From: Judy Miriga

Good People!

Is it true that Raila was offered special envoy post to do dirty job trading on deals of “Land Grabbing” to Canadian, Chinese, South Africa and US unscrupulous Special Business Interests who want Kenya’s land for free and giving bribery hand-out for the goodies instead of paying taxes to boost Kenyas economy and provide sustainable development programs to improve the situation of employment and economic progress in Kenya???

Whose interest, gain and profit was this idea going to serve ?? Is public mandate in the New Constitution going to be followed by the 11th Parliament ??? Are the people watching for reality of governance, transparency and accountability???? Will the people let go their land to “Land Grabbers” for free ???

Wake up people and stand up to protect your rights with those of public mandate so that your honor, dignity, value and virtue shall be guaranteed. You must fight harder than ever before to save the face of African………Africans were never created with a begging bowl, but God blessed us with brains that we must use to better the whole world.

It is only from Africa that the world will know Peace, Unity and True Love. Africa is the answer to Happiness……Exercise the Wisdom God gave us all for free……..We are the custodians of Wealth and Resources that World Economy needs to excel in the Global Emerging Markets. It is only from Africa that the world need its raw material to meet competition and challenges every business in the world need for its economic supremacy, excellence and power.

We must stop being stupid to rely on those leaders who time and again dont get it……..

I love you people…..lets meet and chat through facebook… or chat on blog click……… http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com and follow link to see whats new

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

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Watch This !!!

World News: African Land Grab

The Great Global Land Grab — Hedge Funds & UN REDD Programme

The Right to Food: Corporate, Foreign Gov’t Land Grab Causing Hunger in Poor

In Focus

Kenya: Uhuru Offers Raila Special Envoy Post

13 April 2013

PRESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta has asked former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to become a special envoy for Kenya.

The initial offer was made on Easter Monday at a private evening meeting at the home of a city businessman in Muthaiga. The meeting was also attended by Deputy President William Ruto.

On Thursday morning Ruto called Raila to repeat the offer and spoke to him for more than ten minutes. He reportedly told Raila that it was important that he worked with Uhuru’s administration to unite the country.

The Deputy President emphasized that he and Uhuru were keen to have Raila play the role of an eminent Kenyan locally, in Africa, and around the world.

“He appealed to Raila to consider the role because the Kenyatta administration did not want his experience and international connections to go to waste,” said an associate of the Deputy President.

Raila reportedly wished Ruto and the President success as they start their term in office and promised to do whatever he could to help them succeed.

Ruto and Raila agreed to speak again on Thursday evening together with President Kenyatta and agree on a possible second meeting with a clear agenda. It is not known if they did in fact speak again on Thursday evening.

Raila’s spokesman Dennis Onyango has confirmed that the two spoke and said the discussion on the issue was ongoing.

“The Deputy President thanked the former PM for his statement on arrival from South Africa to the effect that he and the CORD team were ready to engage constructively. He told Raila that he personally has no hard feelings against the former PM and neither does Uhuru,” said Onyango.

Yesterday Raila’s aides were in meetings ahead of the Cord retreat this weekend at Great Rift Valley lodge.

The retreat will discuss how CORD will conduct itself inside and outside of Parliament as the official opposition, as well as the role of Raila for the next five years.

At the Easter Monday meeting, the President reportedly wanted to hold a joint press conference with Raila to assure their supporters that they would work together to unite the country.

Uhuru and Ruto were concerned about an interview by Raila broadcast by the BBC shortly after the Supreme Court ruling on Easter Saturday.

Raila told the BBC that Uhuru’s victory on March 4 was “predetermined and manipulated by a few technocrats”.

“It is a replica of what exactly happened in 2007. What is the point of going to polls if results are going to be pre-determined? Voter apathy will be high in the next five years and Kenyans may look for other ways. We want to avoid people looking for other means,” Raila told the BBC.

Uhuru and Ruto won the election with 50.07 percent, just 8,000 votes more than needed for a simple majorit, but a considerable 800,000 votes ahead of Raila who received 43.7 percent.

How Rev Jesse Jackson sealed
Raila meeting with Uhuru

Posted by admin on Sunday, April 14, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Saturday’s meeting with Mr Raila Odinga at State House was the culmination of two hush-hush meetings, both in homes of influential personalities close to the two leaders.

The Saturday meeting was the second directly between the two fiercest rivals in the March 4 elections, and also the first to be acknowledged by the two sides, complete with television footage.

But inquiries within the President’s and Raila’s side revealed that the influential force bringing the two hitherto bitter rivals together was America’s civil rights and towering religious figure, the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

April 1 was characterized by two key events; it was Easter Monday as well as April Fools Day, when people the World over get half-a-day to pull pranks on each other. In Kenya, it was no different as families got out to enjoy the fun-day together, either in church, friend’s homes or even entertainment joints.

But behind the scenes, something else was taking off, and as it turned out, it wasn’t a prank at all. That Easter Monday ended with Uhuru, whose victory the Supreme Court upheld the previous Saturday (March 30), sharing a dinner table with Raila at the home of a mutual friend.

This first meeting took place at the home of the youthful wealthy businessman in the Muthaiga Estate.

Second meeting

The businessman, whose name we withhold for legal reasons because he usually doesn’t brook any linkage to politics, was close to the late Prof George Saitoti, and when the former Internal Security minister died in a chopper crash, he shifted camp to Uhuru.

Both Uhuru and the businessman had been close and the youthful billionaire’s business and political ties to Saitoti had not strained this relationship.

The second meeting wasn’t Uhuru’s, but was a shared dinner table between Raila and Jackson at the home of Dr Evans Kidero, the new Nairobi Governor, and close ally of the former PM. Again as with the first meeting between the leader of Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and Uhuru, this too was in Muthaiga where Kidero lives.

It took place the day following Uhuru’s inauguration on April 9, and confidants of the former PM told The Standard that Raila headed straight to Kidero’s home on arrival from South Africa that Wednesday.

Raila had gone to South Africa for ‘holidaying’ with his running mate in the March 4 race — former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka — and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula.

It is believed that Jackson sought out Raila after meeting Uhuru on the day of his inauguration with the message that it was in his (Uhuru’s), Raila’s and Kenya’s interest for them to build a rapport and demonstrate mutual respect for each other.

Civil rights

Jackson, thought not a member of President Barack Obama’s administration, was the most familiar American public figure at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, when Uhuru was sworn-in.

It was not clear if at all he could have had a message from Obama to Uhuru and Raila, even though it is not very much unlike American tradition for a private message of their leader to be delivered by a senior and respected citizen.

But even without Obama’s prodding, Jackson’s role as a civil rights activist has given him immense contacts and good rapport with many African leaders, and he could have put these at play.

Having been close to the presidency, polling 5.3 million against Uhuru’s 6.1 million, the American cleric exhorted Uhuru to appreciate the fact that he needed to send out a message of goodwill and reconciliation to the considerably big constituency that did not vote for him.

Raila’s aides, on condition of confidentiality so as not to be seen to be spilling the beans on secret talks between their boss and the new President, said of the ex-PM’s meeting with Jackson: “He went there (Kidero’s home) alone and expressed his willingness to work with Uhuru for the good of the country.”

The sources explained that after the Supreme Court ruling, the youthful businessman, who is also a son of a former influential minister in retired President Daniel Arap Moi’s Cabinet, tried reaching out to Raila using one of his long-serving personal assistants.

It wasn’t clear at this stage whether he is the one who initiated the meeting, or was acting on Uhuru’s behalf. However, the businessman also happens to be close to Uhuru’s deputy, Mr William Ruto, who would later tell the country after assuming office, that he had had lengthy meetings with Raila.

“This was the first attempt towards arranging for a meeting between Uhuru and Raila. The meeting took place on April 1at the businessman’s residence in Muthaiga,’’ confirmed the PM’s aide. Another of the PM’s advisors also confirmed both meetings that the former PM attended in the two Muthaiga homes.

“Mr Odinga denied the first meeting took place and that is his position. But the truth is that the meeting did take place at the home of the businessman,’’ he said.

In a Facebook posting earlier in the day another of Raila’s advisors had revealed to his string of online friends that Reverend Jackson, who like the late Martin Luther King is a renown black American civil rights activist and Baptist minister, was the key player in the Uhuru-Raila talks.

The advisor played down media reports that the Uhuru-Raila meeting, where both Kalonzo and Ruto featured, discussed the number of security guards the CORD leaders should be left with and the amount the State would pay them as retirement benefits.

Real issues

“…You can safely laugh at reports in sections of our media that Raila went see (sic) Uhuru about security detail and chase cars and retirement benefits,’’ Raila’s advisor who is also former top UN media personality, Mr Salim Lone. Lone then threw in the revelation: “The meeting was actually negotiated by the Rev Jesse Jackson and focused on real issues facing Kenya.” He then referred his friends to the Sunday Standard story yesterday quoting Raila saying he had turned down the offer of a UN envoy role because his “plate was full’’.

Speaking in Khwisero constituency on Saturday after meeting with Uhuru, Raila explained his focus would be to strengthen CORD and urged those still sympathising with him for losing the presidency to stop because it was unnecessary.

Tell me sorry

“Do not tell me sorry for what happened. I do not wish to hear this. When a cooking stick breaks, do you stop preparing your meal? Certainly not! And that is why we want to state that we have enough work to do,” said Raila.

“Raila when invited for dinner by the businessman, sought to know what it was all about. He was assured there was nothing underhand, and all the cards would be on the table.

Because he was also keen to be part of healing the country (after the divisive elections), he accepted the invitation,’’ said another of Odinga’s aides.

When Lone was contacted, he confirmed Jackson did meet Raila at Kidero’s home.

“I can only confirm the meeting took place between Raila and Reverend Jackson at Kidero’s home and that they discussed a possible meeting between him and the President (Uhuru)’’ was Lone’s response to our questions. Source:standardmedia.co.ke

James Gomez
Director for International Affairs
Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
727 15th Street, NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 393-7874
Fax: (202) 393-1495
Email: jgomez@rainbowpush.org

butch wing
rainbow push coalition

Siaya Governor warns public on land deals

Siaya County Cornel Rasanga. Mr Rasanga has warned officers of defunct local authorities against engaging in unscrupulous land deals. Photo/FILE NATION MEDIA GROUP
By NATION CORRESPONDENT

Posted Thursday, April 18 2013 at 15:54

Residents of Siaya County have been warned against engaging in land transactions with former local authorities without consulting the office of the governor.

It is fraudulent for anybody to buy or sell government land through the former local authorities, said Governor Cornel Rasanga.

He said land transactions should have stopped when the county government came into force.

The governor warned officers of defunct local authorities against engaging in such deals.

He said he had established that such transactions were still being carried out and appealed to relevant government agencies to take stern action.

“Those transactions are null and void. We are warning those involved that the long arm of the law will catch up with both the sellers and buyers,” Mr Rasanga said.

He told the public that the plots were now under the county government and nobody should purport to sell them on behalf of the local authorities.

According to the Transition to Devolved Government Act, 2012, anybody who transfers assets without obtaining the approval of the county government or contrary to the mechanism provided by the Transition Authority commits an offence.

Kidero interdicts officers over Sh180m graft claims

Nairobi county governor Evans Kidero inspects a parade by City Council workers. Photo/FILE Nation Media Group

By EMMANUEL TOILI etoili@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, April 17 2013 at 13:15

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has interdicted four senior City Council officers over the loss of Sh180 million and ordered investigation of 25 firms involved in graft claims.

The officers have been accused of misappropriating Sh180m in the infamous ‘air supplies’ at the City Hall.

10 more officers from the departments of Procurement, City Engineering, Treasury and Inspection and Acceptance Committee are also being investigated.

Also, 25 firms allegedly involved in the ‘air supply’ together with their directors are being investigated over the misappropriation.

“Am in the process of initiating necessary legislation on governance with special focus on tackling corruption within the county. Within three months, I will have sealed all revenue leakages and all financial malpractices,” he said.
“I also intend to set up the County Ombudsman’s Office with a clear mandate to handle all aspects of integrity and corruption within the rank and file in the County,” Kidero added.

MPs wait for the address by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Parliament on April 16, 2013. Photo/JOHN NGIRACHU
By JOHN NGIRACHU jngirachu@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, April 18 2013 at 16:57

The House Committee that will vet the nominees to the Cabinet will be unveiled on Tuesday, Majority Leader in the National Assembly Aden Duale has told MPs.

Mr Duale said MPs would also be asked to approve the membership of the Committee on Appointment.

The 28-member committee will be chaired by Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi and will have the Deputy Speaker with the leaders and deputy leaders of the majority and minority parties.

Its sole mandate will be the vetting of the people President Uhuru Kenyatta will nominate as members of the Cabinet.

Its quorum shall include 14 members, excluding the Speaker, who shall also not be entitled to vote.

Members to this committee shall be nominated by the House Business Committee on the basis of proportional party membership in the House while also considering the interests of

independent members.

There are four independent MPs in the National Assembly, with three reported to be allied to the Jubilee Coalition, which forms the majority in both the Senate and the National Assembly.

Mr Duale said the members of the various other committees would be named on Wednesday.

MPs have been quietly lobbying for membership in the 26 committees that are yet to be formed and Mr Duale’s announcement is likely to lead to an intensification of this.

The Garissa Township MP encouraged his colleagues to start proposing motions they would want the House to discuss and to start preparing to seek statements from committee heads.

Under the new House rules, MPs will have Wednesday morning to discuss the issues they originate. The day is reserved for business not sponsored by either the Majority or Minority Leaders and the committees.

EU envoy wants open tender for Karuma dam

Journalists take pictures of Karuma Falls recently. Construction of a 600-Megawatt dam at the site has stalled over allegations of corruption in the bidding process.
By TABU BUTAGIRA

Posted Thursday, April 18 2013 at 01:00

In Summary

Top EU envoy says unlike a grant, Ugandan tax payers will have to repay the loan for the project and its intended works must offer the best value-for-money.

Kampala

The government should re-open up the tender for construction of the 600-megawatt Karuma hydro-dam to all interested “competent” firms irrespective of which country finances the project, the Head of the European Union Delegation in Uganda has said.

Ambassador Roberto Ridolfi told the Daily Monitor on Tuesday that handpicking a firm from a country offering a $2.2 billion loan for the construction works, would amount to “breach of the public procurement rules”.

“Public procurement rules are very simple and are at the core of good governance: transparency, free and open access to everybody to the tendering and no discrimination,” he said.

Government urged

“I hope the government will abide by the court ruling and the (Inspectorate of Government’s) recommendations without breaching the public procurement laws because a loan, even if it’s a very soft loan or concession loan, will have to be paid back by Ugandans.”

The considerations, he said, would however be different if Uganda received a grant. The envoy’s comments come weeks after the largely state-owned New Vision reported that China has agreed to deploy resources and firms to build Karuma dam.

President Museveni and his new Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping reportedly sealed the deal during the recent BRICS summit in South Africa, the newspaper reported, quoting unnamed sources.

In the Tuesday interview, Mr Ridolfi made no mention of China but said it would be unfair for the Ugandan government to exclude other “competent” companies and only favour firms from country bankrolling the project.

Call for respect of the law

“The laws of public procurement must be respected. If we are talking about loans, Ugandan tax payers have to pay it back, which means ultimately that the infrastructure will be paid for by Ugandans tax payers, he said, “Therefore, Uganda has the right to get the best value for money. The laws of public procurement were not invented to delay projects, they were invented to give value-for-money to the tax payers, avoid corruption and collusion.”

The process of procuring a contractor for the already delayed Karuma dam has been rife with allegations of corruption, bidders falsifying work records and violation of procurement rules, prompting a plethora of lawsuits and investigations by police, the statutory public procurement entity and Ombudsman.

The Inspectorate of Government cancelled the initial process that placed China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE) in pole position to win the $2.2 billion tender, and advised government to restart the process but through restricted international bidding.

Salini, an Italian company, has fought hardest, including through the courts, over the Karuma dam deal.

tbutagira@ug.nationmedia.com

KTN editors threatened over Saitoti expose

KTN investigative reporters Mohammed Ali (left) and John-Allan Namu.
By Standard Reporter

Celebrated KTN journalists John Allan Namu and Mohammed Ali have received death threats over George Saitoti death exposé that aired on the station two weeks ago.

Yesterday, the Standard Group management expressed concern over the threats that appeared aimed at intimidating its journalists.

Group Chief Executive Sam Shollei said the Group supports Press freedom and will not allow its journalists to be intimidated in the course of their duties. The exclusive stories dubbed Ghururi ya Saitoti and Death in Ten Minutes by Ali and Namu respectively showed that there could have been foul play in the death of then Internal Security minister George Saitoti.

The threats are coming from Internal security. We have been informed that there is a police squad out to teach us a lesson. We were also informed to watch our backs, where we go and the routes we take because of the story,â the journalists said.

Threats

Mr Shollei said the Group was informing the authorities of the threats for investigation and to assure its journalists of their security.

He said Standard Group will stand by its journalists, and will remain steadfast in discharging its duties as a media house, without fear or favour.

On June 10, a police helicopter carrying Saitoti, who had declared interest in vying for the presidency in the March 4 General Election, crashed in Kibiko area, Ngong.

Saitoti, together with his deputy Orwa Ojode, had been scheduled to preside over a harambee in Ndhiwa Constituency, Nyanza, on the fateful day. Two bodyguards and two pilots also died in the early morning crash.

According to the story, the commission set up to investigate the crash failed to address gaps that emerged during the proceedings, among them that Saitoti and Ojode could have been killed.

According to a post-mortem report, there were cherry-pink discolourations on their bodies, which could have suggested cyanide or carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is the fourth time that the journalists have received threats due to the stories they have meticulously researched aired in the past.

Rogue importers

They were first threatened in 2009 when they aired the Rogue Tracker, which ran on KTN Leo as Wizi wa Ngawira. They again received threats from rogue importers who felt threatened by the story, Port of Impunity or Zengwezengwe Baharini.

Namu also received threats after airing an exposé on Felicien Kabuga, In the Footsteps of Kabuga.

Similarly, Ali and his colleague Dennis Onsarigo were threatened after running Paruwanja ya Mihadarati or Untouchables in 2011.