Category Archives: Religion

Uganda: Museveni warns about sodomy and immorality

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Reports LeoOdera Omolo

By Francis Kagolo

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has commended the Church for its strong stand against homosexuality.

He asked the clergy and African leaders to guard against Western culture, warning that the continent will end up eaten by homosexuality if they relax.

President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Janet wave to Christians at the Catholic shrine. Left is Kampala Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and right is Bishop Matthias Sekamanya

“The African Church is the only one that is still standing against homosexuality. The Europeans are finished. If we follow them, we shall end up in Sodom and Gomorrah,” Museveni warned.

The two cities were burnt by God over their wickedness, according to the Old Testament of the Bible.

Citing his parents who joined Christianity 50 years after it had been introduced in Ankole region, the President said it is unwise for people to embrace new cultures just for the sake of it.

Museveni made the remarks while addressing thousands of pilgrims who paid homage to the Christian martyrs at the Church of Uganda shrine in Namugongo near Kampala yesterday.

The function, organised by West Ankole and Namirembe dioceses, was attended by Anglican bishops and clergy from across the country.
The function marked 124 years since 45 Christian converts, 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans, were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, for refusing to denounce their faith.

The majority of the martyrs were burnt to death while others were beheaded and castrated in 1886. The 22 Catholic martyrs were canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

Applauding the martyrs for acting bravely against “immorality in Mwanga’s palace”, the President urged the congregation to emulate them to develop the country.
“These young men (martyrs) stood for cleanliness, truth and righteousness,” he noted.

“I hear there was homosexuality in Mwanga’s palace. This was not part of our culture. I hear he learnt it from the Arabs. But the martyrs refused these falsehoods and went for the truth, which is why we are honouring them today.”

He commended the martyrs for rejecting the “dehumanisation of people through homosexuality” and advised gay rights activists that Africa’s resistance against homosexuality is historical.

“When they hear us fighting homosexuality, they think we do so because of religion. No. Even before religion came, we were against it and many other vices,” he stressed.

Earlier, the guest preacher, the Bishop of Harare Church of the Province of Central Africa, Dr. Chad Gandiya, had condemned “the rapidly increasing” homosexuality in the world and asked the faithful to fight it.

“We are living in a world which is upside down. Some people talk about wicked things as if they are good. We need people to stand up for the truth and reject homosexuality,” Gandiya said.
Museveni pledged sh100m towards the beautification of the martyrs’ site to match the standards of the side of the Catholic Church. He caused laughter when he said the bush behind the martyrs’ shrine was cursing the Church of Uganda. He asked the clergy to clear it.

The President reiterated his calls for the clergy to participate in the fight against corruption, especially at the local council level.

He also asked them to sensitise the local people to play their role in the universal primary and secondary education programmes.

“The Government has catered for the students’ school fees, paid the teachers, and built classrooms and staff quarters. The parents should provide pupils with food and uniform.”

Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi urged Christians to use the martyrs’ day to renew their relationship with Jesus and abandon wickedness.
He likened Museveni to the martyrs for sacrificing for the development of Uganda and prayed to God to sustain him.

The Church of Uganda martyrs’ shrine this time recorded massive attendance compared to recent years. The pilgrims came from as far as the DR Congo, Kenya and Tanzania. They picked soil from the spot the martyrs are believed to have been murdered, packed it in bags, hoping it will perform miracles.

Premier Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki, deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, health state minister Dr. Richard Nduhura and many MPs also attended the ceremony.

ENDS

Tanzania & Uganda: The late Dr Julius Nyerere is to be promoted to the sainthood by the Vatican

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart, Jakaya Kikwete, have supported the crusade to declare former Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere a saint.

Kikwete, Museveni, Mama Maria Nyerere and Archbishop Lwanga after the special prayers at Namugongo yesterday

The two presidents yesterday attended a special service for Nyerere at the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine and testified to his goodness, which they said should qualify him for sainthood.

The Catholic Church in Tanzania started the campaign to to make Nyerere a saint.

The process, which will end with Rome declaring or rejecting the petition, is currently at the stage where people who knew Nyerere come forward to give testimonies of his goodness.

According to the Archbishop of Kampala, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, there will also be another side which will come up to try and dispute that Nyerere was good.

Lwanga was the main celebrant at the service, which attracted many Tanzanians, including Nyerere’s widow and family.

The Tanzanians were led by the Auxiliary Bishop of Bukoba, Method Klaini.

Pilgrims from Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda also attended the service.

Museveni said Nyerere was a devoted Christian and his principles made Tanzania a united and peaceful country.

“I am a witness to Nyerere’s devotion. The Bible is clear. It says we shall know them by their fruits not by their words. Tanzania is a country of Christians, Muslims and animists but Mwalimu (Nyerere) was able to unite them by demonstrating that they are all children of God,” Museveni said.

He said he had discussed with Nyerere’s wife the possibility of inviting the presidents who worked with Nyerere to Uganda for special prayers, but regretted that this could not be possible this year because the country is hosting the AU summit in July.

“We shall arrange for all the freedom fighters to come and witness,” Museveni said, thanking Kikwete for attending the service.

“We should continue praying that Nyerere reaches the next stage of being declared blessed of God, and then saint,” he said.

Responding to a request for assistance to build a perimeter wall around the church, Museveni pledged sh229m.

The Rector of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Fr. Nennis Ssebugwaawo, had earlier said thieves, drug addicts and murderers had invaded the place, adding that sometimes dead bodies are dumped in the lake at the shrine.

Museveni also pledged sh900m for the construction of a hotel at the shrine, which will accommodate visitors and generate income.

Kikwete said if Nyerere is canonised saint, it will make Tanzania proud.

“Anything that elevates the name of Tanzania, as president, I will be part of. We gave Nyerere the title of Father of the Nation because of the good things he did.

“For 23 years, he led the process of building a nation of several nationalities, 120 tribes and different races. He succeeded in building a united peaceful country. Tanzanians will always be grateful,” Kikwete said.

In his sermon, Lwanga urged Christians to promote peace, goodness and righteousness.

He expressed concern that Africans today are espousing strange ideologies, including homosexuality.

Lwanga said Africans should learn from the martyrs who stood their ground when they refused to be forced into sinfulness and stuck with Christ even as they faced death.

Ends

Kenya: Judge Joseph Nyamu verses Judge Ibrahim Mohammed-Mirror Mirror on the wall??

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Law and legal experts, your indulgence is sought here. Who delivered what can be said to be Solomonic wisdom with regard to our constitution in the case of the Kadhi Courts? It is a matter that needs scrutiny because we have been crying about the rot in the judiciary, this is a test case to actually pause and ask ourselves; a tale of similar suits, a case of two differing judgements.Somebody is sleeping on the bench.Somebody is not telling the truth as per the provisions of the current KATIBA, who??? Joseph or Ibrahim?

Are thy Lords using the same set of the constitution or is it a case similar to the draft KATIBA where there are two, one a sabotage attempt and the other the actual one? If so, how so is it that they can be worlds apart on what the position of the constitution is on this matter at this point in time and given the prevailing circumstances?There is the letter of the law and the spirit of the law, who captured both?

Is it possible that they can interpret the constitution is such varied ways? If so, does it mean there may be several differing rulings to a similar situation?

Is justice being miscarried by our very own judiciary?

Who, pray learned friends, can be vindicated by the constitution itself? I am not just talking some greenhorn Otieno Sungu here, I am talking some “grey haired” fellows who should be full of judicial wisdom and experience aided by the sanctity of the constitution.

Otieno Sungu.
Juba-Southern Sudan

WE PRAY THAT POPE MAY GAIN COURAGE AS PRIESTS’ MISTRESSES CHALLENGE HIM OVER CELIBACY RULE

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From: People For Peace

BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA

Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News

As the story of a group of 40 or so mistresses of Italian priests, including Stefania Solomone (pictured), gains attraction in the world press, Pope Benedict XVI definitely needs courage to face all these challenges- and this calls for our prayers. The mistresses have written to the Pope telling him that they don’t like priestly celibacy.

The mistresses are writing to the Pope at the time former Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo (pictured with his wife Maria Sung) ordained Victor Kimemia as a deacon at Karen, Nairobi on Saturday for his married priests now church. He argues that since God’s word is for all of us we should not discriminate the married from the unmarried ones.

While these are taking place, a sect opposed to mandatory priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church is busy wooing ex-seminarians and suspended Catholic priests to join it. There already 2 sects of married priests in Kenya, that of Milingo and that of Bishop Godfrey Shiundu, a former priest of Kitale Diocese. John Karimi, a former priest of the Kenya Catholic Church Murang’a Diocese is among some priests who officially renounced his celibacy vow in 2004 to join the sect. Until then he was the parish priest of Ichagaki Parish when he join the Reformed Church after 15 years as a Catholic priest.

In a letter written to the Pope in Italian and translated in English, the mistresses particularly objected to the phrase “sacred celibacy”. That is why they argue that there is no reason in principle why the Church could not change its discipline regarding clerical celibacy in the future since it is a man made rule and not God.

It is again at the time the Pope has ordered an investigation into child abuse in the Irish Catholic Church to begin in the fall. According to the news which has just come in, Pope Benedict had pledged the investigation in his March letter to Ireland, which addressed chronic child abuse within the island’s Catholic Church and decades of cover-ups.

Two hours ago (today Monday) the Pope has urged the Irish Catholic community to support the investigation and see it as a chance for renewal. It is at the same time the Vatican announced the pope had accepted the resignation of an Irish-born archbishop who had led the diocese of Benin City in Nigeria and faced accusations that he carried on a 20-year relationship with a woman that began when she was 14 years old.

Archbishop Richard Burke had been suspended pending investigations. This is just one step the Pope has taken to clean house and get rid of bishops who either admitted they molested youngsters or covered up for priests who did. Major ones are expected to come as the scandals continue to tint the church.

According to the Vatican statement, the investigation in Ireland will deal with the handling of cases of abuse and the assistance to victims. It will begin in four archdioceses, including Dublin, and then be extended to other dioceses. It will also look at seminaries and religious houses as well.

The investigators named by Benedict include the archbishops of Westminster, England; Boston, Toronto and Ottawa. Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, has been named apostolic visitor for the Irish seminaries, with the investigation covering also the broader issue of priestly formation. Two nuns were named to investigate religious institutes for women.

People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya

E-Mail news@ppa.or.ke
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website : www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org

Kenya: Ooh Sons of Abraham Jesus and Muhammad unite with the sons 0f Kenya Kibaki and Raila

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By Macharia wa Gakuru

Kenya has many wives and whilst he has many sons and daughters two dominated his homestead. Kenya is promised by God, Nyasaye, Ngai or whatever each wife called their god, that in time, in the eastern part of Africa he is to become a great nation. His seeds will fill all the four corners of the earth and he is to be a refuge to many who will find rest and peace in his homes and with them he will rule the world. He is to become the father of promise- Eden. Kenya ever wondered how such a dream is to become true until now.

Then came a season and two sons of different mothers that dominated the Kenyan family. They are different in all their ways. They came from mothers who has different outlooks, different styles yet both sons want to make their father and family great. They both felt they are the promised sons of Kenya. Their name are Kibaki and Raila.

For almost eight years the Sons of Kenya have tried to play together but each time they play before Kenya they are rough and try to outsmart each other. Kibaki the older boy is canning and quite. He plays his cards next to his chest. His dad does not understand him. He does good things in the family but he talks very few words. He just does things in his way and lets people air their opinions. He is a sigh of liberty in Kenyas family. He keeps the rest of the family guessing. He wants to be beat Raila in all games

Raila is the loud and very active son. He is loved by his dad Kenya for being outspoken. His dad knows that he says what he means. He make a lot of mistakes but he means well. He is very organized and everyone listened to him even when he does not make sense. The children of Kenya loved him. He is a peoples man.

Suddenly there is a problem in Kenyas family. The difference in playground between the two sons of Kenya became a family issue that results in fighting each other sons included from Kenya wives. They are fighting for influence of their father- Kenya . It is a son from the family of Ghana called Kofi Annan who is to come to bring peace and reconciliation.

It now looks as though the two sons have grown wiser in their differences. They suddenly realized that they can achieve much when they work and played together and helping to organize the family of Kenya. They realized that they had the same vision and goals despite seeing things differently. Respect became part of their lives.

Kibaki open his heart more to Raila and Raila recognize that Kibaki is an elder brother so he respects him and consults him for advise. In a short time they have started to see prosperity and development in the family of Kenya. Everybody is much happier and despite a few complains they are all having enough to eat and make merry. Kenya keeps praying and giving special sacrifices to God to keep peace in his family. Then Kenya has a vision from his God.

An angel visits him in his dream. ‘Kenya’, God called ‘I want to keep my covenant with you. You will be a great nation. Good roads, Oil, honey and money will be a part of your family. But if this is to be achieved then you have to have fair rules and regulations – call it constitution to guide your people then my sons will never fight again, and if there is conflict it will be easy to settle. Set rules to resolve them. The wealth and power will be better distributed. Each of the children of Kenya will have access to land and those of your wives with few children – be it children of your wives Turkana Redille. Oromo, of Borana or pokomo they will be taken care of. These rules will take care of those of you who have taken the European way of unusual behaviors be it gay or issues of abortion.’

‘What about those of my children who worship God in different ways?’ asked Kenya

‘Because I have known you as a Christian and colonized by the English at one point these rules will be guided by English common laws which are based on Christian background. Therefore take care of minorities in all ways possible. Compromise these rules to make lives easier for everyone. If other people worship other Gods other than me do not condemn them give them room and provision for it. Protect every member of your family. Earth and all that is in it belongs to me’

Before Kenya woke up from his vision there were a few last words ‘for those of your children who live far away from Kenya and their children’s children, do not forget them. They are still Kenyans’. The angel disappeared.

The following morning Kenya gathered all in his family and shared his dream with all his family members. It was rear that Kenya called all his family members together. Just like any big family, family disagreements, internal fights and gossips were orders of the day

‘God said,’ Kenya started, ‘Let us make some rules to guide us as a dominant family. Nyasaye (God) promised that never again will there be another bloodshed in our homestead. For the sake of order even when these two die’, Kenya pointed his finger at Kibaki and Raila as everyone in the family nodded.

Raila looked at Kibaki and winked his eye – Kibaki thumbed Raila and the did a chest to chest greeting ‘Deal?’ asked Kibaki ‘ Yes deal’, replied Raila.

Kalonzo who most times tamed Raila for Kibaki was caught off guard by his big brother reaction to these new rules. As Kibaki looked behind him Kalonzo responded ‘ …… yes, yes’, hesitantly.

There was a boy who had always thought he was a leader in the Kenyan family. His name is Ruto. His mother has many children and therefore he thinks being one of the vocal ones in the family he commanded respect from his father. Therefore in the evening the same day he went to see his dad Kenya in his Boma to ask for more details regarding these new rules.

‘Dad’, asked Ruto ‘Yes my son what brings you to your dad at such an hour?’ asked Kenya. ‘You should be in bed’

Ruto replied, ‘I Love you dad as you know and you are very much aware I want to protect your land and wealth – why do you give equal rights to the children of the mothers of those who few children?. I reject your proposal dad. We need a fresh look at your proposal dad’ Ruto stormed out of the Boma angrily.

Ruto knew he has the support of a group of some of Kenya children who thinks themselves as being spiritual than anybody in Kenyan family. They are a part of Christian family believers of Jesus and the bible teachings. They are of the children of Sarah of Abraham. They are not happy that their step brother Ishmael who followed the teachings of Mohamed and Koran are well recognized by the new constitution. Both families were adopted by Kenya.

It is well after midnight and after a long night prayer ‘Kesha’ that some of the sons of Christ family decided to confront Kenya their dad

‘What brings you sons of most high God to see me deep in the night’, Asked Kenya

‘Dad its because you have protected the family of Ishmael that were born out a maid in our fathers homestead Abraham. You have protected them and ‘his local rules- Khadhi courts’ and left us the main family in the cold. You have not recognized us enough.’

Kenya looked at the sons of Christian family lead by Karanja. He is dismayed by the wisdom of people who should know better.

‘Son’, asked Kenya, ‘all I have is yours. The rules that are being made are based on your father Abraham and his God Jehovah. I have abandoned the gods of my people to worship your God despite you being adopting in our Kenyan family. Does it means then if we had a vote and my family agree with the new rules – constitution your God looses? Accommodate your young brother’s family – Mohamed and their ways. He does not affect you in any way. No system is perfect.’ Kenya banged the door and disappeared into his Boma for the night.

The next day, Kenya asked his family to vote for the new rule. Those who disagreed with their fathers proposal were in red. They ripened quickly and died but those who were in green remained so for ever. Kibaki and Raila has never been so united and Kenya became a very prosperous family thereafter.

Vote Katiba vote Kenya Mpya vote Kijani

Genesis 11:1-9 4
Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.’ 5The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. 6And the Lord said, ‘Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.’

Kenya: Is Christianity losing faith in God???

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Listening to most Christians argue the case against Kadhi Courts, one is left wondering whether the Christian teaching about God being able to fight our battles, take care of us and protect us is just mere good poetry in the Bible.

When as a practicing Christian I go combative over an issue where faith is concerned, do I need to go to battle over faith? I have seen even postings by some Christians about how Muslims will take over our country, that they are economically powerful, they will bribe our MPs (who are Christian) to vote in Sharia Law if we allow them an inch of Kadhi Courts in the KATIBA.

I am wondering if these are the Christians standing for their God, yet believe they cannot also rise up and be economically powerful (or at least their God cannot bless them with the same endowments), that their Christian brothers can actually be bribed to betray their religion?

Is it a case of confirming that Islam is steadfast in teaching against bribery, corruption and such to the extent that they do not fear their Muslim MPs can be bribed to vote out Kadhi Courts? Islam does not have a problem with abortion as such, confirming again that they teach morality and are comfortable with their adherents following the teachings on morality. Christians on the other hand worry about the way abortion will rise ten fold among their flock, have they lost the battle on teaching morality? Is the Christian Church still relevant or it has lost its place and time in our society?

Are we actually conceding that Christian teaching is having little effect on morality in society, and that even as we pray, we see no blessing such that it is only Muslims who are rising economically and able to tame their flock on matters of morality and we cannot?

If our Christian MPs can readily take bribes, should we blame Kadhi Courts or Muslims for that? If we are not making headway economically, is it Islam that impedes us?

Are we thus asking for equality on the basis of denying Muslims what they deserve because of our own inadequacies? I like the doctrine of Islam of being averse to profiteering, this is what has bred corruption and greed among our Christian brothers. I am reading about Islam just to get a glimpse of how they manage where our religion is failing miserably.

Otieno Sungu.
Juba-Southern Sudan.

Kenya: KADHI COURTS – – MUSLIM INSTITUTIONS

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From: sang kip

Millicent:

Kadhi Courts will litigate Muslim cases only. Muslims refers to members of the Islam religion. You lie when you say Kadhi Courts are not religious.

By the way no Christian is opposed to establishment of Kadhi Courts by Muslims for their religious sake but we are opposed to having it entrenched in a constitution written for a country that has diverse religious groups.

When Christians are depicted as intolerant for saying NO to Kadhi Courts in the constitution the country is misled. Christians has never and will never be intolerant to other religions. In fact it is Islam that has a rich record of intolerance. Many Christians are languishing in jails in Burma, Iran, Iraq and no one can profess Christianity openly in Saudi Arabia today. Go to Somalia today and say you are a Christian and you will never live to witness what will follow thereafter.

One Ayaan Hirsi Ali [former Muslim] in her book Nomad has exposed how Islam persecutes people of other faiths and women. We see intolerance in Jihad where religious zealots are fighting to force non-Muslims to convert to Islam. Now those Jihadists fight for a god they say is merciful. How come Allah is merciful yet his followers are brutally intolerant?!

Calling Christians intolerant is uncalled for. What Christians are saying is that all religions should be equal before the supreme law of the land. Let the Muslims have their Kadhi Courts out of the constitution. Tanzania has Kadhi Courts out of the national constitution. What is so unique in Kenya such that Kadhi Courts should be entrenched in the national constitution?

If what Christians are calling for is intolerance then the word intolerance has lost its true meaning.

Kenya: WHETHER PARENTS LIKE IT OR NOT PORNOGRAPHY IS THERE TO STAY WITH CHILDREN

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From: People For Peace

Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News

BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
KAREN-NAIROBI

On Pentecost Sunday Mrs Rosemary Kuria, a mother and a writer told military families at Resurrection Gardens in Karen that parents are to blame for children getting access to pornographic materials through internet, TV among other sources.

Introducing her 4 children during the talk, Mrs Kuria said that as a good and role model parent she makes sure which programmes they watch. She claimed that she has mastered all the bad programmes. That is why those days she is to take the circuit fuse with her so that children cannot get access to such movies.

What Mrs Kuria probably doesn’t know even about her own children is the fact that in the 21st century, these sites are there with our children and will always be with them. The only way we can help them is how to live with them positively.

Even in India where sexual immorality used not to be a problem last century, today parents cannot control their children anymore. Premarital sex in Indian culture was almost non-existence those days. In Indian children are now able to read sexual novels, stories, watch pornographic films, through poems, writings, sculpture and paintings etc.

Unlike before, today sexual explicit magazine, pornographic movies are freely available to the youth. And with internet opening the door to pornographic material to virtually everyone-everywhere, we shall be pretending that taking away fuses or computers with us would help our children.

It explains why for most parents it became like a shock when hundreds of teenagers attending middle and high schools throughout Washington were convicted of felony sex crimes last week where public records show that one particular junior high student was convicted of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl.

According to KIRO Team 7 Investigators exclusive research at least 412 registered sex offenders in Washington are under the age of 18. Of those children convicted of sex crimes, 234 are 16 years old or younger.

Shocking news was yet in last year October 27 when the boys, aged 10 and 11, were cleared of the more serious charge of raping the victim in Hayes, west London. According to prosecutors two boys took the girl first to the third floor of an apartment block where they exposed themselves, and then helped each other to carry out the assault, with some carried out in an elevator at a block of apartments and in a rubbish room.

The boys were cleared of rape after the girl said she lied about being raped and admitted she was voluntarily with the boys, both aged 10 at the time of the incident and that she enjoyed it as well.

Giving evidence through a video link on May 13 to London’s Old Bailey court, in cross-examination by the defence counsel the girl said she lied to her mother because she was “naughty” and was worried she would not get any lollies.

Countries like Kenya any sexual activity with a girl who has not turned 18 years of age is considered rape even if the girl said she consented. It explains why in Kenya the boys could have not been cleared of rape.

Like London in Canada, the legal age of consent is 16, with a close-in-age exception that allows 14- and 15-year-olds to consent to sexual activity with people up to five years older. It means that having sex with girls between these ages are not an offense provided she consented.

Despite the fact that in Kenya the girl can only consent when she has turned 18 years of age, thousands of young Kenyans girls are being driven into modern slavery abroad in their desperate attempts to escape from worsening economic conditions at home.

According to media investigations nearly 20,000 Kenyans fall prey to human trafficking cartels yearly and are living in appalling conditions in North America, Europe and the Middle East. The best example is the case of a 14-year-old girl who was rescued in the United Kingdom last year. She had been moved to Liverpool by a man who locked her in a house and forced her to have sex with numerous people.

One thing is that these teenagers are not forced to be trafficked they go there willingly with one intention to get their living. It doesn’t matter in which way, whether through prostitution, lap dance, strip or pole dance.

It explains why a survey in Nairobi last year cyber cafes found an overwhelming number of youth scanning their photos and uploading them to dating websites such as Match.com and Adultfriendfinder.com. The aim is to get elderly rich white men from Europe and America.

Occasionally when some of the foreign men come to Kenya to visit their newly found girlfriends they leave and continue sending them a lot of money that is why most women across Nairobi are able to rent expensive apartments, buying the latest mobile phones, drive expensive cars and drink in expensive pubs. Some women or teenagers whose new boy friends through the web cannot make it to Kenya make arrangements how they can go there.

Even though it could be argued that Kenya’s economy is growing so fast, it cannot provide jobs to its youth. That is why hundreds of thousands of young people do not only join the labor market from universities, colleges, high schools and grade school, they are forced to spend much time online not with bad intention but simply how to survive.

I wish parents like Mrs Kuria could read Tancer’s book Click, subtitled What Millions of People Are Doing Online and Why It Matters. They will be shocked to find out what the Internet reveals about young people and adults in general.

To their surprise they will find out that what their children are visiting online are not so much pornographic sites. His research has revealed that the number of young people driven to pornography has declined as more of them join social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace, and the video-sharing site YouTube.

Although there are some few cases where some young people go on pornographic lines, according to the research most of them do so because they were lonely and unhappy, especially the way their parents or relatives treat them. The good news however is that Facebook has partly solved that problem for them.

According to Tancer’s finding even those young people who are driven to pornography they are just doing so for curiosity. They would like to find out how to “kiss”, while for boys questions like “how to find a girlfriend” and “how to flirt with girls”.

All these are not bad intentions and instead of parents being afraid they can take it from here to talk to their children on disadvantages and advantages of kissing, being with a girlfriend or boyfriends.

Most young people are driven on Facebook because this is the site where they meet new friends where they can chart freely. For them creating new friends is the most consoling.

Although according to Mrs Kuria the government should step in to ban pornographic sites and also control media, to ensure that what they are showing, broadcasting or writing are not pornographic in nature, in countries where such steps have been taken have proven to be the worst.

In Botswana where pornography is banned in all forms, it is one of the countries in Africa where HIV/ Aids are spreading like fire. Many people have died and are still dying that is why the government is now relying on foreigners to take up jobs which could be taken by citizens themselves.

In Botswana it is illegal to be found in possession of prohibited goods which include “Indecent and obscene material such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software”. Other countries that such regulations have been enforced but have become not shown any improvement include China and Saudi Arabia among others.

People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya

E-Mail news@ppa.or.ke
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website : www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org

KENYA: KADHI COURTS ILLEGAL-JUDGES RULE

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From: Buiywo Siongiki

Breaking News

A three-judge bench declares inclusion of Kadhi courts in current Constitution illegal but reserves judgment on the provision in Proposed…

Kadhi courts illegal, judges rule

By JILLO KADIDA

A three-judge bench on Monday declared the inclusion of Kadhi courts in current Constitution illegal and discriminatory.

The judges, sitting as a constitutional court, said the decision to include the kadhi courts in the country’s ultimate law favoured one religion over others.

They also declared that public funds should not be used to run the courts beyond a 10-mile coastal strip specified during their establishment in the colonial times.

However, the judges reserved their decision on whether the provision should be included in the Proposed Constitution, which will be subjected to a referendum on August 4.

The bench included Justice Joseph Nyamu, Justice Mathew Anyara Emukule and Justice Roseline Wendo.

KENYA: THE CLERGY HAVE SUCCUMBED TO THE INTRICATE TEMP…

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[http://tomesworldview.blogspot.com]

The clergy have increasingly been made a butt of many cynical jokes. This is because the faithful have developed a cynical distrust of them. And it is quite easy to understand the anger and frustration from the faithful.

Big money allegedly from the “clergy’ is threatening to corrode our democracy. But it is not only the money from the clergy (which is actually a lingering misnomer for the church). We also have undue influence from the filthy wealthy cabal who in communion with the clergy are pulling their massive resources together to debilitate the process for essential reforms in this country.

Judging by their countrywide campaigns which are awash with all sorts of posters, leaflets and other political rally appurtenances, we have no doubt that colossal sums of money are involved. And, it cannot just be the contributions made by the Christian faithful. There must be undisclosed sources from which these colossal sums of money come from. And since the source(s) is a highly guarded secret, this can only be the kind of money whose aim is to pervert democracy. We all know that it can only be a perversion of democracy for a section of the clergy and politicians to rely on massive financial resources rather than prayer and ideology to influence the referendum outcome. This perversion has been made possible by the very fact that at the moment there is very weak legislation that prohibits political groupings and individuals from sourcing and spending unregulated funds in a political campaign.

Is it not time that the conscientious public demanded full disclosures of all contributions and disbursements that have so far gone to the No camp? If indeed it is the money from the faithful, is its use not inconsistent with the purpose for which it was given?

We need to know whether the faithful were consulted by the clergy before their tithes were injected into this muddy referendum campaign exercise. This is because no clergy on any pretext whatsoever can elect to use the church resources for purposes other than that which they are meant for. By using the faithful’s money in a political campaign, the clergy have succumbed to their appetites and lost their spirit among the singularly intricate temptations of the world of politics.

By the end of the referendum campaign, the clergy will have to deal with the fact that they will increasingly be seen by the faithful as having become a misnomer and a cover for socio-political stagnation. As for the Yes Team, I wish to remind them that commitment and consensus in strategy are prerequisites for a successful campaign. They must try to counter the floodgate of lies perpetuated by the naysayers. They must also deal decisively with those in their midst who have concealed their inner self behind the glib mask of duplicity.

– – TOME FRANCIS,
BUMULA.
http://twitter.com/tomefrancis

Kenya: 2005 Draft V/s 2010 PCD Kadhis Court/Christian courts

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from Baraza La Taifa

Dear All,

Kenyans, I have been doing civic engagement at Kencom Bus Stop and Muthurwa Market since last week,on Saturday we will be holding event at Makongeni Social Hall from 9am -1 pm geared towards riteress, retrenches and Pensioners of Kenya Railways Cooperation so far we have managed to circulate over 8000 Copies of Katiba, recently i met a policeman in uniform and he gave me the 2005 Constitutional Draft that was rejected by Kenyans.

I have been perusing it and discovered a lot of issues that i would like to share with you regarding some of our religious leaders hypocrisy in NO Camp:

CHAPTER 13: JUDICIARY

Subordinate Courts:

Parliament shall, by an Act of Parliament:

a)Establish court Martial and other courts subordinate to the High Court

b)Confer them jurisdiction and Functions.

Religious Courts:

195.

1.There are established christian courts,Kadhis Courts,Hindu Courts.

2.Parliament may ,by legislation,establish other religious courts.

3.Christian courts,Kadhis Courts,Hindus Courts and other religious courts shall respectively:

a)Consist of Chief Presiding Officers,Chief Kadhis all of whom are professing the faith.

b)Be organized and administered as may be prescribed by respective Act5 of Parliament.

4.Christan Courts,Kadhis courts, Hindu courts and other religious courts shall have jurisdiction to determine question of their religious laws,relating to personal status,marriage,divorce,inheritance and succession in proceeding in which all parties professing faith as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament.

Drafted and Published by the AG Pursuant to section 27 of the Constitution of Kenya Review Act(Cap 3A of Laws of Kenya)
By Patrick Kamotho

Creator:
Facebook:barazalataifa
Email:barazalakitaifa@yahoo.com
Web.http://barazalataifa.ning.com

Kenya: Article 26:CHURCH HAS MORAL AUTHORITY

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From: sang kip

CHRISTIANS:

The issues raised by Christians about Kadhi Courts in the draft and opening the door for arbitrary abortion in article 26 are contentious.When some RVP MPs hold a press conference to prevail upon us to vote YES they are hoodwinking us to vote against our conscience with the promise that amendments will come soon after.Why don’t we amend the draft now? Why are we racing to pass it?
Based on what we know about our MPs we should beware. Our leaders’ Modus Operandi (MO) is built on lies and promises that are never fulfilled.When enemies come together to address an issue in press conference know that they may be paid or they have something that will benefit them.We know them.They are often selfish.
Article 26 is a clean licence to abortion business.We are soon going to have abortion clinics once this mongrel passes.Abortion will have been entrenched in the supreme law of the land once we pass the draft with article 26. I know what abortion is. I have seen innocent babies aborted and dumped in latrines, cut into pieces or left by the roadside. It is horrible!
The constitution that does not protect the unborn child invites a curse over our heads. The blood of the innocent baby should not be shed under any circumstance. Babies are human beings, let them live.
A message to those vilifying the church is this:You will never win.Communism in Ethiopia fought against the church and taught Ethiopians that “Christ is an impostor”Where is Mengistu Haile Mariam with his scheme? They called Christianity “opium of the mind” in USSR and they appeared to prevail but where are they now? Where are the architects of war against the church in the former USSR? They are dead.The church is alive and busy winning souls in Russia. Tell me of any government that fought the church and prevailed.Tell me.

When the church raises her voice against moral issues that shouldn’t have been included in the draft constitution in the first place, she is doing so with authority from the Bible.Compromising on matters of life is unacceptable .As Christians we are duty bound to save souls and to oppose shedding of blood.Period!
One friend told me on phone that if YES wins the whole debate about Kadhi Courts and abortion will cease. That is not true.The battle will be won only when issues raised by the church are addressed adequately. Any politician who will try to spin these matters will do so at the peril of their political career!

KENYA: CHURCH LEADERS ARE POPULAR IN KENYA

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From: sang kip

A progress report [on how Kenyans are doing since election chaos that was] released on Tuesday by the team of Eminent Persons led by Chief Mediator Kofi Annan [ and based on ]the survey carried between January and March[ 2010 reveals the following]:

1.The media continues winning public confidence with 83 per cent of Kenyans satisfied with its performance.

2.Religious leaders come second with 77 per cent,

3.NGOs at 72 per cent

4.A huge 85 per cent of Kenyans say they have no problems getting along with people from other communities, with only 12 per cent feeling the opposite.

While we in the diaspora are busy calling church leaders names the ordinary folks back home respect and bless them.Thosewho think the church’s position on the referendum will never have any impact should think twice.

It is also worth noting that even if the NO Crusade is vanquished during the referendum due the the emerging inequality in media coverage and lack of resources to use in the campaign,NO will still have huge impact after the referendum and in 2012.Those who call the Christians names now for opposing the draft will have a date with them come 2012.Chest thumping now will turn to tears in the general elections of 2012.

Those who curse church leaders should read this and be ashamed!

Kenya: The NO Campaign is a ploy

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The campaign against the proposed constitution in the name of Khadhi courts and abortion clauses is just a ploy to get the Kenyan simple mind busy while the elitists get what they want.

if the proposed constitution fails , who stands to gain ? the churches will not gain an inch since what they will be fighting for will not have changed in the current constitution , by them saying no to the new constitution ,there must be something they are gaining ,for saying no means we retain the current constitution.

Which has exactly what they are fighting against , logic here demands that there must be something to be gained , you cannot go to this much trouble for nothing , almost to the expense of your relevance , it will also take as much time to get another or the same one changed to fit the holy ones , meanwhile someone else will come up with something contentious and we are back to the twenty year drawing board

The proposed constitution has many other contentious issues such as the upper house [ whatever that means ] does Kenya need an upper house ? what will be the taxpayers bill on this one ? couldn’t they find better avenues for this monies ? four quarters of the country is impoverished and they want to fund old men to sit and exchange old wives’ tales ?

Again if the proposed law passes , what happens to the churches and their risk of becoming irrelevant , if the church is ready to risk such given their already dwindling fortunes , there must be manna promised elsewhere , to keep the feeble mind busy while they and their elitist kind seal the countries governorship and economic fortunes

While you are busy on non-issue points , the main reasons we had a twenty odd or thereabouts years clamour for the proposed law passes you by .

While you are debating who should or should not be allowed to perform certain surgeries or why they shouldn’t be any such surgeries and who is deemed or seen to represent the state in Godly affairs , they take your economic and governorship affairs right off your pockets .

There will always be a way to make you think you are being well governed

Let no one lie to you , either way the Kenyan does not win , the elitists … will always win

maina ndiritu

litshooz@gmail.com
litshooz@zoho.com
litshooz.blogspot.com
ICQ: 167192098

Kenya: Church in a spot over links with ‘unholy’ foreign organisations

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Folks,

How on earth is it acceptable, in African Cultural Community to Turn the Church of God into a Den of Sodomy and gain carnal knowledge of men’s bottoms? Folks, these are the last days preached in the Holy Book of God, the Bible. That, they will leave the true ways, and purpose of God’s creation and they will wonder like lost sheep without a shepherd.

Why don’t they just start a Church of their own called “The Church of Sodom and Gomorrah” so people are not taken by surprises, they can choose to join or not to join,instead of using the name of Christianity. I think it is a mis-use of the name Christianity.

They will call themselves Religious leaders, and yet their ways are far from those blessed and anointed by God. Sodom and Gomorrah was punished and destroyed by God, so watch them and stay away from them, people !!! They maybe possessed by those wicked spirits. Pray for them people !!! Their actions have betrayed their perceived faith.

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

– – – – – – – – – – – –

Church in a spot over links with ‘unholy’ foreign organisations

By Juma Kwayera

Leaders of American Christian organisations, said to be at the centre of controversy about financing Kenyan churches’ ‘No’ campaign against the Proposed Constitution, have questionable pasts, which the document they want rejected seeks to criminalise.

A series of articles that appear in Legal Times, a professional magazine by US lawyers, cast doubts on the moral integrity of head of the American Centre for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Mr Jay Sekulow, who last week admitted to bankrolling some Kenyan churches to shoot down the Proposed Constitution unless Kadhis’ courts and abortion provisions are expunged.

Fraud and nepotism

ACLJ is steeped in controversy over homosexuality in its ranks, fraud, nepotism, money laundering and other excesses, said to be “out of line for an organisation that calls itself either ‘non-profit or Christian.’”

The revelations will certainly heighten the stakes as attempts to shoot down the Proposed Constitution at the referendum stir up emotions laced with memories of how another Washington-based firm inadvertently stoked post-election violence. In the ongoing debate, the ‘foreign factor’ is gaining momentum as the country looks forward to the referendum.

When the Parliamentary Select Committee adopted the Harmonised Draft Constitution at its last retreat in Naivasha, it appeared the proposed law would come up against little resistance with what were initially the three contentious issues on the Executive, devolution and land having been put to rest.

However, many other contentious issues are emerging everyday.

Speaking to The Standard on Sunday, Ugandan conflict resolution expert David Nyekorach-Matsanga sounded the alarm bells over imminent foreign meddling in Kenya’s search for a new constitution and healing from election violence.

Matsanga expressed apprehension that the timing of ICC probe on post-election violence that will lead to a swoop on post-election violence suspects has fuelled some individuals’ growing antipathy to the Proposed Constitution.

Speaking after publication of the Proposed Constitution, Lands Minister James Orengo, a member of the PSC and the Kofi Annan mediated Serena peace talks, said the growing resistance to the document is motivated by perpetrators of post-election violence.

For Matsanga, the outcome of the referendum will have a strong bearing on how Kenya votes in 2012.

However, the Church’s decision to vote against the Proposed Constitution and revelations that it is on a ‘retainer’ of foreign organisations has heightened the stakes, with Christian leadership increasingly coming under severe criticism of attempts to mortgage the country.

ACLJ, a US church-based organisation, is reportedly financing the ‘No’ campaign to compel Parliament to delete the provision on Kadhis’ courts and conditional termination of risky pregnancy.

Protestant churches, with deep roots in the US, are reportedly building their ‘No’ campaign with heavy funding from ACLJ and other organisations.

However, the organisations that are allegedly funding churches to reject the Proposed Constitution have questionable profiles likely to undermine Christian movements in the country.

ACLJ, which last week was reported to have injected $300,000 (Sh23.4 million), is embroiled in controversy over the source of its funding.

International Centre for Justice and Conflict Director Ndung’u Wainaina says: “Whereas the Church leadership has made a strong argument on the sanctity of life and wishes to link that to its demand… it has not openly expressed its opposition …to the death penalty. Equally significant is the silence of the Church leadership, over the years, on the death penalty and extrajudicial killings.”

This is not the first time foreign organisations are dabbling in a highly sensitive matter with far-reaching political and economic ramifications.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) has yet to cleanse its image, sullied by the indirect role it played in the post-election violence that rocked Kenya two years ago.

Reports widely circulated in print media in the US accuses IRI and Washington of precipitating the post-election crisis through a deliberate withholding of exit poll results.

The New York Times reported: “The failure to disclose it was raised at a Senate hearing in Washington last year (2008) and has been denounced by human rights advocates, who said it might have saved lives by nudging Mr Kibaki to accept a negotiated settlement more quickly.”

Domestic referendum

The Standard on Sunday took up the issue with US embassy, which was economical with information on the foreign factor in the upcoming referendum poll.

US Ambassador Michael Rannerberger repeated the statement the embassy had early in the week sent to the press. He said: “In order to support a transparent, credible, and inclusive review process the US Government is providing extensive support for civic education, community dialogue and domestic monitoring of the referendum.”

The statement, however, distanced itself from the alleged Protestant financial support of churches for their campaign against the Proposed Constitution. “We have noted reports of alleged funding coming from non-governmental groups in the US in support of the ‘No’ campaign. We wish to clarify that these activities are not supported or encouraged by the US Government. Non-governmental groups in the United States are independent of the US Government.”

Uganda: Amorous Catholic priest to face prosecution for rapping two girls

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

THE Director of Public Prosecution, Richard Butera, has ordered the arrest of a Catholic priest in Nebbi district who allegedly defiled two girls, and possibly infected them with HIV.

Butera yesterday said evidence was sufficient to charge the Rev. Fr. Santos Constatino Wapokura. “That matter is clear: He should be charged,” Butera said in an interview.

He explained that the resident state attorney had already been instructed to charge the priest.

“He should have appeared in court and if he has not, I wonder why,” he said. In an earlier interview, the head of criminal investigations, Edward Ochom, ruled out settling the matter out of court, saying the offence was capital.

“We can afford to do that for chicken thieves, but not for a matter like this. He should be charged,” Ochom said.

The directive, Ochom said, had been communicated to the Police upcountry. It was unthinkable for a suspect on such a charge, he said, to be let off the hook out-of-court.

However, despite Ochom’s and Butera’s orders, the priest had not yet been re-arrested by press time.

Asked about the matter, the district Police commander, Alex Wabwire, in turn asked: “What is your interest in the case?”

The release of the priest had shocked the nation. Women rights activists in Nebbi are planning a demonstration over the matter.

Wapokura, 45, the parish priest of Pakwach, is accused of defiling a 14-year-old girl who was serving in the church. Wapokura had been in Police custody twice over the same allegations. His latest release was ordered by the resident state attorney, Innocent Obale, purportedly to allow the parties resolve the matter out of court.

Upon his arrest last month, the Police said the clergyman tested positive for HIV and upgraded his offence to aggravated defilement. He will be hanged if convicted. The priest dismissed the allegations as a ploy to taint his name.

One of the complainants told the Police that Wapokura would often ask her to go to his house, where he would follow her and force her into sex. On another occasion, the girl alleged, she was at the priest’s home with other visitors when Wapokura sexually assaulted her after sending away the other people.

Wapokura’s woes add to the long list of accusations of sexual misconduct by Catholic priests, which have rocked the Church lately. Another Catholic priest was arrested and charged with defilement in Gulu recently.

Worldwide, the church has been forced to pay out millions of dollars to victims

Ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

KENYA: INTRODUCTION OF SHERIA LAW IN THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION: What is your responsbility?

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Dear Kenyans

Now I can speak my mind. The road has terminated into the sea and no one knows what is yonder. Kenyan members of Parliament have gimmicked for personal and non personal interests and the verdict simply put is “We are confused”. Like Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”, so do I.

First, my main bone of contention is in Chapter ten entitled “THE JUDICIARY” and part 3 where we have the “SURBODINATE COURT AND THE KADHI’S COURT” and KADHI’s court is further given prominence. The statements under the judiciary lacks a broader statement of purpose that could have made the requirements for establishment of other courts irrelevant.

As seen in the United States constitution, the judiciary is defined by a broader statement. Here it is

“The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State; between Citizens of different States; between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects”.

The description of the judiciary purpose under the Kenyan constitution is vague at best and when that happens then we end up confused and add things that basically will strangle our society in the near future. The reason for the existence of these other courts including the Kadhi courts then appear as if they are absolutely necessary and yet they are not.

It now appears ladies and gentlemen that we as Kenyans absolutely need Kadhi’s court and hence will have to pay for their services and yet this is absolutely not true. If we are creating Kenya as a secular society then the laws of Kenya should not prescribe to religion or tradition but to the nation in such away that it caters to individual rights not religious laws.

When we are creating a constitution then we must ask tough questions. Is Kadhi’s court absolutely necessary? Can we have a constitution without it? If so then it must be removed. What do these courts cater for that the Kenyan court cannot?

Many will state that people who ask these questions are simply Christian fundamentalists who are bent on trampling on the rights of the Muslims and I disagree. The rights of Muslims, Christians and traditionalists are catered for in the right to freedom of religion and association. The reason for creation of Kadhi courts is as confusion as those who decided to insert them here. It will cause problems in Kenyan very very soon because it puts the passion of other religious groups into question and wakes up the old rivalry between Christianity and Islam. This is not a Kenyan problem. It should not be dragged into Kenya under the disguise of a new constitution.

If Muslims want to marry many wives and the supreme court does not have that provision then what should be discussed is whether Kenyans would like a constitution that gives freedom to marrying many wives. Kenyan people should be given an opportunity to decide if they want to include a whole religious law just because the religion practices something that contravenes the law of the land.

I refuse to accept the Kadhi courts section because it recognises Islam and refuses to recognise Christianity. It is like recognising gay rights and ignoring heterosexual rights. You cannot fail to recognise the majority but do so to the minority and yet claim that you are a government of by the people and for the people. Practicing Islam as a religion is a civil rights issue but entrenching Islamic law/Sheria law/Kadhi courts in the constitution is not a civil rights issue. It is fundamentalism introduced through the backdoor first in the 1960’s leadership wrangles and now through the struggle for the votes of Muslims at the Kenyan coast in 2012. It is absurd that our legislatures are using this section to inflict a guilt consciousness into the minds of Christians. In my view Christians should demand the removal of this section from the constitution. It as simple as including all or removing all. I was hoping that all Christians boycott voting for this draft.

I totally disagree with those who say that this law does not affect Christians and hence they should not worry about it. First, detailed description of things this court will and will not do is at best left vague in the constitution. It is totally uninformed about the Quran / Sheria stipulation that will be the driving engine of the Kadhi’s courts. A Christian who burns a mosque will soon be subjected to a death sentence by Kadhi’s court while it could be just a jail sentence if no lives are involved when the decision is left to Kenyan court system. The Christian will be subjected to Sheria law in this constitution. Fatua will be declared. Do not tell us that “Pili pili usioila yakuwashia nini”. Hii pilipili itaniwasha. Make no mistake about it. In my view the Christians and even moderate Muslims should reject this provision. It is a ground for religious wars and we should nip this in the bud.

Now the legislatures are telling us that “Just pass it, you will amend it later”. Well well, this is the beginning of the mother of wars. The day Kenyans will go to a referendum to remove the Kadhi’s court will be the day all the Muslims in every corner of the world come together to save their brothers from “persecution”. You will see Saudi’s, Gaddafi, Iran etc put their muscle together to fight this amendment. It will also be the day that many Muslims will feel that they are being targeted. This will be the beginning of promoting fundamentalism in Kenya. Fellow Kenyans it is now or never for the sake Kenya’s future. Deal with this law now. Vote no, no, no and no until this section is amended. Doing it now will save us headache in the future.

I think Kenya is going to be an experimental field here as there is no state where these two courts function side by side flawless. In my opinion this section of the constitution is already creating bad blood between Christians and Muslims in Kenya and this my friends is the last thing Kenya would like to see or deal with. We have enough tribal issues to deal with.

In brief, Raila, Kibaki, Kalonzo and the rest will be gone very soon. However, with Kadhi’s court entrenched in the constitution, they are leaving behind a war that will see our children being burned on the streets like we see it in Nigeria day in day out. The coast of Kenya will be dominated by Sheria law and Kenyans who live their will be subject to that law just like Nigeria’s north. It is your responsibility as Kenyan to foresee this calamity and vote no. This, my friends should be the last straw that broke the Camel’s back. As a matter of fact, All Christans and traditionalists worth their salt should vote no on this draft until KADHI’S COURT is removed from the draft.

Dr. Barack Otieno Abonyo

KENYA: NYANZA ANGLICAN BISHOP BACKS DRAFT.

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From: erasto agwanda

By Agwanda Jowi

SUPPORT for the proposed Constitution among Church leaders in Nyanza province yesterday went a notch higher after another clergy from Anglican Church of Kenya threw his weight behind the document.

Maseno South Diocese Bishop Rev. Francis Mwayi Abiero said his diocese and its members are fully supporting the proposed draft and will vote yes during the National Referendum due this year.

This comes barely a few days after his Maseno West Diocese Counterpart Rev. Joseph Otieno Wasonga declared his full support for the draft constitution.

Speaking at Saint Stephen Cathedral in Kisumu where he addressed the press on the diocese’s stand on the proposed constitution, the clergy urged all the members from his diocese to study the Draft carefully so as to understand it and be able to make informed decisions.

The clergy also urged various church leaders in the country not to engage in active politics which can polarize the country at this time when the country is trying to achieve various reforms agenda with constitution making being one of them.

He at the same time urged Kenyans to be tolerant and peaceful while taking accommodative approach during this period of constitutional making regardless of their diverse views on the proposed draft.

The clergy called for thorough civic education on the proposed draft once the final document is released to the public by the AG’s office so that the public can fully be informed of it contents.

ENDS:

Being a true believer requires unquestionable faith … but …….!!

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It is worth noting that every religion requires adherents to be true believers. This is a cardinal principle that ensures faith is unquestionable. As true as it might be, there are certain historical occurrences which cast doubt on blind faith and belief.

I am trying to imagine how those who murdered Galileo for his hypothesis that the earth was round, yet the religious thinking at that time was that the earth was flat must be feeling in the after life.

It must have been absurd for this fellows if they finally got to Heaven(if at all they made it there on account of murdering an innocent soul) and found out the truth, that Galileo was actually right!!!

Under such circumstances, do those people stand accused of murder? Faith is an aspect of religion, it is actually necessary to energize belief. However, faith can turn dangerous if it starts becoming blind. This is the reason we have seen prayers for resurrection of bodies that have undergone postmortem and organs removed, we have heard of people going atop hills with wings sewn and jumping to their deaths on account of faith.

This kind of faith is usually hinged on the perceptions of an influential person of leadership position within that religion.It is more often than not devoid of the actual teachings of such religion. For instance, if Christianity, it is said that no one knows the day nor the hour when the Son of Man shall descend, that he will come like a thief.

How on earth then can one believer allows him/herself to be led atop a hill to go to Heaven, or burn themselves to death like the case of David Queresh and many other such cases?

The answer lies in the fact that when faith becomes blind, it leads to fanaticism, when a religion harbours fanatics, it becomes a cult, the followers then start believing everything and anything the leaders say without question.

This usually starts slowly, it is a process of indoctrination which culminates in brainwash or programming. The result is a cult which delves dangerously onto the periphery of the teachings of that religion. The dogma is deliberately twisted to complete the indoctrination process and the eventual result is walking zombies.

As people of different religions, we need to watch for what our religions teach, cross check with the good books of our religions.

Religious dogma is open to misinterpretation especially by selfish clergymen, not all clergymen are Heaven bound nor do they adhere to the teachings to bring flock closer to God.As is said, the days of the end will see many such false prophets.

Otieno Sungu.
Juba-Southern Sudan.

KENYA: PRAYER ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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From: People For Peace

BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA

While Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated the month of May to pray that the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children may be ended, the big challenge remains that human trafficking is the most difficult trade to eradicate.

The Pope has also called on Christians and people of good will to pray for missionary intention that ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care.

Last year the general intention was that the laity and the Christian communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations while missionary intention was that the recently founded Catholic Churches, grateful to the Lord for the gift of faith, may be ready to share in the universal mission of the Church, offering their availability to preach the Gospel throughout the world.

Last year the Pope recalled tragedy when more than 200 migrants heading for Europe drowned off the Libyan coast after their overloaded boat capsized. They were trying to reach Europe because of the global economic crisis.

Already in South Africa following the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup there is fear that there will the possible increase in the abuse, exploitation and trafficking in persons especially children that will provide opportunities to meet the perceived increased demand for sexual services.

The World Cup is expected to generate more than $4 billion, the highest revenue in World Cup history. Britain has already offered to give 42m condoms to South Africa in response to a request for an extra billion as part of an HIV prevention drive before the World Cup. Child prostitution is already rampant in South Africa

The South African government estimates that up to half a million visitors could travel to the country. Up to 40,000 prostitutes are expected to arrive for the month-long tournament in a country where the HIV/Aids crisis has spread enormously.

Apart from trafficking teenagers, especially girls are targeted for rape like what happened in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2004 where young girls young as 13 years old were the victims of multiple rape by the United Nations peace-keeping troops according to the Independent report.

Yet still, while there is fear in South Africa due to the World Cup, in Kenya children are being trafficked from Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. In Somalia children are mainly trafficked from south-central Somalia.

Even Rome is not spared either. There are fears that passing through certain parts of Rome and its surroundings, one is likely to see women — or often, girls — lining up in the streets waiting for men who can generously go with them for sex. Although Via Guilia is one such street known for prostitution, there are also others.

Yet still, human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world today than ever been before. It is the fastest-growing given that with the total annual revenue for trafficking in persons is estimated to be between USD $5 billion and $9 billion, with a global annual market of about $42.5 billion according to the United Nations that also estimates that nearly 2.5 million people from 127 different countries are being trafficked around the world.

Again that developed countries are also involved in the trade, it rules out a common misconception that trafficking only occurs in poor countries, despite the fact that usually most countries where trafficking is common have been weakened by war, corruption, natural disasters or climate.

In Developed countries according to the National Human Rights Center in Berkeley, California, there are currently about 10,000 forced laborers in the U.S., around one-third of who are domestic servants and some portion of whom are children, whereas in 2004, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) estimated that 600-800 persons are trafficked into Canada annually and that additional 1,500-2,200 persons are trafficked through Canada into the United States.

While in Canada, foreign trafficking for prostitution is estimated to be worth $400 million annually, the United States of America is principally a transit and destination country for trafficking in persons. It is estimated that 14,500 to 17,500 people, primarily women and children, are trafficked to the U.S. annually despite the fact that laws against trafficking in the United States exist at the federal and state levels.

According to U.S Sate Trafficking in Persons Report, June 2009, Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. Men and women from the Russian Far East are trafficked to China, Bahrain, Oman, Japan, and South Korea for purposes of sexual exploitation, debt bondage, and forced labor, including in the agricultural and fishing sectors.

Some Russian women are trafficked to Turkey, Greece, South Africa, Germany, Poland, Italy, Israel, Spain, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Men and women from Central Asia and Ukraine are trafficked to the Russian Far East for the purpose of forced labor including victims trafficked for forced labor in the fishing industry.

While men and women are trafficked within Russia and from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Moldova to Russia for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor, including work in the construction industry, in Africa and Asia girls from rural areas are often expected to move to urban areas and become domestic workers in order to help support their families financially.

In Bangladesh, while women and children are being trafficked mainly for the purpose of prostitution, sexual abuse, forced labor, camel jockeying, cheap labor and marriage, in France is a destination country for women and girls trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation from Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Malaysia and other Asian countries.

People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya

E-Mail news@ppa.or.ke
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website : www.ppa.or.ke