THOSE WHO LIVE BY THE SWORD DIE BY THE SAME

It is the holy book the bible which warns humanity against iniquities and that God is on the throne and that he punishes who does evil against their fellow human beings. I have not so far heard of any religion that acknowledges the good and holy God that propagates for evil doing. I have not heard of any good of them which would allow human to destroy fellow human. The US killing of Osama Bin Laden has come as a relief to many in the world. Osama lived by the gun, bombing and killing of fellow human beings and he has fallen to the same gun.

This should serve a warning to many evil people in the world that you can never get away with. I’m usually taken aback by a reader and a contributor who keeps justifying colonialism in a popular Sunday newspaper in Kenya when all and sundry know very well that colonialism was very evil exploitative and condemned and the sure way was its defeat. He probably fights against his conscience and if not he probably has lost it. But it has been proven all over again that you can’t thrive on evil for long. The consequences are usually devastating and this is what has happened to Osama. To add to this there is fear that Al Qaeda and supporting groups like Al Shabaab may revenge for their inspirational leader killing. But you can be sure that the civilized world is keen to take deterrent as well as ruthless actions against this kind. You can’t hope to control people or the world through evil or violence. The world has many good things to do and discover and any hurdles will have to certainly been dealt with the necessary ruthlessness.

I doubt many of the Kenyan leaders took a hard look on the execution of the terrorist’s leader. Looking deeply in Kenya’s past one cannot fail to draw an analogy with Kenya’s political leadership. That KANU was destructive and myopic and acting against the will of the people is not in doubt. KANU’s long rule divided Kenya, destroyed generations and  stagnated Kenya whilst doing evil things against people some of who were either detained unwarranted, killed maimed and so on. But KANU which dreamt of ruling forever met its waterloo in 2002. Still Kenya is still reeling under the wounds KANU inflicted on Kenya. The monsters called tribalism and corruption which has gripped this nation for eons will one day be tamed or controlled properly. It can’t continue to thrive forever.

Without justifying his killing in South Africa,   a white supremacist and a farmer Terre ‘Blanche lived on his own values of hatred and destruction of life. He co founded the far-right Afrikaner Resistance Movement (AWB) that was so much and meted evil against the black population in the then segregated South Africa. He lived by hate and went down by the same  when two farm workers allegedly bludgeoning him to death. Ian Smith a former Rhodesian (now Zimbabwe) president could never imagine a black man ever ruling the country and carried a very brutal campaign against the freedom fighters. Sure as it would be, Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980 with Robert Mugabe as the president. Smith lived his later life a quite a frustrated man with his ideologies completely defeated.

 Osama’s death turns a new leaf in the war against terror. Kudos to the President Obama and the Americans. They have demonstrated that America has long memories. US pursue its enemies endlessly no matter how long it takes. America maybe loathed in some quarters even in pockets in the global scale but without America the world could be roughshod by evil elements. America actions in the globe are not always honest but it is a nation which has over the years espoused what democracy and civilization is all about. It suffers from it selfish self like any other body made of humans but it keeps some of the notorious and notoriety on check. In a nutshell with Osama’s death it proves those who live on evil end being consumed themselves and it happens in a fundamental way.

By Harrison  Mwirigi  Ikunda, Nairobi, Kenya

 The writer is a Consultant and Researcher working for a Not for Profit Organisation with an office in Kenya covering the African region.

Mudavadi’s remarks on A Draft Popular Version of the Interim Report of the Task Force on Devolved Government

Kenya has released a draft report on devolved government. The government requests for input from the Kenyan People.

The country is preparing for a devolved government. During the occassion of the presentation of the draft report to the Local government minister, who is also one of the Deputy Prime Ministers, he made the remarks below:

Remarks by Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government during the official handover of the Interim Report of the Taskforce on Devolved Government at KICC, Nairobi, Wednesday April 19, 2011

Invited Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen;

About six months ago, on November 8, 2010 last year, I inaugurated this Task Force on Devolved Government in this very building. At that time, I did insist that it was a “working” Taskforce which HAD neither the luxury of time nor my permission to engage in meaningless public relations exercises. I did point out that this was an expert-appointed team that had to be thinking, listening, researching and documenting. I did point out that the members had been chosen to bring value to the task at hand.

Listening to the presentation of the Interim Report, I do –and hope all of you also do – feel vindicated.

I did say at that time too, that devolution as envisaged in the Constitution was too critical to be handled in the normal bureaucratic manner. We needed and have to do a professional job. In picking the team, I was guided by several factors combinedwhich included;

1. The expectations of the majority of Kenyans who in voting for the adoption of the Constitution, were enticed by the prospects of prosperity that will come with devolution;
2. The need for wider cross-sector consultations since devolution underpins all aspects of the Constitution;
3. The need for public participation as required by the Constitution; and
4. The need to provide a policy outlay to guide legislation for implementation of devolved government and for future reference at sectoral level.

I therefore, through the Chairman, thank the Taskforce for exemplary work done up to this stage. You kept the eye on the ball, avoided theatrics and public displays; and maintained the discipline true to your calling as professionals.

My appreciation also goes to the Members of the Steering Committee under Prof. KaregaMutahi. You have done a starring job keeping the process in focus.

Not least is my gratitude to our development partners through UNDP, SIDA, DfID, the World Bank and CIDAfor financial packages; and separately, to the German and French Governments through their Ambassadors for facilitating a fact-finding mission to their countries in support of the Taskforce. I appeal for your continued support.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

You have all heard a snapshot of the contents of the Interim Report. The emphasis of the Interim Report is to tease out issues that will culminate in a policy or session paper on implementation of devolution; and also suggestions are made on areas for legislation to anchor devolved government. I invite you to access the full report, comprehend and analyze it; and make useful suggestions to the Taskforce.

The Interim Report is the culmination of a process that included gathering of public views countrywide. It is the initial product of an extremely consultative process. The underlying principle being the need to respect the spirit of public participation entrenched in the Constitution. For there can be no justification to attempt to implement a Constitution that requires public participation in decision-making without consulting the people.  Indeed, we could be accused of waging insurgency against the same Constitution were we to be seen attempting to avoid public scrutiny.

It is for these reasons that today’s is a public event to showcase the fact that diversity of views is not divergent of purpose. And therefore this report is not a secret. It should be systematically shared, debated and enriched.

Those who had no opportunity to present their views have a second chance do so. Commentary and criticism are expected, and I am sure highly appreciated. But make them formal, specific and sober to help the Taskforce prepare the final report and recommendations. 

I am aware the Taskforce plans to validate this Interim Report and gather more comment on specific areas that are not yet clarified. I expect you to immediately start engaging Members of Parliament and other key organized stakeholders in workshops. This is because you have laid the fundamentals and it is time to fine-tune the instruments with the help of others.

It is also worth noting that other than what the Constitution itself demands, we have been put on a short leash by the parliamentary Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC)in relation to timeframes. I therefore urge the Taskforce and the Steering Committee to expedite this within the shortest time possible.

But the leash from the CIOC notwithstanding, we promised ourselves a draft sessional paper and draft bills on devolution before June this year. We have two months left.

Don’t let YOUR COUNTRY down.

THANK YOU.

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The Copy of the Report is at the Ministry of Local Government.

Send to African Press by:

David Kitur, Executive Director 
MicroLAN Africa Limited
Uhuru Highway Opp. Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi Kenya

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Published by Chief editor Korir, African Press International.

The World Health Organization receives millions to support the health response to floods

Windhoek, 3 May April 2011 – The World Health Organization has received nearly USD 251,000 ( N$1.7m) from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to respond to the health impact of the country’s worst flooding in decades. The floods have affected more than 230,000 people and as many as 40 health clinics and 180 outreach health points were rendered inaccessible in the regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, and Caprivi. Consequently, many flood-affected people particularly in isolated communities have limited to no access to health care.

WHO Representative, Dr Magda Robalo says, “Although the floods are receding with access to health improving, there are still health concerns such as the potential risk of disease outbreaks. These funds will therefore be used to support the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) strengthen disease surveillance and provide essential health services to communities in the relocation centres and those in cut-off places. These services will include immunization, antenatal care
for pregnant women, and ensure that they deliver their babies in safe and hygienic conditions. Also, we will ensure that those on chronic life-saving medicines such as insulin, blood pressure, Antiretroviral (ARV), anti-Tuberculosis (TB) medication have access to them so that they do not default. We will continue to provide technical support to the MoHSS to coordinate the health response.”

Floods began earlier with increasing magnitude than usual, along with higher water levels, rendering this year’s floods more severe than in 2009. Inaccessibility to health facilities has compromised health service delivery to people with chronic diseases. This is likely to disrupt access to life-saving medications, such as insulin, ARVs, anti-TB medicines. Additionally, the nutritional status of children, the elderly and the chronically ill may worsen over the next 3 months unless additional food relief is provided until the next harvest.

Dr Robalo warns that the floods will affect government’s efforts to ensure high vaccination coverage’s for children under five years since they are at risk of missing their routine schedule of vaccinations. Although malaria cases in the affected regions are currently below 2010 levels as the same period last year, the large stagnant pools of water will result in increased mosquito vectors. This combined with the fact that the community’s immunity to malaria is expected to have declined due to the 60% decrease in malaria since 2001; there is an increased risk of a malaria epidemic. Close monitoring of malaria through the surveillance system and provision of mosquito nets is thus essential.
The floods have also caused a slight increase in watery diarrhoea cases in some regions compared to last year but far below epidemic levels. WHO through its regional sub-office in Oshakati continues to support the affected northern regions to monitor and investigate diarrhoea cases for the early detection of any outbreaks.

“As rains are expected to continue to June, we may see greater needs for emergency assistance. WHO remains vigilant and will continue to provide the necessary support to the MoHSS and out partners to ensure that the flood affected people have access to health services in the affected region,” notes Dr Robalo.”

Issued by: The World Health Organization (WHO)

Medical specialists in the Libyan city of Benghazi are struggling to work

LIBYA: Specialist health clinics in Benghazi desperate for support

Photo: Kate Thomas/IRIN

Zainab al Beidi opens a locked gate to the swimming pool that was never completed

BENGHAZI, 3 May 2011 (IRIN) – Medical specialists in the Libyan city of Benghazi are struggling to work as lack of funding for supplies and equipment seriously hinders their efforts.

“The conditions here are bad,” said Zainab al Beidi, manager of Benghazi’s only public rehabilitation centre designed for patients suffering from spinal injuries or recovering from strokes.

There were 65 long-term residents at the centre, but when IRIN visited, it was clear that patients’ recovery prospects were limited by a severe lack of equipment.

“We do the simplest things with whatever we have available, but I constantly feel we are not able to do enough,” Al Beidi said. “The best we can do is to offer diapers and wheelchairs, and we don’t even have enough of these. We have terminal cases that should be treated abroad, but how can we send them there?”

Until two years ago, the centre was part-funded by the Libyan government in Tripoli. Then the money dried up without warning. Now it is funded by the Libyan Red Crescent and other local NGOs, but Al Beidi said the budget was limited. “It is heartbreaking that we cannot do more,” she added.

She showed IRIN an outbuilding where a half-completed swimming pool has lain empty for five years. “When the money from Tripoli stopped coming, we couldn’t pay the contractors,” she said. “So nobody here has had any water therapy.”

The centre purchased a CAT scanner in 2005, but shortly after, Al Beidi received an order from Tripoli to shut it down. “We were told that we do not have the authority to operate it,” she said. “I suspect that the government wanted people to pay to use the machines at private facilities instead. But many patients cannot afford to do that. The government sent men here who broke the machine so that we can’t use it.”

Photo: Kate Thomas/IRIN

The unfinished swimming pool at Benghazi Rehabilitation Centre

Many of the centre’s nursing staff left during the early days of the conflict. But despite the obstacles, Al Beidi says she is optimistic about the future for the first time in years. “If the regime eventually falls and Libya revamps its healthcare system, lots could change here,” she said. “Because of the war, spirits are high among the staff and the patients. Even though we have limited resources, not one of the in-patients has complained of anything since the conflict began,” she said.

Chronic needs

According to Simon Brooks, head of mission with the International Commission of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Benghazi, emergency needs are not as pressing in the city as elsewhere in the country, such as Misrata, where the Italian NGO Emergency – the only international NGO operating in Benghazi – pulled out because of security needs last week.

“In Benghazi the emergency needs are not that great,” he told IRIN. “But the chronic need is a different thing altogether. While ICRC is here it will be working on strengthening institutions in Benghazi and contingency planning so that there is a back-up of supplies.”

At the Benghazi Psychiatric Centre, where doctors say admissions have increased by 50 percent since the beginning of the conflict, medical supplies are running low. Until February, the in-house pharmacy’s shelves were stocked with just enough medication to treat the centre’s patients. But there was no provision for more cases.

“Looking back, we always felt that we had enough drugs to treat everyone,” said psychiatrist Kamil Rabai. “But the conflict has really brought home how little we had to fall back on.” Doctors are now supplying patients with one to two weeks’ worth of medication rather than four weeks.

Orthopaedic services have also been crippled for years. At the Al Hawari hospital in Benghazi, there are not enough fixtures to treat patients with broken limbs. “There has been an increase in cases because of the war, but it would be a mistake to think that we are lacking supplies for that reason,” said Fouad al Mabrouk, a junior doctor specialising in orthopaedics.

Benghazi Medical Centre, the city’s largest hospital, opened its doors 30 years ago. But one of its floors remained closed, awaiting completion, says Al Mabrouk. It never opened.

Under the Gaddafi government, healthcare is free and this system continues in the rebel-held areas of the country. Infant mortality – a good indicator of the success of a healthcare system – according to figures issued by USAID in 2009, is 20 per 1,000 live births. But the system suffered during sanctions imposed on the country during the 1980s, and has not yet recovered.

According to Murad Ali Lenghi, Libya’s former health minister, the country’s health service is “deficient in many areas… investment and development are required across the board”. He cited staff shortages, especially in specialist clinics, the decline of standards, overcrowding of hospitals and the tendency for Libyans to seek medical treatment abroad as contributing factors to what he called “the poor state of affairs”.

kt/eo/mw

source www.irinnews.org

Race for Nairobi Governor seat hots up

By Jeff Otieno

Many political pundits argue that Nairobi governor race will be one of the most grueling political duels to remember come 2012.

So far three candidates have declared their interests for the seat and among them are industrious and pragmatic Mumias Sugar Chief Executive Dr. Evans Odhiambo Kidero, Nairobi business tycoon Jimna Mbaru and city Town Clerk Phillip Kisia and the list may still expand before the next poll.

Of the three, Evans Kidero and Jimna appears to be locked up in a tight race owing to their financial muscles, well structured campaign machinery and sound academic credentials.

Jimna Mbaru is a Nairobi University graduate with a commerce degree and a lecturer.

He is associated with a galaxy of businesses both locally and internationally with a sound management to match.

In the political circles, he is also a brain to rely upon when there is a crisis. Mbaru hails from Nyeri president Mwai Kibaki home turf.

Dr. Evans Kidero is a Nairobi University Graduate with a degree in clinical pharmacy. He is also a proud holder of MBA from one of the prestigious universities in London.

In the business circles, he is a force to reckon with webbing his wings strongly in real estates and entrenching massively in  key financial institutions. As Mumias Sugar CEO, he has put unrivalled bench marks worthy of a manager. He is also credited for revamping the dwindling football standards in the country after being prevailed upon by the government to be the chairman of the management board.

His admirers and associates have launched a vibrant campaign panel (EK CENTRE) situated at up market Kileleshwa Nairobi. The team comprises influential individuals drawn from the private sector, former Mps and Ministers and a clique of clergy from various denominations to propel him to glory. Every fortnight the panel sits to review and strategize and allowances religiously dished, as a token of appreciation  to keep the oil burning.

Kidero will also rely on his father in laws legacy the late Thomas Joseph  Mboya whose vibrant days in the early 60’s still lingers.

Nairobi Town clerk Phillip Kisia who is considered by many to be the darkest lame duck in the race hails from Hamisi constituency. He attended Semende Pri. School and later Chesamis High School where he also did his A levels.

Kisia did not qualify to join the University but made  timely move to join Utalii College  where he did catering and later rose through the ranks, thanks to his never say die attitude to become head of sales at SAROVA Group of Hotels.

He is a go getter and very polished man but education background may be a herbinger according to some observers. At best he is good as a running mate and that must be his game plan opines his critics.

Nairobi as a county is set to control trillions as it’s annual budget and therefore it requires a reputable manager to manage the massive funds argues Tom Alila who is a Nairobi businessman and Kanu Politician.

End.