Commentary by

Rev Okoth Otura,

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Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no

Commentary by Nyatigi

There is absolutely no reason for anyone with a clear conscience to thumb his/her chest as yet. The day Mr Uhuru decided to abscond from being an official leader of the opposition was a grim day for the road to democracy in Kenya. It brought back those unpleasant memories of yesteryears characterised by one party system of authoritarian rule.

The period when the spirit of democracy was nearly none existence; and instead, it was a period characterised with lack of equity coupled with propagation of chauvinistic tendencies. These are the years when cronies and toadies had field days and everything was carried out through acclamation. This move by Uhuru Kenyatta will certainly go down as the greatest betrayal in history.

The Kenyans have to act in haste to curtail this progression towards the dark days. They must come out in one accord irrespective of geopolitical location and creed to usher change in and to vote out status quo with its erstwhile retrogressive traits. It is our prayer that the spirit of equity will prevail come the December election. It is our prayer that nepotism, chauvinism and cronyism will be things of the past come January next year.

Nobody has been elected yet, so do not blow your trumpets you proponents of status quo. The agents of change are yet to go round the wall of Jericho seven times in order to effect an imminent change. We shall speak words of faith to the mountain and it will tumble down. We are sanguine that the spirit of equity will subjugate the spirit of status quo and its revolting traits.

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Commentary:

The tribalism being talked very much in Kenya, was started by late first President Jomo Kenyatta, who allowed his tribes men from Mt.Kenya region to acquire wealth and go to other Provinces to buy properties ans settle there to do Business freely and they are there enjoying life very well wthout any problem, and yet they do not want any other tribe to do Business in their region Mt.Kenya (Central Province) The question is that is that tribalism or what is it?

To prove this, you can see how their Administration in leadership contributes jobs in senior sectors, and Ministries. Do the Central Province people think they are only Kenyans to acquire everything in the country? Are other tribes in Kenya blind or fools who can not see this messes?

Lastly the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga worked hard to elect the first President of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta, The question is that was he Oginga a tribalist to do that? And why now his son Raila Odinga want to show Kenyans the new changes in  the country, and is now being seen as a tribalist. Do our brothers Kikuyus see that point or not? Elect RAILA as the President of the new changes in Kenya without doubt.

Those people who are opposing him are those who looted the taxpayers money, and are trying to woe the people whom they made to be unable to stand on their own. Just to fool them. What do they think about forty three years (43yrs)of Indipence people being dominated? Those corrupt people in Kenya are those now trying to unite parties for the President’s re-election, and can not even agree on one line.

Where were they when the parties were operating in their individuals? And now they are even not sure whether they will make it or not? I am urging them to vote for Raila. Their evils have reached in Heaven even God has acknowledged it.

By Peter L.Akhonya
Cincinnati, Ohio
USA.

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Thank you editor for the good work that you are doing and the Lord bless your work.

Well, today I am back and I want to talk about what is going on in Kenya now. As you see things the man Raila is  the one to watch. He is ahead of all those who are in ODM-K presidential race.

After he got his car “the hummer”, things have really changed, and I am going to say as we see now he will win the presidentcial race. This man called Ruto wanted to return his kanu team to Kibaki to support him, but things have changed. Also the man Kalonzo does not have power to win the presidency. Uhuru is locked up in Kanu affairs. As we hear from his family, he wants his party as tool to support Kibaki who is his friend.

But up to now things are really good for raila as we see he whole community of kalenjins are for him. We must remember Kalonzo has some link with the Kikuyus who are his best friends and will easily come out of line as soon as he is elected.

Also Iam not happy with the way the Kikuyus are attacking Bishop Gilbert Deya that he sells children. This is envy. You know Gilbert is from Raila’s tribe and those who are from the Mt. Kenya do not want any one else to be above them.

Up to now the president does not have a party to use in getting back to the presidency. What I am saying here is that Raila will win the presidency.

By apostle solomon
www.ourchuch.com/member/j/jesuswoking

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A message to Liberians in Sweden

My Brothers and Sisters,

It has been about nearly three weeks ago and I just couldn´t relax without sharing with you’ll my fellow compatriots the uneasiness and disappointment I feel about certain “Liberians” in this community. I feel a strong compulsion to address this little encounter. It has taken me immeasurable courage and thought to write this.

Just at the recently held Liberian social gathering held in Alby on 21 April, in Stockholm, Sweden, organized by some “irrational and less busy people (Liberians)”. I decided to talked to and encourage a fellow countryman about how we (the irrational and less busy people) Liberians are trying assiduously to have an organized and united Liberian Community in Sweden, and there are positions available to contest and by which means “you” can help bring the community together.

During my brief explanation and ideals of the Liberian Swedish Association (LSA) to this fellow, I was interrupted in the middle of my explanation by this brother who expletively said “My brother I don’t want to be bother with Liberian people?” I asked why, he replied “Liberians are irrational people and unserious”. Then I asked “are you referring to a specific individual?” He said “NO”. What’s frightening is how this brother could blanketly cast absurdities on an entire nation and its people. He continued by “look my brother, you see that Dujar woman, and the reason why I joined (Dujar) is because they are serious” and I said “that’s true” and I thought to myself how easy it is for people to bask in the success of others. Where is our Patriotism? He didn’t stop there but lambasted on how he at a point in time went to Liberia to assist the people and they still wanted to be bribed, and as well as delved into other peoples’ private life and the amount of debts they owe and nothing they can show for the many years of their stay in Sweden. If you’re genuinely concern about your fellow Liberian state of being i.e. social or economic malfeasance, I think it would be very appropriate and prudent to discuss it with the individual concern.

We all know that Dujar has made significant inroads inside Liberia. I (we) am quite grateful for the achievements Dujar have in Liberia, but how about uniting Liberians in Sweden and trying to bring them together? Is this a herculean task? My fellow Liberians, being a member of The Birthday Club, Dujar, Volunteers for Homeless International (VHI) or The Liberian Development Forum is a matter of choice but LSA is a moral and nationalistic obligation for all well meaning and intentioned Liberian. Liberian Swedish Association (LSA) does not solicit funds from the Swedish Government or other NGO’s. It’s the embodiment of ALL Liberians in Sweden.

We Liberians are so good at criticizing others for their well-meaning efforts for simple initiatives and undertakings that we dire venture into and lack the ´guts and stimuli´ to get initiate. How are we to help Liberia move forward under this period of transformation, after hundred years of practiced corruption and abuse of public offices? When are we going to cultivate the spirit to encourage others for the gestures and activities they get involve into to help bound this already divided, hatred harboring and “too proud” Liberian Community in Sweden.

Here is another scenario with another brother being caught with his pants down while gossiping in the back. Little did he know or noticed that I was standing right at the back when he saying..“They always letting this guy play (DJ) at parties…and he doesn’t have good music.” Why can’t you muster the positive energy in you and confront your Liberian brother and point out his shortcomings and encourage him to improve his choice of music? What seizes to amaze me is the fact that this same brother that was caught bad mouthing the D.J, was asked by me earlier during the morning hours if he wasn’t going to be a part of the conference scheduled earlier, he replied “I vehemently that I only came to drop my mother” Wouldn’t that be better than to stand in the corner surreptitiously and display our Liberian attitude to “destroy instead of building”? No one is against criticism, but “constructive criticism” is the common denominator for encouraging change in society or an individual.

It’s a common tendency for Liberians to quickly forget from whence they cometh. We are all Liberians irrespective of skin color, religious background, social status or a perm hair with a ponytail.

These are the same people that go around saying that Liberian are not serious minded and they can’t fathom why we’re not holding together as one people.

My fellow brother continued with his rampant and blanket insinuations “the Liberian people are not serious and in fact I went down there to help the people and they still want to be bribe and I don’t have patient to deal with foolish people”. Well, that’s true, I replied, but shouldn’t we be persistent in our endeavors in bringing about a definite and long lasting change in Liberia and unanimously set up a full front court press after decades of accepted corrupt practices?

Do you know how the Chairman of the TRC came to Sweden? If you don’t know, it’s through the efforts and contacts of the “Irrational Liberians” and people that have the”unflinching, unwavering and the patriotic adrenalin that push us forward to contribute to the reconciliation process in and out of Liberia.
My dear Liberian Brothers and Sisters, if you don’t have any meaningful contributions to make to this already divided and malice ridden Liberian community, I advise that it be prudent to simply don’t pursue negative devices such as utterances or gestures and don’t push the community to further division.

Patriotic yours

Francis Monnoh Mensah

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A reaction by Muthoni to our earlier article posted by Pauline Onyango titled: Disrimination: When will it end in our society?

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I will react by analyzing the causes of societal discrimination on different levels namely: the Global, national and personal level. Poverty plays a key role and is the main thread weaving through these three levels, down to this unfortunate orphan denied a chance in college. At the global level, the rich countries continue to use all manners of financial power to buy our good brains, who should help us invent so that a poor continent like Africa can also be a competitor, and not a dependant on their handouts.

Poverty is present in the rich countries too among the socio-economically deprived natives and immigrants, who are highly discriminated differently.

At the national or country level which Kenya is referred to here, responsibility lies with the central government that is supposed to have quotas or provisions for brilliant children who need to proceed to college. But as well noted, Kenya is a country that favors the children of the financially able.

Down to the personal level, many of those who are born poor in Kenya, die poor. This is quite unfortunate, and there must be a turnaround so that every Kenyan is valued and can enjoy quality life, regardless of her/his socio-economic status. It is sad that economic goodies normally don’t trickle down to the poor in order to translate into wealth.

Some solutions: (1) The developed world still owes us a fortune in terms of helping us uplift our living standards. Why? Financially, people from these countries make billions of dollars on most of our natural resources, including patenting our trees for medicine in their countries, kikoi etc. Soon it might be our Nyatiti (kamba nane), after reading about the Japanese Luo-speaking woman who plays nyatiti and sings. Morally, they need to help us because they forced us to abandon our cultures (through slavery and Christianity), and now for example, many Africans live with borrowed accents when speaking the white man’s language. They left us halfway before completing their acculturation. The French even offered citizenship to Africans who could speak, dress and eat like them. The Europeans messed us forever by colonizing us.

(2) African leaders need to be aggressive in marketing themselves, our products and also be patriotic. The love for your country does not mean you become a tribalist, but would mean for example, that you do not sign contracts that will enslave your descendants by paying inflated interest rates to the IMF and the World Bank for another century, thereby perpetuating poverty. Recently, a Kenyan delegation to a tourist exhibition in Berlin was poorly rated for bringing the Maasai clad in their usual red regalia. People have seen this for years and is nothing new or exciting. We need to be more inventive because in this case, the Rwandese brought their dancers who stole the show and it was reported that the Kenyan stall could not attract people. Remember, Kenya is losing more tourists to Uganda, Rwanda and South Africa, who seem to have improved their standards and even advertize themselves on CNN.

I have said it here that without innovation, Kenya is heading nowhere. We need to reduce brain drain by capturing our scientists inside Kenya, so that they can generate knowledge to help us prosper. This also requires that there is good political governance which in return will bring harmony among people, thus reducing crime because there will be law and order. Good leadership is key, otherwise we shall continue losing smart brains like the late Professor Bwayo, a great HIV/Aids vaccine scientist who was recently shot dead by a reckless gun-totting young thug. The state of anarchy in Kenya is partly due to the retention of wealth in a few hands. A smart capitalist knows that wealth grows by distributing capital and goods to generate profit. However, most of our wealthy Kenyans tie their money in Swisss or offshore accounts, and continue enriching those areas. Rural-urban migration can be curtailed by erecting industries in the rural areas. We need to devolve most of our services so
that people do not have to travel to city and town centres. Basically, the central government needs a sound and fair macro-economic planning by putting the taxpayer’s money in the right areas of economic growth.

3. The personal level: I will not urge Kenyans to go out there and fetch jobs, because Kenya does not have numerous job opportunities. However, if wealth can trickle from the central government to the individual level, then micro-economic growth can be realized. The former Asian Tigers rose within the decade of the 1980s due to sound planning and investments, with the full support of their central governments. The model had its weaknesses, but the key is planning and prioritizing expenditure into areas of probable growth. Kenya is projecting the middle-income position among the less developed countries by 2030; it sounds like a joke. I guess this could be halved to speed up poverty eradication. But again, is this not the same Kenya which promised clean water to all citizens by 2000 but we still do not have it? The Asian Tigers fell economically in the 1990s, but once again, they are on their feet. In 2005, South Korea registered an increase of 21% in the number of dollar
millionaires, among the emerging economies. We need to ask ourselves, how within a decade they are once again an emerging global financial market. Kenyans need to love each other too, regardless of tribe or social-political differences, because the level of tribalism has risen so much that I am sure a look at a name will deny one a place at work or in school.

My levels of analysis are chained together because not a single solution can make Kenya a better place for all.

By Muthoni Kabara,

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A reaction by Wuod Asembo to earlier article posted by Pauline Onyango titled:

Disrimination: When will it end in our society?

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Very sad story and unfortunately a common situation in Kenya and other “developing countries”. This is even found in countries like the U.S.

So, how can we change this? I see only one solution: We should all try to help in situations like this. If we can’t deal with it alone (since there’s too much and too big misery out there…), we need to spread the word. We need to found small organizations, with a trusted contact person in the place where we want to send our help.

I’m stressing that the organizations needs to be small and preferrably kept within a group of friends. Otherwise, the funds seems to get legs and disappear on the way to the receiver.

Once there are some people moving up the social ladder, who comes from poor conditions, there can be a chance for an improvement within Kenya.

The people that has once been in the same situation, are more likely to discover a miserable living situation and also more motivated to help “their own kind”. The ones that are born rich or well off, does not really have the same motivation.

“HARAMBEE”

By Wuod Asembo

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

Yes, while we still are here quarrelling about who’s going to “lead” or “organize” getting tribal and stuff other Kenyans around the world are getting serious and enjoying …very well!

When will we wake up! ill thru a challenge who’s with me for a summer “Mbuzi treff” some place around Oslo na watoto…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqEiK4HFXAg&mode=related&search=

let’s start somewhere…

Otherwise wishing all a “good Easter”……

Ira Ndunda

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 A reaction by Esther to earlier article posted by Clay Onyango titled:

Who is a Kenyan and who is not?

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A lot of harm Mr Clay, No in fact a lot of damage. How many Kenyans own plantations in Europe? Maybe zero point many zeros.

As Kenyans benefited from the farms? How? by earning less than a dollar when the Kaburus are making millions from Kenyan land? And even if they benefit,its Kenyan property for Kenyans.

I wonder why these people stayed after colonizing my mother land. In fact the  land should be divided to the homeless Kenyans. You may think I’m crazy,but you are damn right i am. If only i had powers…If only wishes were horses….. Yes i know I’m not living in Kenya,but i cant do what these heartless morons did to our ancestors.

I cant forgive nor can i forget Mr Clay. I think you should research about the facts on how these people became Kenyans becouse I believe I have done my homework.

By the way,owning plantations as a Kaburu in Kenya and shooting Kenyans mistaking them with animals makes me sick.

By Esther, Finland

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A reaction by Muthoni Kabara to earlier article posted by Ira Ndunda titled:

Female Clitoral Circumcision

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Ira,

I fail to see the connection between your earlier thread on female circumcision and the Friends of Cricket posting. Maybe Korir can answer this better, being the moderator, I suppose.

Africans generally have a way of avoiding debates on sensitive issues like female circumcision and other taboo-laden matters. I can see this from the lack of response to your article. Now termed female genital mutilation (FGM), female circumcision (in all its forms) is still widely practised in many African countries, cutting across religious and non-religious communities. There is complete awareness of the inherent dangers of FGM, yet it prevails. I once watched a TV documentary showing the “chop” being carried out on an Ethiopian girl, and believe me that was horrendous. I literally screamed as if I was the one undergoing it.

Many NGOs and international agencies like the UN, DANIDA and Sida etc. are working hard to promote awareness and various incentives to families, in order NOT to put their daughters through this physical and psychological torture. Many influential people are championing an “FGM free” Africa through talks in schools and other fora. Ms. Lena Jebii, a former minister in Kibaki’s government, walks among her folk and other Kenyans talking proudly that despite the cultural stigma associated with women who did not undergo FGM, she managed to go to the university, is married with children, and was the first female minister in her area. This message needs to reach most rural areas in Kenya, where the habit is strongly-rooted.

I agree with you that being open and allowing a revision of taboos, customs and traditions, will help us chart the way forward and offload some of these cultural baggages, which are not necessary any longer.

By Muthoni Kabara

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A reaction by Muthoni Kabara to earlier article posted by Njuguna titled:

ODM’s Raila Odinga: Already Presidential? 

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Njuguna,

William Kabogo (MP), Oliech (international football player) and a tycoon at the coast all own the Hummer. These people have never been featured in public because of their ownership.

However, Raila’s arrival in a Hummer at the 9th Parliament opening session has stirred a debate among Kenyans and even many of our good-for-nothing MPs are debating it, instead of the presidential address.

Macharia Gaitho of the Nation Newspaper said that Raila’s parliamentary colleagues do own and use personal helicopters to go for nyama choma sessions. So what is the big deal with Raila’s Hummer? He had already expressed his wish to vie for the presidency long before we even linked him with a Humvi.

This guy remains an enigma and no wonder the late Wamalwa said there are those who fear Raila and those who worhip him.

By Muthoni Kabara

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

Commentary: A reaction Muthoni Kabara to earlier article posted by Mchambuzi titled:

ODM-K is actually KANU

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Mchambuzi,

Maybe it is you who does not know Kenyan politics. Kibaki brought Kanu back into the government by creating his GNU (Government of National Unity) for political survival.

Njenga Karume, and a string of other ministers and assistant ministers were voted in as Kanu MPs in 2002.

Let us not argue for the sake of arguing or throwing words around just because it is always fashionable to talk negatively about LDP. I would be more worried about Kanu in government NOW and former president Moi’s cosy meetings with President Kibaki, than the LDP wing of ODM.

Kanu has never gone away since Kibaki retained so many of its sycophants in plum jobs and even now sits with them in the cabinet.

I feel completely short-changed that some Kanu members plus Ford People members are enjoying the “fruits” which they never fought for in 2002, because Kibaki has to survive politically.

By Muthoni Kabara

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Commentary by Muthoni Kabara on earlier article by Njuguna titled:

Kenyan minister courting investors

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Njuguna,

Thanks for posting this well-articulated article on Kenya’s Finance Minister’s recent mission to woo Kenyans to invest back home. This is an election year and quite clearly Kimunya and company had more of a political than an economic success agenda to present. They had to spend millions of Kenyans’ hard-earned money to sell the government’s successes, but tactfully avoided discussing the grinding poverty levels that are well documented in recent reports. The Kibaki administration caters to the rich elite, and is never bothered about the poor Kenyans. I believe the trip cost so much, yet the same sweet words could have been spoken cheaply using new technologies like videoconferencing from Nairobi.
Kenyans in the Diaspora remit billions of their hard-earned money to their relatives in Kenya annually, and many can confess that they have uplifted their standards of living through this and not directly from the government. Kenyans abroad will never invest heavily at home unless the government is serious about addressing the pertinent issues posted in this article.

Kibaki and company should continue burying their heads in the sand, thinking that statistical figures on PowerPoint will translate into voting them back. The common mwananchi is still suffering and even if CDF has brought feeder roads, many areas are still not productive enough for these Kenyans to utilize those roads, because they have nothing to transport or sell.

Talking of poor salesmanship, I read that Martha Karua, the Justice Minister, nowadays acts as a die-hard-defender-cum-spokesperson for the Kibaki administration on local TV. I also understand that she was recently on BBC’s HardTalk, denying the obvious–corruption, crime and even dismissing the recent UNDP figures on the increased rich-poor gaps. It is the arrogance and over-confidence of Kibaki’s handlers that add to the poor image of this government. They should reach out for the poor and economically-deprived masses, instead of spending time selling only one side of their story to Kenyans abroad.

By Muthoni Kabara

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

Commentary: 

A reaction by Muthoni Kabara to our earlier article posted by Clay titled:

Africans wake up – learn – forgive and forget 

Dear Clay,

Forgive and forget what? Bill Clinton sent his apologies to Africans during his Presidency for all the slavery and bad things whites did to Africans. Has much changed since then? Nope. Neo-colonialism is still rife and intertwinned in the neo-liberal global economy (a white creation) that is busy ripping off wealth in Africa. White investments in Africa still remain extractive. Go to Ghana where the Anglo Gold white Kaburu management has ordered the whipping of Africans who chance to pick nuggets that drop while being transported. African guards are instructed to even kill if a miner is caught with gold. Similar happenings are there in Mozambique, Angola etc. These white investors of course collaborate with the ruling African elite so the colonial powerplay continues. We know of the Del Monte Pinnaple plant in Thika where Italian bosses walk around with pistols to show who is in control. Go to Nigeria and the oil wealth belongs to Army bosses and white oil companies, yet the masses
are living in poverty!

I could go on with numerous examples, but I will tell you that it is not an issue of Africans being idiots–that is too simplistic if you want to analyze a charged topic like the one you raised. Go to Botswana and see that good governance has kept that country stable since its independence from the same whites in the late 1960s. Botswana is the only country in Africa offering “free” education (though other charges are there–nothing is free) from the Kindergaten to University level. The Botswana diamonds are not yet cursed like those of Sierra Leone.

What many African nations have failed to do is project ahead and not just invite investors without clinging to some level of protectionism. This means Kenya for example, should not go all the hog by auctioning all our businesses to the Chinese or Europeans. Right now many are not questioning the presence of the Chinese in our economic endeavours, but remember these people are strategic and will reap later on whatever they are currently sowing. Recall President Kibaki’s KES 6 billion goodies from China? This is tied to oil exploration, and if discovered, our oil benefits will be largely in their hands (Chinese). The East is repeating the same strategies laid by the Europeans in the 19th century by exploring and taking risks on the sleeping giant called Africa. Go to Dar es Salaam and you will notice that most motor mechanics and garage owners are Chinese, thwarting the poor African out of his/her Jua Kali business. This will be the trend in Kenya soon.

Africans need to be tough negotiators in business investments and not just accept for example, 99 year old leaseholds which rip our countries economically, to build Europe and America. Recall how the Kibaki administration short-changed the Masai by forging signatures and dates on the colonial lease years of the land partly owned by the Delamares and a few other whites? Through collaboration between some rich Africans, influential politicians and these whites, the Masai were blocked from all claims of repossessing the land. The whites still occupy over 3 million acres of prime land in Kenya. Remember, a few very wealthy  Africans used their influence during the past regimes to be owners here, so they will never let the Masai back. They must protect their land.

Well Clay, since the so-called whites have always been in Kenya, how come those tube stations etc. are not there? Inter-racial marriages only add up to co-existence within races, but not on the big issue of accepting that our wealth should be taken while we lie quietly. With or without Europeans, good planning, good governance, a sound political vision and encouraging innovation (through investing in human beings), are what will help us to leapfrog the poverty levels that barricade our economic growth in Africa, especially Kenya.

By Muthoni Kabara

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

To even imagine the abhorrable – Whites or Japanese coming to rule Kenya! Clay, Kibaki’s successes have been heralded and supported by among others, his perceived arch-rival Raila Odinga. Many blog sites including Jamii in Sweden, have acknowledged these, except that he is a spent force and change is necessary for the speedy economic recovery of Kenya.

Kibaki should pave way for a smooth transition of leadership because he has done his bit. Re-electing Kibaki is the same as the American blunder of having re-elected current President Bush to finish his war agenda in Irak, which is now becoming ridiculously costly financially and in terms of human loss.

Kenya needs to establish institutions that will check all her sectors, in order to stop spending our energies discussing politics, and to concentrate on day-to-day needs and successes. This is only possible through a fairly drafted constitution, which will guide the country and reduce the president’s excessive powers that have been misused for many years. A good constitution will harmonize different sectors and tribes, for a smooth running of the country.

I believe that Kenyans are mature enough to rule themselves. The history of the West and the East is awash with brutality and inhumanity that took so many years to reform. Until now, they sponsor atrocities through plundering natural resources in Africa. See the current movie, �Blood Diamonds’ or an earlier one, �Darwin’s Nightmare’. Also, read �How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’. Through adventures, Christianity and colonization, the West succeeded in amassing wealth and becoming a superpower.

The Magadi Soda Company and other lease contracts that have been renewed during the tenure of president Kibaki, only add losses to the poor Kenyans, while benefiting the West. Historically, stability in the West was later brought about through discipline, dedication and hard work. A tour of the London streets will reveal barbarianism that occurred for many years; the rich-poor gap was then pretty wide.

Let us not forget that the Japanese were historically barbarians and war-mongers, until they were taught a lesson from the American bombings of Nagasakia and Hiroshima during the World War II.

Europeans introduced modernity in Africa but left us half-baked with no roots in their home-grown cultures. What we do today in Africa, including speaking European languages, clearly depicts the neo-colonial nature left behind, which perpetuates poverty, disease and ignorance. We are at pains to behave like whites, yet cannot achieve even a bit of what they have. They still control all our major resources!

Brother Clay, bringing the Japanese, Swedes and their ilk to rule us politically, will seal our fate, which is the total demise of the Africans and Africa. Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru, with his Japanese roots, quit the country’s leadership in disgrace, though he had earlier achieved some successes.

Japanese are famous for political and corporate corruption, matters that Clay needs to investigate before proposing them to control Kenya.

To Korir: stop your biased thoughts and focus on Kenyan leadership per se, not TRIBAL LEADERSHIP!

By Malaki, Sweden

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

This issue of rumours and gossip folks is quite interesting and I can relate to that at some level. I have been a victim of malicious individuals for a while.

Through all that I learnt that in such situations and generally in life, its how we handle our problems and troubles that define who we are and not the problems themselves.

A wise person once said that we should treat rumours and slander going on around us in the same way we deal with a bee.

There are two options. When approached by a bee one option is to totally ignore it. It will approach you, buzzing trying to provoke you or get a reaction. But if you ignore it, it will simply buzz away no matter how long that takes.

The second option is to kill it. If you choose to kill a bee you have to make sure that you kill it and finish it with the first blow. Failure to that will result in it coming back to you more vicious and aggressive. On and on till it gets more exhausting and annoying and the result may not be pleasant.

Thats the same way to treat all the rumours going around about us. Ignore it totally eventually it will die down and disappear. Its a tough option but the results are the best.

Choosing to kill the rumour we have to make sure the first statement we make in defense or clarification, is enough and will not create more stories.

I guess ultimately one has to choose what suits him/herself the best….

Still the best revenge in life is always success. To focus on the job one is doing and to be successful in it such that while others are busy running their mouths, you are busy cashing in on your top dollar cheques…..

By Mukami

Mukami is reacting to our earlier story:

• Sweden: Mr Clay Onyango saddened by Kenyans rumour-mongering in Stockholm

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

Hello Clay.

It is a pleasure writing you.
I’m a young Nigerian, who has always had the ambition traveling overseas to get a better life.

I don’t intend travelling for the fun of it, but to impact positively to my pears and family back home.

Please I really need your professional advise, knowing fully well you’ve been-there and have done-it, so you know what it looks like.  

Sir I want a good country in Europe where I can study and same time be working, just don’t want to be a liability to anybody.
I will highly appreciate if you can give some tips and advice.

Looking forward to in hearing from you.

Yours Faithfully,
Vic Uko.

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

Clay Onyango is sad. The fact is that he feels he helps people as a businessman and yet they spread rumours that he is in jail. He would like the rumour-mongers to stop their ill-intentioned motivated initiatives destroying others due to jealousness. Here below, Clay speaks to Kenyans by letter, APN editorial, 

Dear Kenyans,
There is a rumour going on in Stockholm that I am in jail for dealing in drugs and fake cards.

I have been called by several people trying to
confirm if this is correct. Well, the answer is NO. As a businessman, I am aware that I have to have enemies.

I have been a businessman for the last 7 years and I am proud to say that I have not been summoned by the police or even been in jail. Yes, as a business man, I have debts, I have made mistakes, I can be bankrupt and these includes major business companies as British
Airways, Alitalia, KlM, Ericsson, Xerox and many others.

Even governments do have debts. For example, the Kenya government, Tanzania, Afghanistan and many others.

Big airlines like SABENA went bankrupt and so as other big companies. As a businessman I have also been a victim of fraud through visa cards and these goes to all large airlines and big companies.

Now one wonders how somebody can wake up in the morning and build rumours that I am in jail. This has been going on for a month now, I did not want to comment on this, but it has gone too far now. It is not funny to receive calls from friends asking the same question.

I have been in touch with some of these rumour mongers and it’s unfortunate that these are people who have been living in Sweden for the last 30 years. One wonders if they are
becoming infants as they grow… One even went to an African embassy, got an appointment to meet the ambassador and started saying that I do organise parties so that people can attend and fight, and then they report to the police so that they can get compensation and then I share with
them.

Surely, isn’t this a sick person, mentally? I do not want to mention names…, but I would advice Kenyans to keep these two individuals away from their lives.

They would come to my office, rush to the kitchen, make coffee, and before they leave they ask for 20 Kr for cigarettes.

Now they have smoked their cigarattes and out of their mouth comes rumours… Sometimes I wonder why good people around us leave this world, leaving the rotten ones to continue distabilising the society we live in.

By Clay Onyango

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

Commentary by Holta to one of our earlier stories on Child Protection Agency in Norway. The agency is fond of snatching children from the weak in the society and handing them over to foster homes that get rich quickly because they are given alot of money. They get more money if they take the children with minority background. APN agrees with Arild Holta’s reasoning, APN editorial.

________

Arild Holta writes:

Fosterparent with many children get a lot of money!! Normaly they have many children.

“Barnevernet”/cps helps with holidays, new bigger car, changes in the house (house modification and new inventary -editor). More money for children with problems.

Half a million Norwegian kroner is normal (for one child – editorial). Some work both in other jobs!

They make money!!

Haakon Rian Ueland can check more facts. Search Google: “fosterbarnskennel” :-P

By Arild Holta,

Mr Holta is reacting to the articles below:

Related stories:

• Haakon Rian Ueland says, it is necessary to take children from the minority!
• “Barnevernet” The Norwegian Child Protection Unit must stop splitting minority families in Norway!

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

______________________

APN is proud to announce to all readers that we are very pleased to see your comments and articles coming in very offten.

We would like to encourage you to continue participating much more in order to get to know one another.

APN would like to announce that the site is open for everybody and so far, we are very happy with the way the readers, and especially those from Sweden who are active in singing.

This site thanks you for your contribution. Use the site as must you wish.

By Korir,

African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress in Norway, africanpress@che63llo.no, tel 932 77 739 or others.

________________________

Dear friends,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends and family for all the prayers and sympathies that was shown unto us. It has been a year ago since our mother fell sick and was diagnosed with cancer and later passed.

Our friends and family in Sweden, England and Kenya took it upon themselves to be there when we needed them most. Thank you all for your generosity, prayers and sympathy and most of all for being there.

In her last days our mother had the pleasure to see all your generosities and she was really touched.  She thanked all of you and prayed that all of you be blessed.

Our mother was a very dedicated christian, wife, mother, sister and social worker. I thank God for the greatest gift of all the pleasure of knowing her and the gift of being her daughter. May God bless her soul and give her eternal peace. Amen.

My dear friends Life itself is a gift and we should learn to accept all that comes our way both good and bad. Because in every situation that comes our way there is a lesson to learn.

Every person that comes in our lifes may it be for a moment or a life time has something to contribute or a purpose, or a lesson to teach us. This is the life we have and the friends we have and we should learn to accept each other for what we are and what they have to offer.

Accept each other goods and misfaults. And instead of trashing each other, back stabbing, hating etc instead we should try and figure out the lessons or messages the various people in our lifes have brought unto us.
Along the line we miss the small gifts brought upon us may it be by a husband, wife, daughter, son, boyfriends, girlfriends, brothers and sisters,parents friends and even a stranger.

Everybody has something to offer to another.
Thank you all for all the gifts that i have received from all of you.

Thank you for being there.  And on behav of my family. Thank you. England friends thank you for being there for Ann my sister.

Please do not try to annalyse the motive of this letter but accept it as a Gift. A heartfelt message.

God Bless You All.

Caroline Irungu
Norsborg

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

________________________

Commentary by Ndirangu

A reaction to our earlier story on Carl I Hagen’s wish to force immigrants to learn Norwegian or loose benefits.

_________________________

I think Hagen’s comments are a sign of political ineptitude. Migrants know that learning a host country language is vital but I think his sentiment are just a show of his disgust as well as his party’s, of migrants.

In actual fact, while his worry is development of ghettos, his policy if applied would actually lead to their development. These people understand that if you push people too much they rebel. By rebelling, migrants will close themselves in their communities.

They(politicians) will start complaining that there is no integration, start segregation of white and black school with little or no funding  and unqualified teachers for the latter, poor standard of education, no jobs, criminality and eventually ghettos.

They will have fulfilled their false prophecy….get migrants, get ghettos, more criminality. This strategy might not be clear at onset, but i have seen it in the Netherlands.

Five years down the line and in the Netherlands, they now have black schools in black neighbour.
These politicians have nothing to loose in order to get more votes(gain popularity), but they are planting seeds of discord and mayhem that only our kids will pay for them in future.

The following points are very clear to any migrant; migrants are needed but they are not welcome, learning the local language is important but there is no need to seek political mileage in such issues and; migration is there to stay and is healthy for any society.

We know we are responsible individuals no matter the location and that is what we strive for. The likes of Hagen portray the politics of shortsightedness and should be left alone.

By Ndirangu

Related story:

• “Let our children be multi-lingual…….”, says Beryl
• Immigrants face challenges all the time
• Immigrants will be forced to learn Norwegian language

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

___________________

Commentary:

A reaction by Onyango to stories in Kenya Stockholm Blog

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As much as we are condemning wife beating. we should also strongly condemn fighting in Kenyan /African Parties.

I met a friend of mine in Stockholm who had also attended Mzee Wuod Maggeros function and I could not recognize him because the lip was blocking one nostril, you could not differentiate the nose from the lips.

I asked him what happened, he told me that he was awarded some fists at the same function and he could barely remember who it was needless to mention.. we all know why.

Fortunately, after a few hypnosis he remembered who the donor was. How can we avoid such circumstances?

Here are a few tips:

• We should always avoid over drinking as if it’s the last drink.
• Always avoid confrontation when you are drunk because beer makes you feel stronger than anyone else.
• If you see your enemy at the same party, take your last order and leave the venue.
• Pretend to be a coward if offended.
• Never come in between conflicts if you are drunk.
• Always go to the gym or jog to minimize hot tempers and reduce your pride.
• Never laugh loudly to attract donors,this will irritate them.
• Take some Karate lessons for self defence and to incur self confidence and discipline.
• Always have a non drinking company when you go out, he might stop you from confrontations.

A few ways to stop confrontation with your wife or girlfriend:  

• If both of you are heavy consumers of alcohol, avoid accompanying him/her to venues-this will save you from embarrassments
• Always agree to who stays at home and who goes out If you both accompany one another to venues, avoid over-drinking.
• Always leave the venue early at least by 0200 AM
• Always carry one wallet or purse to control the expenditure and alcohol
  consumption
• Always avoid hugs and kisses greetings, one might judge it wrongly
• Don’t have long conversations with a she friend or a he friend-one might think you are cooking something
• Always keep your problems to yourselves at home If a relationship does not work.. let it loose. There are many fishes in
  the sea.I hope this few tips will help our fellow Kenyans and Africans from this bad behaviour. I wish my friend a happy recovery.

Cheers and respect always.

Clay Onyango.

Related stories:

• Condemn Violence Against Women
• Antony Adiwa Responds To Ken Aroka

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

__________________________

Commentary: See related story at the bottom of Beryl’s comment.

__________________________

I totally agree with Esther that while fluency in a national language is important, and almost mandatory in any country if one is to progress, and be integrated in the society, it is of grave importance that we speak to our children in our languages. This is what we are also encouraged to do in Sweden.  They call it giving the child a language foundation. 

A child born and living in Sweden will automatically get the language.  My daughter who is just three speaks Luo, English and of course Swedish fluently.  Swedish infact overrides the other languages because that is the language she hears all around her unlike luo that she only gets at home.

Lets not be cheated, any Swede, Norwegian or Finnish immigrant to Kenya, or anywhere else would never forsake their languages for the sake of the native language, even if it means segregation or otherwise, simply because that is who they are, and they are proud of it.

Why can’t we be proud of who we are, of our langauges and pass them onto our children.

I however completely support fluency in the native national language, but not forsaking our own languages.  Sweden actually even provides immigrant children with extra tuition on their mother tongues in schools; yes this is provided for in the school curriculum and its all free.

Let our children be multi-lingual…….

By Beryl,

Related story:

• Immigrants face challenges all the time

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 63002525

________________________

 Commentary: Esther reacts to our earlier story on Immigrants in Norway who may soon be forced to learn Norwegian. Those choose not to do so may loose benefits.

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Life keeps getting tough everyday for immigrants. Sometimes I wonder if as an immigrant someone is supposed to be a supernatural!
What are parents supposed to do if they can hardly speak the language themselves? It is important to learn the national language of  your country of residence, but withholding benefits if one does not learn the language does not sound right to me.

In Finland, all the immigrants with resident permits get free Finnish courses. As for the kids born in Finland, speaking Finnish language is a piece of cake for them. Kids learn fast unlike the adults. So I do not understand how a child born in Norway will have any problem speaking the language.

I personally speak Kiswahili and English with my kids and they are fluent in both languages, but Finnish language is what they speak best. I simply enrolled them in Finnish day care cants at the age of one as I go to work and they are there all day interacting with daycare workers who are mostly Finnish and other kids.

If a foreign parent in Finland speaks in Finnish  language to their kids  it sounds so strange, because the Finnish wonder why we do not teach our kids our mother tongue. That is why I said I do not know how much the decision makers expect from us immigrants.

If one learns the language and speak it to their kids, they think that is weired, and if the kids do not speak their parent’s language, then again it is seen as a problem.

All I can say to the parents is to take their young ones to the day cares and they will have no problem with learning the language at all.

By Esther, Finland

Related story:

• Immigrants will be forced to learn Norwegian language

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739, or +47 63 00 2525

Beryl is reacting to Kanda’s commentary.

_____________________

Thank you so much Mr. Kanda for your observations.

Intelligent people like me know how to choose from the various practices; only those practices that are relevant to my individual life thereby discerning the rest. It is naive and stupid to hold on to all cultural and traditional practices, even when you have a different view on them. One factor that I have said before and will repeat is that traditions and cultures are not natural, they are man-made that were designed by the previous generations to aid life. Given the non-static nature of the society, it is impossible and stupid to try to hold on to practices that may have been relevant and applicable then, but aren’t today. People must learn to be logical and while culture is good to uphold and celebrate, individuality is a great part of development and therefore individual preferences must be upheld, respected and celebrated.

By Beryl

Reaction to:

• “The death of Wuod-Maggero in Sweden rages on”, writes Kanda!

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

_______________ 

Commentary by Ndirangu, a reaction to our story published earlier. See the story below, at the end of his comment.

 _________________

Sometimes you teach people how to treat you. It is by no chance that I also find that my fellow Africans do not carry themselves with respect.

I am aware the idea of what is respect varies but there are some basics that we have to uphold. I am a supporter of diaspora mobilisation to 1)create some audience for ourselves, 2) make a bargaining chip for others who might be interested in our audience.

As long us we cannot think together, act together and listen to each other, changing what outsiders think about us, might be a long shot.

You can be given citizenship, nationality can only be as natural as it sounds.

Blessed times

By Ndirangu

Reacting to the story below:

• Africans must stop licking the white people’s booths!

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

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Commentary by Esther

_________________ 

To Longstory/Cutshort,

I sure understand, and I believe you are telling the truth!! I adore the way you are telling it! I mean your words! I know it is serious and real but i cant stop laughing!

Excuse my ignorance but I thought those things happen in movies. Are you sure you haven’t been watching too much of those Nigerian movies?!

Back to the story, I still believe you can choose to do it or not if you were deceived by these gangs and old prostitutes. Why not escape or report to the police? I believe prostitution is a very risky “business”. You put your life into danger,you can be killed,diseases,get raped etc.

These ladies must have guts! What keeps them warm in their business clothes?!!
350e a day! They must be loaded. Honestly very few African women makes that kind of money in Europe doing regular jobs. BUT EASY COME EASY GO.

I would love to hear a true successful story from a prostitute who made it all the way. Did you read the story of that Kenyan lady in U.K doing the same business? She was worth millions but where did she end?

I have nothing against hookers, what I don’t understand is someone like me standing in the street and waiting for “customers”! Do they have any feelings? Ten men a day? It must be hard than I imagined.

I have been living in Scandinavia for a long time but I feel like I just got here. There is so much I don’t know. Well I have been busy trying to be stable in a foreign land and bringing up my kids that I never got much time to “explore” the streets!

Thank you for taking your time to explain in details. This does not mean i support the ones doing it. If you make a lot of money and send to your relatives to improve their living standards, and then after a short while you die from AIDS or you get killed in the streets doing your thing then what.

Your family will thank you and the moment you are gone thats it. Do you hate yourself that much? Are you that worthless? You have to learn to love and respect yourself so that you can pass that love to your family.

I’m yet to see her prostitute who has succeeded in staying alive,having a stable family she can call hers,or even a decent life.

Having said all that, we all have different goals, dreams, values, ethics, morals, different ways of living, and all that. We have the power to choose what we want to do with ourselves.

Let me say I have really enjoyed reading you comments. Friends?

By Esther, Finland.

Related stories:

• On prostitution and making a documentary!
• APN to make a documentary on African prostitution in Norway!

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chelo.no, tel.+47 932 99 739.

Commentary by “Longstory/Cutshort

A reaction to Esther’s comments. Read the commenta and the story at the end of the comment below:

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 To Mama Esther read this !
Am I not talking the truth !!

In just a few minutes driving along a road on the outskirts of Milan in northern Italy, we counted 20 women, almost all African, standing by the kerb.

It was a cold night, but you wouldn’t have guessed it from the outfits they were wearing. 

I used to have sex with many different men. As many as wanted to have sex with me.

Tomissi ! (Kind of pretty african lady with big butt) !!

Would you sell your body to help your family?
We got out of the car, and approached one Nigerian woman who called herself Gioia – Italian for “Joy”.

She was pretty beneath her heavy make-up. We asked her if we could talk to her.

“Maybe later,” she said. It was Saturday night, and we weren’t the only people cruising the roads.

Jobs promise !!!!!!!

It is estimated there are between 10,000 – 20,000 Nigerian prostitutes working in Italy today, not to mention the undercover eastafricans in London and Scandinavia !

Almost all come from Edo state in southern Nigeria.
 
Many Nigerian prostitutes do not see the money they earn.
As yet, no research has been done into why so many come from this one state, but the route may have originally been established by Nigerian women who came over to southern Italy to harvest tomatoes during the 1980s.

Valentina’s story is typical. An old friend offered to bring her to Italy.

“He said finding work here was no problem, there were lots of different jobs I could do like working in a supermarket. I’d even be able to continue my studies,” she said.

“I’d just finished secondary school, but it’s very difficult to go to university in Nigeria. It’s very expensive.”

Promises of good jobs and education lure women like Valentina away from Nigeria.

The women in turn agree to repay hugely inflated costs for arranging documents and transport. But it’s often not until they arrive in Italy that they are told that they will have to prostitute themselves in order to pay off the debt.

Criminal gangs  and cunning old prostitutes !!

Valentina is not her real name. If her identity was revealed she would be in danger from the highly organised criminal gangs who traffic Nigerian women.

There is increasing evidence that the Nigerian criminals are becoming connected with Italian and other European Mafia.

Deadly migrant trade !!
 
In addition to the transport costs, the women are normally forced into paying hundreds of Euros a month in “rent” for the spots on the road that they solicit from.

Tomissi (again not her real name) is a shy, clever Nigerian who said she was 20 but looked at least two years younger.

After being brought to Italy last year, she had to sell her body on a lonely stretch of motorway outside Turin, and hour and a half west of Milan.

She ran away a couple of weeks ago.

“I used  to have sex with many different men. As many as they wanted to have sex with me. Maybe five, maybe ten different people a day,” she said in a quiet voice.
Can you imagine this !!

“Some would pay me 20 euros, some would only pay 10. If I was really lucky I’d get 30 euros, that’s about $35.”
That makes 350 euros per day !  calculate that in Kenyan shillings !!

‘Hell’

For those who manage to repay their debts, the money they send home can make all the difference.  !!!

And that is what Iam talking about !!

I guess you understand !!!!!!!!!

________________

 Related story:

• APN to make a documentary on African prostitution in Norway!

By Longstory/Cutshort,

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

The debate on the circumstances the death of Woud-Maggero in Sweden rages on.
At the forefront of the debate is the Kenya Stockholm Blog (KSB), mouthpiece of Okoth Osewe and alleged community site for Kenyans resident in Sweden. 

Osewe peddles propaganda surrounding the events focusing on how African, and Kenyan culture has been belittled. Video uploads of interviews where Kenyans are asked leading questions with shocking impunity are numerous.

These have only one agenda and function; the condemnation Maggero’s family in Sweden and of those post writers on African Press in Norway (APN) who are brave enough to go against the grain, The Liberated Young Kenyans.

What have these young Kenyans been liberated from Osewe, and his supporters ask. Well, they are liberated in mind, and are able to discern and think logically for themselves without bowing to peer pressure or resorting to mob justice akin to that being seen on KSB. This is the liberation they speak of.

Osewe and other so-called conservatives come out strongly in defence of culture and traditional rites. This is undoubtedly admirable.

Notwithstanding Osewe does show ignorance when he claims in his article “Moving the center” that “In Stockholm, many members of the Kikuyu community have not circumcised their sons and daughters although this is what could have happened if their children were born in Kenya.”

Circumcision of Kikuyu girls has not been practiced in over 100 years, and Osewe seems apt to make sweeping statements based on ethnic stereotyping, especially if the ethnic group in question excludes his own.

Circumcision in Sweden conducted on male children and adults. In the case of children, or minors under the law the prerequisites are a permit acquired from the relevant authority Socialstyrelsen, and of course parental approval is necessary.

Culture as Osewe states is not static, proven in the Kenyan diaspora by the fact that many members of the luo community undergo circumcision, a taboo with the luo a decade ago.

I daresay that members of the luo community that even contemplated circumcision during the taboo period were branded madmen, and ostracized by the community, traits that belong to a bygone era reminiscent of witch hunts and magical folklore. 

Osewe must really learn to exercise caution, and restraint when making statements that are not true. None of the Liberated Kenyans have made the statements as found on Kenya Stockholm Blog, and their reaction has largely been to treatment of Dagmar, and family by the luo community in Stockholm.

The concerns they have raised have been met with hostility, lies and gender slurs on KSB. Unsupported claims of harassment from Liberated Kenyans have also been widely circulated by KSB sympathisers.

Attempts to sending information that does not conform to, and with the general consensus on KSB have been effectively blocked. Is this the kind of democracy Osewe, and KSB advocates?

Another area confusing the die-hard conservatives is the definition of “Next of kin”.  The conservatives would have us communicate only in our vernacular languages.

That is in it self most appealing, but would tend to circumscribe our interaction with other peoples. Since the dynamics of culture are stronger, the English language is not an issue in this time and age.

Next of kin is defined as “The person or persons most closely related by blood to another person”. Osewe, and the conservatives certainly do not encompass this defination, and questions to their take in Maggero’s fate still go unanswered.

Friends and confidants in all honour, but to attempt to hijack the process, and proceedings leading to Maggero’s interment is quite frankly absurd. Granted, Maggero may have a wife back in his native country, but the man lived his choice for 43 years.

This was Dagma and their offspring. The on-going campaign to ostracize Maggero’s family is not only repugnant, but a feeble attempt at closing the barn door after the horse has fled.

These friends and confidants should have used every opportunity to highligt their reservations to Maggero when he was alive, if they were indeed what they claim to be.

Whether or not Maggero would have harkened to their cry is debatable, but this is clearly the course of action true friends would have undertaken. Not harassing and demonizing the family.

Every dark cloud does however have it’s sliver lining though. The events that have unfolded will go a long way in ensuring that Kenyans, and others, in interracial relationships protect their loved ones from having to contend with unscrupulous elements after their demise.

 

By Michael Kanda,

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

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Commentary from Beryl, in reaction to Clay Onyango’s thought of the day published by us yesterday.

_____________

I couldn’t agree more with Clay….
I have personally had death visiting my family one; too many times, and have therefore had the privilege of learning some of lives hardest lessons.

It pained me beyond words, seeing people that actually ‘hated’ or had no relationship at all with my mother, father, brother mourn so much at their funerals, throwing themselves in front of moving vehicles…, I mean the whole drama is just uncalled for…..and the pretext in it is just sickening. 

And they all do it in the name of culture…the luo way of sending off ‘their loved ones’. The funny part is the way the kids left behind are ridiculed, mistreated, and almost totally denied a chance to see another day light….., and God forbid that you should one day rise up to celebrate your parents…, then you become a permanent enemy of the community.

Let us all try to break away from traditions that only hurt the bereaved families, and do not benefit anyone at all, and as Clay says, please let us seize every moment we have of living, tell our loved ones how much they mean to us, and celebrating their presence so that when they pass away, it is no problem letting them go, even if it means cremating them the very day.

Let us have full lives, define to all how you want to be treated. If you want respect back, give it,
endeavour to bring happiness into someone’s life, because it is only this way that we will have no regrets, and savour our lives so much that someone else’s life, or should I say death do not matter much.

Lets all appreciate our loved ones, and please let them know just how we feel about them; on a daily basis if possible.

Let us desist from loving our departed family, and friends more than the living ones.  The truth is when one dies, its not a big deal what kind of burial she/he is accorded, the major thing is how s/he felt when they lived.

Related story:

• Sweden: “Thought of the day”, by Clay Onyango!

By Beryl,

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

The finger points to Museveni in the death of his ex-energy minister Dr.Lutakome Kayira.

This report is very interesting as there are some people involved, living in Norway whom I know were part and parcel to this brigade.

I have also learnt that some Ugandans in Oslo are becoming so attached to the Uganda senior officers to gain influence.

In return they are spying on fellow Ugandans, and in many cases giving the government lies, in turn to get favours. One person in particular has become wealthy by being in the scheme, and yet pretends things are normal when he is around Ugandans he is spying on.

Others are his targets. And everyone should be watchful. Be care another plot can be you.

By Otimu,

Published by African Press International, africanpress@getmail.no, tel. +47 932 99 739

Editorial:

We do not stand responsible for the accusation above, but we feel that everyone has a right to express his or her feelings. We do not support the accusations due to the fact that we do not have the facts, but we release it and the readers will follow up should they be interested in details.

________________________

Stockholm the 9<sup>th of January 2007

In Reference to Mr Osewe’s blog (070109) regarding the death of James Wuod-Maggero. It was very painful to read what Mr. Osewe fabricated after the death of my husband James Wuod-Maggero.</sup>

^{Is it because the colour of my skin is different from my husbands that Mr. Osewe gives himself the right to question my husband’s last wishes?}

^{I find it deeply insulting that Mr. Osewe is questioning my actions simply because I have another colour of skin. James always fought against racial prejudice. Now Mr. Osewe is stirring up feelings based on exactly the type of prejudice my husband was fighting against.}

^{Mr. Osewe claims that he knew James and yet during James’s illness he never visited him or sent any message of wishes for recovery.}

^{I also find it very curious that Mr Osewe, who is claming to have known James so well, has no knowledge of James’s family even though he has been to several occasions when we celebrated weddings, Duokos and birthdays. There are four daughters and two sons and several grandchildren in the family!!!}

^{I wonder if it is more important to listen to others than to James’s own last wish. Me and my girls where all by his side when he passed away on the 4th of January (not on the third as wrongly noted by Mr. Osewe).}

^{Despite of him being in hospital for several weeks his death came as a big shock to us all. We needed time for ourselves to accept the fact that he was no longer with us. We never knew that he was public property. For any other family this would not have been questioned.}

^{Further Mr Osewe says that nobody has been able to get in contact with us. This is not true! We have been receiving several messages and have also answered them. If they didn’t get in contact with me how come they didn’t try our daughter Lillian Wuod-Maggero who is in the phonebook? She lives near us and nobody called her to find out what was going on. Why?}

^{James and I were together for almost 43 years and we have talked a lot about what should be done when either of us goes. James felt very strongly about not sending bodies of deceased persons back home.}

^{Those who knew James would know that. They would also know his thoughts about viewing of the body. He wanted to be remembered as he was when he was with us. He talked about it often enough.}

^{James had his own life philosophy and did not support any official religion. This however did not stop him from helping people in need. He felt that it was wrong to collect lots of money just to send home a body with the result that nothing remained for those back home in Kenya. Those of you, that really knew James, knew his view on these issues and we hope that people will respect them.}

^{If any money is collected in James’s name it should be used to help the children in Kenya. The information of the use of any such donations should be given to The Kenyan Embassy in Stockholm so that any one can obtain the information from there.}

^{James and I had a will and the copy is with The Kenyan Embassy in Stockholm “for their eyes only”.}

^{It is also with our lawyer in Nairobi. Believe me, nothing is done in hiding.}

^{I have been in contact with the family in Kenya and they gave us their blessing to go ahead. As far as I know that has to be accepted even by the Kenyan community in Sweden.}

^{And there are Kenyan members of James’s family flying in to attend the funeral service on this very sad day. That is a fact and seems not to be of interest for Mr. Osewe. (It looks like Mr. Osewe does not have all the facts after all! As someone claiming to be a journalist he should know the importance of checking sources to avoid printing mistakes and outright lies.)}

^{We, the family, are doing what is right according to James’s last wishes, will and testament. And that is not to transport his remains to Kenya. If James knew about Mr Osewe’s ridicules accusations he would not only be angry and disappointed but also very, very sad.}

^{These last days have been very hard on the family and reading Mr Osewe’s accusations does not make it any easier. It is difficult enough to cope with our loss. But we have so many positive memories of James, as a husband and as father – and they will help us through.}

^{We wish to pay our last respect and say farewell to James on Friday the 12th January 2006 at 15.00 hours at Silverdalskapellet in Helenelund. We welcome anyone who peacefully wishes to attend the funeral service.}

^{If you truly want to honour James’s memory you should continue his legacy and help people in need and NOT struggle over his remains.}

^{By Dagmar-Margarete Wuod-Maggero with family}

Contact: maggero@bahnhof.se

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no

tel. +47 932 99 739

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Commentary by John Doe

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This is regarding Mzee James Wuod Maggeros articles, I would like to ask all Kenyans in Sweden and abroad to let mzee rest in peace.

Please start planning  your funerals now and stop interfering with the late Mzees. This includes the late Mr Kiboi.

Keep in mind that wherever they are, they are very happy, and peaceful unlike you, who has to worry about Kronofogden, bills, and even your problems at home.

This two individuals had lived their lives fully, both had respectable wives, and family that welcomed Kenyans to their homes with open hands.

How many of you that are fighting of Mzees funeral have ever invited him to your houses?Almost none, why? Because you do not have either a wife, and if you have any, they are just mean and unfriendly.

They do not need your crocodile tears now that they are gone. We miss you mzee and we miss you Mr Kiboi.

By John Doe, Sweden

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

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Commentary by Lars Nyquist

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With the risk of sticking my nose into other people’s business, I just want to give credit to Michael Kanda and Beryl.

As someone married to a Kenyan, I appreciate what you do.

I also had the pleasure to meet Mr. Wuod Maggero on several occasions, and I’ll always remembeer him as an open-minded, and good hearted person.

I belive he was indeed a pillar, on which the Kenyan society in Stockholm was built. I am happy to see that “liberated young Kenyans” are there to follow in his foot prints.

Hopefully, you guys will be the foundation of the future Kenyan society – not these ignorant, racist trouble-makers busy interfering with family things.

Keep up the good work!

By Lars Nyquist.

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello                             tel +47 932 99 739

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Commentary 

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Most postings written on African Press in Norway in regard to the Maggero saga all have one thing in common; Condemnation of the Kenya Stockholm Blog.
Who is the person behind KSB one may wonder, unfortunate or fortunate enough to elicit the wrath exhibited?
Kenyans resident in Stockholm can attest to the claim that has circulated around for a good period of time to the effect that the chief Kenya Stockholm Blog writer is a journalist by profession.

This claim has never been categorically stated, but has been spread around using innuendo and has certainly been implied on many an occasion.

What is the truth?

An ardent KSB supporter writes, “ The credibility of Kenya Stockholm Blog has been upheld through the citation of its news, by renowned journalists on the websites of The Kenya Times and the Kenya London News”.

Blogging in its self does not mean one automatically becomes a journalist and this may be the perception of many. Moreover being articulate is not a prerequisite to gaining a degree in journalism, but does certainly help in the pursuit and achievement of a successful carrier in this field.

The use of ones prowess in language, and intellect in the dissemination, and pursuit of information is admirable, but this should not be a license to ridicule, confuse or intimidate others, especially on a public forum.

A good grasp of ethics is certainly the hallmark and requirement of a bonafide journalist and is hard to miss.

The onus is now on Kenya Stockholm Blog to ascertain the credibility of its chief writer and architect to the Kenyan community in Stockholm and at large.

I challenge Kenya Stockholm Blog to publish credentials of journalists in their midst if any. Kenya Stockholm Blog is of course under no obligation to do so, legally or otherwise.
Any statements issued short of this will be regarded as mediocre as the articles they author.

By Michael Kanda,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no

Commentary by Michael Kanda directed against Jared Odero’s and Malaki’s comments!

Michael Kanda Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 7:06 pm e

Odero’s statements speak for themselves and try as Malaki might to interpret them otherwise, he will convince no one but himself.

Malaki has utterly failed in his understanding of my comments, so here is a reply to the points he has raised:

1. I did not claim that Kenya Stockholm Blog is a Luo outfit or should report on Luo issues as Malaki claims. My statement was in regard to the use of the term “Kenyans” as used by Kenya Stockholm Blog when referring to the Luo community in Stockholm. This is not tribal in any sense, just factual. No one outside the Luo community in Stockholm has so far expressed dismay, or called meetings to discuss how the family wish to inter Maggero.

2. The case of Gbeyo as quoted by Odero was comparative and this is quite plain to see. Malaki apparently does not recognise synonymic statements when he sees them.

3. I still maintain the so-called meetings are Kangaroo courts, the conveyers being judge, jury and hangman. This in essence is spiced up with mob-justice mentality were emotions are whipped up in a frenzy of righteous indignation.

4. Odero deliberately called the petition by the liberated young Kenyans as “cheap feminist attacks” and whiners’. This was a cheap attack, as it was insulting. Semantics claims Malaki, and I beg to differ. And on this note, one wonders why Odero assumed that the liberated young Kenyans are all female? Great insight on his views on women by the way.

5. Malaki wants statistics to the fact that Kenyans find the unfolding events, tug of war if you may, distasteful and revolting. Well, keep on surfing to African Press in Norway and spread the word around on what a great site it is.

6. These so called meetings are tantamount to Kangaroo courts as explained in my earlier post. I stand by my statement. If Malaki finds me petty for speaking my mind, this is his prerogative. Let the music play on!

Many thanks.

Michael Kanda

Related stories:

• “Osewe and his mates were not involved in his (late Maggero’s) life when he was alive and neither should they do it now”, says Ebony!
• I fail to see anything in Odero’s article that is against the Maggeros; says Malaki
• Sweden: Condolences and assured support to the Wuod-Maggero family!
• Maggero: “Liberated Young Kenyans” Under Attack
• I am concerned about the obvious apparent bias in Kenya Stockholm Blog, Says Randa
• By liberated young Kenyans in Stockholm! 
• Kenyan dies at 73 in Sweden. His death divides Kenyans living in the country!

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Published by Korir, African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no

  

Commentary by Ebony in Sweden, a reaction to Kenya Stockholm Blog’s articles on the late Maggero.

I am a Kenyan who lives in Stockholm, and I cannot believe what I have been reading in the Kenya Stockholm Blog.

Osewe should discontinue to use the term “Kenyans in Stockholm” and quit acting like our spokesman but instead write the individual names of his supporters.

Maggero had a family and his burial should be a private matter, Osewe and his mates were not involved in his life when he was alive and neither should they do it now.

I am utterly disgusted by Osewe bringing up bi-racial relationships or marriages in the manner that he did. R.I.P Maggero.

By Ebony in Sweden

Related stories:

• I fail to see anything in Odero’s article that is against the Maggeros; says Malaki
• Sweden: Condolences and assured support to the Wuod-Maggero family!
• Maggero: “Liberated Young Kenyans” Under Attack
• I am concerned about the obvious apparent bias in Kenya Stockholm Blog, Says Randa
• By liberated young Kenyans in Stockholm! 
• Kenyan dies at 73 in Sweden. His death divides Kenyans living in the country!

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Published by Korir, African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no

Commentary by Malaki

By Joseph Malaki

Related stories:

• Sweden: Condolences and assured support to the Wuod-Maggero family!

• Maggero: “Liberated Young Kenyans” Under Attack
• I am concerned about the obvious apparent bias in Kenya Stockholm Blog, Says Randa
• By liberated young Kenyans in Stockholm!
• Kenyan dies at 73 in Sweden. His death divides Kenyans living in the country!

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Published by Korir, African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no

Condolences and our assured support to the Wuod-Maggero family in this time of grief.

Odero has just proved what the Kenyan liberals are stating; anyone who seems to be of a different opinion than that shared by the clique of so called conservatives a.k.a Kenya Stockholm Blog supporters is subjected to immediate ridicule, and branded a madman.

Resorting to using phrases like “muted and shackled” and sarcastic innuendo, a common feature of the Kenya Stockholm Blog, does not change the fact that these Kenyans also do have the right of expression.

The debate is certainly not about Luo customs, belief, and tradition as Odero would have us believe, but Wuod-Maggero’s immediate family and their wish to inter his remains in the way they see fit and becoming.

Granted, no man is an island and we belong to one community or the other. However to claim that Mrs. Dagmar Wuod Maggero did not know the mind of her husband, a man she lived with daily for 43 years is pure folly and utter nonsense.

That Woud belonged to the Luo community is not in question, but this relation was secondary to that of his family. He would be the first to defend Dagmar if he were with us today, a fact that should be indisputable even to the most hardcore conservative.

When did decency and compassion go out of the window? Most communities world over are in agreement when it comes to the rights of the immediate family, the next of kin. I can imagine how distressing it must be for Wuod’s children to see this tug of war between friends, and well wishers in Stockholm, and their mother, over their father’s remains, with cynical Kenya Stockholm Blog’s articles as the icing.

Many Kenyans understand this, and do not have to appear in kangaroo courts disguised as meetings to argue for or against. One doesn’t have to be an intellectual to be able to discern right from wrong. “With friends as these, who needs enemies?”

Odero cites the Gbeyo case. He, however, seems to forget that Gbeyo had no next of kin in Sweden, no one to speak in his stead, and the Swedish authorities hence acted in the matter they saw fit. The similarities Odero would have us see in the two cases elude me. Yet again half truths are presented to the Kenyan public, courtesy of Kenya Stockholm Blog.

It vexes me personally when things are done in the name of Kenyans, yet when the same Kenyans protest, or are of a different opinion are deemed imbeciles. Odero even goes as far as insinuating that women are incapable of contributing to the ongoing debate, terming their thoughts as “cheap feminist attacks”. Shame!

Lets call a spade a spade. The whole situation that has arisen has disintegrated to a sordid show where the perceived prestige of the Luo community in Stockholm is at stake. Therefore the Kenya Stockholm Blog should be honest enough to replace the term “Kenyans” with “Luo Community Stockholm” when reporting about these “meetings” .

The people behind the Kenya Stockholm Blog may think it is a popular forum for Kenyans in Stockholm, but far from it, hence the out-pour on African Press in Norway, APN.

Odero would be surprised at the number of Kenyans of all ethnic backgrounds who view what is going on with the utmost distaste and revulsion.

Wakenya in Stockholm and Scandinavia once again reiterate their unwavering support for Mrs. Dagmar Wuod Maggero and family.

The kangaroo court called for on Friday will remain just that. We urge Mrs. Dagmar Wuod Maggero, and family to disregard these so called meetings, and refuse to become party to the illegitimate agenda of the people concerned.

Name calling and jeering only goes to expose the despots within our community, bent on causing pain and seeking recognition all in the name of African tradition.

Michael Kanda is reacting to a story by Jared Odero below:

• Maggero: “Liberated Young Kenyans” Under Attack

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Published by Korir, African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, source.KenyaStockholmBlog.