Category Archives: Land

KENYA: THE NEWLY CREATED EXTRA PARLIAMENTARY SEAT IN KASIPUL-KABONDO IS LIKELY TO IGNITE INTER-CLAN RIVALRIES AND DISCONTENT OVER THE NAMES.

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Oyugis Town.

The recent announcement by the disbanded Interim Independent Boundary Commission, led by Andrew Ligale, that it has sub-divided the densely populated Kasipul-Kabondo constituency into two parliamentary electoral areas, has been welcome with enthusiasm by the residents of the region.

Its creation, however, has caused inter-clans conflict of interests, which could easily spark off heated political agitation if a solution cannot be found as quickly as possible.

The sub-division, however, was long over due. It is indeed, a blessing in disguise for the residents of this agriculturally rich region, which now fall under the newly created County of Homa-Bay.

What is likely to ignite heated political agitation is the realignment of the two constituency’s boundaries. This could raise the political temperature in the area if not resolved amicably.

The other contentious issue is the name of the new constituency. Those living in the eastern part of the constituency want the constituency to be called Kabondo constituency. But this proposal has sparked heated debate. The majority want the name Sipul to be retained in all the two constituencies. And that the new constituency to be called Kasipul-Kabondo East while the other be called Kasipul-Kabondo West.

The reason why this line of argument carries some weight with it, is the inclusion of the three major administrative locations into the new constituency. In this region, the locations and sub -locations bear the names of clans and sub-clans.

The sub-division has slashed a big chunk of locations in East Kasipul and grouped them together with six or so locations in Kabondo Division within Rachuonyo South district in Homa-Bay County.

The three locations are namely Kokwanyo, Kakelo and Kojwach. These are the locations which have now been grouped together with the six locations in Kabondo Division. This is what is giving credence to the insistence, by the majority of residents of the two constituencies, that the name Sipul be retained in both of them to justify renaming the two constituencies as Kasipul-Kabondo-East and Kasipul Kabondo West.

The residents are arguing that the name Sipul is their symbol of unity as it carries the sacred name of their great ancestor Sipul son of Rachuonyo.

The Rachuonyo South district has the best arable land. It is capable of producing pineapples, fruits of all kinds, bananas, maize, sweet potatoes, coffee and tea, ground-nuts, sorghum millets and finger millets.

The area has reliable distribution of rainfall throughout the year. The region is suitable for the rearing of graded dairy animals, but the majority of residents still prefer keeping the native and little valued zebu cattle instead of the full scale introduction of graded dairy cows.

The region’s major commercial town, which is Oyugis, has the potential market for fresh milk. But as for now residents consume close to 3,000 liters of milk per day in Oyugis town and its environs. Most of the milk is imported from Kericho and Bureti districts in the Rift Valley Province and some part of the neighboring Kitutu Chache constituency.

There are other markets and trading centers such as Chabera, Nyapalo, Kadongo, Ringa, Ober- -all located beside the main Sondu-Oyugis road.

Kasipul-Kabondo has some of the best established primary and secondary schools. This massive development in educational facilities could rightly be attributed to the late Ex-Senior Chief Gideon Magak, who ruled the region with an iron fist between 1927 and 1954. The chief, whose rule was full of draconian policy, had introduced forced education for both boys and girls and encouraged families to take their children to schools – – some of whom he personally paid school fees for from his own pocket.

Magak died in 1962. After his retirement from the chieftainship, he served as a member of the African District Council {ADC} and at times served as its vice chairman. He left a legacy of well developed education infrastructure. It was he who established Oriang’ D.E.B, Wang’apala D.E.B, Ober D.E.B, Agoro-Sare D.E.B, Saye D.E.B and Nyang’ioela D.E.B. Most of these schools are now some of the best secondary and high schools in Southern Nyanza and this is the legacy which Ex-Senior Chief Gideon Magaka left behind.

Another name worth mentioning in connection with rapid development in agriculture of tea is the former cabinet Minister in the post-independence government led by the late President Jomo Kenyatta, the late Hon Samuel Onyango Ayodo, who ceaselessly preached the gospel of hard work.

Ayodo was first elected to the Colonial Legislative Council for Southern Nyanza constituency in 1959 when he was plucked out of Kisii High School, where he was a teacher, by the late Tom Mboya. He went on to become the first MP for Kasipul- Kabondo in 1963.

Thereafter, while serving in the post independence cabinet as the minister for local Government, and later Tourism and Wildlife, Ayodo launched the campaign for a change in the farming pattern, urging peasant farmers to change to new methods of farming and better crop husbandry. At the same time he lost no chance in publicly denouncing laziness and idleness. This campaign has produced good results, and this is why farming in Kabondo and some parts of Kasipul have moved up a notch higher in comparison to other neighboring Luo-Nyanza locations.

The region is producing thousands of tones of sweet potatoes which is minting million of shillings when exported to bigger towns and urban centers. It is also producing a lot of pineapples, particularly in Kabondo Division, making it feasible for the investment in fruit manufacturing and processing plants in the area.

Although the weather is the same and soil conditions are similar to the neighboring district, there is some element of laxity and idleness on the part of the residents of this region in ushering changes from the old system of farming to new methods and technology. Of course, someone somewhere should appear in the picture and launch a spirited campaign for such changes.

Also there is an ardent need for the residents in collaboration with the police and administrative authorities to stamp out lawlessness and thuggeries around Oyugis Town and its environs, which is the most worrying point for traders and business people. Insecurity around Oyugis Town has reached an alarming proportion.

The new constituency would now be neighboring Mugirango West to the east, Nyakach to the north across Sondu-Miriu River, Karachuonyo to the West, Rangwe to the South, Kitutu Chache to the South West and Kasipul Kabondo West to the west.

The constituency is served by Ahero-Oyugis and Kisii highway, and another all weather Murrum road that links Oyugis Town to Kosele District headquarters and eventually to Kendu-Bay Town.

The administrative headquarters is located at Kosele Market and stands right on the boundary of the two Rachuonyo districts, while Oyugis Town is the major commercial center in the region.

Despite the fact that the Andrew Ligale IIBC has been disbanded before officially publishing the names of the new 89 parliamentary constituencies in the government official gazette of the new constituency, the campaign by those who want to become the area MP has began in earnest.

Names of the potential contestants are already being floated here and there. Leading the pack is Dr. Kambona Oyugi, who works with USAID in Nairobi, and who hails from Ober-Mikaye Kakelo. These are some of the parts of East Kasipul which are grouped together with the Kabondo locations to form the new constituency.

The US trained top agronomist, was last weekend, spotted presiding in four different fund raising meeting on Sunday, while in a group of supporters.

He had shared one platform with a Nairobi based business tycoon, Hebert Ojwang’, who hails from Kakangutu in east Kabondo. The populist politician-cum-businessman was once the PA to the Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Ojwang’ is well known for his oratory skils. He is expected to give other aspirants for the same seat a run for their money.

Other names being fronted around include that of Prof O. Muga, the DVC of the Great Lakes University, based in Kisumu City. Muga is a former director of medical services and only joined the teaching fraternity after his retirement from the public service. Prof. Muga too, like Dr Kambona Oyugi, hails from Kakelo Dudi in East Kasipul.

Another potential aspirant is young beautiful wit and attractive woman, Mrs Eve Obara, who is the CEO for the Kenya Literature Bureau in Nairobi. Mrs Obara is said to be so popular with women and youth that if she chose to stand, that would cause havoc to other aspirants.

Another name which is being floated around is that of Dr. Tom Ayodo, of Maseno University. He is the younger brother of the late Minister, Sam Onyango Ayodo, the family name that has since become permanently associated with Politics.

Prof.Keya who works with FAO in Rome is also another name being mentioned.

None of those whose names are mentioned above has confirmed that he or she would be in the race except Dr. Kambona Oyugi and Hebert Ojwang’.

It is expected that other names of potential contestants will spring up as the time goes on and the general election draws nearer,

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

WIKILEAKS ON AMBASSADOR MICHAEL RANNEBERGER

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If what has appeared in the Daily Nation 7th December 2010 page 12 purporting to be reporting on Wikileaks relayed by M. Gaitho is true then Ambassador Michael Ranneberger has wasted his time in Kenya, let alone Africa. His understanding of the African people is indeed pedestrian.

Ambassador Michael Ranneberger wants to be the President of Kenya! Well, why not? Let him try.

The man must indeed believe that Kenyans are idiots after 1500 innocent youth were mowed/gunned down by state police immediately he declared his and the US recognition of the Kibaki win following the December 2007 presidential elections theft. He said inter alia, ”Kibaki has won let ”them” do what they like. There will be shooting for a day or two then things will settle down”.

May be Ambassador Michael Ranneberger thinks that Kenyans not only have a short memory but also must be lacking in intelligence and therefore could not have understood him and The International Republicans Institute shamelessly derailing Raila Amolo Odinga by denying him the obvious win in December 2010. Mr Michael Ranneberger “osoko kich kombe” (he has disturbed the bee hive and in so doing has lost honest Kenyans completely.

He should be ashamed to talk about Raila Amolo Odinga so derogatorily. If he wants to be Kenya’s president let him follow the law and openly campaign against other Kenyans. Nobody is going to block him from doing so since he has so easily bought some land in Kenya and soon will be a naturalized citizen. It is only in Kenya, the only country in the world where foreigners buy land, that the likes of Ambassador Michael Ranneberger can so easily acquire land and citizenship through what could easily be a close cousin to corruption.

The souls of nearly 1500 people who died in the post elections violence, thanks to Ambassador Michael Ranneberger support for Mwai Kibaki, are crying for justice not only from God Almighty but also from The Hague.

This rogue Ambassador could do us a favour by quietly leaving the country or else we shall soon be holding demonstrations against his arrogant impunity and spite for Kenyans.

In Kenya and the rest of Africa, we welcome visitors not because we are stupid but because we are God-fearing people and our culture makes us do so.

Mr Ambassador, all the Kenyan communities did not make you their elder because they are stupid, but because they thought you too are a part of the continent- definitely not an island. They did so because of the common humanity in them and hopefully in you too!

Thank you Mr Ambassador. Kenyans would rather starve or die without you. Please do us a favour Mr Ambassador by returning to your country.

Does this great Ambassador really know how much land the coast people, the Kalenjin and the Maasai have lost because of GEMA IMPUNITY?

DR ODIDA OKUTHE

KENYA: A PRIVATE DEVELOPER GRABS ORPHANS LAND IN NYATIKE

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By INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER.

A family of three orphans in Nyatike constituency have appealed to the minister of lands Mr. James Orengo to help them recover a piece of land which was left to them by their late parents in 2005 and has now been grabbed by a private developer in Sori town.

These three unlucky orphans of Nyatike are aged between 7and 10 years. One is a class three pupil at Sori primary school.

Speaking on behalf of the three orphans, Mr John Olenge Owino , who is their uncle said the plot no. 2357 was allegedly grabbed by a business lady in the town soon after the death of both parents but attempts by the family to repossess it has met stiff opposition from the influential woman who compromise those in authority in her favor.

Armed with records from various land offices right from the divisional level to the ministry of lands headquarters in Nairobi, Mr. Owino took this journalist through the predicament that befell the family in the hands of this lady identified as Grace Atieno Owuor.

From the land records which we have in our possession ,it is clear that the father of the three orphans ,the late Johnson Onyona Owino is still the registered owner of the parcel which has not just been grabbed but is now a ground where a permanent dwelling unit for the private developer stands, almost complete.

In one of the letters dated 9th June 2009, written by a Mr. S.Kidemi for Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement addressed to both parties categorically states that the land in question was demarcated to Johnson Onyona Owino now deceased and still remains so ,since no objection or claim has ever been raised against the ownership.

And it read in part ‘’ The individuals/parties who may lay claim /dispute on the ownership may seek redress from a court of law’’. The letter from the director also advised those representing the orphans to go to court and seek for eviction orders for the individuals who have encroached into the plot.

But what is more puzzling is the fact that even after obtaining two court orders to evict the strangers on the land, they have refused to move.

The Migori district land adjudication and settlement officer Mr.C.M .Osebe who confirmed he was familiar with the land row said those working on the land have been arrested twice for court contempt but are soon released under unclear circumstances.

The senior land officer said records kept by his office clearly indicates that no transfer has ever been carried out on the said parcel. He said because nobody raised any objection or laid claim during demarcation , they only recognize the deceased as the legal owner of the plot.

When one reads the letter penned by the then area DO a Mr. R.C Kandie dated 9th February last year and addressed to his boss Migori DC Mr. Julius Mutula, over the dispute, one gets the impression that this is a clear case of government officers being fully aware of a mischief but simply refuse to act.

In his letter, the DO states,’’ This is to bring to your notice that the above parcel of land was initially registered in the name of the late Johnson Onyona who bought it from a man who is now deceased. Records in the register of lands indicate the same as per letter Mig./12/2007 from the district land adjudication and settlement officer, Migori district’’.

The DO further states in his letter to his boss that early last year , a brother to the owner Mr. John Olenge Owino found out that a stranger was trying to fence off the plot and bringing in materials to put up a permanent building.

He explained to the DC that efforts by Owino to check on the records at the local lands office in the district yielded nothing because he was denied accessibility and therefore decided to seek help from the ministry headquaters.

To satisfy his boss and clearly drive his point home ,the good old DO informed the senior administrator who also chairs the land adjudication board in the district that he, the DO wrote to the same District Lands Adjudication and Settlement officer to find out the correct position in regards to the matter.

And the Do is quick to point out to his immediate superior in his letter that the reply he obtained over the matter from the lands officer vide a letter Mig/LA/KAC/123 VOL.111/68 dated 5/2/09 ,the officer clearly contradicted his previous letter Mig./LA/KAC VOL.111/36 of 4/12/2007.

He concluded that indeed there was a foul play in the matter and enclosed copies of his communication between his office, that of the lands office and the parties involved in the tussle and asked for further direction.

But as if to confirm claims by the relatives of the orphans that the people who grabbed the said plot were using money to frustrate the genuine owners from laying their hands on it, the Migori DC under whose area the tussle began denied knowledge of the dispute.

When contacted, the DC said he could only handle the matter after seeing the documents, this even after it was clear from the letters written by the DO which confirmed active involvement from his office.

Even the area district land adjudication and settlement officer alleged that the people who are out to deny the orphans what rightly belongs to them were indeed using money to compromise those handling the matter.

‘’I have tried my best to help these people but the kind of impunity being practiced by the other party is terrible. A man I gathered bought the land from Grace is in the US and is reportedly using money through a brother who is a primary teacher to frustrate the efforts to repossess the land.’’ He said.

When the matter was brought to his attention the officer said he visited the disputed land together with the local chief and instructed the lady to up root a temporary structure he had put up but to his disbelief, the lady went a head to sell it off.

Now the developer is busy building his house in disregard to the authorities and the poor orphans of Nyatike.

The matter seemed to take a new twist when the uncle of the three orphans received a death threat and has since recorded a statement at the Karungu police station under OB No.5/24/11/2010.

‘’My life is now in danger because of this matter. I have been threatened severally with death from people who want me to drop this case. Recently I was forced to flee with my assailants in hot pursuit. I had to sleep at the home of our village elder. I ask the government to come to my rescue, I am just a poor peasant farmer trying to help these orphans find a place to live,’’ he said

ENDS.

Kenya: Politically Driven Clashes Escalate in Kenya – Reason for Lake Victoria

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Folks,

It is time for pay back come rain come sun-shine….We DEMAND for Justice now, not in some future after long unpresidented and unresonable dragged cases which ends unto the genocide masterminders benefits……We want justice now, and not tomorrow…….

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

– – – – – – – – – – –

Politically Driven Clashes
Escalate in Kenya

By Joseph Ojwang
Kenya5.2007 – 6/11/2010

Kenya has lately experienced the worst fighting over land disputes since 1992, the same year the country ushered in multiparty politics. These clashes have erupted every election year since then, leaving thousands of innocent citizens maimed and property worth million of shillings destroyed.

Believed to be fueled by the inflammatory remarks of politicians, communities war with one another over land, or control of resources on the land.

Areas that have been rocked in the past fifteen years include the provinces of the Rift Valley, Coast, Nyanza, North Eastern and Western.

When NARC took over the government almost four years ago, Kenyans thought the clashes would stop, but they continue to recur with little attention from the administration.

The country prepares for election late this year. Clashes again erupt in Trans Mara, Laikipia, Marsabit, Nakuru and Mount Elgon, where over one hundred lives have been lost.

Several who escaped in the early 1990’s fear returning to their ancestral homes while fresh attacks and reprisals remain likely.

Instead of intervening, the government continues to spend colossal amount of money setting up commissions to establish the root causes of the land clashes, but to date none of the commissions recommendations have been implemented.

Churches and human rights denounce the government failure to implement the Akiwumi and Ndungu land reports addressing land related conflicts and other causes of inter-community feuds. Politicians echo their condemnation of the ongoing loss of lives in the Mount Elgon region knowing they are partly to blame for the fighting. Meanwhile they accuse each other, claiming that the deployment of police and military to the troubled area would bring a lasting solution into the problem.

At one point Kenyan parliamentarians urged Internal Security minister John Michucki to visit the area for assessment, insisting that a state minister visiting the area is the only way to reassure and empathize with the effected families, as well as sending a strong warning to the perpetrators that the government is in control.

But despite all the debate and reports little action is being taken.

Rebel fighters from the neighboring Uganda are also cited in one report to be collaborating with Mount Elgon residents to cause mayhem in the area. Assistant Minister of Planning, John Serut, appears on the list alongside former MPs, Eric Kimkung and Wilberforce Kisiero, together with other unnamed councillors as sponsors of rival terror gangs against various communities in the region.

Kenyan authorities have since forwarded the names of the alleged Ugandan rebel fighters to Ugandan authorities for immediate action.

Land clashes in Mount Elgon erupted immediately after the government made allocations of land to people at the controversial Chebyuk settlement scheme early this year.

Those who benefited from the allocation were from the Ndorobo clan. A majority of landless people from Soy clan took up weapons and started fighting, claiming they are neglected and the Ndorobo people had benefited from the same sort of unfair distributions during the KANU regime.

A group calling itself Saboat Land Defense Force launched an attack against the Ndorobos in attempt to reclaim the land from them.

The gang commander has made demands through local journalists that they want the government to address before halting the violence that has displaced more than 4,000 families.

They want the entire Western provincial administration overhauled and replaced by new officers and the arrest and subsequent arraignment in court of the area MP Serut for inciting the violence, a claim Serut has vehemently denied.

Mount Elgon is located north of Lake Victoria on the boarder between Kenya and Uganda. It is a mountain of volcanic origin, which reaches an altitude of 4,320 meters [over 14,000 feet].

The mountain’s biggest attraction is its elephants, which consume the salt found in caves on the mountain slopes.

This is the only place in the world where elephants go underground. There are three caves open to visitors, Kitum, Chepnyali and Mackingeny, and of the three, you are most likely to see elephants in Kitum.

Sadly, the elephants have been hard hit by Ugandan poachers, and in past years there have been ongoing battles between park rangers and poachers, as well as ethnic clashes. Despite the mountain’s great potential for hiking, it is not popular because of the danger.

The government will need to halt the fighting and restore peace before the tourists will feel safe enough to return to the region.
Joseph Ojwang is Change-Links correspondent in Kenya, Africa. He is trying to attend a local journalism school in Kenya but he does not have the funds. We are asking that readers who appreicate his work donate to his education. Upon request we will provide his address or you can donate in his name to Change Links And you can email him at: Ojwang Joe ojwangjoe@yahoo.com

Uganda & Kenya: My reflections; Letter from Arusha

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From: odhiambo okecth

Dear Friends,

In the last few days, I have been at Arusha and on my way from Nairobi, it was exciting as soon as we crossed the border.

My first reflections were on the vast tracks of land, how good this could be for the Land Grabbers. They have grabbed all public utility in Kenya, schools, churches, play fields, homes, cemeteries and all till they have no more land to grab. How I wished they could cross our borders….just cross the border and start salivating…..

One thing struck me though; President Kibaki and the Hon PM Raila Amolo Odinga have put great efforts at road construction in Kenya, and now, we have many tracks in motorable condition. This is good for rapid economic development for Kenya and East Africa as a whole.

Many things run on good roads; farmers need this to reach the markets; pupils and teachers need this to go to school; commuters rely on this for their economy; government services reach far and wide on good roads; and basically, with good roads, you are on the first lane. And I was reflecting on 7 years before…how no roads we had in Kenya. Good works.

I then reflected on our education system, how Free Primary Education was introduced and there with it came the many sweet challenges; you all remember Mzee Maruge [RIP] trotting to class to enjoy the fruits of the new found knowledge? How courtesy of this he went into the Guinness Book of Records and even visited New York! I think it was a timely affair.

In between we went to elections and we had our own fair levels of challenges, but the kind of challenges that strengthened our democracy. We are strong now and into the future we are all looking.

When I look at this past and juxtapose this with the question of Youth and Development, I get the thrills. The democratic space has actually given all of us the cutting edge that we need. It allows all persons above 18 to take part and shape our destiny. This is a challenge we must all take.

The youth, and those that are youthful at heart must rise to the occasion and save humanity from man made failures that we have grappled with in Africa. As the world was going industrial, we went corrupt.

As the world was going nuclear, we went corrupt.

As the world was celebrating the virtues of good leadership, our leaders were celebrating the virtues of corruption. And yet, we vote them into positions of leadership every 5 years or so often. I was reflecting on this as I met very energized youth from across 10 countries.

What can the youth and the youthful at heart do to liberate Africa from this group that has preached impunity, corruption, environmental degradation and tribalism on us?

Must we continue as we have in the last 50 years of Africa’s Independence?

The time has come; the time is now; let us all call each other into action and restore the pride of Africa.

Let us all role our sleeves and join in environmental conservation all across East Africa every 3rd Saturday of the month. Let us all take personal charge withing our various localities.

Let us all join hands and shame the Lords of Graft in our midst’s. Let us not glorify the corrupt and sing songs of praises in their favour. Let us make it our personal commitment to join in the fight against corruption all across East Africa.

We have one missing link in the Fight against Corruption in Kenya; the State Law Office, the seat of power of the Attorney General of Kenya. Whereas the People have joined in the Fight against Corruption, the Legislature has caught fire, the Judiciary is waking up, the AG is still just smiling at us. He is seeing no corruption, hearing and feeling no corruption. He must wake us from that deep slumber…the people are watching him very keenly.

Lastly, in my reflections, let us all join hands in that humble knowledge that in His Providence, all is assured. He is the Almighty, the All Knowing and the All Powerful. He can never let us down when we ask of His mercies on bended knees. Let Him give us the power to seize the moment and do justice to our land.

Peace and goodwill to all mankind.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
CEO KCDN Nairobi,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi Kenya.
Tel; 0724 365 557, 0724 365 557
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com

Odhiambo T Oketch is the current Chairman to the City Council of Nairobi Stakeholders Evaluation Team on Performance Contracting and Rapid Results Management. He was also the Co-Chair and Coordinator of The Great Nairobi Walk against Corruption that was held in Nairobi on the 22nd October 2010.

KENYA: CROSLEY CASE ADJOURNED

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BY JEFF OTIENO

A case in which CROSLEY HOLDINGS LIMITED and others have been charged by KACC for having allegedly tried to acquire huge chunks of land owned by the moribund and controversy plagued Miwani Sugar Company was adjourned to 8th Nov. due to technical reasons.

The court battle which has taken over a month now turned dramatic when hired goons and transporters bayed for the blood of their pay masters in the park facing the Kisumu High Court.

A prominent transporter of Asian origin based in Chemelil is said to have hired the services of the goons of about 200 together with 10 matatus in a desperate bid to attract attention many observers could not immediately establish.

The enraged goons who talked to this writer appointed an accusing finger to a one time KESGA official and a farmer from Chemase Zone for fleecing them of their money yet they had performed their part in the precincts of the court as earlier envisaged.

The enraged goons who had allegedly been fleeced off their money had to brave the scorching sun back to their various destinations.

As for the farmers who were heading to Chemase Zone, a quick intervention of a local politician cum farmer salvaged their neck when he volunteered to ferry them home.

Farmers around Kibos, Chemase, Miwani and Muhoroni are further accusing the transporter of Asian origin for fleecing them of their money by inflating rates courtesy of selective deliveries to specific sugar factories.

A war of words is prevalent in the sugar fraternity with local millers neighbouring the resilient Kibos Sugar accusing it of offering unattainable rates to farmers strategically to frustrate other millers.

Kibos which is currently under maintenance to the tune of 400 million pays Kshs.3000 per tone and is expected to start crushing early November.

In order to entrench their grip among the farming community the vibrant miller has embarked on aggressive social responsibility programme quest where they offer bursary to the children of needy farmers and building and refurbishment of local institutions like schools in the area.

During a brief interview with this writer, the chairman of the Miller Raju Channan said the move to embrace the local farming community isn’t “short-lived” but a policy by the firm.

Over 30 children are beneficiaries so far and the number is set to sky rocket.

“We have further spent a staggering 300 million for cane planting for out growers”. Raju told the press.

Kibos which is geared for expansion will early next year launch co-generation project part of which will go the national grid. “Plans to install more weigh bridges to conform to sugar act and to avert usual spillages in the sector have also been finalized”, the Chairman added.

Crosley Holdings Limited is among group of companies associated with Sugar guru Raju Channan.

END.

Kenya: What happened to the Kimwani ADC Farm in Songhor Mr Orengo Tell Us The Truth?

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Investigative Report By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

KENYANS do appreciate the concerted efforts being put by the government in ensuring that corruption is wiped out and consigned to the dustbins of history.

The same effort to retrieve public land illegally acquired either by companies, families, groups or individuals.

However, something is a miss somewhere. Nobody in the government or elsewhere seemed to be interested in knowing the fate of an ADC farm at Kimwani at Songhor, which sits on the foot of Nandi Escarpment below the Nandi hills.

The close to 10,000 acres of vast farm was previously owned by Mr Roderick Macleod, the younger brother of a one time the British Colonial Secretary Ian Macleod. The same white settler owned what was then known as JOLLY FARMERS HOTEL in Molo, which is located next to the Molo-Nakuru highway. The hotel was bought by the Kenya government in the late 1970s and it is now the GSU headquarters.

Large portion of the Kimwani ADC Farm was bought by the former Minister for Agriculture the late Dr. William Odongo Omamo, who was also one time Bondo MP and in his later years represented Muhoroni in the August House between 1997 and 2002. But before he succumbed to his death last year the late Omamo had sold most parts of his vast farm to the local communities and individuals.

The Agricultural Development Corporation {ADC} had the lion’s share and owned Kimwani ADC farm. Most part of the farm, which is believed to be in excesses of 6,000 acres, had planted sugar cane on it. The ADC had used the public funds in cultivating and planting all the sugar cane on the farm.

But all of a sudden, the former KANU regime in late 1980s and early 1990s moved with snake speed and appropriated the Kmwani ADC farm, and sub-divided it into 100 acres or more pieces, which were later allocated to the top government security chiefs, military men, permanent secretaries all of them Kalenjins. In fact the list of the names of the allotted with free land in Kimwani ADC farm reads like “Who is who in Kalenjin”.

In fact some of the luckiest individual who got over 100 acres of land with plant sugar cane ended up reaping off millions o shillings when their cane was harvested by the nearby Chemelil Sugar Company.

These are the same characters and politician who were in August this year were vehemently opposed to the new constitution dispensation, arguing that it will infringe into individuals land. The majority of people apart from the former nominated MP and Moi’s spanner boy Mzee Ezekiel Bargetuny and his family, who ended up with lion’s share, are to-day the same people who sitting in our Parliament. They are the same people who were so vocal about the land distribution and other shallow and hollow agitation and protracted argument about the clauses touching on the land as contained therein the new constitution.

A lot has been spoken about the illegal acquisition of large scale land or farms in this country, but everyone seemed to be keeping silent on what has happened to the Kimwani AD farm in Songhor on the border of Nyanza –Rift Valley Province.

In the same Songhor Valley, a top Kenya technocrat the late Mr Jonathan Owako had bought 1600 acres of a farm previously owned by a white settler. Owako had voluntarily sold half of his farm to groups of local land buying company owned by the local communities He built a magnificent farm house at an estimated cost of Kshs 6 million on the remaining 800 acres.

,But immediately after Mr Owako’s his death, a prominent Nandi politician {Name withheld} who was then one of the untouchable individuals during Moi’s administration, mobilized the Nandis who forcefully moved into Mr Owako’s property and settled on. His magnificent house was turned into a nursery and later a primary school for the new settler.

The unnamed Nandi politician himself slashed the largest portion of the land and converted into his own farm. The family has never been compensated for both the house and the farm, leave alone the close to twenty acres of mature cane and several patches of premature cane which were found on the farm. All were harvested and the money pocketed by the new farmers who had moved into the farm through mob justice.

Protracted legal court battles have followed and all ended up in judgments delivered in favor of the Owako family, but his sons could not move back and settled on the and due to constant threat of physical inhalation.

At one time, a court injunction was obtained by the late Owako’s family and served on Chemelil Sugar Company barring the facility from crushing any sugar cane illegally grown and harvested on the late Mr.Owako’s farm, but the company flagrantly ignored the court orders and continued harvesting sugar cane from Mr Owako’s farm with impunity. The matter is far from being resolved to-date.

Another Luo famer from Nyanza, the ate Mr Walter Fanuel Odede lost close to 2000 acres of prime agricultural land in the Songhor Valley in similar circumstances.

Odede one of the early nationalist and heroes of the struggle for independence who stayed in detention and restriction British colonial camp in the remote Northern Kenya for close to the duration of the State of Emergency was the father in-law of the late Tom Joseph Mboya another architect of political independence in this country.

The Minister for Land Hon James Aggrey Orengo is just sitting on the job. We have not heard him saying anything about the Kimwani ADC Farm in Songh0r, and yet those who had illegally acquired the land and apportioned it themselves are sitting with him in the 10th Parliament. The same people have become of the sung heroes and defenders of the so-called Kalenjin land, perhaps including the stolen ones as well.

In order to silent his critics, the retired President Moi moved to Muhoroni and slashed half of the Muhoroni Sugar Company nucleus estate far,, and after its sub-division distributed small pieces of farms to his political cronies, sycophants and then politically correct Luo surrogates.

TheJ0hnie come late and laxity ridden merry-making new Luo farmers immediately abandoned their ill-gotten farms immediately after harvesting the cane which was planted on land prepared and cultivated by the company at its own cost and minting millions of shillings and vanished away with their lined pockets.

Some of these farm, have since remained fallow, while most of Moi’s right hand men in Nyanza have since sold out or abandoned their ill-gotten farms. This list also read as “Who is who in Luo-Nyanza’ starting with former Permanent Secretaries, judges, administrators and political hirelings. These and many others are some of the impunity which the government must clean up the messes now.

Kenyans are sudden by the new culture of shifting blame on ethnics. Each time my fellow Luo committed a serious criminal offence, and once cornered. Such a person quickly jump into conclusion that “The Luos are being finished” or the subject matter is politically motivated” Witch-hunting are some of the cheapest English vocabulary commonly deployed by politicians in defense of criminal suspect.”

A case in point is the court cases in which the suspended Higher Education Minister is presently a suspect in a criminal case involving the alleged fraudulent sale of forest land at Ngog Hills. Without prejudice, the name if the Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been so common in the lips of the Kalenjin MPs as the person responsible for the Minister’s woes.

Such allegations against Raila Odinga defeats all the logics simply because the alleged offence which has brought Ruto and his other friends before a court of law were committed around 2001. During this period of time, Raila Odinga was nobody in the government of President Moi, but an opposition MP for Lang’ata involved with others in the clamor for the introduction of pluralism system of politics in Kenya. In all fairness, if the Prime Minister is the one instigating Ruto.s prosecution. Who else is responsible for the cases against the three others who are jointly accused with Ruto for the same offence? I am saying that Ruto and his colleagues are merely suspect, because the law says that the accused person becomes an offender after being proved guilty for an offence as charged. Therefore Ruto and his co-accused persons are merely suspects

But Kenya has gone a notch high of even discussing matters which clearly appeared to be even capable of being subjudice matters before the courts for political expediency.

Those blaming Raila Odinga on such issues are just exposing their political naivety and mediocrity. They should learn how to play politics of maturity, but not elementary like the road working gangs.

It is equally good for those who wished to ditch the ODM to do so on their own volition, but they must not hold the party leadership hostage.

If they are men enough, they should have left long ago without making too much fuss or trying to rock the boat from within. They must vacate their elective positions which they won on the ODM tickets and contest the same on other party tickets instead of hanging around making things difficult for the party’s loyal members.

Ruto himself need to tirade carefully because and strategize for his future otherwise he might soon find himself irrelevant even long before 2012.He need the like of Raila Odinga to propel his future presidential ambition, but if he goes on despising every colleague and nursing false notch that the Kalenjin votes are so numerous and can use for power bargain, this could be a pipe dream because he does not own the Kalennin nor is that community out for sale.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Call for Papers: Feminist Economics: A Special Issue: Land, Gender, and Food Security

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From: Kun Chang

From: “Lauren Nussbaum”

For this special issue, Feminist Economics encourages scholars from economics and related disciplines to submit papers that reveal gender impacts of the leases and acquisitions, including effects on women’s access to land, intrahousehold allocation, on-farm agricultural productivity, household food security, and investments in children’s well-being. Consideration of gender differences related to class, ethnicity, and location are encouraged. Feminist Economics especially welcomes submissions from the Global South and transition economies. Deadline for abstract submissions: January 15, 2011.

In reaction to the global food price crisis in 2007–8 as well as concerns over population pressures and water shortages, wealthier developing countries and newly industrialized ones have begun a surge of leasing and acquisition of millions of hectares of farmland in many poorer developing countries. The expanding global demand for biofuels and other non-food agricultural commodities, along with rising agricultural commodity prices, represent an additional impetus for these acquisitions by wealthier developing countries. Experts are concerned that these large-scale land deals will increase food insecurity and inequalities within the countries that lease or sell land. Such transactions may also widen income gaps between the wealthier and poorer developing countries engaged in them.

To date, analyses of land acquisitions have not addressed gender implications of these processes. Given women’s important roles as producers and consumers of agricultural products in affected countries and the implications of gender equality for long-run growth, this is a critical lacuna in research. For this special issue, Feminist Economics encourages scholars from economics and related disciplines to submit papers that reveal gender impacts of the leases and acquisitions, including effects on women’s access to land, intrahousehold allocation, on-farm agricultural productivity, household food security, and investments in children’s well-being. Consideration of gender differences related to class, ethnicity, and location are encouraged. Feminist Economics especially welcomes submissions from the Global South and transition economies.

Contributions may cover diverse topics, including but not limited to:

* Distributional, including gender, effects on access to and control over land and livelihoods
* Gender employment effects and broader socioeconomic impacts of land leasing and land acquisition
* Impacts of the leasing arrangements on urban and rural producers and consumers
* Land rights, human rights, and socioeconomic justice
* Responses by civil society and government to land acquisitions

Deadline for abstracts: Please direct queries and abstracts (500 words maximum) to the Guest Editors, Stephanie Seguino (sseguino@uvm.edu), Gale Summerfield (summrfld@illinois.edu), and Dzodzi Tsikata (dzodzit@yahoo.co.uk or dtsikata@ug.edu.gh), no later than 15 January 2011.

If the Guest Editors approve an abstract, the potential contributor may be eligible to apply for a small amount of funding to partially defray research expenses. The complete, invited manuscript will be due 15 March 2011 and should be submitted to Feminist Economics through the submissions website (http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rfec). Questions about these procedures may be sent to feministeconomics@rice.edu, +1.713.348.4083 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +1.713.348.4083 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (phone), or +1.713.348.5495 (fax).

Uganda: Angry Muslims besieged Nakasero Mosque and blocked the police patrol team

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reports Leo Odera Omolo

ANGRY Muslims yesterday besieged Nakasero Mosque, confining its leader, Sheik Sulaiman Kakeeto, accusing him of attempting to demolish the mosque on Saturday night, the government owned NEWVISION reported on its online service this morning.
,

Hundreds converged at Snay Bin Amir Street at dawn after reports that Kakeeto had deployed workmen to pull down the dilapidated structure.

Wielding sticks, they surrounded the 70-year-old structure and warned of trouble if Kakeeto and his team continued with their plan.

Muslims with huge sticks standing near a Police patrol vehicle at Nakasero Mosque

On April 8, the Uganda Muslim Suuni Association and the Uganda Muslim Tabliq Community signed an agreement allowing businessman Mutaasa Kafeero to redevelop the place.

Under the about sh5b project, Kafeero is to build a multi-storied commercial building on Plot 4 Snay Bin Amin Street, and plots 17A, 17B and 17C on Entebbe Road, where the mosque is located.

The structure will have four floors, the top floor being the mosque and the third floor to act as offices for the mosque and lock-ups.

Mutaasa, who is supposed to occupy the rest of the building, will be in charge of the structure for 75 years, according to the agreement.

Last evening, Kakeeto vowed to go ahead with their arrangement.

Huge crowds of Muslims raided the mosque, where they vowed to block anybody from pulling down the mosque.

Raising their fists in the air, they chanted “Allah Akbar” (God is great).

As tempers flared, Makindye West MP Hussein Kyanjo, Sheik Najib Musisi of the once-contested mosque on William Street in Kampala, and the Police attempted to calm the situation.

Calling for a “logical approach”, Kyanjo said: “We should put our differences aside as we try to solve this problem. We should avoid chaos.”

The situation was contained after a meeting between the Muslim leaders, Kampala South Police boss Moses Kafeero and Abdulhakim Ssekimpi.

During the brief meeting, it was agreed that the two parties, the one for and that against the redevelopment, meet on Thursday to “reach an amicable solution”.

Yesterday, Mutaasa told New Vision that he was committed to building a place of worship that conforms to Islam once the differences are resolved.

Ends

KENYA & UK: THE KIPSIGIS PEOPLE PLAN TO SUE THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT FOR COMPENSATION PAYMENT OF THEIR PRIME LAND WHICH WAS SEIZED BY FORCE AND GIVEN TO WHITE SETTLERS FOR TEA PLANTATIONS.

3 Replies

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kericho Town

AFTER waiting for decades in des[pair for their leaders to initiate meaningful dialogue with both the British and Kenyan governments, members of the Kipsigis community have now resolved to sue the Whitehall in demand for compensation of their ancestral land which forcefully seized by the colonial administration to pave the way for tea plantation.

The prime fertile land around the South Rift town of Kericho were seized by colonial armed security personnel, the natives houses were set ablaze and destroyed and several sub-clans of the Kipsigis community were dispatched to semi arid areas of Sigor, Bomet and other unproductive areas. Majority have remained squatters in government and other privately owned farms to-date.

The forceful eviction took place from the year 1910 and even went on up the t late 1960s. Most of the largest tea plantation and green leaves processing factories are still bearing the sub-clans names and locations

The communities now plan to file a legal suit at the International Court against the British government over the unresolved historical injustices committed by the British colonial administration against the community.

A meeting held in Nakuru town last week resolved that the suit against the British should be filed before the end of this year. All the previous attempt to petition the British government for compensate the Kipsigis famers whose ancestral land had been forcefully evicted out of their land to pave the way for the White Settlers to plant tea bushes have been fruitless. This is because the UK government has always thrown back such petition to the Kenya government.

The eviction took place at the opening of the 20th century around 1912 after the successful experiment and successful work in tea planting conducted by the pioneer white evicted and forced out of their ancestral with the help of colonial chiefs and early missionaries. Many villages were destroyed, houses razed to the ground and even some people killed during the exercise, which went on until around 1922 when several green leaves tea processing plants were established by the multinational British companies.

Spear heading the new plan is a Moi University Professor Paul Chepkwony who hails fro m Kapcheptororiet in Ainamoi an area where the community suffered the brunt of colonial brutalities.

Chepkwony was quoted at the weekend as having said that the community has already mobilized and were in the process of filing the case at the International Court of Justice to push for compensation for the people from the ancestral land.

Thousands of families said Prof Chepkwony has neither been settled nor compensated. They were consigned to semi-arid area in Bomet and other areas. Each time there is elections, the new MPs have always promised the electorate to take up the matter, and particularly the contentious issue of the land leases which was previously explained was to last for 999 years instead of the normal 99 year.

Bu the situation appeared to have changed in favor of the community because the new constitution does not allow any land lease who duration could last beyond 99 years.

There are more than 40 tea green leaves processing factories scattered in Bomet, Sotik, Bureti, Konoin and Kericho districts within the to counties of Kericho and Bomet.

Unilever and Finlays Tea Companies are the major multinational tea companies operating in the area with close to 5 o different tea estates. Nearly all the estates and factories are still bearing the names of the Kipsigis sub-0clans who were removed out of their ancestral land.

The Nakuru meeting was convene by the National Council of Churches,the Central Rift branch and the participant deplored the 99 years land leased saying it was unrealistic and deceitful.

In Kericho a number of local politicians have severely criticized the MP for giving this issue lip service, and yet the people want to know the fate of their land. The MP have always pursued their own selfish economic interest, but failed to articulate the problem facing members of the community

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Uganda: Mseveni intervene and stopped the sale of the land of the Soroti Flying School

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has stopped the sale of land belonging to the East African Civil Aviation Academy (Soroti Flying School).The NEWVISION reported this morning.

The aviation school is the proiperty of the East African Community.It was established in the late 1960s by the defunct first East African Community, which collaosed in 1977 following sharp political and ideoilogical differences between the presidents of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya at the time,

The land has been under dispute between the academy and the Uganda Land Commission. While the academy argues that it needs the land to expand, the commission went ahead with the sale.

“We have plans to lengthen the runway, which is now 1,800 metres. We need it for our aviation plans,” Museveni told a gathering at the academy on Wednesday.

The Government plans to rehabilitate and upgrade four airfields into airports. They are Soroti, Gulu, Kasese and Arua. A new airport is to be built in Ntugamo at Rwentobo, Museveni said.

“Going through Entebbe interferes with business, especially when somebody is in a national park like Kabalega and has to come to Kampala (to fly out), instead of Gulu. Uganda is developing fast, exports will pick up. We need to expand air infrastructure.”

The President, who launched six new Skyhawk aircraft, said training pilots is expensive, especially in Africa, where training facilities are inadequate and most governments invest little money in it.

“The weaknesses come because some ministries don’t know how to prioritise. There is no money to cover all matters but when it comes to prioritisation, there is no way we can fail to rehabilitate an academy like this one. The academy will be rehabilitated and developed fully,” he announced.

He said pilots for civilian airlines and for the army are on high demand and advised the trainees to be disciplined and avoid alcohol and prostitutes.

According to the academy’s acting director, B.D. Wandera, sh17.5b is needed for basic rehabilitation and re-quipping the school.

He said the academy had got six new single-engine aircraft and was replacing old asbestos roofing with pre-painted iron sheets. Training has been hampered by inadequate funds. Night training is also impossible for lack of appropriate lighting.

The Inspectorate of Government is investigating the sale of the land. The sale came into the limelight in August when MPs from Teso sub-region petitioned the Prime Minister, Apolo Nsibambi, to halt the transaction.

In September, Nsibambi ordered the land commission to stop the sale of staff houses and land belonging to the school.

A total of 31 housing units were to be sold off. They are located on Kyoga Avenue, and on Harper, Komollo, Bisina and Esunget roads in Soroti town.

Ends

KENYA: KAA TOLD NOT TO USE DIVIDE AND RULE TACTICS ON KISUMU AIRPORT LAND COMPENSATION

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Story By Dickens Wasonga In Kisumu Kenya.

Members of a clan on whose land the Ksh. 3b Kisumu Airport expansion project is underway now wants the management of Kenya Airports Authority to fully compensate all who owned land there or forget smooth completion of the noble project.

Led by Cllr. George Weda who is also a member of the Kogony clan, the group vowed to frustrate the completion of the project due to what they described as mischief and shifting of goal posts by some top KAA managers .

The team who addressed the press in Kisumu last week after a meeting with the new KAA boss Mr.Stephen Gichuki and the area PC Mr. Francis Mutie also talked of a scheme by a section of the managers from KAA to use divide and rule tactic to ensure those who are yet to be compensated do not speak with one voice.

They claimed those who were behind the plot were reportedly using money to woe some of the clan elders onto its side.

The meeting which saw the MD fly to Kisumu to help bring peace between the two groups did not achieve its objective forcing those who attended to plan for another one in two weeks time.

Initially the clan had insisted that PSs from both the ministry of Lands and that of the Transport be invited in the next meeting claiming that a facilitation committee chaired by the PC has done very little to help address the issue of compensation in the past and that they no longer have faith on it.

The controversy comes barely a week after another two-week ultimatum was issued by the clan to the management of Kenya Airports Authority to organize for a consultative meeting in order to help solve the impasse involving the compensation of their parcels of land failure to which they would not allow further works at the site.

The same group stormed the construction site about two weeks ago demanding to be compensated dues which they estimated to be 1 billion.

The clan representatives urged the management of KAA to deal with the entire clan and stop using a few individuals who have failed to champion the course of the community for their own selfish interest.

They at the same time hit out at a civic leader from Kisumu Municipal council whom they accused of working closely with the Authority so as to derail the compensation process.

Another thorny issue is a recent ground breaking ceremony by officials form KAA to build Usoma Primary school which was re-located to pave way for the expansion works.

A section of the clan claim the Authority changed the original Bill of Quantity which put the cost of building the school at Ksh. 50m and not 19 m as insisted by the officials from KAA.

They demanded to be told who made the decision to cut down the original cost to 19m .

The Managing Director however said after the meeting that KAA management was very much candid in dealing with everyone as far as the issue of compensation is concerned.

He said full details on the issue of re-locating the school will be given out soon and there will be openness.

The MD promised to hold another meeting with the clan members representatives in two weeks time to help solve the matter.

The project whose completion was to take 22 months has been faced with a lot of controversy since it began and at some point infighting amongst implementing teams saw some engineers who started the project ejected.

When complete the project is targeting to open up the entire East African region and beyond for economic activities that will see so many job opportunities created and several industries established.

ENDS

KENYA: GOVERNMENT ON THE SPOT FOR CONTRAVENING LAWS

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BY: JEFF OTIENO

A case in which a lands officer in Kisumu Lands Office was charged with others for allegedly having conspired to defraud the government of its land of the controversy ridden and moribund Miwani Sugar Factory, has put the government on the spot.

Legal experts and human rights activists in Kisumu wants the government to shed light over the criteria which has been used to retain the Kisumu Land Valuer Mr. Philip Odongo Kabita in office.

After he had appeared in court and bailed to the tune of staggering Kshs.2.5 million the civil servants ethics act stipulates that he, Kabita should pave way until the case is determined.

Sources within the Lands Office however confided to the press that Kabita’s seniors both in Nairobi and Kisumu have adviced him to stay put adding that whatever the consequences they will rally behind him.

The said Lands Officer is said to be fighting hard round the clock to ensure he doesn’t pave way as demanded by law.

Every evening he has been spotted doing goat eating sessions with high powered intelligence chiefs and top CID officers all in a desperate bid to maintain status quo.

END

KENYA: ULTIMATUM ON KISUMU AIRPORT

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By Dickens Wasonga

ULTIMATUM

The completion of the ongoing work of the expansion of the Kisumu Airport has come under threat as members of the Kogony community have given the airport authorities a two Week ultimatum to solve the mystery surrounding their compensation on the land.

Led by nominated councilor George Weda and Kogony ward councilor Joseph Osir, they instructed the resident engineer Patrick Cain who is overseeing the work at the airdrome to organize for a meeting with the Nyanza provincial Commissioner together with Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) managing director and two permanent secretaries from lands and transport ministries to find a solution to the impasse.

Addressing the press after a meeting with the airport authorities at the site, the two civic leaders said they agreed with the resident engineer to organize for such a meeting in a fought night to come up with a lasting solution on the issue.

They accused the government of taking too long to meet their demands citing that with the ongoing fencing of the facility, they risk not being compensated on the already acquired land.

They said they had given the government enough time to meet their demands but it has been reluctant to solve their problem.

The two civic leaders even threatened to derail the work at the facility should their ‘rightful demands’ fail to be recognized and solved once and for all adding that they risk losing their support on the ground should they fail to win the battle.

The councilors said according to documents they have, their clan donated 206.09 Ha of land for the construction of the airport subject to their resettlement on an alternative land.

However, they added that the title deed on the lease certificate indicates 362.9 Ha thus say 158.81 Ha of their land is in dispute.

“It is the disputed 158.81 Ha of that land that makes us fill there’s a foul play in the expansion of this airport,” said councilor Weda.

And in a letter written by the two leaders to the KAA MD and dated October 3, 2010, they said the land was donated by their community in 1914, 1942 and lastly in 1975/76.

They said their clan (Kogony) was to be compensated by swooping the land with 1 ½ times land in Muhoroni (LR 3102 or LR 640)

They said their community did not acquire the land in Muhoroni adding that KAA and the ministry of Lands promised prior to the current construction of the airport full compensation of the land and construction of an ultra modern double stream primary school (Usoma) which was relocated to a new site as it lied on the demarcated airport land.

“All these have not been met and we’re left wondering when our people shall get justice,” said councilor Osir.

They also challenged their area MP Olago Aluoch to take the matter to the house should the meeting slated in two Weeks time fail to bear fruits.

“Our former MP Rev. Kenn Nyagudi tried to help us solve this impasse but unfortunately he lost his seat before his dreams could come true,” said councilor Weda.

The complains came just when the Prime Minister Raila Odinga asked KACC boss PLO Lumumba to name and shame those engaged in corrupt land deals when he led the government in the official handover of more than 50 title deeds to ministries and institutions at Ardhi house in Nairobi.

Ends

KENYA: DESTRUCTION OF THE LATE ALBERT OWINO NYAOKE`S LAND BY SYNOHYDRO

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SENT BY: Leo Odera Omolo

DOCUMENTATION OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LATE ALBERT OWINO NYAOKE`S LAND BY SYNOHYDRO CO-OPERATION THROUGH KIMIRA OLUCH SMALL HOLDER FARM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (KOSFIP). A shameless act of impunity and violation of fundamental rights of poor people has occurred:

PHYSICAL ADDRES: Village-Kogelo

Sub location-Kogweno Oriang East

Location-Kogweno Oriang

District-Rachuonyo North

County-Homa-Bay

FAMILY

The late Albert Owino Nyaoke died on 16/12/202 Left behind a widow Elizabeth A Nyaoke and seven children namely:

Peter Odhiambo Nyaoke

George Ouma Nyaoke

Victer Otieno Nyaoke

Everlyn Achieng Nyaoke

Halfline Atieno Nyaoke

Judith Anyango Nyaoke

Millicent Akinyi Nyaoke

The family has stayed in their home ever since and this is the only place they know as their home. The late Nyaoke secured A Title Deed for the said piece of Land, and up to date the title deed number 717 is still in the latte’s name.

DESTRUCTION

It was in July 2010-The Contractor Synohydro Co-operation without notice came and cleared all the vegetation within the homestead of the said family, destroyed the fence and any existing tree which was in the compound leaving the Home a bear field. The Family has tried to get explanation for the said destruction through the relevant authority and it has always felt on deaf ears. The first person they consulted for the same was there area chief (Kogweno Oriang Location) Mr. George Osumba who told them that the said project is a government project and it is beyond him

The contractors also passed through the farm and went ahead and cleared the existing crops which were due for harvesting.

ENCROCHMENT:

The destruction proceeded with a road construction, separating the mother’s house and the son’s house making it more difficult for the family to move from one house to the other. Since the road constructed is very busy in use. This has made the family crippled in conducting any meaningful business within the home stead since the vehicles which transport construction materials are

Frequently passing there.

In the said situation it is no longer a home where one can do any development. The small children cannot excise their rights of playing in the compound;

No livestock can be kept including the common local birds;

gweno;

Nobody neither the government administration nor the construction company has consulted the family about the construction in the middle of the existing home and the result of the economic and social consequences.

Since the construction of the road started two months ago the widow has never had a glimpse of sleep as the vehicles are passing there all day long 24hrs.The right of privacy has become a thing of the past, the rate of air and water born diseases is alarming in the said family as a result of passing vehicles and water logged due to poor drainage at the main entrance of the house.

INSECURITY:

The family has been leaving with a lot of fear of their own security as the road next to the house has become a major road for everybody using it 24 7 and numerous threats from those who use the road. AAAAR

CONCLUSION:

The organization, Ministry of Regional Development Authorities. Kimira –Oluch Small Holder Farm Improvement Project (KOSFIP) through the constructer Synohydro Cooperation has done nothing for the family, except promise by word of mouth that they will build for the family a house, no documentation to support the same.

NOTE

Feel free to contact the following for more information:

1) Peter Odhiambo Nyaoke Cell No. 0727 541 813

2) George Ouma Nyaoke Cell No. 0721 842 822

3) Elly Kisera Cell No. O724 505 962 Area project representative

J A OSANO

Teresia Kirima Eviction Fracas-Part 2, 3 & 4

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Kuria-Mwangi wrote:

This is the best video on the “customary divorce” involving the Kirimas. Watu amenyoroshana kweli. Never imagined that
wealth can bring misery.

—
http://www.kuria-mwangi.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/kjmwangi

—
Follow Me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertalai

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Maryann Wanjiru wrote:

I feel sorry for this Lady, surely can wealth bring this shame and misery, a WILL would solve all this. where is Fida na all those women support groups? surely hata kama she was wife number what she doesn’t deserve this.

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From: Kuria-Mwangi

Wanjiru,

I am in agreement with you now. Those Kirima kids and folks are overdoing things. I think they have also manipulated their dad the way Wairimu did and now they are revenging. We cant have jungle laws applied in the country with law enforcement agents aiding in this lawlessness. Wairimu should be treated in respect, the same way we expected her to treat the children.

And Kirima is surely mentally unstable as his son alleged one time. Children access him and he disowns Wairimu. Wairimu accesses him and he disowns the children.

What kind of divorce was that? It sounded like a mungiki one.

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Jagem K’Onyiego wrote:

Kuria.

Atiririi, ni uhoro wa gocaria mbeca mani, ni thiguo? Mama, anaitwaje vile Teresia Wangari, anatatafuta pande moja, na watoto nao pia wanasema eti “ni haku” hakuna. Wao pia wamechanuka, na wanangangania upande ile ingine.
It is survival for the Wittiest.

What has amazed me in that video is how the Kenya Law enforcement officers are “ready for hire”. Umeona vile wanangangania those two Administration Police officers. You can imagine that if they do not accord any respect to their own, what about if it were ordinary Citizens? It is apparent that these police officers are in dire need for fresh training, particularly with a view of how they are going to enforce the Law under the new Constitution. To those GSU officers, the mode of communication is “PIGA.” I am not sure if this is the basis of training at Gilgil and “Kimbo” (Cables) in Ruiru??? Nevertheless they seem to be having very itchy hands. Reason is completely out of question to them.

Now that kind of an officer will have a lot of trouble recognizing and respecting one Law in the constitution called Bill of Rights. They need to be retrained, period.

Have a swindle free day.

Jagem

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From: Kuria-Mwangi

Huu kweli ni mchezp wa kuingiza a.k.a play a.k.a polygamy, welcome to the Kirima Nation! These thugs sound as if they live in the wild wild west.



Ugandans died as the disused quarry give in burying seven alive

From: Leo Odera Omolo

A woman and her son died instantly and two others sustained serious injuries on Monday evening when a stone quarry collapse and buried them at Kyambaazi in Wakiso district.

A resident of Kyambazzi village points at the spot where six people were buried by stone dust in Nsang

Robinah Nassuna, 28, and her son, Alex Yiiga 16, died at 6:30pm when a stone quarry, from which they were extracting stones, curved in on them.

Her two daughters, Betty Nalubega, 12, and Olive Nakacwa, 14, escaped with injuries.

The two were taken to Appointed Harvesters Medical Centre in Kitemu trading centre in a critical condition and later transferred to Mulago Hospital.

Andrew Bukenya, 42, the father of the children, said his family had been involved in stone quarrying since they were evicted from their 10-acre piece of land several years ago. Bukenya, who had six children with Nassuna, said their three other children had gone to fetch water.

Ssempala Nakirande, a wife to David Ssempala, the owner of the stone quarry, said the family had been told to stop extracting stones from the quarry, which was estimated to be about 20 feet deep.

“The quarry had developed cracks,” she said.

An eyewitness, Nakimbugwe Sitenda, said Nassuna and her son died as they tried to escape.

“We were around when the quarry started collapsing and we told them to get out but they failed. Nasuuna and her three children were buried alive but we managed to rescue Nalubega and Nakacwa,” she said.

Another eye witness, who only identified himself as Dan, said the bodies were retrieved from the debris at 8:00pm.
“It took us more than two hours to get the bodies out,” he said.

Residents said a three-year-old boy and two women were killed in similar accidents in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

The officer in charge of Nsangi Police Station, Baker Kawonawo, attributed the incident to carelessness, adding that the Police would intensify community policing to sensitise residents on how to prevent such incidents.

The LC3 chairman, Vincent Kigozi, said most of the residents are engaged in stone quarrying.

“The stone quarry business is dangerous. We tried to ban the activity but our people have no alternative jobs,” he said.

Deputy Kampala Police spokesperson Ibin Ssenkumbi said the Police had launched an inquiry into the matter

Meanwhile two pupuils of Oketkwer Primary School in Aromo County,Lira distrit n Noirthern Uganda diued on Monday when a piut latrine collapsed on them.
Police have identified the dead as Jaspher Felix Okwor and Jimmy Ikweta both primary seven exam candidate this year.

A senior woman teacher at thr school Lillian Akello said the disaetr struck at around 7.30.A>M before the begining of classes.
She attributed the incident to shoddy construction work and the rains.which have softened the soil.

Ends

Kenya: LAND ISSUES :- Naikuni speaks on the future of Kajiado

1 Reply

From: Dickens Odhiambo

Wanainchi,
I found this very interesting……..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f44IquwW4fQ&feature=channel

One of the born and bred residents of the semi arid county is Titus Ole
Naikuni the chief executive of the Kenya Airways. Naikuni spoke to NTV on the challenges awaiting the first county administration of the Kajiado and also other pertinent issues around the country’s transition to the new constitution.

—
Follow Me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertalai

USA, Az: Exotic New Mars Images From Orbiting Telephoto Studio

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from: pwbmspac @ . . .

Here is a link to some recently released Mars images. Several look like the kind of imagery we come to expect to find in National Geographic Magazine.

The situation needs to be improved. In the event of success, an indicator at such a future date, you may expect to see research teams exploring such far away locations supported in large part by institutions such as the National Geographic organization.

Notice that the comparable USA national effort is in declining health. A decision after presidential review has canceled — for at least the next year – – the government funding of launch systems development, such as would be needed for human missions beyond earth orbit, (An editorial in Popular Science Magazine, earlier in 2010, suggested to readers this decision might, on the other hand, be good news for a private market in development / operation of space launch services.)

– – – – – – – – – – –

Exotic New Mars Images From Orbiting Telephoto Studio

A new batch of sharp Martian close-ups from NASA’s HiRISE camera were released on Sept. 1. HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) has been circling Mars on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for four years now, taking dramatic photos of the red planet with a telephoto lens to make any paparazzi jealous. The camera can focus on objects the size of a beach ball from more than 180 miles away.

The 236 new images, taken between July 8 and July 31, cover the planet practically from pole to pole. They zoom in on terrain ranging from volcanic cones to cratered planes, from wind-swept dunes to crusts of ice. The images even capture evidence of ongoing geological processes on Mars today, like fresh craters that may have formed between January and June of this year.

Visit and read article at:
http://www.wired.com/
wiredscience/2010/09/new-mars-image-gallery/
?pid=52&pageid=28254&viewall=true


Above: These volcanic cones were formed by hot lava running over water or ice. The heat from the lava boiled the water underneath, and the water burst upwards in an exploding bubble of lava. The explosion threw chunks of molten and solid lava into the air to gather into the cones. These cones are similar in size and shape to cones found in Iceland.

Kenya: Workshop on the Role of ICT on Land Management – Report

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forwarded by Yona Maro

From: Jim Yonazi

Dear Friends,
Thank you for participating in the workshop The Role of ICT on Land Management: Issues and Experiences in Tanzania on 19th August, 2010.
We apologise for delaying sending you the report on the workshop. We have finally summarised most of the issues discussed and compiled the attached report. In this email, I have CCied other ICT4D stakeholders for knowledge sharing.Please feel free to share the report to other people. We also encourage you to advise us for future improvements of our events.

We would also like to inform you that we are preparing and organising the First International Conference on e-Technologies and Networks for Development (ICeND2011). The conference is scheduled for 3rd to 5th August, 2011. You can learn more from: http://www.sdiwc.net/tn/index.php. Please prepare your papers and presentations for the conference.

More events will be communicated to you soon.
I thank you all.

Workshop_Report-ICT_and_Land_Management.pdf
25K
view or d/l

Kind regards,

—

Jim James Yonazi, Ph.D
Computing and Information Technology Department
The Institute of Finance and Management
P.O Box 3918
Dar Es Salaam
Tel: 255 – 22- 2112931-4
Mobile: +255-754 566766 or +255-715 566766
Fax: 255 – 22- 2112935
“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”
Vince Lombardi