The Nakuru Post

STOP PROPAGANDA

2011-12-06T02:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-06T02:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-29T00:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-29T00:29:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-16T00:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-08T05:12:00.002-08:00

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

2011-11-08T05:12:00.001-08:00

Eric Sindabi,

Where is Oginga Odinga?

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.

Honor oginga Odinga

2011-11-08T05:12:00.000-08:00

Eric Sindabi,

Where is Oginga Odinga?

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.

Desperate youth join terror

2011-11-08T05:08:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

Eric Sindabi

Address youth’s unemployment problem seriously

No diplomacy over migingo

2011-11-08T05:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-08T05:01:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-05-05T03:03:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-05-05T03:02:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-05-05T03:00:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-05-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-05-05T01:59:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-05T01:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-04-28T23:49:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-04-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-04-28T23:42:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-04-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

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.

political parties forum

2011-04-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

ERIC SINDABI
8/11/2010
A consultative forum among political parties in the country organized by the Registrar of Political Parties and other stakeholders has resolved that political parties will abide by new regulations provided in the new constitution under the Political Parties Act.

The forum was held at Cathy Hotel in Nakuru town from 4th to 6th November and attended by representatives from all the 47 registered political parties in the country.Other stake holders included the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) and the National Democratic Institute(NDI) officials.Invited guest speakers to the retreat included political and electoral experts from Ghana and Mozambique who delivered speeches on inter party dialogue and electoral matters.

IIEC commissioner Mrs. Hamara Ibrahim told NCC that the retreat was aimed at having a consultative dialogue among the stake holders to forge the way forward a head of the next general elections.She said that the three day meet had come up with resolutions that will guide the political parties hence forth.She noted that there was no such dialogue and mutual agreement among political parties during the 2007 elections where a political impasse was witnessed after the elections.

She hinted that a National Political Parties Liaison Commitee (NPPLC) that was formed recently will always address parties matters in relation to elections in the country.The commissioner added that the retreat had come up with possible amendments to the Political Parties Act and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission Act that will be presented to parliament for debate by the minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

According to the Registrar of Political Parties Mrs.Lucy Ndungu the forum had agreed on a number of amendments over the parties operations as provided for in the new constitution.The solutions dabbed;"Nakuru Resolution" provide for accountability and transparency,honesty,orderly conduct,patriotism,fairness, mutual respect and tolerance,Gender balance and exclusivity and the spirit of consultation.
Ndungu also said that the political parties forum had resolved to advocate and champion for a free,fair and peaceful elections and to eliminate mistrust and suspicion among political parties.
"Political parties representatives to the forum will be nominated in writing and approved by the Electoral Management Board.Only one representative from each political party will attend meetings at any level of the forum".She said in a statement to the press.

The Registrar of Poplitical Parties also said that the National Democratic Institute had resolved to continue sponsoring consultative and dialogue activities of registered political parties in the country.
Leading political party leaders who attended the retreat included former Local Government Minister Mr.Musikari Kombo of Ford Kenya,Prof.Julia Ajiambo of the Labor Party of Kenya,former Magarini MP Mr. David Kombe of KADDU and former Kibwezi MP Kalembe Ndile among others.

Recently the IIEC chairman Mr.Ahmed Isaak Hassan asked the Registrar of Political Parties to audit and De-register those that do not comply with the Political Parties Act provisions.If implemented the directive will affect major political parties in the country who so far have loop holes that do not conform to the new constitution's Political Parties Act.

These include;The Orannge Democratic Movement (ODM) that is led by Prime Minister Raila Odinga,President Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU),Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka's Orange Democratic Movement of Kenya (ODM-K) and the Kenya African National Unity (KANU) led by the Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.According to the Registrar of Political parties, the parties have not held elections and remitted their returns.The new constitution also prohibits civil servants and cabinet ministers from holding political party leadership positions.

Bizarre killings

2011-04-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

Bizarre killings stun

Nakuru residents

By KEN OKABININI

PANIC and confusion reigned high in Nakuru town recently when residents of two estates in the west of the town woke up on the morning of August 12 to to come to terms with news of a bizarre killing of seven members of the area.

The post of Nakuru established that residents of Kaptembwa were griped in fear and confusion when four members of the estate were discovered murdered in a most bizarre manner. The sources said the youthful men were discovered murdered with their mutilated bodies hardly without bloodstains, private parts and tongues.

In the neighboring Bangladesh estate off Nakuru/Eldoret highway other three middle-aged men were also found grisly murdered with tongues and private parts missing from their mutilated bodies. Our sources said that police arrested one person in connection with the incident to help with investigations. Early this year a similar incident was reported at Railways estate in which several night guards fell victims.

Members of the public who talked to the Nakuru post said that such strange killings were linked to witchcraft practices in a neighboring country. According to the wananchi, it was most likely that the perpetrators of the strange murders were linked to witchdoctors who allegedly use some human beings body parts to manufacture witchcraft enchantment.

Only recently, the public was treated to a rare revelation of a syndicate involving the selling of dead people’s body parts that involved some mortuary workers and human

Filthy adverts

2011-04-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

Shame of

Filthy adverts

BY A CORRESPONDENT

SEX literature and graphics advertising adult and young intimate relationships have stunned residents of Nakuru. According to sources, the immoral adverts are targeting young people in local colleges and other institutes of higher learning in the region.

Sources said that the advertisements in form of posters are posted at strategic positions where the target groups can receive them. The contents of the adverts simply ask whether one wishes for a “sugar mummy” or a “sugar daddy’ and provide a mobile phone number and a web site address.

The source said that the posters are pinned on trees and walls on streets where local college and university students often use and near local hostels. A comment on the face book read: Maze Naks kumeendelea siku hizi mpaka wase wana advertise ma sugar mummy na ma sugar daddy (Nakuru is so advanced that Sugar Mummies and Sugar Daddies are advertised)

Local colleges and University student leaders however, when contacted for comment condemned the development and called upon the local police to investigate the matter. The students’ leaders also urged the Nakuru Municipal Council to investigate the same matter.

According to the Local Government regulations, all advertisements made within the local authorities’ area must be certified. Posters must bear a stamp while road shows and signboards must have a license.

It is however unethical according to communication principles to carry out an immoral or an anti-social advertisement campaign. On the other hand pimping is an illegal practice in many countries in the world including Kenya .

This however comes in the wake where many parents in the country are a worried lot about the sex behaviors of their children in secondary schools, colleges and universities.

Many cases of unwanted pregnancies and contraction of sexually transmitted diseases is a trend that is worrying among teenagers in the country. In most public Universities in the country, the number of student mothers is increasing a fact that has caused an alarm with University authorities.

AMORIOUS PASTORS PUT ON NOTICE

2011-04-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

EVEN as most church leaders are still stripling with the effects of their recent involvement in a political event of a new constitution making, attention now goes to amorous church leaders who have been put on notice as citizens continue loosing faith in the church..

According to investigations most local church leaders are engaged in adulterous behaviors with female members of their flock a vice that is against the teachings of the Bible that is the foundation of Christianity.

Our sources described a local church leader in a Nakuru area as monotonous in seducing young female church goes where the said pastor woos them with money and other goodies.

According to the source, the pastor has been caught red handed on several occasions having intimate moments with young women inside the church compound. The source hinted that several church compounds in the area have special rooms set aside that are referred to as “pastors resting room”

The source divulged that it is from here that the clergymen commit adultery, as most of them are married people. That, Such episodes take place mostly during night prayer sessions commonly known as Keshas.

A case is on record in which a local pastor was found making love to a widowed woman also a member of his church in the special room as other church members engaged themselves in deep prayers during a kasha.The source said that the two had earlier excused themselves for an allegedly special prayer for the widow.

However, an anxious group of other revealers who also wanted special attention from the pastor had ventured to the special room only to be greeted with a shock of their lives as they found the pastor making love to the woman.

According to our source, the ashamed pastor hurriedly jerked out of the room and bolted in his car leaving his flock stunned and awestruck. The woman in question, the source said had defended herself and the church leader saying that he had a right to have an affair with her since she was a widow.

Elsewhere in Nairobi’s Githurai 44 estate, drama unfolded when a wife of a church leader stormed a single woman’s house and found her husband there. The source said that the young woman who was an usher in the pastors church had earlier given birth to child she named after the pastor’s mother giving an indication that the pastor was the biological father to the child.

According to neigh ours who earlier had tipped off the wife of the amorous pastor, on that material day the wayward man of God was spotted doing shopping in the nearby market before venturing into the single woman’s house. The enraged wife the source said, amid vulgar had gone back to her house a few meters away and came back with a paper bag containing underpants of her husband.

“Take over my responsibility you harlot. This is your most precious moment “She had cried out. According to the sources the church leader and the woman in question have since disappeared from the area.

Lugari

In another related incident in Lugari District in western Kenya a Pentecostal Assemblies of God pastor’s illicit sexual escapades with another man’s wife almost turned tragic when angry villagers attempted to lynch him after thoroughly beating him up.

The media were informed that the amorous man of God had formed a habit of sneaking in the matrimonial home of a woman whose husband works in Nairobi.That the in-laws of the woman had hatched a plan to discipline him when one night they stormed into the house and caught him red handed in the sinful act.

The sources told the media that the clergyman was beat up and tied on a tree from where he spent the night in the cold. The following morning he was frog marched to the market centre from where he was forced to confess in public his immoral deeds.

Lumakanda OCPD Bernard Kibe who was among police officers who rescued the man said that his officers had a hectic time trying to control the angry members of the public who wanted to lynch the said pastor.

He said that police detained him briefly to save his life and later released him as there was no complainant to acknowledge charges against him.

2011-04-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Early campaigns in Nakuru

By OUR REPORTERS

THE ever hotly contested Nakuru Town parliamentary seat is up for grabs even as voters will have to wait until December 2012 to seal the fate.

According to unconfirmed sources, residents are outraged with the current MP Mr. Lee Kinyanjui also the roads assistant minister for what they term as neglect.

The source also confirmed that a section of residents, cry foul and highly question the manner in which the local CDF fund is being utilized.

Early campaigns are being witnessed with key contesters’ going round the constituency trying to create good will among voters through development activities and political strategies that are in line with majority of the local voters.

Such include a prominent local businessman Paul Madaraka Mwithaga and the controversial and outspoken cleric Mike Brown who our sources indicated that were making inroads in the constituency with development agendas.

The two, our sources said were leading the local voters in taunting at the current MP for allegedly misusing CDF funds and neglecting the well fair of locals politically. The two aspirants accuse the MP for allegedly not supporting the guest for a new constitution as was the wishes of the majority of the constituents during the referendum campaigns.

In what seems to be a political ambush on Kinyanjui our sources said Madaraka has over one hundred development schemes he has officiated in the constituency over the last two years.

These include charity works to local children’s homes, hospitals, and women groups and sponsoring of projects by local college students, youth groups, schools and churches.

Madaraka recently recorded a statement at Kilimani police station in Nairobi following alleged threats on his life.He said during a recent political rally in Molo that he believed those making threats on his life were out to intimidate him for exposing “fishy’’deals in the management of local public funds.

Mwithaga said: The era of silencing critics in an orthodox way is long gone and instead leaders should accommodate divergent views when handling public resources and issues.”

A recent call in radio programme for Q FM highlighted Nakuru voters’ dismay. The residents according to the sources were concerned over their MPs continued silence and negligible development record.

Madaraka was among those who missed parliament with a small margin in the highly competitive last general elections and those who monitor local politics closely are quick to comment that this round the entire wealthy young businessman will make a kill.

“He is a down to earth person who is ready to listen to people’s problems and aspirations and hovers not to his promises” said a supporter of the aspirant.

Kinyanjui’s supporters however have dismissed the allegations that the MP is absent and non-performing.The loyalists said that Kinyanjui’s development agenda was on record and could not be disputed.

2011-04-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

Library bracing for Automation

By Eric Sindabi

NAKURU TOWN Library services are soon going to be computerized in order to realize the need for Library Automation in offering quality information services. The senior Librarian Mary Khayesi announced this during a recent meeting of the Library Automation Committee which she is the chairperson.

The committee subsequently un- veiled plans for the implementation of the programme. The librarian said that the programme is expected to kick off early the year 2011.She said that her office was liaising with that of the University Librarian and NTC Director to put proper infrastructure in place for the implementation of the plan.

The meting deliberated on logistics and modalities involving aspects like; Library Automation Software, Computer terminals, Network working machinery and accessories, Data entry, training staff on applications and maintenance of the facility.

Committee members include; representatives from all sections of the library, Information Communication Technology department representative and two members of staff from Njoro main campus in charge of IT services.

Library Automation involves the use of computer aided procedures to offer library services. The overhaul for example eases search and retrieving of information materials in a library through the use of a computerized catalogue and also advances circulation services that include issuing and discharging of library resources to users. The service also enhances security, on-line services and interlibrary loaning.

2011-04-28T23:23:00.001-07:00

Criticizing Ideology and the Media

By Eric Sindabi

IDEOLOGY is about how people think and identify themselves in society. It is also the process of criticizing or challenging other people’s ideas. Karlmax cast a negative shadow on ideology while critiquing media for propagating ideology of a few in societies to influence the masses. According to Karlmax the minority brainwash the majority and once they achieve this they rule.

Rulers apply all classes of ideology to suit their egos. Corruption, tribalism, racism, culture, prejudice, religion, class, and economic power can all be applied in ideology. Since time immemorial however many societies in the world have experienced the phenomenon of ideology where a few rule and dominate in society.

Critics of ideology however urge that ideology is an enslavement of the masses by the few dominant and results to inhumanity. The notion of mental slavery thus comes to surface. The masses always assume that there is no other way of thinking about reality other than the way their rulers think. It is to this point that critics feel, the media comes in as an agent of ideology because it is mandated by society to survey and transmit information.

Theory

According to an Italian philosopher Atonio Gramsci, the co-operation of the masses in the production or success of an ideology by a minority helps the rulers satisfy their goals. Critics observe that the sub-ordinate majority are subjected to social institutions that support the powerful. The media is one of them.

When the media for example fails to be objective but biased and un-ethical, it directly supports the aims of the dominant few in society through the information they circulate. From side to side opinion leaders propagate the ideology of the few that roots into the masses and justifies the goals of the media and that of the rulers. The media sales while the rulers gain.

Media theorists indeed believe that the media is powerful in this role. The masses are directly influenced by media content and shape opinions, beliefs and characters. Because the media is in business, it is controlled by the few dominant because of their economic powers. It sets the agenda for public opinion by psychologically affecting the thinking patterns of the majority in society through propaganda.

Hitler

Hitler was a racist. His ideology was that his Arian race was supreme over other races and that only Arians were the justified human beings in the world. This ideology was planted in his German followers who went at all bounds to support him achieve his political goals. He promised his followers that his ideas would help rebuild Germany into a mighty empire that would last for over a thousand years.

The Nazi Movement went ahead to exercise an in-human ruling style where millions of Jews in many European countries were oppressed and massacred to justify Hitler’s ideology. The regime spread death and hatred that provoked world war in 1939.As a result the Nazi killed about 6 million Jews as well as about 5 million other people that Hitler regarded as racially inferior or politically dangerous.

2011-04-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

National Guidance and Counseling

Association formed

By AMOS WAIGORO

A national Guidance, Counseling and Psychological Association has
been formed to serve as an umbrella organization for professional
practitioners in Kenya.
During the association’s first national conference held at Egerton
University recently, Professor Aggrey Sindabi of Egerton University
was elected the national chairman of the association.
Other national officials elected included Dr.Mary Kariuki (Egerton
University) secretary, Dr.Micah Chepchieng (Egerton University)
treasure, Ms Lucy Kung'u (United States of America International
University) vice-chairperson, Dr.Peter Odera Masinde Muliro University
of Science and Technology (MMUST) vice-secretary. Representatives from
other universities and the ministry of public service and tertiary
institutions will also serve in the national office of the new
association.
Speaking to the media, Prof. Sindabi said the aim of the conference
that attracted over 200 participants and invited guests was to launch
a national Guidance and Counseling Association to enhance holistic
human adjustment and development in Kenyan contemporary society.
Documents from the conference proceedings indicated that the
objectives of the event were to:
-Create a forum for professional councilors from universities and
related institutions in order to deliberate on issues pertaining to
the profession in Kenya in the 21st century.
- Form a national association for professionally trained counselors
and within it a regulatory council to formulate and enhance relevant
policies for appropriate guidance and counseling standards and to form
a code of professional conduct in the practice.
-To establish a secretariat for the association.
The don added that the association would initiate a scholarly journal
to be published regularly to provide a medium and forum for
dissemination and exchange of ideas and knowledge in the field. “This
will enhance the development of guidance and counseling profession” He
said.
Guest speakers in the conference included the National Commission
Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) chairman Dr. Frank Njenga,Dr .Gladys Mwiti
and Prof. Freida Brown the Vice -chancellor of USIU.
The speakers presented papers on issues like; the status of mental
health in Kenya and its implications for counseling ,ethics and
professionalism in the practice of guidance and counseling, counseling
in a developing nation and challenges of youths in society and its
implications for counseling.
The NACADA Chairman cautioned parents and teachers to understand that
technological advancements affect communication to children.
He said multimedia and social networks have influenced the behaviors
of young people hence calls for advanced guidance and counseling
standards to be formulated.

2011-04-28T23:14:00.000-07:00

Film to highlight indigenous customs

By Eric Sindabi

Egerton University is sponsoring a documentary film project by communication and media students based at Nakuru Town Campus that will highlight the indigenous cultures of Kenya . The director of the film and also Audio/ Visual Production instructor at the University Mr.Manoah Mukhwana said that the film will in particular focus on the plight of the girl -child in Kenya as depicted among traditional customs of various tribes in the country.

He said that the aim of the project was to provide practical journalistic experience in Audio/Visual Production for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media students of Egerton University .

The class has so far visited various parts of the country, interviewing and recording audio/visual information from selected indigenous groups. These include all the sub-tribes of the Mijikenda tribe (Coast province), Meru, Akamba, (Eastern) Bukusu, Isukha (Western) Luo, Gusii, Kuria,Suba (Nyanza), Maasai Kipsigis, Nandi, Turkana Marakwet (Rift Valley) and Gikuyu (Central).

The trips, says Mukwana, earn each student 20% of the course requirements. “Students get practical experience in film production aspects like reporting, photography, interviewing, directing, presentation, script writing, site management and public relations.

They get exposed to journalistic conditions outside the studio”. He said.

The film focuses on key indigenous customs among different Kenyan ethnic groups like; wife inheritance, cleansing, education, initiation, naming, gender roles and beliefs among others.

The project will in general highlight on gender issues in Kenya by focusing on the plight of the girl-child. It will also highlight on the diversity and similarities of Kenyan traditional heritage.

Mean while major changes have been effected in the Bachelor of Arts in media and communication degree course at the University aimed at adding value to the course in order to meet competitive market demands. Egerton is among a few other institutes of higher learning in the country that offers degree courses in journalism. The Self Sponsored training attracts form four leavers and Para-professionals who wish to pursue a career in communication and mass media.

The coordinator of Media and Communication studies at Egerton University Ms Mareri says that the University’s academic policy requires for a review of academic programmes curriculums after every five years.

New courses which have been introduced include; communication and language skills in Kiswahili, Introduction to sociology, Communication and critical thinking, Public speaking, Desk top publishing, Entrepreneurship, Interpretation and translation in communication, Internet technology and communication, Communication in global context, Information technology; communication systems and social change, Leadership and management, and Digital graphics in communication.

On the other hand, some courses like Introduction to computer programming, Data structures, Computer graphics and Introduction to economics have been removal from the syllabus.

The coordinator said that the new changes were based on suggestions from students and past performances evaluation and critical market demands for graduates.

Egerton and China

2011-04-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Egerton and China in research and technology collaboration

By ERIC SINDABI

A stakeholders’ series on quality and safety of agro-products sponsored by the government of China in collaboration with Egerton University seeks to provide skills and knowledge in using new technologies and research in agricultural production to provide food safety in Africa continent.

The second in sequence of the programme that was held recently at the Crop Research and Technology Management Centre(CMRT) at Egerton University Njoro main campus drew stakeholders across the country and the continent.These include;Kenya,Uganda,Tanzania,Burundi,Rwanda,Ethiopia and Nigeria.

The coordinator of the course Dr.Arnold Opiyo said that the course aimed at addressing issues of food security and safety through cutting down on post harvest loses by use of research and agricultural production research.

The senior lecturer at the department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils Sciences at the faculty of Agriculture observed that the issue of food safety has not been addressed properly in most African countries. Though we tend to move forward in food quality production, the issues of food safety and quality fit for human and animal consumption are sidelined “said the don. He said that the course analyzed aspects like the use of pesticides, fertilizers, food stora ge and simple food handling hygiene measures.

The course dabbed;Quallty and Safety of Ago-Products is sponsored by the ministry of education of the Peoples Republic of China through the Nanjing University of Agriculture that has a Memorandum of Understanding with Egerton University.Throgh the M.O.U the two universities facilitate research and teaching exchange programmes not only in Kenya but across the continent.

Prof.Qinsheng Wu one of the organizers of the programme says that the problem of the course lies in the reality of changes in environment and climates that course reduced production of agricultural products due to droughts,floods,chemicals and diseases. The phenomenon, he said lead to reduced food security and safety because of low production and quality.

“Governments in Africa should therefore take measures on how to increase peoples health and food supply through the agricultural research and immerging technologies’’ He said.Prof.Wu added that the task of scientists and University researchers was to know how new techniques in agricultural production could help improve peoples lives. He noted that the government of China puts a lot of priority to agricultural production research and technology.

Prof.Wu has been stationed at the department of Horticulture of Egerton University under the M.O.U for over ten years teaching and conducting research. He is a specialist in Plant Tissue Culture a technological field that promotes the production of disease and virus free and variety breeding in agricultural production.

The course was held between November 10 and 26 2010 and was facilitated by researchers from both the Universities while participants involved agricultural production specialists and other stakeholders.

Topics that were covered in the course included;

- Agro-food quality and safety control,

- Agro-products storage and quality testing technology, plant tissue and modern agricultural technology

- Plant chromosome engineering and its application in agriculture

- Production and status of organic agro-products

- Agricultural development in Kenya

- Chinese language and culture

- Post harvest technology of agro-products, pest and disease control and

- Plant bio-technology in agricultural production among others.

The training also involved field visits and laboratory experiments in several agricultural research centers and companies in Kenya.Participants from Kenya included personnel from; Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA), The Ministry of Agriculture and a number of private flower companies.

A similar course was held at the university in 2008 based on quality and safety of horticultural crops. According to the organizers; this year’s course attracted more participants and drew a closer attention to the issue of food safety in the continent.

A representative from Nanjing University of Agriculture Prof. Li Yuan said that the series is also supported by the China Africa Corporation (CAC).The corporation, said the professor, seeks to promote human resources development in Africa through the dissemination of agricultural production and management information.”Through the cooperation, the people of china also learn about the experience of Africa in agriculture’’. He added.

Eye opener

2011-04-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

Lumumba's story was an eye opener
An opinion By Eric Sindabi

The story carried by The Saturday Nation of 22nd January of this year a bout Patrice Lumumba was quite fulfiling and an eye opener to up coming leaders not only of this country but Africa as a whole.
Lumumba's political life as a young aggressive leader was a real inspiration to many Africans and to our young leaders it should be a big lesson. It calls for selflessness and a burning desire to liberate the masses from injustices and slavery being subjected upon them. At the age 35,Lumumba met his death in the hands of people who were opposed to his political philosophy. He had plunged into politics at a mere age of 20 to fight for the liberation of his country Congo.Lumumba adamantly gave up his life as martyr for his country after a long struggle to bring freedom to his people.
When some leaders in kenya claim that they deserve to be in top leadership simply because they are young,it makes me think of Patrice Lumumba.His story should be an eye opener to the so called young leaders in this country. They should pose and ask themselves what they have done for their country even at their advanced ages as compared to Lumumba.A course to liberate Kenyans from political domination by a few that brings about socoi-economic sufferings by Kenyans. Corruption and impunity has been the order of these so called young leaders as history shows and they have little they can do to improve the lives of Kenyans. Theirs is to protect the corrupt means of their political godfathers but they have no other better agenda for this country. They should learn from Lumumba.Let them tell Kenyans what they have done for the nation if not stealing public resources and dividing citizens on tribal lines and war mongering hoping to get to power as to continue protecting their corrupt ways. Shame on them!

HERBAL MEDICINE

2011-04-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

HERBAL MEDICINE STILL CURVE A NICHE

By Mark Mutai

Herbal medics still curve a niche in the 21st century despite medical
technological growth and trends experienced across the world.

Long practiced, herbals are becoming more relevant as up-to-date
analysis and research confirm their value in treatment and prevention of
diseases. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that
80 p.c of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of
their primary healthcare.

Mzee Timothy Yebei of Kebeneti village in Kericho District who is in his late 80s says that in traditional times, almost all ailments had a cure. “Whether snakes bite, cut injuries, stomach ailments, bareness, persistent headaches among other diseases were treated by med icemen,” recollects Mzee Yebei. He says that traditional medicine men had testing instincts leading to preferable medications.

He adds that as a medicine man approached old age, he passed the tools of trade to his children and other relatives who seemed keen on medication. This he says ensured that traditional medicine never went out of touch with society. “But things have now changed”, he notes.

William Busienei a Nakuru-based Herbal practitioner has been
practicing traditional medicine for the last 30 years. With his family background known for herbal treatment, Busienei inherited his father who was a famous medicine man among the Kipsigis community in the 1960s.

“My herbal journey began in early 1960s when I was a young boy. I
usually accompanied my father to the forest to collect medicinal herbs,” remembers Busienei.He says they harvested the herbs from natural regions like; The Mau, Mt. Elgon, Transmara and Kakamega forests.

As he takes us through the herbal processing unit at his clinic situated in Kaptembwa estate in the West of Nakuru town, the herbalist asserts that processing and packaging of the medication is a specialization in itself separate from having knowledge of medicinal herbs. “One can be good at identifying the herbs from the forest and other natural sites but may be poor in administering the medicine into functional medication,” warns Busienei.

He states that tree backs, leaves, seeds, berries, roots, stems and flowers of
particular herbal plants can either be dried and crushed into powder
form, boiled to produce juicy substances or several substances mixed up to come up with a particular medicine, adding that the herbal medication process is diverse and complex.

“Desired therapeutic effect in the herbs is achieved when whole part
of the plant is used. It also cuts down on side effects and toxicity
of the herbs,” He says.

According to the indigenous med iceman, herbal medication has been successful in the
treatment of complicated infections in human beings like; asthma, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue, and irritable
bowel syndrome.

Busiemei decries the massive destruction of natural forests like the Mau complex as a threat to the practice of traditional medication. He further notes that besides the
extinction of medicinal plants in the country, climatic and
environmental changes will have lasting effects on the local traditional medicine practice.

To curb losses and scarcity of some of his favorite medicinal plants, Busienei has
planted some of the herbs in his backyard garden. He has no kind words for
political leaders who have always sought wealth but forget issues concerning the preservation of natural resources and environment.

He scooped an award during an environmental preservation campaign dubbed “Clean-up the World” organized by the United Nations Environmental Progaramme (UNEP) in Nakuru recently and says he will continue participating in environmental and natural resources conservation initiatives.

Busienei receives patients drawn from the lager Rift Valley,
Central Province, Nyanza and Coast parts of Kenya.I the 2003, he cured a four-year old child suffering from cardiac arrest that is a kind of tumor.

Stella Wanjiru from Sagana had called for help through the Standard
Newspaper. Though scheduled to fly to India for an operation, she ended up in
Busienei’s hands.

The herbalist who travels to many parts of the country selling his herbal medication and ideas calls on the government to organize workshops and seminars where herbalists can exchange ideas and also market themselves locally and internationally.

Busienei says he has personally taken up this idea by involving local herbalists and medical professionals in carrying out research to keep up with overwhelming ailments in the country like kidney failure, thyroids, urinal ailments, and the deadly HIV & Aids.He said he has in particular been in constant consultation with the University of Nairobi Health Science Department.

The conservation of the African indigenous plants is taking shape
as environmentalists in higher learning institutions as well as both
government and non-governmental bodies seek ways of preserving
indigenous flora and fauna. Including botanical gardens and arboretums where indigenous plans are conserved, nature lovers have vowed to stump out extinction of
traditional environment.

Despite the vast challenges edging local herbal medicine practitioners out of market, they
have grouped themselves in attempts to press for their legal rights including intellectual rights and patents.

Attempts to push a bill in the August house in the recent years hit a
snag as legislators never bothered about the concerns of traditional med icemen.

Formalities in legalizing herbalists to practice as well as patent rights have
been a drawback due to lack of constitutional frameworks.

2011-04-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

The ‘jinny’ black spot of Nakuru

By KEN OKABINI

JINIS have been blamed for a spate of death at a Nakuru highway spot. According to residents who talked to Nakuru post , the dark spot near blankets factory along Nakuru/ Nairobi highway claim over 50 people a year who die in fatal accidents involving vehicles plying along the highway.

According to the residents of Free Area estate near the black spot, drivers allegedly visualize a woman and a kid crossing the highway. Thus, in an attempt of avoiding an accident by hitting the mother and child, the drivers allegedly collide and cause accidents.

The residents say that jinis or evil spirits suspected to be owned by a local tycoon are behind the wave of accidents. The sources that sought not to be named told of strange accidents where blood from victims allegedly disappears after drying up straight away and linked this to demons.

A recent accident along the highway claimed over five different family members after a bus and a lorry collided head on.

Other black spots in Nakuru include the section near Nakuru State House and KFA round about near Total Petrol station along Eldoret /Nakuru highway.

Veteran Nakuru politician, educationist and researcher Dr.Taita Toweet perished in a horrendous smash-up with a pick-up ferrying food stuff along the highway two years ago. Yet tears had not dried on the faces of gospel music fans in the country mourning the untimely death of the then renowned gospel music queen Angela Chibalonza in another tragic accident on the same road.

Jinis or evil spirits in form of human beings and scanty animals are encountered especially at Kenya’s coast region and the neighboring Tanzania republic.

Locally many people believe that wealthy people own jinis as a source of their riches and that the evil spirits now and then demand sacrifices of human beings. People link many strange happenings in society like tragic accidents to the works of jinis, yet often discussed in hushed tones.

While addressing a roads safety stakeholders meeting in Nairobi the minister for roads Franklin Bet hinted that though the rate of roads accidents in the country had recorded a decline from 11347- 8449 in the past one year at least ten people die every day on Kenyan roads.

Bet said that the 1.3 vehicles in the country have a low level of motorization. He said that the government would soon establish a national road safety authority to address the problem.

2011-04-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

OPINION

By Eric Sindabi

POLITICAL LEADERS SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS

Globalization calls for all harmonized cultural, technological economical and social standards and experiences. he world is becoming more and more boundary less and so similar in many aspects. As such Kenyans ought to be aware of this and wary over being put on the spot for whatever they do or the situation we get into .Irrespective of our sovereignty, at one point or another we are obliged to account or play and pay attention on our attitudes and life principles which as expected should conform to global standards. We are not in a world of our own but in one world with the rest of the world!

Take for instance it was not a surprise when the international community was so concerned and indeed intervened to help us solve the political impasse that griped the country after the 2007 elections. It was because we are part of the globe if not so important, as part.

The 2030 vision that will propel Kenya to greater heights, the Grand Coalition Government that helped solve the political impasse in the country, the intensified fight against graft that will mould transparency and improve equal distribution of resources, and above all the new constitution that will enable a devolved power and resources for all citizens of this country, are for example the revolutions in our country that indicate the road towards globalization.

As we embrace such standards we move ahead to conform to global standards of society. Above all, all it calls for is fairness, justice and equality in all aspects. All social and economic institutions should work towards fulfilling these principles. We are moving ahead not looking backward, improving our lives for us and for future generations.

It is to this note that political leaders ought to be cautious in the manner in which they address issues of national interest. Many a political elite seem not to be reading the signs of times and are caught up in the reality of the revolutions in our society. They ought to wake up once and for all!

Here, we mean that, never again shall discrimination,prejudice,tribalism,nepotism,corruption,oppression,gender or class biasness nor racisms rule in our midst as such vices have no room in modern societies, where justice, transparency, hard work, cosmopolitanism and above all, the rule of law, are the guiding principles.

As more and more Kenyans come to terms with these developments, politicians who continue embracing backward ideologies such as tribalism and oppression will naturally be faced out and replaced with upright people who serve society in upright ways.

Global Democracy means ideas that are good for all and supported by majority, on logic and merit but not on race, tribe, class, age or gender. Kenya will be a great nation the time we shall wipe out wayward leaders and when true democracy shall be embraced.

Scramble for Nakuru

2011-04-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

Scramble for Nakuru as new law become

By OUR TEAM

EVEN as Kenyans prepare for the implementation of a new constitution, cold wars and bickering over the control of Kenya’s fourth largest urban centre-Nakuru, seem to be boiling over. We can authoritatively report that this fact indeed is the next big issue that is set to be a centre stage of political calculations in the region that is deemed as most potential economically.

The new law creates 47 counties in the country under a devolved government system that Kenyans hope will bring resources closer to them. This new development will see the vast Rift valley province split into at least 15 counties. These include;

Nakuru,Turkana,West Pokot, Uasin Gishu,Elgeyo-Marakwet,Kajiado,Baringo,Nandi,Laikipia,Kericho,Trans Nzoia, Narok, Samburu and Bomet.

Nakuru County that has a cosmopolitan population of about 4,000,000 people according to the recently announced national census results is expected to comprise of; Rongai, Njoro, Naivasha, Kuresoi, Molo, Subukia and Nakuru town. According to political analysts, most of these areas however are dominated by non-Kalenjin ethnic communities a fact that is the cause of the controversy being agitated by a section of political leaders in the region.

The region is considered a political hot bed considering its past experiences of ethnic tensions. Although Nakuru County is cosmopolitan with members of other ethnic communities like Luhya,Gusii,Luo,Kamba,Maasai,and Turkana also having permanent residences in the region, members of the Kikuyu ethnic community are the majority in Naivasha,Nakuru town,Subukia and Njoro.Molo,Kuresoi and Rongai areas on the other hand are dominated by the Kalenjin community.

A group of leaders claim that Nakuru being a home town of the native Kalenjin ethnic community will be controlled by other people whom they refer to as ‘outsiders’. Recently KANU vice- chair Gideon Moi let the cat out of the bag when he warned that Kalenjin leaders would not watch in silence as the community was being shortchanged.

He claimed that by “outsiders taking over” the control of Nakuru town would mean taking over the entire Rift valley region- tending to mean the dominant Kikuyu ethnic community members who control a large portion of business investments in the town.

According to the politician, also son to the former president Daniel Moi, Nakuru town has been the historical headquarters of Rift Valley and indigenous communities should not be sidelined. “We will not sit back watching Nakuru being grabbed”. He said at a recent rally in Bomet.

This comes however in the wake of revelations by the media that indeed professionals, businessmen and politicians drawn from the Kikuyu ethnic community in Nakuru region were making spirited strategies on how to sponsor members of their ethnic community as to bag all political seats in the county come the 2012 elections.

Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot however wants a compromise deal by Nakuru county leaders to be made so as key county seats be shared by the different communities in the region to avoid the fear that minority groups would feel locked out of leadership. He said that though democracy allowed for the simple majority, the notion would be manipulated to sideline minority groups in the region by voting in leaders from one ethnic community.

Rongai MP Luka Kigen said;Minority communities are talking and although democracy cannot be legislated, voting along tribal lines cannot be wished away”

Menengai

Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto on the other hand says that amendments should be made on the new laws to avoid historical injustices on land issues. According to him, the community would not tolerate the “grabbing” of Nakuru.

He says the Interim Independent Electoral Commissioniiec(IIEC) should move fast to amend the boundaries of Nakuru in line with historical realities. The MP says Nakuru town should be split into two-Nakuru East and Nakuru West to accommodate the interests of different communities.

“Those who created Nakuru County did not consider historical issues like the Menengai hill which is named after a Kalenjin clan of the Tugen community. This means that historically Nakuru belonged to the Kalenjin and it is unfair for the community to be locked out from the town’s resources” He said.

History

According to political pundits, the bawl over Nakuru is a far reaching political out cry by some big –wigs in the region. Looking far back in recent political history of the country, pundits say the region emerges out of a grand unsung pact between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin elite in a bid to control the politics of the country.

To contain power, the founding president of Kenya,Jomo Kenyatta made Moi his VP and that meant the end of KADU and the marginalization of the Luo political uprising. This witnessed mass movement into the region by the Agikuyu in the 1960’s onwards.

Surprisingly many pieces of land in the region were dished out to Kenyatta’s lieutenants who later sold them to their kin and followers from central Kenya at low prices. One of them was the late former post -colonial powerful politician Kiheka Kimani who owned vast pieces of land in Njoro,Molo,Naivasha,and Subukia.

Because of this Kiheka became a darling of his followers-the peasants whom he had helped secure land. He is the only politician in the country who successfully managed to be a Member of Parliament in more than two constituencies. He was once MP for Nakuru North that comprised of the current Rongai and Subukia constituencies, Molo and Naivasha. This was made possible by his popularity in the areas over the dishing out of land to poor Kikuyu tribesmen under small co-operatives known as Ngwataniro.

When Moi assumed power, he too used land to bargain power and to contain the Kalenjin identity in the country. The region was hence declared a total KANU zone. Those who were loyal to him were rewarded with chunks of land in Rift Valley to an extend of encroachments on gazetted areas like the Mau Complex and other public lands.

Dissenting voices were ruthlessly crushed as to those who owned property in the region especially in Nakuru town. The infamous land clashes in the region that begun in the early 1990’s, according to political pundits were politically instigated as the KANU government sought to hold on to power.

New law

The Narok North MP Wiliam Ole Ntimama says that the creation of counties in Rift valley has ended the large ethnic hegemony in the region. He believes that those who used power to amass wealth in the region were the most disturbed by the passing of the new constitution.

He says this will dramatically weaken the political bargaining powers of local big boys of politics. Ntimama believes that threats by some Rift valley leaders are just signs of a dying horse but do not hold any water. He said that the leaders should be arrested and prosecuted for inciting members of their community against other Kenyans.

Development

Nakuru county is expected to be one of the most coveted county in terms of development as the new constitution of devolved government takes shape. According to economic analysts, Nakuru County is expected to lead as it has huge potentials in agriculture, tourism, industry and business.

Already foreign investors led by Chinese businesspersons are piloting the county with full eyes open on business investment opportunities. The setting up of a battery manufacturing plant Xiang Hui International awaiting clearance by the government is one-step forward. According to the director of the industry Mr.Chen Leija, the plant is expected to create over 200 jobs on its first operation.

Three ultra modern hotels and a Casino owned by the Chinese are already in the offing in the town and are expected to boost the number of Chinese business and tourists in Nakuru.

The Chinese are dominant in the motorcycle transport sector in the sale of motorbikes and spare parts at low prices a fact that has improved the local transport sector and the economy as many youth have been employed.

The motorbike transport system is also free-fuel costly and enables improved transport in local rural areas where no PSV reach or due to poor road networks.

“There are many Chinese investors in Nakuru and many more will come as they have realized an opportunity and a low cost of investment,” said a local Chinese businessperson.

2011-04-19T06:27:00.001-07:00

Game meat galore in Nakuru

BY OUR REPORTER

A SECTION of Nakuru residents are exposed to danger for reportedly consuming unhealthy game meat suspected to be the work of poachers. Investigations revealed that the meat is sold in food kiosks and butcheries at extreme low prices in some sections of Nakuru town residential areas that border the Lake Nakuru National Park like

Our sources divulged that a kilo of “meat” costs as cheap as Kshs.30 and Kshs.20. Further investigation bare that some food kiosks in the town center’s back streets are also peddling game meat in the popular “nyama choma” joints.

Two years ago, Lord Delamere’s grandson Tom Cholmondley shot dead a local in his Soysambu farm whom he suspected to be among a group of poachers who ravage the game reserve located along Nakuru -Nairobi highway. He was acquainted of manslaughter.

Our reporter accompanied a local to one of the food kiosks in a low class residential area that border lake Nakuru National Park.This is where most locals come for a good bite of Nyama choma at affordable prices.

The meat is very red, hard to bite and chew with a strange taste. Served with a plate of Ugali or chapatti it costs only ksh.60 for the two and weighs about a kilo each meal.

At a nearby butchery, village women rush in to secure a good super for their families as a “meat” suppler has just arrived. “Customers” get alerted through mobile phones communication once there is a supply ready.

The suppliers are men in their mid thirties look messy and in a hush, they glance from one direction to the other seemingly in a hurry to settle the illegal deal. The meat supplies stuffed in bloody sacks is hastily off-loaded from a motor bike before butcher men distribute to waiting anxious customers.

Though game meat is illegal in the country investigations, reveal that it is rampant because of poaching.

President Kibaki while opening the former Kenya Meat Commission had hoped that it would reduce poaching for illegal meat supply. Kenya looses about 50% of annual wild life population growth to poaching a trend that nature conservationists believe is a threat to wildlife diversity.

On the other hand, public health experts believe that game meat consumption is dangerous as it exposes consumers to harmful meat products not certified for human consumption.

Man goes undercover over threats by chief

2011-04-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Man goes undercover over threats by chief

By OUR REPORTER

A forty seven year old man has gone underground alleging harassment from a local chief and administrative police over what he terms as family matters.

The angry man who talked to us before resorting to his next destination said that the chief and the police had no right to summon him over his family matters. He added that the incident was a ploy to extort money from him by a woman claiming to be the mother of his children and that it had happened on several occasions.

He said that he had been forced to live like a pauper and a criminal on the run by evading his matrimonial home to keep cover. “Let the children’s office and the courts solve the matter. I will not honor any summons from people who are less concerned” He agitated.

The man (name withheld) showed our reporter a letter dated 6^th of August this year that read in part: You are hereby summoned to appear before the under signed on 10/8/2010 at 9am failure by which you will be liable to arrest and prosecution ..”

According to the man, a resident of Nakuru Teachers estate, and a former Kenya Railways Corporation employee, the letter did not specify reasons for the summon and for the arrest or prosecution against him. He said that even before he had officially received the communication, the said chief started making threatening calls to him and that was the reason why he was taking cover.

This comes in the wake where the national Maendeleo ya wanaume movement has petitioned parliament to review laws that involve marriage and children. According to the organization, many men in the country suffer silently in the hands of women and that, women were purposely trapping men to father children so as to demand benefits from them unfairly.

The organization says that many men are suffering silently and loose their hard-earned financial and other resources to wayward women with no marriage commitment.

Our investigation revealed that many men in the country have fell victim to women who are abusing the laws concerning children to make ends meet. The investigations revealed further that some lawyers and officials from the children’s department and local office of the president officers, FIDA and relatives collude to victimize many men in the country.

These men are forced to provide for maintenance of the children alleged they had fathered failure of which are jailed. Most who are employed with a salary get almost over three quarters of their salary slashed that goes to the women and their accomplices.

Faced by desperation, most turn to alcoholism and broken families. Some have committed suicide while others turn to crime to sustain a low income that is caused by them being forced to pay for the maintenance of children.

Kisii woman charged for killing albino baby

2011-04-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

Kisii woman charged for killing albino baby
By A CORRESPONDENT

A 23-year-old Kisii woman has been jailed for four years for killing her baby girl because she was an albino.Ms Sarah Kemunto committed the offence early last month at Bokimweri village in Nyamache district early last month.

A Kissi Court heard that villagers had retrieved the baby’s body from a local river and upon investigations, it was confirmed that the accused was the mother to the albino baby. A post-mortem result further revealed that the infant had been suffocated to death.

The law court further leant that Esther Moraa aged four months was killed because she was an albino and secondly because she was not sired by the accused current husband.
Ogembo Resident Magistrate Richard Koech heard that the baby met her death through a conspiracy between the accused and her husband who believed that albinism was a bad omen to the family and had to be done away with. The husband has since gone into hiding but local police said that they were tracing him.

The Albino Society of Kenya is up-in arms with the government and the larger Kenyan society for the inhumanity and insecurity that has gripped people with albinism. The association wants the government to provide security to persons with albino skin pigmentation and the Human Rights and Civil Society groups to provide awareness and advocacy for the rights of the albinos.

Recently a Kenyan man was arrested and prosecuted in Tanzania for attempting to sell off another albino Kenyan to suspect witchdoctors .It is believed that parts of an albino person’s body produce witchcraft instruments.

“It is unacceptable and highly inhuman for people with albinism to be exposed to fear, or kidnapping, killings and even segregation due to the negative beliefs society tends to have against them” Said Alex Munyere chairman of the Albinism Society of Kenya.

Bracing for the fourth generation-a future shock

2009-07-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

In his books renowned American futurologist Alvin Toffler predicts revolution in the world society through the advancement in technology. The author who has been classified among the most successful futurologists in the world has put forward that high technological advancements in future will bring about diverse socio-economic changes in the human society. He perceives that these changes will grow from one generation to another and pose big gaps in human civilization.

Toffler says for example that future generations will view the modern technology and human society as back grounds, primitive, irrational and totally non-standard. In his books like; future shock and the third wave, the writer admires technology as the greatest force towards advancement in human society.

A leading Chinese news publication the people daily in 2006 named Alvin Toffler the leading world futurist. According to the media group, the American born writer is touted among the great people in the world who have had a big impact on China . Future shock (1970), third wave (1980), and revolutionary wealth (2001) recorded the largest sells in china as compared to other parts of the world. Other works by the author include revolutionary wealth, power shift, war & ant-war and creating a new civilization.

These books have had vast sources including; video clips, newspaper reviews and radio and television interviews, apart from actual book distributors who have received massive consumptions in gigantic regions of the China .

According to a source on the internet, China has since pursued policies reflecting the author’s emphasis on the growing importance of digital technology and the knowledge –based economy of the future. The American futurologist is held in such esteem in China that communists consider him among 50 foreigners who have had a great impact on China.” says the source. These include famous people like; Karl Max, Richard Nixon, Mariah Carley, Mike Jordan among others, who have most significantly influenced China’s modern development through their works that centre around revolution in social and economic developments.

On the other hand, critics believe that Alvin Toffler’s books have drawn mass attention and readership and criticism across the world apart from China as much as influencing the strategic creativity in readers, leaders, technologists and social thinkers all over the world. The books which base on information and technology revolutions, social transformations and speed of change, are among the world’s best sellers.

In third wave, for example the author hints that the percentage of populations in growing economies and the number of people using information technology are increasing rapidly.

In an interview with the people daily Toffler reflected that for in China for example, three divergent groups of the complex society exist. These include; the first wave-the rural people involved in agricultural activities basically, the second wave that include people working in factories and organizations in urban centers and the third wave, that include people involved in the use of information technology.

In revolutionary wealth, the author talks about the transformation of agriculture by embracing technology. For example the use of cell phones to boost agricultural produce business. The book also emphasized on the production of Genetically Modified Foods which contain vitamins.

In future shock, the author for example predicts on biological revolution in human beings including inter race fusions and the cloning technology in animals and humans. Indeed the modern trend in this field has been attributed to technological advancement. Recently for example British Scientists announced that they had discovered the manufacture of artificial sperms which can allow women to produce babies without men.

According to the writer, the centre of future shock was that change in socio-economic endeavors of the world would greatly be accelerated and which is eminently evident today.

In what the author depicts as the fourth wave, future generations would remember the modern trends in the world as primitive, stupid and ignorant. This is the true essence of the future shock” He says.

Power shift deals with conflicts, wealth, and knowledge and the role they play in world society today. The book extradites old and modern patterns of power in public offices, the media, religion, business, national and international politics and economies.

Use of internet technology negligible in Africa

2009-07-21T05:10:00.000-07:00

An opinion by Eric Sindabi

The internet was invented in USA to speed up Information sharing by the military and other stake holders during world war. Today however internet technology is a world wide link of millions of computer networks to share information. The internet has speed up globalization in what is referred to as “global village” or “information superhighway”. It is also what information scientists refer to as “information explosion”

Critics have described internet technology as “the biggest technological generation gap in history” This means that the speed of retrieving and the scope of information needed by a user is a great milestone in technological advancement. There are no, at all, political or any other kinds of boundaries on the exchange of information. Indeed communicating and sourcing information resources through the internet can be one of the most convenient, easier, advanced and economical way of embracing development.

Nevertheless the use of internet technology in Africa has ever since been a paradox. This accounts to the many reasons why the continent is still lagging behind in many development and social sectors. Globalization is like a whip-which strikes unexpectedly and Africa seems to have been whipped. Lack of appropriate governments’ policies guiding technological developments rapes the continent and denies Africans a chance to play on the same levels in globalization. In fact statistics indicate that Africa is rated the lowest in the use of internet technology with a mere 1% as compared to 78% USA, 11% Europe and 9%Asia.

It is profound to note that education and ignorance, accessibility, social and political factors contribute a great deal, why the use of internet technology is negligible in the continent. African governments should for example create independent and competent technological sectors to guide and implement all matters of technology.

Introducing information technology courses at all levels of education can also be a great leap in embracing the use of technology in the continent. Governments should also impact on the training of more information technology experts as well as providing tangible incentives for the growth of information technology. Parliaments should also revise existing laws on technology and communications developments. For example all sectors of the economy should embrace the use of information technology starting from; agriculture, transport, and commerce. All government sectors and functions should also embrace technology in management and implementation of policies.

This will ensure that better services are supplied to citizens hence improving their lives. Social scientists hint that the hallmark of great civilizations has been their systems of communications. We ought not to be left behind. We must wake up!

America is a threat to our security

2009-06-25T03:01:00.000-07:00

An opinion by Eric Sindabi

RECENTLY the National Security Committee that was chaired by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga held a crucial meeting over the Somalia crisis that threatens to infuriate Kenya . It shows a great national concern over the insecurity that is being caused by the emergency in the neighboring country.

However a critical view is the fact that the root matter of the situation is the United States of America factor in the Somalia crisis. The fact that Kenya is and will ever be linked to the US in many ways is the paradox never the less. For instance, the current President of USA Mr.Barrack Obama has roots in Kenya . It is a matter of unease for example therefore that his government’s commitment to continue fighting terrorism across the world can have a bearing on our heads given to the situation in Somali.

It rekindles sad memories of the terrorism attacks on Kenya some time back by the al-Qaeda terror group that purportedly targets countries allied to the United States of America . The rivalry between the fugitive terrorist Osama Bin Laden the perceived sponsor of al-Qaeda, and America indeed has proved a great threat to our security.
In August 1998 the bombing of the US Embassy in Kenya along side the neighboring Tanzania killed 224 people. In November 2002 a suicide attack on a tourist Hotel owned by an American killed 16 people.

The US has charged that the Al-Shabaab militia group that is responsible for the upsurge in Somalia has links with al-Qaeda. The militia groups on the other hand have repeatedly and openly warned to attack any group or country that supports America and the Somali government. It is to this fact that the National Security Committee should keep vigil and steer Kenya off the feud between USA and terror groups.

The insecurity condition within and around our borders thus has become a matter of great alarm. The government should iron out the real situation and come out openly to assure Kenyans about their security. The head of State in particular should address the nation and assure of his constitutional commitment towards safeguarding Kenya's sovereignty and lives of citizens. Indeed the mention of another terrorist attack in our midst sends cold shivers on the back of every innocent Kenyan. It is unfortunate that innocent Kenyans or rather countries should bear the brand of a perceived war between America and Terror groups.

How a killer brew ravaged a village in Njoro

2009-06-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi and Harrisson Muigai
It is a hot afternoon as we arrive at Kihingo village along Nakuru/Mau Narok highway. An elderly woman is seated on a wooden chair outside her home a few meters away from the business centre. She toys with the hair of one of her grandchildren and she seems to readily welcome visitors in her home regardless of their mission. However her composed body posture and nostalgic appearance is makes it difficult for one to judge her but she has a sad story to tell anyway.
"I am Hannah Wanjiru Ndun'gu," She introduces herself then pauses obviously calling upon us to introduce ourselves further.
After serving us a cup of tea, Wanjiru gathers incredible courage to start narrating an inflicting emotional story of how her son Samwel Ng'ang'a, drunk a lethal brew and diedsometime back.She now takes care of his widow and children. Samwel Ng'an'ga then a 36year old father of two and a habitual drunkard had been on a drinking spree with a friend the night before he died. He had ventured into his mother's compound where he lived with his wife crawling and unable to neither walk nor talk. . When he had managed to mutter few words all he had said was that he had consumed the killer brew, then collapsed and died.
Killer brew
Funuki, as the killer brew was popularly known in Kihingo Location of Njoro Division is a corrupted Swahili word for bunduki (Gun).The illicit brew was responsible for deaths of more than twenty people in the area in a span of only six months some five years ago.The highly addictive and mysterious brew caused deaths more indirectly than directly under bizarre circumstances. Those who consumed the deadly brew some times died instantly, committed suicide, murdered others or destroyed property while others ran amok.

"It was a queer brew that brought untold tragedy in this area" says Edward Mwangi a village elder. Mwangi who has been a local opinion elder for a long time says that illicit brews have been consumed in the village since 1974. He says, people who are involved in illicit brews business have ever been apprehended and charged in law courts but could crop up after a while to keep the illicit business alive.
According to the opinion leader, many young people easily get hooked to illicit drinks because of poverty and idleness. In turn the lives and social economic standards of the youths get shattered. Many turn to be hopeless in life while others lose their lives
Mzee mwangi however says that the common Busaa and Chang'aa illicit brews that were originally the common illegal brews in the area were not as lethal as funuki proved to be. “Drinking was rife but the brews did not cause tragedy as was the case with funuk”.He recalls.
Crime
"Crime in the area escalated. Young men spend most of their time roaming around shopping centers and drinking spots. Where do you think they got money to drink funuki?" Mwangi wonders aloud. He says, Villagers complained after losing property to petty thieves while rampant mugging incidences were reported. An accusing hand was directed at the young men who were hooked to funuki .He says through investigations some culprits were arrested and charged in court but that did not however improve the situation. The community was definitely suffering the consequences of the deadly brew.

Notorious
Funuki was in existence since early 2001 after a group of local notorious illicit brews dealers introduced it. The killer brew was allegedly manufactured by dissolving an unknown powder in water. The solution become alcoholic instantly. Though tasteless, colorless and unscented the wonder brew’s effects were strange.
Funuki was sold secretly in the homesteads of selected dealers. Revelers entered the venues that were secured with iron gates, and made an order. A seller could then fetch water from a tap and dissolve an un known powder in cups of water to prepare a drink for consumption by a reveler.

The seller knew his customers well and could only serve a new reveler if accompanied by a regular one. After taking their respective shares, revelers could be seen past the gates by the seller immediately they finished drinking “This ensured that the alcohol effects on revelers did not occur while they were in the compound.
The liquor, which cost Ksh.30, a cup was anonymous in origin and only the dealers held the secret of its ingredients. This according to villagers was to keep at bay potential competitors into the illicit business.
Far reaching
The effects of funuki were incredible and far reaching. A person under the influence of it could suffer from acute diarrhea and vomiting or he become very violent.
Many cases of violence were common with revelers. According to villagers, in one of the incidences, a middle aged man had lured his girlfriend to drinking spree of funuki and afterwards killed her in cold blood. In yet another incidence two brothers fought at their father's home resulting to the death of one of them. They had been drinking funuki together.
"My son Douglas Muiruri aged 34 was found dead in September 2001 in a disused quarry," says Anne Waithaka a retired teacher. Muiruri who left behind a widow and one child had been drinking funuki when he met his death.
A local business man Ndung’u Karanja has also had a share of the agony. His son Josephat Kagombe who was aged 28, under the influence of funuki committed suicide. Kagombe had taken to drinking and quarreled with his wife on daily basis. He could extend his fury to members of his extended family even after his father having warned him several times not to venture into his house while drunk.One day, Kagombe had entered his father's house in a drunken state before picking up a quarrel with his parents. Then he had dashed out of the house. His father thinking that he had gone for a weapon to use to attack him, had too looked for a crude weapon and stood alert, waiting for the would be assailant. However that was not the case. Kagombe had gone for a poison but not a weapon. He had died soon after consuming rat rat.
Orphans and School dropouts
Tens of old people in Kihingo are taking care of their grandchildren and their mothers after their sons allegedly died after consuming the deadly funuki . May be this is the worst effect the mysterious drink ever had on this Njoro community. David Wamathingira, a teacher at the local Larmudiac Primary School and the Kenya National Union of Teachers Nakuru district deputy treasurer says that funuki likewise affected the area seriously on the education side.
"Most parents who consumed the brew neglected their families which meant they could not provide fees and other basic needs to their school going children.He says that as a result many children dropped out of school. On the other hand some teachers were interdicted for desertion of their duties. “These teachers were addicts of funuki. Says Mr. Wamathingira.
War against the killer brew
In fighting the sale and drinking of the brew, the church, the government and residents put up a spirited war against the killer brew. The local church leaders decried the brew business during funerals of victims and in church sermons.The men of cloth made humble appeals to residents especially the youth to dissist from the temptations of the deadly brew. The campaign by the church was followed by demonstrations by residents urging the government to arrest and prosecute funuki dealers.This seemed to have worked as the local provincial administration officials soon organized a man hunt to arrest the illegal lethal brew dealers. However villagers say that it was not easy as such. The dealers proved very slippery and went underground. The villagers say that a continued manhunt for the brewers by police however frustrated their business and that is what contributed to the diminishing of the killer brew. Meanwhile church leaders were intensifying their efforts to win more people to church. Many crusades were organized where preachers discouraged locals’ against the brew. All these efforts saw to the end of the reign of the killer brew. Nevertheless memories of the tragedies that funuki caused to this community will never cease.
Sociologists have warned that alcohol consumption in Kenya is a major social economic problem. According to NACADA the national agency against drug abuse, at least 70% of Kenyans consume alcohol.

A drinking nation-Yes we are!

2009-06-19T03:50:00.000-07:00

An anecdote by Philip Kagia

The global economic crisis is affecting not only poor nations but even heavy weights such as the United States of America, Japan, Britain, China, Canada among others, have not been left out. Our own Kenyan economy is not an exception.
The government has confessed it and every citizen in our country is feeling it hard.

Everyday many starve and die out of hunger and the general social life is a mere hopelessness. Never the less, a critical survey at our social behaviors and indeed characters sounds ironical, absurd and un realistic as to match the perceived economic situation.

Many case studies on our general social culture have taken me a back to brand Kenyans as “drinking nation” This notion is heart renting and a matter of great concern as I take more time to watch over the struggling poor Kenyans in a gesture to put food on their tables at the end of the day.

At the crack of dawn every Kenyan is ever on the move, up and down, tirelessly hoping to salvage an opportunity for survival. As busy as a bee and as radical in mind like a holocaust survivor, an ordinary Kenyan and indeed even the noble, struggle to make ends meet. Just like president Kibaki encouraged us- to strive to be a working Nation!

Never the less as the day opens up and the afternoons begin to grow old towards dusk, I move around my home town of Nakuru with a mission to observe the drinking habits of my fellow Kenyans. I have picked Nakuru as a case study to represent the whole country because I have knowledge that what happens here is most likely to be happening there.

It is Kenya here and there whether it is Kisumu,Nairobi, Mombasa, Busia or where ,just name it but anywhere in Kenya, it is Kenya. We share so much in common and so much in the market. What we talk about the economy and what we buy from the market are very similar. In other words we are a nation. In my study however I want to brand Kenya –a drinking nation. So read on to prove me right or wrong but I will speak my mind out!

My humble but dedicated survey begins from the CBD of this Rift Valley province headquarters in an afternoon. Off Kenyatta avenue I start meandering from street to one street to another, spotting and counting and of cause piping in any drinking spot that I recognize. I move on from street to street and within two hours I have combed the whole CBD counted and encountered a great deal of alcohol drinking venues and its revelers.

What I saw, where, and more about it will remain confidential in this narration but I guess any Kenyan can have a rough idea of what I experienced. The only important issue to be noted here is that some hard earned cash was being spent somewhere some place! Lest you forget that Nakuru is in Kenya and so I conclude that at this particular time and moment, some where some place in another or other in Kenya,the same is happening.

As dusk appeals it is time to venture the other side of the town. I hire a motorbike taxi and more from one residential area to another with the same mission and objective. The observation is similar and the conclusion remains the same - some hard earned cash is being spent on alcohol and other drugs in filthy venues! We Kenyans are so adamant to change our social outfits that do not go well with the current economic situation but still cry wolf over the biting economy.

We are not being sincere to decry the bitter economy while we work so hard to spend unnecessarily. From my layman’s understanding the term economy means the ability to plan resources well so as to satisfy needs. Do we as a nation believe that alcohol and other drugs are basic needs to our lives? If yes why? And if not, then why spend our hard earned cash on alcohol and other filthy stuff?

The government indeed has admitted that Kenya seats on a time bomb unless the escalating drinking habits of its citizens is plaid. Government statistics indicate that the Western part of the country followed by Nairobi and Central lead in alcohol consumption.

The reports further reveal that the careless consumption of alcohol derails not only the social standards of Kenyans but also economic endeavors. The point is finally at home-why should we continue to endeavor to be “a drinking nation” while we need the little cash we have to improve our lives?

Educate Kenyans about Law

2009-06-17T02:39:00.000-07:00

An opinion By Eric Sindabi
Many Kenyans suffer in justice of many kinds simply because they are ignorant of the provisions of the laws of their country. As a result injustices abound in plenty in our midst where citizens of this country continue to be exploited while they ought to exploit the law in order to improve their lives.

From government services like Police and law enforcement, Courts of law, labor and basic human rights, many Kenyans do not know nor understand their rights thus have remained in the dark.

The police for example exploit innocent and ignorant Kenyans who merely live in fear of jail or being locked up in cells. Many Kenyans suffer police harassment and brutality and extortion simply because the forces take advantage of ignorance of law.

Likewise many Kenyans have continued to be exploited socially or in employment simply because they do not understand or know particular legal provisions in given situations. Thus most have undergone great sufferings while more have failed to achieve their basic rights as citizens of this country.

For example many innocent citizens languish in police cells, jails and others even lose their lives. Those who innocently or by ignorance find themselves on the wrong side of the law lose jobs, careers and even families and their own lives.

It should be a government’s prerogative to ensure that citizens have learnt basic knowledge of the laws that govern their country. The notion that ignorance to law is no defense is a weapon of exploitation but not development nor protection.

In countries especially outside Africa and indeed in a few in our continent where citizens are well abreast with law, law and order abide. In such countries interestingly if not ironically, the governments spend less in the process of maintaining law and order. The citizens are also less taxed in terms of Court fines. Many citizens likewise never spend parts of their lives in jails.

I tend to feel that by keeping Kenyans in the dark about law provisions is a biggest injustice. Why should the government continue using law to exploit its citizens instead of developing the economy and improving lives? Good laws can indeed develop a nation but manipulating negatively is injustice.

The civil society, Parliament and other stakeholders should champion for a civil education to enlighten Kenyans about laws on a wide scope. This will ensure that Kenyans will be fully aware of their rights and reduce the un due exploitation being subjected upon them in the name of law.

For example Kenyans should be well versed with law provisions on issues like; Crime, Child abuse, Human rights, marital status, employment, environment, commercial and government responsibilities. The on-going law reforms, the current parliament and police reforms agenda, hence should look into this matter.

It should for example be the responsibility of the police to carry out civil education on law as they are the law enforcers. Other stake holders like the media, civil society and the Law Society of Kenya apart from the Courts, should take an active role in educating Kenyans about laws of their country on grassroots levels. In any society, law should aim at nurturing good lives while a better nation is where all and sundry perceive fairness but never where many are exploited in the name of law.

Kenya needs competent leaders Not must youthful ones

2009-06-16T23:55:00.000-07:00

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An opinion By Eric Sindabi
I refer to recent provocations and ineptitude plans by a section of leaders in the country of trying to groom a young leader to take over leadership. It should be clear that Kenya lacks visionary leaders and that it is not a young leader who necessarily can close that gap. Corruption and selflessness that sum up to incompetence have no boundaries in leadership.

Any person old or young can lead this country so long as she or he qualifies. The fact that youth are the majority in our country does not mean that they ought to have one of their own in top leadership of the country.

Every Kenyan-from those aging grannies in the village, to the retiring civil servant, the under age, the youth and all other categories of citizens in our country need services from a government. It is therefore irrational and a mere political ploy to try to classify citizens on age brackets. In our country, in fact all classes of people are un- privileged apart from the corrupt politicians and their associates.

The youth and indeed all Kenyans should be wary of these old political tricks that have all along been used to woo them into making election decisions. We will remember for example the infamous Youth for Kanu agenda of 1992 and of late the Vijana Tugutuke of the last general elections. To a highly thinking Kenyan like me I pose to ask; why can’t our leaders seek agendas that aim at uniting all citizens? Why apply divide and rule tactics? Politicians anyway are people who employ dubious means on their way to power and youth of this country have ever been the worst targets and above all the losers. It is high time politicians stopped playing games with the youth and other citizens.

Let us have national leaders (Young or old) but working towards uniting all Kenyans and preaching development agenda for all classes of Kenyans. Anyone can lead so long as she or he serves all Kenyans with dedication.

Those going around advocating for a youthful leader and trying to divide Kenyans on age groups and other social status are simply applying out dated political tactics that will never succeed. They should wake up and learn that majority of Kenyans know what they want- National leaders to serve them in building the economy in a corruption free and un-tribal environment.

To me these people have a hidden agenda and are simply talking about the term “youth” to hoodwink un suspecting Kenyans. There are so many youth development agendas that have been started but have never benefited them. Let these people know that one can only unite sheep that are grazing in a plentiful field but not the hungry scattered all over in the jungle in search of pasture.

Heart breaking tales of IDPs in Nakuru

2009-06-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

BY PHILIP KAGIA
The post poll violence tragedy that unfolded in front of us over the past two years tells of painful accounts of irreparable loss. Carving to new street families that depend on well wishers for money, food, clothing and shelter- a personal encounter with one of the street families was heart breaking. As I walk home am approached by two young girls who to my reasoning should be in school.

At first I did not invite them for a show because I thought they were just part of another street gang out there to manipulate me but their case turned out to be different when one of them mentioned that she was an IDP from Nyama Choma camp along Nakuru /Nairobi highway. The solemn mood she posses tells it all so I finally give in to their plea.

The lady introduces her self as Njoki and narrates her story as I quote “sisi tume toka pande ya molo na kwa sasa sisi tu ko hapa nyama choma na hapo kuna shinda ya mavazi, chakula na tunaomba usaidizi wa kila aina …..(We are originally from Molo but for now we are Internally Displaced Persons at Nyama Choma camp.There are untold suffering at the camp and we need clothing, food and other assistance.)

Out of curiosity I ask;kwani Red Cross na Serikali hawa leti chakula na nguo … ? (Aren’t you being supported by the Red Cross and the Government?). She posed with surprise and remarked; … Pole lakini unajua huwa wana leta kidogo nahaitoshi (Sorry but the support is very minimal and we are so many in the camp.)

As I look at her more closely I realize that she is pregnant! Oh God! The emptiness and sympathy I feel is incomparable to no virtue in this world .At the first point I figure out that she is definitely selling out her body to get the money she needs for food and other basic necessities. God forbid!

The tidbit of this story shows how we Kenyans are so short in memory of the events that pre disposed the IDPs scenario. Much goes to the political elite who instead of holding the matter at their shoulders, are busy enjoying the fruits of the post poll violence-the struggle for power, as the ordinary Kenyan desperately cry for justice, while suffering.

The politicians keep on running away from the truth of the matter that the Internally Displaced People are suffering because of their (politicians) selfish gains. Their greed for power aimed at corrupt missions tells of the story of the greedy Hyena or wild dog that favors no situation but the ends to meet by all means the flesh, whether alive or dead,the target.The public coffer is the flesh.

Let the government implement Uhuru Kenyatta ‘s Finance Ministry plan of letting out money from the kind of luxurious and dubious spending by politicians and at least give the Nyama Choma Internaly Displaced Persons and many others who are suffering just because politicians wanted power. Will they have to wait until the undated day to go back home but at the moment we still have to cope with the street beggars who once had a home and worked hard to make ends meet?

Gazette more protected areas

2009-06-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

An opinion by Eric Sindabi
Environmentalists have put forward that the continued destruction of the natural resources will not only affect the human life but also the economy. For example global warming is one of the worst effects of environmental degradation that is caused directly by human activities on the natural environment. The results are diverse long term disasters like droughts, floods, and desertification, Tsunami, and disease outbreaks. On the other hand degradation of the natural environment also causes economic downfall.
For example according to a recent report by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Kenya may lose about 300 million natural environment asset if efforts to conserve the Mau are not up held.
The government should provide long term environmental protection plans by gaze ting more protected areas in the country. Some of the areas to be targeted as protected areas should include river basins and other wetland areas apart from forest resources. Parliament and the concerned ministries and government stakeholders in environmental protection should provide guidelines in enacting laws that will ensure that more natural environment areas are gazeted as government protected areas. The laws and policies should criminalize any interference with the areas in any negative ways.
Such laws or policies will ensure that an encroachment in natural areas is diminished. Pollution of rivers and lakes will also be diminished as of deforestation among other environmental destruction activities.
Protecting more natural environment areas can boost eco- tourism and increase natural products like water, fish, fruits, Minerals, and timber products. This can improve the country’s economy and develop the lives of Kenyans.

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2009-06-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

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Water Project in Njoro to boost local resources

2009-06-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi
The high amount of pressure on land in Mau region encompassing of Njoro division in the west of Nakuru has resulted to the degradation of the local watershed resources.
Research shows that this is caused by insufficient ground water levels which result as for excess harvesting in the region, and which is due to the high populations in the area, as also industry and other water users.

For example, the huge settlement pattern around Egerton university and local communities comprising of over a hundred thousand plus people and livestock all manipulate the local water body.
For example Massive settlements and economic activities along the river around the university and in Njoro town where the river meanders through,are attracted by the expansion of the institute among others, which indeed add to the pressure on Njoro River.
Here, all human, animal, agricutre, business and industrial water needs are all depend ant on Njoro River.

The department of Environment and Natural Resources of Egerton University has nevertheless overtime initiated co-operative initiatives by liaising with other stakeholders locally and internationally in a gesture to providing a sustainable management for the water body.

A recent initiative by the academic centre in collaboration with the Rift Valley Water Services Board (R.V.W.S.B) is set to solve water crisis in Njoro by constructing a dam to boost water harvesting. The project is dabbed; “Njoro-Egerton Water Supply, Sanitation and Conservation Centre".

According to sources, the project is aiming at supplying about 16,000m3 of water a day, to Njoro residents. The project is partly being sponsored by the European Union (E U) and likewise aims at reducing the high poverty level of majority of the locals. The source says, this will be by enabling reliable, affordable and safe water resources to the community.

"The project aims at implementing specific millennium development goals (M.D.G.S) and World Bank summit for sustainable development (W.S.S.D) target on water and sanitation in developing countries"Says a media report at Egerton University.

The dam’s site will be located at a rural setting in the region that is inhabited by low-income earners, with very limited access to safe and reliable water resources. The project, the source added, will mitigate the number of water bone related ailments among residents. Other benefits of the dam will include an increase in water supply for domestic use, Agriculture, livestock, development, industry and institutions.

Thus, the project will foresee to the reduction of the amount of water harvest from Njoro River, cease pressure on the river and the rejuvenation of underground water tables and rivers in Mau, hence conserving the water shed.

Egerton University alone has over twenty boreholes which however are drying up. The varsity is also strategically located along the river, which boost its serene out view and environmental programmes like research and academic activities in Geography, natural resources, zoology and botany. Likewise,the University's fast growing famous Botanic Garden is located on the banks of Njoro river dis tributary.

The continued expansion of the university attracts more students, staff, visitors and investors in the area. This, research reports say, has greatly contributed to the amount of pressure exerted on Njoro River.

An environmental stakeholders research programme called -Sustainable Management of Water Resources (SUMAWA)based at the University reports indicate that the chemical state of the river's water caused by pollution, is a threat to human,livestock and wild life health in the region.

The reports indicate further that the continued human pressure being exerted on local rivers that drain in Lake Nakuru will lower the water level of the Lake thus provide a threat for its extinction.SUMAWA advocates for the conservation of local watershed through educating the locals environmental ethics and protection.The research programme also initiates tapped water projects in local communities to discourage consumption of poluted river water by the locals.

THE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF KENYA PROJECT(BISOKEP)

2009-06-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

PUBLISHERS,PRINTERS,DISTRIBUTORS,PRODUCERS

Newspapers,Magazines,Newsletters,Books,Calenders,Stickers,Bandanas,T.Shirts,Cards,Posters,Music Video pictures,African Artefacts,Theotre and Art Exhbitions.

Loncom House.George Morara Avenue TEL.0710-353605
NAKURU-KENYA e.mail;canews2001

The wonders of magic theater

2009-06-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

BY ERIC SINDABI
In performing arts like music, ballet, dance, circus, opera, drama, mimes, concert, cabaret among others, only magic theater, according to critics, comes out extra ordinary because of its mystic nature.

According to literary critics, magic theater touches every corner of the world and is interesting, eye catching and to all-young and old and other cadres of humanity. In magic theater, the language of tricks, human dexterity and illusion is universal.

Magic as an art seems to have evolved independently in many cultures of the world. Rarely has it been studied that magic art as being borrowed from one either race to another nor society to another.

Deities

As early as the 14th century magic as an art in theater industry was already developed in areas like China, United Kingdom, Japan, India, America and in some parts of Europe. Interestingly, according to studies, links between magic and religion are very strong. In many cultures of the world, only people linked to deities or superstition were engaged to magic. The word magic itself is defined as the secret power of appearing to perform or do impossible things.

or example in African cultures witchdoctors and Devine rulers were believed to perform magic. In the Biblical Jewish society Prophets and patriarchs were believed to perform magic and were directly connected with God.

The original Jewish traditional beliefs of creation of mankind, according to the holy Bible, God created the universe from formlessness through magic.

In the modern and even ancient Christian world, prayers are believed to infuse miracles that are closely linked to the phenomenon of magic. Jesus Christ performed numerous miracles during his mission and even his dispels are believed to have performed miracles. To date modern Christians and preachers believe in miracles that is a direct communication between a worshiper and God.

Book

The first published book on magic theater called; Hocus pocus (The anatomy of Legerdemain) was published in 1630.Hocus was a Court magician during the reign of King James 1 of England. One of the greatest magic Theater heroes of the world was Giovanni Giuseppe Pinetti who conjured in leading European theaters between 1750-1800.The first theater dedicated to magic was set up in England at the old Egyptian Hall in London in the 18th century.

Illusion
An illusion that was called “The living half of a woman” was performed to show a beautiful woman appearing to have no legs resting on a raised flat surface. Another popular illusion in magic arts was running a sword through a person’s body.

Modern street magic theater artists are able to lie down and let a heavy vehicle pass on them. Others can act like eating fire, others walk on ropes, make people “give birth to eggs” and can “bisect a womb of a woman and expose internal organs. Others can “manufacture foodstuffs” while others can fancy piercing a sharp object through parts of a human body.

Society
The first society in the world devoted to magicians was born in 1905 in England. Under the British Magical Society magicians from all walks of England came together to market themselves and to uphold their rights and welfare. In America the Magic Guild caters for the welfare and rights of magic theater players.

In Kenya the Association of Magicians is responsible for the activities of magicians and traditional med icemen. Under the Ministry of Culture and social services, the Association issues Certificates to practicing magicians and bush doctors and monitors their activities. The association also champions for the rights of local magicians and prohibits exploitation and negative publicity of its members.

As much said and speculated about magic, it remains an art that is mysterious, catchy and universal. It has no boundaries or cultures of difference but is both wonderful and un exploited. To many, magic theater is non existent yet is all and about.

Elevate Nakuru to a city status

2009-06-12T01:22:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

NAKURU TOWN is the fourth largest urban centre in the country. It is the headquarters of the largest province in Kenya-READ Rift valley.

Nakuru is also one of the oldest urban centers in the county having developed as a Trade, Agriculturural and Transportation centre.

To late Nakuru still marshals in these fields and has proved to be one of the most key urban centers in the country. It lies between the western and central parts of the country and plays a big role as a link centre.

The Town’s human geographical attributes including ultra modern buildings and a green landscape is a force to reckon with while it gives way for expansion. In fact the town was once reputed as among the most cleanest in the continent of Africa.

As a centre of tourism attraction Nakuru boasts of some of the most famous sites in the world. The re-known Flamingos of Lake Nakuru National Park,The Menengai Crater and the Hyrax pre-historic hill are all situated in the heart of Nakuru Town.

Nakuru is also an attribute to such local higher and middle level academic centers like Egerton and Kabarak Universitys.

SUMMIT RESSORT NAKURU – KENYA

2009-06-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

Hotel and conference
Hot disco Djs
Music concerts
Beauty contests
Fabulous foods and drinks
Camping sites

Managed by Lake Nakuru lodge

The tantalizing tales of tress

2009-06-10T04:22:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

1. Environmental lovers and other stakeholders have always applied trees in their gestures to conserve the environment and other related programmes .For example we at Egerton engage in an annual tree planting environmental activity like the one that took place recently in all the campuses. However a lot about trees is left undesired. According to reference sources trees are man’s best environmental friend. People think of trees as if they will live always. Year after year, generation after generation, for trees beautify man’s environment. Old trees shade houses and city streets from the sun. Their buds and flowers are signs of seasons. World medicinmen extract specimens from tree, leaves, bucks and roots. Their flowers turn to fruits for animal and human food. Mills and factories reap millions from tree trunks, bucks and other parts. Trees continue to grow as long as they live.

2. The term tree means larger plant according to botanic science. Trees live longer than any other plant species. While scientific research indicates that trees are the oldest non-living things , first from man and animals. For example the world’s largest living thing is the Sherman tree found in the sequoia National Park in California. It measures 272 feet in length and 36 feet width .The travelers tree which grows in Malagasy can store up to pints of water in its long leaf stalks. On the other hand the tallest tree of the world are the Californian red woods ranching between 300-400 feet long .

3. The ombu tree of Argentina has been termed the world’s hardest tree species. It survives without water while it cannot be cut down nor burnt out. It survives violent storms, intense heat and insect attacks. Addingly the African famous baobab is one of the most useful tree of the world. It has a huge trunk, which can store water or form tree houses after hollowing .T he trees leaves are used as vegetables and medical herbs .The fruits, seeds and roots are all used in various domestic needs.

4. About 30 million years ago, Botanist say there were many more trees species than the ones growing today. For example scientist believe that some deserts, oasis, swamps, mountains and forest growing tree species have died out. Trees fossils research has shown that some minerals and forest resources contains tree fossils of many tree fossils of many tree species that died over more than hundred million years ago. For example coal deposit and petrified forests have been found to contain tree fossils. Some of these tree species have been identified as club moss tree and horsetail trees that grew in coal forming swamps while modern ones are herbs. Man has helped tree life Continuation by conserving the environment and replacing trees for many purposes and from one climatic condition to another .In Kenya , for example we have both indigenous and exotic trees. Some hundred years ago, eulycaptus trees grew only in Australia but today, many eucalyptuses beautify cities, hills, parks and forests all over the world. Home owners all over the world plant various tree species for shade, decorations commercial windbreakers or for fruit harvest. End

Of writers and Politics in Africa

2009-06-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

BY ERIC SINDABI
According to literary critics, literature is all about Man and his environment. It is to this note therefore that one could easily come across political and related themes in most African creative works or normally referred to as African Literature.
The critics say that to write in Africa, one has to tackle three aspects of the continent including history, identity, and destiny. Since the political independence the African social –economic environment has been pre-occupied with power struggle and its distribution. Here, capitalism, socialism, imperialism and neo-colonialism have taken a centre stage in many forms.
Hence to write in Africa, one cannot side step these issues. Politics is all about life on a day to day scope in society. Politics indeed shape the destiny and nature of livelihoods of a people as it involves power and society.
Seasoned African creative writers like Prof.Chinua Achebe,Prof.Ngugi wa Nthiongo’,Christopher Okigbo,Dennis Brutus,Peter Abrahams,Alex Laguma,Ken Sarowiwa among others,have all tackled political themes in their creative works.
The writers have transcended the level of politics per se and even getting deeper into the minds of the culprit of post –colonial Africa; the illiterate, the un-employed, the urchin, the marginalized, the destitute and the peasant.
Chinua Achebe for example in A man of the people is disillusioned with how African independence took a degenerative process. Freedom became corruption while Democracy became Autocracy and dictatorship because of political immaturity.
In A walk in the night, Alex Laguma reflects the ills of the political apartheid system as it were in South Africa, while in the Trial of Dedan Kimathi Ngugi wa Ntiongo’ clearly puts across that to be a scribe means being with the people, being their voice, speaking out the silent cry of the masses and talking on behalf of the voice less.
Critics thus hint that it is to this basis that most post independence governments have always been so openly uncomfortable with seasoned writers. Their works inflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. These works dramatically depict the day to day experiences of the post colonial African masses in the hands of their governments or those in power.
Corruption, injustice, insecurity, poverty and hunger, bad laws and marginalization.....name it, all characterize the citizen of Africa.
African government leaders who hold on to power feel threatened by the activities of seasoned writers because they expose their ills and enlighten the society.
These writers have undergone un told sufferings in the hands of those in power for their noble creativity.
Many have tasted jail and lived in exile and some lost their lives for their works that depict the plight of the common man in the African society. Kenya has not been left behind in this. For example the presumed father of serious literature in Kenya Prof.Ngugi wa Nthiongo’ has had difficult times trying to soldier on with his creative works during the Kenyatta and Moi regimes. Indeed the author still lives in exile to date. Recently the writer and his family during a visit in the country were brutally assaulted by people who were believed to be politically linked out to intimidate the literature icon and force him out of the country.
Critics however categorically hint that literature transcends Geographical boundaries…that from our rural Kenyan villages, we can be able to access information about Kenya by someone in New York. Intimidating writers is not really killing their intelligentsia.

Nakuru Town Campus gets new Director

2009-06-08T04:42:00.001-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

Egerton University Nakuru Town Campus,the home of Self Sponsored Programmes now has a new Director Professor Lenah Nakhone Wati. The immediate former director Prof.S.Kagwanja has been appointed deputy Principle in-charge of Administration and Finance at Chuka University College. Before her new assignment Prof.Nakhone was the Director of Crop Management and Research Centre (CMRT).
Talking to NewsLink recently, the new director said that her immediate goal was to stir SSP at Nakuru Town Campus to greater levels by first expanding facilities and creating centralized services. She said that there was a need to de-link most University Academic and Administrative services from the Main Campus in Njoro to provide efficiency at Nakuru Town Campus into meeting the University’s Vision and Mission.
The director hinted that the University Management was in a process of acquiring more space for Lecturer rooms and offices at Loncom House to reduce congestion at the Campus. She added that the Faculty of Commerce would soon be based at NTC.

Nakuru Town Campus located within Nakuru Municipality along George Morara Avenue is the foundation of the most competitive Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) and Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Self Sponsored degree programmes. Other major courses based at the Campus include; Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication (BACOM), Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences (BLINS), Bachelor of Industrial Technology (BIT) and Masters in Industrial Technology (MIT).Nakuru Town Campus is also the centre of the Twining degree programmes between Egerton and Michigan Universities.
Prof. Nakhone joined Egerton University in 1984 as a lecturer in the department of Chemistry Faculty of Science. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Chemistry and a Masters degree in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Nairobi. In 1986, she graduated with a PhD degree in Soil Sciences from the University of Nottingham (USA).In 2004 while on a sabbatical leave Prof.Nakhone won a Fullbright Senior Scholarship and taught and did research as a visiting scholar at Iowa State University-USA.
On the social scene, she is the President of the Nakuru region SOROPTIMIST International Club. The organization is an NGO which through charity and philanthropy aims at elevating the lives of marginalized women and girl child in the across the world. The NGO that is recognized by the United Nations comprises of educated and professional women who dedicate their energies and financial resources towards Community based Women related projects in over one hundred countries. It is headquartered in Philadelphia in the United States of America. Currently SOROPMIST is playing an active role in assisting women and girls in IDP camps in the country.

The un-told story of Hyrax Hill Museum

2009-06-08T04:21:00.001-07:00

By Eric Sindabi
In the early 20s British settlers at a hill farm in Nakuru had discovered human fossils that later were to attract leading archaeologists in the world like Mr and Mrs Mary Leaky, and turn the site to be one of the most famed pre-historic archaeological sites in the world.
Hyrax hill is a small rocky lava ridge situated on the edges of Nakuru Town off the Nakuru Nairobi highway in the great rift valley of Kenya. The area measures about 500m in length and rises to about 50m above sea level.
The pre-historic site derives its name to hyrax animal species that predominantly inhabited the hill. According to biological definition an Hyrax is a small mammal of the rabbit family that live among rocks in Africa and Syria.
The animals are among the endangered species of the world.
Archaeological materials that date over 5000 years ago have been found at the site. Information ascertained from pre-historic sites can enable modern man understand the nature and way of life of pre-historic societies.

Hyrax site is one of the most crucial pre-historic sites not only in Kenya but in the whole world. It has been central to the discovery of the closest human revolution fossils for the last 100 years.
The archaeological information gathered here have helped in ascertaining knowledge of the transition from hunter/gather way of life as a survival means for the pre-historic occupants in some parts of the rift valley during the Neolithic and iron ages.

This information indicates that the people who occupied the site as a settlement area were pastoralists, hunters and gatherers who can be traced to the modern Maasai and Kalenjin ethnic groups normally described by historians as Sirikwa people
Archaeological materials like grinding stones, skeletons, skulls, iron bungles, pottery, among others have been used to draw archaeological decisions.
The hill occupants probably settled here as an ideal site to watch over advancing enemies and a strategic grazing, hunting ground and water source at the Lake Nakuru.
The National Museums of Kenya took over the site after the white settlers surrendered it to the government in 1927.
The Hyrax pre-historic site comprises of a natural environment of indigenous trees, grass, rocks, shrub and herbs. The habitat attracts a variety of bird species and other wild life species like Hyena, Snake, Hyrax, and Tortoise. Visitors at the museum can be fascinated by a tortoise pit and nature trails up the hill.
The museum gallery contains cast fossil collections art artifact collections. A magnificent view of the Lake Nakuru, Town and the Great Rift Valley is clear at the hill top.
According to the deputy curator of the Museum Mr. Peter Talam, plans are at an advanced stage to introduce a snake park and Tourist class resort centre at the site.

Is injustice a human nature?

2009-06-08T04:18:00.000-07:00

An opinion by Eric Sindabi
I tend to believe that injustice, the contradictory of Justice is a natural phenomenon that is connected to the human society. Ever since or time immemorial, down the history of Man kind and even centuries before and after the death of Christ injustice has existed.
History shows that People have ever been unjust to others while people have always cried and yearned for justice.
Reference books define the term Justice as the practice of fairness, un biased and impartiality.
Being just is like adherence to the right thing or conforming to good and expected standards in society.
Injustice thus is a vice while justice is a virtue and an expected social standard ethically, culturally and even spiritually.
In Kenya today for example majority of citizens cry foul and are up in arms with the Government for not up holding justice in the country. Ranging from the last general elections flawed results and the continued miss-management of public resources, to the crumbling economy, corruption in public and private sectors, insecurity, poverty and un equal distribution of resources are some of the issues that Kenyans cite for injustice by their political leaders.
As Kenyans soldier on to demand justice from politicians it should be reflected that justice is directly proportional to in justice. That justice cannot exist without in justice and the other way round. It is a human nature that exists in any society of the world and only God, according to Christian teachings, can be trusted for justice.
Indeed many nations of the world have ever experienced the In justice phenomenon that has contributed to the suffering of many now and in the past and where social and political tribulations are believed to be caused by a few unjust leaders.
Never the less victims of in justice have ever been tempted to apply all possible ways to decry in justice while oppressors too use all possible ways to en rich in justice.
This can explain the events that were witnessed in the country following the disputed presidential election results early this year. Many voters urged that by being denied, through rigging, and the practice of tribal politics, a chance to elect leaders of their choice was injustice of the highest order. Many voters believed that by electing leaders of their choice would be as well as making better choices for their lives as these leaders would have brought about the changes the country ache for to improve livelihoods.
In protests that followed many innocent Kenyans suffered a great deal with thousands being killed and displaced in the skirmishes that ruled the day. Likewise it is a great injustice according to social analysts for the government to put the citizens of this country in such an ugly situation. Neigh ours and associates in the country drawn from all walks of life that hitherto lived and co-existed peacefully soon turned against each other in support of particular politicians.
As Kenyans try to re -construct from the effects of the post poll violence, injustice still beckon and Justice seems to be far from site. It is as ever as normal as politicians continue squabbling than serving Kenyans on the most contentious issues. Indeed Philosophers have put forward that Justice can never be fully achieved in any human society. It is like heaven. We desire for it but we can never achieve it here on earth.

Incinerating services at Egerton to boost environmental conservation

2009-06-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi
The department of Animal Sciences at Egerton University in Njoro has acquired an incinerating machine that is intended to boost the local environmental conservation and protection. Incinerators are machines that are used to dispose off solid waste that can be hazardous once exposed to the environment.
In many developed countries incinerating machines are used by Municipal councils and in factories to destroy solid waste by burning.
This machine can be able to burn and destroy carcasses, vet nary and biological waste and other related materials to sterilize ashes that are non-hazardous when discharged to the physical environment.
This comes however when the government is fast implementing the use of such machines in all urban centers in the country. Recently the minister for public health professor Anyang nyong directed that all municipal councils should acquire incinerating machines to curb environmental degradation that is caused by solid waste dumping in urban centers in the country.
The heavy duty machine at Egerton that is now in full operation has a capacity of high temperatures of over 1000 degrees centigrade. Sources at the Animal Science department hint that the machine will be used for academic applications at the varsity and will also extend its services to the local community by targeting carcasses from local farmers apart from the University’s farm department.

The source said that the incinerating machine will mitigate on the hazardous means of disposing carcasses by local farmers.
Large incinerators are mainly applied in reducing the volume of wastes in disposal fields while there are also smaller household refuse incinerators. These machines come in handy most communities where land fill space is scarce and where environmental protection measures ought to be upheld.
The Government of Kenya for example has directed the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure that tough measures are undertaken to implement the use of Incinerating machines.
The media had hitherto highlighted hazardous disposal of wastes and expired drugs by most Hospitals and equally harmful solid wastes by Municipal councils in the country.
While giving out the directive on use of incinerators professor Anyang nyong said that burning or disposing waste in the open was dangerous as these wastes go along way in polluting the environment and pose danger to people where water, soil and air get polluted.
The minister said that NEMA and Municipal councils waste management personnel should under take a thorough understanding of the ecology, water circle and the products of decomposing waste material and their impacts on the environment.
The Vice-chancellor of Egerton University Professor James Tuitoek during a recent environmental conservation day celebrations at the University said that the higher learning institution had made big prospects in sustainable environmental management. He urged other local stake holders to come up with similar projects that will enhance environmental protection.

Incinerating machines come in four major categories depending on the type of waste material targeted for destruction. These include machines that burn harmful chemicals produced as by-products of industrial processes, community waste incinerators, medical incinerators, and sewerage incinerators.
Large incinerators can heart waste to up to 2000 degrees centigrade that is hot enough to break down toxic organic chemicals into less harmful gases and water. The heart that is generated can be used as a by-product to heart buildings or generate power.
To control pollution caused by exhaust from incinerators, modern equipments contain scrubbers, devices that contain chemicals that remove acidic gases from the by-products.

Why African women are vulnurable to deadly diseases

2009-06-08T03:55:00.001-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

Recent statistics indicate that at least over 65% of people infected with the deadly HIV and Aids in the sub Sahara Africa are women. A further survey on the infection among women in Africa shows that many married women who though may remain faithful to their husbands are likely to be infected with the pandemic due to their pre-marital sexual experiences.
The Author of a Book; the Aids Pandemic, Richard Willis believes that many young women in Africa are frequently engaged in sex early in life with multiple partners. Once they get married, they shift to a faithful life but live with STDs among other sexually transmitted ailments.
Another close source of sexually transmitted diseases among women in Africa according to the Book is the one dreaded Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) culture that is prevalent in many African tribes.Here, transmission of ailments is increased by the sharing of ritual tools like blades, knives, traditional medicines and costumes during FGM.
Diseases like HIV and Aids and others greatly flourish in conditions or permanent effects on genitals of FGM victims. Such effects include conditions like; Anatomical distortions, Partial closures of virgina, Urinary tract infections and chronic Urinary retention.
Research interestingly has revealed other health hazards performed on young females in Africa that lead to the vulnerability of disease infections.
For example apart from FGM,such other factors are like;Rape,rough sex, traumatic injuries, genital cures after injury and fertility enhancement on genitals by Bush doctors. To please their men some African women apply or treat their Vaginas with substances to to enhance virginity. However this affects the womens’apart from men’s genitals. Medical reports indicate that such practices cause injuries to the Virginal system and thus increase the risk of disease infection.
In most African settings it was the duty of the man to go out in the field in search of means to make ends meet. Most modern rural women whose husbands have abandoned them in search of jobs in urban centers risk most are infected with STDs as most indulge in extra marital sexual life due to poverty or in protest over abandonment by their husbands.
With the increased campaigns in the prevention of HIV and Aids disease in Africa, Women and gender stakeholders should keep in mind that they the women are the most vulnerable. Sociologists though have put forward that women are the mothers of nature. Without women there would be no continuation of human generations. The African society thus should treat women and girls with great care.Governments and stakeholders should strive to put in place Laws and policies that protect the female sex under all costs.

Publishing Industry in Africa needs to be re-addressed

2009-06-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi
In 1973 a Conference on Publishing in Africa was held in Nigeria to address on the way forward in developing the industry. The conference resulted in the formation of a wide range of recommendations that were geared towards developing the low ranked industry in the world, according to UNESCO statistics.
The recommendations reflected on key issues that were to be addressed. These included developing Paper manufacturing industry, Training printing experts and setting up standards on printing. The conference also recommended that up coming Authors in Africa were to be motivated by publishing their works while being trained through creative workshops and award schemes. The conference also addressed the issue of developing sound publishing policies in Africa and heightening the book distribution market. Nevertheless the conference stressed that African governments had the responsibility of developing reading cultures on grassroots levels.
Over the years there has been little however that has been achieved. UNESCO statistics still rank Africa low in the world publishing industry. With the influx of the information Technology dabbed; information explosion, the print media is headed for doom unless re- addressed. The electronic media of the Internet is a threat to the print media even though the ideal source of information for the electronic media is the book form. Much needs to be done to revive the Print media as a sole source of knowledge and a cultural heritage of generations.
Up coming Authors ought to be motivated and trained while publishers and distributors need to be objective and diverse. Governments in Africa must address the issue of illiteracy and develop grassroots reading culture initiatives. It is true indeed that an informed society is a developed society. Africa shall never develop as long as its people continue living in darkness-read IGNORANCE.

An escape to Egerton botanic garden

2009-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

Botanical Gardens are sanctuaries of plants of all kinds including Trees, Flowers, Shrubs, Vines, and Herbs among others. The term Botany means study of plants while Botanical Gardens are used as parks or arboretums in urban and research centers. Such act as nature trails and recreational resorts and for providing natural environment conservation centers.

Historically Botanical Gardens evolved in ancient and modern China where naturalists and botanists owned them for raising medicinal herbs, vegetables and fruits. Indeed modern botanical gardens are common in University’s and other research centres .They provide facilities for teaching, research and environmental conservation and incorporate both plants and animals.

In 2003, Egerton University established a Botanical Garden that was meant to be a centre for teaching, research, environmental conservation and recreational facility.
A ride from the main gate towards Ngongongeri Farm within the main Campus in Njoro leads to a 300-acre beautiful landscape that is a modern Botanical Garden.
The natural environment was a brain child of a former Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Ezra Maritim who during his tenure turned the university into a greenbelt through various environmental activities. This included among others the establishment of the Egerton Botanical Garden.

The serene landscape is dotted with breath taking riparian vegetation and forest resources. Propagation of rare and threatened plant species collected from all over the country is dominant. Likewise in the line of conservation are a wide range of medicinal plants that are common in various parts of the country.
A visitor can be fascinated by camp and picnic sites of wooden seats, African thatched huts, footbridges, nature trails, ponds, dry river valleys and a watch tower.

Nature lovers can also be fascinated by exploring the forest watching guinea fowls and picking their feathers, Wild flowers and fruits and bird watching.
The sanctuary is home for animals like Snake, Tortoise, Antelope, Leopard and rare birds like Owl.

To add value to the animal collection the University recently introduced rare animals at the sanctuary .Llamas are exotic animals of the Camel family that originated in South America. The animal can be used as a beast of burden and for meat and wool production. According to the University Public Relations officer Ken Ramani, the Llama, three in number have boosted the local tourism sector as many visitors steam in at the Botanical Garden to see the rare beasts. He says the University intends to breed Llamas and introduce them to local farmers in Njoro.

Visitors at the nature reserve include the University’s Students and Staff from all the campuses that come for recreation and academic missions. Others include both local and foreign researchers and Tourists and Journalists.

The wonder reptiles of Hyrax Hill

2009-06-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi and Melissa Cheruiyot

The hyrax hill prehistoric museum is by far one of the most attractive natural environments in the country. The site, located in the heart of Nakuru town is also a globally reputed archeological centre. It was here where in the 18th century British settlers discovered Iron Age fossils that prompted to acclaimed archeological works.
At least fossils dating back to 5000 years ago have given information about original communities in Rift Valley of Kenya. The natural habitat that is managed by the The National Museums of Kenya is rich in both animal and plant species.
The land Tortoise
Tortoises the mystic land reptiles are part of the animal collection at hyrax hill pre historic museum .Some three years ago the museum established a Tortoise pit which is currently one of the major attractions at the museum. According to the deputy museum curator Mr. Peter Talam the tortoise breeding project is intended to conserve the wildlife and to provide opportunity to local tourism and research industries.
He says that the animals are collected from the natural environment of the museum and others others donated by locals who collect them from the jungles around the site.
According to reference sources, Tortioses are land dwelling reptiles of family Testudidae and order Testudines.Like sea turtles tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell.
The land Tortoise can be of several varieties including the leopard Tortoise at the hyrax hill.Tortoises mostly lay eggs at night and reproduce by incubation that takes between 60 – 120 days. The female Tortoise digs burrows underground of up to 30 feet before burying about 30 eggs to hatch. The egg is oval and clear in cast measuring about 3cm in size, a fact that has puzzled animal scientists. However recent research hints that the size could depend on a reptiles age or species.
The plastron of a female Tortoise has a noticeable V-shaped notch below the tail to facilitate mating. Another wonder about the reptiles is that during mating males become asthmatic. The notch also facilitates the laying of eggs. Yet some how it puzzles to note that a male Tortoise is smaller in size than a female of same age group.
According to the curator hyrax hill museum is believed to be home of one of the oldest leopard Tortoises in the country. It is estimated that a Tortoise can live to about 150 years. They are rarely prone to predators save for the mighty shell and also these reptiles are vegetarians and feed on a variety of herbs and other vegetation.
Upon incubation lapse, a young Tortoise digs out of underground to start its life on land. During the early days of their lives the young ones feed mainly on soil before later switching to vegetation. However Talam says that young Tortoises are prone to disease and predators and only a handful survive. He says that wild dogs that find their way in the museum compound at night have contributed to the scarcity of animal population at the site including the young Tortoises.
The centre he says plans to expand the Tortoise breeding project to the increasing number of tourists and researchers at the museum. He says the centre in future wills lipase with veterinary officers from the ministry of wildlife to treat young Tortoises and to provide more health information about the reptiles. He however hints that Tortoise farming is not so demanding. He says that the museum spends less than 5000 a months on purchasing green vegetables to feed the reptiles while the natural vegetation subsidizes on food requirements.
Nevertheless, all said and done the hyrax hill pre- historic museum Tortoise pit can provide a visitor with an un-predictable experience of natural environment resources of the animal kingdom.

The mystic caves of Kisumu rural

2009-06-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

When we arrived at the site members of the Legion Mary religious group commonly distorted as “Regio Maria” were having a prayer camp at the snene.Some locals were also having recreational and adventure moments. This is the famous Abindu site situated on the outskirts of Kisumu City along Busia Highway near Maseno University in Kwamundhia village Kisumu district.

Literary described as the mystic caves of kisumu, the site is a wonder of unique rock formations that is comprised of multiple caves, Underground River, springs and waterfalls and picturesque land escapes of the outer environment.

The Geography of the site is concentrated with huge granite rocks that date back to over 5000 years and form part of the lake region highlands.
Caves have been linked greatly to the modern man’s history into civilization. Caves provided shelter and community base to pre-historic people of the world.

Legend
According to the oldest member of Kwamundhia village Mzee Okul Sem,a certain Man from Gem in Siaya district called Abour Adet discovered Abindu site in the early 1970s after adventuring in caves for several months. After Adet came out of the caves, says Mzee Okul,he talked of the site as being a holly place. He says that the adventurer who later became a religious man had advised the locals to treat the place with holiness and to exploit its uniqueness by allowing people from vast regions to visit and experience its wonders.
According to the legend Adet allegedly discovered footprints and wall paintings in one of the caves. He also informed the locals that the over 500metrtes square radius underground land forms are a home to a huge snake with three heads. It is indeed believed here that anyone who comes in contact with the serpent does not live long. It is also held that anyone who ventures into the inner caves does not come back to the surface but disappears for ever.

The mysteries are further speculated that once a local by the name Ongala tried to venture further into the inner caves where he encountered the snake. On returning home the man died soon after a few days in un clear circumstances. His wife also soon or later died in a mysterious fire that razed down her shed so goes the tales of Bindu.

According to the locals the snake comes out seasonally and inhibits the local river Ulalo and is believed to bring fortune and a sign of seasons. The locals use Abindu as a place of pilgrimage and always elders from vast regions of Luo Nyanza converge at the site to perform various customary rituals. The locals say that even some local influential people including politicians visit Abindu site for various purposes.

Cave men

In one of the caves there is a pot like rock structure filled with water that drops out of the caves walls. It is here that priests of the Legion Mary sect collect ‘holly water’. Yet in another inner cave, there are stones arranged in a manner as in a house. The primitive illustrations on the caves walls the locals say, were only interpreted by Adet .

According to reference sources Cave dwellers are people who adore caves or live in caves. Those who study caves are called speleologists while the study of caves is referred to as speleology. Among the ealiest known caves used by pre-historic people is located in southern France.Archaeological information shows that about 500000 years ago pre-historic people used stone tools in the cave to kill animals for meat. Another famous cave site is in China located near Beijing.

Studies show that pre-historic people used the dark interiors of caves to perform ceremonial events like worship and magic.For example the paintings on cave walls were treated with magic and gods in some primitive societies of Asia and Europe.A few people across the world still live in caves like in Spain where about 3000Gypsies make their homes in caves. However history says that such animals like cave hyenas, cave loins and others discouraged people from living in caves.

The outer region of Abindu site is comprised of a serene rocky landscape kissed by dots of savannah vegetation that shape a beautiful natural environment that is a force to reckon with as nature could have done its best.
Here loners, nature lovers, campers, students and religious groups and local film makers find solace of Mother Nature. Locals say that people from all walks of life come here often to experience the wonders of Abindu .

Victoria

A magnificent view of Lake Victoria beckons in the West as the vast hills of Maseno highlands in the East are a site to take ones gasps from a top the granites.
An adventurer can be able to listen to the flow of Underground River and waterfalls. The dark environments have dry basements filled with small rock particles and little world life saves for the rogue bats that glitter in the natural darkness, but scarcely any trace of other wild life. Man indeed is the owner of planet earth.

The amazing Thomson falls

2009-06-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

IN 1880, Joseph Thomson, a romantic adventurer from Scotland was on an exploratory journey across East Africa.It was at the Nyahururu wonder falls site, he was later to name after himself that fascinated him so much.

A visit to Nyahururu town on your way to the interior of the Mt.Kenya region off the edges of the Great Rift Valley ,one of the is the world’s most famous waterfalls.

The waterfall site rises about 7800feet above sea level and is among the largest in the world.

Adjacent the picturesque waterfalls vicinity is the Thomson falls Lodge where majority of visitors here come to experience the wonders of Thomson falls.

Never the less the Thomson falls mysteries, attracts apart from foreign visitors, also thousands of local tourists and nature lovers annually.

The area around the falls lies at the basement of the renown Aberdare ranges that forms one of the pillars of the Great Rift Valley, other than the Mau Ranges in the west of Nakuru.

The Falls are located southeast of Nyahururu town overlooking the Ole-Ngare Naro River .

The breath taking vaporized waters of the falls enclosed in a riparian vegetation on the slopes of the ranges is a wonder to watch, and a great source of memories.

Stip man made meandering stare cases down to the floor of the jungle where the falls get in full view can fascinate a visitor.

Friendly Baboons that grace the jungle can be a great company to an adventurer.

The fancy Maasai Traditional models and the curious curio sellers who keep vigil at the banks of the falls can also be a good company and a source of information.

According to them, the area receives many classes of visitors ranging from local school children, environmental and history students, local tourists and artistes. Tourists include visitors and residents at the Thomson falls Lodge.

A few years after his first encounter with the mystic falls, Joseph Thomson got sponsorship to come back to East Africa to cover Adventure and Geographical series for the Royal Geographic Society.

It was here, according to historical texts, that the adventurer and his crew put camp.

The source goes ahead to indicate that the white adventurers at some point were forced to apply extra moral and empathic tricks to be- friend the local hostile Samburu tribesmen. Thomson could for example hint that his Cameras were supernatural and that could cause damage to an intruder’s sexual and mental organs.

Never the less Thomson and his crew had successfully accomplished their mission and were ready to continue with the rest of the journey in East Africa .

The adventurer apart from naming the site after his name,

Gave the local ranges the name Aberdare, after the president of the Royal Geographic Society. He also named a popular Gazelle in the region-Thomson Gazelle.

Blazing log fires lit in rooms and lounge of the lodge at night is a memory to behold.

Camping and excursion services are available here and are organized by the resident Thomson falls Lodge staff or other tour Companies. An expert Safari cook over woodfires prepares meals.

To lovers of nature and adventure, those who crave for an un- predictable wilderness, Thomson falls can provide an answer. As one mingles in and wonders in the shady jungle, gazing at the mighty waters and watching over the tricky primates, one indeed gives thanks to the creator for nature is too good to let one go!

Is Noise a neglected? Detrimental environmental pollutant

2009-06-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi and Moraa Obiria

Although Noise is a common environmental pollutant which turns hazardous with time and period, little attention has been given to it.

Noise pollutant, also known as ;( environmental noise), is caused by human or machine created sound disruptions that alter activity or balance of human or animal life.

The term ‘noise’ comes from a Latin word- ‘noxia’ that literary means to ‘injure or hurt.’

The major sources of noise pollution include; Transport industry or Motor vehicles, Industry, Aircraft and House-hold. Others include; alarms, sirens, Military, people and public activities like religious gatherings in residential quarters and entertainment spots.

Many people, governments and not withstanding environmental stake holders however have never come to the reality about the negative effects of noise to life and the legacy of this environmental pollutant.

Indeed in many countries of the world, until the mid 70’s, noise was neither recognized by law nor by society as a major environmental issue.

Soon or later some governments and major cities and urban centers started enacting by-laws that aimed at mitigating the effects of noise.

According to recent environmental research reports, it is estimated that in the next couple of years, at least 50% of of urban dwellers will run a risk of contracting health complications as a result of noise pollution.

Research has both shown that noise pollution has both health and behavioral effects to both humans and animals- both physiologically and psychologically.

Noise for example can cause annoyance, aggression, hypertension, high stress levels, Tinnitus, hearing loss, and sleep disruptions.

Such effects like stress, tinnitus, and hyper tension, the source says, can lead to further health complication. For example Tinnitus a condition where there is a continuous noise in ears, can cause severe depression, forgetfulness and panic.

In the Kenyan constitution, noise has been treated as a mere nuisance but no concrete constitutional law clauses has attempted to hint on the negativity of noise or an environmental hazard in a country where lack of sustainable environmental policies laws are non-existent. Pundits believe that, the noise hazard phenomenon will remain illusive for along time.

Luck of proper planning of cities and other urban centers is one great cause of noise pollution, while our local governments have failed to enact ordinances related to noise pollution.

Environmental pundits hint that the government should work towards enacting a noise control act, while individual local governments should enact by- laws that will mitigate noise pollution.

Urban centers should also be planned well in a manner to minimize the effects of noise pollution. These will see towards ensuring that residential areas, commercial, administrative areas industrial areas and heavy traffic roads are properly located and distinguished.

The Law Society of Kenya , Environmental and health stake holders should work towards enlightening the government and Kenyan citizens on vast issues concerning noise pollution.

For example campaigns against noise pollution and activism can come in place. Constitutional amendments to cater for health complications related to noise pollution and strict environmental protection can work towards mitigating the effects of noise pollution.

Studio facility to boost media studies at NTC

2009-06-06T03:02:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

EGERTON UNIVERSITY Nakuru town campus media and communication department is set to diversify its graduates quality with an introduction of a state -of- the- art broadcasting facility.

A broadcasting lecturer Mr. william Manoa told journalistss recently that the multi-million facility will enable mass media students acquire advanced practical experiences in the field. Hence, he added, the facility will ensure practically oriented graduates

The tutor said that many higher and middle level institutes in the country offering mass media courses lack such facilities thus Egerton university will be one among a few institutes that will ensure practically oriented graduates in the mass media and communication field.

The facility he said will comprise of a sound recording and transmission studio and a video recording and editing studio and a media library.

The facility,he added will purely be a mass media and communication academic centre but not for commercial activities and will accommodate at least 30 students at a time.

Courses that will be enabled by the facility include; photography, editing, electronic media and audio and video production.

Manoa says that past students had rough times covering the courses due to lack of practical facilities, hence many were forced to avoid specializing in core mass media courses while opting for such courses like public relations and business communication.

The bachelor of media and communication at the campus is a self sponsored degree programme which attracts form four leavers and Para professionals who wish to explore careers in mass media and communication.

The course structure enables students in their third academic year to specialize either in mass media skills or business communication options.Currently over two hundred students are undertaking the course at the campus situated at Industrial area along George Morara avenue in Nakuru town.

Other public higher learning institutions offering mass communication courses include;The University of Nairobi,Maseno University,and Masinde Muliro University.

Environmentalists decry destruction of Menengai forest

2009-06-06T02:32:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

In a big up to save the local degenerating natural environmental resources, researchers from Finland in conjunction with the Nakuru Municipal Council are carrying out an environmental investigation whose findings are expected to boost local environmental conservation planning and management progammes.

Two final year students from Laura University applied sciences and environmental planning were in the country recently to investigate the causes and sound effects of natural environmental resources degradations.

The researchers Maija Kauppila and Virppi Rasanen caried out a survey on Menengai forest Which is part of the famous Menengai crater in the northern part of Nakuru town.

The environmental research was sponsored by a Finish based Environmental NGO called North – South project that partners with Municipal councils across the world in a bid to restoring environmental planning and management programmes.

A source from the Nakuru municipal council environmental programmes office says that the research was part of an exchange programme between the Finish NGO and the Municipality aimed at enhancing the local environmental conservation programmes “Already environmental experts from the Nakuru municipality have visited Finland on an environmental planning and conservation programme training workshop” said the source.

In an interview with journalists the researchers said that Menengai forest forms one of the local water catchments areas hence needs to be conserved and protected from extinction.

The forest covers about 6000 hectares of land located on the slopes of Menengai crater and is one of the leading local natural resources as a home for wildlife, rocks, and plants like trees, herbs and grass. It also plays the role of a natural environmental and recreation centre for the local people and tourists, and also acts as a wind breaker for the town of Nakuru..

The researchers said, the research findings would recommend ways in which the local communities could effectively benefit from the forest resource without necessarily actively contributing to its degradation through activities like over- grazing, deforestation hunting, crop cultivation and settlements.

They said that buffer zones or rather greenbelts apart from a forestation and educating the locals were some of the steps that could be undertaken by the government to restore the natural resource.

The researchers have also visited lake Nakuru, Hyrax Hill and Njoro river in the event of the coveted environmental study in the region.

Finland is one of the leading countries in the world that is active in Forest and Water resources conservation and management planning programmes.Atleast over three quarters of the country land is covered with forests, lakes and rivers while forest products like timber are the country’s leading export market products..

Local environmental activists who accompanied the researchers said that environmental resources protection policies and Laws need to be en acted by parliament and implemented in order to stem out the increasing degradation of local natural resources .

Mr.Antony Gaicheru a Nakuru based freelance tour guide operator told journalists that poor environmental protection planning was to blame for the rapid degradation of Menengai area. He cited the continued destruction of the forest as to deforestation and land grabbing for settlement as a blunder by the government<

Egerton don gives hope for energy in Njoro: He imports cheap solar energy products and distributes them locally

2009-06-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

Energy is a major problem in Kenya that needs great attention. Energy products find their way in home, industry and general infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. With the souring prices of Energy products like petrol, paraffin and Electricity, poor and ordinary Kenyans are being pushed to the walls of despair.

However Egerton University visiting don from the republic of China Prof .Qinsneng Wu is providing hope for residents of Njoro region. The enterprising don imports and distributes locally affordable and reliable Solar Energy products from China which have taken the region by the storm.

These include Mobile phone chargers and Torch and home lighting gadgets.
The don says that the products apart from being cheap are portable and easy to handle while they pose less health hazards risks reminiscent of oil products like paraffin.
The gadgets components include a solar plate, a battery system and a bulb light head. The products retail at an average of K.sh.1000 per piece and can last as long as time can allow.
Prof.Wu says that the cheap solar products are developed in research institutes in China and manufactured under a process called “Green power production”
The products he adds target poor and rural residents of China. He asserts that, his dream is to improve the lives of local marginalized by providing an alternative and affordable source of energy.

The don imports the products and distributes them locally through local small scale business people who act as his sales agents. He says that the demand for the products is high since those who have consumed them earlier have expressed satisfaction. He says that he has so far distributed over 60000 gadgets since starting the business. The community based venture targets small scale traders and individuals with no access to electricity.

Prof.Wu first came to Kenya in 1985 as a visiting don at Egerton University through an exchange programme with the Nanjing Agricultural University. He does research and lectures at the department of Horticulture faculty of Agriculture.
He believes that Energy is one of the major problems affecting the social and economic standards of Kenyans and need to be addressed keenly.

Mean while the University Self Sponsored Programmes (SSP) activities at Nakuru Town Campus are set to be boosted after a recent commissioning of a state-of -the –art Ksh 3.7m worth 100 K.V.A Power Generator at the Campus.

The gadget was bought through a tendering process from a Nairobi based company called Electro Watts Limited and commissioned by the ministry of public works as required by Government regulations.

Present during the occasion were the District Electrical Engineer Mrs. Grace Onyango, Director of Self Sponsored Programmes and Nakuru Town Campus Prof. Stanley Kagwanja and the University planning officer Mr. John Mbau. Professor Kagwanja held that electric power failures would no longer affect normal operations at the Campus adding that the commissioning of the power Generator was a landmark for the Campus.

Child abduction Un-checked in Kenya

2009-06-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

An opinion by Eric Sindabi

ACCORDING to the United Nations child abduction is classified under child abuse chapters.However the laws of our country lack clauses that criminalize this vice. Interestingly also local stakeholders on the advocacy against child abuse have failed to investigate these silent crimes on children.

Parental Child abduction thus is the most prevalent mode of child abuse in our midst. It arises when one parent or other forces adamantly retains a child from the other parent’s care.

Psychotherapy, behavioral and mental health research shows that victims of parental abduction undergo psychological effects. In Kenya mainly fathers and their children suffer from these conditions. Reactive attachment that shapes negative behaviors involves the varied effects that arise upon abrupt detachment of a child from a parent.

In our societies in Kenya most perpetrators of child abduction involves women and their parents and other relatives. Extortion in terms of undue financial gains and blackmails for payment of dowry are some of the root causes of parental child abduction crimes that go un-checked. Indeed the courts are full of cases where women are seeking to benefit from men simply because they are in custody of children.

Kenyan laws that seek to protect children who law deems “innocent” can be cited under the children act (cap 586) and the Matrimonial causes act (cap152).

According to the former, every child has a right to parental care that involves both parents. Every child also has a right to health care and a right for identity, education a right to be protected from harmful cultural rites among others. It is therefore rightly a child abuse crime for a parent or any other person to purposely conspire as of to derive the rights of a child in order to gain personal or group interests.

Children who are victims of child abduction suffer from identity crisis and mostly develop negative attitudes towards life. Some cultural rites like forced dowery through child abduction in some local communities in Kenya contribute to the harmful cultural rites being perpetrated against children.

Constitutional reforms consequently should address on the issue of child abuse and in particular the issue of child abduction. Ruining young lives for material exploitations should be against law in Kenya. Indeed in many states of the world this vice has not really been identified critically as a grave social ill attached to the fundamental human rights.
In particular, parental child abduction is tolerated under the blankets of marital laws. In many parts of the world such laws fail to critically recognize or identify the critical other side of the coin.

It pays little for example for a couple that is not committed to live together forever as of raising up an upright family, to be allowed to give birth to children. It is better for the law to give way to punish spouses who adamantly bring forth off springs that won’t get proper parental care.

It should be criminal for any person and especially mothers to take advantage of children custody provisions to deny them a full parental care as of for self gains.

The laws concerned should also take into account the fundamental human rights of the other victims of child abduction including mostly fathers and their extended families. It should be a crime to adamantly deny one parental love and care to a child. Critics say that law should be a fundamental human right but not a weapon.

This means that it should be a guideline to better lives to all but loopholes should not be left out for exploitation by some people in society.

The law according to the social critics should strive at creating a concrete society where ethics flourish society with crumbling ethical values is a dying society. Unethical practices that nurture up un-checked only but signify doom to human society.

A DAY WITH THE CAMELIDS OF NJORO Rare animals breeding at Egerton University

2009-06-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

FARMERS in Njoro region of Rift Valley Province are out for a sweet surprise as the local Agriculturally oriented Egerton University plans to breed and introduce a rare animal breed farming in the region.A year ago the University’s Natural Resources Department received a donation of two Llamas from the Mt.Kenya Conservancy to boost research and teaching. The ranch also donated 5 more Llamas to the University recently. Consequently the animals which have been housed at the university’s Botanical garden have started breeding. To date a total of 12 Llammas of varying age and fur colors grace an enclosed park at the nature reserve and are a sight to behold.
Vision
According to a source at the University, the University intends to introduce the rare exotic animal farming to local farmers. According to the source once there are enough collection of the animals, the varsity will train local farmers on breeding methods and give highlights of benefits of the animals before allowing them to buy young ones. The University has in the past introduced a Goat breeding project by involving local farmers. The Vice –Chancellor Prof.James Tuitoek says that one of the University’s strategic plans in achieving its vision of being a world class University in the advancement of humanity is by empowering local communities.
Gift
Llamas are natives of South America which belong to the camelid family together with the popular camel. Llamas are mountainous animals and best known for their quality wool and meat products apart from being “beasts of burden” The rare beasts were first introduced in Kenya in 1975 as a gift to President Jomo Kenyatta from his foreign friends before. The president later donated the animals to the Mt.Kenya based animal breeding ranch.
The Llamas have consequently boosted the diversity of the University’s Botanical garden which was set up in 2003 as a natural environment conservation site and a teaching and research centre.
Other animal lives at the sanctuary include; Leopard, Antelope, Guinea fowl, Tortoise, Snake and rare bird’s species like Owl and others. The site attracts hundreds of visitors including foreign dignitaries, tourists and local nature lovers.
The Llamas for example stole the show at a recent Agricultural Show of Kenya (ASK) in Nakuru when thousands of anxious show goes steamed at the Universities stands to have a glimpse of the rare animals.
Guard animals
Llamas are unique breeds of the camelid family that scientists believe lived in North America at least 40 million years ago. A typical Llama has a thick hair that produces quality wool of varying colors like; white, grey black, or spotted.
The animals can be domesticated for meat, milk and as beasts of burden. It has been researched that the animal’s milk is rich in irons and has a low fat content than the cow’s or goats. A mature Llama can carry a load of up to 140pouds (70kgs) and can travel between 20 and 30 kilometers a day with full load. Their droppings are a good source of manure and can also be used in the production of bio-gas. The hide of the animal can also be used in leather products handcraft and manufacturing. In most Sheep ranches in the United States Llamas are domesticated as guard animals. A guard animal is any animal that protects another animal from attack by other animals like predators. Llamas are ever alert and inquisitive of the presence of strangers. In particular they are naturally very hostile to members of the canid family including dogs, fox, wolf, and coyotes. In sheep ranches in most states of America these animals have been the worst enemies to Sheep farmers for many years. Llamas are in-expensive to rare as they require less attention for food, water and medicine. A female Llama has a gestation period of 11months and interestingly can conceive immediately after giving birth after mating. This guarantees moderate and also non expensive breeding methods.

The fortunes and misfortunes Of River Njoro

2009-06-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

Rivers have always been linked to the origins of societies and with civilization. In many ways rivers helped give rise to organized communities as people settled besides flowing water bodies. Excavations in caves near river banks for example realize this.
Njoro River situated in the west of Nakuru town is one of the major watershed resources in Rift Valley.The River sources in the Mau escarpment forest and mouths in Lake Nakuru after covering an approximated 200km way. Never the less the controversies, mysteries and wonders that accompany Njoro River are beyond description.

Over population of people and livestock on the river’s basin due to massive settlements has caused great damages to the water body that is viewed as being key to the survival of the famed Lake Nakuru and its pink birds-Flamingos. Research shows that deforestation and removal of other vegetation cover around the river coupled with excessive pollution renders the river vulnerable for extinction. However as much as being speculated about the conservation of the Mau efforts to sustain the survival of Njoro River is wanting, as the river continue to experience excessive human related pressure.
Decline in the width, speed, depth, natural form and chemical content of the river is as result of massive destruction activities upon the river by the locals. A close survey on the river’s middle course around Egerton University and Njoro town where it meanders through depicts a gloomy future for the survival of the water body.
Njoro river is the main source of water for domestic consumption, industrial, and agricultural related needs. Encroachments near the river banks enhance access to the river by residents of Njoro who all along lack tapped water incentives. Erosion causes the worst of pollution of the river due to release of human, animal and industrial and agricultural waste into the river. Despite of efforts by stake holders including the National Environmental Management Board to protect the river little is in the offing.
A recently concluded stakeholders research report that was based at the local Egerton University exposed a bleak situation of Njoro River and suggested for a sustainable management of the water shed.
The research programme dabbed; Sustainable Management of Water Resources (SUMAWA) comprised of natural environment researchers drawn from various local and international stakeholders. They included local and foreign higher learning institutions and government agencies.
The research by SUMAWA comprised of surveys on the views and attitudes of the local about the river and the various effects long term health effects on humans upon consumption of the rivers contaminated water. The project like undertook the task of educating the local on the virtues of conserving the river and on the dangers of consuming un treated river water. Consequently SUMAWA set up signboards all over along the river in its middle course to sensitize its pledges.

Njoro River is famed for its archaeological, geographical attributes and as a major watershed for the survival of Flamingoes in Lake Nakuru. The pink birds attract thousands of tourists in Kenya annually. However recent environmental reports hint that Kenya risks loosing the migratory birds to lake Natron in Tanzania if the Lake Nakuru conservation efforts are not up held.
In 1930’s Mary Leaky the then renowned Kenyan based British Archaeologist excavated Iron Age tools at Njoro cave near the river’s source. This archaeological work put the river on the world map as one of the centers of archaeology in the world. Coupled with unique riparian vegetation and other geographical formations Njoro river is worth its fame but worry is its destruction. As much said and done over this water body, it still sounds a mystery to fully classify it thus so much is left behind to be desired and always time will tell.

Raila / Karua plot… As election fever grip the country

2009-06-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

By Our Team
AS the election fever grips the country following a frenzied debate by the clergy and a section of politicians and analysts, the Star of Nakuru reveals the behind the scenes calculations and maneuvers by key politicians in the country even as hopes of a stable coalition government become more bleak.
To beginners the coalition government came to be after the disputed 2007 presidential elections results that were followed by bloody ethnic clashes in the country hitherto never witnessed. After the signing of a national accord that required power sharing between President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila odinga as Prime Minister the improvised government has however failed to be stable in order to deliver services to Kenyans. This is because of persistent squabbles between the two principles and members of their political outfits over power sharing privileges.
As a result there have been calls from church leaders for the voters to go back to the ballot in order to elect a new government.
Obama
The international community led by the United States of America on the other hand continues to put pressure on the government to implement reforms in the country. Only recently the newly elected first African US president Mr.Barrack Obama who has roots in Kenya said that he would after all not honor his earlier planed visit to Kenya until the government implements the reform Agenda.
During his maiden tour of Africa the US president will skip Kenya his father’s country of birth, but instead will visit Ghana and Egypt. The mediation team that brokered a peace and power sharing deal between PNU and ODM led by former UN secretary general Mr.Kofi Annan, recommended that for the country to be stable key reforms in the constitution were necessary

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) partner chief, the Prime Minister Raila Odinga recently resolved that his party would no longer withstand its PNU partner’s continued disrespect of the principles that guide the National accord and the grand coalition’s government. According to Raila, Kibaki and his team have assumed a “one man” government and no longer recognize ODM.

Signs and civil coup allegations
To him, Kenyans should go back to the ballot to elect a rightful government. Raila has all along maintained that ODM won the presidential elections but PNU rigged and went ahead to put in a place a government even as violence rocked the country. ODM maintain that PNU should respect the national accord that put in place the grand coalition government or Kenyans go back to the poll.

It is to this basis that, we reveal the behind the scenes calculations by politicians from across the divide in a bid to secure safe grounds in the next elections.
Already, signs are in the offing after the speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Kenneth Marende dropped VP Kalonzo Musyoka from being the leader of government business in parliament.
Even as president Kibaki wrote to the speaker stating that his decision was constitutional and final, the speaker ruled that the two principles should consult on executive matters as provided for by the national accord act that stipulates supremacy. According to ODM, the Prime Minister should be the leader of government business as his party has majority members in parliament.
“We cannot allow someone with 12 MPs to be leader in the house” retorted Raila at a public rally in his Kibera constituency recently.
ODM became the largest party in parliament after the 2007 elections with 99 MPs. PNU On the other hand faired poorly and only managed to win 43 seats and together with its affiliate parties including ODM-Kenya and New Ford Kenya it commanded a total of 78,still more than 20 seats down to ODM.
In a bid to consolidate power in parliament Kibaki went ahead to appoint Kalonzo Musyoka as Vice President and automatically to be leader of government business in parliament. ODM who recently contested the move, pundits believe, were in a quick comeback to apply their supremacy in parliament to fight PNU who on the other hand allege that their partners are out for a parliamentary coup to remove president kibaki from power.
IIEC
The leader of government business in the house is also the chairman of the house business committee that determines the motions to be discussed by the house. “It would be therefore a grave mistake for PNU to allow ODM to hold the position which constitutionally any way belongs to them” says a pundit who sought anonymity. There have been attempts in the past by members of parliament to pass a vote of no confidence in a seating president a weapon that ODM may easily endeavor to turn tables on their counterparts. As such Kenyans would be required by law to go back to the ballot to elect new leaders to run the government.
According to the pundits Marende also a Personal lawyer to the Odinga’s family, ironically sided with ODM the party that sponsored him to the House Speaker position. Marende indefinitely appointed himself as the chairman of the house business committee on temporary basis before the two principles agree on who to be appointed.

To add soup to the meal, parliament in a quick budge recommended the names of the newly formed Independent Interim Electoral Commission (IIEC) officials a fact that analysts clue a sign of possible flash elections. As PNU charge Raila and his bandwagon as “power hungry leaders” ODM on the hand maintain that Kenyans can only be served well if the government implements constitutional reforms. The party blames a group of leaders allied to president Kibaki for frustrating the reform agenda in order to shield corrupt dealings.

Iron lady
Wrangles in president Kibaki’s kitchen cabinet over his succession and other string-pulling have culminated to the moving out of PNU by NARC – Kenya party led by the former constitutional affairs Minister Ms Martha Karua.
The so called Iron lady has since declared she would be vying for the presidency under the umbrella of NARC- Kenya come the next general elections. She resigned from the government recently after a long time of locking horns with the president and other leaders from Mt. Kenya region. Pundits however put it that her intelligence team had prior warned her of a looming “Kick out”.
The Gichugu MP was among the staunch followers of president Kibaki before she was sidelined from being named Deputy Prime Ministers in favor of Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to the pundits, Karua who played a central role in Kibaki’s re-election and as a member of the negotiation team during the power sharing agreement, expected nothing little from the president as a reward- but the post of the deputy prime minister under her former docket.
Her political about urn is however viewed as a blessing to ODM who seem to be reading from the same script with her. She assert that she resigned from the government because it harbors corruption .Recently in parliament, Karua retrieved the ghosts of the Anglo leasing scandal in which billions of tax payers money was siphoned out of the country and mobilized MPs in accusing the Attorney General for abducting his legal role. The house speaker has since ruled for a fresh investigation in the matter by parliament.
The unstoppable Karua and her right hand man Danson Mungatana have been hard liners in PNU politics and thus a thorn in the flesh of ODM. Amid here exit, the Prime Ministers outfit can afford to breath freely. According to our impeccable sources, rumors are flying high in the political corridors that the group plans to form a political alliance with ODM to teach PNU a lesson.
This comes after plans are high to endorse either Uhuru Kenyatta or George Saitoti as a PNU flag bearer. Pundits hold that the Irony lady is capable of scoring big political goals should she decide to back Raila either wholly or as a coalition partner. To starters, Central Kenya tuff has a history of not voting for any candidate outside the region and pundits see this factor as being a secret weapon in the next elections. “Narc-Kenya indeed seems to be the new kid on the block in politics.” Say analysts.
The Ruto factor
According to the political thinkers hopes to derail ODM’s strength by PNU is trying to marry the controversial and over ambitions Rift Valley’s ODM politician William Ruto with Uhuru Kenyatta who sources say may be hoping to try his hands on the presidency. In the recent past and lately, Ruto is said to be bedding his presidential ambitions hoping to get full support from his home province and from central province.
The provinces are on record as regions with highest voter turnout index in the country. Ruto was recently at home urging his residents to support one of their own. Ironically, says a pundit, Ruto believes that he will get the full support of Uhuru or Kalonzo should he ditch ODM. According to the political thinkers it will be ironical for a Rift valley/ Central tuff (read- KK) political marriage, given to the fresh wounds and memories of the bloody political violence that potholed the two ethnic groups.
The warrior from Kamagut village in Uasin Gishu has all along been linked to ethnic clashes in the region since 1992, 1997 and lately 2007.A source on the internet says that a leaked alleged ODM strategic plan named Ruto as the mastermind of ethnic cleansing. Ruto has also been coupled to vice involving public coffers a fact that pundits believe may frustrate his presidential bid. The politician subsequently has denied that it is not his travel documents that an X has been put on by a superpower nation.
On the other hand Uhuru Kenyatta the last born son of Kenya’s founding president Jomo Kenyatta, first tried his attempt for the presidency in 2002 as a “Moi Project” The political lad was however rejected by most voters in the country on the principle that “Kenya is not a Monarch” He has denied links by the Human Rights Commission of Kenya (HRCK) as being one of a group of politicians who organized and funded ethnic clashes in parts of Rift valley, central and Nairobi during the post poll violence. The newly appointed Finance minister also found himself in trouble when he tabled in parliament wrong information concerning a supplementary budget.

The ultimate game
The pundits believe that the man from the lake has an edge over other interests to state house should the current state of political events maintain the trend. His yard stick associates like Musalia Mudavadi, Sally Kosgey, Henry Kosgey, Fraklin Bet, Najib Balala,Omingo Magara, and William Ntimama among others according to the political analysts, are well placed to guarantee him a national leader.
While the Mt. Kenya tuff that seldom votes out side the region lack a potential challenger with such national outfit qualities, pundits view a similar voting trend of the last, should elections be held now. The analysts who exclusively talked to us say that his political nemesis will have to work extra hard to diminish his chances of ascending to power by dividing votes extraneously countrywide. An already sign of this has been cited by pundits in the mushrooming districts being created by the president in several parts of the country. However as the saying goes that surprises are plenty in politics and that politics is a dirty game, and not forgetting a famous definition of a politician from our reference books-“one who gets to power using dubious means” Only time will tell the destiny.

The un-told story of Migingo Island

2009-06-05T04:30:00.000-07:00

By Odero Oruoch

FOR many years Kenyan’s of the Luo Community have lived on Migingo Island as their ancestral home. However the situation has changed suddenly as the Ugandan government try to claim it. Now Kenyan fishermen are being harassed and arrested by Ugandan forces while others fall victim to marauding pirates in the island’s waters.
Nonetheless, to many Kenyans especially the Luo community in Nyanza province the whole issue is political. According to the residents of the Island, during the post poll election violence strangers who could not speak Swahili were spotted in the area. An exclusive source on the internet says “It was rumored that the Ugandan government was ready to support Kibaki to get to power, even if he didn’t win against Raila who was already a head. Museveni has something against the Luos”
And just to lid the source, the Ugandan President recently during a press conference with international media bust off and went ahead to warn residents of Nyanza province over the Migingo Island dispute….So I have been telling them hakuna mjaluo atavua samaki migingo ………

Political
Political pundits in the country add that the Migingo matter is a political game targeted at the Prime Minister and his Orange Democratic Movement outfit. Luo Nyanza his ancestral home is one of the strong holds of the party in the country. To beginners there have been tough tussles and squabbles in the coalition government between the two partners - PNU and ODM over real power sharing. According to the pundits Museveni is a mere tool being used by the Prime Minister’s political arch-rivals. It has been perceived that there exists bad blood between the PM and the rogue Ugandan president, a fact that the later denies .Raila on the other hand has taken a low profile on the matter as of refusing to make any comments over the latest remarks by Museveni about his ethnic community.
On the other hand PNU leaders and supporters in the country according to our investigations appear to be siding with the Ugandans thus unmasking the political implications of the whole saga. Interestingly, a few weeks ago a section of PNU Members of Parliament walked out of parliament as a motion to discuss Museveni’s biting remarks was being tabled. President Kibaki ironically maintains that his government is a “friend” of the Ugandan government and warns the media against exaggerating the Migingo Island dispute.

But - recently, suspected pirates held 20 fishermen hostage for over ten hours at night before stealing their fishing gears.
Confirming the incident the Migingo beach manger Juma Ombori said the criminals escaped with equipment worth Kshs.400, 000. He blamed the government for failing to provide security to the locals.
The Kenyan media on the other hand has investigated that deadly smugglers operating in Migingo Island and who are connected to powerful people in Uganda are the forces behind the dispute over the Island. According to the media sources the smugglers evade paying tax to Kenya as dispute over the territory overrun. The source held that the smugglers want the Ugandan government to control the Island for them to continue benefiting.
To starters the dispute between Kenya and Uganda over ownership of the one acre rocky Lake Victoria Island started last October when over 400 Kenyan fishermen were arrested for refusing to pay an “annual operation fee” of sh.50, 000 that was being imposed by Ugandan troops who had raised their country’s flag on the Island.

Protests
Enraged local elders have called for protests in all parts of the region and the country to force the government take action to fully be in control of the Island. The elders according to our reliable sources performed traditional land related rituals. The source unveiled that euphorbia (osuak) should be planted around the island to signify total ownership of the Island to the Luo community of Kenya. Ojuak according to local land ownership customs signify sacred values.
Already fishermen and residents in many parts of the region have taken to the streets condemning the Ugandan government over his remarks against the community while petitioning president Kibaki to intervene. Residents who talked to this writer said that Migiongo was not a Luo affair but a national affair ‘Kama Museveni ametumwa ku frustrate wajaluo aseme (“Let Museveni admit that he is on an assignment to aggravate the Lou community”) said a local elder who sought anonymity. Local politicians have also warned that the community will no longer tolerate Museveni’s indecent advances.
However local authorities led by the provincial commissioner Paul Olando have warned residents against engaging themselves in any unlawful acts as the government was working to resolve the dispute. The PC says that the government will not tolerate lawlessness and urged residents of Nyanza to be patient over the matter.

Uganda recently lowered its flag as pressure mounted on president Kibaki to take a military action agaist the aggressors. “Even after the two leaders agreed that Uganda should withdraw its forces, they are still on the island” our impeccable source indicated. According to maps, the lake Victoria island lies on the Kenyan side of the border, but Ugandan authorities have denied but otherwise argue that the waters surrounding the Island belong to Uganda. A task force costing tax payers Sh.140million comprising of officials from the two countries has been formed to survey the borders.
The local foreign affairs minister Moses Metangula says that the two governments will work jointly to resolve the dispute in the spirit of the East African Community co-operation. “Where we fail to agree we will call in independent surveyors and experts” he said. Museveni’s security forces have been accused of interfering with other East African Countries borders.
This however comes after the African Union (AU) directive that all countries execute protocols on their boundaries before the year 2012.

Controversy
Lake Victoria, the largest fresh water lake in African measures 70,000 square kilometers. It boasts of over 300,000 islands among them, Rusinga, Bugaia, Bugala, Bukasa Mgangano, Sese, Nabugungo, among others.Other Islands gripped with controversy , apart from Migingo include; Lolwe Miayami, Remba, and Sigulu. While commenting on the dispute earlier, the Prime Minister Raila Odinga had said that the Islands were annexed off Kenya by the former president of Uganda Id Amin. He had said that the government should reclaim them.
According to Raila, the dispute between Kenya and Uganda over Migingo Island was all about fishing. It is said that Migingo is the best fish breeding habitat in lake Victoria the home of the Nile Perch. According to a local pundit Migingo being only two hours travel from Kenya mainland, compared to the over ten hour travel from Uganda, Kenyan fishermen are best suited to benefit in this economic activity.

The island also has a big potential for tourism industry. A source that sought strict anonymity divulged that a top Ugandan government official who wants to apply aggression to grab the Island intends to put up a tourist class hotel on the island. The source held that the alleged international land grabber intends to upset the Kenyan fishermen and run them out of business only to benefit their Ugandan counterparts.
Never the less, all said and done, Kenyans eagerly await the outcome of the joint survey team to determine the true owners of the Island and the waters around it.
.

Sudanese youth cause mayhem

2009-06-05T04:24:00.000-07:00

By Florence Ombima

MARAUDING Sudanese refugees recently held a local estate to a hostage when they attacked each other before ruthlessly turning to their Kenyan counterparts.
Our sources indicated that the refugees were under the influence of drugs when the incident occurred. The source informed the Star of Nakuru, ten young men of the Sudanese refugees in Kenya origin who had been on drinking spree caused mayhem in a section of Mawanga estate to the chagrin of the locals.
An eye witness Antony Wachira said that trouble started when two rival groups of the refugees attacked each other during a drinking spree at a local entertainment spot. According to the eye witness, the rowdy Sudanese nationals later turned their tempers to Kenyans at the spot, on suspicion that the Kenyans had stolen their money and mobile phones.
Our sources further divulged that several people were injured during the fracas that lasted for over a half an hour. “Tension reigned as several local youth tried to regroup in readiness to counter attack the foreigners” said a source. The incident was later reported to the local teachers’ police station for investigations.
According to our investigations, idle Sudanese refugees youth who spend most of their time consuming drugs and spending money lavishly often assault locals upon little provocation or otherwise.
Mawanga estate residents now want the local police to investigate the matter and take necessary action. A resident Benard Mayaka said that locals who uphold law and order seldom, take the law in their own hands. “The foreigners are ignorant of our laws and that is why they behave irresponsibly” he told this writer.
In the early 1990’s the government of Kenya allowed Sudanese nationals fleeing their war ravaged country to live in Kenya as refugees. To date most still live in Kenya even after the United Nations Refugees Programme introduced a repatriation plan some time back.

Concern over increased street families in Nakuru

2009-06-05T01:35:00.000-07:00

BY ERIC SINDABI
THE increasing number of street families in Nakuru town is distressing and provides a security scare to residents.

A survey by this writer indicated that the street families ranging from street boys and girls to prostitutes and other idlers are causing an alarm among normal residents. A spot check along the busy kenyatta avenue among other street venues reveals aimless roaming urchins who bother motorists and commuters. The glue sniffing shaggy rowdy youth operate in groups and forcefully ask for money and pick pocket unsuspecting wananchi.Also heart rendering pictures of street mothers sitting on pavements soliciting for help is eminent in the town.

Residents who talked to us urged the government to address the issue while petitioning the Nakuru Municipal Council Mayor to take an immediate action over the street families menaces. Some said that the increased numbers of street families in the town is attributed to the influx of the internally displaced people in the town. Nakuru was the worst hit with large numbers of IDPs. Quite a number of the IDP’s have managed to sneak from the camps and now roam desperately in the town.

Active venues where street families operate from in the town apart from Kenyatta Avenue include Nyayo gardens,Central park, areas around the municipal council market, and parts of industrial area.

Recently for example a group of rowdy urchins besieged staff and customers of a food kiosk in industrial area after allegations that they had been denied left over food. The street boys who later talked to this writer said that they were protesting after the kiosk waiters deliberately refused to serve them yet they had money to buy food. They said that the waiters went ahead to say that the food kiosk did not sell food to “chokoras”.

A fracas followed as members of the public tried to cool down the enraged youth numbering seven and who were armed with stones threatening to attack the food kiosk workers.

On the other hand investigations established that some young women who sneaked from the IDPs camps have joined the local street girls and sex workers industry. The women roam on the backstreets and night clubs and jam guest house entrances in desperate efforts to earn a living. A former Eldoret town second hand clothes business woman who sought anonymity told the media that she had been forced to join the sex workers business in Nakuru Town as she was desperate to earn a living. She said that she flew Eldoret after violence rocked the town immediately after the last general election results were announced.

African leaders a big let down

2009-06-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

By Eric Sindabi

The people of the African continent as a race are a damned lot. Viewed and ranked as the lesser set of the world and other races, Africans are mere victims of the un- doing of their leaders. Universally classified as the third world region, Africa is poor both materially and intellectually. The continent ‘s people languish in poverty due to low economic levels, disease, war and poor Technology and social standards, thus the living standards of Africans are low and demeaning.

All these however can largely be accredited to a persistent existence of un-focused leaders in the continent who are not committed to improving the lives of the masses. The African leaders, since the debut of the post –colonial era have ever been characterized by selfish goals. They are born out of greed for power and self centered drives that leave no room for good governance and better economic plans. In fact the African society is far much worse than the colonial periods. The African leaders who came to power in the post –colonial era did little to develop the continent and improve the lives of their people, but rather propagated the seeds of bad governance, corruption, injustice, oppression and tribalism that are the deep, key sources of enigma in Africa today. Thus the continent has been rendered hopeless.

Africans are subjects to tribal wars, oppression, disease, hunger and poverty, poor education standards, devastated natural environment, crime, immorality, cultural imperialism and poor technological backgrounds. All these factors make life in Africa very low in standards than it can or could be under good leadership manners.

As much as Africa has potential and capacity to grow or develop to greater heights socially and economically, the backbone of its un-doing rests on its crippled leadership style. As such, Africans continue to be exploited, undermined, and damned by the west and other races.

African leaders who make their way to power using corrupt means and cling to it by all unjust means are examples of such crippled leaders. The ironical piece is that these leaders promise the masses what they never deliver and preach water but drink wine. They are hypocrites, political maniacs, in human and un realistic groups of people that take the masses rights for granted. They exploit tax payers and oppress the common people. The tribal formulas of getting to power hurt the lot and insecurity as a result of poverty, disease, crime, tribal wars and government’s brutality is the order of the day in the continent. The only way out to the African enigma is efforts to build and strengthen Democratic structures that will event rely eradicate the elements of bad leadership in the African continent.It is the only one true emancipation goal for the African people.