Good People,
We all do not want war in Kenya or in and within East Africa. There is politically engineered war that is picking up momentum; but all good people must unite and expose every little fiber of its tendrils. There are a few people who joined with politically correct gang and decided they are the Government, they are so powerful and mighty and they own public land with people's wealth and resource they trade and negotiate with their special business interest; that people's private or family wealth belongs to them for the asking. This behavior has gone too far and it has reach a time that we must put a stop to it or we are all consumed and killed by these few corrupt people. Their intention is to own and control all that belong to public or privately we have no voice to our own private savings and belongings that are of value. We must put a fight as a people and protect our interests collectively. It is because, this situation must stop immediately and all who are engaged in these corruption, graft and impunity must face justice immediately.
Raila is one that need to be investigated about Luo Nyanza lands, and he need to be put to task how the Luo Community land was auctioned or loaned for 99 years without consulting the Luo People or those concerned, whose lands are in question e.g. Migingo, Yala Swamp, land that belong to the Clan of Imbo, Uyoma, Seme, Nyakach, Muhoroni sugar plantation, Kibos, Kano Plains, South Nyanza including Migori, Awendo, Rongo, Uriri, Makalda Mine as well as in and around Oyugis, Ringa Kojwach. Why Raila negotiated on public land without public mandate.
The Government must commit Raila to pay back public land that he negotiated without consultation or Land Grab that are in his possession.
Nigeria Business-men who were brought to the country and engage in drug dealings must be forced out of the country. This include Chinedu and Tax payer money must not be put to suffer while their people are held in Nigeria.
Equally, Nigeria must not give any conditions to the release of Kenyans officials as well as release the Kenyan plane. Raila must not make life difficult for Government of Kenya with his corrupt friends from Nigeria. How he will pay their debts they both conspired to short-change Kenya Tax-payer should not be Kenyan people burden.
Harassments' to the Local families in the villages, forcing them out of their land to pave way for unscrupulous investors with their chickens, goats, cows as well as harvested crops that were forcefully taken away from them by Agents of politically correct, must equally stop forthwith, and the same equivalent to their loses compensated in reparation immediately.
Show-cases: For Example; the Community of Kwale lost good health including their lands with huge value from extraction of Kwale Titunium to Chinese Canadian Co. who benefited 1000 folds during Moi's leadership in this manner and the people were left to suffer silently without any form of compensation. In 2007/8 we lost Migingo to Museveni in the same...... Many people who resisted or questioned were shot dead as a result, many strong young men and women were massacred or died from mysteriously sickness and diseases to pave way for political special interest. The Tribe of Turkana slowly perished as their land was also sold to Israel special interest in the same manner; other areas such like Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Garsen, Eastleigh and Syokimau in Nairobi etc., lost their homes and livelihood and a number of their people died mysteriously and from civil conflict in such an organized, planned and engineered attacks and many people continue to die daily in Kenya through such like organized terrorism and thuggery that are meant to fool peoples intelligence......leaving people hungry, jobless, in pain and suffering while pushing those who are lucky to survive in pathetic situation into further extreme poverty and homelessness.......it is because, these political agents treat made it their obligation to take people's property as their own belongings without care.
This is the type of life in Kenya.......it is why, a week hardly pass without civil conflicts with careless killings.
I am a victim of circumstances. Our community in South Nyanza have lost heavily and today, 2,000 families in South Nyanza conspired to produce faked Title Deeds with the knowledge and participation of Chiefs in the local area and are without homes or are waiting for those who were infected with sickness to die quickly while others were given forced eviction from our ancestral community homes. My father's land and my home is one such target and my mother's life is in a very sorry pathetic situation hanging between life and death from the same conspiracy.
During Kibaki and Raila's rule, we saw Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda gain entry into Kenya and Uganda and through pirating business, they took the whole of Eastleigh area which is attached to Eastleigh-Air-Force-Base. We are left to wonder, how a responsible Government would allow itself to conduct business in this manner?
It is on record that, no one having supported the Raila family from Kenya comes out safe. You must be finished one way or the other.........that even the little you have will be taken away from you painfully or otherwise.....so you cannot stand with dignity.
Additionally, Chinedu made a hue-cry story in Kenya. His wife Akinyi made a very strong plea for help that Chinedu is a drug dealer. The matter was taken to court and we wonder why Kibaki and Raila never concluded the case for 5 years down the line but instead, Chinedu grew in stature and might doing business with the mighty of political correct in the Government of Kibaki and Raila given protection and opportunity to bring his notorious friends from Liberia, Nigeria and Uganda including Rwanda as business men into Kenya to support Raila's political bid advantages has now hit a snag. There is possibilities that Raila promised them heavens from public wealth and resources and is not able to meet the obligation. It is now time that the people must know the truth.
We now demand that, this matter be given urgent consideration by Uhuru and Ruto Government and investigated, exposed and convicted them instead of making them look like lordship who committed nothing wrong, yet public facilities, utilities, wealth and resources are in danger of misuse by a dangerous terror group.
Are we really going to continue to accommodate political leaders who will continue to hide the truth from the people? Is Kenya still sold-out? Why did Raila come to USA to complain to Corporate Special Business Interest about his victory taken away from him? If so, what was the intention, to supply him with weaponry to fight in Kenya or so he can deliver the public land he promised his political financiers or what? Definitely it cannot be simply that he is looking for sympathy alone, or is he up to mischief to create civil war in Kenya??? Why is he going round bragging that he is a powerful man and that he won after court rulling??? Did he not get 5 years as Prime Minister enjoying the 50/50 coalition with Kibaki government but failed to deliver??? Why did he fail to use his powers then to deliver to the public and provide the rightful Constitutional Reform Accord, what took him so long??? That proves he is incompetent to lead from the word go.......there are claims of mis-appropriation of public funds in his Office that he must come clean through the court of law and give report about the same. It is because, people want to know through accountability what he did with public funds and how come, the funds did not do what it was intended to do.
Consequently, we demand accountability from Kibaki/Raila administration to account for all public land that were sold under-table in exchange for political gains they enjoyed with their agents and that all stolen land with LAND GRABS must be returned to the people with immediate effect.
Pushing people to war for selfish interest is unacceptable. People must wake up and stand firm and demand checks and balances.
If, by any chance, there are political campaign debts that were incurred by politicians, those are not our problems, it must be understood that, the deals were done behind closed doors without peoples knowledge......we are not responsible for corrupt activities that were not authorize according to public mandate and did not benefit people's interests and demands.........We were never consulted.
Therefore, Kenya will not get involved in any war that was not of their interest or benefit them as a public and People must demand for people's rights legally.
Kenya is not going to go to war for the sake of political special business interest a deal that went bad, that were not of public sensor or authorized under constitutional Public Mandate. Public Interest comes first and we are not going to allow this type of behavior. Kenyan people are not going to pay Raila's political debtors for him. That is his own headache how he will negotiate that, but it must not involve or disrupt peoples peace and unity.
It is illegal, unconstitutional and unacceptable.
KENYA DO NOT WANT WAR.......KENYA WANTS PEACE, HARMONY AND UNITY FOR COMMON GOOD OF ALL.
There is nothing that Kenya Government should want to talk or negotiate with Chinedu........
We take this opportunity demand that Nigeria release Kenyans held hostages in Nigeria with immediate effect ........
It is ironical that Kenya's Ambassador to USA did not make clear Raila's visitation to the USA causing embarrassment to President Obama's Administration. We demand that an explanation be made public the nature of Raila's visitation and whether it was of public interest that Raila's Agents made a mockery of President Obama.
We also want to know whether former PM Raila's travel to US was authorized by Uhuru and Ruto Administration and we demand to know why President Obama's name was insulted when Raila was scheduled to meet with his Corporate Special Business Interest.
The Diaspora Community is concerned and demands for an explanation from the Kenyan Ambassador Mr. Odembo with an official apology to President Obama why President Obama's name was dragged for insult when Raila was scheduled to meet with his Corporate Special Business Interest. It is not fair that Raila should bully people around trying to prove how powerful and mightier he is while on the other side he is a cry-baby……
Raila must be man enough to confront issues boldly and maturely like a grown up not as a cry-baby who misbehave for attention to be given goody goody……
This behavior is unacceptable as it is without manners or protocol that a person of honor should conduct himself.
We await for an explanation from Kenya's authority why Raila's conduct was full of malice and provocative upon his visit to USA on June 18th 2013.
Regards,
Judy Miriga Diaspora Spokesperson Executive Director Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc., USA http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com The Cannibal Warlords of Liberia (Full Length Documentary) Published on Jun 13, 2012 VICE travels to West Africa to rummage through the messy remains of a country ravaged by 14 years of civil war. Despite the United Nation's eventual intervention, most of Liberia's young people continue to live in abject poverty, surrounded by filth, drug addiction, and teenage prostitution. The former child soldiers who were forced into war have been left to fend for themselves, the murderous warlords who once led them in cannibalistic rampages have taken up as so-called community leaders, and new militias are lying in wait for the opportunity to reclaim their country from a government they rightly mistrust. Hosted by Shane Smith | Originally released in 2009 at http://vice.com Produced by Andy Capper Nigerian businessman Anthony Chinedu reads mischief in his deportation Published on Jun 4, 2013 For more news visit http://www.ntv.co.ke Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ntvkenya Like our FaceBook page http://www.facebook.com/NtvKenya The High Court has granted orders requiring deported Nigerian businessman Anthony Chinedu to appear in court for a hearing of his case on the June 20. Chinedu's family had gone to court seeking orders to have him appear in court as they had accused the state of detaining him and deporting him contrary to court orders staying his deportation. The State has seven days to reply to the application. Chinedu was deported on Monday night alongside six other foreigners who the state had accused of being involved in 'dirty business'. NTV's Sheila Sendeyo reports. Raila Odinga in Kisumu "Opuk pekne Otenga" Tortoise is heavy for the vulture the scavenger bird ....is a bragging comment.... why brag is it necessary???..... then you cry baby...... Published on Jun 4, 2013 The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader Raila Odinga has called for education services to be devolved to the county level and teachers hired by the state to be contracted to county governments. Speaking in Kisumu, the former prime minister also called on the government to implement free education programmes to the letter, claiming that currently parents have been forced to bear the burden of paying various levies which are beyond many poor parents. --- On Wed, 6/19/13, mohamed warsama <mhmdwarsama@yahoo.com> wrote: From: mohamed warsama <mhmdwarsama@yahoo.com> Subject: LEE MAKWINY BLAMES MIDIWO FOR RAILA ODINGA DEFEAT To: "uchunguzi online" <uchunguzionline@yahoogroups.com>, "changemombasa2012@yahoogroups.com" <changemombasa2012@yahoogroups.com>, "KOL" <kenyaonline@yahoogroups.com>, "progressive-kenyans" <progressive-kenyans@googlegroups.com>, "wanakenya@googlegroups.com" <wanakenya@googlegroups.com>, "the last word to kenya" <thelastwordtokenya@yahoogroups.com>, "talkhard@yahoogroups.com" <talkhard@yahoogroups.com>, "NigerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com" <NigerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>, "naijaobserver" <naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com>, "yanarewa@yahoogroups.com" <yanarewa@yahoogroups.com> Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 2:45 PM Lee Makwiny: ODM Must Get The Basics Right  By Lee Makwiny I have failed to understand this man for a long time now. When he is in parliament, he really delivers. At the party level, most people accuse him of high-handedness. I, personally attribute the failure of Jakom to win the presidency and especially the low voters registration and turnout in Nyanza to his arrogance. It's clear to me how he managed to turn a Siaya issues into an ODM issue, something that came to haunt the party upto the election time. He is someone I admire and at the same time I can't understand. This man Jakoyo Kamidiwo! ODM as a party lost the elections due to poor strategy, disorganization, dysfunctional secretariats, lack of inspiration, dictatorship by a few individuals, and alienation of party members from management of the party, cronyism among other factors. Every party member agrees that ODM is the single largest party in Kenya. As a matter of fact, it is the single party with the highest number of members in National Assembly, county assembly, women league and youth league. But on the ground, ODM is not the party it used to be. Members have lost hope. There is no direction. No clear guidelines on how its affairs are conducted. For example, nomination to the county assembly turned out to be a family affair. For example, my MP in Nyakach Hon. Aduma wuon Owuor, nominated two relatives. I have also heard rumors that in Gem, the trend is the same. This has not gone down well with majority of party members and he have a disappointed party members. As a step to correcting the problems that we have been faced with as a party, ODM has embarked on filling the position of Executive Director. Many party members applied to fill this position. I expected ODM to at-least post the names and qualifications of all those who applied, but this has not happen. I have also gathered that at-least ten people have been shortlisted. Unfortunately for many members, nobody knows the criteria used to shortlist the said candidates. Back to Jakoyo, I have heard rumors from many reliable quarters he handpicked the vetting committee of 7 MP's and is likely to use his influence in parliament on these first time MPs to serve his interest. These interests are what killed our party. I hope the men and women who were picked to the vetting committee will be guided by the long-term interest of the party and not the short-lived personal interest of a few individuals. The following are the members of the vetting committee. Andrew tobiso, Butere constituency, Chairman. Junet Mohammed, Suna East constituency. Timothy Bosire, Kitutu Masaba constituency. Joshua Aduma, Nyakach constituency. Florence Mutua, Women rep Busia county. Joyce Lay, Women rep Taita Taveta. ****there is one from NEP (forgot the name) Janet Ongera, Nominated Senator, Ex official. Looking at the list, its very clear something is not right somewhere. Nyanza alone has four members!!Yes, they might be very qualified and equal to the task, but does it serve the interest of Nyanza to have 4 representative in that committee, yet coast, which voted cord mps have none! I understand this is just a vetting committee. They will not really appoint the ED, this will be left to elected party officials. The county chairmen, the MPs, the NEC et al. We must get some basics right. As I indicated before, I am for Mr. Caeser Asiyo. I believe he has what it takes to move the party forward. When he served as the deputy campaign manager in 2007, he delivered. Two of my very close personal friends Norman Magaya and Nabii Nabwera also applied and I am wishing them luck. ODM must get the basics right. I also do not understand why there is a hurry to fill the positions of those who left. Some of those post have been vacant for the last four years. We pushed for them to be filled before elections and the forces that want them filled now were the ones that refused. ODM should conduct a complete party election. This tricks by a few clique who want to appoint their cronies to fill those positions must be resisted by all well-meaning party members. For ODM to make an impact in 2017, radical changes must be made. The party must be taken back to the members! We must get the basics right. Lee Makwiny is a blogger and The National Coordinator, ODM Youth 2012 lobby group! From: odhiambo okecth <komarockswatch@yahoo.com> To: mulembe <mulembe@yahoogroups.com> Cc: Guardian <letters@guardian.co.uk>; Jaluo.com <jaluo@jaluo.com>; KCA <kca_main@yahoogroups.com>; Kenva <KENVA@yahoogroups.com>; Kenya Community <kc-ab@yahoogroups.ca>; Kenya <kenya@letsdoitworld.org>; Kenya Canada <kenya-can@yahoogroups.com>; Kenya Club <kenyaclub@yahoogroups.com>; Kiss FM Classic FM <news@kissfm.co.ke>; KOL <kenyaonline@yahoogroups.com>; Madaraka <madaraka-kenya@yahoogroups.com>; MWANYAGETINGE NETWORK <mwanyagetinge@yahoogroups.com>; Nation <editor@nation.co.ke>; News <news@1fm.co.ke>; next_kenya@yahoogroups.com; ntv@nation.co.ke; NYSA <nysa1@googlegroups.com> Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 2:07 PM Subject: [KOL] The National Prayer Breakfast; Personal Reflections Dear Friends, The National Prayer Breakfast was hosted today at the Safari Park Hotel. It was a nice occasion to watch, from the discordant Parliament Choir to the hilarious Personal Reflections of our Deputy President HE Hon William Ruto. Now, Hon Ruto knows how to connect with the people. He left all of us in stitches with his personal reflections. The most entertaining was when they had to approach the Chief of the Defense Forces that they were going to kneel down as they were being prayed for during their Inauguration! And when they were at State House for their first ever visit upon being declared President and Deputy- an Aide asked them what would happen if they were told that- hold it guys, there was a problem. You are not the guys who won! To when someone asked that- so God still listens to prayers offered by Yego? I loved it all. It made me also decide to have my own Personal Reflections today. I was invited for Tea yesterday at the Senate Lounge by Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o- the Senator for Kisumu County. I found him in the company of Sen John Munyes and as we had Tea, we made our Reflections on many issues of National importance. We also discussed Kimisho Sacco Society Ltd, and I am delighted at the insights that meeting gave me. Prof has always been an inspiration for me. Sen Prof Nyong'o is the brains behind the National Economic Recovery in Kenya. When we all voted for Narc in 2002, President Emilio Mwai Kibaki appointed Prof Nyong'o to the Planning Ministry as the Minister. He assembled a Team of Technocrats who developed several Blue Chip Economic Recovery Programmes, the Vision 2030, and worked tirelessly to start and steer Kenya to the right Economic path. I know it was never easy, but we needed men made of such steel to make Kenya survive. I have always delighted in a Poem authored by the Sen Prof where he says that the books he read have not made him impotent. I will post that poem for all to read.  Odhiambo T Oketch with Sen Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o when he was the Minister for Mediccal Services I know of one thing- success is never an easy thing. There must be men of straw, charlatans and pollutants, people who get over-awed by successful people. They will not stop criticizing any thing. Yet, they are not able to even manage a simple chicken farming process. Such men and women are part of our society. We meet them daily and they pretend to be friends, yet, at the slightest opportunities, they hurl mud at you. Our Journey of Hope across Kenya has been such a journey with snares and traps all along. But we have been firm and solid. Attempts have been made to malign us and they have all come a cropper. People have even invaded our Organization, pretended to believe in what we stand for, pretending that they are working for us, and left making all sorts of noise. But it has never bothered us. It has also never affected our resolve. I have seen it all, where small minds even discussed my Wife and Family in the social media. But I have never stooped that low to discuss their wives. Because I know one thing; small minds will always keep discussing people. We are now building Kimisho Sacco Society Ltd and I am elated at the response we are getting across the whole World. A Friend in the US has even offered to serve in our Board- as our Board Member for the Diaspora. And he is going to come for our 1st Annual General Meeting. And this is great. But we have also faced the usual small minds- people who cannot initiate anything. They get so over-awed to the extent of trying to always bring down what they are not part of. And when they do this, they hide under the usual NGO slangs- accountability, credibility, due process, integrity and all such things. I even laughed when someone asked how I was recruited to head Kimisho! I have one advice for them; they cannot bring us down. Kimisho is a Movement that is going to be the next Big Thing. But I wish them well in all that they are doing. Lastly, I want to invite each one of us and see what we can do for humanity. Are we only Journeymen and charlatans- men full of envy? Or, are we builders like Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o- the Senator for Kisumu? That is a challenge I want addressed by all God's Bits of Wood. Odhiambo T Oketch, Team Leader and Executive Director, KCDN, KSSL, KICL, Tel; +254 724 365 557, Email; kimishodevelopment@gmail.com, komarockswatch@yahoo.com BlogSpot; http:kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com Uhuru Kenyatta addresses 11th National prayer gathering Updated Thursday, June 20th 2013 at 11:55 GMT +3 Nairobi, Kenya: The 11th National Prayer Breakfast was Thursday morning held at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. While addressing the gathering President Uhuru Kenyatta urged Kenyans to pray for God’s guidance and intervention in dealing with issues affecting the country. Here is his verbatim speech: Ladies and Gentlemen, I am indeed very delighted to join other Kenyans in praying for our country.  Let me begin by thanking God for bringing us here this morning to pray together, at my first national prayer breakfast as President. It is said that prayer is to the soul what food is to the body. This is indeed true.  On a personal level, I am convinced that there is nothing more valuable than praying to God, for prayer unites us with our Creator. This National Prayer Breakfast is unique as it is the first one in our Jubilee year. As we celebrate our Jubilee anniversary this year, let us profess that it will be our year of restoration, renewal and repentance in the spirit of the Biblical year of Jubilee. As Kenyans, let us also join hands to ensure that this year marks a new beginning for our people and country; a new beginning of peace and prosperity and a new beginning of hope and opportunity for all our people. Ladies and Gentlemen, As most of you will recall, last year during the campaigns, Kenyans, other political leaders and I congregated at Uhuru Park grounds to pray to God for peaceful elections. And He granted us that favour; a favour that indeed made our country proud. And so, today, as we gather to pray for our country, let us express our gratitude to God for the peaceful elections we held and for the smooth transition thereafter. Indeed, this is an opportune time for us to reflect on and thank God for the abundant blessings He has showered upon us as individuals and as a nation. As we come before the Almighty God in prayer, I call upon Kenyans to seek forgiveness and repent for our wrong doing. Let us also forgive one another and pray for reconciliation and healing in our country. I urge Kenyans to remember that we are all equal in the eyes of God, and we must forge ahead as one, united people. Let us, therefore, pray to God to help us work together to build a united, prosperous and God fearing nation which we can all be proud to call our home. I encourage us all to stand up against those vices and forces that divide us and focus more on issues that will unite us. Ladies and Gentlemen, On this occasion, I appeal to Kenyans to pray for God’s guidance and intervention in addressing the critical challenges we are facing today. Firstly, our country is in great need of honest, selfless and visionary leadership. We must all remember that we are implementing the new Constitution, and especially the devolved system of government. We have not travelled this road before and we must seek God’s guidance in walking this uncharted terrain. I call upon Kenyans to pray for all leaders to embrace the spirit of constructive dialogue and a genuine commitment to selflessly seek solutions to the challenges involved in implementing our new constitutional order. I urge leaders not to politicize challenges facing the implementation of the new order and instead provide practical solutions that will help us succeed and improve the lives of our people. Secondly, I call upon Kenyans to pray for peace and security in our country. In recent times, we have been faced with security challenges which remain a matter of great concern to my Government. I would like to assure all Kenyans that we are determined to deal with any internal and external threats to our peace and security. However, as we endeavor to deal with these challenges, let us also remember the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 127 that “except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.†Thirdly, let us all pray to God for our daily bread, for the adequate sustenance of each and every one of us. There are many of our people who live below the poverty line and others who are unemployed and have no secure means of earning a livelihood. As Christians, we have a duty to these people. The Government has a duty too, and as Government we are indeed committed to transforming our country into a middle income economy where all our people can enjoy high standards of living. As we pursue this long term goal, I assure Kenyans that my Government is taking all possible measures to reduce the cost of living and ensure basic necessities are affordable to all Kenyans. I call upon all leaders at the national and county levels to focus on practical ways of improving the lives of our people and especially addressing the plight of the needy and vulnerable members of our country. Let us pray for and focus on helping the unemployed youth, those living in poverty and all vulnerable members of our society especially on issues of access to food and shelter, education and healthcare as well as farm inputs and affordable energy. Finally, let us pray for God’s guidance in balancing the competing demands in our economy. I appeal to all Kenyans not to lose sight of the big picture in the course of championing individual and group interests. We must remember that our sectoral demands as counties, as interest groups, as trade unions and so on, have a direct bearing and impact on other sectors and on our country as a whole. Let us carefully assess the effects of our demands on other sectors of national endeavor and on the overall growth prospects of our economy. In the true Christian love, let us reflect on the wellbeing of one another; let us be one another’s keeper. As we seek to share the national cake, let us also give serious thought to new ideas of baking a larger cake at both the national and county levels. As I conclude, I wish to commend the organizers of this year’s National Prayer Breakfast for bringing together people from diverse religious affiliations in prayer.  This is a good illustration of how we can set apart our diversity and move forward as a nation. It is my hope that it shall be replicated in all our other undertakings. I thank you and God bless you all. Kenya: Raila's Visit to the U.S. Is Critical for KenyaBy Timothy Kaberia, 17 June 2013 opinion On Tuesday, June 18, 2013 former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will address scholars and international policy enthusiasts in Washington, DC at an event organized by the Woodrow Wilson Center. This visit confirms Raila's declaration that losing the Presidential race opened a window of opportunity for him to engage at a different level on behalf of Kenyans. The former Prime Minister is slated to discuss the past 50 years, highlighting both achievements and challenges on the African continent. He will also share his vision for Africa over the next 50 years, with a particular focus on Africa's future engagements with China and the United States. Mr. Odinga's visit to Washington, D.C is critical for various reasons. First, it comes at a time when the African Union has taken a hardline stance against the International Criminal Court and by extension the West. A few weeks ago African heads of state met in Addis Ababa and threatened to pull out of the ICC if the court did not return the cases facing President Kenyatta and William Ruto back to Kenya. Botswana dissented but the ICC seems to have caved in to the demand; albeit indirectly. Mr. Odinga immediately dismissed the position taken by the African heads of state and is expected to reiterate his position in Washington. Secondly, Odinga's trip is critical because it comes just days before US President Barack Obama visits South Africa, Senegal and Kenya's neighbor to the South, Tanzania. Whether Mr. Odinga will be feted by the White House remains unclear but if that happens, then it would have some serious implications on the US-Kenya relations. If Odinga visits the White House or holds meetings with top administration officials then Washington will be sending a clear message that Odinga's opinion is still very relevant in official Washington and the West as a whole. Third, Odinga's lecture resonates with recent US positions. According to the US deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes, Obama's trip to Africa is very important to America. Mr. Rhodes states "You've got some of the fastest growing economies in Africa. You've got a massively growing youth population. You've got key security and counterterrorism issues that we work on with African countries" adding that if President Obama "overlooks" the continent, the US would be "ceding" leadership. Considering the importance the US attaches to this trip and the fact that Obama has "snubbed" Kenya for a second time, it will be interesting to hear what Mr. Odinga has to say in relation to Africa-US relations. Odinga is scheduled to share his vision for Africa over the next 50 years, with a particular focus on Africa's future engagements with China and the United States. The role of China in Africa cannot be overemphasized. The US is determined to wrest part of China's throttlehold of Africa and its resources. America is competing aggressively for trade opportunities on top of maintaining its competitive edge; the export of democracy and governance. Fourth, barely three weeks ago, US Secretary of State John Kerry attended the 50th anniversary of the African Union in Ethiopia and noted that six of the world's fastest growing economies are in Africa and that Africa's opportunities call for "vigilance" by all. That Mr. Odinga is expected to highlight Africa's engagement with China and the US over the next 50 years cannot be ignored. Odinga has a rare opportunity to turn both Kerry's and Rhodes' words into an advantage for Kenya and Africa by emphasizing true partnerships that are mutually beneficial. Finally, whether or not Mr. Odinga is treated like an African statesman and chaperoned by the Kenya embassy in Washington or left to figure his way around is beside the point. The Woodrow Wilson Center is one of the most influential international policy think tanks in Washington, DC. Mr. Odinga's invitation to Washington just before Obama's trip to Africa is a clear indication that he still has a lot of thump internationally, particularly in the West. It is this kind of clout that will solidify Raila's legacy and create opportunities for Kenya if properly exploited. Both Mr. Odinga and the Kenya government have a tough balancing act ahead of them. The foreign ministry must accord Mr. Odinga the respect befitting an elder statesman during this visit. Mr. Odinga, on the other hand must be careful not to engage in unnecessary Kenya and African Union bashing. Like its competitors, all the United States cares for right now is an opportunity to partake of the African pie. This is not only an opportunity for Mr. Odinga to speak his mind but for Kenya to seize America's forceful entry into African trade. Timothy Kaberia comments on African politics from Washington, DC State rules out talks with Anthony Chinedu Updated Wednesday, June 19th 2013 at 20:51 GMT +3 By Lonah Kibet The Government has ruled out negotiating with deported Nigerian businessman Anthony Chinedu on his return to Nairobi as a condition for release of Kenyans held in Lagos, Nigeria. Foreign Affairs Cabinet secretary Amina Mohammed said the Government will, however, intensify ongoing diplomatic talks with Nigerian authorities. “We need time to talk with Nigerian government before we make any comments on the issue. We need to ensure that the consultations are not interfered with by the comments we will make,†said Mohammed. She was speaking yesterday during a breakfast meeting in Nairobi with European Union heads. Mohammed dispelled the notion that Kenya is moving away from its traditional partners in Europe. Seven Government officials and five-airline crew of a private jet hired to deport ten foreigners, including five Nigerians, among them Chinedu, are stuck in the West African nation. The 12 have been detained for almost two weeks at Murtala Muhammed International Airport as Nigerian authorities claim Chinedu was not procedurally deported. Yesterday, Mohammed revealed she had made contact with Nigeria but refused to divulge information on the level of engagement. Address matter She said providing more details on the saga may jeopardise consultations and thus affect the progress of ensuring Kenyans and the jet are released. “There are a lot of bilateral consultations between the two governments to see how the issue can be resolved. I can’t give you more information as it will complicate issues under consultation,†she said. When pressed to explain further on the negotiations, Mohammed asked journalists to give the ministry time to address the matter. The detained Government officials are Barasa Okosa, Kariuki Ngugi, Mungathia Muriira, Pardala Dipason, Kivuva Muthama, Andrew Kambi and Mutinda Kakindu. The airline crew include Captain Tim Kavingo, flight engineer Alaka Ochieng’ and flight attendants George Kamau and Ismail Adan and a swede national first officer Rokshanker Masoud. Seven officials held in Lagos over Chinedu By EMEKA-MAYAKA GEKARA gmayaka@ke.nationmedia.com AND AGGREY MUTAMBO amutambo@ke.nationmedia.com Posted Sunday, June 16 2013 at 23:30 In Summary
Seven government officials and five airline crew have been detained in Nigeria for two weeks after they travelled to the country to deport Nigerian businessman Anthony Chinedu and two of his compatriots. The officials from different government departments including foreign affairs, immigration and police, left Nairobi for Lagos in a chartered aeroplane on June 3 escorting the controversial businessman and two other Nigerians, Christopher Nnanyelu and Oluwatosin Adebiyi. The three had been declared prohibited immigrants in Kenya. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the officials have not been allowed to leave Nigeria. They said authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos were holding them and their chartered East African Safari Express plane. According to them, Nigerian authorities have insisted the Kenyans will not be allowed to fly out without the three men Kenya kicked out on drug trafficking claims. Speaking to the Daily Nation from Nigeria on Sunday, one of the officials, who requested anonymity, said that attempts by the Kenyan embassy to secure their release had been unsuccessful. Escorted deportees Those stuck in Nigeria include Captain Tim Kavingo and his colleagues, flight engineer Alaka Ochieng' and flight attendants George Kamau and Ismail Adan. First officer Rokshanker Masoud, a Swede, is also affected. The government officials who escorted the deportees were Mr Barasa Okosa, Mr Kariuki Ngugi, Mr Mungathia Muriira, Mr Pardala Dipason, Mr Kivuva Muthama, Mr Andrew Kambi and Mr Mutinda Kakindu. A Nigerian journalist confirmed to the Nation that the aircraft was being held at the airport's cargo air wing. The airline's office in Nairobi did not return our calls on Sunday. Sources indicated that the government of Sweden had already contacted its embassy in Nigeria to secure the release of the flight officer. "We are stranded here. The airport commander has instructed that we cannot return to Nairobi without the deportees," said the official who called the Nation from his hotel room. The airport commander had blocked attempts by the East Africa Safari Express management to fly its crew back to Nairobi on a Kenya Airways flight. On Sunday evening, Foreign Affairs ministry's Head of Communication Beatrice Kung'u admitted that several Kenyans, who accompanied the Nigerians deported 10 days ago, were still being held in Lagos. But she could not discuss the circumstances under which the Nigerian authorities were detaining them. "We are addressing the issue," she said, but added that only the Immigration authorities could discuss the details. Principal Secretary in the Interior ministry Mutea Iringo on Sunday said he was yet to receive information on the plight of the crew, but said he would check with the police. They lost contact with the deportees after they arrived in Nigeria, the PS, under whose ministry Immigration falls, said. Officials held in Nigeria had travel approval, says Amina  PHOTO | WILLIAM OERI Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed with EU Head of Delegation to Kenya Lodewijk Briet on June 19, 2013 at Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi. Ms Mohammed said officials detained in Lagos had genuine travel papers. NATION MEDIA GROUP By AGGREY MUTAMBO amutambo@ke.nationmedia.com Posted Wednesday, June 19 2013 at 23:30 In Summary
The Kenya government insists its officials held in Lagos after deporting a Nigerian suspected of drug trafficking had the necessary documentation to enter the West African nation. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed told journalists on Wednesday that the officials who deported Mr Anthony Chinedu and two other Nigerians had genuine travel approval. "They had everything they needed to go to Nigeria; even had clearance to land," she said after meeting European Union diplomats in Nairobi. "It is their (Nigerians) country, and we are in consultations. Actually, it is not that they are in detention, they are in a hotel. They just can't be allowed to leave," Ms Mohammed added. The Cabinet Secretary said she had no idea why they were being held. The Kenyans and a Swedish pilot — five crew and seven security and immigration officials — were assigned to deport three Nigerians considered by the government as drug peddlers. They flew with the three to Lagos but were refused to leave. According to deportation orders signed by Attorney-General Githu Muigai on June 3, the officials were to escort Chinedu, Christopher Nnanyelu and Oluwatosin Adebiyi via chartered flight. But on arrival, Nigerian airport authorities held the officials' aircraft and blocked them from leaving unless they travelled back with the deportees. The officials were only removed from the airport when the Kenyan High Commission in Abuja intervened. The three Nigerians reportedly vanished upon arrival. Mr Chinedu on Monday claimed he would not let the officials travel back unless the Kenyan government compensated him for his investments. On Wednesday Ms Mohammed insisted Kenya was talking with no one apart from the legitimate Nigerian government authorities. "There is a duly-elected federal government of Nigeria that we are negotiating with. It is only the media that is talking to Mr Chinedu," she noted. Chinedu now demands pay for officials' release Deported Nigerian Anthony Chinedu on Monday demanded full payment of his investments in Kenya before seven officials and a plane held at a Lagos airport are released. PHOTO/FILE NATION MEDIA GROUP By AGGREY MUTAMBO amutambo@ke.nationmedia.com Posted Monday, June 17 2013 at 23:30 In Summary
Deported Nigerian Anthony Chinedu on Monday demanded full payment of his investments in Kenya before seven officials and a plane held at a Lagos airport are released. New details are emerging on how Kenyan officials who accompanied Mr Chinedu and two other Nigerians deported two weeks ago spent the night in their aircraft because they were not allowed to leave. Mr Chinedu, speaking to the Nation on phone from Leki Beach, Lagos, claimed: "I am the official of the government of Nigeria. The aircraft is now mine, it is waiting for me at the airport," he said, adding: "All I want is my money, and without these guys being detained here, I won't get my money. But you can rest assured they are safe, they are eating well." The Kenyans and a Swedish pilot — five crew and seven security and immigration officials — flew with the three Nigerians kicked out on drug trafficking claims to Lagos, but were not allowed to leave. On Monday, one of the detained officials claimed they slept in the aircraft and ate spoilt food because they were considered illegal entrants. They contacted the High Commission when they realised the issue was getting out of hand. "We were only allowed out in the evening the next day because embassy (Kenyan High Commission) officials had come in," one of the officials said. When contacted, an official at the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya said the group was currently staying at the Park View Astoria Hotel in the Ikoyi suburb of Lagos. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed said the matter was being handled, but declined to give more details. Her Internal Coordination counterpart, Mr Joseph ole Lenku, under whose docket Immigration lies, said: These are delicate negotiations between the two countries. Until something comes out of it, we cannot give you the details. However, the government is doing everything it can." |
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