Nakuru mayhem in Pictures!

The latest clashes pitted members of Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe against Luos and Kalenjins who backed Odinga -- and looked to have largely caught the security forces in Nakuru unawares.

Benson Waliaula, 36, a security guard at a bank in the town, said he saw Kibaki supporters chase down one man and kill him.

"They tore his clothes off first then killed him with blows of a panga (machete). It took him some time to die. The police were just watching. There was nothing they could do," he said.

Witnesses said the Nakuru police mostly stayed in their stations on Friday, apparently unsure how to contain the chaos.


Source: http://kenya.rcbowen.com/talk/viewtopic.php?id=60314

More updates:
Nakuru Updates From Our Man On The Ground
Posted: January 26, 2008, 11:23 am by chris
Mayhem in Nakuru as a Catholic church-holy cross in the outskirts of the town burned down and people literary walking with crude weapons.

Mungiki group arrested on a lorry in the Nakuru-Nairobi road,a 7-6 curfew has been reinfoprced and there is more Kikuyu exodus to the ASK Nakuru showground.

The Nakuru showground fence was burned in the morning by members of the Kalenjins,Luos and Luhyas militia combined,demanding that the Kikuyus vacate the town.

More bloodshed expected today as a lorry full af vigilantes have arrived from West part of Kenya with bows and arrows.

Report received in the morning Kenyan time.

Source: Kumekucha's Blog

Related:
http://www.abeingo.org/HTML_files/news.html

http://kenya.rcbowen.com/talk/viewtopic.php?id=60363

Related:http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1201367878468

Ruud Elmendorp of Wikiboom has an excellent chronology of the events that led to all these. You can see them at: http://rocketboom.wikia.com/wiki/Kenya

GEMA ABROAD LAUNCHED!

500 Kenyans from GEMA community in the UK met on Wednesday 23rd January, 2008 in London and agreed in one voice: "WE ARE IN A SERIOUS SITUATION". The members expressed their concerns that the GEMA community in Kenya is being persecuted and the persecutors are getting away with these evil acts. "We are officially expressing our concern that members of our community are being targeted for genocide. Were also very sad as one of our brother here lost five members of his family in the last one week." one member stated. "It is mostly GEMA people who have been targeted and now we are launching "GEMA ABROAD".

They posed a big question to President Mwai Kibaki and they asked the media to communicate to the president: "WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHEN OUR PEOPLE ARE BEING SLAUGHTERED LIKE CHICKEN." "We were beaten during Moi era and now we are beaten during Kibaki's era. Our patience is over now and we are getting impatient." the group explained. "It is our property being destroyed, its our men, women and children who are being killed - our hearts are crying while abroad. We cannot hold any longer and we have to help our people back home." the group agreed. "How can one say there will be peace when Raila Odinga has explained loud and clear that Kisii community should not be killed but did not condemn the killing of other communities. What is the Kenyan government doing about this statement." the group asked.

They agreed that all GEMA community in the UK and Ireland will count themselves and everyone will have to have a number. Every man or woman over the age of 18 years will register with at least £50 and above. A committee of 12 people were nominated to be the interim committee with an additional 10 members from other UK cities with one member from Oxford, Northampton, Reading, Bristol, Nottingham, Scotland, Manchester, Coventry and Luton to make a total of 22 members. Everyone on meeting registered themselves and they were all given membership number and the will start executing their work immediately. They agreed to involve GEMA communities in USA and in other parts of the world so that we can help our community whom has become the target of the recent mass killings. Everyone should register as a member immediately because back home people are in a serious problem. The UK committee is co-ordinating with the Kenyan committee to see that the funds will not be misused. The group explained that if you don't join and register at this crucial time you are of no use to the community. The membership is to help monitor the progress of the registration and to know who is who. To register you need to text or ring the following number where you will be advised what to do. When you text you will be texted back your membership number. You will use your membership as a reference when paying for your membership. The number is 07518891930. GEMA ABROAD is registered as a community organisation in the UK.

Everyone entering the meeting had to communicate with the community language before being allowed into the meeting. The meeting became emotional when one of the members in the meeting from Molo area phone home and he put his mobile on loud speaker and you could hear the crying man back home explaining that large part of Molo was on flames. He explained that Mau Summit town has been burnt. Several members called their home area at the meeting and hundreds of houses has been burnt at Mau Summit, Molo, Njoro, Elburgon, Kipkerion, Londiani and Tomboroa which have become no gone zone, as have Subukia, Narok, Nyahururu and Eldoret. As the meeting went on a member was called from Kenya by his brotherand was told that a school in a place called Karandi in Molo is on fire. The group went wild when one member suggested that "ODM groups in Kenya are paying KShs. 200 for every GEMA member killed in the field". It was revealed at the meeting that this is the beginning of a series of meetings till peace prevails in Kenya. Most members hold the view that the atrocities commited were pre-arranged for a long time behind the scene.

A big demonstration in support of the President Kibaki and protesting against the Western Media has been arranged on Saturday 2nd February 2008. People who are expected in large numbers will be assembling outside Kenya Embassy, 45 Portland Place, W1B 1AS at 10.00 a.m. where the procession will proceed to 10 Down Street - the Prime Minister's house to present their memorandum in support of Kibaki and explaining that we cannot allow some selfish people to destroy our country Kenya.

Another urgent meeting was arranged for Saturday 26th January, 2008 in London at Memorial Baptist Hall, 395 Barking Road, London E13 opposite Plaistow Police Station as from 5.00 p.m. Those who will not be available on Saturday can join a similar meeting at 185 Hermon Hill Road, London E18 1QQ on Sunday 27th January, 2008 as from 6.00 p.m. For information you can contact 07931106692

Source: http://sylkwan.blogspot.com/2008/01/serious-hatred.html#links

Comments from KDPM:

Many people have been emailig us asking how they can join KDPM. It is very easy. Just write to:
The Secretary- KDPM:
Email: kdpm2000@gmail.com

KDPM is taking every precaution so as not to involve itself in any activity that will jeorpardise the peace initiatives being undertaken in Kenya. However, we also want to be pro-active by pre-empting potential catastrophies and assisting the needy in their hour of need. Thus if anyone is interested in touching the lives of Kenyans in any way or another, please get in touch with us and we will give you details of how you can do this.

Thanks,

S. Rogers

Secretary-KPDM

Ruud Elmendorp of Wikiboom has an excellent chronology of the events that led to all these. You can see them at: http://rocketboom.wikia.com/wiki/Kenya

Dr. Joseph Mwaura:Harvard scholar addresses Kenya violence!

The ‘pride of Africa’ faces troubling future
By Colleen Walsh

Harvard News Office

Protesters could “call for a 1 million [man] march, but then end up having a 5 million man massacre.”

That was the grim prediction of one Harvard scholar who said the current unrest in Kenya could erupt into genocide if left unchecked.

As another wave of riots swept the country in the wake of December’s disputed presidential election — which opposition leader Raila Odinga and many foreign observers say was rigged — Harvard legal scholar Joseph Mwaura examined some of the reasons behind the current crisis and considered possible ways forward for the African nation.

Mwaura, a visiting fellow in the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, offered his perspective at an informal discussion organized by the program on Wednesday (Jan. 9) at the Law School’s Pound Hall.

A Kenyan, Mwaura was admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 1998, taught law at the Kenya School of Professional Studies, and is a lecturer in law at Queens University, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Three key factors, he said, have contributed to the instability in Kenya: the lack of credibility and independence of government institutions; ethnic unrest and violence; and the failure of the country’s leaders to address historical injustices.

One didn’t have to look far to find corrupt institutions, Mwaura said. The nation hoped its elections commissioner, Samuel Kivuitu, an expert jurist who was widely respected, would lead Kenya through a fair process. But his willingness to announce the results of the recent election — which returned president Mwai Kibaki to power — without adequately investigating the charges and countercharges of vote rigging, suggests, said Mwaura, that the commissioner was subject to manipulation.

“The results were really flawed, the numbers were not adding up,” said Mwaura, who also said that Kibaki’s appointment of three members to the High Court prior to the election signaled the administration’s corruption as well.

“The opposition doesn’t trust the judiciary … to acquire justice at all.”

Mwaura said the violence in the country in recent weeks could be broken down into protesters angry they were deprived of their right to free and fair elections, those involved in ethnic violence, and those who feel that their rightful land had been stolen from them.

While the first group wants to protest legitimately, he noted, officials have to walk a difficult line, maintaining democratic principles such as the right to assemble while securing the peace.

“I think the government could have quite a lot of justification in making sure that these people don’t get together. … How are you going to determine who are the people who are going to come with machetes hidden under their jackets?” he said.

The ethnic violence in the country, Mwaura added, was fueled in part by the hate-filled rhetoric from both sides throughout the campaign and the notion that opposing tribes represent the enemy. In addition, he argued, many believe that the Kikuyu tribe, the tribe of Kibaki, wields far too much power.

Finally, Mwaura asserted, some of the violence is perpetrated by those angry over the injustice of land distribution. The trouble dates back hundreds of years to the colonization of Kenya, he said, when traditional communal land ownership was replaced by a Western title system. The change put land in the hands of private citizens and the government.

“But people still had the notion that this land belonged to them, because that was the tradition, so that notion is still simmering today,” he said.

Major reforms and initiatives are the only way to avoid a potential genocide, Mwaura predicted.

He suggested the government meet with community leaders and offer concrete compensation for the land they feel was lost. To ease ethnic tensions, a fair distribution of resources allocated by a government that doesn’t favor the tribe of the president in power is essential, he argued. The judiciary needs to call for new elections; peace-building initiatives from both political leaders need to be developed; and constitutional reforms and changes to election laws that would lead to fairer, representational elections need to be instituted.

In addition, a massive civic education campaign is required, he said, to teach people to vote for candidates who represent values and justice and not simply a particular ethnicity. And major steps need to be taken to address the increasing number of people living in poverty.

“[Kenya] has been described as one of the greatest countries in Africa,” he told the small crowd gathered at Pound Hall. “The pride of Africa, the beacon of hope in Africa, the envy of Africa,” he said, recalling some of the phrases used to paint the picture of a country full of promise.

“We hope the leaders are not going to allow this [genocide] to happen.”

One member of the audience said she worries about other pressing problems on the ground in the African nation.

“What we are going to see in the next few days and weeks are people who are dying of starvation,” said Elizabeth Siwo-Okundi, a master’s student at Harvard Divinity School, whose family lives in Kenya.

“I appreciate this conversation because it allows us to look at all the larger things, but what about today, what about tomorrow as opposed to three months, five months, seven years. … If people cannot leave their homes to go and buy food safely, how would they leave their homes to go and vote? That is my biggest concern,” Siwo-Okundi said.

The government, she said, needs to make sure its people are safe and fed as it works toward peace and reconciliation.

“We know what is right. It’s a matter of having the courage to do it.”

Source: http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2008/02.07/99-kenya.html
Joseph Mwaura is a visiting fellow at Harvard Law School and a lawyer for the High Court of Kenya.



Notes from KDPM:

Wonder if Kenyan leaders are listening to people like Joseph Mwaura. KDPM suggets that he replaces some of Kibaki's advisors like Joe Wanjui,Prof. Nick Wanjohi, John Michuki, Njenga Karume and George Muhoho.

Ruud Elmendorp of Wikiboom has an excellent chronology of the events that led to all these. You can see them at: http://rocketboom.wikia.com/wiki/Kenya

MUSEVENI WE DONT TRUST YOU!!!!!!!

HUSSEIN BOGERE

KAMPALA

COMING on the heels of the midweek rapping of the President Yoweri Museveni by Forum for Democratic Change members over his hurried endorsement of Mr Mwai Kibaki’s election, leaders of Opposition parties have now joined in and heavily criticised government’s action.
In separate interviews with Sunday Monitor, all the leaders concurred that President Museveni’s message, the first by an African leader -- and only one worldwide -- was a grave blunder.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all. He (President Museveni) is an illegitimate President; he is anxiously looking for company. What again is not surprising is the behaviour of the Ugandan government. From what has been published, the President has been in constant contact with the Kibaki government as the crisis developed. What Kibaki has been doing has been at the advice of the Uganda government, presumably,” Dr Kizza Besigye, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader said.

Dr Besigye himself has on two occasions lost to President Museveni in elections that he insists were rigged by the incumbent, and which the Supreme Court adjudged to have been characterised by malpractices including.

Hajji Hussein Kyanjo from the Justice Forum told Sunday Monitor that President Museveni’s action was irresponsible. “His action should be discouraged. Ugandans living in Kenya are put at risk. It is a very bad idea,” Mr Kyanjo, also Member of Parliament for Makindye West, said.

The criticism was echoed by Mr Ssebaana Kizito, leader of the Democratic Party. Mr Kizito was, however, less scathing in his comments saying, “I don’t know why he said that. Maybe he has more information. He must have reasons to send such a message amidst what is going on. He must be convinced that they were free and fair, but indications are that they were not” Mr Kizito said.

In turn, Mr Ssebaana said Uganda should learn from the Kenyan experience that elections should be free and fair. “Any attempt to tamper with the results can be disastrous. All our election organisers should learn that you must put on a good programme. One should not impose himself. Rigging elections can kill.”

While the People’s Progressive Party leader, Dr Abed Bwanika expressed “disappointment” at the quick congratulations despite the fact that the international community was already sending the unanimous message of doubt at the sanctity of the electoral process.

The violence in Kenya has certainly left Uganda with something to chew on. The Opposition in Uganda has a history of not resorting to violence even when it feels an election was rigged.

The only the notable exception was post-1980 when Mr Yoweri Museveni launched a guerilla war against the elected government of Dr Apollo Milton Obote (RIP) who he accused of rigging.

In other instances the political Opposition has taken their grievances to court FDC’s Dr Besigye told Sunday Monitor that Uganda’s best hopes of maintaining this culture of ‘civilised’ protest at electoral fraud lies in “the necessary reforms - laws, non-partisan institutions, free media,” before adding ominously that: “if the state doesn’t do what is needed, people should resist.”

Just like Dr Besigye in 2006 accused President Museveni, Mr Odinga has accused Mr Kibaki of appointing a biased Electoral Commission which fact affected their ability to organise a free and fair poll.

Dr Besigye noted that the opposition in Kenya now finds itself in a tricky position because the courts in Kenya cannot be deemed to be independent.

“There is no doubt the institutions that would engender fairness are not in place, and the fact that they cannot go to court because they are not independent. The Chief Justice was at hand to swear in the president after a false declaration,” Dr Besigye said.
Indeed, it is against this background that Mr Odinga has rejected Mr Kibaki’s willingness to have a re-run but on condition that it must be ordered by a court.

Commenting about the Kenyan violence, Hajji Kyanjo used the opportunity to take a swipe at the government saying tongue-in-cheek that: “I now hope they know that the Opposition [in Uganda] loves its country.” Hajji Kyanjo then observed that Tanzania, which has been hesitant about fast-tracking the political federation of the East African Community because it felt there wasn’t enough democracy in Kenya, has now been vindicated.

Meanwhile, Dr Bwanika said the post-election violence in Kenya should be an eye opener which indicates that when people are oppressed, anything can happen. “It should also caution leaders that resources should be fairly distributed so that we don’t go the Kenyan way,” he said.
Source: http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/sun_news/Party_leaders_now_criticise_Museveni_over_Kibaki.shtml

Achieng wonders why Museveni decided to delay his departure. This is what she says:

"Thanks for your really informative blog. One has to wonder what the Ugandan president is up to in getting so involved in our country's events. Why did he delay his departure when he already knew that the Kenyans had been scheduled to meet with Annan and his team for mediation talks? He has an obvious bias so he should stay out of this, and he obviously shows no respect for other people's time and effort. It should be noted that months prior to the now disputed elections he had stated that it would be better if the status quo prevailed rather than have the opposition win".

Via email
Related video: http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=YtO5CZRb9 … re=related

Ruud Elmendorp of Wikiboom has an excellent chronology of the events that led to all these. You can see them at: http://rocketboom.wikia.com/wiki/Kenya

JOINT STATEMENT BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS FROM THE KALENJIN COMMUNITY!

Bishop Joseph Murupus


Bishop William Tuimising

JOINT STATEMENT BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS FROM THE KALENJIN COMMUNITY UNDER THE AUSPICES OF EMO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY ON THE POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA

We the spiritual leaders made up of Bishops, Pastors and Preachers from various churches from the Kalenjin community are extremely concerned about the situation in our country. Kenya has been known the world over as a haven of peace even in the midst of chaos and turmoil that has beset many African countries. That peace has now been shattered.

We deplore the unnecessary loss of life, wanton destruction of property, looting, rape, displacement of persons and many ills we have witnessed in our country the past few days.

We are encouraged by the numerous mediation efforts from world leaders and locals and prayers from many people all over the world who would wish to see Kenyans live peacefully and progressively as before. However we believe ultimately the solution must come from within ourselves. We therefore took it upon ourselves to pray fervently to God and seek his face and direction about this calamity that has come upon our Nation. After daylong prayer and deliberations we would like to say as follows:

1. In spite of many claims of planned rigging, threats and claims and counterclaims by the protagonists, the electioneering period up to the actual voting was conducted peacefully. In fact many Kenyans were feeling proud of themselves in the evening of 27th December and to all of us Kenya had demonstrated to the whole world she had matured democratically.

2. The unprecedented violence that rocked most parts of the country and particularly Rift Valley Province was precipitated by announcement of disputed poll results by ECK. People all over Kenya (and the world) watched it all on TV and followed on radio what many believe was LIVE RIGGING of elections at tallying stage.

3. The violence was therefore spontaneous and NOT premeditated. The Bishops and the Clergymen categorically refuse the sick and demonic notion some people maybe harboring that there was any form of planning, training or funding of youth for post election violence. Those making such claims especially against the Kalenjin community must be having other ulterior motives other than the truth.

4. The violence and the chaos were experienced country-wide and not just in the Rift Valley. The only reason the province was more affected is because Rift Valley people have over the years welcomed many other communities and notably the Kikuyu to live among them. It is therefore the most cosmopolitan province in the country unlike others. Would anyone really have expected post election violence in the highly homogenous Central Province?

5. During the Kibaki administration, a strange phenomenon has been witnessed where most of government officers in the provincial administration and security docket in the Rift Valley come from a particular community. Indeed in many instances some of this officers were primarily the cause of the violence due to the careless manner they handled the charged crowds. We are also dismayed that many of the Kalenjins who lost their lives were killed by Police bullets. Some of them were actually hacked with machetes AFTER they were felled with bullets.

6. Whilst understanding the cause of the violence and the spontaneous reaction of many Kenyans, we nevertheless condemn the senseless killings, destruction of property and looting or stealing of any kind. The word of the Lord came to us in prayer in Zachariah 5:3-4 that stealing brings death and destruction. We ask those who have stolen votes and those who have stolen other people's property to repent and return what they have stolen to save the Nation from imminent calamity.

7. Violent clashes have rocked Rift Valley severally in the past. In many instances our people are painted as the aggressors and the other party as the villains. This has happened again this time round. Indeed all the attention including the visits by dignitaries, Nairobi Bishops, NGOs, Media etc is on the IDPs from the Kikuyu community currently sheltering in police stations and other places of refuge. To the whole world NO KALENJIN lost his life or was displaced or is suffering in any way as to require assistance of any kind or compensation. In fact we have many Kalenjins who have died and many displaced and now living with relatives and friends. Who will compensate them? Who will compensate the farmer who has not delivered his milk since 31st December? How about the tea rotting in the farms that cannot be delivered? We will NOT allow demonizing of a community that has been so magnanimous as to turn their ancestral land into the only truly Kenyan Province with all tribes living peacefully and owning property. Rift Valley is not cosmopolitan because it is BIG, but because its people have BIG HEARTS!

8. A committee was formed to investigate and document independent statistics of the cost of the violence to all affected. The committee was also mandated to meet with religious leaders from the Kikuyu community from the Rift Valley and initiate positive dialogue aimed at finding a long lasting solution to this perennial problem.

9. Recognizing that the Kalenjins traditionally governed themselves by consensus, and fearing that the international mediation have collapsed, EMO was mandated to urgently call for a Kalenjin leaders meeting on Monday 14th Jan 2008 in order to deliberate on the way out of the crisis as a community.
10. Meanwhile we call on the country for a serious prayer and intercession for Truth, Justice and Peace. Let each and every one of us PRAY LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER PRAYED BEFORE!

Signed on Behalf of over 120 Bishops and Clergy

By

1. Bishop Joseph Murupus

2. Bishop William Tuimising

3. Rev Jakson Koskei

4. Rev Daniel Chemon

5. Edwin Killong

6. Rev David Bett

7. Rev Eli Rop

8. Rev Samuel Kikwai

9. Rev Elijah Yego

At

A.I.C FELLOWSHIP ELDORET

On

11TH January 2008

Source: http://kenya.rcbowen.com/talk/viewtopic.php?id=59674

Ugandan army uniforms found! Hypocrite Museveni, Come Out Clean On This!

Published on January 24, 2008, 12:00 am


By Robert Wanyonyi

Tension remained high at Malaba border after residents impounded a lorry full of Ugandan military uniforms.

The residents stopped the lorry, registration number KAV 018T, headed to the customs department and demanded to view its contents.

The besieged driver pleaded with the residents to let him pass as rowdy youths threatened to lynch him.

The angry mob was in the process of setting the lorry ablaze when riot police arrived.

Amid shouts of, "Open it, open it!" the residents almost overpowered the police, prompting Teso OCPD, Mr Joseph Kiget, to order the driver to open up the cargo.

Councillor Chrisantus Kipala, of Malaba Central Ward, and a few other people boarded the lorry to verify the items as residents cheered and broke into songs.

Pairs of Ugandan military uniforms and caps with State emblems were fished out of the boxes.

"Now you can relax because you have seen what the lorry is carrying. You can now let the driver proceed with his journey," the OCPD told the crowd.

The residents told The Standard they will keep vigil at the boarder and are demanding an explanation from the Government about the Ugandan military uniforms.

Kenyan customs officials at the border declined to talk to journalists regarding the matter.

Ugandan security officials who had crossed the border to receive the consignment disappeared on realising the arrival of the KTN camera crew.

Tension has been high in western Kenya following rumours that Ugandan soldiers are in the country.

The soldiers were said to have headed to Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley provinces, where violence broke out after President Kibaki was declared the winner in last year’s discredited General Election.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has gone on record, saying he did not help President Kibaki in his controversial re-election.

The Ugandan Electoral Commission also denied having played a part in the tallying of presidential results.

Museveni also attributed the post-election violence to the Electoral Commission of Kenya.

Museveni is in the country as part of a mediation team.

Source: http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143980835

Democracy's Ongoing Challenges!

Kenya’s efforts to establish a true and lasting democracy recently suffered a series of major setbacks when widespread violence broke out following allegations its presidential election was rigged. According to independent news reports and humanitarian agencies, more than 650 people have died and tens of thousands more have been displaced as a result of attacks carried out by supporters of incumbent president Mwai Kibaki and his opponent Raila Odinga.

Early polls indicated Odinga won the race handily, yet delayed voting results reported impossibly high levels of turnout and support for Kibaki. He quickly claimed victory, sparking unrest among those who maintained that the election results were fraudulent.

The United States initially congratulated Kibaki on his apparent reelection, but, in the wake of mounting evidence of election fraud, the Bush administration retracted its support. In an attempt to cling to the purported victory, Kibaki employed strong-arm tactics, including restricting the media and ordering the country’s security forces to respond to unrest with force.

According to observers, the situation shows little sign of abating as ethnic and politically charged violence—especially within Nairobi’s slums—continues. Kibaki, who remains in power, has rejected the opposition’s demands for a recount or new election. Former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan is scheduled to arrive in Kenya later this week in an attempt to mediate the crisis.

Endangered Democracies

The situation in Kenya is not unique. Around the world, new and burgeoning democracies are being challenged by internal corruption, election fraud, economic hardship, and, in some cases, power unevenly distributed among political parties.

Hoover senior fellow Larry Diamond explains that a democratic system is one in which citizens are able to choose and replace their leaders in regular, free, and fair multiparty elections. Democracy, especially after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the breakup of the former Soviet Union, has spread around the globe. In 1974, only 40 democracies existed--the vast majority in developed Western nations. By the end of 2006, according to Freedom House, there were 123 electoral democracies throughout the world. Despite democracy’s apparent prevalence, however, Diamond warns democracy is in danger. “Government corruption is the greatest threat to emerging democracies,” Diamond explains. “In countries like Kenya, the Philippines, and Venezuela, democracy is seriously under assault.”

The list of struggling democracies is long. In Nigeria, the nation’s two leading opposition candidates in its most recent presidential contest claimed election fraud. The International Republican Institute (a U.S.-based election-monitoring group) and other watchdog agencies reported Nigeria’s elections had not been conducted according to prevailing standards. Other African nations, such as, Malawi, Senegal, and Mozambique, are classified as democracies by Freedom House but suffer “significant abridgements of political and civil freedom.” Democracy in the Philippines is struggling to gain a foothold in the wake of a succession of corrupt and ineffective leaders, stemming back to the failed leadership of Ferdinand Marcos. South Africa has likewise endured political turbulence with the recent election of Joseph Zuma (currently facing corruption charges) to the leadership of the African National Congress.

In December, Venezuelans narrowly rejected a sweeping referendum that would have given socialist president Hugo Chávez unprecedented power and control, including sway over the nation’s petroleum resources. Bolivia and Nicaragua have also encountered challenges and setbacks in sustaining democratic governments. In Nicaragua, former president and Marxist rebel/Sandanista leader José Daniel Ortega Saavedra won the 2006 presidential election. He has since declared that he wanted an end to “savage capitalism,” a statement that raises concerns among some Latin American scholars who believe that Ortega’s socialist policies could derail Nicaragua’s democratic efforts. In Bolivia, South America’s poorest country, the election of socialist president Evo Morales has failed to bring stability to a nation racked by economic disasters, increasing ethnic tensions between indigenous and nonindigenous populations, and the ongoing war on drugs.

Although the democratization of some former Soviet satellite states and republics, such as Ukraine and Georgia, is promising, Diamond asserts that democracy in Russia has been quashed: “Democracy in Russia has died under Putin.” Other former Soviet states are currently plagued by allegations of media suppression and human rights violations. In Uzbekistan, President Islam Karimov has been accused by human rights groups and free press advocates of stifling the country’s media and using violence to suppress protests. A similar situation exists in neighboring Kazakhstan, which Freedom House characterizes as a “firmly authoritarian country that has none of the fundamental features of a democratic society.”

In the Middle East, democracy is almost nonexistent; most countries on the Arabian Peninsula are long-standing monarchies whose ruling elite has little or no incentive to move aside for democratic reform. Yet, as economic conditions improve and globalization takes hold, Diamond says he is hopeful that citizens living under autocratic regimes will begin to demand more liberties, such as suffrage for women and freedom of the press, that could result in more democratic institutions over time.

Although regime change can create an opportunity in which democratic leadership can step in, simply replacing an authoritarian government does not guarantee that democracy will instantly flourish. In Iraq, removing Saddam Hussein from power and holding free elections has not resulted—yet—in a stable democracy. Diamond states that democracy in Iraq is unattainable until “the rival Sunni, Shia’a, and Kurdish factions can find a way to compromise and write a fair constitution.”

The Gift of Democracy

Abbas Milani, research fellow and codirector of the Hoover Institution’s Iran Democracy Project, writes that “democracy is a gift only a nation can give itself.” Many experts, Diamond included, point out that establishing a democracy requires enormous effort and that emerging nations need assistance to successfully negotiate the many obstacles they confront. The United States and the World Bank have long supplied funds to aid and support countries with fledgling democracies. Diamond asserts that, despite the healthy influx of cash, many democracies, especially those whose mineral wealth fuels corruption, are faltering.

In the case of Kenya, the United States and other World Bank–contributing countries, according to Diamond, should have taken aggressive corrective actions when Kenya’s anticorruption czar, John Githongo—appointed as Kenya’s permanent secretary for governance and ethics by Kibaki—was forced into exile after numerous death threats. “The World Bank,” per Diamond, “should have been more vigilant to ensure that the monies given were aiding efforts to combat corruption and not to enrich those in power.”

Despite recent setbacks in countries such as Kenya, successes in Brazil, India, South Korea, and Taiwan offer hope and lessons to help struggling and emerging democracies find their foothold. Although most experts believe that free elections are the cornerstone of democracy, they also believe that they are just the “first steps on the road toward a lasting democracy.”

Peter Berkowitz, the Hoover Institution's Tad and Dianne Taube Senior Fellow believes that liberty lies at the heart of democracy building: “Over the long haul, the best way to make democracy stable and just is to practice toleration, establish an independent judiciary, encourage a free press, and build a market economy—hallmark liberal institutions all.” —Michelle Bussenius, Editor


Go Further
democracy on the web
Journal of Democracy. Website for the influential quarterly journal which focuses on analyzing democratic regimes and movements around the world. The Journal is edited by Larry Diamond and Marc F. Plattner.
U.S. Department of State International Information Programs: Democracy. This website contains the latest news about the spread of democracy and democratic principles both domestically and abroad.
Freedom House. This website offers history, advocacy, projects, and publications related to its mission of supporting democracy and freedom around the world.
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED). This website offers information about this private, nonprofit organization that was created to strengthen democratic institutions around the world through nongovernmental efforts.

The website for the World Bank offers comprehensive information about its members, projects, and history.
The website for USAID Democracy & Governance, an independent federal government agency that extends assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms, focuses on information and publications related to U.S. efforts to promote and sustain democratic development.
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its website offers news and resources related to promoting democracy.


concerning kenya
U.S Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs: Kenya. Official website contains current news, press releases, photos, and other information about Kenya.
International Republican Institute: Kenya (IRI). The website for the IRI, a nonpartisan organization that advances democracy worldwide, offers news and insight on the Kenyan elections, and what is happening to democracy in Kenya.


Related article:http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NTQ1MTliYjE5Yzg1ZmM1YzFkNTllMmE2YTg5MzRkNGE=



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Source:http://www.hoover.org/research/focusonissues/focus/13908737.html

RESPONSE TO GOTAB KALENJIN!

First i must say its unfortunate that someone of your
calibre can use the web to spread hatred. You are not
in any way helping the situation.

Actually i now quite agree there should be majimbo or
whatever you call it.

Let the Kamatusa take the land that they've sold to
kikuyus and we see how much you can get from it. As
the saying goes you can take a donkey to a river but
cannot force it to drink water. I say you can give the
Kalenjins land but cannot force them to farm. Some of
those people willingly rent or sell their land to
kiuks or any other willing buyer.

The perception that kiuks get things for free is
stupid and ignorant. Everyone regardless of tribe has
to work hard. Let me give you a typical example. Iam a
kiuk born and raised in Nairobi i rent land in both
Narok and Eldoret. The people leasing this land to me
are Maasai and Nandi and this year i doscontinued the
contract and have so far received calls from them
asking if i was still interested. I invest my sweat in
the stock market and thats how i make my money. I
sweat, sweat and sweat some more despite the fact that
i have a high flying job with an international body.

In Kenya we all need each other especially the younger
generation who are not entirely dependent on land.

What you need to do is educate yourself more on how
kiuks operate. Dont be so engulfed in hatred that you
forget you have to put food on the table, educate your
kids and have basic things like shelter

I totally agree the election was flawed and fell short
of expectations but that doesnt give anyone a right to
kill and maim innocent human beings.

One question i want to ask you is what the children
who were burnt in church got to do with the sins of
kibaki.

Please do not forget that kiuks are not cowards and
they too fought a serious mau mau war that drove the
britons out of Kenya.If you want war you must be
prepared for the consequncies. I have seen war when i
worked in DR Congo for five years and it doenst favour
anyone.

Lastly you have a moral obligation to your maker if
you believe in one

Lets preach peace starting with our own kinsmen. Given
a chance i would tell Kibaki to step down and let
others rule.

Pauline Ngugi via email

Related story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7161109.stm

RESPONSE FROM ALEX MATHERI:
Gerald,

I hate writing emails, in fact I am loathe to writing emails but some things have to be said and some records kept straight. Just in case you haven't noticed, let me tell you a short story about my family:

My nephew was killed under the pretext that he was a gangster, in fact a hold-up sort of gangster. He was not. Simon was a talented and brilliant young man, just like you but he also worked for the government as an assassin. Some deals went wrong and he was a hunted man. He was killed in cold blood and you all called him a thief.

I don't know where you live; really don't care but I will find you. And I will make you regret ever putting that post on the web. He was betrayed by Kalenjin colleagues and I will take my revenge.

Mr. Matheri

Via email

ANOTHER RESPONSE FROM SUSAN WACHU:

I have read your post with a lot of sadness, no let me start again,
with a lot of rage and disgust for two main reason.

One you are advocating for war when you are so far away in
STATES!!!!!!!!!! why pray brother don't you come to kenya and experience the real
thing that you dnt smell and hear and feel, seated so far away in
comfort, security, you are well fed and warm and safe, you only watch CNN,
BBC and whatever you else you use to catch up on "things back home"
where you are there is no smell of blood, smell of death, burning bodies,
teargas,you don't feel the tension, anxiety and fear of been holed up in
the "safe neighbourhood" moving round from one room to another for
4,5, 6days and worse see kids hungry, dejected, appaled,freezing out in
the cold and yes BOTH kikuyu and kalenjin and luos it does not matter and
why? because the battle know no boundaries and it is ordinary people
who have no quarell with Kibaki, Raila or Ruto who are dying en masse.

Second it fails me, how you can invoke God-however you perceive him to
be-and yet call on the murder, revenge and destruction of others who
were made in his image...

Lemmie tell you something Gerald the blood that has been shed on this
country since 27th is and will be on your hands (and your family) and
other of your ilk irregardless of colour, age, creed, religion, or
political persuasion, you have manipulated and propagated your hatred on the
masses and though i do not purport to be judge and jury have caused
"little" ones to sin.For this you will not be forgiven for that same Kale,
Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya blood that has been poured as a DIRECT result of
such hate mail CONSTANTLY cries out to be avenged.

You truly sadden me, there are no words, English, Swahili, Kalenjin or
Kikuyu that can describe the grief you have caused. If i were God and i
am not, i would never ever forgive you and your chosen son.But we are
compelled by Christ love to forgive you.

So yes, go ahead and invoke your curse on me,and say your prayer
against all that grieved you to rain fire and brimestone but know for a fact
" He who watches over us as KENYANS never slumbers nor sleeps.

Whatever you do please do not call your self a loyal patriot or invoke
the name of God.i am truly embarassed beyond human endurance.

Via email.

RESPONSE FROM KDPM TO BOTH EMAILS:

KDPM has a basic responsibility to help strengthen and support democratic processes in Kenya and Africa . Although democracy in Kenya is a subjective concept, hard to define, arguments have been made for and against certain crucial issues. KDPM is trying hard to act as a people’s watchdog, as a gatekeeper and an instrument to disseminate necessary information, and more popularly, as a reflection of varied cultural paradigms, interests and trends. As usual, each idea, activity, event etc is interpreted differently by each individual and ethnic group in Kenya . Thus we appreciate all kinds of opinions and “facts” from all Kenyans. They all help to get us to the root-cause of our challenges. Then from there we work together to come up with the right prescription for the whole country.

I have posted your views on our blog.

Thanks a lot.

S Rogers
Secretary-KDPM

Here is another email from Mtu Wa Kweli:

Kikuyus are now just suffering because of the sins committed by Kenyatta and other older Kikuyu crooks. When the British settlers left, Kenyatta took it upon himself to allocate free land to his fellow kikuyus and neglecting other tribes. People like Moi happened to be lucky as they were in political circles with Kenyatta. Basically the old mzee Jomo robbed land from the Kalenjin. Unfortunately Kenyatta's day in court has come when he is dead but his people are suffering the consequences.

Furthermore Kikuyus' reputation for years has been nothing but robbing people, banks, mugging others, carjacking. Did they think that God would allow this disturbing behavior to continue? time is up Kikuyus change your ways and stop stealing and grabbing what does not belong to you, God is angry!

Via email

Another response:
Fellow Kenyans,

The much talked about Mungiki training and arming has been confirmed.
Uhuru has donated Ksh.4 million and Karume and other leaders have paid
for the training of Mungiki to attack Luos, Luhyas, Muslims, Maasai and Kalenjin
Communities. The plan is complete and its execution is soon.

From reliable sources, the plan is to retaliate the mayhem that was
witnessed in the post-election violence where Kikuyu community was
targeted by these tribes. It is said that the attacks will start slowly
in Nairobi as mere criminal gang but will intensify with time. A number
of Mungiki members have been provided by police uniforms and will knock
doors at night. Areas mostly targeted are Mathare, Dandora, Umoja,
Kayole, Embakazi, Dagoreti and Kibera. and Police will be slow in
response and ways have been crafted to show that police have been
overwhelmed. In the streets mungiki members will be planted among police
officers with sole responsibility to kill anybody who is protesting.

Kenyans of goodwill are required to condemn this plan for genocide and
please alert all Kenyans to be careful. This not just a propaganda it is
real and police, leaders, and the public should not remain silent. All
night travels should be reduced.

Concerned Citizen.
Kamau

Via email

Another response:
Alex & Pauline you both sound like you live on moon and others live on stars. The issues Gerald is trying to pass across are vital to the kenyans across all walks of life. Don't be petty and go tribal like most gema.
Kibaki's allies like Moi, Museveni Martha Karua, Noah Wekesa, Tuju , Mwenje, Waititwa Ferdinand, Kalonzo, Kilonzo Mutula ,Michuki, Maina Kamanda,Njenga Karume to name but afew are the ones misadvising him and the spirits of dead KEnyans should haunt him& them not Gerald. Gerald is a democrat who sees what is happening and comes out clearly without biaseness. Of course he is human and bound to act humane.
Now when Alex you claim you know who killed Matheri at this time are you helping us? Go to the police and report the matter because you are well versed with the facts. Why do you fear the same gorvenment that you purport to have confidence in? Now that you have told the whole world you yearn to meet Gerald, our ears& eyes are a lert. I hope it won't be told to us in the same old phrase-He died out of a love triangle- for this is the phrase the kibaki goverment has been identified with-Shame on you Major Hussein Ali-I am a Gema fed up with Kibaki and his allies. You can see what he is lying at the Au summit and still insists that ODM goes to Court. We as KEnyans encourage you brother Gerald, let the whole world know who is who in Kenya. Let Pauline& Ale read Mutahi Ngunyi's article of 2003. I do paste it here for them so that they get a full dose of who Kibaki is.
Wairimu

Cassandra: "Nation's" Mutahi Ngunyi

While Cassandra foresaw the fall and destruction of the city of Troy (she warned the Trojans about the Trojan Horse, the death of Agamemnon and her own demise), she was unable to do anything to forestall these tragedies…No one believed her. They thought she was running mad.

And like Cassandra, 4 years ago, Nationmedia's Mutahi Ngunyi foresaw the events leading upto 2007 general elections and beyond. If only we would have listened…

Sunday Nation, Dec 2003
Why our second liberation is yet to be completed
By MUTAHI NGUNYI

This week I want to give a suggestion to President Mwai Kibaki: He should fire his speechwriter! If we lived in a "banana republic," these people would have actually been charged with sabotage. What they gave the President to read on Jamhuri Day was flat and shoddy. In fact, his speech on this day sounded like recycled material from the Madaraka Day and Kenyatta Day addresses. And what is worrying is that his speechwriters did not even seem to notice the repetitions. The question we should ask here is why?The answer to this is simple: Maybe they also slept through the speeches! The long and short of things is therefore that someone is being negligent.

Let us now turn to the fact that the President has finally put his portrait on our currency. In my view, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, there would be nothing wrong if he put a family portrait on one of the currency notes.

What we must understand here is that President Kibaki is a human being. He has urges and excesses. To deny him some things is therefore ridiculous. It is like placing a pot full of honey in front of a little boy and expecting him not to dip his finger into the stuff! In other words, our new President is cuddling in the warmth and comfort of the institutions that shaped former President Daniel arap Moi. And, if this is the case, why should we be surprised if he "hatched" into a dictator?

What we have witnessed in the last one year is the degeneration of President Kibaki from a reformer to a "Toad King". This process begins with the President becoming insensitive. At this point, he breaks one pledge after another without feeling a thing. And, as he does this, the question in his mind is: Where can you take me? In the case of the MoU for instance, we took him nowhere. The begrudged politicians yapped until the cows came home. Now the President has put his portrait on our currency and we will take him nowhere. The general attitude here is this: If you do not like it, you can sit on a pin!

Numbing his sense to popular voices will definitely degenerate into a state of paranoia. At this point, the President will make one blunder after another. And instead of correcting his mistakes, he will increase his speed in the direction of the wrong. This is where former President Moi was when he introduced "Project Uhuru" to the country. The crowds booed him, his loyal followers in Kanu abandoned him and even his own people questioned his wisdom. But the more we rejected his "project", the more determined he became. There is a lesson for President Kibaki here. He is increasingly becoming like Mr Moi during the 2002 elections. He is not yet paranoid, but his insensitivity could develop into "political blindness". Who knows how low he will have sunk by the 2007 elections? And this is what worries me.

The prediction
Consider a hypothetical situation here. What would happen if President Kibaki decided to run for re-election in 2007 and lost? Would he and his men have the grace to hand over power peacefully? From the way they have behaved in the last one year, I doubt it. And where would that leave the country? At the risk of sounding crazy, I want to suggest the following: If we thought that Mr. Moi would plunge the country into civil strife, he proved us wrong. Narc is the party to plunge the country into civil strife. You just have to listen to the FM stations and the call-in television programmes to see a pattern. From the name of the caller, you can almost predict what they will say and what side of the divide they will take. In a disputed election, such polarity would certainly take ugly proportions.

But there are two possible ways out of this. The first one has to do with the agenda of the second liberation. This process was meant to achieve two things - to remove Mr. Moi from power and replace him with reform-minded leaders. This was done successfully. However, as we are beginning to realise, Mr. Moi was not the problem. The problem was the institutions he inherited from the Kenyatta. To change the leadership without changing the institutions is like treating cancer with Malaraquin. This is partly why the "institutional cancer" in the presidency is beginning to affect President Kibaki.

Putting his portrait on our currency and junking the pre-election MoU are just manifestations of this cancer. This is why the other agenda of the second liberation was institutional reforms. Until this is completed, the second liberation will not have happened. More specifically, this refers to the constitutional review process. And, at this point I would want to address the delegates preparing for Bomas III on January 12, 2004 .

It is my hope that you have had time to reflect on the issues at hand in Bomas III. We are also told that the politicians have spent this long break to bribe you. In my view you should take the bribes and use the money to enjoy your Christmas. You must realise at this point that you are involved in politics and that in this game there is no morality. As such, you should have fun on someone else's account! However, when it comes to voting, you must reject the "bribe givers" and vote for the country.

This is important because of the following reasons. If the second liberation had two phases, the first phase of replacing the leadership had to be carried out by 3.1 million voters. Replacing Mr Moi and his cronies was in my view the easy part. The second phase is the tough one. And this is where you come in. You are only 600 people, and the future of our country depends on you. I have two questions for you at this point. One, as you vote for issues, will you be thinking of your "tribal chief" or your children? In my view, your tribe is your children. If you make a constitution for your children, you will have made a constitutionfor Kenya .

Two, consider the question of the Prime Minister's post. And the question to you is this: If this post had been created before the 2002 elections, do you think President Kibaki would have "trashed" the MoU? Do you think he would have put his portrait on our currency and retained corrupt ministers in his Cabinet? If the answer to these questions is no, then the cure to the "institutional cancer" in the presidency is the creation of this post. Do think about it! The second possible way out of civil strife has to do with the Kikuyu.

Now that the presidency has returned to the "House of Mumbi", some people from the community are convinced that it is there to stay. In my view, this kind of thinking is retrogressive and could result in ethnic animosity. Kikuyus should come to terms with the possibility that they could lose the presidency in 2007. As such, they should do two things: One, "bank" with the other communities. This is important because they cannot survive alone in future. Two, they should disown the Kikuyu ''sharks" in the Kibaki government.

The grim forewarning
Unless they do so, the entire community will be blacklisted simply on account of a few people. In future, a Kikuyu presidential candidate would be rejected because of the misdeeds of isolated people. My submission therefore is: They should not support this regime blindly!

Tags: Civil Strife, Kibaki, Mutahi Ngunyi, Power

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 2:38 pm and is filed under Analysis, English, media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to "Cassandra: "Nation's" Mutahi Ngunyi"

1. Politics » Cassandra: "Nation's" Mutahi Ngunyi Says:
January 16th, 2008 at 3:13 pm

[…] Eyes on Kenya wrote an interesting post today on Cassandra: "Nation's" Mutahi NgunyiHere's a quick excerptYou must realise at this point that you are involved in politics and that in this game there is no morality…. […]

2. Election » Blog Archive » Cassandra: "Nation's" Mutahi Ngunyi Says:
January 16th, 2008 at 3:18 pm

[…] Eyes on Kenya wrote an interesting post today on Cassandra: "Nation's" Mutahi NgunyiHere's a quick excerptAnd like Cassandry, 4 years ago, Nationmedia's Mutahi Ngunyi foresaw the events leading upto 2007 general elections and beyond….And the question to you is this: If this post had been created before the 2002 elections, do you think President Kibaki would have "t rashed" the MoU?…He is increasingly becoming like Mr Moi during the 2002 elections….In a disputed election, such polarity would certainly take ugly proportions…. […]

Kind Regards

Kenneth

Kenya's 'mafia' feel the heat!

The plan by Kenya's opposition to boycott companies run by allies of President Mwai Kibaki in protest at the outcome of last month's presidential election is an astute political move.

For ever since President Kibaki joined the ranks of opposition politics in 1992, he has surrounded himself with a group of close confidants and friends - many going back to his days in college.

And it is they who are being blamed for influencing his hardline stance during the ongoing crisis that followed Mr Kibaki's controversial win.

They ["Mount Kenya Mafia"] have realised good profits during his rule and letting go to an individual they do not trust sends a chill down their spine

Haroun Ndubi
Kenyan political analyst

The wealthy old men, most in their late 70s, consider themselves to be the council of elders but ordinary Kenyans know them as the "Mount Kenya Mafia".

The circle of influential Kibaki friends include Defence Minister Njenga Karume, Nairobi university chancellor Joe Wanjui, and big time investors Nat Kangethe, Joseph Kanyago and Nick Wanjohi.

The multi-millionaires have vast business interests in commercial agriculture, real estate, tourism industry and transport industry.

Behind the scenes

And when Mr Kibaki ascended to power in 2002 after two failed attempts, the time had come to use their influence.




Tribalism debate stoked
Wary of ethnic politics

Apart from a few appointed to prominent positions in his administration, most operate behind the scenes.

Analysts argue that they have taken full advantage of President Kibaki's hands-off style of administration to play a key role in deciding cabinet and top civil service appointments and well paid government contracts.

The president's inner circle has also been instrumental in ensuring who gets elected to parliament in most of central Kenya.

However, during the last elections a good number of their candidates, who ran for Mr Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU), were defeated at the polls by candidates from smaller political parties.

This was described by political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi as a rebellion against the old order of doing things in the region.

Recent saga

During President Kibaki's five-year term, it is argued that their business interests have grown considerably.


Many of Kibaki's candidates were defeated at the polls

A key area being pointed out as their core business is the active Nairobi stock exchange.

Well-informed sources allege that the "Mount Kenya Mafia" are associated with companies that have in the past couple of years acquired large numbers of shares.

Just before last year's elections, Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga claimed that underhand tactics were allegedly used at the stock exchange to the benefit of just a few individuals.

Financial experts said this led to the recent saga where the ODM leadership went to court in an attempt to stop Finance Minister Amos Kimunya from selling the government share of the highly profitable mobile phone company Safaricom.

Simmering temperatures

Political analyst Haroun Ndubi argues that their hardline political positions are intended to protect their economic gains.

"They have realised good profits during his rule and letting go to an individual they do not trust sends a chill down their spine," argues Mr Ndubi - who is also a human rights lawyer.

When ODM spokesman Salem Lone announced last week that they would be targeting business concerns linked to the government hardliners, this moved quickly.

The ODM has listed businesses in the banking, dairy, tourism and transport sector to name but a few that will be targeted for countrywide boycotts, beginning this week.

In response, President Kibaki unexpectedly appointed a negotiating team lead by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who came third in the race for the presidency, to try to quell the simmering temperatures.

"I think the new tactic announced by ODM has caused some shivers among the hardliners as it would hit where it hurts most," Mr Ndubi says.

Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7199757.stm

Give up? Never; we won't!

Gen Jeremiah Mutinda Kianga


Lt Gen Augustino Stephen Karanu Njoroge

The pressure continues to pile on the illegitimate regime in Kenya .

It is now emerging that the Ugandan army men are actually in Western Kenya (Western and Nyanza)and there are many more that have been sourced from that country (about 3,000) to prop up Kibaki, just incase.

You may be wondering why Michuki is now taking a hardline stance. At the rate things are going, we may be headed for a military solution. We are made to understand that Kibaki and his ilk had to seek the assistance of Museveni when the Kenya army defied orders to go out of the barracks to go and quell the civil unrest.

The rumour that General Kianga, Chief of General Staff (CGS) had resigned is no rumour. He did resign following a disagreement on how things were being done at Department of Defence army headquarters. He could not take it any more, that his junior a Gen.Njoroge was giving orders to the army and bypassing him!

However, on the other hand, the pro-ODM army units who are a majority were of the resolved opinion that should General Kianga quit and Gen.Njoroge take over as CGS then the army was bound to do something nasty.

It left the Kibaki group with no option but to plead with Gen.Kianga to stay on for another two or three months while th ey sorted things out. Gen Kianga has never categorically denied this allegation that he had resigned. Something he should have done were it not true.

If you did not know, Raila is most popular presidential material among the military ranks and police.

Based on these facts and a myriad other complications relating to the armed units of the country, the Uganda army is the only option and Museveni is more than willing to assist Kibaki having played the same game himself.

This development of inviting Uganda army into Kenya has irked the Kenya army so much and it may be one point for which th ey may never forgive Kibaki.

Real statesmen in Africa are far in between. Museveni, Moi and Kibaki do not qu ali fy one iota.

The Michuki and Karua group were counting on the US support militarily and diplomatically, but with shifting of alliances and the firm position taken by the US government end of last week, th ey are feeling lost.

In the `mwoto mwoto;chini kwa chini' news networks, it is also emerging that Kibaki was sworn in at 2.00pm. What happened at 4:45pm as televised by KBC was a recorded version.

You doubt that? Watch that clip again and check out the shadows.

The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission are so right in raising the issues relating to these illeg ali ty of Kibaki being in office.

And for the Wananchi, th ey are arguing (and rightfully so) that since the national anthem was not played when Kibaki was sworn in, he is not president yet.

I also read this observation in the press the other day that Kibaki did the wrong thing by not handing back the army sword that symbolizes state power before the winner of the election was announced. The army failed in its responsibility or was General Kianga frustrated?

In essence, what should have happened is that starting from the first date of the election period, Kibaki is supposed to have handed over the instruments of power as CIC to General Kianga. Very much the same way it was done during the Moi – NARC transition. General Kibwana handled this very well, picture perfect.

General Kianga would have then handed over the instruments of Commander in Chief of the army to the winner of the election upon announcement of the winner by ECK. Thus, the ECK alerts the army boss, the army boss gets the parade and band ready. The instruments are then transferred formally at a designated ceremony.

But we are de ali ng with `wakora' here.

When Raila talks of a civilian coup de tat, many do not fathom the weightiness of that statement.

Kibaki and his ilk should know he is in quicksand.

Kenya is experiencing the biggest travesty of the law like no other ion the whole world!

The law apart, procedure was not followed.

Should the East Africa Court have been well in place, in power and structure; these are the kinds of issues that such an institution would handle.(Kenya Election Debacle)

We have every reason to holler good people!

Give up? Never; we won't!

Source: Mwananchi wa Kenya!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: GOTAB KALENJIN SPEAKS!

I greet you all in the name of Koitalel arap Samoei, our great orkoiyot and Nandi warrior who was assassinated 100 years ago by the British colonialists.
There is no other time in our history that our unity is more important than today. There is no other time that the existence and livelihood of the Kalenjin people has been threatened, from the time of the colonialists, through the Kenyatta government to Moi's misrule than is today in the Kibaki administration.


The spirit of our great warrior and leader has to be rekindled and passed to all our brothers and sisters across the Kalenjin land. We have to rise and defend our rights just like Koitalel led the resistance 100 years ago in resisting the British invasion. Let me elaborate how the Kibaki administration and the house of Mumbi has systematically marginalized the Kalenjin Community.

1. Land

The Kenyatta and Moi administration settled Kikuyu emigrants (occupiers) in the Rift Valley, our land. Our forefathers shed tears and blood for the purpose of preserving this heritage for their future off-springs (Kamatusa). The colonialists came and occupied our land after we fought them for a period of 7 years (The longest African resistance to a white man's rule). At independence, the dominant Kikuyu crafted a law in the constitution specifically for the benefit of their own people. That "Every Kenyan is free to own property in any part of the country". With this legal error in our history, their was an exodus of Kikuyus from Central Province to Rift Valley. The Kenyatta government gave them free "loans" to acquire huge chunks of our land without taking into account the interests of the original owners. This land was supposed to revert to the rightful ancestral owners (Kamatusa) at the time of independence. This did not happen. This marked the genesis of second occupiers to our land.

Moi was an accomplice in this injustice. He kept silent in the 60s and 70s as our people were robbed of what is rightfully theirs. He mortgaged our heritage for the sake of a seat that did not benefit us in any way. He perfected this game in 24 years that he has been in power. On ascending to the presidency, more land was still curved for many kikuyus in R. Valley.

The little crumbs that the Kalenjins were given by Moi in Mau, Likia, Mt. Elgon were taken back when Kibaki came to power. Kimunya called our title deeds PIECES OF PAPER. This is very painful indeed and this has stuck in our hearts and nothing can erase it for generations to come. Nothing can remove this unfortunate stain. We welcomed the OCCUPIERS in R. Valley; we lost so many forests during their reign; they allocated themselves so much productive land at the expense of our brothers and sisters; they insult us by calling us LUMBWA(dogs); they have killed our people; they evicted our people in Mau, Likia and other areas. Brethren, arise; this has to come to an end. Kotalel arap Samoei has been re-borned and we have to claim back what rightfully belongs to us; whether by FORCE or by DIPLOMACY. It has come to an EYE FOR AN EYE, A fist for a fist, a leg for a leg.

2. Education

At independence, the Kalenjins were systematically marginalized in terms of education. All the resources were channeled to Central province. They claim that we are only good in taking care of cows and goats. That is why they told Moi to go take care of goats as they show us how a country is run; and the idiot still went ahead to support them in last year's flawed elections. No tangible effort was done to build schools in R. Valley. 90% of School bursaries were reserved to Mt. Kenya region; and still happens till today. Many colleges and universities were constructed in Central and Nairobi region. Many Kikuyus were sent abroad for further learning. Some of the best national schools located in Central province were given adequate facilities while those of hostile regions like R. Valley were ignored. The best teachers were posted to schools in Mt. Kenya region. This continued consistently until Moi took over. Mr. Moi, having been a failure in school hated dealing with educated Kalenjins. He preferred to transact business with ex-prison warders and cattle auctioneers like Barngetuny. Our education continued to suffer during Moi's time because of poor policies.

This trend has been revived by the Kibaki administration. The secret is to ensure that we have so many school dropouts which will give rise to insecurity in our areas and investors shying away from such areas. Scrutinize government expenditure on education and bursaries, you will know where lots of money is heading to. This discrepancy has resulted in Mt. Kenya dominating everybody in this country in terms of education. Have you asked yourselves why we have very few professors, doctors, lecturers, dentists, teachers, etc? Apart from Kiptoon, most of the other kalenjin professors are political professors.

This has to stop. The only people who can stop the kikuyu dominance in this country are the kalenjins. We cannot allow ourselves to be trampled upon like other tribes. We must stand up and play the leadership role in liberating our country from the jaws of the kikuyus.

3. Employment

Do you need any explanations on this? Name all the parastatals and name the senior employees in those organizations. The names revolve around Mt. Kenya region. How many kalenjins has the Kibaki government sacked? un-countable. How many has it refused to employ, including Dr. Rotich in KACA? Un-countable. If we are all equal in this country why is it that it is only people from one region that get recruited in this country? Are we lesser kenyans? We cannot allow ourselves to be subjugated in this manner. We belong here and the earlier these kikuyus realize we are serious in our quest by all means, the better. This five years will see them bringing in chiefs and sub-chiefs from the mount Kenya region to lord on us at our village levels; the only remaining government jobs that they have not filled with Mt. Kenya characters. Devolution was to take resources to our regions rather than centralize it in Nairobi. This would have helped our regions to develop and get our brothers and sisters get employed. What did they do? They told their people that majimbo means you relocate to your ancestral home. This was never in our ODM's campaign agenda. We wanted to share resources fairly. They poisoned their people's minds and now they want to accuse Raila and Rutto of preaching Majimbo of evicting people. That was their interpretation and that is what they told people. They are paying for their own sins.

We advocate for fair employment to all. The Kalenjins have to get their share if peace must prevail in this country.

4. Commerce/Trade

Talk of NSE, talk of government supplies, talk of small shops, talk of big shops; they all belong to Kikuyus. Whether in R. Valley, Nyanza, Coast or Kakuma, they are all owned by Kikuyus. Talk of Equity bank, how many kikuyus are being given loans on a daily basis? Equity bought IDB and the government has been channeling loans to their kikuyu brethren without any rigorous procedures. Kwani what is so special with this breed of people for them to own so much? They have greed and arrogance of catastrophic proportions. Again, devolution would have leveled the playing ground of trade. Channeling the resources to regions would have ignited business activities at the regional level. What did they do? They stole our votes and decided to maintain the status quo. Imagine what they will do in the next five years if you consider this will be their last term. They have bought most of the government assets through NSE. Brethren, how many millionaires can you identify in R. Valley? How many are there in Central and Mt. Kenya region? Is it by accident that we have less than 10 and they have over 1000? Can't you see? Open your godamn eyes!!! We do not have a future if we don't rise up now. They are going to buy all that was not bought previously. Their properties have to be brought down for them to see sense. It is the only language they can understand. No more talks.

5. Infrastructure

Look at the roads, telecommunication, electricity, water; name them; all the resources for in this sector have been channeled to Mt. Kenya region. From Kipipiri to North Imenti to Mwea to Embu; these guys have built highways, supplied water to their people, supplied electricity, telephone lines, dug boreholes, etc. The allocation in the national budget is heavily skewed towards their regions. This is all about resources. Moi was extremely ignorant and useless. He stole from us and did deals with these guys. He enriched himself so much; he is always ready to sacrifice his own people for his own benefits. Back to Mt. Kenya paradise; what you guys need to understand is that all this is about resource distribution. If these guys were able to do what they did in 5 years, what will they not do in the next 5 years. They are equipping their region as they steal from us. That is why they cannot listen to resource devolution.

Do you need any further education? Of course not. The list of inequalities is so long and you must be having one of your own. As if this was not enough, they stole our votes and asked us to do what we think we can do. That is right guys, "Do what you think you can do if you are man enough". We have done what we were challenged to do since we are not small boys and girls. We shall still do what we think we can do as long as we are claiming for what is ours. If any of us (gotab kalenjin), God forbid, betrays our course we shall not only eliminate him/her, but their entire linage. We shall also invoke our kalenjin CURSE in ensuring that the individual and all their generation shall not live.

We started by identifying our fighting spirit with the spirit of Koitalel ara Samoei (God rest his soul in eternal peace). This spirit still lives today. This spirit is about the kalenjin's spirit of NEVER SAY DIE even in times of adversity. Our God will deliver us to Canaan from the current mistreatment. We shall not lose focus of where we are going and what we want. We shall not allow ourselves to be among the meek and the submissive in this country because Kibaki says so. We shall say what we want to say and do what we want to do.

It is 100 years since the great warrior and leader of the Kalenjin died. He left a mark in the history of this country and the rest of the world: "The longest African Resistance to a White Man's Rule". That should always be our rallying MOTTO as a people. The man will always be our hero and source of inspiration. If Koitalel could resist the inventor of the GUN for 7 years, how can we succumb to MISUSERS of the GUN when we have also gotten access to them? Let our spirit not die brothers and sisters. A century after our great Orkoiyot died, another great Kalenjin son has been born unto us. Coincidentally, he is called by the same name of the great leader: SAMOEI. This great son of ours belong to the age group of KAPLELACH. Our fore fathers predicted that during this age group, the world will either SURVIVE or PERISH. This prophecy has to come to pass. It is this age group that will deliver our people from the jaws of the (KIBAKI). I call upon all of us to remain steadfast in giving him total support. Their strength in parliament yesterday shows what determination and unity can achieve.

We have been receiving threatening messages via sms from our brothers and sisters the kikuyus. They are interested in looking for us and our off-springs in Nairobi for elimination. These people cannot steal from us our democratic right and threaten violence upon us. It would amount to double tragedy. We SHALL NOT allow this to happen and the earlier they get to know it the better. Nairobi City is in Rift Valley; the name Nairobi in itself is Maasai (who are our cousins) and it means a place with water. We will never succumb to their threats. We shall defend ourselves and our interests to the bitter end. If they want to bring clashes to Nairobi, they can go ahead. They will regret why they ever started it in the first place. We urge our people to ensure that every family is fully equipped with our normal tools; if we can afford, ferry two warriors from upcountry fully armed and house them until we have this thing sorted out. It is imperative that we fully deal with the house of Mumbi. NAIROBI WILL EITHER BELONG TO ALL OF US OR NONE OF US. The house of MUMBI should realize that this country is not ruled through threats but by engaging the other partners. We did not start this war, they started it and the ONLY WAY TO END IT IS TO HAVE THE THIEF (KIBAKI) TALK TO RAILA THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
GOTAB KALENJIN.
Source: http://kenya.rcbowen.com/talk/viewtopic.php?id=58931

Ugandan trucks targeted by Kenyan poll rioters!

GEORGE RAMADHAN

MWANZA

THE political turmoil in Kenya has acquired a new turn in relation to regional trade. Reports indicate that only Tanzanian trucks are accorded safe passage in Kenya while those from Uganda are reportedly set on fire or subjected to numerous snags.

Some businessmen whose cargo trucks were in Kenya both before and after the general elections, said at the Tanzanian port of Mwanza over the weekend, that their vehicles managed to return to the country unhindered, while those heading for Uganda underwent turbulent and dangerous incidents.

One of the traders, who identified himself as James Owino, said his company had sent three cargo trucks to Kenya which managed to drive back safely to Tanzania complete with their cargo.

"On the way home, our drivers constantly came across supporters of Raila Odinga`s ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) who were periodically erecting road blocks to stop vehicles for inspection in order to determine their destinations," he said, adding that on stopping the vehicles, the alleged political stalwarts had ample time to inspect them and take any steps they deemed correct.

He said the Kenyans had made it clear that they had no problems with vehicles destined for Tanzania "once they had a glimpse of our registration numbers," but they had serious reservations with those heading for Uganda.

"It was a bit puzzling to learn that whenever they saw vehicles with Tanzanian registration numbers, they waved them on without any hitches, but when vehicles with Ugandan registration numbers drove in, the gloomy scenes went into motion, including setting them on fire," he said, adding that the only hitches which Tanzanian drivers had to face occurred when it came to paying taxes as most offices in Kenya were closed.

Ismail Khalfan, one of the drivers who was recently in Kenya, said the friendly stance towards Tanzanian drivers might have stemmed from Tanzania`s neutrality on Kenya`s political crises which were ignited by disputed election results proclaiming President Mwai Kibaki as the winner.
On the contrary, President Yoweri Museveni has already congratulated President Mwai Kibaki on his contested victory.

More than 650 people have been killed since Mr Kibaki was sworn into office after a disputed December 27 election the opposition says was rigged and observers said was seriously flawed.

The Kenyan opposition has called for more demonstrations on Thursday despite the fact that police, under orders to crush rallies, have shot dead scores of their supporters.

http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish … ters.shtml

Source: http://kenya.rcbowen.com/talk/viewtopic.php?id=58936

Lessons we could learn from Australia.

I followed the 2007 Australian Federal Elections with a lot of interest. Firstly, because our country Kenya would be treading the same path in December 2007, just one month after the Australian elections and Secondly, The two elections had a few similarities which I would like outline.

The Howard government, facing a stiff challenge from the opposition Labour Party had built its campaign mainly on strong economic growth among other things. That sounded very similar to President’s Kibaki’s Party of National Unity campaign which was based on strong economic growth the country had experienced since his taking up power in 2002. Kevin Rudd and the Labour Party on the other hand persuaded the Australian electorates that they needed new leadership and his party also tackled more significant issues like Climate change that were held dearly by the Australian People, and issues more Australian’s felt were not tackled adequately by the Howard Government.

Back home, the opposition’s main selling points were new leadership and taking the corruption bull by its horns. Kibaki like the former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, had built a stronger Kenya and like In Australia, many Kenyans felt corruption was still an issue that had not been tackled significantly by the government; sadly this is where most of the similarities ended.

I watched John Howard’s conceding speech to party supporters with teary eyes. One, because I strongly admired his leadership and two because he ultimately decided to have the interests of Australia ride higher than his party’s or other personal interests, and in a way, I was looking forward to seeing a similar mature handing over of power, just to show the world that mature democracies were also found in Africa.

In his speech, Mr. Howard truly bequeathed his successor a "stronger and prouder and more prosperous" country than it was 11 years ago when he came to power. I recalled watching former President Moi’s speech when he was handing over to Kibaki and realized he could not utter such words to describe the state of the country. Then I thought maybe Kibaki could be bold enough to use such words since “he would leave a stronger, prouder and a more prosperous Kenya” than what he took over from Moi.

With the current state of affairs, assuming Kibaki stays to finish is five year term, what will he leave behind. If things don’t change, it will be a country divided among ethnic lines, a poorer reputation in the world, probably a weaker economy and a much wealthier clique of close selfish ‘friends’ among other things. When he retires he would wish someone turned the hands of time; probably that’s how retired President Moi is feeling; Right now he does not have the face to stand out and even call for Peace, if he had remained neutral, with his experience he would be mediating and visiting all parts of the country to advocate for peace. If Moi had taken time to ponder over Ruto’s advice of not being used to run petty PNU errands.

Then there was this passionate appeal to president Kibaki by 13 year old Terry Aching. The girl’s letter shows so much wisdom that if followed by our political leaders, we would not need high profile international mediators. The wisdom is plain simple; “could we please have the country’s future at heart”. Terry’s letter may not receive much attention though it has gone far and we are reading it around the world. If you grew up in the Nyayo era like me, then you would remember how it was official that the president loved children, Moi’s image did not show a lot of family but the strategist who worked on the children thing did a splendid job. We all knew the president loved children and if you were lucky enough to have enjoyed the free school milk, and then you would know what I’m talking about. Children don’t vote, perhaps that’s why the new strategists have never bothered to make build the Love Kids image.

This is Terry’s letter published in the online version of The Daily Nation of 21 January 2007.

Please talk to Opposition

Publication Date: 1/22/2008

Dear Mr. President,

I am a 13-year-old who has hopes and dreams of how the future Kenya should be like.

Like other youngsters in the country, I am amazed at how you and your fellow colleagues have handled the current situation.

Pride and selfish ambitions have come in the way of what would be the pride of Africa, the oasis of peace or even the next super power.

At the moment, you are old enough to be my great grand father and you already have achieved your dreams. I mean, you have been the President of Kenya for a whole term, but for me, I pray and yearn for a bright future. If the current situation is not resolved peacefully, it is me who will suffer the consequences.

I am calling upon you the President to dialogue with the Opposition for a solution.

TERRY ACHIENG’,

Nairobi.

Most probably in Response to Terry’s letter the President formed a high level committee chaired by the Vice President to LEAD the government in negotiations. I wonder what must be very pressing at statehouse that the president cannot lead the government in negotiations aimed at removing the country from the current crises. Over 600 people dead and thousands displaced from their homes. I think this is more important than reading speeches at Nyayo Stadium during the national celebrations.

In the good old times when Kibaki led the nations, the president had to cut short an official trip to Sudan in 2006 when a building collapsed in Nairobi. The President flew back to Nairobi and according to press reports, he did not even go to the statehouse to refresh, he drove directly to the scene. Who bewitched this man? He doesn’t care anymore or maybe he’s never cared at all.

David Okunyah
AUSTRALIA
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