Kenya

Kenya should legalise Dual Citizenship for its Diaspora

2009-06-04T03:42:00.000Z

By Alex Kamau Kamotho.

How unfortunate that it has taken the financial turmoil ravaging the US and the UK and much of the western world for Kenyan ministers and mandarins to appreciate the important role the Diaspora play in the Kenyan economy, and what more they could do were their potential utilised in a systematic manner. That this group of people remit nearly 50 billion shillings annually greatly underscores their role.

There is no justification as to why Kenya has yet to formulate a coherent policy to utilise the immense financial resources of Kenyans abroad almost fifty years after they started leaving for studies, work or settlement abroad.
But who are the Diaspora? Kenyans abroad are largely in five categories: Students, Professionals, those permanently settled through marriage or family, those in mid or lower jobs and the undocumented immigrants.

Irrespective of category, most Diaspora retain an irrevocable bond with Kenya and hope to return and lead a better life informed by greater financial resources and make a contribution to Kenya’s development. They continue to liberate their families and friends through financial support.

One is impressed by their sheer and singular determination wherever they are abroad and what they achieve relative to how much they earn- and the cost of living. The lessons they learnt in Kenya – of thrift, austerity and sacrifice help them save millions through blood and sweat.

I live and work in the UK and am humbled that the more than 150,000 Kenyans living here have been classed as one of the most economically active, productive and successful of all immigrant communities to the UK.
This is no mean feat in a country with immigrants from every country on earth and importantly because race and skin colour remain important factors in determining access to economic opportunities and progress.

What then can the Kenyan government and politicians do to help?

First there need to be a structured way of tapping the economic potential of this group. The Kenyan government could if it were more organised borrow money from the Diaspora instead of genuflecting every time at hostile donors. What about a Diaspora bond or treasury bills issued say in London, Montreal, Canberra or Washington and subscribed for in pounds or dollars-directly remitted to Kenya via our foreign missions?
That Kenyan companies have in the past camped for weeks in major US and UK cities offering their products to the Diaspora shows this potential. The government should offer alternative investment opportunities and dissuade most Diasporas from investing primarily in real estates as this has, as evidence now suggest resulted in an over priced real asset bubble in the major Kenyan towns which may explode with serious consequences to ordinary Kenyans at home.

Secondly the Kenyan government should urgently pass legislation to legalise dual citizenship. It is painful to renounce Kenyan citizenship and most do so as a last resort. American or British citizenship may mean greater access to economic opportunity but does not make one less Kenyan! I belief once Kenyan always Kenyan irrespective of what Kenyan politicians would rather we think of ourselves.

The 150 world countries among them the richest and most progressive that allow dual citizenship appreciate the great benefits associated with efficient movement of labour and capital.
Our blinkered ruling class appear oblivious to these benefits which is both a tragic and scandalous failure of leadership.

In an increasingly interconnected world, it is in Kenya’s best interests that native born citizens be knowledgeable about and involved in the world. It is notable that most of the Kenyan Diaspora is concentrated in the richest countries and Kenya would benefit two fold were it to allow dual citizenship.
Political loyalty is far different from nostalgia and the desires to make things better in the land of one’s birth are two emotions Kenya should not dissuade. There is clear historical precedent and hard evidence that affection for—and even service to—one’s homeland is not incompatible with Kenyans Diaspora taking up British, American or Canadian citizenship. The more than 10 million Jews living outside Israel but eternally welcome in Israel do not love Israel any less than their countries of domicile.

Dual citizenship does not weaken Kenyan loyalty; to the contrary, it strengthens Diasporas’ feeling that they are welcome by reassuring them that they will not be punished for loving their homeland. Many of the countries that allow duo citizenship do so because they understand that a great country would not want to make citizens out of those who do not care about the fate of the land of their birth.The medieval maxim that a man or woman should no more have two countries than two wives or husbands is based on a misleading allegory. The better comparison is between two different kinds of loyalties, to parent and spouse: An individual is bound to one by nature (birth), and to the other by choice (love or marriage). One can love both equally strongly, but in different ways.

I hope Hon Wetangula , Richard Onyanka and Otieno Kajwang –will be reading this and hope they will fast track into law, dual citizenship to correct this shameful position for a most valuable group of Kenyans.
The government they serve may be remembered by us lot for years to come.

The writer is a Kenyan working as a lecturer in Britain.
akkamotho@yahoo.co.uk

THE TRUTH ON THE COLLAPSE OF THE KILAGUNI TALKS

2009-04-09T03:38:00.000Z

THE TRUTH ON THE COLLAPSE OF THE KILAGUNI TALKS A PRESS STATEMENT FROM ODMThe ORANGE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT wishes to state that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the Rt. Hon Raila Amolo Odinga (the Prime Minister), and the ODM members of the Permanent Committee on the Management of Grand Coalition Affairs (the Permanent Committee) went to Kilaguni retreat in order to identify, isolate, discuss and resolve all the issues affecting the smooth running of the Grand Coalition Government We did this in order to enable the country move forward. It was in recognition of the fact that without resolution of these issues, the Grand Coalition Government would not be able to deliver on the People’s Agenda set out in the National Accord. The full and faithful implementation of the National Accord, in both letter and spirit, is well over-due.The primary purpose of the Permanent Committee is to ensure that the Grand Coalition Government can function and resolve issues within it.Unfortunately we were not able to agree on issues for discussion; issues which had been agreed on before hand. In fact,by March 14, 2009, the Joint Secretaries had prepared a Draft Agenda, which was typed and printed by the Presidency and Cabinet Office in the Office of the President on March 14th, and which ODM tabled at Kilaguni, contained the following items for discussion
More at http://www.kenyatown.com/index.php/2009040896323/Views-On-Kenya/ODM-KILAGUNI-Press-Statement.html

Press Statement By Paul Muite S.C on threats to his life over Extra JudicialExecutions in Kenya issued 8th April 2009

2009-04-09T03:34:00.001Z

Last Sunday, 5th April 2009, I received specific information from crediblesources that Members of the "Kwekwe squad" responsible for carrying out extrajudicial executions have been given instructions to get rid of me. The question you will ask and the one that jumped to my mind when I re
ceivedthe information is, what have I done, why now? This is the question my mind hasbeen grappling with since Sunday. My conclusion is that the consistent public stand which I have taken on extrajudicial executions may have something to do with it. Some of you Ladies andGentlemen of the media will recall that I was amongst the very first publicfigures to condemn extra judicial executions and to point fingers at theGovernment. I attended the funeral services of both Kingara and Oulu at which Ispoke strongly on Government involvement in the killings. In sodoing, I was aware that Intelligence Officers would be present wanting to knowwho was saying what. It is their work. Recently, Professor Philip Alston handed over his report on extra judicialexecutions in Kenya to the ICC Prosecutor, Moreno Ocampo and requested the ICCto take action. Behind the scenes, I have myself been urging Ice through emissaries to takeaction since this issue is grave and serious. The documented cases are over 600.Thousands more are listed as missing. It is possible that the Intelligenceagencies are aware of my behind the scenes efforts for ICC to take action. Theylisten to phone conversations and hack emails as we all know. I have accordingly decided to write formally to the ICC Prosecutor Louis MorenoOcampo drawing his attention to the imminent threat to my life and urging him toopen investigations into extra judicial executions in Kenya with a view toprosecuting those involved. I am making available to you copies of my letter toMr. Ocampo. You will see from the contents of my letter to Mr. Ocampo that underArticle 28 of the Rome Statute, I finger criminal responsibility for these extrajudicial executions on the President himself, the Hon. John Michuki who was theMinister of State in the Office of the President in 2006 when this policy ofextermination through extra judicial executions appears to have been formulatedand implementation commenced, the Commissioner of Police, the Director ofIntelligence, theCommanders of these squads and at the bottom, those officers who carry out theexecutions. It is possible however that the last straw might well have come from the latestspat with H.E. the President over the criminal raid on KTN and the Standard andwith his then Minister of State in his office in charge of Internal Security theHon. John Michuki. It will be recalled that the President himself issued a codedthreat" or where ever else we might meet. It is the only way." My lawyers'letter to the President in which this coded threat was taken up is a matter ofpublic record and I make available to you copies of that letter. The Hon. John Michuki, too, sent a demand letter which was responded to.Thelast paragraph of my lawyers' response reads and I quote:- "Thirdly and finally, we have been instructed to state that our client willtake the suit your client files as invitation to disclose and adduce evidence ofthe meeting at which the decision to carry out the criminal operations was made,who was present and in particular who presided over that meeting and gave the goahead, including the fake articles on an alleged visit by "someone" to SouthernSudan back in 1997 to visit "someone" there.. Your client will bearresponsibility for disclosure of that evidence including the implication andconsequences. " This too I suspect might have contributed towards the final straw. If a government which is supposed to protect the lives of its citizens is theone taking those lives in extra judicial executions and politicalassassinations, there is very little a citizen can do to escape execution. I have called this press conference to let Kenyans know that if anything doesindeed happen to me, let no one be fooled that it was "ordinary thuggery or carjacking." It will have been pre-meditated political assassination/extra judicialexecution. It would pain my soul wherever it might be to hear Erick Kiraithe and Dr.AlfredMutua telling the public that the Government/Police are investigating with aview to bringing to book those who might have been involved. Equally, it is pointless reporting to the Police. They are the suspects whoshould be investigated. To report to them will only give them the opportunity toprobe from where the leak might have occurred so that they deal with the"msaliti" (traitor) the way they dealt with Kiriinya.
Download signed copy of Press Statement dated 8th April 2009
Download signed letter from Paul Muite to Louis Moreno Ocampo on Extra JudicialExecutions in Kenya dated 8th April 2009
At http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=711
www.marsgroupkenya.org
Watching Out For You

RE: LOAN REQUEST BY THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA FOR ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS

2009-03-31T04:07:00.002Z

Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn
Managing Director
The International Monetary Fund
700 19th Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20431
For the attention of the Board of Directors
30th March 2009
Dear Sir,

RE: LOAN REQUEST BY THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA FOR ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS
We understand that the Kenya Government has applied for an emergency credit forUS$ 100 million to cushion its currency from the International monetary Fund. We also understand that this application is due for consideration at your nextBoard Meeting. The Partnership for Change is concerned that while Kenyans continue to demandaccountability from the Government of Kenya on our Public Debt, the Governmentcontinues to ignore the Public and continues to borrow and indebt the poorpeople of Kenya. The position of the Partnership for Change is that transparency requires thatKenyans know what they owe, to whom they owe, and for what purpose they have adebt. The Partnership for Change wants no further contracting of InternationalDebts unless and until the Government of Kenya accounts to the people of Kenyathrough Parliament by tabling the complete list of all loans and Debt registersfor the period 1963 to date for public scrutiny. We also want the Law amendedbefore any further borrowing, so that it is illegal for the Government of Kenyato borrow without prior Parliamentary approval and full debate on the merits ofthe borrowing. We request that all future lending to Kenya be pegged toaccountability and transparency. We submit that that most of the debts thatKenya is listed as owing are bogus, corrupt debts which have impoverishedKenyans who repay these debts annually to the tune of 24% of our Nationalbudget. The effect of making poor, starving Kenyans pay these unconscionabledebts can easily be described as a crime against humanity. It is in this context that we write to your organization as hereunder. Two years ago, when he was the junior Senator for Illinois, US President BarackObama, famously said in Nairobi that “while corruption is a problem we allshare, here in Kenya it is a crisis - a crisis that’s robbing an honest peopleof the opportunities they have fought for - the opportunity they deserve.” Ifhe were to visit Kenya today, he might feel that the situation is no longer acrisis but has reached the tipping point. In fact, corruption in Kenya is nolonger a crisis; if one understands crisis’ to mean that point where there issome hope of recovery should the government intervene. We believe thatcorruption in Kenya is akin to a terminal cancer that has become malignant, andthe government doctors attending the patient are administering placebotreatment, allowing the cancer to spread institution by institution. Amongthese institutions are the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance whose debtmanagement leaves a lot to be desired. Aggravating the situation, The President Mwai Kibaki and The Prime MinisterRaila Odinga are in denial as evidenced by their public statements, that thecorruption problem in the Grand Coalition is not serious. The consequences oftheir denial is that the fight against corruption is not a Government priorityand Kenyans continue to suffer as the country impunity for gross economic crimesbecomes entrenched to the same extent as during the Daniel Arap Moi regime. Arap Moi’s greatest scandal, Goldenberg, remains unresolved and beneficiariesnamed in a Judicial Commission of Inquiry remain in Cabinet and publicprominence. This despite promises by Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga. Nothing characterizes such impunity as the Treasury or the Ministry of Finance.It is this department of the Kenyan Government which is responsible for theunresolved scandal of the Sovereign debt in the form of Irrevocable PromissoryNotes worth close to USD 750 million dollars that were illegally issued, withoutlegal consideration, to several phantom credit companies in the Anglo Leasingcredit contracts. To date these have not been cancelled and the Government thatis asking you for emergency credit is actually negotiating payments of thesebogus debts with the so–called financiers in Europe, in the full knowledgethat no credit was delivered to Kenya and that the poor taxpayers are the oneswho will eventually pay for these bogus debts. To add insult to injury the Government is refusing to seek mutual legalassistance from international authorities who are willing to unravel the AngloLeasing scandal with respect to their nationals. It is public record that amongsuch authorities whose inquiries are being frustrated by the Kenyan authorities,and the Attorney General in particular, are the United Kingdom’s Serious FraudOffice. The Kenyan authorities have also refused to request for assistance ofthe United States Department of Justice which has in its custody a US nationalwho was involved in Anglo Leasing called Bradley Birkenfeld. The Kenya AntiCorruption Commission has no interest in international asset recovery. Kenyans are aware that the largest component of our Public Debt is to the WorldBank and the IMF. We want the World Bank and the IMF to lend responsibly and notto continue impoverishing Kenyans. What Kenyans would like to see from the WorldBank and the IMF is comprehensive debt relief, with immediate cancellation ofour debts to your Organizations. Millions of Kenyans are wallowing in abjectpoverty and indeed are starving, unemployed and destitute. Without transparencyin this matter of national debts, there will be little point in continuing tomaintain the fiction, now being put about by your institutions, theInternational Monetary Fund and the World Bank, that the government of Kenya hasthe capacity or will to unravel this shameful system failure and corruptionscandals. Kenyans must stop the abuse of borrowing powers by Treasury. We do notwant to borrow $100,000,000 from the IMF. The Government of Kenya should bereminded that they have provided for a similar amount $100,000,000 to repaybogus Anglo Leasing and Ken Ren fertilizer factory debts in the current budget2008/2009. Ken Ren fertilizer factory is a phantom project for which annualpayments are being made by the Treasury to a bank in Austria and a bank inBelgium. They should use those funds to “cushion the currency”. The IMF andthe World Bank should not assist the Government of Kenya in scamming Kenyans. We therefore respectfully urge you:1. Not to approve the request by the Government of Kenya in its present form.2. To insist that the following conditionalities apply before the request isconsidered:……… Read the letter in full here; http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=690 or Download the signed copy here;http://marsgroupkenya.org/pdfs/200903/P4C_Letter_To_The_MD_IMF_30TH_March_2009.pdf

c.c.Open Copies to
1. All Members of Parliament ( Kenya National Assembly)
2. Bi – Lateral Donors to Kenya
3. The Country Resident Director, the World Bank
4. The Resident Representative, African Development Bank
5. The Resident Representative, International Monetary Fund
6. Media
7. The Board of Directors of the World Bank

www.marsgroupkenya.org

Watching Out for You.

Kofi Anan speech in Geneva

2009-03-31T04:05:00.000Z

'Kenya National Dialogue: One Year Later'

kofi ananGeneva — 31 March 2009-

I am glad to welcome you to Geneva and to this lessons learned meeting on the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation process. A very warm Karibu sana [big welcome] to all.
Almost all of us in this room were, one way or another, part of the efforts to resolve peacefully the crisis that engulfed Kenya following the December 2007 elections.
Some were more directly involved in the actual negotiations than others. Some are now more involved in hands-on implementation of the agreements, while others are keen observers and advocates of the process.
But all of us -- the mediators, the international community, political parties, civil society, religious leaders, the media, and the business community -- played our part. The credit for the success of the mediation process, or any deficiencies therein, belong to all of us.
We are all united in Kenya's peace-building endeavour. In our joint effort to bring lasting peace and security to Kenya, we are bound together -- like members of an extended family, whether we like it or not!
That is why my colleagues and I at the Kofi Annan Foundation thought it would be productive, one year on, to come together, take stock of the achievements and shortcomings, and draw lessons that may be used elsewhere in similar situations.
Clearly, we also hope that the lessons might help our Kenyan friends overcome the current challenges confronting them in the implementation of their reform agenda.
I obviously do not want to pre-empt our discussions. But I would like to offer a few personal reflections to help set the scene.
Last January, when I received a call from President Kufuor of Ghana, then Chairman of the African Union, asking me, on behalf of the African Union , to help mediate the crisis in Kenya, I knew the task was not going to be easy, but also recognized its crucial importance.
Kenya was a beacon of hope for Africa. It had been a relatively stable country, with a modestly growing economy and expanding middle class. Kenya is important both politically and economically to the East and Central African region. Any prolonged instability would impact negatively on the entire sub-region.
It was, therefore, vital that action be taken urgently to help resolve the crisis. Africa and rest of the the international community could not stand idly by and see Kenya collapse
This was recognized when a stream of visitors very quickly arrived in Nairobi, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Museveni, and former Heads of State who are members of the African Leaders Forum: Presidents Chissano, Kaunda, Mkapa, and Masire.
President Kufuor and I quickly spoke to President Mkapa and, Graca Machel to ask if they would join me as members of a Panel of Eminent African Personalities to assist in the mediation.
With a great sense of urgency, as Kenya was burning and its citizens were being killed, the three of us agreed to help.
We also quickly decided on the way forward. We recognized that strong and coordinated international support from the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and others was needed right from the start.
It was important, too, that the international community acted in unison and spoke with one voice. We also needed to ensure that Kenyan stakeholders, such as civil society organizations and the media, were given an effective voice in the mediation process.
We sought their views and listened to their concerns, which helped us to draw up the agenda for the negotiations. And to ensure public support and confidence in the process, we published all agreements reached by the parties and were determined to be as transparent as possible.
The effective external response proves that the responsibility to protect can work. But whatever positive role was played by the international community, the cessation of violence was a great achievement on the part of the Kenyan political leadership and the people of Kenya.
Kenyans should be very proud for having brought the country back from the brink of disaster. If the parties had not agreed to enter into negotiations at an early stage and made concessions because they understood what was at stake, the ethnic dimension of the violence could have made things worse.
Kenya was bleeding and the people wanted peace. There was no alternative to dialogue and mediation. The leaders found the courage and the wisdom to seek a political settlement and stop the killing.
Whatever difficulties the Coalition Government may have faced since the conclusion of the National Accord, there is now a framework in place to carry out far-reaching reforms that should fundamentally transform Kenyan society for the better.

The population embraced the programme of reform. They are now rightly impatient for its full implementation. They are frustrated by Cabinet disagreements and infighting, and by the inability to set up the Special Tribunal to bring to justice those most responsible for the post-election violence. They are equally angry at widespread corruption and the lack of action to root it out.
The momentum witnessed in the immediate aftermath of the signing of the National Accord has slowed down considerably. But the situation is not hopeless. The Government can turn things around by acting swiftly and effectively on the agreed constitutional, parliamentary, electoral, judiciary, police, and land reforms.
All Kenyans have a stake and a responsibility to ensure that the programme of reform is fully implemented. Power-sharing arrangements may not be the universal panacea for disputed elections but the situation in Kenya was unique. The options available to resolve the disputed election results (recount, re-tally, re-run) were not viable as it risked more people being killed and there were long-standing issues which triggered the horrific post-election violence.
The stresses and strains we are seeing in Kenya have a wider relevance.
I recall that, in 1998, as United Nations Secretary-General, I presented a report to the Security Council on the Causes of Conflict and the Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa.
The conclusions of that report, which covered Africa as a whole, are strikingly similar to the findings of the Independent Review Commission (IREC) and the Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence (CIPEV) on the underlying causes of last year's crisis in Kenya.
It focused on the dangers of the politicization of ethnicity; non-adherence to the rule of law; reliance on centralized and highly personalized forms of governance; inequitable development; corruption and abuse of power; a winner-takes-all form of political victory and a perception that certain groups are not receiving a fair share of resources.
While Africa and the world have changed considerably since that report was produced 11 years ago, it is clear that many of the ills that have been plaguing the continent for decades continue to thrive in Kenya and elsewhere. We must tackle these challenges once and for all.
I believe this is one reason why the world is paying such close attention to the way Kenya grapples with these issues -- just as ordinary Kenyans are closely watching how their leaders address their needs, and respond to their demands for real change.
While effective mediation resulted in the achievements enshrined in the Kenya National Accord, the true and enduring success of the dialogue will depend very much on the full implementation of the agreed reforms, the first real test of which will be the 2012 elections.

Let Justice Prevail – Kenyans want assurance

2008-11-24T03:34:00.000Z

Who is behind the killings targeting young Kikuyu men? This was the big question on Hon. Jeremiah Kioni’s lips as he spoke to KLN in London on Saturday. He also spoke exclusively on the Waki report and what he thinks is the dilemma.

The sitting MP for Ndaragwa was in London by invitation to attend a workshop organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, on donor funding.

“I came to articulate Kenya’s position and also learn from the other countries on how they are fairing and the difficulties; they face in soliciting and ultimate management of the funds.

Hon Kioni spoke extensively on the need to implement the Waki report and the need for justice. Justice was quite central in the interview touching on the issue of not only the political reports – namely the Kriegler and Waki Commissions – but the purported killings of young men in and around Nairobi largely from the Kikuyu tribe.

The legislator noted, several young Kikuyu men have reportedly taken from their homes on the premise that they are being investigated for their involvement with rogue gangs in the city like Mungiki, and are later found shot dead. The authorities don’t seem to know who is behind it. The Police have not come clean on the issue and now most young people are running scared. And even the Government appears to be in the dark.

On the Waki Report, Hon. Kioni like many others insists it should be followed through. He said contrary to what many believe, the report was merely a pointer as to who was involved and did not particularly criminalize anyone. What should happen next is for the report to be tabled in parliament, a commission enacted to determine how the hearings can be done, and if anyone has been named, then they can defend themselves there and if found guilty, be charged. If on the other hand they are found innocent they shall be cleared.

Hon. Kioni feels the greatest opposition to the Waki Report is from, ODM members in parliament. “He believes there is real nothing to fear if you believe you are innocent. But failing to follow through the report will be a miscarriage of justice.” The Ndaragwa MP says “The people that were involved in the 1992 clashes; burning houses and looting in the Rift Valley and Mt. Elgon are the same fellows who were key players in 2008. If we don’t prosecute them now, how do we know
http://kenyalondonnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2827&Itemid=1

Kimunya off the hook

2008-11-24T03:33:00.000Z

The Cockar Commission appointed to probe the controversial circumstances under which the former Grand Regency hotel changed hands has exonerated former Finance minister Amos Kimunya of any wrongdoing in the transaction that saw the Five-Star hotel sold to Libyan African Investment Company (LAICO).

The Grand Regency hotel, which had close links with the infamous Goldenberg scandal, changed hands in suspect circumstances that saw Kimunya suffer a no-confidence in Parliament and leading to his resignation from the Treasury. The commission has found Kimunya innocent of any crimes of commission or omission as had been alleged by Lands minister James Orengo who blew the whistle on the clandestine sale of the hotel.

A source privy to the Commission of Inquiry into sale of Grand Regency report which is set to be presented to President Mwai Kibaki today at 11 am at Harambee House intimated to Kenya Times that apart from Orengo’s accusation, no other witness summoned by the Commission mentioned Kimunya adversely.

"The commission found out that Kimunya is not guilty because he did not play any pertinent role in disposing off the hotel to the Libyan investors despite the fact that he was the Finance minister. Apart from Orengo’s baseless claims there was no other witness who implicated Kimunya of any offence," said the source.

Based on the findings, the commission chaired by (rtd) Justice Majid Cockar recommends Kimunya to be reinstated to the Cabinet. But it is not clear whether President Mwai Kibaki will reappoint the Kipipiri MP back to the Treasury, a position being held by John Michuki on an acting capacity. But testifying before the commission, Orengo accused Kimunya of constantly denying in June this year that the hotel had not been sold only to realise that it had been secretly disposed off to the Libyan investors.

Orengo also took issue with the former minister for saying that the hotel was sold at Sh2.95 billion while the transfer documents and the title deed at the Ministry of Lands indicate it changed hands for Sh1.85 billion. But the report seems to rely heavily on Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Prof Njuguna Ndungu‘s testimony, which absolved Kimunya of involvement in the sale of the hotel or determining its sale price.

"Although Kimunya did not tell us to sell the hotel to a given purchaser or at a given price, he advised us to dispose it at the earliest opportunity, in a cost effective manner and within the confines of the law," Ndungu told the Commission. The commission exempted Kimunya from testifying on grounds that no witness had adversely mentioned him in the controversial sale of the Grand Regency hotel.

This followed an application by his lawyer Prof Githu Muigai who argued that it was not necessary for the former minister to appear before the Commission because there was no evidence implicating him in any wrongdoing in the sale of the hotel. Muigai told the Cockar Commission probing the controversial sale of the hotel that out of the 21 witnesses that testified, only two mentioned Kimunya indirectly.

The commission’s findings contradict that of a parliamentary oversight committee which censured Kimunya for misleading the House over the sale of the Grand Regency Hotel. The Finance, Planning and Trade Committee declared Kimunya unfit to occupy any public office and asked President Kibaki not to contemplate reinstating him to the Cabinet.

"The committee recommends to the appointing authority (the President) that he be advised that the conduct of Amos Kimunya is not compatible with that of a minister," reads the parliamentary report in part. The committee further referred the Kipipiri MP to the House Powers and Privileges Committee for prerequisite punishment which includes a huge fine or being denied allowances for a number of days by Parliament.

Kimunya was accused of misleading the committee on May 21, 2008 that Grand Regency hotel had not been disposed off only to realise that LAICO had on May 8 paid Sh290 million as the down payment of the purchase price of Sh2.9 billion. According to the Cockar Commission, the sale of the Grand Regency hotel was a deal between the Kenyan and Libyan governments, a deal that was sealed by President Mwai Kibaki during his State visit to Tripoli in June 2007.

The report says the sale of the hotel was a ‘government project’ which was sanctioned by all relevant State authorities adding that Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) was obliged to fast track the sale since it was a government-to-government deal. According to a confidential brief the Governor produced before the commission as evidence, Kibaki sanctioned the sale of the hotel to LAICO during his visit to Libya.

"Following a visit by the President to Tripoli last year, Libyan investors made contact and expressed desire to purchase the hotel and the Kenyan authorities agreed to consider the request. Although the Libyan investors would have liked to buy the hotel as a going concern and its current market, CBK had pushed for a net price of $45 million," reads part of Prof Ndungu’s undated and unsigned confidential brief produced to the commission as evidence.

Kimunya had also evoked the President’s trip to Tripoli as the basis that informed the sale of Grand Regency hotel to the Libyan investors while defending himself against a censure motion in Parliament. In recognition of the clandestine nature in which the transaction was conducted, the commission recommends that the government lays down proper mechanisms through which autonomous State agencies like CBK and Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) can dispose off their property.

A source told Kenya Times that the report indicts CBK for hurrying up the sale of the hotel in total disregard of legal tendering procedures. It accuses CBK of single sourcing the purchaser of the hotel instead of subjecting the sale to competitive tendering for purposes of transparency and accountability.

While giving evidence before the commission, CBK Governor Prof Njuguna Ndungu said they fast tracked the sale of the hotel to not only to recover Sh2.5 billion charge the bank had against the owner businessman Kamlesh Pattni which has been futile for the last 15 years, but also to prevent detractors from going to court to block the sale.

Kimunya’s name started featuring in the sale of the hotel after Orengo claimed that the hotel had been sold for a song and in total disregard of laws on public procurement. This made the Prime Minister Raila Odinga to appoint a technical committee led by Attorney-General Amos Wako to probe the saga.

The Wako-led technical committee had recommended the stepping aside of Kimunya, CBK Governor Ndungu, NSIS Director Gichangi and the Secretary to the CBK board Kaunda, pending completion of the investigations. Orengo’s evidence formed part of the basis of a vote of no confidence against Kimunya moved by Ikolomani MP Dr Bonny Khalwale.

In his motion, Khalwale also faulted Kimunya over the manner he handled the Safaricom Initial Public Offering without disclosing the shadowy company Mobitelea which owns shares in the largest company in East Africa.

The Obama Nation Strikes the whip and deports a small minded and illegal immigrant MZUNGU

2008-10-08T12:53:00.003Z

Anti-Obama author deported from Kenya

Jerome Corsi: had arrived in Nairobi to launch Obama Nation
ROB CRILLY in Nairobi
AN AMERICAN opponent of Barack Obama was deported from Kenya last night after trying to stage the African launch of his controversial book.
Jerome Corsi had travelled to the Obama family homeland to investigate links between the Democratic nominee and Kenyan politicians.
He was even carrying a $1,000 cheque for Obama's half-brother who lives in a squalid slum as part of a stunt to discredit the first African-American to come so close to the White House.
But last night, the author of Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality was waiting to fly out of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, after being told he could not stay. It seems he had not realised the country was immersed in Obamamania with little time for his critics. Nor were the Kenyan authorities impressed with chunks of the book deeply critical of Raila Odinga, the man recently installed as prime minister.
Corsi was detained by immigration authorities as he arrived at a swish Nairobi hotel where the book launch was due to take place.
"He was walking in and then some immigration officers who were following him snatched him," said a hotel worker.
"It happened so fast, they just vanished with him."
He and an assistant were taken to Nyayo House, which once housed torture chambers but now serves as Kenya's immigration headquarters.
They were later driven to Nairobi's international airport and told to leave immediately.
Tim Bueler, Corsi's assistant, told The Irish Times they would be flying to London on an overnight flight.
"Our passports and visas are in order but it seems the Kenyan authorities have lost our arrival cards, which we filled in on the plane coming here," he said by telephone as security officers escorted the pair to the airport.
"So we will leave while they complete their investigations but we have been told we can return."
The missing paperwork will be viewed as something of a fudge to let all sides forget about the embarrassing incident as quickly as possible.
No one from the Kenyan government was available to comment yesterday.
Corsi rose to prominence in 2004, when he teamed up with Swift Boat Veterans for Truth to publish Unfit for Command , part of a campaign to keep John Kerry out of the White House. It maligned his Vietnam record and was credited with helping sink his campaign.
This time around, Obama Nation has occupied the upper reaches of the New York Times bestseller lists since being published in August.
The book questions Obama's character, attacks his fitness to take up office and rakes over his family history.
© 2008 The Irish Times
Wonder kama alifungwa kamba kwa miguu vile sisi hufanywa na wao!!!!!Ujinga apele kwao home

STATEMENT OF THE KENYA NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION REGARDING THE ONGOING MV FAINA PIRACY INCIDENT

2008-10-02T04:10:00.000Z

The Kenya National Youth Convention (NYC) demands answers from the Government of Kenya.

The Kenya National Youth Convention (NYC) considers the ongoing MV Faina incident to be an exemplar of the reckless and dangerous conduct of national affairs by elements within the Government of Kenya, and calls for an end to the importation of offensive weaponry into the East African region.

Such transactions endanger regional security rather than enhancing it. The position of the Government of Kenya does not ring true and the NYC after deliberation is seeking answers to disturbing questions about the MV Faina incident……

Read Full Post: http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=264

www.marsgroupkenya.org

Watching Out for you

NYC IV: BOMAS DECLARATIONS EXTRA ORDINARY SESSION OF THE National Youth Convention [NYC IV]

2008-10-02T04:04:00.000Z

Vijanaa Tujipange

September 20th 2008

Rebuilding our Nation... Reconciling Our Communities
“The Challenges and Prospects for Young Kenyans”

We, the young women and men from all provinces and diverse backgrounds of the Kenyan nation convened at the extraordinary session of the National Youth Convention (NYC IV) at the Bomas of Kenya from 18th to 20th September 2008:

Recognize the heroes and heroines of Kenya’s struggles for independence; for democratic struggles since 1963, and those who lost their lives in the struggle against injustice resulting from the fraudulent General Elections in December 2007.

We reject the political, economic, social and cultural system under an undemocratic state that has been in force in Kenya since independence which has led to massive inequality, inter-ethnic and community conflicts and poverty in Kenya. We demand for a transformation of the system to ensure that the rights of every Kenyan are guaranteed and protected. We demand for a break with the past and a new way to do things in this country.

WE FURTHER DECLARE AS FOLLOWS…….

Read Full Post: http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=246

www.marsgroupkenya.org

Watching out for you

GiantSky launches website for AgriTrace, a leading developer of tracking and transaction systems for Kenya’s agricultural sector

2008-09-30T09:51:00.000Z

GiantSky is proud to launch AgriTrace Kenya at www.agritracekenya.com .

Agritrace Kenya Limited is an ICT company, providing food traceability and Global positioning tracking solutions to promote food safety and livestock security. As a service provider and systems intermediary, the company used the latest digital wireless `technologies to get to millions of farmers, processors, service providers, regulatory authorities, financial system and Billions of shillings in e-commerce. Agritrace’s core mission is to build an agribusiness information management and payment system as a key component supplier to the agricultural economies of Africa and spurring effort to make technology a more useful factor in rural production activities.

http://www.giantsky.com/2008-09-29/giantsky-launches-website-for-agritrace-kenya-a-leading-systems-developer-for-tracking-products-and-transactions-for-the-kenya-agricultural-sector/

U.S. says hijacked arms headed to Sudan, not Kenya

2008-09-30T09:48:00.000Z

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

A U.S. Navy spokesman says a weapons shipment on a Ukrainian ship hijacked by Somali pirates was headed to Sudan, not Kenya.

Lt. Nathan Christensen, a deputy spokesman for the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain, says the buyers in Sudan are unknown.

A 5th Fleet statement Monday says the ship was headed for the Kenyan port of Mombassa but that "additional reports state the cargo was intended for Sudan."

Kenya has claimed it was the buyer for the shipment, which includes T-72 battle tanks.

The U.N. has imposed an arms embargo on weapons headed to Sudan's Darfur conflict zone. But the ban does not cover other weapons sales to the Khartoum government or the southern Sudan's autonomous government. AP
http://www.chicagodefender.com/article-2027-us-says-hijacked-arms-headed-to-sudan-not-kenya.html

KENYA: ISLAMISTS ATTACK CHURCH IN NORTHERN TOWN

2008-09-30T09:44:00.000Z

longstanding effort to replace a church with a mosque in Kenya’s northern town of Garissa culminated in an attack by 50 Muslim youths this month that left the worship building in ruins.

The gang stormed the building of Redeemed Gospel Church on Sept. 14 and pelted the congregation with stones, sending many Christians fleeing while others became embroiled in fistfights. Ten Christians received hospital treatment for minor injuries and were released.

Church leaders said the Muslim mob also destroyed pews, damaged the church building’s walls of corrugated iron, smashed the glass-mounted pulpit and burned the church banner with its stand.

2008-09-23T12:26:00.001Z

President Kibaki had a three-hour stop-over at Heathrow Airport on Sunday 21st September, 2008 on his way to New York USA.

The president is expected to have a two-day stop over in London on Friday and Saturday on his way from USA.

Heal your skin at Lake Bogoria in Kenya

2008-09-23T12:16:00.003Z

It is not in doubt that humanity is conscious of its well being. Personal health concerns have topped the issues list knowing at people’s mind; for ability to enjoy life to the fullest is anchored here.

It is fundamentally and statistically proved that folks spend a sizeable chunk of their income on health and more so personal grooming. Your skin takes a lion’s share of this.

Lake Bogoria National Reserve sitting on the floor of the Rift valley and 266Km from Nairobi is one place in Kenya that you can take care of your skin if not for free at a very minimal cost (and this park entry fee). Aptly named the healing place, the hot geysers spewing from the bowels of mother earth in this park are reputed to be rich in minerals and detoxifiers.

A local resort_ the lake Bogoria pa resort has harnessed the power of this phenomenon to offer Kenya, its only naturally heated spa pool. Now its rooms are ever full because both local and international tourists are trooping to this wonderland to experience the healing qualities of these saunas.

Book yourself in the hotel and take a swim! Yes that is all. Alternatively drive five kilometers into the park proper. Enjoy the hot geysers measuring upto 100 degrees Celsius free of charge. All you need to do is have minimal or light clothing, a stool or you may stand facing the wind and voila! Oh also a friend for company.

This is a cost effective way for health both on your pocket and the environment too. There are no cosmetic and other chemicals used here. You do not need to fear the green cop. Imagine a natural skin care under the sun in a national reserve, by warm geyser spray; making stories and bonding with your friends or family as you behold a shy greater kudu, Antelope, Impalas and Waterbucks.

Tags: bogoria national reserve, book hotel, family, hotel, kenya, Lake Bogoria, Lake bogoria spa resort, Nairobi, personal health

An Exhortation to the Young people of Kenya by Mwalimu Mati

2008-09-23T12:14:00.000Z

An Exhortation to the Young people of Kenya by Mwalimu Mati - Key Note Address Delivered to the Extraordinary Session of the 4th National Youth Convention, Nairobi, September 19th 2008

We are meeting at a difficult time for many Kenyans. In fact we are meeting at the crossroad of the history of our country. We are here to decide our future path as delegates of an important convention. We have been brought here because of the acts and omissions of an older generation. A generation that was born before our country was freed from colonial rule, and which has since Independence run the affairs of this country.

We are here because we know that what happened immediately after we cast our votes on December 27th last year – the horror of which has never been seen in our country was a culmination of decades of decisions made by the pre-Independence generation. We raised arms against each other and murdered innocents, destroyed lives and property.

We lost respect for ourselves fighting a war which if we are honest was of no benefit to any of us. We set the precedent for the end of Kenya. Then, we stopped. Some say we stopped because of the National Accord of February 28th 2008 or because we feared for our lives, but we stopped and it is now possible to talk. So, it is important that we talk truthfully because the precedent we set has removed the margin of error when we are faced with the next big decisions…..

Read full post: http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=236

www.marsgroupkenya.org

Ross Kemp Kenya Special on Sky 1 Mon Sep 22, 9pm

2008-09-18T06:20:00.005Z

In this 90-minute special, Ross Kemp and his BAFTA winning documentary team travel to Kenya to investigate the Mungiki, an outfit labelled as the most dangerous ‘gang’ in Africa.

A disputed election in December 2007 sparked a spate of violence that left 1,500 dead and over 250,000 as refugees, leaving Kenya, once considered the jewel of Africa, on the brink of civil war. It is widely believed that the Mungiki were responsible for the reign of terror.

Ross comments, “I’ve always liked Africa and I loved Kenya when I was there, but I saw it from a totally different point of view from being a tourist to the way I saw it this time. Kenya has the perception of being a leader in Africa in terms of industry and infrastructure, but actually there’s extreme poverty and unrest there.”

Gaining access to the Mungiki is notoriously difficult, but Ross manages to meet with its top three members at the home of their imprisoned leader, Jenga. Grilling them about a grisly reputation that includes decapitation and torture, he is thrown by their denial. The men are adamant that the fear surrounding the Mungiki has been propagated by the government in a bid to disable them. They maintain that the government is the real culprit.

By gaining the trust of the Mungiki, Ross travels to locations then out of bounds to most ordinary Kenyans, let alone foreign reporters. His time with the Mungiki coincides with a bloody government crackdown on the Mungiki. Ross discovers that Kenya is still far from peace as finds himself in the middle of several riots as the Police round up Mungiki members.

Although Ross isn’t entirely convinced that these men are the saints they claim to be, he investigates and quickly realises that the situation is by no means clear-cut. After all, the Mungiki have their origins in spiritualism, denounce alcohol and drug-taking and, most importantly, Kenya’s poverty-ridden population are happy with their presence. When events take a tragic turn, with the abduction and murder of Jenga’s wife, Ross’ opinion is reinforced: “The Mungiki aren’t a gang, they’re an organisation and from what I saw whilst I was there, I think they’re justified.” “The death of the Mungiki leader’s wife while we were there sparked the riots. We were in the wrong place at the right time and that worked for our film“.

“The film contains an equal amount of fear and trepidation from myself, a lot of violence, a lot of gunfire and I’m told to go home by the police.”

Travelling outside of Nairobi, Ross also witnesses intolerable poverty in the town of Eldoret. Meeting the teenage mothers, their children and the orphans who live on a rubbish dump, Ross learns that they are all addicted to glue. “Those rubbish dumps will stay in my mind for the rest of my life,” says Ross. “When a woman drops her child on its head and picks it up and puts a glue bottle in its mouth, those are the things that stay with you, to see that loss, that desperation. Viewers will definitely be disturbed seeing little kids sniffing glue which has been given to them by their teenage mothers who are addicted to solvents.”

Ross Kemp: A Kenya Special is engrossing and immersive viewing, providing insight into a country in crisis: “I’m very proud of the Kenya special. For me, it’s a fascinating story and moves Gangs on to a more political side of what we’ve been doing. I’m very proud of the film, but I’m very sad about the people who died whilst we were out there.”

Mon 22 Sept, 9pm, only on Sky1 and Sky1 HD

Kenyan avocados banned - Trade war between Kenya and South Africa

2008-09-18T06:20:00.003Z

Commodity News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo

A trade row between Kenya and South Africa is reportedly simmering following the failure to resolve an administrative barrier that has seen Kenyan exports to the regional powerhouse shrink drastically over the last week.

The Business Daily a Kenyan businesses journal has reported in its Tuesday edition.

At issue is what Kenyan exporters consider a non administrative trade barrier that has virtually blocked avocados from accessing the Kshs 150 million a year market in the Republic of South Africa. That country has instituted the measure saying the product posed a fruit fly threat to the country.

Since the ban was imposed in April last year Kenya has lost 80 percent of its fresh avocado exports going down the to South.

The South Africa’s imports inspection body raised the phytosanitary issues which Kenya exporters see as a form of protectionism.

More;http://africanpress.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/kenyan-avocados-banned-trade-war-between-kenya-and-south-africa/

Orange arrives in Kenya

2008-09-18T06:20:00.002Z

After acquiring a 51% stake in Telkom Kenya’s capital in November 2007, the Group is launching its mobile business under its Orange brand in Kenya.
For several years now, France Telecom has been dynamically developing its presence in Africa in line with its ambition to be the leading operator. Present in 15 countries on this continent, from Mali to Madagascar, Egypt and Equatorial Guinea, today it is signaling its presence in eastern Africa through Kenya, writing a new chapter in its history.

The Orange brand offers a promise of simplicity and quality, guaranteeing a coherent customer experience across all the countries where it is deployed.
Promoting development and put forward as a benchmark for investment in the countries where it operates, Orange is making life easier for its customers through simple, accessible and convergent solutions.

Offering quality services while remaining accessible to the majority of Kenyans: this is the challenge that the company and all of Orange's staff are committed to meeting. In line with its values, and as a leading economic player, Orange Kenya plans to apply high governance standards and a voluntary training policy for its staff in order to significantly contribute to the country's development.
Source;http://www.orange.com/en_EN/group/latest_news/kenya.html

How Raila acquired his billions

2008-09-15T13:09:00.000Z

Raila Odinga’s big break came in 2001 soon after he led his party, NDP, into a merger with Kanu, the then ruling party. As Energy Minister in Moi’s government he was introduced to the family of Sheikh Abdukeder AlBakari, one of the richest families in Saudi Arabia with interests in petroleum drilling, petroleum exploration and export in the Middle East, Asia, USA and Africa
Read more;http://successinkenya.blogspot.com/2008/09/raila-silent-billionaire.html

Ambassador Muthaura has no Parliamentary Authority or powers to give Pauline Musyoka Ksh 400,000 per month

2008-09-10T11:12:00.000Z

A debate rages on in the Kenyan press with split opinion about whether Pauline Musyoka, wife of Kenya’s Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, should have kept the Ksh 400,000 a month she was “offered” by the Head of the Public Service, Ambassador Muthaura as compensation for “wise counsel and guidance which contribute to the public good in the course of nation building activities, besides playing hostess during national and other official public engagements.”

Mrs. Musyoka has said she will after all accept the offer but give it away to several charities, unlike Mrs. Ida Odinga who sensibly refused a similar offer last week.

It’s not really about the amount of money involved. The problem Mrs. Musyoka will have, going forward, is that Ambassador Muthaura’s “offer” is, ipso facto, illegal and unconstitutional regardless of her charitable intentions. This illegality will remain unless and until a supplementary revised national budget is approved by Parliament. It is doubtful that Parliament would approve such expenditure if it was asked. This exposes her to surcharge and other embarrassment if the Controller and Auditor General reports adversely.

Strange and unscheduled military planes from the US

2008-08-12T06:08:00.001Z

Strange and unscheduled military planes from the US have in the last two months been making secretive night landings in Kenya, in what are feared as missions to move terror suspects from the country.

The night landings of US planes at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, carrying American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officials have raised suspicion and controversy not only among local security agents, but also players in aviation.

Questions have been raised over US aircraft operating from the airport.

EU CO2 hysterics could harm Kenya's small scale organic farmers

2008-08-12T06:02:00.000Z

August 12, 2008: Kenya’s horticulture industry is facing a new market access threat as the European Parliament prepares to vote on a new law that would see aviation included in the continental emissions trading scheme (ETS).

The law, which has been on the cards for nearly two years, comes before Parliament for a vote later this month and could be implemented in 2010 if passed.

It will force EU retailers to give preference to agricultural produce that has not been airlifted to meet their obligations under the ETS.

This means that a British supermarket would, for instance, give preference to flowers from the Netherlands that can be transported to its outlets by rail over Kenya’s air freighted consignments.
...

Most of Kenya’s horticultural exports are produced organically by small scale farmers and are freighted in passenger air craft to foreign markets.

Kenya Consulates Report Steady Progress

2008-08-06T09:54:00.000Z

A visit to the Kenya High Commission in London, confirmed what reports from the Kenya Tourism Industry have been indicating, that it is slowly but surely picking up and by the end of the year it will be back to full capacity. Friday afternoon revealed a healthy cue at 45 Portland Place as visitors came in to pick up their visas.

Following the post-election skirmishes and consequent travel advisories from Kenya’s top tourist clients in Europe and America, the tourism industry virtually ground to a halt as visitors cancelled their holidays leaving the country’s Hotels struggling to cope. Many travel agencies actually closed down with some laying off most of their staff and just keeping a skeleton office to manage the affairs of the day
Read more;http://kenyalondonnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2136&Itemid=1

Murder of Kenyan woman, daughters from Njathaini in Kiambu still unsolved

2008-08-02T10:01:00.001Z

By YOLANDA RODRIGUEZ
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/01/08

The calls stopped coming within a few months of their deaths. But last year's murders of Jane Kuria and her teenage daughters haunt the people who knew them.

The bodies of Kuria and her daughters, Isabela, 19, and Annabelle, 16, were found Aug. 1, 2007, in their home in the Country Cove neighborhood in Powder Springs.

Uganda hands over Kenya rebels

2008-07-21T04:26:00.000Z

Six Kenyan rebles of Saboat have been handed over to the Kenyan government.The rebels crossed into Ugan da while fleeing the recent fighting between the government military forces and the rebels at the climax of the fighting in March.

The UPDF 3rd division spokesman, Capt. Henry Obbo, said the rebels who have been in UPDF custody for close to four days in Manafwa, were handed over on Wednesday at Lwakhakha Uganda-Kenya border.
Read more;http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/regional-special/Uganda_hands_over_Kenya_rebels_68574.shtml

Kenya to attract new investment at meeting in Britain

2008-07-21T04:25:00.000Z

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga will leave for Britain on Monday night, leading a high-powered government and private sector delegation that would spell out the transformed climate for new investment in the country.
A statement from Odinga's office said on Sunday that the focus of the three-day visit is to show case Kenya as an investment hub where the premier is expected to address an investment conference on Wednesday.
"Conditions for that level of enhanced economic growth already exist now, but will require substantial new domestic and international investment," Odinga said on Sunday.
Read more;http://www.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=314611751

Willit work???????

2008-07-21T04:21:00.000Z

Moi speaks out on planned ethnic law

Government efforts to bury tribalism and encourage co-existence among different communities through legislation has been described as an exercise in futility.
Retired former president, Mr Daniel Moi, said that peace could only be achieved if Kenyans were willing to live together and love each other.

Read more;http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=2&newsid=127766

Iko kitu

2008-07-21T04:17:00.000Z

Kalenjin meeting in Dallas

My Dear Kenyans have you heard about the Kaleo meetings that were held in dallas during the memorial weekend, my sources tell me that other tribes were not allowed in to some meetings which had been dubbed "community empowerment".

What I want to know is what was this "empowerment" that was only for a specific community all about.....Let us not be caught unaware like we were in January. These people must be upto something.

Mobile development on the rise in Nairobi, Kenya

2008-07-21T04:10:00.001Z

A journalist from the New York Times asks the question: “Inside Nairobi, the next Palo Alto?”

This is a provocative title — maybe as sensationalist as the alarmist news reports that were published at the beginning of the year. While I’d do anything to see a technology boom in Nairobi (or in Madagascar), Nairobi has still a long way to go before comparing it to Palo Alto, such as solid infrastructure and mass adoption of technology.

Rift Valley Railways is Bankrupt, says Kenya’s Auditor General

2008-07-18T09:31:00.000Z

THE Kenya Railways is bankrupt. And its survival depends on cash from government and its creditors.

In a report to Parliament this week, the Government of Kenya’s Auditor General Prisca Komora said KR owed workers and creditors Shl3 billion.

Even after handing over its cargo and passenger services to Rift Valley Railways, KR still made a Shl billion loss last year
Read more;http://kenyapolitical.blogspot.com/2008/07/rift-valley-railways-is-bankrupt-says.html

KNCHR warns of return to dark days of the police State - Kenya

2008-07-18T04:45:00.000Z

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a state agency, on Friday expressed grave concern at the recent spate of violent police crackdowns on citizens exercising their rights.

This year, several peaceful demonstrations have been violently broken up by the police and the demonstrators brutally assaulted in the process of arrest.

On May 30, several civil society activists who were peacefully demonstrating demanding government intervention to bring down the cost of food and fuel were tear-gassed and arrested. The protesters had informed the police of their intention to demonstrate, as the law requires.
Read more;http://www.cisanewsafrica.org/story.asp?ID=3284

Uganda-Kenya rail cargo falls to 8%

2008-07-18T04:40:00.000Z

By Mikaili Sseppuya

SINCE Rift Valley Railways (RVR) took over management of the Kenya-Uganda railways, freight cargo has reduced to 8% from 16%, an official of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has said.

“The committee noted that the rail market share had declined from 16% to 8.7% over the last two years. This has led to a major shift of cargo from the railway to roads, which has increased road accidents, road maintenance and freight costs,” Alex Kabuga, the KPA Inland Container Depot manager and chairman of the Seamless Transport Committee, said. The committee met from July 14 to 15 at Crested Towers in Kampala.
Read more;http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/220/639690

International Gold Exploration IGE AB announces progress at its Kilimapesa gold project in Kenya

2008-07-18T04:34:00.000Z

published in Nordic Business Report on Thursday, 17 July 2008 at 15:18 GMT
Copyright (C) 2008, M2 Communications Ltd.

Swedish exploration and mining company International Gold Exploration IGE AB (IGE) (OSE:IGE) said on Thursday (17 July) that its Kilimapesa gold project in Kenya continues to make progress toward starting gold production in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The project is jointly owned by International Gold Exploration IGE AB (50%) and Goldplat PLC (50%) through Kilimapesa Gold (Pty) Limited, the operator.

Phase II of the programme (Phase I consisted of project evaluation) is a staged development. The total exposed strike length has been extended to 93 metres, the company said.

The cost of Phase II is estimated to USD200,000. An additional USD500,000 will be spent to refurbish the 10-year old processing plant.

Production is expected to start in the fourth quarter 2008.

IGE, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, has exploration and mining activities in Sweden, Norway, Kenya, Angola and Burundi.

One British pound (GBP) is worth approximately 1.98 US dollars (USD).

B.C. couple brutally attacked in Kenya to return home

2008-07-18T04:23:00.003Z

John Bergen, and his wife, Eloise Bergen, are seen resting in a Nairobi Hospital earlier in July after they were attacked at their guarded residence in Kenya. (Sayyid Azim/Associated Press)
A Canadian missionary couple recovering from severe injuries sustained in a vicious attack in Kenya will be returning home soon, said their daughter-in-law.

John Bergen, 70, was attacked on July 9 by a gang of robbers armed with machetes, suffering broken arms and a skull fracture. His 63-year-old wife Eloise was tied up and sexually assaulted. The couple had moved from Vernon, B.C., to Kenya in March to do missionary work and run programs to feed the poor.

Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga -Maiden Official UK visit.

2008-07-16T04:15:00.000Z

News reaching KLN indicate that Hon. Raila odinga, Kenya's Prime Minister is to visit London in what becomes his first offcial visit to the Capital since his inauguration as the country's Prime Minister in March this year. Hon. Odinga brings with him a horde of Cabinet Ministers including Deputy PM Uhuru Kenyatta. The visit is being coordinated by the Kenya High Commission, who have yet to release the official itinery of the entourage that will also include
Read more;http://kenyalondonnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2027&Itemid=1

NIC bank in Kenya bank goes online

2008-07-15T04:45:00.000Z

NIC Bank in Kenya has unveiled an online system that allows its customers to access banking services for 24 hours and uploading of payments like salaries, pension, insurance, and suppliers' fees, reports Business Daily.

The service is an improvement on the previous one, which only enabled access to account statements. The premium online banking service is reportedly a first for Kenya and will allow customers to make online purchases, transfer funds and pay for utilities.

Analysts have singled out innovation as a key driver for growth in the banking sector, which is under pressure to diversify its income sources through commissions and fees, says the report.

Kenya coffee output up 38%

2008-07-15T04:44:00.001Z

airobi - Kenya's coffee output will rise 38% to 57 830 tonnes in the 2008/09 crop year, from an estimated 41 861 tonnes this year, on improved farming practices and good weather, a trade association said on Monday.
"Due to unusual intense flowering of the coffee trees in January, a big proportion of the late crop will mature and ripen earlier than normal by nearly two months," the Kenya Coffee Traders Association (KCTA) said in a report.
"The resultant outphasing of the berry development and the CBD cycles is also expected to reduce crop losses attributable to the disease."

Fury at Obama terror ‘spoof’

2008-07-15T04:30:00.002Z

Racism in AMERICA

AN American magazine has caused uproar with a spoof front page showing Presidential hopeful Barack Obama and wife Michelle as TERRORISTS.
The Stars and Stripes can be seen burning in the fireplace as Obama wears a turban and Michelle has a rifle slung over her shoulder.
Bosses at the New Yorker magazine say the picture was meant to be satirical, lampooning the caricature right-wing critics tried to create.
Read more;http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/the_real_american_idol/article1422162.ece

Hon Raila and Hon Uhuru in London Bound

2008-07-15T04:12:00.001Z

Kenya's Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga and Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta the Deputy Prime Minister and minister for Trade among others are scheduled to meet with Kenyans on Tuesday 22 July 2008 at 6:30 pm at a London Hotel, whose details will be announced shortly. Hon. Raila will be accompanied by, among others, his wife, Mrs Ida Odinga. The interactive evening will afford Kenyans in the United Kingdom an opportunity of discussing with the team several issues among them healing the past and reconciliation. More information later.
Source;www.misterseed.com

Missionaries Brutally Attacked in Kenya

2008-07-15T03:46:00.000Z

Two elderly missionaries working in Kitale, Kenya were attacked with machettes and clubs earlier this week. John and Eloise Bergen came down a few months ago to work with children affected by the political violence. Together, they started a school in a refugee camp with Hope for the Nations. They plan to stay. John (70) was attacked outside his house, and Eloise (65) in her bathtub. Read the article for all the details (they are very disturbing), but in short, John suffered from multiple fractures of the skull, arms, leg and knee, while Eloise was raped, tied up and beaten. After the attackers left, Eloise freed herself and found her husband in the bushes nearby.
Read more;http://juliadesantis.wordpress.com/2008/07/13/missionaries-brutally-attacked-in-kenya/

Seven days in Nairobi with 601TV

2008-07-09T06:22:00.000Z

601TV a London based media agency spent 7 days in Nairobi catching up with the trends in fashion, music and culture whilst attending various events in June.The events included Chaguo la Teeniez at Carnival, Pop Idols (show & after party) at Bomas and Galileo respectively, Daily Metro fashion shoot at Rangers restaurant in Langata.

A 20 page pictorial gallery of this tour can be viewed from the following link http://www.601tv.com/ezinee.php

Article in the Pulse (East Africa Standard) Friday 19th on 601Tv Nairobi presenter Christine Apondi.

Kimunya exit a loss for kenya

2008-07-09T06:21:00.000Z

Politics is a dirty game. To that let me also add that all human beings made of bone and flesh are fallible. These two truisms proved their worth once again today when Kenya’s Finance Minister Amos Kimunya resigned in connection to the fraudulent sale of the corruption tainted Grand Regency Hotel.
Corruption accusations, whether valid or not have robbed Kenya of one of its better Ministers in the post-Moi era. Kimunya was, for the most part, a man of principle sprinkled with pragmatism. He is credited for having brought macroeconomic stability to the Kenyan economy and restoring some sanity in the formulation of the government’s monetary policies. Most of all he is the man who was at the helm when Kenya had its best annual growth rate outside the first two decades of independence.
Most of his political detractors may have taken mileage out of the Grand Regency saga but the true loser in this case is not Mr. Kimunya but the Kenyan economy. Yes the man may have erred but by throwing him out we risk discontinuity in the setting of the economic agenda, which besides security, is the most important function of any self respecting government.
I am not saying tha there are no more Kimunyas out there or that corruption in any form should be tolerated. All I am saying is that the chances of our next Finance Minister being as successful as Amos Kimunya was are pretty slim. Most of our cabinet ministers are total clowns - I picture Kajwang singing and dancing on tv, Martha Karua with her vitriol etc etc. To me, Kimunya was one of the most level headed cabinet members and his loss is a real shame

Uncertainty as Kenya-Re hints at stopping marine cover

2008-07-09T06:19:00.000Z

News that the Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya-Re) was contemplating to stop covering marine vessels following a rise in claims has rocked the shipping industry.Kenya-Re was an idea borrowed by the Government from the west, where such companies like Munich-Re form the safety net for a number of insurers with very large risks to cover.

Kenyan Owned 601tv nominated for Afro Brits Awards

2008-07-07T09:07:00.001Z

601tv has been nominated for Afro Brits Awards (Arts & Culture and Community organisation Award 2008), pls vote online @.
http://www.afro-brits.com/nomineesfor2008.htm

The awards take place on 25 July 2008, Thank you and please vote for 601tv

The Afro Brits Awards 2008Africa is fortunate to have caring and capable leaders who serve as inspirational role models and help shape the future people like Nelson Mandela , Kwame Nkrumah and Lucas Radebe. This special event honours outstanding people who consistently and unselfishly invested their time and talents to help change and improve the lives of African people and others.

The individual stories of their significant accomplishments are always impressive, moving, and inspirational. Through the years, the program has become well known and respected, giving distinguished honourees the recognition they so well deserve. Afro Brits Awards continue to enrich the quality of life in our communities
Join us as we honour their exceptional contributions!

Anger at Kenya biofuel approval

2008-07-03T06:59:00.000Z

Kenyan environmentalists have told the BBC that the government should revoke a decision to allow a controversial biofuels project to go ahead.
The project involves growing sugarcane for biofuels in coastal wetlands.
Read more;http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7484964.stm

Kenya Ports Authority Implements Cargo tracking Software

2008-07-03T06:54:00.002Z

Two weeks after promising efficient services through automation and use of improved software, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has activated the Kilindini Waterfront Automated System (KWATOS) at a cost of 450 million Kenyan shillings (US$7 million).

Ugandan business executives, who had voiced concerns over the slow pace of clearance and coordination between the KPA and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), hope the automation will streamline services at the port and in the region, said William Kidima, a Ugandan business community representative.
Read more;http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/070208-kenya-ports-authority-implements-cargo.html

Kenya’s Finance Minister Says Innocent of Graft Charges

2008-07-03T06:52:00.000Z

Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki is expected to chair a cabinet meeting Thursday to address calls for the resignation of the finance minister over corruption allegations. This comes after Kenya's parliament unanimously passed a vote of no confidence Wednesday in Finance Minister Amos Kimunya. Kimunya denies any involvement in the alleged corruption charges against him. Kimunya reportedly came under intense criticism after overseeing the controversial sale of the Grand Regency Hotel in Nairobi, which was condemned as a corrupt deal. From Kenya's capital, Nairobi Finance Minister Kimunya tells VOA reporter Peter Clottey that the truth will set him free in Wednesday's cabinet meeting
Read more;http://www.voanews.com/english/africa/2008-07-03-voa2.cfm?rss=africa

Kenya needs more travellers

2008-07-03T06:49:00.000Z

It’s not often that you say that a destination needs more travellers, but that’s certainly the case in Kenya at the moment.
The devastating violence following the disputed election results earlier this year has hit the country hard. And it’s not just a question of local businesses suffering.
Read more;http://wanderlustmagazine.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/kenya-needs-more-travellers/

Kenya nominated for Harvard Award

2008-07-02T05:47:00.000Z

The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government has nominated the Kenyan Government's programme on the Implementation of Performance Contracts in Management of Public Services to receive the Innovations in Transforming Government Award, sponsored by IBM.

The award is administered by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and recognises transformative government initiatives worldwide.

The recipient of the IBM Innovations in Transforming Government Award will be announced and honored at a reception and dinner on September 24, 2007, in Washington, DC.

Grand Regency Tip Of The Iceberg – Kenya’s Finance Minister Should Be Sacked

2008-07-02T05:42:00.000Z

The recent confirmation, by James Orengo (Minister of Lands) and Amos Kimunya (Minister of Finance) that the Grand Regency Hotel has been sold has convinced Mars Group Kenya that it is necessary to urgently revisit the issue of amnesty for grand corruption, and in particular the need to delete from our statutes two amnesty provisions (sections 25A and Section 56B of the Kenya Anti Corruption and Economic Crimes Act) which were irregularly brought into force by Presidential Assent on October 10th 2007, as part of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous) Amendments Bill of 2007. These two amnesty clauses are being used to perpetrate acts against the public interest and to compromise investigations into grand corruption, and the recovery of corruptly acquired Kenyan assets worth hundreds of billions of shillings.

Section 25A authorizes the cessation of investigations, and the granting of conditional amnesty to corruption suspects, by the Director of the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Minister for Justice, in certain cases, despite the President having explicitly rejected proposals for amnesty contained in the Statute Law Miscellaneous Amendment Bill of 2007, including the infamous proviso to section 7 which purported to establish a cut-off date for the KACC’s exercise of its powers.
Read more;http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=113

Armed with AK47s, rustlers entered Kenya this am to steal cattle.

2008-07-02T05:39:00.002Z

This morning at 1:30am we received a phone call by one of the men who works for Earthview, John Saaya, to inform the security team that cattle rustling is taking place on the escarpment, and that they suspected the cattle to be driven across the park to Tanzania.
We coordinated with the Ngiro-are team and laid an ambush on both sides of Ngiro-are Stream. By then there was sporadic gunfire at the top of the escarpment near Kerinkani area, and we knew that these people were armed with automatic weapons. We suspect AK47s. We orientated ourselves to where the rustlers would pass and waited for almost one and a half hours.
After this time, the Ngiro-are team heard some movement about 100 metres away from them, just along the edge of the riverine forest. Immediately they tried to ascertain what was causing the movement and concluded there was cattle in the vicinity.

Kenyan drowns in Florida hotel pool

2008-07-02T05:37:00.000Z

A Kenyan, Duncan Njoroge Mungai drowned in a swimming pool in Ft Lauderdale FL on 22nd June 2008. According to Pastor Tony Wainaina of Empowerment Christian center, Duncan was working for a South African truck (individual) operator in Dallas Texas and had gone to Ft Lauderdale Florida to deliver a load. They arrived on a weekend hence missed the appointment and though the initial plan was to drop the load and go back to Dallas, they were forced to stay in Ft. Lauderdale .They checked into one of the hotels and it is during the stay that Duncan was found dead in the swimming pool
Read more;http://breakingnewskenya.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/902/

Celtel Kenya fires executives amidst declining fortunes

2008-06-26T13:40:00.001Z

Celtel Kenya fired its top managers, cementing a notoriety for high staff turnover, as its performance fails to impress in the lucrative mobile phone industry.

This week, Celtel announced that its head of corporate and regulatory affairs, Dr Claire Ruto and the corporate affairs manager, Janet Kabue had, “left” the company. Chief Executive David Murray left a few months ago as did the Marketing Director, Anna Othoro. The departures come in the wake of the successful launch of an Initial Public Offering by Celtel’s competitor, Safaricom that netted billions of shillings at the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
Read more;http://nairobichronicle.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/celtel-kenya-fires-executives-amidst-declining-fortunes/

Kenyan Musician's Cry For Zimbabwe

2008-06-25T07:57:00.000Z

KENYAN musician and pastor, Njoroge Wanjigi, has recorded an album dedicated to how much Zimbabweans are suffering under Zanu PF rule.

Wanjigi, a born-again Christian, said from South Africa he had come up with an album called Prayer of Zimbabwe in Shona and Ndebele.
He said he grasped the languages from "friends from Zimbabwe".

Cry for Zimbabwe, the only song Standardplus listened to through an attached MP3 file, was inspired by the political violence and persecution Wanjigi saw during his own country’s post-election scenes early this year.

Read more;http://www.thezimbabwestandard.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18367:kenyan-musicians-cry-for-zimbabwe&catid=34:entertainment&Itemid=68

Finnish embassy closes over bomb threat in Kenya

2008-06-25T07:51:00.001Z

HELSINKI,
(Xinhua)
The Finnish Embassy in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi closed on Monday due to a bomb thread, Finnish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
A building, which houses the Finnish embassy, was evacuated to allow police to search for a bomb, the statement said.
The threat had been issued by telephone to a person in charge of running the building, and the threat was not specific to the Finnish Embassy, said the statement.
The embassy shares the building with the Swedish consulate, a United Nations food and agriculture office, and a few companies.

Editor: Mu Xuequan

Two arrested over death of New Zealander in Kenya

2008-06-25T07:48:00.000Z

Two Kenyan men have been arrested over the death of New Zealand photojournalist Trent Keegan, whose body was found in a ditch in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Police have charged the pair with aggravated robbery with violence.
Mr Keegan was found dead near Nairobi's main highway in May. His laptop and camera gear were stolen, but his wallet was not.

Mr Keegan's father, Mike, says the family learned of the arrests on Monday.
He says Kenyan police told him they are looking for a third person over his son's death.

Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Activists outraged by Kenya's biofuel plan

2008-06-25T07:45:00.000Z

Outraged conservationists yesterday protested Kenyan plans to grow biofuel crops on a coastal wetland, warning that they will ruin the environment home to 350 species, including endangered ones.
Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Nature Kenya said allowing the planting of sugarcane on more than 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres, 80 square miles) of the Tana River Delta will damage the fragile ecosystem.
Read more;http://dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/columnist/?id=5423

Children Caught In Brutal Kenyan Crossfire

2008-06-25T07:41:00.001Z

Tell Tales Of Torture While Trapped Between Militia, Kenyan Army
AP)
Dozens of scared children filed silently into the bare room, their eyes on the cracks in the floor. One by one, in low voices, they told of being tortured by the Kenyan army because they were suspected of aiding rebels. They told of being beaten and made to shake hands with corpses.

They told of being forced to crawl through barbed wire tunnels and of genitals squeezed by pliers. Then the children took off their shirts. White scars crisscrossed the dark skin on their backs like grains of rice. Some were still bleeding.
Read more;http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/24/world/main4206711.shtml

Kenyan Threatened With Deportation Goes Public With Identity

2008-06-25T07:30:00.003Z

“Conspiracy Theory” between Kenya Embassy and Swedish Authorities To Deport The Kenyan Open Up Amid Tomb-Like Silence By Top Embassy Cats About The Case

The situation of a Kenyan who has been facing deportation to Kenya after his Swedish citizenship was stripped by authorities here continue to oscillate between deportation to Kenya and dumping in Tanzania under new and mysterious circumstances.
Because the campaign to stop his deportation has entered a critical stage, the Kenyan has decided to go public with his plight and identity because he now believes that circumstances surrounding his deportation may be a conspiracy between the Swedish authorities and unscrupulous officials at the Kenyan Embassy in Stockholm.

Mr. Petersson Murimi Kinyua, the Kenyan, cannot understand why the Swedish police is offering him money so that he can accept to be deported from Sweden. When the deportation first ran into problems on Thursday 19th June, the Swedish police offered him 6,200kr if he could accept to be deported without resistance but when the plan failed after the legal aspects of the problem were brought before the Swedish authorities by concerned groups, the Swedes changed strategy.

Debate the Budget - Its critical for Kenya - Feed the People Not the Fat Cats

2008-06-24T21:07:00.000Z

WE ONLY HAVE UPTO THURSDAY JUNE 26TH 2008 TO ENSURE THAT THE PARLIAMENT OF KENYA DEBATES BUDGET 2008

On Thursday June 12th 2008, the Minister of Finance, Amos Kimunya, tabled the annual estimates of expenditure of the Government of Kenya in Parliament, and informed Parliament that he proposes to raise and spend about Ksh 760 billion over the next twelve months.

This is the largest budget in Kenya’s history, and certainly the most important budget ever proposed in view of the political and economic crisis that followed the Presidential Election of December 27th 2007. The 3 month crisis resulted in the death of over 2,500 Kenyans, the forcible displacement of over 500,000 citizens, the pushing of millions below the poverty line, and the halving of the national economic growth rate to between 3% and 4%. Inflation which stands at 31% has hit poor Kenyans hard, as a result of high costs of oil and poor harvests. There can be no doubt that this is therefore the most important national budget in history, and that Parliament must debate the budget to ensure that the Minister of Finance’s spending plans are rational, equitable, waste and corruption free
Read more;http://www.marsgroupkenya.org/users/?p=111

Kenya Scouts on illegal immigration scandal as girl guides vanished at World Jamboree

2008-06-23T08:52:00.002Z

International Scout and Girl Guide jamborees are being exploited for illegal immigration.
Six Scouts are still missing after attending the 21st World Scout Jamboree near Chelmsford, Essex, last summer. They are believed to have remained in the country illegally.

Five Kenyan Girl Guides also vanished after attending an international jamboree in Ireland last July. There are even concerns they may subsequently have been trafficked into the UK.
While immigration officers are trained to spot children who may plan to stay in the country illegally or who are being exploited by traffickers, the potential abuse of the respectability afforded by the Scout and Guide uniforms presents a new challenge.

Kenya Airways - New Schedules

2008-06-23T08:51:00.000Z

Due to an increase in demand from Australians for travel to East Africa, Kenya Airways is pleased to announce increased schedules from Bangkok & Hong Kong to Nairobi effective 04 July 2008.
Kenya Airways will be increasing its frequency from Bangkok to Nairobi from 3 flights per week to 6 flights per week & from Hong Kong to Nairobi from 3 flights per week to 4 flights per week.
In Australia, Kenya Airways offers fares via Bangkok to Nairobi with partners Qantas, British Airways & Thai International & via Hong Kong to Nairobi with Qantas & Cathay Pacific.
This increase in schedules provides a total of 16 connections per week from Australia via Bangkok to Nairobi & a total of 15 connections per week from Australia via Hong Kong to Nairobi.
A summary of the new schedules is featured below
more;http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=79050&nav=2&suc=&cid=&email=&news=

Deportation Of Kenyan Aborts Amid Pressure On Swedish Gov

2008-06-23T08:49:00.000Z

A Kenyan national who was stripped of his Swedish citizenship by the Swedish authorities escaped deportation that was scheduled for Thursday 19th June at 4.am through Arlanda International Airport.
A combination of pressure and personal resistance by the Kenyan worked to compel the Swedish authorities into stopping the deportation. The case touched on fundamental legal issues related to family re-union, issues which could not just be brushed aside if there was a serious attempt to alert the Swedish authorities about the major implications involved in the situation.
Read more;http://kenyastockholm.com/2008/06/20/deportation-of-kenyan-aborts-amid-pressure-on-swedish-gov/

Destiny's Child star takes HIV test in Kenya to raise awareness

2008-06-20T18:02:00.001Z

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNN)

She burst on the music scene as one-third of Destiny's Child, the highest-selling female group of all time.

And then she proved it doesn't take three to make hits. Sassy Kelly Rowland showed the world she could go it alone and still hit No. 1 on the charts.
But now this Grammy-winning R&B sensation is using her considerable charm and charisma to take on the scourge of AIDS.
.

IUOE Local 793 helps raise cash to send D6K bulldozer to Kenya

2008-06-19T13:53:00.002Z

Mike Gallagher, business manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, speaks during a bulldozer unveiling ceremony held June 13, 2008 at the Toromont Caterpillar dealership in Kanata, Ont Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers has raised approximately $170,000 to send a D6K bulldozer and ripper to an organization that helps orphaned street children in Kenya.
A ceremony was held at the Toromont Caterpillar dealership in Kanata last week to unveil the bulldozer and officially send it on its way.
The equipment is being shipped from Montreal and will arrive in Mombasa in August. The equipment is destined for the Mully Children’s Foundation (MCF) in Kenya, a rehabilitation organization for street children, orphans, abandoned, abused and HIV/AIDS affected and infected children.
Read more;http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id28386

Africa must fight neo-colonialist

2008-06-19T05:49:00.003Z

HOW does the West become so concerned about Africa’s issues? Do they have an answer to our instability? Yes. Because they partitioned Africa, colonised us and took the best from us. And on attainment of independence, Africa has never enjoyed real freedom. We have remained their slaves courtesy of our leaders who can not lead us to self-sufficiency, independence and total demolition of the colonial structures.

Our colonial masters have never rested because they made an unwilling exit from our continent. They remain connected to the problems affecting this continent both politically and economically. Great African leaders have been labelled all sorts of names in order to smear them in the eyes of fellow citizens. The West has in one way or another destabilized African states that show signs of independence. They have made Africa a dumping site, forcing and deciding for us on what to buy from them and defeating our efforts to free ourselves from unfair terms of trade at the world market. They have forced us to take debts from them with strings of conditionalities and higher pay-back terms and interest.

Civil wars in Africa are fought with guns, yet no African state manufactures them. They create dictators amongst us whom they destroy once they have achieved their objectives.http://kenyalondonnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1876&Itemid=1
They have propped up and supported bad leaders and conspired to tame good ones who have shown ability to unite African nations. A good example is the case of the late Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. He had a bad omen from the start of his political career and had to pay the ultimate price at the hands of the West for his link s with Russians. Our African leaders have also betrayed the continent by offering unquestionable loyalty to the West. Some of them have sworn to become good boys (yes-men) in order to secure clean slate of political and financial backing from the west. In return, they have achieved guarantees for longer stints in power. A case in point is that of the late Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (Congo). He had one of the most appalling records on human rights in Africa but was admired by the West because he had never taken the risk of rebuking them for what they were.

On the contrary, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, as much as I differ with him for his treatment of Zimbabweans, is a victim of a well rehearsed and coordinated conspiratorial scheme. This is his price for his unpleasant role of rubbing salt in the eyes of his former colonial masters by executing the land redistribution programme. The massive financial isolation through American, British and EU legislations such as the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery (ZDER) Act of 2001 has caused hyper-inflation. This has led to a shortage of essential goods in Zimbabwe. Contrary to popular belief, the crisis is not due to Mugabe’s poor management.

It is evident that the genesis of the relentless crusade by Britain and some few other countries against Zimbabwe is ingrained in the controversial Land Reform Policy. Today, Mugabe is not condemned by the west for violating the rights of Zimbabweans but for enforcing a land policy that proved unfair to the minority white folk.If Africa is to rise from a dark record, it has to invent strategy that will address her challenges of neo-colonialism. We are tightly trapped in a grip of the West. But all is not lost. We must hold the faith that as a continent we can learn to walk tall in the desire of our founding fathers

By Oulu GPO Nairobi

NGO's in Kenya most corrupt [who owns them?]

2008-06-18T17:01:00.001Z

According to the latest Tansparency International Corruption Index, Kenya, NGOs are the second most corrupt institutions in terms of taking bribes. The come second to Public Colleges and Universities.
The report states that the largest bribes were paid to access tertiary education, as was the case in 2005. NGOs registered the second largest bribes. Most of the NGOs bribes relate to employment. State Corporations and the Teachers Service Commission registered the most significant reductions in the average size of bribes. Other significant reductions were registered by the Immigration Department, Public Schoolsand Financial Institutions. NGOs, Ministry of Water, Prisons Department and Telkom Kenya registered
Read more;http://udongo.org/2008/06/18/ngo-in-kenya-most-corrupt/

A Kenyan Man CHARGED in US with raping 14yr old mentally impaired boy.

2008-06-17T22:15:00.003Z

A nurse caring for a physically and mentally impaired 14-year-old Bucks County boy is accused of raping the teen in April, according to police.

Fred Magondu, 36, a Kenyan national living on King Arthur Road in Philadelphia, was taken into custody at a Philadelphia nursing home Thursday afternoon and later arraigned on charges of molesting a child who was in his care.

Police said they learned of the rape April 30. The boy receives 24-hour nursing care because he is mentally and physically impaired, unable to speak and blind, police said. According to court records, another individual care nurse, who has been caring for the boy for about nine years, discovered injuries to the boy when she attempted to change his diaper after he arrived at school April 30

Watch Prime Minister of Kenya Speaking at CSIS

2008-06-17T20:15:00.003Z

CSIS hosted a Statesmen’s Forum with the Honorable Raila Odinga, prime minister of Kenya, on the way forward in Kenya. Prime Minister Odinga took questions from the audience. Dr. John Hamre, CSIS president and CEO introduced the Prime Minister. The event was moderated by Joel Barkan, CSIS senior associate.

Watch this;

http://media.csis.org/csistv/?080617_kenya

MSF calls for more aid in Kenya

2008-06-17T10:54:00.000Z

Nairobi - Aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) on Tuesday called for an increase in aid for civilians caught up in a long-running battle between local militias and government forces in the Mount Elgon region of Kenya.
Tens of thousands of people had been displaced for the last two years as the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) battled the army over land allocations.
Read more;http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_2341912,00.html

Hon Raphael Wanjala former MP for Budalangi in a Love Triangle

2008-06-17T10:47:00.004Z

Kenya and Nigeria in Diplomatic Standoff after ex-Assistant Minister Grabs Man’s Wife

Many readers have left varied comments regarding the secret sex lives of current and former members of parliament. As has been said here, anybody who digs a little deeper into the personal lives of Kenyan legislators will be shocked at what they will find. This is just a tip of the iceberg.For the last one month, Hon Raphael Wanjala former MP for Budalangi and former Assistant Minister for Water & Irrigation (pictured) has found himself at the centre of a love triangle that is now threatening to lead to a nasty divorce case involving a 38 year-old Nigerian national and his 24 year-old Kenyan wife together with the couple’s property estimated to be valued over Kshs. 350 million.

Source;http://kumekucha.blogspot.com/2008/06/kenya-and-nigeria-in-diplomatic.html

Raila’s itinerary June 17th in Washington DC

2008-06-17T10:37:00.001Z

The Honorable Raila Odinga, Prime Minister of Kenya, will give a talk on the way forward in Kenya.
The event will be moderated by Joel Barkan, CSIS senior associate.
Date:June 17, 2008
Time:9:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: CSIS B-1 Conference Center
1800 K St, NW
Washington DC

Please RSVP to: statesmensforum@csis.org

Source:Center for Strategic and International Studies

Kenya denies arresting wanted Rwandan genocide fugitive

2008-06-16T14:58:00.000Z

Kenya's authorities clarified on Sunday that they did not arrest elusive Felicien Kabuga, a Rwandan fugitive who was suspected the mastermind of the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
A statement from police said they arrested a man from a house in Nairobi on Friday night following a tip off from his former aides and the man was actually not Kabuga.
Read more;http://rss.xinhuanet.com/newsc/english/2008-06/15/content_8373522.htm

Kenya's KCB seeks Uganda listing

2008-06-16T14:55:00.000Z

KENYA'S biggest retail bank, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) plans to cross list its shares in Tanzania and Uganda by the end of 2008, the head of its Tanzanian subsidiary said today. "KCB Group is in the process of seeking regulatory approval to cross list across East Africa," Heri Bomani the bank's managing director said in a statement in the Guardian newspaper of the Tanzania.
Read more;http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/10/10/633825

Ecobank enters Kenyan market via acquisition

2008-06-16T14:51:00.000Z

By Duncan Miriri
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Pan-African banking group Ecobank Transnational Incorporated on Monday said it had completed entry into the Kenyan market after acquiring a 75 percent stake in Kenya's EABS Bank.
The deal, whose value was not disclosed, will see Ecobank increase its presence on the continent to 23 countries.
"Capital base for EABS is 1.3 billion shillings. We intend to increase that substantially," said Ecobank's regional director for east Africa, Albert Essien.
"Listing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange could be in the works as we develop," he added at a news conference
Read more;http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN651745.html

Uganda accuses Kenya of using AI concerns to control market

2008-06-11T18:49:00.001Z

Kenya has banned poultry imports from Uganda because of fear of bird flu. However, Ugandan farmers accuse Kenya of taking advantage of the fear to cut back imports, thereby causing a trade imbalance.

The Kenyan government says Ugandan exporting firms do not have adequate systems for reporting diseases. It says the same is true for the legal framework governing disease control in Ugandan hatcheries
Read more;http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/id2205-47812/uganda_accuses_kenya_of_using_ai_concerns_to_control_market.html

Kenya plane hit trees, went down in poor visibility

2008-06-11T18:45:00.001Z

NAIROBI, Kenya
The plane in which two Kenyan lawmakers were killed this week was flying in poor visibility and hit trees and a house before crashing, the transport ministry said Wednesday.Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Home Affairs Minister Lorna Laboso were among four people killed in Tuesday's crash in southwestern Kenya. The other victims were the plane's pilot and an aide to Kones.There were no survivors.
Read more;http://www.gmanews.tv/story/100600/Kenya-plane-hit-trees-went-down-in-poor-visibility

Foul play ruled out in Kenyan ministers' deaths

2008-06-11T11:43:00.001Z

By Sarah Kimani
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ruled out foul play in a plane crash that killed a Kenyan Cabinet Minister and his Assistant Minister. "We don't want to speculate, we just want to say that at the moment it's an accident and accidents can happen at anytime."He appealed to supporters to turn out in large numbers and cast votes as a tribute to the departed colleagues
Read more;http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/east_africa/0,2172,171278,00.html

Kenyan Army Group Tours Walvis Bay

2008-06-11T11:42:00.000Z

By Charles Tjatindi
WALVIS BAY .
A high-ranking military delegation of Kenya’s National Defence College was in the country on a familiarisation tour of the region. The delegation met with the mayor and city councillors of Walvis Bay, where they briefed them about the college’s aims and their tour of the region. According to Major General E M Sasia, the Kenyan National Defence College provides training not only to Kenyan military and naval officers but have in recent years allowed soldiers of other countries to study at the college.
“The college has trained officers and soldiers of countries like Namibia, Botswana, Sudan, and Burundi and even from countries like Germany and Sri Lanka. It is our belief that by allowing other countries to study at our college, we are contributing to regional harmonisation and peace.
Read more;http://www.newera.com.na/page.php?id=7562

Breaking News

2008-06-10T15:03:00.002Z

NAIROBI (Reuters) - A Kenyan cabinet minister and assistant minister died on Tuesday along with two others in the crash of a light plane near the Masai Mara game reserve, officials said.

Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Lorna Laboso were aboard the plane with a pilot and a security guard, a spokesman for their party said.
"I am confirming that they were on the plane that crashed. I am not confirming that they are dead, but the police are confirming that all aboard died," Orange Democratic Movement party spokesman Salim Lone said.

Narok District police boss Patrick Wambani said all four people in the plane died.
"The plane came down on an unoccupied house and disintegrated, killing all four occupants," Wambani told Reuters in Narok, 120 km (75 miles) west of the capital Nairobi.
In Nairobi, police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said the names of Kones and Laboso were on the flight manifest.

(Reporting by Wangui Kanina, Helen Nyambura and Bryson Hull; Editing by Dominic Evans

Breaking News;Plane crashes in Kenya with 2 Ministers

2008-06-10T14:52:00.003Z

Story by ANTHONY MACHARIA Publication Date: 6/10/2008
A light aircraft with a Cabinet Minister Mr Kipkalya Kones and an Assistant Minister Lorna Laboso aboard has crashed near Enoosupukia forest in Kenya's Rift Valley.
No reports yet on fate of passengers and crew.

DEATH AND FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT THE LATE DAVID KARIRI NGOTHO (LEFT) AND HIS WIFE

2008-06-09T12:03:00.003Z

It is with humble acceptance of God that we announce the deaths of Mr. David Kariri Ngotho and his wife Beatrice Wairimu Kariri of Matimbei Village, Githunguri, Kiambu, Kenya who were attacked and killed by thugs in their home on Friday night 6th June, 2008. Father and mother to Simon Kirobi Kariri of Portsmouth, UK, William Ngotho Kariri of London and Peninah Wanjiku Kariri of Nairobi. Cousins to Simon Mwangi (Hounslow), Margaret Mwangi (Hounslow), Ann and Mama Ann both of Nottingham and Mrs. Wambui Show. The late Mrs. Kariri was former teacher at Gitwe Girls, Kamburu High School. The late Mr. Kariri was a teacher in several schools among them Gatamaiyu and lastly Kamahindu High School.

Family and friends are meeting for prayers and funeral arrangements in London at 38 Chadway, Dagenham, RM8 1UH. - CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP

For those who cannot be able to come can deposit their contributions at Barclays Bank, Account Name: W.N. Kariri, Account No. 60838446 and Sort Code 20-20-20.

For more information contact Mr. Kirobi 07794240014, Mr. Show on 07866929701 or Mama Ann (Nottingham) 07939693146.

MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD REST THEIR SOUL IN PEACE

Mwalimu Wakariri as we used to call him was my teacher at Gatamaiyu High school in 1988 as well as my mum's classmate in those years.Very sad for Wanjuguna's family and friends.

Kenya Holidays are Something We Should All Experience

2008-06-09T11:51:00.001Z

by Richard Robins

Kenya holidays are becoming increasingly popular with the british public partly due to the incredible value for money this destination offers. Add to this the near perfect year round climate and abundance of activities and there is really know better place for that exotic holiday or honeymoon.

Kumuka Travel Photography Competition 2008: Win A Tour To Kenya, Columbia or Egypt

2008-06-09T11:49:00.001Z

Inveterate traveller? Consider yourself a deft hand at taking good photographs? Fancy winning a tour to Kenya, Columbia or Egypt?

Well, if so it sounds like you might be interested in a sweet little competition being held by the guys over at Kumuka Worldwide.

Kenya's oldest pupil taken into care

2008-06-08T13:49:00.001Z

Kenya's oldest pupil, 88-year-old Kimani Nganga Maruge, has been forced to abandon his studies and move into a home for the aged, his school has said.
Teachers said Mr Maruge had been identified as vulnerable by the Red Cross following the unrest which shook the country after December's election.
Mr Maruge's schooling was disrupted in January, when his home was burnt down.
The great grandfather has held since 2004 the world record for being the oldest person to start primary school.
Mr Maruge enrolled at Kapkenduywa Primary in Eldoret a year after the Kenyan government introduced free primary schooling.

Memorial Service for the late Grace Kamau

2008-06-08T13:40:00.003Z

An emotional memorial service for the late Grace Kamau took place on Saturday 7th June 2008 at Holy Cross Church in Harlow, Essex, UK. Family and friends joined in celebrating the short life of Grace. The youngest daughter Miss Wendy Kamau moved the congregation at the service with poem to her mum...."I love my mum, mum was always there for me, mum was a strong woman, mum I will always miss you...." Speaker by speaker described the late Grace Kamau as jovial lady and always there to help.

The workmates of the late Grace explained that Grace had a good sense of humour at work. The late Grace Kamau was born in 1967 at Kamahindu Village, Kagwe, Kiambu, Kenya. She was a former student at Kamahindu Primary School, Kagwe Secondary School, Kilgoris Nursing School in Transmara District where she trained as a nurse. She worked at HH Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, before joining Nairobi City Council Health department. She moved to the UK in 2002 and settled in Harlow Essex.

The late Grace Kamau collapsed and died on Monday 26th May, 2008 at about 9.00 a.m. after receiving news of the death of her friend the late Miss Fedelis Wamaitha in London. She was the wife of Patrick Kamau Ngigi of Harlow and mother to two daughters Joy Kamau of St. Marks School Harlow and Wendy Kamau of Holy Cross Primary School Harlow

Source of the story and photos

www.misterseed.com

For more photo please visit

http://www.pichavision.com/

Kenya refuses to pay damages to journalist now living in KC

2008-06-08T13:36:00.003Z

By RICK MONTGOMERY
The Kansas City Star

Kenya’s attorney general wants a court to “declare null and void” a 2006 human-rights victory for a Kenyan journalist living in Kansas City under political asylum.
Peter Makori had been awarded damages by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights in a precedent-setting case against law enforcement officials who repeatedly jailed him on false pretenses.
During 10 months of confinement on a murder charge, Makori, who reported on corruption, allegedly was beaten with clubs and told to say his prayers. He later was exonerated and won a fellowship to work at The Kansas City Star. A tribunal of the human-rights commission, established by the Kenyan parliament, chose Makori’s case for its first hearing.

Kenya Dragging Feet in Kabuga Hunt, UN Told

2008-06-06T15:30:00.001Z

Kevin J Kelley
Washington, DC, Jun 06, 2008
(The Nation/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX News Network)
Kenya is not doing enough to apprehend a Rwandan accused of crimes against humanity, the UN Security Council has been told.
Mr Hassan Jallow, a prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, said in a report to the council that while the Kenyan Government recently froze assets of one of Mr Kabuga's properties, "nothing else appeared to have been done."
Kenya must now conduct an active search for Mr Kabuga, who has been seen several times in the country, Mr Jallow said
Read more;
http://www.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=309410211

Katto unveils Subaru for Kenya Safari

2008-06-06T10:05:00.000Z

UGANDAN speed merchants Emma Katto of EMKA Rally Team, Riyaz Kurji and Jas Mangat are among ten foreign drivers who have confirmed participation in the June 27-29 KCB Safari Rally in Nairobi. Katto unveiled his state-of-the-art Subaru Impreza N14, which bowed out of the KCB Pearl of Africa Rally after a fierce exchange with compatriot Kurji. These are the drivers Kenyans wouldn’t want to engage in a final shootout given their popularity among Kenyan rally fans.
Read more;http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/631986

The UK, Kenya and the kikoi controversy

2008-06-06T10:00:00.000Z

http://www.managingip.com/Article/1940916/Africa---The-UK-Kenya-and-the-kikoi-controversy.html

World Bank, Kenya Sign 150 Million U.S. Dollars Credit for Water Project

2008-06-06T09:55:00.001Z

The World Bank and the Kenyan government on Wednesday signed an agreement for a 150 million U.S. dollar credit to enable the east African nation to expand access to safe water and sanitation services in the country.
The funds will enable the government to increase access by Kenyans to reliable, affordable and sustainable water supply and sanitation services and improve the water and wastewater services in the areas served by the three Water Services Boards
Read more;http://www.wef.org/CmsWEF/Pages/News/StoryPage.aspx?story_id=117987616&ID=wef&Section=Industry%20News

Breaking news in Nairobi

2008-06-06T09:49:00.000Z

Nairobi’s Haile Selassie Avenue closed to traffic as Kenya Polytechnic students engage police in running battles.

by The Nation

Kenya holidays,the experience of a lifetime.

2008-06-06T09:44:00.002Z

Kenya holidays are that once in a lifetime experience not to be missed; whether you choose an exotic beach holiday to kenya, a luxury Kenya safari holiday or a twin centre holiday combining both options.
It would seem that the british public have fallen in love with Kenya holidays and all they have to offer. The main reasons for this are the combination of the great year round climate, the wonderful cultural experience and the incredible value for money this destination offers.
Read more;http://www.new-haven-railroad.com/railroad-blog/?p=828

Kenya: Bernard, a survivor's story

2008-06-05T14:56:00.001Z

Watch this
Audio interview by Noel Mwakugu. Original photography by Kate Holt/Eyevine for the BBC News website. Produced by Phil Coomes. Archive photos provided by Getty Images and Associated Press.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7433852.stm

Somali officials hand over seized Kenyan police vehicle, weapons

2008-06-05T14:47:00.000Z

Somali officials at the border district of Dobley has handed over to Kenyan authorities a Kenyan police vehicle and four guns seized by Somali militias in a cross-border attack on a Kenyan police post, officials in Dobley said Wednesday. "We have succeeded in getting back the vehicle and the guns from the militias earlier than agreed and we have handed them to the Kenyan police over the border," Ali Hussein Nur, District Commissioner of Dobley, told Xinhua by phone.
Read more;http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6424803.html

Kenya delegation woos investment on World Economic Forum

2008-06-05T14:44:00.000Z

Cape Town, June 5 (Xinhua)

Kenyan delegation led by Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday wooed foreign investment into Kenya at the World Economic Forum on Africa held here in Cape Town, South Africa.
Odinga told reporters in a press conference "We come and announce here that Kenya is up and running once again. Kenya is ready to do business." He said what Kenyans went through in the last few months made the people in the country more united than before
read more;http://rss.xinhuanet.com/newsc/english/2008-06/05/content_8317918.htm

Envoy 'sorry' for British Airways' maltreatment of Nigerians

2008-06-04T14:43:00.001Z

Lagos, Nigeria
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bob Dewar, has apologised to Nigeria over the poor treatment of its nationals who were barred from boarding a Lagos-bound British Airways flight 27 March 2008.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Nigeria's Information Minister of John Odey Tuesday in the capital city of Abuja, Dewar described the event as ''unfortunate''.He however tried to justify the action of the airline, saying it was taken on ''safety and security ground''.The envoy said the British government would ensure that the incident was not repeated.
Nigerians have been up in arms against the British Airways, after it barred mostly Nigerian passengers from boarding the airline's flight in London, in reaction to a protest by Ayo Omotade, a UK-based Nigerian citizen, who had protested the handling of a Nigerian deportee by the UK police officers.Many have advocated, through the Internet and other fora, a boycott of the airline until it is ready to treat Nigerians with more respect.
read more;http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/africa-news/envoy-

Call to Boycott British Airways beginning today

2008-06-04T14:41:00.001Z

PRESS STATEMENT BY RESPECT NIGERIANS COALITION (RNC) ON THE EXPIRATION OF ULTIMATUM GIVEN TO BRITISH AIRWAYS

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, we are issuing this Statement on behalf of Respect Nigerians Coalition (RNC), a coalition of organizations and persons championing the campaign against British Airways’ discriminatory and indecorous treatment of its Nigerian customers. You all know that on Thursday, 27 March 2008, British Airways officials and the police subjected Mr Ayodeji Omotade to degrading treatment and went further to eject the other 135 passengers (overwhelmingly Nigerians) from BA075 flight bound for Lagos Nigeria from London Heathrow Airport. Of course, we are acutely aware that without your unstinting support, this story would have been swept under the carpet. That is why today, we are once again calling on you to help deepen international consciousness about the campaign.
On Tuesday, April 15 2008, we made five specific demands on British Airways over this issue and asked that they address these before Wednesday, April 30, 2008. We asked British Airways
to:
read more;http://breakingnewskenya.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/boycottb/

German charged with abusing Kenyan boys

2008-06-03T09:08:00.000Z

Kenyan police have charged a German man with sodomising three under-age boys while posing as a missionary at a rural church.
Ulrich Karl-Heinz Flesch, 47, denied the charges during a brief appearance at a court in the capital Nairobi.
Prosecutors say he had fled to neighbouring Uganda but was arrested there last week by Interpol officers.
He is accused of committing the offences around the small Central Province town of Limuru between 2004 and 2006 after originally entering Kenya as a tourist.
Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Muketi ordered him to be remanded in custody until his case is heard on April 23.
- Reuters