REFORMS: A CASE OF A LION GOING INTO LABOUR AND GIVING BIRTH TO A MOUSE?

Sun baked concrete pressed roughly against one`s nose is not enjoyable at best, and when the concrete is part of the synchronized international pressure, it is sure to be hot enough to be extremely unpleasant to those with a non reformist mentality. You expect them to throw a memorable fit of hysterics as is evidenced in “He should not put his fingers into our noses” or “We do not need lectures from people who are unfit to wipe our shoes” or worse still “We shall declare him a persona non grata”, words separately uttered by Dr. Alfred Mutua, Honorable Mutula Kilonzo and Honorable Moses Wetangula respectively while casting aspersions on the US ambassador, Michael Ranneberger for ostensibly misleading the Obama administration over the pace of reforms in Kenya. The circus gets even funnier when Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Government Spin Doctor par excellence, who either suffers from serious malapropism or he is an arrogant ignoramus, because he has now resorted to the worst form of flattery and chicanery. Perhaps he is a lead character artist in a haunting hilarious titled play titled “The Lion went into labour and gave birth to a mouse”. What else can one make of him in his straight faced defense of the country`s snail paced implementation of Agenda 4 reforms? Why would he use tax payers` money to mislead the public in a paid up advert in the country`s leading Daily Newspapers? That the reform process is 90 percent complete? That in most reform areas we are way ahead of schedule? What incomprehensible talk is this? Is this a case of straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel or is our spin doctor in a séance? Any Tom, Dick and Harry knows that this is a Cock and Bull story! And to imagine that our hard earned dimes have been put to such a reckless course makes it even more painful. Cosmetic reforms in the police force and the Electoral Commission are far below the minimum threshold for essential reforms required. The disingenuous judiciary is unscathed yet 2012 is nigh. The Ping- Pong in the constitution making process threatens to throw this country into a Cimmerian darkness. The litigations currently surrounding it are but a ploy serving the interests of the non reformists. Just where does Mutua get the 90 percent progress? Or is it that the reforms will be achieved in a jiffy? However, this is hardly surprising as Dr. Mutua and company have always been parsimonious with the truth, a trait absolutely consistent with their character and job descriptions; always turning a blind eye to the plight of the forty million Kenyans who desperately hope for a better tomorrow. In their quest to appear heroes they run the risk of engaging in reckless foolishness. It must be made abundantly clear to them that heroes are often set above and apart in history and legend by their bravery and boldness, by their skill and intelligence in their worthiness and will in genuinely serving the citizenry and not in stooping to unparalleled levels of sycophancy. The common denominator among the argument by all these Government functionaries rests on a mistaken premese of the pervasiveness of the nebulous concept “sovereign” which to them precludes international intervention even when it is crystal clear that the chilling power games are a stumbling block to essential reforms process and that we are fast and furiously heading to a tumultuous future that is more grievous than the 2007 post election violence. The more you harp on this lame excuse the more you will be seen by the public as conceited bullies. You see when the riot act is read by the apprehensive public and the international community; the leadership must know that the game is up. Do not give sop to Cerberus nor sail under false colors. You have the Hobson`s choice-Reforms and more Reforms. Period. Not even the burning desire to paint the US ambassador as the devil incarnate will work, for he will in the long run emerge out smelling as a rose. Leaders must be reminded the spectre of unresolved killings is haunting Kenya and the sooner we deal with it, fairly and squarely, the better for us. Wananchi should realize the violence was like the tip of an iceberg. Beneath the deceptively calm peace lies the threat of anarchy, bloodletting and degeneration of the State. Should we swallow the sugar coated, poisonous lies these selfish politicians are peddling, we shall firmly have put ourselves on the path to destruction. Kenya is more important than any individual politician. It is also more important than the sum of all its politicians.

DR. ALFRED MUTUA AND COMPANY: IS THIS CHICANERY, MALAPROPISM OR SYCOPHANCY?

Dear Sir/Madam, Sun baked concrete pressed roughly against one`s nose is not enjoyable at best, and when the concrete is part of the synchronized international pressure, it is sure to be hot enough to be extremely unpleasant to those with a non reformist mentality. You expect them to throw a memorable fit of hysterics as is evidenced in “He should not put his fingers into our noses” or “We do not need lectures from people who are unfit to wipe our shoes” or worse still “We shall declare him a persona non grata”, words separately uttered by Dr. Alfred Mutua, Honorable Mutula Kilonzo and Honorable Moses Wetangula respectively while casting aspersions on the US ambassador, Michael Ranneberger for ostensibly misleading the Obama administration over the pace of reforms in Kenya. The circus gets even funnier when Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Government Spin Doctor par excellence, who either suffers from serious malapropism or he is an arrogant ignomarous, who now has resorted to the worst form of flattery and chicanery. What else can one make of him in his straight faced defense of the country`s snail paced implementation of Agenda 4 reforms? Why would he use tax payers` money to mislead the public in a paid up advert in the country`s leading Daily Newspapers? That the reform process is 90 percent complete? That in most reform areas we are way ahead of schedule? What incomprehensible non sense is this? Is this a case of straining a gnat and swallowing a camel? Any Tom, Dick and Harry knows that this is a Cock and Bull story! And to imagine that our hard earned dimes have been put to such a reckless course makes it even more painful. Cosmetic reforms in the police force and the Electoral Commission are far below the minimum threshold for essential reforms required. The disingenuous judiciary is unscathed yet 2012 is nigh. The Ping- Pong in the constitution making process threatens to throw this country into a Cimmerian darkness. The litigations currently surrounding it are but a ploy serving the interests of the non reformists. Just where does Mutua get the 90 percent progress? Or is it that the reforms will be achieved in a jiffy? However, this is hardly surprising as Dr. Mutua and company have always been parsimonious with the truth, a trait absolutely consistent with their character and job descriptions; always turning a blind eye to the plight of the forty million Kenyans who desperately hope for a better tomorrow. In their quest to appear heroes they run the risk of engaging in reckless foolishness. It must be made abundantly clear to them that heroes are often set above and apart in history and legend by their bravery and boldness, by their skill and intelligence in their worthiness and will in genuinely serving the citizenry and not in stooping to unparalleled levels of sycophancy. The common denominator among the argument by all these Government functionaries rests on a mistaken premese of the pervasiveness of the nebulous concept “sovereign” which to them precludes international intervention even when it is crystal clear that the chilling power games are a stumbling block to essential reforms process and that we are fast and furiously heading to a tumultuous future that is more grievous than the 2007 post election violence. The more you harp on this lame excuse the more you will be seen by the public as conceited bullies. You see when the riot act is read by the apprehensive public and the international community; the leadership must know that the game is up. Do not give soap to Cerberus nor sail under false colors. You have the Hobson`s choice-Reforms and more Reforms. Period. Not even the burning desire to paint the US ambassador as the devil incarnate will work, for he will in the long run emerge out smelling as a rose. Leaders must be reminded the spectre of unresolved killings is haunting Kenya and the sooner we deal with it, fairly and squarely, the better for us. Wananchi should realize the violence was like the tip of an iceberg. Beneath the deceptively calm peace lies the threat of anarchy, bloodletting and degeneration of the State. Should we swallow the sugar coated, poisonous lies these selfish politicians are peddling, we shall firmly have put ourselves on the path to destruction. Kenya is more important than any individual politician. It is also more important than the sum of all its politicians. TOME FRANCIS, BUMULA CONSTITUENCY.

ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY.

Dear Sir/Madam, The Anglican book of common prayer states that “Constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke the vice, and patiently suffer for the truth`s sake.”It is in this light that I dare ask whether the Prime Minister erred in New York when he stated that the Grand Coalition Government had at no time agreed to use the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) to try the perpetrators of Post Election Violence (PEV)? I do not think so. He was simply brutally frank to the chagrin of a section of the legislators. Stating that Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) is the way forward for this country does not in itself preclude the establishment of a local and/or international legal framework for dealing with people who hold the highest responsibility for PEV. Truth whether spoken in Kenya or in New York remains nothing but the truth. With the deepest spirit of patriotism, I dare say that every Kenyan must exercise his responsibility and vigilance and to speak truthfully about what is before us. In the words of John P Curran, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” To shy away from this responsibility because a temerarious, obdurate and desultory Harvard trained lawyer is telling us that too much democracy is bad for us will be suicidal. Such persons are hell bent in making us to exchange that vigilance and responsibility for complacency, to idle in the shadow of false images, thoughtlessness, ignorance, and disinformation and to blindly swallow sugar coated lies that they are desperately trying to implant in the minds of the masses. They without prospicience want the impuissant public to permit without effective protest the dissemination of error and mendacity about the state of our nation. It must be crystal clear to all and sundry that to look at issues from the lenses of these self serving politicians is a sure way to reserve for our nation a place in the dust-bin of history. One does not have to look far afield to discern well-meaning societies who, for like-reason, have suffered that fate. When yesterdays liberation fighters turn into today’s political Henchmen and turn you into a punching bag, do not despair for this is the price you have to pay to regain the high standards of truth and democracy upon which our great nation was founded. Do not fear that Kenya has increasingly become a hotbed of political insanity. The truth shall set us free. In this regard I whole heartedly support the Prime Minister over his stand on retributive justice. The cabinet`s collective responsibility stance to hide the reality is just but collective insipience since this will be a sure way to reserve for our nation a place in the dust-bin of history. It is quite unfortunate that some politicians in cahoots with a section of a partisan media are deliberately misinterpreting and vilifying the Prime Minister`s views in order to make the public susceptible to phantasms that are projected as realities. Yes, the media is the pubic relations expert, the image-maker but unfortunately if misused it becomes a purveyor of falsehoods. The Prime Minister`s views are no different from the views expressed by members of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) who have been on record stating that TJRC can not effectively handle the prosecution of the perpetrators of PEV. In fact some TJRC members have threatened to resign should the cabinet`s decision to expand their mandate be implemented. The public too has expressed serious doubts over the expansion of the mandate of TJRC to prosecute PEV suspects. A section of legislators have echoed the same sentiments. And I do not think that we need a seasoned political science professor to tell us that dealing with the extensive and intensive historical injustices alongside Post Election Violence (PEV), within a very limited time frame and more so, without clearly spelt out specific objectives, is a disaster in the making for the country. It is our consentaneous decision that no amount of sprucing TJRC can make it rise to the occasion. I wonder why these politicians should go through the dance, when I suspect that they invariably are not listening to the same music as we are. TOME FRANCIS, BUMULA CONSTITUENCY.

A TALE OF THE MASTERMINDS OF THE NOXIOUS GRAND SCAMS.

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

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

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

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

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

PERSECUTED AND PROSECUTED FOR DEFENDING HUNGRY KENYANS

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

PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE YES – YES REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN

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

UPDATES ON THE ABDUCTION OF OJIAYO AND KAMAU

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

VICTORY AGAINST THE IRRESPONSIBLE POLICE.

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

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

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

MORE PICTURESQUE JUST BEFORE THE ARRESTS WERE MADE

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

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

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

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

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

PHILO IKONYA AND JACOB ODIPO RELEASED-NO CHARGES

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

PHILO IKONYA AND JACOB ODIPO ARRESTED PROTESTING AGAINST IMPUNITY

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

Minutes of the steering committee meeting

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

IDEALS OF UFC

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

THE WORLD MUST EMULATE THIS WOMAN'S STRUGGLE

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

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

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