we look forward to a day when electoral results are relayed in
real-time to curb anxiety, we acknowledge that every process can be
refined and I pledge to give you my support as you seek more efficient
ways to conduct future elections. I would also like to acknowledge and
thank the police and all security agencies for their diligence and
commitment to ensuring security.

I would especially like to acknowledge the Kenyans who lost their
lives on the eve of the elections. They made the ultimate sacrifice,
laying down their lives, in the name of democracy. To the families of
those who lost their loved ones, I offer my sincere condolences and I
assure you that I, and the people of Kenya are standing with you in
prayer.

The incidents that took the lives of our officers are a reminder that
security remains one of the biggest challenges to our nation. It is
unacceptable to see the lives of Kenyans lost so senselessly. As we
move forward, I pledge to keep the issue of national security high on
our agenda.

To the Kenyan media – you have shown remarkable responsibility as this
country’s fourth estate. You have shown sensitivity in the
dissemination of news and impartiality in your treatment of the
results. You have no doubt helped to keep the country calm.

We are grateful for this, and we will continue to consider you our
true partners as we embark on our journey. To the presidential
candidates – I salute you all. Thank you for all that you have
contributed to ensuring a robust democratic process. I in particular
want to single out my brother, Raila Odinga, for his spirited
campaign. I know that all the candidates have made tremendous personal
sacrifices for the progress of our country and I welcome them to join
us in moving our nation forward. My fellow Kenyans today, we celebrate
the triumph of democracy; the triumph of peace; the triumph of
nationhood.

Despite the misgivings of many in the world, we demonstrated a level
of political maturity that surpassed expectations.

We dutifully turned out; we voted in peace; we upheld order and
respect for the rule of law and maintained the fabric of our society.
That is the real victory today. It is a victory for our nation. A
victory that shows that finally, Kenya has come of age. This indeed is
Kenya’s moment.

Today, I am honored and humbled that in a free and fair election, you
the people of Kenya, have placed your trust in me to lead our nation
as your next President. I am here because of you. I am here because of
the unyielding support of millions of Kenyans, from all walks of life,
from every corner of our nation, who sacrificed their time, energy and
resources to make this campaign a success.

Throughout this process you, the people, have remained unwavering in
your belief not only in me but in the possibility of a stronger, more
prosperous Kenya that has room for all our hopes and aspirations. I am
here because of the Jubilee secretariat who have worked tirelessly
throughout this campaign period. Last and not least, I am here because
of my family: My wife, Margaret; our children and all the members of
my family, this has taken a heavy toll on them and I thank them for
their patience and support. However, this is has never been about me,
this has been about you, about the people of Kenya. You have put your
faith not in one man but in a team.

In our Deputy President –Elect Hon William Ruto; a man with a proven
track record, who has demonstrated to all of us, his ability to both
speak and act with unmatched zeal and energy. You put your trust in my
sister, Charity Ngilu and my brother, Najib Balala both of whom have
remained committed to serving the people and putting our nation first.

You put your trust in TNA, URP and the wider Jubilee family.

And because you gave us this trust, I am proud to say that the
majority of women who were elected to parliament come from the Jubilee
Coalition – a fact that demonstrates the commitment that our Coalition
has to supporting women and to supporting the full implementation of
the constitutional provisions designed to ensure gender parity.

We are a team

I want to say to all the Jubilee aspirants — those who won, and
especially, those who did not – that you have done your parties, and
this coalition proud. Your dedication, to the ideals that the Jubilee
Coalition represents has been an inspiration to me. We came together
as a team, and we will continue to work together as a team for the
good of all the people of Kenya. However, today is about much more
than one Coalition or Party.

It is about all Kenyans: those of you who voted Jubilee and those who
did not. My pledge to you is that as your President, I will work on
behalf of all citizens regardless of political affiliation. I will
honour the will of Kenyans and ensure that my Government protects
their rights and acts without fear or favour in the interests of our
nation. To all those who won various seats – regardless of what party
or coalition you may belong to, let us remember that we are all
Kenyans, and that Kenyans have bestowed upon us the responsibility to
work for them. I extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to you so
that together, we can truly serve the Kenyan people.

In the nearly five decades since independence, we have made great
strides as a nation. Kenya has experienced huge success but there have
also been enduring problems. In the last 10 years under the Presidency
of Mwai Kibaki, we have begun to overcome many of the challenges we
have faced as a nation. We are indebted to his leadership and grateful
for the services he has rendered to our country. As I assume office,
my task, and the task before us all is to secure the gains we have
made while focusing on solving the challenges that remain.

My fellow Kenyans, the elections are now over.

While we celebrate today, let us bear in mind that this, in itself, is
not an end; it is a beginning and there is work to be done. That work
begins with all of us taking personal responsibility for the future of
our country, the inheritance of our children.

It begins with all of us returning to our jobs, to our businesses; to
our farms – and continuing in the daily decisions that will determine
the course of Kenya’s future. I promise to do my part, but I need
every Kenyan to play their part as well. I pledge that my Government
will play its role both here in Kenya, and as part of the
international community. To our brothers and sisters in the region and
in Africa as a whole we appreciate your support and encouragement
before, during and after the elections. This is the true spirit of
Africa. We look forward to playing our rightful role in the region and
in the continent. The African star is shining brightly and the destiny
of Africa is in our hands.

To the nations of the world I give you my assurances that I and my
team understand that Kenya is part of the community of nations and
while we are, first and foremost, servants of the Kenyan people, we
recognise and accept our international obligations and we will
continue to co-operate with all nations and international institutions
– in line with those obligations.

However, we also expect that the international community will respect
our sovereignty and the democratic will of the people of Kenya. Indeed
it is the desire of the people of Kenya to be a nation that is at
peace with itself, at peace with her neighbours, at peace with our
continent and at peace with the world at large.

We will pursue this ideal – upholding the values enshrined in our
constitution and continuing in the spirit embodied in the words of our
national anthem: “Oh God of all creation?

Bless this land and nation, Justice be our shield and defender? May we
dwell in unity, peace and liberty Plenty be found within our
borders.”

Thank you,
God bless you
And God bless the Republic of Kenya.

Kenya: Congratulation Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto for your Victory !

From: Judy Miriga

Good People,

Kwa roho safi,

For Unity and Peace for common good of all, I take this early opportunity to congratulate Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto and team for winning the election.

For healing, we should leave behind our fierce challenging battle, begin the journey of healing and plan to move forward as a family.

I am extending my hands to brothers and sisters from Kenya who hoped differently to do the same so we take Uhuru for his word and waste no time to embark on sustaining our Reform Change working towards development progressive agenda.

Once against, Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto, I salute you, let us celebrate together your victory as a family……..

Cheers everybody !!!
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

Uhuru pledges to unite Kenyans

Nairobi, Kenya: President elect Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday gave his first speech after being declared winner and pledged to unite Kenyans and work towards prosperity of the country.

Addressing supporters at Jubilee Media Center Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Uhuru said he will work without fear or favour with all for the sake of the country.

He extended an olive branch to his opponents and call upon them to join hands in building Kenya.

He commended Kenyans for conducting themselves peacefully during elections and called upon them to maintain the same after polls.

“This victory is not about me, it is about you, the people of Kenya,” he said.

He added; “We celebrate triumph of democracy, peace and nationhood. You all displayed political maturity and surpassed expectations, maintained peace and order, that’s a victory for Kenya.”

He commended IEBC for conducting free and fair elections and pledged to support the commission to get efficient ways to conduct elections in future.

He also commended the police for ensuring peace and order was maintained throughout the election period.

On international relations, Uhuru said Kenya will work with countries in the region.

He said Kenya was part of the international community and will cooperate with nations and institutions but maintained the country’s sovereignty should be respected.

“I expect that the international community will respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

Vice President elect William Ruto said the Jubilee win was miracle and said the coalition will work to honour pledges they made.

“I am lost for words…..Our victory is a miracle. We dedicate this coalition’s victory to God,” he said.

Read full speech by president-elect Uhuru Kenyatta here

Calm in Kisumu as results announced

By Dennis Mosota and Rushdie Oudia

Kisumu and most parts of Nyanza province, mapped out, as hotspots remained calm following the loss of Raila Odinga in the votes cast.

Security officers patrolled the area as religious leaders and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers Nyanza Western Chapter called on businessmen to open their shops.

Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms forced people to stay indoors as they followed the results on their television sets on Friday night.

In Kondele that was the most affected area during the 2007-2008 post-election violence, by 9am on Saturday, the youth stayed away from violence as they waited calmly for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s verdict.

Two trucks of General Service Officers (GSU) patrolled the lakeside town, from 3am. There were also Land Cruisers with regular and administration police backing up the GSU team.

However, Kenya Association of Manufacturers Nyanza Western Chapter Israel Agina appealed to all stakeholders and communities to support the return of normal business operations.

“We all lose out if people let their emotions rise and do not seek constructive solutions,” said Mr Agina.

He added that the city could only attract investors through peace after the elections.

Fear of violence

“How we carry ourselves will show the investors that Kisumu is an investor friendly,” added Agina.

He said as they return to work, peace should prevail despite the results since the main thing is ensuring that Kisumu’s future is bright and prosperous.

Banks and some business premises remained open along the Oginga Odinga Street as residents went on with their activities.

At Oile Market, traders packed their goods for fear of violence since they knew that the president would be declared at that time.

A number of people also closed shops out of fear.

“We are waiting to hear what Raila will say because there are issues that must be addressed,” said Ken Otieno, in Kondele area.

Joseph Owino, a matatu driver, said there is need for the Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta to treat all regions equally, if the IEBC declares him winner.

“Uhuru should not leave out Kisumu and other parts of the province for not giving him enough votes.

He should treat counties equal in the sharing of the cake,” said Owino.

Anglican Church of Kenya Maseno South Diocese Bishop Francis Obiero thanked Kisumu people for showing patience, tolerance and determination during vote tallying.

“All we need is to maintain peace as Kenya is more important than all of us,” said Obiero.

In Siaya County, the ancestral home of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, people gathered in shopping centres to follow what was going on television sets in some restaurants.

Others tuned on their radio sets to follow the historic moment the country was waiting for.

Uhuru hits victory mark

NAIROBI, KENYA: The son of Kenya’s first president has all but secured victory against Raila Odinga and six others to become the country’s Fourth President.

Barring any changes or successful challenges to a final tally released early this morning, Uhuru will win the presidential vote with a razor-thin margin, ending a dramatic contest against the Prime Minister.

Following delays in tallying and verification, announcement of the final confirmed result of the March 4 presidential election was put off until 11am today. Updates to electoral figures at 2am, however, included the tally from the six constituencies whose results were still outstanding. They were Laikipia North, Emurua Dikirr, Molo, Konoin, Narok West and Turkana Central. Uhuru garnered 141, 447 to push his final tally to 6, 173, 433. Raila secured 58, 485 in the six constituencies to raise his final tally to 5, 340, 546.

If the figures stand, Uhuru will go over the constitutional threshold of 50 per cent plus one by a narrow margin of 4,100 votes. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will make the official declaration of whether he has secured the vote at 11am after verification of the results by all parties.

Earlier, addressing the media at about 15 minutes past midnight, IEBC commissioner Yusuf Nzibo said the electoral body and political party agents needed more time to audit the results before a final declaration could be made.

At the Jubilee alliance’s tallying centre, however, last night had the air of a victory party after the gap in official results between Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila peaked at over one million votes just after 10pm. While the lead shrank later in the evening, it mostly remained just above the 50 per cent threshold.

At 3am, with all 291 constituencies reporting, Uhuru had 6,173,433 valid votes (50.03 per cent) against Raila’s 5,340,546 (43.28 per cent). The Jubilee alliance and CORD candidates also had at least 25 per cent of the vote in about 30 counties each. Candidates were required to secure more than half the total votes cast, as well as at least a quarter of all votes in at least 24 counties to win.

Uhuru, 51, and running mate William Ruto, 46, took an early lead in the final manual tally to decide who was headed to State House. In a trend repeated from an earlier electronic tally that failed before it was completed, the two held onto their lead all day, rising and falling past the 50 per cent mark as ballot totals from various constituencies came in. Their thin margin above the constitutional threshold raised the dramatic prospect they might not secure a victory, forcing the contest to a run-off on April 11 this year. For the ‘true believers’ in Team UhuRuto, however, the presidency was almost in the bag.

Uhuru and Ruto have outperformed their rivals in a hard-fought election that opinion pollsters said was too close to call after they ate away at a sizeable lead held by Raila last year. Their hopes for a final result on Friday morning, after almost four days of contentious vote tallying, were dashed as questions about errors in the tallies led to fresh delays. Published figures that were provided to party agents for verification were alleged to have “missing or erroneous entries”. This prompted a decision to verify the numbers from all 291 constituencies afresh.

“There may have been errors and discrepancies here and there,” IEBC chief executive, Mr James Oswago told a media brief at the national tallying centre in Nairobi. “Some we have already detected and we are working on them.”

The election, the most complex ever attempted by Kenya, has been plagued by technology failures and protests from party agents. Earlier, CORD presidential agents complained that electoral officials had failed to include results from 11 constituencies in their final tally. The areas they say were left out include Changamwe, Ganze, Homa Bay, Kanduyi, Khamisi, Kitui South, Kitutu Chache, Kubuachai, Magarini, Mumias East and Vihiga. IEBC officials agreed to an audit of their documents to determine if this was true.

A last minute attempt by civil society activists to stop the process failed when the High Court in Nairobi ruled it had no jurisdiction to handle their petition. The petitioner, Africog, was advised to pursue their suit in the Supreme Court.

Two of the eight candidates in the race conceded defeat before the final result was announced. Eagle coalition candidate Peter Kenneth threw in the towel after interim results showed it was a two-horse race. UDF leader and Amani coalition candidate Musalia Mudavadi joined him Friday as the final tally continued to confirm this, announcing he was “ready to work with the winner”. He added he had spoken to Raila and Uhuru and requested then “not to allow any statements from within their ranks (about the election) that will be misconstrued and lead to a break-up of the prevailing civic order”.

Raila Odinga, who was following the contest from his home in Nairobi’s Karen area, plans to issue a statement today (Saturday) on the final result.

Uhuru and Ruto have won the largest number of voters nationally despite warnings from their rivals and some foreign envoys over the burden of the criminal charges they face in two cases at the International Criminal Court. There are six other candidates in the presidential race: Amani/UDF’s Mudavadi, 52, had 438,215 votes as at 3am today.

In fourth place was Peter Kenneth, 48, the Eagle/Kenya National Congress candidate who secured 72,786 votes. Former teacher Mohammed Dida, 39, who ran on an Alliance for Real Change ticket got 52,848 votes to take the fifth slot. Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua, 55, followed with 43,881 votes.

In seventh place was Restore and Build Kenya candidate James ole Kiyiapi, 51, who polled 40,998 votes. Trailing the pack of eight was lawyer Paul Muite, 67, with 12,580 votes on a Safina party ticket.

IEBC declares Uhuru Kenya’s fourth president

By Standard Digital

Kenya: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC) chair Isaac Hassan declares Uhuru Kenyatta duly elected President of Kenya after he garnered 50.07 per cent of votes cast.

Hassan on Saturday announced Uhuru garnered 6, 173, 433 votes against his rival CORD’s Raila Odinga who got 5, 340, 546.

The IEBC chair said Uhuru got 105 per cent of votes cast in at least 32 counties.

There were 14, 350, 533 registered voters and Hassan said the voter turnout was impressive and the highest in the country at 86 per cent.

Hassan issued the certificate of the results to Uhuru who was accorded security and escort befitting a president.

While announcing the results, Hassan urged presidential candidates to put the nation first before the results and commended aspirants who conceded defeat.

“The elections were credible and transparent”, said IEBC boss.

He said the six ballot election was quite ambitious and challenging to the electoral body, political parties and voters.

Uhuru Kenyatta wins Kenyan presidency; rival to challenge outcome in court

By Faith Karimi and Nima Elbagir, CNN

updated 11:31 AM EST, Sat March 9, 2013
Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) — Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s founding leader, narrowly won the presidential poll despite facing charges of crimes against humanity over election violence five years ago.

Kenyatta clinched 50.07% of the vote, the election commission announced Saturday, barely breaking past the halfway mark.

His main rival, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, got 43.31% of the vote, and said he will challenge the outcome in court.

The constitution requires a 50% plus one vote for an outright win.

His victory puts the West in a quandary. Kenyatta is facing trial at the International Criminal Court over post-election violence that plunged the nation into chaos in 2007.

Shortly after election officials announced the results, he thanked citizens for bestowing him the leadership role and vowed to work for everyone.

“We celebrate the triumph of democracy; the triumph of peace; the triumph of nationhood,” Kenyatta said. “Despite the misgivings of many in the world, we demonstrated a level of political maturity that surpassed expectations.”
Odinga will challenge Kenya’s election
Monitoring Kenya’s vote — digitally

Winning parties should remain “modest in victory,” he said, acknowledging that nearly half the nation did not vote for him.

Jubilant supporters took to the streets, speeding down crowded streets, honking and chanting his name.

“This is a new dawn, our leader has been elected,” said John Kamau, a Nakuru resident.

‘It is frustrating’

For some of Odinga’s strongholds, the mood was tense but calm.

“Our man has tried to be president three times, it is frustrating,” said James Ouma, who lives in the capital of Nairobi. “We will accept it. What can we do? Life must go on.”

Odinga said the election outcome is flawed.

“We are confident that the court will restore the faith of Kenyans in the democratic role,” he said.

Despite the looming challenge, Kenyatta struck a conciliatory note after the close election, applauding Odinga for a “spirited campaign,”

“I know that all the candidates have made tremendous personal sacrifices .. and I welcome them to join us in moving our nation forward,” he said.

A vital ally

The vote’s significance extends far beyond Kenyan borders.

Kenya is East Africa’s biggest economy and a crucial trade route into the rest of the continent.

It provides an important buffer of stability in a region that includes the fledgling Somali government and the politically tense Sudan and South Sudan.

Most importantly — at least to the West — Kenya is a major U.S. ally in the war against Islamist militants in the region and has remained relatively peaceful amid civil wars in neighboring nations.

Complicated relations

Kenyatta’s victory raised the prospect of complicated diplomatic ties with the West.

The International Criminal Court indicted him for allegedly funding a local militia that conducted reprisal attacks in the last election in 2007. His running mate, William Ruto, also faces ICC charges at The Hague.

Both have denied the charges and have said they will cooperate with the court to clear their names.

The assurance has not allayed fears among some Western diplomats.

Before the election, Johnnie Carson, the State Department’s top diplomat for Africa, issued a stern warning, saying Kenyans can pick their own leaders, but “choices have consequences.”

But in a statement after the election, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry applauded the vote.

“Kenya has been one of America’s strongest and most enduring partners in Africa,” Kerry said. “We … will continue to be a strong friend and ally of the Kenyan people.”

The UK minister for Africa, Marks Simmonds, echoed his sentiment and called on candidates to address disputes in court to avoid violence.

Kenyatta has said the indictment will not affect his ability to do his job and urged the international community to respect the will of Kenyans.

“I have been a member of the government, and I’ve still been able to execute my duties,” said Kenyatta, a deputy prime minister in the outgoing administration. “I still believe I will be able to execute my duties as president.”

Carson’s predecessor, Jendayi Frazer, said she does not foresee much change in ties between Kenya and the United States.

“Kenyatta knows that he needs the United States, and the United States knows it needs Kenya,” she said. “And so I suspect that while it might be awkward, there won’t be a significant change in our policy stances toward Kenya or theirs toward us.”

No faith in the ICC

Analysts say the ICC indictment may have rallied citizens to Kenyatta’s side in defiance of the West.

“Many Africans have lost faith in ICC and view it as targeting African leaders and failing to discharge its justice among non-African leaders,” said Ayo Johnson, director of ViewPoint Africa. “Kenya sent a loud message to the ICC … don’t interfere. And it does not matter if you brand our leaders as criminals.”

The president-elect’s trial is scheduled for July while his running mate’s is in May.

Kenya is the second African nation after Sudan to have a sitting president facing charges at the International Criminal Court.

Eager to avoid a repeat

In a nation with fierce ethnic loyalties, Kenyans were eager to avoid a repeat of the last election.

At the time, the nation plunged into ethnic violence after Odinga disputed results that declared the incumbent president, Mwai Kibaki, as the winner, alleging the election had been rigged.

Ethnic groups loyal to each side took to the streets, where supporters of both camps fought one another. More than 1,200 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

But despite the divisive vote this year, some citizens said it is time to move forward.

“The people have spoken, even though my voice was not one of them,” said Jane Nduku, a Nairobi resident.

Kenyatta’s win at age 51 makes him the nation’s youngest president.

CNN’s Nima Elbagir reported from Nairobi, and Faith Karimi from Atlanta. CNN’s Lillian Leposo contributed to this report.

Kenya’s Election: What Uhuru Kenyatta’s Victory Means for Africa
By Alex Perry | Time.com – 39 mins ago

Uhuru Kenyatta, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, won election Saturday as Kenya‘s new President. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced that Kenya’s richest man, the current Deputy Prime Minister and former Finance Minister, and the son of Kenya’s first President Jomo Kenyatta, won 50.07% of the vote — just marginally more than was needed to avoid a second round run-off. Kenyatta’s running mate Will Ruto, a second of the four Kenyans indicted by the ICC, is slated to become Deputy President. Turnout was a high 86%. With the margin of victory so thin, and the count plagued by days of delays and hundreds of thousands of spoiled ballots, Kenyatta’s main rival, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has already said he will fight it in court.

If the result withstands Odinga’s challenge, a win for Kenyatta would represent the most stunning articulation to date of a renewed mood of self-assertion in Africa. Half a century ago, Africa echoed with the sound of anti-colonial liberation. Today, 10 years of dramatic and sustained economic growth and a growing political maturity coinciding with the economic meltdown in the West and political dysfunction in Washington and Europe, has granted Africa’s leaders the authority and means to once again challenge Western intervention on the continent, whether it comes in the form of foreign diplomatic pressure, foreign aid, foreign rights monitors or even foreign correspondents. In his victory speech, Kenyatta said: “Today, we celebrate the triumph of democracy; the triumph of peace; the triumph of nationhood. Despite the misgivings of many in the world, we demonstrated a level of political maturity that surpassed expectations. That is the real victory today. A victory for our nation. A victory that demonstrates t
o all that Kenya has finally come of age. That this, indeed, is Kenya’s moment.” He also pledged to work together with his political opponents with “friendship and cooperation.” “Kenya needs us to work together,” he said. “Kenya needs us to move on.” In a pointed warning to the international community, he added: “We expect the international community [to] respect the sovereignty and democratic will of the people of Kenya. The Africa star is shining brightly and the destiny of Africa is now in our hands.”

(PHOTOS: Scenes from Kenya’s 2013 election.)

The ICC, based in The Hague, is a particular focus of African anger. The court accuses Kenyatta of being one of four Kenyans who orchestrated the bloody tribal violence which followed the last election in 2007-8. After troops loyal to the incumbent Mwai Kibaki — from Kenyatta’s Kikuyu tribe — stormed the counting center and forced officials to declare their candidate the winner, the country erupted in weeks of killing in which around 1,200 died and tens of thousands were displaced. The ICC intervened to try to bring those most responsible for the violence to account after concluding Kenya was unable to do so for itself

But the ICC’s focus on Africa — nearly all of its investigations concern Africans — has earned it accusations of bias. And the manner in which the 2007-8 tribal violence was beamed around the world by the Western media, deterring tourists and overshadowing the story of an increasingly less impoverished, and more healthy, sophisticated and self-reliant Kenya, also drew widespread resentment. At this election, with a new 2010 constitution, and a new electoral body with a new — though not glitch-free — electronic voting system, Kenyans’ determination to hold a peaceful election has been palpable. The popular mood has also been notably anti-Western. Foreign diplomats have been warned of blood-curdling revenge should they interfere in the poll. Foreign journalists have been publicly ridiculed and denounced as prejudiced if they predicted chaos and disaster. And a central message of most candidates’ campaigns was strident, patriotic self-determination. Kenyatta and Ruto — who deny the charges brought by the ICC — managed to convert a Kenyan public that initially largely supported the ICC’s attempts to call them to account into one that viewed the ICC as a representative of unwarranted Western interference in African affairs. In the last days of the campaign, Kenyatta’s Jubilee Alliance reflected and heightened the anti-West mood, saying it was “deeply concerned about the shadowy, suspicious and rather animated involvement of the British High Commissioner in Kenya’s election.” Such assertions of sovereignty are only likely to intensify under a Kenyatta presidency. Ruto’s trial is due to begin on May 28, Kenyatta’s on July 9. Both men have said they will attend — a point Kenyatta repeated Saturday when he said his government would “continue to cooperate with international institutions.” Kenyatta has, however, said that his official duties would prevent their pair from being at The Hague continually — a pointed diluting of the court’s importance, and one that will likely drag out trials already expected to last several years.

From the West’s perspective, a Kenyatta victory presents a conundrum. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, warned before the election that “choices have consequences,” widely seen as a recommendation that voters should back Odinga. London has already warned that it would keep official contact with a President Kenyatta to a minimum, as it does with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. But the reality is that, in a world where Kenya finds itself as much sought after as suitor, Western powers no longer get to call the shots in Africa. In many ways, and particularly in its home-grown innovations in mobile technology such as mobile banking and solar power, Kenya personifies the new, emerging Africa of young and dynamic entrepreneurs. Its position as East Africa’s business hub has only been enhanced by its recent discovery of large reserves of oil and gas. Kenya is also a lynchpin of the U.S. and European security structure in Africa, ranged as it is against Islamist groups and pirates, particularly in neighboring Somalia. Westerners rely on Kenya in other ways too: the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, is the base of choice for much of the international community in East Africa, from large embassies to aid group headquarters to donor conferences to security contractors. And should the West give Kenya the cold shoulder, it may find it is not missed as it once might have been: Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Latin American diplomats and businessmen are also part of the fabric in today’s Kenya.

In Washington last month, Carson’s predecessor at the State Department Jendayi Frazer warned Western leaders to be “pragmatic” in their approach to Kenya, adding she was “troubled” by Carson’s “very reckless and irresponsible” statement, which she called “essentially meddling in Kenya’s election.” The ICC case against Kenyatta “is a weak one and is based on hearsay,” she said in a public discussion at the Brookings Institution, and — in words that might have come from Kenyatta himself — she added the ICC itself was “a very manipulated institution, particularly by the West.”

Kenya: I witnessed; Congratulations

From: mutabaazi lugaziya

Congratulations to all Kenyans!

Let the self-proclaimed “midwives” of democrasy go lick their subdued egos!

May God bless you to build the Kenya you want.

MJL


Jobs in Africa – www.wejobs.blogspot.com
International Jobs – www.jobsunited.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

from: odhiambo okecth
date: Sat, Mar 9, 2013 at 4:42 AM
subject: I witnessed; Congratulations

Friends,

Today morning, I witnessed happiness that was like video, like drama. I left Nairobi at 4am for Kisumu in the company of some Cousins. After fueling along Waiyaki Way, we met jubilant supporters of Hon Uhuru Kenyatta immediately after Kangemi.

They were all over, in their thousands, and it took us 2 hours to drive between Kangemi and Limuru. But one thing that struck me, these people were courteous, happy and merry. Of course some of them told us to go eat fish, they were never violent.

Again at Mai Mahiu, we met another group of jubilant fans of Uhuru Kenyatta. Again, they were very happy and peaceful.

Along all the way up till Kisumu, it was like nothing was happening. Kenyans were happily going about their business as usual as they celebrated the win or their loss.

I must hence commend these gallant Kenyans for being this magnanimous and humble in their win and defeat. This is the way to go and we must invite all our leaders to be such humble.

It was a hotly contested race and we all had our sides. I want to sincerely congratulate the Jubilee Team for winning this one. We will work with all of you as a team in building One Kenya of One Family under God.

May all of us be blessed in the service of our Motherland. And may all of us be Peace Agents in our midst.

Let us all work for a Clean Kenya and a Clean Africa as a Transformative Deliverable as Kenya turns 50 and beyond.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
Executive Director,

The Clean Kenya Campaign- TCKC

Kenya: News Dispatch; Review of a past forecast;

From: Ouko joachim omolo
Sat, Mar 9, 2013

This was the prophecy made about Uhuru becoming the fourth president

– – – – – – – – – – –

Kenya: UHURU KENYATTA IS KENYA’S NEXT PRESIDENT

From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s Milele FM station through Nairobi wire reports that he is the Kenya’s next president according to renowned Venezuelan prophet Dionny Baez who claims that God has shown him that Kenyatta to be Kenya’s fourth president. Uhuru Kenyatta Is Kenya’s Next President: Venezuelan Prophet Proclaims .

He claims that in 2007, he prophesied that Kibaki would retain the presidency and he was right. This time round, he believes he is right again. In a prophetic message delivered on 2nd December 2012, and uploaded on Youtube just last week, where he tells worshipers at the World harvest International Church, Nairobi, that God has shown him that Kenya will get its next president from Mt Kenya.

The prophet further prophesied of another post election violence, with this time round more advanced weaponry including hand guns being used. He however said that the violence will be of lesser magnitude than the 2007/2008 one. Among his other prophesies delivered on 2nd December are:

1. Kenya will experience 17 years of acceleration after which it will be second to SA as an investment destination in Africa (vision 2030 comes to mind)

2.There will be an explosion in the telecommunication & tourism sector

3. Beginning April 2013, additional massive deposits of oil and gas will be discovered

4.We will have a born again president soon (not clear if it is the next)

5. The ICC cases will make the West to attack our sovereignty BIG time

6. MRC will rear its ugly head

7. There will be drastic changes in weather patterns precipitating drought

8. There will be election violence (pre & post) but of a lesser scale than 2007-2008’s yet this time the weapons used will be hand guns as opposed to machetes, stones like the previous one

9. An Asian oil company with a heavy presence in Nigeria will sign a mining contract with Kenya in 2013

10. Kenya will receive massive funding from European Development Fund to the tune of billions of dollars

11. EAC trade barriers will be removed; free trade within EA

12. China will do even more wonders especially infrastructure over the next 5 years

Embedded below is the video of the prophesy. Point your cursor to 1:20:10 for the ‘President From The Mountain’ proclamation.

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: CHALLENGES UHURU IS FACED WITH AS HE TAKES OVER AS 4TH PRESIDENT

from: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images

KENYA: CHALLENGES UHURU IS FACED WITH AS HE TAKES OVER AS 4TH PRESIDENT

from: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

As Uhuru Kenyatta takes over as the fourth president of Kenya the challenges he is faced with is how he will distribute fifty-fifty of key positions in the government between him and Ruto as pledged.

Currently some of the key positions which are occupied by people from Uhuru’s ethnic communities include the Ministry of Internal Security and Provincial Administrative where Permanent secretary is Francis Kimemia, CID Director – Ndegwa Muhoro, GSU boss Munga Nyale, NSC – Peace and Conflict Management Mr. S.K. Maina, Government Printer: Andrew Rukaria, and Senior Director Administration/Internal Security: E. Mutea.

For more information read GIVE AND TAKE GAME THAT WON’T END NEPOTISM IN KENYA

Uhuru will also have a big challenge of balancing the Finance Ministry where Permanent Secretary is Joseph Kinyua -Pensions secretary – Anne Mugo, ERD director – Kenneth Mwangi D/Finance secretary – Mwirichia, Controller and Auditor – General; Priscilla Njeri Komora.

Another key position where he will be faced with challenges is Central Bank where Govern is Prof. Ndungu, Dep. Governor – John Gikonyo, Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General; Board Secretary: Mrs Ngang’a, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Investigation and Enforcement: Mr Joseph Nduati, Deputy Commissioner, Investigation and Enforcement: Mr Namu Nguru, Deputy Commissioner, Administration: Mr Karimi and Deputy Commissioner Procurement: Ms Murichu.

While he will also have a big challenge replacing Commissioner for customs services Mrs. Wambui Namu, Senior Deputy Commissioner (Customs): Ms Githinji, Deputy Commissioner, Finance: Ms Wachira, Commissioner Domestic Taxes (LTO)-Mr Njiraini, he will also face similar challenge of replacing Deputy Commissioner: Mrs Mwangi.

Others will include Senior Deputy Commissioner, Finance: Mrs King’ori. Senior Assistant Commissioner, Security: Major Kariuki, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Southern Region: Wagachira and Commissioner of Investigation and Enforcement; Joseph Nduati.

The same will apply to Kenya Airports Authority MD is Stephen Gichuki, General Manager Finance; John Thumbi, General Manager Marketing and Business Development; Lucy Mbugua, General Manager Information and Communication, Technology; Anthony Wachira, General Manager Security Services; Stanley Mutungi, Head of Corporate Communications / PA to the MD: Dominic Ngigi, Head of Procurement and Logistics: Allan Muturi.

At Kenya Ports Authority he is faced with the challenge of replacing Gichiri Ndua as MD, in the Ministry of Industrialization: Assistant Minister: Nderitu Muriithi, Chairman of the National Standards Council, Karanja Thiong’o, Permanent Secretary, Karanja Kibicho, Chairman of the Board: Eng. Geoffrey Ng’ang’a Mang’uriu.

The same applies to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) where the replacement of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer; Joseph K Njoroge, Company Secretary; Laurencia K Njagi, Chief Manager, Energy Transmission; Sammy Muita Chief Manager, Commercial Services; Rosemary K GitongaChief Manager, Others Distribution; Benson Muriithi Chief Manager, Planning, Research and Performance Monitoring; Eng. Raphael Mwaura is going to be a big challenge.

Other key positions include Kenya Petroleum Refineries where General Manager is John Mruttu, Finance Manager: Reuben Ndinya, Human Resource Manager: Martin Wahome and Engineering Manager: Charles Nguyai.

Uhuru will also be faced with challenges of ending mega corruption and swindling of cash at NHIF where billions of taxpayers’ money went to the dogs as the DAILY POST reports. Currently the firm is at the centre of a scandal of over Sh 4.5 billion.

The next is Kenya Power and lighting company (KPLC) which is at the centre of Sh 9.6 billion corruption deal. The company has been one of the most corrupt companies in the country with statistics showing that the company loses over Sh500 million weekly through unscrupulous deals carried by senior managers.

While at the Kenya Revenue Authority the company accounts only 75 percent of the tax collected annually. Out of Sh 600 billion collected over Sh 170 billion goes to the dogs, at Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) is believed to be the main funds raiser for all major roads in the country; the firm is in an unexposed scandal of Sh 6 billion.

At the same time, Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) is on the spotlight since its privatisation. The railways pension’s scheme and selling of company assets are among the issues affecting the National railway’s firm.

While the Kenya Seed Company has been involved in series of scandals including substandard seeds and tribal hegemony, illegal allocation of tendering of seeds and rampant nepotism and other vices associated with it, the national Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is on the spotlight over series of scandal which made prices of food commodities sky rocket in one night. The firm has been involved in a series of scandals like the Maize scandals. Source: Stephen Njoroge, (The Kenyan DAILY POST)

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 http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com

KENYA: THE LUO-KURIA POWER SHARING ARRANGEMENT IN MIGORI COUNTRY FLOPPED DISASTROUSLY AND TURNED OUT TO BE A BIG CHEAT.

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Migori Town.

The much highlighted Luo-Kuria political marriage of convenience, which was brokered hastily and shortly before the March 4, 2013 general election specifically for the purpose of persuading the minority Kuria community to vote for the ODM leader Raila Odinga flopped disastrously.

The deal did not materialize as the Kuria voters in the region’s two parliamentary constituencies voted heavily for Raila’s arch-rival Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta.

The deal was the brain-child of the Minister for Public Works Dalmas Otieno and quite a good number of Luo MPs and the former Kuria MP Dr Wilfred Machage.

The arrangement was brokered during a series of night meetings held behind the closed doors of hotel rooms in some of the Nairobi’s posh hotels.

The details of the power-sharing deal was later was later passed on to Raila Odinga by Dalmas Otieno and his parliamentary colleagues who in turn r5eadily accepted the proposals contained therein it.

It apportioned all the elective positions within the Migori County governance to be shared by members of the Kuria minority and their Luo majority neighbors. But it didn’t take the interests of all the stakeholders into acco8unt.It also required wide consultation between the local ODM leaders on the ground, which didn’t happen.

Raila Odinga made quick hurriedly organized tour of Kuria a district and Migori town to drum up the proposals to the members of the public, and to coerce them to accept it.

Kuria community had two parliamentary seats , namely Kuria East with its headquarters at Kehanca,and Kuria west with its administrative headquarters at Mabera near Isebenia border town.. However, the Kuria voters turned out in full swing and voted for Uhuru Kenyatta’s jubilee alliance.The electorate turned hostile to Raila Odinga and voted Uhuru Kenyatta, even at Dr.Machage’s own home turf of Kehancha where Kenyatta got 14,000 votes. The trend was the same in Kuria West and other places.

What Raila Odinga appeared not to have adequately advised about the Kuria community was that Dr. Machage who had represented the area ever since 2002 was not a popular leader among the community. It happened when he was under heavy pressure and was about to be kicked out of the parliament.

In the much dissented deal, the Kuria community were given the lucrative position of Migori County governor, and also Migori women representative in Parliament, the County CEO.

Raila and his handlers were not bothered to inquire about more details of Dr. Machage’s status. On April 17, Dr Machage participatred in the ODM Primary nomination even before resigning his position as the PNU leader. He stood against the ODM stalwart John Magaiwa who had already campaigned for the same seat for a long period spaning two years. Other aspirants included Gilbert Ochieng’ Mbeo , the former Mathare MP, a two others MP for the larger Homa-Bay constituency Phares Ouoch Kanindo.

Magaiwa the populist local leader and a former Councilor Machage won the Senatorial seat on an ODM ticket. Magaiwa challenged Dr. Machage in the ODM Primary and came out the victor with 72,000against Dr Machage’s 51,000 votes. The ODM headquarter instead of issuing Magaiwa with nomination certificate gave it to Dr. Machage.

Dr Machage, however, failed to deliver the Kuria voters to Raila Odinga as promised. Those Luo MPs who supported the idea, have since been shown the exit door by the voters. They included former Uriri Mp Cyprian Ojwang’ Omolo, former Suna East MP John Pesa and Nyatike MP Edick Omondi Anyanga. And Dalmas Otieno. Only Otieno and Anyanga retained their parliamentary seats..

Prof. Edward Akong’Oyugi who contested the Migori governor position also lost his bid. He was defeated by one Zachary Okoth Obado a member of the Kenya Sugar Board representing Awendo zone.

Obado hails from Uriri and was denied his victory at the ODM Primary as a result of the nomination certificate being irregularly given to Prof. Oyugis.He contested on People Democratic Party of Omingo Magara party and won the governor position.

The whole exercises was the case of miscalculation and underestimation of the intelligence of the voters in Migori

Ends

KENYA: IEBC PROBS

From: Judy Miriga

Folks,

This is the most fake explanation I have heard in my life time.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

— – – – – – – – – –

— On Wed, 3/6/13, roz kahumbu wrote

IEBC Tech Kenya

4am March 6 update from IEBC
http://iebctechkenya.tumblr.com/post/44698659119/4am-march-6-update-from-iebc

Following up on the earlier IEBC press conference (4AM), here are the technical details of the problems:

– Disc space on the server. While we all tend to roll our eyes, ‘how can they run out of disk space’, the reality is that they ran out of configured disk space. In the rush to set up everything before March 4, the IT staff did not configure the server partitioning correctly. Its like having two mailboxes next to each other to receive data but when one fills up it does not correctly overflow to the other one. That error has been fixed.

– Data is stored on the main server at Bomas (which was delayed), a backup server off site (which did not have the new data because it was not on the main server), and then servers at the constituency and county levels. So data probably exists outside Nairobi but it has to be pulled, with scripts, to Nairobi. They are currently checking to see how much exists that is not on the server in Nairobi. It is also not advisable to pull it all at the same time because then the reporting percent will jump from 28% (at 0725) to a much higher number. So it has to be done incrementally.

– The second problem is the transmission of data. KTI’s Deputy Country Representative was at the Farasi School polling center in Westlands Constituency at 2100 on the 4th. He observed the counting of the presidential results and then the box was sealed and the Officer tried to submit the results. He was watching the screen and it was unable to send because of a data problem. Unknown to him, this is the same time that the server went down. The clerk was supposed to only try twice and then move to counting the next box. Instead he kept trying. He could not even enter the results for future transmission because he had not used the phone the night before to connect to the server and to download the data of who was running at that polling station. Also note that the officers and clerks at that station had been on their feet since 5AM and by 9PM had only counted one box of six.

– The third problem is the network coverage. If there is no network coverage, the counting of all 6 boxes must be completed before the officers can move to the constituency office and transmit the data en-route or whenever they have coverage. In the design, the data is supposed to be entered at the polling station even if it cannot be transmitted; then the data is queued for transmission when there is a signal. Based on the example above (Farasi Primary), the data could not have been entered because it was not correctly set up at the beginning of the day.

The IEBC call center is calling all constituencies asking them to re-transmit the data. Data can be re-transmitted many times since it is keyed to the phone and polling center. It cannot be changed once transmitted the first time but multiple transmissions are accepted.

Observation

The returns were 28.21% at 7:25AM, at 7:50 (25min) it is 28.94%. This represents 243 polling stations (of the 33,400 stations). The system is working, Kenyans need to be patient. As one person from the IEBC stated, ““Its too early to be celebrating or commiserating”

March 6, 2013 (5:12 am)
#kenya
#iebc
#polling
#election
#media


Jobs in Africa – www.wejobs.blogspot.com
International Jobs – www.jobsunited.blogspot.com

Kenya: The return of the former Rangwe firebrand MP Dr Shem Ochuodho may soon witness the formatin of a new major political party in Luo-Nyanza to put the ODM in constant check

Reports leo Odera Omolo

This month’s general election has seen the sudden return into political limelight of the former firebrand Rangwe MP Dr. Shem Ochuodho.

Dr Ochuodho a genius computer engineer represented Rangwe constituency in Homa-0Bay district between 1997 and 2002.He had won the seat on an NDP ticket beating the late Mrs Phelgona Okundi of KANU in a controversial election battle which saw the two ending up before a court of law on charges of assault and causing damages to property.

The charges landed Ohuodho in jail in Kisumu in Kodiaga Prison for a month before he was released on appeal.

Thereafter Ochuy 0odho and Raila Odinga parted the company. And the two became bitter rivals The computer scientist could not stomach the culture of political worshipping, which is normally ascribed by Raila close Lu0 supporters.Tips led to a series of bloody violence battle with between his supporters in Homa-Bay town and a group of hired political goons ferried in Nissan vans from Nairobi to Homa-Bay town ready to cause mayhem.

Prior to the 2002 general election, Raila Odinga had formed an alliance with the apologist and wealthy Eng.Phillip Okoth Okundi who had served the KANU regime in various capacities as KPA MD and also the MD of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and finally the Kenya Bureau of the Standards as its MD.

After losing the Rangwe seat to Okundi, Dr Ochuodho was appointed the MD of the Kenya Oil Pipeline Company, a parastatal where he worked briefly before leaving in huff. He then joined the Rwandan government in Kigali as ICT consoltuant for close to three years before returning home and engaged in business as a consultant.

And until very recently, Dr Ochudho was an ICT adviser to the South Sudan government based in Juba. It was in Juba where the head of Safina party Paul K Mute fished Dr Ochuodho last month and made him is running-mate in the just concluded presidential race in Kenya.

The pair, however, made very little impact in the just concluded Presidential contest,-perhaps due to lack of preparation and sufficient logistics, but the exercise brought Dr Ochuodho back into political limelight as he was able to bring Paul Kabugi Muite to many interior parts of Luo-Nyanza in their joint hunt for votes.

Rumors making the round in Homa-Bay and its environs says Dr Ochuodho and a good number of intellectuals in various parts of Southern Nyanza would soon launch a major and second largest political party to rival Raila Odinga’s ODM following its last month flawed and poorly managed primary nominations exercises in the region./

Dr Ochuodho is a highly respected leader, particularly in the greater old

Ends

Kenyans have done well

From: odhiambo okecth

Friends,

In the company of Fr Dr Charles Odira of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops at the Catholic Secretariat, Rev Jephthah K Gathaka of The Ecumenical Centre for Justice and Peace and Pst Benson Nyang’or of the Global Day of Prayer, we will be hosted at the CrossTalk at Family TV this evening at 8.00pm. Kindly tune in.

With that said, I want to sincerely congratulate Kenyans for holding a peaceful election on the 4th March 2013. I voted at Komarock Primary School on the day, and I was impressed with the patience of Kenyans as they snaked their way to the Police Force have conducted themselves. We must use the few mistakes that we have been observing to help us develop our new found democracy and love for Kenya.

Kenyans came out in large numbers to cast their votes for their preferred candidate. We did our civic duty as One Family under God and now, the onus is on the IEBC Team led by Chairman Isaack Hassan and the Commissioners, and Major James Oswago and his Team at the Executive, to give us credible results.

I want to believe that Kenyans cannot loose the process at the tallying level. It is sad that the question of arithmetic is again becoming an issue with our elections. It is sad that someone is keen on entrenching impunity even as the people unite to vote peacefully.

Kenyans must stand up and reject such dark forces, people who are hell bent on disenfranchising our democratic rights to electing our leaders.

Leaders must never be elected through manipulation of results. I love the way Hon Peter Kenneth and Hon Martha Karua stepped forward to concede defeat. How I wished the Rejected Voters also conceded defeat and acknowledged that he was not even in the official ballot box. The question of Rejected Voters coming in at number 3 is one sure proof that IEBC did not get it right with Voter Education. They concentrated more on TV Stations and the Hotels and forgot that we had a big number that do not access Radio and TVs and have no time for Hotel Meetings.

Again, the disorganization we saw with the IEBC Clerks at the Polling Stations was worrying. It made me ask, were they really trained on anything? Most did not offer help in as far as queuing was concerned and this led to many frustrations. Again, many relied on the Returning Officer even for very simple issues.

However, I must commend the IEBC Teams across Kenya for doing a commendable job.

As for Chairman Isaack Hassan and Major James Oswago, the Country and the whole World is now watching you. You may choose to stand firm and execute your mandate, or, you may choose to go down history as the people who messed the General Elections in Kenyan in March 2013.

The choices are very simple; remain firm and give us the results Kenyans voted for.

And let all Kenyans wait for these results in peace.

Let us all work for a Clean Kenya and a Clean Africa as a Transformative Deliverable as Kenya turns 50 and beyond.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
Executive Director,

The Clean Kenya Campaign- TCKC

Kenya: Breaking News; Its ZERO at Ndururumo for Mudavadi

From: Maurice Oduor

Evans,

This is bizarre. Kioni not voting for the Ticket he’s on !!!! Some things never fail to amaze.

Courage

– – – – – – – – – – –

On Tue, Mar 5, 2013 at 2:37 PM, Evans MACHERA wrote:

Mudavadi’s running mate,Jeremiah Kioni either “intentionally” forgot to vote for his Presidential candidate ,or had his vote spoilt or didn’t turn up to vote at Ndururumo polling station where Musalia Mudavadi’s running mate, Jeremiah Kioni cast his vote givesMudavadi zero (0) as presidential votes while all.

Granted,we had other parties that includes;- Kioni’s family – wife,son and daughter that made a display during the Madvd unveiling of the runningmate.We also have party agents and associates from Kionis reach.

During Hon.Mudavadi’s campaigns in his western backyard, he emphasized that “shienu ni shienu”!

I want to believe that Hon.Koni decided to apply the same slogan to his home turff unless there is a better explaination,but i am remided that once upon a time,one Hon.Lintuli in harmony with Hon.Kabando wa kabando + Hon.Rev.Mutava breath fire to Ouru never to step aside for Mudavadi who cannot be sold to the kenyans of Mt.Kenya.

Now,come round two,how will Madvd sell Hon.Ouru in western where Raila is a sale on his own right!

Lets shame the devil and talk of a “willing seller, no willing buyer” in partinership!

Evans MACHERA

Kibaya cha chiuza!

KENYA ELECTION NEWS: Alarming Developments — Live Tonight on KDR®™ with co-host Chris Kumekucha in Nairobi

From: Kenya Diaspora Radio

KENYA ELECTION NEWS: Alarming Developments
Election Update – Straight from Nairobi
with co-host: Chris Kumekucha

TONIGHT on KDR®™

WHEN: Tuesday March 5, 2013
TIME: USA : 6:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm CST / 9:30 pm EST.

TIME: KENYA – Wednesday March 6, 2013: 5:30 am
HOW: DIAL IN INFORMATION: Dial in Number: 712-432-0900 Code: 643831 # (hash sign after the number important)
INTL CALLERS with questions: call Skype Account: “robinsongichuhi”
ASK: * 6 to get into que for asking a question.
TO LISTEN ONLINE: www.kenyadiasporaradio.net

Kenya: Teenager wins county ward seat

From: maina ndiritu

A teenager has made history in Kenya by winning a county assembly seat.

Nineteen-year-old Kibiwott Munge, who vied on a URP ticket, won the Lembus Perkera ward in Baringo with 3,333 votes, becoming the youngest Kenyan to clinch a political seat in an election.

There were shouts of joy when the former Tenges Boys High student was announced winner in Eldama Ravine town on Monday night.

“This is a victory for young people and a clear indication they have what it takes to lead this country,” said Mr Munge in his acceptance speech.

Last year, 19-year-old Proscovia Alengot Oromait was elected to the Ugandan Parliament, making her the youngest and first teenage politician in Africa.

Mr Munge thanked his parents for giving him their blessings. “I also thank my friend Njoroge who lent me his motorbike to campaign,” he said.

The young leader said he honed his political skills by reading Taifa Leo.

He said he would focus on empowering the youth to earn a decent living.

http://elections.nation.co.ke/news/Teenager-wins-county-ward-seat/-/1631868/1712584/-/bpkjv8/-/index.html#comment-820712601


Why should we not all live in peace and harmony ? we look up the same stars , we are fellow passengers on the same planet and dwell beneath the same sky , what matters it along which road each individual endeavours to reach the ultimate truth ? the riddle of existence is too great that there should be only one road leading us to an answer *
*
*
QUINTUS AURELIUS SYMMACHUS
*

Kenya: IEBC must explain why Presidential results slowed down with 59% still not reported

From: Judy Miriga

Folks,

Up till now, only 41% votes casted have been reported and 59% are still pending with the slow trickling coming to an end. We cannot be convinced that 59% of votes are spoilt. If so, Presidential election between Raila and Uhuru must be repeated to give a proper perspective.

We are concerned of mysterious deathings as voting results begun to trickle in and we are concerned that a proper explanation be made and that they must be properly investigated.

We thank Kenyans for being peaceful and we want to know full report of the voter casted and the rightful winner.

There are great fears that rigging could be in top gear why 59% of votes casted are still being held. It is the voters right that NO winner should be announced before all votes counted with credible report given over what happened to 59% to wind-off any speculations of IEBC rigging or playing faul. IEBC must give satisfying explaination why there is a delay of voter inflow returns with expectation time the delay is expected to be resolved. Any flaws witnessed must be reported and the matter taken to court. We expect IEBC had set a manual back-up just incase machine fails so all machine votes must tally against all odds. If that was not done, for peace to prevail in Kenya, a repeat of the two Presidential candidates must be made as a fundamental crucial concern.

Even after Diasporas being blocked from voting, this election is very emportant to all Kenyans irrespectively and the world.

We would like to know from IEBC how the anomalies that were detected well in advance before elections will be rectified.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

Kenneth asks IEBC to clear presidential results
Updated 3 hrs 20 mins ago

Kenya: Eagle Alliance presidential candidate Peter Kenneth has asked IEBC to explain the delays in the tallying of the presidential results.

Kenneth urged the electoral body to clear presidential results saying results they were getting from their field agents were different from what IEBC has.

“The country cannot get out of anxiety mood we are heading to. We are getting real time results that differ with IEBC”, said Kenneth.

STREAMING LIVE: 2013 KENYA GENERAL ELECTIONS
RECORDED VIDEO COVERAGE OF THE 2013 KENYA GENERAL ELECTIONS
See the full list (by constituency) here.
IEBC Releases Final Voter Registration Tally
By Mwakilishi | Thu, 12/20/2012 11:53AM -0500

The Indeppendent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released a report of the Kenyans who registered as voters during the registration period that ended on Tuesday, December 18th. The report indicates that a total of 14,337,399 Kenyans registered as voters for the 2013 general elections, representing 79.7% of the 18 million Kenyans IEBC had targeted to register.

The top five counties in turnout were: Nairobi (121.6%), Kiambu (113.7%), Nyeri (110.4%), Lamu (109.5%), and Kirinyaga (106.7%).

The bottom five counties in turnout were: West Pokot (45.1%), Garissa (40%), Wajir (35.7%), Turkana (30.2%), and Mandera (25.3%).

In terms of actual numbers of registered voters, Nairobi County led with a total of 1,778,903 registered voters.

Bett faults IEBC’s provisional results

By Nation Reporter ( email the author)

Posted Tuesday, March 5 2013 at 03:10

ODM National Election Board chairman Franklin Bett has faulted the authenticity of provisional results being issued by IEBC.

Mr Bett claimed IEBC was issuing results from Kajiado County despite voting still proceeding in some polling stations in the region.

He cited Ongata Rongai area where voting was extended beyond the 5pm deadline after logistical failures had led to a late start of the voting process.

“Where are these figures coming from? In Ongata Rongai there are people who are still voting. These are just figures floating on a screen,” said Mr Bett at a press conference held at the Bomas of Kenya tallying centre.

Mr Bett also issued a raft of concerns on the conduct of the elections. These included instances of multiple voting in Kitale, voters being allowed to vote without identification cards in Nakuru and voting process extending to March 5.

“March 05 is not designated as a voting day. We have heard of continued voting in Kimilili, Kitale, Uasin Gishu and Kitale. This is placing the credibility of the process in jeopardy,” said Mr Bett.

Lands Minister James Orengo faulted the use of manual voter registers in some polling stations.

New rules could lead to run-off

By EMMAN OMARI eommari@gmail.com ( email the author)

Posted Tuesday, March 5 2013 at 00:30

If no presidential candidate garners more than half of all votes cast countrywide, a fresh election could be held as early as April 5.

But if there will be a winner declared after yesterday’s poll, the new president-elect will be sworn in on March 26.

In addition to more than half, the Constitution also provides that the candidate must also score 25 per cent in more than half of all counties, meaning in 24 out of the 47 counties.

Sleepless nights

These rules have been giving all the eight presidential candidates sleepless nights including the two front-runners Raila Odinga of Cord and Uhuru Kenyatta of Jubilee.

Although winning presidential candidates used to satisfy the 25 per cent rule in five out of eight provinces under the old Constitution, none ever mustered more than half of votes cast since the re-introduction of multi-party in 1992.

The provisions under Article 138 in the new Constitution means that if by end of vote count last night the IEBC found all the 14.3 million registered voters turned up, the winner must have received more than 7.15 million and the 25 per cent to be declared president-elect.

This is a herculean task, given the stiff competition in the run-up to yesterday’s poll. Similarly, if only 60 per cent turned up ­— as is the trend in elections worldwide — it means only 8.58 million voted, meaning the winner should have got more than 4.29 million.

Still, these are difficult figures to achieve, though feasible.

Where there is no winner, Article 138 (5) provides that fresh election be held within 30 days after the previous one — which would leave April 5 as an indicative date.

At the second round, only the first and the second presidential candidates are allowed to vie.

However, if the results show that two candidates tied in votes, only the two will go to the ballot excluding the candidate who came second.

Though it has never happened in Kenya’s presidential elections, a precedent was set in the 2007 elections when two candidates vying for Wajir North Parliamentary seat tied after two recounts forcing a by-election to decide the winner.

Yet, again it is possible in yesterday’s elections given the close run shown in opinion polls pitting Mr Odinga and Mr Kenyatta.

Every scenario remains a possibility as eyes of all Kenyans are set on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Yes, we have problems with vote tallying, says IEBC boss

By JOHN NGIRACHU jngirachu@ke.nationmedia.com and ISAAC ONGIRI iongiri@ke.nationmedia.com ( email the author)
Posted Wednesday, March 6 2013 at 00:30

In Summary

Poll team will also adjust percentage of tallies to include spoilt votes, a move likely to cut Cord, Jubilee numbers

Commission changes gear and prepares to release final official tallies after computer hitch slows provisional numbers

The electoral team on Tuesday admitted experiencing challenges with its electronic system for transmitting and releasing presidential results.

The commission said it will start releasing official results using the manual forms submitted by constituency returning officers who were on their way to Nairobi by Tuesday.

Mr Isaack Hassan, the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, also announced that his team would adjust percentages displayed on its screens at the Bomas of Kenya to reflect percentages of all votes cast and not just valid votes.

This could lead to a reduction of Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and his Cord flagbearer Raila Odinga’s percentages with possibility that none of them will attain the constitutional threshold probably leading to a run off.

The move immediately triggered protests from Jubilee.

Last night, the Jubilee Coalition said it was surprised by what it said was a demand by Cord for the inclusion of invalid votes to be counted along with the valid as part of the overall tally that would define whether a winning presidential candidate gets the 50 per cent + 1 vote threshold.

“There is no precedent in Kenya or internationally for invalid votes to be counted because, by their very nature, they are invalid. They have never been counted in Kenyan elections before and the IEBC has set strict legal boundaries in place that ensure invalid votes should not be included,” Jubilee said in statement.

The coalition said it had sought clarification on the matter from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa which concluded that “recounting rejected or invalid votes had no precedent in Africa.’’

Jubilee leaders also asked the electoral commission to urgently rectify “the technical issues” that were affecting the tallying of votes.

“We are especially concerned by the slow progress in collecting votes in Nairobi and Nakuru, but are also aware of problems across the country,’’ the team said.

Political parties were thrown into confusion last night after the electoral commission said it would start announcing official results this morning, hours after the system for making provisional results available malfunctioned.

With the screens showing the provisional results frozen since 5.30pm, Mr Hassan acknowledged at 8.30pm that the system was experiencing difficulties.

“We had aimed for 100 per cent perfection but we have experienced problems on the last day,” Mr Hassan said.

“What is true is that there has been a delay in transmission of results from polling stations,” he said. He also sought to dismiss rumours that the commission did not have a back-up of the data or that its systems had crashed.

He said the commission has been in constant communication with the chief agents of the presidential candidates and had briefed them on the problems the system was encountering.

“What brought us here are the official results and they are coming. The official results will be announced starting tomorrow (Wednesday),” Mr Hassan said.

He said the four screens would be adjusted as the figures come in.

But asked by human rights activist Maina Kiai whether the commission had abandoned the electronic tallying of provisional results and opted for the final tally, Mr Hassan said the electronic system would continue.

“You remember there was a big turnout. The counting and tabulation of the results at the polling stations and then also at the tallying centres has taken long and that’s why we are beginning to see for the first time returning officers arriving late in the night or tomorrow morning,” Mr Hassan said.

Don’t panic, CORD tells supporters
Updated 2 hrs 25 mins ago

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

Nairobi, Kenya: The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy ( Cord) has appealed to its supporters not to panic following preliminary results which show Jubilee’s Uhuru Kenyatta taking a lead.

At 6PM, Uhuru had garnered 2,726,266 against Cord’s Raila Odinga 2,139, 951 leading to anxiety among the coalition supporters.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said there was no cause for worry saying the preliminary results were just from about a third of the polling centres across the country.

“It is important that we await the outcome of the remaining two thirds of the polling stations in order to make any conclusion about the results of this election,” Kalonzo said.

While urging for calm, the VP said in any case, results from Cord strongholds were yet to trickle in adding that results from their stronghold stood at about 10 percent while those of Jubilee were average of 40 percent.

Kalonzo taunted the jubilee rivals for what he termed as premature celebrations while exuding confidence that their coalition will pull a comeback and stage their rivals lead once results from their strongholds are recorded.

“We note with worry that there are those amongst our competitors who have not resisted the temptation to engage in premature celebrations that are neither based on data nor fact,” the VP said.

“Consequently, we appeal for calm and call on our supporters to relax because we are confident that after all the votes are in, Cord will carry the day. Results from our strongholds are yet to be made public and once they are, things will change dramatically,” Kalonzo told reporters at the Serena hotel Tuesday evening.

He was accompanied by Cord leaders Franklin Bett, Anyang Nyong’o and James Orengo.

Cord also announced that they had raised concerns over delays in the process of releasing the poll results by the electoral commission especially in areas as close as Nairobi County.

“We have raised the matter with the electoral commission and Safaricom, the service provider who have explained to us their capacity to relay results from areas closer to the city like Kiambu is much faster than far flung areas like Garissa,” said the VP.

Kalonzo said they had written to IEBC to express their concerns and were seeking assurance that the system will be up and running.

“We have forwarded our concerns and hope that they will deal with them expeditiously and transparently,” he said.

Cord has also said they are ready to concede defeat if they lose in a fair and free contest.

“I think we have said severally and our presidential candidate Raila Odinga has reiterated his willingness to concede defeat if beaten ina fair contest. Our competitors have also said the same,” Kalonzo said.

Nairobi, KENYA: About 41 per cent (13,252) of the country’s 31,982 polling stations have reported provisional results for the presidential race as at 4.45pm EAT.

Please note the numbers below are PROVISIONAL or INTERIM TALLIES from results submitted electronically directly from polling stations to the IEBC national tallying centre at the Bomas of Kenya.

Figures that show the presidential vote by constituency and county will be available later. Official results will be announced by IEBC later upon receipt and confirmation of forms signed by party agents and election officials at voting/tallying centres.

9:10: Uhuru Kenyatta (JUBILEE) 2,772,286
Raila Odinga (CORD) 2,182, 408

9.00: Uhuru Kenyatta (JUBILEE) 2,721,097
Raila Odinga (CORD) 2,179,833

5.44:Uhuru Kenyatta (JUBILEE) 2,723,625 (53.49%)
Raila Odinga (CORD) 2,138,206 (41.99)

5.30: Uhuru Kenyatta (JUBILEE) 2,718,445
Raila Odinga (CORD) 2,133,573

One injured in Eastleigh blast
Updated 42 mins ago

By Cyrus Ombati

Nairobi, Kenya: At least one person has been injured in an explosion in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area.

The Tuesday night blast occured along Muratina road near a church where other explosions had occured last year.

Police say preliminary findings show that a grenade was hurled into a shop injuring a woman.

The injured woman has been rushed to Guru Nanak hospital for treatment.

Bomb experts are at the scene.

IEBC: There is delay in results transmission
Updated 34 mins ago

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC) has refuted claims of a server crash at the tallying centre.

In a press conference, IEBC chair Isaack Hassan said there were delays in transmission of results from polling centres by returning ofiicers.

He added that they will resort to manual tallying due to the challenges they were experiencing.

The electoral body chair also appealed to all aspirants especially presidential candidates to remain calm and allow the commission to announce results.

“We would like to request Kenyans and mostly the presidential candidates to remain calm as we await the final announcement of results”, said Hassan.

He further said they will start announcing official results from tomorrow after electronic transmitters experienced delays.

OCS collapses and dies in tallying centre
Updated 2 hrs 52 mins ago

By Patrick Kibet

Kuresoi, Kenya: Sombre mood engulfed Kuresoi North tallying centre after a senior officer from Kuresoi collapsed and died.

Kuresoi OCPD David Wambui confirmed the incident saying that the officer died at Mau Summit tallying centre.

He did not identify the officer since his family had not been informed about the sudden death.

“Am saddened by the death of the officer while on duty. The officer did not inform us of any health problem,”said OCPD.

Party agents and election observers joined police in grieving the death of the Kuresoi OCS.

The OCS collapsed at the tallying centre as ballot boxes were being offloaded and was taken to St Joseph nursing home in Molo where he was pronounced death on arrival.

Officer shoots dead poll official
Updated 8 hrs 28 mins ago
By Boniface Gikandi

Murang’a, Kenya: A policeman accidentally shot dead a Presiding Officer while they were transporting ballot boxes to Kangema tallying centre in Murang’a County.

The two were in the same vehicle when the officer’s gun went off killing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officer on the spot.

Murang’a North OCPD Chris Mushimba said the deceased was one of the Presiding Officers at Ichichi Polling Station.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was an accident,” he said.

Policeman commits suicide at tallying centre
Updated 5 hrs 13 mins ago
By Robert Nyasato

Kisii, Kenya: Panic gripped Masimba Social Hall after an Administration Policeman shot himself dead while tallying for the Nyaribari Masaba constituency, Kisii County was underway on Monday.

There was anxiety when residents and election officials at the centre heard gunshots at around noon.

Karua faults IEBC on defective BVR kits
Updated Tuesday, March 05 2013 at 00:00 GMT+3

By Munene Kamau

KENYA: Narc-Kenya presidential candidate Martha Karua has criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC) for providing malfunctioning Biometric Voter Registers (BVR) in Kirinyaga County.

Ms Karua wondered why the commission had provided faulty machines, which forced election officials at her Mugumo Primary School polling station to resort to use of manual registers.

Speaking to the Press moments after casting her ballot outside the station, Karua noted voting was delayed for more than half an hour. “After waiting for half an hour due to the technical hitch the BVR machines have experienced, I have finally cast my vote,” she said. The presidential candidate also reiterated that whatever the outcome of the results, she will still remain a Kenyan.

Human rights body alleges anomalies, calls for repeat polls
Updated Tuesday, March 05 2013 at 01:05 GMT+3

KNCHR has raised concern that there were irregularities in some places and security threats
By Ally Jamah

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights wants repeat elections in three constituencies, Kilifi North, Kesses, and Changamwe saying polling was chaotic in those areas.

Speaking yesterday evening as voting closed, the commission recommended that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC) take the drastic step to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected at the ballot.

In Kesses, there were no lids for the presidential ballot boxes and the boxes for the member of the National Assembly were missing, said KNCHR’s Deputy Commission Secretary Evelyn Samba. She said the lids were later improvised.

KNCHR has raised concern about the secure mobile phones provided by the IEBC to relay election results, saying some are not working, leaving returning officers to use ordinary SIM cards for the exercise and raising doubts on the security of the critical data.

The commission cited Kesses and Ainabkoi constituencies in Uasin Gishu County as the most affected, saying that the phones were giving error messages such as: “Username and password do not match” or “You have been suspended from the nerwtork.”

Similar cases were also said to have been noted by KNCHR election monitors at St Theresa’s Tallying Centre in Mathare, Nairobi.

“KNHRC is concerned about the safety and security of the data relayed in this method. It opens up the system for possible abuse,” said Mr Kamanda Mucheke, KNCHR’s senior human rights officer.

Vote counting

“The IEBC has to firmly take charge and correct the anomalies at this crucial stage. This includes conducting counting and tallying professionally and in a secure will-lit environment.”

The Commission expressed its disappointment over the IEBC letting some candidates get away with displaying campaign banners in areas near polling stations, or turning up to vote wearing party items, including former Juja MP William Kabogo.

KNCHR also raised concerns about lamps not working in some constituencies, including Kisumu Central, and said that this could have a negative effect on the counting of votes because it might result in anomalies such as vote stealing.

At the Manyata Car Wash and Kosawa Primary School centres in the constituency, voting was delayed until daybreak yesterday for this reason. However, the human rights body urged voters to remain calm during the counting and tallying period and maximise tolerance and peace despite the anomalies noted in some areas.

Human rights officer Lucas Kimathi said that there was general unpreparedness on the part of the electoral commission in terms of missing materials such as rubber stamps, ink, lids and ballot boxes as well security lapses, unprocedural plucking of ballot papers from booklets by IEBC clerks, name mix ups and late training of IEBC officials.

Siaya County goes ODM six piece
Updated 6 hrs 52 mins ago
By Lawrence Aluru

Siaya: Kenya: Voters in Siaya are returned a largely six piece voting style in favour of ODM and Cord presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

Results trickling in showed that even in the hotly contested gubernatorial seat ODM’s Okoth Rasanga was favoured against William Oduol whose nomination was cancelled by the Orange Party. Malick Obama had a platry 235 votes from Alego Usonga constituency votes for governor. Oduol lost to Rsanga in Gem, Ugenya and Ugunja constituencies but won in Alego Usonga by a margin of 6,000 votes.

Oduol started facing challenges when he was stripped of the ODM party ticket at nominations and consequently disqualified alongside Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga.

Lands minister James Orengo has attained unassailable lead in the senatorial seat and will win with a landslide estimated to be over 95 percent of the total votes cast. Orengo had 23,433 and Agnes Awuor had 1,414 of votes cast in

The County, which doubles up as the backyard of Raila has, votes being tallied at Siaya Institute of technology.

The only stiff contest so far reported in Alego-Usonga constituency where outgoing MP Edwin Yinda was facing stiff challenge from George Mulwan who decamped from the Orange party but ran on Wiper Democratic ticket. Milwan 13,828 and Yinda 9,173 of votes counted, and Sammy Weya of National Agenda Party 2,518.

Former Maseno University lecturer Mrs Christine Ombaka who is the ODM ticket bearer for Women’s representative in the County has been polling favourable results and is tipped to win with a landslide. She had polled 20,097 votes. She was trailed by Concelia Muga Ondiek od National Agenda party who had 2,828 and Esther Okanga with a patry 429 and Prof Phoebe Nyawalo 403, and Violet omwamba of TNA with 303.

Out-going Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo is set to recapture his seat on an ODM ticket after he was handed the orange ticket in the acrimonius nominations. The latest provisional results showed he was ahead with over 15,000 votes.

In Rarieda Constituency outgoing MP Eng Nicholas Gumbo was enjoying a confortbale leadw while is Ugunja James Opiyo Wandayi was way ahaed on ODM ticket as well as David Ochieng’ in Ugenya constituency on ODM ticket.

In Bondo Constituency Gideon Ochanda was cruising to victory on ODM ticket and had attained unassailable lead by the time of filing this report.

Kimunya sent packing
Updated 3 hrs 1 mins ago

Kenya: Transport Minister Amos Kimunya will be packing his bags and taking transport home after Kipipiri voters showed him the door.

The Jubilee strongman licked his wounds inflicted by newcomer Samuel Gichigi of Alliance Party of Kenya associated with Energy Minister and Meru Senator elect Kiraitu Murungi.

Gichigi polled 18, 958 against Kimunya’s 16, 693 votes.

Kimunya joins Henry Kosgey, Ayiecho Olweny and Sally Kosgey in the list of serving ministers whose political careers have taken a new turn.

EABL workers fail to vote, their IDs mysteriously missing
Updated Monday, March 04 2013 at 16:24 GMT+3

By Cyrus Ombati

Nairobi, Kenya: Eighteen workers of East African Breweries, Nairobi failed to vote Monday after their Identification Documents mysteriously went missing from the main sentry of the factory.

The workers had reported their duties in Ruaraka based factory on Sunday evening and left the IDs at the reception area.

However when they were leaving Monday morning ready for the exercise they realised their IDs were missing out of tens of others.

They reported the matter to Kasarani police station in Nairobi and police moved in and arrested four guards who were on duty.

Nairobi Area police boss Ben Kibue said the four guards were on duty when the documents went missing.

“The workers realised the documents were missing when they were signing out of the factory and we are investigating to know what happened,” said Kibue.

He said the affected workers told them they planned to vote in the exercise but they did not do so because the documents were missing.

Kibue said part of their investigations will spread to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission where they will seek to know if the documents were used to vote.

“If the IDs were used it will be a serious issue because it means there is a lot fraud.’

Kasarani head of CID Valerian Obore said the four guards are expected in court this morning to face various charges.

Obore said they are interrogating the guards to know the whereabouts of the documents. He added the factory management is co-operating well with investigations.

“Some of the victims say they are ashamed going home without the ink on the finger to indicate one has voted,” said police.

A senior manager at the factory said they are taking the issue serious and were also investigating it.

Authorities had asked employers to release their employees to be able to vote in the exercise.


Jobs in Africa – www.wejobs.blogspot.com
International Jobs – www.jobsunited.blogspot.com

KENYA: MY PREDICTION THAT UHURU WOULD WIN HAS BEEN REALIZED AT LAST

From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images

KENYA: MY PREDICTION THAT UHURU WOULD WIN HAS BEEN REALIZED AT LAST

From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste in images
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013

When I predicted last year May shortly Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta launched The National Alliance (TNA) party which he would use to vie for presidency that he was going to win some of our readers and ODM supporters claimed that I was actually one of the beneficiaries of the money that Uhuru was dishing out-KENYA: TOUGH RACE BETWEEN UHURU AND RAILA « Jaluo.

When I spoke in Yala Catholic Church shortly after ODM nomination how Raila was going to be rigged out in 2007, Gem MP Jakoyo Midowo who was present during the Sunday mass laughed at me, wondering how the man of God could use the pulpit to tell lies.

Jakoyo laughed at me because according to him and ODM supporters there was no way Raila was going to be rigged out. In fact for Jakoyo Raila was already president come December 31, 2007 when the results were going to be announced.

I had ruled out the re-run, but even if it was going to be there it was going to be the toughest campaigns Kenya has never seen since independence. Uhuru camp I said would make sure, even if to use all the money they have, that Raila does not make it to State House.

At the time I was making the prediction, the opinion poll from Strategic Research, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, even though he remained the most popular presidential candidate with 32.7 per cent of respondents saying they would vote for him, the fact that he was he was dropping tremendously was one of the reasons to worry for his victory come March 4, 2013 presidential elections.

There was a steady drop from the 36.9 per cent who said they would vote for him in March 2012 and his 40.1 per cent in January 2011. This dropping left a lot to be desired.

Uhuru Kenyatta was the second most popular candidate with 15.2 per cent of respondents saying they would vote for him, even though this was also a sharp drop from the 23.9 per cent support that he received in the last Strategic Research poll in March 2012, although up on his 11.7 per cent in January 2011.

I had had highlighted several factors why Raila was dropping, the major one being of Deputy Prime Miniater Musalia Mudavadi’s exit from ODM to UDF. Since he ditched ODM he would be backed by 7.1 per cent of respondents, up from 1.8 per cent support in March and 0.8 per cent in January 2011.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto was the third strongest candidate with 7.9 per cent support, even though this was a decline from 10.6 per cent in March and 11.7 per cent in January 2011.

As Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka showed the same slumping popularity at 7.0 per cent, down from 9.7 per cent in March and 12.2 per cent in January 2011, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua’s support rose to 5.3 per cent from 4.6 per cent in March. She was followed by Peter Kenneth with 2.5 per cent, Raphael Tuju with 1.9 per cent, Eugene Wamalwa with 1.4 per cent, Prof James ole Kiyiapi with 1.1 per cent, and Prof George Saitoti with 0.9 per cent.

Another reason why Raila was dropping was his failure to suspend Prof Anya’ng Nyong’o due to alleged controversial Sh4.3 billion civil servants’ medical National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme allocated to ghost clinics.

The ICC was not an issue here according to Uhuru’s spokesman Mr Munyori Buku because nothing in law stops Uhuru from vying. His strategy of incorporating the youth in TNA leadership was not only a brilliant idea, but also making Onyango Oloo from Nyanza as party general secretary.

Apart from Oloo, Uuru had also made Johnson Sakaja from Western as the party’s chairman, Wambui Gichuru from Central as Treasurer, and Mr. Billiaha from the Coast as Organising Secretary.

This was to send signal to Kenyans that given that in Kenya, unfair allocation of national resources through nepotism and corruption had been the major factor that triggers conflict in the nation as some communities feel neglected while their counterparts enjoy enormous share of the national cake, Uhuru’s party was beyond tribal and nepotism.

Uhuru would also have an advantage following Prime Minister’s Raila Odinga’s step brother, Isaac Omondi Odinga’s public announcement that he would ditch ODM for the G7 Alliance.

Omondi had accused Raila of dictatorial tendencies, saying that the days for the presumed reformers who are the pillars of dictatorship were gone, and they either change or change will catch up with them.

I also pointed out that if there would be re-run Uhuru would no doubt get many votes from the youth who make up 60 per cent of the population. He is a member of the social Network facebook under profile name Uhuru Kenyatta from where he discusses important issue with the youth than Raila is doing in his Facebook network.

Some of the issues Uhuru was discussing with the youth included reduction of poverty and create employment opportunities for the youth. To reduce poverty, Uhuru was convinced that the country must adopt pro-poor and pro-growth policies whose success must be measured by how well they translate to poverty eradication. This attracted the youth.

When we talk of riches Uhuru is one of the most riches people in Kenya according to Forbes Magazine which published a list of Africa’s 40 richest persons. Uhuru Kenyatta was ranked 26th and number one richest person in Kenya. His net worth was an estimated $500 million, which translates to almost 50 billion Kenyan Shillings.

This is how Forbes described his wealth: “Kenya’s Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, and heir to some of the largest land holdings in Kenya. He owns at least 500,000 acres of prime land spread across the country.

I also pointed out in my article that Uhuru would also receive sympathy votes because he and Ruto would use ICC case for their campaign, throwing all the blames on Raila. Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto tried to convince Kenyans that Prime Minister Riala Odinga is the one taking them to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the crime of humanity, accusing Raila of being used by foreign governments to clear the way for him to ascend to power.

MPs allied to Uhuru and Mr Ruto were smart enough to table a document in Parliament sensationally claiming that Britain was pushing to have President Kibaki indicted over the 2007/8 violence and Raila was the one behind all these.

Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo who tabled the document also accused the United Kingdom of propping up Mr Odinga and pushing for the detention of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto.

In my previous articles I had also said that Uhuru would likely win given that their Jubilee coalition has united two of Kenya’s largest communities – the Kikuyu and Kalenjin- and so Mr Kenyatta stands a reasonable chance of following in father’s footsteps and becoming president.

My fear and the fear of Kenyans is that unlike Raila Uhuru will not implement the new constitution-KENYA: WHY UHURU MAY NOT IMPLEMENT CONSTITUTION .

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: All shall be well when we keep our hopes high looking for Justice

From: Judy Miriga

Good People,

Diaspora exlusion from voting is denying constitutional rights and it is unacceptable. We hope our voices shall be heard.

However, all is well that ends well and we shall not close our eyes for justice because where there is peace, we shall find ways to move forward united at peace with each other.

Keep your hopes high that all shall be well with our constitutional rights.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

12 die in attack by Mombasa militiamen

By Cyrus Ombati

Mombasa; Kenya: Twelve people including six police officers were on Sunday night killed in ambush in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties hours before voting began Monday in Kenya.

Police immediately declared the attack was staged by the Mombasa Republican Council followers. Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo who flew to Mombasa on Monday morning said they are holding two members of MRC for interrogation.

In Garissa, two people were Sunday night killed in an attack by unknown assailants, bringing the death toll of the killed in the election related violence to 14.

Kimaiyo said 400 extra police officers were flown to Mombasa to beef up security and issued with orders not to fear to use force.

“The police officers are directed to use their firearms as provided in law and ensure that no further loss of lives of police officers and civilians is experienced,” said Kimaiyo.

He said the motive of the attack by the group was to disrupt voting as part of their complaints of marginalisation and historical injustices.

Kimaiyo was accompanied by his deputies Grace Kaindi and Samuel Arachi and head of CID Francis Muhoro when he addressed the media in his office in Nairobi.

He revealed police had intelligence of the planned attack but were ambushed on the way as they patrolled the area.

He said police had been informed the attack was to take place in Likoni and responded by clearing a roadblock that had been erected.

At about 11 pm on Sunday, police officers from Changamwe police station were informed over 200 people believed to be MRC members armed with rifles, bows and arrows were heading to attack police station around Miritini area.

“The officers fell into ambush of over 200 attackers who were placed on both sides of the road. The officers were overpowered and during the incident some of them were murdered. Two of the attackers were killed there and two arrested,” he said.

The police boss said the Chumani area in Kilifi, another group of attackers believed to be MRC members attacked police killing one near a chief’s camp.

Among the officers killed is the Changamwe OCPD Awuor Otieno, his OCS and junior officers who were accompanying them.

MRC has been agitating for various reforms among them land and called for investigations into what they term as historical injustices.

Kimaiyo said an explosion occurred in Garisa at Anti-Shifta Administration Police Camp. Two other people were killed in an attack in the town. The two include a staff of Kenya Red Cross stationed in Dadaab and an employee of public works.

Another explosion occurred near a polling centre in Mandera on Monday morning but no injury was reported. Voting went on but under tight security.

In Mathare slums in Nairobi, a man was killed in a fire that flattened 16 structures. Kimaiyo said preliminary findings show the fire was started by an electric fault.

In Shinyalu constituency, Western province, a vehicle belonging to former area MP Justus Kizito was burnt down by the public who accused him of voter malpractice. Kimaiyo said they are investigating the incident.

The police boss said they are so far impressed by the voter turn out and urged those who have not voted to go and do so.

“None should be threatened. Police are committed to put their lives on line to ensure they are safe.”

He said they would provide security in all areas to ensure voting goes on peacefully.

Gunmen kill State official in Garissa
Updated Monday, March 04 2013 at 00:00 GMT+3

By Cyrus Ombati
Garissa, Kenya: One person has been killed and another one seriously injured by gunmen in Garissa Town.

The attack occured along Ngamia Road on Sunday evening. The deceased was a government official attached to Ministry of Public Works in the town while the injured one is a nurse in Dadaab.

Police say the attackers had been trailing the victims before shooting them at point blank killing one on the spot and seriously wounding the other.

Several security agents have been deployed in the northern town ahead of Monday’s polls to avert any possible terror attack.

“We are conteted with the deployment of security officers in the area to ensure safe election period”, said Garissa PPO Charlton Mureithi.

Mureithi said no arrests have been made adding that police were pursuing the assailants.

The town has suffered several grenade and gun attacks since Kenyan troops crossed to Somalia to pursue Al shabaab militia.

Bett asks IEBC to extend voting to Tuesday

By Karanja Njoroge

Nakuru, Kenya: Orange Democratic Movement ( ODM) National Elections Board Chairman Franklin Bett has called on the IEBC to extend the voting exercise to Tuesday to compensate for the delay in the opening of most polling stations countrywide.

Bett said the IEBC should use its powers to have the voting extended to Tuesday to enable voters who were unable to cast their votes to do so.

“The polling stations opened late and the IEBC should extend the exercise to tomorrow (Tuesday) to compensate for the hours wasted,” Bett said during a press conference in Nakuru on Monday.

Bett also said the polls body owes Kenyans an explanation on why voter verification machines had malfunctioned in most parts of the country.

He said IEBC should tell Kenyans whether failure to use the machines will achieve the same results during voting.

“We have already been informed that some names are missing from the manual register and are concerned that the manual voting will achieve the same results intended with the use of the BVR machines,” he added.

He claimed some of the CORD alliance agents had been denied entry into some polling stations without any explanation.

Bett also claimed that some individuals had been allowed to leave the polling stations without being marked with indelible ink leaving room for double voting.

“In one of the stations in Nakuru one of our agents noticed that a person had left the station without the indelible mark,” said the Roads Minister.

At the same time the CORD alliance condemned the killing of police officers by suspected Mombasa Republican Council followers at the Coast.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the heinous and primitive attack, “Bett said.

He said security forces should be more alert to avoid such incidents and use information from the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS) to pre- empt the attacks.

Muite unhappy with voting hitches

By Felix Olick

Kenya: Presidential candidate Paul Muite has challenged the IEBC to tell Kenyans why voter identification kits are not working in some regions.

Muite acknowleged hitches are bound to occur in such a new system but insisted that voters have a right to be informed of the affected areas and the steps being taken to correct the anomalies.

âThe electoral commmision has to tell Kenyans why the kits are not working, which regions they have failed to work and the steps being taken to correct this anomaly this would help eliminate suspisions,â he said.

Muite was speaking after casting his vote at kikuyu township primary school polling centre where he was accompanied by his wife.

He said Kenyans spent a whopping sh9 billion to aquire the modern kits to eliminate the âunfortunateâ incident in the last general election.

He commended Kenyans for turning out in large numbers and urged them to remain peaceful.

IEBC admits to voter verification challenge

By David Ohito

Nairobi: Kenya: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has acknowledged it is facing challenges with the voting process in many polling stations countrywide.

The IEBC has asked Kenyans not to be discouraged by the hitches and to remain calm as they are resolved.

Chairman Issack Hassan issued a statement on the challenges from the Bomas of Kenya national tallying centre.

Hassan admitted to delays in start of voting, hitches in voter identification and mix-ups in voting material among other hiccups in some of the 34,000 polling stations nationwide.

Delays in opening of polling stations will be made up later in the day, he told journalists. Printed registers will be used instead of the electronic poll-book after failures in electronic voter identification using fingerprint readers and biometric voting machines. The registers to be used in manual verification have voter photos.

A mix up in voting materials means elections in four County Assembly wards have to be delayed until March 11. The affected areas are in Kuria, Bunyala and Gwassi.

IEBC officials have also been faced with a huge number of voters queuing as the voting process slowly got underway. Isolated cases of violence of have also been reported in Shinyalu in Kakamega County where a vehicle belonging to an outgoing MP was allegedly torched.

In Mombasa, reports of an attack on police officers by alleged members of the Mombasa Republican council left four officers killed. In Mandera, an explosive went off at a polling station but no injuries were reported and police later beefed up security as voting continued proceeded.

Safina’s Ochuodho barred from voting
By Digital Reporter

Safina party presidential running mate Dr Shem Ochuodho got a rude shock when electoral officials barred him from voting on grounds that he registered as a voter in Kampala, Uganda.

By 4.45pm, only fifteen minutes before closing of polling stations, Mr Ochuodho was still consulting with IEBC officials to allow him cast his ballot.

Ochuodho said his case was unique because his name is in the register but there is no polling station in Kampala making it difficult for him to vote.

âWe are still consulting on this matter but we hope I will be given a chance to cast my ballot. Mine is a unique case,â he said in telephone interview.

The former Rangwe MP argued that President Kibaki registered as a voter at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi yet he voted in Othaya constituency and he should not be discriminated against.

By the time if filing this reports Ochuodho was still consulting with poll officers over the fate of his vote.

Safina’s presidential candidate Paula Muite cast his vote earlier in Kikuyu Constituency.

12 County Assembly representatives unopposed
By Peter Opiyo

Kenya: Twelve Candidates would soon be declared elected after they went in unopposed as County Assembly representatives.

CORD Presidential Candidate and Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM and Jubilee’s running mate William Ruto’s URP each clinched five positions in this category while Jubilee’s Presidential candidate and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s TNA has two slots.

Those elected unopposed in Mandera county include Emoi Hassan (URP, Banissa ward), Hassan Abdulla (Guba ward, TNA), Mohammed Shabure (Kiliwehiri ward, URP), Ibrahim Ahmed (Wargadad ward, URP) and Wariyo Ibrahim (Shimbir Fatuma ward, URP).

The ODM candidates who have been elected unopposed include Sylvester Madialo (Usonga ward, Siaya county), Joseph Osano (Chemelil ward, Kisumu county), Michael Ooro (Rusinga Island, Homa Bay county), Ronald Asiga (Wasimbete ward, Migori county) and Michael Osongo (Central Kanyamkago, Migori county).

Others are TNA’s John Njenga (Karai ward, Kiambu County) and URP’s Joseph Koech (Kipsomba ward, Uasin Gishu County.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Isaack Hassan said the names of these candidates would soon be gazetted as elected members of the respective County Assembly wards representatives.

“There are cases of candidates whose candidature were unopposed. This will be pronounced and the names gazetted in due course,” said Mr Hassan.

Kenya: Lets close our fingers … results have started to tickle in…

From: Judy Miriga

We must thank Kenyans for the peace that has prevailed……!!!

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

— On Mon, 3/4/13, okello emmanuel wrote
From: okello emmanuel
Subject: Lets close our fingers … results have started to tickle in…..
Date: Monday, March 4, 2013, 10:18 AM

We’re try

Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

From: Kuria-Mwangi ;
Subject: Lets close our fingers … results have started to tickle in…..
Sent: Mon, Mar 4, 2013 3:19:17 PM

Breaking News
18:08 Presidential provisional results: Raila Odinga (ODM) 8,880, Uhuru Kenyatta (TNA) 6,047, Kiyiapi (RBK) 210, Karua (Narc Kenya) 183…

http://elections.nation.co.ke/news/-/1631868/1710562/-/osje07z/-/index.html

Kenya: Supreme Court reactions – Kisumu

From: Judy Miriga

Good People,

What is happening in Kisumu is not the Democracy people voted for. It must be noted that, Security and protection of the people comes first before anything else.

Peaceful demonstration to express reaction, opinion and feelings is not a crime.

Live bullet on innocent people in Nyanza is wrong. This is very much condemned as it is unacceptable !!! People should be left to express their feelings as long as they are peaceful. The Police is stationed to bring peace and protect people not to brutalize and kill them with trigger happy. The succession of release of live bullets with smoking gun fires is unbelievable.

Human beings should not be killed like hunted wild animals. The Police law here was applied discriminatory. This is wrong and I am very saddened to watch what is going on in Kisumu Kenya !!

This behaviour shows very clearly how there was a plan to marshal the police to Kisumu with an intention to provoke and destroy them and the world must see this for what it is because we are not going to take such behavioural attack lightly; as it does not matter from whose order that came from.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

Supreme Court reactions – Kisumu

Published on Mar 30, 2013
http://www.ntv.co.ke
In Kisumu some unhappy CORD supporters stoned cars and engaged in attempts to loot in Kondele area. NTV’s Ouko Okusa was there.

Supreme Court reactions – Nairobi

Supreme Court reactions – Eldoret


Jobs in Africa – www.wejobs.blogspot.com
International Jobs – www.jobsunited.blogspot.com