The latest revelations exclusively reported here by Kumekucha, concerning well known International Kenyan journalist Jeff Koinange are shocking to say the least and will no doubt disappoint his many Kenyan fans.
Information of the date rape incident in a London hotel has been coming to this writer for over 2 weeks starting immediately after the incident and even as I verified the facts, the victim, Marianne Briner at one point taunted me; "Maybe you will not expose him because he is Kenyan and very famous."
In reply I emphasized that a date rapist is a date rapist, irrespective of their nationality or their personal friendship with me. It is quite likely that many other women have suffered in silence in the past while in the clutches of the journalist and it is important that everything is done to ensure that no other person suffers the same fate again.
It is worth noting that there is a significant age difference between the rape victim, Marianne Brinner and Jeff Koinange. In answer to this question by this writer to her, she said;
"Yes, the difference in age was discussed many times - mainly by me leading him to call me paranoid about this subject - but he assured me that this was no obstacle at all since he had been married before to a 20 years older woman in the United States .......... his current Asian-Kenyan wife to whom he is married since 7 years is therefore his second wife."
There may be a link between Jeff Koinange's first American wife (20 years older than him) and his American passport, which was stolen alongside his credit cards cash and other personal effects in an armed robbery incident in Johannesburg shortly after he arrived back from London (reported earlier in this blog). It is believed that his first wife passed on. The point is that if an older, more experienced woman was not safe on a date with the famous Kenyan journalist (or is it a former Kenyan, now American), then what are the chances that a younger woman would be safe?
It is deeply disturbing that his wife in fact accompanied Jeff Koinange to London during the date rape incident. Worse still she is said to be 14 weeks pregnant and my heart goes out to her and the trauma she has gone through in the recent past including the armed robbery incident in Johannesburg and this revelation about the date rape, which will no doubt reach her. But it is always better to know the truth and to know it as early as possible. This will be Jeff's first child as he did not have any children from his earlier marriage. In fact in several emails to his victim, he pointed out this fact and said that he was "very interested" in siring a child with the victim's daughter.
But even more disturbing are the threats to his victim who thanks to the corruption in Kenya and the continued power that Nicholas Biwott and retired President Moi wield, has continued to live in great fear for her life because of the information she has concerning the Ouko murder. (See this information and the real reason why Ouko was murdered). This is what led to Jeff Koinange's threatening telephone call to the victim where he told her that he may just end up losing his job over the incident, but she "would lose her life." The journalist threatened to pass on the information of exactly where she stays to Biwott.
Ms Briner has taken the threat very seriously and told this writer about an email she received from Jeff earlier this year;
"And to show you how 'intimate' he is with Biwott. On January 22 he wrote .......
By the way, I didn't tell you that on my last day in Nairobi just before I was checking out at the Norfolk, guess who waslks in??????????? TOTAL MAN!!!!!!! As usual, he walked up to me and gave me a BIG HUG (again, I wanted to run back to my room to take a shower) ... I also wanted to pass him your book and say I just got a copy and wondered if he'd heard about it ....... but since you'd signed it personally to me, I didn't want him to 'make the connection between you and me!!!!!!!!' But if you want me to pass him a copy with your 'BEST REGARDS', please let me know ..... I can always be your 'messenger'!!!!!!!!!!
Other stories in this blog on the Jeff Koinange rape saga;
What furious date rape victim said
How the rape happened...(in this post I had not revelaed the name of the "top" journalist
Raped woman cools down? Did Jeff's Charm Finally Work... A Little Too Late?
Kumekucha archives
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Spare A Thought For Kenyans Living Abroad In Fear: Kenyan Immigrants In The UK Now Threatened
Every day tens of thousands of Kenyans based all over the world wake up in the morning not sure that all will be well by the end of the day. You see they are illegal immigrants. Brave Kenyans who have had little option but to seek a better way of life elsewhere away from their home country, which is yet to sort itself out and get organized.
These illegal immigrants are part of the army of Kenyans living abroad that have made the Kibaki administration look like economy-turnaround-miracle workers, remitting over 53 billion back home annually (that makes this the highest foreign exchange earner for the Kenyan exchequer). This is in fact the main reason why the Kenyan shilling continues to strengthen against major foreign currencies despite the many other economic woes and escalating poverty in the country.
While it is true that these immigrants have broken the law by being in those countries illegally, there is no shortage of genuine mitigating circumstances. It is no exaggeration that many of them would be dead by now, did they not get the opportunities that they got in those foreign lands.
And while the Kenyan government cannot support it's citizens to break the law in a foreign country, quite diplomacy behind the scenes could be of great help to these Kenyans who are believed to number in the hundreds of thousands. Most are in the United States but many are also in Britain and several European countries and even African nations like neighboring country, Tanzania where they are frequently arrested and jailed for being in the neighboring country illegally. It is of no consequence that the three East African countries are part of a new East African Customs union. Never believe the propaganda you read in the newspapers about East African co-operation, it is just a waste of tax payers money (but that is a story for another day).
Our politicians have no qualms rushing to these illegal immigrants to raise campaign funds for their presidential bids, however the minute that they are safely inside the State House compound their "official view" will be that these Kenyans have broken the law and can therefore receive no help or support from the Kenyan government.
The latest is that the British home office has this week embarked on a crackdown on illegal immigrants in a move that is bound to affect many Kenyans living in that country. Home secretary John Reid is set to launch a drive to deny illegal immigrants essential services and the benefits of living in the United Kingdom. The idea is to ensure that it becomes increasingly difficult for illegals to live in Britain.
It is said that the campaign will include fines of up to £20,000 for landlords who rent properties to illegal immigrants and £5,000 for companies that knowingly employ them. This latest campaign is set to bolster other efforts to keep illegal immigrants out of Britain like increasing the powers of immigration officers in policing the borders as well as a new requirement for compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals seeking to settle in the UK.
The really painful thing about all this, for many Kenyans is the fact that there are many illegal British immigrants currently in Kenya who are treated like royalty here even as they despise locals and behave like the slave trade never ended. Many of them live in plush neighborhoods like Karen and Muthaiga in Nairobi and in Nyali in Mombasa. The same can be said of many other nationals notably Sudanese nationals who operate just like Kenyans and yet recently Kenyan traders were viciously caned (like schoolboys) and deported from Juba when they were seen to be a threat to local traders because of their business acumen and aggressiveness. Then there are Tanzanians who live and operate in Kenya and even frustrated locals with cash earned from mostly illegal activities like drug trafficking and smuggling. And yet many Kenyans continue to languish in Tanzanian jails for being in that country illegally.
The time has come for Kenyans to seek a government that is sensitive to the needs and pains of its' citizens.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
These illegal immigrants are part of the army of Kenyans living abroad that have made the Kibaki administration look like economy-turnaround-miracle workers, remitting over 53 billion back home annually (that makes this the highest foreign exchange earner for the Kenyan exchequer). This is in fact the main reason why the Kenyan shilling continues to strengthen against major foreign currencies despite the many other economic woes and escalating poverty in the country.
While it is true that these immigrants have broken the law by being in those countries illegally, there is no shortage of genuine mitigating circumstances. It is no exaggeration that many of them would be dead by now, did they not get the opportunities that they got in those foreign lands.
And while the Kenyan government cannot support it's citizens to break the law in a foreign country, quite diplomacy behind the scenes could be of great help to these Kenyans who are believed to number in the hundreds of thousands. Most are in the United States but many are also in Britain and several European countries and even African nations like neighboring country, Tanzania where they are frequently arrested and jailed for being in the neighboring country illegally. It is of no consequence that the three East African countries are part of a new East African Customs union. Never believe the propaganda you read in the newspapers about East African co-operation, it is just a waste of tax payers money (but that is a story for another day).
Our politicians have no qualms rushing to these illegal immigrants to raise campaign funds for their presidential bids, however the minute that they are safely inside the State House compound their "official view" will be that these Kenyans have broken the law and can therefore receive no help or support from the Kenyan government.
The latest is that the British home office has this week embarked on a crackdown on illegal immigrants in a move that is bound to affect many Kenyans living in that country. Home secretary John Reid is set to launch a drive to deny illegal immigrants essential services and the benefits of living in the United Kingdom. The idea is to ensure that it becomes increasingly difficult for illegals to live in Britain.
It is said that the campaign will include fines of up to £20,000 for landlords who rent properties to illegal immigrants and £5,000 for companies that knowingly employ them. This latest campaign is set to bolster other efforts to keep illegal immigrants out of Britain like increasing the powers of immigration officers in policing the borders as well as a new requirement for compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals seeking to settle in the UK.
The really painful thing about all this, for many Kenyans is the fact that there are many illegal British immigrants currently in Kenya who are treated like royalty here even as they despise locals and behave like the slave trade never ended. Many of them live in plush neighborhoods like Karen and Muthaiga in Nairobi and in Nyali in Mombasa. The same can be said of many other nationals notably Sudanese nationals who operate just like Kenyans and yet recently Kenyan traders were viciously caned (like schoolboys) and deported from Juba when they were seen to be a threat to local traders because of their business acumen and aggressiveness. Then there are Tanzanians who live and operate in Kenya and even frustrated locals with cash earned from mostly illegal activities like drug trafficking and smuggling. And yet many Kenyans continue to languish in Tanzanian jails for being in that country illegally.
The time has come for Kenyans to seek a government that is sensitive to the needs and pains of its' citizens.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Kalonzo Musyoka's Popularity
There are some extremely abusive Kalonzo Musyoka supporters who regularly read this blog and I want to start off by telling them that I am simply reporting the facts. I do not create news, I simply report it. I did not organize the date rape that took place in London recently, I simply reported the facts in this blog.
Here are the latest facts on one Kalonzo Musyoka;
If it is true that there was a time when Kalonzo Musyoka was very popular amongst voters in the country, then that time seems to have come to an end. Irate mobs blocked roads with stones in Mumias on Friday to prevent the ODM-Kenya presidential hopeful from passing through, let alone addressing them. This is the first such incident involving any presidential candidate.
Other reliable sources have informed this writer that during a recent meeting in Mombasa where Raila was not present, the rowdy crowd he was about to address as the last speaker of the day started walking away and generally did not pay attention when he stood up to speak. The presidential aspirant had to repeatedly beg the crowd telling them to bear with him as he had a very brief message for them and would not give a long speech. A section of the crowd ignored his pleas and left the rally anyway.
It appears that there is growing anger and concern amongst voters over ODM-Kenya's serious problems in trying to remain united. Most Kenyans are increasingly seeing Kalonzo as the main cause of this problem and it does not auger well for his popularity as a national politician.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Here are the latest facts on one Kalonzo Musyoka;
If it is true that there was a time when Kalonzo Musyoka was very popular amongst voters in the country, then that time seems to have come to an end. Irate mobs blocked roads with stones in Mumias on Friday to prevent the ODM-Kenya presidential hopeful from passing through, let alone addressing them. This is the first such incident involving any presidential candidate.
Other reliable sources have informed this writer that during a recent meeting in Mombasa where Raila was not present, the rowdy crowd he was about to address as the last speaker of the day started walking away and generally did not pay attention when he stood up to speak. The presidential aspirant had to repeatedly beg the crowd telling them to bear with him as he had a very brief message for them and would not give a long speech. A section of the crowd ignored his pleas and left the rally anyway.
It appears that there is growing anger and concern amongst voters over ODM-Kenya's serious problems in trying to remain united. Most Kenyans are increasingly seeing Kalonzo as the main cause of this problem and it does not auger well for his popularity as a national politician.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Why Dennis Oliech Is Having Problems Adapting To Professional Top Flight Soccer In Europe
Dennis Oliech is perhaps the best thing that Kenya football has ever produced but while watching his team Nantes narrowly beat Sochaux 2-1 in a French league encounter televised on DTSV on Sunday night, I was left wondering as to what happened to the promising striker who is a big hero back home.
For starters Oliech did not play for most of the game and was brought in late in the second half in a scrappy match that Nantes barely won as they fight looming possible relegation to the second division.
Oliech was a pale shadow of himself and his pacy moves and striking power were nowhere to be seen with obvious frustration showing on his face as he found himself frequently in his own half defending. I don’t want to look like a prophet of doom but I don’t think the lad has a future in the French club.
Worse of all, Dennis has a serious attitude problem he has never shaken off from his growing up days in seedy Nairobi estates and has failed to deal with not to mention a temper that makes a rhino look humble. While on holiday in Kenya he has constantly been in the news for all the wrong reasons including getting involved in ugly brawls with his childhood rivals.
At one time, a newspaper photographer approached Oliech at Nakumatt Nyali, in Mombasa but was attacked and viciously kicked with the ferocity Oliech would kick a football in a long range effort for goal. The hawk-eyed journalist had spotted Oliech with some young girl who was not his regular girl friend. The journalist pressed charges but later withdrew them under circumstances that were not clear. It is suspected that he may have been paid off in some sort of out-of-court settlement.
At another incident, the Kenyan professional soccer player was rushed to the Nairobi hospital with body injuries after an ugly brawl in the tough neighborhood of Eastlands only to reveal later in the press that he got injured while playing a 'friendly match' and there was no cause for alarm. Later it emerged that he had fought with childhood rivals who were making fun of his well-known stammering problem.
Oliech is known to have a very bad temper, which is aggravated by his stuttering problem to the extent that he does not do press conferences and leaves all the talking to his elder brother who doubles up as his manager. He has never considered taking anger management courses or better still, speech therapy to cure the condition.
It seems that the soccer star is being haunted by his violent past where physical fights was the only way of settling differences but he has to break from this sordid past as he is now a public figure with scores of youngsters looking up to him as their role model, but most important of all, he has a promising career which he should not throw away just because he can't control himself.
It is obvious that Oliech's attitude has greatly affected his progress in professional top-flight soccer where discipline and the enthusiasm to learn quickly have lifted the likes of Ivorian striker Didier Drogba to the top. It is clear that Oliech still has the Kenyan-ghetto mentality where if the coach does not field you then it has to be something personal.
Dennis, take some advice from me; Get a serious girlfriend, probably the marrying material, attend anger management classes and throw in speech therapy sessions. Ignore your childhood rivals and stop visiting these tough neighborhoods where you grew up.
Concentrate more on your football and in helping and encouraging youngsters on how to be professional footballers in future.
If you do all the above, you will not only be a successful soccer professional but you will also be judged well by history. If you chose to ignore this, you will be just another bum who can kick a ball and has lots of cash to waste on philandering.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
For starters Oliech did not play for most of the game and was brought in late in the second half in a scrappy match that Nantes barely won as they fight looming possible relegation to the second division.
Oliech was a pale shadow of himself and his pacy moves and striking power were nowhere to be seen with obvious frustration showing on his face as he found himself frequently in his own half defending. I don’t want to look like a prophet of doom but I don’t think the lad has a future in the French club.
Worse of all, Dennis has a serious attitude problem he has never shaken off from his growing up days in seedy Nairobi estates and has failed to deal with not to mention a temper that makes a rhino look humble. While on holiday in Kenya he has constantly been in the news for all the wrong reasons including getting involved in ugly brawls with his childhood rivals.
At one time, a newspaper photographer approached Oliech at Nakumatt Nyali, in Mombasa but was attacked and viciously kicked with the ferocity Oliech would kick a football in a long range effort for goal. The hawk-eyed journalist had spotted Oliech with some young girl who was not his regular girl friend. The journalist pressed charges but later withdrew them under circumstances that were not clear. It is suspected that he may have been paid off in some sort of out-of-court settlement.
At another incident, the Kenyan professional soccer player was rushed to the Nairobi hospital with body injuries after an ugly brawl in the tough neighborhood of Eastlands only to reveal later in the press that he got injured while playing a 'friendly match' and there was no cause for alarm. Later it emerged that he had fought with childhood rivals who were making fun of his well-known stammering problem.
Oliech is known to have a very bad temper, which is aggravated by his stuttering problem to the extent that he does not do press conferences and leaves all the talking to his elder brother who doubles up as his manager. He has never considered taking anger management courses or better still, speech therapy to cure the condition.
It seems that the soccer star is being haunted by his violent past where physical fights was the only way of settling differences but he has to break from this sordid past as he is now a public figure with scores of youngsters looking up to him as their role model, but most important of all, he has a promising career which he should not throw away just because he can't control himself.
It is obvious that Oliech's attitude has greatly affected his progress in professional top-flight soccer where discipline and the enthusiasm to learn quickly have lifted the likes of Ivorian striker Didier Drogba to the top. It is clear that Oliech still has the Kenyan-ghetto mentality where if the coach does not field you then it has to be something personal.
Dennis, take some advice from me; Get a serious girlfriend, probably the marrying material, attend anger management classes and throw in speech therapy sessions. Ignore your childhood rivals and stop visiting these tough neighborhoods where you grew up.
Concentrate more on your football and in helping and encouraging youngsters on how to be professional footballers in future.
If you do all the above, you will not only be a successful soccer professional but you will also be judged well by history. If you chose to ignore this, you will be just another bum who can kick a ball and has lots of cash to waste on philandering.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Get Your Virginity Back In 24 Hours
A man who had been doing brisk business in Githiga, Kiambu, selling "virgin oil" was recently kicked out by irate residents. But not before doing some roaring business selling jars of his virgin oil at Kshs 6,000 a unit. The man had convinced many women in the area that simply smearing the oil on the face would restore virginity within 24 hours.
But the man ran into trouble because most of his clients were married women and it is the women's irate husbands who ended up running him out of town. It was not immediately clear what irritated the men the most, the thought of having wives who were virgins (and who would naturally have wanted to retain their new-Kshs-6,000-worth-status at all costs) or the loss of a precious Kshs 6,000 from the family kitty.
But the deeper mystery for this writer is why a married woman would want to regain her virginity. What purpose would it serve exactly? Please educate me.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
But the man ran into trouble because most of his clients were married women and it is the women's irate husbands who ended up running him out of town. It was not immediately clear what irritated the men the most, the thought of having wives who were virgins (and who would naturally have wanted to retain their new-Kshs-6,000-worth-status at all costs) or the loss of a precious Kshs 6,000 from the family kitty.
But the deeper mystery for this writer is why a married woman would want to regain her virginity. What purpose would it serve exactly? Please educate me.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Kumekucha Daily Home Page: Mon 5th March 2007
Kumekucha Today
Lead Story
Well Known International Kenyan Journalist In Date Rape Incident
Lead Story
Well Known International Kenyan Journalist In Date Rape Incident
Death and Rape In CoastBus At Kibwezi
Vijana Tugutuke Rally Interrupted By Violence: Are The Grandpa's Running Scared?
Urgent Personal Message From Kumekucha
Message From The Editor
Due to a technical hitch that is yet to be explained, I have had considerable difficulties posting today's stories. Infact I have left out some stories that will now have to be included tomorrow. However our big story has been published as promised and is the lead story today. We thank you all for your patience. Our technical team is already busy trying to figure out what the problem was all about. Thank you for your continued support.
Yesterday's stories
Yesterday was Sunday and there was no edition published.
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This Blog is dedicated to the memory of this man...
Top Kenyan Journalist In Date Rape Incident
What is happening to Kenyan journalists!
Even as the Nation media group sex scandal continues to shock Kenyans all over the world, reports reaching this writer from an impeccable source, and accompanied by evidence have revealed a shocking date rape incident that took place in London between February 20th and 22nd this year involving another very well known Kenyan journalist.
As you read this, the source is in the process of publishing on the net, an entire set of emails exchanged between her and the said CNN correspondent who is of Kenyan origin. This writer has had access to the entire set of emails spanning the period between August 2006 and last week when the date rapist sent threats to his victim on discovering that she intended to publicize the incident over the World Wide Web.
Briefly what happened was that the lady in question, A Swiss national approached the CNN journalist via email in August 2006, requesting for assistance in publicizing a book that she has recently published on Kenya. Instead of keeping the relationship professional, the journalist (who is married) made repeated "advances" (clearly documented in the emails) which despite initial resistance, the woman finally succumbed to and accepted to travel all the way to London from Spain, where she lives, to meet the journalist who was in Great Britain during the said dates to attend a CNN function for all its' worldwide correspondents.
During a brief encounter where the two were supposed to have gone out for a candle lit dinner, the journalist instead arrived dressed in a tracksuit and innocently requested that he make some calls from his date's hotel room. It was at the room that the well-known journalist turned violent and against the wishes of the terrified woman had unprotected sex with her. The woman was left hurt and had to seek medical treatment after the encounter.
Matters came to a head when the journalist threatened his victim several times in subsequent emails. The threats culminated in a chilling telephone call where the journalist warned her against reproducing their emails on the World Wide Web with the words; "I may only loose my job - but you will loose your life..."
Excerpts from the set of emails set to be published on the web later this week, complete with the name of the very well known Kenyan journalist (I have omitted the names for the time being but will reveal them later this week);
I can’t remember to have ever felt like that – misused and mistreated by somebody who pretended to love me ….
After you left me – after we had sex in the roughest and most careless way – I felt so dirty and took a shower and stood under the water for more than half an hour. And still continued feeling dirty.
And on top of that you have injured me – I am still bleeding and will go to see a Doctor tomorrow.
But the most offensive thing was your silence afterwards – no word – no call – just nothing.
I spoke with my daughter and there is one question she has repeated: why did he insist that you come to London … although obviously he does not care a bit about you.
And then there is the point of my injury – which scared her a lot and I had to promise to make an Aids-test as soon as possible.
Knowing you now, I do not even expect a reply anymore – but I think you should know how I feel.
Do you remember your nice words: I will never hurt you – I love you and respect you too much to ever disappoint you – just trust me …..?????????????
Just empty words now – like you once said: ‘talk is cheap’ …
I also think that you deserve a kind of revenge – a lesson never to treat a woman like that.
…My only worry now is my health status and then how to carry on trying to forget the whole ‘episode'
One way would be to publish all our correspondence from day one in the Internet – title: ‘Mr X – the real man behind the scenes – a warning to all my Sisters out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’
Here is his immediate reply:
Dear …….,
I wish you knew what I went through the last two days ……
As for your ‘health’, I can assure you that you are ALRIGHT …….. in fact I can PROMISE you that …… as you know I would NEVER put you in any danger …… I told you that once before …… and I am a man of my word.
Other related articles on this date rape incident;
What furious date rape victim said
Raped woman cools down? Did Jeff's Charm Finally Work... A Little Too Late?
As for publishing my mails, if you, Ms XXXX, want to be the woman who will DESTROY the reputation I’ve worked so hard to build, to DESTROY the trust I put in you to write from the heart, that will really break my heart……….
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Even as the Nation media group sex scandal continues to shock Kenyans all over the world, reports reaching this writer from an impeccable source, and accompanied by evidence have revealed a shocking date rape incident that took place in London between February 20th and 22nd this year involving another very well known Kenyan journalist.
As you read this, the source is in the process of publishing on the net, an entire set of emails exchanged between her and the said CNN correspondent who is of Kenyan origin. This writer has had access to the entire set of emails spanning the period between August 2006 and last week when the date rapist sent threats to his victim on discovering that she intended to publicize the incident over the World Wide Web.
Briefly what happened was that the lady in question, A Swiss national approached the CNN journalist via email in August 2006, requesting for assistance in publicizing a book that she has recently published on Kenya. Instead of keeping the relationship professional, the journalist (who is married) made repeated "advances" (clearly documented in the emails) which despite initial resistance, the woman finally succumbed to and accepted to travel all the way to London from Spain, where she lives, to meet the journalist who was in Great Britain during the said dates to attend a CNN function for all its' worldwide correspondents.
During a brief encounter where the two were supposed to have gone out for a candle lit dinner, the journalist instead arrived dressed in a tracksuit and innocently requested that he make some calls from his date's hotel room. It was at the room that the well-known journalist turned violent and against the wishes of the terrified woman had unprotected sex with her. The woman was left hurt and had to seek medical treatment after the encounter.
Matters came to a head when the journalist threatened his victim several times in subsequent emails. The threats culminated in a chilling telephone call where the journalist warned her against reproducing their emails on the World Wide Web with the words; "I may only loose my job - but you will loose your life..."
Excerpts from the set of emails set to be published on the web later this week, complete with the name of the very well known Kenyan journalist (I have omitted the names for the time being but will reveal them later this week);
I can’t remember to have ever felt like that – misused and mistreated by somebody who pretended to love me ….
After you left me – after we had sex in the roughest and most careless way – I felt so dirty and took a shower and stood under the water for more than half an hour. And still continued feeling dirty.
And on top of that you have injured me – I am still bleeding and will go to see a Doctor tomorrow.
But the most offensive thing was your silence afterwards – no word – no call – just nothing.
I spoke with my daughter and there is one question she has repeated: why did he insist that you come to London … although obviously he does not care a bit about you.
And then there is the point of my injury – which scared her a lot and I had to promise to make an Aids-test as soon as possible.
Knowing you now, I do not even expect a reply anymore – but I think you should know how I feel.
Do you remember your nice words: I will never hurt you – I love you and respect you too much to ever disappoint you – just trust me …..?????????????
Just empty words now – like you once said: ‘talk is cheap’ …
I also think that you deserve a kind of revenge – a lesson never to treat a woman like that.
…My only worry now is my health status and then how to carry on trying to forget the whole ‘episode'
One way would be to publish all our correspondence from day one in the Internet – title: ‘Mr X – the real man behind the scenes – a warning to all my Sisters out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’
Here is his immediate reply:
Dear …….,
I wish you knew what I went through the last two days ……
As for your ‘health’, I can assure you that you are ALRIGHT …….. in fact I can PROMISE you that …… as you know I would NEVER put you in any danger …… I told you that once before …… and I am a man of my word.
Other related articles on this date rape incident;
What furious date rape victim said
Raped woman cools down? Did Jeff's Charm Finally Work... A Little Too Late?
As for publishing my mails, if you, Ms XXXX, want to be the woman who will DESTROY the reputation I’ve worked so hard to build, to DESTROY the trust I put in you to write from the heart, that will really break my heart……….
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Crime In Kenya Escalates To New Heights On Mombasa Highway As Coast Bus Is Hijacked: Driver Shot Dead, 5 Women Raped
It was a horrific weekend for a group of travelers on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway as the bus they were traveling in (belonging to the Coast Bus company) was hijacked by armed gangsters at Kibwezi who shot dead the driver, robbed motorists and raped at least five female passengers.
According to witnesses, the gangsters boarded the coast bus at Mlolongo near Nairobi only to raise hell over 200 kilometers away in Kibwezi, which is notorious for highway robberies.
Police records released to the public show that two of the most wanted gangsters operate between Makindu and Kibwezi and it could not be surprising if they were involved in the weekend incident which has raised fresh concerns over the safety of traveling at night by bus to far flung destinations.
Over the years, Kenyans have considered bus travel as the safest mode of moving around besides air travel whose cost is prohibitive and beyond the reach of most Kenyans.
What happened on the expansive highway this last weekend, goes a long way to show what today's violent criminals are capable of. A bus carries at least seventy passengers and among them could be armed policemen in civilian clothes, a fact that the thugs know very well but are willing to take the risk.
And again, even five gangsters armed with guns can be overpowered by seventy people with minimum casualties as long as the assault by the passengers is well coordinated. The thugs also know this but are willing to take the risk for a few thousand shillings and the sickening pleasure they get from raping their victims.
Today's criminals are willing to take life-threatening risks for relatively small 'rewards' not forgetting that violent crime is a capital offence in Kenya punishable by death on conviction. Those who escape apprehension by law enforcers could end up being executed by police or worse still, the wrath of mob justice where members of public beat cornered suspects to death.
Kenyans have refused to face the reality of the crime situation and this is well depicted by the kind of solutions that all and sundry offer which includes increasing the number of heavily armed policemen on the streets to carrying out extra-judicial killings on notoriously known hardcore criminals.
However, the first step in stemming the increasing crime rate is to get teenagers and the youth busy especially those who have dropped out of school and calling on parents to closely monitor and care for their kids not to mention stressing on moral values and probity.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
According to witnesses, the gangsters boarded the coast bus at Mlolongo near Nairobi only to raise hell over 200 kilometers away in Kibwezi, which is notorious for highway robberies.
Police records released to the public show that two of the most wanted gangsters operate between Makindu and Kibwezi and it could not be surprising if they were involved in the weekend incident which has raised fresh concerns over the safety of traveling at night by bus to far flung destinations.
Over the years, Kenyans have considered bus travel as the safest mode of moving around besides air travel whose cost is prohibitive and beyond the reach of most Kenyans.
What happened on the expansive highway this last weekend, goes a long way to show what today's violent criminals are capable of. A bus carries at least seventy passengers and among them could be armed policemen in civilian clothes, a fact that the thugs know very well but are willing to take the risk.
And again, even five gangsters armed with guns can be overpowered by seventy people with minimum casualties as long as the assault by the passengers is well coordinated. The thugs also know this but are willing to take the risk for a few thousand shillings and the sickening pleasure they get from raping their victims.
Today's criminals are willing to take life-threatening risks for relatively small 'rewards' not forgetting that violent crime is a capital offence in Kenya punishable by death on conviction. Those who escape apprehension by law enforcers could end up being executed by police or worse still, the wrath of mob justice where members of public beat cornered suspects to death.
Kenyans have refused to face the reality of the crime situation and this is well depicted by the kind of solutions that all and sundry offer which includes increasing the number of heavily armed policemen on the streets to carrying out extra-judicial killings on notoriously known hardcore criminals.
However, the first step in stemming the increasing crime rate is to get teenagers and the youth busy especially those who have dropped out of school and calling on parents to closely monitor and care for their kids not to mention stressing on moral values and probity.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Violence Mars Vijana Tugutuke Function In Garissa: Are The Old Men Feeling The Heat?
The unthinkable happened. What could otherwise have been an entertaining youth function organized by the 'Vijana Tugutuke' group on sensitizing the youth on the importance of voting, turned into a violent confrontation as a mob emerged from nowhere and began throwing missiles at those in attendance.
Garissa, a dessert town in north eastern province of Kenya where nothing happens was turned into a battle field to the chagrin of leading local musicians, Nameless and Nonini who were at hand to entertain the crowd but instead found themselves dashing for cover as missiles flew.
The electoral commission of Kenya said they only managed to register 125 new voters as a result of the fracas with fingers being pointed at older politicians who do not want the youth to aspire for parliamentary seats in the forthcoming general elections.
Vijana Tugutuke is a lobby group comprising of youths who are advocating for their peers to get voting cards and ensure they participate in the forthcoming elections by voting for young leaders so that they can take control of their destiny.
The group has made enormous strides in their advocacy by inviting popular local musicians and comedians to perform at their functions hence attracting big crowds of the youth to the detriment of the old politicians.
This could be the reason why an old, tired and paranoid politician from Garissa could have hired a group of youths to disrupt the function so as to ensure the young guys don’t register as voters and vote him out in the December general elections.
An official of the lobby group, Ms Koki Muli said they will not be deterred by what happened over the weekend and vowed to double their efforts to ensure the youth captured a sizeable amount of seats in parliament as they are the majority in Kenya but have previously been easily manipulated by bribes from elderly politicians.
What is evident is that the group will hold a lot of sway in the forthcoming elections as far as who captures the parliamentary seats irrespective of party affiliation, as the young voters will be considering age above everything else. It is widely believed that elderly politicians will now get a proper run for their money this time round.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Garissa, a dessert town in north eastern province of Kenya where nothing happens was turned into a battle field to the chagrin of leading local musicians, Nameless and Nonini who were at hand to entertain the crowd but instead found themselves dashing for cover as missiles flew.
The electoral commission of Kenya said they only managed to register 125 new voters as a result of the fracas with fingers being pointed at older politicians who do not want the youth to aspire for parliamentary seats in the forthcoming general elections.
Vijana Tugutuke is a lobby group comprising of youths who are advocating for their peers to get voting cards and ensure they participate in the forthcoming elections by voting for young leaders so that they can take control of their destiny.
The group has made enormous strides in their advocacy by inviting popular local musicians and comedians to perform at their functions hence attracting big crowds of the youth to the detriment of the old politicians.
This could be the reason why an old, tired and paranoid politician from Garissa could have hired a group of youths to disrupt the function so as to ensure the young guys don’t register as voters and vote him out in the December general elections.
An official of the lobby group, Ms Koki Muli said they will not be deterred by what happened over the weekend and vowed to double their efforts to ensure the youth captured a sizeable amount of seats in parliament as they are the majority in Kenya but have previously been easily manipulated by bribes from elderly politicians.
What is evident is that the group will hold a lot of sway in the forthcoming elections as far as who captures the parliamentary seats irrespective of party affiliation, as the young voters will be considering age above everything else. It is widely believed that elderly politicians will now get a proper run for their money this time round.
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Urgent Personal Message To You From Kumekucha
I take this opportunity to warmly thank you for your huge support to the most popular Kenyan blog.
One of the reasons why you find this site so interesting is because we do not indulge in the self-censorship that is rampant in the Kenyan media today. Neither do we spare our friends and relatives. We tell it as it is for the greater good of Kenya, our motherland and the country we love with all our hearts.
The people in power in Kenya and the influential are naturally not happy about this. After all they would like the status quo maintained, they would like to continue doing what they have been doing without being exposed. It is really funny how Kenyans shout about freedom of speech and the importance of freedom of the press and then immediately turn round and say that the freedom has gone too far when a friend or close acquaintance is exposed. Should people continue to do evil against fellow Kenyans and be spared just because they are otherwise "nice guys'?
In recent times, there have been threats against this site and we have made every effort to improve our security and to take precautions against those who would want to shut down this site or stop you from accessing the valuable information here.
It is for this reason that I am now asking you to take one more precautionary step to ensure that we all beat these guys who do not want change in Kenya. I highly recommend that you register via email to receive our weekly Kumekucha Confidential emails. That way, if some of these characters somehow succeed in shutting down this site tomorrow or blocking it in some way, we will be able to instantly start a new one and you will be aware of it because we will inform you instantly via email where to find it. This will guarantee that whatever they do, ordinary Kenyans worldwide will remain informed on what is really going on. Already we have a huge number of you who are already subscribers. I urge those who are yet to subscribe to do so as a matter of urgency.
On my part I give you an assurance that we will not flood your email box with numerous useless messages. I usually send out only one message weekly (unless a very big story breaks during the week in which case you will receive a maximum of 2 emails on that extraordinary week). I have also taken precautions and I use the extremely secure yahoogroups, which means your email address will not be broadcast all over the place to other unauthorized persons. And also you are able to unsubscribe at any time without giving any explanation.
So help us beat these guys who do not want any positive changes in Kenya by registering now. Simply send an email NOW to; kumekucha-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
You will then receive an email from Yahoogroups and you will need to confirm your subscription.
Thank you for your co-operation. God bless Kenya, God bless Kenyans wherever in the world they may be. Positive change must come to Kenya, at whatever cost.
-Kumekucha-
P.S. There is also some stuff that is too hot to publish even in this blog that we usually publish ONLY in our email newsletter Kumekucha Confidential. By subscribing, you will also be able to access all previous emails that we have sent out and any info you may have already missed out on.
Send that important email now to; kumekucha-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
P.S. 2: In the rare case that you run into problems registering, simply send an email directly to me at umissedthis@yahoo.com
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
One of the reasons why you find this site so interesting is because we do not indulge in the self-censorship that is rampant in the Kenyan media today. Neither do we spare our friends and relatives. We tell it as it is for the greater good of Kenya, our motherland and the country we love with all our hearts.
The people in power in Kenya and the influential are naturally not happy about this. After all they would like the status quo maintained, they would like to continue doing what they have been doing without being exposed. It is really funny how Kenyans shout about freedom of speech and the importance of freedom of the press and then immediately turn round and say that the freedom has gone too far when a friend or close acquaintance is exposed. Should people continue to do evil against fellow Kenyans and be spared just because they are otherwise "nice guys'?
In recent times, there have been threats against this site and we have made every effort to improve our security and to take precautions against those who would want to shut down this site or stop you from accessing the valuable information here.
It is for this reason that I am now asking you to take one more precautionary step to ensure that we all beat these guys who do not want change in Kenya. I highly recommend that you register via email to receive our weekly Kumekucha Confidential emails. That way, if some of these characters somehow succeed in shutting down this site tomorrow or blocking it in some way, we will be able to instantly start a new one and you will be aware of it because we will inform you instantly via email where to find it. This will guarantee that whatever they do, ordinary Kenyans worldwide will remain informed on what is really going on. Already we have a huge number of you who are already subscribers. I urge those who are yet to subscribe to do so as a matter of urgency.
On my part I give you an assurance that we will not flood your email box with numerous useless messages. I usually send out only one message weekly (unless a very big story breaks during the week in which case you will receive a maximum of 2 emails on that extraordinary week). I have also taken precautions and I use the extremely secure yahoogroups, which means your email address will not be broadcast all over the place to other unauthorized persons. And also you are able to unsubscribe at any time without giving any explanation.
So help us beat these guys who do not want any positive changes in Kenya by registering now. Simply send an email NOW to; kumekucha-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
You will then receive an email from Yahoogroups and you will need to confirm your subscription.
Thank you for your co-operation. God bless Kenya, God bless Kenyans wherever in the world they may be. Positive change must come to Kenya, at whatever cost.
-Kumekucha-
P.S. There is also some stuff that is too hot to publish even in this blog that we usually publish ONLY in our email newsletter Kumekucha Confidential. By subscribing, you will also be able to access all previous emails that we have sent out and any info you may have already missed out on.
Send that important email now to; kumekucha-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
P.S. 2: In the rare case that you run into problems registering, simply send an email directly to me at umissedthis@yahoo.com
Weekend special: Kenyan beauty complains to Kumekucha about her Kikuyu lovers.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Kenya Safari: Little Known Secrets That Will Guarantee You The Holiday Of A Lifetime
Weekend special
Masai warriors in the famous Masai dance that involves high leaps.
A Kenya safari is the way to go if you have always dreamed of an unforgettable experience of a lifetime in the African bush. Kenya is widely recognized as the grandfather of the safari business.
But here is the way to do it for maximum pleasure and enjoyment. Unknown to many, Kenya the safari country is also home to some of the best beaches in Africa. For this reason, the best place to land in is at Mombasa, Kenya's second largest city and home of some of the world's best deep sea fishing. This way to get to enjoy the beaches and deep sea fishing as well as the animals… yes the magnificent animals which is another whole story on its' own. (Here's an excellent hotel to stay in at Mombasa and be able to organize your whole unforgettable Kenya safari from under one roof).
But briefly at the Maasai Mara, which is easily accessible from Mombasa, you will be able to view one of the greatest spectacles in the world (recently declared one of the new wonders of the world) where more than 2 millions wild animals cross the flooding Mara river into the Serengeti. They do this out of necessity but at great peril because predators, including hungry crocodiles lie in wait and make numerous kills. There is really no better place to view game and for the safari of a lifetime than Kenya's world famous Masai Mara.
This is the reason why many visitors on a Kenya safari opt to see the magnificent scene of the migrating animals from the air whilst in a hot air balloon. The joy and exhilaration of the balloon flight across savannah with all the wild animals you have ever wanted to see visible in their natural habitat, below you is difficult to describe in mere words.
There are really many numerous awesome experiences that you are bound to get from a Kenya safari and we cannot mention all of them here. Like enjoying the atmosphere of the African bush to the accompaniment of soft pulsating African music or throbbing captivating drum beats-whatever your preference is. It is no exaggeration to say that no African experience is complete without a Kenya safari.
See one of the finest holiday resort Kenya Safari hotels on the famous Bamburi Beach.
Kumekucha Daily Home Page: Fri 2nd March 2007
Kumekucha Today
Lead Story
Uhuru Let's Slip About Tensions At ODM-Kenya High Command
Lead Story
Uhuru Let's Slip About Tensions At ODM-Kenya High Command
Impact of high food prices on ordinary Kenyans
Another Tribal Appointment By Kibaki Administration, This Time At The Central Bank
And the show goes on at Nairobi City Council
Yesterday's stories
ODM Has Already Decided On Its' Presidential Candidate: Name Leaked out by insiders
The Ideal VP candidate for ODM
Why is President Kibaki's second wife dishing out cash?
There is too much hot information in this blog now. To avoid missing anything subscribe to our email newsletter Kumekucha Confidential. If you're not a yet a subscriber, become one today by sending an email to KUMEKUCHA-SUBSCRIBE@YAHOOGROUPS.COM
Hot Stories;
Tom Mboya Murder Mystery Solved
The Kalonzo Musyoka You Don't Know Part 4: How He Grew Up With Witchcraft And Forces Of Darkness
Other All-time most popular stories in this blog
Exclusive Interview: Alnoor Kassam Of TradeBank Fame Speaks to Kumekucha
The Most Hotly Discussed Topic In This Blog: Kikwete Behaves Like The Kenyan Ambassador
Great Business Stories: Mandatally Manji's Business Secrets
See More Stories in the Kumekucha Archive
This Blog is dedicated to the memory of this man...
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Uhuru Kenyatta Calls For Wider Consultations At ODM: Hint That All Is Not Well Within The Party High Command
Despite leaks from the ODM inner circle that this writer has already shared with readers concerning the much-awaited ODM-Kenya presidential nominee, the party officials have remained silent and are playing their cards very close to their chests. Yesterday however strong hints emerged for the first time to support the confidential information already shared here with readers.
During the monthly LSK (Law Society Of Kenya) luncheon, official leader of the opposition, Uhuru Kenyatta made some very telling remarks. He said that there was no guarantee that all the ODM-Kenya presidential aspirants would accept the outcome of the party's nomination of a presidential candidate and chances were high that "some candidates" may leave the party, despite the assurances that they have all given to the effect that they will all support whoever among them who will be nominated. Uhuru called for much wider consultation on this weighty issue so that whichever candidate is agreed upon will receive as much support as possible across the board.
This was a very significant statement coming from Uhuru Kenyatta. It is actually the first time that he has ever given a hint of dissatisfaction with what is going on within ODM-Kenya. The sentiments seem to confirm our revelation here that there has been pressure to arrive on Raila Odinga as the party nominee for president and that virtually all the other aspirants have agreed save for one Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. Was this the person Uhuru was referring to when he said that some people may be forced to leave the party after the nomination process?
Then there is the fact that "wider consultations" would favor Uhuru. The term simply means more people having a say on who the ODM candidate will be. This could be in the form of country-wide grassroots elections which should favor Uhuru Kenyatta. The big stumbling block to this kind of nomination process has always been the cost involved. However Uhuru is quite capable of financing it, if he feels that he has a good chance of winning it, which he does.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
Interestingly in recent times the issue of tribalism has been a pet subject of the official leader of the opposition. This may not be so surprising as chances are that it has been triggered off by sentiments within the ODM high command to the effect that Kikuyu candidates should step aside in the forthcoming elections, after producing two of the three presidents so far, and give other communities a chance. There are those who feel that voters should judge candidates on their merits and completely ignore what tribe they are. Meaning that if the house of Mumbi ends up producing 10 presidents in a row, then so be it, Uhuru is one of the people who strongly supports this school of thought. But the big question is whether this sentiment is acceptable to most Kenyans let alone being viable in a country where voters have been divided along tribal lines for a long time.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
During the monthly LSK (Law Society Of Kenya) luncheon, official leader of the opposition, Uhuru Kenyatta made some very telling remarks. He said that there was no guarantee that all the ODM-Kenya presidential aspirants would accept the outcome of the party's nomination of a presidential candidate and chances were high that "some candidates" may leave the party, despite the assurances that they have all given to the effect that they will all support whoever among them who will be nominated. Uhuru called for much wider consultation on this weighty issue so that whichever candidate is agreed upon will receive as much support as possible across the board.
This was a very significant statement coming from Uhuru Kenyatta. It is actually the first time that he has ever given a hint of dissatisfaction with what is going on within ODM-Kenya. The sentiments seem to confirm our revelation here that there has been pressure to arrive on Raila Odinga as the party nominee for president and that virtually all the other aspirants have agreed save for one Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. Was this the person Uhuru was referring to when he said that some people may be forced to leave the party after the nomination process?
Then there is the fact that "wider consultations" would favor Uhuru. The term simply means more people having a say on who the ODM candidate will be. This could be in the form of country-wide grassroots elections which should favor Uhuru Kenyatta. The big stumbling block to this kind of nomination process has always been the cost involved. However Uhuru is quite capable of financing it, if he feels that he has a good chance of winning it, which he does.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
Interestingly in recent times the issue of tribalism has been a pet subject of the official leader of the opposition. This may not be so surprising as chances are that it has been triggered off by sentiments within the ODM high command to the effect that Kikuyu candidates should step aside in the forthcoming elections, after producing two of the three presidents so far, and give other communities a chance. There are those who feel that voters should judge candidates on their merits and completely ignore what tribe they are. Meaning that if the house of Mumbi ends up producing 10 presidents in a row, then so be it, Uhuru is one of the people who strongly supports this school of thought. But the big question is whether this sentiment is acceptable to most Kenyans let alone being viable in a country where voters have been divided along tribal lines for a long time.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
Impact of High Food Prices On The Poor In Kenya: Can Anything Be Done For The Kumbafus?
One of the things that has had a major impact on the life of the ordinary Kenyan has been the unprecedented steep and continuous increase in food prices that has been experienced during the Kibaki administration. On the surface of things, this is a topic that many will quickly dismiss. After all the Kenyan economy is liberalized and the government really does not have any control on food prices.
Supporters of the current administration have been very quick to point out that any blame on the Kibaki administration over escalating food prices is very unfair and completely unjustified, but is this really true?
This blogger would beg to differ. The current government has all the power at it's disposal to ensure that food prices, especially where essential items are concerned, remain as low as possible. Sadly this has not been one of the priorities of the Kibaki administration. Former president Moi had mechanisms in place to closely monitor food prices as this was seen as a potential source of possible dissent and instability during the dark one party era. Probably the most memorable incident that highlights this fact was when the prices of consumer goods were liberalized in the late 80s and the then East African Industries under the chairmanship of Joe Wanjui tried to raise prices. The increases touched on virtually every item in the long list of consumer products the multinational dealt with then. There was such political heat generated from State house that it sent the wrong signals to investors who had been long looking forward to the abolition of price controls in Kenya so as to invest or increase their investment in the country. Wanjui and company however hurriedly withdrew their proposed price increases. It is worth noting that the same Joe Wanjui is one of President Kibaki's most trusted advisors currently.
Food prices in Kenya have risen very rapidly and steeply since 2003 and the result has been that putting food on the table has become a daily struggle for most Kenyans. That is why it is so difficult to sell the idea of an improved economy to any ordinary Kenyan today.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
One of the things that a Kenyan government can do to keep prices low is to abolish Value Added Tax (VAT) from essential goods and food products. Currently VAT stands at a whooping 16 per cent, and abolition of the tax on certain essential food and consumer products would have an immediate impact on reduction of prices. They would immediately cost 16 per cent less. There are many creative ways of recovering the lost revenue that the exchequer would suffer from such a move including increasing taxes on luxury, non-essential products and charging the rich and affluent higher indirect taxes in neighborhoods where they usually live and do their shopping.
One of the main reasons why food prices have increased so dramatically since 2003, has been the increased power and arrogance of cartels. Incase you were not aware, powerful cartels control prices in virtually every key sector of the Kenyan economy today. A good example here is the powerful Coast-based sugar cartel that has been in existence since the Moi days and has milked billions from the economy. Thanks to this cartel, the price of sugar has sky-rocketed in recent times and is still way above the norm. So powerful is this cartel that the idea of selling sugar directly from the large factories like Mumias to consumers has been ruthlessly and quietly fizzled out, to ensure that Kenyans continue to pay the high prices. We are probably financing the forthcoming elections.
These cartels are the main reason why despite the rapid strengthening of the Kenyan shilling against major foreign currencies, most notably the dollar, the benefits have not been passed on to the consumer. If anything prices have continued to rise almost at par with the strengthening Kenyan shilling. Ridiculous but true.
What many do not know is that during the Moi days, these cartels were afraid that if they went overboard, President Moi was the sort of leader who would wake up one morning and put them out of business at some roadside declaration with just a few angry remarks. So they were careful to behave themselves and put their greed in check. In the Kibaki administration the cartels have had a field day. Nobody is scared of the president anymore and the laid back-see-no-evil-slow-to-show-any-signs-of-a-reaction Kibaki style of governing has been perfect for making windfall record profits at the expense of the struggling ordinary Kenyan.
If you do not believe that price cartels are widespread in the Kenyan economy let me give you a simple example that will shock you. The two major daily newspapers in the country who between them sell well over 95 percent of the daily newspapers sold in the country, have a "gentleman's agreement" that when one of them wants to raise their cover price, they simply inform the other in advance so that both newspapers will revise their prices upwards on the same day. Incidentally we are in an election year and the newspapers are rubbing their hands in glee and licking their lips in anticipation of record sales and profits. I will be very surprised if we do not see another increase in daily newspaper cover prices this year, especially as the elections draw nearer.
Finally (at least for today, because this article is getting too long) there is the "cost of corruption." Every businessperson knows that to get your goods cleared quickly at the Mombasa port, you must "do the necessary." Naturally this cost is quickly passed on to the consumer in higher prices. There has been much talk from this government about zero tolerance to corruption. However actions usually speak much louder than mere words and this government's actions have been contrary to what they have said in official statements. In fact this government has been an "excellent role model" in corruption through scandals like the still un-resolved Anglo leasing affair.
So what all this means is higher and-still-rapidly-rising-food-prices for ordinary Kenyans which just goes to speed up further the widening gap between the rich and the poor in Kenya.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
Supporters of the current administration have been very quick to point out that any blame on the Kibaki administration over escalating food prices is very unfair and completely unjustified, but is this really true?
This blogger would beg to differ. The current government has all the power at it's disposal to ensure that food prices, especially where essential items are concerned, remain as low as possible. Sadly this has not been one of the priorities of the Kibaki administration. Former president Moi had mechanisms in place to closely monitor food prices as this was seen as a potential source of possible dissent and instability during the dark one party era. Probably the most memorable incident that highlights this fact was when the prices of consumer goods were liberalized in the late 80s and the then East African Industries under the chairmanship of Joe Wanjui tried to raise prices. The increases touched on virtually every item in the long list of consumer products the multinational dealt with then. There was such political heat generated from State house that it sent the wrong signals to investors who had been long looking forward to the abolition of price controls in Kenya so as to invest or increase their investment in the country. Wanjui and company however hurriedly withdrew their proposed price increases. It is worth noting that the same Joe Wanjui is one of President Kibaki's most trusted advisors currently.
Food prices in Kenya have risen very rapidly and steeply since 2003 and the result has been that putting food on the table has become a daily struggle for most Kenyans. That is why it is so difficult to sell the idea of an improved economy to any ordinary Kenyan today.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
One of the things that a Kenyan government can do to keep prices low is to abolish Value Added Tax (VAT) from essential goods and food products. Currently VAT stands at a whooping 16 per cent, and abolition of the tax on certain essential food and consumer products would have an immediate impact on reduction of prices. They would immediately cost 16 per cent less. There are many creative ways of recovering the lost revenue that the exchequer would suffer from such a move including increasing taxes on luxury, non-essential products and charging the rich and affluent higher indirect taxes in neighborhoods where they usually live and do their shopping.
One of the main reasons why food prices have increased so dramatically since 2003, has been the increased power and arrogance of cartels. Incase you were not aware, powerful cartels control prices in virtually every key sector of the Kenyan economy today. A good example here is the powerful Coast-based sugar cartel that has been in existence since the Moi days and has milked billions from the economy. Thanks to this cartel, the price of sugar has sky-rocketed in recent times and is still way above the norm. So powerful is this cartel that the idea of selling sugar directly from the large factories like Mumias to consumers has been ruthlessly and quietly fizzled out, to ensure that Kenyans continue to pay the high prices. We are probably financing the forthcoming elections.
These cartels are the main reason why despite the rapid strengthening of the Kenyan shilling against major foreign currencies, most notably the dollar, the benefits have not been passed on to the consumer. If anything prices have continued to rise almost at par with the strengthening Kenyan shilling. Ridiculous but true.
What many do not know is that during the Moi days, these cartels were afraid that if they went overboard, President Moi was the sort of leader who would wake up one morning and put them out of business at some roadside declaration with just a few angry remarks. So they were careful to behave themselves and put their greed in check. In the Kibaki administration the cartels have had a field day. Nobody is scared of the president anymore and the laid back-see-no-evil-slow-to-show-any-signs-of-a-reaction Kibaki style of governing has been perfect for making windfall record profits at the expense of the struggling ordinary Kenyan.
If you do not believe that price cartels are widespread in the Kenyan economy let me give you a simple example that will shock you. The two major daily newspapers in the country who between them sell well over 95 percent of the daily newspapers sold in the country, have a "gentleman's agreement" that when one of them wants to raise their cover price, they simply inform the other in advance so that both newspapers will revise their prices upwards on the same day. Incidentally we are in an election year and the newspapers are rubbing their hands in glee and licking their lips in anticipation of record sales and profits. I will be very surprised if we do not see another increase in daily newspaper cover prices this year, especially as the elections draw nearer.
Finally (at least for today, because this article is getting too long) there is the "cost of corruption." Every businessperson knows that to get your goods cleared quickly at the Mombasa port, you must "do the necessary." Naturally this cost is quickly passed on to the consumer in higher prices. There has been much talk from this government about zero tolerance to corruption. However actions usually speak much louder than mere words and this government's actions have been contrary to what they have said in official statements. In fact this government has been an "excellent role model" in corruption through scandals like the still un-resolved Anglo leasing affair.
So what all this means is higher and-still-rapidly-rising-food-prices for ordinary Kenyans which just goes to speed up further the widening gap between the rich and the poor in Kenya.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
New Central Bank Governor Appointment: Is This Government Tribal?
It came as a surprise yesterday when the government appointed one Njuguna Ndung'u to head the central bank of Kenya after the unceremonious exit of Dr Andrew Mulei who is facing criminal charges in court.
I have nothing against Mr Ndung'u but isn't it improper for a ministry to have a minister, permanent secretary and even the boss of the top parastatal body in that ministry from one tribe?
This is exactly what is happening at the finance ministry, the minister is Amos Kimunya, the permanent secretary is Mr Kinyua and now the governor of CBK is Mr Ndung'u, to add insult to injury, the head of the Kenya revenue authority is one Mr Waweru, the list is endless.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
Kimunya is said to be among the level headed men in Kibaki's inner circle but of late it seems the power and the fear of losing an election is getting the better of him as Kikuyu's take all the big jobs in the finance docket ahead of the general elections.
Kenyans have all the reason to read mischief in these appointments and pessimists have already prophesied that the Kibaki administration is about to buy back power by bribing voters in the forthcoming elections hence the positioning of Kibaki's tribesmen in all key positions involving money.
Not to mention, all sensitive posts like ministers for internal security, defense and director general for security intelligence are all Kikuyus along with the chiefs of the largest parastatal bodies in the country. In fact this government is more tribalistic than the tyrannical Moi regime and one wonders what would happen if Kibaki got re-elected later this year. Are there not 42 tribes in Kenya and is there no sensitive person in this administration to make the effort of finding qualified Kenyans from other tribes?
What amazes Kenyans is the fact that the president seems to have buried his head in the sand over all these appointments and may not even be aware that there is a striking tribal imbalance in his government.
It is an open secret in high circles that his excellency suffers from frequent memory lapses and his minders are taking full advantage of it for their own selfish interests including fixing their friends and relatives to key positions in Kibaki's administration. Of course, these minders are all from the same tribe.
As a matter of fact, these appointments are a major cause of discontent among Kenyans and it will be an issue that the opposition will definitely capitalize on in their campaigns to demonize Kibaki's administration ahead of the general elections.
It also might not be surprising that these controversial appointments could cause Kibaki his re-election notwithstanding the popularity of a mostly united opposition under ODM-Kenya.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
I have nothing against Mr Ndung'u but isn't it improper for a ministry to have a minister, permanent secretary and even the boss of the top parastatal body in that ministry from one tribe?
This is exactly what is happening at the finance ministry, the minister is Amos Kimunya, the permanent secretary is Mr Kinyua and now the governor of CBK is Mr Ndung'u, to add insult to injury, the head of the Kenya revenue authority is one Mr Waweru, the list is endless.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
Kimunya is said to be among the level headed men in Kibaki's inner circle but of late it seems the power and the fear of losing an election is getting the better of him as Kikuyu's take all the big jobs in the finance docket ahead of the general elections.
Kenyans have all the reason to read mischief in these appointments and pessimists have already prophesied that the Kibaki administration is about to buy back power by bribing voters in the forthcoming elections hence the positioning of Kibaki's tribesmen in all key positions involving money.
Not to mention, all sensitive posts like ministers for internal security, defense and director general for security intelligence are all Kikuyus along with the chiefs of the largest parastatal bodies in the country. In fact this government is more tribalistic than the tyrannical Moi regime and one wonders what would happen if Kibaki got re-elected later this year. Are there not 42 tribes in Kenya and is there no sensitive person in this administration to make the effort of finding qualified Kenyans from other tribes?
What amazes Kenyans is the fact that the president seems to have buried his head in the sand over all these appointments and may not even be aware that there is a striking tribal imbalance in his government.
It is an open secret in high circles that his excellency suffers from frequent memory lapses and his minders are taking full advantage of it for their own selfish interests including fixing their friends and relatives to key positions in Kibaki's administration. Of course, these minders are all from the same tribe.
As a matter of fact, these appointments are a major cause of discontent among Kenyans and it will be an issue that the opposition will definitely capitalize on in their campaigns to demonize Kibaki's administration ahead of the general elections.
It also might not be surprising that these controversial appointments could cause Kibaki his re-election notwithstanding the popularity of a mostly united opposition under ODM-Kenya.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
Nairobi City Council At The Center Of Yet Another Multi-Million Shilling Scandal
At the Nairobi city council, things never change and its only councilors and mayors who come and go while the murk and mire remains firmly intact.
This time, the good mayor, Dick Wathika claims that one company given the monopoly to generate advertising by providing street lighting, Adopt-A-Light, was fraudulently awarded the contract and they are now under investigation by the Kenya anti corruption commission which is among the least effective bodies established in the history of this country.
Anyway, the good mayor says the contract has been terminated though the matter is the subject of an ongoing court case. Does the ignorant city father not know that it is wrong to comment on matters pending in courts of law?
By the way, the company in question is owned by one Esther Passaris, a beautiful lady who has brains to match not to mention political connections which comes in handy as she conducts her multi million business deals.
It is common knowledge in Nairobi today that the richest merchants are those who do business with the city council as it is known to even pay for goods and services before they are delivered or better still you can get paid in advance and not deliver anything as long as you oil the right hands.
The council also has a notorious reputation for violence, even in full view of TV cameras. In every election conducted there, it is mandatory that physical fights have to erupt or the polls will not be considered valid. Nairobi has perhaps the most violent civic leaders in the country who are also as crooked as the hind leg of a donkey.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
At one time, the council put out a tender for supply of chlorine and guess what. A shrewd and well-connected merchant won the tender and supplied chalk instead; he was hurriedly paid in full.
That is how dirty the city council is as it has turned into a cash cow where everybody wants to milk it dry before his or her tenure expires. It is for this same reason that Nairobi is turning out to be the poorest run city in the country.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
This time, the good mayor, Dick Wathika claims that one company given the monopoly to generate advertising by providing street lighting, Adopt-A-Light, was fraudulently awarded the contract and they are now under investigation by the Kenya anti corruption commission which is among the least effective bodies established in the history of this country.
Anyway, the good mayor says the contract has been terminated though the matter is the subject of an ongoing court case. Does the ignorant city father not know that it is wrong to comment on matters pending in courts of law?
By the way, the company in question is owned by one Esther Passaris, a beautiful lady who has brains to match not to mention political connections which comes in handy as she conducts her multi million business deals.
It is common knowledge in Nairobi today that the richest merchants are those who do business with the city council as it is known to even pay for goods and services before they are delivered or better still you can get paid in advance and not deliver anything as long as you oil the right hands.
The council also has a notorious reputation for violence, even in full view of TV cameras. In every election conducted there, it is mandatory that physical fights have to erupt or the polls will not be considered valid. Nairobi has perhaps the most violent civic leaders in the country who are also as crooked as the hind leg of a donkey.
=======================
This blogger has just received evidence of a huge scandal involving a VERY well-known Kenyan. I will publish it here on Monday (5th March 2007) at 12 noon. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL SINCE THE UNFOLDING NATION SAGA.
=======================
At one time, the council put out a tender for supply of chlorine and guess what. A shrewd and well-connected merchant won the tender and supplied chalk instead; he was hurriedly paid in full.
That is how dirty the city council is as it has turned into a cash cow where everybody wants to milk it dry before his or her tenure expires. It is for this same reason that Nairobi is turning out to be the poorest run city in the country.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
Kumekucha Daily Home Page: Thurs 1st March 2007
Kumekucha Today
Lead Story
ODM Has Already Decided On Its' Presidential Candidate: Name Leaked out by insiders
Lead Story
ODM Has Already Decided On Its' Presidential Candidate: Name Leaked out by insiders
The Ideal VP candidate for ODM
Why is President Kibaki's second wife dishing out cash?
Yesterday's stories
Jeff Koinage's Serious Problems
Standard Group's One Million Shilling Investmant Plan: The Inside Story
Are Their Some Nasty Secrets Between Raila And Mutula Kilonzo?
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ODM-Kenya Presidential Candidate Has Been Decided: And The Winner Is…
Kumekucha Special Exclusive
This writer has managed to make contact with ODM-Kenya insiders at the center of the ongoing negotiations and what has emerged are some startling revelations.
For starters the ODM-Kenya presidential candidate has more or less already been decided on. My sources say that all the other presidential candidates have agreed on this particular man, save for one major candidate. It is because of this major candidate that negotiations are still going on, otherwise they would have been over a long time ago. So the much-anticipated split in ODM-Kenya over the presidential candidate nomination has not happen and is unlikely to happen.
There is however a huge possibility that the one candidate who is yet to concur with his colleagues, could leave the movement.
So how was the ODM candidate arrived upon? It was really simple. The question was asked of all presidential aspirants; who was capable of delivering their community as a block to ODM-Kenya even if they were not the movement's presidential candidates. Of all the aspirants, it was quickly agreed on that only Raila Odinga was able to do this. And so it has been agreed by consensus that Raila Odinga is the man who will be the ODM-Kenya flag bearer in the forthcoming general elections.
However, as predicted in this blog, the effects of the Steadmann poll on the popularity of presidential candidates will not wear off easily. Kalonzo Musyoka still strongly feels that he would be the presidential candidate with the highest chances of delivering the presidency to ODM-Kenya and is still arguing to that effect even when the writing is clearly on the wall. Will he swallow his pride and back Raila Odinga? It is difficult to say at this juncture, but even if he does withdraw from ODM-Kenya, the damage will be very minimal because only the Akamba community will be missing in ODM-Kenya and it is highly unlikely that they will go to Narc-Kenya, which means that the impact on ODM-Kenya's bid for power will be extremely minimal.
Raila is the candidate that the president's handlers have been preparing for and regular readers of his blog know exactly what kind of tactics are going to be used. Basically we should expect a lot of very effective propaganda on why the Luo cannot lead. Tribal sentiments and animosity that was birthed during the Jomo Kenyatta administration will re-emerge with a vengeance. We will talk about this in more detail, in the days to come.
So the die has been cast. There is no turning back now. Raila Odinga will face Mwai Kibaki in the forthcoming polls. Just remember that you first read this explosive information here, in this, the most popular blog on Kenya.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
This writer has managed to make contact with ODM-Kenya insiders at the center of the ongoing negotiations and what has emerged are some startling revelations.
For starters the ODM-Kenya presidential candidate has more or less already been decided on. My sources say that all the other presidential candidates have agreed on this particular man, save for one major candidate. It is because of this major candidate that negotiations are still going on, otherwise they would have been over a long time ago. So the much-anticipated split in ODM-Kenya over the presidential candidate nomination has not happen and is unlikely to happen.
There is however a huge possibility that the one candidate who is yet to concur with his colleagues, could leave the movement.
So how was the ODM candidate arrived upon? It was really simple. The question was asked of all presidential aspirants; who was capable of delivering their community as a block to ODM-Kenya even if they were not the movement's presidential candidates. Of all the aspirants, it was quickly agreed on that only Raila Odinga was able to do this. And so it has been agreed by consensus that Raila Odinga is the man who will be the ODM-Kenya flag bearer in the forthcoming general elections.
However, as predicted in this blog, the effects of the Steadmann poll on the popularity of presidential candidates will not wear off easily. Kalonzo Musyoka still strongly feels that he would be the presidential candidate with the highest chances of delivering the presidency to ODM-Kenya and is still arguing to that effect even when the writing is clearly on the wall. Will he swallow his pride and back Raila Odinga? It is difficult to say at this juncture, but even if he does withdraw from ODM-Kenya, the damage will be very minimal because only the Akamba community will be missing in ODM-Kenya and it is highly unlikely that they will go to Narc-Kenya, which means that the impact on ODM-Kenya's bid for power will be extremely minimal.
Raila is the candidate that the president's handlers have been preparing for and regular readers of his blog know exactly what kind of tactics are going to be used. Basically we should expect a lot of very effective propaganda on why the Luo cannot lead. Tribal sentiments and animosity that was birthed during the Jomo Kenyatta administration will re-emerge with a vengeance. We will talk about this in more detail, in the days to come.
So the die has been cast. There is no turning back now. Raila Odinga will face Mwai Kibaki in the forthcoming polls. Just remember that you first read this explosive information here, in this, the most popular blog on Kenya.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
Raila Odinga's Ideal Vice Presidential Running Mate
Now that it is almost certain that Raila Odinga will be the ODM-Kenya presidential candidate, the next important question is who will be his running mate or better still, his vice president?
The ideal candidate is Kalonzo Musyoka but due to the rivalry and power jostling the two have undergone while chasing the top seat in the party, it is likely that Musyoka will leave ODM in a huff after Raila is declared the presidential candidate. Kalonzo's exit will have more to do with pride than the way Raila was arrived upon to be the party's torchbearer.
William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta will hardly be valuable as running mates as they both can not deliver the block vote from their community due to other strong rival politicians from their home areas who also command a sizeable following. These are former president Moi amongst the Kalenjin and president Mwai Kibaki amongst the Kikuyu, respectively.
Betting on Musalia Mudavadi is even worse as he is only assured of the support of the tiny Maragoli sub-tribe of the luhya where he hails from. The Luhya are the most divided community in Kenya and it is no surprise that they have the highest number of presidential aspirants at four. They are Musalia, Cyrus YK92 Jirongo, Julia Ojiambo (who will now step down in favor of Raila in ODM) and Musikari Kombo.
There is also the option of Raila opting for a woman Vice president in Julia Ojiambo which could make history but sadly, is unlikely to produce much in terms of added value in number of votes. Apart from the fact that the vast majority of Kenyan voters in the village tend to look down on women candidates (this is very sad, but the reality) Julia hails from the Luhya community which has enjoyed the Vice presidency more than any other tribe in the history of Kenya. The community is now keen for the presidency and any vice presidential candidate who is a Luhya is bound to have very minimal impact in the community.
This leaves Najib Balala who has the advantage of coming from the coast, a region that has never tasted the vice presidency yet have a sizeable chunk of votes which are more often than not scattered.
Considering that Raila himself has a big following in the coast province, it could be prudent to select Balala as his running mate in a bid that could secure him a block vote from the coast and destroy President Kibaki's well laid plans in Momabasa.
Balala may not be that popular or famous in coast province at the moment but his appointment as Raila's number two could change his fortunes overnight and even scare away his bitter rival for the Mvita parliamentary seat, Ali Taib who is a former Mombasa mayor. Balala is also a former Mayor of Kenya's second largest city.
Being of Arab origin, Balala will find himself facing a tough ride if he fully comes out to the limelight especially from the indigenous coastals who detest Arabs, the Mvita MP will have to toughen his stomach from the deluge of verbal and written insults that could come his way. However, the fact that Balala is a wealthy man by Kenyan standards should augur well for him as he will be capable of assisting the ODM Kenya campaign machinery in a big way not to mention his multi-millionare Arab friends whom he will easily convince to chip in to the party's campaign kitty.
And again, the Muslim community who are annoyed with the Kibaki government, which they accuse of harassment on the pretext of fighting terrorism, will vote as a block for ODM if Balala is Odinga's running mate.
It is because of these many reasons that Raila's best bet for vice president is the soft spoken Mvita MP who will be completing his first term in parliament at the end of this year. It will be remembered that in 2002 he caused one of the biggest poll upsets by flooring the then Kanu's coast kingpin Sharif Nassir wom many considered invincible.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
The ideal candidate is Kalonzo Musyoka but due to the rivalry and power jostling the two have undergone while chasing the top seat in the party, it is likely that Musyoka will leave ODM in a huff after Raila is declared the presidential candidate. Kalonzo's exit will have more to do with pride than the way Raila was arrived upon to be the party's torchbearer.
William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta will hardly be valuable as running mates as they both can not deliver the block vote from their community due to other strong rival politicians from their home areas who also command a sizeable following. These are former president Moi amongst the Kalenjin and president Mwai Kibaki amongst the Kikuyu, respectively.
Betting on Musalia Mudavadi is even worse as he is only assured of the support of the tiny Maragoli sub-tribe of the luhya where he hails from. The Luhya are the most divided community in Kenya and it is no surprise that they have the highest number of presidential aspirants at four. They are Musalia, Cyrus YK92 Jirongo, Julia Ojiambo (who will now step down in favor of Raila in ODM) and Musikari Kombo.
There is also the option of Raila opting for a woman Vice president in Julia Ojiambo which could make history but sadly, is unlikely to produce much in terms of added value in number of votes. Apart from the fact that the vast majority of Kenyan voters in the village tend to look down on women candidates (this is very sad, but the reality) Julia hails from the Luhya community which has enjoyed the Vice presidency more than any other tribe in the history of Kenya. The community is now keen for the presidency and any vice presidential candidate who is a Luhya is bound to have very minimal impact in the community.
This leaves Najib Balala who has the advantage of coming from the coast, a region that has never tasted the vice presidency yet have a sizeable chunk of votes which are more often than not scattered.
Considering that Raila himself has a big following in the coast province, it could be prudent to select Balala as his running mate in a bid that could secure him a block vote from the coast and destroy President Kibaki's well laid plans in Momabasa.
Balala may not be that popular or famous in coast province at the moment but his appointment as Raila's number two could change his fortunes overnight and even scare away his bitter rival for the Mvita parliamentary seat, Ali Taib who is a former Mombasa mayor. Balala is also a former Mayor of Kenya's second largest city.
Being of Arab origin, Balala will find himself facing a tough ride if he fully comes out to the limelight especially from the indigenous coastals who detest Arabs, the Mvita MP will have to toughen his stomach from the deluge of verbal and written insults that could come his way. However, the fact that Balala is a wealthy man by Kenyan standards should augur well for him as he will be capable of assisting the ODM Kenya campaign machinery in a big way not to mention his multi-millionare Arab friends whom he will easily convince to chip in to the party's campaign kitty.
And again, the Muslim community who are annoyed with the Kibaki government, which they accuse of harassment on the pretext of fighting terrorism, will vote as a block for ODM if Balala is Odinga's running mate.
It is because of these many reasons that Raila's best bet for vice president is the soft spoken Mvita MP who will be completing his first term in parliament at the end of this year. It will be remembered that in 2002 he caused one of the biggest poll upsets by flooring the then Kanu's coast kingpin Sharif Nassir wom many considered invincible.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
What are Kalonzo Musyoka's Options Now?
Now that it is evident that Kalonzo Musyoka will NOT be the ODM presidential candidate, chances are that he will leave the party soon after Raila Odinga is named the party's presidential candidate.
What must be understood is that Kalonzo will not dessert ODM-Kenya because of the way that Raila will be selected but it will have more to do with his pride and his misplaced belief (built over numerous Steadmann popularity poll results) that he is a better man than Raila.
It will be perhaps the most bitter pill Musyoka has ever swallowed in his long political career, considering that opinion polls for the better part of last year have always said that he was more popular than Odinga and was only second to Kibaki. One opinion poll at the beginning put him right at the top, above eve prsient Kibaki, in popularity. These polls gave Musyoka the false impression that he would easily be selected as the ODM-Kenya presidential candidate by whatever method was arrived on, although he clearly favored some sort of direct vote country-wide.
And again, during the constitution referendum, Raila said in public 'Kalonzo tosha' meaning Kalonzo was capable which made Kenyans assume that Raila could vouch for a Musyoka presidency and he would settle for the much-talked-about prime minister's post.
So, if Musyoka is to leave, where can he go? Especially if you put into consideration the fact that he does not have the cash to finance his own presidential campaign and neither does he have enough super rich friends in Kenya to assist him, like some of the other candidates. But let's assume for a moment that Musyoka somehow finds the cash and decides to go it alone with his own party—which would most probably be the Rainbow Alliance Party (RAP), an outfit registered by his alter ego, one Dee Kivuva a former police officer sacked from the general service unit several years ago for fraud.
He will probably secure the Kamba vote, though not as a block as his support from the community was previously powered by the fact he would be the ODM-Kenya candidate whose presidential aspirant had the biggest chances of dethroning Kibaki.
Another factor that may cause Kalonzo to write his own political obituary on leaving ODM is the simple fact that he will leave alone as he does not have the capacity and ability to woo other big wigs in the movement to join him in abandoning it. In other words, Musyoka's exit from ODM will barely affect the party's chances of dethroning Kibaki and will probably strengthen it as most of the power jostling in the party has always been between Kalonzo and Raila supporters. This will cease with Kalonzo out of the way.
Kalonzo's other option is to join Narc-Kenya who will probably not treat him as a big catch but will accommodate him all the same for propaganda purposes against ODM in exchange for an obscure position in the next government if they win.
In other words, Kalonzo's option on leaving ODM are extremely limited and if he thinks twice and gets good advice, he is better off swallowing his pride and accepting the vice president post within ODM. That is by far his best bet.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
What must be understood is that Kalonzo will not dessert ODM-Kenya because of the way that Raila will be selected but it will have more to do with his pride and his misplaced belief (built over numerous Steadmann popularity poll results) that he is a better man than Raila.
It will be perhaps the most bitter pill Musyoka has ever swallowed in his long political career, considering that opinion polls for the better part of last year have always said that he was more popular than Odinga and was only second to Kibaki. One opinion poll at the beginning put him right at the top, above eve prsient Kibaki, in popularity. These polls gave Musyoka the false impression that he would easily be selected as the ODM-Kenya presidential candidate by whatever method was arrived on, although he clearly favored some sort of direct vote country-wide.
And again, during the constitution referendum, Raila said in public 'Kalonzo tosha' meaning Kalonzo was capable which made Kenyans assume that Raila could vouch for a Musyoka presidency and he would settle for the much-talked-about prime minister's post.
So, if Musyoka is to leave, where can he go? Especially if you put into consideration the fact that he does not have the cash to finance his own presidential campaign and neither does he have enough super rich friends in Kenya to assist him, like some of the other candidates. But let's assume for a moment that Musyoka somehow finds the cash and decides to go it alone with his own party—which would most probably be the Rainbow Alliance Party (RAP), an outfit registered by his alter ego, one Dee Kivuva a former police officer sacked from the general service unit several years ago for fraud.
He will probably secure the Kamba vote, though not as a block as his support from the community was previously powered by the fact he would be the ODM-Kenya candidate whose presidential aspirant had the biggest chances of dethroning Kibaki.
Another factor that may cause Kalonzo to write his own political obituary on leaving ODM is the simple fact that he will leave alone as he does not have the capacity and ability to woo other big wigs in the movement to join him in abandoning it. In other words, Musyoka's exit from ODM will barely affect the party's chances of dethroning Kibaki and will probably strengthen it as most of the power jostling in the party has always been between Kalonzo and Raila supporters. This will cease with Kalonzo out of the way.
Kalonzo's other option is to join Narc-Kenya who will probably not treat him as a big catch but will accommodate him all the same for propaganda purposes against ODM in exchange for an obscure position in the next government if they win.
In other words, Kalonzo's option on leaving ODM are extremely limited and if he thinks twice and gets good advice, he is better off swallowing his pride and accepting the vice president post within ODM. That is by far his best bet.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
Controversial Narc-Kenya Activist Mary Wambui (Mrs Kibaki) Returns To The Campaign Trail With Her Strikingly Beautiful Daughter
Now that the Artur brothers saga seems to have cooled off, Narc-Kenya activist Mary Wambui who is President Kibaki's second wife, is back on the campaign trail with her wayward but strikingly beautiful daughter, one Nancy Wangui.
This time round, she has bounced back in style with blaring sirens going ahead of her along with two chase cars filled with armed bodyguards, and of course, loads of cash to dish out to women groups and any worthy (vote-generating) cause that she may bump into on her way.
Last week she was in western Kenya where she donated shs 200,000 in a small harambee in Enoch Kibunguchy's Lugari constituency.The MP has since left Ford-K and has joined Narc-Kenya.
The question still remains, where does this lady get the sack loads of cash that she distributes in her various political meetings? At one time while covering her meetings in Ukambani, I saw her spend more than Sh 800,000 in a few short hours and she generously paid off everyone including the local police who had provided extra security in her functions supplementing the civilian dressed bodyguards that always travel with her.
And again she is a likeable woman if not motherly. She will always tell journalists to be patriotic and mind about the welfare of their motherland. With all the pep talks accompanied by her knock-em-dead infectious smile and a heavy Kikuyu accent and of course the free-flowing cash, Mary Wambui has to be the President's most valued secret weapon in the forthcoming polls.
Her previously impeccable reputation was however marred by her association with the notorious Artur brothers who enjoyed the powerful influence and connections of the Narc-Kenya activist and her daughter. Not to mention the nasty rumours that won't go away to the effect that Wangui is carrying the baby of one of the Artur's.
President Kibaki has denied vehemently on several occasions in public that he has any relations with Wambui and her daughter but Kenyans don’t understand why Mary Wambui still enjoys state security round the clock at her Lavington residence and everywhere she goes. Not to mention the enormous influence she wields in political circles.
Then there is the fact that her drop-dead-gorgeous daughter will be an invaluable asset in reaching younger voters countrywide. (see her in this romantic setting).
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
This time round, she has bounced back in style with blaring sirens going ahead of her along with two chase cars filled with armed bodyguards, and of course, loads of cash to dish out to women groups and any worthy (vote-generating) cause that she may bump into on her way.
Last week she was in western Kenya where she donated shs 200,000 in a small harambee in Enoch Kibunguchy's Lugari constituency.The MP has since left Ford-K and has joined Narc-Kenya.
The question still remains, where does this lady get the sack loads of cash that she distributes in her various political meetings? At one time while covering her meetings in Ukambani, I saw her spend more than Sh 800,000 in a few short hours and she generously paid off everyone including the local police who had provided extra security in her functions supplementing the civilian dressed bodyguards that always travel with her.
And again she is a likeable woman if not motherly. She will always tell journalists to be patriotic and mind about the welfare of their motherland. With all the pep talks accompanied by her knock-em-dead infectious smile and a heavy Kikuyu accent and of course the free-flowing cash, Mary Wambui has to be the President's most valued secret weapon in the forthcoming polls.
Her previously impeccable reputation was however marred by her association with the notorious Artur brothers who enjoyed the powerful influence and connections of the Narc-Kenya activist and her daughter. Not to mention the nasty rumours that won't go away to the effect that Wangui is carrying the baby of one of the Artur's.
President Kibaki has denied vehemently on several occasions in public that he has any relations with Wambui and her daughter but Kenyans don’t understand why Mary Wambui still enjoys state security round the clock at her Lavington residence and everywhere she goes. Not to mention the enormous influence she wields in political circles.
Then there is the fact that her drop-dead-gorgeous daughter will be an invaluable asset in reaching younger voters countrywide. (see her in this romantic setting).
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Shocking Nation sex scandal dossier finally released.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The humble beginnings of Bunge la Mwananchi in 2007: BUNGE LA MWANANCHI – FREEDOM FROM HUNGER
Kumekucha supports this initiative by ordinary Kenyans who would otherwise have few options of making their voice heard. We are looking for many others to support by giving free publicity in this high traffic site. Contact the ditor by sending an email to umissedthis at yahoo dot com.
-Kumekucha-
Special message from the people of Kenya
In 1978 when Mzee Kenyatta died, the cost of a 2kg packet of maize flour was Kshs. 2.80. On December 27, 2002 maize flour cost was Kshs 27. During 24 years of Moi's rule, the price of Unga had increased by Kshs 24, an average of 1 shilling per year. In 2003 the cost of Unga increased to Kshs.54; it doubled. In only 1 year the Narc government had increased the price of Unga by Kshs. 27, more than Moi's government had increased in 24 years.
On December 27, 2002, one kilo of sugar cost 27/=, today a kilo of sugar costs 85/=. When Narc assumed office a liter of paraffin cost 22/=, today it costs 60/=. Under the Narc government the cost of transport doubled. In fact, the cost of all basic products has risen by over 100%.
As a result, we the ordinary citizens continue to struggle just to survive from one day to the other. We welcome free primary education; our children are not required to pay school fees. However, with the rising cost of food, children either go to school hungry, or even stay at home. The reason is simple- food is too expensive. In fact, during the Moi era many of us were able to afford both fees and food. Today most of us cannot afford food, even though we are not paying fees.
It is true that the Narc government has made improvements. Farmers are being paid for their produce. Coffee, sugar, tea, milk, maize and many products are better paid today than during the Moi era. Why, then, does the Kenyan farmer continue to struggle? Because the cost of all farm inputs- seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides- have doubled or tripled. The money the farmers are getting is quickly taken back through these exorbitant prices.
Today 3 out of 5 Kenyans are either starving or on the brink of starvation. In a nation of 30 million, that means 18 million Kenyans cannot afford to feed themselves every day. Many of us live on one meal a day, and on some days that meal is not available and our hungry children cry until they sleep.
Is it because we do not work? Ordinary Kenyans work every day. We till the land, work in factories, flower farms and EPZ. We dig ditches, chip and carry stones from quarries, hawk products on the streets, run kiosks. Most of us are casual laborers, cleaning homes for the rich, doing clerical work in their companies, mixing concrete in their construction. The average casual laborer is paid only 100/= per day to do extremely hard work. 100/= is no longer enough to buy food for a family; Unga is 54/=. Paraffin, sukuma-wiki, cooking oil, water and rent are supposed to come from the remaining 46/=. That is why we are sleeping with empty stomachs even after working hard.
Where are our MPs? Since independence Kenya has never missed a scheduled election. Every 5 years ordinary citizens elect MPs. Their only job is to give voice to the people's needs. Why are they so quiet when food prices increase?
During the Kenyatta and Moi era, like ordinary Kenyans, MPs' salary was less than 20,000/=. Some MPs were rich, but many were ordinary citizens who understood the struggles of ordinary citizens. Today an MP earns over Kshs.600,000 every month. Each month an MP can afford to buy over 10,000 packets of Unga, enough to feed his family for 30 years! That is why Mps say nothing about the high cost of food. And, this includes all our MPs, not just government MPs. When it comes to voting for their needs, there is usually no difference between our MPs.
Why are Kenyans unable to afford food?
Every year starving Kenyans are given dry maize because they have no food. The government blames this on lack of rain. It is true that it has not rained in some areas for a long time. But it is also true that year round Kenya exports vegetables like French beans to Europe. Kenya is the top exporter of flowers in the world. If there is enough water to irrigate flowers and French beans for Europeans, why not use the same water to grow food for Kenyans? Because the government does not care whether Kenyans live or die.
Kenyans are paid very little salaries for making products that earn billions for foreigners. The government has poor planning leading to poor policies which have contributed to joblessness; poor remuneration; mismanagement of national resources like water (e.g. a government water project delivers water to a minister's farm in Kajiado, leaving the rest of the district dry); unexploited talent (educated and trained Kenyans are either unemployed or retrenched); high taxation of citizens (foreigners who invest in Kenya don't pay taxes for 10 years while citizens are taxed heavily from the first day); bad politics (If MPs can spend heavily for referendum campaigns why not use the same energy to help starving Kenyans?); improper, imbalanced education due to poor education policy (the rich have well equipped private schools, the poor learn under trees); lack of research on food; etc
The most serious reason, however, is the inequitable distribution of resources.
The gap between the richest and the poorest people in Kenya is the second highest in the world; we are a nation of a few billionaires and 30 million beggars - 75% of our resources, including land, are controlled by foreigners. As a result, we remain essentially enslaved; nearly all of us work for foreign interests. At the same time, 90 % of all income generated in Kenya is owned by only 10%, meaning that 27 million Kenyans have to fight for only 10% of the income. Sadly, there is no truly selfless leader in Kenya. Poor leadership means that people with selfless nationalism like JM Kariuki are quickly killed, leaving us with selfish and corrupt leaders.
Can food be made affordable?
The government can easily ensure that no Kenyan will ever go hungry. First, foreigners can be taxed and a fund created that would provide Kenyan farmers with interest-free loans. Money leaving the country should be limited so that money earned in Kenya develops Kenya. Also, money coming to Kenya should not be scrutinized so that, like Switzerland, Kenya benefits from foreign funds. We can use existing resources like the military and the National Youth Service to drill boreholes, make water furrows, and construct water reservoirs to harvest rainwater, improve roads and distribute food. Drilling boreholes makes more sense than constructing dams, which are dependent on rains. Education can be improved so that Kenyans are given appropriate training (e.g. teach carpentry, brick making, etc to all Kenyans, not just prisoners). Kenyans can be encouraged to grow indigenous crops by having an extra tax imposed on all foreign food imports. Kenyans should be allowed to transport food freely from any part of the country without requiring licenses or paying any fees.
Like other countries, the government must be forced to subsidize the cost of basic food products. If we go by the history of the Moi era, the cost of Unga should increase by 1/= each year. Since in 2002 it was 27/= the cost of Unga should not exceed 30/=. At the same time, the government should subsidize the cost of Kerosene/paraffin which ordinary citizens use.
Bunge la Mwananchi believes that there is enough money for the government of Kenya to subsidize Unga and paraffin. By removing taxes on Unga and paraffin, the prices should drop. Further, the government should find money to subsidize basic food products. Kenyans need affordable food, NOT relief food. Queuing for dry maize with our children undermines our dignity and is not a sustainable solution. If food prices are reduced, no Kenyan will go hungry. We are willing to work for our food, as long as the prices are affordable.
Where will the money come from?
The government has plenty of money but it just misuses it. We demand that the salaries of MPs are reduced to no more than 200,000 per month, and like everyone else, the MPs should pay taxes and contribute to the national pension schemes of NSSF and PAYE. Pension scheme for MPs and health insurance to private hospitals should be scrapped; MPs should have NHIF insurance and go to government hospitals like other Kenyans. The over 1 billion set aside in the budget for renovating MPs offices and enlarging parliament should be used to subsidize food or establish a fund for capital investment in small businesses for Kenyans. That will generate income and provide employment. The 100million budgeted for building the VP’s house and the 400 million for renovating State house should be used for building low cost houses for Kenyans. Like Rwanda, Kenya should sell all expensive government vehicles and replace them with simple vehicles, which should only be used during government business and not for taking Ministers' girlfriends shopping.
The President, if he is serious about reducing expenses in government, should start by firing all cabinet ministers who have refused to give back the extra cars. No public officer should ever have more than one vehicle assigned to him. The money saved can be used to improve transport for ordinary Kenyans. All presidential commissions should be immediately abolished; they consume billions and deliver nothing. Spending 300 million on Mutava Musyimi's commission or paying Ringera 2.5 million per month to fight corruption is, itself, corruption. That money can be used better. Alfred Mutua should be sacked. Kenya has no need for a spokesman telling us about homesick hyenas in Thailand at a cost of 1.5 million per month. Retreats for MPs should be banned; meetings should be in Parliament not in 5-star hotels in Mombasa. Funding for MPs offices in their constituencies should be scrapped; volunteers at no cost can run those offices.
Pension for retired presidents should be no more than 300,000. Imports of locally available products should be heavily taxed. No public funds should ever be used to fund funerals or help individual families unless similar privileges are extended to all Kenyans.
What can we do?
We have started a campaign to force the government to reduce the cost of Unga to 30/=. We demand that MPs move and pass a motion to remove VAT on all basic foodstuffs; it is not too much to ask considering that MPs were able to remove taxes on their salaries and vehicles.
Before coming to us for votes this year we, the people, want to remind our politicians that we will agitate for reforms that suit us, not "minimum reforms" to ensure that they are re-elected. We will also have peaceful protests nationwide.
Support us by giving this message to as many people as possible and joining our organized demonstrations.
PEOPLE'S PARLIAMENT
Jeevanjee Gardens, Moi Avenue
Tel: 0733 248 301
Email: info@kenyapeoplesparliament.com
-Kumekucha-
Special message from the people of Kenya
In 1978 when Mzee Kenyatta died, the cost of a 2kg packet of maize flour was Kshs. 2.80. On December 27, 2002 maize flour cost was Kshs 27. During 24 years of Moi's rule, the price of Unga had increased by Kshs 24, an average of 1 shilling per year. In 2003 the cost of Unga increased to Kshs.54; it doubled. In only 1 year the Narc government had increased the price of Unga by Kshs. 27, more than Moi's government had increased in 24 years.
On December 27, 2002, one kilo of sugar cost 27/=, today a kilo of sugar costs 85/=. When Narc assumed office a liter of paraffin cost 22/=, today it costs 60/=. Under the Narc government the cost of transport doubled. In fact, the cost of all basic products has risen by over 100%.
As a result, we the ordinary citizens continue to struggle just to survive from one day to the other. We welcome free primary education; our children are not required to pay school fees. However, with the rising cost of food, children either go to school hungry, or even stay at home. The reason is simple- food is too expensive. In fact, during the Moi era many of us were able to afford both fees and food. Today most of us cannot afford food, even though we are not paying fees.
It is true that the Narc government has made improvements. Farmers are being paid for their produce. Coffee, sugar, tea, milk, maize and many products are better paid today than during the Moi era. Why, then, does the Kenyan farmer continue to struggle? Because the cost of all farm inputs- seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides- have doubled or tripled. The money the farmers are getting is quickly taken back through these exorbitant prices.
Today 3 out of 5 Kenyans are either starving or on the brink of starvation. In a nation of 30 million, that means 18 million Kenyans cannot afford to feed themselves every day. Many of us live on one meal a day, and on some days that meal is not available and our hungry children cry until they sleep.
Is it because we do not work? Ordinary Kenyans work every day. We till the land, work in factories, flower farms and EPZ. We dig ditches, chip and carry stones from quarries, hawk products on the streets, run kiosks. Most of us are casual laborers, cleaning homes for the rich, doing clerical work in their companies, mixing concrete in their construction. The average casual laborer is paid only 100/= per day to do extremely hard work. 100/= is no longer enough to buy food for a family; Unga is 54/=. Paraffin, sukuma-wiki, cooking oil, water and rent are supposed to come from the remaining 46/=. That is why we are sleeping with empty stomachs even after working hard.
Where are our MPs? Since independence Kenya has never missed a scheduled election. Every 5 years ordinary citizens elect MPs. Their only job is to give voice to the people's needs. Why are they so quiet when food prices increase?
During the Kenyatta and Moi era, like ordinary Kenyans, MPs' salary was less than 20,000/=. Some MPs were rich, but many were ordinary citizens who understood the struggles of ordinary citizens. Today an MP earns over Kshs.600,000 every month. Each month an MP can afford to buy over 10,000 packets of Unga, enough to feed his family for 30 years! That is why Mps say nothing about the high cost of food. And, this includes all our MPs, not just government MPs. When it comes to voting for their needs, there is usually no difference between our MPs.
Why are Kenyans unable to afford food?
Every year starving Kenyans are given dry maize because they have no food. The government blames this on lack of rain. It is true that it has not rained in some areas for a long time. But it is also true that year round Kenya exports vegetables like French beans to Europe. Kenya is the top exporter of flowers in the world. If there is enough water to irrigate flowers and French beans for Europeans, why not use the same water to grow food for Kenyans? Because the government does not care whether Kenyans live or die.
Kenyans are paid very little salaries for making products that earn billions for foreigners. The government has poor planning leading to poor policies which have contributed to joblessness; poor remuneration; mismanagement of national resources like water (e.g. a government water project delivers water to a minister's farm in Kajiado, leaving the rest of the district dry); unexploited talent (educated and trained Kenyans are either unemployed or retrenched); high taxation of citizens (foreigners who invest in Kenya don't pay taxes for 10 years while citizens are taxed heavily from the first day); bad politics (If MPs can spend heavily for referendum campaigns why not use the same energy to help starving Kenyans?); improper, imbalanced education due to poor education policy (the rich have well equipped private schools, the poor learn under trees); lack of research on food; etc
The most serious reason, however, is the inequitable distribution of resources.
The gap between the richest and the poorest people in Kenya is the second highest in the world; we are a nation of a few billionaires and 30 million beggars - 75% of our resources, including land, are controlled by foreigners. As a result, we remain essentially enslaved; nearly all of us work for foreign interests. At the same time, 90 % of all income generated in Kenya is owned by only 10%, meaning that 27 million Kenyans have to fight for only 10% of the income. Sadly, there is no truly selfless leader in Kenya. Poor leadership means that people with selfless nationalism like JM Kariuki are quickly killed, leaving us with selfish and corrupt leaders.
Can food be made affordable?
The government can easily ensure that no Kenyan will ever go hungry. First, foreigners can be taxed and a fund created that would provide Kenyan farmers with interest-free loans. Money leaving the country should be limited so that money earned in Kenya develops Kenya. Also, money coming to Kenya should not be scrutinized so that, like Switzerland, Kenya benefits from foreign funds. We can use existing resources like the military and the National Youth Service to drill boreholes, make water furrows, and construct water reservoirs to harvest rainwater, improve roads and distribute food. Drilling boreholes makes more sense than constructing dams, which are dependent on rains. Education can be improved so that Kenyans are given appropriate training (e.g. teach carpentry, brick making, etc to all Kenyans, not just prisoners). Kenyans can be encouraged to grow indigenous crops by having an extra tax imposed on all foreign food imports. Kenyans should be allowed to transport food freely from any part of the country without requiring licenses or paying any fees.
Like other countries, the government must be forced to subsidize the cost of basic food products. If we go by the history of the Moi era, the cost of Unga should increase by 1/= each year. Since in 2002 it was 27/= the cost of Unga should not exceed 30/=. At the same time, the government should subsidize the cost of Kerosene/paraffin which ordinary citizens use.
Bunge la Mwananchi believes that there is enough money for the government of Kenya to subsidize Unga and paraffin. By removing taxes on Unga and paraffin, the prices should drop. Further, the government should find money to subsidize basic food products. Kenyans need affordable food, NOT relief food. Queuing for dry maize with our children undermines our dignity and is not a sustainable solution. If food prices are reduced, no Kenyan will go hungry. We are willing to work for our food, as long as the prices are affordable.
Where will the money come from?
The government has plenty of money but it just misuses it. We demand that the salaries of MPs are reduced to no more than 200,000 per month, and like everyone else, the MPs should pay taxes and contribute to the national pension schemes of NSSF and PAYE. Pension scheme for MPs and health insurance to private hospitals should be scrapped; MPs should have NHIF insurance and go to government hospitals like other Kenyans. The over 1 billion set aside in the budget for renovating MPs offices and enlarging parliament should be used to subsidize food or establish a fund for capital investment in small businesses for Kenyans. That will generate income and provide employment. The 100million budgeted for building the VP’s house and the 400 million for renovating State house should be used for building low cost houses for Kenyans. Like Rwanda, Kenya should sell all expensive government vehicles and replace them with simple vehicles, which should only be used during government business and not for taking Ministers' girlfriends shopping.
The President, if he is serious about reducing expenses in government, should start by firing all cabinet ministers who have refused to give back the extra cars. No public officer should ever have more than one vehicle assigned to him. The money saved can be used to improve transport for ordinary Kenyans. All presidential commissions should be immediately abolished; they consume billions and deliver nothing. Spending 300 million on Mutava Musyimi's commission or paying Ringera 2.5 million per month to fight corruption is, itself, corruption. That money can be used better. Alfred Mutua should be sacked. Kenya has no need for a spokesman telling us about homesick hyenas in Thailand at a cost of 1.5 million per month. Retreats for MPs should be banned; meetings should be in Parliament not in 5-star hotels in Mombasa. Funding for MPs offices in their constituencies should be scrapped; volunteers at no cost can run those offices.
Pension for retired presidents should be no more than 300,000. Imports of locally available products should be heavily taxed. No public funds should ever be used to fund funerals or help individual families unless similar privileges are extended to all Kenyans.
What can we do?
We have started a campaign to force the government to reduce the cost of Unga to 30/=. We demand that MPs move and pass a motion to remove VAT on all basic foodstuffs; it is not too much to ask considering that MPs were able to remove taxes on their salaries and vehicles.
Before coming to us for votes this year we, the people, want to remind our politicians that we will agitate for reforms that suit us, not "minimum reforms" to ensure that they are re-elected. We will also have peaceful protests nationwide.
Support us by giving this message to as many people as possible and joining our organized demonstrations.
PEOPLE'S PARLIAMENT
Jeevanjee Gardens, Moi Avenue
Tel: 0733 248 301
Email: info@kenyapeoplesparliament.com
SEE ALSO;
----Maize crisis and the Ruto question
How Keter pointed to Ruto corruption
State house link to corruption suspect named
Famous old families that got rich on corruption
Ruto regime corruption greed: Evidence rapidly emerging
Likoni tragedy and little known deadly fact about car brakes
Murdered Ivy Mwangi and the man who had a childhood crush
Was man who framed Jomo judged by freak accident decades later?
Reject Ruto gift of car urges Pope's man
A waitress, her dad and the waitress sponsor: murder was the result
Did Mo Dewji (the riches young entrepreneur in Africa) frustrate Magufuli plans with the micro chip implanted in his body?
Maize crisis and the Ruto question
How Keter pointed to Ruto corruption
State house link to corruption suspect named
Famous old families that got rich on corruption
Ruto regime corruption greed: Evidence rapidly emerging
Likoni tragedy and little known deadly fact about car brakes
Murdered Ivy Mwangi and the man who had a childhood crush
Was man who framed Jomo judged by freak accident decades later?
Reject Ruto gift of car urges Pope's man
A waitress, her dad and the waitress sponsor: murder was the result
Did Mo Dewji (the riches young entrepreneur in Africa) frustrate Magufuli plans with the micro chip implanted in his body?
Kumekuicha Daily Home Page: Wed 28th Feb 2007
Kumekucha Today
Lead Story
Jeff Koinage's Serious Problems
Lead Story
Jeff Koinage's Serious Problems
Standard Group's One Million Shilling Investmant Plan: The Inside Story
Are Their Some Nasty Secrets Between Raila And Mutula Kilonzo?
Yesterday's stories
Angry Remarks From Kalonzo Musyoka's Son... Or Is It Mwau's Son?
Major Business Opportunity That Kenyans Can Make A Killing From
Teachers To Benefit From The Upcoming Polls
President's Kibaki's Sleepy Preferred Advisors
Kenya's Tasteless Sugar Story: Will Cash Go Towards Financing Campaigns?
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Hot Stories;
Tom Mboya Murder Mystery Solved
The Kalonzo Musyoka You Don't Know Part 4: How He Grew Up With Witchcraft And Forces Of Darkness
Other All-time most popular stories in this blog
Exclusive Interview: Alnoor Kassam Of TradeBank Fame Speaks to Kumekucha
The Most Hotly Discussed Topic In This Blog: Kikwete Behaves Like The Kenyan Ambassador
Great Business Stories: Mandatally Manji's Business Secrets
See More Stories in the Kumekucha Archive
This Blog is dedicated to the memory of this man...
Jeff Koinange's Mounting Problems
Many Kenyans are not aware of it but CNN anchor and bureau chief in charge of Africa, Jeff Koinange has in recent weeks been going through what is perhaps the greatest crisis of his entire life.
It all started with the Nigerian crisis where the government of that volatile-by-nature African nation recently accused Koinange of paying his news sources to pose for dramatic footage. The complaints reached Atlanta, headquarters of Ted Turner's CNN International news and even involved the company's lawyers. However Jeff seems to have been given the all-clear.
But the whole saga seems to have taken a new twist after a rather bizarre incident happened in Johannesburg, South Africa, last week. Koinange had just jetted back from London, accompanied by his beautiful Arab-Kenyan wife from Mombasa, when the couple was robbed at gunpoint by a gang of at least four. They took everything, including Jeff's credit cards and American passport (surprise, surprise, Jeff Koinange is actually no longer Kenyan).
This kind of crime in the country where carjackings were invented is really nothing out of the ordinary. Incidentally what some people refer to as phone-jackings are also fairly common. This is where you are walking on the streets only to feel the muzzle of a gun poking on your side and a voice telling you to quietly surrender your mobile phone and all other valuables. Passers-by hardly sense what is going on. However in Jeff's case the timing and nature of the whole incident raises lots of eyebrows.
To start with, one or two gunmen usually accomplish this kind of nasty business. However, strangely enough, in Jeff's case there were at least four. Then there is the issue of the timing. Jeff was scheduled to fly back to Nigeria to prepare for the coverage of that country's elections. With the theft of his passport, that trip now looks highly unlikely or at least will have to be delayed for some time. Mere coincidence or is there more than meets the eye to this latest chilling development?
It is said that CNN has now put Mr and Mrs Koinange under special security arrangements, which even raises more suspicions that the armed robbery incident was no ordinary affair.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
It all started with the Nigerian crisis where the government of that volatile-by-nature African nation recently accused Koinange of paying his news sources to pose for dramatic footage. The complaints reached Atlanta, headquarters of Ted Turner's CNN International news and even involved the company's lawyers. However Jeff seems to have been given the all-clear.
But the whole saga seems to have taken a new twist after a rather bizarre incident happened in Johannesburg, South Africa, last week. Koinange had just jetted back from London, accompanied by his beautiful Arab-Kenyan wife from Mombasa, when the couple was robbed at gunpoint by a gang of at least four. They took everything, including Jeff's credit cards and American passport (surprise, surprise, Jeff Koinange is actually no longer Kenyan).
This kind of crime in the country where carjackings were invented is really nothing out of the ordinary. Incidentally what some people refer to as phone-jackings are also fairly common. This is where you are walking on the streets only to feel the muzzle of a gun poking on your side and a voice telling you to quietly surrender your mobile phone and all other valuables. Passers-by hardly sense what is going on. However in Jeff's case the timing and nature of the whole incident raises lots of eyebrows.
To start with, one or two gunmen usually accomplish this kind of nasty business. However, strangely enough, in Jeff's case there were at least four. Then there is the issue of the timing. Jeff was scheduled to fly back to Nigeria to prepare for the coverage of that country's elections. With the theft of his passport, that trip now looks highly unlikely or at least will have to be delayed for some time. Mere coincidence or is there more than meets the eye to this latest chilling development?
It is said that CNN has now put Mr and Mrs Koinange under special security arrangements, which even raises more suspicions that the armed robbery incident was no ordinary affair.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Standard Newspaper's One Billion Shilling Investment Program
As the smoke continues to go up at Kimathi street, home of the Nation media group, rival Standard group recently announced an ambitious one billion shilling investment program. On the surface there is hardly anything out of the ordinary about this for a company whose flagship product, The East African Standard was launched in 1902 and is by far the oldest newspaper in the region.
After all, only recently shares of the company started trading on the main board after years on the second tier market of the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
Keen observers however did not fail to notice that out of the two banks funding Kshs 600 million of the investment programme (the rest will come from internal sources within the Standard group) one can qualify to be called a Standard group sister company. The Commercial Bank of Africa majority shareholders are the same people who are also the majority shareholders of the Standard group. Namely the Moi family. That is why it was so amusing to hear CEO Isaac Awuondo give the "solid reasons" why his bank had accepted to fund the Standard group expansion programme. The other bank funding the project is CFC bank.
There is little doubt that this latest move will greatly help the Standard group's KTN to fortify its' position as Kenya's leading Television network. Despite stiff competition and the entry of the Nation group into the business, KTN has been unshaken and there is no doubt that no other station in the region understands television like the folks at Nyayo House.
The newspaper is however a different kettle of fish and there are those who would argue against the purchase of the state-of-the-art new printing press just now.
If truth be told, ever since the Daily Nation changed direction from a circulation-oriented daily to a newspaper that relies more heavily on advertising to meet it's quarterly budgets, (in the 90s) The Standard has never really managed to re-position itself effectively. It is as if the newspaper has had two competing minds. The first has made a serious stab at trying to fill the circulation vacuum left by the Daily Nation's change of direction, which has mainly been attempted by sensational headlines with little or no content to back it up. On the other hand, the newspaper has also struggled unsuccessfully to regain its' position as the top ad revenue generating newspaper in the country.
Still it is worth noting that the circulation boosting efforts by Standard newspaper executives seem to have been at least good enough to cause a strange incident last year where some unknown people were going round newspaper vendors in Nairobi paying them not to display the Standard newspaper.
Many feel that it may have been a wiser move to hold off the investment in the new press until the newspaper is surer of the way forward.
However it is also true to point out the fact we are in an election year and by simply playing second fiddle to the Nation, the Standard is bound to break all circulation records filling in where the Nation will have quickly sold out. So the new press is probably justified just for this reason alone.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
After all, only recently shares of the company started trading on the main board after years on the second tier market of the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
Keen observers however did not fail to notice that out of the two banks funding Kshs 600 million of the investment programme (the rest will come from internal sources within the Standard group) one can qualify to be called a Standard group sister company. The Commercial Bank of Africa majority shareholders are the same people who are also the majority shareholders of the Standard group. Namely the Moi family. That is why it was so amusing to hear CEO Isaac Awuondo give the "solid reasons" why his bank had accepted to fund the Standard group expansion programme. The other bank funding the project is CFC bank.
There is little doubt that this latest move will greatly help the Standard group's KTN to fortify its' position as Kenya's leading Television network. Despite stiff competition and the entry of the Nation group into the business, KTN has been unshaken and there is no doubt that no other station in the region understands television like the folks at Nyayo House.
The newspaper is however a different kettle of fish and there are those who would argue against the purchase of the state-of-the-art new printing press just now.
If truth be told, ever since the Daily Nation changed direction from a circulation-oriented daily to a newspaper that relies more heavily on advertising to meet it's quarterly budgets, (in the 90s) The Standard has never really managed to re-position itself effectively. It is as if the newspaper has had two competing minds. The first has made a serious stab at trying to fill the circulation vacuum left by the Daily Nation's change of direction, which has mainly been attempted by sensational headlines with little or no content to back it up. On the other hand, the newspaper has also struggled unsuccessfully to regain its' position as the top ad revenue generating newspaper in the country.
Still it is worth noting that the circulation boosting efforts by Standard newspaper executives seem to have been at least good enough to cause a strange incident last year where some unknown people were going round newspaper vendors in Nairobi paying them not to display the Standard newspaper.
Many feel that it may have been a wiser move to hold off the investment in the new press until the newspaper is surer of the way forward.
However it is also true to point out the fact we are in an election year and by simply playing second fiddle to the Nation, the Standard is bound to break all circulation records filling in where the Nation will have quickly sold out. So the new press is probably justified just for this reason alone.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Mutula Kilonzo The Mediator
Nominated MP Mutula Kilonzo is no ordinary lawyer. Having represented the former president and a number of other platinum clients, the successful city lawyer has now been chosen as the mediator to sort out the bitter differences between presidential aspirants Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga that is threatening to tear apart ODM-Kenya.
Kilonzo who holds the amorphous post of team leader in ODM has been at the forefront in defending the movement at press conferences and has even overshadowed the party's official spokesman, Anyang Nyongo who is the interim party secretary general.
Having known the fabulously rich lawyer since the Moi's days, I was not in the least surprised when Kilonzo won the trust of the big wigs in ODM over a very short period of time not to mention the fact that he is still a Kanu nominated MP… And still former president Moi's lawyer. This last one is all he more fascinating because Moi has on several occasions expressed his disaffection towards ODM.
For one, Kilonzo is a very highly intelligent guy who is very impressive and convincing when it comes to arguing out his case whether in court or in a business deal, but his greatest asset is his ability of maintaining client confidentiality at all costs.
It is as a result of this confidentiality that Mutula happens to still represent Moi and other prominent clients like appellate judge Waki who won his case against corruption allegations and was reinstated.
It is also worth noting that Kilonzo is now representing justice Thomas Mbaluto who is facing corruption allegations. Among his other high profile clients are former Central bank governor Andrew Mullei and embattled Ford Kenya chairman Musikari Kombo (a competitor to ODM-Kenya. Mutula's list of prominent clients who may even be rivals is endless.
Kilonzo once bragged to me once that he has also acted for Kibaki when he was a minister in the Kanu government and he is well known to him in spite of being on opposite sides of the political divide now.
Mutula may not have the experience of mediating but due to the time and effort he has put into ODM so far, not to mention the moral and material support, he is the best placed among ODM ranks to make peace.
Other lawyers in the party like Daniel Maanzo and people like Otieno Kajwang are so partisan and short sighted that the best they can do is to act as alter ego's to the presidential candidates they support.
My bet is that id Narc-Kenya and ODM-Kenya need a mediator in the not too distant future, then that person is most likely going to be… You guessed it, Mutula Kilonzo.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Kilonzo who holds the amorphous post of team leader in ODM has been at the forefront in defending the movement at press conferences and has even overshadowed the party's official spokesman, Anyang Nyongo who is the interim party secretary general.
Having known the fabulously rich lawyer since the Moi's days, I was not in the least surprised when Kilonzo won the trust of the big wigs in ODM over a very short period of time not to mention the fact that he is still a Kanu nominated MP… And still former president Moi's lawyer. This last one is all he more fascinating because Moi has on several occasions expressed his disaffection towards ODM.
For one, Kilonzo is a very highly intelligent guy who is very impressive and convincing when it comes to arguing out his case whether in court or in a business deal, but his greatest asset is his ability of maintaining client confidentiality at all costs.
It is as a result of this confidentiality that Mutula happens to still represent Moi and other prominent clients like appellate judge Waki who won his case against corruption allegations and was reinstated.
It is also worth noting that Kilonzo is now representing justice Thomas Mbaluto who is facing corruption allegations. Among his other high profile clients are former Central bank governor Andrew Mullei and embattled Ford Kenya chairman Musikari Kombo (a competitor to ODM-Kenya. Mutula's list of prominent clients who may even be rivals is endless.
Kilonzo once bragged to me once that he has also acted for Kibaki when he was a minister in the Kanu government and he is well known to him in spite of being on opposite sides of the political divide now.
Mutula may not have the experience of mediating but due to the time and effort he has put into ODM so far, not to mention the moral and material support, he is the best placed among ODM ranks to make peace.
Other lawyers in the party like Daniel Maanzo and people like Otieno Kajwang are so partisan and short sighted that the best they can do is to act as alter ego's to the presidential candidates they support.
My bet is that id Narc-Kenya and ODM-Kenya need a mediator in the not too distant future, then that person is most likely going to be… You guessed it, Mutula Kilonzo.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Is There Something Between Mutula Kilonzo and Raila Odinga That Kenyans Don’t Know About?
For Mutula Kilonzo to mediate between Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga it means that the latter has confidence in the city lawyer in spite of him coming from the same community as his rival and sends very strong signals that Mutula and Raila could be coming from a very long way which Kenyans do not know anything about.
Raila is known to be a person who does not take any chances and he is always sure of what he is doing not to mention he also carefully calculates the gravity of every action he takes. With this in mind, it is therefore prudent to assume that the maverick politician either has a hold on Mutula or has a fall back plan incase Kilonzo and Kalonzo betray him.
Mutula's closeness with Kalonzo cannot be over emphasized. The latter has been represented by the former several times including one time where Kalonzo was to be committed to jail for contempt of court in a case where he was ordered to return land documents to a complainant whom he had defrauded but defied the order.
It was the quick action of Mutula that saved Musyoka from going behind bars. At the time, Kalonzo was deputy speaker of the national assembly and his political career was on the rise.
However, what is puzzling political observers is the fact that Kilonzo is still very close to Moi and many think he is the former president's spy in ODM-Kenya yet he has been fully trusted by both Raila and Kalonzo who are said to be the driving force behind the party.
Another school of thought says Kalonzo and Kilonzo are still working closely together and will deliver the fatal political blow to Raila when the time comes and they have the full blessings of Moi who could be just as comfortable with a Kalonzo presidency as he is with a Kibaki one.
Moi will never trust nor forgive Raila for the rebellion he led in Kanu after Uhuru Kenyatta was anointed Moi's heir apparent to the chagrin of Raila, Kalonzo , Saitoti and others who quickly joined Narc.
It is very plausible that a Raila government would take Moi to court and perhaps charge him with economic crimes. He could also be charged with the murder of his foreign affairs minister Robert Ouko in 1990.These are some of the pertinent issues that are giving Moi sleepless nights at the thought of Raila making it to State house.
Raila is known to be a cautious guy and must be watching Kalonzo and Kilonzo very closely and only time will tell whether Mutula Kilonzo is a worthwhile mediator or the perfect spy.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Raila is known to be a person who does not take any chances and he is always sure of what he is doing not to mention he also carefully calculates the gravity of every action he takes. With this in mind, it is therefore prudent to assume that the maverick politician either has a hold on Mutula or has a fall back plan incase Kilonzo and Kalonzo betray him.
Mutula's closeness with Kalonzo cannot be over emphasized. The latter has been represented by the former several times including one time where Kalonzo was to be committed to jail for contempt of court in a case where he was ordered to return land documents to a complainant whom he had defrauded but defied the order.
It was the quick action of Mutula that saved Musyoka from going behind bars. At the time, Kalonzo was deputy speaker of the national assembly and his political career was on the rise.
However, what is puzzling political observers is the fact that Kilonzo is still very close to Moi and many think he is the former president's spy in ODM-Kenya yet he has been fully trusted by both Raila and Kalonzo who are said to be the driving force behind the party.
Another school of thought says Kalonzo and Kilonzo are still working closely together and will deliver the fatal political blow to Raila when the time comes and they have the full blessings of Moi who could be just as comfortable with a Kalonzo presidency as he is with a Kibaki one.
Moi will never trust nor forgive Raila for the rebellion he led in Kanu after Uhuru Kenyatta was anointed Moi's heir apparent to the chagrin of Raila, Kalonzo , Saitoti and others who quickly joined Narc.
It is very plausible that a Raila government would take Moi to court and perhaps charge him with economic crimes. He could also be charged with the murder of his foreign affairs minister Robert Ouko in 1990.These are some of the pertinent issues that are giving Moi sleepless nights at the thought of Raila making it to State house.
Raila is known to be a cautious guy and must be watching Kalonzo and Kilonzo very closely and only time will tell whether Mutula Kilonzo is a worthwhile mediator or the perfect spy.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
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