STOP PROPAGANDA

PROPAGANDA DIVIDING KENYANS

Eric Sindabi

It was Hitler the famous former Germany Nazi Party leader who once said that: “propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach”, Hitler, one of the most lethal dictators and racist the world ever experienced was a propagandist and believed in it as an ultimate weapon in achieving his political goals.

The results of his well cultivated falsehoods (another name of propaganda) through public rallies, the press, books and media saw his Nazi party mobilize support of the masses for it to fulfill its policies and for Hitler to execute power in Germany and the greater Eastern Europe region. He saw Germany through the World War II, the massacre of millions of Jews and many other evils. His propaganda was basically intended to convince the masses that their Arian race was supreme over other races in the world and that they should never entertain other people should they desire to build an ever lasting and developed empire. That he was the one to lead Germany into doing so.

A close analysis to the current political events in the country ahead of the next general elections reveals high stakes in propaganda that is aimed at influencing the outcome of the general elections particularly so the presidential results. This propaganda is being propagated by a section of the political elite by taking advantage of the varying political awareness, cultural, tribal and socio-economic backgrounds of Kenyans.

Unfortunately the national commission on peace, cohesion and reconciliation seem not to be noticing this, while I believe danger lacks behind the propaganda. The ultimate goal of the propagandists however is to confuse Kenyans not to choose able and visionary leaders with national interests ,but to sneak in power leaders with questionable political backgrounds who will protect selfish interests.

Indeed it is illogical when some politicians try to politicize issues of national importance while taking advantage of tribalism and lack of adequate political awareness among many Kenyans so as to settle political goals. Unfortunately matters like constitutional reforms, judicial reforms, fight against corruption and impunity, diplomacy, national security and economic plans are being politicized.

They are going around the country spreading lies and dividing Kenyans as they seek to tilt the much needed total change Kenyans want. It is unfortunate that these politicians and their allies are using public platforms like parliament and the media to spread lies. Kenyans must be on the look out not to be swayed by these crafty politicians who fear change.

REFORMS A MUST

WE NEED TOTAL AND TRUE REFORMS

By Eric Sindabi

The Kenya National Dialogue and reconciliation Forum that was concluded on Tuesday concurred that for us to build a more stable Kenya much needs to be done in the fight against corruption, impunity and tribalism through reforms. The meeting noted that we have not done really enough to secure stability through constitutional, judiciary, police and land reforms among others .In particular the forum noted that all has not been put in place to secure peaceful elections come next year, in order to avoid a repeat of the shameful 2007/08 post poll violence that rocked the country.

The meeting on a high note however noted that tribal alliances in the name of political parties a head of the next general elections should be avoided as it goes against the spirit of national cohesion and reconciliation. We must note that tribalism is propagated by corrupt and power hungry politicians and their sympasizers.These brand of people are dividing Kenyans on tribal and cultural and regional lines while confusing voters as not to identify able and visionary leaders with national interests. Unless we choose good leaders our country shall continue suffering economically and socially.Poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation lack of proper infrustructure, diseases, and insecurity will continue haunting us.

We must heed to the advice of our friends led by Dr.Kofi Annan who brokered peace when our country was bleeding. We need to demand total and true reforms from our leaders for the benefit of us all but not a few powerful people.

DONT AMEND THE LAW

Amending the law so early a bad precedent
By Eric Sindabi
The move by the government and parliament to amend the constitution so as to change elections date from August to December is not welcome because it will serve a bad precedent. The fact that the new constitution is not yet fully implemented the government and parliament should desist from the attempts to amend it. The new law reflects the desires of Kenyans and it took us so many years to achieve the new law.
Those who were against the passing of the law were ashamed, first in 2005 when Kenyans voted against a mutilated constitution that did not accommodate their wishes. The same happened in the last referendum when Kenyans overwhelmingly voted for a new constitution.
My take is that if we so early amend the constitution, it will serve as a bad precedent. It will give room for politicians with fishy motives to mutilate the law to suit their interests. The government should work towards implementing the new constitution to serve Kenyans but not making plans to change it. It is like mutilation the case of 2005, when politicians opposed to giving Kenyans a new constitution went a head to mutilate a people’s view of a new constitution. What the government is trying to do is exactly the same case of 2005.

The speaker of the national assembly Mr. Kenneth Marende recently allowed the minister for Justice Mr.Mutula Kilonzo to table the bill that seeks to amend the constitution to change the elections date clause. According to the government, the move is important so as to allow space for the preparation of elections. It is however to the public’s view that the move is suspect and leaves much behind to be desired. The public believes that the cabinet wishes to buy time to continue enjoying privileges adorned to its members. It is no wonder the move is entirely being supported by cabinet members while back benchers are opposed to the move.
By changing the constitution, the cabinet, parliament and judiciary will be contradicting what Kenyans voted for in the last referendum. The constitution must remain as it is until it is fully implemented. The amendment if allowed will open ground for further un constitutional and ill advised interferences with the new law that Kenyans tirelessly fought for. Kenyans should come out and strongly oppose the move to mutilate the constitution. We should not allow a few individuals with fishy motives to scatter constitutional reforms that are vital to changing our lives for better.

POPE MUST VISIT AFRICA MORE

PONTIF RIGHT ON AFRICAN LEADERS
Eric Sindabi
The pope should make more visits to AfricaThe recent second visit to Africa by pope Benedict the xv was a successful gesture and a blessing not only to the catholic church faithful but also to the entire people of African continent. This is because the pontiff in his message to the people of Africa shed light to the root causes of the problems that continually face the continent. His message was clear, that African political leaders should stop oppressing the masses. They should stop corruption because it is the cause of the problems in the continent.The pope said that the continued conflicts across the continent are caused by corrupt leaders who oppress the masses thus the masses in return try to rebel or make uprisings which in turn cause destruction to lives. The pope retaliated that oppression is the cause of conflicts in the continent and that African leaders must stop oppressing the masses to avoid conflicts and destruction of lives.Such indeed has been witnessed in many African countries including our own-Kenya where the ordinary people through the greediness of a few people who hold on to power, are deprived of justice,democracy,peace,freedom and economic and social stability. The same lead to poverty, hunger, disease, insecurity,unemployment and deaths. For how long will the people of Africa suffer?Just the other day the Ethics and Anti-corruption commission of Kenya released a corruption index report that indicated that politicians including cabinet ministers and their assistants, Members of Parliament, Councilors and top civil servants viewed by the public as the master minds of corruption. The pope should make more visits to Africa not only to try and cleanse the soiled image of his church but also to enlighten the people of Africa on their plight.

RAILA IS THE BEST FOR KENYA

KENYANS SHOULD GIVE RAILA A CHANCE

By ERIC SINDABI

Kenyans should shun tribalism,build democracy and elect leaders who will propel the country to prosperity.We should learn from America where the citizens of that country went beyond racism and elected the first ever African president(Barrack Obama) based on his leadership capabilities.We should not forget the that the continued problems that face our country are entirely caused by bad leadership and continually be blinded by tribalism as not to choose desirable leaders.

All along Kenyans have lacked democratic principles and opt to choose leaders based on tribalism yet with selfish interests who continuously cripple democracy and rape the economy to the ex pence of majority of citizens.

I was baffled by two recent successive articles by Prof.Makau in the sunday nation that tried to demonize the Prime Minister Mr.Raila Odinga on his presidential bid while trying to propel the Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka as the likely candidate to succeed president Kibaki.

Interestingly the writer failed to explain any leadership merits based on track record that justify the VP to become the next president. Rather, his analysis was based on the fact that tribal allignments agaist the PM may propel the VP to the presidency.I have a lot of respects for the writer given to his high ranking position in society but i tend to believe that his latest scripts are out of context given the fact that kenyans need to build democracy and elect visionary leaders irrespective of their tribal backgrounds for the sake of development,justice and peace.

The analysis that the Kikuyu,Kalenjin,Kamba and Meru voters may vote in favor of any candidate against the PM is a clear indication that he is advocating for an unpopular president for kenya thus to allow corrupt and self centered leaders to continue oppressing kenyans.This is not the Makau i know but a totally different writer if i guess.

Prof.Makau should write another article and explain to Kenyans why he thinks that Kalonzo Musyoka or any other presidential candidate among those who have declared interest is a better presidential candidate than Raila Odinga.I can even remind him of the top conteders;Uhuru Kenyatta,William Ruto,Martha Karua,Gearge Saitoti and Eugine Wamalwa.

My take is that the VP is an opportunist and has done very little for the welfare of this country and given chance majority of kenyans will reject his bid to lead them as he represents a crop of leaders kenyans dont deserve.First he served in the former corrupt KANU regime that raped our economy and exercised oppression and injustice.When majority of Kenyans wanted a total change during the 2007 elections he deserted a peoples driven movement at the hour of need and opted to back president Kibaki when he was promised to be be appointed VP.Isnt that betrayal? I will not be judged so wrong by anyone so informed if i say that he greatly contributed to what happened after the disputed presidential results.

The VP was rumored to be among a group of leaders who indirectly opposed the passing of a new constitution in defiance to public opinion.Indeed the leaders in the "NO" team continuously named him as among those oppossed to the new constitution. It was alleged that he secretly funded the op posers.

Likewise in defiance to public opinion the VP in a move to popularize his political ambitions he led a shuttle diplomacy in a bid to block the ICC prosecutions.The missions that cost the public millions has since failed.The VP is among the top leaders in the country who crafted the infamous KKK alliance an outfit that is tribal with a hidden agenda to give kenyans yet another unpopular president who will protect the corrupt.

Mr.Raila's politics are beyond tribes.His actions have vever been measured on a national ground and has supporters across the country and in diaspora.He is a reformist who spent many years in jail while fighting for democracy in our country.He led kenyans in ejecting out the corrupt and dictatorial KANU regime from power and vigorously played opposition politics in the NARC government a move that saw to an improved performance by the government.

He successfully led kenyans in rejecting a distorted constitution in the 2005 referudum and yet again in the 2010 referundum he led majority of kenyans to vote for a new constitution that promises to improve the lives of majority of kenyans if implemented.We must give Raila a chance to lead this country because he has endlessly demonstrated that he is a national leader but not a tribal king nor an opportunist.Prof.Makau should stop misleading kenyans but be objective in his articles.

Honor Oginga Odinga

Eric Sindabi

Where is Oginga Odinga?

On october 20th the country marked the annual Mashujaa Day celebrations.This day is set aside to honor the men and women who tirelessly and who sacrificed their lives to make Kenya proud in many ways and especially in the struggles for the independence of our beloved country from colonial rule.

This year's celebrations were however made special by the unveiling of a statute of Tom Mboya one of the most courageous Independence crusader that Kenya ever had.

Prior to that the minister for culture and national heritage Mr.William Ole Ntimama had pledged that the government would construct more statutes to honor Kenya's heroes and heroines.The minister had went a head to name some of the proposed people to be honored in that manner.I observed with amazement that the name of one of the most prominent Kenya's independence crusader was missing from the proposed list.Likewise on Wednesday 26th October this year the Daily Nation carried a photo essay article where in it was a narration of men and women that Kenya is so proud of as being heroes and heroines, and who ought to be honored.Yet again the name nor picture of Oginga Odinga was missing from the photo essay article.

A close look to the history of Kenyan politics and the struggle for Independence some 50 or so years ago however reveals beyond doubt that Oginga Odinga played a very crucial role in the liberation of Kenya from colonial rule and yet again for the establishment of democracy in the country after independence what has been described as "The Second Liberation"

He joined politics in the mid 40's and was influential, as the leader of the Africans representatives in the Legco or parliament for: constitutional changes,locally and at Lancaster in the UK,the release of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and the formation of the Kenya African National Union party(KANU) that was a vehicle to independence having united kenyans in the struggle for independence.KANU had named Mzee Jomo Kenyatta the president of the party in absence.After independence was appointed the first Vice -President of Kenya but he broke ranks with the president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on principal.He had resigned and formed an opposition party before he was put on a house arrest throughout the reign of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

As such he has been described as the father of opposition politics in Kenya in his struggles to build democracy in the country.He equally played a key role in the second liberation when he teamed up with young politicians to demand for a constitutional change to return multi- party democracy in the country.The original Forum for the Restoration of Democracy(FORD) that was formed in the run up to the 1992 general elections was entirely the work of his hands.

I think those Kenyans who are well informed about the history of Kenyan politics will agree with me that we owe a lot to this brave and courageous man who even in death i believe has a vision for this country as depicted in a book he authored "Not yet Uhuru" and we should honor him foremost other heroes.

Honor oginga Odinga

Eric Sindabi,

Where is Oginga Odinga?

On october 20th the country marked the annual Mashujaa Day celebrations.This day is set aside to honor the men and women who tirelessly and who sacrificed their lives to make Kenya proud in many ways and especially in the struggles for the independence of our beloved country from colonial rule.

This year's celebrations were however made special by the unveiling of a statute of Tom Mboya one of the most courageous Independence crusader that Kenya ever had.

Prior to that the minister for culture and national heritage Mr.William Ole Ntimama had pledged that the government would construct more statutes to honor Kenya's heroes and heroines.The minister had went a head to name some of the proposed people to be honored in that manner.I observed with amazement that the name of one of the most prominent Kenya's independence crusader was missing from the proposed list.Likewise on Wednesday 26th October this year the Daily Nation carried a photo essay article where in it was a narration of men and women that Kenya is so proud of as being heroes and heroines, and who ought to be honored.Yet again the name nor picture of Oginga Odinga was missing from the photo essay article.

A close look to the history of Kenyan politics and the struggle for Independence some 50 or so years ago however reveals beyond doubt that Oginga Odinga played a very crucial role in the liberation of Kenya from colonial rule and yet again for the establishment of democracy in the country after independence what has been described as "The Second Liberation"

He joined politics in the mid 40's and was influential, as the leader of the Africans representatives in the Legco or parliament for: constitutional changes,locally and at Lancaster in the UK,the release of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and the formation of the Kenya African National Union party(KANU) that was a vehicle to independence having united kenyans in the struggle for independence.KANU had named Mzee Jomo Kenyatta the president of the party in absence.After independence was appointed the first Vice -President of Kenya but he broke ranks with the president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on principal.He had resigned and formed an opposition party before he was put on a house arrest throughout the reign of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

As such he has been described as the father of opposition politics in Kenya in his struggles to build democracy in the country.He equally played a key role in the second liberation when he teamed up with young politicians to demand for a constitutional change to return multi- party democracy in the country.The original Forum for the Restoration of Democracy(FORD) that was formed in the run up to the 1992 general elections was entirely the work of his hands.

I think those Kenyans who are well informed about the history of Kenyan politics will agree with me that we owe a lot to this brave and courageous man who even in death i believe has a vision for this country as depicted in a book he authored "Not yet Uhuru" and we should honor him foremost other heroes.

Honor oginga Odinga

Eric Sindabi,

Where is Oginga Odinga?

On october 20th the country marked the annual Mashujaa Day celebrations.This day is set aside to honor the men and women who tirelessly and who sacrificed their lives to make Kenya proud in many ways and especially in the struggles for the independence of our beloved country from colonial rule.

This year's celebrations were however made special by the unveiling of a statute of Tom Mboya one of the most courageous Independence crusader that Kenya ever had.

Prior to that the minister for culture and national heritage Mr.William Ole Ntimama had pledged that the government would construct more statutes to honor Kenya's heroes and heroines.The minister had went a head to name some of the proposed people to be honored in that manner.I observed with amazement that the name of one of the most prominent Kenya's independence crusader was missing from the proposed list.Likewise on Wednesday 26th October this year the Daily Nation carried a photo essay article where in it was a narration of men and women that Kenya is so proud of as being heroes and heroines, and who ought to be honored.Yet again the name nor picture of Oginga Odinga was missing from the photo essay article.

A close look to the history of Kenyan politics and the struggle for Independence some 50 or so years ago however reveals beyond doubt that Oginga Odinga played a very crucial role in the liberation of Kenya from colonial rule and yet again for the establishment of democracy in the country after independence what has been described as "The Second Liberation"

He joined politics in the mid 40's and was influential, as the leader of the Africans representatives in the Legco or parliament for: constitutional changes,locally and at Lancaster in the UK,the release of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and the formation of the Kenya African National Union party(KANU) that was a vehicle to independence having united kenyans in the struggle for independence.KANU had named Mzee Jomo Kenyatta the president of the party in absence.After independence was appointed the first Vice -President of Kenya but he broke ranks with the president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on principal.He had resigned and formed an opposition party before he was put on a house arrest throughout the reign of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

As such he has been described as the father of opposition politics in Kenya in his struggles to build democracy in the country.He equally played a key role in the second liberation when he teamed up with young politicians to demand for a constitutional change to return multi- party democracy in the country.The original Forum for the Restoration of Democracy(FORD) that was formed in the run up to the 1992 general elections was entirely the work of his hands.

I think those Kenyans who are well informed about the history of Kenyan politics will agree with me that we owe a lot to this brave and courageous man who even in death i believe has a vision for this country as depicted in a book he authored "Not yet Uhuru" and we should honor him foremost other heroes.

Desperate youth join terror

Eric Sindabi

Address youth’s unemployment problem seriously

Government and stakeholders should seriously address the issue of youths’ employment and occupation once and for all. It is much disgusting and indeed a shame for the government and indeed for the Kenyan society that many youthful Kenyans are joining filthy and outlawed groups like Mungiki and Al shabaab while others are being trafficked outside the country where they face human abuse, all due to desperation and hopelessness caused by un employment.

The youth as always said are the backbone of any society and leaders of tommorrow.Hence unless society invests in them and moulds them to be responsible human beings then the future of society will be bleak and useless. The government should not take it lightly when mothers in the coast region demonstrate against their sons being lured to join Al shaabab or when they lament about drug traffikers.When women in central Kenya grieve about the increased alcohol abuse among young people.

On the other hand the media of late has widely highlighted the menace of human trafficking in the country where many Kenyans especially young women are being trafficked to the Middle East where they undergo slavery. Pundits believe that all this is happening due to the rampant problem of un employment among the youth of Kenya and who form the largest percentage of the country’s population.

The ball now lies in the court of the government and especially the next one, to address the plight of the youth in our country to cut off the problem of unemployment among the youth once and for all. Parliament should enact laws that will address this problem, to create favorable conditions for the youth hence solve the above problems to restore human dignity and build a better future for generations to come.

Compulsory education and training should be empasized.Laws and policies against drug abuse and trafficking, irresponsible sexual activities and criminal groupings affecting the youth should be enacted and enforced. Like wise parliament should also pass laws that will regulate immigration and hence limit immigration outside the country especially to regions where human abuse is reported.

Desperate youth join terror

Eric Sindabi

Address youth’s unemployment problem seriously

Government and stakeholders should seriously address the issue of youths’ employment and occupation once and for all. It is much disgusting and indeed a shame for the government and indeed for the Kenyan society that many youthful Kenyans are joining filthy and outlawed groups like Mungiki and Al shabaab while others are being trafficked outside the country where they face human abuse, all due to desperation and hopelessness caused by un employment.

The youth as always said are the backbone of any society and leaders of tommorrow.Hence unless society invests in them and moulds them to be responsible human beings then the future of society will be bleak and useless. The government should not take it lightly when mothers in the coast region demonstrate against their sons being lured to join Al shaabab or when they lament about drug traffikers.When women in central Kenya grieve about the increased alcohol abuse among young people.

On the other hand the media of late has widely highlighted the menace of human trafficking in the country where many Kenyans especially young women are being trafficked to the Middle East where they undergo slavery. Pundits believe that all this is happening due to the rampant problem of un employment among the youth of Kenya and who form the largest percentage of the country’s population.

The ball now lies in the court of the government and especially the next one, to address the plight of the youth in our country to cut off the problem of unemployment among the youth once and for all. Parliament should enact laws that will address this problem, to create favorable conditions for the youth hence solve the above problems to restore human dignity and build a better future for generations to come.

Compulsory education and training should be empasized.Laws and policies against drug abuse and trafficking, irresponsible sexual activities and criminal groupings affecting the youth should be enacted and enforced. Like wise parliament should also pass laws that will regulate immigration and hence limit immigration outside the country especially to regions where human abuse is reported.

No diplomacy over migingo

Eric Sindabi

Migingo Island: use diplomacy or force to resolve matter

The continued occupation of the Migingo Island which is a Kenyan territory by the Ugandan security forces indicates a weakness or a total failure in Kenya’s diplomatic services. Ever since the controversy erupted over the ownership of the Island between Kenya and Uganda, the government of Kenya has maintained that it will use diplomacy to resolve the issue, but not necessarily force or any other un warranted means.

However the continued presence and harassment of Kenyans living and making a living from the territory by the ugandan forces leaves much behind to be desired, as much as the government of Kenya continue keeping mum while taking no action nor reaction of whatever kind over the injustices being subjected to its citizens by foreigners. Diplomacy means compromise through negotiations that brings about a lasting solution to an existing problem or matter while taking into consideration the interests of the parties involved.

As the media continue highlighting the sufferings Kenyan fishermen undergoes in the hands of the Ugandan security forces, the public go on with doubt the government’s commitments to safe guarding its citizens and protection of its territory. We must not forget that what is happening now between Kenya and Somalia is as a result of weaknesses in the government’s commitment to securing its territory and lapses in screening of foreigners and their missions inside Kenya.

President Kibaki should address the nation and make known the government’s stand over the Migingo Island controversy.If Kenyans living and making a living from the island continue undergoing g sufferings in the hands of foreign security forces while Kenyan security forces stand by, then the government should accept that diplomacy has failed. Then what next if that is the case. We should have a lasting solution to the Migingo Island saga once and for all by all means necessary in order to protect our sovereignty and the lives and rights of Kenyan citizens.

ICC IS NOT POLITICAL

Eric Sindabi

Politicians should not distort
public opinion on ICC prosecutions

The on going International Criminal Court prosecutions against prominent Kenyans suspected to have organized the 2007/08 post poll violence is a matter of great national concern.It is a step a head for kenyans' fight against impunity - the mis use of power,injustice and insecurity that has dogged the ordinary citizens of Kenya for very long time.

While the general public opinion is that those who will be found guilty should carry their own cross irrespective of their political; nor ethnic backgrounds,politicians are out to distort the public opinion to fulfill their own selfish interests.The suspects should present themselves at the court and defend them selves appropriately and independently in case the pre- trial judges confirm the charges against them.

It should be noted that ICC is an independent legal outfit that carries out its own investigations and prosecutions while putting less in concern the political nor any other implications.Hence the notion that the ICC prosecutions are politically motivated is totally out of order.To starters,the chief mediator whose team had recommended for investigations into the causes of the post poll violence had effortlessly given kenyans a chance to form a tribunal that would try the suspects but parliament had thrown out that option even after a tireless appeal from the president and the prime minister.

It is thus disgusting that some politicians are out to divide the nation along tribal lines concerning the ICC prosecutions.The lead judge Ekatirina Trendatiliva has has announced that the suspects would soon know their fate and pledged that justice shall be achieved for both the suspects and victims and indeed for all kenyans by the court.Kenyans should therefore be patient and leave politics and tribalism out of the ICC issue.

To emphasize i strongly believe that the court is an independent legal entity that has no strings attached but the rule of law.The political or ethnic implications the prosecutions may have on the people of kenya should not be a guiding end in the case but the provisions of the existing laws.Politicians should not distort public opinion through propaganda as they try to manipulate the ICC prosecution a head of the 2012 v general elections.

NOW RONGAI CONSTITUENTS WELCOME CDF INITIATIVES

By Eric Sindabi

Even as political temperatures flame up in Rongai Constituency the residents have welcomed the Constituency Development Fund activities. NCN established that so far over sh50million had been pumped into various community based projects that are geared towards improving the livelihood of the area residents.

Our exclusive interview with various stakeholders and a section of residents revealed that various CDF sponsored projects including; Electrification, Schools, Dispensaries, Bridges, Water and roads projects had been implemented while more was in the offing.

A former civic aspirant who is also an ally of the area Member of Parliament Hon.Luka Kigen MR. Samson Kendagor told NCN that the area CDF committee was committed towards improving the lives of Rongai residents. He expounded that the residents were extremely happy with the manner in which the CDF kitty was being utilized and pouredcredit to the area MP for good coordination work.

When NCN visted Moricho village in Lengenet location, the Kenya Power and Lighting workers were finalizing on the Moricho Electrification project.The project is intended to provide power supply at the local market centre,Moricho Primary School and at Ngesimin Moricho Dispensary.Also in progress is the construction of a new maram road that will connect the area to the neighouring Koibatek region at Kapsatek market centre.

According to reliable sources, the 10 kilometer power project will cost the CDF committee about sh14.The source added that the project was approved by the committee following an application through the location committee on behalf of the residents.

Mr.Kendagor told NCN that he was optimistic the project will spur up development in the area.H appealed to the Government to add more power supply equipment in order to allow more residents access electricity.

New Rongai DC calls for harmony

By Eric Sindabi

The new Rongai District Commissioner Joseph Motari has called for unity among the different ethnic communities that reside in the area. The DC noted that without unity in any society, peace and development were unattainable and called upon local leaders to strive for uniting the residents in order for them to realize development opportunities.

The DC said this when he attended a luncheon organized in his honor by a local Women NGO at its offices next to the District Headquaters at Kampi ya Moto center in the district.

The DC who prior to his new posting was DC for West Pokot, said that his experience had taught him that peace and unity were the foundation of all developments in any society. He promised to work hand in hand with all levels of local leaders to ensure that Rongai residents live peacefully. “I will attend all barazas and I will invite all leaders from top to the grassroots to plan the agenda for peace, co-existence and development” He promised

He further observed that Rongai was located strategically in the new Nakuru County, to play the role of a feeder in agriculture products and human resources to the main expanding Nakuru urban centre. He clarified that recent research had indicated that the town merely less than 20km from Rongai was the fastest growing urban centre in Africa, hence a need by Rongai residents to tap the opportunities.

The DC also encouraged the area residents especially registered self help groups to take advantage of the expanding Kabarack University and start business projects like hostels that target the institution’s community. He observed that most of the Universiotry’s students commute from Nakuru town due to lack of accommodation facilities in the area.

BIG-UPS FOR ROSEWO

Women NGO stirs up development in Rongai

By Eric Sindabi/Editor

It is always said that to empower a woman is like empowering the whole soceity.This is exactly what seem to be a guiding principle of the Rongai Social and Economic Women Organization(ROSEWO)an NGO that co-ordinates social and economic activities of women groups in Rongai District.

According to the Executive Director and founder member of the organization, Mrs.Jenniffer Kigen, the NGO has over 300 registered women groups as members that benefit from its activities. Formed two years ago,ROSEWO currently has a revolving fund of 16million Kenya shillings. The director said that the objectives of the NGO were to elevate the living standards of local women by creating more awareness on women financial and social empowerment, through women self-help groups.

“Our mission is to mobilize social response to problems in society through our activities that target the female members of Rongai region” She said

ROSEWO,the director said,undertakes;Table Banking,Community based training and Research programmes activities that aims at elevating the living standards of the local women.

During a recent function organized by the group, Mrs. .Kigen urged the government through the local District Commissioners office and other stakeholders to support the vision and mission of the organization as it was aimed at stirring up development generally in the region. She noted that historically and in general women were the most vulnerable members of society, despite the fact that they contribute greatly to social values like child bearing and rearing. She hinted that it was high time society addressed the plight of women.

The organization has over 300 trained field officers who ensures its programmes are implemented, by carrying out assessment of women groups development projects, registration of new women groups, evaluation and research .

The director said that ROSEWO works closely with the district government department in its activities.These include,departments of Social services and Gender,Agriculture,Public Health among others,especially in training ,registration and finances.

She said that pilot project in Table Banking allow women groups to to save money on a daily basis within their group and with ROSEWO.The women groups are adviced on how or where to borrow loans to boast their development projects and how to manage the funds and the projects.We register our members to qualify for loans through:The National Women Enterprise Fund,The Constituency Development Fund,Ministry of Agriculture Micro-finance and Grands,The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya and in banks “she pointed out and added that the initiatives were meant to empower women financially for them to be able to generate income that goes towards improving their own lives and those of their families.

The NGO also through the training programmes assisted by local and external stakeholders train women in areas like; poverty eradication and food security, Small scale farming,HIV and AIDS control,and Immerging Technologies.

Through external research, Mrs.Kigen said that the NGO founds out what other women gropus and NGO’S do in the aim of elevating the living standards of women.

During a luncheon that was organized by ROSEWO at its offices at Kampi ya Moto in honor of the new District Commissioner Mr.Joseph Motari that was attended by the area MP, speakers including the MP Luka Kigen overwhelmingly appreciated the NGO’s initiatives saying that they had helped stir up development and improved livelihoods in the region. The MP pledged to organize a funds drive that would be attended by national leaders in aid of the local women groups under the umbrella of Rosewo.

NOW JKUAT TAKES OVER KITI

By Our Team

The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricultre and Technology has signed a Memorundum of Understanding with the Nakuru based Kenya Industrial Traioning Institute in which analysts depict as a strategy of consolidating the local middle level training institute.The Nakuru Post can now reveal.

During the recent occasion at the college, the JKUAT Vice-chanchelor Prof.Mebboh Imbuga in her speech repeatedly dwelt on denial that the higher learning institution was not intending to take over KITI but rather aimed at helping develop it, but in between contradicted her self when she hinted out that JKUAT would eventually work towards seeing KITI elevated to a higher learning centre in the near future.

By giving example to other middle level colleges in the country that are affiliated to University,the Vice-Chancelor said that the colleges were on the verge of attaining University statutes. These she said include;The Mombasa Polytechnic, Kimathi Institute, Multi-Media College, and Meru Institute.

Prof.Imbuga affirmed that the University was committed towards realizing the Vision 2030 by working with the Ministry of Industrialization. According to the MOU that was witnessed by the Parmanent Secretary Eng.Karanja Kibicho the two institutions will enjoy exchange of resources in teaching, research, human resource and technology transfer. “Both students and staff of the institutions will benefit from exchange programmes and incentives like field attachments and training” she said

The PS on his part said that his ministry would be committed towards ensuring the success of the M.O.U.He announced that the ministry had already allocated sh.68million to expand teaching facilities and the completion of stalled projects at the institution.This MOU will boost research, training, marketing, consultancy and technology transfer” He said.

The occasion was also witnessed by the college Board Of Governors led by its chairman Mr.Charles Lumanda,the Principal Mr.Francis Maloti ,JKUAT deputy vice-chanchelor Research and Extension Prof.Esther Kahanji and deputy vice-chancelor Academic Affairs Prof.Romenus Odhiambo.

KITI-Nakuru branch was established in 1965 with aid and collaboration from the Japanese government to offer specialized training in industrial technology.

The MOU however comes in the wake of an outcry by pundits in the country over the increased manner in which higher learning institutions in the country were absorbing middle level colleges. According to the pundits this will create a vacuum in middle level training as form four levers who fail to qualify for University training will be stranded.

Former railway employees

cry wolf over stalled pay

By KEN OKABININI

FORMER employees of the defunct Kenya Railways Corporation have petitioned the president Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to intervene over the stalled pension allowances.

The over four thousand (4000) pension able ex-staff of the defunct corporation are outraged with two welfare groups in charge of spear heading their pension scheme, together with the national pension schemes board under the ministry of finance for deliberately failing to manage the pension scheme.

The two associations, which the employees say have turned corrupt and neglected their plight are AKIRAGE and KEREPA whose officials are also former employees of the former transport company.

The two are mandated to be in-charge of the pension scheme property that includes collecting rent and dues from all investments of the former corporation. They are also in charge of disbursing monthly payments to the scheme members.

The former employees complain of long delay of payments that have lead to them experience acute poverty.A section of the former KR employees told reporters IN Nakuru recently that they have not received their dues for the last ten months. Our families are living in poverty. We cannot be able to pay fees for children. The government must tell Kenyans why we live like beggars yet we have an investment” complained a pensioner”

They also grumble of a total lack of communication and a stalled increment on their allowances. The pensioners told the press that despite of many complains they had made in writing to the (RBA) Kenya Retirement Benefits Authority at treasury, no action or feed back had been made or received.

The former employees say that the pension scheme’s trust is worth Ksh.

20 billion and generates a monthly income of over Ksh. 40 million from investments, that was enough to pay monthly allowances to the scheme members.

According to documents availed in our news room, the retired employees from the western Kenya region had written to the finance minister and copied the same letter to the Kenya Anti- Corruption Commission for intervention citing provisions from the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme.

The document read in part: We the Kenya Railway Pension wish to draw to the attention of our dissatisfaction in the way the scheme is being run ……being the overall organ that secures and regulates pension schemes in the country. We need you intervention…………….

Retirement and death benefits of Kenya Railway Corporation pensioners is provided by the Trustees of the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme (KRSRBS) from its revenues. The information further divulges that the retirees and members of their families are entitled to the benefits under Act Cap 397 of the Kenya Railways Corporation.

The government of Kenya through the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) requires that all government bodies establish separate pension schemes to manage the death and retirement benefits matters. RBA is established under the retirement benefits Act 1997 to regulate retirement benefits sector of the economy and is managed by the ministry of finance.

MUUNGANO

MUUNGANO TO SETTLE 200 POOR KENYANS
Muungano wa wanavijiji Nakuru Region Organization plans to build
houses and settle over 200 members of the orgernization.
This was revealed recently by the Nakuru regional coordinator Mr James
Mwangi when he and other officials talked to The Nakuru Post
The orgernization that is supported by the Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT)
targets slum dwellers in the country.
The Nakuru region branch has over 3000 members drawin from over 50
communities based on self-help groups.
In the larger Nakuru county including Nakuru town, Njoro, Rongai,
Naivasha, Molo, Gilgil Subukia among others.
The official said the first phase of the settlement project dubbed
“Green Field Project” will settle the beneficiaries in Njoro, Pipeline
and Kwa Ronda in total of 25 acres of land.
The chairman of the project Mr Sammy Njoroge said that the project
will cost the orgernization about 15 millio***** that include the cost
of purchasing land and building houses the beneficiaries told The Post
of Nakuru that project will be implemented before the end o ftheis
year.
Meanwhile, in another project, Muungano organization is leasing with
partners like Forum SYDO and the Kenya Youth Alive Foundation to
educate and sensitize its members on devolved funds initiatives by
government including the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
The coordinator Mr James Mwangi said the project will involve Muungano
members through constituencies including Nakuru, Naivasha and Rongai.
The coordinator noted that many common citizens in the county are
aware of chair rights on the devolved funds especially CDF whose main
aim was to benefit poor people in the country.
Muungano wa Wanavijiji helps poor Kenyans who live in low class
regions in urban centers orgernise themselves into savings initiatives
to help uplift their livelihood.
By support of the International Slum Dwellers Association, the Pamoja
Trust Kenya, the groups access loans to uplift their lives.
Muungano also advocate for land rights of marginalized people in the
country apart from settlement of infrastructure.
According to statistics, about three million Kenyans live in slums.
This accounts to about 10 percent of the country’s 38 million
population.
Re*** indicate that slum dwellers in Kenya are confronted with pu** of
land housing, water scarcity, sanitation, power outage, access to
education and health facilities, unemployment, insecurity among other
socio-economical amenities.
The Nakuru region branch was started in the 2003 after a group of
stakeholders visited Nakuru and assessed a few community-based
orgernizations.

MP calls for women empowerment

By Eric Sindabi

Rongai Member of Parliament Luka Kigen has called on the Kenyan society to empower the woman folk economically as they are more trustworthy and dedicated. He said that women group’s development activities in the recent past had helped improve local communities’ livelihoods.

Speaking during a luncheon organized by Rongai Social and Economic Women Organization (ROSEWO) a local NGO to welcome the Rongai new District Commissioner, the MP said that empowering women was like empowering the whole society as women assist in family and social obligations on constant capacities.

Kigen added that the fact that women form 51% of the entire population of the country, there was a need to consider their plight on a serious ground. He noted that the government had resolved to review the fate of women, the youth and the disabled at the foremost as they are the most vulnerable of society.

While congratulating local women groups’ development initiatives, the MP encouraged them to register and borrow loans to expand their activities. He however reminded them to be active in repaying the loans borrowed in order for them to create a good credit record that will enable them to borrow more funds.

Kigen clarified that the government had set aside enough funds to empower women in the country and they should be fully aware and take advantage of the incentives.

“Women of this country have been suppressed for long but now are speaking in one voice which is encouraging.” He said.

Rongai District has over 300 registered women groups under the umbrella of Rongai Social Economic Women Organization (ROSEWO).The NGO coordinates the activities of the women groups through programmes like; Table banking,and Training in community based projects like; poverty eradication, Agriculture, Food security, HIV and Aids prevention and immerging technologies.

The executive Director of the organization Mrs .Jennifer Kigen said that the NGO liaises with local and international stakeholders in its activities.

The amazing, un-known sand dunes

of Rongai

By Eric Sindabi

Rongai is a legendary area of the vast Nakuru region having evolved as a key Kenya ’s colonial white highlands settlement area. It has been recommended as a cheap access point for tourism within Nakuru that provides ample camping, nature trails, adventure and cultural facilities.

The untold story of the towering sand dunes in the region however is a disturbing phenomenon to those who have ever experienced these wonderful geological formations in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya .

A drive from Nakuru town to Rongai centre off the main Nakuru/Eldoret highway leads to moricho village where the amazing sand dunes of are natured, along the Molo river basin. Here one comes face-to-face with the wonders of Mother Nature that make memories live forever.

Known locally as “Matweku” a Kikuyu ethnic word for a forest or bushy area, these mighty land forms are a site to behold and would confuse one with the renowned Egyptian Piramits,but alas! This is Kenya ! To an architect, the sand dunes can be a great inspiration. Yet to a nature lover, the sandy hills fused in savannah vegetation are a source of endless memories. To the natives it is the beginning and end of life, as they treat the site with sacred thoughts, and greatly value its socio-economic attributes.

Geologically, sand dunes are external geographical landforms that are as a result of weathering, mass wasting or wind erosion. Always the detailed configuration of peaks, slopes, valleys and plains is as a result of external land formations in a process referred to as denudation. Sand dunes are also a result of an accumulation of wind eroded sand. The direction of wind and sand supply determine the shape and size of dunes.

“Sand dunes are very complex geological features that occur every where in the world” says a source on the internet. Nevertheless through out history, towering formations-the awesome sand dunes against golden horizons, blue skies or full moons have always been favorites for nature lovers, explorers, naturalists, photographers and film makers.

The seemingly lonely dune land of Rongai is however far from the well known attractive sites of Kenya but ideally very meaningful to the local communities, who dearly value the 5km square mass of weathered land. The sand hills are ideal grazing, hunting, fruit and firewood gathering destiny. On the other hand the jungles have been historically and to date viewed with sacred thought. Our sources said that circumcision and cleansing rituals are performed from this site by the local native Kipsigis community.

A village opinion elder Mr.Francis Maina says that the poor state of roads in Rongai has greatly contributed to the little that is known of this potential key tourist destination site. As a result, says the opinion elder, possible economic manipulations that can be derived from the site by the locals are hindered. Mr. Maina is of opinion that the government should gazette “Matweku” as a protected area to prevent over exploration by locals and eventually conserve the site as a national heritage and tourist attraction site.

The opinion elder observes that locals can benefit by offering tour guide, camping and accommodation, cultural education and artifacts services to tourists. “If the government considers constructing roads in this remote area of Rongai, can open gates to tourism venturing that can benefit both the local community and the government” He says

According to the opinion leader, a few of the tourists who visit the site are foreigners who get connected by locals who live and work in urban areas while others are local tourists within and out Rift valley. “People out there are yet to know more of the wonders of Kenya ” He notes.

As we trail through the endless sand hills jungle, young boys and girls grazing sheep, goat and cattle accompanied with dogs keep as company and eagerly answer some of our questions while willingly posing for photographs. As the jingles tied around their livestock necks sing, they sing along traditional songs, harvest wild fruits from shrubs and trees, tease each other, play hide and seek as they climb up and down the sandy hills.

To the youngsters “Matweku”is just a normal site in the village where their every day’s livelihood is centered. It is part of them and they part of it. However to a visitor, it is a site to behold- the wonders of Mother Nature that can make one pose for some minutes to give thanks to the creator, for nature is so good.

Crying for the fate of Bishop Eddy Long Bondeni Maternity

Story & Pictures By Eric Sindabi

Back in 2003, what started as a simple game drive by some visiting American philanthropists accompanied by the then mayor Cyrus Ngoru and a nominated councilor Sabina Owiti would later turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Recent medical survey in the country indeed shows that a high number of women and infants die during child-birth. It was to this fact that a local maternity facility got an opportunity to get a face-lift enabled by African Resource Group (ARG) that is managed by the one Bishop Eddy Long the senior pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church based in Dekalb county, Georgia,in the USA.

ARG is an international charity organization that supports the needy and sponsors religious training all over the world especially in Africa.

The former Bondeni Maternity and children’s health center was renovated and equipped with safer birth equipment ranging from; beds, gloves, thermometers,baby bags, incubators among others. The hospital also got a face-lift in sanitation facilities. When Bishop Eddy Long visited Nakuru in August 2003 the hospital was renamed to Bishop Eddy Long Bondeni Maternity.

Nevertheless according to M/s Owiti who together with the then Nakuru Mayor Cyrus Ngoru brokered the deal when they were invited in the US, the initial plan was to build a multimillion health facility to cater for women and children. In a recent exclusive interview with NCN Owiti who by then was in-charge of the Environment Department at NMC, the hospital was to serve the South of Sahara and a referral facility as a project of the ARGb in Africa.”We discussed about many issues but the one that attracted Bishop Long was the issue of the maternity and children health. “She said.

The former nominated councilor said that the ARG had pledged to pump in US dollars 100million to implement the project after giving out an initial amount of sh.3.5 million to cater for architetural and structural planning. She says that according to the agreement between the Nakuru Municipal Council and ARG the council was to dish in sh.15million before the sponsors release the rest of the funds for the project.

Owiti said that the former local government Mr.Musikari Kombo had appointed a Board to oversee the project while the then Director of Medical Services Dr.Nyakal had pledged to post more doctors and nurses at the hospital. The Board was refereed to as Bondeni Eddy Long.(BEL) and was gazetted and its activities financed by the government in 2004 “She stressed adding that the Board comprised of high-ranking doctors, ministry of health, and ministry of local government and NMC officials and was to serve for three years.

Owiti said that the Board was however un-ceremoniously disbanded before realizing its mandate as local and national politics glared its ugly face into the activities of the Board some time before the 2007 general elections. She clarified that minutes of the Board’s meetings and those of the full council were documented at the Town Clerk's office including the decision by the council to release sh.15million from LATIF to go towards the implementation of the project.

Located in the low class area of Bondeni, the health facility is among the many health facilities that are run by the NMC. It offers labor, anti-natal, post natal and children health services. The facility serves mostly slum dwellers and even people from rural areas outside Nakuru Municipality.

A spot check by NCN showed that the hospital has a large number of patient turn out but still lacks adequate facilities to offer efficient services. This includes a theater, washing machine, incubator and a mortuary. Also lacking are enough specialized doctors and nurses.

Born in 1953 at Huntersville North Carollina Baishop Eddy Long has received various awards in leadership and charity works, though implicated in various monetary and sex scandals. He has authored books like; I don’t want Delilah,I need you, Power of a Woman, Talking over, It’s your Time, Gladiator; The Strength of A Woman, Deliver me from Adam and Blessing in Giving.

The wonder new-born of Nyandarua

BY ERIC SINDABI

It is said that wonders never cease. This was the case at Ndunduri market centre in Nyandarua District recently when residents woke up on the morning of 14^th October this year to the shock of a new member of their society James Mwangi who was born bearing 28 natal tooth on both his upper and lower jaws,a fact that is very rare.

Stunned residents streamed in the homestead of Martha Wanjiru and Simon Wanderi to witness the rare happening that they confessed was a wonder that had never occurred before in the area. Never the less doctors at the local Ndundori Community Dispensary confirmed that both the mother and the child were health and referred them to the Rift valley General Hospital for advice from dental specialists.

When we arrived at the scene the area Chief Jane Wanjiru helped by the local police were busy trying to contain the curious residents wanting to get a glimpse of the rare James Mwangi with little success, save for the many gifts they brought along with them for him. We found her in her shanty rental house at the market centre in company of her two sisters, Joyce Muthoni and Jane Njeri preparing mbosho (beans) for a meal together with a group of local Christian women who had come to pray for the family, before we requested for a permission to interview her.

She certainly agreed to be interviewed in presence of her company though looking nervous and suspicious. She said that since the news of her new born baby had burst out, she had never had a piece of mind as tents of residents and news men kept on streaming at her house wanting to see her child and asking her endless questions. When we asked her where was Mwangi she said. “My husband has resolved that enough is enough, the kid needs to rest”. Nevertheless we went on with the interview.

According to the mother of four, she had an ordinary pregnancy with no complications being detected at all during the pre-natal clinics. When labor begun on the evening of 13^th October, she was helped out by her neigh ours to deliver her child successfully, with no signs that it would turn out to be an abnormal child. She confessed that she got a shock of her life when she made to breast feed the baby for the first time when she discovered that the infant bore teeth, a fact that is not normal to newly born babies.

When the family later consulted doctors at Ndundori Community Dispensary a stone throw away, from their home she said doctors ruled that both her and the child were healthy but should consult dental doctors at the Rift valley Provincial General Hospital for advice. To dispute assumptions that many abnormal new born babies in the country are as a result of complications caused by Family Planning methods used by women,Wanjiru revealed to us that she never applies the formal family planning methods, but she does it the natural way.

Wanjiru complained that she got difficulty during breast feeding as the teeth pinch as the child sucks. She said that she sometimes was forced to milk the milk and artificially feed the kid. She however bears no regrets or hatred for her baby as she believes that it was the will of the creator. “God works in so many ways and can test ones faith in different ways. I believe my child will grow up normally “She said.

Interestingly the mother confessed that a similar incident had some time back happened in the area, which though was never made public after a local self proclaimed prophetess commonly referred locally as Mnabii gave birth to baby boy who seemingly was circumcised at birth.

Her sister Joyce Muthoni a staunch Christian told journalists that she had advised her sister to treat the birth of James Mwangi as normal and give thanks to God as rare is always a blessing. A local Christian Ngwataniro(co-operation )group leader mama Veronica Njambi said that they had had the reports through the media and decided to come to pray for the family. “Every thing is as a result of the hands of God, we heard it on radio and so we came to give thanks to him as he is the creator” she said.

Born 27 years ago of Mzee James Mwangi whose new born son is named after, and Mama Ruth Wanja in Piavi village in Njoro on the west of Nakuru town, Wanjiru attended Ngano Primary School up to standard eight before she got married to Simon Wanderi 12 years ago who is a butherman based in Ndundori market centre. The couple so far has four children including the new born. Others are; Agness Mumbi aged 12, Joseph Chege, 7 and Ruth Wanja, 3.The mother practices small scale farming at her husband’s parent’s farm in Ndundori.

Medical reports on the internet however indicate that cases of children being born with teeth are normal though very rare. According to the reports, at least one child out of two thousand children being born is likely to have natal teeth. The reports say that a baby can develop buds also called milk teeth due to genetic and hormonal complications that are inherent. Certain genetic syndromes that make a baby likely to grow teeth prematurely is high and can be passed from generation to generation”. says the report.

It adds that on the treatment perspective not only is aspiration ,a condition of inhaling foreign substances into the lungs a major concern but also a complication known as Riga Fede disease develops. The natal tooth can cause an ulcer on the bottom of the toque interfering with feeding of the child. Hence, the report concludes that a child born with teeth or who gets teeth soon after birth should be examined by dental experts for possible removal of the natal tooth.