A TALE OF THE MASTERMINDS OF THE NOXIOUS GRAND SCAMS.

Dear Sir/Madam, T S Elliot, a 1948 Nobel Prize winner in Literature wrote a poem titled “Macavity –The Mystery cat.” Macavity was described as having a hidden paw, having the movement of a snake and a criminal who used his intellect to defy the law. He was bafflement to Scotland Yard and caused constant despair to the Flying Squad; for when they reached the scene of the crime, Macavity was simply not there. This was suavity and deceitfulness par excellence. He always had an alibi and spared one or two more alibis just in case they came in handy. He was outwardly respectable in spite of being a Napoleon of crime, the crème de la crème. It was therefore not surprising that his footsteps could not be found in any file of the Scotland Yard. Today, the fictitious Macavity has acquired life. He is alive and kicking in Kenya. He is not one. There are many. The edacious Macavity are more emboldened in the perpetuation of noxious deceit as they are equipped with a fat legal experience often coupled with the exquisite Harvard legalese. They are not in the same league with the pusillanimous. They are true master minds of crime, the men who supervise brigandage on grand scales. You have heard Macavity spin legal webs in defense of the well executed schemes that led to loss of billions of shillings in the Golden Berg, Anglo leasing, Grand Regency and the porous Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). For instance in the wake of the fuel shortage witnessed in 2008 and following complaints by oil marketers and financiers it was revealed that stocks amounting to 126.4 million litres were irregularly and illegally released to Triton Petroleum Limited between November 2007 and November 2008. Triton was not entitled to the stocks, nor did financiers authorize the release as required under contractual arrangements. Today, its architects are still a mysterious. In Macavity`s case, it was rumored that all the cats whose wicked deeds were widely known were nothing more than agents of Macavity the Napoleon of crime. Like Macavity, blame for the scandal has tended to be heaped on junior officers at the state corporation. When the subordinates are nabbed, which isn't often, there is no evidence linking the crimes to the masters. The master mind of crime is a mysterious "brain" who plans the crimes that lesser criminals execute. Were we not told that junior clerks at KPC's operations department, especially "schedulers" (i.e. those involved in the actual release of the product from KPC system), were responsible for the Triton saga? We were also not told of how junior officers inflated costs during the Oil Pumbing Capacity Enhancement Programme where the president and the Prime Minister were duped into officiating a project that was barely 20 percent complete in spite of records saying that it was almost complete? And now accusing fingers are being pointed at junior officers in the scandal involving the procurement of machinery parts in KPC. The situation is no different in other sectors. With alacrity unmatched, some Ministers in cahoots with senior officers in their ministries and parastatals hermetically sealed all the possible avenues for the unraveling of the scandals. Their rendition always almost made us believe that there was no iota of evidence to warrant prosecutions. Of course you and I were so sure that the Ministerial statements issued in parliament in the wake of the scandals were as clear as mud. Going back to the KPC, we are almost sure that honorable Kiraitu`s odious silence will be shattered by yet another master piece of defense. But isn`t his reactionary move symptomatic of a Minister who is ill equipped to head this vital Ministry? The Minister must resign to pave way for unhindered investigations in the company. The onus is with the able parliament (whose reputation is now a notch higher) to help rid KPC and other parastatals of “Macavity-The Mystery Cat.” TOME FRANCIS, BUMULA CONSTITUENCY.

NEW CURRICULUM: GOVERNMENT ADMITS FAILURE IN ADDRESSING ESOURCES INEQUALITIES IN SCHOOLS.

Dear Sir/Madam, To the delight of some students and teachers, the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) in conjunction with the Ministry of Basic Education has come up with a simpler mathematics and science curriculum that comes into effect next year. It is ostensibly formulated for secondary school students who loath the subjects and do not wish to pursue them at a higher level. The curriculum, KIE argues, also takes cognizance of the fact that there are ill equipped schools which can only afford to offer less practical oriented general science subjects. Prima facie, this sounds a great policy directive. However, the devil lies in the detail. A good curriculum ought not to be discriminative and must play a significant role in human resource development and placement. But looking at it from all angles, this curriculum bears the hallmarks of the Government`s discrimination against the less fortunate members in the country. Is this the way to go with curriculum changes? I do not think so. First, this is undoubtedly the beginning of what may appear as a deconstructive policy but which will in the long run inevitably and increasingly see the poor condemned eternally to certain cadre of jobs in the society. In my estimation it appears as if the Government is admitting its failure in addressing issues relating to access, equity and quality of education across the social divide as was promised in the Sessional paper no.1 of 2005. Under a targeted programme the Government was supposed to rehabilitate and provide laboratory equipment in schools in the rural and marginalized areas in a bid to address regional disparities. By implementing such a curriculum the Government is reneging on its promise to help rid resources inequalities in schools. Yet it is abundantly clear that children from affluent homes enroll in well equipped schools and perform relatively better in science oriented subjects. It follows that such students end up taking all the slots in the few but competitive pure science related careers in the Universities. Secondly, such a curriculum may unfortunately appear to have given managers of some schools especially those in the rural and marginalized areas and whose schools have limited resources, a carte blanche to force down the throats of students and teachers the less glamorous option. It is largely because of this fear that I do not just see the reason for the jubilation. I am extremely afraid that the complacency now setting in is both foolish and dangerous. Thirdly, the Government seems to be suggesting that students from disadvantaged schools will never become engineers and doctors, and by all indications, it will be sending a strong message to the public that students from disadvantaged schools are lesser citizens than their counterparts. This is an inconceivable form of human discrimination that I have never come across. But this does not come as a surprise. Over the years the government has abdicated its responsibility in helping build and equip rural schools to enable students from poor rural schools pursue pure science related careers. Much as we all agree that the acute inequalities in schools in the country have over the years made it impossible for the construction of a consistent, reliable and valid performance measurement, but should that be a ground for the entrenching of a discriminatory and retrogressive curriculum change? Certainly not. Two wrongs do not make a right. Fourthly, what good will it do to a learner/teacher whose interest is in learning/teaching pure sciences or pure mathematics but who is forced by the school management due to unavailability of resources to only learn/teach the general sciences or simplified mathematics? From the foregoing, the question shouldn’t be whether the Government can afford to do more to promote social mobility. It should be whether Government can afford not to. And the answer is no. TOME FRANCIS, BUMULA CONSTITUENCY.

URGENT APPEAL FOR PAYMENT OF BAILS FOR DETAINED KENYATTA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS/POSTED BY LUCAS KIMANTHI OF RPP.

Dear Comrades, Five university Kenyatta University students were arrested yesterday 29th September 2009, taken to Kasarani Police Station and arraigned in court today 30th September 2009 (case number CR 3966/09) The following points make it worrying that the students are double victims of impunity by the state through the university in the following ways; 1. The five students, three gentlemen and two ladies are currently serving either expulsions suspensions from the same university.The five are therefore not attending lectures as their appeals have not been heard hence cannot be said to be interfering with the university matters. 2. In the month of June, some of the students were arrested and held incommunicado in various police stations only to be released after RPP and other human rights groups raised the matter through the police commissioner. The court has ordered the students to deposit a bail of Ksh. 10,000 each (total 50,000) and none of them is able to raise the amount. Since by the end of the day none had paid the bail, seemingly they may spend the night in remand! We are therefore appealing to any individual /organization that can offer legal services and or assist in the paying of the bail to get in touch with the undersigned. Lucas Kimanthi Programme Officer, RPP Email: rpprights@gmail.com Tel: 020 3861863 Cell: 0721 913 915

PERSECUTED AND PROSECUTED FOR DEFENDING HUNGRY KENYANS

Dear sir/madam PERSECUTED&PROSECUTED DEFENDING DEMOCRACY On 2nd August 2007, I was arrested among nine other activists for protesting the harassment of cabinet minister Charity Ngilu by the state. This was after she had been accused of allegedly releasing a ’prisoner’ (she had two days earlier rescued Ann Njogu-another human rights activist who had been badly beaten and been injured by the police).Before justice Mutungi, on the morning of 2nd August,2007,the high court had acquitted Ann Njogu ,and other protagonists of democracy ;Okiya Omtatah Okoiti,Ouma Odera,Mwalimu Mati and Cyprian Nyamwamu,arguing they had been illegally detained and their rights had been violated. Our original protests were against the arbitrary self allocation of freebies worthy 6million for every outgoing Member of Parliament of the ninth parliament. We had protested this because we believed that Kenya was not in a position to incur such expenses while the common citizen still suffered. We believed it was an immoral move by members of parliament. Since August 2007, I together with my nine fellow human rights defenders have since been to the Makadara court at least twice a month for the last two years. We are accused of holding an alleged unlawful assembly. We were arrested outside the Kiambu road CID headquarters and taken to Muthaiga police station where we spent the night in police cells then arraigned in the Makadara law courts the following morning. We were released after raising cash bail of ksh.200,000/= On 18th February 2009, Patrick Kamotho, Philo Ikonya and I (Fwamba NC Fwamba) were arrested, beaten and injured by the police outside parliament buildings as we protested against the food crisis which the government was doing little to address. We protested against the escalating food prices especially the cost of the staple food; maize flour. Our protest also intended to rebuke the ministers and other senior government officials mentioned in corrupt deals. We were moved to several police stations that night but were returned to central police station the by 3.30 am and taken to court the following morning. We were arraigned in court the following day accused of allegedly holding an illegal demonstration. On the first day Mbugua Mureithi and Ongoya represented us. We were granted bond of Ksh.30, 000 which was paid in cash. The case goes on at the high court up to date. We have been appearing at least twice a month in court for the mention of this case since February. It’s just recent that the Kenyan government discovered that the issue of famine is a serious national problem. I wish they were able to take serious our concern back in February. It so happened that on 22nd September, I appeared in two courts. At the high court we were told that the case will be heard on 19th October,2009. At Makadara, 22nd October was supposed to be a ruling on whether we had a case to answer or not. It was in response to the submission that our advocate Mr.Elisha Ongoya had made to the court in the previous appearances. We all anticipated that the magistrate was going to make a reference to our constitutional rights and declare that we had no case to answer. That didn’t happen. The court decided that we have a case to answer and declared that we be put on our defence.we were given 15th December, 2009 as the hearing date. in this case, over 22 lawyers represented us on the first day, among them were prominent lawyers who included the current minister for Lands Hon. James Orengo,Senior Counsel Hon. Paul Muite,Pheroze Nowrojee,Hon.Wanyiri Kihoro,Elisha Ongoya,Harun Ndubi,Mbiyu and Mbugua Mureithi..After that in the subsequent appearances we were represented by Harun Ndubi who later handed over to Elisha Ongoya.currently we are represented by Hon.Kihoro and Mr.Ongoya in the two cases. I request all of you to consider coming in person as a show of solidarity during the hearings of the two cases. On 19th October at the high court; court number 9 and 15th December at the Makadara court. The accused in the 2007 case include Patrick Kamotho,Hassan Indusa,Eddie Mwangi,Keli Musyoka,Philo Ikonya,Wangui Mbatia,Abel Onkundi,Robert Ondari,Kepta Ombati and Myself(Fwamba Nc Fwamba) Yours truly, Fwamba NC Fwamba Cc:all diplomatic foreign missions to Kenya

PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE YES – YES REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN

This is to inform you all that the umbrella body of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kenya, the National Civil Society Congress (NCSC), will launch the “Yes – Yes Referendum on the Constitution” Campaign at a Press Conference at Serena Hotel, on Sunday 20th September 2009, from 10.30am to 11.30am. The Congress believes that the Yes – Yes Referendum position, first proposed in 2008 and shared with various stakeholder groups including the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitution Review, and the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and Administration of Justice, is the only way Kenyans can avoid a repeat of the 2005 referendum deadlock. This position is further grounded in disagreements between the main political formations – the Party of National Unity (PNU) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) – over which system of government to adopt, with each party pushing for what is assumed to be in its advantage. What might serve Kenyans best seems to be of no consequence. The continued wrangles between some of the members of the Committee of Experts on Constitution Review (CoE) also make this the only viable option. The Congress will also speak on various issues facing the nation (discussed during the Congress retreat) including the following: · The controversy over the conservation of the Mau Forest Complex · Parliament’s rejection of the re-appointment of Justice Aaron Ringera as Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) as illegal · Contestation over the formation and composition of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) Yours Sincerely Morris Odhiambo President, NCSC (0722-303349)

UPDATES ON THE ABDUCTION OF OJIAYO AND KAMAU

Dear friends, On Tuesday 15th September, 2009 we circulated an appeal for urgent assistance following the abduction of Samson Owimba Ojiayo and Godwin Kamau Wang’oe near the Ambassadeur Hotel, Nairobi at around 8pm. This was after our efforts earlier that night to trace the two at various nearby police stations- Kamukunji, Kilimani, Central, Buruburu, Parklands- had proved futile. On Wednesday, 16th September, 2009 we learnt that Samson Ojiayo had been mysteriously released at the crack of dawn while Kamau Wang’oe was taken to Central Police Station. Kamau was later charged at the Nairobi High Court, Court No. 1, for allegedly belonging to a proscribed group and being found in possession of bhang. A cash bond of K.Shs. 100,000/= was ordered. However, Kamau’s release was not secured since the money could not be immediately raised. He is still held at Industrial area remand. We would like to inform the public, the Kenya Police, the government of Kenya and friends of Kenya that we are fearing for the security of both Kamau Wang’oe outside police custody and Samson Ojiayo as the only first hand witness to the case. We make appeal to the newly appointed Police Commissioner, Mr. Matthew Itere to do all in his power to ensure that the two, other activists or any other Kenyans are not harmed in anyway. Further, we request that Mr. Itere conducts independent investigation into the matter. We want to assure the public and our friends that we are patriotic, law-abiding and peace-loving citizens. Thank you all for your continued support! Bunge la Mwananchi www.bungelamwananchi.org

VICTORY AGAINST THE IRRESPONSIBLE POLICE.

in this picture,Jacob Odipo and other Bunge la mwananchi leaders celebrate the realease.the amgistrate ruled that Odipo and Philo had been illegally detained.looking on are othe Bunge al mwananchi leaders,Gacheke Gachihi,Ruth Mumbi,and Samson Ojiayo.Pictures by Kingwa Kamencu-International PEN-Kenya chapter

at the kibera law courts..............Jubilant philo Ikonya celebrates aftyer the magistrate ruled that there was no charge against them.

in this picture,Philo congaratulates lawyer Mbugua Mureithi for the work well done. Looking on is Bunge la Mwananchi leader Samson Ojiayo. Pictures by Kingwa Kamencu-International PEN-Kenya chapter

MORE PICTURESQUE JUST BEFORE THE ARRESTS WERE MADE

IN THE THIRD PICTURE,KHAINGA O'KWEMBA,THE TREASURER OF PEN,JOINS PHILO IN THE READING OF THE POEM,IMPUNITY BRINGS DISUNITY-OUTSIDE INTEGRITY CENTRE. Pictures by Kingwa Kamencu-International PEN-Kenya chapter

DEFIANT AT RINGERA'S OFFICE.it was ali must go,and a few hours later Ali was no longer commissioner of police.

International PEN-Kenya chapter President Philo Ikonya takes the protest against the corrupt and the re-appointment of the incompetent KACC director Aaron Ringera; at Ringera's office.This was staged together with other protagonists of justice who included mr.Jacob Odipo with whom she aws arrested moments after and taken to Kilimani police station.they appeared before the kibera magistrate the following day who ruled that there were no charges against them.the duo were represented by lawyer Mbugua Mureithi.Picture by Kingwa Kamencu(secretary generalInternational PEN-Kenya chapter)

PHILO IKONYA AND JACOB ODIPO JUST BEFORE THE ARREST ON 8TH SEPT 2009:OUTSIDE INTEGRITY CENTER

VICTORY AGAINST MAJOR GENERAL HUSSEIN ALI. In this photo,Jacob Odipo and Philo Ikonya (in sackcloth)hold placards reading ALI(POLICE COMMISSIONER) and Ringera must go.This is outside Ringera's office.the police commisioner was sacked/demoted/transfered within one hour after they were arrested.

PHILO IKONYA AND JACOB ODIPO RELEASED-NO CHARGES

In The Photo,Advocate Mbugua Mureithi and Philo Ikonya(in a sackcloth) outside the Kibera law courts moments after Mbugua Mureithi argued out successfully and the magistrate ruled that Jacob Odipo and Philo Ikonya had been unlawfully detained.Looking on is Tariq Jeptebkeny(in the background). picture by Gacheke Gachihi. -- Dear fellow Kenyans and friends of Kenya, This morning, Philo Ikonya and Jacob Odipo appeared before Magistrate Ireri in Kibera Law courts to answer to charges brought against them for allegedly participating in an unlawful assembly. They had been arrested yesterday while demonstrating outside Integrity House in protest of the re-appointment of Aaron Ringera. The two have today been released by Magistrate Ireri since the charge sheets produced by the prosecution were improper for not citing the relevant section of the penal code under which Philo and Odipo had been held overnight in custody. Thank you for any way in which you supported Bunge la Mwananchi in this regard. We urge you to continue to be heard as we speak and act against the culture of impunity in Kenya. Your voice counts. Sincerely, George Nyongesa Bunge la Mwananchi PO Box 456, 00606, Sarit Centre, Nairobi Webiste: www.bungelamwananchi.org Alternate Email: mwananchibunge@gmail.com Tel: +254 720 451 235 THEY WERE REPRESENTED AND THE CASE WAS COMPETENTLY ARGUED OUT AND WON BY LAWYER MBUGUA MUREITHI

PHILO IKONYA AND JACOB ODIPO ARRESTED PROTESTING AGAINST IMPUNITY

PHILO IKONYA AND JACOB ODIPO ARRESTED PROTESTING AGAINST IMPUNITY BUNGE LA MWANANCHI –UNITED FRONT FOR CHANGE movement leaders Philo Ikonya(who is also president of International PEN-Kenya chapter) and Jacob Odipo were yesterday morning arrested while protesting against the illegal re-appointment of the incompetent Anti corruption chief Aaron Ringera and the just sacked police commissioner major General Hussein Ali and the attorney general Amos Wako who happen to be the main individuals whose tenure in their respective offices have moved Kenya to institutionalization of impunity as a way of life. .I woke up at 6am yesterday and prepared to go to the high court because two important cases were of public interest; one filed by Kenyans against impunity lobby group contesting the credibility of persons appointed to run the truth justice and reconciliation commission (TJRC) and another one filed by Okiya Omtatah against the re-appointment of Aaron Ringera to head the Kenya anti-corruption commission. They were being heard before high court judge Muga Apondi.we had scheduled that after the court sessions we were going to stage a reading together titled impunity brings disunity, a poem written by Philo. It happened that after the Kiplagat case (filed by the Kenyans against impunity lobby group) session had been done; we went to address the press outside the court. While addressing the press, Odipo called Gacheke Gachihi informing him that he along with Philo had been arrested outside the integrity centre and they had been taken to Kilimani police station. So we consulted among ourselves and we resolved to move to Kilimani police station.Gacheke Gachihi, Kenedy Kirimi, Patrick kamotho, Samson Ojiayo and I (Fwamba nc Fwamba) left the high court and proceeded to the police station where the two comrades are being held. We managed to get to Kilimani police station at about 1pm where we demanded from the policeman on the reporting desk about the welfare of our arrested comrades. We were referred to OC crime, a lady who said that’ why don’t we protest against Raila, why are you only protesting against Ringera and other of Kibaki’s appointments’. In the OB, Odipo and Philo had been accused of holding illegal demonstration while carrying placards reading ‘Ali must go’, and ‘Ring-era(Aaron) another Kibaki error’ and ‘Wako (Amos) must go’. its by such coincidence that by the time we were meeting this lady to enquire about the nature of charges being leveled against our comrades, Major Hussein Ali had already been demoted to the position of post master general and most of the police officers were not yet aware of this yet. We returned to the reporting desk where we requested to see Philo and Odipo.we were able to see Odipo at that time who explained to us the circumstances under which they were arrested as they expressed themselves about the dissatisfaction and impunity perpetrated by the leadership of Kenyan government. We were not able to see Philo at that time . We sent messages and called other leaders of the civil society .Gacheke called a number of human rights lawyers among whom included Mbugua Mureithi. After talking to Odipo we sought intervention of the Kenya national commission on human rights (KNCHR), so given the proximity from the police station, we decided to go to the offices at the CVS plaza. on the way we met Suba Churchill who told us he had just met Omar Hassan (the vice chairman of KNCHR).so based on that information we sped up because by consensus we agreed that it would be very advantageous for us to get Hassan there because he is someone believed to more understanding especially on the issues that are politically inclined. When we got to KNCHR, we were told that Hassan had just left. Samson Ojiayo called him but the answer was that he was on his way to the airport. We were attended to a legal officer Mr. Julius maina, who handled the process professionally. We recorded a complaint that was jointly signed by Samson Ojiayo, Patrick Kamotho, Kenedy Kirimi, and I(Fwamba NC Fwamba).the statement asked the commission to take action based on its mandate as defined in the act. While we were still working on nitty-gritties of the statement, Hassan came back, the assumption is that he might have forgotten something; he greeted us and left immediately saying that the legal officers were going to take care of the situation. After he left we shared the same discussion with mike Okelloh ‘another lawyer at KNCHR, who advised us according to his work responsibilities. So we left with a copy of the statement, mike promised to talk to the OCS Kilimani to get the police side of the story. To cut the long story short, no form of tangible immediate intervention came from this front. We continued talking to other human rights defenders on phone, we were able to get in touch with Bunge la Mwananchi leader, George Nyongesa,Secretary general of international PEN Kenya chapter;Kingwa Kamencu ,Hillary Mulialia,Tariq Jeptebkeny,Gladwel Otieno of Africog and others. After consulting among ourselves, we left KNCHR offices and went to look for lunch for we were too hungry. While we were taking lunch just opposite the police station, KK arrived and called. So we joined her outside the police station and send arrest alerts to all comrades. we were able to talk to the OCS ,who introduced himself as a Mr.Gachago who told us that we could obtain a police bond for them, but since it was a CID case ,they were still handling ‘preliminaries’ and therefore he asked us to wait for one hour. At that time they were taking Odipo and Philo for fingerprints and people around were still celebrating Ali’s Exit from heading the disgraced Kenya police force. We eventually happened to have an opportunity to talk to Philo. Within the ‘one hour ‘ of waiting, senior counsel Mbugua Mureithi and Africog CEO Gladwell Otieno and Mr. James Mugo came with other people.The trio talked to the OCS,and then to the cid who gave a promise that they were going to release Philo and Odipo on cash bail. We waited but nothing positive came out. By 7.30pm, we were still waiting for feedback from the CID that is when Hakima and other leaders of the Bunge La Mwananchi-United Front for Change movement Hillary Mulialia, Tariq Jeptebkeny came. By 8.00pm when we left, Philo Ikonya and Jacob Odipo were still being held at Kilimani police station, where they are most likely to spend their night awaiting being arraigned in court today where the police intend to charge them with alleged illegal demonstration or any of those malicious allegations related to that. All are called to come to court today as a solidarity statement. VIVA PHILO, VIVA ODIPO!!!!! ALUTA CONTINUA ONE CHICKEN HAS CROSSED THE ROAD; SOON ALL THE CHICKEN WILL COME HOME TO ROOST. FWAMBA NC FWAMBA

Minutes of the steering committee meeting

Meeting held on 27th august 2009 at anniversary towers at 5 pm. Agenda: Having been mandated by the previous meeting held at the professional centre the steering committee met to deliberate on the following. 1. Work plan 2. Code of conduct 3. Interim National steering committee 4. Deliberations on launch schedule Present Gacheke Gachihi Kelly musyoka Prof.John .S Mayienga Tariq Jeptebkeny Cpt.Steve Juma Jacob Odipo Ole Palo Patrick Obara Fwamba NC Fwamba Apologies Philo Ikonya Cllr.Leonard Oriaro Samson Ojiayo Absent Ruth Mumbi Angela Kimwele Lenin Oburu 1.1: ACTIVITIES It was agreed that the steering committee coordinates a number of activities as we move towards the launch. The activities to be carried out prior to launch include the following: (i) Tertiary institutions That we ensure the rapprochechement with the university of Nairobi students’ body leadership as an umbrella for bringing on board all tertiary institutions so as to target the critical youth groups. To help initiate the self sponsored for a within the tertiary institutions for sensitization on UFC and the concept of Kenya Mpya. (ii) Religious groups Rapprochement with religious groups like the NCCK, SUPKEM, NAMLEF,MHURI and others to be part of the movement as corporate FRIENDS OF CHANGE. The aim is to develop a working relationship with the faith led groups and others towards achieving the objectives of the movement. (iii) Women organization groups There is needed to get in touch with women groups that embrace the objectives of the movement. Such groups that need to be approached include FIDA, Maendeleo ya Wanawake, Creaw and others that are politically active. IV) NATIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY CONGRESS Rapprochement with the civil society congress as a corporate friend of the movement. This will include creating working relations with civil society organizations that are working towards the common objective. E.g. MOPA (movement for political accountability), (V) Slum dwellers association of Kenya Rapprochement with this organization as a corporate member, thus there is need to get in touch with the group for this purpose. (vi)Diaspora networking There is need to sensitize all Kenyans in diaspora about UFC.this can be done by use of different methods which include but not limited to maximum use of internet as a way of interacting with them. The UFC and Kenya Mpya concept can be communicated through email, facebook, twitter, blogs, etc. (VII) Networking /constituency coordinators There is need for the constituency coordinators to do grassroots work on sensitizing people about the ideals of UFC.this should be done through organizing for sensitization on the proposed governance super structure for the envisioned Kenya Mpya. There is urgent need to initiate cell groups for sustained sensitization process within cells/wards in the constituency. We should develop and circulate (with the approval of the movement’s intelligence) bronchures, fliers, leaflets, pamphlets and propaganda to promote the UFC agenda at the grassroots. The idea is to recruit the minds of Kenyans on the ideals of the movement. 1.2 CODE OF CONDUCT The meeting agreed on working with the following guidelines to maintain discipline and responsibility in execution of our duties for the movement. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE AND NETWORK/CONSTITUENCY CO-ORDINATORS (I) Maintaining respect to all like minded groups and individuals championing for genuine change in Kenya. (II) Upholding the tenets of the movement which include: (a) Confidentiality (b) Loyalty (c) Discipline (inculcating positive image for the movement) (d) Adherence to aspects of time and space for programmes and activities for the movement. (e) Commitment to cause and course (f) Integrity (III) Appreciation of Kenyans in their socio-economic cultural diversity and status (IV) Adherence to any other values inherently beneficial to the mission and vision of the movement 1.3 National Steering Committee Interim officials 1. Chairman: Prof John.S Mayienga 2. Secretary: Fwamba NC Fwamba 3. Treasurer: Ruth Mumbi 4. Organizing Secretary: Keli Musyoka Members 5. Steven Juma 6. Jacob Odipo 7. Philo Ikonya 8. Patrick Obara 9. Gacheke Gachihi 10. Angela Kimwele 11. Samson Ojiayo 12. Lenin Oburu 13. Tariq Jeptebkeny 14.Cllr.Leornard Oriaro Interim Nairobi constituency co-ordinators 1. Lang’ata-Fredrick Odhiambo 2. Dagoretti-Tariq Jeptebkeny 3. Westlands-Fwamba NC Fwamba 4. Makadara-Pollyne Owoko 5. Kasarani-Samson Ojiayo 6. Kamukunji-Konyando 7. Embakasi-Aol Paul 8. Starehe-Akinyi 1.4. Deliberations in the meeting It was observed that the major task was to ensure that all Kenyans are rallied behind the ideals of the movement. It was noted that this is the major responsibility of the steering committee. It was also agreed that we encourage people to join by ensuring that there is momentum and a committed driving force. It was agreed that we need to organize a special meeting with the constituency co-ordinators to share the details of our program with them. This will also help the constituency coordinators understand their mandate e.g. circulating circulars and distributing information. It was noted that the interim steering committee has to ensure that the activities stipulated are implemented successfully and in time. The interim secretary was mandated to send official letters to request for formal meetings with organizations and individuals we consider may be of common interest with UFC.After acquiring appointments it was suggested and agreed that all interim officials of the steering committee should be present in such consultative meetings. That it is a duty of every member and supporter of change to mobilize and bring on board as many people as possible. It was agreed that the best way of ensuring the good running and expansion of our movement is to be disciplined as stipulated in the code of conduct. Our unity is our strength. Israel as a country that believes in unity and oneness was given as an example. It was noted that Israelites believe in safeguarding the interests of their citizenry and they can involve the whole country in saving any of their citizens in danger something that is rare in Kenya. It was observed that if such kind of unity existed in Kenya, then cases like having internally displaced people in Kenya would not arise as other Kenyans comfortably enjoy the comfort of their houses. Love for one another and recognition of other people’s rights is the key to true nationhood and togetherness. The people in the steering committee have a duty to initiate the changes that other Kenyans yearn for. The steering committee has a duty of initiating the changes that will ensure the change which will result to good governance which will ensure fair distribution of resources, availability of basic needs for every citizen such as food, clothing and decent shelter, electricity and water. The meeting agreed on a tentative launch date to be on 12th December as a day that will be significant with a renaissance in Kenya. It was agreed that all the constituency co-ordinators of be incorporated in organizing this. It was agreed that all major decisions should involve the constituency co-ordinators since they are the ones entrusted with grassroots mobilization. It was agreed that the national steering committee works hand in hand with the constituency coordinators to ensure that materials are well distributed and widely circulated. It was agreed that the constituency coordinators be fully incorporated in order to translate the national plans to the constituency level. That every constituency is unique and tactics to be used in distribution of information should be in context. We should the virtues we advocate for as a tool for mobilization for example appreciation of our diversity encouragement for people to live in harmony, promotion peace and respect for other people’s rights. It was agreed that we need a pilot appraisal of our programme before the lunch through using our Nairobi mobilization structures. It was agreed that we expand the ideals that will determine the framework of everybody’s organization and responsibilities. The launch Concerns were raised that December is too far to have it as a launch date. The deliberations determined that the finances were the biggest challenge but it was observed that we need to start early enough even with minimal resources. The meeting agreed that working on the sources of funding is important and there was need to review the number of people contacted and their views about the movement. It was agreed that every member does homework on modalities of fundraising and report in the next meeting. The sitting agreed that the group working on fundraising also needs to bring feedback in the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7pm with a prayer from Ole Palo The next meeting where the Nairobi interim constituency co-ordinators are also required to attend takes place on 3rd September, 2009 at 5pm.the venue of the meeting will be communicated via sms. AGENDA OF THE NEXT MEETING OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE 1. Report on Funding 2. Constituency Co-Ordinators’ Role 3. Launching Program 4. Distribution Of The Information Of What UFC stands for (Already In Circulation) FWAMBA NC FWAMBA +254-721-779-445 Interim secretary Signed for and on behalf of UFC-Bunge la Mwananchi movement

IDEALS OF UFC

UFC-BUNGE LA MWANANCHI MOVEMENT (UNITED FRONT FOR CHANGE) Mass movement towards Kenya Mpya-a Peoples Republic of Kenya: We, the stated movement, appeals to Kenyans wherever they are; both at home and abroad, to join us in the grand march towards KENYA MPYA. Since the attainment of independence, unifying Kenyans to champion virtues of nationhood has been an uphill task as the political elite and their cronies in power have consistently placed their selfish interests before that of the citizens. This has resulted in fragmented tribal and ethnic factions in the guise of political parties. Fairness in equitable distribution of resources and meritocracy have been relegated to the backseat with impunity and corrupt practices taking advantage of the loose institutions manipulated from the colonial regimes that still work to the disadvantage of the hapless and hopeless people of Kenya. The meltdown of the post election violence was the reflection of the injustices that the rich and political friends have meted out on the Kenyan people over the years. It was a reaction to open subversion by the successive governments of the day of the people’s inalienable right to elect the government of their choice. . Having noted political phases which only provide opportunities for individual leaders who entrench the culture of protection of status quo after hoodwinking the populace, a movement of like minded Kenyans under the auspices of UFC-Bunge La Mwananchi Movement has emerged with a concept for achieving genuine change with a new perspective of overall governance of the country. Kenya Mpya (New Kenya),as a People’s Republic Of Kenya, is embodied in a people friendly electoral philosophy that involves active participation of all the citizens in the decision making process, bolstered by a structured system of governance guided by strong introspective institutions. The movement is formed to agitate for genuine change with a view to bring all Kenyans to appreciate the philosophy and values which galvanize the citizenry into revolutionizing and removing vestiges of impunity, culture of inherent dynastic leadership tendencies, negative ethinicity,tokenism and corruption. The philosophy and values constituting the Kenya mpya concept defines the following governance ideologies: • A country where every citizen enjoys equal opportunity for political, social and economic power. • A country in which the government is subservient to the people. • A country where the citizens own power and independent instruments to enforce accountability in government. • A country whose governance and leadership hinges on pursuing ideals for achieving people’s goals. • A country whose citizens are bonded by a philosophy and spirit of nationhood, common purpose and vision • A nation separated from the relics of its past. • A nation where rhetoric is replaced with practical realities and concerns for realization of social justice and equal opportunities for creation of wealth. • A nation that listens and dialogues with itself without fear, favour or repression. • A nation that is committed to putting food on the table of every family. • A nation which reins in poverty ,corruption, impunity and ethnocentrism Kenya mpya provides an opportunity for validation of the sovereignty of Kenyan citizens in the constitution, giving them power over the government they elect thus thereby rendering the government subservient to the people’s authority. UFC-Bunge la mwananchi movement has opened its doors to all KENYAN CITIZENS and FRIENDS OF CHANGE to support the movement’s agenda and destiny. We urge you to circulate this appeal to all your contacts and friends and encourage them to share the idea and join the people of Kenya in the movement. KENYA MPYA-POWER TO THE PEOPLE Fwamba NC Fwamba +254-721-779-445 Signed interim secretary of the steering committee For and on behalf the UFC-Bunge la mwananchi movement

THE WORLD MUST EMULATE THIS WOMAN'S STRUGGLE

Myanmar court extends Suu Kyi's sentence by a year and a half Associated Press Aung San Suu Kyi, shown in a 2007 file photo, was arrested in May after an uninvited American, John Yettaw, swam across a lake to enter her home. The confined pro-democracy leader's sentence is extended past the time of national elections. An uninvited American who visited her gets 7 years, 4 of them at hard labor. By Charles McDermid and Swe Win 8:53 AM PDT, August 11, 2009 Reporting from Bangkok, Thailand -- A military court in Myanmar today declared pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest and extended her sentence by a year and a half -- well past the date for national elections scheduled for 2010. Thousands of supporters and security personnel gathered outside the courtroom at Yangon's Insein Prison for the culmination of the stop-start trial that has drawn harsh criticism from Western governments, rights groups and the United Nations. President Obama has described the proceeding as a "show trial," and Burmese activists were quick to blast today's verdict. "The whole trial was politically motivated and began as a deliberate attempt to jail her. The regime wants to attach a criminal record to Aung San Suu Kyi's life, which they think will prevent her role in politics and in public life," said Bo Kyi, secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a humanitarian group based in the refugee camp of Mae Sot, Thailand. "To jail Aung San Suu Kyi is to jail the future of Burma," said Bo Kyi, a pro-democracy organizer. Burma is another name for Myanmar. The junta-backed court first sentenced Suu Kyi to a three-year prison term including hard labor. After a short recess, a high-ranking official read aloud a special order from the junta chief, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, to reduce the sentence 18 months and allow the ailing Nobel Peace Prize laureate to serve the time at her villa in Yangon. The defense has 60 days to appeal, but no plan to do so was mentioned. Suu Kyi was arrested in May after an uninvited American, John Yettaw, swam across a lake to enter her home. Yettaw was sentenced to three years in prison for breaching Suu Kyi's house security and another three years with hard labor for immigration violations. The 53-year-old resident of Falcon, Mo., was also given a one-year term with hard labor for swimming in a restricted zone. Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years, mostly under house arrest. Her party won the 1990 election, but the regime rejected the results and put her in custody. According to witnesses, Than Shwe claimed to have reduced the sentence to "maintain peace and tranquility." Although a controversial constitution passed in 2008 bars Suu Kyi from standing in next year's national vote, because she had children with a British man, many analysts believe that her presence would greatly influence the election's outcome. Her party has said it will not participate unless the junta releases the more than 2,000 reported political prisoners it holds and reviews the 2008 charter. "This is not only the regime's rejection of NLD's call for review of the controversial 2008 constitution, but also ensures that Aung San Suu Kyi cannot play any role in the coming 2010 election. Then, to deflect any serious reaction to this complete injustice, the regime sends her back home for house arrest," said Naing Aung, general secretary of the Thailand-based Forum for Democracy in Burma. An eyewitness in Yangon said some unrest broke out in front of Insein Prison and as many as 50 people were hauled away in security vans. According to Bo Kyi, the streets leading to Suu Kyi's house were closed this morning and he believes that she will be taken back to her house today. State-run television has been replaying the announcement of Suu Kyi's verdict since early afternoon. "They want to highlight the fact that Aung San Suu Kyi gets her sentenced reduced," said Aye Thar Aung, secretary of the NLD-aligned Committee Representing People's Parliament, who went to Insein Prison hear the verdict. "But what the regime has shown to Burma and the world is they can punish a great leader with a jail sentence on ridiculous charges."

XYZ Hillary's Free Expression..XYZ.... of such things as the Presidents nose and other jigs;BY PHILO IKONYA

Dalmas Otieno would prefer a program called ABC in which people dance Do re mi to our politicians but he has not got it. XYZ is on and it is working for Kenyans to keep in memory what their politicians do and mean to them. "When I say Ji, you say Mi!" floats a long a Kibaki figure perfectly campaigning for his son... and "mimi mjanja!" and this is hilarious from the man who called Kenyans 'pumbafu' for quite a while...and Kenyans did not weep at his gate for that. People must laugh and show their leaders how they see them and this is the essence of cartoons that make really serious statements and analyses of the use, excesses and abuse of power...No one can say do not draw me like that.. that is how the cartoonist sees you and most of us too. It is a good thing that the criticism of XYZ as terrible satire has come from Dalmas Otieno who speaks on behalf of the people featured on XYZ saying that this is a terrible program. This tells us how those who would seem to be balanced in thought an action always succumb to different levels of sycophancy. Otieno is most concerned about the way the nose of the president is depicted in XYZ on Citizen TV. The strip of Raila and Kalonzo in the loo was played and replayed last evening as Dalmas Otieno told off those who like to remember evil things of their wonderful governments. I think that the features of the persons depicted here are very well done. It may be that Dalmas would rather see different features on the face of the president because what i see is pretty well done on XYZ. XYZ is a terrific show. But on the matter of free expression, matters are fickle and based on personalities in power. Hillary Clinton praised a free and vibrant media in this country. If we take the chattering of birds on every shrub as an expression of freedom then perhaps... but if we want also to hear what the birds are chattering about then we have issues and I do not want my freedom of expression mixed up with the capacity to make noises. It happened in this nation that having many radios in different languages resulted in 'noises' that led us close to catastrophy. Freedom is mainly in the content of what is expressed and this is where politicians flinch their toes. Do we have freedom of information? There are still government secrets all over the place. Do we have freedom even of expression? and there are other issues still to be tackled even on the more friendly bill; by the way how had it reached the level at which journalists poured out into the streets with mouths bound up. Was it just a mistake? Those who wanted to give details of what they knew to Philip Alston and those who did suffered for their free expression. We allow people to talk as long as they chatter. XYZ is not chattering. It is touching where things matter, the raw nerves and also of course providing a funny bone for this nation and we need one badly lest we die of staring at evils without ever laughing. There are two journalists from The Star being interrogated by police and who are being forced to give information on their sources regarding their story on terrorism. From what I read, they did not sound free. Recently the book Michela Wrong's 'It is our turn to eat' was not stocked in our shops freely because the bookshops feared being fined heavily by people mentioned in corrupt deals. There is Chaacha Mwita's book Citizen Power that is part of underground literature today... and it is not the only one..I saw it wriggling beneath the right literature in the Storymoja Hay Festival in the hands of a lecturer. So, freedom here is relative. If we cannot have the freedom that touches substance, if people feel or are perceived to be threatened because of their opinions then we do not have free expression. Philo Ikonya President PEN Kenya Centre From a forth coming book by Zarina Patel on Manilal A. Desai "....The first thing I wish to know is what became of my Association since I left? Is Indian Association and E. A. Chronicle especially you Mr Desai trying to help us through my people? I believe you are doing so. The E. A. Chronicle paper of the 18thinstant reached here the same day I arrived and it was read in my presence because it was in Gujarati. I was very glad to hear how they wrote of my arrest, at the same time I hereby request you to convey my thanks to the Editor." Harry Thuku, 1922 "Love Kenya, heal Kenya! Implement the Waki Report! "

We Endorse Cyprian Nyamwamu for Bomachoge!

Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu is a comrade, friend and my immediate predecessor as the Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party of Kenya. He has thrown his hat in the ring to be the next Member of Parliament for the Bomachoge constituency in Nyanza Province. The by-election is taking place on August 27, 2009. Even though he is running on a different party ticket, I am convinced that he is the best candidate in the field and if I had not registered in Makadara constituency in Nairobi, I would have certainly traveled to Ogembo to vote for him. - Onyango Oloo Below is his announcement making it official: Communiqué from Mtumishi Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu to all our people in Bomachoge Constituency This by election is for us to form a strong Bomachoge partnership for change! We need a change from the way we have been doing things in the past. We shall stop electing passengers to Parliament and elect a wise, humble, courageous and visionary leader for change. We shall elect a leader who restates our Bill of Rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the great Republic of Kenya. We shall elect a Patriotic Kenyan who believes that all Kenyans are born equal and that all Kenyans deserve a chance. This is why I, Mtumishi Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu Seek your vote to represent and serve the people of Bomachoge in Parliament. Today, 4th August 2009, I have presented my nomination papers to vie for the Bomachoge by elections on a Safina ticket. I now humbly, tender this application to all the men, women, children and Voters of Bomachoge constituency to elect Me, Mtumishi Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu for as Member of Parliament for Bomachoge. 1. This is my application to all the voters of Bomachoge constituency: I shall be running to become your Member of Parliament for Bomachoge on August 27, 2009. Your vote is not only for you but also for your children, your family and the whole constituency. It is a vote to end poverty in Bomachoge; Family after Family, Village after Village. My Campaign has established committees in all the 130 polling stations. Each Polling station Committee has 20 leaders. Each polling Station Committee leader is responsible for coordinating the door to door campaigns being carried out by volunteers for my campaign. My Campaign is working to deliver for change at every polling station. This will be the opportunity for all of us Bomachoge citizens to elect wisely. 2. Kenyans, Kofi Annan, Barrack Obama and the world shall be watching. I have a right to lead this constituency. I am a serious candidate. I am a true, courageous, proud, visionary and competent. I am a son of this constituency. I am Leader not a follower. This by- election is at the right time, when history is on the move and Africans are taking charge of their destiny. The whole of Kenya shall be in Bomachoge. This is the time to put Bomachoge in the Kenyan Map by electing a tested and tried visionary leader. 3. Elect a leader with an Agenda. We shall not allow our people to get lost again. We do not want people to regret once again after casting their ballot on August 27; we must become clear that the time for electing PASSENGERS is over. This is the time to elect a leader: Who shall unite our people! We want the end of the DIVIDE and RULE. Who shall wisely and courageously fight for our youth to get employment and skills. Who shall fight for our farmers to get better incomes for their tea. Who shall fight for our business people to access credit and markets Who shall be trusted with our CDF and resources such as LATF Who understands how government works. Who understands how parliament works. Who understands how the judiciary works. Who understands how the provincial administration works Who understands how Kenya works as a members of EAC, IGADD, the AU, the UN. Who understands the National Accord and Agenda Number 4 so that we can work to end poverty, inequalities, devolve resources, strength our institutions and end the 800,000 cases piling in the courts; so that we shall punish those who sponsor killings of others like we saw in 2007/8. We want to elect a leader not a passenger in Parliament. We want a leader who shall Market Bomachoge in Kenya and Africa and increase investments through forming and strengthening new cooperatives, new Companies, new Business Associations, new NGOs, new Trusts and New Foundations. We want a leader who shall fight for the Bomachoge and the Kenya we Want by fighting corruption and holding government to be account and ensuring that Goldenberg, Anglo leasing and other corruption cases are resolved and never repeated again. There are many cases of corruption in the budget such as the Kenren fertilizer company that we keep paying hundreds of millions for every year yet the fertilizer factory is NON EXISTENT! We want this corruption to stop so that people can get medicines in hospitals and roads can be built.. We want a leader who shall deliver better hospitals, better education, better roads, and better services in offices, electricity and a better environment; water and security for all of us. We want a leader who shall fight crime. These are the issues of this election. I know that I can deliver on this Agenda. 4. No violence no Voter bribery and vote buying. We shall ensure that there is NO VIOLENCE and there is ZERO TOLERACE to voter buying and voter bribery. This by-election is not for people to be given money. We must vote with our brains. This By election is for us to write the exam properly NOT to be given money. All of us must wake up on August 27 and vote wisely. We want this election to be peaceful, free and fair. We want EVERY registered voter to turn up and vote wisely. 5. My first 100 Days in office as Bomachoge MP: 5.1 Bomachoge Foundation 1) Samwel Onuko 2) Dismas Oyieko 3) Dr. Naftali Oirere 4) Eucabeth Obara 5) Joram Makori 6) Gideon Achwoga 7) Onyancha Ombongi 8) Morris Mbegera 9) Lumumba Onderi 5.2 Bomachoge Constituency Convention Assembly 3 represntatives from each polling station Shall meet every six months and its Steering committee shall meet every three months. It shall have the following working committees that shall be serving every two years:- A. Public Administration and Security public administration chiefs, Dos, DC, DDC, Provincial administration. • the police and police service • Policy and legislation • Land boards • County, Town and municipal council administration • security strategy • performance monitoring and evaluation • population policy • family and social issues • Culture and cultural policies • council of elders • arbitration and traditional conflict resolution system B Infrastructure, And Urbanization Committee • Communications and IT • Transport • Electricity and energy sources • Special Programmes and disaster management • Roads and bridges • Sports stadia • Social halls • Markets and trading centers C. Education, Training and Placement Committee • Performance of public and private primary and secondary Schools • Village polytechnics and artisan skills • Career advice and counseling • Colleges and university education Programme • Human resource, personnel and career development • Link with university students • Job placements • Entrepreneurship training D. Health And Human Services Committee • Sanitation and preventive health • Medical services, staffing, facilities and financing • Alcohol and drugs control and treatment services • Maternal health • First aid services • Public health education • Planned parenthood/ family planning services • HIV AIDS control and treatment • Social protection for the poor and vulnerable • Persons with disabilities E. Environmental Conservation And Renewal Committee • Community conservation committees (CCC)in each of the sub locations • Rivers • Wetlands – ebirubo • Water catchments areas • Soil conservation • Agro-forestry • Environmental assessments F. Agriculture, Livestock And Food Security Committee • Tea sector reforms and capacity building • Banana sector income building strategy • Cash crops development Programme • Nutrition farming and food security strategy • Land use policy and incentives framework • Livestock expansion and modernization Programme • Agro processing G. Investments, Commerce And Resource Mobilization Committee • Banking services and insurance • Cooperative sector development ( the Partnership Cooperative Development SACCO – PACODES) • The Bomachoge Business Council • Markets administration and development • Trade insurance • Investment support and services H. CDF and Projects Committee • We want this committee to be elected by the people’s delegates. If we had each polling station electing 5 delegates to the meet at each location, then each location can elect 20 delegates to the Constituency Electoral College for purposes of electing the 15 members of the CDF committees • The Committee’s functions and roles are clearly outlined under the Act but what we now must do is to make this process more consultative, open and transparent. I. Liaison, Policy And Dialogue Committee • Serve as the Development Policy Think Tank or coordinate policy think tanks • Liaison with the KNUT , workers, • Civil society • Liaison with the National debates and policy processes • Liaison with the Gusii Development forums I will be recommending for your approval Jesse Onsando to head this committee since he has already taken up the responsibilities of representing Bomachoge constituency in the Gusii Professionals Development Forum. J. The Bomachoge Constituency Convention Assembly Steering Committee • Shall constitute each of the conveners and secretaries of the 9 committees, the convener of the women Convention, convener of the youth convention and convener of the Teachers and workers' representative. • Shall meet every six months • Shall receive reports from the MP on his performance • Shall receive reports from each town council and county council on the application of funds and the performance of each elected civic leader. • Shall convene ward convention assemblies which shall receive reports of performance of each elected and nominated councilor every four months as outlined here in. 5.3 Elect CDF committee Each of the 7 locations shall nominate 30 leaders making it a total of 210 leaders meeting to elect the 15 members of CDF 5.4 The Gucha Community Progress Complex Bomachoge should urgent build a complex that shall be the engine of transformation in Bomachoge. The Complex shall house 1) The Gucha Cultural and Multi-Purpose Hall 2) School for special needs children 3) Offer High quality Civic and Conference centre and hostels 4) Diploma and certificates courses in liaison with KIM and Kenyatta University 5) Farmers Training college 6) Offer Banking Halls for several banks to take advantage of the business potential in Gucha 7) House the Bomachoge SACCO 5.5 Within 200 Days, Institute the Adopt-a-school-Programme in all the primary and secondary schools in Bomachoge Constituency. 5.6 Hold a walk To raise the first 5 Million shillings for a Widows and orphans programme 6. United we stand, divided we shall fall! This by election is a blessing. It is our time to unite and stop the divide and rule tactic that has been used to fragment us and keep us poor. The way forward is for each and every one of us; kera omosweta; to be a Partner for Change. Join the Partnership for Change and together we shall form a strong movement for change in Bomachoge and work with the rest of the nation to change our lives. When united we shall work for a better future. We shall end poverty family by family, village by village! This election is therefore about you and not about Mtumishi Nyamwamu or this politician or that. This election is the by-election of HOPE in Bomachoge. HOPE for employment for our youth HOPE for unity HOPE for visionary, selfless and Courageous Leadership HOPE for better use of CDF HOPE for the protection and promotion of the rights of each and everyone in Bomachoge HOPE for a better education for every child HOPE for farmers to earn better incomes for their tea and other produce HOPE for better medication HOPE for better roads and infrastructure HOPE for security in our homes and business premises HOPE for electricity and water for our constituency HOPE for a united, peaceful and prosperous Kenyan nation So vote wisely. Make sure you vote for your life and the life of your children. God bless you. Your friend Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu, Mtumishi Partnership for Change. To Support the Cyprian Nyamwamu Campaign: M-PESA - 0710 412 236 To read profile and issues of the Bomachoge campaign: http://blog.marsgroupkenya.org/?p=1096

STIRRING IN THE SLUMS

By Barney Jopson 2365 words 23 July 2009 (c) 2009 The Financial Times Limited. All rights reserved One by one, complying hesitantly with the odd request of their visitor, the 20 young men get up from the ridge of grass that forms an amphitheatre at the centre of their slum and sing the Kenyan national anthem. As its Swahili words begin to flow they praise bonds of unity, the shield of justice and the virtues of service. But the soaring sentiments jar cruelly with the reality of the singers' lives. Before the paean to the "glory of Kenya" as the "fruit of our labour" has left their thoughts, they are asked to say what they do. "Hustler," answers one. "Super idler," says another. "Minibus tout, without a minibus," says a third. Fifteen of the 20 are unemployed. The men from Nairobi's Kawangware slum represent the five biggest tribes of Kenya. They are united in agreeing that their biggest problem is a lack of income and that the blame for their predicament lies in one place: the country's failing multi-tribal coalition government. The power-sharing government was formed in February last year to end a post-election wave of intercommunal violence that killed 1,100 people, displaced more than 300,000 and shattered Kenya's reputation as a haven of stability in a rough neighbourhood. US President Barack Obama's paternal homeland plays a crucial role as east Africa's manufacturing base and a transport hub for a vast region: Uganda, Rwanda, eastern Congo and southern Sudan all rely on its road and rail links and its port at Mombasa for access to the rest of the world. Kenya is home to the biggest United Nations offices in Africa and is the base for agencies doing aid and development work across one of world's most troubled, conflict-prone zones. Kenya's leaders signed up last year to an ambitious reform agenda that promised the most dramatic transformation of the country since the end of colonialism in 1963 by tackling the underlying causes of the crisis: land disputes, inequality and a skewed distribution of political power. Instead, the government has been paralysed by corruption, in-fighting and a poisonous lack of goodwill - as even some of its own more straight-talking members admit. "The coalition is dysfunctional," says James Orengo, lands minister. "If it had committed to a clear vision and agreed on structures for decision-making, then all these problems would not be there." George Nyongesa, the visiting political activist who was urging the 20 young men on, says he asked them to sing the anthem to hammer home a point: "That there is a complete contradiction between the founding ideals of Kenya and the present operation of our politics." Eighteen months ago, slum residents like those gathering to listen to Mr Nyongesa - a community organiser from a group called the People's Parliament - were hacking each other to death in the inter-ethnic violence sparked by a disputed outcome to the election. Now, popular anger at the failings of the cross-tribe government appears, with a degree of irony, to be prompting some of Kenya's urban poor to question the role of ethnicity in politics. This is not to say that tribal affiliations themselves are dying away: they remain rooted in language, customs and neighbourhood support networks. Those bonds are at their strongest in rural areas. Even in the most deprived areas of the capital - many of which abruptly segregated during last year's violence - citizens are becoming more united by their loathing of the government than they are divided along tribal lines. Unscrupulous demagogues could still whip up ethnic animosity. But equally, the popular discontent could be harnessed to build a political reform movement that transcends tribes. David Njogu, one of the young Kawangware men, offers a blanket indictment of the government that owes nothing to his ethnicity or theirs. "They're not performing. Just looking after their own stuff. Not looking at the basic things we need," he says. "This country has a lot of money but we don't see it. This is the time for the youth to rise up." John Githongo, a top anticorruption official turned whistleblower, says it is too early to talk of class "solidarity" but notes: "Right now, what we have is a growing awareness: it is inarticulate, could be violent, disorganised and anarchic. There is no template for what's happening in Kenya." If the sentiments are allowed to smoulder without structure, they could explode into violence just as gruesome as last year's. If they are organised into a political force, they could make the 2012 presidential election the one in which a cabal of leaders, some with their political roots stretching back to the independence struggle, are ejected from power. To explain the context, Mr Nyongesa points to a dilapidated minibus that honks at a stray goat before swerving close to a row of roadside kiosks. Across its front are emblazoned the words: "Our problem, Kiraka." Kiraka is a term derived from the names of the three men, each from a different tribe, who were rival presidential candidates in the 2007 election and are now united in power - Mwai Kibaki, the president; Raila Odinga, prime minister; and Kalonzo Musyoka, vice-president. But the word doubles up as a derogatory play on the Swahili for patch. "The cloth is torn so you bring a patch," says Mr Nyongesa. "They are the old patch, hanging on. What we need are new clothes." This is not the first time in Kenya that a government's performance has generated huge popular discontent. But several factors make the country different today, not least that Kenyans are better informed and enjoy more political freedom than in the past. Moreover, the cabinet for the first time explicitly accommodates all of the biggest tribes. This undermines an assumption that has been a linchpin of post-colonial politics in Africa: that the poor will back a member of their own tribe seeking power because patronage will repay the community. "We've always said, 'my man will win and he'll give me a job, I'll have food, I can pay rent, I can take my child to school'," says Mr Nyongesa. "But now all tribes are in the ruling class and it's not brought any relief on our side." Mr Githongo says the coalition "has been sadly helpful" in showing that "the ruling class becomes a tribe once they ascend to power, and it is a tribe that guards what it has jealously and accumulates corruptly with a voraciousness born of impunity". Helping to raise the potency of the divide is growing resentment at politicians who have manipulated Kenyans over the course of decades by stirring "us versus them" tribal hatreds. "When the youth went into the streets they were shot, killed, used by the politicians," says Mr Njogu, the young man in the slum. "We have learnt that these guys are going to psych us to fight. Then they just go off and leave us. So it is better to be together against them." Mwalimu Mati, head of the Mars Group, an anti-corruption organisation, says: "A lot of the youth are waiting for someone to tell them the next big idea. What is the plan? Sometimes it can be a criminal enterprise, sometimes religion, sometimes a political movement." It could also even bring the ethnic militias, who played such a strong role in last year's violence, back to the forefront. An illegal gang called Mungiki, which has harnessed the disillusionment of young men in Mr Kibaki's Kikuyu community, is running extortion rackets and bullying members of its own tribe into compliance. Other ethnic militias have proliferated across the country. Ngunjiri Wambugu from the Kikuyus for Change activist group says: "Violence is usually the output of a lack of dialogue. The issue is, can we have a non-violent confrontation with the political leaders?" To make that possible, his organisation is working with others from the Kalenjin, Luo and Kamba communities to turn shared anti-government feelings into a constructive political force. Mr Nyongesa, who is trying to do similar things with the People's Parliament, says that if the grievances of the urban poor are to play a part in 2012, they need a leader who can transcend tribalism. "People still ask me: who will be our Obama?" he says. "I say: it's up to you to identify him." A movement would also need a set of values linked to basic livelihood issues. But Mr Mati worries about the emergence of a demagogue: "You could dupe the population into a massive vote by promising unga [maize flour] at Ks20 [$26 US cents, 16p, 18 eurocents] per kilogram and then do what you like." Sceptics say any attempt to build a political structure around signs of class identity will quickly reveal that the sentiment is shallow and not wired into people's instincts in the way notions of the tribe are after decades of conditioning by politicians. "If there's a crunch and confrontation my guess is that the more important rallying point will be ethnicity rather than class - at this time," says Maina Kiai, former head of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. He believes that the most significant socioeconomic divisions will turn out to be within ethnic groups rather than across them. "They will fight each other, but also say 'Let's get something to eat'. So you'll see looting and people crossing from the slums into the wealthiest neighbourhoods." Renewed violence could be triggered at any day by a crisis in the coalition, be it over land reform, a new constitution or prosecuting the masterminds of the post-election clashes at the International Criminal Court. In rural areas such as the Rift Valley - where the violence was at its worst, grievances remain intense on all sides and tribal militias are rearming - it is hard to imagine a coalition of the downtrodden. But it is the Kikuyu youth - including those in groups such as Mungiki - who are likely to have a decisive impact on Kenya's future, because last year's crisis was as much about anger over their tribe's perceived monopoly on power and wealth as it was about a rigged election. If they ditch their own tribal elite to join forces with other poor young men that will mark a turning point for Kenyan politics. If they buy into one of their community's most powerful narratives - that Kikuyu survival is being threatened by every other tribe - then little will change. The actions of the president's closest Kikuyu allies, the so-called Mount Kenya mafia, suggest they perceive the grassroots threat, but are also digging deep into their ethnic bunker. Jimmy Kibaki, the president's 46-year-old son, was recently dispatched to talk about "we, the youth" and position himself as a leader of the disenfranchised poor. He was greeted with derision by youth groups. Mr Nyongesa says he and People's Parliament members have been harassed by the authorities ahead of public meetings. Non-Kikuyus complain of being stripped out of the upper echelons of the police and the army in anticipation of another conflagration. These are reminders that any bottom-up movement that gains traction is likely to be met by the full force of the state. But the young slum dwellers of Kawangware who sang the national anthem in the rain know they have one big advantage. "There are two tribes, the rich and the poor, and we the poor have the numbers," says Sam Onchwari, an underemployed barber. "It's the numbers that can put pressure on the government, and we have more than enough." Coalition 'intrigues' convert presidential loyalist into political rival During the crisis last year that saw Kenya pushed to the brink of civil war President Mwai Kibaki could count on no more fierce an ally or tougher negotiator than Martha Karua. The former magistrate was at the tally centre defending the integrity of an election her party was accused of stealing, and then at the negotiating table securing the most powerful jobs in the coalition for its ministers. So when, this April, the 51-year-old said she was ditching Mr Kibaki - a fellow member of the Kikuyu tribe, Kenya's largest - and quitting in disgust as justice minister, her about-turn shocked the country. To Kenyans her resignation confirmed that power-sharing was not working. Ms Karua is now trying to capitalise on their discontent and position herself for the 2012 presidential election in which she is likely to run on a reform ticket. The coalition is inefficient and riddled with rivalries, she says. It is "a system where you are given the work minus the support to do it, where there are intrigues and you are being undermined continuously after you are given a job to do," she tells the FT. Citing her thwarted efforts to tackle police death squads, an ineffective judiciary and corruption within the coalition, she says: "I think the nexus in all of them is impunity . . . The unwillingness to change anything." She attributes the inertia to the self-interest of ministers. "If you have people who feel exposed by reforms they are going to fight them. There are those who feel the police reforms are going to expose the wrong things they have done previously. There are those who feel the fight against impunity will find them, whether it's with regard to violence or corruption." Mr Kibaki and Raila Odinga, prime minister - foes in the 2007 election - are equally to blame for the lack of action, she says. She also rejects the idea that the coalition has been paralysed by in-fighting between their parties, describing it as a "clever ploy" used as a decoy by both sides. Yet in spite of her damning assessment of the coalition, she has "no regrets" about her role in creating it. "I stood up at [the tally centre] for what is right, for me and my country, not just for the president," she says. Reply to Your PostDelete Post Post #2 Philo Ikonya wrote2 hours ago I like this article for many reasons. One, George Nyongesa is a real Mbunge who is not waiting for some cheap mirage of change.. not at all. And it brings us back to our young people and their pain. And how we have let them down. Our principals appreciation of their plight, our parliamentarians and our other classes of those who have and ( have not earned and are not paying taxes) is very poor. They do not see it as something immediate that needs to be put in the ICU. I remember my pain as a youth, the feeling of being trapped in a village life that so contrasted with my school life ... going to school was a reason to be slightly more comfortable...and very in some years when i got a scholarship. This PAIN IS REVOLUTION fuel. I want to see a Kenyan society where an MP works and pays taxes and does not indulge in all manner of businesses. I know that salaries must slashed but that is not all, opportunities must be created for the young to rise and be in charge. And it is not only the youth in trouble. It is the whole country. I have just called a person i know who cooks well ( I had a contact for him) and he told me he was just on the road walking from one of our slums to see if something would happen to him on the road. My call is what happened. This is an old man. I can only call a few people, help one girl to fetch water, once... but this nation must allow its brains in planning to take over and lead the way...we have learnt; it is not about tribes, it is about a system that allows some to move ahead, far too ahead and ties the rest of us down! Bunge La Mwananchi, Wananchi Pamoja!

UNITED FRONT FOR CHANGE

Considering the existing void in Kenyan leadership and the irresponsibility of those given power to run this country through the national accord and reconciliation act, and the suffering of Kenyan people as a consequence of the failed leadership of the grand coalition, we the people of Kenya with the interest of the people of the republic of Kenya in an initiative by the Bunge la Mwananchi social movement on this 22nd day of July 2009,gathered here at the professional centre do endorse the formation of the United Front for Change. The following discussions led to the endorsement of the formation of the movement: Present: NAME JACOB ODIPO RICHARD GITONGA RAHMA WAKO RUTH MUMBI JOYCE WAIRIMU FWAMBA NC FWAMBA EDRA MBATHA PETER MURIUKI DIANA WAITUIKA PHILO IKONYA JULIUS OKOTH BRADLEY E OUNA DUNCAN KONYANDO PATRICK OBARA HASSAN SAGWE AOL PAUL FRANCIS W MURABULA JOSEPHAT M WAEMA WAMBUI MOSES KENETH KIRIMI GACHEKE GACHIHI JOHN NJERU KHAKASA MARAKALU CLEMENTINAH MBITHE SOPHIE DOLA MBUGUA KABA ERICKSON M MOKAYA ZARINA PATEL MARTIN OTIENO JOSEPH CHITERI DINAH AWUOR AGAI KELI MUSYOKA HENRY EKAL SAMSON OJIAYO CLLR.ORIARO LEONARD STEVEN JUMA MARK PAUL United front for change is a national initiative of Bunge la Mwananchi that is dedicated to marshal all Kenyans, currently dissatisfied with the way our country is being run to agitate for genuine change. What brings us together to push for change(summary-topics discussed)  Need to shape the destiny of the Kenyan people  Recognition of shared values and experiences  Recognition of both individual and collective capacities and strength  Concerns for the future of our nation, our children and the generations to come.  Opportunities to bring about change  Vision for Kenya’s destiny  Mechanisms for realizing the destiny  Challenges on the road to the destiny  Preparedness and determination to face and tackle the challenges  Strategies for the movement for change  Rallying calls and slogan for change.  Courage togetherness and determination define our strength. The meeting was held at the professional centre a presentation from Prof John Stephens Mayienga.the meeting was moderated by Cllr Leonard Oriaro. After the presentation participants agreed that: The current Kenyan political leadership has totally failed to govern this nation thus the reason for the new leadership to emerge and restore hope to Kenyans .apathy, disillusionment and hopelessness of the people has been made worse by the culture of impunity, and lack of government will to serve the Kenyan people in the right way. It was noted that the political leadership has failed this country at different stages, hence the need to revive hope, service and power to the people through organized leadership and real democracy instead of the dictatorship of an oligarchy. There is need to make sure that we achieve genuine change now and not the rotational change as it has always been. The people through Bunge la Mwananchi all over the republic must come together and reclaim the glory of our nation which was the dream that our true heroes, the freedom fighters worked for. It’s a duty of the Kenyan people regardless of their gender, age, religion, ethnicity or race to come together and publicly make a proclamation and pronouncement of their destiny and the time is now. It’s our duty and responsibility to sensitize and mobilize the people towards this goal for the time to save our country is now not later. Bunge la Mwananchi and other networks for change should steer the true agenda of change through information distribution to their networks for the need to dedicate ourselves to this duty.bunge la Mwananchi must formulate working mechanisms for realization of the destiny of the Kenyan people before we enter the category of the failed state whose characteristics we somehow already have i.e. having two cabinets in one. We have a cabinet that can’t agree on anything. We therefore in summary make a declaration, a clear and strong message to the Kenyan government of the day and accomplices that their days are numbered and time is up. Its time for genuine change-power must revert back to the people in line with the common man’s agenda. Now is the time. As we agree on the formation of this movement, we are therefore setting up strategies and mechanisms of publicly launching the united front for change. We will update you and invite you to the launch. United front for change is an all inclusive movement with horizontal leadership and accommodates all Kenyans and organizations that are dedicated to change. Kenya mpya POWER TO THE PEOPLE Wananchi Pamoja