Migori county,Kenya

Mwau not linked to drug trafficking - Ojode

2011-11-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

It does look like a fiasco or just a story made in Hollywood. The Kenyan trade in drugs. The Kenyan police have been investigating, combing all the nooks and crannies for evidence to bring those who flood our streets with drugs to no avail. The stones are heavy to turn, it seems. But since when did the Kenyan police find those who traded huge amounts of gold, exporting the same from Kenya when there was none? To help cover up crimes, the Kenyan police havr always played a perfect role, in the name of turning up stones.
Even the media houses, with the excellent investgations and reporting fear digging on this subject. They fear being blacklisted, hauled to court for defamation of character or their reporters becoming targets of the underworld. They can just gloss over the subject. But there are people flooding the country with illicit drugs, the illegal trade turning young men and women into millionaires while turning millions in the streets to zombies.
Today (11/16/2011) Assistant Minister for Internal Security Orwa Ojode has said that Kilome MP Harun Mwau is not linked to drug trafficking.
Ojode said Mwau is infact not guilty of any crime at all as police records show no link or evidence linking him (Mwau) and any criminal acts.
Making a Ministerial statement in Parliament Wednesday, Ojode said police have zero evidence regarding the criminal acts that Mwau is alleged to have been involved in.
It is not Mwau? But then who, is what we want to hear. But for now, no names, just whispers in low tonnes.

Ojode said police investigations showed there was also no link between Mwau and the Akasha family who are suspected drug traffickers.
Ojode went into details about containers that were shipped into and out of Kenya in 2004 and tabled various verification documents stating that the containers were stripped and cleared at the Port of Mombasa before being allowed inland.
He said the containers, which were shipped from Antwerp in Belgium, were found to contain personal effects such as household furniture.
The containers, he said, were then allowed inland and stored at Pepe container depot in Athi River. He said the depot is a customs area and is therefore a protected area.
Ojode said Kenya Revenue Authority, customs officials, CID, Kenya Bureau of standards and police were all involved in the verification of the contents of the controversial containers.
Ojode cleared Mwau of accusations that money was deposited into the controversial Charter House Bank on his behalf.
Regarding the relationship between Mwau and Juja MP William Kabogo, Ojode said Kabogo was not a son-in-law of Mwau.
In self-defence, Mwau said he had never been involved in any criminal activities let alone drug trafficking. He said there was nothing worse than for someone to label another a drug trafficker.

In response to questions by various MPs regarding police investigations into drug trafficking, Ojode said MPs should stop speculating on issues because drug trafficking was a serious crime that should not be taken lightly.
Ojode told Parliament that despite official inquiries, Kenya was yet to receive information that led to the naming of Mwau and businesswoman Naima Mohammed Nyakinyua (Mama Lela) as drug kingpins.
President Obama named Mwau and Nyakinyua as drug kingpins in June this year, a claim Mwau has denied.
In October Mwau alleged there was a plot to have him prosecuted at an international court over allegations of drug trafficking.
Mwau later stepped aside from his Cabinet post as police launched investigations into the claims.
Earlier in July, Foreign Affairs PS Patrick Wamoto said they had received no complaints against Mwau linked to drug trafficking.
Wamoto revealed that his office on June 3, received a note verbale, informing them that two Kenyans, including Mr Mwau, had been named by US as international narcotic traffickers and sanctions imposed on them.
He said they immediately wrote to the US Embassy seeking clarification on information the (US) Government had relied on to name the two Kenyans as international drug traffickers.
Wamoto was testifying in a case where Mwau sued former US Ambassador to Kenya Mr Michael Ranneberger for linking him to drug trafficking.
Mwau claimed that Ranneberger filed a criminal complaint to Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) November 2010, and subsequently held an international press conference and said he had handed over to the commission names of drug barons.
He later delivered the same criminal complaint to Prime Minister Raila Odinga on November 29, 2010.
And Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police Julius Ndegwa, in his sworn statement, confirmed that they had received the criminal report from Ranneberger.
He said they immediately started investigation, which revealed that there was no case reported to police on the allegations that Mwau had been involved in money laundering, tax evasion and smuggling.
The trade in drugs is an extensive network of minds, involving he traders and corrupt government officials. The rich drug cartels are known to use threats to coerce their victims, including high ranking government officials. Some of the drug cartels are more likely to be high ranking officials in government and the larger society, using their powerful clout to navigate the system, undeterred. It is an elloborate network of corruption, involving international players too.
Who, is flooding our nation with drugs?

Stoning, Any Nyongo responds

2011-11-16T07:36:00.001-08:00

Nov

Columnist article attacked me unfairly

In an opinion piece published in The Standard on Saturday (November 12), Barrack Muluka deliberately misquotes me just like Chepalungu MP Isaac Rutto did in Parliament on Thursday (November 10).

In both cases the misquotation has been deliberate to fit a well rehearsed thesis that presidential aspirant Raphael Tuju’s convoy was stoned by ODM youth sent to do so by ODM leadership.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and I (ODM Secretary-General Anyang’ Nyong’o) condemned the stone throwing and called for peaceful campaigns devoid of violence.

However, during the Parliamentary Group meeting of the ODM on Tuesday last week, a discussion on the violence revealed the youths had claimed the stone throwing was most likely stage-managed.

MPs, therefore, demanded this aspect of the ugly incident be investigated so that all Kondele youth are not maligned unnecessarily.

During the press conference that ensued, I reported this aspect of our discussions and added, emphatically, that "stage-managed or not, ODM condemns any form of violence and calls upon party members and supporters to allow everybody to campaign peacefully".

It is interesting that during the discussion of this matter in Parliament when Rutto abortively sought a ministerial statement, Gichugu MP Martha Karua also told the House she had experienced a stage-managed heckling by youths in her own constituency at a funeral.

Since the Kondele incident is under probe, it would only be fair to put all allegations on the table rather than harangue all and sundry, who express points of view contrary to the one expressed by Tuju.

United democratic front

Mr Muluka, of course, had a completely different agenda. That is to go back to the hackneyed theme of dynastic tendencies in Luo politics. Fortunately, Raila, (Lands Minister) James Orengo and myself emanate from the Luo community but we are not simply Luo politicians. We have wider constituencies outside our birth places.

At a wider level, the three of us have an ideological, Pan-African and international constituency where we play in the same league. It would be artificial to fake any difference at this level.

At the home level, we have a Kenyan constituency which goes back many years in the struggle for democracy. This struggle was for a long time led by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. We identified with Jaramogi and worked with him till he died. This fact nobody denies nor can anybody, except those who oppressed Kenyans, hold it against us.

After that period there were times when we had our differences and parted ways for some time. We had differences on tactics and strategy of winning the struggle against presidential authoritarianism.

Finally, however, Raila managed to bring all progressive forces together in 2002. We came together again and have remained in that broad united democratic front to date.

Muluka, on the other hand, thinks of Orengo and I simply as yo-yo men, who follow a political trend simply to survive in politics. He is incapable of doing a more convincing sociological analysis beyond the perceived dogma, which was always used by the regimes of yesteryear to disenfranchise Jaramogi.

I am afraid it is rather late to apply this dogma to the post-2002 politics. History is still fresh in our minds to be confused by right wing intellectual bigotry of any kind.

{Anyang’ Nyong’o, ODM Secretary General}

Parliament debates demolition,Syokimau

2011-11-16T07:35:00.001-08:00

Parliament debates Land Fraud, Sykimau

It was a heated debate in parliament (11/15/2001), when the fiery legislator, who is also the Narc Kenya chairperson and presidential flag bearer sought to know why the government was impoverishing Kenyan, through unprecented demolition of settlements. A recent case in mind was the ongoing demolitions of palatal houses by the Kenya airports authority, constructions which were authorized by the fast growing Mavoko municipality.
A section of MPs were accused of colluding with fraudsters to allocate Kenyans public land.
Although the legislators were not named, Cabinet ministers James Orengo and Amos Kimunya imputed that some MPs who appeared not to want the truth of the Syokimau allocations to come out had worked in league with some known groups that allocated land to the people who in turn built homes that were demolished by the government at the weekend.
The Lands and Transport ministers, amidst interruption to their contributions by MPs in Parliament, said all the documents including title deeds issued to the victims of Syokimau demolitions were all fake.
“All of these papers that have been flying around are fake and do not exist in the ministry. I am prepared to prove to this House that they are all forgeries and all the documents that have been tabled before this House must be interrogated,’’ Mr Orengo said.
The minister spoke in reference to documents tabled by Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti and her Embakasi counterpart Ferdinard Waititu intended to prove that the allocations were done legally and the plot owners had documents of ownership from the Lands Ministry and rate payments from the Mavoko Municipal Council.
But Mr Orengo described as fraudsters a company by the Mlolongo Brothers and Uungani, saying they sold land to unsuspecting buyers using fake documents.By the time of writing this story, the alleged frausters, who have operated for years had not been arrested, while families whose houses were mowed down were spending another night in the cold.
He said all the land in which the houses stood was owned by the Kenya Airports Authority and had never been exercised.
Saying he did not support the manner in which the Syokimau buyers were evicted, the minister called for the arrest of “those who have caused this misery and affliction to Kenyans.’’
He said there were known cases where people who were no longer employees of ministries using letters purpoted to have been signed by the minister to defraud.
Said Mr Kimunya: “I am very saddened by these people who do not want the truth. The truth is clear there is a court order saying there is no development.
“There are MPs in this House who are friends of the crooks and are coming to the House to protect their ill gotten wealth. Instead of seeking the truth, all they are giving us are rude interruptions.”
He explained that KAA went to court in 2004 to seek an order restraining any settlement on its lands. Mr Kimunya asked MPs to lead from the front, in discouraging people from encroaching on government land “because they are poor.’’
The two spoke during a heated debate on the issue, raised by Gwasi MP John Mbadi to discuss the Syokimau as a matter of national importance.
The MPs were mainly concerned by what they described as a callous, inhuman and heartless manner in which the government demolished houses on the controversial land.

Using the blog to change lives

2011-11-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

Tough times call for tough choices. Across the world, inflation is biting and many energetic young people are jobless, unsure of where the next mean will come from.
But people with skills, natural or earned, will continue to exploit their environment to fight on, changing lives of others in the process.
Do I spend my time face booking only, during my spare time or use my writing skills to earn a few dollars, not only for myself but also to support the less fortunate in Africa.
I have always wanted to write stories, comment and write analysis on topical issues. Writings becomes a hobby, to interact with a wider audience, to engage the mind and sooth the soul of attentive readers. To be visible and attract a following, Writers must capture the mood of their audience(swing mood) and the prevailing events.
It gives room to examine self and be current, as you engage leadership, institutions and governments on governance, justice, human rights and other social issues we encounter constantly on our lives. Bloggers are part of bystanders who join efforts, to probe government, to encourage civic participation and influence change.
I want to share my blog with charity, engaging in philanthropy and supporting projects. When you visit my blog and click on an advert on the side bar, you help me to survive. The little Google pays me will definitely change lives. I will dedicate a portion of the earnings, to plough back from the society I grew up from, which I still consider struggling and very underprivileged.
Women walk long distances to fetch contaminated water, children go to sleep hungry, some housed in dilapidated shelters. Society owes them, but even the philanthropic souls are overwhelmed by the demands they have to cope with.
Support my cause, each time you visit my blog by clicking on the ads. You will surely change lives, feed orphans, drill water and help the poor with medications and warm clothing.

Politics,not for the faint hearted

2010-06-06T17:26:00.001-07:00

Politics: a graveyard or a goldmine?
This may sound like some kind of political obituary, painstakingly following the trails of danger lurking in politics. Many have been lured to politics, leaving behind stable jobs/careers only to end in political graveyards, forgotten and miserable. Families have been left desolate, with resources plundered by big spenders chasing their political dreams. My sympathy goes to the families of those who have lost their lives serving our nation diligently, choosing to die for their ethical ideals rather than shelve their selfish interests. They are heroes who deserve plaques in their honor and do not merit being lamped with failed politicians dotted across the country with struggling careers.
Our politics is murky; it is not for the faint hearted. It may look like a path lined with gold, all the trappings of power, stardom yet Kenyan politics is not a bed of roses. I may not have had the opportunity to sit with the likes of Raila odinga, Samuel Somei Arap Ruto, Omingo Magara or President Kibaki but telling from their sullen faces, you can see pain, anxiety and a troubled mindset. Do they enjoy sound sleep, share time with their families and relatives? If I was to judge by the number of honorable members “resting” their eyes in the chambers, I can rightly conclude it is because of lack of sleep, pain and troubled brains. They are always fighting some battles, even in their sleep.
Kenyan politics can change suddenly and very rapidly, with close friends going for each other’s throat. Take for example William Ruto and Raila Odinga. The two enjoyed a close working relationship in the run up to the last election with Ruto vigorously campaigning for Raila across the country, including delivering a sizeable number of legislators and presidential votes to ODM from his backyard. When the presidential election results were bungled, Hon Ruto was the man to beat as he argued the case of his boss at KICC. Today, the two erstwhile friends do not see eye to eye, having differed on the best collective approach to adopt as a party on Mau reclamation and on the impending trial of the PEV suspects. They have literally differed on almost any national issue, reading from different scripts. I keep asking why and I know it will be long before I can put this question to rest. At the moment, we can only speculate.
Irrespective of the outcome of the referendum, it is most unlikely that Raila and President Kibaki will retain any soft spot for Ruto and his associates. For many in the No camp, the writing is already on the wall and they will have to work extra hard to re-invent themselves to remain relevant or risk being part of the political graveyard. A recent cabinet reshuffle was a veiled warning on the direction the two may adopt against renegade politicians who have joined the church to shout NO.
A few months, the country sympathized with Raila Odinga, aka Agwambo, Tingatinga. His political career was at its lowest, at its death bed. It was as if all dogs of war had been left loose to maul him. He was accused of hijacking project Mau, undermining the spirit of coalition government by demanding too much, and exceeding his powers by suspending high ranking government officers, powers which could only be exercised by the president. For once, I thought the man was on his way to Kibera, to make real his threats of going back to his people to set up a thriving bakery business. He survived the onslaught and today with his enemies scattered, he must be having the last laugh, temporarily enjoying the breathings space there disunity has brought. His ability to survive changing political times reminds me of the late Paul Ngei who represented Kathiani until illness robbed him the energy to soldier on.
Many have not been granted the proverbial nine lives of cat like Raila. Omingo Magara who until recently was a high flying politician had his political career jolted and scuttled by the court. A week ago, he was kneeling by the roadside, seeking the support of President Kibaki, a man he had vigorously campaigned against in 2007 to a point that he nearly lost his life to the menacing chinkororo youths at his own backyard. Omingo’s political career is at crossroads, having been alienated by his party the ODM, which he now finds himself faced with at the polls. Both sides have no kind words for each other, a sign that their friendship is lost, for now. It is for this reason that he was patiently waiting for the president’s entourage in Suneka, expecting a kind ward that would sway the crowd to his side. Omingo may be a victim destined for the political graveyard unless he can convince his people to grant him a new lifeline.
Where did Norman Kingangi Gathakari Nyaga, alias Kinara, the most powerful man in the country disappear to? His people of Kamkunji had great love for him; they were dying for his leadership. He made those who cared to listen that the people of Kamkunji badly needed his leadership and they could not do without him even when it was apparent he had sensed his powers evaporating. With all the powers bestowed on him by parliament and unlimited access he had to state house, all his friends in PNU ditched him when he needed them most. In the end, he did not have kind words for his own party, describing the PNU secretariat as “corrupt, incompetent and a club of mercenaries”. Nyaga exited the scene full or rage, angry as Kalembe Ndile handed him the last straw to hang on. Today, after a sojourn in TIP, his whereabouts is unknown and we are yet to know what happened to his excessive powers he was enjoyed. One thing is certain, if you travel the countryside, his political heart is deeply buried somewhere, waiting for a miraculous resurrection.
This piece cannot be exhaustive without looking for the skeleton of some powerful personalities who once walked the corridors of power. I recently heard that Hon Kituyu is trying to make a comeback after a short sojourn in the flower party. He did not like the scent of Roses and went back to resuscitate a struggling Ford-Kenya, a party that today is confined to Bungoma area only. What a way for one to reinvent a political career. He reminds me of one JJ Kamotho who hip hoped several parties in the last election, seeking an alternate party just for his name to be on the ballot. I know JJ Kamotho and Kituyu are not so lonely where they are. They have Hon. Kivuta Kibwana, Hon. Tuju and Hon. Murungaru to lean to when they feel too lonely.
For those flying executives with dreams to join politics, know what you really stand for before you paddle in the murky waters. If society has given you an avenue to serve people as a preacher, if you have a thriving business or enjoying your current work, you may want to re-evaluate the pressure from “people’ to join politics. You can serve people without setting foot in parliament and you will leave behind a rich legacy. My advice to those keen on joining politics is simple, look before you leap or risk joining the graveyard.
Patrick L Opondi,
Wasio Pacho.

Leaders lack integrity

2009-08-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Leaders lack integrity
I highly applaud the press for their untiring efforts to expose the increasing decay in our midst, particularly the plunder of our national resources by public trustees. Without viable opposition, the press must not cease to condemn what they believe are injustices to the people of Kenya by those entrusted with power and authority to govern and safeguard public interest. Challenging our institutions, either by private citizens, churches or through the press is not an assault against those institutions but a mere attempt to provide an alternative interpretation that may be hidden from those charged with responsibility to govern. Criticisms often provide a funnel view, enlarging the scope of issues for healthy debates and solid policies.
Over the years, the governed have watched with disbelief, the growing culture of our leaders to lie to the public, believing their audience is highly gullible and will entertain their garbage without question. From the helm of our leadership sits hypocrisy and impunity, a decay which will sink Kenya to the ranks of failed states. In parliament, public meetings and in courts, our leaders have chosen to ration truth even when they are guilty.
Overwhelmed by power and money, our leaders are hardly in leadership to cushion the poor from adverse effects of power imbalance, poverty or diseases. They are instead perched up high, like vultures looking for pray to pounce on, all for their own gains. Power has become an avenue to wealth, not service to the people.
What is propelling the culture of rot amongst our most trusted leaders? Why is impunity so entrenched in government that public servants can hardly own up when they are caught up in a web of decay?

Time and again, we have be bombarded by lists of shameful deeds by honorable Mps, civil servants etc yet those adversely mentioned continue to serve, without even seeking apology from the people they purport to lead. There is little remorse in them as they continue to plunder the meager resources of our nation, gluttonously grabbing all in their path as if there is no tomorrow, as if the destiny of 40 million Kenyans is not an issue to them.
Kenyans are appalled by the breed of leaders our country has been cursed with, people who are greedy, insincere and self centered. Each time they are confronted with their ills, they stoke the anger of their kin for protection. Their personal problem becomes a burden to the constituents, asking them to rally behind their man (Tribe), against their tribal enemies. In doing so, they have continuously used us a shield to protect them from due process of the law. It is the cheap politics of publicity that our elected leaders prefer to hold public rallies instead of having constructive debates in parliament. Rallies have become avenues to incite or seek public sympathy rather to engage the audience in any constructive debates.
The greatest plunder of our resources occurred under the previous regimes and the trend has continued unperturbed. Leaders, particularly those in political good books have witnessed the decay, as they pledge loyalty to powerful office bearers. Today some are senior cabinet ministers with sight still set for higher offices. For a song they have acquired huge chunks of land, prime city plots and big jobs for their relatives while the rest of the nation sinks deeper into oblivion. Power and wealth has since independence becomes a preserve a select few, who continue to perpetuate the status quo through a firm grip at the top.
In comparison to many other countries, Kenyans do not have any sense of guilt. Corruption and plunder is adored and rewarded not condemned. In other parts of the world, public outcry even by junior citizens is not taken lightly by public trustees. In this regard, many in developed nations are highly sensitive and tread carefully to avoid the wrath of the public.
As long as we continue to equate wealth with leadership, we will reap the fruits of poor governance.
PATRICK OPONDI
WASIO-MIGORI

Politicians intimidate civil servants

2009-08-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

The debate over the allocation of land to alleged squatters in Mau Forest has once more exposed an imbalance in leadership between politicians and policy makers.
It is ironical many who benefited from the Nyayo regime forest allocation were civil servants, although some have since disowned the claim. It is not clear whether the allocation to senior civil servants was a token for their hard work or a bribe.
Whatever the case, it is apparent the mighty names in the report did not deserve the land meant for squatters. These were men and women of ability.
But how did the scam go unchallenged within the ranks of experts in Government?
Though the boundary between politicians and the executive is thin in terms of providing services, it is the latter that is assumed to hold expert knowledge and guide politicians in policy matters. Whereas politicians derive their mandate from the citizens, the executive authority must never follow the path of the politicians, but be guided by their expert knowledge.
The public service has been seen as lacking independence because appointment of key officers is never based on merit. Special interest supersedes qualifications.
Once engaged, they operate under fear and influence resulting into poor judgement. It is an admission that justice is often sold to the highest bidder.
Parliament has exceeded its mandate by entrusting the MPs with power beyond their call of duty. It is this excessive power that they use to demean the position of the unelected public officers, leading to lack of morale and poor services.
Today, civil servants have lost control of management of events in their stations. How can politicians develop policies and implement them at the same time? Ours is a lopsided democracy that has usurped other arms of governance, resulting in parliamentary dictatorship. Can directives from above be ignored by civil servants?
The position of any public service office holder is well defined. Policy interpretation and implementation must not be in conflict with the Constitution. When there is a breach of the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the technocrats (civil servants) to bear the burden of advising the elected office holders.
The Mau issue should not have happened in the first place, had technocrats from the Ministry of Lands failed to bow to demands of an individual against the impending consequences.
However, citing intimidation, civil servants often make decisions in haste, ignoring their implications. They are decisions that disregard the public, who bear the brunt of taxes.
This was evident when Mr Samuel Kivuitu and his disgraced Electoral Commission failed to act in accordance with the law, making hasty judgement under political dures. This plunged the nation into unrest.
Had he employed correct judgement, Kenya could have taken a different path. It is therefore important for public office holders to be firm, abide by the law and place public interest ahead of their personal gains.
Action that violates the law of the land is punishable irrespective of the voice of command, particularly when they trample the common good.
{Patrick opondi,Wasio, Migori}

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/letters/InsidePage.php?id=1144021384&cid=17&

Leaders have failed to illuminate

2009-07-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

Leaders have failed to illuminate
Using people as bargaining chipRift valley leaders have once more put into disarray the plans to relocate people who settled on the Mau, a major water catchments area in Kenya . Led by agriculture minister Hon Ruto, Kalenjin Mps argument seems to suggest that the relocation of the settlers from the Mau must be on their own terms irrespective of the legality of their status of abode. But as Ruto and his ilk continue to incite people against the very government he is part of, environmentalist have warned the government of grave dangers posed by the carving off a section of Mau for human settlement, witnessed by the un wanton destruction of the water reservoirs for the western Kenya region.Water crisis in Kenya can not be overstated. Although other factors have contributed to the climatic challenges we are faced with, poor land use, particularly the encroachment of water towers has helped shape the bad climatic conditions our region is currently faced with.In the 90’s, there was a total disregard of the environment by the Moi administration, despite warnings from Greenbelt movement and other environmentalists. Caving to pressure of a waning political career, Moi’s government resorted to hand out to appease the spirits of the disenchanted populace. City lands, mortuaries and schools were dished out to loyalist to win them from the opposition. But city land was growing thinner and the spirits of the dead yarned for a peaceful rest, Moi and his strategist in disregard to potential dangers to the environment began carving off land from forests for votes. What mattered to the government then was winning votes and not the projected lurking dangers.Today boreholes in areas surrounding the Mau are running dry, a warning that the water level has sunk deeper as the surface continues to bake. Egerton University that has relied on boreholes had to sink deeper as the wells dried. Presented with open challenges like the Mau, one would have expected the cabinet to confront the issue in one front. Yet cheap politics “of my people’ has marred leaders from objective thinking. Mau calls for sound thinking, beyond rhetoric’s and the benefits transcend the smaller geographical area where it located.The government approach to this issue is laudable and well measured. The government is aware that to some people, the Mau has been a new home. They were duped and believed they were the rightful owners of a trust land. Instead of forcefully driving them out, a compensatory scheme has been developed to help them relocate. But the appetizing freebies from the government has now attracted more illegal settlers, who keep on pouring to the area to benefit reap from the government generosity. Some have been incited by the local leaders to move in and lay claim in order to be compensated. The Mau is an exhibit of lack of leadership and direction Kenyan people have been denied all along by selfish leaders. Our leaders do not think out of the box, their tribal cocoons.Leaders must desist from ‘cheap politics of my people’ are being finished. A minister just like the president or prime minister is a national office holder, with a larger constituency than the one that elected him/her. Once appointed a minister, one ceases to be a village hero, with a wider lens that can illuminate the entire country.Patrick Opondi,Wasio-Migori

Migingo, Uganda is the aggressor

2009-03-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

Uganda rocking the boat in Migingo

Uganda soldiers recently hoisted their flag in Migingo Island even though they knew and it was clear to them that the small territory being disputed was not part of Uganda. In laying claim to the piece of island, the Ugandan security personnel expelled their Kenya counterparts from the island and denied Kenyan fishermen access to their livelihood. Those who were granted limited access had to pay revenue to the Ugandan security forces.
In the midst of all this display of utter arrogance, Kenyans have acted with respect and restraints, not because the land under dispute is of no significance but probably to avert being stocked into war with Uganda. This measured move is not in any way a sign of weakness by the Kenyan side as may be interpreted in some quarters. Going to war is costly and reaching any meaningful settlement can be hard to achieve in heightened tension. Again, by not being drawn into combat, the Ugandans have been left guessing not only our military strength but our next move. It is a smart strategy that is likely to weaken Uganda’s quest and enthusiasm with the Island and eventually they are bound to pull out their disillusioned forces.
This is not the first time Uganda has attempted to make their borders elastic, laying claims to Kenyan territory. In the 70’s, Field Marshal Idi Amin made similar claims, as he dared Kenya into conflict, alleging that his country boundary extended deep into Naivasha Area. Although there was an increased tension between the two countries, physical confrontation was averted when the late President Kenyatta dared Amin to make real his claims. Amin was facing serious political problems and his territorial claim was part of his ploy to divert attention and pressure from his dictatorial regime which was under intense scrutiny.
Relationship between Kenya and Uganda in the past has always been of suspicion and mistrust although under Museveni both countries embraced each other and have worked closely on common issues. It is therefore unusual and highly unexpected of their regime to have any reason to invade Kenya in a dispute they know will be costly to them.
Kenya is a bloodline to the landlocked Uganda, with Uganda’s imports and export channeled through the port of Mombasa. It is a strategic commercial hub that has served their country well and I strongly believe they stand to gain more through their cordial relationship with Kenya and war is not an option. Although their other transit point could be through Dar-es-salaam, the cost would outweigh their current available option. Again, Tanzania may impose heavier penalty against them for provoking a sister country in state of aggression.
A move to temporarily occupy Migingo could just be a step forward by the Ugandan government to draw the attention of their Kenyan counterpart to some underlying environmental issues affecting Lake Victoria, including heavy commercial trawling on the Kenya side that may be affecting the lake eco-system. At times the best way to initiate a dialogue is by stocking your neighbor, after all gestures have been ignored. The Migingo conflict will allow both countries to critically address other hidden issues related to this conflict.
Most Kenyans hope that this matter will be settled in the interest of the Kenyan citizens, now outlawed in their country by a foreign army. Uganda should and must desist displaying her arrogance, interpreting Kenya’s mood for a peaceful solutions as a military weakness.
In pursuit of peace, high ranking officials from the Kenyan government have even flown to Uganda rather than to a neutral country, just to please the Ugandans. Uganda should understand there is a limit to which you can provoke a friend and the more they continue to rock the boats of Migingo, the more they may draw the wrath of Kenya and other nations against them.

Patrick L Opondi,
Wasio-Migori

Flickr

2008-12-17T10:55:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

What about Migori?

2008-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

What about Migori Constituency?
Migori constituency is located in the western side of Kenya, about 400km west of Nairobi. From Kisumu, Nyanza’s provincial headquarters, Migori is on the southern part, previously part of the greater south Nyanza region. The constituency administrative headquarter is Migori town, just close to the Kenya -Tanzania border.
Migori is a cosmopolitan settlement area, inhabited by settlers from far and wide. However, the predominant early settlers here were the Suna sub clan, many who arrived here in the early 19th century, driving away the Maa sub clans and wild animals deep into to the Mara region. Wild animals roamed the area for many parts of the 19th century, causing a great friction between the early settlers and the wild animals as they continued to destroy crops and indiscriminately kill livestock.
People and animals were attracted to the beautiful geographic landscape and the prevailing climatic condition of the area. Most part of Migori is agriculturally rich with nurturing rainfall well distributed throughout the year. The seasonal streams flowing into river Gori (Migori) were very vital for the early settlers and the animals that inhabited the jungle all through to the Mara region. The source of river Gori is traceable to the western escarpment of the greater rift valley, meandering through the Mara all through to Lake Victoria.
Some of the early arrivals included the Kaksingri-Waregi, Wasio, the Wasweta, and suna wasimbeti to the west. It assumed these were all Luo- subas who moved eastwards from the shores of Lake Victoria, with a close link to the wagassi and Kaksingri clans around the lake.
Before the last constituency review, the expansive constituency included Suna East, Suna west and Kanyamkago (now Uriri). Major political battles fought here was between the suna and the Kanyamkago clans with the late Lawrence Oguda and the Late John Henry Okwanyo relying on the numerical strength of their respective clans for support. Okwanyo association with the late Tom Thomas Mboya and the numerical strength of the suna sub clans gave him an upper hand against his political adversaries until his shock defeat by one Simeon Gor Misiani, an economist turned politician from Chunge, Rapogi. Gor stay at the helm was short lived, when he was trounced by Okwanyo again in the next general election. Migori was by and large an Okwanyo’s led constituency under the Nyayo single party era until the introduction of the multi party politics in the 1990’s that ushered in youthful faces like Owino jalikowa, a youthful banker that took the area by storm to romp to parliament in his first attempt. Since then, the constituency has changed hands between Likowa, Owino Achola and the incumbent Mp, John D. Pesa.
In comparison to other parts of Kenya, Migori constituency is lagging behind in development, education in particular. With schools like Rapogi, Kanga, Pe-hill, Ulanda and Kanyawanga hived to the new Rongo District, Migori district only notable giants are far below the mark in national ranking. They include Nyabisawa Girls, Migori School, Kadika Girls and the fast emerging Wasio School. A greater effort from all the stakeholders is now required than ever before to uplift the education standards within the district.
Water remains a big issue for the residents of this area. Other than the town residents who have tapped water, women and children trek long distances in search of clean drinking water from streams dotted along the constituency. Many hours are lost by the residents in search of water yet tones of water are wasted annually due too poor conservation methods. The government and the local leaders must make water a priority issue in their development agenda.
Most roads, other than the Migori-Kisii road are in bad shape yet this is an area endowed agriculturally, producing tones of cash crops and food stuffs. In most parts of the year, roads here are impassible, leaving farmers with the burden of transporting their tobacco, sugarcane, bananas or maize to the selling points. A lot is left behind to rot as transportation cost is hiked due to the state of the roads. With the advocacy by the government to the youths to take farming seriously and also to invest in the rural areas, on would expect the government to heavily invest on the infrastructure to lure more youths back home. Until this is done, the rural investments plans will always remain elusive life long dream for the people of Migori Constituency.
Patrick L Opondi,
Wasio-Migori

Migori

2008-12-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

Migori is the wealthiest constituency in Greater South Nyanza, says MP Pesa
Posted in September 1st, 2008
by Editor in Nyanza
Migori: Pesa’s plan for constituency
By Kepher Otieno
At the beginning of Tenth Parliament, Migori MP John Dache Pesa found himself in unfamiliar ground, but he says he hit the ground running.
The former teacher, who clinched the seat after two unsuccessful attempts, says he does not count winning the seat, by a margin of almost 20, 000 votes, the biggest accomplishment.
“Doing what one sets out to do is the biggest political achievement,” says the MP.
Pesa defeated former area MP Owino Likowa, who was his student in the early 1970s at Mosocho Secondary School.
The people of Migori expect him to fulfil his pre-election pledges, unlike his predecessors who have often been accused of making excuses for not delivering.
Migori is one of the agriculturally rich areas in Nyanza. There is sugarcane farming and minerals. Some parts of the town are along the shores of Lake Victoria, where a few residents depend on fishing.

Residents say poor roads have made it impossible to do business. Cane farmers say middlemen, who buy their products and take them to the neighbouring Rongo District for processing, exploit them.
The Sori-Migori road is in dire need of repair. The road connecting Migori to Maasai Mara also requires renovation.
Poor electricity distribution and lack of coolers affect fishermen. During the campaigns, Pesa promised to ensure some of the CDF funds are used to carpet roads.
The MP says he is also working with the Government and the local authority to improve roads. He says he has requested the CDF committee to draw up proposals for all areas that need attention.
He says he will construct more footbridges, build more dams to ease movement and supply water to the community.
“We have also mooted plans to construct dykes so that seasonal rivers, such as Munyu and Ongoche, that usually burst their banks and displace families are contained,” says MP.
Pesa says he will work with the Government to sort out some of these problems.
“We have also enlisted the council’s to inject part of its Local Authority Transfer Fund into new projects,” he says.
On education, he says the bursary fund will give priority to needy students.
Pesa, 62, was born in Nyarongi. He went to local schools before joining Kenya Science College, where he graduated with a diploma in education in 1970. Later, he went to University of Nairobi and got a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and Economics between 1973 and 1976. He runs private schools in Migori.
Courtesy of:http://www.eastandard.net

Let us save our council

2008-12-15T13:17:00.001-08:00

We must strive to save our council
Posted Friday, November 28 2008 at 18:12
Migori, once one of the most vibrant local authorities in Nyanza province, is about to collapse and may soon be merged with a more financially stable one.
The district’s residents are an industrious lot, and their hard work has ensured that the area is self-sufficient in food, with some left for export to the neighbouring districts. The constituency and the town have continued to attract immigrants wishing to cash in on the economic stability and the people’s hospitality.
From a small administrative centre established in the late 1950s, Migori town is now a large commercial centre and important transit point for people travelling to Tanzania, Uganda and other parts of Kenya.
But news of the planned scrapping of financially unstable councils has exposed poor management on the part of appointed and elected officials, many of whom have turned Migori into a personal bistro. The councillors give scant support to the chief officers, accusing them of corruption and inefficiency.
The local authority has seen a series of handpicked chief officers who, in cahoots with the mayors, have caused its woes. Today the council has resorted to borrowing to, for instance, pay employees and carry out other administrative functions. Where the collected revenue goes only the officials can tell.
As the residents we must not greet the news of mergers with joy for any such move has sordid implications and is a great burden. Migori will soon lose its traditional independence and pride, probably to play second fiddles to a junior but financially stable authority.
The loss of independence means direct development aid will no longer be channelled directly to the council without thorough vetting by the affiliate. There will also be a loss of status, job opportunities, exposure and investments. This is the price the residents have to pay for poor leadership and bad management.
What may be done? The challenge lies in the political choices we make every five years and the vision the elected officials have for the people.
Yes, the people have made democratic choices based on the roll of contestants. But after every term, the residents begin to itch and fret, waiting for the next General Election to once more elect leaders. We must make sacrifices to save our council.
PATRICK L. OPONDI, Wasio, Migori.

Troubled Municipality

2008-12-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

Civic leaders pick acting town clerk
Share
function CreateBookmarkLink() {
var title = "Civic leaders pick acting town clerk ";
var url = 'http://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/-/1070/494200/-/6lm3ho/-/index.html';
if (window.sidebar) { // Mozilla Firefox Bookmark
window.sidebar.addPanel(title, url, "");
} else if (document.all) { // IE Favorite
window.external.AddFavorite(url, title);
}
else if (window.opera) { // Opera Hotlist
var elem = document.createElement('a');
elem.setAttribute('rel', 'sidebar');
elem.setAttribute('href', url);
elem.setAttribute('title', title);
alert('opera not yet completely supported');
elem.click();
}
}
Bookmark Print Email

Email this article to a friendFriend's Email Address
Your Email
Message
Submit Cancel
Rating
By ELISHA OTIENOPosted Sunday, November 23 2008 at 20:44
A section of councillors from the troubled Migori Municipal Council has picked acting chief officers.
The meeting at the town hall endorsed Mr Bethwel Achieng as acting town clerk and Mr Gabriel Owidi as acting treasurer.
The immediate former chief officers had been sent home by the more than 100 workers who accused them of inefficiency.
The meeting chaired by Councillor Oprien Ochieng’ of Nyasare Ward decided that the two will manage the operations of the town hall until the ministry of Local Government posts officers to the council.
Stayed away
Both the mayor, Mrs Turphosa Nyamusi, and her deputy Peter Masara stayed away from the meeting.
Mr George Ombori of Kadika Ward, who was among the participants, said the resolution “was binding and can only be changed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Local Government”.
The meeting took place soon after employees barred town clerk Nicholas Okola from resuming office. Mr Okola, who they kicked out last month, said he had returned following a directive from the PS.
But the employees stood their ground and asked the Government to transfer Mr Okola and treasurer Maurice Okere elsewhere.
At the same time, residents and workers at the crisis-ridden council welcomed Minister Musalia Mudavadi’s move to dissolve the local authority.
The employees, who went on strike last month to demand five-month salary arrears of over Sh10 million, said they would be happy to be merged with a viable council.
Highest turnover
The residents said the town hall had been reduced to a cash cow by a few individuals.
“Roads funds levy and the Local Government Transfer Funds are usually spent on salaries and allowances instead of being used to maintain roads and initiate development projects,” said Mr Rachier Onyango, a trader.
The council is among the 67 local authorities earmarked for either dissolution or merger due to their non-viability.
Migori has had the highest turnover of chief officers in Nyanza Province, with many of them lasting barely five months before being removed by the employees.