PRESIDENT RAILA IS UN-STOPPABLE BY THE LIKES OF THESE "TWO"

 

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Prime Minister Raila Odinga is the most preferred Presidential candidate if elections were held today, a joint survey released by two pollsters reveals. The survey by Infrotrak Harris and Strategic Research and Public relations gave Raila a 46 and 44.8 percent ratings respectively as the preferred presidential candidate. 


Infrotrak Chief Executive Officer Angela Ambitho said the joint release of the polls was due to the fact that the survey was done on similar dates.

" We realised that the findings may be very similar since the questions asked were also nearly similar thus the need to release the findings jointly," said Ambitho who was flanked by Strategic’s CEO Caesar Handa.

TJRC TO HEAR THE "WAGALLA" AND GARISSA MASSACRES

The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) on Monday announced that it would hold its first public hearings in Northern and upper Eastern Kenya, beginning in March, where it has so far collected 3,474 statements.

Acting Chairperson Tecla Namachanja said the hearings would be rolled out nonstop across the country, until September, winding up in Western and Mt Elgon regions.

She added that the commission would first conduct individual hearings in every region in the country before conducting institutional and thematic hearings.

"After the hearings in Northern and upper Eastern regions we will move to Nairobi and Nyanza, Central and Rift Valley, lower Eastern and Coast, and then conclude in Western and Mt Elgon," she said.

Among the hearings TJRC is going to hear are the Wagalla Massacre and The Massacres that happened in Garissa District. Among The people who were in the Government at that time and who were mentioned are like the Above GG KARIUKI and Former NEP PC, Benson Kaaria.

NEP residents are requested to contribute so much.

NEP: MARSHALL PLAN NEEDS "SERIOUS" CONSIDERATION BY THE KENYA GOVERNMENT

The writer, MR. IBRAHIM RASHID,  is an analyst of political and development matters and can be seen on the below photo.

 

I was overwhelmed by reactions and debate my article: Why ODM party polls for March are ill-timed in NEP triggered both nationally and internationally and all are in agreement. And in concurrence, Parliament last Tuesday discussed a Motion to declare the drought a national disaster and the very next day, President Kibaki called a Cabinet meeting and ordered food be dispatched to the drought-stricken areas using military helicopters, vehicles and those of National Youth Service. The Prime Minister has most recently made a whirlwind tour of Upper Eastern and North Eastern Province to assess the drought situation.

Although these efforts are appreciated, they are too little too late, since the few surviving livestock from Mandera East to Wajir West have crossed to either Ethiopia or Somalia in search of pasture and water. Children cannot go to school for lack of fees and those in primary drop from school to follow their parents who have crossed international borders in search of basic life. But the mind-boggling concern is that the flurry of responses are not panacea to the region’s permanent and cyclic disaster. Or is it just politicians following media cameras? Yes, it was the media that highlighted the plight of the region and not the Government institutions entrusted with such responsibility. It’s only on two occasions that this region makes national news —the first, when there is death of people and livestock from famine and thirst, and secondly, a few months prior to general elections and presidential candidates crisscross the region making hollow promises.

Empty proposals

Then the refrain from Wajir and Mandera residents is pleas to every presidential candidate for a tarmac road — which is almost always pledged, with assurances that funding would be sought from some or other Arab (Muslim) country. Why Arab is not clear since these residents are also Kenyans and can get money from the Exchequer like the Thika super highway. Which way will NEP face after Kibaki’s term ends? Does the new constitutional dispensation mean anything to the region’s hopes and aspirations? If the 2007 ODM and PNU manifestos remained empty proposals presented vaguely and made little impact, won’t voters scrutinise those presented in 2012 by political parties? Will the new Constitution unlock some sort of "Marshall Plan" with deliverable timelines, akin to the European recovery programme of 1947–1951? The Marshall Plan was a roaring success that lent fresh impetus to reconstruction of Western Europe. This is the direction post-Kibaki northern Kenya needs to face. Sample this: Northern Kenya needs Devolved Government and resources and an end to marginalisation. Eighteen of the 20 poorest constituencies, where between 74 to 97 per cent of people live below the poverty line, are in Northern Kenya.

A Marshall Plan should guarantee inclusion, security, economic integration, political leverage, and address the challenging natural environment. North Eastern Province needs attention by key stakeholders, a proper understanding of its potential, and a deliberate political commitment to address them. Its hidden wealth includes its strategic geographical position, social and cultural attributes that make it well positioned to benefit from surplus capital from the Gulf and the Arab world. It would be one of the fastest-growing parts of the world if Wajir Airport were to be fully privatised so trade in livestock and other livestock products could make their way to international markets. In fact, Garissa is one of the counties earmarked as a cluster for meat and hides processing zone.

Regional kingpin

Thirdly, there is tourism, as several game reserves and national parks are found here. Also, NEP is bursting with natural resources, right from mineral exploration, unlimited wind and solar energy. And for the region to be relevant in the 2012 Kibaki succession, it might just need to identify a regional kingpin to rally focus in that general direction, both politically and economically, like other parts of the country have done. And there is no shortage of contenders.

IBRAHIM AHMED ALIAS "JOHNNIE" IS GOING PAST PNU SIMON MBUGUA IN KAMUKUNJI

Above:  The petitioner, Hon. Ibrahim Ahmed looks for better days ahead after a tough fight for his seat as the real Kamukunji MP Elect. His facebook community and which can be accessed by clicking here 

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Simon Mbugua has lost his seat after a Nairobi court annulled his election on Thursday.  Lady Justice Mary Ang 'awa said the election was compromised and the Returning Officer presiding over the election made an error in announcing incomplete results. In making the ruling, the judge said the results lacked integrity and the MP was therefore not validly elected. The election petition was filed by Ibrahim Ahmed who contested the seat on an Orange Democratic Party (ODM) in the 2007 General Elections. The case has been presided over by three judges since it was filed in 2008, with two, Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal and Justice Fred Ochieng disqualifying themselves.

Lady Justice Rawal disqualified herself from the case in June last year after receiving threatening messages from unknown people while Justice Ochieng, did the same in October after remarks were made against him that he had been influenced.

The constituency had 25 parliamentary candidates including Mr. Yusuf Hassan Abdi. The Kamukunji parliamentary results were nullified by the ECK following the dispute.  But this was declared an abuse of power in a ruling delivered in July 2008. After the results were nullified, Mr Mbugua filed a judicial review application, stating that he was on the verge of winning when tallying was called off.

ODM candidate Ibrahim Ahmed filed the petition in August 2008 soon after Mr Mbugua (PNU) was declared winner with 22,614 votes. Mr Ahmed (ODM) garnered 16,604 votes. The case was adjourned to January 6, after the lawyer representing the ECK, Mr Steven Adere, asked for more time to interview and establish the suitability of their witnesses.

“We need time to look for the ECK witnesses and the evidence as they are essential to the case,” he told Justice Angawa.

The PNU MP becomes the ninth legislator to lose in seat in election petitions in the life of the Tenth Parliament.

Other who lost their seats include: Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge), Omingo Magara (South Mugirango), Chirau Ali Mwakwere (Matuga), Bishop Margaret Wanjiru (Starehe), Dick Wathika (Makadara), George Thuo (Juja) and Abdirahman Hassan (Wajir South).

Of these, only Cabinet minister Chirau Mwakere and Bishop Wanjiru retained their seats.

DUALE GROUP AND AGE LIMIT DEBATE AT GARISSA ODM RALLY .....TO THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTION..............

The PM led thousands of supporters gathered at the Garissa stadium in condemning the KKK group, terming it opportunistic and made up of elements out to sabotage reforms. Before that,  Differences in the ODM party saw the residents reject their MP Mr Aden Duale, whom they accused of being part of the team led by Eldoret North MP Mr William Ruto, a key member of the KKK group.

The crowd rejected several attempts by the MP to address them and introduce the leaders accompanying the Prime Minister. Mr Odinga had to intervene to calm the crowd and introduce members of his delegation. But even after calm was restored, the crowd rose in unanimity against Mr Duale, whom the PM tried to help address the rally. Three times, the crowd asked the MP to take his seat, saying they no longer recognize him as they believe he had abandoned ODM. Mandera East MP, Hon. Mohamed Hussein, who is also in the Ruto camp, was not there.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Odinga said the KKK group is made up of people blinded by hate and chauvinism and who had thrown caution to the wind in their search for power. The PM said ethnic alliances would frustrate attempts to reconcile the country adding they would scare communities that have always felt marginalized since independence. The KKK alliance is not talking about what is keeping our province back........Famine and Drought coupled with Marginalization of our people........So look ahead and be wise.....

Check this video happening now....................

NORTHERN KENYA SAYS: WACHA TUJARIBU PRESIDENT RAILA 2012

Why do people have a problem with President Raila? He is a Kenyan like any other Kenyan and I don't know why other people are just as bad as we think.........Let us give someone a chance so that we see his side of story....It is time for Raila 2012............Nothing more....Northern Kenya Says.....

Don't elect someone kwajili yeye ni Mjaluo ama Msomali........Chagua someone kwajili he has Quality, Ideas and can move us ahead....... Sisi si mbuzi kufuata watu everyday...........Hon.Duale and Hon. Hussein are listening, i do hope

GREATER SOMALIA: SOMALI PEOPLE OCCUPY THE HORN ALONE

KENYA POLICE EXPERIENCE FROM TOP AT MANDERA TO NAIROBI

The following article is from one of NEP's Pioneer Development Promoter, Dr. Ali Mohamud of GCG (Generation for Growth and Change) pictured above with Girl education......

"Is there such a thing as Freedom of Movement? "

You can read more at www.voiceofnomads.com 

I did it again this year to see if anything changed. Last year it was by Bus. In October of this year (2010), I traveled from Mandera to Wajir, purposefully by Kabberr (Land Cruiser used to carry Chat). Three days before, I flew from Nairobi to Mandera and asked my driver to meet me in Wajir. The Kabberr unloaded a day before and was on its way to Maua. In the cabin were the driver, my niece who just completed standard eight and me. We departed at 10 am.


After traveling for an estimated half-kilometer, the driver came to a screeching stop in front of a shop. He shouted for his turnboy to come down. He handed him about 10,000 Kenya Shillings. It was all in 1000 shilling bill. The day was so hot...so hot and dry that no amount of water can cool you down. It was made worse by sitting and waiting in idling car. Five minutes later, the young man returned with hands to chest full of 100 shilling notes. Instantly, the driver accelerated with a thrust leaving behind a gigantic trail of dust. That made us very nervous. But, the thought of the huge stuck of notes clouded my discomfort with a seemingly irresponsible driving. I could not hold my curiosity back. I asked the driver why he needed so much cash in small bills. He retorted "for the road". That was an idiomatic response but I suspect he meant for the police (road) as I had seen it happen in the Bus.


We came to Arabia, the immediate settlement after Mandera. The policeman waved at us to stop. There was a roadblock, so there was no reason for waving. Perhaps, he was too excited to see us. He came to the driver's side, leaned on the door and as he exchanged greetings, the driver pulled a couple notes (Ksh. 200) from the stuck of money on the side of his seat. He folded the notes and extended his hand for unsuspicious handshake. I could see the policeman's arm drop to his pocket and almost instantly conclude the conversation. The Policeman cleared our way and we headed on. Next, we came to Fino. The policeman waved again. We stopped. And soon, he was on the driver's door and the Metal Bar was up in minutes. The whole thing appeared to have some procedural pattern to it; a roadblock, a wave, leaning on the driver's door, a handshake and moving the roadblock. At Lafey, Elwak (twice), Borehole-11, Wargadud, Kutulo-Mandera, Kutulo-Wajir, Tarbaj the drama replayed over and over and over. I asked the driver what will happen if he didn't pay these guys. He said they will detain the vehicle and its passengers for hours if not days with no law to turn to. Seriously, that is an abuse of people’s rights


I was not shocked as much as surprised that this was not only in the Buses plying through these routes but applies to all travelers - even Lorries. It is like a toll station, only this time it is in every small village. By the way, these roads are murram and no evidence of gravelling or paving ever occurred here. Most leaders will tell you the police checks are for security purpose. But does this really entail any form of security check? If it is for security reasons, why do it in every single village? Can't this be done in Arabia then at Wajir then Garissa? Even that is too much.


I had a similar experience in a Bus from Mandera to Wajir last year. I heard these stories many times but wanted to experience it for myself. Just outside Mandera, we were stopped. Everyone was asked to come down. We complied. They asked for Identity shouting "kipande, kipande!!". They checked everyone and we boarded again with no incident. My eyes were keen on the interaction between the police and the conductor. They stood on the side, engaged in some kind of negotiation and he handed them something. I am guessing something more than couple hundred. Then at Rhamu, we were stopped and checked. On the seat just behind me, the policeman shouted "shuka haraka wewe! shuka!!!". I turned and it was a young lady with a sick child on her lap. He held her ID card firmly on his hand. She stepped down with the child strapped on her back. Again, I was watching this incident very closely. I asked the passenger sitting next to her if she knew what was going on. They accused her of using a fake Identity card. Not satisfied with this information, I talked to the conductor who was hanging on the entrance bar. He told me that everything is ok. It is not fake ID card; they just need "something".
I started self-debate. If they just need "something" why don't they ask for it? Why did they pick on the most vulnerable of the passengers- a young lady, with a sick child? How can she defend herself if they insist the ID is fake even though it is genuine? What can I do to stop the evil advances of these guys?


I gathered courage, stepped down and confronted the policemen. I introduced myself. "Habari wazee? I am Dr. Ali and this is my relative. Is there a problem with her identity?" One of them lit his flash-light on my face. I politely asked him to not do that again. He yelled that I go back to the Bus. I asked him if I could go back with the lady and her child. He literally started charging at me before he was restrained by his colleague. I warned him that his behavior could cause serious damage to his job and his person. It turned into a scene. The conductor, the driver and more passengers gathered around us. Then the more emotionally sober policeman started apologizing and asked everyone including the lady and her child board the Bus again. We left.
At Elwak, we were checked again. Even after ensuring everyone had an ID, they still wanted their "something". At least, this time, they did not accuse anyone of anything. The conductor took care of them. At Wargadud, Kutulos, Tarbaj the story was the same. Then you wonder; is there such a thing as 'freedom of movement?" Not in the Northern part of Kenya. 

I wonder too, if these buses are making ends meet considering the excessive police harassment and massive breakdowns from poor roads. I salute the staff and the owners for their endurance. The extreme breach of justice, abuse of peoples' rights and unyielding demand for bribery is beyond comprehension.  When you want to know the conduct of the rank, you look to the conduct of the file. There is a total failure of leadership in that part of the country. The misconduct of public officers in Northern Kenya is deeply entrenched culture never seen anywhere else in the country. It is brutal, barbaric and bigotry of a kind.

While the other Kenya is fighting corruption, Northern Kenya is fraught with institutional extortion, more so the security arm.

Local and national leaders wake up and stand up against this vice. Wake up government!. Your citizen is painfully consumed a live by your own institution. Where are you human rights watchdogs and advocates? Gather courage to speak up and speak out. Wake up citizens; Kenya has changed and the culture of corruption and police brutality can be confronted boldly with no adverse consequence to you for doing so. Where are the youth and college students? Volunteer for your communities and educate them of their freedom of movement everywhere and anywhere in their country. Where is the media? It is not about national coverage alone, it is also about local coverage; shame and shape the police force and public officers. Let us do it in unison for the suppressed voices, subjugated rights, miscarriaged identities and frightened minds.

                                                   
Dr. Ali Mahamud                                                        
GCG, www.thegcg.org