Koigi wa Wamwere is under siege in Kenya

The Kenya times reports that Koigi wa Wamwere is under in Kneya, “because of his political stand that is seen to go against the popular will of those government.” Koigi serves in Kibaki government as assistant minister for Information and Communication.

He responded yesterday to his Narc-Kenya critics, “erming them as corrupt and dictatorial.”

The times reports that, “The Subukia Member of Parliament had a strong warning for those who have since branded him a traitor, saying Narc-Kenya, a party supported by President staunchest allies, was heading in the wrong direction and should brace for electoral defeat if its proponents do not accommodate divergent views of others.”

 The parliamentarian was, “reacting to last week’s protests against his political stand where his effigy was burnt at a rally choreographed by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Assistant Minister Danson Mungatana:”

According to the times, “Koigi described Narc-Kenya as a party tainted by corruption, lack of credibility and dictatorial. The MP who later distributed Sh1.5 million from the Constituency Development Fund to ten primary schools described Mungatana as a busy-body who cherished creating chaos and discontent in other MP’s constituencies.”

Koigi is reported to have, “claimed that his life was in danger, saying those who burned his effigy have ill-intentions against him and had the capacity to kill him, adding there was a scheme to tarnish his image through claims that Constituency Development Fund was being disbursed on regional and tribal basis. The visibly irritated Assistant minister challenged NARC-K proponents to stop purporting that it was the ruling party, adding that Kenyans gave the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) the mandate to govern the country for a five-year period.”

Koigi wanted to be president earlier and failed in his bid to oust Moi. “The legislator reiterated his earlier warning to President Mwai Kibaki that he was doomed to fail in his re-election bid should he opt to go on a Narc-Kenya ticket.”

In other developments, “Education minister Prof George Saitoti’s bid for Narc Kenya chairmanship yesterday received a boost from North Eastern Province leaders who pledged to support him. Led by Regional Development minister, Abdi Mohammud, the leaders said Saitoti’s move was based on his experience in politics. Speaking at a City hotel yesterday when the NEP leaders met Saitoti, Mohammud defended Saitoti’s and said Trade minister Dr Mukhisa Kituyi’s attack on the minister was provocative and ill-conceived. Two weeks ago, Kituyi described Saitoti as a Johnny-come-lately, and accused of wanting to use the party to revive his chocked political career. However, Kituyi later retracted his statement saying Saitoti was free to vie for the party’s top post.”

On the other hand, “Kituyi termed Saitoti as a stranger, who had joined Narc-Kenya barely a month ago, yet wanted to vie for the top post. But Mohammud dismissed Kituyi’s utterances on Saitoti saying such attacks may hamper the ongoing recruitment process of the party due to fear that they will be treated like outcasts.”

Mohammud said: “Everyone is avaluable. Kituyi too, joined Narc-K from Ford-Kenya and he is our interim chairman.”

This is the time to build alliances. “Sources indicate that Saitoti is being backed by Energy minister, Kiraitu Muriungi, former Finance minister, David Mwiraria, and sacked former National Security minister, Dr Chris Murungaru.”

Observers say that Saitoti stand a big chance to win the Chairmanship. “Mohammud said he viewed Saitoti as a potential President after Mwai Kibaki, based on his vast experience in Kenyan politics, maturity, stature, financial muscle, and the countrywide networks he developed when he was Vice-President and Kanu national vice-chairman.”

Fear is that the fight for seats may split the party and that will give ODM-Kenya and opportunity to turn the tables down. 

By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.times.ke

Statistics on viewer development today by 13.30

CoAfrican Press in Norway (APN)

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Figure nr 2. shows viewers in percentage pr continent by today at 13.30

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By Statistics section

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

ODM-K Scandinavia chapter seems to be heading for financial accusations

There has been accusation about rumour mongering in Stckholm among Kenyans. Clay Onyango raised the issue.

Josto has raised a very sensitive issue about ODM-K Scandinavia chapter that touches on money being raised. We let the readers judge the issue for themselves. Josto writes as follows here below: Apn

Josto writes:

One of the rumour mongers has clicked in my mind. It has to be the outgoing ODM treasurer. The other one, sijui.

Could there be a conflict between him and Osewe and Osewe is trying to make him look bad by any means necessary?

Time will tell.

It seems the treasurer couldn’t compromise with Osewe on how to “eat” the money from ODM fundraising gatherings.

By Josto

Related story:

• ODM-Kenya Scandinavia chapter treasurer’s resignation appreciated, writes Joe
• ODM-K Scandinavia chapter treasurer has resigned abruptly
• Questions being raised about the activities of ODM-Scandinavia chapter

When things start to look like this, ODM-K scandinavia chapter should come out swiftly and clarify issues instead of being quiet. To keep quiet enables rumours to spread and that may destroy the party.

Those dealing in finance probably should call a meeting and clarify to those who have made contributions as to what is happening and also explain why the treasurer had to leave abruptly. APN

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

Norway: Ham Mukasa bailed out former President Dr Milton Obote

We have read reactions to articles written by Ham Mukasa who lives in Norway. We are shocked to have discovered how hate is deep among the different tribes in Uganda.

<Dr Milton Obote, the first Ugandan executive head of state. Exiled in Zambia for 20 years, died  80 years old, and was buried in Uganda after President Yoweri Museveni gave a yes to the request. Allowing Obote to be buried in Uganda was President Museveni’s re-conciliatory move to unite the country.

Such hate, is expressed through comments from some individuals who served under the late President Dr Milton Obote. They swear that the best thing to happen to Uganda is the wiping of the Bagandans off this earth, leave alone from Ugandan soil.

Some writers have made it very clear that there is no good muganda but that “a good muganda is a dead one.”

For many who do not know the information we are now revealing, this may come as a big surprise. APN is of the opinion that the above rhetoric has been overtaken by events that took place in Oslo, and Zambia in 2001-2002. 

Mr Ham Mukasa was requested by Dr Obote to bail him out, when at the time he had failed to raise Kr 4 000, to pay for his telephone bill in his Zambian hide-out.

The request was channelled through a former military man, now based in Oslo, 2nd Lt Solomon Onyango. The Lt got the money from Ham Mukasa and he flew to Zambia for a meeting with Obote.

On arrival to Zambia to accomplish his mission of handing over the telephone money to Obote, Lt Onyango was officially accompanied by a Norwegian diplomat Mr Leif Sauvik who at the time was based in Zambia as a deputy ambassador.

It is questionable, however, why a Norwegian deputy ambassador had to accompany the Lt in the handing over of the money to the late Obote when the mission was not a Norwegian official matter.

The Zambian government was not aware that the Norwegians were officially, but in secret, involved in the mission to transport the Kr 4000 from Ham Mukasa to Obote in his then residence in the Zambian surburbs.

When Onyango arrived in Zambia, it is reported that he was housed in the official residence of the Norwegian deputy ambassador, before being escorted to Obote’s Zambia house the next day.

This episode needs to be known, because it may bring change in many hearts, in order to enable Ugandans to move forward, and be able to let go the feelings of the old days that has rested long inside them.

Maybe it is time with a positive and new rhetoric that should read, “some living muganda is a good one.”

If the the old rhetoric is replaced by the new one above, it might bear fruit and provide opportunity that will enable those who believe that there is no living muganda who is good, to move on and join in the building of a united Uganda.

We are not experts in Ugandan history, but we believe that hate is a hinder to progress in every nation. Africa, as a continent, has many countries and the countries has many tribes, and we believe that it is the duty of every person to contribute positively, to a positive change, and national progress, that all groups of people should enjoy in any given country.

When some former Obote soldiers swear that they plan to return, and eradicate the Bagandans, it is very scary, because it is true that such a thing can happen, if the military was to stage a coup that favours the return of Obote rhetoric of “a good muganda is a dead one.”

African leaders should not be dictators when in power, because living in exile is not the best that can happen to any former leader who has enjoyed luxury and power in the past.

There are very few exiled leaders who may enjoy a life outside their own countries, especially when they have to loose all that they own.

Living a solitary life, like it has happened to many in the past is painful. In this case a situation turned worse forcing one of the past powerful African leader Dr Obote, to request for help to pay a telephone bill. This had to happen when the former leader discovered that the telephone line had been disconnected and nothing from the host, the Zambian government was forthcoming to foot the bill.

His party the UPC in Uganda, where he was life chairman, refused to assist in paying the bill. This indirectly may mean the party disowned their former leader at the time of need forcing him to turn to a muganda in Norway.

Such situations must be avoided, but leaders have to take the lead and love the people they govern.

Lt Onyango has remained a very loyal officer to Obote, and APN has now learnt that when the coup took place, Lt Onyango was in Obote’s convoy escaping from Uganda. In the process, Obote who was good in rewarding loyalists is said to have promoted 2nd Lt Onyango to the rank of a Captain, only a few metres before the convoy crossed into Kenya.

Onyango was educated in the Military Academy in Sudan where he graduated to become a 2nd Lt. During the passing out parade, he was one of the officers who were medalled by the then Sudanese president J Numeiri. 

APN has just contacted the Norwegian foreign affairs for comment on the involvement of their embassy in the matter.

APN has been informed to await a response from the Communication director in the ministry Mr Anders Richter. His response, expected today, will be published as soon as we receive it.    

By Korir, Chief Editor, African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

Confusion caused by King’s birthday gifts wish list

Palace officials put out the word that King Harald wanted “experiences” for his birthday, but somehow a detailed list of rather extravagant items was sent to the country’s mayors.

Palace spokeswoman Astrid Versto said the wrong wish-list was sent to Norway’s mayors. PHOTO: BJØRN SIGURDSØN Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, meanwhile, was among the first to wish King Harald a happy 70th birthday on Wednesday. PHOTO: Stian Lysberg Solum / SCANPIX

On the royal wish-list

“Gold-plated Empire mirror,” price: NOK 22,000 (about USD 3,500). “ “One pair Swedish mirrored wall lamps, rococo, gold-plated, one light in each, price: NOK 26,000″ “Silver cup, price: NOK 5,500″ Small, gold-plated mirror, carved decorations, pearl-edged, Swedish, from the late 1800, price: NOK 5,000″ “Porcelain urn with lid, mother-of-pearl effect, price: 830″ “Silver mug with lid, price: NOK 890″ ‘ “Glass tumblers (Villeroy & Boch), price: NOK 153 each (the giver can choose how many)”

Assuming the mayors would want to give King Harald presents, a wish-list was sent to them via the national organization representing municipal governments (Kommunenes sentralforbund, KS).

It raised some of the mayors’ eyebrows. One suggested gift was “a gold-plated Empire mirror,” which carried a price tag of NOK 22,000 (about USD 3,500). Another gift suggestion was a pair of rococo, gold-plated mirrored lamps that cost NOK 26,000.

In case the mayors were unsure of where such items could be purchased, they were asked to contact Queen Sonja’s office by e-mail or telephone.

There were some more modest items on the list, but several mayors didn’t care for the gift suggestions and decided instead to mark the king’s birthday by making a charitable contribution on his behalf.

Palace spokeswoman Astrid Versto said the wrong wish-list was sent to the mayors. “The king doesn’t want a rococo mirror from the mayors,” she said. “It was a mistake that they were sent that list.”

It should have gone to the king’s family and friends, she said, blaming its distribution to the mayors on “a misunderstanding.” She said the king actually welcomed contributions from the mayors and others to a humanitarian fund set up by Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

Jørn Ivar Baade of KS was sorry the wrong list was sent to the mayors. “We received a list from the palace, and by mistake, it was sent out to the mayors,” he said. “We think this is really too bad.”

The king already has received several other gifts, including ice sculptures on the palace grounds from banking firm Nordea. The Parliament has given him a statue of his mother, county governments are holding a concert for him in the Oslo City Hall Friday evening and the Defense Ministry plans “a surprise” outside the palace on Saturday night, after a banquet for royal guests, that likely will include fireworks.

By Anders Nordstoga and Nina Berglund

Lifted and published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.aftenpostenENG

Tanzania produces good products that has found their way to international markets

Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) Many of Tanzania’s small-scale industries are producing quality products good enough to have found their way to regional and international markets, a senior official proudly told APA in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) Director General Mike Laiser said at least 25 per cent of the country’s enterprises were selling some of their products at overseas markets.

Laiser attributed the trend to improved quality and packaging of the products as well as promotional campaigns, including regular exhibitions being staged by SIDO.

“Things have improved and we are now entering neighbouring markets with ease. Our products are being accepted beyond the country’s borders,” Laiser added.

He said SIDO recently conducted a study of 400 enterprises, which is a sample representing over 4,000 small-scale operations in the country.

Apart from exports, the study revealed that 65 per cent of the firms managed to sell products outside their respective regions.

The SIDO chief said exhibitions, promotion and training have helped small-scale industries acquire necessary production and marketing skills.

Laiser, however, said there were still many challenges facing the small enterprises such as access to credit and technology.

He added that everything was not a bed of roses, however, saying that many operators still needed to crack the door to foreign markets for their products.”*

 

Lifted by Korir and Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, source.apa

Former Kenyan President Moi praised for peace by President Kibaki

The Standard reports that, “President Kibaki has praised former President Daniel Moi for his role in enhancing regional peace. He also praised Kenyans for embracing peace even in turbulent political times.”

Going through history and peace in the country the president said, “At each of these turning points in our country’s history, the Kenyan people rose to the occasion by binding all their leaders to a peaceful outcome, no matter the results.”

Regional peace is important for the continent to prosper. “He noted that it was the same philosophy that saw Kenya host and chair the Sudan and Somalia peace talks”, saying, “In this regard, I wish to pay tribute to my predecessor, former President Moi for his tireless efforts towards peace in our region.

He was speaking “during the Nairobi Rotary club luncheon, went down memory lane to the peaceful political transitions from 1978 to 2002, when he assumed office.”

He did not forget to tell Kenyans about the constitutional review. “As the President spoke, Moi sat next to him listening attentively at the Grand Regency Hotel.”

President Kibaki said, “This (peace) is our national philosophy, which is acted out and practised by all Kenyan institutions… It has enabled us to successfully tackle difficult political transitions.”

Praising Kenyan values, he stated that, “they resulted in peaceful and successful political transition in 1978, when founding President Jomo Kenyatta passed on and Mr Moi took over. He linked the peace to the 1992 multi-party politics and elections. He also cited the successful 2002 General Election and eventually the referendum on the constitution in 2005. Kibaki said it was because of the culture of peace that other countries viewed Kenya as an honest broker in peace talks. The former President would occasionally chat with Sports minister Maina Kamanda, who was seated on his right.”

When the function ended, “Kibaki and Moi chatted outside the hotel for about three minutes, before they left in separate vehicles. During the event graced by close to 50 diplomats and five Cabinet ministers, the President committed himself to completing the constitution review process. The process, the President said, needs to be handled carefully to attain national consensus through dialogue.”

Kibaki assured Kenyans that his government was committed to a broad-based “process that will involve all the parties.”

Others who attended the function were “Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua, Maina Kamanda, Amos Kimunya and Gideon Konchellah were some of the cabinet ministers present. President Kibaki called on MPs to vote for two Bills to be tabled in Parliament when it resumes. He called on the House Business Committee to accord the Bills priority when the time comes. The Bills seek to entrench the review process into the constitution and provide a roadmap.”

He wants bills to be enacted saying,”The enactment of the Bills will pave the way for a structured national debate and dialogue on the issue.”

Many groups including under ”the banner Muungano wa Katiba Mpya have demanded for minimum reforms before the General Election. The pressure group bringing together members of ODM-Kenya, Ford-Kenya, NPK, civil societies and religious leaders has given the President up to April 15 to show leadership or run the risk of the budget being shot down. The President said he would not be shaken by threats and ultimatums. Instead, he called on the groups to embrace dialogue.”

Kibaki praised the Kenyan people for loving peace saying, “because of the peace culture, …other countries viewed Kenya as honest broker in any peace deal. The President also announced that the country was providing logistical support and manpower training in both Sudan and Somalia.”

By Korir

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525.source.standard.ke