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

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

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

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

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

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

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.