KENYA-SOMALIA CONSORTIUM.....News, Politics & Updates

AL-SHABAAB SLOWLY BRINGING "MOGADISHU" TO NORTH EASTERN PROVINCE

2011-12-13T17:25:00.000+03:00

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 12

President Mwai Kibaki on Monday vowed that Kenya will not relent in its fight against the Al Shabaab. Speaking during celebrations to mark the 48th Jamhuri Day, President Kibaki said Kenya would remain committed to ensure the joint operation by Kenyan Defence Forces and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia forces wins peace and security in the region.

“Kenya stands ready to walk this journey with the people and government of Somalia that will see the dawn of a bright day of hope for them,” he stated.

This comes as North Eastern Leaders from the Five Main Clan Elders condemned the recent upsurge of Al-Shabaab Activities in Kenya. They vowed to work with the Government to root out the Al-Shabaab gangs making way in NEP. A blast occurred on Monday afternoon in Wajir and left two people wounded, one of them seriously. Reports from Wajir indicated that the blast occurred on a vehicle that was leaving the venue of the Jamhuri Day Celebrations in the town.

Kibaki explained that Kenya through its operation Linda Nchi was targeting at bringing peace in Somalia since it was jointly an agreement between Kenya and Somalia which also has troops in the operation.

“It is, therefore, important for Kenyans, and indeed the international community to understand that Kenya is not at war with Somalia,” he asserted.

He urged Kenyans to continue supporting the operation by keeping the security agencies informed of any suspicious activities around them. Kibaki appealed to the people of Somalia in their quest for stability for their country to take advantage of the operation and use it to benefit themselves.

“I also wish to appeal to all the people of Somalia to seize this historic opportunity to stabilise their country. It is time for them to reclaim their country and rejoin the family of nations. It is time to silence the cries of war and embrace the coming age of peace and prosperity in Somalia,” Kibaki said.

He regretted that many Somalis were living in difference countries due to the civil law that has suppressed development and democracy due to insecurity. He insisted that it was important for the Somali people to reject those opposed to peace to secure a proper government for themselves.

“The people of Somalia scattered all over the world, must take a collective position and reject those behind the problems in their country. This is the time that the voice of the suffering millions of Somalia people was heard and respected,” he cited.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga who also addressed the nation during the celebrations as well called for support of the Kenyan troops in the operation. Since the operation started about a month ago, Kenya has experienced several grenade attacks some of which have been linked to the Al Shabaab, the latest being on the day that Kenya marked her independence day.

These bomb incidents came barely a day after an Administration Police officer was killed and two military soldiers wounded in two separate attacks which occurred in Mandera and Wajir on Sunday afternoon. The first incident which occurred about one kilometre from Mandera town involved an attack on Administration Police officers while the second in Wajir involved military officers. Kenyan security personnel patrolling the Somalia border have been hit with a series of explosion attacks since Kenya sent its troops to fight Al Shabaab inside Somalia, often killing or injuring officers. Security forces at the border points are grappling with threats posed by the insurgents who have been laying landmines mainly targeting police and soldiers patrolling the Somalia border.

Kenyan officials have blamed the hard-line Al Shabaab or their sympathisers for spate of recent shootings and bombings, although armed bandits also operate in the border areas.

KENYA TROOPS WOUNDED IN LAND MINE BETWEEN MANDERA AND WAJIR

2011-12-11T17:34:00.003+03:00

Kenyan official: 9 troops wounded by land mine

The Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 - 5:04 am

GARISSA, Kenya -- A local official says nine Kenyan troops were wounded when their convoy hit a land mine while they traveled between two towns in Kenya's north, near the border with Somalia. District commissioner Kennedy Nyaiyo says it was not yet clear who was responsible for Sunday's explosion as the group moved between Wajir and the border town of Mandera. The incident is the latest in a string of attacks against the military and other targets in Kenya since the government sent troops into Somalia in October.

The Kenyan government said the incursion was a response to kidnappings and other attacks in Kenyan territory that it blamed on the Somali militant group al-Shabab. Al-Shabab has been waging a war against the weak U.N-backed Somali government for years.

In Another incident, An Administration Police officer was killed in Mandera on Sunday afternoon.

The first incident which occurred about one kilometre from Mandera town involved an attack on Administration Police officers while the second in Wajir involved military officers. “The AP’s were patrolling in Bula Hawa when they were attacked, one died while his colleague is wounded,” a senior police officer said. “They were patrolling on foot and he died on the spot.” Police believe the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED). His colleague who was wounded was rushed to the Mandera district hospital where he was being treated for burns and other related injuries.

In the Wajir-Mandera incident, Separately, nine military officers sustained injuries in a suspected landmine attack that occurred in Wajir town. Police said: “The soldiers were travelling in a convoy of three vehicles when they were attacked.” They were headed to Mandera.

“A military vehicle (Hamvee) drove over an IED-Improvised Explosive Device in Wajir. The vehicle was heading to El Wak. A mobile phone suspected to have been used to detonate the explosive was recovered from the scene,” Emmanuel Chirchir, military spokesman said adding that: “Two soldiers suffered minor injuries, the vehicle was damaged.”

Police reports however, indicated that ten soldiers had suffered injured.

Kenyan security personnel patrolling the Somalia border have been hit with a series of explosion attacks since Kenya sent its troops to fight Al Shabaab inside Somalia, often killing or injuring officers. Security forces at the border points are grappling with threats posed by the insurgents who have been laying landmines mainly targeting police and soldiers patrolling the Somalia border.

Kenyan officials have blamed the hard-line Al Shabaab or their sympathisers for spate of recent shootings and bombings, although armed bandits also operate in the border areas.

DENGUE FEVER, CHOLERA POSSIBILITIES IN MANDERA KENYA

2011-12-10T15:10:00.002+03:00

An outbreak of dengue fever and a likely Cholera Outbreak continues to be experienced in the northeastern Kenyan town of Mandera, close to the Somalia and Ethiopia borders, Where atleast 100,000 people are at risk, according to the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation.

According to the authorities, "The Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness, and sometimes a potentially lethal complication called dengue hemorrhagic fever.” and are urging Mandera residents to use mosquitoes nets and maintain hygiene so that they do to contract the disease.

In addition, the rains experienced now around Mandera and larger North Eastern Province leads to the risk of contamination of water sources and can lead to an increase in water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, acute watery diarrhoea (AWD), cholera, and hepatitis A. Outbreaks of vector-borne diseases, particularly those spread by mosquitos, such as malaria, dengue and Rift Valley Fever are likely during the rainy season, and increases in cases of pneumonia and respiratory tract infections are common. More than 1,200 cases of dengue have been confirmed in Kenya’s Mandera District since Sept. 23. Flooding in Turkana and Pokot, areas in northwest Kenya, has caused a spread of malaria in the Upper Rift Valley, with outbreaks in Turkana, Kakuma, and surrounding districts.

“Households remain extremely vulnerable to additional shocks as the severe drought has depleted herders’ assets and reduced crop production.” Oxfam Says

A local NGO, Northern Kenya Caucus in collaboration with an International NGO, HORN RESPONSE will carry out a one week Hygiene and Cholera Preparedness in many of Mandera's Locations. The “Dengue Fever attack rate is very high but mortality is very low”, the ministry said in a statement.

A permanent river, Dawa, passes through Mandera. Health officials said residents had been complaining of mosquito bites during the day with the bites swelling.

“Using bed nets was impractical as the vector was biting during the day,” the ministry said. “The Public Health office has also noted the resistance developed by the vector to insecticides of different varieties (Icon and Deltamethrin mainly).” Health authorities have alerted all neighbouring districts and public awareness campaigns are ongoing, advising residents to seek early medical attention.

NOTICE TO ALL NGO'S OPERATING IN NORTHERN KENYA AND SOMALIA

2011-12-09T13:03:00.000+03:00

ALL PARTNERS: KENYA-SOMALIA NGO's CONSORTIUM

KENYA-SOMALIA NGO's CONSORTIUM WILL BE CARRYING OUT A QUICK NGO's, CBO's MAPPING FOR KENYA & SOMALIA NGO's and CBO's. IF YOU HAVE NOT SENT YOUR NGO's/CBO's PROFILE, YOU HAVE THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO NOW BY SENDING IT TO nkcaucus@gmail.com OR BY CONTACTING MR. IBRAHIM, +254.726.722.226.

THE PROVIDED INFORMATION WILL SOLELY BE USED TO HELP YOUR NGO/CBO GAIN RECOMMENDATION FROM US AND TO HELP YOU WHEN SEEKING DONOR SUPPORT.

THANKS ALL.

UNHCR SAYS MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO AVERT FAMINE

2011-09-03T13:24:00.000+03:00

HAVE A LOOK AT THE WORLD CHANGING IN ANOTHER DIRECTION

2011-06-08T14:42:00.000+03:00

Myfellowamerican Website

Hi Ibraheem

America has always been a melting pot, but in the post-9/11 world the environment can be downright hostile. Recent mosque protests and congressional hearings on American Muslims are all unfortunate examples of a rising tide of fear. This climate of suspicion towards our fellow Americans compromises the great values that our country was founded upon. We’ve put together a video teaser in response that I believe you and the readers of Islam & The Third World War - Anti-Islam Propaganda will be interested in sharing, watching, and discussing:

http://myfellowamerican.us

The site also has many other cool features including the ability to share your own stories and even taking the "My Fellow American" pledge. I would love it if you could post or tweet about this and share the video. If you can, please let me know. I am here if you have any questions. Thank you so much.

Elizabeth

--
Elizabeth Potter,
Unity Productions Foundation
myfellowamerican.us
facebook.com/MyFellowAmericanProject

SKIP LUNCH, FIGHT HUNGER COMES TO A SUCCESFUL COMPLETION

2011-06-03T18:47:00.000+03:00

The Skip Lunch, Fight Hunger has come to a succesful complete after the "Handing Over" Ceremony at Eastleigh-Nairobi, Kenya....

"SKIP LUNCH, FIGHT HUNGER" PROJECT

2011-05-09T20:14:00.000+03:00

DROUGHT TIGHTENS UP KENYA'S NORTHERN REGION

2011-03-15T15:58:00.001+03:00

NAIROBI – Struggling to feed his family in a region hard-hit by a severe drought, Mude Abdille is awaiting for a drop of rain from the barren skies.

“The effect of this drought is rippling throughout our land,” a helpless Abdille told OnIslam.net on Monday, January 10.

“If it doesn't rain very soon even our people will begin dying."

The Kenyan Muslim herder is struggling to feed his family and his herd in the village of Burmaayow, a remote hamlet about 100km from Kenya’s north-eastern Muslim county of Wajir, where a crippling drought bites herders.

“The drought is slowly enveloping around our village,” said the father of seven.

“It is matter of time to start counting losses,” added the old man who is yet to recover from the effect of the previous drought.

The surrounding environment is dry and dusty. The sun-baked earth is bereft of any vegetation and the heat exacerbates every passing moment as Abdille’s herd of about 20 heads of camel face a severe shortage of pasture and water. Water is so scarce and even wells have dried up and people trek for long distances in search of water.

“He is crying for water,” says Abdille, 54, pointing to his wailing baby boy, who is sitting in his mother’s lap.

“Since yesterday, we have not had a drop of water in our homestead. The baby is restive.”

The last two years have seen erratic rainfall, which has severely damaged crop production and pasture availability for livestock. Abdille’s household relies on 20 litres of water for two days, and sometimes it might pass several days without a drop of water in his humdrum homestead. Residents here live without water sources of their own, relying on charity water tankers that travel to reach the area twice a week.

“All the watering points have dried up in our neighbourhood. The nearest place to get water is roughly 50km,” says Abdille’s wife, Amina.

Foodless

Adding to their suffering, the drought has left residents struggling to find food to feed their families.

“Since the herds are growing weak by the day, milk production is barely enough to sustain the family,” says Amina.

According to charity agencies, the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition rate for the Northeastern Kenya stood at 17.2%. As per the international standards, this level is very critical.

“We just hang on for dear life,” the poor Muslim mother laments.

Like Abdille’s family, many Muslim herders are no longer able to cope up with the drought anymore.

“Things are getting from bad to worse,” says Adan Garad, a village elder. “The season is so bad. Animals have already started succumbing in several pastoral villages.”

The drought is ringing the alarm bell as full-blown disaster looms large as there are nearly two million herders suffering from it. An all out Local and international appeal has been sent by the NORTHERN KENYA CAUCUS on drought and Famine and much is needed.

“As of now, there is hardly any emergency intervention on the ground,” said Abdifatah Yare, an aid worker with WASDA, an nongovernmental organisation.

“The government always comes in late when many lives and livelihoods are lost.

“Despite many appeals from local partners on the ground, donors are still reluctant too,” he added.

The Kenyan government has appealed for an emergency intervention to feed and water thousands of famine-ravaged herders in north-eastern Kenya.

“People are simply on the deathbed,” Kenya’s Livestock Minister Mohamed Kuti told a press conference in Nairobi. “We need an emergency mitigation measure to reach out to people and livestock who are on the verge of death.”

Biting Drought

The severe drought is not only bites Kenyan Muslims, but is also spreading across Horn of Africa.

“Death of both people and livestock is escalating,” Mohamed Abukar, the Executive Officer of Hardo, a humanitarian organization in Somalia, told OnIslam.net.

“The biggest problem is that there is no mitigation efforts going on, people are waiting simply to die.”

Besides Kenya, Somali, Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia are also affected by the drought. Horn of African, a region where the overwhelming majority are Muslims, is one of the poorest in the world and the drought is adding up to the trouble. According to the United Nations, Somalia is already facing a dire humanitarian crisis in which 3.2 million people, more than 40 percent of the population, is in need of aid.

The local media in the war-torn county have already reported people who have died as a result of starvation in south-central Somalia. A few days ago, Hiraan Online, a Mogadishu-based Somali publication, described the situation in Somalia as the worst in recent years.

''One family alone lost 500 heads of goats due to the bad season, but the terrifying thing is the owner of the goats have committed suicide after witnessing the death of his precious assets one by one,” village elder Haji Osman Khataarey told the publication.

In the tiny nation of

Djibouti

, the government has appealed for $38.9 million in aid to assist pastoralists and rural dwellers affected by drought. On the other side, the Eritrean Relief and Refugees Commission (ERREC) made an appeal calling for 400,000 metric tones of grain to avert the impending humanitarian crisis that would result from this year's prolonged drought.

“In the larger Horn, the drought crisis is worse than that of 2005-2006,” said Ahmed Hussein, an international aid worker in Nairobi.

FRIDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY JAMIA MOSQUE DROUGHT ASSISTANCE FUNDRAISING

2011-03-03T11:31:00.001+03:00

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THERE WILL BE DROUGHT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUND RAISING AT THE JAMIA MOSQUE, NAIROBI KENYA ON 11TH OF MARCH, 2011, INSHALLAH.

THEIR EARLIER SCHEDULE OF 4TH MARCH HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED BY THE JAMIA MOSQUE COMMITTE DUE TO THE SOUTH B MUKURU SLUM FIRE TWO DAYS AGO. YOUR DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS WILL ALL GO TOWARDS ALLEVIATING DROUGHT AND FAMINE IN NORTHERN KENYA.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NORTHERN KENYA CAUCUS AT THE 680 HOTEL, NAIROBI-KENYA

2011-02-22T11:24:00.004+03:00

PRESS STATEMENT ANNOUNCED BY THE NORTHERN KENYA CAUCUS ADVOCACY

Ladies and Gentlemen, Northern Kenya Caucus comprised of all Ethnic tribes that live in Northern Kenya and Including Turkana, Pokots, Rendille, Samburu, Borana and Somali are releasing this press statement to sensitize The Government, Corporate Partners, Donor Nations and Organizations, The Media organization that we the people of Northern Kenya are demanding that the Kenyan Government institute a serious approach to the famine and drought situations in Northern Kenya and the rest of the country.

Since the colonial period Northern Kenya has had to undergo perennial famine and Drought as many of you here know. It covers a big land mass in Kenya which is vulnerable to weather and natural shocks including Droughts, Famine, climate change, adverse heat among others. The people of Northern Kenya have been marginalized for a period of close to half a century without proper attention from the Government of Kenya to address their problems in terms of drought mitigation programmes, Poverty eradication and Educational sector. As we are talking, Millions of people in northern Kenya are facing hunger and an uncertain future as the drought continues to destroy their livestock and crops.

Today we are talking about our immediate concern. Most of you are aware that we, the people of Northern Kenya are mostly pastoralists and living in dry harsh terrains. Northern Kenya is one of the poorest regions in the country because of marginalization and corruption albeit it having the capacity to make an outstanding steady impact on the economy of Kenya. The drought is also taking its toll on the population's health and the number of malnourished and ill, increases by the day. And there seems to be no great attention to the magnanimity of the whole situation even as the government keeps on insisting that there is food around.

We are estimating approximately 10 Million Kenyans are facing the hunger and starvation after a poor harvest, crop failure, a lack of rain and rising food prices. The lack of rain has left dams dry, pasture is dwindling and herders say tension is rising as animals and humans compete for resources and in light of this we also demand security be enhanced as the herders go to the borders in search of pasture.

The issue we are raising here is not only about food supplies but what has the government through its various ministries; I am talking of the Ministries of Agriculture, Northern Kenya and Arid Areas and The one for Special programmes. Infact, Drought and famine is fit to be the top priority of the Special programmes business of the day. When these Ministers keep telling you there is enough food and our people are dying, Things do not add up and we put the blame on to the government for not fulfilling the basic requirements of its citizens even after passing of the new constitution. With no rains forecast over the next three months and the government saying that the country's food reserves are dwindling fast, some in this region might not make it through. We are also perturbed by the delegation of PS’s on a fact-finding mission who went to determine the extent of the drought is not advising the government correctly. We are told, The Ministry of Water has already earmarked Sh1.4 billion to go towards construction of bore holes. We are not seeing those boreholes doing anything and the situation will be similar next year. Just recently, a study warned that, Kenyans should prepare for low rains between March and May. The Kenya Meteorological Department has also predicted erratic long rains. What measures is the Government is doing regarding drought mitigation are short term largely short-term and comprise supply of water, distribution of food and buying livestock from pastoralists to mitigate losses due to drought. This even is done in specific areas in Northern Kenya. We want a Long term Projects that will sustain our people. We demand that government through the ministry of finance meet its promise of sponsoring children from these communities in order for them not to be thrown out of school due to lack of fees and as there parents go in search of pasture.

According to various organizations that help our people time and again, the regions hit most are Turkana, Pokot, Samburu, Marsabit, Moyale, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera. All these areas are severely affected. In Some areas like Mandera and Lodwar, we can’t imagine the impact drought and famine has done to communities living along those areas. You will find scatted animals even in the bush, Wildlife animals emaciated and even dying.

Northern Kenya Caucus, reacting to the drought and famine that is devastating our people are launching and appealing for a very generous response from Local and international emergency appeal and through co-operation from our various partners, Corporate Institutions and all well wishers. to help contain the situation in the ground. Currently many organizations are focused on the drought but we have not reached the masses and we will be doing these through the religious organization, both Muslim and Christian Organizations and will be appeal to various Corporate Institutions.

The effect of Famine and Drought has much impact on the people of Northern Kenya in:

1. It affects people lives and normal ways of life and that of animals. People starve and go without water for sometime which makes their life horrible.

2. The Educational sector is greatly affected as many families travel away because of drought to neighbouring countries in search of pasture and water for themselves and for their animals. In September, mobile schools operating in areas with shallow wells and dams had to close due to a lack of water and pasture and by November, all mobile schools were closed down as the drought intensified, drying up boreholes and forcing pastoralists to move across the border to Somalia in search of pasture. The disruption of the mobile school means pastoralist children have not had lessons since November 2010. We hope things will be back to normal so that the mobile schools would be back up and running again this year, weather permitting, although rains are not expected until March.

3. Tourism has also been affected as animals like Elephants, Zebras, Gazelles die and their carcasses strewn in the bushes.

4. Costs of Goods are going up including normal household items for the daily consumption.

YOU KNOW HIM............HE HAS BEEN A TEACHER AT YOUNG MUSLIM PRIMARY SCHOOL, GARISSA

2011-02-15T12:12:00.000+03:00

Now imagine this.

The Above has been my Teacher, A very good teacher who taught me many things in life and I appreciate that from him. He has been my teacher at the Young Muslim Primary School in Garissa around 1980's...His name is Mr. Cornelius Marangu. It has been long since we met but I tried to find him on the Internet and guess what I found...............He is now a pastor ministering to Muslims in an around Nairobi..........Teacher Marangu knows much about Islam but there are some core issues he may not understand well. So, When he says, he has stayed with Muslim Somalis and he knows what he can do to convert them to Christianity, I feel threatened because one thing, He might assume he knows about Islam and confuses everyone..........The Above picture is the teacher. The copy down the picture is his profile at The ChristianMatches.com

Read and let us here your comments........

RE-SCHEDULING OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE IN NAIROBI KENYA BY NORTHERN KENYA CAUCUS

2011-02-11T11:25:00.002+03:00

PRESS CONFERENCE - NAIROBI, KENYA HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO A LATER DATE

ON BEHALF OF THE NORTHERN KENYA CAUCUS, WE KENYA-SOMALI CONSORTIUM ARE RE-SCHEDULING A PRESS CONFERENCE IN NAIROBI-KENYA TO A LATER DATE TO BE REPRESENTED BY ALL NGO'S OPERATING IN NORTHERN KENYA TO ADDRESS THE IN-ABILITY OF THE KENYAN GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE EVERY YEAR'S DROUGHT AND FAMINE RAVAGING THE PEOPLE OF NORTHERN KENYA

TURKANA, SOMALI, BORANA, POKOT, SAMBURU AND MASSAI ARE REPRESENTED.

YOU ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO CONTACT MR. IBRAHIM AHMED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON +254.726.722226 REGARDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND YOUR PARTICIPATION.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE NORTHERN KENYA CAUCUS

2011-02-08T18:48:00.005+03:00

PRESS CONFERENCE - NAIROBI, KENYA

ON BEHALF OF THE NORTHERN KENYA CAUCUS, WE KENYASOMALI CONSORTIUM ARE SCHEDULING A PRESS CONFERENCE IN NAIROBI-KENYA REPRESENTED BY ALL NGO'S OPERATING IN NORTHERN KENYA TO ADDRESS THE IN-ABILITY OF THE KENYAN GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE EVERY YEAR'S DROUGHT AND FAMINE RAVAGING THE PEOPLE OF NORTHERN KENYA. TURKANA, SOMALI, BORANA, POKOT, SAMBURU AND MASSAI ARE REPRESENTED.

YOU ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO CONTACT MR. IBRAHIM AHMED ON +254.726.722226 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND YOUR PARTICIPATION.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

EASTLEIGH SECURITY IN DIRE NEED

2011-02-03T15:07:00.000+03:00

Watch the Video here

Eastleigh's Security is really in Dire need. I do hope Mheshimiwa Ibrahim (Johnnie) ODM will address that as urgent once he is elected to represent Kamukunji. Statistics so far shows, He will win with a big margin this time.

PRESIDENT RAILA IS UN-STOPPABLE BY THE LIKES OF THESE "TWO"

2011-01-31T20:02:00.000+03:00

More on this...Read here

& Here

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is the most preferred Presidential candidate if elections were held today, a joint survey released by two pollsters reveals. The survey by Infrotrak Harris and Strategic Research and Public relations gave Raila a 46 and 44.8 percent ratings respectively as the preferred presidential candidate.

Infrotrak Chief Executive Officer Angela Ambitho said the joint release of the polls was due to the fact that the survey was done on similar dates.

" We realised that the findings may be very similar since the questions asked were also nearly similar thus the need to release the findings jointly," said Ambitho who was flanked by Strategic’s CEO Caesar Handa.

TJRC TO HEAR THE "WAGALLA" AND GARISSA MASSACRES

2011-01-31T19:56:00.001+03:00

The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) on Monday announced that it would hold its first public hearings in Northern and upper Eastern Kenya, beginning in March, where it has so far collected 3,474 statements.

Acting Chairperson Tecla Namachanja said the hearings would be rolled out nonstop across the country, until September, winding up in Western and Mt Elgon regions.

She added that the commission would first conduct individual hearings in every region in the country before conducting institutional and thematic hearings.

"After the hearings in Northern and upper Eastern regions we will move to Nairobi and Nyanza, Central and Rift Valley, lower Eastern and Coast, and then conclude in Western and Mt Elgon," she said.

Among the hearings TJRC is going to hear are the Wagalla Massacre and The Massacres that happened in Garissa District. Among The people who were in the Government at that time and who were mentioned are like the Above GG KARIUKI and Former NEP PC, Benson Kaaria.

NEP residents are requested to contribute so much.

NEP: MARSHALL PLAN NEEDS "SERIOUS" CONSIDERATION BY THE KENYA GOVERNMENT

2011-01-28T14:13:00.001+03:00

The writer, MR. IBRAHIM RASHID, is an analyst of political and development matters and can be seen on the below photo.

I was overwhelmed by reactions and debate my article: Why ODM party polls for March are ill-timed in NEP triggered both nationally and internationally and all are in agreement. And in concurrence, Parliament last Tuesday discussed a Motion to declare the drought a national disaster and the very next day, President Kibaki called a Cabinet meeting and ordered food be dispatched to the drought-stricken areas using military helicopters, vehicles and those of National Youth Service. The Prime Minister has most recently made a whirlwind tour of Upper Eastern and North Eastern Province to assess the drought situation.

Although these efforts are appreciated, they are too little too late, since the few surviving livestock from Mandera East to Wajir West have crossed to either Ethiopia or Somalia in search of pasture and water. Children cannot go to school for lack of fees and those in primary drop from school to follow their parents who have crossed international borders in search of basic life. But the mind-boggling concern is that the flurry of responses are not panacea to the region’s permanent and cyclic disaster. Or is it just politicians following media cameras? Yes, it was the media that highlighted the plight of the region and not the Government institutions entrusted with such responsibility. It’s only on two occasions that this region makes national news —the first, when there is death of people and livestock from famine and thirst, and secondly, a few months prior to general elections and presidential candidates crisscross the region making hollow promises.

Empty proposals

Then the refrain from Wajir and Mandera residents is pleas to every presidential candidate for a tarmac road — which is almost always pledged, with assurances that funding would be sought from some or other Arab (Muslim) country. Why Arab is not clear since these residents are also Kenyans and can get money from the Exchequer like the Thika super highway. Which way will NEP face after Kibaki’s term ends? Does the new constitutional dispensation mean anything to the region’s hopes and aspirations? If the 2007 ODM and PNU manifestos remained empty proposals presented vaguely and made little impact, won’t voters scrutinise those presented in 2012 by political parties? Will the new Constitution unlock some sort of "Marshall Plan" with deliverable timelines, akin to the European recovery programme of 1947–1951? The Marshall Plan was a roaring success that lent fresh impetus to reconstruction of Western Europe. This is the direction post-Kibaki northern Kenya needs to face. Sample this: Northern Kenya needs Devolved Government and resources and an end to marginalisation. Eighteen of the 20 poorest constituencies, where between 74 to 97 per cent of people live below the poverty line, are in Northern Kenya.

A Marshall Plan should guarantee inclusion, security, economic integration, political leverage, and address the challenging natural environment. North Eastern Province needs attention by key stakeholders, a proper understanding of its potential, and a deliberate political commitment to address them. Its hidden wealth includes its strategic geographical position, social and cultural attributes that make it well positioned to benefit from surplus capital from the Gulf and the Arab world. It would be one of the fastest-growing parts of the world if Wajir Airport were to be fully privatised so trade in livestock and other livestock products could make their way to international markets. In fact, Garissa is one of the counties earmarked as a cluster for meat and hides processing zone.

Regional kingpin

Thirdly, there is tourism, as several game reserves and national parks are found here. Also, NEP is bursting with natural resources, right from mineral exploration, unlimited wind and solar energy. And for the region to be relevant in the 2012 Kibaki succession, it might just need to identify a regional kingpin to rally focus in that general direction, both politically and economically, like other parts of the country have done. And there is no shortage of contenders.

IBRAHIM AHMED ALIAS "JOHNNIE" IS GOING PAST PNU SIMON MBUGUA IN KAMUKUNJI

2011-01-27T19:32:00.001+03:00

Above: The petitioner, Hon. Ibrahim Ahmed looks for better days ahead after a tough fight for his seat as the real Kamukunji MP Elect. His facebook community and which can be accessed by clicking here

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Simon Mbugua has lost his seat after a Nairobi court annulled his election on Thursday. Lady Justice Mary Ang 'awa said the election was compromised and the Returning Officer presiding over the election made an error in announcing incomplete results. In making the ruling, the judge said the results lacked integrity and the MP was therefore not validly elected. The election petition was filed by Ibrahim Ahmed who contested the seat on an Orange Democratic Party (ODM) in the 2007 General Elections. The case has been presided over by three judges since it was filed in 2008, with two, Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal and Justice Fred Ochieng disqualifying themselves.

Lady Justice Rawal disqualified herself from the case in June last year after receiving threatening messages from unknown people while Justice Ochieng, did the same in October after remarks were made against him that he had been influenced.

The constituency had 25 parliamentary candidates including Mr. Yusuf Hassan Abdi. The Kamukunji parliamentary results were nullified by the ECK following the dispute. But this was declared an abuse of power in a ruling delivered in July 2008. After the results were nullified, Mr Mbugua filed a judicial review application, stating that he was on the verge of winning when tallying was called off.

ODM candidate Ibrahim Ahmed filed the petition in August 2008 soon after Mr Mbugua (PNU) was declared winner with 22,614 votes. Mr Ahmed (ODM) garnered 16,604 votes. The case was adjourned to January 6, after the lawyer representing the ECK, Mr Steven Adere, asked for more time to interview and establish the suitability of their witnesses.

“We need time to look for the ECK witnesses and the evidence as they are essential to the case,” he told Justice Angawa.

The PNU MP becomes the ninth legislator to lose in seat in election petitions in the life of the Tenth Parliament.

Other who lost their seats include: Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge), Omingo Magara (South Mugirango), Chirau Ali Mwakwere (Matuga), Bishop Margaret Wanjiru (Starehe), Dick Wathika (Makadara), George Thuo (Juja) and Abdirahman Hassan (Wajir South).

Of these, only Cabinet minister Chirau Mwakere and Bishop Wanjiru retained their seats.

DUALE GROUP AND AGE LIMIT DEBATE AT GARISSA ODM RALLY .....TO THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTION..............

2011-01-25T17:23:00.005+03:00

The PM led thousands of supporters gathered at the Garissa stadium in condemning the KKK group, terming it opportunistic and made up of elements out to sabotage reforms. Before that, Differences in the ODM party saw the residents reject their MP Mr Aden Duale, whom they accused of being part of the team led by Eldoret North MP Mr William Ruto, a key member of the KKK group.

The crowd rejected several attempts by the MP to address them and introduce the leaders accompanying the Prime Minister. Mr Odinga had to intervene to calm the crowd and introduce members of his delegation. But even after calm was restored, the crowd rose in unanimity against Mr Duale, whom the PM tried to help address the rally. Three times, the crowd asked the MP to take his seat, saying they no longer recognize him as they believe he had abandoned ODM. Mandera East MP, Hon. Mohamed Hussein, who is also in the Ruto camp, was not there.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Odinga said the KKK group is made up of people blinded by hate and chauvinism and who had thrown caution to the wind in their search for power. The PM said ethnic alliances would frustrate attempts to reconcile the country adding they would scare communities that have always felt marginalized since independence. The KKK alliance is not talking about what is keeping our province back........Famine and Drought coupled with Marginalization of our people........So look ahead and be wise.....

Check this video happening now....................

NORTHERN KENYA SAYS: WACHA TUJARIBU PRESIDENT RAILA 2012

2011-01-25T17:06:00.000+03:00

Why do people have a problem with President Raila? He is a Kenyan like any other Kenyan and I don't know why other people are just as bad as we think.........Let us give someone a chance so that we see his side of story....It is time for Raila 2012............Nothing more....Northern Kenya Says.....

Don't elect someone kwajili yeye ni Mjaluo ama Msomali........Chagua someone kwajili he has Quality, Ideas and can move us ahead....... Sisi si mbuzi kufuata watu everyday...........Hon.Duale and Hon. Hussein are listening, i do hope

GREATER SOMALIA: SOMALI PEOPLE OCCUPY THE HORN ALONE

2011-01-23T15:56:00.000+03:00

KENYA POLICE EXPERIENCE FROM TOP AT MANDERA TO NAIROBI

2011-01-04T12:52:00.000+03:00

The following article is from one of NEP's Pioneer Development Promoter, Dr. Ali Mohamud of GCG (Generation for Growth and Change) pictured above with Girl education......

"Is there such a thing as Freedom of Movement? "

You can read more at www.voiceofnomads.com

I did it again this year to see if anything changed. Last year it was by Bus. In October of this year (2010), I traveled from Mandera to Wajir, purposefully by Kabberr (Land Cruiser used to carry Chat). Three days before, I flew from Nairobi to Mandera and asked my driver to meet me in Wajir. The Kabberr unloaded a day before and was on its way to Maua. In the cabin were the driver, my niece who just completed standard eight and me. We departed at 10 am.

After traveling for an estimated half-kilometer, the driver came to a screeching stop in front of a shop. He shouted for his turnboy to come down. He handed him about 10,000 Kenya Shillings. It was all in 1000 shilling bill. The day was so hot...so hot and dry that no amount of water can cool you down. It was made worse by sitting and waiting in idling car. Five minutes later, the young man returned with hands to chest full of 100 shilling notes. Instantly, the driver accelerated with a thrust leaving behind a gigantic trail of dust. That made us very nervous. But, the thought of the huge stuck of notes clouded my discomfort with a seemingly irresponsible driving. I could not hold my curiosity back. I asked the driver why he needed so much cash in small bills. He retorted "for the road". That was an idiomatic response but I suspect he meant for the police (road) as I had seen it happen in the Bus.

We came to Arabia, the immediate settlement after Mandera. The policeman waved at us to stop. There was a roadblock, so there was no reason for waving. Perhaps, he was too excited to see us. He came to the driver's side, leaned on the door and as he exchanged greetings, the driver pulled a couple notes (Ksh. 200) from the stuck of money on the side of his seat. He folded the notes and extended his hand for unsuspicious handshake. I could see the policeman's arm drop to his pocket and almost instantly conclude the conversation. The Policeman cleared our way and we headed on. Next, we came to Fino. The policeman waved again. We stopped. And soon, he was on the driver's door and the Metal Bar was up in minutes. The whole thing appeared to have some procedural pattern to it; a roadblock, a wave, leaning on the driver's door, a handshake and moving the roadblock. At Lafey, Elwak (twice), Borehole-11, Wargadud, Kutulo-Mandera, Kutulo-Wajir, Tarbaj the drama replayed over and over and over. I asked the driver what will happen if he didn't pay these guys. He said they will detain the vehicle and its passengers for hours if not days with no law to turn to. Seriously, that is an abuse of people’s rights

I was not shocked as much as surprised that this was not only in the Buses plying through these routes but applies to all travelers - even Lorries. It is like a toll station, only this time it is in every small village. By the way, these roads are murram and no evidence of gravelling or paving ever occurred here. Most leaders will tell you the police checks are for security purpose. But does this really entail any form of security check? If it is for security reasons, why do it in every single village? Can't this be done in Arabia then at Wajir then Garissa? Even that is too much.

I had a similar experience in a Bus from Mandera to Wajir last year. I heard these stories many times but wanted to experience it for myself. Just outside Mandera, we were stopped. Everyone was asked to come down. We complied. They asked for Identity shouting "kipande, kipande!!". They checked everyone and we boarded again with no incident. My eyes were keen on the interaction between the police and the conductor. They stood on the side, engaged in some kind of negotiation and he handed them something. I am guessing something more than couple hundred. Then at Rhamu, we were stopped and checked. On the seat just behind me, the policeman shouted "shuka haraka wewe! shuka!!!". I turned and it was a young lady with a sick child on her lap. He held her ID card firmly on his hand. She stepped down with the child strapped on her back. Again, I was watching this incident very closely. I asked the passenger sitting next to her if she knew what was going on. They accused her of using a fake Identity card. Not satisfied with this information, I talked to the conductor who was hanging on the entrance bar. He told me that everything is ok. It is not fake ID card; they just need "something".
I started self-debate. If they just need "something" why don't they ask for it? Why did they pick on the most vulnerable of the passengers- a young lady, with a sick child? How can she defend herself if they insist the ID is fake even though it is genuine? What can I do to stop the evil advances of these guys?

I gathered courage, stepped down and confronted the policemen. I introduced myself. "Habari wazee? I am Dr. Ali and this is my relative. Is there a problem with her identity?" One of them lit his flash-light on my face. I politely asked him to not do that again. He yelled that I go back to the Bus. I asked him if I could go back with the lady and her child. He literally started charging at me before he was restrained by his colleague. I warned him that his behavior could cause serious damage to his job and his person. It turned into a scene. The conductor, the driver and more passengers gathered around us. Then the more emotionally sober policeman started apologizing and asked everyone including the lady and her child board the Bus again. We left.
At Elwak, we were checked again. Even after ensuring everyone had an ID, they still wanted their "something". At least, this time, they did not accuse anyone of anything. The conductor took care of them. At Wargadud, Kutulos, Tarbaj the story was the same. Then you wonder; is there such a thing as 'freedom of movement?" Not in the Northern part of Kenya.

I wonder too, if these buses are making ends meet considering the excessive police harassment and massive breakdowns from poor roads. I salute the staff and the owners for their endurance. The extreme breach of justice, abuse of peoples' rights and unyielding demand for bribery is beyond comprehension. When you want to know the conduct of the rank, you look to the conduct of the file. There is a total failure of leadership in that part of the country. The misconduct of public officers in Northern Kenya is deeply entrenched culture never seen anywhere else in the country. It is brutal, barbaric and bigotry of a kind.

While the other Kenya is fighting corruption, Northern Kenya is fraught with institutional extortion, more so the security arm.

Local and national leaders wake up and stand up against this vice. Wake up government!. Your citizen is painfully consumed a live by your own institution. Where are you human rights watchdogs and advocates? Gather courage to speak up and speak out. Wake up citizens; Kenya has changed and the culture of corruption and police brutality can be confronted boldly with no adverse consequence to you for doing so. Where are the youth and college students? Volunteer for your communities and educate them of their freedom of movement everywhere and anywhere in their country. Where is the media? It is not about national coverage alone, it is also about local coverage; shame and shape the police force and public officers. Let us do it in unison for the suppressed voices, subjugated rights, miscarriaged identities and frightened minds.

Dr. Ali Mahamud
GCG, www.thegcg.org

NORTH EASTERN KCPE 2010 RESULTS:

2010-12-28T16:10:00.001+03:00

Download the Whole KCPE here

A total of 1,103 candidates in 68 primary schools across 42 districts cheated in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination results released by Education minister Prof Sam Ongeri on Tuesday. Ongeri noted there was a drop in the level of irregularities, as 744, 977 (99.9 per cent) out of the 746, 080 who sat the 2010 KCPE examination were not involved in cheating.

"This means the number of candidates involved in cheating was negligible but no candidate should cheat in any examination," added Ongeri.

While announcing the 2009 KCPE results, Ongeri had also noted a slight drop in irregularities as compared to 2008 but had decried unethical registration processes which deny rural children their rightful chances.

The arid North-Easterrn province topped other provinces with the highest number of irregularities. A total of 396 candidates in 19 schools spread across eight districts in the province were involved in irregularities. North-Eastern was followed closely by Nyanza province where 231 candidates in 13 schools drawn from eight districts cheated. In North Eastern, cheating was experienced in Lagdera, Fafi, Wajir North, Wajir South, Mandera West , Mandera East , Ijara and Garissa districts.

Cases of irregularities also reported in almost all the country have failed to be contained despite persistent efforts by Knec and the ministry of Education over the years, and especially stringent measures that had been taken earlier in the year. One of the most drastic measures that had been taken by KNEC was to ban afternoon examinations starting with this year’s KCPE. In 2009, cheating was more rife in private as compared to public schools.

In 80 centres or schools where candidates cheated, 33 were private schools/centres out of a total of 3,168 private schools, while 47 were public schools out of a total of 17,669 public schools. Candidates who cheat in examinations starting from this year will be barred from taking any Knec examinations for a period of two years.

MARK JONES ON THE RECENT "EASTLEIGH OPERATION"

2010-12-15T11:18:00.001+03:00

Sullying Kenya’s good name

As one of Africa’s most ethnically diverse cities, Nairobi is a magnet for those seeking a better life. Kenya’s capital exudes an entrepreneurial spirit that helps ensure the nation remains a place of innovation and creativity. Education is valued and the vast majority of people are eager to make the most of a generally outward looking country, one eager to be the dynamo of the region. That said, to those prepared to look as well as see there are also a number of disquieting features that indicate serious weaknesses that have the potential to gnaw away at the heart of the Kenyan dream.

Recent events in Eastleigh are in many ways symptomatic of these weaknesses. When the Police and Armed Forces consciously set out to round up individuals like cattle in the name of a so-called security operation, then we are aware that the State has contempt for the rights of the individual. No amount of sophistry, semantics or half truths will mask the fact that arrests have been indiscriminate and that innocent people have suffered on the Orders of the State; for the Police and Armed Forces do not move without the blessing or say-so of the powers that be. The Authorities excuse their actions claiming that such action is necessary to deal with those who are in the country illegally, or may be subversive elements intent on perpetrating acts of terror. If this is the case why are the same Authorities not arresting individuals, owners of companies and prestigious institutions and dare I say it Heads of Government Departments and Ministers who employ and take advantage of individuals who may be in the country illegally?

Before action can be taken there needs to be proof. The Police and Security Forces make mention of an attack, before a proper investigation has taken place to prove it was precisely that. In these challenging times it is far too convenient to blame every explosion or incident on the likes of al Shabab. The vast majority of people in Kenya of Somali heritage are law abiding individuals and yet all too often the Somali community and those from other countries in the Horn of Africa are stigmatised. Derogatory remarks are made about ‘the Goat People’ and if Kenya is truly to live up to its democratic and pluralist aspirations such racism and xenophobia must end.

The arrest of some 400 individuals has been defended by the likes of Anthony Kibuchi, Nairobi’s Provincial Police Chief; yet what has actually been taking place is an extensive trawling exercises that would appear to have an ulterior motive. People including women, children and the elderly have been held in conditions which in a time of war would be deemed a contravention of the Geneva Convention – with in many cases no food, limited or no access to water etc. As if this were not bad enough, there are reports of individual’s families having to buy their freedom. Such extortion of Kenyan nationals, foreigners and the vulnerable seems to have become something of a tradition in the run-up to Christmas. These modern day fishers of men, women and children sully the good name of Kenya.

No one doubts that there are legitimate security concerns throughout the region, but by seeking to demonise Somalis and others is both simplistic and dangerous. In the post 9/11 world it has become far too easy for governments to pander to the fear agenda. 2010 has seen Kenya take a bold step forward by endeavouring to embrace a new constitution; it would be a tragedy indeed if before the ink was really dry those meant to be the guardians of the State were allowed to undermine social cohesion and trust.

If cast iron evidence can be found for genuine wrong doing then let the Law follow its course, not as an instrument of Government, but as its pure impartial self. As for the people of Eastleigh and similar such communities, let us not forget that like Mary, Joseph and Jesus they have found themselves in a neighbouring country due to circumstances beyond their control. All the great faiths speak of charity and neighbourliness, and at this time of year it is all the more important to seek the truth and not rush to judgement. One thing is for certain and that is that Nairobi is a better place for its diversity.

Mark T Jones is a London based freelance writer and international advisor on African Affairs