Category Archives: Conservation

KUYO: Mourning a noted Tanzanian botanist, conservationist – Sebastian Chuwa

From: Abdalah Hamis

[image;] http://www.blackwoodconservation.org/images/seba-2000.jpg
Sebastian Michael Chuwa (photo: blackwoodconservation.org)

By James Harris and Bette Stockbauer-Harris

A noted Tanzanian botanist and conservationist is mourned

Sebastian Michael Chuwa, Tanzanian botanist and winner of several international awards for his accomplishments in conservation in his country, passed away on April 8, 2014 in Kilimanjaro Region from complications following a stroke.
Mr. Chuwa was particularly noted for his efforts to replant the African blackwood tree, the national tree of Tanzania.
Known locally as mpingo, it is used by east African carvers and in the manufacture of woodwind instruments such as clarinets, flutes, bagpipes, piccolos and oboes. The species is listed as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List and is commercially extinct in many areas of eastern Africa, where harvesting is most intense. Through
Mr. Chuwa’s efforts one million mpingo have been planted in well protected areas where they are expected to become a valuable resource for the future.

Beginning in 2004 he also established nurseries in the Mt. Kilimanjaro area for the cultivation of new-variety, disease-resistant coffee seedlings. This was in cooperation with a national initiative to revive Tanzania’s coffee industry by replacing aged and disease-prone trees which were suffering from coffee berry disease. Under his supervision 2 million coffee trees were supplied to individual farmers and plantation owners in northern Tanzania.

Originally taught by his father, who was an herbalist, he became a well-known authority on native medicinal plants. After finishing secondary school he attended Mweka College of Wildlife Management, in 1974 receiving a certificate in Wildlife Management. From 1974-1991 Mr. Chuwa held the position of Conservator at Ngorongoro Crater Conservation District. In this capacity he established a widely-emulated program for protection of the endangered black rhinoceros. He also set up a herbarium of 30,000 plant species for the use of park personnel and visitors and cooperated with Kew Gardens in London, England by supplying that institution with native African plants. In the process he discovered four new species, two of which were named in his honor. Additionally he worked with Mary Leakey at Olduvai Gorge, mapping the plant life of that area.

In 1992 he returned to his ancestral home in the Moshi/Kilimanjaro area and found employment as a professional safari guide. Through his job, he met people from around the world and impressed many with his extensive knowledge of the wildlife and plant life of northern Tanzania. Volunteering countless hours of his personal time, he began a number of grassroots conservation and education based activities. Working through Malihai Clubs of Tanzania and Roots and Shoots, he established over 100 youth conservation groups and influenced teachers and administrators to include a conservation curriculum in primary and secondary schools of the area. The children were also taught horticulture through the establishment of school nurseries which supplied tree species for the domestic needs of farmers and householders. Chuwa assisted in the formation of a number of women’s groups, who founded tree nurseries and economic enterprises for community advancement. On the international level he was able to influence the creation of the US-based Rafiki Friends Foundation and the African Blackwood Conservation Project, both of which were specifically chartered to channel international funding towards his conservation and educational efforts.

In 2002, Chuwa was presented with the Spirit of the Land award during that year’s Winter Olympics by the (US) Salt Lake City Olympic Committee for international accomplishment in environmental education. Also in 2002 he received an Associate Laureate Award from the Rolex Awards for Enterprise Committee for his outstanding work in conservation. In 2006 he received the Conde Nast Traveler magazine World Savers award and in 2007 was honored by the US National Arbor Day Foundation, which presented him with their highest honor, the J. Sterling Morton Award. In 2011 he received a Malihai Club award for 30 years of service with that organization.

Sebastian Chuwa was a man who was at home on the world stage, yet totally committed to his beloved country, Tanzania. Fluent in multiple languages, he studied medicinal and botanical knowledge from numerous African traditions. He was likewise a font of information about the exotic animal life of the continent. Safari travelers fortunate enough to have him as a guide would be entertained for hours not only by this wide knowledge of his homeland but equally by his animated and humorous story telling. He was equally adept in describing the life ways of elephants in Ngorongoro as when directing visiting international naturalists to butterfly havens in south central Tanzania. He has been described as having a “mega-smile” and always had a friendly greeting for everyone he met.

His infectious enthusiasm instilled in others a commitment to nature that will doubtless have effects far into the future. His particular genius was in establishing a paradigm that equally provided for human economic empowerment and environmental preservation. He established mechanisms that helped the coffee farmers of Kilimanjaro establish organic shade-grown agricultural systems, thereby reducing costs and preserving the natural ecology. He showed how mpingo could be integrated into agriculture as a nitrogen provider and utilized in urban settings for shade and windbreak. All of his work had one eye toward human need and the other toward environmental protection. Through this deeply intuitive commitment – balancing the human world and the natural world – he has left a wisdom and legacy for us all, not only for the people of his Tanzania, but for all people of the world who similarly cherish this precious and fragile planet on which we dwell.

Sebastian is survived by his mother, his wife, Elizabeth, a primary school teacher in Kibosho East, Kilimanjaro, and 4 children, Margareth, Michael, Flora and Cyril.

* James Harris and Bette Stockbauer-Harris are Directors of African Blackwood Conservation Project

Article source: pambazuka.org, 2014-05-01, Issue 676

Innovation Prize for Africa 2014 Finalists Announced

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

From the World’s First Injectable Skeleton Regeneration Protein to a Domestic Waste Biogas System, Ten Africans Are Innovating the Future of the Continent

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, April 10, 2014/ — The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) (http://www.africaninnovation.org) announced the finalists of the prestigious Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2014 (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org). Ten African innovators have created practical solutions to some of the continent’s most intractable problems, from a domestic waste biogas system to a wafer matrix for paediatric antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment. Chosen from almost 700 applications from 42 countries, the finalists for the IPA 2014 represent Africans’ potential to address the challenges that are unique to the continent.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/ipa-1.png

The winners of the IPA 2014 will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 May in Abuja, Nigeria, where keynote speaker, the Honourable Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of finance, will highlight the importance of innovation to unlock Africa’s potential for sustainable development and economic growth. The winner will receive USD 100 000 for the best innovation based on marketability, originality, scalability, social impact and clear business potential. A runner up will receive USD 25 000 for the best commercial potential and another winner will receive USD 25 000 as a special prize for innovation with the highest social impact. Prior to the awards ceremony, a roundtable featuring innovation experts will take place, to address the theme “A Path to Building Industrial Nation Skillsets in Africa”.

“As global leaders gather for the 2014 World Economic Forum on Africa to discuss approaches to inclusive growth and job creation, the IPA 2014 innovators demonstrate that the best way to achieve equitable economic growth for all Africans is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais, founder of the African Innovation Foundation and the IPA.

From South Africa to Niger, the IPA 2014 finalists are:

• Ashley Uys (South Africa)

OculusID Impairment Screening

The OculusID Impairment Screening device is designed to measure pupil response to light emissions. The pupil response can then be measured against pre-determined benchmarks. These benchmarks are applied to measure substance abuse, physiological defects and even fatigue. The device is a far less invasive procedure than existing methods.

• Daniel Gitau Thairu (Kenya)

Domestic Waste Biogas System

The Domestic Waste Biogas System is a new type of biogas digester which utilizes any material capable of decomposing instead of relying on animal dung to generate gas. Materials that can be used include dirty water, leftover food, spoiled grain, and vegetable and fruit peelings. This makes biogas usable even by households that cannot afford animals.

• Elise Rasel Cloete (South Africa)

GMP Traceability Management Software CC

This software is programmed to capture, store and trace data about livestock and enables data to be captured in real-time. The data is then stored in an ear tag placed on livestock and backed up on a remote server.

• Joshua Okello (Kenya)

WinSenga

This innovation is a low-cost mobile phone based antenatal diagnosis kit that captures foetal heart beat sounds and provides diagnosis which is sent to the mother through SMS. The data can also be uploaded to cloud storage.

• Logou Minsob (Togo)

Foufoumix

This is a device designed to replace the mortar and pestles used in preparing the popular West African dish, foufou. The “FOUFOUMIX ” is a small electrical food processor that allows generates discreet, quick and hygienic foufou in 8 minutes, substantially reducing the amount of time needed to prepare the dish, while also enhancing the hygienic conditions during production.

• Dr. Nicolaas Duneas (South Africa)

Altis Osteogenic Bone Matrix (Altis OBM™)

Altis OBM is the world’s first injectable bone-graft product containing a complex mix of various bone growth compounds derived from porcine (pig). It is used to stimulate the host’s own tissue regeneration system in a way that leads to the healing of a fracture or bone void, much in the same way as occurs in a normal unassisted fracture healing processes.

• Maman Abdou Kane (Niger)

Horticultural tele irrigation

The “Horticultural Tele-Irrigation system is a technological process that allows growers to remotely control their market garden irrigation system through a mobile or landline regardless of geographic location.

• Melesse Temesgen (Ethiopia)

Aybar BBM

The Aybar BBM is a low-cost farming device that can be used by farmers to plough fields that are usually waterlogged and helps them easily drain the water. This turns soils or fields that were otherwise unavailable for farming into high yielding fields.

• Sulaiman Bolarinde Famro (Nigeria)

Farmking Mobile Multi-crop Processor

The innovation uses centrifugal forces to process cassava, sweet potatoes, soy, she-nuts, grains and cereals. It helps to separate the tubers from liquid, particles and impurities/toxic elements. The extractor is designed to replace the present crude fermentation and pressing technology which is extremely slow and wasteful and offers limited output and profitability. The extractor reduces a process that normally takes 3 – 4 days into a 5 minute process offering higher quality product outputs.

• Viness Pillay (South Africa)

WaferMatTM

WaferMatTM is a tasty paediatric formulation of ARV therapy in the form of a wafer that dissolves within 3 seconds of being placed in the mouth. The wafer makes the process of administering the drug to children easier and also makes absorption more efficient.

The AIF believes that the best solutions to the challenges Africans face on a daily basis can and will come from Africans themselves and innovation is the key. The IPA selection committee represents private equity investors, seed funders, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, innovation catalysts and development leaders who are looking for ideas that move Africa forward. The call for applications for IPA 2015 will be announced in July. For detailed information of competition categories, conditions of entry, and submission details, please visit: http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org. For highlights and more information, follow the IPA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/IPAprize) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/InnovationPrizeforAfrica).

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA).

Contacts

Mimi Kalinda, Weber Shandwick

Phone + 27 72 688 1250

Email mkalinda@webershandwick.com

Pauline Mujawamariya, AIF

Phone + 41 44 515 5466

Email p.mujawamariya@africaninnovation.org

About IPA

The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) is an award founded by the African Innovation Foundation (http://www.africaninnovation.org). It mobilizes African innovators and entrepreneurs by providing a total of USD 150 000 to winners who deliver market-oriented solutions for African-led development. The IPA honours and encourages innovative achievements that contribute toward developing new products, increasing efficiency or cost savings in Africa. The prize also encourages private equity investors, government and development leaders to invest across sectors and build a climate that fuels Africa’s economic growth. For more information visit http://www.InnovationPrizeforAfrica.org. For additional media background visit http://www.AfricanInnovationNews.org.

SOURCE

Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA)

Poaching, Conflict in Africa: The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Nature Conservation Trust and SANParks Announce Historic R255 Million Commitment to Combat Poaching, Conflict in Africa

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Nature Conservation Trust and SANParks Announce Historic R255 Million Commitment to Combat Poaching, Conflict in Africa

Three-year effort will intensify protection of Kruger National Park’s rhino population, drawing lessons to address poaching that finances conflict in Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, March 14, 2014/ — The Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF) (http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org), a private foundation in the United States; the Nature Conservation Trust (NCT), a South African public benefit organization (PBO); and South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced an historic RAND 255 million (USD $23.7 million), three-year initiative to combat rhino poaching in Kruger National Park and test anti-poaching tactics that can be applied in other regions of Africa, where poaching can be a source of funding for armed groups. The announcement was made at the Rosebank office of Standard Bank, which also announced its own support for the initiative by providing favorable banking fees and interest on the funds which they will hold.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/hgbf.png

Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=896 (Howard G Buffett, Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF)

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=895 (Dr Mabunda, CEO of the South African National Parks (SANParks)

The effort in Kruger will create an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) using sophisticated detection and tracking equipment and infrastructure on the ground and in the air; elite canine units and highly-trained ranger teams; and improved intelligence gathering and observation and surveillance systems. Kruger is currently home to over 40% of the world’s remaining 22,000 rhinos, the largest single population of rhinos in the world. Since January 2010, 1,383 rhinos have been poached from Kruger National Park, part of a larger assault that resulted in 2,368 rhinos poached in South Africa over the past few years. In some areas of Africa, entire populations of rhino have been eliminated.

Kruger’s poaching problem is fueled mainly by illicit criminal networks in Mozambique, South Africa, and East Asia, but evidence suggests that armed groups elsewhere in Africa derive significant funding from poaching activities. Kruger’s IPZ will also serve as a testing ground to inform targeted efforts to combat poaching in these other African regions.

“SANParks, thanks to the leadership of David Mabunda, and Kruger National Park, under the direction of General Johan Jooste, provide a unique opportunity to test new technology and new ideas within the best operating national parks system on the continent,” said NCT Chairman and HGBF CEO Howard G. Buffett. “This effort joins our foundation’s historic support for conservation with our current focus on conflict mitigation in Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region.”

“The scale, complexity, and strategic value of this initiative is truly unprecedented for SANParks, and we believe will be transformative in our ongoing efforts to address poaching and the decimation of the rhino population in Kruger National Park,” said SANParks CEO David Mabunda. “More importantly, the lessons we hope to learn and share across SANParks and the continent will, we believe, develop new and more effective ways to combat illicit wildlife trade, particularly where it is financing armed groups.”

The Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA), led by its South African-based CEO Chris Marais, will provide advisory and advocacy support for the collaboration. NCT and HGBF have a long history of support for conservation in Africa. NCT, with 100% of its funding provided by HGBF, created the Jubatus Cheetah Reserve in 2001 and the Ukulima Research Farm in 2007, both located in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Through its direct investments and support for NCT, HGBF has, prior to this announcement, committed over RAND 485 million (USD $45 million) in South Africa for a range of

conservation and agriculture development activities including strengthening environmental governance; carnivore research in the Shashe/Limpopo Trans-Frontier Conservation region; preservation of natural resources; cheetah research and regional planning for cheetah conservation; development of agricultural strategies and production of improved seed for smallholder farmers. HGBF has committed an additional RAND 1.9 billion (USD $175 million) in support of its Africa Great Lakes Peace Initiative, which also includes funding for anti-poaching efforts designed to interrupt the capital flow to armed groups.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF).

For more information please contact:

Howard G. Buffett Foundation
Media Relations, media@hgbfoundation.org

Nature Conservation Trust
Chris Marais, lca@lcaafrica.org
South African National Parks

Rey Thakhuli, rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org

About:

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation (http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org) works to improve the quality of life for the world’s most impoverished and marginalized populations. It focuses on three core areas: food security, water security, and conflict mitigation. Based in Decatur, Illinois, the Foundation is led by CEO Howard G. Buffett. Mr. Buffett has been a permanent resident of South Africa since 2007. To learn more about the Foundation visit http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org.

The Nature Conservation Trust was established in 2000 by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation as a non-profit organization and later was converted to a public benefit organization. The Trust has two primary charitable purposes: to conserve nature, restore degraded land, and to help ensure the long term survival of cheetahs and other carnivores in situ; and to support research and improved practices in agriculture for smallholder farmers to reduce food insecurity on the African continent.

South African National Parks manages a system of parks which represents the indigenous fauna, flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country.The national parks are: Groenkloof, Kruger, Table Mountain, Marakele, Golden Gate, Camdeboo, Mountain Zebra, Addo Elephant, Garden Route National Park (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, & Wilderness), Bontebok, Agulhas, West Coast, Karoo, Namaqua, |Ai- |Ais/Richtersveld, Augrabies, Kgalagadi, Mapungubwe, Tankwa Karoo and Mokala. To learn more visit www.sanparks.org.

SOURCE
Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF)

KENYA: NYANDO MP SELLS HIS LAND FOR KSHS 800m to Madam R Enterprises FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.

To: “jaluo@jaluo.com”

By Our Investigative Reporter

Nyando MP Fred Outa who is at the centre of the storm loudly supporting the controversial Solid Waste Management is to sell to Madam R the company which was awarded the multi-billion Solid Waste Management his land at Namba Okan at a cost of kshs 800 million hence his strong agitation for Madam R.

The area MPs ;John Olago Aluoch, Aduma Owuor and himself have so far been enjoined in the case as interested parties together with six Ward Reps;the ever hungry Prisca Auma Misachi, Yona Maina Koko ,Jane Omollo and the fatherless “Banian” Aslam Khan.

Outr has of late locked horns with Kisumu Governor Jack ranguma who has so far disowned the tender award vowing that he will fight the Governor to the full until he achieves his desire of selling the land to Madam enterprises.

All those who are enjoined in the petition have been promised good cash rewards if the tender will finally be awarded to the said company.

The MPs have been promised kshs 10million each while the Ward Reps are to take home kshs 5million each.

“I am surprised that our leaders can stoop this low and be bribed and okay such a project just because one of their own is to sell his land to the Company and they share the loot from the tax payers money from Kisumu” lamented aConty Rep who was approached to be a friend of the Court but declined.

So far no Environmental Impact Assessment report has been conducted and submitted to the National Environment Management Authority, lead agencies like Kisumu Civil Aviation Authority, Water Resource Management Authority and Kisumu County on the said land the MP is selling.

Ranguma has vowed that the project will only take place over his dead vowing that the award of the tender was un procedural.

This comes at a time Kisumu High Court ordered the Kisumu County Government to respond to a petition filed by businessman Erick Okeyo regarding the controversial solid waste management project.

High Court Judge Aggrey Muchelule has given the lawyers representing the County government (Wasuna Advocates) three days to file a response against the allegations made by the petitioner.

Okeyo through his lawyer Charles Njuguna wants the county government compelled to produce certified copies of the advertisements for invitation to tender, the valuation report of the tenders, and proof of public participation in the process.

Muchelule ordered lawyers representing both parties to move with speed because the matter is of public interest since it involves huge amount of money and must be expedited as soon as possible.

However Advocate Yogo representing Madam R enterprises which was allegedly offered the Sh. 18 billion tender maintained that no tender was signed and that the county government has not spent any money on the project.

KENYA IS HOSTING AFRICAN FISHERIES STRATEGIES MEETING

Writes Leo Odera Omolo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Clean Kenya @ 50; an Invitation

From: odhiambo okecth

Dear Friends and Partners.

Listen up and kindly read this.

When we launched The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign in September 2010 in Nairobi, we went against all the grain and we are happy with the success story we recorded for the 1st Circle of The Clean Kenya Campaign- TCKC.

L-R; Cllr Charles Atula- Chairman Environment Department, Ms Petronila Nafula- CCNSET, Mayor Geoffrey Majiwa- Mayor of Nairobi, Odhiambo T Oketch- TCKC and Eng Christine Ogut- Director Environment Department during the launch of Clean up Nairobi Initiative on 18th September 2010 in Eastleigh

We chose not to respond to any call for proposals and instead, opted to invite support and partnership from those who believed we were doing the right thing. And we got this beyond our imagination. Men, Women and Institutions came forward and we are happy we all jointly made The 1st Circle of The Clean Kenya Campaign a success.

We were also far more impressed by the voluntary response and participation from many Kenyans in the Towns that we visited- Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisii, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Naivasha and Kiambu.

L-R; Mr. Bilafif-The Director of Environment- Municipal Council of Mombasa, Hon Amason Kingi- the Minister for Fisheries Development and Odhiambo T Oketch during the official launch of the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign on 20th Feb 2011 at Mackinon Market in Mombasa

It was the same story everywhere we went; many people enthusiastically joining with us to help make some change. And the response from the Government and the Municipal Councils was equally great. They came with working tools and equipment besides their staff members also joining with us. The Corporates were not left behind- some donated working tools which we promptly gave to the Councils.

We must also appreciate the many political leaders who joined with us. We have noted that the Governors have energized the process and now, it is time to join up with them.

Even though The 1st Circle of The Clean Kenya Campaign was by and large a success story, we had our low moments when mercenaries on hire berated us. But we took those in our strides and soldiered on. We also had severe financial challenges to effectively run the Campaign the best way we wanted. But still, we must appreciate our Partners who ensured the work was done. We want to make special mention of The Public Service Transformation Department, Akiba Uhaki Foundation, A Better World/SOFDI, Phoenix Aviation and the many more who joined with us. You are our heroes.

Odhiambo T Oketch sharing the problem in Eldoret with Hon William Ruto and other Local Leaders during the Launch of The Clean-ups in Eldoret in May 2011 at Huruma Grounds

We are launching The 2nd Circle of The Clean Kenya Campaign and it is going to be exciting, informative and educative. We want to roll out our experience with the 1st Campaign and work for results within 11 Months.

We want to also address those areas that did not give us structured strength. We are starting by forming an Organizing Committee that will be broad based. We will have our 1st meeting at the Nema Offices in Nairobi at Nyayo House on the 3rd Dec and the rest will follow in an organized manner.

Secondly, we are reaching out to all those who gave us support in the 1st Circle and to all new Partners so that we can structure our support and partnership for The 2nd Circle. This will help us plan for the 11 Monthly Campaigns we are going to organize for the next 11 Months.

Nyeri Mayor Cllr Edward Muteru leading by example in Nyeri during our Campaign there in August 2011

We are motivated by the experience we have gathered from across the World. Such Campaigns are supported by a Team of Dedicated Friends who offer their Financial Support on a Structured Monthly Basis. We are hence inviting Two Categories of Structured Members;

a] Individuals

Gold Members of TCKC- Those who will enroll at Kshs 2,000.00 and above per Month

Silver Members of TCKC- Those who will enroll at between Kshs 1,000.00 and Kshs 1,999.00 PM

Bronze Members of TCKC- Those who will enroll at between Kshs 5,00.00 and Kshs 999.00 PM

b] Corporate and Institutions- We will reach out to these Partners and work on some Structured Partnership/

All those who would like to support us can reach us through our Barclays Bank of Kenya Mpesa Pay Bill No. 303030 payable to our Account No. 082 152 5543. Or still, you may call the under signed for details.

The 2nd Circle of The Clean Kenya Campaign will be led by;

Mr. Odhiambo T Oketch- Executive Director

Mr. Daniel Moi- Finance and Administration Manager,

Ms Winnie Gikonyo- Project Manager- Mobilization and Registration

Mr. Chris Sunday- Project Manager- Environmental Management, and

Ms Anne Elizabeth Cook- Head- Strategy and Planning, and

The Organizing Committee

All Kenyans are invited to help by keeping their immediate neighbourhoods clean

Mmmmm. The Clean Kenya @ 50 is going to cover 11 Villages in Nairobi and it is going to be real transformative.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
Executive Director,
The Clean Kenya Campaign-TCKC,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel; +254 724 365 557,
Email; kimishodevelopment@gmail.com komarockswatch@yahoo.com
Blogspot; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Mailing List; friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com friendsofnyanza@yahoogroups.com
The Clean Kenya Campaign is an Initiative of KCDN Kenya

Kenya: East Africa Lawyers

To: jaluo@jaluo.com

By Agwanda Saye

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forum on water and sanitation in Africa: The 2013 edition

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE
Subject: High Level Forum on water and sanitation in Africa: The 2013 edition of the ground breaking High Level Forum on water and sanitation in Africa: A platform for expanded business opportunities for investors

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina-Faso, October 10, 2013/ — The November 21 to 23 High Level Forum on water and sanitation for all in Africa (http://hlf.wsafrica.org) presents an unprecedented opportunity for potential investors in water, sanitation and affordable housing businesses in Africa. The forum assembles Heads of States, Finance Ministers, Water and Sanitation Ministers, investors and donors from southern countries and also from the north, private businesses and trade associations from Africa, and development practitioners with a focus on identifying business opportunities in the water and sanitation sector.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/wsa.jpg

Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/dsc_1047.jpg

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/dsc01634.jpg

Africa is among the fastest growing regions of the world with an average growth of 5.6% per year. Africa is also fast gaining increasing access to international capital, meaning that the potential for investment and expansion in infrastructure is higher.

Africa’s growth is largely constrained by poor infrastructure. A study conducted by the African Development Bank estimated that the total cost of bridging Africa’s infrastructure gap over the next decade will be about $93 million a year.

In 1980, Africa’s urban population was estimated at 28%. By 2008 it had risen to 40% and projected to reach 50% by 2030.

This rapid urbanization rate has created demand for more infrastructure including housing, water and sanitation systems. To spur the growth, many African governments have strengthened their legal frameworks, policy and strategy regimes, anti-corruption policies, and the quality of their human capital.

In 2000, it was estimated that 59 million households had $5000 or more income above which they start spending roughly 50% on non-food items. By 2014, this figure is expected to increase to 106 million households. Thus many more Africans are prepared to exchange cash for quality service especially in water, sanitation and housing.

Despite these positive trends, the water and sanitation sector has not yet received adequate investor attention in Africa. This state of affair is mostly but arguably attributed to the socialist focused development paradigm for the sector; water and sanitation services were branded as social services with strict governmental controls. This limited the business interest in the sector and led to over-reliance on government investment and charity.

Today about 400 million people living in Africa lack access to clean drinking water, while over 600 million people lack basic sanitation services. Several millions of children die from preventable water and sanitation-related illnesses every year. In Nigeria and Ethiopia for instance, about 97,000 and 33,000 children die every year of diarrheal diseases caused by poor drinking water and sanitation respectively. All the countries with larger economies in Africa including South Africa, Ghana, Sudan, Angola still lose thousands of children every year through water and sanitation-related illnesses.

This realization has triggered the call for a shift in the development orientation for Africa’s water and sanitation sector from social to the inclusion of more economic and financial models.

With focus on south-south cooperation for water and sanitation sector growth in Africa, the 2013 High Level Forum provides the platform for exploring business opportunities with potential partners from India, China, Turkey, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil, Taiwan, Japan, not forgetting the continent’s traditional partners from the north. African investors can also explore opportunities outside the continent.

The event, organized by Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA) (http://www.wsafrica.org) in collaboration with the government of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan, with sessions like the High Level Panel of Heads of States in Africa and Finance Ministers Roundtable, for instance provides opportunities for direct access to an estimated 25 governments for closer business discussions. There are also opportunities for one-on-one meetings through the Business-to-business and business-to-government sessions. Visit http://hlf.wsafrica.org for more information.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Pan African Inter-governmental Agency, Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA).

More information on investment opportunities

Lincoln Opio: lincolnopio@wsafrica.org
Tel: +226 74 48 56 59

More information on the High Level Forum

1. Ali Dissa: hlf@wsafrica.org / alidissa@wsafrica.org
Tel : +226 74 48 60 99

2. The Event Manager hlf2013@wsafrica.org
Tel: + 225 20 00 60 30 / +225 20 00 60 31

Media Contacts

1. Yacine Traore: yacinetraore@wsafrica.org
Tel: +226 74 48 54 49

2. Emmanuel Addai: emmanueladdai@wsafrica.org
Tel: +226 78 89 83 91

SOURCE
Pan African Inter-governmental Agency, Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA)

Kenya: Convert Waste to Energy

From: Maurice Oduor

I made this proposal to Nairobi and the Ministry of Energy in 1996. But back then, no one cared to follow up on this because there was no money to coming from anywhere for them to steal !!!!

In fact my plan also included using the Sewage to make Natural Gas for cooking and for Power Generation.

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000094359&story_title=nairobi-in-sh28b-plan-to-convert-waste-to-energy

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?searchtext=Nairobi&searchbutton=SEARCH

Nairobi in Sh28b plan to convert waste to energy
Updated Thursday, September 26th 2013 at 22:20 GMT +3

By RAWLINGS OTIENO

A Sh28 billion Waste to Energy solutions initiative will see Nairobi city residents have a cleaner environment.

The Waste to Energy solutions will generate at least 70 mega Watts per hour of electricity to the national grid and address the perennial black out menace in the city.

Sustainable Energy Management (SEM), a German company will turn solid waste, organic and inorganic, recyclable and non-recyclable material into energy and at the same time make the city clean.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said that the modular plant by SEM is designed to take daily input of approximately 1,000 tons of waste of all kinds generated by Nairobi residents.

This project he said will make the city clean and get rid of the waste as well as create job opportunities for the youth.

“The project shall provide employment of 1,000 inhabitants in the first project and 250 employees directly on site in the second phase of the project. “We want to make sure that the city is clean and the Dandora dump site is cleaned,” said Kidero.

Memorandum of Understanding

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the County Government and the German business moguls yesterday, Kidero said the two waste collection and management projects are designed to interact closely together in order to streamline waste logistics and also ensure reliability of the feedback to the SEM plant.

Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Kenya Country Director Ingo Badoreck on his part said the SEM plant would emit very minimal pollution into the environment and at the same time making the city clean of waste.

Badoreck noted that the German business community would continue investing in other areas apart from sustainable energy management.

“We are pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding and hope that after the final signing, we will be able to set up the plant within 24 months to make the city of Nairobi clean,” said Badoreck.

He disclosed that there are over 50 German companies in the country employing over 3,500 workers and hope the figure would increase significantly once the plant is set up.

The integrated project offers opportunities and benefits to Nairobi and shall ensure a clean environment, provide clean energy and create employment opportunities for unemployed youths.

Garbage management is a major challenge in urban centres with garbage collection and handling demanding extra resources as well as community contribution.

KENYA: COMMUNITIES IMPROVES THEIR LIVELYHOODS THROUGH WORLD BANK FUNDED PROJECT

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

By Dickens Wasonga.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END.

Kenya: A Briefing for the Rt Rev Bishop

From: odhiambo okecth

Dear Friends, Members and Partners,

After our 1st AGM in Nairobi on the 6th August 2013, a Team of Kimisho Leadership went to Bondo for a Meeting with a few other colleagues and more so to brief the Rt Rev Johannes Angela about the AGM.

The Rt Rev Johannes Angela is the Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Bondo and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kimisho Community Development Network- KCDN.

The meeting was attended by the following;

Ms Janet Winnie Ogot- Board Member- Kimisho,
Mr. Isayah Bwana- Finance Director- Kimisho,
Mr. Fred Banja- Tresurer- Kimisho,
Ms Emily Achieng- Team Leader- Kisumu Kimisho,
Mr. Philemon Odhiambo- Team Leader- Kimisho Siaya,
Ms Millicent Ogwel- Secretary- Kimisho Kisumu, and
Odhiambo T Oketch- Secretary and Executive Director- Kimisho.

[image]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESHwyWM16jk/UgsimT2RcAI/AAAAAAAADps/46hiP46DJJE/s1600/PICT0174.JPG
A Group Photo with the Bishop; L-R; Mr. Isayah Bwana, Ms Millicent Ogwel, Odhiambo T Oketch, The Rt Rev Bishop Johanness Angela, Mr. Philemon Odhiambo, Ms Emily Achieng, Mr. Fred Banja and Ms Janet Winnie Ogot- on the 9th August 2013 in Bondo

We also had an opportunity to share our thoughts with;

Prof John Alwar Ajuoga- Great Lakes University of Kisumu,
Ms Valerie Onyango- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology,
Mr. Ken Omamo,
Mr. Joseph Kwaka and
Ms Florence Achungo.

During the meeting, members present agreed that on issues of economic empowerment, we had to seek several vehicles and partners and work with the teams we best feel comfortable with. Kimisho is hence on the right track and we are inviting only those who feel comfortable working with us to join in our vision and train. We have set our target on Registering 100,000 Members out of the 44 Million Kenyans. This means, the remaining 43.9 Million Kenyans are free to associate as they wish with initiatives of their choice. And we at Kimisho will be encouraging all those who feel they can add value to our economic empowerment agenda across Kenya to do what they can in their own way as well.

We then attended a fund raising in aid of Got Matar Secondary School in Yimbo where a total of Kshs 483,600.00 was raised for the School Bus.

On Sunday morning, I was invited to share with the faithfuls at the ACK Bondo Cathedral about Kimisho and our Vision.

We are happy that we have passed the first tests with distinctions. We are now set on Phase 2 and on Saturday the 17th August 2013, we are hosting our 1st joint Board, Management and Supervisory Committee Meeting to chart our way forward, set our agenda and design our work plan for the rest of the year.

This includes massive mobilization, massive subsidiarity and massive complementarity.

We have also set The Kimisho Investment Club and I am happy to report that 18 Kimisho Members have already shown keen interest on this Initiative. We are also happy to report that we will be hosting our 1st Investment Club Meeting in September and the Rt Rev Bishop has accepted to host the meeting at his residence when the date is set.

We are a Family and we are all joining hands and resources in this massive Journey of Hope across Kenya.

We can do it and we are hence doing it.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
The Team Leader/Executive Director,
KCDN, KSSL, KIC,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel; +254 724 365 557,
Email; kimishodevelopment@gmail.com komarockswatch@yahoo.com
Blogspot; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Mailing List; friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com friendsofnyanza@yahoogroups.com

MP and governor linked to poaching; China & Oil

From: Judy Miriga

Good People !!!!

People must go and demand for the Report Card for Public Service delivery with Responsibility and Integrity where all elected leaders with public servant employee must be in compliant as a requirement. It is time for a re-call to those who have failed to measure with the Reform Accord Agreement Mandate.

Gluttonies’breeds chronic passion for adamant corruption and impunity and unless it is forced to stop, it continues to shift gears like what can be seen by NHIF with Professor Anyang Nyongo…………It is important that people establish the truth about Clinix which now has turned to Merridian. It could be possible that, public money and funds are in a flight to unknown destination; most likely the Chinese who claim ownership of Kenya, could be enjoying and swimming in the public funds.

On Checks and Balances, things might change for better. Demand for Integrity, Transparency and Accountability must be exercised thus:

1) Is someone trying to use public money to pay debts incurred for campaign funds?

2) Kenya people have a right to know what is going on with their public resources, funding, facilities and utilities and they must protest to demand for accountability for the same.

3) They must demand about why and how Migingo is in control by the Uganda Government and why the Uganda flag is hoist on the land of Migingo? People must demand for immediate removal of Uganda Police from Migingo Island

4) People must demand to know full report of the Agenda for meeting in Uganda between President Museveni, Raila and Uhuru so to ascertain they are not short-changed and as well they should be informed why Museveni had central interest for controlling Kenya while public interest is undermined

5) People must demand reason why Museveni asked Uhuru Administration to Annex Kismayu to be shared between Somalia and Uganda interest

6) Taxpayer money is used for travelling to China, people need to know if it is for the interest of Kenyans or for special interest

7) Why teachers and nurses have not been paid to-date

8) Why No action or step-down from elected Members with Government employees who are suspects or were found to have a case, have not been relieved from public service to allow thorough investigations and why cases of NHIF have not been brought to justice

9) Why Syokimau cases have not been formalized and compensations made

10) Why Calvin Burgess on Siaya Dominion is still a breach of public interest and people who were forced out of their homes have not been resettled

11) Why people are homeless and landless from being forced out of their land from Land Grabbing and IDPs have not been resettled

12) Why the budget doesn’t seem to balance with budget speech in real life

13) Why there is no running water in the homes and power is sky-rocketing above public means

14) Why Unga with other basic needs have become unaffordable and too expensive beyond means for survival

15) Why only one Unit of Police from one tribe should head the airport

16) Why employment is done under Tribal discrimination

17) Why there are no creation of jobs but growing number of Rebel Groups and thugs are causing terror with threats in the country

18) Why illegal practices like poaching, Gold, Titanium, Diamond with other rare minerals resources from Kenya with the neighboring countries like Congo and Tanzania for example; to pass through illegality with full knowledge aided by politicians; is allowed to go on, while people are mercilessly killed, slaughtered, massacred and are forced out of their dwelling places to face terror, is unacceptable.

19) Why Government system is falling apart and is completely disfunctioning, yet, Government employees are enriching themselves and money is not going to the public coffers

20) Why Politicians have ganged up and are in a conspiracy to continue to defraud the people People must call for a MASS MOVEMENT to demonstrate country-wide against injustices that continue to befall Kenyans from both the former and the present Government so all must be forced for immediate recall with accountability so to recover stolen public wealth and engage responsible leaders with integrity to lead Kenya.

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

– – – – – – – – – – –

MP and governor linked to poaching

PHOTO | GIDEON MAUNDU A KWS ranger arranges some of the 775 pieces of ivory tusks which were netted in a container by KRA officers at a private godown in Jomvu on July 3, 2013. The ivory, worth Sh29 million, was in transit to Malaysia from Uganda. NATION MEDIA GROUP

By PATRICK MAYOYO pmayoyo@ke.nationmedia.com

Posted Tuesday, August 13 2013 at 23:30

In Summary

KWS and police say they are investigating the reports linking the three to the illegal ivory trade

Two influential Coast businessmen, a central Kenya MP and a Rift Valley governor have been linked to the runaway poaching and ivory smuggling in the country.

Police officers, Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Revenue Authority officials conversant with ongoing investigations said they were pursuing leads linking the three individuals to the illegal ivory trade. (READ: China reiterates pledge to end ivory smuggling)

The three are reportedly part of an international ivory smuggling ring operating in the country. They have been linked to a container full of ivory intercepted at the port of Mombasa last month.

Detectives also discovered that ivory stolen from Mombasa State House was among that in the intercepted container.

On Tuesday, another container full of ivory was intercepted in Singapore and is being shipped back to Mombasa where it reportedly originated. (READ: Kenya a ‘major route for ivory smugglers’)

Police spokesperson Zipporah Mboroki promised to give a detailed statement on investigations into ivory smuggling after getting a briefing from officers handling the case at Mombasa port.

According to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), international organised crime syndicates are behind the killing of elephants and rhinos in Kenya and other African countries.

Cites says the gangs use the latest technology and have collaborators among local communities and security agencies.

Investigations have revealed that the international ring has devised ingenious ways of transporting their loot to evade detection by security agencies.

Their tricks include declaring containers ferrying the smuggled ivory as carrying either timber, fruits, electronics, tyres or other assorted goods. Most of the ivory intercepted in Asia is being traced to the ports of Dar-es-Salaam and Mombasa.

Wildlife experts and research scientists estimate that two elephants are killed per day — the highest number in recent times.

The statistics have sparked outrage among wildlife conservationists and raised fears the animals could become extinct.

KWS says there has been an upsurge in poaching in the last five years with more than 360 elephants killed last year compared to only 45 in 2007.

A recent census revealed that the country’s 35,000 elephant population had suffered a 14 per cent decline due to poaching and drought.

Clinic named in NHIF scam sues for Sh800m

PHOTO | FILE The National Hospital Insurance Fund building in Nairobi. NATION MEDIA GROUP

By PAUL JUMA pjuma@ke.nationmedia.com

Posted Tuesday, August 13 2013 at 23:30

In Summary

Medical centre says NHIF made it appear as having received money fraudulently

A medical clinic adversely named in the National Hospital Insurance Fund scandal has sued the agency for close to Sh1 billion.

Meridian Medical Centre filed the suit at the High Court in Nairobi, accusing the health insurer of breach of contract and reputation damage.

Meridian, which runs clinics in major towns, was among medical service providers the NHIF contracted to provide services to its members under the social health insurance scheme.

MPs raised questions about the NHIF’s decision to award contracts for treatment of civil servants under the new scheme to companies that lacked facilities in rural areas. They cited Meridian Medical Centre and Clinix.

The fund cancelled the contracts.

The clinic’s chief executive officer, Dr Peter Wambugu, said the decision by NHIF caused the publication of numerous media reports portraying the clinic as having received money from the NHIF fraudulently, that it was involved in unethical practices and that its centres were sub-standard, unregulated and uninspected.

“This façade has damaged our brand and I state herein that none of these allegations are true,” Dr Wambugu has stated in a witness statement filed in court.

The manner in which the NHIF conducted the termination caused the clinic’s reputation to be vilified in the eyes of the public, hence it was entitled to compensation for loss of business reputation and credibility, said the CEO.

The medical company wants the court to order the health insurer to pay it damages totalling to Sh814,830,341 with interest plus an unspecified amount in general damages for loss of reputation.

Court nod for KRA’s Sh127m tax demand

PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | FILE Kenya Revenue Authority headquarters at Times Tower in Nairobi. NATION MEDIA GROUP

By NATION REPORTER

Posted Tuesday, August 13 2013 at 23:30

A judge on Tuesday declined to stop the taxman from demanding Sh127 million from a pharmaceutical company.

Mr Justice David Majanja described as an abuse of the court process a constitutional petition by Beta Healthcare opposing the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) tax demand.

The firm had filed the suit at the Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court.

The company, which had lost a case in which it sought similar relief at the court’s Judicial Review Division, claimed in the new suit its rights and freedoms had been violated.

It filed the constitutional petition also at the Court of Appeal to try and overturn the initial High Court ruling, a matter which is still pending.

Justice Majanja said the firm was wrong in asking the High Court to deal with issues pending before the Court of Appeal.

“These proceedings are an abuse of the court process. They are hereby dismissed with costs to the respondents,” he said. He gave Beta Health 14 days to appeal.

Ivory seized in Singapore on way back

PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA Mombasa Port employees arrange some of the 638 pieces of elephant tusks for weighing after they were impounded in January. Conservationists have raised alarm over the surge in poaching. NATION MEDIA GROUP

By NATION CORRESPONDENT

Posted Tuesday, August 13 2013 at 23:30

A container suspected to be loaded with ivory is on its way to Mombasa after being seized in Singapore, the Kenya Wildlife Service has revealed.

The cargo, which was exported through the port of Mombasa last month, was intercepted in the Far East port courtesy of the cooperation between Kenyan security and their international counterparts, Mr Arthur Tuda, a KWS director, said.

“The container was among those seized earlier and returned to Kenya. But somehow, it had disappeared. Through our efforts and our foreign security colleagues, we intercepted it and as I speak, it is expected at Mombasa port any time,” he said.

Unconfirmed information from port sources said the container could arrive tomorrow although it was not clear which ship would bring it. Mr Tuda declined to give more information.

Poachers killed

Late July and this month, two containers of ivory were seized at the port destined for Malaysia. Several other suspected containers are still being sought, according to Kenya Revenue Authority

(KRA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and KWS sources.

The KWS director said this month alone, two poachers and two KWS rangers had been gunned down as the war on poaching intensifies.

“Two of our officers including a constable and an inspector were shot dead by poachers within Kipini Conservancy area in Tana Delta as they pursued armed thugs,” he said.

China set to be world’s biggest net oil importer

PHOTO | MARK RALSTON Goods are delivered to a store in Beijing, China. The country is the biggest consumer of energy globally and is set to beat US to the top in oil imports. AFP

By AFP

Tuesday, August 13 2013 at 16:53

In Summary

Graph on EIA website shows Asian country’s net imports steadily rising, with those of the US falling

BEIJING

China is set to overtake the United States as the world’s largest net oil importer from October, according to US figures, due to a combination of rising Chinese demand and increased US production.

Next year, China’s net oil imports will exceed those of the United States on an annual basis and the gap between them will continue to widen, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.

China is already the biggest energy user in the world and the second-largest oil consumer after the United States.

Chinese demand

The shift has been driven by steady growth in Chinese demand, increased oil production in the United States, and stagnant or weakening demand in the United States market, the EIA said in a report.

A graph on the EIA’s website shows China’s net imports steadily rising, with those of the US falling at a faster rate, and says the crossover point comes in two months’ time.

Growing petroleum production in the US has been largely driven by the increasing use of sometimes controversial hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking.

The technique uses huge amounts of pressurised water mixed with chemicals to crack open rock and release oil and natural gas, making the exploitation of vast shale hydrocarbon reserves economically viable.

It is changing the world’s energy market but it has been banned in other countries such as France due to environmental concerns.

US annual oil output is expected to rise 28 percent between 2011 and 2014 to nearly 13 million barrels per day, while Chinese production is forecast to grow by six per cent over the period, and will stand at just a third of US production in 2014, the EIA said.

Meanwhile, China’s liquid fuel use will increase 13 per cent over the period to more than 11 million barrels per day while United States demand hovers close to 18.7 million barrels per day.

That is below the United States’ peak consumption level of 20.8 million barrels per day in 2005, the EIA added.

China imported 26.11 million tonnes (186.5 million barrels) of crude oil last month and its exports were a mere 0.17 million tonnes, according to official Beijing figures.

The Asian country’s ascendence to the top of the world’s net oil import rankings will have profound impact, an article carried by the China Business News said on Monday.

“China and the US will no longer be pure competitors in the energy sector — China is likely to import energy in bulk from the US,” wrote commentator Li Dongchao.

Balala asked Sh80m bribe to buy house, Cortec says

Analysts have warned that Mr Balala’s action to revoke mining licences of the affected firms may cause a stand-off between the government and investors in the industry, thereby derailing activity in the mining sector. Photo/JENNIFER MUIRURI |FILE NATION MEDIA GROUP

By IMMACULATE KARAMBU ikarambu@ke.nationmedia.com

Posted Friday, August 9 2013 at 20:02

In Summary

Through Mr Jacob Juma, Cortec Mining Kenya country boss, firm claims Secretary demanded the cash in exchange for the firm keeping its licence
A company whose licence was cancelled on Monday has sensationally accused Mining Secretary Najib Balala of demanding Sh80 million bribe in exchange for the firm keeping its permit.

In a letter dated July 29, this year, written by Cortec Mining Kenya to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of Kenya, the firm accuses Mr Balala of demanding the money to aid him buy a house to replace his Karen one which he is said to have sold to raise funds for campaign during the last General Election.

“On July 8, Mr Juma drove into Mr Balala’s house at 7:30pm where he found Mr Balala waiting for him as per the appointment through the commissioner of mines. At the said meeting, Mr Balala confirmed to our Jacob Juma, our Kenyan country director, that he required Sh80 million from Cortec Mining Limited to buy a house for he had sold his house in Karen to raise funds for campaign in the just concluded elections,” read part of the letter signed by Cortec managing director David Anderson.

Cortec Mining Kenya has been exploring minerals in Mrima Hills, Kwale County.

Jacob Juma is the controversial businessman associated with Erad Limited, a company that is currently held in a court battle with the National Cereals and Produce Board over a Sh600 million debt. Mr Juma has a substantive shareholding in Cortec Mining Kenya through the company’s two holding firms.

Cortec Mining Kenya is owned 70 per cent by Pacific Wildcat Resources, a publicly listed company at the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and 30 per cent by Sterling Securities, a firm registered in the United Kingdom.

On Monday, Mr Balala revoked mining licences of 42 companies on grounds that they were irregularly issued, setting the stage for possible court battles with the affected investors.

Cortec Mining Kenya, the company that is licensed to mine the over $100 billion Niobium and rare earth metal deposits at Mrima Hills in Kwale, South Coast was among the companies whose licences were cancelled.

The government, through the spokesperson of the Presidency Manoah Esipisu requested for about three days to investigate the allegations before issuing an official statement.

Meanwhile, an insider of the EACC told the Saturday Nation that the Cortec letter was indeed received at the antigraft body on July 29, and that investigations were underway, although the commission’s spokesperson noted that he could not confirm the issue yesterday being a public holiday.

In its letter, Cortec managing director David Anderson also said that the company officials met with Justin Muturi, the speaker of the National Assembly where they complained of the Sh80 million bribe demands from Mr Balala and requested him to address the matter though the responsible parliamentary committee.

National Assembly

“On the July 16, we had dinner with the speaker of the National Assembly at the Thai restaurant at the New Stanley Hotel and complained of the Sh80 million bribery demand by the mining minister and requested him to intervene in this bribery demand through the house parliamentary committee that deals with mining,” said Mr Anderson in the letter.

While canceling the 42 licences on Monday, Mr Balala also directed mining companies to give a 21-day notice to his ministry before making any public announcement on findings, in a bid to control a situation where such information may cause a rally in their share valuation at the respective bourses they are listed.

On the day Cortec announced its valuation of the rare earth metal resources at the Mrima Hills late last month, Pacific Wildcat Resources’ share which trades at the Toronto Stock Exchange gained 28 per cent.

The Pacific Wildcat Share was suspended from trading on Tuesday at the request of the company and resumed trading on Thursday where it shed 59 per cent of its value following news of licence cancellation.

Besides the bribe allegations, Cortec Mining Kenya has accused Mr Balala of having interest in awarding the mining licence for rare earth metals and niobium to Chinese investors.

In an earlier telephone interview with the Nation, Mr Balala admitted that he indeed travelled to China and met Chinese investors but dismissed the allegation that he was fronting for the investors.

“Yes I was in China recently and the president will be in China next week. Chinese are investors like any other and they have a right to do business in the country,” he said.

Though found in other countries, the market for rare earth metals, that are used in manufacturing electronic gadgets such as smartphones is about 90 per cent controlled by China.

Stand-off

Analysts have warned that Mr Balala’s action to revoke mining licences of the affected firms may cause a stand-off between the government and investors in the industry, thereby derailing activity in the mining sector.

The Kenya Chamber of Mines on Tuesday, through its chairman Adiel Gitari said that Mr Balala’s action went against the spirit of collaboration between the government and industry players.

China to help fund anti-poaching war towards Decolonization of Kenya with East Africa

From: Maurice Oduor

Judy,

You’re now confusing us. DECOLONIZATION means to REMOVING COLONIZATION.

According to your story, I thing you mean to say RECOLONIZATION i.e. RE-INSTUTING COLONIZATION.

Sivyo?

Courage

– – – – – – – – – – –

On Sat, Aug 10, 2013 at 9:09 AM, Judy Miriga wrote:

Good People,

Foreign Contract to Chinese Government to Stop Poaching is another way to spread Chinese Policing into the village country-side to hijack (take-over) Kenya and deny Kenyan Youths Jobs. It is another way to directly control over Kenya and the Great Lakes of East Africa. It is a system applied for quite transitioning of Uhuru-Ruto Administration handing-over power to Chinese Government to Rule and take Kenya by storm, in the process of DECOLONIZATION; which is going the Mozambique style and it must be stopped instantaneously.

Kenya with the rest of Great Lakes of East Africa are a Democratic Nation and No amount of invasion will be accepted as long as the International and UN Treaty have not been revoked. This calls for an urgent investigation of the World Bank, IMF and United Nations’ Secretary General Ban-Ki-moonby the FBI for fueling Corruption and Impunity through being part of this great conspiracy trigger. It is because, the manner at which they recommended funding for AIDs Funding to remove poverty, provide health-care, provide security, initiate job opportunities and Education in the Great Lakes of East Africa is questionable and suspicious. They instead purposely fueled extreme corruption and impunity in the Greater Region of East Africa.

Funds have been channeled through corrupt means with unclear Agreements in Partnership with the operating International NGOs on the ground who work along the Government side, where they don’t seem to transmit those funding directly to do what they were initiated for. Consequently, there are no follow-ups to determine positive effectiveness where if there is no good results from those funding, what immediate action were taken to avoid its failure???……… It was then found that, drivers of the funding disbursement have instead created and financed take-over of East Africa which is why, Migingo and Goma was taken with annexing of Port of Kismayu. We found that, the insecurity is spreading fast with fueling of thuggery, proliferation of Arms through Kismayu, Migingo and Lake Victoria. This is zeroed-in with active participation and funding of Rebel Groups thus:

Al-Qaeda, Al-shabaab, Mungiki, Pirating, drug peddling with foreign exchange money trafficking, Child Prostitution and trafficking; with more problems to include environmental pollutions, sicknesses, careless killings, forceful Land Grabbing and theft………Therefore, all these numerous accounts of injustices are unacceptable and justice must prevail……..They are all as a result of funds being channeled the wrong way without transparency and accountability, through Foreign NGOs on the Ground supposed to be providing AIDs to the Great Lakes of Africa to remove poverty, sickness and provide security and education.

Having realized that these NGOs are not doing much fast enough to aid quick killings and take-over, the UN Agencies with the Corrupt African Leaders with their network of the International Corporate Special Business Interest resolved to forcefully take-over Great Lakes of East Africa through Chinese Private Army in Kenya that was sensored by Kalonzo Musyoka and supervised by Raila and Kibaki in the Coalition Government.

This is the unfinished business Raila, Kagame with Museveni are fighting for while their paymasters standing akimbo watching them to fulfill their mission urgently……….and which is why, there is this struggle between Raila and Uhuru Government and why Museveni is the Chairman and Kagame the Secretary in this Great Lakes of East Africa who are both entrusted with the mission by heir pay masters who are the International Corporate of Special Business Interest in the Great Region of East Africa.

This is not right, it is not fair and it is not morally justified. It is a serious crime against humanity and it cannot be left to happen that way.

Therefore, Contracting Poaching Unit by Chinese must be stopped, it is not economical viable for Kenya or to any other Sovereign Nationality of Africa. It will be the beginning of World War and, Kenya with the Great Lakes of East Africa will be the battle-ground.

PETITIONING OVER CONCERNS:

These concerns must not be taken lightly by the International Community Leaders; as they provide fodder for the Third World War meant to wipe out Africans from Africa like what happened to Mozambique. It is immorally unjust to kill Africans and replace them with Chinese. It is all along known in world records that Chinese Government is the worst in Human Rights Crime, Violation and Abuse records including environment pollution. They must not be left to destroy Kenya with the rest of East Africa. I therefore petition US President Obama to lead good leaders Allys of USA to save a situation in Kenya with the rest of Great Lakes of East Africa.

Africa needs sustainable functioning development Agenda and not those of wiping out Africans through Chinese Private Army that are posing as policing poacher………..This is not what they are going for………they are going for human beings…….which is why Raila is calling the Youth Lizards (Raila led the onslaught comparing Obura to a lizard. He said according to a Nigerian parable, there was a lizard that craved recognititon. He said the lizard climbed a tree hoping people would see him). That in their cry for justified demands as per public mandate, the Youth have no rights……..They are going to exterminate human beings not Lizards in reality, and more or so, they are more interested in poaching themselves that to protect and save ……. They are interested in the big money not to preserve Africas interest………..

Wake up people, wake up and join forces to reject this mission in totallity………Let the world help to save Africans, let Africans not perish in the hands of these selfish and greedy businessmen !!!

Extremely very sad indeed………but the Truth with Justice ill set us all free……….and Peace and Liberty in pursuit for Hapiness shall prevail…………

May God Protect and Bless Africa with its people !!!

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

China to help fund anti-poaching war

PHOTO | COURTESY Kenya Wildlife Service rangers on patrol. China has pledged to fund Kenya’s efforts to curb wildlife poaching. NATION MEDIA GROUP | KWS

By NATION REPORTER
Posted Friday, August 9 2013 at 23:30

China has pledged to fund Kenya’s efforts to curb wildlife poaching.

Speaking at a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Prof Judi Wakhungu, Chinese ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan said his country would give Kenya a grant, which he did not specify, to protect the elephant, rhino and other endangered species.

The pledge comes in the wake of renewed efforts by the Kenyan authorities to totally eradicate poaching.

The government has already formed a special unit to fight the menace, with China, the United States and UK among the countries funding it.

Last week, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta launched the “Hands off Elephants” campaign to spearhead the protection of elephants.

Speaking during the meeting with Prof Wakhungu, the Chinese envoy urged Kenya to strengthen wildlife conservation measures and severely punish poachers.

China’s anti-poaching laws are some of the most stringent in the world, with offenders often getting life imprisonment.

Expressing Kenya’s wish to join hands with other nations in combating illegal ivory and rhino horn trade, Prof Wakhungu praised China for its consistent measures and actions towards the enforcement of wildlife conservation laws.

The Kenya Wildlife Service says Kenya lost 384 elephants and 29 rhino to poachers last year alone. This year, 190 elephants and 34 rhinos have been killed.

Last month, a huge consignment of ivory was impounded in Mombasa.

The ivory, weighing 3.3 metric tonnes and valued at Sh65 million, was concealed in gunny sacks and declared as groundnuts bound for Malaysia.

The consignment comprised 382 whole pieces and 62 cut pieces of ivory.

The seizure came barely two months after customs officials in the United Arab Emirates seized 259 pieces of ivory shipped from Mombasa.

Ministry urges MPs to prioritise Wildlife Bill

Environment Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe flags off one of the vehicles that will be used by Inter Security Agency Anti-Poaching Unit at KWS headquarters in Nairobi August 8, 2013. The Ministry urged MPs to move with speed and pass the Wildlife Bill that seeks to tighten penalties for poachers. ANTHONY OMUYA

By JEREMIAH KIPLANG’AT jkiplangat@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Saturday, August 10 2013 at 09:57
Related Stories

Prioritise anti poaching Bill, MPs urged
Environment Cabinet Secretary Judy Wakhungu has urged MPs to move with speed and pass the Wildlife Bill that seeks to tighten penalties for poachers.

Prof Wakhungu said poaching had shot up since the beginning of the year hence the need for the fast enactment of the proposed law, which she said is expected to play a bigger role in preventing the vice.

“We are keen on the speedy enactment of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill, 2013 that proposes stiffer and deterrent penalties. It has been published and tabled in Parliament but expect faster enactment,” she said Thursday in a speech read on her behalf by the ministry’s Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe during the launch of a special unit of security officers to tackle poachers.

The Bill will be read for the first time when the lawmakers return from their recess on September 17. It is expected that the proposed law will impose heftier penalties when it is enacted.

Last June, the Cabinet approved the Bill that is set to, among others, increase the fine to up to one million shillings for those found engaging in poaching.

Enhanced sentences

Mr Lesiyampe said the Ministry was lobbying for enhanced sentences for those found guilty of poaching.

“These are not ordinary criminals. They are economic saboteurs who should not be treated softly anymore. We are thinking of 15 years imprisonment or even life sentences,” he said.

The special unit comprises 121 officers drawn from Kenya Wildlife Service, Administration Police and General Service Unit. They will undergo training at the KWS centre in Manyani before being deployed to the three poaching hotspots in the country.

The hotspots are Narok, Tsavo and Isiolo.

KWS director William Kiprono said the unit will boost the fight against poaching, a menace he said, could not be addressed alone by the wildlife department.

“It is now a serious issue that KWS cannot address it alone. It is a national problem. We need everybody on board to tackle it,” Mr Kiprono said.

The formation of the unit comes a week following the launch of another campaign, Hands Off Elephants, by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

The campaign aims at pushing for tighter measures to guard against elephant poaching.

COMMENTS:

theafricanthinker
•a day ago •2 upvotes

Rot in government ministries. I’m just sick of news I’m hearing from
home these days.

There is nothing good. JKIA burnt, no one knows why.
Balala is demanding corruption from investors, no one is gonna stop him.

If police and other first responders loot victims properties, who shall we trust? If the ministry entrusted with wildlife is smuggling out wild animal parts, who should protect Kenya’s natural beauties?

Poor Kenyans have always been on the losing end!

see more
jackmuraguri@hotmail.com
•a day ago •0 upvotes

Life sentence to poachers and the confiscation of all their wealth is the only solution.

see more

Hoorayhenry
•a day ago•3 upvotes

It’s not new laws that we need, we need to let people who love & value
this great heritage look after it. We, indigenous Africans have no time for wildlife. Traditionally, we’ve always seen animals as a source of our basic needs (food clothing, shelter) period. This is my argument…. KWS under the Leakeys, was so efficient that poaching had almost completely been eradicated, & in fact the population of the ‘big five’ had increased to an extent of them starting to be a menace, & there was talk of culling elephants in Kenya. KWS is still here, now managed by us indigenous Africans, why has it become a joke? SA still have their wildlife protection intact!!!! Same reason perhaps???

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Published on Aug 9, 2013

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CORD leader Raila Odinga tells off
Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura over
leadership

Updated Friday, August 9th 2013 at 23:19 GMT +3

By RUSHDIE OUDIA
KENYA: CORD leader Raila Odinga has told off the young Turks over their plans to take over leadership in ODM.

The former PM alongside other CORD leaders, who spoke during the homecoming for Kisumu County Assembly majority leader, Samuel Ong’ou, aimed their blows at Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura who had showed his interest in the ODM Secretary General’s post.

Obura’s onslaught was brought forth using parables and straight attacks.

Raila led the onslaught comparing Obura to a lizard. He said according to a Nigerian parable, there was a lizard that craved recognititon. He said the lizard climbed a tree hoping people would see him.

“You can be old in body but young in mind and similarly you can be old in mind and young in body,” said Raila, advising the young leaders.

Funyula MP Paul Otuoma said Obura was like a young bull trying to overthrow the oldest bull in the house.

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama also dismissed the young leaders.

“Obura does not know what he is saying and he should stop all these theatrics,” said Muthama, adding that Raila wants unity yet some people are set to destabilise ODM.

National Assembly Deputy Chief Whip, Jakoyo Midiwo told Obura to respect the older leaders.

Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ said ODMis like a church and there is no way a small priest could sit on the bishop’s seat simply because he is old.

Fears over new split as ODM bigwigs
cling on ‘one-man’
Updated Friday, August 9th 2013 at 23:50 GMT +3

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Dogeretti North MP Simba Arati (LEFT) are welcomed by ODM supporters in Dagoretti for presentation of bursaries in the constituency. [PHOTO: FILE]

By JUMA KWAYERA
KENYA: A fresh storm is simmering in the Orange Democratic Movement after the party’s top hierarchy failed to provide a definite roadmap to the eagerly anticipated National Delegates Convention.

The meeting is expected to result in radical decisions about the future of the party following a push from the rank and file for change at the top. ODM MPs demanded party leader Raila Odinga to cut lose certain officials at a meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday.

So sensitive is the issue that some of the party officials contacted either flatly declined to comment or referred all questions to newly appointed executive director Joseph Magerer Lang’at, himself facing a revolt as some members question his appointment.

At least 10 MPs are contemplating ‘technically’ defecting from ODM to underline their unhappiness. Former Roads Minister Franklin Bett says the party faces serious integrity questions in the manner it handles its affairs. In a tell-all interview with The Standard on Saturday, Bett took a swipe at the opacity in party operations that excludes majority of its members.

“I am aware they have tried to set meetings after the last Parliamentary Group meeting in June,” says Bett, who was in charge of the party’s presidential election team. “However, meeting and sharing with members is critical to the survival of this party. A clique around the party leader makes decisions. If a party avoids its members, it is doomed to fail. If they cannot find a way of accommodating all members, then the party risks being a one-man show.”

The brickbat that was clearly aimed at the party’s top brass left no doubt he shares the sentiments and frustrations younger MPs and senators have been expressing.

Jubilee is reportedly preparing a war chest to pounce on the dissenters. There have been reports of an effort to woo Western Kenya among other areas.

The latest developments represent the many twists and turns ODM has had to navigate to remain vibrant in the bicameral Parliament, despite its relatively weaker numerical strength. Some of the MPs met Raila on Wednesday evening during which they were categorical the bad eggs have to be dispensed with soon or the party risks another mass exodus as witnessed in the countdown to the March elections.

Kakamega meeting

The meeting was an attempt by Raila to calm the storm that has been building up involving mainly first-time MPs who have been calling for radical surgery to rid the party of senior officials they accuse of being responsible for the debacle suffered in the elections. The former PM’s responses to specific questions allegedly left some “frustrated”.

Raila, party secretary-general, treasurer and minority leader come from the same community, a reality those calling for disaggregation of seats to reflect the face of Kenya want changed.

The frustration of MPs from ODM political base in Nyanza coincides with a planned meeting in Kakamega this weekend to be addressed by, among others, former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende. Marende is positioning himself for chairmanship.

The realignment takes place against a backdrop of reports that pressure is piling on Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chair Ababu Namwamba and Funyula MP Paul Otuoma “to work with” the Jubilee government. Namwamba would not respond to our phone calls or text messages.

Hot topic

One of the MPs who attended the 5-9pm “dinner” meeting told The Standard on Saturday that the former PM remained vague on when the party would hold elections to rejuvenate it. The MP says it is unlikely the much-talked about polls will take place this year, as it had become hot topic that would split the party further.

The Serena Hotel dinner talks were attended by Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Opondo Kaluma (Homa Bay), David Ochieng’ (Ugenya), Ken Obura (Kisumu Central), Jared Opiyo (Awendo), Ken Okoth (Kibra), Sylvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul) and George Oner Ogalo (Rangwe).

We have also learned that some MPs at the meeting said a senior official in Deputy President William Ruto’s office has been tasked with recruitment of disgruntled MPs from Nyanza and Western.

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura referred to the meeting as routine “coffee meeting” with the party leader. “There is nothing extra-ordinary. We always meet with party leader for tea,” Mr Obura explained. The first-time MP, however, acknowledged the need to rebuild and re-brand the party.

“The National Governing Council will meet soon to set a date for elections. Once the NGC sets a date for a National Delegates Convention, we shall have enough reasons to speak on the direction we want the party to take,” he says.

Another first time MP from South Nyanza, who requested anonymity, says the session at Serena was stormy, with the MPs insisting demagogues responsible for the chaotic primaries be kicked out.

In a text message after the meeting, the MP described as “hot” the debate on the role played by chairman Henry Kosgey, Secretary-General Anyang Nyong’o, Eliud Owalo and Deputy National Assembly Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo in the March 4 elections.

The MPs questioned the recruitment of Magerer. The latter could not be reached by phone. Leaders from the former Western Province are pushing for either chairmanship or secretary-general’s post. Coast too is eying one of the positions, which are currently held by Kosgey and Nyong’o.

Other than Marende, Otuoma is said to be interested in Kosgey’s post while Namwamba and party assistant executive director Nabii Namwera are lining up to replace Nyong’o. Some MPs from Western are accused of either not propagating their party’s agenda or are quietly “working” with Jubilee.

10/03/08
03:32:29 pm, by nazret.com, 220 words
Categories: Ethiopia, Somalia
Should Ethiopia annex Somalia?

File Photo: Ethiopian Troops in Somalia

Should Ethiopia annex Somalia?

Writer Donald Kipkorir argues it is time for Ethiopia and Kenya to annex Somalia, in an opinion piece published in Kenya’s, The Daily Nation, titled, “Why Kenya and Ethiopia ought to annex and divide Somalia”.

Described by the Economist magazine as ‘The world’s most utterly failed state’, Somalia is a lawless state with no functioning central government since 1991. The writer argues the country is a ‘haven for terrorists and pirates’. He goes on to say,

“Annexing Somalia is thus in our strategic interest and we must do it now as the financial meltdown continues to take away the attention of the world.

Somalia as a state exists only in world maps. It is a classic case of a failed state. It is a state dismembered into as many independent units as there are sub-clans. Its 90-strong cabinet is emblematic of the actual number of units. Somalia neighbours Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. Of these, it is only Ethiopia and Kenya that have strategic interest in Somalia. Kenya and Ethiopia must and ought to dismember Somalia and divide it between themselves along the 4 degrees latitude, each taking all the land below and above the line.”

You can read the full article from Kenya’s Daily Nation.

Should Ethiopia annex Somalia? Have Your Say

168 comments
Comment from: tola [Visitor]
I think that was the plan all along i say Hell yea we should take over Somaliland and Puntland and give the rest of Somalia to Kenya and also take Eritrea back and have Djibouti join us
10/03/08 @ 15:49
Comment from: KOKEB [Visitor]
ETHIOPIA never annex somalia. It is a dirty trick of MELATAW ZOMBIE and the TPLF TEGRE morans for all this un-wanted war.

Long live the people of ETHIOPIA & SOMALIA!

DEATH to MELESE and HIS bloodY family SHABIA!
10/03/08 @ 15:49
Comment from: dereje [Visitor]
it is sad the Somalis can’t put their house in order, relatively speaking. but Ethiopia never took other people’s land in its history and should keep it that way.
10/03/08 @ 15:53
Comment from: Emperor Menelik II [Visitor]
Perfect discussion We have to do this! Somaliland and Puntland join Ethiopia. The southern Somalians (Mogadishu)are the Shertam’ Somali dirt bag illiterate donkeys, they must join Kenya.
10/03/08 @ 15:53
Comment from: Ogadenian [Visitor]
Ethiopia is not even capable of feeding itself let alone annex Somalia. Ethiopia is in Somalia with the help of Christian Nations who have a deep hatred for all Somali Muslims,beside with all the finance,weapon,air and sea support for those Christians nations still it can not control one single city.

For goodness sake lets fight each other one to one,i meant Ethiopia against Somalia only no outside help and i swear to you Ethiopia will not last a week with us Somalis.

Its always Russian,Cuban,British, etc
Who are fighting against Somalian in the name of Ethiopians,that is why we are saying this is not fair.

10/03/08 @ 15:57
Comment from: berta [Visitor]
Not annex but it is a good strategy to temporarily split Somalia in to at least pieces. one ruled by Kenya plus AU and UN, the next piece ruled by Ethiopia plus AU and UN the other piece Puntland/Djibuti plus AU and UN.
10/03/08 @ 16:11
Comment from: Tesfaye [Visitor]
We have to be realistic. Somaliland & Puntland can join Ethiopia. Djoubiti & Eritrea should be given back to Ethiopia. Then we can build our country. We can mobilise our human and material resources to the maximum. This time we have to be serious about our internal enemies. They should be hunted and eliminated. Ethiopia needs a true national leader. Those leaders who have no respect for history are either insane or agents of foreign powers. ThEY HAVE TO BE DEALT WITH.

The case of Eritrea should be also resolved. Muslim Eritrea can be given to Sudan and the christian areas including Massawa should be given to Ethiopia. This is the way to deal with people who are bandas and messeners of destruction. The eritreans are mercenaries, slaves who been waging a war of detruction by proxy.

10/03/08 @ 16:26
Comment from: kirkiri [Visitor]
Kenya and Ethiopia don’t have the capacity to annex Somalia.
Somalia is closer to annexing both countries.

The Islamic courts union/al shabab hold more territory today than when Ethiopia cowardly thought it could do something about Somalia.
20,000 Ethiopian soldiers are dead and the Somali fighters not reached their full potential. Kenya is far weaker than Ethiopia.

Dreams are so cheap. Every fool can dream.
10/03/08 @ 16:27
Comment from: Tenkir [Visitor]
This is such a stupid question for those of us Ethiopians who know Ethiopia is run by a sophisticated gov that gives away land and territory (viz Eritrea) to manage a small country effectively In fact in a series of interviews I heard woyane officials complaining Ethiopia being too big to govern. So, please tell me how on earth will Ethiopia under the leadership of woyane would annex a land? Or are you asking a philosophical question suggesting since Somalia could be equated as a problem that the gov will not hesitate to bring anything negative to our side?
10/03/08 @ 16:28
Comment from: common sense [Visitor]
Sure it sounds an outlandish idea, but it’s really not that crazy an idea.It’s actually a win win situation for both Ethiopia and Somalia.If we look past European colonists era African tribes were just living side by side with out per say having a country of their own. It was mostly the English’s policy of divide and concur that brought about all these African nations. In light of that,if we are to entertain the idea of joining part of Somalia with Ethiopia should be given serious consideration.However it has to be in a democratic fashion with something like a referendum.I’m sure a lot of Somalis would support living side by side with their Ethiopian brothers.
10/03/08 @ 16:29
Comment from: Death to Weyanes [Visitor]
This is just stupid question? First let’s give Oromia and Ogaden their independence, they don’t want be a part of Ethiopia, then we can talk the other dream you have.
10/03/08 @ 16:42
Comment from: Emperor Menelik II [Visitor]
Tesfaye =You say Muslim Eritrea (30%) should be given to Sudan and Christian Eritrea(70%) should be given to Ethiopia? Did you know Ethiopia has more Muslim population then Sudan does? Ethiopia is 55% Muslim… at the same time you want Massawa in Eritrea to be given to Ethiopia? Massawa is Muslim Afars who live there. You want Djibouti and Somaliand to join Ethiopia and they are 100% Muslim If this is going to work we can not let religion play in this at all. The only Christians in the region are the Amhara and Tigray. The rest are Muslims.
10/03/08 @ 16:44
Comment from: raee [Visitor]
Should Ethiopia annex Somalia? what a moron question? Ethiopia should start feeding, educating, providing health care etc… for its nation. Stop talking about Ethiopia as if it’s some kind of a super power country. We have been begging for food every year God knows since when.
10/03/08 @ 16:54
Comment from: danieltekle [Visitor]
You guys are crazy.

If Haile Selasie’s annexation of Eritrea in 1951 ended with a devastation in 1991, as Eritrea gained its independence, why in the world would some of you suggest it is a good idea to annex Somalia. It is not controversial to say Eritreans and Ethiopians (at least those who live on the highlands) have a great deal in common with one another. Yet 30 years of war ensued in spite of the commonality. You want to repeat history?

Moreover, Ethiopia was also listed as a part of the failed states of the world, does that mean Kenya should annex Ethiopia, NOT!!!
Let’s clean our house before we judge other failed states.
10/03/08 @ 16:57
Comment from: Monkey [Visitor]
If Ethiopia commits to annexing Somalia and by doing so gives us an outlet to the ocean, I’ll volunteer to fight anyone who tries to stop this great plan.

The guy who thought of this is a genius.
10/03/08 @ 17:02
Comment from: gimatam shabiya [Visitor]
Really excellent article i ever read in this web site.This the only way to remove terrorist from horn Africa and to help Somalian brothers. Some Shabiyas in this web site start to urinate in there trousers.
10/03/08 @ 17:03
Comment from: uwnet lemenager [Visitor]
that’s dream which will not happen for ever because the Somalians are very energetic and a hero people. if their country were peace, they would have been control the horn of Africa by their military power,but their only enemy is a drug called “chat” or “mirah” if they avoid taking the above drug, they will be one of the strongest country in the region believe it or not.
10/03/08 @ 17:13
Comment from: Dr. Ashebir [Visitor]
Anyone who knows that even our brothers the Eritreans left us in a bloody war, would not be gullible enough to accept such seductive message. Let the Somalis keep their misfortune at a distance. Let’s not inherit their misfortune, instead fight it from overflowing.
10/03/08 @ 17:14
Comment from: Thomas [Visitor]
KOKEB
Kokeb; your comments are always full of hate, but nothing else. Why? I don’t know. Here is my assumptions; I think You are one of the losers from this government. Or, you are one of Iss-Ass Dikala who wants the destruction of Ethiopia.
Just get a life and stay in your Artera’s (Asmera) affaire. Leave us Alone please. You are Full of hate. use your hate to build your useless Aretera with your father Iss-ass.

10/03/08 @ 17:22
Comment from: soma [Visitor]
SOMALIA IS AN INDEPENDENT NATION WHO ARE SHOWING THEIR STRENGTH BY DEFEATING US AND MELESE

We all should understand Somalia is an independent nation no body will annex them.

The people of Somalia are different they are different when it come to US and Ethiopia.

Even though they have big difference among themselves when it comes to enemy like Ethiopia and US they have shown their strength.

10/03/08 @ 17:23
Comment from: Ali roble [Visitor]
In this day and age,even a drunkard Negro like this scumbag has some crazy idea, of course it unlikely his pure imagination but just some copy-cuts of colonialists and his former white master, what do with Somalia.Is he got enough share from the spoils left British by annexing Somaliland area to Kenya? What about if Luo tribes and others that live in Uganda and Tanzania when hostility against Kukuyo erupts next time around? Does Tanzania and Uganda also have right to annex them. Where we gonna draw the line? Are we redraw all African borders again thereby opening Pandora’s box?I think Ethiopia has enough problems of its own. Besides, its experience over Eritrea’s Annexation in the past taught unforgettable lesson. In the meantime I think Somalis will sort out their differences if left alone to deal with it.
10/03/08 @ 17:30
Comment from: Yonas Bekele [Visitor]
Another dumb and unsustainable idea. Somalia is not just a vast land mass, it has actually people living there and they do not want to be part of Ethiopia or Kenya. And what does Ethiopia have to gain by annexing its neighbor, if not more violence and other problems? I think we should withdraw our guys and let Somalis resolve their own problems, even if that means an Islamist state taking root there. No one like that scenario but Ethiopia is paying dearly in term of lives and treasure to help a country that may be a failed state forever.

10/03/08 @ 17:37
Comment from: habeshawu [Visitor]
the best way to secure peace in east Africa is to secure our borders and leave the Somalians to solve their problems by themselves, and most importantly give the eritrean law land to Sudan and throw the hamaseins in the salty red sea and give the high land to Ethiopia.
10/03/08 @ 17:59
Comment from: M.T. [Visitor]
no
10/03/08 @ 18:05
Comment from: sintayehu [Visitor]
please so not run so fast to say something without thinking about them. Even though Ethiopia has strong army in Horn now we can not invade Somalia because that would be a shame for us.What are we trying to show let invade Somalia like the Europeans did in their time. Somalia people are love people and we have to respect that O WE ETHIOPIANS LIKE IF ANY COUNTRY INVADE ETHIOPIA? ANSWER THAT AS THE FOR SOMALIA. But we are strong and we will be strong always.That is Ethiopia
10/03/08 @ 18:36
Comment from: Passerby [Visitor]
Honestly people! And nazret!!!!

This is the most stupidest idea let alone an idea for discussion…it suggests nazret thinks Ethiopians are that stupid? Now i wonder who owns this websites and on who side the owner is on politically.

1) Ethiopia during the 77 war won and could have annexed Somaliland but chose not to.

2) Ethiopia has under her rightful and patriotic rulers a history of hands-off lands that don’t belong to us, we went after eritrea thinking we were brothers and that didn’t workout as meles ceded all to his mothers side of the family.

3) every Ethiopian should be insulted by such questions cause Ethiopians don’t have a real representative gov’t that gives a darn about the people. When a rightful gov’t that is representative of the people comes to power, the real land of Ethiopia should be up for discussion…asseb!

10/03/08 @ 18:43
Comment from: SPINX [Visitor]
Hello my Horn Africa people

Let me take you back to 1960-70,war between Somalia and Ethiopia,or allow me to say Between Somalia and Russia and Cuba,with out the direct help of the then Soviet-Union,back then,Ogaden-land which is legally Somalian land,would still be Somalian,History repeats it’s self,Ethiopia never fought any war or battle alone by it’s own,it’s always been supported by the West,starting from Haile-Selassie and the British,then Megustu and Russia,Now Meles-USA,Dear Ethiopians,don’t believe the hype Somalians never forgot their stolen land,OGADEN,and now you acually think to take over the whole Somalia,are you out of touch,or reality,or common sense,The USA,Ethiopia’s #1,ally is no more a Super Power,it is collapsing,so Meles,please don’t think over your head,first think about how if you can beat the AL-Shabad,warriors,that are really getting stronger as we speak.Meles please think positive,and get our of Somalian-KusH-Land.HAPPY-EID,Brothers/Sisters
10/03/08 @ 19:01
Comment from: mercato [Visitor]
The nonsense idea of the century I have no word to express we have lost Djibouti ,Eritrea and part of Gondar I believe this is not our government plan!
To an wise commentator
Religions issue is like playing with fire it is not good for Christians based on east Africa reality also do not forget we have enough pagan in east Africa. Can’t you see we have enough problem? With 81 tribe and many religions. Way we do not try to negotiate with Eritrea at last we have the same culture in most area also we speak the same kind of language even our prime minister is from Eritrea.

10/03/08 @ 19:17
Comment from: aste menelik II (the best of all kings and dictators) [Visitor]
I say Somalia, Djouti, and Eritrea must all be comletely and totally be in the hand of Ethiopia. No Kenya should ever take a piece of land regardless. So that it will benefit the four countries. We will be as strong as Rassia, China, India and U.S.A. Do it right away without wasting any time. It is a very good idea but who has the stomach to do what is best for Ethiopia? If Meles can do such a thing for our country, we will praise him and keep him as an emperior that he holds currently until the time of his death. But the emperior is a spoild one, he never does what is best for our coutry but the opposite. ONE ETHIOPIA, GREEN, YELLOW AND RED. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY HOME.
10/03/08 @ 19:28
Comment from: ????? Free [Member]
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Stupid nechachiba

10/03/08 @ 19:51
Comment from: EthioMan [Visitor]
Some with spinning heads spinx out of control. Ethiopia does not need to prove any battels fought and won. History will do that. Africans do not need to kill eachother over anything, not relegion not ideology, both not ours to begin with. For those who shout with the crazy annex theory… well, they are just venting. Those who claim territories of sovereign nations are as crazy as the annexers.

Somalia is an independant nation, has been for many decades. The fact there is no working govt does not lead anyone to suggets such dilusional and thoughtless means. It is poisoning otherwise lawful people and nations near by. It must be condemed for what it is. Spreading poison.

My take on this issue is, Ethiopia MUST withdraw and allow the Somali people to do what they may to themselves. If and when they cross our borders, then we will let those who claim we never beat any shiritam or shabian punk back to oblivion, come and watch. Till then, I say somalia to Somalis.

10/03/08 @ 20:02
Comment from: yahye [Visitor]
:Once Kenya and Ethiopia have sent their combined army to Somalia and declared the annexation, we will present to the world a fait accompli. ”

A mentally handicapped Negro Rambo.
10/03/08 @ 20:17
Comment from: Tegerami [Visitor]
Those of you support this idea must be out of your mind. In return, rather, ethiopia shoul leave and depart from the somali region of Ogaden, which was annexed by menilki the II a century ago. Because that is the root problem for all animosity and mistrust between these two brotherly horn of afrikaners.
If once ethiopia leaves the region, no doubt that peace will be prevailed between somalis and ethios for eternity. Anyways,we had the gut to give eritrea, the real habesha land, away by the bless of our government in our modern day history. So why we lose a courage to do so in Ogaden, non-habesha land, but somali land.
10/03/08 @ 20:23
Comment from: Sprinter [Visitor]
Ethiopia is cutting and running, what can it annex? As for the Kenya Kelinjin reporter, his suggestion of passing the buck to Ethiopia is interesting. Why did he not suggest Kenya to annex instead. Because he knows Kenyans cannot face Somalis. Kenyan soldiers are heavily equipped but in battles they defate on themselves. Anyone who lived in Northern Kenya knows that.

As for Ethiopia, its hallucination is over. It is reality checks. Its opportunistic moves are bust. What a field day we Somalis have. Its time you taste defeat. Your boys are hold up in few buildings in Mogadishu. As I write they want to desperately run away. They are afraid and terribly lonely. The bullet is their fate, either way if they say or not. They have exit strategy.

It must be horrible to be defeated by a country without a regular army. Yes, yes, your adventurism has eventually cought up with you. Allua Continua!!!
10/03/08 @ 21:07
Comment from: Gemechu [Visitor]
SPINX:
Your information on regards the war between Ethiopia and Somalia is right, but I have something to tell u.
Somalia was getting full support from Russian on the begging of the war when they invade Ethiopia. They have more than 200 tanks, MG fighter’s jet and other military hardwires. Then after Russia shifted their support to Ethiopia Somalia was supported by Egypt, USA (because of Russia Support to Ethiopia) and other Middle east countries……
The real question is, there were/are no countries in Africa who won any battle without other foreign/west countries support. We or Somalia don’t produce any weapon at the moment and because of that we always seek help from those who produce it.

When your country (Eriteria) fought for their independence they were getting supports from Egypt and other Middle East countries. So please don’t make it a big deal just because we get lots of supports from other country such as USA. No matter how much the support is you don’t wean without good fighters. Somalia invaded Ethiopia with more than 200 tanks and don’t know how to use it. Finally, they have to abandon all of their tanks for Ethiopian solders.
On recent battle with your Country Eri and Ethiopia your country did get lots of support from Egypt but they were not successful. The reason why they were not successful was luck of man power. U are 4 milon and we are 80 million. Somalia is 7-10 million and we are 80 million. You need to understand the facts. Don’t be moron! Population matters when it comes to battle and economy.

10/03/08 @ 21:56
Comment from: Training1 [Visitor]
Are these people on drugs?

They can’t control Somalia and they are thinking of annexing it?

30,000 Tigryabs,2,200 Ugandans and Burundis and thousands of Americans spying on Somalia can’t control the SOUTH. Tigryans are being dragged on the streets.

Now this guys is suggesting that we annex the whole country? Please brother. Stop taking drugs before you write.
10/03/08 @ 21:59
Comment from: ZXAmiche [Visitor]
In your dreams!

Be afraid and pray Somalinization not to haunt Ethiopia and Kenya!
10/03/08 @ 22:09
Comment from: Land of the day dreamers [Visitor]
Funny these are the same retards who comment about the unity of Ethiopia day and night
But turn around and dream of the dividing a neighboring country Somalia!!!!

I am appalled even for Nazeret to publish this kind of non sense article in the first place! But again seeing most of the contents published here day in day out and the majority of their clientele here it should not be surprising!!

Fools get down of your donkeys and think again! You could not even convince your cousins, the Orthodox Christian Eritreans to stay with you, what makes you think the Somalians can go along?

Get your house in order before your dreams of others!!!!!

10/03/08 @ 22:11
Comment from: ZXAmiche [Visitor]
lib inKirt yimegnal!
10/03/08 @ 22:18
Comment from: kitkat [Visitor]

Annex Somalia?

What you are gonna do with an empty empty empty land with the most getto people on earth?

Westerners should use it as hunting ground for wild animals?
10/03/08 @ 22:40
Comment from: Ababu [Visitor]
What a ludicrous idea!!! is there any legality of annexing a sovereign country? If so, yes. but i don’t think a failed state like Ethiopia would be able to annex a neighboring country and administer it. The only African country that played such a role was South Africa which had been mandated to admiister Namibia after the defeat of Germany in WWI. This whole idea is a wishful thinking that would mar our country to another round of instability and political complexity.
10/03/08 @ 22:51
Comment from: Wenebz [Visitor]
Ethiopia annexing who and what!? The love for aggrandizing thoughts – that is the real joke!
10/03/08 @ 23:11
Comment from: Time [Visitor]
What is his name? Kipkorir? Wow, I did not know a Kalenjin guy had the audacity to think beyond his nose!!. Does he know his uncle MOI when he was overthrown the man who saved his ass was a Somali (General Mohamoud)? All the Kalenjins went and hid themselves in their Shambas (farms) including Moi. It was Mohamoud who with few Somalis under his command took back the Statehouse and the Radio station and announced Moi is still the President.
Mohamoud took a helicopter and went to Moi’s Shamba (farm) to bring him back. The Kalenjin man (Moi) told Mohamoud ‘Please kill me in my farm. Don’t take me away’. Wow! and Wow again. A kalenjin can dare think of annexing Somalia? It is us somalis who allowed these low life neighbours who never dare look at our side the chance to even think of it. Alas, we somalis might be brave but we are stupid. This generations is definately not like our grand fathers. The year 2020 will be somalia’s year and down hill Issack Newton’s theory for Ethiopia. I guess Kenya has already started the rift more than eethiopia but what can a Kalenjin’s brain comprehend. Haven’t you seen the flying machetes? Each one of them has it in his garage and are ready to cut each other into pieces.
Having said all that, I would prefer seeing the people of Africa living in peace and prosperity rather than talking of annexing a sisterly nation. The Kalenjin boy forgot his country is at the brink of extinction.
Let me say all Afrcan countries need to re-evaluate their way forward. otherwise they will be written into the history books. Aids, Maleria, Poverty, droughts, Wars will only increase bearing in mind the scars reaources the world will be facing. I fear for Africa and he is talking of Annexing another country.

Wait until 2020 and tell me about it. Strategy and maticulous planning that covers many dimension will be the way out for Somalia. By 2020 the Alshabaab and warlords will be history and there will be enough educated somalis in western countries who will take the lead. Investing in Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture and strong social engineering will put Somalia on Track. If you remember what I said, Ethiopia will be going down hills since by then they are recovering from Meles and Tigrey Legacy if they are not mired in civil war. I just pray to God the Somalis don’t take revenge in playig a role in distabilizing Ethiopia more. That is what Meles did. If this happens I wonder who will hold together Ethiopian tribes and religions.
Somalis, we have a saying that says ” Don’t dig your brother’s grave as you might be the one that will fall into it”. Ethiopia has dug the Grave but will it be the one to fall into it? Twelve years will tell.
If you read my post please try to remember what I have posted.

Proud Somali.

NAZRET PLEASE POST IT.
10/04/08 @ 00:42
Comment from: araadom [Visitor]
Annexing Somalia-b/n Ethiopia and Kenya.
You people-why ,why you always bark when your masters in the west tell you.You daydream when your country is always called the land of famine and hunger.Do your homework clean your dirty backyard before you look into Eritrea and Somalia. For Eritrea Adois it is the land of its owners.
10/04/08 @ 01:10
Comment from: Master Mind [Visitor]
raee

Thank you.

You bunch of morons knowing your limitations and capablites should be priority, but which part of your air head have a brain to think?
Let alone annexing somalia you couldn’t take control of feeding your family, it’s too easy to open your mouth hiding your dusty head behind your $20.00 flea market PC but that is not the point…the point is know who you are, some of you idiots can not tell your own names in proper Amharic and most of you have no value of Africanism, simply a borndogs brainless idiots do you think Somalis will stand in a corner and watch you while your kimal is takin over their land?
What a stupid question???????
Nazret thank you for this rubish topic which was able to pull out these morons out of their rat hole.
10/04/08 @ 01:39
Comment from: Z-Mike [Visitor]
Although the suggestion is not a bad idea, Ethiopia should only offer Kenya 10% of Somalia’s land. Kenya did does not have the military need to stand for a fight if and when a fight (war that is0 breaks out. Kenya’s total military is estimate at about 45,000 including the police force, the navy army etc. So to suggest Kenya taking over half of Somalia is not realistic and a very dangerous suggestion by the media.

The next steps of Ethiopia should be:
1} train and build strong navy.
2) Stay in Somalia and if need get rid of the clan leaders and tell Somalis if they don’t get there act together, there wont be another nation call Somalia.
3} get rid of Sheabians along with its terrors.
4} hold a referendum in Ethiopia whether or not Eritrea becomes independent.
****Keep on building even stronger military in Ethiopia and work on stronger democratic systems. Once we do that, Ethiopia will become stronger then ever before and the world will see the strength of Ethiopia/ns.

Z-Mike

10/04/08 @ 01:51
Comment from: kitkat [Visitor]

Annex Somalia !

Yes, Please Please Annex it.

Specially for the sake of unarmed clans who are beings massacred by so called noble clans.

Please Ethiopia Annex Somalia !

10/04/08 @ 03:01
Comment from: habeshawu [Visitor]
Time,

you are full of sh*t, you keep saying 2020, did Somalia win the chance to host Olympic or what seriously be specific about your 2020 plan. you are a typical angry man with a hot balloon head just like our northern neighbors.
10/04/08 @ 03:50
Comment from: Tamrat Tamrat [Visitor]
Lets levae somalians affair to somalians. And if they tried to mess with uss like 2006, 1977, etc then will show them who we are and they strat singing cuba and russia help ethiopia. The worrest thing about the somalians is the story they creat and believ. Is it not a disgrace to discuss anexation of a nation by itself.
10/04/08 @ 04:04
Comment from: Interesting Topic [Visitor]
The writer is a good thinker of the time. But lacks the knowledge of History.

Once Hirsi Ali (a Somalian activist) said about herself that she is the 7th generation of an Immigrant came to todays Somalia. Meaning the not Habesha look like Somalians are not the original residents in todays Somalia.

Somalia never ever has been a country before the British, Italian colonization on her dividing in three. They were primitive nomadic acting and living the way their animals demanding them to do. As the Abyssinian history says, the Entire Somalia territory was under the axumite kingdom including Yemen, southern Saudi Arabia and Gulf states that many of them still looks like the Habesha people. Mogadishu means moqat and shum= the Abyssinians word. The shum/Astedader of the moqat area.
Because of spreading Islam in Africa through war and invasion, the Arabs and Iranians fought against the Abyssinians the same way the Arabs did at the time in todays Sudan against them, too. But never ever been Somalia as a state with her todays territory boundary.

Abyssinia (Ethiopia) was the oldest statehood in AFRICA/one of the world. Modern Ethiopia (small Ethiopia) is the oldest modern statehood in Africa since 1850/60+ under the leadership of the modern Ethiopian father Atse Teodros.
After the death of Zere Jacob, the powerful Queen Ellni took the Abyssinian responsibility including todays Somalia Territory. But the time was very bad to Ethiopia as the Turks and Arabs were taking vast territory in todays Sudan including the territory called Sabians (all of them were at the time Christians including eastern, northern and central Sudan). The conflict was going on actively for 400 years but started since 8/9 century. And the worst was between 11-15 in the north and eastern part of the country. In the 16 century after the queen Eleni death (1522), the Arabs saw the weakness of the kingdom and they came through the south (todays Somalia by hiring a primitive nomad converted to become Muslim and as then brainwashed blood sucker against all Christians.
The gruesome Muslim invasion against the Christian Abyssinians took 14 years (1529-1543). During this time they even reached to the centre of the Christian kingdom in Axum and burned down the Axum Tsion mariam. This shows how much human and material damaged all over the country they had caused and the country situation changed for good.

With the European help, the Arabs invasion to spread Islam through war and killing is defeated. But the Abyssinians were badly destroyed. Many have died. Others immigrated to the north to the highlands to escape. The rest became Muslims and the same times they started acting as the todays Somalian do. This is the way the Abyssinian look like Somalians became as Somalians. That is why we said Ethiopian Muslims didn’t become Muslims by choice but by force through invasion and war.

The weakness of the Abyssinians became an opportunity to the massive migration/invasion like ants for the gala migration to the southern, central and western Ethiopia. The Somalians also did the same by defeating the Adals.This way the Zemene Mesafent created and took about 300 years.
Yet, when Ethiopia regrouped and became as a nation in 1860+, there was no a single nation in Africa at the time. That is why I said, “Ethiopia is not only the oldest ancient country but also the oldest modern country, too.”
Egypt became as it is since 1922. The rest of Africa became as it is today since 1953 started from Ghana. Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and the rest of Africa is just 50+ years old. Even in the middle east countries Like Saudi Arabia became as it is today in 1906. Iraqi 1923. And other Gulf States became, as they are latter on. So, the OLF idea of Ethiopia hundreds years old is fiction, ignorant, baseless, wrong and second even if she it so, she is older than any nation in Africa and the Middle East, too. No a single African nation has a hundred years modern statehood.

When it comes to Somalia they have been a country for only 20+ years under Siadbarie. That is it. They never ever have been a country more than that. I think the habesha look like Somalians have the right to be part of Ethiopia if they want to be that way. But Ethiopia demanding them to be part of her will be a mistake. You cannot govern them because of they never been governed by themselves and they have no idea to respect it.
As the entire Kenyan cost is part of the Kenyan Somalians, Kenya will have big problem with them. If you listen Somalians individually, almost all of them like Ethiopians that any one from Africa including the Kenyans. The Somalian Immigrants that have been in Kenya will tell you their feeling about the Kenyans. While the same time those have been in Ethiopia also will tell you their appreciation and respect towards Ethiopians. Only few Jiahdists do hate Ethiopians because of religion.

Ethiopia has a big rat on her back yard and first and for most she has to deal with it. That rat is Eritrea. So, it is time to deal with the shabia rats. The have disappeared from Eritrea means all over Ethiopia will be peace and security as shabia is training all anti Ethiopian elements including the primitive Somalia Islamic terrorists, OLF and nomadic primitive ONLF.

10/04/08 @ 04:28
Comment from: Legassi Zenawi [Visitor]
Somaliland will be a free country with close ties to Ethiopia, UK, and USA, white isolated south somalia and pirate infested puntland are killing each other with their warlords and clan.

they always try to polarize and oversimplify the situation saying oh ethiopia = christian, somalia = muslim

you idiots either don’t have a clue or are primitive animals.

this is 100% about Territorial integrity of Ethiopia and 0% about religion.

u think that relgion can solve ur problem of fragmented society based on ethnic and tribal lines, YOU WRONG.
10/04/08 @ 05:10
Comment from: Legassi Zenawi [Visitor]
Ill make damn well sure that we take ONLY ASSEB and expel all NON AFAR eritrean animals/donkeys.

We will take back our ports, as Mengistu said:

“I was there [Eritrea] with 700 people, We are there only for military strategy of water [Red Sea], there’s no Oil there, no diamonds, no gold, it’s not a country, there’s no people, NOTHING”

We will be comming back for Asseb!

Ethiopia Tikdem
10/04/08 @ 05:16
Comment from: Yohannes [Visitor]
No! No! No! All so-called national boundries created by colonial masters should be dismantled. Africa must be united in order to survive in the 21st century as a viable entity. Clanish and tribal thought should be arrested. Let us think big and far into the future while educating the unlearned. Had it not been for their identity crisis, Africans could have thrived in modern global economy becuase of their untapped natural resources.
We have no one to blame now but ourselves.

Democracy is not for Africans, at least for now, for we do not have the cornerstones for it, education, self-respect, human dignity, etc. I think the primitive paternalistic dictatorship based on fatherly or may be, motherly rule would transition us to a better tomorrow. But for the current dictators….
10/04/08 @ 05:21
Comment from: dekia [Visitor]
who is giving ethiopia 100 years of more homework war again.
10/04/08 @ 07:34
Comment from: Somali [Visitor]
Kenya

– A country with the worst record of corruption in Africa since independence

– A country with the largest slums in Africa

– A country whose economy is controlled by ex-colonials and Indians and now Somalis

– A country where people a few months ago were burning/hacking and shooting each other to death – A situation that could break out again any day of the week considering all these ethnic groups are still not satisfied

– A country who’s main tourist industry is prostitution

– A country with a mindblowing aids rate – seven or eight times higher than Somalia

– A country that can’t provide water to all it’s nomadic ethnicities( funny how Djibouti was called primitive for the same reason)

This country is suppossed to solve the Somali problem? who’s going to solve KENYA’S PROBLEMS?

Ethiopia

– A country where a racist minority rules over majorities

– A country where a dozens different seccesion groups are active who want nothing to do with the country

– A country that has an inferior telecommunication system compared to Somalia

– A country with less universities in the top 100 of Africa than Somalia

– A country with a smaller GDP per capita than the failed-state Somalia( see Economist)

– A country where 15 million people every year face starvation

– A country that tap dances to every Uncle Sam tune

This country is going to solve the Somali problem? Who’s going to solve Ethiopia’s problems?

These GI JOE’s Arnold Kipkopkipko’s and Mutunga Wango’s pretending their countries are anything but slaves of America are amusing

Insha-allah by the time of his deadline 2030 Somalia will have swallowed them all

10/04/08 @ 08:03
Comment from: Mesganaw [Visitor]
Time:
A proud Somali? Proud of what?

Before the British and Italian came to scrub nomadic/primitive Somalia, there was no any form of govt since her existence. It was like a no mans land territory. It was ruled under a clan and sub clan system. After independency, Somalia was became as a nation only for less than 30 years.

Egypt was ruled by British. Libya was ruled by Italy. Algeria was ruled by France and Morocco was at last ruled by Spain. That is why there are 4 different countries despite they have the same religion and speaking the same language.

The same thing has to apply for Somalia, too. Somaliland was ruled by British. You have an Italian Somalia and Punt land. So, there must come three different nations in somalia the same way as it happened in North African and other nations, too. So you can count 2020, 2040, 2100+ as numbers are infinitive, but Somalia will not become as one nation. Canada and USA are speaking the same language and have the same religion, why they became two separate states? In the Middle East, South America and elsewhere different nations are speaking the same language and have the same religion. So, Somalia to become, as one nation because of they are speaking the same language and have the same religion is a weak, cheap and never materialise silly thinking. It is already tested for 20+ years and it didn’t work.

Why are you mad towards Ethiopia while the writer is from Kenya? Kenyans are using their arrows and machete against the Somalians calling them the primitive people in Africa.

You can cry or do what ever you like, but your Satanic wish about Ethiopia will never fulfil.
You really have no idea about Ethiopia. When the serious comes, they are one and even the air can not come between them. Accept it and learn more about the Ethiopians good side.

After all Ethiopians are the one saved Islam by giving shelter and support to Prophet Mohamed and his followers. This was the first recognised political asylum granted to any one in human history. The first person who became Muslim is an Ethiopian, Belay (Bilal). We also know what P. Mohammed said about the habesha land and people and to His followers would be conduct towards the habesha people.
But you bastard, his followers became the enemy to the prophet special friends(Habeshas). You are using his name to commit crimes by not respecting his message including towards the habesha people.
I think King Negash/the habesha people made mistakes by giving save heavens and accommodations to them and saved Islam from disappearing as it happened to other religion in human history. If they didn’t, Islam might not be here today. You can try what ever you can in the name of Mohammed against Ethiopia, but Mohammed, Jesus and God will not allow something bad happening against the habesha people. The Arabs are busy all the times against the habesha people for many centuries, but God is fighting against them in the name of the Habesha people. Their crime against the beautiful Habesha women also will be answered by God, soon. Their oil money will be the real curse towards them. You, a primitive Somalian is a slave to them. We know and you know about. Have you been in the middle East. They see you as a Mistake, servant, slave, leftover or a monkey came from the central Africa jungle.

How can you judge Ethiopia while you know nothing about yourself?
I’m talking this to you, not to other Somalians I know that are wise and respectful towards Ethiopians. Go to the Kenyans Blog and deal with them if you can how.

10/04/08 @ 10:20
Comment from: Wadani [Visitor]
If Ethiopia annexed Somalia,the dreams of Somalia will become true from the opposite way.It will be a surprising and an excitements to the Somalis that their dreams became true from their unexpected and believing their enemy of Ethiopia sides.As,ogaden peoples also,it will boost the voices we have in the federal parliaments of Ethiopia.
And it will be the end of the sources of liberator groups that used to be coming of each decades from Somalia (Mogadishu)without the Ogaden peoples consent.

Thus, it will be, a relaxing, peacefulness and a pretty ideas,if that dreams of unifications of Ethiopian and Somalia becomes true. Despite of the many causalities in the process,it will be really,a great idea and surely the rest of the region countries would be joining when they see the greatness and the prosperity reached of united countries of Addis and Mogadishu.

Nevertheless,My predictions of that early bird joining to the unions would be Asmara and the second would be Libiya even before the Djabuti joined to the unions,its Libiya of my second guess.

10/04/08 @ 10:30
Comment from: dereje [Visitor]
they say you can choose your friends but not your neighbors.

ethiopia is very unlucky to have somale and eritrea as its neighbor. ethiopias short term strategy should be to strengthen its economy and military so these bad neighbors stay off its affair and its land. in the long term ethiopia may have to take military actions to change the geography and the politics of the two menace.
10/04/08 @ 10:37
Comment from: Time [Visitor]
I have addressed this note to the editor of that article. Those like him should take heed. Africa is sick and tired of people like him.
———————————–
Dear Kir (Somali word),
What is your name again? Kipkorir? Wow, I did not know a Kalenjin guy had the audacity to think beyond his nose! Do you know your uncle MOI when he was overthrown the man who saved his sorry butt was a Somali (General-Mohamoud)? All the Kalenjins went and hid themselves in their Shambas (farms) including Moi. It was Mohamoud who with few soldiers mostly Somalis under his command took back the Statehouse and the Radio station and announced Moi is still the President.
Mohamoud took a helicopter and went to Moi’s Shamba to bring him back. The Kalenjin man (Moi) told Mohamoud ‘Please kill me in my farm. Don’t take me away’. Wow! and Wow again. A Kalenjin can dare think of annexing Somalia! It is us Somalis who allowed these low life neighbours who never dare look at our side the chance to even think of it. Alas, we Somalis might be brave but we are stupid. This generation is definately not like our grand father’s-Admission of guilt. The year 2020 will be Somalia’s year and down hill Isaac Newton’s theory for Ethiopia. I guess Kenya has already started the rift more than Ethiopia but what can a Kalenjin’s brain comprehend. Haven’t you seen the flying machetes? Each one of you has it in his garage and is ready to cut the other into pieces.
Having said all that, I would prefer seeing the people of Africa living in peace and prosperity rather than talking of annexing a sisterly nation. Kalenjin boy you forgot your country is at the brink of extinction. Let me say all African countries need to re-evaluate their way forward. Otherwise, they will be written into the history books. Aids, Malaria, Poverty, droughts, Wars will only increase bearing in mind the scarce resources the world will be facing. I fear for Africa and you are talking of annexing another country.

Wait until 2020 and tell me about it. Strategy and meticulous planning that covers many dimension will be the way out for Somalia. By 2020 the Al-shabaab and warlords will be history and there will be enough educated Somalis in western countries and back home who will take the lead. Investing in Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture and strong social engineering will put Somalia on Track. If you remember what I said, Ethiopia will be going down hills since by then they will be recovering from Meles and Tigrey Legacy if they are not mired in civil war. I just pray to God the Somalis don’t take revenge in playing a role in destabilizing Ethiopia more. That is what Meles did to Somalis. If this happens, I wonder who will hold together the Ethiopian tribes and religions. Somalis who have one religion and language have taken this long to resolve a civil war, what will you think of Kenya? this is a good perspective for a wise man.
We Somalis, have a saying that says “Don’t dig your brother’s grave as you might be the one that will fall into it”. Kenyans also say “Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe”. I have lived in Kenya long enough to know it upside down. You will not give me credit if I told you I am capable of formulating a strategy that will put Kenya on its knees within couple of years. I will not shout around like pumpkin head like you but be rest assured your desire was well known and it is a note well taken. Ethiopia with the help of America has already dug the grave for Somalis for many years and it is time they fall into it. As for Kenya and the likes of Kipkorir who don’t know what Somalis are, let me tell you, Somalis will not miss a sleep guarding against Kenyan invasion. The clock has started ticking two years ago and Twelve years from now will tell.

Proud Somali,
Mohamed Abass.

NAZRET PLEASE POST IT. THANKS

10/04/08 @ 10:47
Comment from: Master Mind [Visitor]
Time [Visitor]

What is a single point in all that crap?
You are recommanded to take a capule called “Vocabulary” every 8 hours before meal.
10/04/08 @ 11:07
Comment from: Tesfaye [Visitor]
Annexing Somalia is of strategic importance for Ethiopia to play the role of an ancient black civilisation. Ethiopia should take back Artra and Djoubiti. We have to do it by war if necessary. Eritrea is an ethiopian history. Those who do not want to live under Ethiopian administration are eritrean who are mercenaries. The real eritreans are ethiopians. Djubiti was taken from Ethiopia through international manipulations. Ethiopia is a might power. Unfortunaely the Zenawi group are anti-Ethiopia and are working against a centralised might power.

The Somalians have to be led. And it is only Ethiopia that could give Somalis some hope to live. The ethiopian army is still in full control in Somalia. If Ethiopia is serious, the Islamist will be destroyed with no man left. Ethiopia should wage a full scale war and annex Somalia for Ethiopia. The somalians could be chritinized and eat injera. No Islam in somalia. Somalians deserve more. Their children will go to the same schools as ethiopians. Somali girls will represent Ethiopia as ethiopians as atheletic champions.

Ethiopia is 70% christian- Orthodox Christian (60%). Islam is growing in Ethiopia but not significantly.

Wake up Ethiopians! Unite Africans under the banner of Ethiopia! Start with Somalia because Somalia needs us more!
10/04/08 @ 11:07
Comment from: visitor [Visitor]
Annexing Somalia…and what then? The problem of ethiopians is that we never learn..Last time, we annexed a country, we paid paid a huge price for it: 30 years of war and we missed a great chance to better our lives.

What i would advice all the dreamers in rags that we are, it’s to push woyannes to leave Somalia and focus on bringing health,education and food to the people they are supposed to rule :ethiopians.

10/04/08 @ 11:10
Comment from: ANNEX BRITISH EAST AFRICA AND HABASH [Visitor]
To annex Somalia mr. Kukiyo you need to
come to somali cities like Kismayo and
fight real men, Union of islamic courts/
Somali jihad movement/Somaliland National Army etc. We all know that conlonization of
of africa is finish but indeed the slaves
will never change their mindset. I am sitting today in Mombasa and looking at a Muslim /somali city and feeling home,
Kenya is a somali region and soon shall return to SOMALIYA/ we shall it return by be force or by talk, but untill then countinue with your Dreams.Because we as people
don’t talk nonsense we Somali take actions and Kenya is somali, go to any city and look for your self. while you are born slaves and only take orders, by somalis or british as in the past.We give orders. And
Todays Order to your mr Kikiyo is dream o
on my BOY>. this Text is written on behave of UNITED SOMAL EAST AFRICAN STATE (includes habashia and kenya).
thank you.

10/04/08 @ 11:11
Comment from: TEDDY [Visitor]
You mean ,annexion what a jock ,a tribal milicia army ,agazis ,blocked and harassed by bare footed children fighters ;has no means to control Somalia any longer than withdrawing or surrender .It’s sad to recognise since the evil Zenawi and his thugs took power Ethiopian Armed Forces have ceased to exist ,today the so called National Armed Forces are simply tribal based milicia forces led by illitrate TPLF bandit self apointed officers and generals .Agazis have no pride and dignity as much as the armed forces led in 1964 by Aman Adom and letter in 1977 led by Demisse Bulto ,of course the Air Force of Fanta Belay who really defeated twice Somalian invasion forces . LONG LIVE THE TRUE ETHIOPIANS !!!
10/04/08 @ 11:34
Comment from: D-barry [Visitor]
D. EAR Ogadenian please you talk sheet.I bean in ethio-somalia war 1977.When we start counter atack I saw with my eye the somalia army left behind all the Tank and weapon run like Horse 500k|meter.You know it 2 years ago it takes the heroic ethiopian army less than one week to control south Somalia.That is the fact broo.May be i have some difference with the government I still like ethiopia and the army.
10/04/08 @ 11:44
Comment from: girma yirgu [Visitor]
it is a good idea to take somalia to motherland ethiopia mokadischo means the papties city of ethiopia all ethiopian creastianity came frome thhough mmekadescha mokodischo if meles zenawi did that his name will be among the greatest of all somalia must join ethiopia as 14 provice of ethiopia
no more somalia only one ethiopia
ertrea will came by it self we must not forse them they used to be one nations
ertrea can not servive with out ethiopia please meles zenawi do that and clean your hand and make reconsilations among all ethiopians
so that your beloved childeren will with out fear of ethiopians

10/04/08 @ 11:50
Comment from: lekim [Visitor]
Only those who want Ethiopia and or Kenya to fight their dirty wars for them would advocate the annexation of Somalia. Ethiopia is a law abiding member of the world community and not a Trojan horse for imperialist pigs. Somalis can keep their banana republic.
10/04/08 @ 11:52
Comment from: Somalirealist [Visitor]
Somalia can Annex both Ethiopia and Kenya but not the vice versa.

This Kukuyu Niggar is dreaming.

Somalis own the biggest land in kenya, North Eat, NFD. SOmalis control the econmy in Kenya by taking over from the Indians. We have many politicians well placed into the system fot hat country. Muslims in Mombasa are with us. So basiccally we own Kenya.

TO Ethiopia, we own the biggest land, Oromos the majority of Ethiopia are firendly to us. 50 or more % are Muslim in Ethiopia and associate with Somalia, Eritrea is our Friend. Only Mountain people can go against us.

Above all, Somalia has the gutts to do this, without feering US and EU.

So given these facts, SOmalia can Annexx both of these countries.

However, it should not be our policy to do this.

This writer is a narrow minded fool who does not have any clue of what he is talking about about.

Somalia will think of Annexing any of its neighbours and if its neighbors start thinking so, we know how to respond with swift defeat.
10/04/08 @ 12:00
Comment from: Confussed [Visitor]
I was reading the credentials and experience of this so called the writer of this article, and come to the point of imagining the thoughts of his likes but less credentials. I guess they will imagine annexing the USA as well. All I can say is that this writer is loosing his mind and soon be a mad naked fool running around the streets begging for “Ugali”.

For those of you who applauded to his stupidest idea of all time are also thoughtless idiots. The matter of fact is that both Ethiopia and Kenya are barely making their needs let alone annexing another nation.

You all be really!

10/04/08 @ 12:32
Comment from: Seleme [Visitor]

. . . i dont agree,. . .let them live alone!. . .

10/04/08 @ 13:05
Comment from: Time [Visitor]
HERE IS THE FEEDBACK FROM THE EDITOR IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS AND MY FOLLOW UP RESPONSE:
Mohamed,
Thanks for your comments though part of them are unnecessarily vitriolic! The strand of my thesis is that if Somalia can’t fix its problems since 1960 and be able to exploit its minerals then kenya and ethiopia should do it!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Celtel Kenya

————————————
With all due respect Mr. Kipkorir, who would fix Ethiopia and Kenya’s problems? Did Kenya and Ethiopia exploit their resources? I think you are using lame excuse to bring forth your hidden agenda. Please advocate for civility and respect among the nighbouring countries. If we look at Kenya, solving the problem of Nairobi slums, disease and poverty will take years. Why don’t you concern yourself with that? It is humilating to suggest poor and backward countries like Ethiopia and Kenya should annex another African country. Why have you never talked of annexing Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, and Zaire to mention a few?
Your comment has no place in modern Africa. If you are among the peace loving Kalenjin people who are very friendly to Somalis, you would write an appology article in response to the ill thought and sinister article you titled “Annexing Somalia”.
10/04/08 @ 13:28
Comment from: el [Visitor]
Somali [Visitor]

assuming you are Somalian, where did you get your facts about Somalia’s GDP being higher than ethiopia or Somalia having more universities than ethiopia? It doesn’t actually matter whither you are somalian or Eritrean since you both have a lot in common in terms of being the only so called nations in the world with no annual budget and higher education(university) to talk about, let alone GDP . be happy you are not alone.
10/04/08 @ 13:47
Comment from: United Alem [Visitor]
I WILL POOT IT IN SHORT !…. NO NEED TO CREAT AGAIN EAST AFRICAN EVERLASTING WAR AS PALESTINE AND ISRAEL BETWEEN ETHIOPAN AND SOMALIAN!!!!!!EVEN 1000000 % WORST THAN PALESTINIAN AND ISRAEL!!!! “GOMEN/CABAGE BETEN” SANG TSHAY YOHANES
10/04/08 @ 14:07
Comment from: Tesfaye [Visitor]
Emperor minilk said if god gave him the the bless to live longer and in health, he would annex all territories along the indian ocean coastline.
When he aimed this He ignored the Eritreans(BANDAS)at the moment.
But minilik died before accomplishment.
Now Meles Zenawi look like
accomplishing what Minilk started.

10/04/08 @ 14:08
Comment from: mo [Visitor]
did i heard him say somalis have more per-capita then kenya.that says alot isn’t it? if that is the case knowing kenya has more per-capita then ethopia,they could only invade with artificially sustained armies. its a fact that we are prosprering more than you lot eventhougt we didnot have proper governemet for ages.what will happen if we have peace god knos
10/04/08 @ 14:38
Comment from: jank@mail.com [Visitor]
MY ANSWER IS SIMPLE YES!

WHY DID YOU TAKE YOU LONG!

for starter I have a fealing Somilian in Ethiopian have better life then Somilian in Somilian… Ethiopian problem is always money otherwise we are much modern people… even much better advance people then USA… we are very poor but we are not killing each or fool reason… you don’t some one telling you he will kill you because you are muslim etc etd.. or he doesn’t like because you are this or that ethnic groups… beside we are not war like people… we respect rule and law we vaule human life….

Beside on this Somilian would be better of ruled by Ethiopian under Ethiopian flag…

To make sure this become a reality we should arm all woman in Somilia give them gun to proect themselves from war lord… once we are all the woman in Somilia the man will lose their power… The man can not go around and tell the woman to sew their privet part… if they do the woman police officer will coem and take him to jail… you see if you want the woman right to be respected then you should give woman power how by giving them power meaning gun… GUN MEAN POWER IN AFRICA… if the woman misss use the gun and attack the Ethiopian army then that is their lose…

In fact armying the woman would be the best staragy even in all Arab countries… if all the woman have gun… how in hell the man will going to oppress them?

100,000 woman army will do the job to fix the men… now the warlord can’t wear the woman dress and do their drity job the woman will stop him!!!!

Eritean have woman army… some northern arab country also have woman army… if the woman feed up with this BS then they should be happy to fitght for their freedom…. if they didnot then they are have only themselves to belmeam

10/04/08 @ 14:53
Comment from: Shewarega [Visitor]
Somalia is a sovreign nation. What ever problem they have within them, including those of Somalilan/Puntland belongs to them. Having said that, I think Somalis should also stop this never ending plot of attacking and plotting against Ethiopia. We can all go to history and talk about who did what to whom. But lets just live that alone, and let us both strive to first reconstitute Somalia, and second bring about true Democratic governments in both countries. For Democratic nations do not spend their day plotting how to destabilize, or conquer their neighbors. Somalia had one chance to grab territories from Ethiopia. That was 1977 when Ethiopia was swept by revolution. But look what that brought upon Somalia. It disintegrated at its seems. And you fed and bred Meles, who was carrying a Somali passport, and you got what you deserved. He is bombing and destroying your homes. I think the bottom line is this talk of annexing Somalia is a joke. On the same token Somalis should stop this dream of grabbing land from their neighbors. The most important thing is that those who live there get a voice, and are beneficiaries of what they possess. I for one will be very happy if there is peace in Ogaden, and the oil is brought out to change the lives of those long suffering people there.
10/04/08 @ 15:26
Comment from: coolman [Member]
All of you people trumpeting for this
outrageous idea suffer from delusion of grandeur, which has proven to be the best recipe for disaster.

Thank God none of you seats at the wheel of power. What is next, Madagaskar? I think we should start with Sudan. And, with the oil money, we can buy all those fancy weapons and cash in Egypt and Libya.

Oh, Talian gudish fela, we are coming to get you too.

Peace
10/04/08 @ 15:31
Comment from: Mr Fair [Visitor]
I don’t know where Mr. Kopkirir grew up but I can see a dangerous mix of hate and ignorance.
If Southern and Central Somalia where part of Kenya, I have no doubt that withing few years, Kenya would have turned into a Somali dictatorship, Woyane style.
Kikuyu, Luo, Kalenjin etc. would have been just like the Gurage, Afar, Wolyta etc in Ethiopia i.e nice hard working people who have nothing to do with power struggle. In a few decades, there would probably be another Mao Mao to kick out the Somalis, or there may be Kenyan Liberation Front.
Somali Kenyans represent about 3% of the Kenyan population at the same time they control a big junk of the economy and they controlled the military to some extent. Raise that percentage to about 18% and Kenya would be in a big trouble.

What about Puntaland and Somaliland (Northern and Northwestern Somalia) being part of Ethiopia?
Here are two scenarios;
If they decide to fight occupation, then they are the ones who can organize themselves the most and they can wage a war comparable to that of Eritrea. Actually the Somalilanders (Nortwest) and the Ogadenis were historically the bulwark against the expansionist Ethiopian kings and they had the upper hand until European colonialists tied their hands(there was weapons embargo on all Somali Speaking region for more than 70 years).
If they decide to forget about Somali ethnocentrism, hold hands with their muslim brothers in the Horn, and compete for power withing Ethiopia, then the fundamentalist Ethiopian Orthodox church would be in trouble. That would have been a big boost for the humbled Ethiopian Muslims.

A short answer for the whole article would have been;
Tried it and good luck.

10/04/08 @ 16:14
Comment from: jank@mail.com [Visitor]
RE:-Somalia is a sovreign nation.

Next you will tell us they are Muslim nation.. you see sovereign nation doesn’t rap and murder their own people..

be it in Muslim be it in any law NO! country have the right to kill their own citizen… I have no marcy for those killer and murderer hiding behind Sovreign nation crap!

If they want to be respected as Sovreign ation then why are they looting the sea? if they are Msulim why are they looting at Gun point.. they are not Msulim yes they hide behind Muslim cover but what they did is not Isalam…

The old day where a sovreign nation can do any crap as they wish in their own people is gone… if you don’t trust me ask those Bosinan Msulim they got help from USA… when their own nation kill them

My point is Somilian are not a sovreign nation they break all the rule in the book be it UN rule be it Muslim rule be it devil rule be it any rule… they burn the rule and the holy book

my friend when white colonzation end the black colonzation started we Ethiopian will be the first to stop this black colonzation they like it or not..

I hope the Russian would be very happy to help us out to restore peace and law and rule in Ethiopia… it not today 20 years later Somilian will be greatful for the help we give them at their time of need…

MY question to any Ethipian would be you would not mind if the Somilian come and kick out Meles? I know you will not mind! that is why you are working with Eritrean to kick Meles therefore what is the diffrent here… if we help the Somilian people kick out the war lord…

as united with Ethiopia we are the same people think about it the federal system will sove all our proplem they can keep their port but all Somilian or Ethiopian will not need visa to come and work in Ethiopia or Somilia we use the birr and Somilaian currecy… us see we don’t want to control them we only want to be hlep that all..

World: Open Letter to Petition President Obama on Constant Crimes, Abuse and Violation on Human Rights with Destruction of Health and Nature through Environmental Pollution.

From: Judy Miriga

Dear President Obama,

People from the Continent of Africa deserve fair Human Rights with better Trading engagement away from Politically Engineered conflicts that come as a result of corruption and impunity. People of Africa too have a right to enjoy benefits of peace and happiness and as well, engage in Trading under favorable conducive environment, just like other people from other parts from Industrialized progressive world. I say this because, the resources from Africa is in the world market where we are all consumers of the same; but looking back and considering the pathetic humanitarian situations at which the resources are acquired from Africa, it is extremely traumatizing. It then calls for moral conviction for which I am compelled to petition you, to face this matter boldly, resolutely without looking back and make firm and conclusive response which will save this pathetic situation and ultimately provide safety-net to the proposed Energy project you sold out during your recent trip to Africa.

Since UN Treaties are an internationally credible Law that are as valid as any other Constitutional Law of any Nation in the world, most United Nations ratified their treaties to conform with that of UN. We therefore expect The UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon to engage fairly and be fully committed to guiding member States to be in compliant with Policy Agreement of the UN Conventions or face the law.

Every piece of Africa’s land and every ounce of water are protected by the International and UN treaty rights, including treaty rights for specific countries such like Kenya, Congo, Tanzania or any other Nation in Africa, Asia or in Europe where inherent rights are honored and protected. All these rights (be it Human Rights, Governments Constitutional Rights, Trade Security or Climatic Environmental Change) contribute to effects on Environmental Rights that afflict human health adversely or destroys and pollutes Nature and consequently abuses human rights. Similarly, the same in extension are Agreements recognized within International and UN Treaty.

The People of Congo, South Sudan, Kenya and other parts of Africa, are constantly attacked from outside invasion from the likes of M23 Rebel Groups. This tends to negate natural development that involves good balanced practices needed for fair trading, with sustained job creation to engage the youth and women from Africa.

Since the unscrupulous International Corporate special business interest failed to do fair business deals in Africa, or consult favorably to engage mutually good business practices; the corrupt African Governments found reason to violate and evade their Responsibilities. As a result, they fail to commit mandated business for investment deals on a “Give and Take” to mutually benefit both stakeholders and the investors. But because of humanitarian grounds, and because victims have suffered irreparably, I petition you to engage good Allys to stop this idea of sponsoring Rebel Groups in Africa to kill, destroy, drive away and scare their own local people from their home establishments that results into extreme poverty and deaths instead of advancing development; thus paving ways for extreme business of greed.

Land, Waters, Oil or rare mineral resources, should explicitly be utilized within the acceptable legal framework of the United Nations International Treaty, where the same, through Legislative consultative system in the Government should provide security to public mandate, Land Rights, resource Rights or Taxpayers as obligated in the Jurisdiction …… and this therefore remain a question for Legal Justice system to pursue, remedy and inform.

As a matter of concern, the extremely traumatic of humanitarian situation in the Eastern DRC require urgent, bold, resolute, and morally inspired response by the United States with its Allys from other countries to work tin concerted efforts to bring life in Congo and in Africa to normality. The Regions in Eastern Great Lakes of East Africa are blessed with very good understanding people who love peace. These people are highly educated and can reason well. They are extensively informed and are ready to engage in secured progressive business. This cannot happen when peace and security that offers favorable, friendly and conducive environment to prosper is not assured.

In DRC Congo and South Sudan, 70 percent of the economy of these countries heavily depend on oil and mining, therefore, any initiative would have to take into account peoples welfare, security and health protection under Human Rights, security with preservation to preserve cultural livelihood of the people.

We must not under-estimate main purposes with reasons of Terror fighting in Congo and South Sudan. It is a well known fact that, Corporate Special Business Interest are determined to engage in their selfish greed that has caused pain and sufferings to others; and are unwelcomed failed practices that do not add value; which in the first place is the reason for Global Economic Collapse, the disease which is now spreading like bush-fire to Kenya and before long, the world will break into 3rd world war because, people have reached their limits.

Currently, sponsored Private Rebels are terrorizing people and Mercenaries who engage in serious Pirating, illegal Money Laundering, illegal transfer with sale of fire-arms as well with other sophisticated weaponry, Trafficking of child prostitution with Drug trading in the Great Lakes Regions has become the order of the day.

The states surrounding the Great Lakes – which include Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Kenya, and the DRC – have coalesced around these issues without proper management plan to develop a plan of action that requires effective coordination to ensure, there is credibility for security monitoring and as well the Rebel Groups are dismantled and driven out of Congo with their foundation completely destroyed.

To save a situation, a workable sustained process for solution must be established so that, those affected communities who are victims of circumstances get involved in Nation building and are compensated of their loses.

A targeted sustained development project instead of Aid that are short term and do not make any notable impact, must urgently be put to take effect in these regions, otherwise, those who conspired to create the mess for their advantage, would be the same beneficiaries fronting for the AID Funding, and as a result, there will be no tangible effective result for remedy that shall have been implemented……..”since the funding will have gone to those who planned for the damage in the first place”………Loose-ended spoon-feeding Aid to Africa is unsustainable and non-effective and this is where the Neo-colonialism breeds high suspecion in Africa……….What a double tragedy that would be after 50 years of Africa”s independence !!!

It is an open secret with credible documented reports both from the UN, African Envoys and by the NGOs stating that, although Governments in these regions face considerable challenges from the growing strength and sophistication of arms by these rebel groups in the Region, trading across borders only benefit the corrupt politicians with their network of Corporate Special Business Interest to a large extent, leaving out the Government to fall apart with its local people dug deeper into hopeless poverty which is greatly alarming.

It is unfortunate that, Pirating and smuggling is growing dangerously in leaps and bounds in and around the region and there is urgent need to stop these from getting out of control in Africa.

Need to Establish a Functioning Civil Society:

Management of Civil Society with Engagement of the Government to observe and follow the Constitutional policies for public mandate is crucial and very necessary. Since the Government is for the people, Civil Society have rights to be equipped with knowledge to organize themselves so to protect and preserve their Pivotal roles in the Society through engagements.

Civil society guarantee sustainability through popular participation to facilitate a functioning Democracy with good Governance that are established under Just Rule of Law; and by engaging and managing their affairs with humanitarian issues, the Civil Society are able to assist the government in managing their welfare in their Community Organization. Civil Society must equally be engaged in training in order to help with strengthening their government system to expedite service on time. When the Community is informed, they are able to manage their affairs effectively. Any other matters of human rights abuses and the need to protect Rights through policy enactment is a ways the Civil Society will preserve Africa’s minerals resource trading in a more beneficial and sustainable manner. This Natural Mineral Wealth do not last for ever, and it is our responsibility now that we engage to do the right thing.

Consequently, the information exchange encourage the civil society’s participation as Watch-dog that monitors the bad behavior of government employees with reason to re-call irresponsible elected Officials who fail to perform with integrity.

Moving forward in boosting education and strengthening security for civil society on the ground is extremely important and definitely essential.

The U.S. government, must support initiatives for Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania with peace initiative to create management re-organization to provide conflict-free supply chains. If more revenue is invested to legitimizing supply chains, Trading benefits for USA with their Allys will grow more in bounty than where we are presently. A greater substantial proportion of the problem will have been solved, paving ways for sustainable Trading processes in the Region to compete fairly and peacefully under conducive environment that has lesser challenges from terrorism and war. This is the only way to avoid Neo-colonialism.

Progress must be swift and fast so to establish proceedure for order and discipline to instil general rule where all Trading are done in mutually common good for all.

For this to happen there is need to establish a lasting impact that will bring solution. We must follow up on uniformity to Mineral Certification process on all types of Natural Mineral Resource business that involve Oil, Gold, Diamond, Titanium, Colta, Land, Water with observance of International Treaty with United Nations Conventions.

I await to hear from you favorable…..I beg to remain,

Sincerely,
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson &
Executive Director for
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
email: jbatec@yahoo.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

Point of Reference from latest news report why action is acutely important and extremely urgent:

Omollo,

Iko Jaluo moja kutoka Gem anaitwa Professor Rading a ver accomplished researcher and educationist. He did a lot of research work and tests on various areas in Kwale. Through him I came to know that Niobium an element so important on stainless steels, and Titanium the stuff they use for manufacturing bodies of Fighter jets which travel at 3times the speed of sound or Mach 3 is available in Kwale in trillions of tons. Infact Kwale holds one third of the total World Titanium.

Way back in 1998 a Canadian Company, which engaged that professor from Gem to do the reseach, was given a license by Baba na Mama Government, to start Mining. Unfortunately the company wanted to loot the area the way all Gentile Companies loot Minerals in Africa. The locals were not put in the picture. Tiomin (the canadian Company started evicting akina Mwana Iddi na Swaleh Bakarii without compensation. They resisted and later the case went to Court.

The Court’s resolution was that these Locals be paid good compensation to make them relocate. But Tiomin said that they did not have that kind of money at that time. With that argument the project came to a holt.

Sometime around 2004 Obako’s Government issued another Fresh license to Tiomin.. At that point Tiomin involved their Government by asking for a Loan from the Canadian Government to help offset the money going to the Locals as compensation. From then on it has been back and forth with no headway.

Now, if the Ching ling Ling were hoping to get into those mines then they are a little late because as I know it the Canadians already have the license. not through Kamwana but one which was issued by Moi and reissued by Kibaki.

Professor ile ya ktoka Gem likwisa fuanya analysis na kuthibitisa availability of several minerals way back in late 80s to mid 90s. Donge!!!

Also did you know that Kwale has the best sand for Casting of any kind be it process casting of Aluminum or steel or Cast Iron. Sand around Kwale town has 99.9% silica. Almost 100%. I personally tested this in a lab. Compare this to other Countries which do a lot of Casting like USA Germany, USSR. Egypt, South Africa etc. Their sand range from 65% – 90% silica

Jagem

President Uhuru Kenyatta steps into global mining power struggle

Updated Tuesday, July 30th 2013 at 17:29 GMT +3

It, by-and-large, has escaped the attention of the madia that Kenya has a resources asset far greater than the oil and gas find, about which there was so much fuss. Down in Kwale, under a wooded hill, sits a deposit of Rare Earths that is of global significance.

Rare Earths are in every mobile phone, in our modern light bulbs, in most modern technologies, and just as the world played a dance of Middle Eastern supremacy over oil and control of oil supplies, so China, more than a decade ago, spotted the power of controlling the Rare Earth market.

Rare Earths

The Chinese President laid out his country’s strategy to be the controller of Rare Earths as the Middle East had controlled oil. He spoke of it. It was spelt out in his speeches. And China moved. With large Rare Earth deposits of its own, it went on to acquire almost all of the world’s mines, in Australia, globally.

It secured more than 95 per cent of all the world’s Rare Earth supplies. No-one can make modern technology without Chinese-controlled Rare Earths, and, predictably enough, the prices have soared in recent years.

Now, Kenyan geologists have long known the country had Rare Earths, together with a handy little mineral called Niobium, also these days in big demand as a strengthener of steels. Geological surveys showed the Rare Earths in Kwale back in the 1950s — a sweet enough mineral asset to mean there was a time that global mining major, Anglo American, hacked a mine shaft into that hill and set out on the path of mining there.

But that international company gave up, unable to get mining go ahead in a country where mining has never happened NOT because the country isn’t packed with mineral resources, but because no mining company could ever manage the politics. Mining takes huge up-front investment. The surveys have to happen first, the mining, the processing plant, the processing, and finally, years down the line comes the first actual piece of revenue.

Investors have to back a mine, for years and in very large sums, to turn it into a revenue stream.

It’s not like selling Coca Cola, and it doesn’t work when the menu on offer is ‘put a lot of money in, but you may lose it all and never see a penny of revenue’. Mining investment takes SOME commitments.

Kenya has never offered that, leaving itself almost isolated in Africa as a country without earnings from natural resources.

But the Kwale thing was bigger still. It certainly sat there for decades undeveloped through a lack of will to convert into a government facilitated investment. A French company tried after Anglo American. Gave up.

Then a little ‘junior’ mining company — first a South African/Australian nexus, then merged with a Toront-listed mining company — began the journey.

That company got further than the others. They prospected and found the deposit was among the richest in the world, possibly the richest, in the percentage of Rare Earths held in the soil.

They also found that the deposit was larger than anyone realised. It now looks as if it may be the second largest in the world, after the world’s largest Rare Earth mine, in China, called Baotou.

But by now, there were more challenges than ordinary, routine, forever, political blockage of mining.

No one ever mentioned in China’s strategy for Rare Earths that it would be a supply dominated by China AND Kenya. The ‘ Kenya’ part wasn’t in the global plan.

Not that anyone has really focussed on that jigsaw puzzle as we gained lots of lovely grants and friendship from China, a free hospital, a beautiful Thika superhighway.

I asked a Chinese First Secretary last week why China had put so much into Kenya recently, and he told me, repeatedly, that it was a ‘beautiful’ country with interesting tourism and great weather.

So I guess China will be putting a lot into Croatia too, with its stunning coastline.

Of course, the truth is, China wanted that mine, and maybe it’s suicide of me to say it, but I think they had got it. Only then our new government was elected, and within three weeks our new President intervened, personally. China did not get the licence. The President met the Canadian-listed international miners, issued their licence, and they have now received their Environment Impact Assessment approvals. The fund raising is underway.

Changing future

And no-one, but no-one, seems to grasp how brave that was. There will be so much pressure over that mine. I’ve seen detailed figures estimating the resource at a worth of US dollars 95 billion — that’s 8 trillion shillings. It’s the biggest thing that Kenya has ever owned that the world wants.

But that resource is a Kenyan birth right. So I don’t care what tribe he’s from: our President just stood up to one of the most powerful forces in the world to harness it for Kenya, setting up an income stream in royalties, 80 per cent of which will go to Government, and our health service, and teachers’ pay, and so much more.

And I’m not sure anyone even noticed. But they should. Because that’s future changing.

And very brave indeed.

COMMENTS:

Rare-Earth DIGGER01 August 2013 3:37 PM

Looks pretty close. The revenue may look tiny in light of the bigger cake, however, that is a direct revenue. there are indirect revenues such as employment and infrastructure development, investments, etc.

twister31 July 2013 11:29 PM

It start low as the company recoup its huge invested, which is usually borrowed attracting huge interests, after some time the Gok will poket as high as 80%.

George k31 July 2013 6:35 AM

Why such a low percentage , someone should explain this

Paulo30 July 2013 3:31 PM

This article is full of praises but lacking in real focus. Praising China for giving us grants that we will end up paying back and being dependant on their input even in cases where we can do better by developing our local capacity is not the way to go. Also, the issue of mining is more complicated than just working out figures in billions and trillions of expected income/production. EIA have been political tools in cases where in the long run, the cost paid by the local population turns out to be far much greater.

Ekhisa30 July 2013 12:05 PM

I still think 80percent of 3 percent of 95b only comes to 2.8B USD leaving the mining company with staggering profits from these at 92B USD…So what is so transformational about that figure…I think the new President did well to stick it for Kenya but the royalties just doesnt make sense…I mean Kenya will only make 250B KES from mining worth of 8 trillion shillings…Not right

Lands officer linked to Sh954m fraud

Ministry of Lands headquarters in Nairobi. Former State officials have been accused of using their positions in government to grab 795 acres of land belonging to Ms Anna Nyogio Kimitei.
By VINCENT AGOYA vagoya@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, July 31 2013 at 21:44

In Summary

The former State officials have been accused of using their positions in government to grab 795 acres of land belonging to Ms Anna Nyogio Kimitei.

A lands registrar has been summoned to court in a case where a widow claims she was swindled out of a Sh954 million ranch using false documents.

Ms Agnes Wangu Gerald Kuria has failed to honour “verbal” summons to honour the court date.

Wednesday, magistrate Peter Ndwiga issued summons after police complained she had ignored orders to present herself to investigators.

Ms Kuria has been enjoined in the case with former Kenya Pipeline Company boss Ezekiel Komen, former District Commissioner Benjamin Rotich, land registrar Tom Mainja and two others.

Ms Kuria has been accused of giving instructions on behalf of the chief land registrar to open green cards in the names of Ezekiel Komen, Eric Kibiwott Tarus, and Kipkorir Kuti for the transfer of land in Eldoret belonging to someone else.

She did this on December 22, 2005 while working as a lands registrar at Ardhi House, Nairobi, it is claimed.

Using positions

The former State officials have been accused of using their positions in government to grab 795 acres of land belonging to Ms Anna Nyogio Kimitei.

Yesterday, the prosecution said it would amend the charges to include Ms Kuria and charge the suspects afresh.

The prosecution alleges the widow lost her land to powerful politicians during the Kanu regime.
It is alleged the politicians subdivided the land and sold it to more than 200 families who have put up commercial and residential buildings.

The widow claims her family bought the land from a white settler, Mr James Gear, on March 10, 1969 but in 2006 was told that “the government had taken it over and allocated it to poor families.”

The court yesterday extended the suspects’ bond of Sh500,000 and ordered them to appear Thursday.

A Summary of
United Nations Agreements
on Human Rights

Contents
Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

Convention Against Torture

Convention Against Genocide

The Geneva Conventions

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Convention on Eliminiation of Discrimination Against Women

Charter of the United Nations

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The UDHR is the first international statement to use the term “human rights”, and has been adopted by the Human Rights movement as a charter. It is short, and worth reading in its entirety — a summary would be about as long as the document itself.

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

This covenant details the basic civil and political rights of individuals and nations. Among the rights of nations are:

the right to self determination

the right to own, trade, and dispose of their property freely, and not be deprived of their means of subsistence

Among the rights of individuals are:

the right to legal recourse when their rights have been violated, even if the violator was acting in an official capacity

the right to life

the right to liberty and freedom of movement

the right to equality before the law

the right to presumption of innocence til proven guilty

the right to appeal a conviction

the right to be recognized as a person before the law

the right to privacy and protection of that privacy by law

freedom of thought, conscience, and religion

freedom of opinion and expression

freedom of assembly and association

The covenant forbids torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, slavery or involuntary servitude, arbitrary arrest and detention, and debtor’s prisons. It forbids propaganda advocating either war or hatred based on race, religion, national origin, or language.

It provides for the right of people to choose freely whom they will marry and to found a family, and requires that the duties and obligations of marriage and family be shared equally between partners. It guarantees the rights of children and prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, or language.

It also restricts the death penalty to the most serious of crimes, guarantees condemned people the right to appeal for commutation to a lesser penalty, and forbids the death penalty entirely for people under 18 years of age.

The covenant permits governments to temporarily suspend some of these rights in cases of civil emergency only, and lists those rights which cannot be suspended for any reason. It also establishes the UN Human Rights Commission.

After almost two decades of negotiations and rewriting, the text of the Universal Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was agreed upon in 1966. In 1976, after being ratified by the required 35 states, it became international law.

Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The protocol adds legal force to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by allowing the Human Rights Commission to investigate and judge complaints of human rights violations from individuals from signator countries.

Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

– This covenant describes the basic economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals and nations, including the right to:
– self-determination
– wages sufficient to support a minimum standard of living
– equal pay for equal work
– equal opportunity for advancement
– form trade unions
– strike
– paid or otherwise compensated maternity leave
– free primary education, and accessible education at all levels
– copyright, patent, and trademark protection for intellectual property

In addition, this convention forbids exploitation of children, and requires all nations to cooperate to end world hunger. Each nation which has ratified this covenant is required to submit annual reports on its progress in providing for these rights to the Secretary General, who is to transmit them to the Economic and Social Council.

The text of this covenant was finalized in 1966 along with that of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, but has not been ratified yet.

UN Convention on the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces (I)

Also called the first Geneva Convention

The first Geneva Convention focuses on the rights of individuals, combatants and non-combatants, during war. It is lengthy and detailed, perhaps because human rights are rarely at such risk as during war and, in particular, involving prisoners of war or enemy captives.

Convention against Genocide

This convention bans acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. It declares genocide a crime under international law whether committed during war or peacetime, and binds all signators of the convention to to take measures to prevent and punish any acts of genocide committed within their jurisdiction. The act bans killing of members of any racial, ethnic, national or religious group because of their membership in that group, causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group, inflicting on members of the group conditions of life intended to destroy them, imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group, and taking group members’ children away from them and giving them to members of another group.

It declares genocide itself, conspiracy or incitement to commit genocide, attempts to commit orcomplicity in the commission of genocide all to be illegal. Individuals are to be held responsible for these acts whether they were acting in their official capacities or as private individuals. Signators to the convention are bound to enact appropriate legislation to make the acts named in Article 3 illegal under their national law and provide appropriate penalties for violators.

People suspected of acts of genocide may be tried by a national tribunal in the territory where the acts were committed or by a properly constituted international tribunal whose jurisdiction is recognized by the state or states involved. For purposes of extradition, an allegation of genocide is not to be considered a political crime, and states are bound to extradite suspects in accordance with national laws and treaties. Any state party to the Convention may also call upon the United Nations to act to prevent or punish acts of genocide.

The remainder of the Convention specifies procedures for resolving disputes between nations about whether a specific act or acts constitute(s) genocide, and gives procedures for ratification of the convention.

Convention against Torture

This convention bans torture under all circumstances and establishes the UN Committee against Torture. In particular, it defines torture, requires states to take effective legal and other measures to prevent torture, declares that no state of emergency, other external threats, nor orders from a superior officer or authority may be invoked to justify torture. It forbids countries to return a refugee to his country if there is reason to believe he/she will be tortured, and requires host countries to consider the human rights record of the person’s native country in making this decision.

The CAT requires states to make torture illegal and provide appropriate punishment for those who commit torture. It requires states to assert jurisdiction when torture is committed within their jurisdiction, either investigate and prosecute themselves, or upon proper request extradite suspects to face trial before another competent court. It also requires states to cooperate with any civil proceedings against accused torturers.

Each state is obliged to provide training to law enforcement and military on torture prevention, keep its interrogation methods under review, and promptly investigate any allegations that its officials have committed torture in the course of their official duties. It must ensure that individuals who allege that someone has committed torture against them are permitted to make and official complaint and have it investigated, and, if the complaint is proven, receive compensation, including full medical treatment and payments to survivors if the victim dies as a result of torture.. It forbids states to admit into evidence during a trial any confession or statement made during or as a result of torture. It also forbids activities which do not rise to the level of torture, but which constitute cruel or degrading treatment.

The second part of the Convention establishes the Committee Against Torture, and sets out the rules on its membership and activities.

The Convention was passed and opened for ratification in February, 1985. At that time twenty nations signed, and five more signed within the month. At present sixty five nations have ratified the Convention against torture and sixteen more have signed but not yet ratified it.

Convention on Eliminiation of Discrimination Against Women

This convention bans discrimination against women. The copy of the Convention on Women presently accessible through this page is a fully- indexed HTML document. A linked summary of the document will be written in the next few weeks.

Convention on the Rights of the Child

This convention bans discrimination against children and provides for special protection and rights appropriate to minors. The copy of the Convention on the Rights of the Child presently accessible through this page is a fully-indexed HTML document. A linked summary of the document will be written in the next few weeks.

Charter of the United Nations

The Charter of the United Nations contains some important human rights provisions, in addition to containing the framework for the organization as a whole. This is a fully indexed HTML version of the charter. A summary will be written at some future date.

Created on July 8, 1994 / Last edited on January 25, 1997

Kenya: Setting the pace at Kimisho

From: odhiambo okecth

Dear Friends and Partners,

On the 6th August 2013, we will be hosting our 1st Annual General Meeting at Kimisho Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Ltd- a child and product of The Clean Kenya Campaign-TCKC.

We have come a long way and I am happy and excited with what we have done and achieved so far.

Like all good things, we have had our own fair share of challenges and they have only helped to strengthen our resolve. Am happy our Partners and Friends are impressed that their support and partnership did not go to waste. And many have called and written to us to express their pleasure and continued Partnership.

A Peace Campaign organized by The Clean Kenya Campaign in Dagoreti in Nairobi in February 2013

Today, I hence want to salute all our Partners and Friends who have seen us through to this end in our Journey of Hope across Kenya. I want to make specific mentions of Akiba Uhaki Foundation, the Public Service Transformation Department and A Better World/SOFDI. Their support, partnership and advice has kept us strong all along the trenches. They saw into our potential, liked our approach and decided to support the execution of our Programmes.

I am happy with their continued support as we start the 3rd Leg of this Journey of Hope across Kenya.

We have several other Partners and Friends whose advice, support and encouragement has seen us this far as well. It will not be easy to make mention of all, but allow me to pay glowing tribute to Sen Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Mr. Elijah Agevi, Dr Korir Singoei, Bishop Johannes Angela, Sen Janet Ongera, Mr. Kuria Mwangi, Pastor Absalom Birai, Mr. Dick Aduong’a, Mr. Joe Omanya, Mr. Cyprian Nyamwamu, Ms Irene Wasike, Eng Christine Ogut, Mr. Tubman Otieno, Mr. Oduor Ong’wen,…the list is long. I salute all of you today.

This is Muthurwa Market in the middle of Nairobi.

I am elated that you have been with us from day one, and you have supported us faithfully all this long. As we congregate to elect our 1st Management Committee during our 1st AGM on the 6th August 2013, I must confess that I am shocked at how fast we have grown. We started this Campaign in 2008 in Komarock as a Child Support Initiative, grew into a Clean-up Campaign where we pioneered the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaigns in Kenya and now, we have grown into a Membership Organization with a Sacco Society to boot. Achieving all this is not an easy feat and I am happy that I have provided sound and steady Leadership to this Ship and The Clean Kenya Campaign Family.

I am now being joined by a Team of dedicated Members to focus our attention on our Economic Empowerment and Poverty Eradication as a means to cushioning our lives against the debilitating hard economic times Kenyans are facing.

This is Nairobi- where waste is shifted from one place to another and they call it Waste Management

At The Clean Kenya Campaign we do not whine and moan. We act. We do not respond to calls for proposals as well, but we work with willing partners and friends who see sense in what we are doing. We do not force any person to support our Initiatives but we only make broad appeals for Partnerships.

Those who have worked with me know I am one hell of a perfectionist. I work with results, not rhetorics. I suffer no fools easily and I am hard as a rock. I never get easily intimidated and these traits have seen The Clean Kenya Campaign reach this far.

We are now focused on Economic Emancipation for our Members as we join in the fight on Poverty Eradication across Kenya. We have so far established 60 Table Banking Units and the Team that we are going to elect on 6th August better roll their sleeves for hard work. Kimisho will never be a holiday resort.

We have absolute faith in what President John F Kennedy asked of the Americans- ask not what the Government will do for you. Ask yee what you will do for your Government. At Kimisho, we are focused on pooling our own resources together as One Family under God and then inviting willing Partnerships that will add value to our objectives.

We are going to pursue our objectives with the zeal with which Alexander Muigai found himself when he penned The Troubled Warrior- a Classic Poem;
‘Thus, all having been done,
And my poor heart settled,
I’ll venture to go home,
I’ll take up my hoe and dig,
I’ll pick up my stick and herd,
I’ll court my girl and wed.
Having done my duty,
I’ll sit by the fire,
And grow old’.
Kimisho will be in good and able hands as from the 6th August 2013. Watch this space.

Odhiambo T Oketch,

The Team Leader/Executive Director,
KCDN, KSSL, KIC,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel; +254 724 365 557,
Email; kimishodevelopment@gmail.com komarockswatch@yahoo.com
Blogspot; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Mailing List; friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com friendsofnyanza@yahoogroups.com

The World Environment Day- 5th June

From: odhiambo okecth

Friends,

I will be hosted at Radio Ramogi tomorrow at 8.00am in the morning and anyone who has access to a Radio can tune in. And today in the morning, Mr. Sam Okello- President of Sahel Publishing was hosted at Ramogi this morning and he discussed his new book- Luo Nation Rising. This is something we want to invite as many people to buy and read.

I bought my copy and Sam signed it off for me. Sam has been a great Friend to me and to KCDN and I am happy that he also Registered himself, his wife and his colleague as Members of Kimisho Community Development Network- KCDN when we met this morning.

The World will be celebrating the World Environment Day on the 5th June 2013. In Kenya, the main celebrations will be in Kisumu, while in Nairobi, in partnership with the Susan Owiyo Foundation, the Media, the Nairobi City County, the UNEP and many other partners, we will be hosting the Soko Bila Waste Initiative at the Wakulima Market.

Kenya: Pumwani Majengo Clean up Campaign 27th April 2013

From: odhiambo okecth

Dear Friends,

After a grueling 4 Months, when we gave way for the Campaign and Election Period, in partnership with the Nairobi City County, St John’s Community Centre and Pygron, we will be hosting A Clean-up and Awareness Campaign on the 27th April 2013 as from 8.00am at Pumwani in Majengo.

We are all agreed that the question of Garbage and Waste has been with us for far too long and that with the election in to office of a new Team of County Managers, we have firm hopes and beliefs that our Governors will rise to the occasion and help Kenyans work for a Clean County.

[image] A very familiar situation in Nairobi
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eV8UZPjZyI8/UW1MXiPokQI/AAAAAAAADZM/VYkFtehOZD8/s1600/625610_4435075041141_1500512952_n.jpg

We have agitated for proper waste handling and disposal technics and a lot of studies have been undertaken on garbage and waste in Kenya. An Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy for Nairobi has also been developed and still, waste and garbage clog our Cities and Towns.

All the knowledge we have on waste and garbage management is meaningless when it is all bottled up and confined to a few people as waste managers. It makes all sense when it is widely shared for the general good of all, and this is why we at The Clean Africa Campaign will keep all the Directors of Environment across Kenya on their toes.

The war on garbage will never be won by bottling up knowledge.

To this end, we have developed a work plan that will involve massive Awareness Campaigns in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Machakos, Nyeri, Meru, Nakuru, Kisii and Kakamega beginning this Month.

We will be joining with these Counties every 3rd Saturday of the Month for Clean-up and Awareness Campaigns and come September, we will host the inaugural inter-County assessments during the Kenya Environmentalist of the Year Award.

[image] We cannot live like this; this is Nairobif
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47k-kqrmgQg/UW1NT9YqhDI/AAAAAAAADZU/HWd4zcjFjYM/s1600/482047_10200466227684365_1157866896_n.jpg

We will be working with the County Governors and their Teams, our Partners, the Community Based Groups and the General Population in ensuring that we develop proper Waste Disposal and Handling Technics. This must start at the Household level where we will advance the Process of Separation of Waste at Source.

As we join forces in Pumwani Majengo on the 27th April 2013, we are inviting as many groups in the 10 Counties to join hands with us and our Partners as we work for Cleaner and Safer Towns and Cities.

Peace and blessings as we work for a Clean Kenya, a Clean Africa and a Better World.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
Executive Director,
The Clean Africa Campaign-TCAC.
Tel; +254 724 365 557
mailto:oto@kcdnkenya.org
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com/
http://www.kcdnkenya.org

Governors and The Waste Revolution in Africa

From: Michael Heery

so basically i cannot understand why african youth with some metal work skills cannot manufacture andn design their own waste compactors.iam sure there are vidoes on youtube with designs,.

– – – – – – – – – – –

From: odhiambo okecth
Sent: Tuesday, 26 March 2013, 13:57:01
Subject: Governors and The Waste Revolution in Africa

Friends,

Kenya will be witnessing the swearing in of many Governors tomorrow across the Country. In Nairobi, Dr Evans Kidero will be sworn into office at Uhuru Park in a ceremony that will start at about 10am.

Dr Kidero has promised that he is going to address the question on garbage that has ran amok in Nairobi.

This is refreshing because, waste is such a huge resource that must be tapped into. Many Environmental Managers in Kenya have simply refused to address the question of managing waste on the simple reason that they have massive personal returns in shifting waste from one point to the next.

[image]Garbage in Nairobi
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx5cXhXhtwI/UVGjlsLXdcI/AAAAAAAADW8/JqzvBNAC4fM/s1600/482047_10200466227684365_1157866896_n.jpg

We all now know that Nairobi spends Kshs 40m every month in paying 20 Contracted Garbage Truckers who collect no garbage as they routinely queue for their pay cheque. This Kshs 40m is easy money for the Environment Managers and the Garbage Collection Constructors. It is such a lucrative business that simply lulls all one has read in Waste Management. It places extra bread on the table at a time the Council is unable to pay her employees.

The situation is the same across all our Councils and this presents a sad scenario.

We have refused to invest in human capital, in equipment and in modern waste handling technics, and we have chosen the easy way out; live with the rot as a small team skim the cream.

With the swearing in of this new breed of Managers, we are eager and hopeful that Waste and Waste Management is going to be the next frontier for National Development.

At The Clean Africa Campaign-TCAC, we are ready to work with these new breed of managers to help make a difference. We are developing our next 5 Year Strategic Plan and we are aligning this to the electoral circle, to enable us feed in with the new Governors and their Programmes. We are going to be available to work with all our new Governors and help make our Towns and Counties Clean.

There are various benefits that come with waste, and we will not engage in empty rhetorics where people talk about waste being wealth without actualizing the same. We will want to encourage the Governors to institute the concept of Separation of Waste at Source and enforce the same.

We will be inviting the Governors to register and train all Waste Handlers with the one singular aim of benefiting from the Waste Value Chain- from the generators to the collectors, transporters to the end consumers of Waste.

[image]No. This is not acceptable
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aY-y_5xAa_Y/UVGjxWzOdLI/AAAAAAAADXE/zTX6qfRpb4E/s1600/625610_4435075041141_1500512952_n.jpg

The Western World did not just become Clean. Efforts were made towards this and in Africa, we can also make efforts to make Africa Clean.

We must move from being the Dark and Dirty Continent to one of Hope and Imagination. And our New Governors must be men who can dream new dreams for Africa. Not the lost dreams from our Fathers, the dreams that led us to poverty, disease, ignorance, corruption, impunity and tribalism.

Our Governors must dream new dreams that will lead Africa to a new healing process where all will unite in working for plenty, peace and growth.

We must join the Governors in working for cleaner Towns, Cities and Neighbourhoods, and we must all join in the Waste Revolution in Africa.

Peace and blessings as we work for a Clean Kenya, a Clean Africa and a Better World.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
Executive Director,
The Clean Africa Campaign-TCAC,
Tel; 0724 365 557,
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Nairobi Kenya.
The Clean Africa Campaign is an Initiative of KCDN Kenya.

Africa: LAKE VICTORIA FACES ECOLOGICAL DISASTER IF THE DRY WATER HYACINTH IS SUNK IN THE WATER.

Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

Experts have once again sounded a stern warning that Lake Victoria is facing ecological disaster if the particles from dry hyacinth weed are left to rot and sink inside its waters.

The Kenya Marine and fisheries Research Institute {kemri} said in Kisumu this week that if the hyacinth weeds sunk, aquatic life would be placed at the high risk.

Several fish species in the lake, especially the much cherished Nile Perch and Tilapia and small fish like [Omena} that cannot survive inside the water with few oxygen concentration might be completely wiped out, said Dr Ojwang’ Oweke the KEMRI’s senior scientist.

Mad fish, locally known as “Kamongo” and cat fish locally called “Mumi”are among the specifies that can survive in the water with low oxygen concentration.

According to KEMRI’s researcher’s water hyacinth produces humid acid when it decomposes in the water-a process that used oxygen and deprives aquatic plants and animals of fresh air.

The acid contains harmful elements lie iron and manganese which the scientist attributed to the brown color of water supplied in the region by the Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company ltd.

Dr. Oweke called upon the government to make use of colleges and universities in the region to assist in removing the dry weed by use of conveyor belt.

“This is the time for the government to come and try to use the conveyor belt mechanism t remove the dry hyacinth so as to save the lake.:

“The manual removal used by Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project in 2011 and late last year was a total waste of money, and time because this poised a high risk to the laborers and it also led to ever sprouting of the dreadful weed.

The scientist the machine would clear the dry water hyacinth and ump on the shore where it would be burned.

Reupen Omondi, another scientist said the hyacinth had turned brown because weevils had fed on it as it was drying up.

He insects were introduced in the lake by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute in 2005.

“Weevils are killing the weed and the government need to respond quickly to remove danger from destroying ecosystem, he said.

Ends

Kenya: Celebrating Mediocrity of the Kenyan Media

from: odhiambo okecth

Hahahah Jonah,

This Photo was actually taken on the 13th December 2013 when we hosted a joint Press Conference with Chairman Hassan, the PC Nairobi and several IEBC Commissioners inviting Kenyans to Register as Voters.

You will remember IEBC did a lot of work with several groups and we all hoped that we were working for a Clean Process.

I was hence also taken aback to see this Photo in The Standard of today. It might give the false impression that I am party to what Chairman Hassan is saying. It might also give the impression that I conform to how IEBC has conducted itself.

I do not and I remain a firm believer in a Clean, Clear, Fair and Transparent ways of managing elections.

We are asking The Standard Group to make that correction.

Peace and blessings,

Oto

— On Mon, 3/25/13, Jonah Ogaro wrote:

From: Jonah Ogaro
Subject: Celebrating Mediocrity of the Kenyan Media
Date: Monday, March 25, 2013, 1:52 AM

Ndugu Odhiambo

On Page 7 of Standard, I saw a true copy of yourself seated besides Mr. Issack Hassan of IEBC. What is cooking? Are you now an employee of IEBC?

Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:40:22 -0700
From: komarockswatch@ . . ,
Subject: [PK] Celebrating Mediocrity of the Kenyan Media

Friends,

We have come full circle and today, after some thorough soul searching, I want to ask: of what value is the Kenyan Media to Kenyans and the World?

As I was posing this question to colleagues at the office this morning, Wex pointed out to me an article by Clay Muganda, an article which escaped me but one worth reading- An inspiring article worth reading by Clay Muganda…

Now, in the US, sorry to give this reference again, I was so impressed by the CNN Journalists who were able to give us clear projections as Americans went to the ballot in November 2012. Through the Exit Polls, they were able to call the Elections in favour of President Barrack Obama, and they did this in real time. Within minutes of the last man casting his votes, their equivalent of our Dependent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced Barrack Obama as having won back his seat and with a landslide. The Elections were never as projected by Opinion Polls- too close to call. It was a clear Usain Bolt win, where one can never dispute.

In Kenya, our Journalists were glued to returns as posted by the IEBC at a time when they had the capacity to report on results as recorded from Form 34s across all the polling stations in the Country. As Journalist, it was their responsibility to inform Kenyans on what was going on and on who was getting what where.

That the IEBC could gag the Media on releasing results is something that calls to question the independence of our Journalists and the Media Houses. How can we trust the Media if they can be this easily compromised and restricted?

[image]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ5M27cbQqo/UVAEXg5pN0I/AAAAAAAADWs/Xsvjh6dspS4/s1600/313876_10200479885665806_1801707901_n.jpgThe Kenyan Media is rapidly also becoming part of our Dirty Environment that we must all join hands in Cleaning

Was there a Conspiracy of Silence between the Media, the IEBC and the Dark Forces that were hell-bent on turning the wheels of change and reforms backwards? Can we find the Media complicit in the mass electoral fraud that Kenyans witnessed?

I am convinced that our Media Houses need to apologize to Kenyans and the World on their incompetence and sloppy handling of the Kenyan General Elections of 4th March 2013. I am also taking offense that The Standars Newspaper can have the audacity to use my Photo with Chairman Isaac Hassan in todays issue of The Standard at page 7 on a matter that I have no idea about. This is simply professional incompetence which I want to condemn.

That photo was taken on the 13th December 2012 when we as The Clean Africa Campaign joined in helping to mobilize Kenyans to Register as Voters and it has no relevance to the current situation in which Chairman Hassan has found himself in. To use the same photo now would create the impression that I am also enjoined in the electoral deceit that the whole World is witnessing. I am not party to that and I am having my Lawyers write to The Standard about this.

Lastly, even as the IEBC was releasing what they called Final Results, they read results from all the 290 Constituencies across Kenya. How come no Journalist interrogated this? The best a smart Journalist could have done was simply to play the tapes again and tally the results as they were announced and match this to the phantoms that IEBC posted as their last results.

I accuse the Kenyan Media and our Journalists for taking Kenyans and the whole World for fools.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
Executive Director,
The Clean Africa Campaign-TCAC,
Tel; 0724 365 557,
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Nairobi Kenya.

The Clean Africa Campaign is an Initiative of KCDN Kenya.