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

ದಿ ಯೂತ್ MOVEMENT ಇನ್ KENYA

THE YOUTH MOVEMENT IN KENYA Due to the existing political dilemma in Kenya, a number of lobbies have come up with an aim of tring to right the situation. Most of the groups are either youth based or defined as perpetuating the youth agenda. Some groups seem to be gaining influence at the grassroots while others that target the middleclass youth have made an impact through the cyber space. Such groups include the following: Bunge la Mwananchi-an independent organic socio-political movement whose majority membership is youth. Formerly based in Nairobi but now has spread to slums and in provincial parts of the country.Bunge la Mwananchi organizes open air fora that focus on topical issues in public parks, markets and other strategic places. The main group meets at the Jeevanjee gardens in Nairobi daily. Their goal is to discuss on how an alternative Kenyan parliament should be. The fora are currently present in over fifty big towns in Kenya including Nairobi, Mombassa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Limuru, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Naivasha among others. Kikuyus for change-A group of youths based in the central province .its members are found in other parts of Kenya. The group tries to alienate itself from the exclusive politics practiced by the older generation from their tribe which has made it create enmity with other Kenyan tribes. Their core-purpose is drive towards unity and co-existence with other Kenyan communities and also strives for the leadership mantle to go the youth. this is because the political leadership in central Kenya has always been dominated by a few individuals and their families. The group intends to work and ensure that every person regardless of his or her economic background can be chosen to lead so long as he or she represents the interests of the people. It is some kind of a resistance movement against the kikuyu plutocracy. Simama Kenya-an initiative of jimmy Kibaki the son of Kenya’s current president mr.mwai Kibaki.its an organization led by jimmy together with Mutito legislator Kiema Kilonzo and political activist Tony gachoka.they claim their intention to be bringing together all the youth from all levels of the economic divide in order to bring about development and exploit all economic potential. Tony Gachoka argues that they want to bring change and the organization welcomes all young people. while jimmy Kibaki admits that he is not a youth, he says that he wants to mobilize the Kenyan youth through this initiative and that he is ding this because he cares for the Kenyan youth with the slogan round hii si mchezo (no jokes this time round).critics say that it’s the conspiracy of the Kenyan oligarchy to retain power through masquerading as the protectors of the youth. The critics say that jimmy Kibaki is an agent of confusion whose aim is to make sure that the real change agitated by various youth groups doesn’t realize the real fruits of their work. The critics believe jimmy is the messenger of the Kenyan ruling class conservatives who believe in political status quo.infact they are discouraging the Kenyan youth from joining this movement claiming that jimmy is trying to ensure president Kibaki’s third term as president through making sure an Uhuru like project wins the 2012 presidential race through ensuring that the youth vote is divided or mobilized to vote for the Kibaki project. National youth convention-an initiative of the youth agenda, a renowned non profit making youth based organization in Kenya. The national youth convention came together through mobilization of young leaders at the grassroots to form a national outfit. The NYC meets yearly to review progress of the previous year resolutions. It’s a donor funded movement whose aim is to ensure the youth take over leadership of this country with a serious reform and ideological agenda. It’s an initiative that operates jointly with another leadership training programme (PLDP) which is also run by the youth agenda. The group ensures a presence through taking part in radio and TV programmes and daily internet interactive sessions through blogging and exchange of ideas through emails. Nyanza youth forum/coalition-It’s a regional based youth movement working on enlightening people especially the youth on the need to elect new and youthful leadership. It also targets other regional based groups whose intention is to ensure new leadership, reform agenda and regional peace in the region of its operation which is the lower Middle Western part of Kenya. National youth council: this group has a special focus on the implementation of the national youth policy to address the problems of unemployment and job creation among the Kenya youth. the group is currently lobbying with various members of parliament and cabinet ministers to pass a bill that will enact formation of the council with the same name to exist within the government youth affairs structure. The group is also focusing on enactment of the new constitution which has special emphasis on youth empowerment and addressing the agenda four as a whole. Kenya Network of Grassroots Organizations (KENGO): This is a group whose platform is based on a coalition of grassroots organizations in different parts of the country. the purpose of this group is coalesce all youth organizations to achieve a common agenda that will drive young people toward attaining good governance and taking charge of their own destiny. Y-10: this is a youth group which am yet to find more details about. They have had several appearances in press conferences asking the government to address the issue of unemployment and condemned the presence of alleged poisonous maize in the country. They have also addressed a number of press conferences calling for the resignation of the prime minister. I surely don’t know their full agenda as for now. National youth movement: an initiative of the national constitution executive council. Its agenda was to mobilize youths to pursue a common agenda in achieves reforms. Its presence at the grassroots is currently limited. National youth parliament: the group worked as a model of what would be a supposed parliament if run by the youth. It used to be active some years back. Nb: the mention groups are the ones whose presence is felt at the grassroots. However other groups which are primarily known to academically enlightened and urban youth do exist. These are groups mainly known to those people who use internet regularly. to name but a few, they include: the new vision group, young Kenyans for change, Kenyans for change, Kenya Voters Alliance(an initiative a group of former university student leaders), citizens against violence, western province young professionals association, bidii Africa among others. These are platforms of sharing ideas among the youth especially those working in offices where the main mode of keeping in touch through communication is through internet via Google or yahoo groups, blogging, or social networks like facebook, my space, twiter or flixter. FWAMBA NC FWAMBA

ಬುನ್ಗೆ ಲ ಮ್ವನಂಚಿ ಲೆಅದೆರ್ಸ್ ಅರ್ರೆಸ್ತೆದ್ ಇನ್ LIMURU

Good evening, Breaking news - 50 people have been arrested in Limuru area where they had gathered to attend a public meeting of area youth to discuss community issues such as Kazi kwa Vijana initiative and the CDF and LATF devolved funds. It is not clear why they have been arrested but the group, including Bunge la Mwananchi leader George Nyongesa , Sheikh Ramadhan and Livingstone Ngugi, are currently being held at Tigoni police station. The area residents had gathered under the banner of Bunge la Mwananchi earlier this afternoon to understand and perform a social audit of their local issues - such as the role and application of CDF and LATF in area development. Although the area authorities had been duly notified of today’s planned community meeting, no sooner had people gathered than the police arrested them. They were bundled into waiting police vehicles and taken to Tigoni police station where they are being held but are yet to be booked. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. In the meantime, your support in solidarity with these Bunge la Mwananchi members will be much appreciated. Please circulate this information to your networks and continue to give your support in any other way you are able to. A number of human rights defenders including Kelly Musyoka nad others have left for Tigoni to get more details and give solidarity to our comrades.So far,Tom Kagwe of KHCR is looking for lawyers who will be there in a while to know the details of what they are being charged with.All comrades who have means are encouraged to go to Tigoni to give solidarity to our colleagues..just like we have always done before.They government must know that this country rightfully belongs to all of us and we have rights. It must be too noted that last week,bunge la mwananchi chief whip,Patrick Kamotho was arrested and assaulted by the police who later charged him with incitment in circumstances better known to the police. FWAMBA NC FWAMBA

ತ್ರೆಅತ್ಸ್ ಅಗೈನ್ಸ್ಟ್ BUNGE ಲ ಮ್ವನಂಚಿ ಲೆಅದೆರ್ಸ್ ಇನ್ LIMURU

From: Livingstone Kiniaru Subject: Threat on Bunge la Mwananchi Limuru To: grnyongesa@yahoo. com Date: Sunday, July 19, 2009, 7:18 AM Dear Comrades, Since we alerted the government through the area Chief that we are planning to have a public meeting for young people to discuss: 1. Kazi kwa Vijana, 2. LATIF, CDF, the administration has been harassing our members. The Chief told us that we cannot go on with the meeting because the government sees that meeting us likely to incite young people in the area. The Chief went ahead to print posters and hired some goons to pin the posters that say the meeting has been cancelled and people should stay away. We also decided to go round from house to house telling people that the meeting is on and we should come out in large numbers. Seeing our determination the District Officer entered the mix. Our comrade, Master Samson Mwaura aka the Prince Och (the Movement's Secretary) was called on July 18th 2009 on 20:25hrs by number 0722-995 298 and the caller identified himself as Mr. Kang'ethe the D.O of Limuru. In his own words he said " young man I've your number, am sending you and to therest with a warning to stop the meeting or else there will be consequences" ...."yes I mean the youth meeting should not take place or we shall face consequences" . We told him our meeting is for the public interest. We are going to educate the public on CDF, Latif and development knowldge. He responded by telling he shall not allow "siasa za propaganda to happen in his area". Some of our people are getting scared and we need support to reassure people it is their right to meet and discuss their life. Limuru is not enlightened like Nairobi and here the Chief and the DO have so much power and they collaborate with bad leaders to oppress people peaceful. We want to stop this! I will inform how things go later. Livingstone Ngugi COnvenor, Bunge la Mwananchi Limuuru 0723754752

ತ್ರೆಅತ್ಸ್ ಅಗೈನ್ಸ್ಟ್ BUNGE ಲ ಮ್ವನಂಚಿ ಲೆಅದೆರ್ಸ್ ಇನ್ LIMURU

From: Livingstone Kiniaru Subject: Threat on Bunge la Mwananchi Limuru To: grnyongesa@yahoo. com Date: Sunday, July 19, 2009, 7:18 AM Dear Comrades, Since we alerted the government through the area Chief that we are planning to have a public meeting for young people to discuss: 1. Kazi kwa Vijana, 2. LATIF, CDF, the administration has been harassing our members. The Chief told us that we cannot go on with the meeting because the government sees that meeting us likely to incite young people in the area. The Chief went ahead to print posters and hired some goons to pin the posters that say the meeting has been cancelled and people should stay away. We also decided to go round from house to house telling people that the meeting is on and we should come out in large numbers. Seeing our determination the District Officer entered the mix. Our comrade, Master Samson Mwaura aka the Prince Och (the Movement's Secretary) was called on July 18th 2009 on 20:25hrs by number 0722-995 298 and the caller identified himself as Mr. Kang'ethe the D.O of Limuru. In his own words he said " young man I've your number, am sending you and to therest with a warning to stop the meeting or else there will be consequences" ...."yes I mean the youth meeting should not take place or we shall face consequences" . We told him our meeting is for the public interest. We are going to educate the public on CDF, Latif and development knowldge. He responded by telling he shall not allow "siasa za propaganda to happen in his area". Some of our people are getting scared and we need support to reassure people it is their right to meet and discuss their life. Limuru is not enlightened like Nairobi and here the Chief and the DO have so much power and they collaborate with bad leaders to oppress people peaceful. We want to stop this! I will inform how things go later. Livingstone Ngugi COnvenor, Bunge la Mwananchi Limuuru 0723754752

IN SOLIDARITY WITH MWANGI AND ORINA...ORIGINALLY POSTED BY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHANGE

NYC Re: Bonniface Mwangi has been arrested (Breaking News) Tuesday, June 2, 2009 12:14 AM From: "Emmanuel Dennis" Add sender to Contacts To: nyciv@googlegroups.com Mwaniki and all, Bonniface and Eric Orina, were seriously beaten up by the Police, Intervention was called in and they were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment. They were scheduled to appear before the Chief Magistrates Court this morning with charges of causing a disturbance. I agree with Mwaniki that we need to be very tactical in agitating for the change that we seek. Non Violence is most definitely the way to go. Now that we know the system is not joking and will stop at nothing to break our limbs and even kill us. We got to be more smarter which we are. We will defeat them. Change is coming to Kenya and it is coming very fast. We all need to be there and enjoy that change. So we got to be cautious. But.... The struggle MUST Continue. ED On Tue, Jun 2, 2009 at 8:31 AM, Mwaniki Mageria wrote: I’m saddened to hear of this. Bonny is my friend. I’ve tried his phone and that of his wife to no avail. We must find other avenues to get the point across without exposing ourselves to injury and being singled out. It’s not a Bonny problem… its OUR problem. We must devise a better way. When we do it this way even the people we are trying to speak for cannot take us seriously. We must engage as Mars Group has - mpaka they are invited for a round table meeting. That’s the level we need to achieve to get their attention and respect. ED when can we meet? Mwaniki From: nyciv@googlegroups.com [mailto:nyciv@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Emmanuel Dennis Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 5:35 PM To: nyciv Subject: NYC Bonniface Mwangi has been arrested (Breaking News) Dear Comrades, I would like to bring to your attention the arrest of Bonniface Mwangi after staging a protest at the President over the escalating levels of impunity in government and lack of leadership as he read his Madaraka Day Speech earlier today at Nyayo Stadium. Just this morning he was on Kiss 100 Breakfast Show and was asking Kenyans to go to Nyayo Stadium and tell off the Political class on the issues that have been affecting Kenyans since the Grand Coalition Government came to Power. Bonny had his Facebook profile disabled for over two weeks in what is now famously known as a very straight talk profile update messages that purely touch on the issues of governance and the need for urgent change of the political class in Kenya. It is beleived that some Governement machinery may have een behind his profile being dissabled. Bonny is now being held at Langata Police Station at the instructions of the Provincial Police Boss. This is an appeal for all of us to make alot of noice for the unconditional release of a comrade in the struggle to liberate this country. Bonface is currently working on the project Picha Mtaani depicting the effects of the Post election violence. He is also known for most of the Pictures seen at the "Kenya is Burning" Exhibition at the Go down Arts Centre. After being the very first nominee of the CNN Africa Photojournalist of the Year Award, Bonny decided to quit and join in the proffession of Activism for the poor Kenyans who are suffering from misrule of the Kibaki's dictatorial and impunious regime. We at the National Youth Convention are following up on the matter and seek to request for your intervention in whatever way you can in order to secure his release. We condemn his arrest as it is politically motivated, a gagging of the freedoms of expression, association, assembly and fundamental human rights as secured in the Kenyan constitution. It should also be noted that his arrest is in line with the directives by this governement to harrass young and upcoming Leaders who have the power to mobilise masses. This governement is thus hell bent to finish young leaders in its quest to continue ruling Kenya with impunity. We will keep you updated on the developments. Emmanuel Dennis Convener NYC

APPLY

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DOCUMENTED ON 20TH MAY 2009

Dear Comrades This is not necessarily to beg for any attention but yesterday I received a phone call at 3.36 PM from Billy ;Simon Mbugua’s bodyguard. The content? That I had written something on facebook that offended his boss and I was 'spoiling his work’. The writing was about the members of parliament who are usually bribed to vote in a certain way in favour of corrupt ministers. It was in reference to what the member of parliament had said the previous day as I watched news on TV.I had made it known that the MP was admitting his own deeds. It was about the maize issue, typing errors and the MPs for hire. On the same issue I was supported by. James Wamusa Kariuki who is an internet activist. He used more adjectives in his description of the MPs for hire. So in the phone call I was asked to confirm if I was the one who had written the comments which I said yes. I told him I was pointing the issue out without any malice. He then told me that for me to be safe then I should produce Wamusa so that they’ deal with him’. The guy insisted that we meet. I told him I was not in a position to meet him because I was held up in Hurlingam (though that was not where I was).after a few minutes the guy called me and told me that he had driven to Hurlingam and he wanted us to meet. after a while, a lady(Rosemary, Simon's Secretary-who is my friend on facebook)who had been near them when they were coming to meet me in Hurlingam told me I shouldn’t have written that stuff, that she was afraid of what would happen to me. So I avoided meeting the guy and told him that I was in someone's home and wouldn’t manage to meet him then. I then called the lady and asked her what the guys wanted. She told me she didn’t know .The guy called. At 5.03 pm, the guy told me I was lucky, because the time of the assignment had elapsed and he insisted that we should meet. I told him we meet the following day (today) but I must produce Wamusa.I told him I only know Wamusa on facebook.That I don’t know him in person. I talked to a number of friends. Sent a sms to Philo Ikonya, Mwalimu Mati, George Nyongesa, and Absalom Matende And Mwangi Mukami and other people I consider friends. I have made many phone calls most of whom have responded with concern. . Wamusa advised that we report to the police first something Philo endorsed when I sought her advice. I tried to get in touch with Wamusa and today we recorded a statement with the CID.OB NO.24/20/05 entered at the Kasarani police station. The DCIO said that he is going to do investigations based on the information I had provided. As I write there is a friend of mine called Benson Bii who has just called me and told me that Billy was in company of five other unknown guys and they were so angry and were looking for me. He has told me that I should talk to the guys so that I am safe. He has called me with caution and concern. This evening I consulted several people who advised me that I shouldn’t hold this private. I too called the KNCHR vice chairman Hassan Omar Hassan. They told me I should scream loud. I had previously shared this story with just a few people but now I have even shared it on facebook. Am screaming, screaming loud but still against bad governance, corruption, impunity and still wants the Waki report implemented now. I aint a coward, but its important for you to know this…I guess. If anything happens to me ask Simon Mbugua and/or Richard Mugwae (central OCPD who threatened me earlier when we were arrested with Philo when we protested over food prices and the maize scandal. Fwamba NC Fwamba0721779445

http://www.ydinlehti.fi/ydinjutut/kenia-el%C3%A4%C3%A4-ihmisoikeuksien-pime%C3%A4%C3%A4-kautta

Kenia elää ihmisoikeuksien pimeää kautta PHILO IKONYA 15/05/2009 Väkivalta ja valtioterrori on ajanut kansalaisyhteiskunnan ahtaalle Keniassa. Aktivistit eivät enää vain kamppaile oikeuksista, vaan yrittävät rakentaa niiden kulttuuria kokonaan uudelleen, kertoo Philo Ikonya. Pian sen jälkeen kun kaksi ihmisoikeusaktivistia tapettiin vähäliikenteisellä nairobilaisella kadulla, aivan State House Roadilla sijaitsevan ylioppilasasuntola numero kymmenen ulkopuolella, tekstiviestit alkoivat lentää puhelimesta toiseen. Eräs naispuolinen aktivisti kirjoitti minulle: – Philo, huomaan nyt, että en ole ennen nähnyt asioita juuri sellaisina kuin ne ovat. En uskonut, että elämme näin pimeää aikaa. En voi uskoa mitä juuri tapahtui. Jos katoan tänään, tiedät kuka minut on vienyt. Salamurhien tarkoituksena oli tuhota koko kansalaisyhteiskunta pelolla. Kauhun halvaannuttamat ovat kykenemättömiä ilmaisemaan mielipiteitään tai järjestämään tapahtumia. Tämä on pimeä aika Kenian aktivisteille. Aktivistit valtion silmätikkuna Kun aloimme vaatia maatamme takaisin viime vuoden äänestyksen jälkeiseltä väkivallalta, emme osanneet arvanneet laittavamme myös oman elämämme likoon ihmisoikeusaktivisteina. Mutta näin tapahtui ja se on totta. Kenia ei ole valmis ymmärtämään soihdunkantajia, jotka puolustavat totuutta, eivätkä kauhistuttavat asiat ole menossa pois. Kamontho Githinji on nuori mies, joka ei ole nukkunut omassa talossaan kuukausiin. Hän asuu Muthurwan naapuristossa, jossa hän ajaa yhteisön oikeuksia aina terveydenhuollosta kokoontumisenvapauteen. Hän ei ole painanut päätään tyynyyn samassa talossa neljään kuukauteen. Hän liikkuu talosta taloon, joskus vieraillen ystäviensä luona ja joskus äitinsä talonssa, sillä hän tietää että häntä tarkkaillaan. Githinji on saanut uhkauksia monissa eri muodoissa. Hänen oma kännykkänsä, jota hän tarvitsee niin kovasti, on myös hänen pahin vihollisensa. Siihen tulee koko ajan puheluita, joiden tarkoituksena on vain ilmoittaa, että hänen olinpaikkansa kyllä tiedetään. Tästä huolimatta hän ei tule lopettamaan. Githinji on juuri se henkilö, joka kutsui kokoon mielenosoituksen maissinvientiä vastaan aikana, jolloin ainakin kymmenen miljoonaa kenialaista elää nälänhädän uhan alla. Kutsu oli hyvä, ja Fwamba N.C. Fwamba ja minä liityimme hänen seuraansa. Meidät pidätettiin, ja poliisin pahoinpitelyn jälkeen päädyin sairaalaan. Tämän jälkeen meidät vietiin oikeussaliin, jonka jälkeen meillä kolmella on yhteensä ainakin viisi syytettä. Meitä syytetään rikoksista tasavaltaa vastaan, ja pidätysmääräyksissä puhutaan aina laittomista kokoontumista. Pinnan alla toivo muutoksesta Muistan sen illan, kun Fwamba päästettiin sairaalaan. Hän lähti sieltä kotiin koska hän ei ollut halunnut kertoa nuorelle vaimolleen, jonka kanssa hänellä on pieni lapsi, että hänet oli pidätetty ja kuinka hänet vietäisiin sieltä vankilaan. Hän lähetti monille meistä tekstiviestejä ja kertoi suurista peloista, sillä hän oli varma, että häntä seurattiin jopa julkisissa kulkuvälineissä. Hän pystyi erottamaan tummapukuisia miehiä, jotka aina silloin tällöin seurasivat hänen jalanjälkiään kaupungin halki. Heihin viittaaminenkin oli kauheaa, koska viimeksi aktivistit, jotka puhuivat pukumiehistä, tapettiin. Ennen kuin asiat olivat näin pahasti, Kamotho, George Nyongesa, Fwamba ja minä puhuimme eri alojen ihmisille maastamme ja muutoksen tarpeesta poliittisissa piireissä. Menimme juniin, jotka vievät ihmisiä esikaupunkeihin, ja puhuimme muille matkustajille korruption sietämättömyydestä. Samalla keräsimme rahaa ostaaksemme maissia niille, jotka nääntyivät kaduilla tai kuivuudesta kärsivän Kenian alueilla. Yhtenä viikonloppuna arvioimme, että olimme puhuneet 800 ihmiselle, joista osa oli pysähtynyt vain ilmaisemaan iloaan, eivätkä edes kysyneet mitään. He vain sanoivat olevansa kyllästyneitä ja kysyivät mitä voisivat tehdä. Ei olekaan ihme, että meidän kimppuumme käytiin niin pahasti. Maailmanvallankumous ei ole koskaan kaukana ihmisten huulilta. Puhuessamme heidän kansssaan se mainittiin uudelleen ja uudelleen. Keniassa on aktivisteja, joista jotkut johtavat ihmisoikeus- tai muita järjestöjä, joiden agendat ovat joskus samankaltaisia. Samwei Muhochi johtaa International Medical Legal Unit -järjestöä ja pitää mielessään että aktivistit tarvitsevat tukea. Hänen järjestönsä todellakin maksoi takuumme joka kerta, kun meidät pidätettiin. Ei ole yllättävää, että hänestä tuli uhkausten kohde. Tästä huolimatta myös on olemassa muita ihmisoikeuksia puolustavia järjestöjä, joiden mielestä muut aktivistit ovat harmittavia. Ne eivät näytä oppivan, että solidaarisuus on avain alistavista ajoista ylitsepääsemiseen. Luomassa yhteiskuntaa uudelleen Ann Njogu, Centre for Rights Education Awareness -järjestön johtaja ja perustaja on toinen dynaaminen aktivisti. Hän myös on saanut monia uhkauksia ja on huomattavan rohkea uskaltaessaan puhua selkeästi asioista, joista korruptoituneet tahot haluavat ainoastaan vaieta. Ihmisoikeusaktivistit, jotka ammuttiin, ja muut joita uhkaillaan, tuomittiin lopullisesti heidän tehtyään työtä YK:n erikoisraportoija Philip Alsonin laatiman raportin eteen. Siinä kerrottiin tuhansista laittomista kuolemista ja katoamisista, joiden olemassaolosta poliisit eivät halua edes kuulla. Kaiken tämän vahvistavat tutkijat ja ihmisoikeusjärjestöt ja jopa poliisista eronneet todistajat. Poliisikomissaari Ali sanoi, että raportoija oli tehnyt huonoa työtä ja laittoi raporttiinsa asioita, jotka olivat olemassa vain hänen mielikuvituksessaan. Kenian armeija, joka mainitaan raportissa Elgon-vuorella tapahtuneiden puolisotilaallisten joukkojen toteuttamien tappojen yhteydessä, on myös kieltänyt raportin löytöjen olevan totta. Hallitus sanoo Philip Astonin kuvittelevan kaiken. Tämän kahtiajaon keskellä väkivallan kieltäminen ja aktivistien haukkuminen valehtelijoiksi tai ihmisiksi, jotka haluavat tulla länsimaisten kehitysyhteistyötahojen ja palkintojen antajien huomaamiksi, asettaa kenialaiset aktivistit vaikean asemaan. Mutta pahinta on, että aktivistit eivät ole keskenään yhtä mieltä solidaarisuudesta tai tavoista suojellaa toisiaan. Tämä tekee heidät haavoittuviksi ja pelko jättää kansalaistoimijat heikoiksi. Siksi tämä on urheiden hetki: urheiden ihmisten ei pidä keskittyä vain omaan työhönsä, vaan rakentaa koko kansalaisyhteiskunnalle mahdollisuudet luoda itsensä uudelleen. Philo Ikonya on Kenian PEN:n puheenjohtaja. 2009/2

LOOTOCRACY

THE SEX BOYCOTT:A REVOLUTION IN THE MAKING

The sex boycott as called by a caucus of women leaders called G10 is over. I have read and heard all kinds of reactions both positive and negative from both male and female members of the Kenyan society. These reactions have really made me discover how strategic and important the sex boycott was because the pronouncements by various people have made it so much highlighted in most if not all households, the media and in general areas of social interaction including churches, bars and conferences.. Am so surprised the way some individuals have been making unfounded arguments including claims that the sex boycott is bait for donor funding for some NGOs. In my own understanding, these organizations have always been funded for many years even when they had not called for the sex boycott. In my opinion, these critics are shallow minds who don’t happen to analyze matters from’ the bigger picture’ point of view. Others have insinuated that the women leaders are not married and that kind of crap thus trivializing the whole matter. I have no permission from Ann to write this but I know she is the wife to Mr. Leonard Njogu whom I know. Even those whom the critics accuse of not having husbands had never before publicly declared to you that they were on a sex boycott…but this isn’t my intention for I don’t want to respond to trivialities. This has made G10 to be pacesetter for reforms and it’s an opportunity for me and you too to encourage and even join them. This discussion is what has eventually provoked Kenyans in all households to ask themselves why the boycott was called. It was a protest against bad leadership and endless wrangles between the two forces of the coalition PNU and ODM under the supervision of their respective principals. According to me whoever came up with the idea had a very creative mind.thogh sex is such a sacred, secret and silent word, its one thing that people always talk and think about especially those who share intimacy. The one week boycott was a sure way of encompassing everyone since most of the sexually active individuals especially married couples are the middle age who have a duty and ability to bring change to the country. Truth be said, most of these people will have sex at several times a week. Thus seven days is long enough for a man to know that he is missing something important. It’s true that there are men in this country who don’t care about the state of our nation and the difficulties our country is going through because of bad leadership. They are beneficiaries of all comforts including enjoying all privileges in company of their spouses. I want to believe that by calling for sex boycott, the g10 were in solidarity with many other people, who by virtue of circumstances are not able to have such opportunities. It’s just like fasting in solidarity with the hungry. You can easily think of those internally displaced persons (IDPs) who do not have that comfort of enjoying conjugal rights with their spouses because of space and lack of privacy. Think of those people who are sexually incapacitated due to inability to afford medication. Think of those people who are too hungry in this country and have no energy to indulge in sexual pleasure. So if you didn’t have sex the whole of last week, then you can easily imagine what other couples with the aforementioned problems go through. It’s good enough for you to stand today and demand that every Kenyan man is in a position to enjoy life the way you do. As Kenyan men, we need to stand and demand for justice to all. This will maybe make us maybe look worthy before our women. It’s therefore a call all of us should heed and advance and stop looking at it as a sex issue parse but as an issue that culminates into us awaking ourselves and being able to address all evils and poverty of leadership in our midst. All these problems if well analyzed are directly linked to the wrangles in the coalition government. Am sure that once there is order in government, then all government activities will run well and progressively. So I believe the so called youth are the bedrock that can force real political orders in any state, the sex boycott is a direct call upon them to rise up and do something. I know in general circumstances, a man who doesn’t provide is harshly judged by the society, and so is the man who sees many things wrong happening in the country and he does nothing about it. He really deserves to be taken to task to do a duty of showing or taking part in telling leaders to behave lest he doesn’t deserve any privilege….And women having taken the to the forefront while men were sleeping need to be lauded, for that is a serious way of waking up the good for nothing men. Am quite sure that if men decided to get out and do what the women said then it will be easy for us to go to them and say….yes now I have played my role in the society. I have made my contribution….hey I deserve to be treated like a man. if we are men enough, let us take that challenge from women, don’t sit on the sidewalk and just criticize or be creative enough to come up with all kinds of ideas that can keep us enlightened and encouraged to feel and work towards implementing the required reforms in this country which can help us ensure good governance and corruption free society. It is the same creative minds that will rid us off bad leadership. I do encourage the G10 because am sure if Kenyans focused seriously on the significance of this boycott, it’s the same that will make Kenyan men rise up to defend this country and save her from political hyenas. AND since Kibaki and Raila have not yet found a common ground of working in the interest of Kenyans, I think now, we need another boycott. Its time for t reactionary critics to be creative enough and come up with an idea FWAMBA NC FWAMBA BOX 41046-00100 0736170218/0721779445 http://kenyayoungvotersalliance.blogspot.Com

A LEADER OTHER THAN KIBAKI OR RAILA COULD BE A SOLUTION TO THE KENYAN EQUATION

Kenyans who hold various leadership opportunities hold responsibility in putting back our country to the right course. The grand coalition government has reduced itself to playing the role of having meetings whose only purposes are to discuss on how to work together without wrangles. While ODM side seems to favour the national accord as the basis of the guidelines of the function of the government, the PNU side is determined to keep on defining government as per the provision in the constitution of Kenya before the 2008 national accord. PNU appears to be of little respect for the national accord which got entrenched in our constitution after the agreements between the two principals on behalf of their parties after the post election violence. So far it has attested that it will be so hard for anything of great benefit to the ordinary citizen that will be implemented jointly by both sides of the coalition. Going by the sequence of events especially the public declaration by the Prime Minister that he had been pushed so much to an extend of supporting a snap election which he had opposed earlier are a pointer of worsening situation between the two sides of the coalition. While demanding to be the leader of government business and chairman of house business committee the Prime Minister declared that his interpretation of the national reconciliation act was that he was Prime Minister both in and outside parliament while PNU side claimed that the premier’s responsibilities were limited on prefecting ministries and to quote one of them that the parliament is not a ministry. It clearly shows that while most of Raila’s political lieutenants have no love lost for Kibaki, the PNU diehards appear to have contempt of the Prime Minister that it will really take a fool to imagine that Raila’s supervision of ministries is not limited to those that are headed by ODM ministers. It is so much noticeable that the Prime Minister who is supposedly the coordinator and supervisor of all ministries, deserves respect from the ministers whether PNU or ODM given that he is supposedly their boss. Most of the PNU ministers have never hidden their contempt for the Prime Minister recalling the comments made by some of them when the Prime Minister complained about shoddy reception when he visited Mombassa some time last month. Some of the public pronouncements made by the Prime Minister are so disturbing given the continued hypocrisy that we have one government in place. It was so sad for the Prime Minister to publicly abuse the president that he was running the government primitively. That was the final impression that things in the coalition are headed for a collitssion. Impunity has become part of life in Kenya that even leaders are not responsible enough to tame their tongues when making public pronouncements. The kazi kwa vijana initiative by the government should be lauded. It’s such a bright idea that leaders have come to realize that the future of the nation can only be invested in the young people. As a sign of good gesture, let it not just target the youth on lower cadre jobs but also focus on appointment of the young people in positions of policy making as was promised by both Raila and Kibaki during the presidential campaigns. However Kenyans must read signs of times and know that given the kind of political leadership we have it will be so hard to implement some of the great ideas drafted by the policy makers. This is because of the difficult in fighting corruption given the divisions in political leadership which will as well lead to inefficiency in a number of government departments. The squabbles will definitely slow our economic growth and lead to increase in crime as the trend has already shown. It is in the same futility that reforms that favour ordinary citizens will never be implemented under this coalition government. This administration might only be remembered for presiding over the five years of peace and suffering because apart from bringing peace among Kenyan communities the coalition government will be remembered for presiding over the suffering of Kenyans in the name of fighting for and over power. Kenyans are so desperate that they want someone sane, daring and intelligent enough to show us the way out. This is why I don’t find anything wrong with Kenyans calling for early elections to elect a government that has peoples mandate. That according to me was the kind of leadership ever required from the church leaders and it was long over due. The elections will save us from the five wasted years of peace and suffering. It’s this kind of scenario that I find speaker Kenneth Marende’s ruling about the house business committee in parliament palatable. Marende’s ruling showed that what Kenya needs first is good and responsible leaders. It also showed that most legal experts have corrupted the law and they only interpret it to suit their own political aspirations or those of their masters. it is the kind of leadership lacking in majority of Kenyans in using their positions for the sake of the country instead of being held at ransom by the squabbles between Raila and Kibaki.this is the aspect of leadership that is lacking in the civil society whose only role has been reduced to addressing press conferences and justifying donor funding while living in their own world thinking that workshops in big hotels and press conferences will ever bring change in this country. That will only bring change in the lives of the owners of those organizations. Let all people in all sectors rise up and make their voices heard up to the grassroots. It too sounded ridiculous but I found it somehow encouraging when some women leaders introduced the sex boycott as a way to compel Kibaki and Raila to take the country to the right direction. Being a man of course I don’t support this move but I think it’s laudable because it makes people talk. To me it was a way to reach out to the masses. Remember, it’s over a month now since the cabinet met. Unlike in the past, both Kibaki and Raila and other senior government officials snubbed the Labour Day celebrations. labour day celebrates the working population of our nation thus represents the productivity sector. It’s foolhardy to continue believing that the two gentlemen can solve any of Kenya problems apart from keeping us peaceful and non violent. People who serve much unknown leadership sectors might be the ones to save this country and not necessarily Kibaki and Raila or your common people addressing the press conference saying ‘way forward’. What these people only need is the attention and an ear. Maybe our media is giving too much attention to people who are no longer relevant as far as real reforms are concerned. We need to just learn a few tricks from Marende and all of us will discover how we can use our opportunities and wisdom to make to our nation shine at this hour of need. You may be the one holding the key to this quagmire. Just act and you might be the ultimate savior. FWAMBA NC FWAMBA BOX 41046, 00100 0736170218/07217794 45 http://kenyayoungvo tersalliance. blogspot. com http://fwambancfwam ba.blogspot. com http://fwambancfwam ba.wordpress. com

The appetite of a notorious expansionist: Danzig for Hitler, Migingo for Museveni?

The border crisis between Kenya and Uganda is a reminder of some of the historical facts related to both ancient and modern conquests. History has proved that border disputes or the urge for territorial expansion is no new thing. The appetite of all political expansionists has always appeared insatatiable.that is why inasmuch as the Kenyan and Ugandan governments are looking for the surveyors to ascertain the real borders in Lake Victoria; Ugandan troops are busy shifting the Kenya Uganda border beacons in west Pokot.this behavior by the Ugandan government could be a time bomb for Kenya. The behavior exhibited by the Ugandan troops is a very high level of provocation. If in Migingo they were using survey maps as an excuse, then what is their excuse for invading Kenyans borders in the north. If we look at the Norman conquests of England in AD 1066 by duke William of Normandy, and Adolf Hitler’s attempts to conquer the whole of Europe in precedence to world war two, then we can easily guess what kind of person president Museveni is given his stay in power on the Ugandan presidency, presiding over and ‘winning’, flawed presidential elections, appointing his close family relatives to senior political offices in the country and his behavior on the border points exhibit someone with insatiable appetitive for power with expansionist tendencies. The Norman conquest of England took place in 1066. At the beginning of 1066, the Anglo Saxon ruler of England, Edward the Confessor was on his deathbed. Since he had no children, there was no direct heir to the throne and he had not publicly designated any heir to succeed him. (Read) the confusion in the grand coalition after a failed electoral process where there was no clearly or generally accepted winner) After Edward the Confessor died on January 5th, 1066, he was succeeded by Harold Godwinson, whose sister was married to Edward the Confessor. He claimed that Edward the Confessor had anointed him the successor on his deathbed in the presence of the queen. Since Harold Godwinson was a powerful lord in the country, he soon received the approval of the Witan, the decision making body who could decide who would be king. This was resented by William of Normandy (a region in Northern France today). He was distantly related to Edward the Confessor and claimed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne of England on his death. Duke William had readied himself to invade England which included parts of France like Brittany and Flanders. Duke William and his army crossed the English Channel and landed in England on September 28, 1066 A.D. On hearing the news of the Norman army landing on the English coast, Harold Godwinson marched south with his army to battle the Norman invaders. He halted briefly at London, to gather more people. This was a strategic mistake as his army was tired and could not match the Norman invaders at the battle of Hastings. King Harald of Norway (commonly known as Harald Hardrada) was one of the many claimants to the throne of England. He believed he had a right to the throne of England based on a treaty between the King of Norway and one of earlier Kings of England. In early September 1066, Harald invaded northern England with a fleet of 300 ships and about 15000 men. He was assisted by the estranged and exiled brother of Harold Godwinson, Tostig Godwinson. Initially the Norwegian invaders were successful and were able to capture the city of York. The army of Harold Godwinson was rushed to the north of the country to battle the invaders. A fierce battle took place at Stamford Bridge on 16th September 1066, and the Norwegian invaders suffered a crushing defeat. King Harald of Norway was killed in the battle. Out of the 300 ships that had reached England, only 24 could return with the injured warriors. Though the English army was victorious in the battle of Stamford Bridge, it also suffered losses. It was in a battered and weakened state which adversely affected its capacity to repel the Norman invasion of England The Norman story informs me that Museveni might have been planning to invade Kenya for some time and he seems to be well prepared for the war. Given his stubbornness you never know which other parts of Kenya he is soon going to either quietly invade or claim that they belong to his country. History has proved that expansionists will use flimsiest of excuses to intrude other states including use of gangster diplomacy. It’s widely believed that those people who gained power by the guerilla operations have little regard for human life and going to war to them is no big deal as long as its aimed at satisfying their urge to expand territory. Its has even been alleged before that Museveni is a believer in Mao Tse Tung’s ideas including the belief that power comes through a barrel of a gun . The scenario also replicates the tricks Hitler used against his neighboring countries in 1938 with an intention of being able to have political grip of the whole of Europe through military conquest. By the beginning of 1939, Adolf Hitler had become so bold that he tried to steal two separate neighboring territories at the same time. While he was focusing on taking Czechoslovakia, he was also pressuring Poland to give him the former German city of Danzig located on the Baltic Sea. And he wanted the Poles to permit construction of a new super highway and railroad stretching from Germany through Polish territory into East Prussia. The territory in question was known as the Polish Corridor, a narrow strip of land which gave Poland access to the sea and cut off East Prussia from the rest of Germany. Poland had been granted this sea corridor after World War I by the Treaty of Versailles, which also designated Danzig as a Free City operating under the supervision of the League of Nations. Making matters worse, Poland's military leaders had connived with Hitler to steal a small piece of Czechoslovakia back in October 1938. Thus they were more susceptible to being pressured by the Nazis into some kind of agreement concerning Danzig and the Polish Corridor. Hitler and Nazi Foreign Minister Ribbentrop held several meetings with Poland's Ambassador to Germany, Josef Lipski, and with the Polish Foreign Minister, Józef Beck. But the Poles said they had absolutely no interest in compromising with Hitler and bluntly informed the Nazis in late November 1938 that any attempt by Germany to grab Danzig "must inevitably lead to conflict." Thus far, all of Hitler's conquests had resulted from his successful use of gangster diplomacy. But now, for the first time in his career, Hitler had encountered an opponent that would not give in. Hitler responded to Poland's defiance by ordering his generals to prepare to take Danzig "by surprise." Meanwhile, Hitler had managed to annex what remained of Czechoslovakia. But it had been a costly move on his part. Outraged public opinion in England resulted in a tough stance taken by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and a firm declaration on March 31, 1939, that Britain, with the backing of France, would fight to save Poland. In May 1939, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov gave a speech hinting that the Western Allies should get busy and talk to Moscow soon or there might be some kind of agreement forthcoming between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Although Hitler had repeatedly professed his own hatred of the Communists, he decided to pursue a non-aggression pact with Stalin to avoid the possibility of having to fight a war on two fronts at the same time. Hitler's master plan was to crush Poland with lightning speed, then turn westward and knock out France and England. It was therefore necessary for the Soviet Union to remain neutral, otherwise Germany might have to fight the Allies in the west and the Russians in the east. After the Western Allies were knocked out, Hitler intended to turn his armies eastward and wage his long-awaited battle for Lebensraum against Stalin's Red Army. In addition to this, Chamberlain made a series of diplomatic blunders that allowed Hitler and Ribbentrop to gain momentum. Chamberlain's negotiators didn't even arrive in Moscow until August 11. By that time, the Nazis had been hard at work laying the groundwork for a Nazi-Soviet pact. Once again the Soviets responded kindly and agreed to see Ribbentrop on the 23rd to seal the actual agreement. The two Foreign Ministers, Ribbentrop and Molotov, thus signed the Nazi-Soviet Non Aggression Pact in a ceremony at the Kremlin building attended by Stalin himself. Hitler had now gotten what he wanted. He would not have to fight a war on two fronts. And Stalin got what he wanted. According to a secret protocol attached to the pact, Stalin was granted a free hand in Eastern Europe to steal back several areas lost to Russia at the end of World War I, including the countries of Latvia, Estonia and Finland, the province of Bessarabia in Romania, and the entire eastern portion of Poland. Hitler was quite willing to be this generous to Stalin, knowing all along that he intended to destroy the Soviet Union in the not-too-distant future. The Nazi-Soviet Pact sealed the fate of Poland, a country that was geographically isolated from its Western Allies, thus making direct military aid nearly impossible. Poland's only hope for survival would have been an alliance with its next door neighbor, the Soviets. The news that these two cynical, ruthless men, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, had made a pact with each other shocked the world. Everyone knew what it meant - that a new world war was all but certain now. All that remained was for the Führer to say when. These are the same characteristics that defined Alexander the great’s conquest between 334BC until his death in 323BC.the more he conquered the more he wanted to conquer. Hitler’s tricks about interfering with other states territorial sovereignty is no different from what now appears to be Museveni’s well planned interference with the sovereignty of his neighbors considering the recent squabbles with the democratic republic of Congo over the lake Albert boundaries,kenyas Migingo island and now the west Pokot beacons. Given these historical scenarios which are only but examples we seem to be faced by a more serious problem than we may imagine as Kenyan citizens. it indicates that any form of military provocation is usually well preplanned by the aggressor and that the aggressed in most cases is found unawares or ill prepared and also that other neighboring states will easily realize the weakness of the assaulted nation and also attempt to take advantage and try to annex that land. In conclusion it is advisable that Kenya ceases to continue entertaining Museveni diplomacy and embark or securing our borders more aggressively lest we might end up just getting invaded by other neighboring states who might easily think that we are easily beatable. I therefore beseech thee the commander in chief and president of this country to act over Migingo and Pokot west in the earliest opportune moment to regain the pride of our nation.Museveni might be buying time as he prepares for assault with an intention to have personal whims to decide what part of Kenya belongs to Uganda and what does not. If Kenya doesn’t take action, this Ugandan president might easily claim just like his country’s former despot Iddi Amin that, Uganda extends up to Naivasha. FWAMBA NC FWAMBA