Secret candy for retired MPs

By Joseph Murimi, May 29 2008
Taxpayers are being lined up to foot the bill for a staggering Sh345 million secret "send-off" pay deal for retired parliamentarians, a good number of whom served between 1963 and 1984, The Standard can reveal. The paperwork that will lay the ground for the ex-gratia payout is being worked out between Parliament, Pensions Department and Treasury, according to documents in our possession.

Already reeling from spiralling inflation accentuated by rocketing fuel prices, taxpayers will also have to fund the retired MPs’ gratuity payment, pension, pension enhancement and welfare as part of the deal, but which is still under discussion. MPs who served between 1963-2002 are being lined up for the gratuity payment, while those who served from 1984-2002 will benefit from the pension payout. More>>>

Ex Luhya MPs lined up for candy

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 30 2008
Emuhaya: Sande Mukuna, Sheldon Muchilwa, late Eric Khasakhala| Sabatia: Reverend Moses Akaranga, Peter Kibisu | Vihiga: Bahati Semo, Andrew Ligale | Butere: Martin Shikuku, Dr Amukowa Anangwe, Okwaro, Late Jesse Opembe| Khwisero: Julius Arungah | Budalang'i: Raphael Wanjala | Bumula: Wakoli Bifwoli | Butula: Prof Christine Mango | Funyula: Prof Julia Ojiambo, Dr Moody Awori | Hamisi: Vincent M'Maitsi | Ikolomani: Shamalla, Juma | Shinyalu: Daniel Khamasi | Kanduyi: Wafula Wamunyinyi | Kimilili: Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, Late Elijah Mwangale | Lugare: Dr Enoch Kibunguchy, Late Apili Wawire | Lurambi: Dr Newton Kulundu, Lawrence Sifuna | Malava: Late Joshua Angatia | Matungu: Dr Joseph Wamukoya | Mumias: Late Dr Eldon Wameyo, Wycliffe Osundwa | Nambale: | Saboti: Capt. Davies Nakitare, Late Wamalwa Kijana | Sirisia: John Barasa Munyasia | Webuye: Joash Wamang'oli, Musikari Kombo. The list is incomplete. If you know of any former MP, dead or alive please contact editor@abeingo.org

Army denies Mt Elgon torture claims

By Edith Fortunate, May 29 2008
The army has yet again dismissed torture reports over the Mount Elgon operation against the Sabaot Land Defence Force. "No Kenyan soldier has a heart to kill. You should appreciate the work they have done," Lt General Julius Karangi, the Vice Chief of General Staff, said. He further dismissed media and human rights reports on the operation, saying the military had not locked out the Press or human rights groups during the operation.

A report by Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Commission two weeks ago claimed the military had killed more than 600 people in the operation against the militia in Mt Elgon District. Yesterday, the outgoing British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Adam Wood asked the government to come clean on the torture claims. More>>>

Okemo directs Kimunya to stop hotel transactions

By our correspondent, May 29 2008
Amnesty was part of the deal between the anti-graft commission and businessman Kamlesh Pattni, before he surrendered the luxurious Grand Regency Hotel to the Government. The committee, chaired by Nambale MP, Chris Okemo, directed Mr Kimunya and the CBK to suspend all attempts to dispose of the hotel until the lingering questions have been answered by the Government, Mr Pattni, Uhuru Highway Development Limited and other shareholders. The hotel made a profit of shs143m last year, contrary to Kimunya's deposition. More>>>

Trans Nzoia IDP's can't get their farms

By Osinde Obare, May 29 2008
Displaced people who returned to Trans Nzoia District have claimed that invaders occupying their farms have refused to leave. The victims, who were taken back to their farms two weeks ago, claim that those who had evicted them are still occupying their land. "The Government took us to a transitional camp at Kalaha market where we have been pitching tent. We have nowhere to go because our farms are occupied by the very people who chased us away," said Ms Mary Naliaka.

The victims have accused the Government of turning a deaf ear to their plight. "We received serious threats when we returned here, we cannot dare ask them to move out of our farms. All we can do is appeal to the State to act accordingly," said their spokesperson, Mr Makokha Khaemba. . More>>>

UK envoy intervenes over Mt Elgon torture

By Susan Anyangu, May 28 2008
The outgoing British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Adam Wood has called on the government to avoid issuing blanket denials over the allegations of torture in Mt Elgon. He said the European Union had already contacted Prof George Saitoti, the Internal Security minister, seeking explanations on the issue. He proposed the Government begin a thorough investigation into the allegations and ensure those found guilty of torture are prosecuted. More>>>

Kiai quits

By INGONEWSeporter, May 28 2008
Mr Maina Kiai, chairman of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is leaving. Mr Kiai, who has been a thorn in the government, is quitting the commission at the end of July, he announced yesterday while meeting the outgoing British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Adam Wood. Against all odds, Mr Kiai has often rubbed the government the wrong way and has been relentless in the fight against injustices and human rights. He turned the rights body into a credible outfit.

Kenyan govt still vomitting on our shoes - Envoy

By our correspondent, May 28 2008
The outgoing British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Adam Wood has condemned the culture of impuinty engrained in the management of public affairs in Kenya. Mr Wood gave the stinging indictment when he called on the offices of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights yesterday. "The culture of impunity continues to prevail in this countryespecially with regard to economic crimes and violence against the people." Mr Woods' parting shot is similar to that of his predecessor, Mr Edward Clay who termed Kenyan government as gluttonous, overfed and only good at vomitting on donors' shoes.

100 Kenyans to be evacuated from SA

By Beauttah Omanga And Abiya Ocholla, May 28 2008
The Government will from today start evacuating Kenyans from South Africa, which has been rocked by xenophobic mayhem. The first batch of 64 Kenyans, mainly university students, are expected to arrive Thursday morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight. Air tickets have been sent for the evacuees through the Kenyan Embassy.

A ministerial source said the Government had by Wednesday sent Sh5 million worth of air tickets to South Africa. The evacuation of Kenyans from the troubled country follows an escalation of attacks targeting them and other Africans. Foreign Affairs Assistant minister Richard Onyonka, said by last evening about 100 Kenyans had requested to be evacuated immediately. By mid-day Wednesday, 64 had confirmed their desire to be assisted. More>>

Mudavadi angry at violence report

By Peter Atsiaya, May 28 2008
ODM has disputed a human rights’ report saying the party perpetrated most of the violence during last year’s General Election campaigns. Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Musalia Mudavadi, said the report, which indicated that ODM was responsible for 46 per cent of pre-election violence, was incorrect and malicious. "Nobody in ODM sanctioned the violence. Which criteria did the organisation use to determine the perpetrators?" asked Mudavadi in an interview on the telephone.

Mudavadi, who is also the Sabatia MP, went on: "Nobody in ODM sanctioned the violence. How were the figures arrived at?" He said the report had portrayed ODM as a violent party, something he claimed was untrue. He said the party preached peace throughout the campaigns. But Forest and Wildlife minister, Dr Noah Wekesa, said he agreed with the report. More>>>

Politician falls foul of dual citizenship

By Mutinda Mwanzia, May 28 2008
ODM-Kenya Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed Sirat has been released from police custody awaiting a court ruling on his nationality. Sirat, who lost the Wajir South parliamentary seat, has been in custody at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport Police Station since Sunday, following a deportation order the Government had issued against him.

Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang’ signed the order.Police officers stormed his home in Nairobi on Sunday and scaled the perimeter wall when he declined to open the gate. The officers broke the main door before arresting Sirat. The arrest came hours before the opening of ballot boxes for scrutiny following a ruling by High Court Judge, Justice Luka Kimaru. More>>>

Wetangula suffers major blow

By John Osoro, May 28 2008
Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula has suffered a major blow after he lost the first round of a petition challenging his election as Sirisia Member of Parliament. Justice Wanjiru Karanja dismissed a preliminary objection filed by the minister on grounds it contained nothing of substance to quash the petition filed by Orange Democratic Movement candidate in the December poll, Koyi John Waluke. 

The court also dismissed assertions by the minister that his colleague James Orengo (Lands) ought to have served him with the petition, after they sat together during the mediation talks. Justice Wanjiru held that Orengo was protected by rule 9 of the Advocates Act, which barred him from serving the petition, while representing the petitioner.

Cholera kills 3 in Nyanza

By Jack Nduri, May 27 2008
The Government moved in to contain a cholera outbreak that has killed three people and left many ill in Rachuonyo District. The District Public Health Officer, Mr Heron Obaye, said medical staff from Nyanza and Rachuonyo were carrying out health education and distributing drugs in the villages.

Obaye said the outbreak was reported two weeks ago and seven people are undergoing treatment at Homa Line Health Centre for diarrhoea and vomiting. Three others died, but the Government has assured the situation will be under control. "One person was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while two others died a few hours after admission," said Obaye. More>>>

Kenya attempts to deport Kenyan

By Evelyn Kwamboka, May 27 2008
The High Court has stopped deportation of parliamentary election loser, Mr Mohamud Sirat. Lady Justice Roselyne Wendoh on Tuesday issued temporary orders barring Sirat’s deportation to Australia for two months and allowed him to apply for judicial review orders seeking to quash the deportation.

Sirat is also expected to apply for an order seeking to quash directives that he be deported for allegedly being a threat to national security. The order is also to stop Immigration minister, Mr Otieno Kajwang’, from deporting Sirat. The Court heard that Sirat was a Kenyan citizen by birth and a holder of a Kenyan identity card, driving licence and a passport. More>>>

3 ministers' sons in car racket

By Ayub Savula, May 27 2008
Kenya Revenue Authority has impounded and deregistered 200 vehicles in the last two days to recover import duty worth millions of shillings. KRA has also launched a crackdown to impound another 300 vehicles using Tanzanian registration. Among the suspects are top politicians and three Cabinet ministers’ sons.

The KRA Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement, Mr Joseph Nduati, said the crackdown was being undertaken by KRA, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Flying Squad and Traffic Police. Nduati said insurance companies had also been warned against insuring such vehicles. More>>>

ODM adjudged most violent

By Lucianne Limo, May 27 2008
ODM perpetrated the most violence during the General Election. A human rights’ report has alleged that the party was responsible for 46.1 per cent of the violence, nearly double that of its main opponent, PNU’s 24 per cent.

Narc-Kenya, the report says, perpetrated 11.1 per cent of the violence and Kanu 5.5 per cent. ODM-Kenya was the least offensive and responsible at 3.7 per cent. The most prevalent forms of electoral violence were physical assault (26.6 per cent) and fatal assault 1.6 per cent. Verbal assault at 25 per cent was the second most prevalent. More>>>

Absentee landlords beware

By Alex Ndegwa, May 27 2008
Huge tracts of idle land owned by absentee landlords could be seized and redistributed to the landless in a radical land reform plan. Lands minister James Orengo has put the owners of huge tracts of idle land on notice with a stern warning that they should invest in them or be prepared to pay land taxes.

The move is meant to discourage hoarding and provide a stable fund for land banking. According to the Kenya National Land Policy, the Government will procure land to establish land banks through purchase or investment. More>>>

Maternity leave increase pleases Atwoli

By James Mbaka, May 27 2008
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has lauded the Government for implementing five new labour laws. A statement signed by Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the implementation shows the Government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s industrial relations. Atwoli said the increase of maternity leave days from 60-90 for women was in tandem with the International Labour Laws.

The move will go a long way towards addressing issues that have been raised since the Employment Act 2007 came into effect last year. On Monday, the Head of Civil Service,Mr Francis Muthaura, issued a circular dated April, 24 2008 directing women employees be entitled to 90 days maternity leave with full pay. Muthaura said the paternity leave for men had been reviewed to 10 days. More>>>

Former AFC Leopards star honoured

By our correspondent, May 27 2008
Musa Otieno, the veteran Kenya international defender received accolades in the inaugural season-end award presentations of South Africa’s Premiership in Johannesburg on Sunday. Otieno, who represented his country for over ten years and was captain for almost half the time, played for PSL Santos Football Club of Cape Town, the league champions of 2001/2002.

This year was the last season at Santos for the 35-year-old Kenyan who is set to play out his career in the US MLS (Major Soccer League) team, Cleveland City Stars. Otieno received the Chairman’s Award, decided by PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza for the Kenyan’s long service as a Santos defender. Otieno joined Santos in 1997. At the age of 19, Otieno made his debut for Kenya against Zaire in 1993. He previously played for Leopards and Breweries (Tusker). This award came with a R100 000 (Sh1million) cheque. More>>>

Panic as darkness hits Kakamega

By INGONEWS Reporter and agencies, May 26 2008
Kakamega town was hit by darkness on Sunday night causing panic and outrage in a power blackout that affected most Kenyan towns including the capital Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Naivasha, Kisumu, Nyeri, among others. The five-hour power blackout that plunged the country into darkness on Sunday night may have caused more panic across the country than the Government is willing to admit.

Last evening, a parliamentary committee summoned Energy minister, Mr Kiraitu Murungi, to explain the matter, even as information indicated that all security forces had been put on high alert to deal with any eventuality. Patients' lives were endangered as few hospitals have generators while businesses across the country reported huge losses. These include: restaurants, bars, hair salons, discotheques. More>>>

Rich-poor gap in Kenya staggering

By Chris Wamalwa, May 26 2008
A US lawmaker has called on Kenya’s Coalition Government to make the fight against poverty and inequality a top priority. Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey said if the Kenyan Government was to avoid a repeat of the violence witnessed late last year, then leaders must courageously and firmly deal with rampant poverty and unequal distribution of resources. "In Kenya, the gap between the rich and poor is staggering. You have a small number of the very rich in the midst of a majority who cannot even afford to feed their families," he said.

Fred Gumo in US: Speaking at the same function, Regional Development minister, Mr Fred Gumo, said the new Government was committed to dealing with issues that emerged following the disputed elections. More>>>

World's most expensive house to be sold in London

A MANSION in London is set to sell for £117million - making it the world’s costliest home. The palatial residence, on a street dubbed Billionaires’ Row, is believed to have been bought by Britain’s richest man, steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal. He is believed to be close to exchanging contracts with owner Noam Gottesman, 47, a US-born financier.

The home in Kensington Palace Gardens, West London, Princess Diana’s former street, is being sold furnished and with an art collection. More>>>

Halala USA 2008 conference in Boston

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 26 2008
Halala USA will hold its annual conference in Boston, Massachussetts on August 16, 2008. Key themes will be:

• To explore ways of folding the different Luhya sub tribes into one monolithic community;
• Facilitate greater understanding of Luhya culture and heritage;
• Form a network of Luhyas worldwide
• Foster unity among the diverse groups living in Western Kenya
• Harness opportunities in USA for the benefit of our people in Western
For further details visit website

Budalang'i Declaration splits ODM

By Kipngeno Cheruiyot, Antony Ndwigah, May 25 2008
LEGISLATORS crusading for the formation of a grand opposition in Parliament have declared that they would not drop the idea until their objective is met. The issue has divided members and partners in the Grand Coalition.

Their resolve came yesterday, a few days after President Kibaki swiftly moved to effect the Political Parties Act that will see MPs who defect to other parties lose their seats. But in what they termed as the Budalangi Declaration, MPs who have been pushing for the initiative said they would not relent in their quest, saying it was a concept whose time had come and cannot be stopped. More>>>

Holiness and hard work bears fruit in Bungoma

By Solomon Nabie, Bungoma, May 23 2008
IcFEM is an indigenous Kenyan organisation based in Kimilili, Western Kenya with a mission of smooth integration of community development, evangelism and innovative provision of holistic care. IcFEM aims at building people, especially in rural areas, both spiritually and practically to become self-supporting.

Their village programmes include welfare, agriculture, education, health care, discipleship ministry and welfare and relief which involves; care for the elderly, child sponsorship, and practical assistance for the handicapped and for the desperately needy. IcFEM is registered with the Kenyan Government and has expanded rapidly since 1995 when it had only 9 full time voluntary staff to the current 100+ staff in 2004. More>>>

Law Society blasts Wetangula

By Beauttah Omanga, May 25 2008
The Law Society of Kenya wants members of the National Dialogue and Reconciliation team replaced. LSK Vice-chairman, Mr James Mwamu, proposed that professionals be nominated by different organisations to continue with negotiations. He challenged the negotiators to resign and pave way for other leaders. "We all agree that the negotiators appointed to the Cabinet are busy. They have also to visit their constituencies at the expense of maintaining the momentum of the talks," said Mwamu.

The official said Kenyans want the agenda set up by former UN Secretary-General, Dr Kofi Annan, finalised as soon as possible. He said it was wrong and disrespectful for the negotiators to keep the team of eminent persons, led by Prof Oluyemi Adeniji, waiting. More>>>

Land reform faces a bumpy ride

By Alex Ndegwa, May 25 2008
The Government’s announcement of a final forum to fine-tune the Draft National Land Policy before presentation to the Cabinet has renewed rivalry among interest groups. The National Civil Society on Land Reforms, which includes Kenya Land Alliance, is pushing for speedy implementation of the policy.

But the Kenya Landowners Federation (KLF) insists that the draft policy is a recipe for disaster. Earlier this month, Lands minister Mr James Orengo, said the forum, scheduled for June 5 and 6, would enable stakeholders to give their views. Orengo - who supports the policy - said land reform must precede the new constitution, underlining the need to address disputes that fuelled post-election violence. More>>>

It's Ottichilo for ODM in Emuhaya

By Shad Bulimo and agencies, May 24 2008
Dr Wilberforce Ottichilo is the ODM candidate for Emuhaya after winning the hotly contested party nomination for the June 11 by-elections. Ottichilo, a former managing director of Kenya Wildlife Services, floored nine other contestants in an exercise voters described as free and fair. Ottichilo garnered 6, 288 votes beating his rivals, former MP Sheldon Muchilwa, who got 4,055 and businessman Mark Echoka who bagged 3,524. Other contestants, except Mr Christopher Onyango who got 1,059, garnered less than 1,000 votes.

Emuhaya fell vacant after the incumbent, Kenneth Marende was elected Speaker of the National Assembly. The returning officer Samuel Rafimbi, said voters in Emuhaya had shown maturity by not engaging in violent activities.Ottichilo now faces Olembo and Ochiel among other candidates in the by-elections. In the last General Election, Emuhaya had 28 candidates, second to Kitutu Masaba, which had 33. The elections were hotly contested with House Speaker Kenneth Marende winning with 5,313 votes. Ochiel with 5,017, Ottichilo with 4,980 closely followed him and Muchilwa had 4,313. More>>>

Olembo, Ochiel share PNU spoils in Emuhaya

By INGONEWS Reporter and agencies, May 24 2008
As ODM went straight for the kill, PNU activity in Emuhaya is split right bang in the middle. Two political parties affiliated to PNU have broken ranks and decided to field their own candidates. Ford-Kenya and Narc-Kenya are supporting their own candidates. Ford-Kenya chairman Musikari Kombo said the party would field Mr Julius Ochiel. Olembo beat her rival Mr Billy Nyonje on Wednesday at Kima. Nyonje conceded defeat and pledged to support Olembo to capture the seat. There were only two aspirants seeking nomination on a Narc-Kenya ticket. The nomination saw Olembo garnering 20 votes and Nyonje 12.

Kombo confirmed his party’s support for Ochiel and promised they would put up a strong fight for the seat. "We are only fielding a candidate in Emuhaya and not the other four constituencies," he said. Kombo said the party would field over 10 candidates for the civic seats in other parts of the country. He said the party’s decision to support its own candidate was arrived at after consultations.

Narc-Kenya nominated Prof Norah Olembo. She received her certificate from Medical Services Assistant Minister Danson Mungatana. Mungatana, a Narc-Kenya official, has on several occasions visited the area to campaign for the party. More>>>

Trans Nzoia IDP's barred from returning to their farms

By Osinde Obare and Antony Gitonga , May 23 2008
Insecurity, lack of food and shelter for returnees in Trans-Nzoia District has hampered Operation Rudi Nyumbani. Already, over 500 displaced persons returned to a local camp, citing insecurity. The affected people from Milimani farm in Saboti constituency trooped back to their former camp at Sikhendu.

The victims claimed that they had received numerous threats from their neighbours since they arrived at the farm. "We are scared of the threats from our neighbours who say they are going to kill us if we remain in our homes," said a victim Mr Fred Wanyama. The neighbours, they alleged, had ploughed and planted on their land and were unwilling to surrender them. "How do you expect us to live in homes where our security is not provided? We decided to leave because our neighbours are still hostile," posed Wanyama. More>>>

SA Kenyans ask to be evacuated

By Beauttah Omanga, May 23 2008
THE Government has officially sought protection for its citizens in South Africa following reports that some were targets of attacks on immigrants. Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula said the Government had instructed its Ambassador in Pretoria to make an official appeal, on the concerns that Kenyans were being harassed. "I have asked our envoy to seek audience with the minister concerned and make a case on behalf of Kenyans in that country and seek protection," said Wetangula. Wetangula spoke as Kenyans calling from South Africa said many of them were selling off their property before returning home. More>>>

Annan talks in crisis as chair snubs ministers

By Joseph Murimi and Beauttah Omanga, May 23 2008
Mediated talks appeared to wade into deeper trouble after Prof Oluyemi Adeniji failed to chair a session four ministers attended. Adeniji snubbed the talks and those who attended resolved attention should shift to the implementation of the agreed Bills before consultations resume at Serena Hotel. More>>>

Oparanya paints gloomy economic picture

By Lumiti Khabuchi, May 22 2008
Fears of an economic decline that loomed large ealier this year have been confirmed after the Government announced that it only expects an average economic growth of 4 per cent this year. This means that net economic activities in Kenya have declined by almost half from last year’s which eventually settled at 6.4 per cent.

Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya attributed this projected decline to the bloody post-election violence witnessed early this year, escalating world crude oil prices and increasing inflationary levels. To this end, Oparanya cautioned that for any meaningful growth to be realised, harmony within the Coalition Government formed by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga must be maintained to restore confidence in the economy. More>>>

Envoy draws sword against Wetangula

By Alex Ndegwa and Beauttah Omanga, May 22 2008
Chief Mediator, Prof Oluyemi Adeniji, told off Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Moses Wetangula, for suggesting that the Eminent African Personalities team should leave the country. Adeniji responded strongly to the minister’s remarks that the team mediating the National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee talks should pack up and go because they had finished their work.

In an exclusive interview with The Standard at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel, the venue of the stalled talks on Thursday, Adeniji said he was not a "refugee". The former Nigerian Foreign Affairs minister, who took over chairing of the talks from former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, retorted: "We have got homes to go to." More>>>

Envoy cornered by SA gang

By Abiya Ochola, Joseph Murimi and Agencies, May 22 2008
Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Tom Amolo, encountered perpetrators of xenophobic attacks. The gang brandished hammers at him as violence targeting foreigners in South African spread on Thursday.

The attackers confronted Amolo as he toured Ramaphosa in Rieger Park area of Johannesburg, where three properties, including two supermarkets belonging to Kenyans, were razed on Wednesday by marauding youths.

Luckily, he had heavy police escort, and was not injured in the incident. "I was touring three properties of Kenyans Messers Ahmed Mohammed Abdi, Ali Korrow, Iman Abdulahi Salat and Abdi Ismail, which had been scorched in the outskirts of Johannesburg," he said. More>>>

Shs1.7b response to Western and Nyanza HIV stigma

By INGONEWS Reporter and correspondents, May 22 2008
A survey in Nyanza and Western provinces, which disclosed compounding factors to HIV infection as stigma, denial, gender bias, disregard for human rights, poverty and risky sexual practices has resulted in a Sh1.7 billion programme to reduce HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted infections.

It is meant to strengthen the ability of civil society organisations, communities, the private sector and Government to provide HIV/Aids prevention, care, support and treatment. The programme called Maaniisha and funded by Swedish International Development Agency and UK’s Department of International Development, is to be implemented by Amref. More>>>

Army chief denies Sabaot torture claims

By Lucianne Limo, May 22 2008
The country’s top soldier has defended the military against torture accusations in Mt Elgon District. Chief of General Staff, General Jeremiah Kianga, said on Thursday that last week’s Kenya National Commission on Human Rights’ (KNCHR) report was not credible. "We have not found any evidence of torture by the military in Mt Elgon," Kianga said.

He said it would be unethical for the military, based on their work ethics and rules of engagement, to torture victims when they were supposed to restore order. Kianga asked the human rights group to provide evidence of torture so that the allegations could be investigated. "Members of the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) are surrendering in large numbers. Why would they do that if they were being tortured?" he asked. More>>>

Grand opposition nipped in the bud

By our correspondent, May 22 2008
PARTY rebels agitating for a grand coalition appeared cornered after President Kibaki swiftly moved to give effect to a law that would see MPs who defect to other parties lose their seats. In a seemingly orchestrated move, the Grand Coalition Cabinet on its second meeting decisively laid down strategy that would scuttle the proposed grand opposition.

The President, soon after the Cabinet meeting, which he chaired, gazetted July 1 as the commencement date for the Political Parties Act - which will among other things make it impossible for MPs to defect to other parties without relinquishing their seats. On the thorny issue of amnesty for the youth in custody, President Kibaki appointed a Commission of Inquiry to address those issues. More>>>

Majanja named counsel to Violence Commission

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 22 2008
David Shikomera Majanja has been appointed as counsel to the commission of inquiry into post election violence headed by Mr Philip Waki, Judge of Court of Appeal as chairman, Mr Gavin Alistair McFadyen, Mr Pascal K. Kambale as commissioners, Mr George Mong’are Kegoro as secretary.

President Kibaki established the commission to address the on going wrangles in the cabinet over whether or not the youth arrested during the post election violence should be released.

11 suspected witches murdered in Kisii

By our correspondent, May 21 2008
A village in Kisii woke up to horror as 11 people, most of them elderly women, were murdered in an orgy of violence targeting suspected witches. It was a night of terror for residents of Matembe and Ngonkoro in Marani Division as an armed gang raided villages, hacking their targets with machetes and setting them ablaze.

It was one of the bloodiest attacks on suspected witches in the region where such killings are common. Police said eight women and three men aged between 80 and 94 were killed. Police were caught unawares as the gang, said to be villagers led by a local vigilante group, raided homes on Tuesday night. The gory operation was extended to neighbouring Rachuonyo and Nyamira districts where two people were killed. More>>>

Awori hits at govt targets

By our correspondents, May 21 2008
Former Vice-President Moody Awori has criticised the Government over its approach to performance contracting in the Civil Service. Awori said that although the contracts will ensure transparency and accountability, there was need to tighten evaluation procedures. Awori said the ranking system must consider the resources of each department. More>>>

Beauty in the Simiyu Faith : Mr and Miss Kenyatta University, Josephat Kimanthi and Faith Simiyu display a trophy awarded to the institution for scooping the first position among State corporations, at the institution on Wednesday. Vice Chancellor, Prof Olive Mugenda, was tops. More>>>

Prof Were awarded Africa Prize

By our correspondent, May 21 2008
Prof Miriam Were has been awarded the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize in recognition of her outstanding work in community health. On Wednesday, President Kibaki received Were at his Harambee House Office, where he expressed the Government’s appreciation at her contribution to the country’s health sector.

The President noted that during her tenure as the chairperson of National Aids Control Council, the country recorded substantial reduction in HIV/Aids infection rates, adding that her leadership of the council had spearheaded an aggressive sensitisation campaign on dangers of the deadly scourge. The award was established in July 2006 in memory of Dr Hideyo Noguchi, a model of medical professionalism.

Crisis at Annan talks as Wetangula wants team expelled

By Abiya Ochola and Beauttah Omanga, May 21 2008
Foreign Affairs Minister, Moses Masika Wetangula, has said members of the Eminent African Personalities team should leave since they had finished their work. The minister said Prof Oluyemi Adeniji and members of the Eminent African Personalities team had finished their brief and should let Kenyans handle the remaining portion of the brokered deal. The minister’s remarks left the fate of the National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee talks at Serena Hotel on Wednesday in the balance. More>>>

Kenya ready to evacuate citizens from SA

By our correspondents, May 21 2008
Two supermarkets belonging to Kenyans were torched as xenophobic violence raged into its 10th day in South Africa with the death toll rising to 42. The attacks came as many relatives called on the Government to evacuate Kenyans caught up in the violence. Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Tom Amolo, said the two shops were razed at Ramaphosa suburbs near Reiger Park in Johannesburg. Two brothers, Gor Iman Abdulahi and Ahmed Mohammed Abdi owned the shops.

Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Moses Wetangula, whose daughter is a student in South Africa, said the Government was keenly monitoring the safety of Kenyans in South Africa with a view of evacuating them in case the situation worsened. The attacks on African immigrants, accused by many poor South Africans of taking scarce jobs and fuelling crime, have forced thousands of people from their homes, unnerved investors and hit the rand currency, adds Reuters. More>>>

Halala USA helps needy Bunyore boy

By Pauline Ingosi, May 21 2008
To Pius Mwamba President, Halala USA. I want to thank you for the noble deed you and your organization have undertaken, to educate that needy young man, Allan Mtange. The Headmaster sent me a text message acknowledging receipt of the cheque you sent for school fees, and that he had posted copies of relevant documents regarding the same, to you.

I am glad to have been involved such a successful networking. By copy of this letter, I want to thank:-

1) Shadrack Bulimo, Abeingo Network. You are doing a great job, this is the kind of positive networking we need. 

2) JME Simekha, Emuhaya MP aspirant, for making all efforts to trace the young man and get all those contacts we have used to complete this assignment. Nyasaye amulinde neyako. 

Address root causes of violence - Catholic Church

Emmanuel Onyango, Kipngeno Cheruiyot, May 20 2008
Archbishop Peter Kairo, Chairman of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission said in the Pastoral Letter that the immediate step to be taken is to address the root causes of the skirmishes among them inequality, poverty and tribalism. “This is faith-based, so it will not run the risk of hitting a dead end. The people are tired of seasonal tribal clashes every time we have political elections.

We need a solution to this issue based on a sound land policy,” Kairo told a media conference. The Church at the same time released a six months programme intended to enhance reconciliation among warring communities across the country. Archbishop Kairo further said the Church was seriously looking at the issue of ethnic divisions as pastoral priority adding that they were networking with organisations already in the field on reconciliation, forgiveness and communion. “We need to promote home grown solutions to reconciliation and conflict resolution. More>>>

20,000 Kenyans in SA on high alert

By our correspondent, May 20 2008
Part of the large Kenyan community in South Africa has been affected by the wave of attacks on foreigners that has left 22 people dead in the past two days. A house belonging to a Kenyan was broken into by armed gangs and property looted. Ms Pauline Njogu, a mother of a five-month-old baby who lives with her mother and three other relatives, was, however, not injured during the attack.Scores of other Kenyans who operate small businesses closed down on Monday and Tuesday following a wave of attacks targeting mainly immigrant African workers. About 20,000 Kenyans live and work in South Africa, with 3,000 in Johannesburg and more than 1,000 in Pretoria. It is estimated that three million Zimbabweans and other illegal African immigrants live in South Africa. More>>>

Mr Dume Wanda, a senior Immigration officer in charge of prosecutions, displays some of the air tickets and passports

Militiamen arrested

By Osinde Obare, May 20 2008
Military officers have arrested three suspected militiamen as a security operation in Trans Nzoia District entered its fourth day. Suspected members of the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) believed to have fled the Mt Elgon were in Kabolet forest. More>>>

Khaemba moved to Livestock

By Edith Fortunate and PPS, May 20 2008
President Kibaki has transferred three permanent secretaries a day after a Government evaluation report on ministries and State corporations was released. Mr Patrick Khaemba, the Cooperative Development and Marketing PS, has been moved to the Ministry of Livestock Development, which was among the poorest performing ministries. Mr Seno Nyakenyanya has been moved from the Heritage and Culture ministry in the Office of the Vice-President to Co-operative Development and Marketing. Dr Jacob ole Miaron moves from Livestock Development to the Ministry of State for Heritage and Culture. More>>>

Two arrested in immigration scam

By David Ohito, May 20 2008
An immigration, human trafficking and travel documents’ forgery syndicate has been unearthed in Nairobi. The Immigration Department and the police are piecing together evidence and details of trafficking in suspected terrorists. Two suspects are in police custody and more than 100 passports of different countries - 87 Somali, 12 Kenyan, 17 from the US, UK, France, Italy and a host of other European countries - were seized from a suspect in what has been described as a multi-million shilling international ring. More>>>

Kombo, Kituyi named worst ministers

By Shad Bulimo and Andrew Teyie, May 19 2008
Mr Musikari Kombo, former Local Government minister, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, former Trade and Industry minister and Amos Wako, the Attorney General have been named, shamed and damned as worst failures in discharging their ministerial duties. A government performance evaluation report has named and shamed 10 ministries and by extension the Cabinet ministers who held the offices at the time of the study.

Alongside the ministries, the report on evaluation of performance of public agencies for the year 2006/2007 has also lined up for scrutiny a number of State corporations and local authorities, whose performance it judged as not up to scratch. Besides Kombo, Kituyi and Wako, the other worst performing former ministers, according to the evaluation, include Mr Mutua Katuku (Water), Mr Simeon Nyachae (Roads and Public Works) and Mr Raphael Tuju (Foreign Affairs). Others are Mr Joseph Munyao (Livestock), Prof Kivutha Kibwana (Environment) and Mr Henry Obwocha (Planning) The ministers were all voted out at the last General Election. More>>>

Doubts over death of militia leader

By Vitalis Kimutai and Roselyne Obala, May 19 2008
The Government will release the fingerprint test results of the slain Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) leader, Wycliffe Matakwei, on Wednesday. Western PC, Mr Abdul Mwasserah, said this would dispel uncertainty surrounding his death last Friday.Matakwei’s body was on Saturday displayed to the public. The death of the commander has been received with joy among residents of Mt Elgon, who feel peace will be fully restored in the once-troubled district. More>>>

Swords drawn over violence youth release

By Daniel Nzia and Francis Ngige, May 19 2008
The debate on amnesty for suspects of post-election violence has gone a notch higher, with Cabinet ministers giving differing views on the best way forward. Nairobi Metropolitan Development minister, Mr Mutula Kilonzo, said those behind the violence that led to the death and displacement of innocent wananchi must face the law. However, Roads Assistant minister, Mr Lee Kinyanjui, broke ranks with his Party of National Unity counterparts and backed Raila on the issue of amnesty. More>>>

Atwoli case a travesty of justice

By Otieno Mak’Onyango, May 19 2008
The Bench, led by the Chief Justice Evans Gicheru and the Bar, led by the Law Society of Kenya, are after the blood of Cotu Secretary-General, Mr Francis Atwoli, for alleged contempt of court after making a statement that rubbed the Bench and Bar the wrong way during Labour Day celebrations in Nairobi. Atwoli was just doing what he is hired to do - champion the cause of the labour movement. The occasion was both opportune and right. Courts have been used for long to oppress Kenyans. The move against Atwoli is testimony to this. More>>>

Dr Anangwe elected to elections board

By Morton Saulo and Shad Bulimo, May 19 2008
Dr Amukowa Anangwe has been named as a member of the ODM elections board representing Western Province in a reshuffle that saw retired judge, Richard Kwach who presided over last year's botched elections, replaced as chairman by Phillip Okundi.

Other members elected to the board include: Dr Joseph Misoy as the secretary and representing North Rift, Mr Paul Mbatha (Eastern), Mr Mohamed Okash (North Eastern), Ms Judy Pareno (South Rift), Ms Helen Katangie (Nairobi), Mr Francis Lewa (Coast) and Mr James Wakaba central. More>>>

Kenyans in SA scared after attacks

By Michael Mugwang'a, May 19 2008
The Kenya High Commissioner to South Africa Monday night held a high level meeting with the host government in an attempt to come up with a strategy to protect Kenyans living there.  Mr Tom Amolo also asked Kenyans in the country to be vigilant  in the wake of heightening violence targeting African immigrants. Majority have resolved to move houses and stay together with other Kenyan families for support. On Sunday, the attackers confronted commuters at a taxi rank in Johannesburg city where they forced them to queue and demanded that they speak in a local dialect. Those who could not speak were beaten and told to return home. More>>>

ODM may pull out of coalition - Mudavadi

By INGONEWS Reporter and agencies, May 18 2008
Deputy prime minister, Musalia Mudavadi said Sunday that ODM may pull out of the grand coalition if it became impossible for the party to stay in the coalition.

"If ODM is dissatisfied with the Grand Coalition Government, we can make a policy decision as a party and declare that we are moving out of the Government," he said in Nandi during the homecoming party for Henry Kosgey, part chairman and MP for Tinderet.

Speaking separately, Nambale MP, Mr Chris Okemo, warned that the grand coalition may not last to 2012, saying there was mistrust among MPs and ministers of the two sides. He also said the spirit of unity exhibited by President Kibaki and Raila was not being felt at the grassroots, further threatening the future of the coalition More>>>

Raila calls for release of violence youth

By our correspondent, May 18 2008
The lid has finally been blown off the pressure cooker that is the Grand Coalition Government, with the crisis - which the top political leadership has stridently denied in the past weeks - boiling over. There was also a flurry of contradictions and doublespeak as leaders appeared to change positions on the thorny issue of amnesty for post-election violence suspects, the Grand Opposition and the Kibaki succession.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga fired the first salvo with claims of dishonesty in the coalition and alleged a conspiracy by a section of its leadership to make it unworkable. The PM further stoked the embers of controversy and appeared to accentuate the divide in Government over what to do with those arrested for allegedly perpetrating violence during the post-election crisis by referring to the suspects as "those who fought for democracy". More>>>

Another goldenberg in sugar exposed

By James Anyanzwa and Shad Bulimo, May 17 2008
Mumias Sugar Company and Lubao Jaggery Factory have survived a government crackdown on dodgy sugar millers engaged in underhand export compensation deals similar to the infamous goldenberg. In a Kenya Gazette Notice No 3977 made public yesterday, Agriculture minister William Ruto, deregistered 14 sugar exporters for claiming a 16% export compensation rebate for sugar that is then diverted into the local market.

The biggest culprit is South Nyanza Sugar Company (Sony). Others are Gamaray, Betterline Company, Ikea Idea Enterprises, International Relief Services, Kijabe Variety Centre, Lakeshore Food Processors, Liban Commercial Agencies,Libken Agencies, Mfizi International Company, Riana Investments, Rimco (Kenya) Ltd, Shree Sai Industries, The Barn and The Kenya Group Corporation.

It is understood that some of the licensed exporters of raw and mill white sugar who enjoy 16 per cent value added tax and four per cent Sugar Development Levy tax rebates do not export sugar.

Mumias was exempted on the grounds that Kenya is a signatory to the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP)-EU trade protocol that allows it to export 17,000 tonnes of sugar into the EU market every year while Lubao was exempted because it deals in jaggery, a sugar by-product and was therefore not involved in direct export. More>>>

Cracks in grand coalition over fate of arrested youth

By Dennis Onyango, May 17 2008
The Grand Coalition Government, whose Cabinet met for the first time on Thursday, is shaping up like a replay of the National Rainbow Coalition, which first brought together President Kibaki and Raila Odinga in 2003. As was in 2003 when disagreements on the Memorandum of Understanding caused trouble from the beginning until 2005 when Narc collapsed, the Grand Coalition appears to have begun on like footing.

This time, instead of the MoU, the fate of those arrested over post-election violence is shaping up to be the critical issue to determine whether the Coalition stands or collapses before the 2012 General Election. As was in 2003 when the MoU simmered, mutated and eventually killed the National Rainbow Coalition, the fate of the thousands of youth being held in police stations, especially in the Rift Valley, may determine the fate of the Coalition Government. More>>>

Top Sabaot leader killed

By Peter Ngetich and Bernard Kwalia , May 16 2008
The Mount Elgon military operation scored a major victory Friday when  the top commander of the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) was gunned down. Wycliffe Komon Matwakei,  leader of the militia,  is reported to have been felled  near Cheptaburbur village in Kopsiro Division. Matwakei, 24, is said to have gone down under a hail of bullets at 1pm after being surrounded by an army unit which had been monitoring his movements in the past two weeks.

Reports indicated that some SLDF defectors were instrumental in the killing of Matwakei as they provided information on his movements. The army launched  “Operation Okoa Maisha” in the area two months ago to crack down on the militia which has been blamed for the deaths of more than 500 people since violence broke out in 2005. Matwakei was  killed together with at least 12 other SLDF members. More>>>

Tribalism now a crime

By our correspondents, May 17 2008
The Government has finally conceded tribalism is a national problem that needs serious remedial attention. Consequently, if you are one of those who ever felt that your application for employment was rejected because the appointing authority was favouring his or her tribesmen, and women, you may soon have an office with which to register your complaints.

You may also soon have a chance to legally raise alarm and ask the Government to investigate an institution you have reason to believe is recruiting staff or conducting its affairs on tribal lines.

At the same time, Government officers who may have violated the rights and committed abuses on Kenyans by virtue of their offices have reason to worry.

Coming alongside the Ethnicity Bill is that on Truth, Justice and Reconciliation, which will be charged with establishing an accurate, complete and historical record of violations and abuses of human rights and economic rights inflicted on individuals by the State, public institutions and public officers since December 1963.More>>>

Cabinet scared of opposition

By our correspondent, May 15 2008
Cabinet ministers closed ranks to overrule the formation of a grand opposition. In their first meeting since the formation of a grand coalition, chaired by President Kibaki, the ministers agreed that opposition was not necessary, as it would rock their unity. The meeting on Thursday also agreed to open dialogue with the outlawed Mungiki sect. Sources said the Cabinet was unanimously united against a grand opposition with the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and the Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, leading the drive against the push. The coalition, they said, needed cohesion not divisive effects. Ministers who spoke on the issue and other rocky items insisted that everything possible should be done to keep the coalition together. More>>>

Ombudsman struggles to justify his office

By Peter Atsiaya and Abiya Ochola , May 15 2008 Kenya’s first Ombudsman should account for his one year in office, the Law Society of Kenya has said. Mr James Simani, an advocate of the High Court, was appointed by President Kibaki to head the Public Complaints Standing Committee a year ago. But Kenyans have been kept in the dark on his specific duties.

LSK vice-chairman, Mr James Mwamu, said few Kenyans knew that the country had an Ombudsman. "How is he operating if the people he is supposed to serve do not know him?" he posed. Mwamu and MPs Mr Yussuf Chanzu (Vihiga), Mr Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West), Mr Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda), Dr Bonny Khalwale (Ikolomani) and Mr David Were (Matungu) said the post should be scrapped. More>>>

Charge army over Mt Elgon - rights body

By Lucianne Limo, May 15 2008
The military has killed more than 600 people in the operation against the militia in Mt Elgon District, a human rights report has alleged. The damning report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) consequently calls for the suspension of the Kenya Army from current or future United Nations peacekeeping operations.

At the same time, the commission is calling for the prosecution of Chief of General Staff, General Jeremiah Kianga, the Army Commander Augustine Njoroge, and Police Commissioner Maj-Gen Hussein Ali. KNCHR accuses the top military commanders of failing to prevent torture in the volatile region. More>>>

Diploma teachers promoted

By Samuel Otieno, May 15 2008
Diploma teachers have a reason to celebrate - they have been promoted. In a new scheme of service released by the Teachers Service Commission on Thursday, the teachers will be a grade higher than those with A and O level certificates. A circular by TSC Secretary, Mr Gabriel Lengoiboni, said the new scheme of service provides a clear job description for non-graduate teachers. More>>>

Namwamba, Wamalwa, Sambu elected to powerful House team

By INGONEWS Reporter and agencies, May 15 2008
Mr Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti MP), Mr Ababu Namwamba (Budalang'i ) and Mr Alfred Sambu (Webuye) have been elected to sit on the powerful Parliamentary Committee on Administration of Justice and Legal Affairs. Mr Namwamba narrowly lost the chairmanship of teh committee to Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohammed of Safina. The previous chairman was former Kabete MP, Paul Muite. More>>>

Cabinet story in numbers

By Ben Agina, May 14 2008
In 1963, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, had a 20 member Cabinet, it grew to 23 in 1969, 23 in 1975, 28 in 1980, 24 in 1994, 34 in 1989, 25 in 1993, 28 in 1998, 27 in 2002 and now 42 in 2008.

Yesterday, Parliament passed a Motion that seeks to reduce the number of ministerial positions. Through a private member’s Motion, Parliament allowed Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro (PNU) to introduce a Bill to create offices of Ministers of the Government of Kenya. More>>>

Two children slaughtered in Kakamega

By Roseline Obala, May 13 2008
Two children were murdered in cold blood in Kakamega District. But the killer was not lucky - angry villagers pursued and lynched him as he tried to escape. Residents woke up to a rude shock when they found two boys, aged one and four, slashed in the head. Their hands and legs had also been chopped off. Witnesses said the children were killed as they ate breakfast after their grandmother left the house to buy sugar. Mrs Tina Andoyi said: "I was not far from the house when my daughter-in-law came calling, saying my son had attacked them." She said her son had been mentally unwell, but he had never been violent.

The brutal murder of the two children brought back horrible memories of the killing of a family in 2001 by Jamin Mukhobero who hacked his expectant wife, four children and four other relatives to death in the same division. Mukhobero slashed to death his wife, Sussy, and children Fanice Ingasiani, Evans Ashivere, Oscar Osiema and Edgar Alusiola among others. More>>>

Strike looms as civil servants pay talks collapse

By our correspondent, May 13 2008
Civil servants may have to wait much longer for a pay rise after talks between their union and the Government dramatically collapsed, setting the stage for confrontation and underhand tactics, The Standard has learnt. The Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) promptly threatened action. It, however, declined to give details of the nature or a timeframe of its intentions.

The union represents about 120,000 workers in job group A to N. Civil servants in job group M and N are not unionisable, but benefit from salary increases the union pushes for. Speaking to The Standard, UKCS Secretary, Mr Tom Odege, confirmed that the talks had collapsed, but said the Government still planned to go ahead and pay the Sh3.5 billion deal in July. More>>>

Marende backs calls for Grand Opposition

By our correspondent, May 13 2008
The Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Kenneth Marende joined the debate on the formation of Grand Opposition, saying MPs were free to do so without having to seek a fresh mandate. Marende said there was a provision for an opposition in Parliament and that he would not gag debate on the formation of an opposition to check the Grand Coalition Government.

The remarks by the Speaker will embolden a group of about 80 MPs who have vowed to join the proposed Grand Opposition despite calls by Prime Minister Raila Odinga and other senior members of the Grand Coalition Government to put it on hold. Marende spoke as anxiety rose in ODM, some of whose erstwhile loyal MPs have come out defiantly against Raila’s call to put off the idea of forming the opposition. ODM on Tuesday sent out a call to all its MPs to attend a Parliamentary Group meeting in a week’s time, on May 23, at the party headquarters to deliberate on the thorny issue. More>>>

Saitoti contradicts Raila on Mungiki talks

By Bernard Namunane, May 13 2008
The Government on Tuesday seemed to issue contradictory signals on the Mungiki sect with a statement in Parliament saying there would be no negotiations with the outlawed group. The statement by the Internal Security and Provincial Administration minister, Prof George Saitoti contradicted public appeals by Prime Minister Raila Odinga for talks with the controversial sect.

However, Prof Saitoti admitted the gravity of the security problems posed by Mungiki and other illegal militia groups and stated that new ways were being sought to eliminate the threats. More>>>

Tree farming profitable in Western

By Barnabas Bii, May 13 2008
Commercial tree growing has become a multi-billion shilling sector business in Western Kenya region- thanks to the recent ban on harvesting of trees in public forests and emerging market niches. Most farmers in the region are now shifting from agricultural production to farm forestry and in particular cultivation of eucalyptus trees due to lucrative prices.

Statistics from the Kenya Forestry Services indicate that between 690,000-800,000 hectares of land which accounts to 20 per cent of the land holdings in the region is under cultivation of the eucalyptus trees. The director of Londiani Regional Research Centre Dr Joshua Cheboiwo said that eucalyptus trees in the region are expected to increase from 14.5 billion to 31.6 billion by 2020 as more farmers venture into farm forestry. More>>>

Think not funerals but joy brought to us by Masiga, Amwayi, Niva ...

From the desk of Dr Lubanga Makanji, Japan, May 13 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters. We have been silent for a few days. I hope the issue of AFC is not lost in silence. I had the opportunity to talk to a number of members of parliament and they are willing to help us achieve our goals. Hon Moses Wetangula will be in Tokyo this month and we are scheduling a meeting with him for those of us who are here. I talked to him and he is for the idea. So is Hon Were and Hon Shitanda.

We ask that all of you wherever you are, take a minute and think of where you came from and where you are going. Think of the pride we had in AFC. Lets have not a grand coalition but a coalition of the committed. Lets not think of ourselves but the villages that we grew up in.  And as we do that, lets think not of the funerals we attended but of the times the villagers were united under a mango tree to listen to Masiga, Niva, Amwayi and the rest playing on radio. Remember one finger can not crash a jigger. Obulala ne tsingufu.

Raila in bed with Equity Bank

By Shad Bulimo and correspondents, May 12 2008
How times change. Just weeks ago at the height of post election violence, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his ODM brigade were calling for economic boycott of institutions associated with PNU. Those institutions don't come bigger than Equity Bank. Yesterday, the aggressive financier, camped root and branch at Bondo, Raila's ancestral home and Raila was at hand to welcome him.

The PM told investors in Nyanza not to shy away from credit and spent long hours educating the people of Bondo on the role of business in development. "Do not shy away from loans if you want to develop. Access the credit facilities and engage in viable entrepreneurship," he said. Raila was speaking during the launch of an Equity Bank branch in Bondo on Monday. He later on opened a field day training programme on business skills for local residents organised by Equity Bank staff. More>>>

Quack doctor arrested

By Patrick Muriungi, May 12 2008
Police have arrested a man for allegedly masquerading as a medical doctor. Police and members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Doctors Board raided St Anne’s Hospital in Imenti South District and arrested the suspect, Mr Clarkson Ouma Amolo.

The suspect is being held at the Nkubu Police Station. According to the Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Daniel Yumbya, the suspect allegedly forged medical degree and registration certificates to practice medicine. More>>>

Taka en pesa launched in Kisumu

By Walter Menya and Cosmas Butunyi, May 12 2008
Dealing with tonnes of garbage is one of the daunting tasks facing the municipal council of Kisumu. Besides being a major health hazard, the heaps of litter and rivulets from burst sewers that characterise the slum areas and even sections of the central business district, are a big eyesore.

However, all this is set to change with the launch of an ambitious clean-up project in Kisumu. Dubbed Taka en Pesa (waste is money), the campaign is part of the Kisumu Integrated Sustainable Waste Management Project (Kiswamp) that endeavours to change the town’s filthy and repelling image. More>>>

Khalwale & Co. defy Raila, Kalonzo

By Muchemi Wachira, May 12 2008
Backbenchers seem determined to continue with their quest for an official Opposition in Parliament despite caution by leaders to abandon the idea. During a Press conference at Parliament Buildings on Monday, four MPs said that they don’t take orders from anyone, not even the President. Others included Julius Kones (Konoin, ODM), Boni Khalwale (Ikolomani, New Ford Kenya) and John Mututho (Naivasha, Kanu). More>>>

Here's a fresh approach to Emuhaya

By JME Simekha, Emuhaya Parliamentary Aspirant, May 11 2008 | Click here to read Simekha's Manifesto
The problems and challenges of Emuhaya constituency are well known and documented. Our approach will be less often about chasing problems and more about proactively addressing known concerns. This will require a shift in culture for all Emuhaya constituents and a change in our understanding of political leadership, as well as leadership by example to make it happen. My political party of choice for delivering on this goal, as one in a team, is the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), whose slogan “Maisha Bora” resonates well with my personal challenge leadership goal.

Our biggest and most useful asset in the delivery on this goal is the people of Emuhaya, other Kenyans and the people of other nations, who are offering us incredible support in delivering real results on this goal. The weak link in Emuhaya’s development cycle is a leadership that demonstrates a higher understanding of the genesis of known concerns and challenges, and how to translate this understanding into shared solutions for the constituency. With such understanding, I propose to pursue a double agenda for the constituency: a community development agenda as well as a legislative agenda, each supporting the other, informed by the following areas of specific focus: More>>>

Maseno, Microsoft in joint IT project

By Harold Ayodo, May 11 2008
Computer software giant Microsoft will work with Maseno University to run an international information technology academy. Maseno University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof Dominic Makawiti, said the partnership would improve academic excellence.

"From this year, we will be able to give students assignments and mark them online as other universities in developed countries do," he said yesterday. Makawiti said Microsoft had started a process to support the university to develop a policy on IT that would culminate in what he termed an information highway. More>>>

Western behind Raila - Oparanya

By INGONEWS Reporter and correspondents, May 11 2008
Mr Wycliffe Oparanya, the Minister for Planning has said Western Province is behind Raila, and asked MPs not appointed to the Cabinet to support the coalition. The Butere MP was speaking at Bondo in Nyanza during the homecoming festivities of prime minister, Raila Odinga. Western Province was 70% ODM territory in last year's elections.

There were light moments in Bondo as well. The best was provided by Fred Gumo, the Minister for Regional Development and MP for Westlands, Nairobi who caused laughter when he demanded that Raila be allocated a special public address system similar to that used by President Kibaki and the Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka. This was after several sound hitches at the Bondo rally. Said Gumo: "The PM is a big man and cannot continue using third rate public address systems hired from local musicians. I’m asking the Minister for Information to ensure that Raila gets a new PA system as soon as possible." More>>>

Raila in Funyula today

By our correspondent, May 11 2008
Raila Odinga will visit Western Province today to thank the region’s residents for overwhelmingly voting for ODM in last year’s General Election. The prime minister is expected to attend an inter-denominational thanksgiving service for Fisheries minister, Dr Paul Otuoma, at Port Victoria trading centre in Funyula.

"I don’t want to call it a homecoming party. It is just a thanksgiving service at Port Victoria to be held after prayers led by the Catholic church at my Bunandi village home," said Otuoma. More>>>

Slum dwellers fight back as inflation soars 27%

By our correspondent, May 11 2008
For John Otiende, a father of four living in Nairobi’s Kibera slums, life has become too expensive. The essential things he used to buy regularly are now out of reach. A meal of bread and milk, which cost him about Sh50 last year, goes for Sh70. Maize flour that used to be Sh50 not so long ago now sells at about Sh75. Transport, in the few times he uses a matatu to town, is up by Sh10 or more on most routes. He has to take shortcuts and cut costs in the house. Like Otiende, slum dwellers have a raft of proposals they want considered in the Budget. Under the aegis of the Nairobi Peoples’ Settlement Network, they intend to petition the Finance minister to factor in their needs in the next financial estimates. The network, an initiative of community groups from various slums, has produced The People’s Budget: Priorities for Action. More>>>

Talk to Sabaot militia - Muite

By Odhiambo Orlale, May 11 2008
Prime Minister Raila Odinga was Sunday asked to extend an olive branch to the Sabaot Land Defence Force in Mt Elgon District as he starts to dialogue with Mungiki sect leaders. Former Kabete MP Paul Muite supported similar calls by some religious leaders to the ODM leader  to go ahead with his announcement last month that he would promote dialogue between the Government and the outlawed group. "I support the principle of dialogue as a way of solving the problems of insecurity, but it must be applied across the board by including other groups like the SLDF,” he said. More>>>

Zambia recovers Chiluba's millions

By our correspondent, May 11 2008
The Zambian government says it has recovered money and assets worth nearly $60m stolen during the rule of former President Frederick Chiluba. The assets include bank deposits and an upmarket apartment in Belgium. Information Minister Mike Mulongoti said the assets would be sold and the money used to upgrade hospitals. Mr Chiluba is challenging that verdict. More>>>

Kitale IDP spokesman arrested

By our correspondent, May 9 2008
A spokesperson for displaced people at Kitale showground was arrested after he differed with the local District Commissioner on resettlement.utie, ordered Mr Joseph Kubaro, arrested for alleged incitement. Kubaro on Wednesday told Special Programmes minister, Dr Noami Shaban, that the 1,500 IDPs at the camp would not return to their homes since they feared for their security. But a furious Mutie walked into the camp yesterday and ordered the spokesperson’s arrest. But Kaburo was released an hour later after word went round that the IDPs were planning to storm the station.- Standard

300 refugees return from Uganda

By Renson Buluma, May 9 2008
Three hundred displaced persons, who had sought refuge in Uganda, have returned. The refugees, who were camping at Mulada, arrived at 4.30pm yesterday in buses. About 132 of them returned to the country through the Busia border while 207 used the Malaba border. But another 1,800 refugees in Uganda refused to return, saying their security was not guaranteed.

Mr Emanuel Nyabera, the spokesman for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said those who refused to return feared for their lives. More>>>

Let all Luhyas buy shares in AFC Ltd

From the desk of Martin Lutta, USA, May 9 2008
Your description of the passion Luhyas have for the club is as apt, as it is wholesome; “Tsingwe.” Let us know what we can do to help even though handouts without accountability would not be the best way to go. It would only be a temporary solution.

It is a shame that AFC is going down the toilet and our leaders are not doing anything about it. Can we arrange a harambee among Luhyas to support the club. The management should also give rights to Luhya organizations to make / print memorabilia for sale on the internet to raise funds for its operations. Anybody getting these rights should deposit some money with the Club for these rights. Leopards should be set up as a limited company that can be run profitably with share holders. I would buy some shares just to be part of a wider Luhya group. These are just ideas in response to our Brother Dr Makanji in Japan.

First the club needs to be transparent and table their audited accounts for the last four years so people can see their sources of revenue visa vie their expenditure. Let us see their organizational structure and critique everything even as we try to help, with a view to making sure that they never get back to this point ever again.

To the rescue of Panpaper

By John Njiraini, May 8 2008
The Government has announced a rescue package for troubled PanPaper Mills after a report by audit firm, PriceWaterHouseCoopers, revealed the company was insolvent. Finance Minister Amos Kimunya said yesterday plans are under-way to inject funds and guarantee adequate wood supply to the Webuye-based company as a short-term rescue measure.

In the medium and long term, the Government will avail land to the company for growing bio-mass for its proposed co-generation project, to reduce dependence on fuel oil and electric power. Although he did not mention figures, sources revealed Sh200 million has been set aside for the rescue. More>>>

A billion condom question

By Elizabeth Mwai, May 8 2008
Kenya has about one billion condoms in the stores, which will last up to 2012. About 900 million of the condoms are in Government stores, while the remaining 100 million are in the hands of users and private chemists.

Despite the condom glut, teenage pregnancies are on the rise, an indication that they are not practising safe sex.

This is the reality that greeted Medical Services minister, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, on Thursday only hours after he had been sworn-in as a Cabinet minister at a function witnessed by President Kibaki at Harambee House, Nairobi. More>>>

62 pupils injured in Bungoma windstorm

By Robert Wanyonyi, May 8 2008
Sixty-two pupils have been hospitalised after strong winds brought down their classrooms. Tragedy hit Madisi Primary School in Bungoma when classrooms’ walls caved in. The head teacher, Mr Paul Waluanda, and a group of volunteers had a hectic time trying to rescue pupils trapped under debris.

Red Cross Volunteers took 42 pupils to Chwele District Hospital while 20 others, who sustained serious injuries, were taken to Bungoma District Hospital. The administration block and three classrooms were flattened by the winds. "Many of the pupils had deep cuts while others suffered form shock," said Waluanda. Local MP who is also the Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Moses Wetangula, promised to support the school put up new structures. - Standard

It's official: Kalonzo's No.3

By our correspondent, May 8 2008
A draft policy document that structures the Grand Coalition Government and outlines how it will work has put President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the top of a six-tier arrangement.

Referred to as the "Grand Coalition Principals", the two leaders will be perched at the pinnacle of the proposed governance structure. Directly beneath them will be a panel of five members to be known as the Grand Coalition Panel. Leaked to The Standard on the eve of a crucial two-day bonding meeting that starts on Friday at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, the draft is guided by the principle of accommodation. More>>>

Olaba hits at KFF management

By James Waindi, May 8 2008
Former national team coach Tom Olaba has warned of a disastrous 2010 World Cup/Africa Nations Cup campaign if the current Kenya Football Federation (KFF) officials remain in office. Olaba, who last coached Harambee Stars in 2006 after taking over from former French international Bernard Lama termed KFF’s strategy on Harambee Stars preparation as a big joke and called on the Government to intervene urgently.

Kenya will kick off their qualifying campaign against Namibia’s Brave Warriors on May 31 in Windhoek and on Wednesday, KFF secretary general Sammy Obingo dismissed calls for a longer training period saying five days was enough for the team. More>>>

From Japan a plea to save AFC Leopards

By Dr Lubanga Makanji, Japan, May 8 2008
Its with great sadness and mixed hope that I write this letter. AFC was set up by our grandparents and we should not allow it to die. We can do something. In Japan I have contacted Osogo, Shikuku, Mdome, Muroni among others and they all agree that we, who are now grown ups can do something to revive the club. Please pass this message to as many Luhyas as possible. If we cannot unite for another reason, then lets unite for the sake of AFC. Let people come up with suggestions of how we can do it. My suggestions include setting up a fund and buying property to support the club, organising a fundraising through a lottery system or making contributions. Other ideas are welcome. We shall be the laughing stock if we dont do something. Obulala ni amani.

From the Editor's desk:
Abaluhya Football Club is not just about football. AFC engulfs the spirit, passion, aspirations and pride of the Luhya irrespective of sub tribe or clan. Dr Makanji from Japan has kick started a rescue plea. To all Luhya people wherever you are, please search your soul and support Dr Makanji's efforts. Whatever else you do, do not let AFC die. It is far more important to our pride as a people. It was British war leader, Winston Churchill who described a pessimist as one who sees danger in every opportunity but an optimist who sees opportunity in every danger. Luhya people are optimists. Let us summon the spirits of Nabongo, Muliro, Masinde, Niva, Lidonde, Kadenge, Madegwa, Ang'ana, among other Luhya greats to galvanise the Luhya nation to unite for our own survival. As an optimist, I see the current financial crisis in AFC as an opportunity to marshall resources to build not just AFC but Austrialian-type sporting academy to harness all those sporting talents lying to waste in our men and women. Please God hear our cries.

Editor

Namwamba's opposition motion sails through

By our correspondent, May 7 2008
Parliament passed a Motion seeking to formalise the Official Opposition. The House is deemed to have ordered its publication in the Kenya Gazette. Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba (ODM) who moved the Motion is now at liberty to introduce the Official Opposition Bill.

But even if the Bill comes to the House and it is passed into law, it will be up to the Government to implement it. Andon Wednesday, while supporting the motion, Namwamba warned that the official opposition is currently not "tenable" following the passage of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act. Deputy Leader of Government Business Martha Karua, said the formation of a grand opposition was against the spirit of the Accord. More>>>

Tragedy of ministries without portfolios

By Peter Atsiaya, May 7 2008
The Government is working on modalities to clearly define the roles of the Local Government and those of the Nairobi Metropolitan Development ministries. Deputy Prime Minister and Local Government minister Musalia Mudavadi said a formula was being worked on to separate the roles of the two ministries in the management of Nairobi. "We want to harmonise operations of the two ministries to avoid duplication of roles," said Mudavadi.

While speaking to The Standard on phone on Tuesday, Mudavadi said the two ministries had key roles to play in transforming the city and there was need to define their roles. He said that he was in charge of the city in accordance with the Local Government Act Cap 265."The act has not been changed to move the City Council out of the Local Government ministry," said Mudavadi. Nairobi Metropolitan Development ministry head by Mbooni MP Mutula Kilonzo is among the new ministries. Mudavadi clarified that there were no problems between him and Kilonzo. More>>>

Kenyan refugees in Uganda refuse to return home

By Jacqueline Karwitha, May 7 2008
SOME 1, 800 Kenyans displaced during the post-election violence and now living in Uganda as refugees have declined to be resettled back to their homes in the on-going “Operation Rudi Nyumbani.”

 Instead, for fear of their lives, the Kenyans have opted to be resettled in Uganda where they have signed up for relocation to Kiryandongo, in the Western part of the country.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported the relocation of the Kenyans to Masindi district until they are assured of their security back home.  This comes as the coalition government resettlement exercise started in earnest on Monday in which some 1, 400 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have already been resettled in parts of Rift Valley. More>>>

Freak storm destroys schools in Nyanza

By Kepher Otieno, May 7 2008
A freak storm battered parts of Nyanza Province, leaving a massive trail of destruction. The storm damaged buildings, schools and disrupted electricity supply in Kisumu and outlying areas. It also uprooted trees and blew away roofs. In Kisumu, it turned the roads turned into puddles of water on Tuesday night.

In Migori, Rachuonyo, Nyando, Suba, Rongo, Homa Bay, Bondo, Rarieda, and Siaya districts were also affected by the downpour. Many towns went without electricity and telephone after strong winds damaged supply lines. Police, however, said that no deaths or serious injuries had been reported.
- Standard

Jirongo, Linturi face credibility crisis

By Shad Bulimo and Andrew Teyie, May 7 2008
Silas Jirongo, The flamboyant Lugare MP, has been elected deputy chairman of the powerful Parliamentary Investment Committee (PIC). But both Jirongo and his chairman, Mr Mithika Linturi, Igembe South MP face a credibility crisis over cases past and current. Mr Linturi is embroiled in a scandal involving a bounced cheque of Sh1 million with officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) his trail. The MP allegedly issued the cheque through his trading company Ark Choice Insurance Brokers. On the other hand, the Lugari MP has been fighting court cases against his company Sololo outlets for the last ten years and has been a subject of investigation by the same committee for which he now deputises. The Law Society has called for MPs with skeletons in their cupboard to be excluded from House committees. More>>>

Atwoli in trouble over labour day remarks

By Judy Ogutu, May 6 2008
Cotu Secretary-General, Mr Francis Atwoli, has been ordered to appear in court on Monday to show cause why he should not be prosecuted for contempt.

Atwoli is required in court in connection with utterances he made on Labour Day, last week, touching on the integrity of a High Court judge and a clique of lawyers. The move comes hardly a week after a sharp reaction from Law Society of Kenya (LSK), where calls were made for action to be taken against the leader of the giant workers’ body. Atwoli’s remarks, which touched on a case pending in court, were made in the presence of President Kibaki and relayed live on TV.

He had taken issue with LSK, which has filed a suit challenging a new law on insurance policy - the Work Injury and Benefits Act - that requires employers to obtain and maintain insurance policy for their staff. The summons, signed by the High Court Deputy Registrar, was issued on Monday following an order by Chief Justice Evan Gicheru. More>>>

Abaluhya Football Club near death

By Robin Toskin, May 6 2008
One of Kenya’s best-known football clubs, AFC Leopards, were hanging by their bootlaces, saved from disbanding (but only just) by a Nairobi slum politician. The 12-time Kenyan champions were due to disband on Tuesday after several distress calls drew blank.

Gilbert Selebwa and George Wakasala, who are coaching and financing the club, had opted to throw in the towel, but a last minute plea from Kawangware ward councillor, Ezekiel Nyabera, put paid to an intended announcement to disband the club with not a single registered official in sight, let alone the patron Cyrus Jirongo, arguably one of the richest politicians from Western Province which boasts the club’s strongest, nay fanatical, support.

"As much as we would like to keep Leopards alive, I think the club has reached the end of its life and it is a matter of when, not if, before we forget about this club," Selebwa said at the team’s Ikulu training ground where they had assembled. Source: Standard

Sifuna seeks political comeback

By INGONEWS Reporter and agencies, May 6 2008
Former Bumula MP, Lawrence Sifuna is seeking a comeback into frontline politics. Mr Sifuna, an accountant, is seeking ODM nomination to become a candidate for Embakasi Constituency, left vacant by the death of Mellitus Were early this year. It is also understood that a brother to the late Mugabe Were, Mr Julius Were, is also interested in the seat on an ODM ticket. Others seeking the seat on an ODM ticket include former Juja MP Mr William Kabogo, Mr Irshad Mohammed Sumra and Mr Stephen Mwanga, who contested the Ugenya Parliamentary seat but lost to Lands minister Mr James Orengo.

ODM is already understood to be lining up big names for Embakasi, a constituency with 249,811 registered voters. Top on the queue is Ms Esther Passaris, whose ambition to become Nairobi Mayor was nipped in the bud after the then Local Government minister, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, rescinded her nomination to City Hall. More>>>

Trouble brews at Maseno varsity

By Mangoa Mosota, May 6 2008
Students at Maseno University have threatened to go on strike unless a proposal to raise fees is shelved. The students claimed the proposal was arbitrary and was done in total disregard of their plight and the current economic hardships.

The more than 3,500 Joint Admission Board and 1,200 self-sponsored students are scheduled to pay an additional Sh25,000 and Sh50,000 fees in the next academic year, set to commence in September. "The administration wants to increase fees behind our back. This is obnoxious," said a second year student.

However, the university’s director of public relations, Mr Owen Mac Onyango, insisted that the fees structures made available to the students last month were proposals.He said the Senate would meet next week. - Standard

Khalwale to head powerful House watchdog

Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale (New Ford-K) was Wednesday elected chairman of the key Public Accounts Committee. And members of the Public Investments Committee elected Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi (Kanu)  their chairman.

The PIC seat had earlier attracted Lugari’s Cyrus Jirongo  and Mathira MP Ephraim Maina of Safina, who both stepped down for Mr Linturi.

The Igembe South MP is a first term legislator. He defeated Mr Maoka Maore in the December elections. Mr Jirongo is the chairman of Kaddu. He beat a former Health assistant minister, Dr Enock Kibunguchy in Lugari. More>>>

Investigating the origin of Liyayi

Dr.Gudrun Schirmer-Liyayi May 6 2008
My daughter is investigating the origin of our last name LIYAYI. Maybe you can be of assistance. I would be very grateful.

Dr.Gudrun Schirmer-Liyayi
Lortzingstr. 31
44145 Dortmund
+49 231 1894 234
gsliyayi@arcor.de
Germany

Liyayi in Luhya means egg. But is that the original origin of the name? The name is quite common in several parts of Luhyaland. Are there any Liyayi's out there who might shade some light? Contributions are invited - Editor

Journalist's mum remembered

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 6 2008
A memorial service was held yesterday in memory of Mwalimu Victoria Lyambila and her grandchildren who perished in a car accident in May last year. Mwalimu Lyambila was the mother of former KTN anchorman, Topi Lyambila, now the editor of Kenya London New. The ceremony was held at the family's home in Kimaeti, Bungoma, Kenya.

The entire Lyambila family would like to express their sincere belated appreciation to all members and friends of the Abeingo Community in the UK and elsewhere, the Lumboka Group and all well wishers who supported the family in thought, prayer or personal visits during that trying period. See also obituaries

Kalonzo, Awori row over prison job

By Boniface Gikandi and Munene Kamau, May 5 2008
THE appointment of a committee to look into prison warders’ grievances took a new twist with Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka saying his predecessor had not opted out of the team. Yesterday, Kalonzo denied media claims that Mr Moody Awori had turned down the appointment.

He said contrary to the reports, Awori had not informed him of a change of mind. Awori had been picked as chairman of the committee, but declined the appointment last week at a Press conference at his home in Nairobi. Earlier, Mr Abraham Kamakil, a former Commissioner of Prisons, had also declined appointment as a member of the committee. But Kalonzo said he had consulted Awori prior to appointing him as the committee chairman. More>>>

Slum lecturer puzzles residents

By Janet Akinyi, May 5 2008
The university lecturer’s choice to live in Obunga slums, Kisumu, has puzzled many people. While men of his status reside in dream houses in upmarket estates, Boniface Otieno Oriaro (pictured above), is content with a pauper’s lifestyle. More>>

Orengo throws spanner in the works

By our correspondent, May 5 2008
Thousands of displaced people began their emotional journey back home in military trucks and buses, amid confusion and uncertainty in an exercise that is bound to severely test the resilience of the Kibaki-Raila led Grand Coalition Government.

Claims of forceful resettlement and threats by Government officials further cast a dark cloud over the exercise. This was unfolding on a day four MPs and a Cabinet minister lashed out at Lands minister, Mr James Orengo, over his stand on the resettlement of IDPs. More>>>

Brain drain hampers Africa's growth

By Harold Ayodo, May 5 2008
Scientists have warned of a looming exodus of health experts from Kenya and other African countries to meet demand in the West. Medical experts attending a conference at Kisumu’s Great Lakes University said the US and the UK had new health care programmes that needed expatriates. More>>>

Marende's homecoming party

By Allan Kisia and Shad Bulimo, May 4 2008
House Speaker, Mr Kenneth Otiato Marende, hosted a homecoming party at his Luanda home yesterday at which an ODM victory was predicted in the forthcoming by elections on 11 June 2008. .

Led by Gem MP Mr Jakoyo Midiwo, the MPs urged ODM supporters to front popular candidates. Mr Ben Washiali (Mumias), Mr Manyala Keya (Lurambi), Mr Sospeter Ojaamong’ (Amagoro), Prof Ayiecho Olweny (Muhoroni) and Mr Omingo Magara (South Mugirango), predicted ODM victory. Their sentiments weere echoed by Fisheries minister Paul Otuoma and Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo More>>>

Resettlement of IDP's begins - with a prayer

By Anderson Ojwang and Beatrice Obwocha, May 4 2008
The strongest message of peace and reconciliation to welcome internally displaced persons (IDPs) back to their homes rang out of Eldoret Showground on the eve of the resettlement that officially kicks off today.

Agriculture minister, Mr William Ruto, led a prayer meeting in sending the message of peace and to appeal to communities to forgive one another. The strong appeal by leaders at the meeting yesterday, reassuring the IDPs of safety, could make a difference to most of those who had been apprehensive that it was not yet safe to go back. More>>>

Jirongo's PIC job runs into trouble

By our correspondent, May 4 2008
The credibility of the respected Public Investments Committee (PIC) is in question after it emerged that its new members comprise MPs who have been censured by the same committee in the past among them, the flamboyant Lugari MP, Silas Jirongo. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) pointed out the contradiction and called on the affected MPs to quit the watchdog committee that investigates details of public investments.

Four MPs who have been censured by PIC over their investment conduct were picked when parliamentary committees were formed last week. Other MPs whose names or companies associated with them have featured in previous PIC reports include Mathira MP, Mr Ephraim Maina, Baringo Central MP, Mr Sammy Mwaita, and Igembe South MP, Mr Michika Lintuli. Jirongo hit back immediately saying he had never been mentioned personally in any PIC report and that companies associated with him had been aggrieved in the contracts and had gone to court seeking recompense. More>>>

Top job for Atwoli

By Elizabeth Mwai, May 4 2008
The Central Organisation of Trade Union (Cotu) Secretary General, Mr Francis Atwoli, is this week due to be elected Vice-President of the Organisation of African Trade Unions Unity (Oattu). Atwoli will be elected in Tripoli, Libya, to the prestigious body, which has its headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

Oattu is an independent regional federation of unions that champion workers rights. Atwoli has also been proposed by the trade union to be elected at the next International Labour Organisation conference as a member of the governing body. - The Standard

Luhya woman is top cop

By Cyrus Ombati and Shad Bulimo, May 4 2008
Ms Alice Naliaka, one of the top women police officers in Kenya, has been promoted to head the Complaints Section, CID headquarters. Ms Naliaka whose name means born during seeding season in Bukusu was previously the Commandant, Tourist Police Unit. Her promotion is part of a raft of changes to revamp the police department and weed our non performing officers. Commissioner of Police, Maj-Gen Hussein Ali, announced the changes, after meeting senior officers on Friday and Saturday. The new Traffic Commandant is Mr James Adoli, while his deputy will be Ms Jecinta Muthoni, formerly the OCPD of Murang’a. Another high ranking Luhya women in police is Rose Nekesa Mambili, Senior Assistant Commissioner of police. More>>>

Horror as missing woman's body found in fridge

By Cyrus Ombati, May 2 2008
THE body of a woman who went missing two months ago was found locked in her refrigerator. Police suspected the woman was murdered and the body stashed in the fridge by a lover. The deceased, Christine Luta Wesonga, 26, went missing on March 11 and her mobile phone had been off since then.

Her neighbours at Mwimuto estate, Kiambu, were forced to call the police after detecting a bad odour from her house, especially during power blackouts. "There are frequent power blackouts here, which may have caused the body to decompose," said a neighbour. Police found the body after the caretaker opened the house with a spare key on Thursday. The neighbours said Wesonga’s parents and relatives had been to the house several times. More>>>

Brutal eviction:
A Kisumu businessman Mr Gordon Kaoko and his daughter, Caroline Adhiambo after they were evicted from a council house in Kisumu, on Friday. The House is to be occupied by Kisumu Town Mayor, Sam Okello. Mr Kaoko was evicted forcefully despite having a court injunction stopping the council from evicting him. He claims to have paid shs645,000.00 as rent for the next three years. Picture: Titus Munala

35 candidates eye Emuhaya by election

By our correspondent, May 2 2008
A total of 35 candidates have shown interest in the forthcoming by election in Emuhaya and  22 of them will fight for the ODM nomination. The seat fell vacant after its occupant, Kenneth Otiato Marende, was elected Speaker of National Assembly. Campaign for the ODM ticket has already started. PNU is likely to support a Ford Kenya candidate, because the party is popular in the area.

So far the person seen as the favourite to secure the ODM nominations is Wilberforce Angatia. Mr Angatia had during the general elections stepped down in favour of Mr Marende when he lost in the ODM preliminaries. PNU has Julius Sikalo Ochiel who lost to Marende during the December 27 election. More>>>

Website receives four million hits in one year

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 3 2008
Abeingo Community Website has received four million hits within its first year of commissioning. The most popular pages are INGONEWS followed by our impressive picture gallery under events. The various Luhya sub tribes have also received impressive hits as have professionals, profiles and obituaries. The major area of weakness on the website is the discussion forum whose uptake has not been impressive. The editor wishes to urge all our readers to post their comments, views on the forum to generate debate and make the website as interactive as possible. The editor thanks our readers, contributors, critics and advertisers for their input. If you have any news or wish to announce an event, add content or offer suggestions, please contact editor@abeingo.org

Kibaki's empty words anger workers

By Abiya Ochola And Patrick Wachira, May 2 2008
This year’s Labour Day celebrations ended dramatically when a hostile crowd openly protested and walked out on President Kibaki after he failed to announce a much-awaited pay raise. Trouble started when the President ended his address, but failed to touch on the sensitive issue of wages, forcing a section of the agitated crowd to protest. Reacting after the workers’ walkout at Uhuru Park, Cotu executive member, Mr Francis Wangara, said the President could save himself from future embarrassment by setting an income and wages’ policy. The celebrations ended in disarray as workers started chanting opposition songs to show their displeasure.

"How can this Government fail to address our wage increase yet it has the audacity to take billions of shillings from the Treasury to run a bloated Cabinet?" one employee asked and threw his hands in the air in desperation. More>>>

Mugabe loses but hangs on...

By agencies, May 1 2008
The long-awaited results of Zimbabwe's presidential poll have been announced, with the opposition's Morgan Tsvangirai winning 47.9%, forcing a second round. Election officials say Mr Tsvangirai beat President Robert Mugabe's 43.2%, but neither candidate passed the 50% threshold for an outright win. A spokesman for Mr Mugabe said the result brought no surprises.

But Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said the result was "scandalous daylight robbery". The MDC accuses ruling party supporters of rigging the vote and of launching a campaign of intimidation and violence following the elections on 29 March. More>>>

Egerton students eat donkeys

By Alex Kiprotich, May 1 2008
Egerton University has launched a campaign to popularise donkey meat as fit for human consumption. But in a world that is a panorama of socio-cultural tendencies, one man’s ‘yummy’ is often another’s ‘yuck’. However, 16 students from the university embarked on a campaign to popularise donkey meat by slaughtering and eating it.

Yesterday, the students from the Department of Animal Sciences led by their lecturer, Dr Jared Ottaro, caused a stir at the institution when they invited fellow students to share in the meal. "Donkey meat should be encouraged in our diet because its nutrition content is the same as that of beef," Ottaro said.After the animal was slaughtered, the students roasted the meat. This attracted hundreds of curious students and other university workers.

Mr Michael Amuge, who roasted the meat and shared it among the students, described it as a ‘delicacy’.Ms Claire Munialo, a student, said they wanted to prove to other Kenyans that the meat was edible. Munialo said research showed that donkey meat was not harmful and had medicinal value such as curing TB. More>>>

Rev Wambunya quits UK

By Shad Bulimo, May 2 2008
The reverend Tim Wambunya, the publisher of Luhya Proverbs,  has moved permanently to Kenya. Rev Wambunya who has lived in the UK for nearly 20 years, moved to Kenya to take up an appointment as principal of Carlyle College, a theological college specialising in training students of theology.

Before relocating to Kenya, Rev Wambunya was the vicar of Emmanuel Church, Hornsey, London for eight years. “He was a lovely man, very humble and clever, “ said Joan Hewitt, the outgoing Church Warden. The reverend was in London for three days last week on a private visit.  The reverend moved to Kenya with his family.

Two judges sacked

By Jeff Otieno, May 1 2008
Two High court judges have been sacked after they were found to have engaged in unethical behaviour. The two judges are Justice Tom Mbaluto and Justice Joseph Vitalis Odero Juma.

The decision was reached after President Kibaki received three reports from the tribunals he appointed to investigate the conduct of judges at his Harambee House office today. However, Justice Amraphael Mbogholi Msagha was reinstated after the team appointed to investigate him recommended that his suspension be lifted. More>>>