Jirongo to chair House watchdog

By Shad Bulimo and Ben Agina, April 30 2008
Mr Cyrus Jirongo, the Lugari MP is likely to chair the crucial Public Investments Committtee (PIC). The Kaddu chairman who was named to the PIC yesterday is the he only MP considered to be in the Opposition, according to the Parliamentary Standing Orders - a position that makes him the clear favourite as the committee has traditionally been chaired by the Opposition. But disappointingly, women have, for the first time, been left out of the key committees - the PIC, Publich Service Committee (PSC) and Public Accounts Committee (PAC). More>>>

Miwani sale: banks to be probed

By Evelyn Kwamboka, April 30 2008
The anti-graft body has obtained orders to investigate bank transactions in connection with the sale of Miwani Sugar Company’s 9,000 acres of land. Three commercial banks are to provide the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) with records of transactions made by a private company suspected to have bought the land. KACC moved to court on Wednesday after directors of Crossley Holdings Limited allegedly declined to volunteer any information on the sale of the sugar company’s property. More>>>

Outcry as Italy posts salaries on the net

There has been outrage in Italy after the outgoing government published every Italian's declared earnings and tax contributions on the internet.

The tax authority's website was inundated by people curious to know how much their neighbours, celebrities or sports stars were making. More>>>

Mungiki: Powerful in prison than outside

By our correspondent, April 30 2008
The Government has broken unprecedented ground by formally making contact with the outlawed Mungiki sect and launching talks with its jailed leader, Maina Njenga, in a bid to tame the group’s daring excesses.

Details of how the Government has sent high-level emissaries to talk with the Mungiki leader emerged in an exclusive first media interview he granted The Standard on Wednesday at the Naivasha Maximum Security Prison. More>>>

Top actor Sidede is dead

By John Oywa, April 30 2008
Many times fortunes searched for Peter Sidede Onyulo and often found him in a drinking den. So talented was he, that filmmakers would replace a cast member who had landed the role whenever he was given a script even in his drunken stupor. In fact, when the directors of Nowhere in Africa came calling in Nairobi, they failed to get a good supporting male actor but word had it that Sidede could fit the role. The director then sent a casting agent to go for him in Kisumu.

He was traced to a drinking spot and driven to Nairobi for auditions. As Sidede sobered up, he did the first reading of the script, and voila he had landed the role. The man with vast film experience who lived like any other holloi polloi passed on in Kajulu, Kisumu last week. More>>>

Raila = Kibaki, say Luhya leaders

By our correspondents, April 29 2008
Leaders from Western Province have warned that the Coalition Government was unlikely to last for five years unless protocol disputes were addressed. Led by Khwisero MP, Mr Evans Akula, and Mr David Were of Matungu, they said Raila should be respected by all Cabinet ministers and MPs in the Parliament. Cabinet ministers Dr Paul Otuoma and Dr Noah Wekesa said Kibaki and Raila were equal partners.

And MPs, Mr Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti), Mr Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West), Mr Yussuf Chanzu (Vihiga) and Mr Alfred Odhiambo (Bumala) blamed Kalonzo for ‘putting himself where he doesn’t belong’. More>>>

Ministers have no jobs - Wekesa

By Isaac Ongiri, April 29 2008
Days after the Grand Coalition Cabinet was unveiled and sworn-in, ten ministers are unsure of their roles. A Cabinet minister told The Standard that colleagues were yet to get briefs from the Head of State or the Head of Civil Service with details of their roles.

Forestry and Wildlife minister, Dr Noah Wekesa, said he was yet to get a circular from either the President or the Head of Civil Service over what duties he should carry out. "I am yet to be briefed on what exactly I should be doing," the minister said.

By Tuesday, the Office of Public Communication website indicated several ministries had the same functions. Roles listed under the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife were similar to those under Mr Najib Balala’s Ministry of Tourism. More>>>

Awori declines prison job

By INGONEWS Reporter, April 30 2008
Dr Moody Awori, the former vice president, has declined to head a committtee on prisons reforms. "Uncle" Moody was appointed to head the committee by vice president, Kalonzo Musyoka. In yesterday's news, INGONEWS carried a report which indicted Awori for the current stand off in the prisons service. According to the report, Awori made reforms that endeared him to prisoners but forgot to notice that warders were living in sub human standards.

Webuye paper mills insolvent

By Otsieno Namwaya, April 29 2008
Kenya’s premier pulp and paper manufacturing company is technically insolvent. A damning report by PriceWaterHouseCoopers shows how a number factors, among them management failures, have combined to push Panafrican Paper Mills (EA) Ltd to financial doldrums.

The management of the Webuye-based company, in which the Government and related agencies have up to 46 per cent shareholding, and its financiers are now considering two options: Either to place it under receivership or shut it down altogether.

The fate of the company is top on the agenda of an emergency board meeting of key stakeholders and financiers this week. The board was initially scheduled to meet on May 8, but the meeting was brought forward as a matter of urgency. More>>>

Kombo's head on chopping board

By Osinde Obare and Titus Too, April 29 2008
FORD Kenya chairman, Mr Musikari Kombo, is under increasing pressure to resign. Five Ford-Kenya branches argue that his tenure as chairman spelled doom for the party, hence the need for him to quit. They asked Kombo to step down and pave way for fresh elections. "The party used to have many MPs in Parliament before Kombo took over, but he left us with only one," said Mr Benard Munialo from Trans Nzoia.

The branches which also also demanded the dissolution of the National Executive Council, held a meeting at a Kitale hotel with members drawn from Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Marakwet, Pokot North and Mt Elgon districts. Mr David Plimo (party chairman West Pokot), Mr Fred Kwanusu, Mr Moses Buyela and party elders, Mr Wafula Wandukusi and Mr Ben Simiyu, addressed more than 200 members. More>>>

PNU wants ECK disbanded

PARTY of National Unity (PNU) has called for a complete overhaul of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), saying the commissioners cannot be trusted to conduct the June 11 by elections. The party’s secretary general, Albert Muiruri, demanded that election officers be replaced with an impartial team. More>>>

Shs33b 60-day grand waste

Taxpayers will pay Sh33 billion to fund the grand coalition Cabinet in the next two months alone. Some of the money will be shifted from programmes with major social implications, including the building of new hospitals and road rehabilitation. More>>>

Protocol seminar scheduled

Cabinet ministers have been invited to a bonding session to promote harmony among leaders of diverse political parties making up the grand coalition Government. Protocol training will also be conducted. More>>>

Awori blamed for current prison crisis

By Jeff Otieno, April 28 2008
Though discontent at the prisons department has been simmering for decades, the rushed reforms initiated by former Vice President Moody Awori fanned the current crisis. In an attempt to show how serious the National Rainbow Coalition Government was in righting the wrongs of the Kanu regime, Mr Awori initiated a reform agenda in the department after taking over as Home Affairs minister in 2003.

Popularly known as “Uncle” by the prisoners, Mr Awori concentrated on improving the welfare of prisoners and forgot the men and women mandated to help the jailed reform. One of the first things he did was to distribute new uniforms to prisoners but forgot the prison warders who to buy their uniforms. More>>>

Raila is equal to Kibaki - says church

By INGONEWS Reporter and agencies, April 28 2008
The church has entered the fray in the protocol debacle about who between Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka is senior. The chairman of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Bishop Eliud Wabukala said it is obvious that Raila is equal to President Kibaki according to the new constitutional dispensation.

"Kenyans know power was shared between Kibaki and Raila and its unfortunate for anyone to say the Vice-President now becomes more powerful than Raila," he said. He urged President Kibaki to clear the protocol confusion and spare the country further embarrassment. His views were supported by Cardinal John Njue, the head of the Catholic Church in Kenya.

"I’m personally very disappointed with the way leaders are portraying themselves in peace rallies. They should at least shelve their power interest to first address the matter at hand - the IDPs, who have been living in sub-human conditions,"he said in Nyeri Consolata Cathedral where an informal introduction of the new Archbishop Peter Kairu was conducted. More>>>.

Bishop Wabukala: Raila is equal to Kibaki and not junior to Kalonzo.

Gunshots and death at Kodiaga, Kamiti prisons

Gunshots were fired inside the Kamiti Maximum Prison as warders tried to contain a near-riot on day four of the crisis in jails. In Kisumu, two inmates died at Kodiaga and Kibos prisons as they were being taken to hospital for treatment. More>>>

School girls kick bathroom intruder to death

By Roselyne Obala, April 28 2008
A MAN died after students from a girls’ school attacked him inside the institution’s bathroom.ishop Sulumeti Girls Secondary School in Kakamega found the man hiding in the bathroom at the weekend. They punched and kicked him, leaving him unconscious. Kakamega Deputy OCPD, Mr Alfred Makoma, said the man, 34, hid in one of the bathrooms for yet to be established mission.

"The students had gone to bathe when they spotted the man in one of the bathrooms. They descended on him, hitting him several times on the head with blunt objects as they screamed for help," said Makoma. More>>>

Two top Mungiki leaders butchered

By Cyrus Ombati, April 28 2008
TWO top Mungiki leaders were killed on the Naivasha-Nairobi highway. Acting Mungiki chairman, Charles Ndung’u Wagacha, and treasurer, Naftali Irungu, were reportedly driving to Naivasha Prison yesterday to meet their chairman when they were killed. They were shot near Uplands shopping centre by gunmen who had trailed them from Limuru at about 1 pm. Each body had at least ten bullet wounds and the gunmen seemed to have taken their time during the execution. More>>>

Moneyline UK rewards agents

By Shad Bulimo, April 28 2008
Moneyline UK, one of UK’s fastest growing African businesses celebrated its fifth anniversary with a corporate dinner for agents over the weekend in a London hotel. The company, with a network of over 100 agents spread across the UK is the brainchild of Dr Divine Ndumu and his wife, Alice. Abeingo Money Transfer was represented by Shad Bulimo.

While happy with the current level of success, Dr Ndumu originally from Cameroon, told the audience that his aim is to be the best, biggest money transfer company in the UK. “Money transfer is a multi billion industry across the world and I don’t see why as Africans we cannot tap into that largesse,” he said. He said the company has diversified into health and mobile phone top up sectors.

Moneyline UK Business Development Director, Alice Ndumu originally from Kenya, said negotiations are an advanced stage to add Tanzania to the stable and expand the product portfolio.  Currently Moneyline UK transfers money to 13 countries -  Kenya, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Cameroon, Nigeria, DR Congo, Cape Verde, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Zambia and Zimbabwe. “Eventually, we shall cover the whole continent,” she said.

Mohamed Awal of Afro Superstore of Leicester won the award of the best overall agent in terms of volume of transfers. Other winners included, Duncan and Norah Ngari of Shearforce Securities trading as Wakanyungu Money Transfer. Mr Awal won two nights for two in Nairobi and two tickets for any West End show of their choice.  Present at the ceremony were Abel Kenyoru, the Principal Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Kenya High Commission in London, Mr Gamba Abdu Zahoru, Head of Trade and Economic at the Nigerian High Commission and Mr Dennis Nyuydzewira, Deputy High Commissioner of Cameroon.  The event was organised by Visage Communications and the master of ceremony was Mr Charles Khiran. CLICK HERE to see the function in pictures.

New twist in Grand Regency deal

By Oliver Mathenge and Kenneth Ogosia, April 27 2008
The Grand Regency  saga took a new turn Sunday with Prime Minister Raila Odinga asking Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission to explain how Mr Kamlesh Pattni surrendered the hotel to Central Bank.

Mr Odinga wrote to the Aaron Ringera-led team following a story in the Saturday Nation a week ago raising questions on the deal. Sources indicated that the PM wants the information because he may be required to explain the matter in Parliament or to donors. A Libyan company is said to be a front runner in buying the hotel but murmurs of a local connection are never too far. More>>>

400 Sabaot tortured

By our correspondent, April 27 2008
More than 400 Mount Elgon residents including children were tortured  by the military during the offensive to flush out the rag-tag Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia. According to a report produced by the Independent Medico-legal Unit (IMLU), those arrested were locked up at Bungoma prison after  suffering physical injuries from the beatings meted out by the Kenya Army.

Due to what the organisation refers to as arbitrary arrests, the number of those in prison has escalated from 700 to 1,380, compounding the congestion problem at the prison. The tortured  victims  were mainly  males from the Sabaot community, aged between 15 and 55 years. More>>>

Raila in Germany for treatment

By Phillip Mulee, April 27 2008
PRIME Minister Raila Odinga has been flown out of the country for medical checkup after developing an undisclosed ailment. The Lang’ata Member of Parliament left for Germany yesterday for what his private secretary Salim Lone said was ‘to undergo a brief medical procedure.’ Raila was accompanied by his wife Ida Odinga and the two are expected back in the country on Friday.  Lone, however, did not give details of the nature of Raila’s ailment but it is understood the Premier fell sick soon after the returning from a series of peace rallies he jointly held with President Mwai Kibaki in Rift Valley. More>>>

Kisumu 2nd dirtiest town

By Jane Akinyi, April 27 2008
Kisumu has been ranked the second lowest town in the country that hands consistent wash, with only two per cent of the population correctly using soap. A survey commissioned by the Ministry of Health and carried out by Steadman covered seven provinces with a total of 802 households revealed this.

Consistent hand washing was found to reduce cases of diarrhoea by 42 per cent and to prevent cholera and avian flu outbreaks. Meanwhile, the Government has sent experts to chlorinate water sources in Kisumu and its environs in efforts to contain a cholera outbreak.

District Public Health Officer, Mr Naphtali Bundi, said the exercise was aimed at making clean water to available to residents. "Our personnel have been deployed to various parts of the province to chlorinate all wells, dams and rivers within residential areas," Bundi said. More>>>

Plastic money for the youth

By Joseph Murimi, April 27 2008
Don’t throw away plastic waste. It is good money! A new strategy that will allow you to sell your plastic waste, generate income for the youth and improve the environment has been unveiled.

Players in the plastic industry have come up with a concept that will see plastic waste collected and recycled before getting to the dumpsites. The concept involves organising youths in groups and empowering them to collect plastic waste from homes and selling them to big industries for recycling. More>>>

Emuhaya to replace Marende

By INGONEWS Reporter, April 25 2008
The people of Bunyore go to the polls on June 11 to elect another MP. The seat fell vacant after Kenneth Marende was elected House Speaker. Emuhaya constituents will join those in four other constituencies in by elections. These include Embakasi where Mellitus Were was slain by unkown assailants, Ainamoi where David Too was shot dead by a policeman, Wajir East and Kilgoris constituencies.

Embattled ECK chairman, Mr Samuel Kivuitu said the repeat elections would be conducted in five constituencies and 55 wards civic wards on June 11. The by-elections will be a further test to the unity of the barely two weeks old Grand Coalition Government. More>>>

MP robs Muchilwa of govt house

Western prisons paralysed by strike

By Robert Wanyonyi and Roselyne Obala, April 25 2008
Operations at the Bungoma, Kakamega and Shikusa GK prisons were paralysed when more than 700 prison warders went on strike in solidarity with their colleagues across the country. In Naivasha, three prisoners died of suspected alcohol poisoning. More...

In Kakamega, warders gave the Government a three-day ultimatum to address their plight, failing which they would down their tools. The officers who staged a go-slow threatened to paralyse operations at all prisons in the province from Monday if their grievances would not be addressed. They are further calling for the resignation of the Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Gilbert Omondi, and transfer of the department to the Office of the President (OP). The more than 500 officers at the Kakamega GK Prison and Shikusa Prison lamented that the Government had ignored their plight for along time. More>>>

'Fords' merger a boon to Luhya

By Peter Atsiaya, April 24 2008
FORD-Kenya and New Ford-Kenya could merge. Housing minister, Mr Soita Shitanda, the New Ford-Kenya chairman, and Ford-Kenya Saboti MP, Mr Eugene Wamalwa, said the leaders of the two parties had started talks to bring them together.

Shitanda and Wamalwa expressed fear that Ford-Kenya risked being irrelevant unless it was salvaged. "The leadership crisis that led to the break up of Ford-Kenya will be sorted out," said Shitanda. Ford-Kenya was the only party that could bring together the Luhya community and strengthen its bargaining power in Government. More>>>

Libyan link in Grand Regency

Patrick Beja and Shad Bulimo, April 24 2008
The Government has given the clearest hint of what it wants to do with Nairobi’s five-star Grand Regency Hotel that has been in the news over claims that it had been sold secretly. Attorney General, Amos Wako has delinked himself over the sale raising eyebrows of underhand dealings..

Finance minister, Mr Amos Kimunya, said a reserve price of Sh2.5 billion has been set and it could be sold in a month’s time. In an apparent response to the many claims over recovery of the hotel at the heart of the Goldenberg scandal by the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (Kacc), Kimunya said the Government hoped to get the highest price possible from the hotel. More>>>

KAKAMEGA
Kenya's loss is Botswana's gain

By Allan Kisia, April 24 2008
The European Union is unlikely to lift a ban on beef imports from Kenya unless the government enhances veterinary services, a workshop was told. Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) said the Government should allocate more funds to veterinary services to reclaim its export share to Europe.

Speaking in Kakamega, the association’s national chairman, Dr Christopher Wanga, said that the department of veterinary services needs more financing. Kenya lost its beef export quota to Europe over its failure to control animal diseases. The 4,000 tonnes meat annual quota was taken over by Botswana. More>>>

Maize seed in Lugari wasting away

By our correspondent, April 24 2008
Maize seed worth thousands of shillings donated by the Government to farmers in Lugari district remains uncollected. Ministry of Agriculture released 28.9 tonnes of maize seeds to be distributed to farmers in the district, but 2.7 tonnes meant for farmers affected by post-election violence remain uncollected as the beneficiaries are still in camps.

Mr John Cheruiyot, the Western Provincial Director of Agriculture, said the beneficiaries had not returned to their farms. "The seeds were to be distributed to internally displaced persons. Failure to collect the planting materials means production is likely to reduce by about 40 per cent," he said in Kakamega during a briefing on preparations of this year’s Western Agricultural Show. More>>>

Kibaki, Kalonzo heckled in Eldoret

By Biketi Kikechi and Osinde Obare, April 24 2008
Heckling, protocol hitches and tension threatened to mar President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s tour of displaced people in the Rift Valley even as leaders accompanying them preached peace. Differences of seniority between Raila and Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, were displayed in public at a rally as the President watched in disbelief during the peace tour to reconcile communities in the Rift Valley.

The largely emotional visit, which was expected to kick off a healing and reconciliation process, started on a bumpy and hostile note when President Kibaki, Kalonzo and Internal Security minister, Prof George Saitoti, were booed. An angry President restrained himself after a section of the crowd in Eldoret walked out on him, while others apparently made remarks the Head of State said were a result of ignorance. More>>>

One is equal to, the other 2nd to...

Edwin Mutai and Barry Salil , April 24 2008
A SUPERIORITY contest between Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka almost marred a peace rally addressed by President Mwai Kibaki in Eldoret town yesterday.  Drama unfolded when Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan introduced dignitaries at the meeting before he invited Agriculture Minister William Ruto to welcome other leaders to address the gathering.

When he mentioned the Vice-President’s name, a section of the crowd openly heckled him, even defying pleas from leaders to show respect since the electioneering was over. The rally was thrown into further confusion, and almost turned into a popularity contest between Raila and Kalonzo,  when Internal Security minister George Saitoti invited Raila to address the meeting before Kalonzo.  The PM declined the invitation demanding that the Vice-President speaks first before him. But after some exchanges at the Presidential dais with Prof Saitoti, Raila accepted to address the meeting but not without a protest.   More>>>

FOUND: NOAH AMATOYA INYAMBUKHO FROM BUNYORE

Early this month, Justin Doyle of United Kingdom contacted Abeingo Community Network to help him search for a long lost friend Noah Amatoya Inyambukho from Bunyore. Mr Doyle, artistic director, Ryedale Festival has contacted Abeingo with good news: He has found Mr Inyambukho and will be travelling to Bunyore next week to meet him. For all those who played any part in locating Mr Inyambukho, Mr Doyle wants to express his gratitude: EMBWO MUNO!

- Editor

Western gave shs36m to ODM

By our reporter and agencies, April 23 2008
Western Province raised shs36 million for the Orange Democratic Party, figures released yesterday shows. The figure represents 10% of ODM's war chest of an estimated Sh388 million, with Rift Valley topping the list with Sh136 million, followed by Nyanza with Sh85 million, Nairobi Sh84 million, Central 0, Coast Sh45 million, Eastern Sh2 million, North Eastern 0. The report has been prepared by the Governance and Publicity Policy Unit, an NGO headed by Dr Charles Otieno.

However, the figures have been disputed. "ODM spent far less than that. We are tabulating the actual figures and once we are through, we will release the results," said Lone. Housing Minister, Mr Soita Shitanda, also cast doubt on the figures, saying smaller political parties could not afford the millions said to have been spent in the campaigns. "Most of us actually depended on the goodwill of the electorate to finance our campaigns," he said. Kaddu Chairman, Mr Cyrus Jirongo, who is also the Lugari MP, also cast doubt on the report, saying smaller parties had no substantial cash for the campaigns. More>>>

Wekesa defends shamba system

By Evelyne Ogutu, April 23 2008
The controversial shamba system will be spread across several districts. But squatters who have invaded gazetted forestland will be evicted. In a media brief yesterday after a handing over ceremony in his offices, Forestry and Wildlife minister, Dr Noah Wekesa, said the shamba system could not be scrapped.

The system, which was enforced in the new Forest Act of 2007, was renamed Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS). The shamba system, which environmentalist have roundly condemned, is currently being practiced in 15 districts.

Kenya is classified among the countries with low forest cover. Currently, forestland covers only 1.8 per cent of the country, which is below the internationally required 10 per cent. More>>>

Local authorities lost shs1b in violence

By Maseme Machuka and Barkhad Kaariye, April 23 2008
Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to be more diplomatic when addressing national issues. Mudavadi said post-election crisis had put the country in a spot on how it handled national matters. "As a nation we need to change the way we solve our matters. We should learn to solve our problems amicably. Emotional reaction to issues has taken the country back," he said.

The Local Government minister said post-election violence had affected Local Authorities, leading to loss of revenue and property. "The Local Authorities lost up to Sh1 billion worth of assets and more than Sh500 million in revenue collection for the period of wanton violence," he added. More>>>

Moi pulls Kanu wing out of PNU

By Vincent Bartoo, April 23 2008
KANU leaders from the Rift Valley have withdrawn from the Party of National Unity (PNU). And they want the party to delink itself from PNU, claiming it was shortchanged in the allocation of Government positions. Kanu has 14 MPs in Parliament - and only one is from the Rift Valley. Led by former Baringo Central MP, Mr Gideon Moi, the leaders said Rift Valley did not get its share of ministerial appointments. Gideon said although the party leader, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Kanu was not happy with how the region had been treated. "We feel we did not get what we deserved considering the support we accorded PNU in the last General Election," he said. More>>>

Schools paralysed in UK

By a correspondent, April 23 2008
The teachers' pay strike in England and Wales this week could damage pupils' exam revision, says the head of the school employers' organisation. Thousands of teenagers are preparing for A-levels and GCSEs - and primary pupils will soon be taking Sats tests. Ivan Ould, chair of the National Employers' Organisation for School Teachers, says pupils will "lose out on invaluable study time". The teachers' union is to stage a 24-hour walkout on Thursday - the first national strike for 21 years. More>>>

Poverty in Western stands at 61%

By Denis Lumiti and Hussein Salesa, April 23 2008
Western provincial commissioner Abdul Mwaserah and his Nyanza counterpart Paul Olando have raised concern over the rampant poverty in the two regions. The administrators said poverty in the two provinces was aggravated by perennial flooding, mismanagement of resources and the HIV/Aids pandemic.  In a speech read by Olando during a workshop in Kakamega, the administrators said poverty in Western stood at 61 per cent and 64.6 per cent in Nyanza. The workshop was attended by district commissioners and senior Government officials. More>>>

Wako disowns Grand Regency deal

By Lucianne Limo And Abiya Ochola, April 22 2008
The Attorney-General has distanced his office from any involvement in the handing over of Grand Regency Hotel to the Central Bank of Kenya. Mr Amos Wako said his office was not consulted for legal advice during the transaction, a confession that deepens the mystery that surrounds the handover.

"The AG has not been involved whatsoever in the handing over and the alleged sale of the Grand Regency to CBK. I saw the handover ceremony on television like everybody else," Wako said. "Neither the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission nor CBK have approached me over the matter as of now," he said. More>>>

Nyong'o's 6,000 job sweetener

By Elizabeth Mwai and Fahma Yusuf , April 22 2008
The new Minister for Medical Services took over office and gave health graduates a reason to smile: The Government will recruit 6,000 employees in the next three years. Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o said the ministry’s more than 1,000 new rural health facilities and hospitals were understaffed.

"It is my intention to ensure that all facilities constructed are operational with adequate staffing," he said. Nyong’o also promised a sub-hospital in every constituency. Present at the occasion was the Assistant minister, Mr Danson Mungatana, and the PS, Dr Hezron Nyangito. More>>>

Nzoia loses shs300m in three weeks

By Luke Kapchanga, April 22 2008
Nzoia Sugar Company is losing millions of shillings daily after its milling plant broke down. It has lost shs300 million in thre weeks. Reports say thousands of tonnes of harvested cane went to waste before the management decided to transport some of its cane to neighbouring Mumias Sugar for crushing.

“We are experiencing a small breakdown with the turbine, but it will be rectified soon,” managing director Francis Oyatsi said yesterday.  Mr Oyatsi said they would not incur any losses when they were not operational. But some factory workers painted a grim picture, saying that being closed for about three weeks had caused a loss of over Sh300 million. More>>>

Namwamba hits out at recycled deadwood

By David Ohito, April 22 2008
ODM Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Ababu Namwamba, who is also the Budalang’i MP has lambasted President Kibaki for recycling deadwood permanent secretaries. "I expected young blood and fresh ideas. I am appalled at the number of retirees retained in Government. They should quit.," he said in Nairobi yesterday.

He said the President’s changes were cosmetic and failed to balance the appointments. "It is a big joke. We will not let it pass unchallenged. We will raise the issues on the floor of Parliament and demand justification of retaining retirees in the Civil Service," Namwamba said

The MP said the party was losing because appointments did not allegedly reflect the 50-50 power-sharing, adding that it posed problems for the Orange party ahead of six by-elections. "What will we tell voters as we campaign for ODM? We had half a loaf, but others were not considered at all?" he asked. More>>>

Kikoi rescued from UK scavengers

By Shad Bulimo and Marion Wambugu, April 22 2008
Even though kiondos originated from Kenya, the patent rights belong to Japan which could insist that kiondo makers pay it levies to use the name in marketing the popular crafts. The same thing nearly happened to kikoi, a traditional fabric popular along the coastal regions. A UK company's , bid to register intellectual rights to the name have flopped.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the Government has moved swiftly to register the Kikoi trademark. The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (Kipi) Managing Director, Prof James Odek, said the Kikoi would be registered as a protected trademark under the National Museums of Kenya.

Two years ago, an attempt by the British Kikoy Company UK Ltd to register Kikoi as its trademark failed. The Kikoi case comes two years after Kenya lost its famous Kiondo brand, which was registered in Japan in 2006. More>>>

Luhyaland gets 10% of senior govt appointments

By Shad Bulimo, April 21 2008
Out of the 56 permanent secretaries and key sectional personnel, the Luhya got six out of which five are PS's and one, Mr Sam Mwale, a principal Administrative secretary in the Office of the President.

Dorothy Angote (Lands) and Prof George Godia (Education) were retained from the old cloth while the new cut includes, Mr Patrick Khaemba (Cooperative Development), Dr Ludeki Chweya (Home Affairs), Beatrice Naliaka Wasike (Labour) and Kenneth Lusaka (Provincial Administration). Rebecca Mwikali Nabutola (Tourism) is from Ukambani but married in Luhyaland. The Labour PS was first a PNU parliamentary nominee but was dropped in favour of Musikari Kombo, the Ford Kenya chairman. More>>>

Uganda gives land to Kenyan refugees

By our correspondents, April 21 2008
More than 2,000 refugees in Uganda have refused to return home fearing the situation is unsafe. The Ugandan government has availed 100 acres of land in Mulanda, Tororo (inhabited by the Luhya tribe of Abagweru) to the refugees so that they can grow their own food.

Meanwhile, Bishop Beneah Salala of Mumias Diocese has challenged the coalition Government to help the Kenyan refugees in Uganda to return home. He said the refugees should not be left to suffer yet peace had been restored.

"Let the new Cabinet make the return of the refugees in Uganda and their re-settlement a matter of priority to ease the human suffering they are under-going," said the Anglican prelate. More>>>

Western water crisis: Kiraitu leaps to the rescue, but only for a month

By Stephen Makabila and Roselyn Obala, April 21 2008
THE Energy minister has saved thousands of residents in Western Province who had gone without water for close to a month. Mr Kiraitu Murungi has directed the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to reconnect power supply to water services companies. Water taps in Kakamega and other towns in Western Province had run dry, subjecting residents and businesses to untold suffering.

The crisis in Kakamega, Mumias, Busia and Butere towns was a result of power disconnection to the Western Water Services Company over a Sh12 million bill owed to KPLC. The water company runs three schemes in Kakamega, Nambale and Mumias. It had failed to pay the power bill partly because of the high number of defaulters who owe it Sh22.6 million. More>>>

Circumcision: Luo elders to consult

By Jack Nduri and Obote Akoko, April 21 2008
Luo elders say male circumcision cannot be introduced in the community without consultation. Luo Council of Elders chairman, Mr Riaga Ogallo, said the Government’s proposal could not be implemented without an agreement on the way forward. "Anyone interested in circumcision should do so as an individual. NGOs are not allowed to undertake the initiative on behalf of the community until consultations are done,’’ said Riaga.

Early this month, the Ministry of Health recommended male circumcision following last year’s findings of World Health Organisation-sponsored studies in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. The studies showed that circumcision offered up to 60 per cent protection against HIV. More>>>

And the blind shall see...

By our correspondent, April 21 2008
New hope has been given to sufferers of a hereditary disease affecting the retina after the first UK operations were carried out to implant so-called "bionic eyes" into patients, it has been disclosed. Surgeons at Moorfields Eye Hospital have carried out successful operations to implant an artificial retinal device into the eyes of two blind patients as part of a clinical study.

The trial aims to restore a basic level of useful vision, in the form of spots of light and shapes of light and dark, to people suffering severe blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of inherited eye diseases that affects the retina. More>>>

ODM, PNU attacked over Cabinet

By our correspondent, April 20 2008
As the grand coalition cabinet gets down to work, voices from those left out are threatening party bosses with defections. In western Kenya, MPs took stock of the benefits they had got by seeking pre-election partnership with the PNU. A major split emerged in Ford-Kenya as well, with party MPs failing to agree on whether they should continue supporting President Kibaki or not.

MPs, Mr Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti) and Dr Eseli Simiyu (Kimilili), lashed out at the President, accusing him of giving Western Province a raw deal even after the region made huge sacrifices to support PNU. Eseli said Kibaki had committed a "serious crime" against Ford-Kenya, adding that "someone like Eugene Wamalwa should not have missed from the list of PNU ministers or Assistant ministers". On his part Wamalwa, noted: "Ford-Kenya has stood by Kibaki since the time the late Vice-President Michael Wamalwa decided to shelve his ambition and support him for the presidency but he (Kibaki) has not reciprocated." More>>>

This Wako thing

By Dominic Odipo, April 20 2008
There is something in this country which has remained stubbornly fixed over most of the last two decades. Through the good and the bad times; through high profile scandals and background rumblings, it has remained the same.

In four general elections and numerous Cabinet appointments and dismissals, this thing has remained unchanged. Through the worst political crisis this country has ever known; through the bloodletting and the mayhem that gripped the country after last year’s presidential elections, this thing has stayed the same. What is it? As you may already know, it is the name on the door of the office of the Attorney-General - Amos Wako. More>>>

ODM must have 50-50 in state jobs - Oparanya

By Ben Agina and Shad Bulimo, April 20 2008
As focus shifts to appointment of permanent secretaries, head of missions and state corporations, controversy is brewing on whether this is solely a presidential preserve or ODM will be consulted for their input. Mr Wycliffe Oparanya, the Butere MP and Planning minister, last night said PNU and ODM must share PSs and ambassadorial slots equally. "The two share executive powers. This cuts across the Cabinet, Civil Service and foreign missions," Oparanya told The Standard.

The minister took issue with PNU’s position that it was only the President who determines who becomes ambassador, PS or parastatal head. "PNU and ODM should consult widely before coming up with this professional arm of Government, " he said More>>>

Obama's village no longer a walk in affair

By Fr Joachim O Ouko, April 20 2008
It is exactly 8:55 am on April 1, 2008 when I (Fr Omolo), Fr George Odhiambo - the parish priest of Yala Catholic Church in Kisumu Archdiocese, left the parish premises with a Maryknoll Missionary, Fr Joseph Healey to Senator Barrack Obama’s ancestral home in Kogelo, Siaya District. More>>>

Kombo won't quit, wapende wasipende

By Robert Wanyonyi and Roselyn Obala, April 20 2008
FORD-Kenya Chairman, Mr Musikari Kombo, has broken his silence over discontent in the party and dismissed those calling for his ouster. Kombo said there was no problem in the party and that last year’s elections must not be a yardstick to measure his performance as chairman.

The former Webuye MP accused some party members of dishonesty and abandoning procedures in the party when lodging their complaints. Kombo - who was accompanied by Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Moses Wetangula, Assistant minister, Mr Bifwoli Wakoli and MPs, Dr Eseli Simiyu (Kimilili) and Mr Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti) - was addressing mourners during the burial of Mzee Jotham Namusiule in Kimilili. The deceased was the father to Ford-Kenya National Executive Officer, Mr Stephen Namusiule. Former Kanduyi MP, Mr Wafula Wamunyinyi, recently accused Kombo of running down the party and called on members to replace him. More>>>

Fake refugees flood camps

By Ken Opala, April 20 2008
The hope of benefiting from billions of shillings the Government has earmarked for resettlement of internal refugees has sparked an influx of people into camps in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia districts, the Nation learnt Sunday. The rush has also been orchestrated by the recent naming of the grand coalition Cabinet and reports that the State is seeking Sh31 billion for resettlement and reconstruction. More>>>

No holidays for Nyanza schools

By Mangoa Mosota, April 20 2008
Schools in Nyanza that were affected by post-election violence will continue with studies during the April holidays. Provincial Director of Education, Mr Geoffrey Cherongis, said the Government had reached an agreement with head teachers on the matter. More>>>

Marende in London

By INGONEWS Reporter
House Speaker, Mr Kenneth Otiato Marende is in London. Mr Marende arrived on Saturday for official duties which will take him up to Tuesday.

Thai link in Saboti CDF manager's death

By George Omonso, April 20 2008
A month after the killing of the Saboti CDF manager, police are yet to trace the prime suspect in the killing with reports that he may have fled to Thailand. The suspect is said to have joined his relative in the Asian country after esecaping through Tanzania with the help of friends. Mr Joshua Orina was abducted and murdered and his body dumped in a sugarcane plantation at Nzoia Sugar Company, Bungoma East District. More>>>

Luhya's most dependent community

By Shad Bulimo, April 19 2008
The post election violence in Kenya left Luhya exposed as the most ill prepared and economically dependent community. “If the violence had persisted another month, the Luhya would have been the first casualties of mass starvation,” said Nairobi Lawyer, Livingstone Maina Ombete.

Ombete who is transiting London on his way to the US said that virtually all means of economic livelihood in Kakamega are controlled by what he referred as “foreigners”. Luhya depend on these “foreigners” for basic supplies such as maize ferried from farms in Trans Nzoia. Within days of the violence, Kakamega quickly ran out of fuel, maize and vegetables and people began to realise just how economically dependent they are on “foreigners” even in their own backyard.

However the post election violence has produced one positive outcome as Luhya are now beginning to think business. Ombete said the Luhya need to borrow a leaf from other communities such as the Kikuyu and Kisii who have an entrepreneurial disposition that gives them an economic advantage. Ombete paid tribute to Abeingo Community Network and Halala USA for preaching economic empowerment of the Luhya as a means to attain respect and independence. He decried lack of leadership especially among politicians who appear only interested in personal rather than community development.

Varsity students on rampage in Kakamega

By Roselyne Obala, April 19 2008
Masinde Muliro University students engaged police in running battles in Kakamega town on Friday to protest at the stabbing of their colleagues. Trouble started at 3am after some students stormed a cafe in town and demanded free food, sparking confrontation with the cafÈ’s workers. Two students were allegedly stabbed in the confusion that ensued.

On learning of the incident, other students barricaded the Kakamega-Webuye highway and pelted the hotel with stones, destroying property worth thousands of shillings before riot police arrived. The officers shot in the air to scare the students. They retreated to the university at around 7am after four hours of running battles with the police. Kakamega acting OCPD Mr Joseph Tenai said police had arrested one student and were looking for three others. More>>>

Cooking oil now out of reach of ordinary Kenyans like Ashanda

Ashanda can't afford food in Nairobi

By Allan Kisia, April 19 2008
Somewhere in Eastland’s Ziwani estate, Nairobi, Ms Violet Ashanda, a mother of six, has a chiiling story to tell. It's about food. She lives in Nairobi but cannot afford to buy cooking oil; thanks to soaring food prices occasioned partly by the post election violence but also part of the food crisis currently enveloping the whole world.

"Food has become too expensive. Prices keep changing everyday and I can no longer stick to a budget," Ashanda says. "Cooking oil has become too expensive. I use very little just to make sure the onion is cooked. Sometimes I simply boil my food to cut down on extra expense," she says. .More>>>

Western's double loss to Central

By Rita Damary, April 18 2008
Western Province lost both their traditional football title and volleball finals in the just concluded schools championships. Central clinched the football title after humiliating defending champions Western 3-0 at the finals of the Special Schools competitions played at Nakuru Boys’ grounds. In the volleyball boys’ junior category, Central continued their sterling performance, trouncing Western 3-0 to scoop the trophy. More>>>

Kipsigis shortchanged

By Alex Ndegwa, April 18 2008
Ten ODM MPs from the South Rift claim the region was shortchanged in the recent Cabinet appointments which favoured Western and Nyanza yet Rift Valley delivered the most votes. More>>>

Businesses in Kisumu, Western cry foul

By Dan Obiero, April 18 2008
Entrepreneurs in Kisumu town are concerned over the poor investment environment in the region, accusing the government of not doing enough to remedy it. Among areas of concern is the delayed planned expansion of Kisumu Airport, and the poor roads to the lakeside town, among them the highway to Kericho and Nakuru.  More>>

Atwoli wants African laws

Daniel Luseno , April 18 2008
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary-general Francis Atwoli has appealed to President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to enact new laws that embrace African values. More>>>

Rootszangu invites Kenyans for reconciliatory football

By Bee Lusiola, April 18 2008
Rootszangu, in conjunction with Abeingo Community Network and Kenyans For Justice would like to invite you to a 5-aside Reconciliatory tournament to be held on Saturday 31st May at Goals Wembley, Alperton.  More information will follow shortly, but each team should consist of up to 7 players and will be charged £100.  There will be music, Tusker and food available on the day. For details on how you can participate, contact Bee Lusiola on Rootszangu@yahoo.co.uk

Mudavadi snubs the Bible

By Shad Bulimo, April 18 2008
Deputy Prime Minister, Musalia Mudavadi has snubbed the Bible. Mr Mudavadi snubbed the Holy Book during the swearing in ceremony yesterday at State House Nairobi on religious grounds. As a Quaker, he is not obliged to use the Bible as a swearing device but simply affirm. Quakers emphasise simplicity and worship in plain rooms without the usual religious symbols and clutter. Presidents Franklin Pierce and Herbert Hoover (a Quaker) didn’t swear at all, but rather affirmed. Richard Nixon, also a Quaker, did swear, apparently on two Bibles. More>>>

Equity buys Ugandan bank

By James Anyanzwa, April 17 2008
Equity Bank’s board of directors have approved the bank’s acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in the Uganda Microfinance Ltd (UML). The Sh1.7 billion transaction is, however, subject to regulatory approvals from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Bank of Uganda. The deal is awaiting consent from the bank’s 7,000 shareholders. More>>>

Shame as no disabled in Cabinet

By Caroline Wafula, April 17 2008
Poverty, exclusion from decision making forums and general inequality in society are some of the key issues that affect disabled people more than any other group in society. With the formation of the grand coalition Government, the disabled in the country are in for another round of exclusion from key decision making level since none of elected or nominated to parliament.

One of Kenya's disabilities rights campaigner, Mr Phitalis Were Masakhwe of Leonard Cheshire International says many candidates with disabilities offered themselves and worked tenaciously towards being elected as MPs and councillors but due to “shambolic and unjust nomination exercises”, as well as resource constraints, their effort became stillborn. Mr Timothy Wanyonyi of the Kenya Paraplegic Organisation says members of the grand coalition Government (ODM, PNU and ODM Kenya) should therefore stay true to their election promises and develop needs of over three million disabled Kenyans. More>>>

More than the govt can chew

By Isaiah Lucheli, April 17 2008
THE Government will not allow landowners back to the controversial Phase Three of the Chebyuk settlement scheme in Mt Elgon until the land dispute is resolved. Western PC, Mr Abdul Mwasera, said no one would be allowed back to the scheme until allegations of flawed land allocation process is resolved. "Those who fled their farms in Chebyuk phases One and Two following the eruption of violence are returning to their land, but nobody is allowed in Phase Three," said Mwasera.

A committee was set up in 2005 to vet all those people living in the scheme with a view of ensuring that only deserving individuals were allocated land. The committee’s work was to vet the 7,500 applicants because the available land was enough for only 1,732 squatters. Beneficiaries were to be allocated two and a half acres. More>>>

18,000 pupils miss studies in Mt Elgon

By John Muganda and Ali Abdi, April 16 2008
About 17,500 pupils in Mt Elgon District missed first term studies due to insecurity. At the same time, 600 teachers from 25 schools in Chebyuk and Emia locations of Kopsiro divisions fled the area and have only been reporting to the District Education Office while others were deployed to stations in safer divisions.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) branch executive secretary, Mr Will Maasai, said yesterday some of the pupils and their parents ran away at the height of clashes between Soy and Ndorobo clans and are camping at market centres in Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia and Uasin Gishu districts. He said for the last two years, schools had been on and off each time the clashes started. More>>>

Mudavadi commits to work ethic

By our correspondents, April 16 2008
Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has said ODM was committed to steering the country to economic growth. Speaking after taking over the Local Government Ministry, Mudavadi said ODM was in Government to work and not engage in witch-hunting.

"My intention is to be fair, firm and objective. We have come to Government to work. We have not come to engage in witch-hunting. We want to steer our country to the next level," he said, on Wednesday. He said Nairobi poses a great challenge to his ministry because of its myriad problems." As a result of the city’s massive growth, we need to address the areas affecting our people and streamline delivery of services," he said More>>>

Nakumatt goes Rwandese

By James Anyanzwa, April 16 2008
Nakumatt Holdings has finalised its acquisition of Rwanda’s City Market Supermarket. The conclusion of the $3 million (Sh186million) buyout plan now paves the way for the establishment of Nakumatt City Centre at the prestigious Union Trade Centre (UTC) complex in Kigali by July this year. The Kenyan supermarket chain is also undertaking a $18 million (Sh1.1 billion) Gateway Mall development in conjunction with Virunga Property development firm of Rwanda for its second outlet scheduled for opening by third quarter of next year (2009). More>>>

Oil prospects high - Adambi

By our correspondent, April 16 2008
The offshore oil exploration in Eastern Province by a Chinese company has triggered interest from other international oil companies. The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has been prospecting for oil in Isiolo and Wajir since last year, ending a 16-year exploration lull. A senior petroleum geologist with the Ministry of Energy, Mr Hudson Adambi said that the Chinese company accepted to underwrite the risks associated with oil exploration by signing six exploration-sharing contracts at once. More>>>

Five ministers without offices

By our correspondent, April 16 2008
Five ministers and their assistants in the grand coalition Government do not have offices. They include Mr Mutula Kilonzo of the newly created Nairobi Metropolitan Development and his assistant, Ms Elizabeth Ongoro Masha. Also without office is Prof  Anyang’ Nyong’o of the Medical Services ministry and assistant Danson Mungatana and so is Mr Chris Obure (Public Works) and assistant Dickson Wathika. More>>>

Okemo, Sambu, Khaniri sacrificed

By Shad Bulimo and correspondents, April 15 2008
It has emerged that two former ministers and 10 MPs originally slotted for cabinet appointments had to be side stepped in the interests of party, regional, ethnic and gender balance. In Western Province, former finance minister, Chris Okemo and MP for Nambale missed the Cabinet on grounds that the Attorney-General, Mr Amos Wako, comes from the same constituency.

In Funyula, Dr Dr Paul Otwoma was rewarded with the Fisheries docket for felling two giants, former vice president, Moddy Awori and 'Iron Lady', Dr Julia Ojiambo, the first woman to be appointed in any ministerial position in Kenya's political history. Hamisi MP, Mr George Khaniri, missed a Cabinet slot because the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Kenneth Marende, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government, Mr Musalia Mudavadi, are from the same region.

Webuye MP, Mr Alfred Sambu, who beat Ford-Kenya chairman, Mr Musikari Kombo, in the polls missed the Cabinet because PNU had already appointed Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Moses Wetangula, from Bungoma. More>>>

Marende to rule on opposition

By our correspondent, April 15 2008
House Speaker Kenneth Marende is expected to make a historic ruling on the status of the official Opposition in Parliament following confusion in the seating arrangement in the chamber on Tuesday. MPs Charles Kilonzo (Yatta, ODM-K), Mithika Linturi (Igembe South, Kanu), Jamleck Kamau (Kigumo, PNU), Bonny Khalwale (Ikolomani, New Ford-K) and Abdul Bahari (Isiolo South, Kanu) warned that Kenyans would get a raw deal from the coalition Government unless there was an Official Opposition. More>>>

Free water for slum dwellers

By a correspondent, April 15 2008
The Government will soon provide, at no cost, at least 40 litres of water a day per household in slum areas. The decision was reached following the recent outbreak of cholera in various parts of the country, Water and Irrigation minister Charity Ngilu said yesterday. More>>>.

Kenyatta's favourite PC, Mahihu is dead

By our correspondents, April 15 2008
Eliud Muchoki Mahihu,78, a former PC and Nominated MP, died at the Nairobi Hospital after a short illness. He served for long as Coast PC and was also a former chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board.

Mahihu was also a chairman of the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya. He leaves behind a rich legacy of leadership in the Provincial Administration where he started as a DO during the colonial times and rose to become a DC in Nakuru before independence. More>>>

Bid to arrest Otwoma over murder charge flops

By John Osoro, April 15 2008
The high court yesterday declined to hear an application seeking the arrest of newly-appointed minister for Fisheries Paul Otuoma over murder charge against a businessman Mohamed Bubale which allegedly took place in October 2005 in Busia. However, trial court comprising of Justice Joseph Nyamu and George Dulu, directed that the application be argued on June 16 to determine whether a preliminary objection raised by the son of the slain businessman could be granted.

Several attempts were made last year to have Dr Otuoma arrested, with the former vice president Moody Awori himself pushing to have his political nemesis arrested, but the court, however, came to the rescue of the new minister.They have sought from the court to have Dr Otuoma, Francis Ofafa Ojasi and Henry Okako Obada, charged with murder of Mohamed Mubale and Odhiambo Ochieng’ an offence which allegedly took place in Sio Port in October 2005. More>>>

Govt sleeps as Mungiki unleashes terror

Suspected members of the outlawed Mungiki sect yesterday persisted in their reign of terror in some parts of the city where at least three people were killed, 12 vehicles burnt and property of undetermined value destroyed. Meanwhile the government has admitted being wrong-footed by Mungiki on Sunday. Internal Security Permanent Secretary, Mr Cyrus Gituai, told a local paper that the police had expected Mungiki to strike on Monday at 6am, but instead went on the rampage at 3am, three hours earlier

Their continued mayhem and murderous activities precipitated an uproar among church and political leaders who challenged the government to contain the rising insecurity. The Catholic bishops speaking during a thanksgiving mass at the Holy Family Basilica said the government must step up the war on militia groups.More>>>

Kituyi hands over with parting shots

By our correspondent, April 15 2008
The new coalition Government must swiftly assure investors that the country was safe for business. Former Trade and Industry minister, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi said investors needed assurance that they would not lose their property and would have access to markets at all times. Kituyi said the post election skirmishes disrupted supply chain for goods and services and dented the country’s image as an investment destination. Kituyi was speaking to reporters as he handed over the ministry to Uhuru Kenyatta, the new trade minister and deputy prime minister..More>>>

Kisumu's boda boda out of control

By Cosmas Butunyi and Lilian Achieng, April 14 2008
Concern is rising over the increasing unruliness of the non-motorised transport operators in Kisumu Town.  Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest town after Mombasa and Nairobi, has about 2,000 bicycle taxi operators commonly known as boda boda. The safety of passengers and regulation of bicycle taxis is coming into focus with sustained calls for strict guidelines to govern operations.

The Western Kenya branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is among those calling for the enactment and enforcement of rules that would regulate the operations of the bicycles in the central business district. Chairman Jared Ochanda, says the CBD has been flooded with boda boda cyclists. “Most of them do not observe the traffic rules thus causing unnecessary obstruction on Kisumu roads,” says Mr Ochanda.  More>>>

Kipsigis cry foul over Cabinet

By John Osoro, April 14 2008
LEGISLATORS from the Kipsigis community have threatened to reconsider their support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying they were given a raw deal in the Grand Coalition Cabinet. The MPs said they are strategising to take over opposition watchdog committees including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Public Investment Committee (PIC) in order to provide checks and balance to the government. Four MPs; Isaac Rutto (Chepalungu), Zakayo Cheruiyot (Kuresoi), Dr Kipyegon Kones (Konoin) and Franklin Bett said they were given a raw deal since the community got only one cabinet minister and two assistants while North Rift got six ministers. More>>>

17 dead in a night of Mungiki terror

By INGONEWS Reporter and correspondents, April 14 2008
The country woke up to the horrors of Mungiki menace that left up to 17 people dead in a night of gangland terror unleashed across the country. Hundreds of Mungiki members staged night raids in Gatundu, Thika, Naivasha, Eldoret and Molo districts, leaving a trail of bloodshed and destruction. The men, wielding G3 rifles and teargas canisters, attacked with military precision, killing three people. Residents told of a night of terror as Mungiki gangs engaged police in running battles.

In Thika, the situation was different as the attacks had been anticipated and were thwarted at Kiandutu and Kiang’ombe slums. Thika DC, Mr John Litunda, said: "They burnt two matatus at the Thika bus park. There was commotion in town and businesses closed."More>>>

Mungiki suspect lynched in Eldoret: A suspected Mungiki adherent was lynched by the public following a demonstration in Eldoret Town.One of the sect members was killed on the spot while another was still gasping for breath when police officers arrived and stopped the lynching. More>>>

Orengo alleges conspiracy to lower Nyanza education

By George Olwenya, April 14 2008
There is a conspiracy to lower education standards in Nyanza Province, the new Lands minister, Mr James Orengo has said. He asked his Education colleague, Prof Sam Ongeri, to investigate why the region lagged in national examinations.

The minister defended local politicians against accusations that they were to blame for the problem. "We should stop this political blame game. The Minister for Education should tell us what went wrong with our good performance and what the Government was doing about it," he said. "Nobody should say our children are not performing well in national examinations because we engage in too much politics, " he said at Ukwala Secondary School in Ugenya. More>>>

Mixed reactions in Western to new cabinet

By our correspondent, April 13 2008
In Western Province, residents received news of coalition Government with mixed reactions. As some constituents danced, others regretted the exclusion of their MPs in the Cabinet. The appointments left the area, which had the highest number of Cabinet slots in the last Government, with the Deputy Prime Minister post and four other Cabinet positions. Sabatia MP, Mr Musalia Mudavadi, is the Deputy PM and Minister for Local Government.

Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Moses Wetangula, thanked the President for reappointing him. Butere MP, Mr Wycliffe Oparanya, who was appointed Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, is serving the second term on an ODM ticket. Housing minister, Mr Soita Shitanda, regained the docket. Dr Paul Otwoma, who trounced Moody Awori in Funyula, was appointed Minister for Fisheries Development while the combative Fred Gumo originally from Bunyala in Busia, gets his ministerial debut as Minister for Regional Development.

Bishop Otieno Wasonga of Maseno West Anglican Diocese said the announcement had reduced anxiety and tension. Citing Transport minister, Mr Chirau Mwakwere, Mumias Diocese Bishop Beneah Salala said some MPs did not merit appointments. More>>>

Dr Ojiambo asks cabinet to surrender 1st salary

By our correspondent, April 13 2008
Dr Julia Ojiambo has asked ministers to surrender their first salary to the fund for displaced people. "Ministers earn a lot of money. Their salaries would be a boost to the kitty," said the former nominated MP. But Ojiambo and ODM-Kenya MP, Mr Charles Kilonzo, said the party was shortchanged. Said Ojiambo: "ODM-Kenya is the big loser in the Cabinet. What we got does not match our strength in the coalition." Kilonzo said many party MPs were losing faith in the Vice President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka. "When we cannot negotiate for our own, then our role in the coalition loses meaning," said Kilonzo. More>>>

Four wise men or partners in a toxic political arrangement? From left: Kalonzo Musyoka, Mwai Kibaki, Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi stroll in the grounds of State House after the Cabinet was announced yesterday.

Army base for Mt Elgon

The Government is considering establishing a permanent military base in Mt Elgon District. Western PC Mr Abdul Mwasserah said the army base would ensure lasting peace in the district, which has been devastated by militia killings in the past one and a half years. More>>>

LUHYA MINISTERS

Musalia Mudavadi (ODM): Sabatia MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government.

Soita Shitanda (New Ford-K): Malava MP, Minister for Housing

Dr Paul Nyongesa Otwoma (ODM): Funyula MP, Minister for Fisheries Development.

Wycliffe Oparanya (ODM): Butere MP, Minister for Vision 2030

Fred Gumo (ODM): Westlands MP, Nairobi, Minister for Regional Development

Moses Masika Wetangula (PNU): Sirisia MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Dr Noah Wekesa (PNU): Kwanza MP, Minister for Forestry and Wildlife.

ASSISTANT MINISTERS:

Athanas Manyala Keya (ODM): Lurambi MP, Asst. Minister for Gender and Children

Sylvester Wakoli Bifwoli (PNU): Bumula MP, Asst. Minister for Lands

George Munyasa Khaniri: (ODM): Hamisi MP, Asst. Minister for Information and Communications

ATTORNEY GENERAL: Amos Wako
SPEAKER OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: Kenneth Otiato Marende

Luhya women marginalised

By Shad Bulimo and Dave Opiyo, April 13 2008
Although seven women were appointed to the grand coalition Cabinet, making it the highest number ever in the country’s history, none of them is from the country's second largest tribe - the Luhya. The gender element in Kenya's new political dispensation has women from all the major tribes in Kenya except the Luhya. Kikuyu women are represented by the likes of Martha Karua, Beth Mugo, Esther Mirugi Mathenge and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru while Embu has Cecilia Mbarire, the Luo have Elizabeth Ongoro, the Kamba have Chaity Ngilu and Wavinya Ndeti, the Taita have Dr Naomi Shabaan, while the Kalenjin have Dr Sally Kosgey, Linah Chebii Kilimo, Jepkemboi Sambili and Lona Laboso. But there it ends. No Luhya woman in sight!

The appointments, made by President Kibaki, were close to the Government’s promise that 30 per cent of all public appointments and elective positions will be reserved for women. The Party of National Unity nominated four of its female members to the Cabinet while ODM and its affiliates gave the rest. Despite a record number of Luhya women standing for elective office, none won and none was nominated. Luhya women who have made an impact in the past include the Iron Lady, Dr Julia Ojiambo from Funyula and Prof Ruth Oniang'o from Butere. More>>>

Finally monster of a cabinet

By our correspondent, April 13, 2008
President Kibaki, accompanied by Mr Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, has announced the new bloated Cabinet in a live address from State House, Nairobi, to the nation. Here are some the members of the new Cabinet: We will bring you an updated list as we get it.

President: Mwai Kibaki

Vice President and Minster for Home Affairs: Kalonzo Musyoka

Prime Minister: Raila Odinga

Deputy PM and Minister for Trade: Uhuru Kenyatta

Deputy PM and Minister for Local Government: Musalia Mudavadi

Minister for Internal Security and Provincial Administration: Prof George Saitoti
Asst. Ministers: Orwa Ojode and Simeon Lesrima

Minister for Roads:  Kiplaya Kones
Asst. Ministers: Machage, Lee Kinyanjui 

Minister for Vision 2030: Wycliffe Oparanya
Asst. Minister: Peter Kenneth

Minister for Regional Development: Fred Gumo
Asst. Minister: Katoo ole Metito

Minister for Water: Charity Ngilu
Ass: Minister: Mwangi Kiunjuru

Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development: Mutula Kilonzo
Asst. Minister: Elizabeth Ongoro

Minister for Agriculture: William Ruto
Asst. Gideon Ndambuki and Japheth Ndeke

Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs: Martha Karua
Asst: Willam Kipkorir

Minister for Foreign Affairs: Moses Wetangula
Asst: Richard Onyonka

Minister for Finance: Amos Kimunya
Asst. Dr Oburu Odinga

Minister for Tourism: Najib Balala
Asst: Cecilia Mbarire

Minister for Environment: John Michuki
Asst: Ramadhani Kajembe and Jackson Kiptanui

Minister for Public Service: Dalmas Otieno
Asst: Aden Sugow

Minister for East Africa Cooperation: Kefa Kingi
Asst: Peter Munya

Minister for National Heritage: William ole Ntimama
Asst: Joel Onyancha

Minister for Industrialisation: Henry Kosgey
Asst: Nderitu Mureithi

Minister for Housing: Soita Shitanda
Asst: Margaret Wanjiru

Minister for Youth and Sport: Prof Helen Sambili
Asst: Wavinya Ndeti and Kabando wa Kabando

Minister for Information and Communications: Samwel Poghisio
George Munyasa Khaniri and Dhadho Godana

Minister for Forestry and Wildlife: Dr Noah Wekesa
Asst: Josphat Koli Nanok

Minister for Livestock Development: Mohamed Abdi Kuti
Asst: Bare Aden Duale

Minister for Fisheries Development: Paul Nyongesa Otwoma
Asst. Mohamed Abu Abuchiaba

Minister for Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands: Ibrahim Ilmi Mohamed
Asst: Hussein Tarriy Sasura

Minister for Cooperative Development: Joseph Nyagah
Linah Chebii Kilimo

Minister for Public Health and Sanitation: Beth Wambui Mugo
Asst: Dr James Ondicho Gesami

Kibaki and Raila at State House today where they announced the coalition Cabinet

Fraud allegations grip Cherangani CDF

By David Musundi, April 12 2008
The Cherangani Constituency Development Fund saga has taken a new dimension with the area Member of Parliament Joshua Kutuny revealing a financial rip-off from the kitty by former officials. The MP claimed over Sh13 million, out of which Sh2.1 was meant to have bought food supplies to internally displaced persons at Noigum had been missapropriated.

He said he had learnt with profound shock that a former treasurer to the fund was on the run after the rip-off from taxpayers kitty. He appealed to the police and the anti-corruption team to help track down the official together with his accomplices with a view of recovering the same. More>>>

Nyanza floods cause mayhem

By Frederick Odiero, April 12 2008
FEARS of fresh floods yesterday gripped Nyanza as heavy rains continued pounding the region and its environs. Residents of Ahero expressed fears that the infamous River Nyando soon burst its banks if the heavy rains persisted for the next few days. At Ombeyi within the area a village elder Zablon Oluoch said that many homes might be submerged in water if the heavy rains continued. He said many of the mud houses would be damaged with the raions continued. It was the same tale in Nyakach where Miriu River is known to burst its banks with fury each rainy season. Over 40 families were last week evacuated to higher ground after a round of heavy rains in Nyakach. Nyanza police boss Anthony Kibuchi has urged aera resident to move to higher grounds. More>>>

All that glitters is not gold

By Gakuu Mathenge, April 12 2008
This week, Mr Kamlesh Pattni gave up his two-decade battle for the landmark Grand Regency Hotel. Pattni has been under siege, fighting numerous attempts to jail him over deals with both public and private institutions. The handing over of the pricey hotel to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (Kacc) was a milestone for the anti-graft agency and Pattni himself. Kacc secured the first public admission of corruption from Pattni by handing over a corruptly acquired property in the heart of the city. For now, Pattni may have been spared the agony of keeping a battery of lawyers happy, but it is doubtful the law and its agencies are through with him. More>>>

Kombo's head on chopping board in Ford-Kenya

By our correspondent, April 2008
A power struggle has erupted in Ford-Kenya. Former Kanduyi MP, Mr Wafula Wamunyinyi, has called for the ousting of Mr Musikari Kombo as party national chairman. Wamunyinyi, who is the party’s Bungoma branch chairman, said the party requires fresh leadership if it is to be salvaged. More>>>

Kenya one two four in London Marathon

By our correspondent, April 13 2008
Kenya's Martin Lel has set a course record for the London marathon after beating compatriot Samuel Wanjiru in a sprint finish. Lel and Wanjiru were locked together as they entered The Mall but a devastating kick from the two-time winner of the race helped him ease clear of his opponent in a time of two hours five minutes and 15 seconds. Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco came a close third as all three men ducked under the previous fastest time set in London by Khalid Khannounchi six years ago.

Kituyi urges Kibaki to cede power to Raila

By Odhiambo Orlale, April 11 2008
Kenyans are not ready for fresh elections in the event that talks between President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Raila Odinga on the Cabinet crisis fail to resume, several leaders have said. Former Trade minister Mukhisa Kituyi, Safina leader Paul Muite, Samburu West MP Simeon Lesirma and former secretary of the National Constitution Review Commission Patrick Lumumba told President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga that they had no option but to implement the historic accord they signed in February for the sake of the country. Dr Kituyi, who is the former Kimilili MP, urged the President to implement the National Reconciliation Accord and cede half of the Government to ODM in accordance with the power-sharing and portfolio balance deal. More>>>

Youth unemployment now a crisis

Moses Koech, April 11 2008
PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs Kinuthia Murugu has decried the high rate of unemployment among the youth saying it has reached a crisis level. Murugu said most of the youth in the Kenya who constitute over 60 per cent of the population are languishing in abject poverty due to unemployment. He noted that the hardest hit are those from poor families, majority of whom are migrating to urban centres in search of employment and end up in a more hopeless situation. More>>>

Mungiki leader's wife butchered

By Cyrus Ombati, April 11 2008
The wife and driver of Mungiki national chairman, Maina Njenga, have been murdered and their bodies dumped in a forest. The bodies of Virginia Nyakio, and the driver, George Njoroge, were found dumped in Gakoe Forest in Gatundu on Wednesday, a day after their abduction.

The mutilated bodies had deep cuts in the head, neck and other parts of the body when they were discovered alongside two other decaying bodies. Police brought them to the City Mortuary and booked them as unknown. More>>>

Shame as Mandela still categorised a terrorist by US

By our correspondent, April 11 2008
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has asked for "embarrassing" travel restrictions on Nelson Mandela and South African leaders to be lifted. A bill has been introduced in the US Congress to remove from databases any reference to South Africa's governing party and its leaders as terrorists.

The African National Congress (ANC) was designated as a terrorist organisation by South Africa's old apartheid regime. At present a waiver is needed for any ANC leaders to enter the country. "It is frankly a rather embarrassing matter that I still have to waive in my own counterparts - the foreign minister of South Africa, not to mention the great leader, Nelson Mandela," Ms Rice told lawmakers in Washington. More>>>

Nyanza runs out of blood

By Jane Akinyi, April 11 2008
Nyanza Province is facing an acute blood shortage. Regional Blood Transfusion Manager, Dr Margaret Oduor, said the bank only has 120 units, instead of between 2,000 and 2,500 litres per month to serve local hospitals. "We might be forced to seek blood from other regions after the current stock runs out," said Oduor.

The 120 units, it is feared, would run out by this weekend. Oduor said the shortage has resulted from people’s unwillingness to donate blood. "Sometimes when we go out of our way to persuade them we only manage 20 litres per day, which is not good enough," she said. She said the situation was worsened by closure of schools, as most voluntary donors were students. "We collect about 80 to 100 litres per school," she said. More>>>

Churches call for fresh elections

Speaking at the Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort, Kanamai, NCCK general secretary Peter Karanja said it was only through a fresh General Election that Kenya would get a new president with full mandate to govern the country. The statement was also signed by NCCK chairman, Bishop Eliud Wabukala. More>>>

Nyagah dead but Nyagah dynasty lives on

By Peter Thatiah, April 10 2008
Few politicians recognise the peak of their career. Even fewer have grasped the moment when the spirit whispers that they had fought a good battle. Yet this is a credit that Jeremiah Joseph Mwaniki Nyagah can claim. A pioneer politician who had two sons sitting on opposite sides of the House in the Ninth Parliament, he was every inch the portrait of the archetypal material achiever.

Born at the fringes of Mount Kenya forest in Kigali village in Embu to an evangelist father, Nyagah did not look like the politician he would be. It was in 1920, the year Kenya was founded as the country we know today. Through the following nine decades, Nyagah would see the new country move from almost Stone Age to the Silicon chip. More>>>

Guns recovered in Mt Elgon

By our correpondent, April 10 2008
Military officers have recovered ten more guns from members of the Sabaot Land Defence Force in Mt Elgon. Local DC, Mr Mohammed Birik, said on Thursday the weapons were recovered when soldiers returned to Cheptais Division. The military operation also flushed out members of the gang terrorising people in the district. Local leaders led by area MP, Mr Fred Kapondi, have demanded that the operation be stopped because of alleged torture of residents, a claim the security forces have dismissed. More>>>

Kibaki, Raila drift apart

By our correspondent, April 10 2008
President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Raila Odinga, appeared to drift further apart even as African envoys engaged in shuttle diplomacy to bring the two to talking terms.

And a new bone of contention emerged on Thursday over six key ministries, which ODM says are all headed by ministers from the Mt Kenya region. The chasm between Kibaki and Raila widened when the President insisted that he would not respond to a terse letter ODM wrote to him on April 7, asking for "real" portfolio balance. More>>>

Violence and protests over stalled cabinet

By our reporter and agencies, April 10 2008
As talks flounder on the formation of a grand coalition government, a rerun of protests and violence that errupted following discredited presidential electios last year, continues to grow in several parts of teh country. In Molo, arsonists torched seven houses in Mau Summit and Likia. Three of the houses, whose owners fled the post election violence, were torched on Wednesday night.

And at Likia trading centre, arsonists torched four houses and shot one person with an arrow in fresh flare-ups. Police denied knowledge of the incidents but villagers, who called our newsroom in Nakuru, insisted that houses were torched. "The incident has not been reported to us," said Nakuru Divisional Police Commander, Mr Francio Nyamatari. Molo OCPD, Mr Litabalia Achesa, said: "I have not heard of that incident." More>>>

Cholera outbreak in Bunyala

By Elizabeth Mwai and Shad Bulimo, April 10 2008
Bunyala district is one of several in Western and Nyanza provinces to be hit with severe cholera outbreak. The Health ministry has appealed to Unicef for help to contain a cholera outbreak that has claimed 59 lives. Since the disease outbreak last November, 1,217 cases had been reported in 16 districts. The Director of Medical Services, Dr James Nyikal, admitted that the ministry was overwhelmed due to understaffing and appealed for help to contain the disease.

Initially, the ministry had denied reports of an outbreak, but details emerging from a Press briefing on Thursday showed that the first case was reported in Suba District, last year. Districts with the highest number of cholera cases include Mandera East (325), Migori (183), Kisumu East (175), Rongo (156), Suba (144) and Mandera Central (105). Others are Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu West, Bondo, Nyando, Kisii South, Wajir, Naivasha, Nakuru and Bunyala. More>>>

Protest as Bungoma pupil dies during abortion attempt

By Robert Wanyonyi, April 10 2008
A Standard Seven pupil at a primary school in Bungoma District died during an abortion. Residents demonstrated outside the clinic where the pupil died and bayed for the doctor’s blood. "Many girls have been coming here for abortions and despite of our complaints to the police, the activity goes on unabated!" complained a resident. They almost set the clinic laze before police contained them.

The residents blamed police for taking no action against the doctor, who they claimed had been arrested in previous abortion related cases and released. The doctor was later arrested and taken to Bungoma Police Station before being released. Earlier Bungoma OCPD, Mr Thomas Matano had said the police were looking for the doctor who went underground after the death of the pupil, leaving the body at the clinic. More>>>

West says power between PNU, ODM must be equal

By our correspondent, April 9 2008
Britain pointedly told President Kibaki that his Party of National Unity must surrender some powerful ministries to Mr Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to allow for portfolio balance in the Cabinet. Mr David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, said in a statement on Wednesday: "I’m dismayed by the latest turn of events in Kenya. We strongly supported Kofi Annan’s efforts, which brokered an agreement to genuine power-sharing. We supported his statement last week that the Cabinet should be shared equally with appropriate portfolio balance." On its part, the US urged the two principals to fulfill the power-sharing commitment to the letter. In Nairobi, diplomats from the European Union paid Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, a visit at his Jogoo House office and called for genuine power-sharing between ODM and PNU. More>>>

ODM ready for elections

By our correspondents, April 9 2008
A day after its Parliamentary Group recommended pulling out of Cabinet talks ODM has announced it is ready for a General Election. The party said it was ready to face the polls if that is what it would take to resolve the stalemate around portfolio balance in the Cabinet. More>>>

Rashid Juma with his mother: Finally free after 45 years in prison

The return of the prisoner - 45 yrs later

By our correspondents, April 9 2008
One of the longest-serving prisoners arrived in his rural home to an emotional welcome. Juma has been in jail for the past 45 years, first seven years and then for life, following a murder charge. His miseries began in 1962 when he was just 20 years old. He says he was jailed for seven years for assault.

Juma, who was known as James Malowa Olang’o before he converted to Islam, was released on Tuesday following a presidential amnesty. He has been in custody for 36 years and at one time shared facilities at the Lang’ata Maximum Prison with seasoned politicians. Juma who comes from Nyang’oma in Bondo District left for his home on Tuesday. Before his arrest, he used to work as a construction labourer and once in a while he would go fishing in Lake Victoria. More>>>

SOS for ailing Bunyore woman in US

By INGONEWS Reporter, April 10 2008
The family of Mary Andisi Opuba from Ebbayi in Bunyore who is ailing in Kentucky, USA, is requesting help from wellwishers to fly her back to Kenya. According to Dr M Z M Etisi, Mary's situation is so hopeless doctors have given up. To avoid further costs and complications, her daughter, Christine Ambetsa has already booked but not paid for a flight on April 17 2008.

Time is running out fast and any help to defray the costs would be greatly appreciated. Christine's contact details are: Address: 2179 West Twelve Street Apt# 4; Jacksonville, Florida 32209. Telephone  904-240-5645. Email christineowensamb@yahoo.com

Any Kenyans in Kentucky?

By Charles Malalah, April 10 2008
Do you happen to know any Kenyans in the Lexington or Louisville, Kentucky USA? We are looking for anybody that knew or may have any information about the late Dr. Panyako who died last month. His family in Kenya is distressed and anxious to learn anything about their son who died in a road accident after many years in the USA. Let me know if you can be of any help in locating somebody in Kentucky that may give us any information.
Charles A. Malalah, Esq.
Attorney and Counselor At Law
7600 Georgia Avenue, N.W. Suite #217
Washington, DC 20012
Tel: 202-391-0002; 202-550-4150; Fax:815-361-7524

Jeremiah Nyagah is dead

By Kipkirui K’Telwa , April 10 2008
Veteran politician Jeremiah Nyagah is dead. Nyagah passed away today at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi. He started his political career in 1958 when he was elected a member of the pre-independence Legislative Council to represent the present-day Embu, Mbeere Murang'a, Maragua, Kirinyaga and Nyeri districts.

Nyagah was the first MP for Gachoka until 1992 when his son, Norman Nyagah, succeeded him. Norman served for just one term before shifting to Nairobi's Kamukunji constituency, leaving his older brother, Joseph Nyagah, to carry the family flag. Joe, as he is commonly known, is currently an ODM Pentagon member and nominated MP.

Cash boost for Kenya relief

By our reporter, April 9 2008
Kenya Society has made a donation of  £1,000 towards relief efforts in Kenya. This was revealed by the chairman, John Edwards, during the annual luncheon held in London yesterday.

The money will be channelled through Kenya Red Cross Society and will go towards resettling the internally displaced persons.

It's estimated that at least 500,000 people are displaced in Kenya.

Western democracy unsuitable for Africa

By Shad Bulimo, April 9 2008
Democracy is not suitable to Africa under the existing socio-economic arrangements as the parameters of a fully democratised country are non existent. What exists is tribalisation of politics in which the major players are elitist tribal kingpins serving personal rather than national interests.  Speaking at the annual Kenya Society luncheon in London yesterday, Richard Dowden, the Director of the Royal African Society said that countries like Kenya and Zimbabwe have set their bar too high and raised expectations of the international community. “At least Kenya and Zimbabwe hold elections and I can count up to 10 others that do not but no one says anything about them, “he said.

He said the bottom line is oil. If a country is rich in oil, the West turns a blind eye to political and undemocratic practices. He gave examples of Angola, Gabon or even Nigeria where shambolic elections are held but not as much pressure is brought to bear as in the case of Kenya and Zimbabwe. Mr Dowden, who spent 20 years working as a journalist in Africa said that politics in Africa is not ideological but often personal. He said scandals like Goldenberg and Anglo-leasing are hatched to fund political campaigns.

Mr Dowden said an opinion poll conducted last year revealed that topmost issue for Kenyans was inequality. “Most Kenyans felt that they were living in an unequal society where they couldn’t develop their potential, “he said. Some of the economic injustices have their roots in colonial administration especially the land issue. Present at the luncheon was Kenya High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, HE Joseph Muchemi and his wife Cecilia.

Kibaki ready for fresh elections - Kalonzo

By our correspondent, April 8 2008
The Party of National Unity is ready for elections should the Cabinet talks collapse. Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, said yesterday they would support the President should he dissolve Parliament and call fresh elections if the formation of the grand coalition failed. Kalonzo said President Kibaki was ready to take a decisive action"President Kibaki is ready to take the bull by the horns. The President cannot continue this way. We will support him even if he decides to dissolve Parliament," he said.. More>>>

Missions suspend dealings with govt

By our Correspondent, April 8 2008
Canadian High Commissioner, Mr Ross Hyness, said the continuation of working relations between the international community and Kenya would depend on the implementation of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act in its entirety. "The working relations are on hold until the Act is implemented. There has to be genuine sharing of power between the two parties (ODM and PNU)," he said. Former UN Secretary-General, Dr Kofi Annan, who brokered the peace deal yesterday marked his 70th birthday with the message: "I ask the two parties to give me a nice present - agreement on the Cabinet." More>>

Dr Lusigi loses relative in UK

By INGONEWS Reporter, April 9 2008
Death has occurred of Barbara Kakiya Busaka formerly of Salford University, Manchester, UK on April 7 2008 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Barbara was born in Nairobi on January 9 1978. She was the daughter of Mr Arthur Kikuyu Busaka (retired Assistant Director of Tourism) and Anne Leah Busaka (USAID - Iraq)

She was sister to Allan Agade Jami Busaka (University of East Anglia) and Martin Kikuyu Busaka (Salford University, Manchester). Barbara was niece to Dr. Walter Jami Lusigi (World Bank, Washington DC); Isaac Jami, Henry Mboku and Herman Amwata and cousin to Beatrice Murambi (Standard Chartered Bank, Nairobi) and Father Moses Erute

Funeral arrangements to be announced later. Messages of condolences and support can be send to her mother: Anne Busaka on telephone: 07984849820 or Email: annebusaka@yahoo.com.

See also obituaries

MP sought over links with Sabaot milita

By INGONEWS Reporter and correspondents, April 8 2008
Mt Elgom MP, Francis Kapondi is being sought by police to record a statement on his links with the Sabaot Land Defence Force. Police in Western, Nairobi and Rift Valley provinces denied claims that they had arrested Mr Fred Kapondi, the MP. Western PPO, Mr Francis Munyambu, said the MP was required to shed light on several issues. "We have not yet arrested him, but we require him to record a statement. Our team is still investigating," said Munyambu.

Rift Valley PPO, Mr Henry Ashmalla, and his Nairobi counterpart, Mr Njue Njagi, denied that they had arrested the MP. Ashmalla said Kapondi was the local MP and could be required to shed more light on the activities of the illegal militia.

Meanwhile the Western Provincial Security team held a special peace meeting with residents and leaders of Mt Elgon District at Chepkube. The team led by Western PC, Mr Abdul Mwasserah, urged residents to volunteer crucial information that would lead to the arrest of Sabaot Land Defence Force (SDLF) members who were still on the run. The PC also appealed to the residents to surrender any firearms that were still in their hands."We are still looking for five key leaders of the militia. So far some have been arrested while others have been killed," Mwaserrah said on Tuesday. More>>>

Western journalists traumatised

By Elisha Otieno, April 8 2008
Dr Sobbie Mulindi, a senior lecturer at the department of psychiatry of the University of Nairobi, said the media practitioners were affected during the crisis that saw them cover gory scenes of killings. He said the capacity and skills of journalists should be increased to enable them overcome such incidents.

Dr Mulindi was speaking in Kisumu during a two-day workshop for journalists on post-election trauma counselling at the weekend.  The journalists were drawn from Nyanza and Western provinces; two regions severely hit by the violence. More>>>

It's equal power or nothing, say Luo, Kalenjin elders

Ken Langat, April 8 2008
LEADERS from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) strongholds yesterday upped pressure on party leader Raila Odinga to push for equitable distribution of cabinet positions reflecting portfolio balance.  The Luo and Kipsigis councils of elders, the latest to join the fray, said anything short of equitable real power-sharing shall be met with resistance, arguing that ODM and PNU are equal partners in the coalition.  The elders said the National Accord and Reconciliation Act brokered by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan should be implemented to the letter. More>>>

Wako implicated in Anglo-leasing scam

By Kipngeno Cheruiyot, April 6 2008
A FRESH row is brewing between Attorney General (AG) Amos Wako and the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) over 16 of the 18 Anglo-leasing type contracts. KACC has accused the AG of complicity in the scam.  KACC accuses Wako of trying to shield individuals in the Government, including a Cabinet Minister, and a former minister implicated in the scandal of engaging in delaying tactics to frustrate the Commission’s inquiry.

 KACC says the AG has demanded that both local and international aspects of the investigation be completed before the files are forwarded to him for advice and direction. Already, the commission has finalised local investigations into the 16 security-type contracts. It has asked the AG to act on the files as an international investigation is conducted.

 “The Attorney General has, however, indicated his wish that both local and international aspects of the investigation must be completed before the investigation files are forwarded to him to advice and give direction,” KACC said in its annual report 2006/2007. The commissions says it has initiated an inquiry on the international aspects of the scam, with crucial leads being reportedly established through European and American agencies. However, the reports indicate that significant progress has been made lately where crucial statements have been obtained from France.More>>>

Muslims call for fresh elections

By Ngumbao Kithi, April 6 2008
Muslim leaders and politicians have called for fresh elections.The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya said President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate, Mr Raila Odinga, had failed to form a Cabinet and a presidential election was the only solution. Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, the council organising secretary, said the leaders appeared unable to make decisions. “Leaders need a fresh mandate to conduct the affairs of the country. What we are experiencing is a game of musical chairs,” he said. More>>>

Kisumu, Eldoret residents furious at cabinet impasse

By our correspondents, April 6 2008
Residents of Kisumu and Eldoret, two of the major hotspots in last years's discredited presidential elections, are furious with mind games being played with cabinet appointments. Disappointed crowds walked out of entertainment spots in Eldoret unhappy that another day had passed without a grand coalition Cabinet.

Bishop Mwayi Abiero of Maseno South Anglican Church Diocese accused Kibaki and Raila of "taking Kenyans for a ride". "The anxiety is too much to bear," he said. Mr David Oketch told The Standard outside Mon Ami Restaurant: "There is no white smoke. I cannot believe that the day has ended without a grand coalition Cabinet." More>>>

Cabinet deadlock as outrage grows over bloated govt

By our correspondent, April 6 2008
The much awaited cabinet unveiling today failed to take off amid a new controversy over portfolio balance. President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Raila Odinga spend hours negotiating the uncharted waters but no deal was reached. More>>>

Meanwhile civil society and faiths, among other groups, sustained their rejection of the 40-member coalition Cabinet. The Mars Group - anti-corruption lobby group - pleaded with the MPs to respect other Kenyans who have opposed the bloated Executive. Another group of 300 NGOs took their crusade a notch higher when they launched a weeklong campaign to sabotage the swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers on Saturday. More>>>

Top Sabaot militiamen killed

By Kennedy Ogosia, April 5 2008
Two commanders of the Sabaot Land Defence Forces (SLDF) have been killed in the ongoing military operation in Mt Elgon District, according to the police. Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe on Saturday said that Raphael Bera alias Chui and David Sichei were shot dead together with some of their recruits. The New York-based Human Rights Watch, Mwatikho, and Western Kenya Human Rights Watch, in a joint statement on Friday, accused the Kenyan army of pursuing a strategy of rounding up all the adult males in the district.

In the most shocking tale of alleged human rights abuse from Mt Elgon since the operation began on March 10, Mr Musa Olokit, 31, narrated to journalists on Wednesday about how he was tortured by the military. More>>>

Ruto's father buried

By our correspondents, April 5 2008
Thousands of mourners, including more than 40 MPs, thronged Kamagut village during the burial of Mzee Daniel Kipruto Samoei Cheruiyot, the Eldoret North MP Mr William Ruto’s father. The village was a hive of activities as top of the range vehicles and three helicopters arrived in the village.

The funeral programme was temporarily interrupted when the first helicopter arrived. Curious villagers dashed to have a glimpse of the arriving dignitaries. The chopper brought Kilome MP Mr Haroun Mwau. He was soon followed by Prime Minister-designate Mr Raila Odinga accompanied by his wife Ida and Pentagon member Mr Najib Balala. Sirens blared in the normally quiet village of Kamagut as police vehicles and motorcycles escorted Raila’s motorcade to the funeral venue. More>>>

IN SEARCH OF NOAH INYAMBUKHO AMATOYA FROM BUNYORE

My friend's name is Noah Inyambuko (Inyambukho) Amatoya; his postal address is PO Box 101 Bunyore! Beyond that, I don't know whereabouts he lives and it would be wonderful to find out what village etc. I'm going out at the end of this month - I haven't had the opportunity to go back to Kenya since 1994, when I taught at St Mary's School in Nairobi - that's when I got to know Noah and he has kept in touch by airmail letters. I hope very much to be able to visit him and his family, and given that the trip is soon I would appreciate any help you might be able to give me! I was thinking perhaps there is a way you know to find out from the electoral roll or schools' pupil lists? He is a member of a church but I cannot remember which one - but his sunday dress was a long white robe and hat with a bright blue stripe on the hat (and the robe?) if that rings any bells with you?!

Justin Doyle
Artistic Director
Ryedale Festival

EMAIL: justin@doyle.ndo.co.uk

Are you Mr Inyambukho or do you know where he is? Please contact Mr Doyle directly by email or if you need to phone him, sent email to the editor

Clerk to National Assembly dies

By our correspondents, April 4 2008
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Samuel Waweru Ndindiri, is dead. He passed away on Thursday night at the Nairobi Hospital after an illness. Ndindiri, 59, will be remembered for his patience as he presided over the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker and swearing-in of MPs in the Tenth Parliament on January 15th.

Condolences have been received from President Kibaki, Prime minister-designate, Raila Odinga, House speaker, Kenneth Marende, vice president, Kalonzo Musyoka and former House Speaker, Francis ole Kaparo.

Mr Marende, described Ndindiri as a meticulous worker who would be remembered for his humility, commitment to duty and patience. He said the manner in which Ndindiri managed the proceeding during the swearing-in earned him admiration locally and internationally. More>>>

ODM's cabinet list causes jitters in PNU

By our correspondent, April 4 2008
A new Cabinet list released by ODM on Friday showed that some of President Kibaki’s staunchest supporters are likely to be among major casualties of the new power-sharing Cabinet to be announced on Sunday.

According to the list, Roads and Public Works minister John Michuki, Local Government minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi and Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula are some of the powerful members of the Cabinet whose portfolios have either been split or taken over by ODM.

However, the list drew swift reaction from the Government with spokesman Alfred Mutua dismissing it as speculative.The Western Province MPs who are likely to join the Cabinet besides Mr Mudavadi are Mr Chris Okemo (Nambale) and Mr Wycliffe Oparanya (Butere). Should the province get a fourth slot, MPs Alfred Khangati (Kanduyi) and Alfred Sambu (Webuye) could be in contention. More>>>

Sabaot spiritual leader, 80, charged

By Roselyne Obala, April 4 2008
THE Sabaot Land Defence Force’s alleged spiritual leader, Mr Jason Manyiror Psongoywo, has been charged in a Bungoma court with promoting war-like activities. Psongoywo, 80, was also charged with administering unlawful oaths to members of the outlawed group. The accused, who was arraigned in court on Thursday, allegedly conducted the activities between August 2006 and April, last year. He was arrested last Saturday in Eldoret. He was denied bond and remanded for two weeks, after which his case will be mentioned.

3 Sabaot militia members killed

By Roselyne Obala, April 4 2008
Three suspected Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) members have been shot dead in the o going security operation in the Mt Elgon District. Officers on patrol gunned down the militias during a shootout that led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and 42 rounds of ammunition on Thursday morning. The hunt for members of the dreaded group has also been extended to other towns in Western Province.

Cabinet of 'man-eat-nothing' society

By Barrack Muluka, April 4 2008
As President Kibaki rolls out his new Cabinet and allied portfolios tomorrow, Julius Nyerere will be laughing at us from his grave in the little village of Butyama, Tanzania.

Aside from the fact that two Tanzanian statesmen have recently plucked us from the jaws of premeditated self-destruction, it will be recalled how we used to laugh at Nyerere, then President of Tanzania. We ridiculed Tanzanians because they were poor. For his part, Nyerere did not keep much store by our blind arrogance. He thought Kenya was ‘a man-eat-man society’ and did not hesitate to tell us as much. Our own Tom Mboya and Charles Njonjo retorted that if Kenya was ‘a man-eat-man society’ Tanzania was ‘a man-eat-nothing society’. More>>>

Clerics clash over size of cabinet

By Shad Bulimo and correspondents, April 4 2008
The National Council of Churches of kenya is split over the size of the cabinet. While the secretary general, Canon Peter Karanja is calling for a slimmer cabinet of 25 ministries, his chairman, Bishop Eliud Wabukala is singing from a different hym book. Canon Karanja who read a statement on behalf of an inter-denominational forum at Ufungamano House termed the proposed Cabinet "immoral, exploitative and unacceptable". The inter-religious forum threatened to mobilise Kenyans to revolt against the Government if it continues to ignore popular demands for a lean Cabinet.

But in a separate statement the NCCK chairman Bishop Eliud Wabukala urged Kenyans to accept the 40-member Cabinet and give it a chance to heal the country. Wabukala said there was need for those opposed to the size of the Cabinet to know that the country has been in a crisis and it needs an all- inclusive Cabinet that caters for disparate interests. "We know the number of ministers is high, but we have no option but to support the Cabinet for the sake of the country’s stability and future," said Wabukala. More>>>

Outrage greets 40-member cabinet

By our correspondents, April 3 2008
The deal over the Cabinet triggered a storm moments after it emerged that it would comprise 40 members. The civil society and business community did not hide their displeasure at the deal President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate, Mr Raila Odinga, reached yesterday afternoon. Mr Cyprian Nyamwamu of the NCEC said the size of the Cabinet was against the will of the people. Former Transparency International chief, Ms Gladwell Otieno, said a 40-ministry Government was a slap in the face of the public. More>>>

Who said you need politics to unite Kenyans? All you need is Nyadundo!

By Phares Mutembei, April 3 2008
Traditional food. Brew. Dialects and dance. That was the Simba Salon, Carnivore, last Friday. In an entertainment night planned to unite communities and cultures torn apart by the December acrimonious General Election, political differences were shown the door. Under the theme ‘One Nation, One People,’ the show organised by vernacular FM stations – among them Inooro, Ramogi, Mulembe, Musyi and Radio Citizen - brought peals of laughter, bundles of love and merrymaking.

Revellers, from all walks of life, had a marvellous time, sampling osuga, aliya, chinsaga, nyoyo, mukimo, mursik, aruda and other traditional foods, Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. When it was time to drown the food, drinks produced by the fermentation method took the crowd to cloud nine. Karobo and muratina went down aplenty. More>>>

Bloated cabinet to consume 94% of tax revenue - all shs352billion!

By Shad Bulimo and correspondents, April 3 2008
The bloated 40-member cabinet agreed between prime minister designate, Raila Odinga and President Kibaki after weeks of intense horse trading will gobble up everything collected by way of taxes. Annual revenue collections currently stand at shs375billion and the proposed government will cost shs352billion, leaving a paltry shs23billion or just 6% for investments in crucial sectors.

Analysts have warned that the already battered economy, due to the recent post-election skirmishes, could compromise recovery and reconstruction efforts with tax revenue projected to nosedive by as much as 30%. The consequences of the huge numbers could lead to higher taxation and an even higher cost of living. The additional costs were anticipated when the Bill creating the offices of prime minister, two deputies and now the additional ministries were tabled in Parliament. Anticipated but not budgeted for. Coupled with the cost f resettling displaced people, Kenyans could be in for yet another rough economic ride. More>>>

In Kisumu politics shift to omena

By Cosmas Butunyi, April 2 2008
Lovers of the omena fish species will have to miss the delicacy from their menu, thanks to the three months ban on its fishing. Those who can’t resist the craving will have to dig deeper into their pockets as the traders’ cash in on the scarcity occasioned by the desire by the Government to let the fish in Lake Victoria mature.

The fishermen say that coming on the heels of the recent post-election violence, where normal fishing was disrupted and many people displaced, they are least prepared for the ban. In a memorandum presented at a fisheries stakeholders’ meeting in Kisumu, they want the ban reduced to two months. In future, they also want to be warned in advance to prepare for the action. Despite the fishermen’s petitions, fisheries officials insist the ban remains in force. More>>>

Annan, diplomats push for portfolio balance

By our correspondent, April 2 2008
Former UN Secretary-General, Dr Kofi Annan, broke his silence on a day the prolonged delay in naming a Cabinet forced Kenya back into international spotlight with a coded warning from the diplomatic community that its two top leaders are being watched.

Annan made it clear that the accord, which he mid-wifed and was signed on February 28, must be honoured to the letter. Mind games, shadow boxing and brinksmanship between rivals PNU and ODM have characterised the delay. Last night, the ripple effect of the delay started to be felt, with the National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee being the first casualty. Members of the team announced that talks had been suspended until a coalition Cabinet was named.

Meanwhile the US and the European Union have called on President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga to name the new Cabinet immediately. US Ambassador, Michael Rannenberg, dismissed calls for a clean Government saying such calls were bound to be misinterpreted and did not augur well with the implementation of the agreement. More>>>

Judiciary, Army, Police helped rig elections - group

Ben Onyasimi, April 2 2008
KEY public institutions in Kenya were compromised to support particular candidates in the 2007 General Election, lobby groups now claim. The groups claim the Judiciary, Army, police and the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) were comprised in advance before voting and tallying processes.

 They said the fact that the Attorney General, Chief Justice, the Chief of General Staff and Commissioner of Police were at State House shortly after the announcement of the presidential results was clear indication that they institutions had been compromised.

The lobby groups under the umbrella body of “the Coalition for Accountable Political Financing” further called for the immediate disbandment of ECK. The Director of Innovative Lawyering, Dr Ben Sihanya, said “ECK officials should go home. More>>>

Reporter receives death threats over fraud reports in Sabatia CDF

By Mangoa Mosota and Jessica Nyaboke, April 2 2008
A reporter with The Standard has received death threats after exposing misuse of the Sabatia Constituency Development Fund. Mr Peter Atsiaya recorded a statement with the police following a story that the outgoing CDF committee could not account for Sh10 million. "I got a call last night (Tuesday) from an unidentified caller who warned that I will go the Orina way," he said.

Atsiaya, who is based in Kisumu, said the caller was referring to the killing of Saboti CDF manager, Joshua Orina, last week, after he questioned the use of the fund. Orina was abducted and his body later found with bullet wounds in a sugar plantation, last week. Police said they were investigating the death threats. A report has disclosed that the Sabatia CDF was used on non-existent projects. The constituency was allocated Sh140 million for five years, but the report indicated but there was nothing to show for it. More>>>

Ojiambo arm-twists Kalonzo into a plum job offer

By Shad Bulimo and Mutinda Mwanzia, April 2 2008
Prof Julia Ojiambo has lived to her "iron lady" epithet by arm-twisting Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka into promising her a plum job. The two fell out after Kalonzo failed to nominate her as an MP although she was his running mate in last year’s elections.

Dr Julia Ojiambo, who received a paltry five votes in Funyula, led a team of officials from the Labour Party of Kenya to Kalonzo’s Jogoo House office to discuss how they could benefit from Government appointments. Ojiambo was with the LPK Secretary-General, Mr Peter Kubebea, former Masinga MP, Mr Ronald Kiluta, and Dr Faith Muli, a parliamentary aspirant in the last election, among other officials. She said she had no hard feelings against the VP over the nomination. "I am politically strong and relevant and no one should write me off," she told journalists after the meeting. More>>>

No cabinet means Kenya risks losing ILO post, says Atwoli

By Peter Atsiaya, April 2 2008
Cotu Secretary-General, Mr Francis Atwoli has said Kenya’s position at the ILO governing body was at stake due to failure by President Kibaki to appoint a minister. Atwoli said a minister should be appointed urgently to lobby with colleagues from member countries to retain the country’s position during the forthcoming ILO elections.

The elections will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in June. Kenya is a member of the ILO governing body and elections are held to vote in new or existing members. Atwoli was speaking to The Standard at Jebkoyayo market in Hamisi Constituency after attending the funeral of the mother of Cotu Chairman, Mr Rajab Mwondi, on Monday. More>>>

Shikuku wants House to appoint cabinet

By INGONEWS Reporter and agencies, April 2 2008
Former Butere MP, Martin Shikuku has called for the recall of Parliament to solve the issue of cabinet impasse. The former fiery MP, dubbed "the people's watchman", issued a statement signed by eight other former legislators as concern over delayed grand coalition Cabinet continued to elicit mixed reactions.

The MPs said in a joint statement that the House should be recalled to handle the matter. They say Parliament should assume its rightful role of prescribing the size of the Cabinet and functions of ministries as soon as possible. More>>>

Donors withhold aid over cabinet standoff

Emmanuel Onyango, Kipngeno Cheruiyot, April 12008
Donor countries have issued stringent conditions before they can release Sh31.5 billion pledged for the national emergency recovery strategy, in a move to exert pressure on President Mwai Kibaki to quickly agree to a Cabinet-sharing formula with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga.  The joining of donors in calls to break the Cabinet deadlock came on a day a meeting between President Kibaki and Mr Odinga, scheduled for Harambee House, failed to materialise for unexplained reasons.

President Kibaki, however, held a series of consultative meetings with Internal Security minister George Saitoti and his Defence counterpart Yusuf Haji, after which the latter two left Harambee House. The President left Harambee House an hour later. More>>>

Is Mugabe defeated?

By our correspondent, April 2 2008
Zimbabwe's opposition party says its leader Morgan Tsvangirai has won the presidential election, releasing its own results to back up the claim. MDC Party Secretary General Tendai Biti said Mr Tsvangirai had won 50.3% of the vote to President Robert Mugabe's 43.8%, so avoiding a run-off.

Results have yet to be officially declared but the state-run Herald newspaper has predicted a run-off. The ruling Zanu-PF party has dismissed the MDC claim as "wishful thinking". More>>>

Nobel laureate teargassed over lean cabinet demo

By our correspondent, April 1 2008
Barely 90 days after losing her parliamentary seat, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Prof Wangari Maathai, was teargassed at Uhuru Park’s Freedom Corner, Nairobi. Maathai had accompanied civil society activists protesting against a proposal for a 44-member Cabinet, which they said would drain public coffers by "up to Sh387 billion" annually. But in a case of history of Maathai-police confrontations in the 1990s repeating itself, the officers would not allow her and the group to protest peacefully. More>>>

Inflation rockets to 22%

By John Oyuke, April 1 2008
Inflation rate soared to a historic high of 21.8 per cent last month driven by rising cost of essential commodities. The country last recorded a similar rate in July 1991, though the worst years were registered in 1992, 1993 and 1994, where the rates swung between 30 per cent and 60 per cent.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) said on Tuesday that the month-on-month overall inflation rate increased from 19.1 per cent in February to 21.8 per cent last month. The month-on-month underlying inflation, which excludes food items from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, also rose from 9.3 per cent in February to 9.8 per cent last month. More>>>

Resettlement of IDPs to cost shs31b

By Kipchumba Some, April 1 2008
The Government will spend Sh31 billion to resettle and compensate persons displaced in the post-election violence. Director of Mitigation and Resettlement for the Internally Displaced Persons, Mr Wilfred Ndolo, said the money would be used to compensate those who incurred losses during the violence and assist them rebuild their lives.

The department under the Ministry of Special Programmes was formed a month ago to look into the welfare of internal refugees. Mr Ndolo was at the Eldoret Showground camp which hosts 14,000 refugees. There are 130,000 displaced people in 36 camps.

He said the Government had spent more than Sh2 billion on the displaced in food and health care. The former Provincial Commissioner was on a refugee fact-finding mission in the North Rift and “to make sure that conditions are ideal to return and reconstruct their shattered lives.”

Meanwhile, refugees at Eldoret Showground expressed fears of returning to their homes after leaflets were circulated in parts of Uasin Gishu District warning members of a certain community from going back. More>>>

The great and the not so great : Great dane with a chihuahua.

Meet the world's tallest dog

By INGONEWS Reporter, April 2 2008
There are more than 350 species of dogs but at 7 feet long and with a shoulder height of over 42″, this Great Dane is a monster. It’s good luck Gibson is friendly because he could do a lot of damage if not. The Guinness Book of World Records recognises this great dane as the world’s tallest dog at more than 7 feet on his hind legs. More>>>

US investor threatens to relocate multi-billion Yala Rice project

By George Olwenya, April 1 2008
A controversy between politicians and an international company threatens a multi-billion shilling business. The Dominion Group of Companies has threatened to close a rice farming investment in Siaya District and move to a neighbouring country. Mr Calvin Burges, the president of the US company, said he was fed up by intimidation and extortion by politicians and residents.

He said the company had stopped development at the Yala Swamp. The project has a Sh2.8 billion fish farm and was building an international youth training centre. The Sh1.5 billion centre was to offer vocational training to more than 20,000 young people a year. Burgess said the company would lay off workers at the Yala rice farm from Friday. "I have informed the US embassy, Prime Minister-designate Raila Odinga and several Government officials of the decision to pull out unless I am accorded justice," he said. More>>>

Nyamira DO in lucky escape from lynch mob

By Robert Nyasato And Peter Mutai, April 1 2008
A District Officer accused of stealing relief aid escaped lynching in Nyamira District. Police officers saved him from displaced people, who were threatening to burn his official car. Five tents suspected to have been donated to displaced people were recovered in his residence. The mob had barricaded the road to prevent the vehicle, which they found parked in the camp early morning yesterday, from leaving. They held the DO hostage in his office from 4am to about 8am. The DC, Mr Muktar Ali, OCPD, Mr Timothy Kivuva, and DCIO, Mr Jacob Muchai, questioned the DO for about three hours. More>>>