The Standard 25.05.2014

STANDARD
THE
on Sunday Kenyas Bold Newspaper.
No. 435
May 25, 2014
www.standardmedia.co.ke
KSh60/00 TSh1,500/00 USh2,700/00
Good move but
x security,
Uhuru told
STUDY: COAST AN EMERGING
MARKET FOR SEX TOURISM
Paedophiles take advantage of lax
laws to exploit underage girls, P.27
Coast residents bear the brunt of
eeing tourists over insecurity, P.26
ECONOMY: REGION HARD
HIT BY TRAVEL ADVISORIES
By PATRICK KIBET
Deputy President William Ruto
has broken his silence on the heated
debate around the transfer of former
National Youth Service boss Kiplimo
Rugut and the subsequent attempt
by a section of MPs to impeach De-
volution Cabinet Secretary Anne
Waiguru.
Speaking at a rally in Kericho yes-
terday, the DP told off critics of the
Cabinet Secretary saying that any-
one who had any grievance against
her should direct the same to either
himself or President Uhuru Kenyat-
ta.
Mr Ruto said that he and the pres-
ident take full responsibility for the
running of their government.
William Ruto Anne Waiguru
>> story on pages 4, 5, & 6
Leave Waiguru alone, Ruto tells critics
DEAL: Stakeholders in tourism industry applaud
presidents move to boost local tourism but want
stern measures taken to curb insecurity even as a
grenade was discovered and detonated next to a
church in Mombasa yesterday, PAGES 3, 26 & 27
A bomb expert prepares to
detonate a hand grenade
found near a church in
Tononoka, Mombasa
County yesterday. The
explosive is believed to
have been placed there by
three young men whom
top security ofcers claim
are suspects in the
Thursday night explosion
in Mwembe Tayari. [PHOTO:
GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD]
NEWS
What Uhuru-led
PAC report said
about scam
Revelations:Report claims Perera supported
former President Kibaki in the 1997, 2002 elections
INSIDE TODAY
How
teachers
are losing
their pay to
loans and
goods they
never took
Special Report,
P.12-13
By FELIX OLICK
Anglo Leasing tycoon Anura
Perera, who is now demanding an
additional payment of Sh3.05
billion, had close connection with
State House during President Mwai
Kibakis administration, a parlia-
mentary report indicates.
According to the Parliamentary
Accounts Committees (PAC)
hard-hitting report into the
dubious contracts, Mr Perera
allegedly supported former
President Kibaki, including during
his hospitalisation after the road
crash ahead of the 2002 presiden-
tial contest.
The details of their relationship
are captured in a secret recording
by former anti-graft Czar John
Githongo against former Justice
Minister Kiraitu Murungi and
which PAC admitted as factual.
The Committee nds that there
is credible evidence to suggest that
Hon Murungi, MP, gave protection
to Anglo Leasing principals, the
report reads in part. The Commit-
tee further nds that, based on Hon
Murungis various discussions, the
principals were probably a front for
persons within President Kibakis
administration.
Murungi, now the Meru Senator,
reportedly told Githogo that, Mr
Perera supported our chief even
when he was in hospital, in 1997
and 2002 and asked him to go slow
on the matter.
Hon Murungi, MP, advised
Githogo to go slow on corruption
investigations in return for similar
favours being extended to his
The
Committee
fnds that there
is credible
evidence to
suggest that Hon
Murungi, MP,
gave protection
to Anglo Leasing
principals
PAC report
fathers case pending in court. This
was obviously a bribe by a minister
in charge of justice punishable
under the Public Ethics Act, the
MPs noted.
According to the report, which
was authored by among others,
President Uhuru Kenyatta, then
Leader of the Ofcial Opposition, the
indictment of senior gures in
Government, explained the regimes
lacklustre approach in conducting
investigations into the sleaze.
Uhurus nightmare
Ironically, 10 years later, the
Anglo Leasing rip-off that amounted
to Sh56 billion has turned out to be
Uhurus nightmare, with a section of
civil society now alleging that the
corruption network has caught up
with his Jubilee administration.
The way this transaction was
executed raises reasonable suspi-
cion, warned Transparency
International Executive Director
Samuel Kimeu. These shady deals
that were conceived and nurtured
under the Kanu regime and blos-
somed under the Narc and Grand
Coalition administrations may have
found new patrons in the Jubilee
administration.
Last week, Uhuru ordered
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry
Rotich to wire Sh1.4 billion to two
Anglo Leasing rms First
Mercantile Securities Corporation
and Spacenet Inc sparking a
public outcry.
But amidst the uproar, Perera is
back demanding more. On Thursday,
Deputy Solicitor General Muthoni
Kimani and Treasury Principal
Secretary Kamau Thugge shocked
MPs that the Government had
received a notice of claim of another
Sh3.05 billion for Project Flagstaff,
linked to the National Intelligence
Service (NIS).
Uhuru defended the initial
payment insisting it was the only
way the country could secure a Euro
bond his government plans to oat,
keen on conducting fresh investiga-
tions into the scam.
We will ensure that the money
paid by the Government of Kenya is
recovered. I ask the Ethics and
Anti-Corruption Commission to do
everything to ensure that this
money is recovered, Uhuru had
ordered.
The PAC report that involved
travelling to London to take
evidence from Githogo was
authored by seven MPs only, after
Kibaki elevated other four mem-
bers to the position of assistant
ministers.
The seven MPs were Uhuru,
Charles Keter (now Kericho
Senator), Billow Kerrow (Mandera
Senator), former Kamukunji MP
Norman Nyagah, former Lamu
West MP Fahim Twaha, former
Bonchari MP Zebedeyo Opore and
former Eldoret East MP Joseph
Langat.
and noted that declining to pay the
debt would mean cutting back on
Government expenditure and
service delivery of programmes to
Kenyans.
The payments, which were
made without written authorisa-
tion of the President, were wired
into one bank account, conrming
that the two rms belonged to one
person.
The money was sent to one
Travers Smith, account number
00859184 who holds an account
with Natwest Bank in London.
Early this week, Attorney General
Githu Muigai conrmed that the
two rms were linked to Perera.
Damning report
According to the PAC report, the
persons who were agents, possible
owners or possible directors of the
Anglo Leasing rms were Perera,
Deepak Kamani, Amin Juma,
Merlyn Kettering and one Mrs
Ludmilla Kutuschenko.
The damning report indicted
senior people in President Kibakis
Narc administration and recom-
mended investigations of several
Cabinet ministers.
The report accepted that Kibaki
had known about the Anglo
Leasing contracts and recommend-
ed investigation of former Vice
President Moody Awori.
The report also endorsed
investigations of Kiraitu, former
Finance Minister David Mwiraria,
and former civil service head
Francis Muthaura. The 59-paged
report also found former Attorney
General and now Busia Senator
Amos Wako guilty of serious
negligence.
The Vice President must take
responsibility for asserting that
Anglo Leasing was a company of
RIGHT: Former
President
Mwai Kibaki
and Meru
Senator
Kiraitu
Murungi.
BELOW: Former
Finance
Minister Amos
Kimunya
displays
copies of
cancelled
Anglo Leasing
contracts in
2006. [PHOTOS:
FILE/STANDARD]
Revelations from
the PAC report
Possible directors of the Anglo Leas-
ing frms were Perera, Deepak Kamani,
Amin Juma, Merlyn Kettering and one
Mrs Ludmilla Kutuschenko
Kibaki had known about the Anglo
Leasing contracts
Endorsed investigations of Kiraitu,
former Finance Minister David Mwirar-
ia, and former civil service head Fran-
cis Muthaura
Vice President Moody Awori must
take responsibility for asserting that
Anglo Leasing was a company of good
repute
May 25, 2014 / STANDARD ON SUNDAY
Page 2
YEAR ANURA FIRST SUPPORTED
KIBAKI
1997
MONEY LOST TO ANGLO LEASING
56b
good repute when the evidence
available is contrary, the PAC
report concluded.
The committee put Awori on the
spot following the procurement of
passport issuing equipment when
he was the minister for Home
Affairs. The committee also
accepted evidence of secret tape
recording by Githongo against
Mwiraria in which the minister
pleaded with the former to stop his
investigation, claiming that the
scam would bring down Kibakis
regime.
The committee accepts
evidence about the discussions
between Mr J Githogo and Hon
Mwiraria, as authentic which is
supported by recorded conversa-
tion between them in which Hon
Mwiraria, MP states the country
will fall if the investigations
continue, the report reads in part.
Fresh probe
The Committee slammed
Mwiraria for what they termed as
displaying a most cavalier
attitude towards the contracts and
concluded that he was either
outrightly incompetent or was
deliberately remiss with a view to
giving the Anglo Leasing principals
an advantage.
On February 1, 2006, Mwiraria
resigned followed by Kiraitu who
stepped aside together with
Kibakis aide Alfred Getonga.
However, Kiraitu bounced back
to Cabinet nine months later after
the Kenya Anti-Corruption
Commission under the watch of
Aaron Ringera cleared him of any
wrongdoing.
But speaking to The Standard on
Sunday yesterday, State House
Spokesman Manoah Esipisu
reiterated that the Government is
Page 3
Perera yet to sue Kenya for new
demands on Anglo Leasing
ruling is made against us, our position re-
mains that we will not pay, he said.
Attorney General Githu Muigai said Pere-
ra is yet to take Kenya to court over the new
demand. I will duly respond when and if he
ever les a case in court seeking payment, but
until then there is little else we can do, he
said.
The exact date when the contract was
signed is also unclear. When contacted yes-
terday, Rotich said he would have to go to the
ofce to ascertain the exact date when the
contract was entered into.
Most of the 18 Anglo Leasing type con-
tracts, which the government claims were
corruptly awarded, were signed between
1997 and 2004, and most of them were secu-
rity-related contracts.
The PAC asked the Treasury to furnish it
with details about the Flagstaff Project, but
the Committees chairman, Budalangi MP
Security equipment: State offcials at a loss whether or not goods were supplied
By JOACKIM BWANA
and KELVIN KARANI
Police in Mombasa are looking for three men
suspected to have abandoned a grenade in a eld
close to a church at Tononoka, Malandini yester-
day. This comes barely a day after a police ofcer
was injured in a grenade attack.
The yesterdays grenade was placed between
Miracle Healing Ministry Church and Malandini
Estate. It had its safety pin off, ready to explode.
Reports from County Commissioner Nelson
Marwa yesterday indicated that the explosive de-
vise had been left there by the three suspects at
about midday.
Two residents of Tononoka, both minors, are
said to have seen the men leave the devise in the
eld. We received information from the public
that there was an explosive that had been placed
near a church in Tononoka by three suspicious
characters, who left in a hurry upon dropping the
grenade, said Marwa.
He said the suspects are the same ones who at-
tacked police ofcers on Thursday night, injuring
one. They escaped thereafter.
Marwa said they already had the identities of
the suspects and police units were on the ground
looking for them. Marwa urged the public to be ex-
tra-vigilant and applauded those who raised the
alarm over the explosives that would have harmed
residents.
George Khan, a witness, said he saw a man in
his 20s carry a bag that was later found abandoned
at the scene. He said the man looked suspicious
and tensed when they met. I was escorting my
cousin to town when we saw this suspicious man
carrying a bag. He stopped to let us pass. After I re-
turned, my uncle told me that a bag had been
abandoned at the eld, said Khan, who quickly
called an Administration Police ofcer in the neigh-
bourhood. The ofcer soon arrived with colleagues
and conrmed that the bag carried an explosive.
Three youths who saw the explosive rst warned
playing children to keep off.
Marian Nzau, a mother who was breastfeeding
her child nearby, said: I was sitting a few meters
from the explosive and the children were playing
football there, even going close the explosive.
Bomb experts who arrived at the scene secured
the area before detonating the bomb.
Police detonate
bomb left in
playground
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry
Rotich
By THE STANDARD
on SUNDAY TEAM
Mystery of the fresh demand for Sh3.05
billion by a businessman in the Anglo Leas-
ing scandal contracts deepened after top
government ofcials said they were unaware
of equipment supplied from the tender.
Government ofcials were at a loss to say
whether Sri Lankan businessman Anura
Perera supplied any goods to National Intel-
ligence Service (NIS) for which he is de-
manding to be paid the colossal sum.
I do not know exactly what was to be
supplied to NIS, said Treasury Cabinet Sec-
retary Henry Rotich. The agency, in my
opinion, is best placed to tell you whether it
got these goods.
Amidst intense criticism from civil soci-
ety and the public, government this week
paid Sh1.4 billion to two companies associ-
ated to Mr Perera for two Anglo Leasing-type
contracts that were cancelled in 2005.
Disputed contracts
While appearing before Parliaments
Public Accounts Committee, Treasury Prin-
cipal Secretary Kamau Thugge and Senior
Deputy Solicitor General Muthoni Kimani
revealed the new demand by Mr Perera.
The demand is in respect to the Flagstaff
NCTC Project, a contract for the design, sup-
ply and installation of various electronic se-
curity equipment for the National Intelli-
gence Service.
Efforts to ascertain from NIS the exact
nature of the security equipment it request-
ed for and whether Perera actually supplied
them bore no fruit, as the agency remained
tight lipped on the issue.
Rotich however maintained that like the
18 other Anglo Leasing contracts linked to
Perera and other businessmen, the govern-
ment considers them to be in dispute and
hence it would not pay up. The Sh1.4 bil-
lion we paid was after the court ruled on the
same. On the new demand, our position is
that this project was disputed and unless a
NEWS
Ababu Namwamba, had not responded to
our inquiries whether PAC received the de-
tails.
Ms Kimani told the committee that un-
like the seven other Anglo Leasing-type
contracts that became the subject of inves-
tigations in 2005, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
did not evaluate the Flagstaff project due
to the security nature of the project.
PwC was hired by the government to
gauge the value and procurement of the
Anglo Leasing contracts and based upon its
report, the government challenged the
claims for contracts that had not started.
Floodgate of claims
The project was alive when PwC was
evaluating but the caveat was that due to
national security considerations it was not
among the 18 that were to be evaluated,
she said.
However, a senior ofcer at the State
Law Ofce said that the rst demand for
the same amount was made to the govern-
ment in 2006 two years after the contract
was purportedly signed.
Ms Kimani said the government is rst
looking for someone to evaluate the con-
tract and report on how much work has
been done.
Transparency International Executive
Director Samuel Mbithi said that paying
the Sh1.4 billion would only open the
oodgates of claims for the other Anglo-
Leasing contracts that were cancelled.
This is what will open the oodgates on
the excuse of maintaining Kenyas credit
worthiness. They have paid the Sh1.4 bil-
lion, they might pay the 3.05 billion and
they might even pay more. The only way to
close these oodgates is to interrogate on
whose authority the Sh1.4 billion was
paid.
However Mr Rotich said Flagstaff Proj-
ect was the only remaining unresolved of
the Anglo Leasing contracts.
One way or the other, it too, will come
to an end some day, he said.
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Waiguru: I am not arrogant, but I insist
on efciency while serving Kenyans
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru has hit news headlines in the re-
cent past over threats by MPs to impeach her. She shares with The Standard
on Sundays senior reporter JACOB NGETICH what she thinks of the Motion
and her ministrys performance.
The Standard on Sunday: A section of
MPs have signed a petition against your
impeachment. Do you read malice in
these?
Waiguru: I believe there is inadequate
information on the issue raised by
MPs championing and supporting the
proposed Motion. I trust that the Na-
tional Assembly as it plays its consti-
tutional role, will receive the informa-
tion it needs to make a judicious
decision.
What options do you have if the Motion
goes through?
I believe in the rule of law and fairness
of our institutions, especially the Na-
tional Assembly. I trust there will be a
just outcome in the end.
Why do you think your actions on for-
mer National Youth Service Director-
General Kiplimo Rugut and the former
chair of the Youth Enterprise Fund Ev-
ans Gor Semelango have elicited so
much heat?
For the sake of clarity, the appointing
authority of the chair to the Youth
Fund is the President and he can do
so under powers provided by the State
Corporations Act and the regulations
governing the Youth Fund. With re-
gard to Kiplimo Rugut, the fact is that
the Government, more than any other
institution, routinely moves around
its staff to different positions and lo-
cations to enhance service delivery to
all Kenyans. Rugut has not been dis-
missed from public service, he has
been moved to the Ministry of Sports
and Culture and even promoted to a
higher job group.
This movement has taken exactly the
same career path of his immediate
predecessor. The process of transfer is
usually effected through the Central
Posting Unit chaired by the Head of
Public Service, which has undertaken
many such transfers across the public
service. On that particular occasion,
there were 11 transfers done across
various ministries.
There seems to be a lot of politics and
vested interest in NYS, what is going on
there?
The NYS is undergoing a massive re-
structuring after 50 years of existence.
It has served the youth very well,
building on the original vision of the
founders. However, there is need to
restructure the institution to meet the
demands of todays youth for the long
term by especially building its ability
to absorb more youths in its training
and regimentation programmes.
Restructuring of NYS therefore targets
a youth revolution, transforming
them into a patriotic, socially cul-
tured, entrepreneurial cadre required
to support Vision 2030. Strategies in-
clude enhanced recruitment from
4,000 to 20,000 annually, participation
in national services including road
and dam construction, food produc-
tion among others, instilling a pro-
gramme of social transformation and
civic culture, focusing on enterprise
and youth economy with direct mar-
ket linkages and expanding the insti-
tutional architecture to support the
change.
You see yourself as assertive and ef-
cient, but your critics claim you are ar-
rogant and too powerful. How do you
reconcile the two?
People have different perceptions
about me, which they are entitled to.
However, these perceptions are some-
times based on a gendered lens and
our own socialisation where we per-
ceive assertion as arrogance and in-
sistence on efciency and intolerance
with sloppiness as bullying. The most
important thing, for me, is the result
of a job well done. Knowing that each
day I wake up is an opportunity to
serve and to deliver to Kenyans in line
with my mandate.
Is the Devolution ministry a hot seat?
It is a privilege to serve in the capac-
ity of Cabinet Secretary for Devolu-
tion and Planning and to bring to the
fore my experience and capacities to
guiding the development of policy on
the critical issues falling within the
mandate of this ministry. This is a re-
sponsibility I have accepted and com-
mitted to undertaking diligently, and
with conviction. It is anticipated that
all reform endeavours will encounter
challenges, both real and perceived,
and this is one among many encoun-
tered so far and will be expected go-
ing forward.
You sit in one of the most inuential po-
sitions in the country at the moment.
Do you think it is too much for you, giv-
en the size of the ministry?
My role as Cabinet Secretary is to pro-
vide leadership and strategic direc-
tion. I have the stamina to do that. But
it is important to note that there is ad-
equate technical expertise and capac-
ity to implement the programmes of
this ministry. I do not do it alone. The
ministry is perceived as broad, but is
actually a re-amalgamation of the var-
ious departments that were split and
formed into distinct ministries during
the previous coalition governments
formation to accommodate the nego-
tiated agreement between PNU and
ODM.
It is, therefore, not as large as is inti-
mated. Indeed, there are several other
ministries with larger mandates and
the ofcially registered IDPs compris-
ing 8,000 households. The ministry
has further secured the distribution of
food and non-food relief supplies to
various parts of the country during
times of emergencies and established
a framework for collaboration with
county governments in this regard.
The ministrys mandate on gender
equality and womens empowerment
is a critical aspect of all the program-
ming areas in line with a mainstream-
ing approach. The ministry has initi-
ated structures for the establishment
of gender machinery in each ministry
to integrate gender considerations in
policy and planning, monitoring im-
plementation as well as building in-
ternal capacities on gender.
The 30 per cent preference on public
procurements reserved for women,
youth and persons with disabilities
has been entrenched across the pub-
lic service sector through advocacy
and monitoring initiatives of the min-
istry. This is further buttressed by the
ministrys launch of the innovative
Uwezo Fund and the pre-existing
Women Enterprise Fund whose con-
tinued disbursement of concession-
ary loans to women has continued to
enhance their economic empower-
ment. Our strategies for youth em-
powerment are similar to initiatives
targeting women, including the 30 per
cent public procurement preference,
Uwezo Fund and the Youth Enterprise
Development Fund (YEDF). However,
a special emphasis has been placed
on a social transformation of the
youth through the National Youth Ser-
vice.
These are examples of the more pro-
lic achievements of the ministry
since its establishment, with strategic
plans now in place for their sustained
engagement and enhancement.
As a career civil servant, how fast are
you learning to deal with politicians in
a highly political ministry?
We are all learning and adapting to
this new system of government, with
a presidential system of government,
a new executive structure, a bicamer-
al legislature in the context of devolu-
tion.
Relationships for all players in the civ-
il service and for politicians in differ-
ent institutions have to be redened
and relearnt. We are adopting effec-
tively given the progress we have
made so far.
How far have you come with President
Uhuru Kenyatta? What do you think he
saw in you to bestow on you such a
plum position?
I am grateful to the President for giv-
ing me this opportunity to serve Ke-
nyans in my current station. I would
like to re-emphasise that it is an hon-
our and privilege for one to serve their
country. I will always endeavour to do
my best in whatever station or capac-
ity I may nd myself.
Page 4
budgets than the Devolution ministry.
The amalgamation of the particular
departments under the Ministry of
Devolution and Planning is also logi-
cally coherent and strives to support
the objectives of the Jubilee Govern-
ment. For example, the key depart-
ments of planning, public service,
women, youth are mutually reinforc-
ing and their implementation is cross
cutting in all our programmes.
What are your achievements? Are you
living up to the expectations of the ap-
pointing authority?
In only one year since its establish-
ment, the Ministry of Devolution and
Planning has made great strides with-
in all its mandated areas. Main high-
lights within Public Service Manage-
ment include the conceptualisation
and establishment of Huduma Cen-
tres, which are one stop shops to en-
able citizens and customers access
various public services and informa-
tion from a single location and inte-
grated service platforms; revamping
of the performance contract frame-
work; initiating the joint rationalisa-
tion of the public service at both na-
tional and county level and
undertaking a human resource audit
of the public service to weed out ghost
workers and manage the wage bill.
Within the sphere of Devolution, the
ministry supported the Transition Au-
thority by guiding the delicate process
of transferring of functions, coordi-
nated the development of guidelines
to manage national government staff
undertaking devolved functions,
transferred the payroll to counties
within the stipulated timelines, estab-
lished the relevant inter-governmen-
tal structures and developed a capac-
ity building framework for county
governments.
Under the Economic Management
mandate, the ministry spearheaded
the development of the Second Medi-
um Term Plan, launched the Econom-
ic Survey for 2013/14 and is spear-
heading the rebasing of the countrys
GDP. The ministry further supported
counties in the development of their
County Integrated Development
Plans.
The ministry has successfully settled
NEWS FEATURE
Page 5
NEWS
By PATRICK KIBET
Deputy President William Ruto
has nally broken his silence over
the removal of Kiplimo Rugut as
the Director General of the National
Youth Service and asked those seek-
ing to impeach Devolution Cabinet
Secretary Anne Waiguru over the
civil servants controversial transfer
to leave her alone.
Ruto said he and President Uhuru
Kenyatta took full responsibility over
the transfers and rebuked members
of the Jubilee coalition who have
declared that they will impeach the
Cabinet Secretary over the irregular
transfer. Politicians should stop
harassing a junior person over the
transfer and those who are not sat-
ised with the latest development
should direct their grievances to me
and the President, he said.
Scoffed at attempts
The Deputy President, who was
speaking in Kericho County, ended
speculations over what he knew
about the transfer that has sparked
tension within the Jubilee Coalition,
with some members in Rutos URP
party stating that Mr Ruguts trans-
fer and subsequent replacement by
Dr Nelson Githinji was in violation
of the partys pre-election pact with
The National Alliance (TNA) party
as if favoured candidates aligned to
the latter.
However, yesterday Ruto scoffed
at attempts to impeach Ms Waiguru.
It is the responsibility of the Pub-
lic Service Commission to transfer all
public servants and if people are not
satised, they should ask me or the
President, Ruto said in an apparent
rebuttal of sentiments expressed by
his MPs that TNA had shortchanged
URP in State appointments.
I do not understand why some
disgruntled people are only raising
questions over this transfer yet we
have had other appointments, Ruto
said. The Deputy President said the
Deputy President William Ruto and Kericho County Women Representative
Helen Chepkwony (right) joins dancers during her homecoming party at
Kericho County yesterday. INSET: Former National Youth Service director
Kiplimo Rugut. [PHOTOS: KIPSANG JOSEPH/FILE/STANDARD]
ferred, Jubilee has failed. The ap-
pointment of civil servants is in the
hands of the President and Deputy
President, he said.
Leader of Majority in the Na-
tional Assembly Aden Duale asked
members of the ruling coalition to
be wary of saboteurs.
Some people pretend to be de-
fending Ruto but the truth of the
matter is that they are working for
their masters who fund their activi-
ties, he said.
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, who
has been advocating for Waigurus
censure, however, steered clear of
the issue when he rose to speak.
I was angry after Ruguts trans-
fer but as an MP, our work is to act
as watchdogs and accommodate all
Kenyans. Kenya does not belong to
a single community and as a young
leadership, we should work together
for cohesion and national unity, Mr
Keter said.
Proper: Deputy President says he and President Uhuru Kenyatta take full responsibility for the transfers
Transfers were in order, says Ruto
Rift Valley had in the past beneted
from the appointments at the Kenya
National Hospital and the National
Social Security Fund.
Why are we complaining about
this particular transfer yet when we
had several other appointments but
no one said anything? he posed.
Already a Motion of notice to im-
peach Waiguru that was fronted by
Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi
has gained momentum with over
100 MPs signing a petition to sup-
port the motion at the oor of the
house when Parliament re-opens.
Last week, The Standard on Sun-
day reported that Ruto had okayed
nyans could have electricity in their
homes.
We must restructure Kenya
Power company to make it efcient,
therefore, we are warning cartels in
Kenya Power. We have a compre-
hensive plan to connect all primary
schools with electricity by the end of
this year, he added.
Divide coalition
Other leaders have also weighed
in on the issue of Ruguts transfer
with Senate Majority Leader Kithure
Kindiki saying such talk would di-
vide the ruling coalition.
If we are not careful the Opposi-
tion will use this opportunity and di-
vide us, said Kindiki who added that
the appointment of senior servants
was the responsibility of the Presi-
dent and his deputy and dismissed
the plot to censure Waiguru.
There are others who are telling
lies, saying because Rugut was trans-
What Ruto said
Politicians should stop harassing a
junior person over the transfer and
those who are not satised with the
latest development should direct their
grievances to me and the President
It is the responsibility of the Public Ser-
vice Commission to transfer all public
servants and if people are not satised,
they should ask me or the President
I do not understand why some disgrun-
tled people are only raising questions
over this transfer yet we have had other
appointments
the transfer despite the hue and
cry by URP supporters that the TNA
wing of the Jubilee coalition were
unfairly targeting public servants
from Rift Valley for removal from
key positions in the public service.
Addressing other issues on im-
peachments yesterday, Ruto assured
Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony
of his support.
Chepkwony was recently im-
peached by Kericho County Assem-
bly and the Senate has now been
summoned for a special session to
deliberate on the impeachment.
I would like to assure the people
of Kericho that the issue of Gover-
nor Chepkwony will be resolved,
said Ruto who added that the Jubi-
lee Government would deliver on
its promises to all Kenyans without
discrimination. Ruto sought to as-
sure residents that the Government
was working on a plan to reduce the
cost of electricity so that more Ke-
Page 6 May 25, 2014 / STANDARD ON SATURDAY
NEWS
By MWANIKI MUNUHE
It has emerged that President
Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy
William Ruto are opposed to the
impeachment Motion against De-
volution Cabinet Secretary Anne
Waiguru and only learnt about it
through the media.
The Motion by Igembe South
MP Mithika Linturi has rocked the
Jubilee coalition, with MPs divided
on the issue.
The Standard on Sunday has al-
so learnt that Ruto told the Presi-
dent he would address the issue at
his meetings in Kericho County
yesterday and bring it to rest.
Despite the intervention to save
the minister, some TNA MPs are
determined to go ahead with the
impeachment, buoyed by the more
than 100 signatures they say they
have already collected.
Gilgil MP Samwel Ndiritu said
MPs were aggrieved by the way the
Cabinet Secretary treats them.
MPs are unhappy because they
feel like the Cabinet Secretary is
difcult to deal with. Attempts to
get an appointment with her are
always futile, said Ndiritu.
However, Kajiado West MP Mo-
ses ole Sakuda said the impeach-
ment Motion was in bad faith, ar-
guing that MPs were attempting to
micromanage the CS.The Consti-
tution gives powers to the Cabinet
Secretaries to execute their duties,
and they can decide who to pro-
mote, demote or transfer within
their dockets, said Sakuda.
Juja MP Francis Waititu said
TNA lawmakers had embarrassed
the party by signing the petition
without going into the root of the
matter. Some are saying they are
going to withdraw their signa-
tures, but that is legally not possi-
ble because Parliament is already
seized of the matter and must go
to the plenary, said Waititu.
Yesterday, Sakuda conrmed
that President Kenyatta had made
his position on the impeachment
Motion clear to MPs within the Ju-
bilee coalition.
Anne Waiguru is not going any-
where and you can take that to the
bank. That is something we, as
MPs, have discussed and agreed
with the President. There are ma-
jor reforms in the NYS and those
changes had to be made, he said.
Prior information
That happened as it also
emerged that both President Ke-
nyatta and Ruto did not have prior
information before the Motion was
led and only got to learn about it
for the rst time in the media.
But speaking to The Standard
on Sunday at the weekend, Linturi
would neither conrm nor deny a
meeting or a discussion with Uhu-
ru regarding the matter. Whether
I have met or discussed this matter
Uhuru, Ruto oppose Waiguru censure bid
Mithika Linturi: Behind Motion Sabina Chege: Reads mischief
Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka is received by Mlolongo/Syokimau
ward rep Racheal Nduku at a thanks giving party she hosted at Mlolongo Primary School
Grounds, yesterday. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]
with the President or not is not a mat-
ter I cant discuss in the media. That is
a private issue involving me and the
President, Linturi said.
He added: Let me be honest, I have
a personal relationship with the Presi-
dent, he has been my friend for a long
time and he still is. If it had been a mat-
ter involving him as a person or as the
president of Kenya, I would be on the
front line in his defence. I dont think
the President would want to gag me. At
any rate, its a matter that does not in-
volve him.
Linturi went on to say: The plane is
on auto pilot, it cant just land. If there
is a forced landing, it will crash. For this
reason, it has to be navigated safely in
the skies so that when it nally lands,
everybody is safe. The number is signa-
tures I have received are overwhelm-
ing. By yesterday, I had 136 signa-
tures.
Linturi was speaking amid reports
that he went to Harambee House on
Thursday with a view of meeting the
president but he did not manage to see
the head of state. Linturi refuted this
report.
Deputy Majority leader in the Na-
tional Assembly Naomi Shaban said
the Jubilee coalition has capacity to
deal with such issues internally.
Riding in high seas
I think that it is very difcult to be
in a ship in high seas and begin to
throw grenades because you will
drown. Jubilee coalition is like a ship
and this coalition is there to stay. Lead-
ership is about knowing how to deal
with issues internally, she said. How-
Glad to see you
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Power play: Interventions to save the minister notwithstanding, some TNA MPs are determined to impeach her
ever, Linturi indicated he will pro-
ceed with the Motion because he
has received overwhelming signa-
tures to support the impeachment
Motion.
Because I have seen MPs being
intimidated not to sign, let it be
clear that this is a Mithika Linturi
Motion, its not a Motion of the Ju-
bilee coalition. If they want to turn
it into a Jubilee Motion, then the
procedure is that they must con-
vene a Kamukuji where members
will vote and take a position on this
matter, said Linturi
Linturi said the Motion is not
one that targets President Kenyat-
tas government but one that ad-
dresseses itself to issues of the law.
Wise counsel
I fought very hard for this gov-
ernment to get to power; I was the
presidents bodyguard during the
campaigns. People have forgotten
to look at my Motion keenly. I have
not said Anne is not competent she
is very competent. I have addressed
myself to certain articles of the
Constitution that I feel the Cabinet
Secretary has offended. She is un-
der duty to give the president wise
counsel which she failed to do on
the issue of NYS appointment,
added Linturi
Muranga County Women repre-
sentative Sabina Wanjiru Chege
however said political personal ven-
detta against Waiguru seems to
have motivated some of the leaders
ghting her.
My proposal going forward is
that we will need to create a forum
where Members of Parliament get
to interact and exchange briefs with
Cabinet Secretaries so that we sig-
nicantly reduce the gap between
MPs and ministers, she said.
MPs
are unhappy
because
they feel like
the Cabinet
Secretary is
diffcult to deal
with. Attempts
to get an
appointment
with her are
always futile

Samwel
Nderitu, Gilgil MP
May 25, 2014 / STANDARD ON SUNDAY Page 7
NEWS
By STANDARD REPORTER
The Standard Group has pledged
to continue its efforts to rally Ke-
nyans to support thousands of heart
patients.
Group Chief Executive Ofcer
Sam Shollei applauded thousands
of Kenyans who turned up yester-
day to support the worthy caue that
would see 250 children with heart
complications operated on.
Speaking as he agged off the 10-
km annual Mater Heart Run, Shollei
said the event aimed at raising Sh70
million. Last year we targeted Sh54
million. However, our target was
Sh41 million three years ago when
this programme started,
he said.
Mater Hospital
CEO John Muriithi said
30,000 T-shirts were
sold last year.
That is how we
gauge the number of
participants. This year
we have sold over 35,000
T-shirts, showing that
about 35,000 people
from Nairobi, Mom-
basa, Machakos and
Mumias participated,
he said.
He also said the
monies collected would
be used on 280 patients.
He said last year,
only 231 patients were operated on.
It emerged yesterday that rheumatic
heart disease is preventable and af-
fects one in every 100 children in
developing countries.
Parents and guardians who par-
ticipated were encouraged to be ob-
servant of their childrens behaviour.
A paediatric cardiologist, Dr Grace
Aketch said early detection and di-
agnosis of heart ailments could lead
to proper treatment.
It is advisable for routine medi-
cal check-ups to determine whether
one has a heart ailment that could
be rectied at its early stages, Dr
Aketch said.
Worthy cause
Other symptoms to watch for in-
clude; constant headaches, swelling
of joints and abnormal heart beats.
Trafc came to a standstill yesterday
morning in Nairobi as thousands of
participants clad in branded green
jersies in solidarity with heart pa-
tients, painted the roads green.
Elsewhere in Mombasa, hun-
dreds of pupils and staff from cor-
Mater Heart Run initiative
targets Sh70m for victims
Pledge: Standard Group vows continued support in solidarity with patients
Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei ags off the 2014 Mater Heart Run at Nyayo
National Stadium where thousands of Nairobians turned up to participate.
Participants in Mombasa [PHOTOS: MOSES OMUSULA AND MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]
porate rms including the Mombasa
County government participated in
this years edition of the Mombasa
Heart Run sponsored by the Stan-
dard Group.
Participants converged at Mom-
basa Sports Club (MSC) before brav-
ing the humid Mombasa weather as
they took part in the annual event.
Participants passed through Mba-
raki road, Mama Ngina drive before
returning back to the MSC.
Speaking to The Standard on
Sunday, Mater Hospital Chief Finan-
cial controller Joyce Grace Onyango
said the Mombasa run hopes to raise
Sh7 million. Heart surgeries are
costly. We hope Kenyans of goodwill
will come forward and support this
worthy cause, she said.
She warned against improper eat-
ing habits and urged people to have
balanced diet and regular exercise to
deter heart ailments.
Other sponsors included mobile
phone provider Safaricom, Bollore
Africa Logistics, Interpel Container
Freight Station, Kenya Safari Lodges
and Hotels, Sarova Whitesands Beach
Resort and Spa, Capital FM, Mom-
basa County government, Mumias
Sugar and NAS Cuisine.
Mombasa County Executive in-
charge of Health, Ms Binti Omar ap-
pealed to more adults to participate
more in the event.
Popular Mombasa DJ Lenium
and Events organiser, Muscat More-
no Sayye and musicians Ally B and
Susumila were on hand to provide
entertainment to the over 4,000 heart
run participants.
PROFILING OF ALL ALCOHOLIC DRINKS OUTLETS
The Government through NACADA is validating and proling all alcoholic drinks outlets
in Kenya. This notice is in regard to BARS, WINES & SPIRITS, PETROL STATIONS,
SUPERMARKETS, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, CLUBS and any other person/entity involved
in the sale of alcoholic drinks, except as provided in the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010.
All alcohol selling outlets are hereby required to forward the following documents to their
respective County Commissioners by 5.00pm on Wednesday 28
th
May 2014:
1. Single Business Permit by your County Government
2. Proprietors PIN/Tax Registration
3. Public Health Certicate
4. Applicable Liquor Licence (NACADA/County)
A comprehensive list of all outlets who have qualied will be circulated to all police
stations by Friday 30
th
May 2014.
It is a criminal ofence to manufacture, sell or drink an alcoholic drink outside the
provisions of the Law.
Hon. John M. N. Mututho, EBS Mr. Enoch N. Onchwari
Chairman, NACADA Board of Directors Ag. Chief Executive Of cer
24-Hour Toll-Free Crisis Response Number: 1192
PUBLIC NOTICE
NEWS
By ISAAC MESO

The Coalition for Reforms and
Democracy (CORD) has accused
the Jubilee Government of failing
to meet the expectations of the
electorate and called on it to quit.
The CORD leaders also called
for an early election if the security
situation countinues to deterio-
rate.
Led by Ugenya Senator James
Orengo, the leaders called on
President Uhuru Kenyatta and
his deputy William Ruto to admit
that they had failed Kenyans and
relinquish their positions for other
able leaders to take over.
Since the Uhuru-Ruto team
took over power, the lives of
Kenyans have gone from bad to
worse. High rate of unemploy-
ment, coupled with insecurity and
failure of security agencies to curb
terrorism in the country is just a
manifestation of a government
that has failed, said Orengo.
The leaders accused the Jubilee
Government of being out of touch
with the electorate and failing to
keep its promises to Kenyans.
Also attending the yesterdays
rally at Mlolongo, Machakos
County, was Machakos Senator
Johnstonne Muthama, former
Speaker Farah Maalim, Dagoretti
North MP Simba Arati, Ugenya
MP David Ochieng, Kakamega
Senator Bonny Khalwale and
many other CORD-afliated
politicians. Mr Maalim lashed
out at the Uhuru administration,
accusing it of having a hand in
the terror attacks witnessed in the
country.
It is the high time the Gov-
ernment stopped hoodwinking
CORD wants next poll earlier than scheduled
Politics: Opposition coalition accuses President Kenyatta and his deputy of being out of touch with the electorate
STAY WITH THE NEWS
SMS NEWS to 8040
Senators Bony
Khalwale
(Kakamega),
James Orengo
(Siaya), former
Speaker Farah
Maalim, Macha-
kos Senator
Johnstone
Muthama,
Nominated
Senator
Elizabeth
Ongoro and
Ugenya MP
David Ochieng
at the CORD
rally in
Mlolongo,
Machakos,
yesterday.
[PHOTO: MOSES
OMUSULA/
STANDARD]
Kenyans. If the Government is re-
ally on top of things, why is it that
no major arrest has been made
over the recent terror attacks? The
Government knows who is behind
these attacks and it is the high
time Kenyans were told the truth,
said Maalim.
Maalim also accused the Jubi-
lee Government of not protecting
public resources and having its
priorities wrong.
It took the Government less
than one week to release more
than Sh1.4 billion to fund Anglo-
Leasing scam, while the Uwezo
Fund has still not been released
cash to women and youth. This
shows how the Government has
its priorities all wrong, he reiter-
ated. Dr Khalwale challenged
President Kenyatta to deal with
the menace of tribalism that has
characterised his government,
noting it was unfair for only one
tribe to take high positions in the
Government.
Uhuru should rst deal with
tribalism in his Government since
it is through that that tangible
development can be achieved in
this country, he said.
CALL FOR PUBLI C PARTI CI PATI ON ON THE
NATI ONAL GOVERNMENT CO-ORDI NATI ON
(GENERAL) REGULATI ONS 2014
Pursuant to Sections 5(6) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Section 4 of
the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Act, 2010 and in the spirit of upholding
the principle of public participation under Article 10 of the Constitution, the Commission for the
Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) hereby seeks public views on the National Government
Co-Ordination (General) Regulations, 2014.
The purpose of this advertisement is to afford the people of Kenya an opportunity to participate in the
formulation of these regulations as required under the Constitution, by offering their views on how
best the National Government Co-ordination (General) Regulations 2014 can be aligned to promote
effective and effcient delivery of National Government functions, enhance synergy and collaboration
between the National Government and County Governments, and accord with the letter and spirit of
the Constitution. The views may address compliance to articles 10, 232, 201, 131, 132, 153,155, 174,
189, the Fourth schedule to the Constitution, Section 17 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution,
National Government Co-ordination Act 2013 and other existing legislation.
CIC is currently undertaking internal review of the National Government Co-ordination (General)
Regulations, 2014 and invites members of the public, affected entities and offces to submit written
memoranda by close of business Friday 30
th
May 2014.
The Regulations may be accessed from our website: http://cickenya.org. Written memoranda may
be delivered, posted or emailed to:

THE CHAIRMAN
COMMISSION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
MEZZANINE FLOOR PARKLANDS PLAZA,
CHIROMO LANE, WESTLANDS
P. O. BOX 48041-00100
Tel. No: 0202323510, 0204443216, 0732000313
Email: manager@cickenya.org, info@cickenya.org, cickenya2010@gmail.com
Signed,
Charles Nyachae
CHAIRPERSON
NEWS
By LEONARD KULEI
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi
has declared his position that he
will not support the impeachment
Motion against Kericho Governor
Prof Paul Chepkony when the de-
bate will be brought to the oor of
the House.
Moi, who hit the record during
the Senate impeachment Motion
against embattled Embu Governor
Martin Wambora when he became
the only senator to vote against,
insisted that the allegations leveled
against Mr Chepkwony are imsy
and could not warrant his ouster.
MCAs should stop concentrat-
ing on trumped-up and malicious
political allegations against gov-
ernors when they should instead
concentrate on developing the
areas they represent. I am against
Chepkonys impeachment and I
will not support it even when it
comes to the Senate for debate,
stated Mr Moi.
Political witch-hunt
The Baringo Senator also de-
clared his support for the proposed
Impeachment Bill, which is being
drafted by Senate Majority Leader
Prof Kindiki Kithure.
The Bill that would outline the
procedures and processes of im-
peaching a governor, according to
Moi will raise the bar on the thresh-
old in which the MCAs could im-
peach a county boss.
The Bill is set to be tabled in the
House once the Senate resumes sit-
tings from recess on June 3.
He reiterated that all elected
leaders should join hands in de-
veloping their specic counties
instead of engaging in political
witch-hunting that is detrimental
to progress.
Moi, who was speaking yester-
day in Loruk, Baringo County when
he lead Baringo leaders in agging
off 11 lorries carrying 2,150 bags
of maize and water to drought-
stricken residents in the county
maintained that he appreciated the
role of the Senate in checking the
counties.
The relief food was donated by
Geothermal Development Com-
pany, which also unveiled a lifetime
education scholarship to two pri-
mary school children.
Peaceful co-existence
He asked the County Govern-
ment of Baringo to stop depending
on rain-fed agriculture and begin
investing in irrigation as the region
has adequate water.
We can put up to over 100,000
acres of land under irrigation in this
county if the County Government
starts serious development on the
Moi backs Kericho governor,
says MCAs must stop malice
Flimsy: Gideon Moi argues impeachment by assembly has little merit
Support for
Impeachment Bill
Senator Moi has declared
his support for the proposed
Impeachment Bill, which
is being drafted by Senate
Majority Leader Prof Kindiki
Kithure.
The Bill should outline the
procedures and processes of
impeaching a governor.
STAY WITH THE NEWS
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(From right) Baringo Senator Gideon
Moi, Baringo Women Representative
Grace Kiptui and GDC CEO Dr Silas
Simiyu distribute food to residents of
Baringo. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/
STANDARD]
sector, said Moi. He also urged
residents to embrace peaceful
co-existence especially during
the dry spell, as livestock would
migrate across the pastoralist
districts in search of pasture and
water.
He was accompanied by
Baringo Governor Benjamin
Cheboi, Tiaty MP Asman Kama-
ma, Baringo Women Representa-
tive Grace Kiptui, Baringo Speaker
William Kamket and Members
of the Baringo County assembly
from East Pokot Sub-County.
Page 10 May 25, 2014 / STANDARD ON SUNDAY
NEWS
By JAMES MUNYEKI

At least ve people have been
conrmed dead after a shooting in-
cident involving former Mungiki
leader Maina Njengas convoy along
NyahururuOl Kalou road yester-
day.
The former leader of the illegal
sect survived the shooting and was
rushed to Nyahururu district hos-
pital with serious wounds and it is
here where he accused the police of
trying to assassinate him.
Four others were admitted at
the same hospital with two in criti-
cal condition. Among the dead
were two women and three men
aged between 30 and 40.
Njenga was among a group of
people travelling to Pesi in Laikipia
for a family gathering when their
vehicle was sprayed with bullets at
Suera village.
Some victims were with Njenga
in the saloon car closely followed
by what was believed to be Njen-
gas chase car.
Njenga says they had left Naku-
ru town for Laikipia when a vehicle
which was trailing them blocked
them at a bump along the way.
The occupants of the vehicle
were brandishing guns and shot at
them indiscriminately.
The drivers of the two vehicles
were shot on the head and died on
the spot while another woman died
at Nyahururu district hospital. Hamisi Mabea described the inci-
dent as unfortunate. This is an ugly
incident which we didnt not expect.
Four people have been conrmed
dead at the scene while one woman
we have been told has died at the
hospital, he said.
Mabea said the police would in-
vestigate the cause of the shooting.
Right now, we cannot exactly tell
what transpired but we are conduct-
ing investigations. We have eyewit-
nesses who should be able to give
us more information, he said.
Mabea said police were looking
for the vehicle carrying the gunmen.
The bodies of the deceased were
moved to Nyahururu district hospi-
tal mortuary.
The shooting comes at a time
differences have emerged among
members of the outlawed sect with
some accusing Njengas supporters
of forcefully taking over their prop-
erties in Nairobi and other parts of
the country.
Njenga, when questioned, said
he would not comment on the mat-
ter. By the time of going to press,
Njenga was set to be transferred to
Aga Khan hospital in Nyahururu.
Assassination bid?: Former Mungiki leader was among people travelling to Pesi in Laikipia for a family gathering
when their vehicle was sprayed with bullets at Suera village in a raid that also left several people wounded and shocked
Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga at Nyahururu District hospital after his convoy was attacked by unknown peo-
ple along Nyahururu-Ol Kalou Road, yesterday. RIGHT: A vehicle destroyed in the incident. [PHOTO: JAMES MUNYEKI]
Five killed as Njenga survives attack
ONLINE
To comment on this
and other stories,
Go to www.standardmedia.co.ke
The vehicles lost control and
veered off the road before landing
in a ditch nearby, said Njenga.
The vehicle was overtaking us
when we suddenly saw the occu-
pants brandishing guns and shoot-
ing at us. I was shot on the hand
and a bullet cut my right nger, he
told the press at the hospital.
At the scene, bodies of the four
people lay in the vehicles in a pool
of blood. Each vehicle had more
than ten bullet holes.
Motive unknown
Njenga, accompanied by his
brother Njoroge, had rst said the
motive of the incident was un-
known but later insisted the police
were responsible.
He said a vehicle had been trail-
ing them as they left Nakuru via the
Ol Kalou-Ndundori road.
We had seen the vehicle from
time to time but had no reason to
be suspicious, he said.
Nyandarua county commander
This is an ugly incident which we did
not expect. Four people have been confrmed
dead at the scene while one woman we
have been told has died at the hospital,
Hamisi Mabea, police commander
The ambush
Attack comes at a time differences have
emerged among members of the outlawed sect
with some accusing Njengas supporters of
forcefully taking over their properties in Nai-
robi and other parts of the country.
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The Standard Group will publish a special supplement on May 30
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NEWS
By DANIEL PSIRMOI
Governors will soon play a bigger
role in matters of security in their re-
gions after the establishment of the
County Policing Authority, Interior
Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku
has said.
Speaking in Bungoma yesterday
when he met more than 500 mem-
bers of the national government ad-
ministration from the upper Western
region, the CS said his ministry will
fast track the establishment of the
authority that will be chaired by gov-
ernors.
The Interior ministry has con-
cluded a policy framework which will
be rolled out soon to co-ordinate with
governors in the management of se-
curity within the county. They will no
longer feel left out in matters of se-
curity as they are serious stakehold-
ers in their regions, being the county
chief ofcers, said Ole Lenku.
He said the authority would work
closely with the county intelligence
and security committees and the
county chiefs will get intelligence
briefs from the national government
security chiefs.
Lenku, who was accompanied
by Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo,
lauded governors for accepting to
work with county commissioners
and other members of the national
government administration after the
recent restructuring by President Uh-
uru Kenyatta.
He said there should be no fric-
tion between the two tiers of govern-
ment and no turf wars between gov-
ernors and county commissioners as
their roles are clearly stipulated in the
constitution.I am happy the gover-
nors who earlier cried foul after the
announcement of the restructuring
of the nationa l government adminis-
tration and empowerment of county
commissioners have agreed to work
with the administrators, said Lenku.
The CS said he held a meet-
ing with the governors on Friday in
Naivasha.
Supremacy battles
They are all focused on offering
service delivery to members of the
public. The supremacy battles were
unnecessary.
The CS at the same time asked the
administrators and security agents
in the upper Western region to be on
high alert as aliens and terrorists may
try to use the border with Uganda to
gain entry into the country.
With the current threats of terror-
ism and the ongoing crackdown on
the same criminals, they may attempt
to sneak into the country through the
Western region borders of Busia, Ma-
laba or other areas. You should be on
high alert as the terrorists have shift-
ed their entry point from North East-
ern following increased surveillance
by security agents, said Lenku.
Any chief or assistant chief who
knowingly clears an alien to receive
registration documents will be sent
packing, he warned.
Bungoma County Commissioner
Maalim Mohamed and all the depu-
ty county commissioners, assistant
deputy county commissioners, chiefs
and their assistants from the region
attended the meeting. Security chiefs
from the region also attended the
function.
Lenku: Governors to get more say on security
Im not protecting Mutua in
Konza land row, Tobiko says
Scandal: Malili Ranch shareholders fear they may not get fair hearing in the Sh1 billion case
By MWANIKI MUNUHE
Director of Public Prosecutions
Keriako Tobiko has been accused
of protecting the chairman of the
Law Society of Kenya, Mr Eric
Mutua, against claims of culpabili-
ty in the Sh1 billion Malili Ranch
scandal.
In a letter dated May 12 and
addressed to Tobiko, at least three
stakeholders have expressed
concern that they may not get a
fair hearing against Mutua because
of his alleged close relationship
with the DPP.
Further, the letter referenced,
Misappropriation of KSh1.0
billion by Malili Ranch Directors,
Eric Mutua and Gateway Logistics
Limited ET CETERA and which
the DPP conrmed receipt, alleges
that Mutua fraudulently received
Sh1 billion from the government
under the alleged pretext that he
would hold the money on behalf of
Malili Ranch owners.
We as the shareholders and
owners of land bought by the
Government of Kenya and on
behalf of other miserable share-
holders (who are upwards of 600)
are aware of your friendship with
Eric Mutua based on the last
paragraph of Hon (Johnstone)
Muthamas statement to the police
which was in the le sent to you by
the CID you are likely to do very
little if you personally continue
handling the CID le for reasons
best known to yourself most
likely you want to assist Eric Mutua
from being taken to court by the
police, reads part of the letter.
However, although the com-
plainants accuse Tobiko of
handling the le, The Standard on
Sunday independently conrmed
that even before the compliant was
received at the DPPs ofce, Tobiko
had already appointed senior
counsel Paul Muite as the indepen-
dent counsel to handle the le.
Speaking to The Standard on
Sunday on the phone, the DPP
termed the letter an insult and
mischievous.
Insulting and mysterious
I received that letter on the
21st of May this year. It is for lack
of a better word a very insulting
and mysterious letter. I have
previously issued two public
statements in regard to this issue.
Even before I received that letter,
an independent counsel had been
appointed and that le forwarded
to him. That letter is such a
mischief because I take my
professional responsibility very
seriously and I do not need any
lecture from anybody on how to do
my job, said Tobiko
Eric Mutua is a professional
colleague like other advocates. I
explained why I felt uncomfortable
handling that le and an indepen-
dent counsel was appointed. They
can independently conrm from
the independent counsel whether
that le had been processed, he
added.
Muite, a senior counsel,
conrmed that he has received the
le that implicates the LSK boss.
Muite said the DPP had not
processed the le in any way and
that he was carefully considering
the evidence with a view of
determining the culpability of
suspects and the sustainability of
the allegations.
I can conrm to you that the
le as forwarded by the CID to the
ofce of the DPP is under my
custody. I am carefully going
through it with a view of determin-
ing who is culpable. I am doing a
thorough job, said Muite.
Serious reection
There is nothing much I can
say because anybody can raise a
letter to the DPP. I do not know
what happens in the ofce of the
DPP because I read in the media
like anybody else. However, I dont
know the DPP to be handling the
le. About that matter, there is an
ongoing process and there is not
much I can do or say. I sit in the
advisory board in the ofce of the
DPP because the law requires the
chair of LSK to do so, Mutua said
when contacted.
On April 26, the DPP issued a
statement acknowledging receipt
of the le recommending prosecu-
tion of Mutua.
The statement read in part:
Yesterday I received from the
director of criminal investigations,
an investigations le on the
allegations of misappropriations of
Sh1 billion paid by the government
of Kenya to purchase 5,000 acres of
land at Malili Ranchamong those
recommended to be charged is Eric
Kyalo Mutua, the current chair of
the Law Society of KenyaMr Eric
Mutua is also an active member of
the Advisory Board of the ofce of
DPPIn light of the above, and to
avoid any potential conict of
interest situation, and for justice to
be done and to be seen to be done,
I have, after serious reection,
decided that the investigations le
be independently reviewed and
advised on by Senior Counsel from
Private Practice.
By KIPCHUMBA SOME
Attorney General Githu Muigai
has dismissed a threat of legal action
against him issued by the Law Society
of Kenya, saying his ofce is indepen-
dent and wont take directions from
any other body.
Citing the Constitution, the Ofce
of the Attorney General Act, and the
Advocates Act, Prof Muigai said: No
criminal proceeding or civil suit shall
be brought against the Attorney
General, the Solicitor General or a
subordinate ofcer in respect of any
proceeding in a court of law or in the
course of discharging of the functions
of the Attorney General under the
Constitution and this Act, he said,
quoting Section 8 of the Ofce of the
Attorney General Act.
Certicate of dishonour
Muigai said he acted in good faith
when he gave a legal opinion for the
government to settle the Sh1.4 billion
awarded to two companies in the
Anglo Leasing scandal.
No matter or thing done by the
Attorney General, the Solicitor
General or a subordinate ofce shall,
if the matter or thing is done in good
faith for executing the functions,
powers or duties of the Commission,
render the Attorney General, Solicitor
General or other subordinate ofcer
personally liable to any action of
claim or demand whatsoever, said
Muigai, quoting the same Act.
Last week, LSK threatened to issue
a certicate of dishonour to Prof
Muigai, Mr Muturi and Ms Muthoni
for allegedly failing to robustly
defend the country from paying the
Sh1.4 billion.
The LSK cited seven grounds on
which it wants to issue the certicate.
The lawyers claim the AG abandoned
the bribery and corruption defence
and instead entered into consent to
pay Universal Satspace US$7.6
million (Sh667.2 million).
On Sunday May 18, 2014, we
published a story on page 12
under the headline AG furious as
LSK asks him to resign over Anglo
Leasing.
We would like to clarify that
the accompanying sub title
unsuitable to hold ofce? was
not attributed to or in reference
to Hon. Justice David Majanja.
The honourable Judges photo-
graph was solely used, without
malice, for the purpose or
referencing Justice Majanja as
having heard an application by
Law Society of Kenya as detailed
in the text of the main story
We sincerely apologise to the
Hon. Justice
David Majanja
for the wrong
impression
created by the
association of
his photo-
graph with the
sub title.
BREAKING TODAY
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I acted in good
faith, Githu says
Correction
LSK Chair Eric Mutua (c) and other council members address a press
conference on the Anglo Leasing pay out. [PHOTOS: FILE/STANDARD]
How teachers are losing their pay
Another scandal: Victims suspect a syndicate of fraudsters has inltrated the Teachers Service Commission to obtain
Frankline [PHOTO: KIBERA MBUGUA/
STANDARD]
guing that it would take long
to resolve it if he went to the
authorities.
But Mule went on to le a
complaint against WoodVen-
ture Ltd on the illegal deduc-
tions on his pay slip.
I suspected something
was shy when they warned
me not to go to the police. So I
passed by Central Police Sta-
tion to record a statement.
There, I was referred to Macha-
kos CID ofces. But when I got
there, they had information
that I had earlier gone to TSC to
get my November pay slip. I do
not know how, he says.
WoodVenture failed to explain
to Mule how they came about his
personal information, including a
copy of his national ID card.
I requested for a temporary
stop order, pending investigation,
but they said that would only be
possible if I wrote a signed request
with my ngerprints. I insisted we
go to Central Police Station to re-
cord a statement, but they declined.
They said I had proven to be difcult
and therefore they would not to as-
sist me, he says.
Determined to get to the bottom
of the matter, Mule returned to the
Machakos CID ofces and was re-
ferred back to Central Police Station,
where he recorded another state-
ment. This time round, two CID of-
cers accompanied him to Wood-
Venture Ltd, where they conscated
the original hire purchase agreement
and the deduction form for further
investigation.
Deliberate cover-up
The documents were found to
have been forged. The forms did not
have specic dates of the transac-
tion, no signature and rubber stamp
from Mules employer as well as
those of WoodVenture Ltd.
It was also realised the pay slips
used his and that of his purported
guarantor Lucas Nzioki, a teacher at
Iuuma Primary School were not
genuine. Investigations also showed
ngerprint impressions on the hire
purchase agreement and hire pur-
chase deduction forms were not
identical to his or Nziokas.
WoodVenture Ltd was then forced
to stop the deductions and release
the phone number of the purported
guarantor. They also promised to re-
fund the two months deduction that
amounted to Sh12,500. However,
Mule is yet to receive the money.
One of the ofcers pointed at me
and said: Hii kampuni iko na we-
nyewe, iko na watu wakubwa na uki-
jaribu utapigiwa simu uulizwe kile
unachoendeleza. Usijaribu. (This
company is well connected. If you
pursue the matter, you will receive a
call to explain what your intentions
are. Do not even try), says a dis-
tressed Mule, who took it upon him-
self to locate Nzioka, as the pace of
investigations seemed to slacken.
I travelled to his rural home but
his father told me he was away. I took
his number but it has never gone
through and he has never contacted
me, he says.
In January, Mule could not get in
money went, so he went to the bank
to check if there was an error. But
there was none, so he set out to the
TSC headquarters in Nairobi. I
lodged a complaint at the TSC pay
slip department. After they fed my
TSC number to the computer it was
revealed that I had acquired a hire
purchase facility from WoodVenture
Kenya Ltd, says the teacher at Kithi-
iani Primary School.
I had never heard of WoodVen-
ture Kenya Ltd. In my entire life I
have never taken a hire purchase fa-
cility. I was shocked, he says.
Forged signature
It was then that TSC contacted
the company. A Mr Joel conrmed
that Mule bought a Samsung LED 40
Inch Television and a Ramtons Mi-
crowave RM310, all valued at
Sh150,000.
Mules quest led him to WoodVen-
ture Kenya Ltds ofces on lower Kir-
inyaga Road in downtown Nairobi,
where he found out that someone
had impersonated him.
My personal information was
on their system, yet I had never laid
eyes on any of its employees or even
set foot on the premises, he says.
The rst thing I noticed from the
documents I purportedly signed for
was the passport photograph in their
possession, which was not mine.
Even the signature was forged and
there were no dates in any of the
documents, he says.
He was asked to leave his nger-
prints and sign on a piece of paper
so they could follow up the matter.
He declined to do so for fear that
they might use that information
against him.
Mule was asked to return the fol-
lowing day when the companys
bosses were expected to be around
so they could resolve the matter.
They however cautioned him against
reporting the matter to the police ar-
By ABIGAEL SUM
Is your salary being deducted to
pay for hire purchase goods you nev-
er bought? You are not alone.
Franklin Mule is among the rising
number of teachers being forced to
pay for hire purchase goods they did
not buy. Fraudsters obtained their vi-
tal documents and bought these
goods then got away, leaving the
teachers to carry the can.
But Mule complains that even
though the police, the Teachers Ser-
vice Commission (TSC) and Wood-
Venture Kenya Ltd the hire pur-
chase rm are aware of the fraud,
the deductions have continued. This
has left him convinced that the
fraudsters may be colluding with
some members of these organisa-
tions to defraud teachers.
Mule holds to this theory be-
cause these organisations have for-
mally acknowledged that the deduc-
tions were a result of a fraudulent
transaction derived from forged doc-
uments.
Apparently, the fraudster man-
aged to get a copy of Mules ID and
forged payslip from the TSC then
convinced WoodVenture that he was
Franklin Mule and disappeared with
a TV set and oven worth Sh150,000.
But when Mule challenged Wood-
Venture, it was discovered their re-
cords had the wrong information
the passport size photograph
recorded as Mules was of someone
else, and so were the ngerprints in
the contract document. This, Wood-
Venture readily acknowledged re-
cently.
The strange events began to un-
fold in December last year when
Mule, who has been a primary school
teacher for the last 17 years, noticed
an anomaly in his salary. There was
an unknown deduction of Sh6,250
on his November pay.
He did not understand where the
Frankline Mule. [PHOTO: WILLIS
AWANDU/STANDARD]
The building that houses WoodVenture Kenya Ltd on Nairobis Kirinyaga Road.
INSET: A copy of the hire purchase agreement [PHOTO: KIBERA MBUGUA/STANDARD]
FRAUDSTERS ON THE LOOSE
hire purchase.
I have no idea where they got my
personal information and why they
are doing this to me. I want my mon-
ey back and for all this to end, says
Nzioki.
Elizabeth Munyiva, a teacher at
Nyaani Primary School in Machakos
County, also fell victim to the scam.
Every month since July 2013, she has
been paying Sh310 to Capital
Bridges.I do not understand these
deductions, as I have never transact-
ed any business with the said com-
pany. I wrote a complaint letter to
the Kenya National Union of Teach-
ers but I am yet to receive a re-
sponse, she explains. Munyiva says
she thought Knut was better placed
to handle the issue.
TSC Secretary Gabriel Lengoibo-
ni says it is only when an ofcial
complaint is raised that they get to
know of illegal deductions made
through fabricated pay slips.
If we nd out that certain com-
panies are illegally deducting funds
from our employees, we cut ties with
them. However, we are not aware of
such cases because they are rare, he
says.
Unauthorised deductions
Mr Lengoiboni denied allega-
tions that pay slips used to acquire
loans or hire purchase commodities
in such circumstances are manipu-
lated at the commission, adding that
TSC is not making unauthorised de-
ductions from teachers wages.
The fabricated pay slips do not
originate from us. There are cartels
or individuals who come up with
fake pay slips that tend to appear as
though they are from us, he adds.
Lengoiboni has asked teachers to
be cautious not to misplace or give
out their pay slips lest they are
robbed of their money. He says the
commission is embarking on aware-
ness campaigns among its employ-
ees.
If anyone notices deductions on
their pay slips they are not aware of
or have not authorised, they should
immediately report to the commis-
sion for appropriate action to be tak-
en. It is teachers responsibility to
scrutinise their pay slips and follow
up on unknown deductions, says
Lengoiboni.
Police spokesperson Ziporah
Mboroki says cases where someone
obtains another persons documents
and uses them to get money or goods
by false pretenses exist but they can
only act when it is made known to
them.
When something like that hap-
pens, it amounts to fraud but we
cannot know for sure that someone
used another persons pay slip and
other documents fraudulently un-
less the employer comes into the pic-
ture, she said.
TSC Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni.
[PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]
their pay slips, use them to get loans or buy goods on hire purchase and leave the innocent teachers footing the exorbitant bills
to loans and goods they never took
touch with the case investigating of-
cer via his mobile phone, so he sent
a text message to enquire on the
progress of the case. Suspect not
traced, was the text reply he got.
He later came to learn that the of-
cer had blocked his (Mules) phone
number.
Following the slow pace of inves-
tigations and after making countless
trips to Central Police Station to no
avail, Mule sought the services of a
lawyer, who wrote a letter to the CID
at the Central Police Station, asking
them to speed up the case.
In response, the police denied
any form of intimidation, and added
that they had accorded the case the
attention it deserved and are still
pursuing it.
I suspect there was a deliberate
attempt to cover up the case, Mule
now says.
The events of the past months
have drained Mule psychologically
and nancially. But he says all he
wants is justice to be served and for
the nightmare to end.
When contacted, WoodVenture
Ltd said Mules cheque has been
ready since January, but he had not
gone to collect it.
We are refunding his money be-
cause a fraud was committed. Some-
one used his identity to purchase
goods and in the process we also lost
Sh150,000, said Joel Aduma of the
Credit Control Division at the com-
pany.
Henry Nzioki, another teacher
from Kituiu Primary School in
Machakos County, is also a victim of
the scam. His salary was deducted
under mysterious circumstances.
From July 2012 to August 2013,
Sh3,800 was deducted from his
monthly salary and paid to Capital
Bridges for an alleged loan of
Sh113,000 they claim he took.
Before that, I had never heard of
a company by that name. I had not
taken a loan from them but I was
somehow servicing it, he says.
Nzioki sought the services of a
lawyer and launched an ofcial com-
plaint. The company claimed they
were erroneous deductions and
vowed to reimburse his money. But
they are yet to do so.
The teacher thought he had
solved the matter until March this
year when the deductions started
again. He says Sh5,428 went missing,
money that was debited to the same
company. This time, the rm claims
he bought items worth Sh35,000 on
Follow us on:
@OAG_Kenya
Ofce of the Auditor General
Anniversary Towers, 12th oor P.O. Box 30084-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Website: www.kenao.go.ke
AFROSAI
Working Group Environmental Auditing
The 4th AFROSAI-WGEA Annual Meeting
26th - 31st May, 2014 - Mombasa, Kenya
AFROSAI-Working Group on Environmental Auditing (AFROSAI-WGEA)
More than 12 Auditors-General from Africa and environmental experts across the
world converge in Mombasa, Kenya, for the 4
th
Annual Meeting of African Organisation
of Supreme Audit Institutions- Working Group on Environmental Auditing (AFROSAI-
WGEA).
The International Conference will see the experts discuss matters related to auditing the
environment for present and future.
Theme of the Conference: Preserving the Environment for the present and future
Date: 26
th
to 31
st
May 2014
Ofcial opening ceremony: Wednesday 28
th
May, 2014, 8.30 am
Venue: Sarova Whitesands Hotel, Mombasa
International Conference on Environmental Audit
The 4th Annual Meeting of the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions
Working Group on Environmental Auditing (AFROSAI-WGEA)
like our page on facebook:
Ofce of the Auditor-General Kenya
Some of the key speakers:
Auditors-General and representatives from Kenya, Cameroon, Indonesia, Zambia,
Tanzania, Chad, Algeria, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Botswana,
Nigeria, Egypt, China, Argentina, New Zealand, Norway, India, Uganda and Morocco,
amongst others.
Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources,
Representatives from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), National
Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWFN) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) amongst others.
The Conference will deliberate on the following broad areas:
Natural Resources
Water
Waste
Environmental governance
Human activities and sectors
Air pollution, Ecosystem management, ecosystem changes and wetlands.
FRAUDSTERS ON THE LOOSE
OPINION
T
he last week has been one of heightened politi-
cal temperatures. From the move by MPs to sign a
petition for impeachment of Devolution Cabinet
Secretary Ann Waiguru to the disappearance and
subsequent resurfacing of Embu Speaker Kariuki
Mate, it has been a fairly emotive week.
But calls for Waigurus impeachment drive
appears to be waning. With a growing chorus of inuential
voices dismissing these calls the latest coming from
Deputy President William Ruto the initiative by Igembe
South MP Mithika Linturi to remove Ms Waiguru from ofce
seems to have lost much of its sting despite Linturis claim
that he has marshalled more than 100 signatures to begin the
impeachment process.
It will not be surprising if Linturi and company begin to
realise that their initiative was ill-advised their claim that
the Cabinet Secretary irregularly transferred National Youth
Service Director Kiplimo Ruto was unfounded as were claims
that Gor Semelango was illegally removed as chairman of
the Board of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.
However, Waiguru is not out of the woods yet because Linturi
has not climbed down from his stated intentions. We stand
for due process and the rule of law in the execution of public
service. We will continue to hold public servants of whatever
rank to the highest standards of the law and public order. But
there are several fundamental aws in the calls to impeach
Waiguru, looking at the constitutional guidelines for the
process. Firstly, framers of the Constitution place a very high
threshold for a Cabinet Secretary to be removed from ofce.
Casual removal of ofce bearers would amount to
subversion of democracy. Regrettably, the current wave of
impeachments and votes of no condence are triggered by
minor administrative misdemeanours.
It must be stated that although the Constitution envisages
that Cabinet Secretaries must be non-politicians so that they
can function without divided loyalty and distractions, these
technocrats must realise that they are operating in a political
environment where their actions have political ramications.
Therefore, they must balance their mandate to achieve stated
benchmarks with due sensitivity to social expectations and
public perceptions. For instance, the issue of regional
balance is a sensitive one, which must be weighed against
the stated objective to respect meritocracy.
Authorities have often been criticised for ignoring the
statutory requirement that forbids members of one ethnic
community from constituting more than 30 per cent of those
working in one institution. Therefore, even though the
appointing authorities may cite meritocracy as the yardstick
for employment sometimes a very subjective yardstick
they must be sensitive to social expectations. And as
newcomers in the political chessboard, it is these sensitivities
that Cabinet Secretaries may appear to lack.
Although Cabinet Secretaries are not career politicians
themselves except for the exceptional few they are
serving at the pleasure of their appointing authority who is a
politician serving different and diverse constituencies.
Their sensitivity to these dynamics is, therefore, critical.
However, the urry of impeachments must be viewed
with foreboding. Not only do these actions amplify the
preoccupation of our politicians with petty politicking, they
also raise serious ethical questions about the motives behind
some of these petitions for impeachment. Governors have
complained that ward representatives often demand favours
to stave off impeachments. This is not only criminal it also
subverts the democratic process that gives voters mandate to
choose their leaders at the ballot box. This inviolable right
should not be abused or subverted by anyone, except under
exceptional and extreme circumstances.
Even as Senators prepare to debate a Bill that will guide
the impeachment process, sanctions must be considered
against those who introduce political mischief. They must be
rmly dissuaded from introducing mischievous and frivolous
interventions to the governance process; whether they are
court cases or other forms of political grandstanding that
take attention away from nation building. Let us embrace
consensus building and shun petty politicking because there
are far too many challenges that need our attention.
D
ear Mr President, our
country is in turmoil.
We are scared and
scarred. Last Sunday I
read the papers and felt
instantly depressed.
Visitors were being
pulled out of hotels and some air-
lines had decided to avoid Kenya
until October!
What really brought it home for
me, though, were the words of a
mother whose child who is in the
process of sitting exams. I asked
the mother how the daughter was
doing and she said to me, my fear
is no longer the exams but rather
what kind of a country my
daughter will inherit from us
I was shocked by the response
but I knew that it was the truth. All
I could do was tell the parent that
we have to ght for our country as
previous generations did.
In the course of the week I
travelled to Mombasa and was
horried to see the hotels so
empty; it is one thing to read about
tourists being recalled but it is
another thing to see the empty
swimming pools and beaches. I
was convinced more than ever that
the ght for our generation has
been dened.
Friends, the issues of terrorism
and insecurity cannot be handled
by the security agents alone. I
know that we have delegated
responsibility to the security
organs but you must know by now
that we too have to be involved.
The security agents have arms but
you have the will and the numbers
to direct this country as you wish.
You see the police cannot be in
every home and every market-
place, but we are; they cannot
Allow leaders
to work, then
hold them
accountable
know everyone but we do; the police
cannot be in every matatu but we
are; if we are vigilant, we can provide
a protective gauze over this country
so that no one with evil intentions
can access it.
Can we afford to look the other
way and hope someone else will do
something about it?
My sister and brother, on this one
no one else will do something; you
are responsible for the security in
the space around you. If you do not
watch the person next to you
nobody else can do it because you
are the only person in that space.
There may be people on the other
side but they watch a different side
from you. Be vigilant!
Mr President, your people have
reached that place where they can
net the criminals but they need to be
called to action by their leader. Last
week at the Gikomba explosions the
members of the public were able to
arrest one person who was handed
over to the police.
You see Mr President, if wananchi
had not acted, the police would have
arrived too late to catch anyone. Of
course the public needs to be
educated not to lynch the suspect as
they tried to do in the Gikomba
incident but hand over the suspect
to the authorities. I remember in
2003, after former President Kibaki
came to power and spoke tough on
corruption; I saw people heed the
call and arrest police ofcers who
dared demand bribes. I will never
forget one police ofcer who was
loaded into a matatu and taken to
the police station for demanding a
bribe from the same matatu.
It was momentous.
We need leadership Mr Presi-
dent; we need you to call us to
action; call on our allegiance to our
country; remind us that despite our
several divides including political,
race and ethnicity, there are
matters that are Kenyan and that
for those matters our pain must be
one.
On another note Mr President, it
is my take that what is happening
today was going to happen sooner
or later. You see almost all the 40
million of our people are Kenyans,
yes, but do they have a factor that
unies them beyond being
members of the same country?
If you listen loudly you will nd
that Kenyans identify largely with
their families and then their tribes
and that their identity as a Kenyan
people does not quite exist and that
in fact, previous leaderships have
fought against it during elections
and at the time of sharing out jobs
and opportunities.
It is time to make Kenyans
KENYANS. Make Kenya a country
that they will defend with their
lives; a country that our youth
would go to war for because they
believe in it. But remember, they
can only believe in a country that
gives equal opportunity to all of its
people and not on the basis of
tribe; make Kenya such a country,
Mr President.
The Standard is printed and published by the proprietors, THE STANDARD
Newsdesk: 3222111
|
Fax: 213108
Email: editorial@standardmedia.co.ke
Managing Editor: Enoch Wambua
Registered at the G.P.O as a newspaper.
If you listen
loudly
you will
fnd that
Kenyans
identify
largely
with their
families
and then
their tribes
Uhuru must rally Kenyans
together in this hour of need
Judy Thongori
judyt@thongori.home.co.ke
The writer is a family lawyer
Page 15
public corruption. Corrupt
ofcials now seek their ethnic
share of appointments under the
guise of regional balance.
And its OK as long as every
ethnic elite gets an opportunity
to pig at the trough. Trouble only
explodes when these new rules of
raiding the public purse are
ignored, or broken. Thats why
the URP wing of Jubilee has been
accusing its TNA cousin that its
being shortchanged in public
appointments.
In Kenya, the ethnic support-
ers of the winning political party
expect their turn to eat to be
respected. Or theres hell to pay.
Thats why winning elections is a
license to loot the public treasury.
This is the problem. In a
modern state, economic
innovation is usually facilitated
by government, but carried out
by private industry, state
institutions, and research
universities. However, under
crony capitalism, these engines
of growth are dulled by the
primitive and kleptocratic
accumulation of capital.
Methinks this is Kenyas
Achilles Heel. Because of the
under-developed political
culture, Kenyas elite is a
kleptocracy. A kleptocracy only
knows how to manage crony
capitalism. My view is that Kenya
hasnt broken free of the culture
Why corruption and not terror
is the countrys worst enemy
Those in power open
the doors for their
cronies to beneft from
theft of State resources
I
ts an open secret that its
not Al Shabaab, the rag-
tag Somali militia, but
public corruption, which
poses an existential
threat to Kenya. The Ke-
nya elite is the countrys
own worst enemy.
Thats the single most
important reason thats prevent-
ed Kenya from mimicking the
Asian Tigers. It is public corrup-
tion that has prevented Kenya
from becoming a true democracy.
Our elite is sick addicted to
public corruption. Everywhere
you look right, left, sideways,
behind, and in front an ofcial
has their hand in the public till.
Thats why they dont catch
and punish each other
because they are in it together.
But the addiction to public
corruption has fuelled another
deadly, and shamefully obsequi-
ous, addiction state jobs and
senior public appointments.
Not even the new Constitu-
tion could cure this malaise. It
has only simply democratised
The writer is Dean and SUNY
Distinguished Professor at SUNY
Buffalo Law School.
OPINION
Ethnic supporters of the winning
political party expect their turn to
eat to be respected or there is hell
to pay. Thats why URP has been
accusing its TNA cousin that its being
shortchanged in public appointments.
TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT
Makau Mutua
Twitter@makaumutua
of patrimonialism, where power
and wealth ow from top leaders.
You cant get very far in Kenya
unless you are connected to a Big
Man. More often than not, you
need to know someone, like an
ethnic Godfather.
The more things change, the
more they remain the same. The
presidency is today cabined by
seemingly democratic norms, but
Kenya functions the same way it
did decades ago. The politics is
ethnic and power is mobilised
and retained through the tribe.
Tribal kinsmen must be
rewarded. The problem is that
there is only one way to reward
cronies public appointments.
But public ofces alone
wouldnt make sense. The ofce
must be capable of being looted.
This is possible because the state
is the largest mobiliser of
resources and money. In true
democracies, its the private
sector that dominates the
economy, not the state. In the US,
for example, you dont go into
public service to become rich.
But in Kenya, you have an
innitesimal chance of becoming
rich if somehow you arent
connected to the state.
Even wealthy businessmen
whove never served in govern-
ment, supplicate themselves
before the state if they want to
prosper. Most of Kenyas wealthy
served in government.
Thats why politicians and
public servants are among the
richest of Kenyans. Even a private
newspaper would nd it hard to
survive without adverts from the
State. This explains why Kenyan
elections are do-or-die affairs. As
the loser, you are out of the gravy
train. As winner, all the spoils
belong to you.
In devolved government,
counties could become the new
locus for crony capitalism and
public corruption unless citizens
demand transparency and
probity.
The crux of the elite addiction
to state jobs and public appoint-
ments rests in granting public
contracts, procurement,
tendering, and development
projects.
The major public scandals of
the last two decades Golden-
berg, Anglo Leasing, and even the
implosion of the IEBCs electoral
technology can be traced to
the lack of transparency in
procuring goods and services.
The brouhaha over the
Standard Gauge Railway is
traceable to the lack of transpar-
ency in government contracting.
Theres now talk of shadowy
cartels and brokers out to
cannibalise the country over the
project.
The granting of the Kitui coal
mines to Chinas Fenxi Mining
Group begs the same questions.
Why havent the contracts been
made widely public?
Finally, I partly blame the
thieving of public servants on the
Ndegwa Commission, which
paved the way for state employ-
ees to engage in private business.
The idea may have been good
Africanising the economy
but the results have been bad. I
believe that lifting the ban
whetted the appetites of civil
servants to nd both crude and
creative ways to loot taxpayer
shillings.
Virtually every senior civil
servant went into business and
most of them are among the
wealthiest Kenyans and politi-
cians today.
Dr Oginde holds a PhD in Organisa-
tional Leadership and is the Presid-
ing Bishop of Christ is the Answer
Ministries (CITAM)
various arms of government are doing
all that is in their ability to ensure that
the nation gets back to sobriety.
Though some leaders seem to be at
sea, at least there is some sense of
seriousness in some quarters.
The truth though is that the sum of
it all is not getting us out of the
turbulence that has engulfed this
nation. It seems like we are trying to
pull ourselves up by our boot straps
it has never worked. My verdict
Kenya needs to pray.
As many cynics have often rightly
observed, prayer is a cry of despera-
tion. It is a humbling acknowledg-
ment that one has reached his or her
wits end. Yet, it is this admission of
helplessness and hopelessness that
evokes the intervention of the Divine.
Unfortunately, this is what keeps
many from praying.
But truth be told, unless and until
we accept that we are in trouble, we
cannot offer a genuine prayer a
true cry from our hearts to the heart
of God. For it is only the desperately
sick that run to the doctor. Truth be
told, Kenya is sickvery sick, and
needs a doctor urgently! We can
choose to do what we Kenyans have
become experts at: talk, comment,
analyse, and at times blame each
other for causing the sickness. But
meanwhile the patient is deteriorating
and may soon die while we are stuck
in the paralysis of analysis.
But does prayer work? That is an
age old question that has taxed the
minds of scholars and the unschooled
alike, especially in these days of
scientic enlightenment. Though the
efcacy of prayer is one of those
realities of life that seem to lie beyond
empiricism, it nonetheless remains a
stubborn fact.
A
t the rst national prayer
breakfast following his
presidential inaugura-
tion, President Bill Clin-
ton proudly declared
how he helped to initiate
the rst Arkansas gov-
ernors prayer breakfast, an event that
became a very important part of [my]
life there. At another such breakfast,
President Bush declared, Many in
our country know the power of prayer.
Prayer changes hearts. Prayer chang-
es lives. And prayer makes us a more
compassionate and giving people.
While some would readily agree with
these sentiments, the veracity of these
assertions remains debatable.
Back in 1984 when the Kenya was
faced with a devastating and pro-
longed drought and famine, the then
President Moi called the nation to a
whole week of prayer.
This was to culminate in a national
prayer day on the Sunday when all
Kenyans were to specically petition
God to bring rain upon the land.
As some would remember, on that
Sunday afternoon, out of nowhere the
rains poured across the nation. So
heavy was the rain that the President,
who attended a church service in
Nakuru, had his motorcade almost
swamped by the raging oods as he
drove home from the church service.
In 2003, soon after the NARC
government came to power, the
country faced a series of calamities
including: an MP swept away by a
ooded river; a plane accident in
Busia involving some key leaders; a
passenger train derailment claiming
many lives; serious bus accidents; the
sudden deaths of several key govern-
ment leaders including the then Vice
President Kijana Wamalwa; and the
Kenya Airways crash in Cameroon.
The mood of the nation fell from
ecstasy to bewilderment. It was at this
point that President Kibaki called for a
national day of prayer across the
nation. In Nairobi, a most solemn
assembly gathered at KICC grounds
with the president and his team in
attendance. Church leaders and
government ofcials led the nation in
earnest prayer and repentance before
God. The calamities ceased!
When Uhuru and Ruto found
themselves faced with the harsh
reality of ICC, they did what every
wise human being should do in such
circumstances they turned to God.
They traversed the nation in prayer
rallies and had many a cleric lay their
hands upon them. Take it or leave it,
God turned their calamity into a
blessing, and against all odds became
top leaders of this nation.
Unfortunately, our positivistic
worldviews have created a bias against
granting any empirical credence to
prayer at all. The truth, however, is
that Kenya needs to pray.
It is time President Kenyatta and
DP Ruto traversed this nation once
again, this time to rally Kenyans to cry
for our beloved country. I believe the
God of heaven will once again hear
our cry and heal our land.
It is the only viable option.
Mounting calamities an indication that Kenyans need to pray
T
hat Kenya is bewildered
is not news. The per-
sistent terror attacks
claiming lives almost
on a weekly basis; ac-
cidents taking their toll
on our roads; and the
bizarre incidences such as the lethal
brews sold to innocent Kenyans, and
the recently discovered mass grave
with several bodies, are enough to
hypnotise anyone. Add to that the
high cost of living; the ghts and
squabbles among our leaders; and
the recent exodus of tourists at high
peak season; and you have a perfect
recipe for despondency. Where lies
the solution?
There is no doubt that the
David Oginde
doginde@gmail.com
went further to ask me whether I
had called the President to tell him
what was going wrong in the nation.
That, of course, I could do as an
ordinary Kenyan. But as a leader of
the coalition competing for power
with Jubilee we must, of necessity,
meet in the arena of public debate
where the citizens will see who is
better qualied to govern them.
In any case, the debate on
policies and laws in Parliament are
based on the assumption that what
is nally decided on is good for the
country. It is the power of persua-
sion and reason that nally sways
government to support a proposal
from the Opposition and vise versa.
But quite often partisan points of
view and postures can prevent good
ideas from seeing the light of day in
Parliament.
This is a transgression commit-
ted by both the Opposition and
government alike in the liberal
democratic tradition. Wasteful of
time and energy as it sometimes is,
it is a necessary evil we have to put
up with because of the very process
of democratic governance. To
underline the need to give reason a
chance, Julius Nyerere emphasised
the vital role played by discussion-
prolonged and extensive if
necessaryand the need for
consensus building if democracy is
to work well in our African context.
That perhaps is why extra-par-
liamentary avenues and institutions
need to exist in a context like Kenya
to provide government and
Opposition with the opportunity for
discussing national public policies
and building consensus before such
policies are processed by Parlia-
ment. The need for building
consensus in our politics does not,
however, mean a return to authori-
tarian politics or veneration of the
same. In any case authoritarianism
is antithetical to consensus
building: it is a creature of intoler-
ance of alternative ideas and
monopoly of discourse by the ruling
idea often imposed from above.
Consensus building opens the
door to the widest cross section of
ideas and seeks to endorse a
decision based on what is regarded
as feasible and can serve the
greatest number while fullling the
greatest good.
In that regard it is to be
underscored that in democracies,
while the rule of law requires that
the law be respected and imple-
mented without regard to any
specic individual interest or any
bias whatsoever, there will always
be contestation about the law, its
meaning, applicability under
certain circumstances and ability to
promote the greatest good of the
greatest number at anytime. The
role of Parliament as a law making
body must also be seen in the
context of the role of Parliament as
a law changing body. Whenever
any law at any point in history
proves a hindrance to realisation of
the greatest interest of the greatest
number in a democratic polity it
must, of necessity, be changed.
Now it is interesting that some
lawyers, in defence of the Presi-
dents decision to pay the Anglo
Leasing debt of Sh1.4 billion,
argued that this had to be done to
obey the court ruling in the United
Kingdom. But there is something
called judicial and non-judicial
justice in Jurisprudence. That is:
justice according to law and justice
of the law itself. But since a good
number of lawyers are law
crunchers and technocrats with
scanty knowledge or appreciation of
philosophy, they will wax wise
emphasising, like Pharisees, the
need to obey the law no matter
what.
Good opposition politics must of
necessity provide a conscience to
the ruling class: it must look into
what is imposed on society by
government to compel obedience
beyond the mere requirement of the
law. The justice of the law is itself of
paramount importance. If this were
not so the apartheid regime in
South Africa would still be with us
today for it was, within its own
political shell, a legal regime.
The same is true of the Anglo
Leasing scam. Kenya is actually
losing a golden opportunity to
challenge the justice of the law that
allows structural corruption,
stitched with legal sinews across the
globe, to wickedly bleed to death
poor tax payers in Kenya in the
interest of a greedy ruling class with
tentacles in Kenya and Europe. Men
and women with conscience have
to stop ponticating with legal
profanity. A good Opposition is an
Opposition that can climb the
moral high ground and expose an
unjust law for what it is: unjust.
Page 16
OPINION
foundation of our nationhood.
For a long time, tribe has played
a pivotal role in electoral politics
who will ever forget the tyranny of
numbers. It threatens to continue
to do so. Only successful imple-
mentation of devolution can tame
negative tribalism and its choke-
hold on our national psyche. Heres
how:
Under the repealed Constitu-
tion, the Presidential winner took
all. The President had over 21
Constitutional powers that could
not be questioned in any forum,
including courts of law.
They included appointment and
removal of the Vice President. He
could appoint as many ministers
and their assistants as the budget
could accommodate. He terminat-
ed them at will.
He dissolved Parliament at will;
and xed the date of the General
Election to suit his political whims.
He appointed and terminated
members to the electoral and other
commissions. He could appoint
judges, the Commissioner of Police,
the Attorney General, and other key
appointees without consultation.
He had powers over land, setting
it aside for use or occupation,
ideally for public purposes, but
rarely so.
Naturally, every politician
wanted to be President. Every
Kenyan desired that their tribesman
hold ofce. The two tribes that
have had kinsmen in ofce have
beneted in every way imaginable,
lawfully and unlawfully. They
continue to do so.
Tribal leanings are openly
frowned upon, but embraced and
practiced behind closed doors. We
are unhappy and feel left out when
people speak in their mother
tongue in our presence; but relish
and cherish the opportunities when
speaking the same language will
open doors that are closed to
others.
This is negative tribalism. It has
been used as an excuse to reject
policies that do not suit the
government of the day. Majimbo
was rejected by the Independence
KANU Government because of the
fear of the polarisation of the
country along tribal lines. The idea
of multi-party was resisted by yet
another KANU Government on
similar fears. Yet, with the passage
of time, the jinni called negative
tribalism grows more intolerant,
louder, larger, belligerent, prone to
ts of violence and ungovernable.
One of the noble aspirations of
devolution was to nurture 47 new
tribes. Not dened by language or
place of birth. Not dened by blood
or other family relations. Forty-sev-
en tribes with their own govern-
ments, thriving economies, markets
for labour and goods, home-grown
laws; united within the boundaries
of Kenya by the Judiciary, Parlia-
ment, the President and his deputy.
Devolution dismantled the
all-powerful omni-present presi-
dency. Once the symbol of power;
now the symbol of National Unity.
At the national level the Constitu-
tion creates independent commis-
sions to remove the powers of the
President over land, elections and
boundaries, the Judiciary, nances,
salaries and wages of public
ofcers, and so on.
At the county level, it gives
Governors a legislative arm and
executive powers. The Governor
has a larger nancial budget than
the President. He has wider
unchecked executive powers and
discretion. In the right hands, these
tools can permanently change the
destiny of any county. Kenya only
needs one successful Governor; like
Indias newly-elected Prime
Minister, Narendra Modi, once was.
New law unites the 47 tribes of Kenya
Once upon a time, in a

country called Kenya,
when the President said
jump..
We can only have one
President at a time. The
President can only belong
to one tribe. Should we ever have a
half-caste President, two. In its 50
years of self-rule Kenya has been
governed by presidents from two
tribes. Three out of four have been
from the same tribe. Between the
two, one tribe ruled for 24 years,
the other 26.
It is not such a bad thing to
belong to a tribe. It gives you
roots. It breeds in you a culture. It
gives you an identity. It becomes
and is your history. The Constitu-
tion recognises that tribe, culture
and heritage are a part and
U
N Habitat reports that East Af-
rica is the worlds least urbanised
sub-region. This is a good thing
because it means East Africa has
a golden chance to urbanise in a
sustainable, protable manner.
The ip-side is East Africa is also
urbanising at a fast rate, leaving little time to
plan and execute green cities.
With a population of over three million,
Nairobi is the regions second largest city to
Dar-es- Salaam which has over four million
people. There is no doubt, therefore, that
these two cities are big and bustling. But are
they green and protable?
A green city is energy efcient. It
facilitates minimal energy usage of its
vehicles and buildings. If it has perennial
trafc jams, then it is doing the exact
opposite increasing energy usage. IBMs
Commuter Pain Survey of 2011 ranked
Nairobis roads as the worlds fourth most
congested. Ouch! A smooth trafc ow saves
fuel, time and money. Yet more proof that
green and protable can walk hand in hand.
You can tell a green city from the way that it
treats its waste. A green city doesnt treat its
waste like an eyesore, something to be
ashamed of. Rather, it treats its waste as an
asset that should not be wasted.
Nairobis three million people throw away
tonnes of waste every day. Ironically, the
dozens of Nairobians that often rummage
through waste, sorting it like the treasure
that it is often receive sympathy and scorn,
not admiration. They are probably the
greenest Nairobians who should be celebrat-
ed and emulated!
Also to be emulated are the Kenyans who
are already using multimodal transport,
meaning that they utilise two or more modes
of transport. Thousands of Nairobians drive
their vehicles to Syokimau, Imara Daima or
Makadara then board the train into the city
centre. Hundreds of Mombasa residents
walk or take a boda boda from Mishomoroni
to Lights then board a matatu. In both cases,
the aim is to possibly save both time and
money. This proves that Kenyans, just like
most human beings, are fundamentally
green and just need enabling environments
to act on their green instincts. If Nairobi,
Mombasa, Kisumu, Machakos or any other
urban centre incorporated cycling lanes into
their roads, they will be surprised at the
number of Kenyans who will ditch vehicles
and board bikes.
Now that Kenya has 47 counties, it is
possible that in one generation, there will be
47 cities. Not necessarily populated cities
with high populations and vibrant industrial
activity, but urban centres with increasingly
large populations that attract industries and
business, or vice versa. Time is, therefore,
ripe for governors and MCAs to bury
political hatchets, roll up their sleeves and
make a decision that in a few years time,
they want to be counted amongst green
cities. Think green, Act green!
The writer is the founder and chairperson,
Green Africa Foundation and and runs a blog
on conservationwww.isaackalua.com
The writer is an Advocate of the High
Court of Kenya
The writer is the Kisumu County
Senator
CORD not a helping hand
for Jubilee, its competition
Lets build
green
cities now
I
t is interesting. The media
has been asking the Op-
position to propose to the
Jubilee government what it
should do when things go
wrong. No problem about
this; indeed the Opposi-
tion can extend its generosity to the
government and do exactly that.
But that is not its role in a democ-
racy like ours. It is assumed voters
choose a party or coalition of parties
to form a government because they
approve of the manifesto presented
at the election.
Forming the government
provides opportunity for imple-
menting the manifesto within a
xed period of time. During that
time it is not expected of the
Opposition to be sympathetic to
the government when it gets into
trouble with the voters over not
keeping its promises, failing to
implement its policies or imple-
menting policies which hurt the
public. Such misfortunes for the
ruling party or coalition only
provides the Opposition to present
its own agenda as a better alterna-
tive to the electorate. That is why
the Opposition in liberal democra-
cies is always called a government
in waiting and not a helping hand
for the incumbent government.
I was therefore surprised when
a journalist asked us at a CORD
press conference whether we had
advised Jubilee on how to avoid the
mistakes it is making. One even
STRAIGHT TALK
Isaac Kalua
kalua@greenafricafoundation.org
Kethi D Kilonzo
nclegal@gmail.com
Anyang Nyongo
anyongo@yahoo.com
Page 17
ness and sensationalism continue
to receive accolades. Due to the
continuous anti-IEBC rhetoric
being reinforced by both skeptics
and those who hold the Commis-
sion responsible for electoral
results not going their way, the
commission is continuously being
branded guilty for non-existent
crimes.
Recently, we published a
comprehensive and detailed
account of the election results, the
rst Electoral Commission in this
country to do so in years. Some
faulted us for taking a year to
release this information, the
perfect opportunity for those
opposing us to rouse suspicion.
Unfortunately, not one critic
has taken the time to look at the
results closely or identify the fact
that all we as a commission had
added to these were details of
voter eligibility and turnout.
These exact results were
presented to the Parliamentary
Committee on Justice soon after
the polling ended and were signed
by all party agents and pinned on
to the doors of the over 30,000
polling stations in Kenya as
required by law.
To address Senator Nyongos
point that the IEBC is behaving
as if KTNs Jicho Pevu never
happened, with no offence
intended, the show can best be
described as airing hyped
fallacy. For example, it was
alleged that votes were stolen in a
polling station in Alego Usonga.
However, no election actually took
place in that particular location
Hassan tells Nyongo: Do not
outsource your failures to IEBC
Kisumu Senator accused
of distorting facts
regarding elections to
suit his own interests
living and stalled projects.
Their party leader, Raila Odinga,
however, gave the government a
pretty high rating only a few weeks
earlier, quite inconsistent with the
wholesale condemnation issued this
week by his troops. It will be
interesting to see his reaction next
week as he arrives back from the US.
The oppositions chief mandate
as the government in waiting is
precisely to provide alternative
policies to that of the ruling party
and keep the latter in check, both
inside and outside Parliament.
To help execute its mandate in
Parliament, the opposition gets
minority leaders in both Houses
fully resourced by government to
the same level of majority leaders.
Whilst the opposition has little other
than to rant and rave against the
establishment, which is a pretty easy
thing to do, the ruling party has the
critical and different mandate of
service delivery.
It should not spend its time
engaged in political rallies, nor
attempt to rate performance of the
opposition. The less active the
opposition, the better for govern-
ments usually, as they get the
latitude to execute their manifesto
CORD showing signs of ineffectual leadership
RIGHT OF REPLY
Get your facts rst, then you
can distort them as much as you
please, wrote Mark Twain.
I
have always had much
respect for Professor An-
yang Nyongos com-
ments and judgment on
social, economic and po-
litical issues. His ability to
present his views based
on fact and in an objective man-
ner are the hallmark of any experi-
enced politician and academic.
I was left perplexed and
disappointed by his recent
misguided criticism of both the
IEBC and me as the chairman of
the electoral commission (The
Standard on Sunday, May 18).
To directly respond to a critic,
particularly when he is one of our
clients, an individual who was
elected in a process overseen by
the IEBC, is not an activity I am
keen to indulge in.
For obvious reasons, taking on
a politician or political party
would suggest that the IEBC, as a
non-partisan body is holding a
grudge, which is not the case.
Unfortunately, silence is often
misinterpreted as an admission of
guilt and incompetence, particu-
larly in a society where abrasive-
I
n what they believe to be
a stinging indictment of
Jubilees performance
thus far, the Coalition on
Reforms and Democracy
(CORD) came up this
week with a scorecard
titled The lies that Jubilee tells,
which in a nutshell was the usual
narrative of any opposition party.
Their ndings are typical and
not unexpected, the standard
broadsides and political rhetoric
that characterises our politics.
They accused Jubilee of failing to
deliver on their promises, citing
corruption, insecurity, high cost of
Issack Hassan
The writer is the chairperson of
the Independent Electoral and
Boundaries Commission
OPINION
Yet, despite his doubts he was
happy to participate in an election
conducted by an entity he was wary
of and is happy to hold his offce.
Billow Kerrow is a political
economist and Mandera County
Senator
and the two registered voters there
were moved to another centre.
Jicho Pevu spent much time
creating conspiracy theories on the
basis of technology, it featured a
hacker breaking into the Kencall
system to prove that Kencall hosted
or shared the IEBC Results Transmis-
sion System (RTS) servers.
Firstly, Kencall had nothing to do
with the RTS. Furthermore, look
closely at the operating database of
the hacked site on Jicho Pevu, it
shows the Oracle database running
on a Microsoft Windows XP 2008
server.
T
he IEBC did not run RTS
on an Oracle database
therefore there is no con-
nection between the two.
The much-dramatised
show of cables forming
some type of sinister ac-
tivity was the exact opposite.
In simplied technological terms,
the Kencall and IEBC networks were
physically separated and the cables
are the works of an independent
service provider contracted by
Kencall to provide a link between Bo-
mas and Kencall ofces allowing for
calls to be logged into their central
call management server at their
headquarters.
Prof Nyongo also states that he
was convinced well before the
March 2013 elections that the IEBC
had set itself to deliberately fail
Kenyans.
Yet, despite his doubts he was
happy to participate in an election
conducted by an entity he was wary
of and is happy to hold his ofce.
His claim that I chose to change
the location of the National Tallying
Centre from Kasarani to Bomas is
baseless. I neither have nor wish to
possess such power.
After evaluating all available
venues through a suitability survey,
Bomas was decided on by the entire
commission because it not only
fullled a huge number of prerequi-
sites in terms of logistics but it had
been the location of the tallying
centre during the Kenya 2010
Constitutional Referendum.
In reference to his suggestion
that the IEBC will be sharing its BVR
kits, the Kenya Governments plan
to digitally register citizens is not an
IEBC matter.
Commissioners were invited by
the Deputy President to provide
technical advice regarding
biometric registration and we have
never said that it would be releasing
its BVR kits for Government to use.
The commission recently held a
post-election evaluation where it
candidly reected upon its
performance, addressed shortcom-
ings and charted the way forward,
in a commitment to transparency
the outcomes will be shared with all
stakeholders.
Both the IEBC and I have never
shied away from admitting any
mistakes or challenges we have
faced, denial is not a strategy of
ours. The management of recent
by-elections stands as evidence of
the commissions willingness to
improve.
There was no sinister plot to
manipulate the elections as
implied and despite the glitches in
terms of technology which we
have openly discussed, no
external or internal force had the
power to sway the vote or tallying
process, the nal result correlates
with the election data that we
have released.
Retired Judge Johann Kriegler
once said you cannot run an
honest election in a dishonest
political environment.
It is my hope that all leaders
and political parties in Kenya will
carry out their own evaluations in
the quest to sanitise our political
environment.
It is now time for politicians to
stop placing blame when they
nd themselves in situations not
conducive to their requirements.
How is a country to possess a
strong electoral system if its
management body is being
dishonestly discredited time and
time again?
Politicians and political parties
cannot and should not be allowed
to assign, transfer or outsource
their own weaknesses to the
elections management body.
unhindered. That is not to suggest
that their input into national
policymaking and goals as a nation
is unnecessary but it simply means
that with less active opposition, it
gets that much easier for govern-
ment to move on. In our nation, the
last National Accord coalition that
brought everyone into government
simply diluted the signicance of
opposition politics. We all got used
to the trappings of power and the
usual sidekicks.
M
any of the veteran
oppositionists now
in the CORD have
toned down as a
result and prefer
to be close to the
corridors of pow-
ers, or to work closely with the gov-
ernment. It is instructive that their
report underlined what they termed
exclusionist politics of Jubilee; per-
haps a polite indication of a desire
for the Kibaki-type government of
national unity.
Indeed last month, there were
concerns in the National Assembly
about the high level of compliant
MPs that simply rubber-stamp
everything the Executive wants.
Consequently, with parliamenta-
ry committees now more
powerful than ever before, and
more involved in policy and
legislative decisions, it is ironic
for the opposition to turn around
and criticisise the government.
The ip side of this dormant
opposition is the dearth of
incisive, critical and forward-look-
ing policy and legislative alterna-
tives that would have shaped and
informed our national psyche and
economic development.
I am in the Senate and have yet
to see a single piece of valuable
legislation or policy paper from
our colleagues in the opposition.
In fact, many in Jubilee are more
critical of government actions in
both Houses than most opposition
MPs. How then do you attempt to
draw a scorecard of the govern-
ment when you are either irting
with the system, or simply resting
on your laurels?
Even the evident agitation
against the so-called fat projects
such as the SGR, laptops and
Anglo Leasing payments were led
by Jubilee members. The opposi-
tion is simply stuck at March 4,
2013, still lamenting about IEBCs
conduct of the elections.
It is vital that it unlocks this
mental logjam that continues to
blur its thought process.
It is true that many of the
challenges raised in this report
exist; insecurity, corruption, high
cost of living, ethnicity, etc.
But they are not new, they
require a longer time to address
and for the most part require the
collective effort of all Kenyans to
address. Having said that, it is
equally critical that Jubilee seeks
bipartisan support on key issues in
order to enhance national unity
and avoid blame games.
In particular, the issue of
security is one that requires urgent
national dialogue by the leaders as
the situation is complicated by our
presence in Somalia.
My call to CORD is get off
your high horse and roll up your
sleeves to help steer the nation out
of these challenges, many of which
were inherited from the previous
regime of nusu-mikate and
nusu-mikeka!
Billow Kerrow
billow.kerrow@trojan.co.ke
The current safety and security
concerns in Kenyas major cities
is a factor that might work against
the positive image of destination
Kenya and is slowly bringing the
tourism industry to its knees.
Tourist numbers and revenue
have continually dropped over the
years, with a fall of 15 per cent in
visitation and revenue by 12.3 per
cent being latest gures.
The US, UK, France and Austra-
lia our traditional source market
for the foreign tourists that the
industrys existence and survival
depends on have issued travel
advisories to their citizens against
visiting insecure Kenya.
Travel advisories
The issuance of travel adviso-
ries continues to impact negatively
on the number of tourists willing
to visit Kenya.
Already, the long awaited antic-
ipated high season is in jeopardy.
Moving forward, there can be
no doubt that the success of the
tourism industry should be hinged
on local tourists.
After all, successful and leading
tourist destinations in the world
have a strong cushion in domestic
tourism.
In Kenya, however, where
nearly 42 per cent of its population
lives in abject poverty, the domes-
tic market has little to offer in an
already nancially constrained in-
dustry. The industry is at the mercy
of terrorists who appear unrelent-
ing, making Kenya an insecure
destination for foreigners.
And because the primary
consideration of any tourist on a
choice of a destination is safety
and security, the industry has a big
reason to worry.
However, insecurity is not the
sole reason for the ailing tourism
sector.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has
recently rebranded all major pro-
tected areas and hiked the entry
charges, making Kenyas tourist
attractions relatively expensive
compared to competing destina-
tions offering similar products
such as South Africa, Tanzania and
Botswana.
Cost considered, any informed
tourist will opt to go for these
countries as opposed to Kenya.
Additionally, marketing funds
allocated to the Kenya Tourism
Board are meagre, making them
work on a stretched budget.
Cornerstone
These are just some of the rea-
sons why the Governments com-
mitment to the growth of tour-
ism as a cornerstone of Kenyas
economy should be questioned.
Tourism remains one of the
highest foreign exchange earn-
ers for Kenya, the third largest
contributor to her Gross Domestic
Product and one of the major pil-
lars of Vision 2030.
And with poachers slaughtering
elephants and rhinos at will, we
have grave reasons to worry.
Let us treat the tourism indus-
try with the dignity it deserves.
Solomon ole Namunkuk, Moi Univer-
sity
Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, P.O. Box 30080 - 00100, Nairobi or e-mail letters@standardmedia.
co.ke. The views expressed on this page are not necessarily those of The Standard. The Editor reserves the right
to edit the letters. Correspondents should give their names and address as a sign of good faith.
Why Kenyas tourism
industry remains bleak
The new measures to tighten the
regulation of universities are most
welcome. However, few universities
enforce internal controls to ensure
lecturers attend classes as per the
set timetable.
Lecturers are known to take
numerous courses in different
universities, something referred to
moonlighting.
In the process, they get over-
whelmed and end up skipping
classes and inevitably comprising
the standard of tutorials they give.
Others, mostly in public univer-
sities, appear on commencement
of the degree course, give a course
outline and only reappear during
exams.
A new treat trick being abused by
lecturers is students presentations
on various topics that now take up
to over 50 per cent of lecture time.
Meanwhile, departmental heads
are clueless as to what could be
happening, while others merely
watch as higher education stan-
dards deteriorate.
The Commission for Higher
Education should conduct a student
survey to get a proper picture of
the content being taught to degree
students and conduct surprise visits
to campuses.
This will ensure that lecturers toe
the line and that they take on rea-
sonable lectures to ensure students
get quality commensurate to the
tuition fees they pay.
Joseph Musyoki, Via Email
IEBC should put its act together
Reports that the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commis-
sion (IEBC) has been conducting
secret voter registration are shock-
ing and unfortunate.
That the electoral body lacks the
nancial muscle to carry out public
awareness about the exercise is not
believable. The IEBC should have
taken the trouble to at least call a
press conference, to create public
awareness on this important matter.
These revelations come at a time
when the IEBC and the CORD coali-
tion are engaged in electoral coun-
ter accusations. Could the IEBC
have become partisan to be trusted
with the responsibility of carrying
out a credible election?
An IEBC ofcial was quoted as
having said that someone was not
even able to conduct a simple elec-
tion in a stadium, alluding to the
bungled ODM elections.
Such a statement should least
emanate from a person working for
a neutral entity! Prior to the 2007
General Election, the public was
given only 30 days to register.
The question then was whether
registration should be manual or
electronic. Electronic registration
and voting later opped, almost
plunging the country into anarchy.
What IEBC is not telling Kenyans
is whether or not the same BVRs
are the ones being used for voter
registration.
Voter registration is a key pro-
cedure in any elections. A com-
promised voter registration means
a compromised electioneering
process.
Malik Sumba, Nairobi
Every developed country has a
story of growth worth listening to.
Growing as a nation is a most
difcult job, and no country can
move from one state of affairs to
the next without going through
certain socio-political and eco-
nomic challenges, no matter how
rich in resources it is.
Ultimately, what really mat-
ters is the level of commitment in
terms of governance institutions
a country has put in place to see
it through these challenges and
reach the ultimate goal of being
an economic, political and social
powerhouse.
Where little or no commitment
is employed, what becomes of
such a country is increased over-
dependence on developed nations
for aid, which leads to increased
public debt and poor standards
of living for a vast majority of the
population.
Kenya should be no excep-
tion. Hopefully, we are wiser and
embracing these key lessons even
as we strive to realise the Vision
2030 goals.
Ouma Amunga, Nairobi
Planned
CORD rallies
unrealistic
Economy of a
country takes
time to grow
Words of wisdom
On this day...
Mentoring
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.
{ Benjamin Franklin}
Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.
{Margaret Mead}
The mind is not a vessel to be lled, but a re to be kindled.
{ Plutarch}

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.
{William Arthur Ward}
2013: 2013 In Rome, 100,000 protestors
rally against their new governments austerity
measures, and demand a new policy focused on
job creation
2013: The 50th anniversary of the Africa Union
is celebrated
2013: An Apple I computer is sold for $617,000
at auction
2012: Newly-elected President of France,
Francois Hollande, makes a surprise visit to
meet French troops in Afghanistan
2011: Germany determines it must shut
down part of its airspace as volcanic ash from
Icelands Grisvotn eruption spreads through
northern Europe
2002: China Airlines Flight 611 crashes near
Taiwan, killing 225. Crash probably due to
structural failure
1991: Israel evacuates 14,000 Ethiopian Jews
1986: Hands Across America - 6 million people
hold hands from California to New York
1966: Peru and Argentina soccer fans ght in
Lima; 248 die
1963: Organisation for African Unity formed by
Chad, Mauritania and Zambia
1961: US President John F Kennedy sets goal of
putting a man on Moon before the end of decade
1946: Jordan gains independence from Britain
LETTERS
Lazy lecturers
giving students a
raw deal indeed
Distillers should
adhere to the law
An advertisement published in
one of the local dailies on May 16
2014 by a distilling company seems
to be in the least self-contradicting.
In it was a Parliament Act stipu-
lating that no alcoholic drink is to
be sold in containers of less than
250 ml.
The company went ahead to
add that they would continue to
sell their products in PET and glass
bottles of 205 ml and above.
A lot has been discussed on
alcohol control, but statements
like these raise questions as to the
direction some legitimate distilling
companies are approaching this
crucial matter.
John Ochieng, Via Email
The series of rallies being
organised by the CORD coalition
in protest to bad governance by
the Jubilee Government are time
bound and unrealistic.
It is one year and a few months
since the Jubilee coalition took
leadership. Criticism of the Gov-
ernment has been heard from
Kenyans themselves and from the
international community.
Kenya as a nation at 50 is facing
challenges that range from security
to economic ones. But, is constant
criticism of the Government and
holding rallies across the country a
solution to our problems?
It is rather clear that gover-
nance in any State requires partici-
pation of every citizen.
There is no way we can keep
blaming the Government yet we
are not playing our part in ensur-
ing that our problems are solved.
Truth be said, Kenyans are tired
of propaganda and want to build
their future. There is no way we
can do politics from December to
December.
If being in opposition is not
good for CORD, then it should
denounce the position and assume
activism.
David Mwaura, Maseno University
Bloggers abusing
social media
Social media helps convey
information in a fun way. In Kenya,
it has been embraced by most
people as they interact, share, ex-
change information and ideas.
As much as social media is do-
ing all these amazing tasks, certain
bloggers are using it to exploit oth-
ers negatively.
Some bloggers seem to thrive
on destroying other peoples repu-
tations. They enjoy when most
people view their sites; and so they
write what will attract and not
necessarily what is truthful.
Bloggers should focus on build-
ing their lives and that of others.
Halima Sashah, United States Interna-
tional University
cide.
Chief Muthangya corroborates
this account. The body had injuries
to the face and one of its hands was
broken. There was also a small rope
and a bottle of sukumawiki pesti-
cide.
At this time Musyoka was cruising
past Thika. But his ight was short-
lived. The matatu crew, suspicious on
account of his young age and his un-
convincing reasons for going to the
city, decided to contain him in the ve-
hicle and return him home.
Upn arrival, Musyoka was arrested
and taken to Migwani Police Station.
He was interrogated the following day
in the presence of the childs mother
and the chief. The two claim the teen-
ager admitted killing the infant. He
admitted killing the baby, rst by us-
ing the rope to strangle him. He then
sprinkled the poison on a guava fruit
and fed the child. When these seemed
to take too long, he said he stoned the
baby until he kicked his last, the
chief says.
Eight witnesses
The mother says that whenever
she recalls hearing Musyoka uninch-
ingly narrate the macabre killing of
her son to the police, she would throw
up, then faint.
His unemotional narration on
how he killed my child left me terribly
wounded. He claimed to have been
possessed by the devil, says the
mother.
A post-mortem examination
was conducted at Mwingi
District Hospital.
According to
Mwenze and
the chief,
the au-
t op-
s y
re-
He admitted
killing the baby, rst
by using the rope
to strangle him.
He then sprinkled
the poison on a
guava fruit and fed
the child. When
these seemed to
take too long, he
said he stoned
the baby until he
kicked his last Anne
Mwenze, victims mother
All I want is justice for my sons murder,
cries mother of butchered toddler
By PHILIP MUASYA
pmuasya@standardmedia.co.ke
Anne Mwenze is a deeply troubled
and a traumatised woman. The bru-
tal killing of her three-year-old son by
her relative, and the subsequent ac-
quittal of the suspect in controversial
circumstances emotionally haunts
Mwenze, who hails from Nzauni vil-
lage in Kitui County.
The case that was concluded on
April 3 at the High Court in Machakos
was riddled with inconsistencies
there are now suspicions that the
prosecution was involved in a delib-
erate and calculated scheme to bun-
gle investigations and pevert the
course of justice.
On October 7, 2006 at about noon,
Mwenze left home to join a womens
group in the neighbourhood, leaving
behind her son with Mulandi Musyo-
ka, her husbands stepbrother. Musyo-
ka, then 14, was a Form One student
at Nzauni Secondary School.
Musyoka is said to have left the
homestead with the boy to tend to
livestock nearby. This could explain
why the mother did not nd them
when she returned home at around
6pm.
Emotional wreck
When dusk was setting in, Musyo-
ka showed up, but without the tod-
dler. He claimed the baby had disap-
peared in the grazing elds.
Mwenze quickly began the search
for her son. I rallied some neigh-
bours and we began the search for my
son. However, before long it was pitch
dark and we retreated back to our
homes, she says. That is one night
Mwenze describes as emotionally
draining. I couldnt sleep.
At daybreak, the search resumed,
with villagers scouring valleys and
thickets in search of the child.
In the meantime, Musyoka van-
ished. Unknown to the search team,
the teenager had boarded a bus at the
nearby Migwani market and was
headed to Nairobi.
Mwenze reported the disappear-
ance of her son to Nzauni Assistant
Chief Antony Muthui Mungeli, who
mobilised more people to help in the
search. They were later joined by the
area chief Joseph Musyoka Muth-
yangya.
The mother was now an emotion-
al wreck, her mind lled with fore-
boding. Somewhere in the valleys,
wails rent the air. Some members of
the search party stumbled upon a
gory sight the lifeless body of the
baby, bearing horric injuries.
Like a zombie, the mother accom-
panied the team to the scene. When
she saw the bloodied remains of her
son, her knees gave way and she col-
lapsed in a heap.
There lay my son, lifeless with
unsightly wounds, she says, tears
forming in her eyes. Beside the body,
she says, were three stones, used to
snuff out the infants life. There was
also a rope and a bottle of a pesti-
Open and shut case? Anne Mwenze says someone interfered with the case to ensure prime murder suspect was freed
vealed that the child succumbed to
multiple injuries inicted using blunt
objects.
Curiously, the post-mortem ex-
amination report was never present-
ed in court and this contributed large-
ly to the dismissal of the case.
It is not clear why the police with-
held this crucial evidentiary docu-
ment.
Musyoka was formally charged
with murder at the High Court sitting
in Machakos after he attained the age
of 18. This time, he denied commit-
ting the offence.
Eight witnesses, among them the
chief, his assistant, the childs mother
and the suspects father, were called
to testify.
Missing testament
In court, Mwenze says she noted
some pages of her statement were
missing. I went through it and noted
some missing parts, it was very in-
consistent. However, I was afraid of
raising the matter with the court,
said the mother of four.
The parents are now asking: Who
plucked out parts of Mwenzes
statement and what was the
motive?
While acquitting the
suspect on April 3,
Judge Lillian Mutende
tore into the prose-
cution for laxity.
Mutende noted:
This is a case
where at the close
of the prosecution,
no medical evi-
dence had been ad-
duced. Without ev-
idence of
p o s t -
mortem (examination), there would
be no proof of actus reus (intent).
She added: The question that re-
mains unanswered is whether there
was any killing? And assuming it hap-
pened, the next question would be;
what was the cause? It is only a post-
mortem exam report that would have
solved this mystery.
The prosecution was to prove
that injuries sustained by the de-
ceased were consistent with an inten-
tion to kill. This evidence was not ad-
duced.
The judge concluded by stating
that the prosecution failed in dis-
charging the burden of proof, thereby
acquitting Musyoka of murder charg-
es.
On learning that Musyoka had
been set free, Mwenzes heart sank.
She feels there will be no closure un-
less the case is reviewed.
It is obvious that somebody in-
terfered with this case. It should be re-
opened for proper and thorough in-
vestigation so that justice can be
served, she says.
Muthangya was shocked to learn
the matter had been thrown out.
This case had overwhelming evi-
dence. The investigating ofcers
should tell us why they left the post-
mortem examination report out yet it
should have formed part of the evi-
dence. The case should be appealed,
said the administrator.
Musyokas family was delighted
with the ruling that freed their kin
from inevitable conviction.
Kalekye Musyoka, his mother, said
her family was now extending an ol-
ive branch to the family of the mur-
dered child with a view to restoring
peace in the family.
Family reconciliation
The parents of that child are my
children and our desire is to have
peace in the family. We have already
sent word to them calling for a recon-
ciliation meeting so that we can forge
ahead peacefully. The court did not
nd my son guilty of the murder
charges, so we need peace, said
Kalekye.
Asked if she thought her son
had committed murder, she re-
sponded: I was away at the
womens group (meeting) to-
gether with the childs mother,
so I wouldnt know what hap-
pened. I was caught by sur-
prise like everybody else.
But John Mwenze, the
childs father who was at work
in Nairobi when his son was
killed, has dismissed the idea
of a family reconciliation.
I am not ready to sit
with anybody to nego-
tiate over this mat-
ter. It is true they
have sent emis-
saries but we
d i s mi s s e d
them. Justice
must prevail, a
bitter John says.
Anne Mwenze.
[PHOTOS:PHILIP
MUASYA/
STANDARD]
Joseph Muthyangya, Nzauni
Location Chief.
Quest for justice
Search on for body
of missing child
The body of a toddler who drowned at
River Rupingazi in Mbeti North loca-
tion, Embu County two days ago has
not yet been found. Embu West Dep-
uty OCPD Terry Muchemi said police
and residents have mounted search
efforts to no avail. The boy report-
edly followed her grandmother, Agnes
Wangiiri Njoka, to the river when he
tripped and fell into the river and was
washed downstream. Wangiri raised
alarm and members of the public re-
sponded to help in the search but their
efforts have been futile.
Keep off partisan
politics, NGOs warn
The National Council of NGOs has urged
its members to desist from partisan
politics and help the Government ght
insecurity. Speaking during a capacity
building meeting in a Nairobi Hotel,
Administration Manager, Fred Olendo
called on the over 100 NGOs (local
and international) in-attendance to
work closely with the Government.
We should to not be partisan in our
operations and avoid engaging in
divisive politics, he said.
Kisii acquires Sh1.2m
cervical cancer machine
Rift ODM supporters set
for Raila grand reception
BY ERIC ABUGA
The Kisii county government has
acquired medical equipment worth
Sh1.2 million for cervical cancer
treatment.
The four Cryotherapy machines
have been dispatched to sub-county
hospitals to boost efforts by the de-
partment of health services to screen
and treat women suffering from cer-
vical cancer.
During a Rapid Results Initiative
(RRI) in July last year where 44,000
women of reproductive age (15-50
years) were screened Kisii County,
400 women were diagnosed with
early stages of cervical cancer.
Speaking at the Kisii Level Five
Hospital while distributing the
equipment, County Executive Com-
mittee Member in-charge of Health
Services Sarah Omache called on
women to go for screening saying
cancer is treatable if detected early.
Cervical cancer is the second
leading killer disease after breast
cancer, according to research. In
Kisii County alone, many of our
women are dying due to cervical
cancer. The equipment will help re-
duce deaths occasioned by this dis-
ease, she said. The machines pro-
cured through Kenya Medical
Supplies Agency were distributed to
Nduru, Iyabe, Kenyenya and Marani
hospitals in South Mugirango, Bon-
chari, Bomachoge Borabu and Kitu-
tu Chache North sub-counties.
He said there was need to sensi-
tise women on the benets of regu-
lar cancer screening because early
detection is important in the treat-
ment of the disease.
BY TITUS TOO
ODM supporters and ofcials in
the North Rift are preparing to join
their counterparts from other re-
gions in according former Prime
Minister Raila Odinga a grand recep-
tion when he returns from the US
next week.
Raila has been away on a study
trip in the US and is expected back
on May 31. Meetings have com-
menced to mobilise supporters who
will travel to Nairobi to receive the
CORD leader. We are coordinating
ofcials in Uasin Gishu, Nandi and
Elgeyo Marakwet counties so that we
receive the former Prime Minister in
Nairobi as North Rift team, said Mr
David Songok, the Uasin Gishu ODM
chairman.
Songok, who spoke in Eldoret
town yesterday, said the party has
genuine and strong supporters of
the Orange party. The former Prime
Minister has contributed immensely
to the social, political and economic
development of this country and de-
serves a grand reception as he re-
turns home, said Songok.
Wide support
ODM enjoyed wide support in
the North Rift region until the fallout
between Raila and Deputy President
William Ruto. Yesterday, Songok took
issue with the Jubilee government
for targeting top civil servants from
the region for sacking and demand-
ed reinstatement of former NYS Di-
rector General Kiplimo Rugut.
He at the same time claimed that
the DP has remained silent as senior
public servants from the Rift Valley
are shoved from their ofces.
There is need to sensi-
tise women on the ben-
ets of regular cancer
screening
Help end cattle rustling,
Baringo group tells State
Insecurity: Professionals term vice a threat to residents welfare
By KURIAN MUSA
Professionals from Baringo Coun-
ty have urged the National Govern-
ment to help stop cattle rustling.
Speaking in a Nairobi hotel yes-
terday, the professionals said cattle
rustling has been a disaster in Bar-
ingo since 2004.
According to Kibet Kiptui, the In-
terim Secretary of Baringo Profes-
sionals, the assailants not only steal
livestock but also kill people, torch
their houses, annex land illegally
and vandalise schools rendering the
locals homeless and children are un-
able to go to school.
It has been ten years down and
over 15,000 livestock have been sto-
len, 5,000 families displaced and
over 30 people killed, Mr Kiptui
said.
He added: A number of schools
have been closed including Kasiela,
Ngelecha, Lorumuru, Ramacha, Ara-
bal, Kapindasum and Chemorongion
primary schools, denying many chil-
dren the right to education.
He said many health facilities
have also been shut including Kap-
indasum and Kasiela dispensaries,
putting peoples health at risk.
People have been displaced in
four locations; Rugus, Makutani,
Arabal and Kiserian. Those who lived
in Rugus location who were dis-
placed in 2005 have never returned
to their homes due to insecurity,
Kiptui said.
He said the communitys, police
and political leaders efforts to pro-
Impact
News brief item
Schools have been closed there-
by denying children the right to
education
Many health facilities have also
been closed down including Kap-
indasum and Kasiela dispensa-
ries, putting peoples health put
to risk
It has been ten years and over
15,000 livestock have been sto-
len, 5,000 families displaced and
about 30 people killed
By GILBERT KIMUTAI
Former Cabinet Minister Nicholas
Biwott has urged the Kalenjin
community to shun political
side-shows tthreatening to tear the
ruling coalition apart.
Speaking during a fund raising at
Chebunyo Primary School in
Chepalungu Constituency, Biwott
said leaders should put the unity of
the community before their personal
interests.
He warned that division would
spell doom for the community.
The former legislator expressed
optimism on the
Government
saying its
leadership was
capable of driv-
ing the country
to a greater
height and
asked political
leaders to show
support and
stop frequent
squabbles. We
need to
support the Government for the
countrys good, said Biwott. Biwott
was accompanied by Bomet County
Women Representative Cecilia
Ngetich, Chebunyo Ward Represen-
tative John Chepkwony and Chepal-
ungu Sub-County Administrator
Philip Ruto.
He asked Kenyans to embrace the
Nyumba Kumi initiative rolled out by
the government as a guarantee to
their security and safety.
Biwott tells Rift
leaders to end
political feuds
Rebellious
ODM members
face expulsion
mote peace and end the vice have fall-
en to deaf ears.
To President Uhuru Kenyatta, we
are certain you may not be getting the
right information about the menace.
Kindly see to it that Baringo residents
are safe, Kiptui said.
He added, We want to condemn
the utterances of some political lead-
ers for secretly backing the vice, he
said.
The professionals said it has come
By JAMES OMORO
Homa Bay Senator Otieno
Kajwang wants his removal as
Orange Democratic Movement
(ODM) branch chairman reversed.
Speaking during a fundraiser in
aid of Milimani Seventh Adventist
Day Church in Kasipul Constituen-
cy, he said changes made in ODM
ofce were done contrary to the
partys constitution.
He described the alleged ouster
as a coup that will not succeed. I
want to tell those who attempted a
coup that there is no room for them
in the party. ODM has a well-laid
structure which must be followed
for any change to be done, he said.
New ofcials
It is alleged former Rangwe MP
Martin Ogindo took over Kajwangs
position while Charles Ongondo
Were, a politician took over the post
of vice chairperson, formerly held
by nominated Member of Homa
Bay County Assembly Monica
Amolo. During a meeting chaired by
Karachuonyo MP James Rege in
Homa Bay town recently, the new
ofcials opened another ofce
claiming that the party did not have
an ofce there. Even though Rege is
the recognised secretary by both
rival groups in the countys ODM
leadership, Kajwang said Rege risks
punishment which may culminate
in his expulsion. He also promised
to ensure the closed ofce becomes
operational soon. He alleged that
Rege had violated the Constitution
by presiding over a meeting without
his consent as the chairman.
Briefy
to a point the community will not
tolerate the vice anymore and
called on the county commis-
sioner and the Governor to take
action or.
The Tiaty sub-county com-
missioner and area chiefs should
also ensure that cattle rustlers are
brought to book or they resign.
There is no way more than 200
bandits leave their sub county
fully armed towards Marigat sub-
county without the knowledge of
the local administrators, Mr Kip-
tui said.
He added, We want to send a
message to the Government of
Kenya that we are not lesser Ke-
nyans. We should be protected
just like any other citizen.
Whether rustling is a cartel
owned by some big sh or is a cul-
tural rustling the government
should bring the culprits to
book.
NEWS
Page 20
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NEWS
By ANTONY GITONGA
The country needs over 200,000
new police ofcers to address rising
cases of insecurity.
This was revealed in statistics re-
leased by the force, which indicate
that crime in the country had
dropped by 14 per cent in the last
two months.
According to Inspector General
of Police David Kimaiyo, the coun-
try has 75,000 police ofcers whose
number was dropping by the day.
We currently have 75,000 police
ofcers whose number is dropping
by the day and hence the need to re-
cruit more, he said.
The IG said that between March
and April this year, criminal cases
dropped by 14 per cent. Despite the
terror attacks that have rocked parts
of the country, Kimaiyo said police
ofcers are on top of things.
We also recorded a drop in
crime in 2013 by eight per cent com-
pared to 2012 despite various chal-
lenges facing us, he said.
Ethnic tensions
The IG identied challenges fac-
ing the security sector as terrorism,
poaching, drugs,
human trafcking and cyber
crime. Other causes of insecurity
are ethnic tensions, radicalisation
of youths and revenge attacks.
Some of the areas
that have continued to
report violence include
Coast, North Rift and
North Eastern, Kimaiyo
said.
Kenya in need of 200,000
more offcers, Kimaiyo says
By KIPCHUMBA KEMEI
A village in Narok West was
thrown into mourning when
four people died after consum-
ing alcohol suspected to have
been laced with methanol.
The victims, one of them the
brother of a local chief, report-
edly died shortly after taking the
alcohol that was packed in a la-
beled 300ml plastic container at
Oldonyo Rasha area yesterday.
The incident brings the
number of people who have
died in the area after consuming
alcohol believed to have been
laced with lethal substances to
six. Earlier, two others suc-
cumbed at Aitong area near
Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Severe stomachache
According to their relatives,
the victims, whose eyesight was
not affected, complained of se-
vere stomachache.
Two died while being taken
to Tenwek Mission Hospital in
Bomet County where they had
been referred to from Narok
North District Hospital.
They died on the way to the
hospital shortly after they were
referred. Others died in Narok
where they were admitted, said
Joseph Liaram, the victims fam-
ilies spokesperson.
Liaram, who was the area
councilor until the last the Gen-
eral Election, said all the victims
consumed one unit of the dead-
ly concoction. In less than an
hour, they started sweating and
complained of stomach ache,
prompting locals to give them
milk in a desperate bid to save
their lives.
By KAMAU MAICHUHIE
Kenyan universities and
colleges have been challenged
to fully embrace research and
ICT as they hold the key to
attaining the Vision 2030.
Education Cabinet Secre-
tary Jacob Kaimenyi said that
in order to achieve an indus-
trialised nation status,
increased research and ICT
development in the eld of
education is required.
In a speech read on his
behalf during the Zetech
College fourth graduation
ceremony, Prof Kaimenyi said
the ministry has come up with
a policy on ICT education in
which ICT becomes an
integral part and mode of
learning.
ICT has become the driver
towards accessing skills and
knowledge. As the ministry
entrusted to oversight on
matters of education, we
appreciate that an ICT literate
workforce has a competitive
advantage in participating in a
knowledge-based economy,
Kaimenyi said in the speech
read by Ms Elymateyta
Khaoya, a senior deputy
secretary in the ministry.
He said embracing
information technology will
also go a long way in giving
students an edge in the labour
market, besides giving them
skills required in the 21st
Century.
A total of 2,400 students
were conferred with diplomas
and certicates in various
disciplines. Zetech College
Principal Edwin Wamukoya
said the institution is eyeing
university status.
Prof Wamukoya said the
proposed Zetech University
will provide programmes in
science, IT and business.
By GILBERT KIMUTAI
An 80-year-old woman died
yesterday at a camp for Internal-
ly Displaced Persons in Konoin
Constituency.
Embomos Ward Representa-
tive Robert Serbai said the wom-
an, who had been suffering from
pneumonia, died at her tent in
Chebugen IDP. Heavy rains have
been pounding the area.
Serbai said the octogenerian
was rained on after an overnight
down pour due to her tattered.
The incident has sparked rage
among residents, leaders and
IDPs from Konoin who have ac-
cused the government of ne-
glecting the IDPs from Bomet
County.
The death of the woman is
not an isolated incident saying
many IDPs have suffered the ef-
fects of weather occasioned by
squalid living conditions, said
Symon Koech, an IDP.
He said their efforts to seek
help from the countys ambu-
lance service proved futile as
they were kept waiting.
Serbai said county medical
ofcers were to blame for the
death of the evictee who was a
waiting to be offered medical at-
tention from the recently
launched ambulance response
unit offered by the county in
partnership with the Kenya Red
Cross Society.
We want the county govern-
ment to give us an explanation
on why our people should suffer
while we have heavily invested in
the ambulance response unit,
said Serbai.
Four die after
consuming
toxic brew
Kaimenyi: ICT key in making
Kenya industrialised
Harsh weather
claims Bomet
granny
Interior
Cabinet
Secretary
Joseph Ole
Lenku (left)
shares a
word with
national
government
administra-
tors from
Bungoma
County after
a meeting at
Kanduyi.
[PHOTO:
DANIEL
PSIRMOI /
STANDARD]
Supkem ordered to hold polls
By THE STANDARD
on SUNDAY REPORTER
The Registrar of Societies has or-
dered the Supreme Council of Kenya
Muslims (Supkem) to conduct elec-
tions in the next 45 days.
In a letter dated May 14, and signed
by Ernest Kioko, the registrar accused
Supkem ofcials of outing Section 29
of the Societies Act by failing to con-
duct Annual General Meetings of the
organisations and having elections for
all ofce bearers.
This ofce is in receipt of a com-
plaint dated April 23 this year request-
ing our ofce to urgently intervene as
a result of inactiveness on the part of
the executive committee of the Sup-
kem now spanning several years to
hold annual general meetings and
therein conduct elections of all ofce
bearers, reads the letter.
The registrar ordered for new elec-
tions, failure to which the organisa-
tion may face punitive measures. The
letter is directed to Supkems Secretary
General Adan Wachu.
The complaint was led by the
Chairman of the Association of Mus-
lim Organisations (Amok), Fazul Ma-
hamed, who accused Supkem ofcials
of not being responsive to the needs
of the Muslim community in the
country and only focusing on their
self-interests.
The problem with Supkem lead-
ers and other muslim organisations is
that they are not ready to take up fresh
ideas. They have been in ofce for
very many years without conducting
elections. They have failed to provide
leadership to Muslims said Fazul.
He said the organisations previous
elections were marred by gross irreg-
ularities and demanded that this time
they be conducted by an independent
body such as the Independent Elec-
toral and Boundaries Commission
(IEBC) to ensure that it is free and
fair.
We are hoping that once through
credible elections, all muslims from
all parts of the country will have a
chance to participate in the elections
that should be free from irregulari-
ties, he said.
Asked if he has an interest in run-
ning for one of the positions, Fazul
said he has none but asserted the or-
ganisation should create enough
space for the youth to participate in
the running of the organisation.
Deadly drink
He said there is need for increased
resources towards the police force so as
to deal with crime and criminals.
The police boss noted that the coun-
try had over 680,000 illicit arms which
are in the wrong hands. In Samburu,
there are over 10,000 illicit arms and
there is need for a countrywide disar-
mament with the support of area lead-
ers, he said.
Ki mai yo
was speaking
in Enashipai
Spa and Re-
sort in
N a i v a s h a
during a
meeting with
g ov e r n o r s
called to ad-
dress ways of
addres s i ng
insecurity. There is need to modernise
the police airwing and amend the weak
regime of laws as they are interfering
with cases in court, he said.
Despite the challenges, Kimaiyo said
the government was committed to ad-
dressing the welfare of police ofcers.
He said that by July 1, all police ofcers
would be fully covered by insurance as
one way of motivating and protecting
them.
The government has set aside Sh1.6
billion towards the insurance project
and we are working on housing and
transport, he said.
The IG added that the construction
of the police forensic laboratory was at
an advanced stage and will help resolve
tens of cases. We thank governors for
the continued support given to our of-
cers on the ground in terms of trans-
port and fuel, he said.
Security: Police boss says crime has dropped by 14pc in last two months
NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS
75,000
POLICE INSURANCE COVER
Sh6b
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BREAKING TODAY
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Keeping the nation safe
Page 23
By OSCAR OBONYO
and JAMES MBAKA
The ofcial Opposition has
re-activated its resolve to kick
out commissioners of the Inde-
pendent Electoral and Boundar-
ies Commission (IEBC), citing
latest allegations that the elec-
toral body was secretly conduct-
ing voter registration.
Reports on the said registra-
tion came to the fore on Tuesday
when the commission appeared
before the Samuel Chepkonga-
led Justice and Legal Committee
of the National Assembly re-
questing an additional Sh2.5 bil-
lion to carry out the exercise.
Chepkonga, who is MP for Ain-
abkoi, Tom Kajwang (Ruaraka)
and Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay
Town) expressed shock at the
revelation and questioned the
wisdom behind IEBCs decision
to quietly carry out such a sensi-
tive and important exercise.
Reading a sinister motive, Kalu-
ma further demanded that IEBC
discloses the targeted areas and
immediately make public the
ongoing exercise.
Voter listing
Acting IEBC CEO, Betty Sun-
gura, told the committee that
voter registration is a continuous
exercise and mandate of the
electoral body, which they did
not wish to sensationalise. While
members of Jubilee coalition
were convinced by the explana-
tion, their Coalition for Reforms
and Democracy (CORD) regard
the silent voter registration as
part of a pre-rigging scheme.
IEBC must go! has for some
time now been a chant of CORD,
whose co-principals are former
Prime Minister Raila Odinga, for-
mer Vice President Kalonzo
Musyoka and Senate Leader of
Minority, Moses Wetangula.
And now CORD has launched
Week
Vested interests: Opposition coalition launches a two-pronged approach to kick out IEBC but Uhuru, Ruto
team would hear none of it, saying any attempt to disband the electoral body through the back door wont work
Why CORD, Jubilee leaders are
at war over polls commission
Review
Politics, Opinion, Analyses & Special Reports
on Sunday
STANDARD
THE
IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan hands over the election certicate to President Uhuru Kenyatta on March
9, last year at the Bomas of Kenya. CORD is unhappy with the conduct of the General Election.
a two-pronged approach to kick
out IEBC ofcials, whom they claim
rigged out their presidential candi-
date, Raila Odinga. The Supreme
Court ruled that President Uhuru
Kenyatta won the elections fairly.
CORD is also accusing the electoral
body of mismanaging the polls by
purchasing expensive technologi-
cal gadgets, which failed to work.
The approach involves a peti-
tion to Parliament for the removal
of IEBC ofcials led by Wafula
Buke, a CORD ofcial, and amend-
ments to the Constitution seeking
to alter the date of the next Gener-
al Election from the second Tues-
day in August to the third Monday
of December of every fth year,
sponsored by Ugenya MP David
Ochieng.
Although Ochieng assured The
Standard on Sunday that the
amendments do not intend to dis-
band the IEBC, the ultimate effect
of the change of the election date,
if approved by Parliament, is that
the IEBC commissioners will tech-
nically not oversee the December
polls. The term of the IEBC bosses
expires in November 2017.
Read mischief
But the ruling coalition has
sensed mischief in the CORD plot
and is scheming to thwart attempts
to disband the electoral body. Jubi-
lee politicians have termed the pro-
posal to change the election date a
futile attempt to disband the elec-
toral body through the back door.
Says National Assembly Major-
ity Leader Adan Duale: We have
interpreted this as a CORD strategy
to disband IEBC through the back-
door. We shall bring our own con-
stitutional amendment to seek an
extension of the tenure of the com-
missioners by six months to enable
them to conduct the next General
Election before going home.
And chairman of The National
Alliance (TNA), Johnson Sakaja,
claims the opposition is in appre-
hension and fear of defeat.
You cannot live in the past and
expect to change your present and
future orientation in thinking. That
is CORD and what it is known for
whining and blaming the referee
whenever they lose an election. We
shall thwart whatever is not in the
interest of Kenyans, Sakaja said.
Kajiado North MP Moses ole
Sakuda, also allied to TNA, wonders
why CORD was consistently de-
manding IEBCs disbandment
when their political strategy re-
main the same. Let us bite the
bullet. CORD is losing because
of its poor strategy whether the
current IEBC shepherds the next
elections or not, indications are
clear to all and sundry that a Ju-
bilee victory is inevitable, Saku-
da said.
Bungled poll
But maintaining that IEBC
mismanaged the polls, includ-
ing investing in expensive gad-
gets that failed to relay results
electronically on the voting day,
former Justice minister Eugene
Wamalwa supports the move to
disband IEBC in order that we
start the process afresh with a
new and credible team.
And the New Ford-Kenya par-
ty leader warns against blind
support for IEBC: The more
the Jubilee leaders insist on sup-
porting IEBC the more they
paint Isaac (Hassan, IEBC Chair-
man) and the electoral body as a
Jubilee outt. By strongly de-
fending the electoral body, Jubi-
lee is only conrming to Ke-
nyans that indeed IEBC is
Jubilees referee and not a neu-
tral referee.
For Kiminini MP Chris Wa-
malwa, the debate on whether
or not IEBC should preside over
the next General Election is a
matter of moral logic. The elec-
toral body, he argues, cannot in-
sist on playing the referee in a
match where one of the sides be-
lieves it is biased in favour of the
opponent. Even in judicial pro-
ceedings, where either of the
I told you, Keter
now tells Rift
leaders over
state jobs, p30
Leaders split over Uhuru
goodies to Western, p29
EXCLUSIVE
TODAY
>>Pg 24
By defending
IEBC, Jubilee is
confrming it is
their referee and
not a neutral one
Eugene Wamalwa
Samuel Chepkonga Peter Kaluma Aden Duale
CORD should stop
hiding behind hangovers of
the last election and focus
on supporting the building
of stronger institutions
Aden Duale, Majority Leader
Page 23
Page 24
Coalitions now
lock horns over
besieged IEBC
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
WEEK IN REVIEW
We should
all be concerned
because a big
majority have lost
confdence in IEBC
Ken Obura, Kisumu Central MP
Thorny issue: Many say amendments proposed by Opposition would have a bigger implication on electoral process
IEBC Chairman Isaack Hassan (left), his deputy Lilian Mahiri and other commis-
sioners have been at pains to defend credibility of the 2013 elections.
CICs take
Constitution Implementation Commis-
sion (CIC) chair Charles Nyachae shares
this view: The Constitution was adopt-
ed through a popular vote in the 2010
referendum. It is time that we concen-
trated in ensuring its full implementa-
tion and not engaging in blind altera-
tions to suit sectarian interests even
before we cross the bridge.
Attacks, praises hurt Hassan team in equal measure
By OSCAR OBONYO
The most important prayer of-
cials of the electoral body would
wish granted is to totally disengage
from politicians and political par-
ties. Unfortunately, presiding over
the affairs of politicians is the bodys
core business.
The attacks directed at IEBC by
the Opposition is not in public in-
terest as it erodes peoples con-
dence in the electoral body. The
spirited defence of IEBC by Jubilee
is worse as it portrays us as puppets
of the ruling coalition, regrets
Tabitha Mutemi, IEBCs Communi-
cations and Corporate Affairs man-
ager.
Our prayer, she says, is that
politicians leave us alone to execute
our noble mandate of playing the
neutral referee without having to at-
tack or jump to our defence.
New Ford Kenya party leader and
former Justice minister, Eugene Wa-
malwa, supports this view. Noting
that politicians have vested inter-
ests, Wamalwa advocates an elec-
toral body operating independently,
free from political patronage.
Unfortunately, the one that we
have has been dragged through a lot
of mud already. With one competing
side constantly bashing its perfor-
mance and the other treating it as its
baby, I do not see how we can ap-
proach the next elections under
these circumstances, he says.
But arguing that the solution
does not rest in disbanding the elec-
toral body, Mutemi attributes IEBCs
negative publicity to individual los-
ing politicians and parties at the
ward, constituency, county and
presidential levels.
The tragedy of the polls is that
it is conducted on the winner-takes-
it-all basis, meaning there are no
prizes for runners up and best per-
forming competitors. And because
there is only one winner in each
case, the exercise leaves majority
candidates disillusioned, says the
IEBC ofcial.
Separately, a CORD-allied poli-
tician from Western Kenya, who re-
quested anonymity for fear of con-
tradicting his coalitions position
against IEBC, advises against kick-
ing out of ofce the Isaack Hassan-
led team.
What is the guarantee that if we
remove Isaack, we shall get a team
that is neutral and friendlier to
CORD? We are better off with the
current one constituted under the
nusu-mkate arrangement (Grand
Coalition Government of President
Kibaki and Premier Raila Odinga),
because at least half of the mem-
bers under the current composi-
tion were nominated by us, he told
The Standard on Sunday.
Railas campaign team has iron-
ically been enthusiastic about the
head of the electoral commission,
during the last two presidential
polls. In 2007, the Orange Democrat-
ic Movement (ODM) pushed for the
retention of Samuel Kivuitu as its
chairman after his term of ofce ex-
pired two months to the poll date,
and even threatened to rally Ke-
nyans to boycott the poll if Kibaki re-
placed him.
Presidential poll
Kivuitu was retained, but he end-
ed up as the biggest disappointment
to the Raila team, after bungling the
presidential poll and publicly admit-
ting that he was unsure who actu-
ally won the poll.
When Raila teamed up with for-
mer Vice President Kalonzo Musyo-
ka in 2012, his side equally warmed
up to Isaack and at some point the
former PM even reprimanded his
former advisor on constitutional af-
fairs, Miguna Miguna, for penning
articles highly critical of the new IE-
BC boss.
But same as Kivuitu, Isaack dis-
appointed the CORD brigade by
what the coalition leaders have
maintained he declared a winner in
a situation where, according to
them, no candidate garnered the 50
plus one vote requirement.
But the Supreme Court vindi-
cated IEBC when it ruled President
Kenyatta fairly won the election.
Overall, Mutemi argues IEBC
performed its task diligently and
that poll petitions have vindicated
the body.
She points out that 12,776 can-
didates vied for 1,882 positions in
all the 6 ballots, out of which 188
petitions were led, accounting for
just 10 per cent.
This means about 90 per cent
of the results were agreeable to Ke-
nyans and of the led petitions 166
petitions were found to have had
no merit, while most of those who
faced by-elections were re-elected,
including the Senator of Bungoma
(Moses Wetangula), she adds.
parties registers doubts about the
impartiality of the judge, such a
judge honourably disqualies him-
self or herself from presiding over
the case, argues the Ford-Kenya al-
lied politician.
Separately, Duale says it would
be important for the opposition to
stop hiding behind the hangovers of
the last General Election and focus
on supporting the building of strong
institutions including enhancing
both the technical capacity and
manpower for the IEBC to manage
elections better than disbanding it
every time they lose an election.
Noting that the tenure of the
commissioners expires in Novem-
ber 2017, IEBCs Manager of Com-
munications and Corporate Affairs,
Tabitha Mutemi, adds that it would
practically be impossible for a new
team to lay ground for a successful
poll in under 30 days: An exercise
of six concurrent elections is mas-
sive and has colossal and logistical
challenges. Management of such an
exercise requires a lot of experience
and enough planning time.
Senate Majority Leader Kithure
Kindiki equally warns the amend-
ments proposed by the opposition
would have a bigger implication on
the countrys electoral process and
tenure of protected terms.
We were elected knowing we
would serve for four and half years
and any attempt to lengthen our
term is ridiculous and must be ap-
proved by the people, he says.
He says legally, if the amend-
ments sail through then it means
the term of the current Parliament,
and that of the President would
have been extended by about four
months.
Any issue touching on the term
of Parliament or the President
should be decided by Kenyans
through a referendum, he said.
But the sponsor of the amend-
ments, Ochieng, refuted the insinu-
ations: The proposed Bill does not
seek to increase the term of MPs and
other elected leaders, including the
President. If anything if it is extend-
ed to December of 2017, it will be
less than ve years of service.
Clear provisions
On disbandment of IEBC, Kindi-
ki says the Constitution is clear that
each of the nine commissioners
presides over at least two general
elections before exiting to ensure
institutional memory, high perfor-
mance and professionalism.
The commissioners are not to
blame because while CORD believes
that the body bungled the elections,
we in Jubilee hold the view that the
IEBC tried its best to manage a cred-
ible election process, Kindiki said.
Lugari MP Ayubu Savula sup-
ports the amendments arguing that
voting in December would give Ke-
nyans ample time to celebrate
Christmas festivities with a new
government in place.
We are certain the amendments
offer a popular opportunity across
the board for MPs to change the
dates to have a government in place
before Christmas while at the same
time making sure the school calen-
dar is not changed, Savula said.
However, South Mugirango MP
Manson Nyamweya appeals to col-
leagues in CORD to rst direct their
energies on implementing the Con-
stitution rather than mutilating its
provisions to achieve selsh inter-
ests.
Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura
said the fact millions of Kenyans,
mainly those who supported CORD,
had lost faith in the electoral com-
mission was reason enough to dis-
band it all together.
At least 90 per cent of voters
should have total condence in the
electoral commission. We should be
concerned because a big majority
have no condence in IEBC, Obura
told The Standard on Sunday.
Asked whether CORD was en-
gaging in an exercise in futility due
to the tyranny of numbers, Obura
said reforming the commission had
nothing to do with numbers in Par-
liament, adding it is all about re-
forming the electoral process.
WEEK IN REVIEW
AIPCA leaders mired
in squabbles despite
Presidents efforts to
broker peace
By WAINAINA NDUNGU
(wndungu@standardmedia.
co.ke)
At a meeting early this year,
President Uhuru Kenyatta sat
with senior leaders of the Africa
Independent Pentecostal
Church of Africa (AIPCA) to try
and broker a peace deal.
Attending the meeting with
President Kenyatta was embat-
tled Archbishop Amos Kabuthu,
AIPCA National Chairman Paul
Watoro Gichu and Bertha Nyam-
bura Mwangi (National Chairla-
dy AIPCA Women Council), who
is wife to former Archbishop, the
late Samson Gaitho.
Also in attendance were
Head of Civil Service Joseph
Kinyua and Secretary to the
Cabinet Francis Kimemia.
Because of its long history
with Kikuyu nationalism, the
AIPCA always paid particular at-
tention to wise counsel from po-
litical gureheads such as
founding President Jomo Ke-
nyatta, former President Mwai
Kibaki, senior politicians such
as the late Njenga Karume and
John Michuki, as well as Uhuru.
This happened despite the fact
that none of the above was ever
a member of the church.
Soft landing
Sources say Uhuru felt de-
jected after miserably failing to
procure a ceasere between Mr
Gichu, a soft spoken business-
man in the steel making sector,
and the Archbishop, described
by one of the 24 bishops in the
church as steely and ruthless.
Uhuru was apparently disil-
lusioned and closed the meeting
by asking Ms Gaitho and not the
Archbishop to offer closing
prayers. A few months later, on
Sunday May 18, committed AIP-
CA faithful preparing for or leav-
ing the usual Sunday Mass were
greeted by an unfamiliar sight in
one of the weekly newspapers.
In an inside page, the famil-
iar degrading warning notice
appeared with a prominent mug
shot of the leader of the churchs
laity and a disclaimer by Rev Ka-
buthu that the Gichu had been
excommunicated and barred
from transacting any church
business either at the diocese
or national level.
Sunday went on without
much activity and many outside
Genesis: Constitution enacted four years ago has created two centres of power and is squarely to blame for the row
the AIPCA wondered whom the
man in the notice was. By Mon-
day, things had degenerated in-
to a crisis and over 200 parishio-
ners were demonstrating outside
the churchs headquarters at Ba-
hati Cathedral against the Arch-
bishop in support of Gichu.
Rt Rev Bishop Stanley Muth-
omi, the administrative secre-
tary of the AIPCA Central Board
then told the demonstrators
that the chairman had not been
excommunicated after all, and
the next day bought newspa-
pers space to denounce the
Archbishops notice.
Gichu remained condent
that the crisis would be resolved
and sounded conciliatory when
The Standard on Sunday called
him on Tuesday. He had been
vice chair after the church Con-
stitution was amended in 2010,
creating the post of spiritual
leader and that of the head of
the laity (chairman) as a soft
landing for the retiring Gaitho.
Shortly before the late Arch-
bishop Gaitho retired complete-
ly from church service, elections
of the churchs laity were held
and in July 2012, Gichu assumed
the position of church chair-
man, maintaining a steady rela-
tionship with Gaithos successor
Archbishop Evanson Ndungu,
who died last year.
Some of the church bishops
describe the businessman as an
articulate, generous lay leader
who is only a victim of the am-
bitions of the new Archbishop,
who is seeking to consolidate
the two top positions through
amending the Constitution.
Excommunication
If the welfare of the church
demands that I resign, I will,
said Gichu: But I cannot be
forced out because I was duly
elected and swore to protect the
Constitution of the AIPCA. One
of the allies of the Archbishop
says the 2010 Constitution cre-
ated two centres of power and is
squarely to blame for the squab-
although ruling out any excom-
munication.
This Bishop blames Kabuthu
for the crisis, saying he is ob-
sessed with raw power, is too
crafty and combative for a
church leader and lacks con-
dence because of low education
and an inferiority complex. Cu-
riously, that is the same accusa-
tion that the archbishops allies
make against the chairman.
They say he lacks the requi-
site Form Four academic quali-
cation and accuse him of work-
ing behind the scene to frustrate
the spiritual leader.
A church insider says re-
spected intellectuals in the
church tried to prevail upon Rev
Kabuthu not to vie for this elec-
tion but being a self-opinionat-
ed man he overruled them and
won the elections but only with
the support of certain inuen-
tial political quarters.
The Archbishop has kept a
studious silence over the matter,
but his allies say he will be un-
relenting in reafrming his po-
sition in the church known for
its leadership wrangles.
On Wednesday and Thursday
he was meeting church top lead-
ers in Mukaro (Nyeri) and Mu-
karo South (Othaya) diocese.
This Bishop blames Gichu
for overtly interfering in spiritu-
al work that is constitutionally
the ambit of the Archbishop. He
also accuses the chairman of
sponsoring irregular ordina-
tions, humiliating the Archbish-
op and propping rivals.
One of the archbishops allies
said they were condent of win-
ning any confrontations in the
church organs.
In the 12-person Central Ex-
ecutive Board that scheduled a
meeting last Friday, he claimed
Rev Kabuthu had seven allies
against ve for the chairman.
taken sides in the crisis.
There are also two other cas-
es by the archbishops side, in-
cluding one in which Senior
Principal Magistrate MC Chep-
seba granted orders stopping
the chairman, excommunicated
former Eldoret Bishop Julius ole
Kamwaro together with Paul
Ndichu, Eustace Mbayu, Moses
Kinuthia, Simon Peter Mwangi,
Ephantus Wachiuri, Amos Kara-
nja and Moses Kinuthia, from
ordaining new priests and cleri-
cal or administrative activities
in Nakuru, Eldoret, Gatanga,
Naivasha-Narok or any AIPCA
church in Kenya until a case
against them is heard and deter-
mined.
Self-opinionated man
Rev Kabuthu has also moved
to stem powers wielded by the
steel businessman in the
churchs top organ by suspend-
ing his powers as signatory of
the churchs main account,
which was jointly heard by the
two together with bishops Stan-
ley Mwangi (secretary general)
and Timothy Gachoya (treasur-
er). One Bishop claims the crisis
has gone too far and one of the
two leaders might have to leave,
I cannot be forced out
because I was duly elected
and swore to protect the
Constitution of the AIPCA.
Church leader
A biography of Archbishop Amos Kabuthu in the church
website says he received modest education at Ihithe
Primary School between 1955 and 1962 and later joined
Gathuthi Intermediate School in Nyeri County. In 1964, he
joined Ralph Bunche Academy for teacher training.
He taught at St Peter Clavers Primary School in Nairobi and
Kibera DEB Primary School before resigning to work as a
clerk at Muthua-ini Secondary School and later at the East
African Airways. In 1978, Rev Kabuthu resigned to start
his career as a church leader. In 1983, he was promoted
and installed as a Deacon and in the same year ordained a
pastor by the late Archbishop Benjamin Kahihia, rising to
become archdeacon by 1996. He was ordained Bishop of
Mukaro (Nyeri South) on February 1997.
An amendment of the AIPCA Constitution in 2000 allowed
him to serve as Bishop in Nyandarua North, Meru, Gatan-
ga, Gatundu, Nakuru and Laikipia/Samburu dioceses. Rev
Kabuthu rst tried his luck for the Archbishops post after
Gaitho opted to retire in April 2011 but was defeated by his
predecessor, the late Rev Evanson Ndungu in the May elec-
tions. Ndungu died in early 2013 and Rev Kabuthu beat
three others to win the election held on May 10, 2013.
In the elections last year, he won with 28 votes in an elec-
toral college of 78 against Bishop Julius Njoroge (22), Bishop
Suleiman Kimani (four votes) and Rev Kamwaro (Eldoret)
one vote. Curiously, the archrival Gichu was also born in
Nyeri at Chinga, Othaya. Flagging another dispute headed
to the courts, Rev Kabuthus allies claim they have recently
discovered that Gichu does not qualify to be elected church
chair because he dropped out at Form Two at Gathera Sec-
ondary School. The self-made billionaire who made his
mark in steel manufacture is an ofcial at the Kangemi par-
ish of Nairobi archdiocese from AIPCA Kitisuru Church.
bling. It was engineered by the
late Gaitho as a soft landing for
his retirement.
The present archbishop is
facing a legal challenge from a
parishioner at AIPCA Kangemi
church challenging his academ-
ic credentials to head the church.
In one case, the applicant has
demanded that the AIPCA Cen-
tral Board produces papers to
show that the Archbishop was
qualied to lead the church.
That application necessitat-
ed an afdavit to be sworn by
the Central Boards chairman in
which Gichu admitted that the
said papers were not led.
Insiders in the AIPCA Bish-
ops Synod claim that is what
sowed the rivalry between the
two top leaders despite the fact
that the Central Board approved
the afdavit.
The Archbishop hit back by
announcing the excommunica-
tion of the chairman, although
the Central Board never dis-
cussed such an agenda in its last
meeting of April 28, 2014, said
a Bishop who claims he has not
Archbishop Amos Kabuthu.
AIPCA Archbishop Amos
Kabuthu (right) presides over
mass at the AIPCA Church
Gatuyaini last Sunday. [PHOTOS:
MOSE SAMMY/ STANDARD]
WEEK IN REVIEW
The allure foreigners can
hardly resist at the Coast
Popular destinations: Watamu and Malindi are home to many Italians
Tourist arrivals have signicantly dropped.
By PATRICK BEJA
and PHILIP MWAKIO
The Coast is Kenyas main tourist
destination making up 60 per cent of
visitor arrivals owing to its beaches,
abundant wildlife and favourable
weather all year.
Its proximity to the Shimba Hills
Game Reserve and worlds third largest
nature conservation, the Tsavo National
Park, makes the Coast a great destina-
tion. With its 32,000 beds, it employs
about 20,000 people directly, industry
experts say.
Tourists from the traditional market
in continental Europe have developed a
unique liking for certain circuits on the
Kenyan coast. For instance, British tour-
ists frequent Watamu in the North Coast
because they love water sports and
deep-sea shing, says Kenya Coast Tour-
ist Association (KCTA) chief executive
ofcer Millicent Odhiambo.
However, Watamu and Malindi are
home to many Italians, who have pub-
licised the destination in their home
country. Italians have heavily invested
in high-end hotels such as the Billion-
aires Club and Lion in the Sun owned by
former Fomula One proprietor Silvio
Briatore. Malindi has become little Ita-
ly, Ms Odhiambo says.
Germans are well spread because
they love adventure. They often frolic in
South Coast, Mombasa and North Coast,
while the French seem to prefer Mom-
basa.
Generally, European tourists are
great wildlife lovers, with Italians show-
ing the least interest. Most Westerners
come to the Kenyan Coast to escape
winter in Europe but a growing number
is also researchers, adventurers, aid
workers, businessmen, security agents
or expatriates at several UN and other
international ofces in Nairobi and the
region.
Many British tourists come to visit
relatives in Kenya, who have homes in
Mombasa and on the south coast. Ital-
ians also visit Malindi to meet with kin
and establish businesses. In recent
times, former Italy Prime Minister Silvio
Berlusconi has been a frequent visitor of
Malindi as has British supermodel Nao-
mi Campbell.
There is a historical link between
Malindi town and the Italian market
within the region, Kenya Association of
Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch
Executive Ofcer Sam Ikwaye says.
Tourism has been traditionally a
major source of direct and indirect em-
ployment in the Coast region, Ikwaye
says.
The recent Western travel advisories
coupled with a low tourist season have
driven the hotel bed occupancy at the
Coast from the average 50 per cent to 30
per cent representing about 10,000
guests.
The low tourist season, which starts
in May and ends in July, as well as the
high season between August and May
usually affects hotel bottom lines.
Hotels mainly survive on conference
tourism and domestic tourists during
the low tourist season when guests are
offered discounted accommodation
and tours.
Industry players say tourism at the
Coast has not fully recovered since
2007 when bed occupancy reached an
all-time high of 90 per cent.
This has been attributed to the 2007
post-election misadventures, violence
associated with the Mombasa Repub-
lic Council (MRC) group that agitated
for secession of the Coast region from
Kenya, fears associated with the out-
come of 2013 election and a series of
terrorist attacks in the country. The av-
erage hotel bed occupancy last year
was placed at 50 per cent.
Major beneciaries
The industry players say hotels are
part of the value chain with govern-
ment and local communities being
major beneciaries. Ms Odhiambo
says the economies of coastal counties
become vibrant when the region re-
ceives more tourists as farmers and
shermen, through the middlemen
supply chain, provide park lodges in
Taita Taveta and beach hotels in South
Coast and elsewhere with food.
Apart from direct employment, the
Optimistic sector
There is hope that the industry will rise
again in the near future with some inves-
tors expanding their facilities
The recent Western travel advisories cou-
pled with a low tourist season have driven
the hotel bed occupancy at the Coast from
the average 50 per cent to 30 per cent rep-
resenting about 10,000 guests
industry offers incomes to airlines, tour
operators as well as dancers and curio
sellers among others.
The industry is the highest taxed in
Kenya with up to 50 per cent of the in-
comes taxed, says Odhiambo. When
tourism is vibrant everyone, even the
shopkeepers, are happy because there is
money circulating, Odhiambo says.
But there is hope that the industry
will rise again in the near future with
some investors expanding their facili-
ties. In the South Coast for instance,
Hillpark Tiwi Resorts will invest in mod-
ern and luxurious villas valued at Sh120
million at the resort located in Tiwi, its
General Manager George Swanya, says.
However challenging the situation
is, we will bounce back. We have con-
dence in destination Kenya coming back
hence our massive investments, said
Swanya.
Kenyas unmatched tourist attrac-
tions have repositioned the country as a
leading popular long haul destination,
the Neptune Group of Hotels Regional
Director of Operations in East Africa, Mr
Vicram Korla, believes.
With the governments full support
for the industry recovery plans, we re-
main condent that we shall reap from
benets of a resilient industry and over-
come the challenges we currently face,
said Korla.
The hoteliers believe rebranding is
key and say the government should re-
lease Sh200 million to Kenya Tourism
Board (KTB) for that effort.
By TOBIAS CHANJI
and PATRICK BEJA
Tourism is so important to coastal communities that
when it slumps, the regions economy grows cold. Earnings
from tourism often trickle down to the pockets of most resi-
dents, and it is this spiral effect that brings misery when vis-
itors numbers drop.
Tourism is one of Kenyas leading economic pillars and
provides jobs to more than 100,000 people countrywide be-
sides being a major foreign exchange earner. At the Coast,
the industry employs about 20,000 people directly during
high season.
However, casual workers and those who benet indirectly
such as farmers, shermen, tour rms, taxi operators,
beach boys and curio dealers make up thousands more.
Suppliers, airlines, markets, entertainment spots and
landlords also benet when the industry is vibrant.
With Sh96 billion earned by the government from tour-
ism last year, local communities are worried about antici-
pated losses following recent adverse travel advisories. It is
anticipated that government will lose up to 40 per cent of
its revenues from tourism. Another 2,000 jobs are lost.
Tourism is a major pillar of
income for communities and
the government; it is also a ma-
jor source of foreign exchange,
says Kenya Coast Tourist Asso-
ciation (KCTA) executive ofcer
Millicent Odhiambo.
Mombasa County has been
charging Sh180 per tourist ho-
tel bed per night, raising mil-
lions of shillings in revenue.
Already, Kwale County has
estimated in its budget that it
will raise Sh100 million from
this form of tax that is accrued
from the Sh50 bed levy that it
slapped on hotels since last
month. The levy is payable per
individual person per night.
Other coastal counties that
earn millions of shillings from
tourism are Kili, Lamu and
Taita Taveta.
In Kwale County alone, more
than 31,500 people who depend
on tourism are likely to suffer
as the industry encounters a
slump. Of this, 1,500 are em-
ployed directly while the livelihood of another 30,000 de-
pends on tourism.
Forty per cent of the Sh96 billion that the national gov-
ernment earns from tourism will be lost following the travel
advisories, says Kwale County executive member for Tour-
ism Adam Sheikh.
Already hotels are operating at about 30 per cent bed ca-
pacity instead of 50 to 60 per cent usually experienced dur-
ing low tourist seasons.
The Kwale County Assembly Public Accounts and Invest-
ment Committee vice chairman Omar Boga says it would be
difcult for the county government to raise sufcient funds
to meets its budgetary requirements following the drop in
tourist numbers.
Apart from the bed levy there are land rates that
amount to Sh50 million annually, and with many hotels fac-
ing closure, it will be really hard for them to pay up, says
Boga.
Leisure Lodge Resort and Golf Club, for example, spon-
sors a modern school Leisure Rondwe Jalaram Girls High
School. The best performing girls from poor backgrounds in
this school are sponsored by the hotel through a kitty con-
tributed by the tourists.
If things do not change, the school, which was estab-
lished three years ago, may not survive, says Boga.
Why economy
of region takes
a beating when
tourism suffers
BED LEVY IN COAST
SH50
PERCENTAGE OF LOSS
40%
JOBS LOST
2,000
LOST JOBS
SH96b
TOTAL EARNINGS
Page 27
WEEK IN REVIEW
BREAKING TODAY
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@StandardKenya
By ISAAC MESO
Over reaction to the recent terror attacks together
with unfriendly travel advisories by foreign partners
has negatively impacted on the tourism industry, Cab-
inet Secretary for Tourism and East African Affairs
Phyllis Kandie says.
Ms Kandie noted that the extreme travel advisories
were eroding the countrys reputation as a tourism
hub and was causing massive hotel closures and loss
of jobs.
Addressing a breakfast hosted for media owners at
the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, the CS said negative re-
ports by the media were partly to blame for the poor
performance of the industry.
The drop is attributed largely to insecurity report-
ed in the country, especially in Mombasa and Nairobi.
The negative coverage forms part of the basis of the
travel advisories, she said.
The CS was referring to the recent reporting on the
exodus of tourists following the issuing of travel advi-
sories by Western countries based on intelligence re-
ports of possible terror attacks.
She said the drop in performance in the tourism
sector was being manifested in various sectors in the
industry. This cited the disruption of business, espe-
cially at the Coast where more than 20 hotels have
closed shop. These closures result in loss of jobs. The
drop in performance also manifests in losses running
into millions as a result cancelled bookings and con-
tracts, she added.
She called upon the media to do balanced report-
ing of terror incidents and to avoid exaggeration of the
same. Accompanied by Murithii Ndegwa, Kenya Tour-
ism Board (KTB) Managing Director, the CS shared
current data indicating that the number of tourist ar-
rivals declined last year by three per cent, and warned
that the ongoing crisis in the industry could worsen
the situation.
Kandie blames sectors woes on misinformation, travel advisories
By BENARD SANGA
and WILLIS OKETCH
Stung by reports of sex exploitation involving
underage girls in hotels on the Kenyan coast, hu-
man rights groups have commissioned studies to
investigate the matter and stem an escalation.
A study conducted by Coast Women In Develop-
ment (CWID) in 2010 shows that internationally-
listed paedophiles were leaving child sex tourism
centres in Asia because of tough new laws and were
headed for African countries where laws and en-
forcement is lax. Besides laxity in the enforcement
of laws, Kenya is yet to ratify international proto-
cols on Sexual Exploitation and Trafcking, and
Children Involved in Child Conict and Child Sex,
according to this analysis.
Various reports quoted in that study indicate
that 35 per cent of teenage girls in Diani, Kili, Ma-
lindi and Mombasa towns are involved in casual sex
work, and that 10 per cent of girls began transac-
tional sex without protection with tourists before
the age of 12. According to ofcials of
CWID, many girls admitted that they
engage in unprotected sex with for-
eign Westerners to get pregnant in the
hope of marrying them or getting
some kind of nancial contract with
them. And a CWID 2012 study indi-
cates that 38 per cent of sex acts in-
volving minors and tourists takes
place without protective gear.
There are a number of retired
tourists who visit Kenya to have sex
with children; some even buy proper-
ties and settle in Kenya since life is
cheap, the currency exchange is low
and getting way with this crime is easy
as long as you have money, the 2012
report by CWID reveals.
It is believed rise in sex tourism is
the result of the weak application of
the law and corruption of some of-
cials. It is very difcult in Kenya to
convict a white man, security always
handles the tourists with kid gloves
while the Judiciary is lenient in terms
of bonds and nes, said the report.
Kenya Coast Tourist Association
(KCTA) executive ofcer Millicent
Odhiambo told The Standard on Sun-
day that hotels at the Coast have
signed a code of conduct to help ght
vices like paedophilia.
Call for tough laws amid
rising child sex tourism
Hope as state takes new measures
ying into Mombasa but await a govern-
ment nod, Sheikh said.
Following a series of meetings between
President Uhuru and tourism stakehold-
ers, the Head of State announced several
measures aimed rescuing the industry.
This month, the United Kingdom For-
eign and Commonwealth Ofce issued an
anti-travel advisory which, while not ex-
plicitly calling for a mandatory evacuation
of British citizens, led to UK tour operators
transporting their British clients back
home.
In one fell swoop, the country was
stripped of its mainstream source market
the UK leading to several hotel clo-
sure and loss of business.
European countries have since airlifted their
citizens from Coast, citing insecurity.
By PHILIP MWAKIO
A collective sigh of relief at the Coast
greeted the new raft of government mea-
sures designed to boost tourism a week
after several European nations airlifted
their citizens from Mombasa, citing un-
specied terror threats.
Hoteliers at the Coast, who were star-
ing at a bleak future, welcomed plans an-
nounced by President Uhuru Kenyatta,
that would in effect allow the companies
to pay for domestic holidays for their staff
and recover their expenditure from tax
write offs.
Yesterday, the Kenya Association of
Hotel Keepers and Caterers Coast Branch
CEO, Sam Ikwaye, described these policy
changes as the rst tangible proposals
coming from the President to boost tour-
ism.
He said hotels at the Coast, whose bed
occupancy had dropped by the highest
margin this year, could recover from the
lifting of a government ban restricting
state agencies from holding meetings in
private hotels, sentiments shared by Ms
Lydia Dentewo, the Group General Man-
ager of the Lake Bogoria Group of Ho-
tels.
However, for sustainable growth he
and others in the regional tourism sector
said security must be enhanced for such
growth to rebuild condence among
stakeholders.
Ikwaye added that the exemption of
ticketing services by travel agents of Value
Added Tax was long over due and pro-
posed that the shelving of tourist visa
could be explored.
More leaders in this industry wel-
comed the governments timely input.
We take this earliest opportunity to
appreciate the Presidents move but wish
to reiterate that insecurity, which has con-
tinued to dog our destination, should be
tackled head on if our destination is to re-
main attractive to the travel trade, Dent-
ewo, who is also a director at Lord Errol
Restaurant in Nairobis Runda surburb,
said.
Ms Dentewo also wants the Tourist Po-
lice Unit to be revamped, given adequate
manpower and repower and retrained to
Uhuru directive
Following a series of meetings between
President Uhuru and tourism stakeholders,
the Head of State announced several mea-
sures aimed rescuing the industry.
On Friday, President Kenyatta directed that
the Kenya Revenue Authority refund all tax-
related monies owed to hotels and other
players in the industry.
handle and secure tourist destinations.
On Friday, President Kenyatta directed
that the Kenya Revenue Authority refund
all tax-related monies owed to hotels and
other players in the industry.
It is envisaged that these funds will
help rms in the industry to remain aoat
following the anticipated loss of revenues
from the low bed occupancy.
Mombasa County Executive in charge
of Tourism and Culture, Mr Joab Tumbo,
said these measure would help players in
the industry recover, especially if the se-
curity threat is dealt with and contained.
Other tourism stakeholders in Momba-
sa asked that other policy interventions be
considered. Kwale County Executive in
charge of Tourism and Culture Adam
Sheikh said besides lowering landing fees
for airlines at the Moi International Air-
port and Malindi airport, the government
could consider allowing more ights to y
into the region directly from overseas des-
tinations.
There are international airlines like
Qatar and Emirates which have larger air-
line connectivity and which want to start
Phyllis Kandie

There are
a number
of retired
tourists who
visit Kenya
to have
sex with
children;
some
even buy
properties
and settle
in Kenya
Report
It is envisaged that
these funds will help
rms in the industry to
remain aoat following
the anticipated
loss of revenue
Way out: Sigh of relief at the Coast as hoteliers, who were staring at a bleak future, welcomed plans announced
by President Uhuru Kenyatta to held revitalise crucial sector following effects of insecurity and travel advisories
WEEK IN REVIEW
By PROTUS ONYANGO
Members of the Orange Demo-
cratic Movement (ODM) who had left
the party after its bungled nomina-
tions in 2013 are rejoining the party.
The members, who include those
who lost the party nominations but
used other parties to vie as Senators,
MPs or Members of the County As-
sembly (MCAs) in the last General
Election, now say they have been
urged to rejoin ODM by their sup-
porters.
But political analysts and leaders
believe that those returning have no
option to be elected as leaders if they
dont align themselves to ODM, the
most loved party in Nyanza.
Prof Edward Kisiangani, who
teaches political science at Kenyatta
University, says those rejoining ODM
have nowhere to go due to the nature
of Kenyas politics.
Our politics is based on ethnicity.
So, however good you are, you cant
make it if you go against the ethnic
fabric, Prof Kisiangani says, adding
that the defectors are returning to
ODM because it was sired by the res-
idents of the larger western Kenya.
Dominant party
ODM dominates the region just
as the National Alliance (TNA) in
Central Kenya and United Republi-
can Party (URP) in Rift Valley. That is
why those who leave the home par-
ty are seen as traitors, says Kisian-
gani, adding: It is the for the same
reason that Musalia Mudavadi and
Eugene Wamalwa cant succeed in
selling the Jubilee agenda in Luhya-
land. In fact, their body language in-
dicates they might join the Coalition
for Reforms and Democracy
(CORD).
In Homa Bay County, 350 mem-
bers have rejoined ODM and some of
them have taken over the branch par-
ty leadership.
Former Rangwe MP Martin Ogin-
do, who had left the party, is now the
Homa Bay County branch chairman
after ousting Senator Otieno Ka-
jwang. Ogindo says he led his deputy
chairman Charles Ongondo Were
and other 350 members to return to
ODM. Ogindo says he is an ODM life
member and is back to make the par-
ty vibrant by ensuring the next party
nominations are done transparent-
ly.
We know the problem with ODM
We
know the
problem
with ODM
is the way
it conducts
its nomin-
ations. But
for us to
form the
next govern-
ment, we
must rebuild
and reform
the party.
Martin Ogindo,
former MP
Nyanza defectors return to ODM,
pledge to support Railas course
Survival tactic? Move could ultimately strengthen party but political analysts and leaders say those
returning have only chosen to do so because Orange outft is the most loved in the regions fve counties
but I got more than 60,000 votes. My
supporters want me back so that I
can win the seat in 2017, Alila said.
He added: We are ready to work
with all elected leaders. We are inter-
ested in party unity and consolidat-
ing votes from Wananchi and make
Raila Odinga the president in the
next General Election.
He said although Nyanza voters
love Raila, the only weapon to use to
ensure he becomes President is to
work together with him and make
sure majority register as voters.
Were says the journey to energise
the party has began in Homa Bay but
will spread to other counties.
We have started it here and many
of our members are coming back due
to the new party leadership we have
in this county, Were says.
He added: Our people are disil-
lusioned and that is why most of
them dont vote when because lead-
ers of their choice are denied party
tickets, even after winning.
Reaching out
The leaders have vowed to reach
out to those who may still be reluc-
tant to rejoin the Orange party. We
are sending a delegation to Rongo
MP Dalmas Otieno and other mem-
bers who are unhappy to reconsider
their positions, Were says.
Dalmas has fallen out with Raila
and has vowed to form a new party to
rival ODM in the region, going by the
name Kalausi. Nairobi Governor Dr
Evans Kidero, who is a close ally of the
Rongo MP says the idea of a new par-
ty in Nyanza is not good. Earlier, how-
ever, Kidero had appeared to back the
formation of another outt.
We need strong political parties
to advance our political values and
development agenda. I want to re-
form ODM from within. I know we
can make it stronger if we tolerate
each other, Kidero says.
Former Bonchari MP Oroo Oyio-
ka recently decamped to ODM from
the Kenya African National Union
(Kanu).
Oyioka, who was ODMs ag bear-
er in the June 3, 2014 in Bonchari by-
election, says he realised ODM is the
most liked party in the region and
that his supporters had urged him to
remain in the Orange party.
Elisha Odhiambo, who had
claimed victory in Gem constituency
during last years ODM nomination,
is also back. It is in the public do-
main that my victory was stolen and
given to area MP Jakoyo Midiwo, but
2017 is coming. That is why we want
to be where our supporters are,
Odhiambo said.
Those who want the rebels and
defectors to stay fear the party might
lose them to their opponents come
2017, the same way ODM lost key
members ahead of the 2013 polls.
Fallen out
Bigwigs like Deputy President
William Ruto and Amani Coalition
party leader Musalia Mudavadi were
among those who quit ODM then.
Nominated Senator Elizabeth On-
goro says the party should not let
those viewed as rebels go away since
it needs them. Ongoro said the party
has had a tendency of letting go of its
members because of misunderstand-
ings that could have been solved
from within.
We should not make that mis-
take again. Let us bring everyone on
board even those you have broken
ranks with for us to form a formida-
ble team, Ongoro said.
Uriri MP John Kobado said as the
party seeks a national outlook, it
must also work towards bringing the
people of Nyanza together.
If we do not unite as a region, it
will be a tall order for us, come 2017,
said Kobado.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda
urged ODM leadership to follow the
example of the late Jaramogi Oginga
Odinga who always listened carefully
to advice and made decisions that
never disintegrated his party.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has massive political support in Nyanza.
is the way it conducts its nomina-
tions. But for us to form the next gov-
ernment, we must rebuild and re-
form the party. We need the numbers
and that is why we are coming back
with all our supporters to make ODM
stronger, Ogindo says.
He says: We are bringing in new
leadership that listens to those who
are disillusioned. We want to bring
more people back to the party and
add value to it.
Notable members who have re-
turned to the party are politicians
Hillary Alila, Everest Okambo, Adipo
Okuome and Duncan Andiego, who
decamped from ODM citing favouri-
tism by the party leadership.
Alila, who contested the Homa
Bay County Senators seat on a Peo-
ples Democratic Party (PDP), says he
is rejoining the party after being
urged by delegates and his support-
ers. I lost the nomination unfairly
Back home...
The members, who include those who lost the
party nominations but used other parties to vie
for posts as Senators, MPs or Members of Coun-
ty Assembly (MCAs), now say they have been
urged to rejoin ODM by their supporters.
Elizabeth Ongoro Martin Ogindo Otieno Kajwang Evans Kidero
Page 29
WEEK IN REVIEW
Wetangula dismisses Uhuru goodies
Reaching out: Senate Majority leader and Khalwale fault Presidents visit and his promises but it was
an announcement by MPs that they were ready to work with Jubilee government that sent tongues wagging
INSIDE TODAY
Keter is no
longer a lone
ranger in Rift
Valley politics
Review, P.30
lion the President said would be
used to bail out the sugar miller is
from Kenya Sugar Board in the
form of a loan.
KSB is a custodian of farmers
money and to tell us that he has
given us money to pay farmers is a
big joke. He is bailing us out with
our own money, he said.
His Kakamega counterpart Dr
Boni Khalwale also faulted the
goodies. The President was under
pressure to make promises because
of what I told him. His coming
should not be seen as bringing de-
velopment to the region but to get
the votes for another second term
in 2017, Dr Khalwale said.
However, as the two senators
dismissed the Presidents visit, an-
nouncement by local MPs that they
were ready to work with the Jubilee
government sent tongues wag-
ging.
Ford Kenya MPs Eseli Simiyu
(Tongaren), Wafula Wamunyinyi
(Kanduyi) Suleiman Murunga
(Kimilili) and John Waluke (Sirisia)
of ODM announced they would
work with the government for the
sake of the regions development.
Jubilee support
The MPs joined their other col-
leagues John Serut (Mt Elgon), Dr
Reginalda Wanyonyi (Bungoma
Women Representative), Dan Wan-
yama (Webuye West), Alfred Sambu
(Webuye East) and Bonny Otsiula
(Bumula), who all had earlier an-
nounced they would work with Ju-
bilee government.
Serut was elected as an inde-
pendent candidate, while Dr
Wanyonyi, Otsyula, and Dan Wan-
yama belong to New Ford Kenya.
Sambu was elected on a United
Democratic Front (UDF) ticket.
By LUKE ANAMI
and DANIEL PSIRMOI
When President Uhuru Kenyat-
ta made his rst-ever visit to Bun-
goma County since his election, he
landed with a basket of goodies.
For a county that voted over-
whelmingly for the opposition
CORD, the Presidents presence at
Governor Kenneth Lusakas home-
coming last weekend, could only
be viewed as a ploy to woo the re-
gion into supporting Jubilee.
MPs from the nine constituen-
cies that make up the county at-
tended and were accorded a chance
to speak.
They called for the revival of
Panpaper Mills, construction of a
tea factory in Mt Elgon, tarmacking
of roads in the region and estab-
lishment of a university at Kibabii.
Perhaps buoyed by speeches
from the hosts, the President prom-
ised to revive Pan Paper, have Kib-
abii College turned into a universi-
ty, and bail out Nzoia Sugar
Company among other goodies.
I have heard what you have
said. Very soon I will be meeting
with Governor Lusaka to discuss
the issuing of a full charter to Kib-
abii, Uhuru said at the ceremony
held in Kamukuywa, Kimilili con-
stituency.
However, CORD co-principal
Moses Wetangula said the goodies
promised by Uhuru were not any-
thing new to residents.
His visits to Western region are
laughable. He rst came to Mumias
for prayers, then he came to (Nam-
bale MP, John) Bunyasis home-
coming, then he went to dine with
(former Deputy Prime Minister
Musalia) Mudavadi in Vihiga and
was here last week for another
homecoming, said the Senate Mi-
nority Leader, who is also the Bun-
goma Senator.
Wetangula said the Presidents
visits to the region are yet to be ac-
companied with any tangible de-
velopment.
We have seen the President vis-
it other areas for serious develop-
ment projects and fundraising, but
when it comes to Western region,
he only comes to feast, Wetangula
said in an interview with The Stan-
dard On Sunday.
Bailed out
He dismissed promises that
Panpaper would be revived while
Nzoia would be bailed out.
He added: We have heard that
before that Panpaper will be re-
vived. Other colleges have received
charters to become fully edged
universities while Kibabii has been
languishing in the cold for more
than 10 years now. He has prom-
ised to bail Nzoia with farmers
money.
Wetangula said the Sh500 mil-
All the nine Bungoma County
MPs who were present at the func-
tion announced they are ready to
work with the government for the
region to make strides in develop-
ment, Serut said.
He went on: Such rare oppor-
tunities when a president visits
should be a platform for leaders to
highlight the plight of the people
they represent. When a president
tours any particular area, Kenyans
are interested to know what good-
ies he will deliver. It is not how
much politics the leaders talk. It all
about what the residents will
achieve from such visits,
Serut says the region risks being
isolated by the national govern-
ment in as far as development is
concerned.
Lusaka said they were within
their rights to welcome the Presi-
dent. When you want meat, do
you scare away the butcher? he
asked. We want development and
that is why we invited the Presi-
dent, Lusaka, who hosted the
President, said.
Wetangula, however, was quick
to point out that the fact that all the
nine local MPs promised to work
with the government does not
translate to supporting Jubilee.
We members of the Mulembe
(euphemism for Luhya) communi-
ty are a hospitable people who wel-
come leaders to the region includ-
ing the President. Its un-African to
be hostile to the President. Howev-
er, I did not hear any of them say
they are abandoning their parties
to support Jubilee, Wetangula ex-
plained.
We all know what we want and
come 2017 the people of this region
are ready to make a big statement,
he noted.
President Uhuru
Kenyatta graces
the homecoming
of Bungoma
Governor Kenneth
Lusaka (left) last
week.
The promises
President promised to revive Pan Pa-
per Mills, have Kibabii College turned
into a university, and bail out Nzoia
Sugar Company among other goodies.
But CORD leaders Moses Wetangula
said the Presidents visits to the region
are yet to be accompanied with any
tangible development
Uhuru was
under pressure to
make promises. His
coming should not
be seen as bringing
development to the
region but to get votes
for another term
Boni Khalwale, Senator
Why Keter is
no longer a
lone ranger
in Rift Valley
Dissent: The Nandi Hills MP is fast gaining
support from same critics who shouted him down
By JACOB NGETICH, STEVE MKAWALE
and MICHAEL OLLINGA
He started off as a lone voice with
colleagues and critics dismissing him
as a political mercenary, a green horn
and a rabble-rouser, but Nandi Hills
MP Alfred Keter is fast gaining sup-
port in Rift Valley from same critics
who shouted him down.
The young lawmaker, who once
told President Uhuru Kenyatta to his
face at a rally in Eldoret that the Stan-
dard Gauge Railways project had el-
ements of corruption, is slowly gain-
ing popularity.
The recent move by Devolution
Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru to
move National Youth Service (NYS)
former director Kiplimo Rugut and
replaced him with Nelson Githinji
has not only caused a political storm
in the Kalenjin land, but also given
Keter a reason to say I told you.
Waigurus move has given the re-
brand politician another ammuni-
tion to hit at his Jubilee coalition over
skewed appointments.
But his guns are not only trained
at President Kenyatta and his TNA
party but also close home at Deputy
President William Ruto, who he ac-
cuses of watching as the Kalenjin
community who voted for Kenyatta
because of his (Rutos) request gets a
raw deal in the Jubilee government.
Keter has dared Ruto to address
the issue and ensure the community
is represented equally, in Govern-
ment saying it is due to respect to
him that they overwhelmingly voted
for Uhuru.
As our leader, he has climbed on
the tree to get honey from the hive
and suddenly got quiet as we keep
waiting under the tree. We do not
know if there is honey, if he has eaten
it or has been stung by bees, he sym-
bolically said recently.
He added: Maybe he has gotten
the honey and has achieved suf-
cient sweetness that he does not
want to tell us how it feels. We will
therefore nd our way to another
hive.
At a recent forum where over 30
MPs met to deliberate on the move-
ment of Rugut, and the impending
impeachement of the Devolution
Cabinet Secretary, an MP was over-
heard telling his colleagues that they
speak like Keter who was absent.
Notably, Keters restlessness
against the Jubilee government
seems to have infected a number of
legislators from the Rift Valley region
and the political bug could still bite
more.
Waigurus move replacing Rugut
with Githinji has been read by the
Kalenjin leaders as a tribal affront
likely to drive a wedge between URP
and TNA regions.
From the storm he raised on the
railway project to Ruguts transfer,
Keter has marked his rst year in Par-
liament with vibrant politics.
But what is apparent is that his
bravery which was earlier seen as
political suicide is bearing fruits, giv-
en the support he now enjoys from
his colleagues.
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, who ini-
tially criticised the MP, now says Ket-
er was after all speaking for the sup-
pressed voices.
The chicken are now coming
home to roost. Keter was after all
right. URP will not sit and have their
leader William Ruto get frustrated
and as Keter had stated, he was right.
Our leader was unhappy in the alli-
ance but had not found a proper
ground to express it, said Sudi.
Anti-Ruto bandwagon
Other previously quiet legislators
have joined the Keter bandwagon
and are now raising issues here and
there. Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat is
now calling for a fresh review of their
pre-election agreement with TNA on
grounds of having been short-
changed.
From what is happening now, we
want URP-TNA pre-election merger
negated afresh so that URP can fully
benet in the alliance, said Lagat.
Marakwet East MP David Kango-
go agrees, saying the review was nec-
essary because some government of-
cials were hell bent to break the pact
through abuse of power.
This agreement needs to be re-
viewed since as the URP camp, we
feel our voice is unheard and we have
been sidelined on most important
matters, he said.
tervene in the matter, saying the
manner in which Rugut was trans-
ferred was demeaning of his stature
in government.
Sources within URP note that Ru-
to has personally become uncom-
fortable with Keters tirades against
the government.
The DP must urgently summon
all URP leaders from the region and
reconcile the community if he in-
tends to maintain the political sup-
port he enjoys in this region, said
Nakuru County URP Vice chairman
Jonathan Rono.
Rono, a close political ally to Bom-
et Governor Isaac Ruto and a clergy
with the Kenya Assemblies of God in
Njoro, said Keter political star is ris-
ing because he articulates issues
close to the hearts of the people in
the region.
Some local leaders are also angry
that Ruto has fallen out with the
Bomet Governor and other lawmak-
ers from the community who either
took part in the formation of URP or
nanced the Jubilee campaigns in
the region.
Kipsigis leaders have retreated
and are now coalescing around the
Bomet Governor, who has on his side
his embattled Kericho Governor Paul
Chepkwony and Kuresoi North MP
Zakayo Cheruiyot.
Keiyo South MP Jackson Kiptanui
said URP is fully part of the govern-
ment and they cannot continue be-
ing treated unfairly since they had
agreed on equal representation.
However, Marakwet West law-
maker William Kisang said they are
plotting to push for amendment of
the Constitution to allow the Presi-
dent to select Cabinet Secretaries on-
ly from among MPs, saying it will seal
the leeway to biased appointments.
Keter claims Ruto is losing touch
with the electorate in the Rift Valley
region given his silence, especially on
the Ruguts saga.
When I spoke I was silenced by
the appointments of certain people
who had been put in acting capacity
for many yearsI will speak out
again if others are not conrmed, af-
ter all, I know they cannot support a
Ruto presidency. Now, you can all see
what they are doing to us, Keter said
at recent political rally in his constit-
uency.
Of late, the rst-time legislator
has insisted Ruto has betrayed the
community that rallied behind him
last year by remaining tight lipped on
the 50-50 sharing of government with
TNA as had been agreed.
Keter claims to represent disgrun-
tled Kalenjins in URP who are grow-
ingly becoming discontented with
the raw deal ther are getting from the
Jubilee government.
The 34-year-old lawmaker has
threatened to rally his colleagues
from the region to rebel against URP
if the Deputy President does not in-
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter feels William Ruto is losing touch
with electorate in the Rift Valley. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]
WEEK IN REVIEW
I told you
The recent move by Devolution
Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru to
move National Youth Service (NYS)
former director Kiplimo Rugut and
replaced him with Nelson Githinji has
not only caused a political storm in
the Kalenjin land, but has also given
Keter a reason to say I told you.
The chicken are now
coming home to roost. Keter
was after all right. URP
will not sit and have their
leader William Ruto get
frustrated. Keter was right
STAY WITH THE NEWS
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NEWS FEATURE
Alarm as Chinese firms accused
of smuggling raw macadamia
Illegal nuts trade: Companies allegedly do not have documentation to conduct that kind of business
The return
of the middlemen
and brokers into
the industry would
not only kill the
processing factories
but also cause loss of
jobs and lower the
quality of nuts Kembi
Gitura, Deputy Senate Speaker
By JACOB NGETICH
The Government has raised con-
cern over malpractices by Chinese
companies that allegedly con farm-
ers and smuggle thousands of met-
ric tonnes of raw macadamia nuts
for export to China.
A report by a taskforce formed by
the Ministry of Agriculture to probe
the export has proposed necessary
interventions be made to bring san-
ity in the macadamia industry in
which three Chinese rms are ac-
cused.
The taskforce discovered some
of these companies do not meet the
standards required by Horticulture
Crops Development Authority and
have been exporting raw macada-
mia illegally after the government
banned its export four years
ago.
In 2009, then Agriculture
Minister William Ruto de-
clared the exportation of
raw macadamia nuts il-
legal.
This was aimed at
encouraging capacity
of local processors,
create jobs and enable
farmers benet more.
Based on the nd-
ings, the taskforce rec-
ommended a commit-
tee to vet all processors
and weed out those buy-
ing the nuts during off
seasons and those involved
in smuggling.
The taskforce was formed
after a lobby of local nuts proces-
sors wrote a letter to Agriculture
Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei ac-
cusing the Chinese companies of
outing the Government ban by
smuggling out unprocessed nuts.
In the letter, the Nut Processors
Association of Kenya (NUTPAK) said
unless the ministry stopped the
smuggling of the nuts, the sector
would collapse.
The letter dated April 28 and
signed by NUTPAK head of secretar-
iat Charles Mungai said even after
the ban four years ago, smuggling
had continued unabated.
They complained the situation
had de- t e r i o -
rated despite the fact that the asso-
ciation together with relevant State
organs had arrested and prosecuted
four cases of smuggling of the nuts,
all involving Chinese rms.
Expired licences
All these cases concern nine
container loads of macadamia nuts
originating from Quiwei Foods Ltd,
Africhina International Ltd and Hex-
ing Nuts Kenya Ltd, read the let-
ter.
Mungai said the rms had con-
tinued to disregard the law even af-
ter their licences expired.
Mungai said, It was dishearten-
ing that the purpose and substance
of the license had been reduced to a
mere piece of paper as the Chinese
rms continued to illegally export
the unprocessed nuts.
Deputy Senate Speaker Kembi
Gitura, also Muranga Senator said
the continued smuggling of the un-
shelled nuts could wipe away the
signicant strides achieved in the
past four years following the ban.
The return of middlemen and
brokers into the industry would not
only kill the processing factories but
also cause loss of jobs, lower quality
of the nuts, there by killing the in-
dustry, said Gitura.
He said he visited Equatorial
Nuts Limited in Maragua recently
and noticed it had over 1,000 em-
ployees.
There are about 800 women
alongside other employees em-
ployed to sort and grade the nuts.
Once unprocessed nuts are export-
ed, these people lose their jobs,
said Gitura.
He was among those who initiat-
ed the move to ban the export of un-
processed nuts in 2006. While serv-
ing as Agriculture Assistant minister,
he said the middlemen were buying
premature nuts thus compromising
the quality of macadamia.
Esteemed product
Kenya has been the second
worldwide producer because of her
quality of nuts, but now we are no-
where, the middlemen who cannot
determine mature macadamia nuts
have killed the quality of our es-
teemed product, said Gitura.
The ght for control of the Sh11-
billion macadamia industry pitting
the local nut processors against the
Chinese rms has been complicated
by the use of brokers and State of-
cers to aid the smuggling trade.
The vetting committee pointed
out that Quiwei Kenya Ltd failed to
provide documents from Kenya Rev-
enue Authority, especially system
records and bill of landing for 67,000
tonnes of exported kernels in 2012.
The company also reported to
have bought 142 metric tonnes of
macadamia nuts in shells in 2013
and processed 27 metric tonnes that
they claimed to have sold in the lo-
cal market. They could, however, not
support the claims with any docu-
ments, read the vetting report.
The report further accused Afri-
china International Company (Ke-
nya) Ltd of not submitting the in-
ventory of nuts purchased, processed
and exported in 2011 and 2012.
It claimed fraud was committed
when the Chinese company claimed
to have purchased 2,000 seed pack-
ages from a farmer in Eldoret only
for the ministry to discover the claim
was not genuine and the purported
farmer had not dealt in macada-
mia.
In response, Mr Koskei said his
ministry was not aware of the smug-
gling but would look into the matter
urgently.
Buying outlets
But Mungai insisted that through
the use of middlemen and brokers,
the Chinese companies had opened
several buying outlets in most of the
production region of formerly Cen-
tral province where they buy the
nuts from farmers at between Sh50
and Sh70 for every kilogramme of
unshelled nuts.
After they buy the nuts, the bro-
kers then sell them to the Chinese
companies who process them local-
ly before taking the commodity out
of the country through Tanzania,
said Mungai.
They also found out only a small
quantity of the nuts is processed in
Kenya while three quarters is ex-
ported in unprocessed shells.
Local leaders among them
Kangema MP Tirus Ngahu said it
was not acceptable for the rms to
buy and export unshelled nuts
thereby killing the local industry.
We can process the nuts but I do
not understand why anyone would
export unprocessed nuts. This
should not be allowed, he said.
He demanded that all nuts be
processed locally because farmers
have processing machines in
Muranga, which should be utilised
to create employment.
The MP asked the Government
to enforce the ban on the export of
the unprocessed nuts to bring back
order in the macadamia industry.
Kenyas macadamia tree bushes
were planted in the 1960s to the
1980s and are considered of high
quality because of good climate
conditions. Kenyan nuts are on high
demand globally where they com-
pete with other big producers among
them Australia, South Africa and
Hawaii.
Macadamia plantation. INSET: Unprocessed nuts. ABOVE: Agriculture Cabinet
Secretary Felix Koskei at a past event. [PHOTOS: FILE/STANDARD]
Page 33
WEEK IN REVIEW
Lolgorian miners
have searched for
gold for years yet
poverty stalks them
By VINCENT MABATUK
One would expect signs of
opulence when traversing the
villages and trading centres on
the way to the gold mines of Nya-
tikile, deep inside Kilgoris.
But there is hardly any sign
among locals that the precious
commodity is mined in this part
of Trans Mara in Narok County.
Modest dwellings and dilapi-
dated homes ash past as one
drives along the rough, dusty,
earth feeder roads. Gold mining
in Lolgorian dates back to the
period when white settlers lived
in the area, long before Kenya at-
tained her independence.
The hopeless situation is
mainly blamed on the fact that
most of the miners are ill
equipped to fully exploit the
mineral. During a visit to the
mines, The Standard on Sunday
found a group of youth covered
in white dust, busy chipping
away from rocks and grinding
them into a ne powder.
Harmful fumes and collaps-
ing mines are some of the risks
that small-scale gold miners in
Lolgorian expose themselves to
in their search for the precious
gold. Janet Jemutai told The
Standard on Sunday that she has
worked in the mines for one year,
washing crushed rock powder in
search for gold metal.
Chocking dust
Next to her is a plastic bottle
she once used to carry perfume
to apply on her skin that is ex-
posed to layers of chocking dust.
Today, she uses the bottle to
store a few particles of gold she
collects after toiling for many
hours in the chocking heat.
There are no jobs here, no
income, but we have mouths to
feed. It is not a worthy job, but
those you see here have to live
from something, she says, eyes
trained on a metallic basin she
uses to pan the gold.
More than 500 seasonal other
gold miners are spread across
the mountainous region, where
they sell the metals to middle-
men at throwaway prices.
Every sunrise, Ms Jemutai,
who is barely 20, in the company
of several other miners, reports
to seven mining sites with hopes
of putting food on their tables.
Wearing a brown old skirt,
she is quick to explain why her T-
shirt has several holes on the
Threadbare: There is hardly any tangible sign among locals that the precious commodity is mined there
shoulder, as she takes us through
the daily harrowing process they
go through to earn a living.
Everyday we transport heavy
rocks from mining sites to where
crushing machines are situated.
We really suffer, but what op-
tions do we have? she pos-
es. It is the heavy rocks she
ferries everyday that have
wasted her T-shirt on
both shoulders, expos-
ing her skin to the bat-
tering of the boulders.
Approximately 20
metres from Je-
mutai is another
small-scale min-
er, Simon Odhia-
mbo.
He is preparing
to go into the mining
tunnel 35 metres below the
ground with a spotlight tied
around his black hat as his
only protective gear. He wears
no mask or gloves. Mr Odhia-
mbo says he quit farming eight
years ago and since then he has
worked in mining caves to make
ends meet.
The open-pit mines have left
a huge environmental problem
in the elds where more pits are
created daily.
Nyatikile is one of the poorest
parts of Kilgoris County.
It is remote and neglected,
the roads are littered with gullies
and the area neither has electric-
ity nor piped water. Most resi-
dents here belong to the ethnic
Maasai community and are agri-
pastoralists, who live along the
Kenya/Tanzania border.
Lucia Robi says she can now
afford to pay school fees and
earn some money from the quar-
ries, which were a preserve of
men, to run her small business-
es. In 2010, the single mother of
six left her rural home in Kuria
after life became unbearable.
Her aging mother agreed to
take care of her children and she
now sends money for upkeep,
apart from visiting them after ev-
ery six months.
Back home there is no space
from the mining rocks, if inhaled
over a period, can lead to chron-
ic diseases such as Bronchitis.
Miners here crush the core
rocks using a locally manufac-
tured diesel driven engine, com-
monly found in the area.
Onyango says he uses mercu-
ry to absorb gold from the al-
ready crushed rock cores as the
only method known to the small-
scale miners but has dire conse-
quences on the environment
and health of the local commu-
nity.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining
Najib Balala said local miners
dump waste with high concen-
tration of mercury on open
lands, which when vaporised
can be absorbed into the soil.
This he says is dangerous be-
cause it nds way into water
bodies where human beings
drink it or inhale the contami-
nated air.
Mercury is a heavy metal
and its consumption can lead to
cancer, it should be controlled
and those handling it trained
and proper ways of managing
the substance, he explained.
of gold, which earns her a paltry
Sh200 on a good day.
Without protective gear such
as a helmet, gloves and nose
mask, she is aware of the risk she
is exposing herself to, but cannot
do much to avoid it.
George Onyango says he
spends 12 hours below the earth
surface under tunnels, knocking
on hard rocks and scooping be-
fore ferrying it using old and tat-
tered bags to the earth surface.
We simply speculate and dig to
see what we can get. A day or two
can pass before we trace any
gold, says Mr Onyango.
Everyday Onyango and his
group encounter pools of water
deep down the earth and have to
use powerful generators to emp-
ty the tunnels and at the same
time feed them with fresh air.
This is what I have been do-
ing for the last ve years but I
have nothing much to show for
it. He reveals that miners of his
category pay the Government
Sh11,000 as local leases annually
and proceed to renew it yearly by
paying an extra Sh250.
Former Commissioner for
Mines Lojomon Biwott says dust
This is what I have
been doing for the last ve
years but I have nothing
much to show for it.
Gaping
mining tunnels
History has it that Lolgorian mines can be traced back
to the 1920s when the British colonialists established gold
mines in the area. However, in 1964, soon after Kenya
attained independence, the colonialists abandoned the
mines, leaving a huge chunk of land, which has been
crisscrossed by huge, gaping mining tunnels.
Dust from the mining elds, if inhaled over a lengthy pe-
riod, can lead to lethal chronic diseases such as Bronchitis.
Miners here crush the rocks using a locally-manufactured
diesel-driven engine.
for farming and the remaining
plots only accommodate home-
steads, she says.
Beryl Owuor is another miner
who cannot remember the year
she left her parents home in
Kisumu after a friend informed
her about the common econom-
ic activity in Nyatikile.
Like the rest of the miners,
she is not sure when she will re-
turn home. Ms Owuor, 24, says
she has been mining at Nyatikile
for close to six years, but has lit-
tle to show for it.
Daily, she works tirelessly and
ends up with one or two points
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Najib Balala (left) is
briefed on the situation at the Lolgorian mines by Symon Odoyo, a miner,
during his visit to Narok County. Beryl Awuor and Sarah Ouma wash rock
powder using water and mercury. Mark Ochala, a miner, breaks rocks
containing deposits of gold. Janet Chemutai displays mercury. [PHOTOS:
BONIFACE THUKU/ STANDARD]
WEEK IN REVIEW
gap with mere speculation and ru-
mour. Many painfully recall what
happened the night they were at-
tacked.
We heard noise outside. They
were shouting mwizi, mwizi, mwizi
(thief, thief, thief!) prompting us to
come out of our houses. But there
were no thieves. We were instead
met with machetes chopping our
necks, hands, everywhere, prompt-
ing us to cry for help, says Graces
mother Rosemary Mabele, who is
now a widow.
Ma -
Once bitten...: Wary of another spate of killings, residents of Kikwechi village in Bungoma treat strangers with suspicion
posed her eyeball, leaving her with
a permanent injury.
They punctured my eyelid with
a knife. I struggle to read and some-
times tears fall from my eyes with-
out control, Grace told The Stan-
dard on Sunday.
She risks losing her sight if an
operation is not conducted to cor-
rect the problem.
Fighting to control her emo-
tions, Grace adds: I keep on ask-
ing myself, why me! I fear losing
my sight. I plead for help so that I
can continue with my studies.
Bungoma County has been fac-
ing a wave of criminal attacks for a
year now, a situation that is scaring
away investors. Violence erupted
in Bungoma and Busia counties
soon after last years elections.
Thirteen people were killed
and hundreds injured.
Butchered and maimed
It all began on April 28
last year, when a gang
hacked to death two Bungo-
ma County residents and
injured at least 100 others in
Akabait, Segera and Ben-
ga.
These villages were tar-
geted in another attack
three days later, when sev-
en people were killed and 50
injured.
On May 8, barely a week af-
ter the rst attack, unidentied
gunmen killed a businessman
and injured 10 others in Masham-
bani and Wing villages in Busia
County.
The families in Kikwechi have
never known who killed and
maimed their sons and daughters.
Neither the government nor the
police have offered answers. Survi-
vors and their kin are left to ll that
Bungoma attacks victims cry for
TOP: Survivors of last years Bungoma gang attacks. BELOW: A victim of the attack
shows the scar he carries at the back of his head.
[PHOTOS: FILE, BENJAMIN SAKWA/STANDARD] By LUKE ANAMI
and ROBERT WANYONYI
Elections brought tragedy. We
are still carrying the scars of the vi-
olence brutally visited on our peo-
ple in this village, says a victim of
last years killings in Bungoma.
Many residents of Kikwechi vil-
lage in Bungoma County carry
scars, while others were maimed
after an armed gang attacked them
with machetes and guns.
The deadly attacks, which
spread to Busia County, left more
than 50 dead and 100 people in-
jured, some permanently.
Grace Namaswa, a 15-year-old
Standard Eight pupil at Kikwechi
ACK Primary School, is among
those who escaped with serious in-
juries.
A large scar on her eyebrow, just
above her eyes, left her with a life-
time reminder of the massacre.
A knife stab to her left eye ex-
They attacked
three of my kids,
slashing them with
machetes. They
almost left my
daughter blind. I
wonder why these
people were never
arrested Rosemary Mabele,
Bungoma attacks victim
bele does not understand why in-
nocent children were butchered
and maimed in Kikwechi, a village
that is barely 20 kilometres away
from the Kenya-Uganda border.
They attacked three of my chil-
dren, slashing them using machet-
es. They almost left my daughter
blind. I wonder why these people
were never arrested and why the
Government has failed to compen-
sate us, she says.
Mabeles neighbour Peter
Nyongesa was left with a big wound
on the jaw, while Nathan Simiyu
got a deep cut in the head.
At Kikwechi Primary
School, we meet more than
10 pupils carrying big scars
on their bodies.
Some nd it difcult
to hold items as their
hands were almost
chopped off. A KCPE can-
didate has difculty read-
ing as her eyes were
almost gouged out,
Evans Wanyama Ju-
ma, the schools
headteacher, says.
Augustine Wanja-
la, a Standard Five pu-
pil, was hacked and left
for dead. His hands were
severed and had to receive
specialised treatment at
Moi Teaching and Referral
Hospital in Eldoret to sur-
vive.
Fear is still palpable in
Kikwechi. As we turned off
t h e
Chwele-Kimilili road on our way to
the village, fear was palpable. Some
villagers peeped out of their win-
dows, perhaps wondering who
these strangers were and what they
were upto. Others just kept a safe
distance.
Every new person coming here
is treated with suspicion because
people think they are on another
mission, perhaps surveying the ar-
ea for attack when the night falls,
said Juma.
We are told it is risky for a
stranger to walk into the village or
walk around aimlessly on the road
that connects Bungoma from Ma-
yanja to Cheptais in Mt Elgon Dis-
trict.
Politically instigated
Recently, four people were
lynched here when a vehicle they
were travelling in rolled and the
four walked out seeking help, said
Fred Wambete, a local.
Wambete, also a survivor, said
the mob lynched the four after they
allegedly saw one holding a gun.
Their bodies were then burnt to
avenge last years killings.
There is so much anger among
the residents. They are still seeking
the murderers, said Wambete.
Villagers blame politicians for
what happened. This spot is on
the border of Kanduyi, Bumula and
Sirisia constituencies, which voted
overwhelmingly for CORD candi-
dates, including Senator Moses
Wetangula and MPs Wafula Wa-
munyinyi (Kanduyi) and John
Waluke (Sirisia). The only differ-
ence is that most of them voted for
Kenneth Lusaka as the Governor,
even though he ran on an Amani
WEEK IN REVIEW
ticket, said a resident, who did not
wish to be named.
But Bungoma County Police
Commandant Charles Munyoli de-
nies that the killings were political-
ly instigated.
I cannot comment on that be-
cause I am not a politician. What I
know is it was pure thuggery, Mu-
nyoli explained. Some of the kill-
ings include that of a woman who
was raped and her three daughters
killed in a dispute over land. We
have arrested four suspects who
are now in court. Recently, two
men killed their father over land in
Bumula.
Some of the killings have to do
with family feuds over property, in-
cluding land, and we have brought
those involved to book, he told
The Standard on Sunday.
Delayed justice
The police chief says peace has
returned to the area.
We arrested more than 17 sus-
pects and the matter is still in
court. However, we want to inform
Bungoma residents the matter is
under control, Munyoli said.
While the police are busy de-
fending their work, Bungoma Gov-
ernor Kenneth Lusaka says the cur-
rent security structures are a
stumbling block in establishing
any truth about the killings.
When killings take place in
Bungoma, people expect the gov-
ernor to provide a solution. Unfor-
tunately, the way laws on security
are structured, governors do not
have any major role, said Lusaka.
As much as security is a nation-
al function, we need to be involved
as it impacts negatively on the
county when such killings take
place.
He said a legal proposal to have
governors chair security meetings
with the police and the county
commissioners will go a long way
in alleviating such incidences.
Governors have proposed for-
mation of County Police Authority,
to incorporate the governor, but
until such a body is anchored in
the law, we shall continue to be
spectators on matters of security.
Lusaka called for a serious intel-
ligence-gathering unit in the coun-
ty. Intelligence is what matters as
far as security is concerned, he
added.
Bungoma County Commission-
er Maalim Mohammed the courts
handling the cases, have delayed
justice for the victims.
and would stop at nothing to avenge their dead
TOP: Survivors of last years Bungoma gang attacks. BELOW: A victim of the attack
shows a scar on the back of his head. [PHOTOS: FILE, BENJAMIN SAKWA/STANDARD]
TOP: A mass funeral of victims of last years gang attacks in Bungoma. ABOVE:
Kiwechi Primary School headteacher Evans Wanyama and a pupil who was
injured during the attack. [PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/STANDARD]
justice a year on
In some recent articles and broadcasts in local
media, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
has been subjected to unwarranted allegations on
its handling of certain aspects of road safety.
At issue, apparently, has been the Ministrys al-
leged insistence that the night travel ban on Pas-
senger Service Vehicles (PSVs) was still on. In light
of these unfounded and misinformed allegations,
we feel it is necessary to set the record straight and
discount some misconceptions festered around
this critical issue.
For starters, the Cabinet Secretary and by ex-
tension that the Ministry of Transport and Infra-
structure, is not aware of any ban on night travel
against PSVs. To give the policy intervention its
rightful name, what the ministry has done, through
the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), is
introduce a much-needed regulatory framework to
govern night travel in Kenya.
It is instructive to note that by coming up with
a regulatory regime for night travel, what the min-
istry did was perfectly in order and within the laws
of Kenya. The law, specically under the NTSA Act,
gives the Cabinet Secretary executive authority,
which he can invoke to carry out the mandate of
the ministry so as to ensure safe and efcient
movement of goods and services within our coun-
try.This is exactly what the Cabinet Secretary has
done. And it is what the ministry will and must con-
tinue to do.
The sanctity of human life and property on our
roads and our transportation channels is too criti-
cal to be postponed or held hostage for the conve-
nience of a few.
Road carnage in our country was getting out of
hand and the weight of responsibility was on our
shoulders. We could not just fold our arms and
whimper into acceptance of the status quo.
In any case, there has always been a plausible
body of statistics to show that most fatal accidents
occurr during nightfall due to the actions of unreg-
ulated operators, including long-distance truckers
and PSVs. Driver fatigue as a result of driving over
long distances without breaks and the paucity of
systems of accountability such as a passenger
manifests and eet management systems was also
to blame.
Under the regulations, several PSV operators
have so far applied for licences for night travel.
The NTSA is reviewing these applications. As a
ministry, we shall continue to support those who
abide by the law and ensure the violators are pun-
ished.
It is important to clarify that vehicles plying
shorter routes like Nairobi to Kiambu, for example,
do not fall under the long distance spectrum.
These distances are governed by commuter dis-
tance spectrum. What is classied as long distance
involves movement on longer routes like Momba-
sa to Busia or Nairobi to Kisumu. These are distanc-
es that cannot be covered within the stipulated
eight hours, including breaks.
A few months after the PSV regulations were in-
troduced, we feel vindicated. Latest statistics show
that in absolute numbers, road accident fatalities
are down 21 per cent this year, compared to the
same period last year. More signicantly, the loss
of lives of passengers in PSVs has dropped by 47
per cent when juxtaposed against the same period
last year.
Still, our job remains largely undone and a lot
of challenges remain. We shall not rest on our lau-
rels. Safety challenges regarding heavy commercial
vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians need to be
addressed and we can assure Kenyans we will ad-
dress them.
Earlier this week, the Transport Cabinet Secre-
tary launched a Highway Patrol Unit that is fully
equipped to address cases of violation of the traf-
c laws and regulations in all respects. Drivers
must realise that impunity on our roads must and
will come to an end. I urge road users to drive by
the rules.
The author is the Principal Secretary, State
Department of Transport in the Ministry of Trans-
port and Infrastructure.
By RAEL JELIMO
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago led residents
of Cheptiret area in blocking the busy Eldoret-Nakuru-
Nairobi highway to demand the construction of a park-
ing yard for lorries at the Cheptiret shopping centre. Us-
ing two county government lorries, Mandago obstructed
trafc along the highway demanding construction of a
parking yard for trucks at the busy Cheptiret market.
The governor laid the demands to Kenya National
Highways Authority (Kenha) in an altercation that led to
the deployment of anti-riot police when the situation
threatened to spill out of control. Kenha is charged with
refurbishing the highway, in an on going project.
The governor expressed his concern that Kenha was
not doing enough in their Corporate Social Responsibil-
ity (CSR) to the community thereby laying his demands
to the government parastatal to tarmac the yard.
The company can no longer deny members of the
public utilities. We have told the engineers to build a park-
ing space for the people of Cheptiret, but they have been
evading the issue, said Mandago before a large crowd of
residents.
The governor claimed that a Kenha engineer insulted
him as he sought to address the issue.
I will not allow the engineer to work anywhere in Ua-
sin-Gishu County. I will not be insulted by employees in
this county, he added.
The Kenha engineer who was caught up in the alter-
cation explained that his company had provided 150
trucks of mill materials towards the construction of a
parking area. We have the materials ready. We are only
waiting for an ofcial plan from Kenha, said the consul-
tant.
Mandago ordered the ofcial to stop delay tactics,
asking him to commence construction of the parking
space immediately. We give you until June 1 to construct
the parking and tarmac the market centre, failure to
which I will forcefully stop road construction work and
make you prioritise the Cheptiret centre parking lot, he
threatened.
Enraged motorists stuck in the trafc snarl-up along
the highway, expressed anger and irritation at the way the
governor had handled the situation. I wish he had sum-
moned these ofcials to his ofce. Why stop trafc at such
a busy highway? complained Juma Mwasera, a truck
driver. I have made huge losses today. This is not how to
solve issues, complained Benson Omondi.
The highway was nally re-opened at 5pm when the
governor removed his lorries.
Regulation, not ban, of night
travel has reduced carnage
Governor blocks busy highway to
demand trucks parking yard
NEWS
OPINION
By Nduva Muli
NEWS FEATURE
By PETER OCHIENG
Life became horrible after my par-
ents separated in 1978, leaving me and
my four brothers under our grand-
mothers care, says 40-year-old Charles
Mwambuchi.
He was only eight when his parents
separated. He, however, could not com-
prehend what led to their separation.
He quit school in Class Four due to lack
of school fees and accepted his position
as a vagabond.
He landed menial jobs; worked as
a herdsman, hawked newspapers and
roasted maize to make ends meet.
But decades later, his story is headed
in the opposite direction. The Standard
on Sunday traced him to his Kongoni
farm in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega
County.
I lose words when I recall my par-
ents separation. We were left hopeless
and felt abandoned. We did not know of
their separation until when they failed
to return home after several months,
he explains.
He says he did not know what hap-
pened to his once loving parents.
Mwambuchi was shocked to learn that
his mother remarried while his fathers
whereabouts remained unknown.
His grandmother, Maria Kageha, 90,
unfortunately, could also not tell what
had transpired between his parents.
Life was hard that they would at times
go without food. Life took a new twist
after his aunt took him to her home in
Machakos to continue with education.
But a bigger shock awaited him. In-
stead of being taken to school, his aunt
made Mwambuchi her herdsboy and
also engaged him in doing household
chores.
Working around the clock without
pay became such a burden for him that
he went back to his grandmother.
A Good Samaritan, Haron Mege-
shani from Kongoni Farm, Uasin Gishu
County, who met him roaming in the
streets of Eldoret, offered him employ-
ment. He was touched by my plight
and offered to hire me as a herdsman.
I stayed with him for eight years from
1980, recounts Mwambuchi.
It is during his stay at the Mege-
shanis home that he met James Tios, a
Charles Mwambuchi sells The Standard
newspaper. He pauses beside one of his
matatus. [PHOTOS: PETER OCHIENG/
STANDARD]
With the support of a self-help
group in Langas, he bought a matatu
from the savings.
I saved Sh300,000 in 19 years and
asked Henry Thogo, a matatu opera-
tor in Eldoret to lend me Sh50,000 to
buy the vehicle, he explains.
Operating multiple businesses
was challenging. Mwambuchi, there-
fore, hired someone to help vend-
ing newspapers as he monitored his
other ventures.
Inadequate education
It was a humble beginning, but
disciplined saving and trust in God
has enabled me acquire more ve-
hicles and even purchase parcels
of land that I have developed, he
proudly reveals.
Mwambuchi, a father of four, cur-
rently owns a eet of matatus oper-
ating within Eldoret town and also
owns rental houses.
His employees, he says help in
managing his growing business em-
pire. He is currently the manager of
Langas Matatu Sacco.
He encourages young people
from humble families with inad-
equate education not to despair. He
applauds his wife, Jane Nabwire for
her perseverance considering their
humble beginnings.
I married her when we only had
a sufuria, two plates, a few mugs, no
bed and an old blanket yet she en-
dured all that, recalls Mwambuchi.
I lose words when I recall
my parents separation..... We
did not know of their separation
until when they failed to return
home after several months.
Charles Mwambuchi, businessman
Struggle: Mwambuchi has sailed through setbacks to own business empire
This is how he started
Humble beginning
Charles Mwambuchi grew up under the care
of his grandmother after his parents separat-
ed. He dropped out of school in Class Four due
to lack of school fees and since then, life has
been a struggle. He did menial jobs to make
ends meets.
Awards he bagged
Having served The Standard and The Daily Na-
tion media houses diligently as a vendor for
years, his sales grew day by day.
He was awarded 14-inch television set and
Sh10,000 respectively.
He has since ventured into other businesses
that have evidently made him successful.
prominent farmer at Chepkanga as he
tended cattle on the grazing eld.
I shared my experience with him
then he also volunteered me a better
job, he says. Tios took him to Eldoret
town and introduced him to a news-
paper distributor, who hired him as a
vendor.
New job
Mwambuchi had to quickly adjust to
the new job and on the rst day he sold
three copies, which earned him Sh1.50
commission. The following day he sold
only two copies. Things improved on
the third day when he sold 15 copies
making Sh7.50.
I was a vendor for years. I emerged
the best seller of The Standard newspa-
per. Consequently, The Standard Group
No easy ride for
traders path
towards greatness
rewarded me a 14-inch television set in
2003 because of my hard work , says
Mwambuchi.
Lady luck knocked on his door short-
ly after Nation Media Group awarded
him Sh10,000 the same year, again rec-
ognised him as the best vendor.
With that money, he started a small
business to supplement his income as
he continued selling newspapers.
He now sold newspapers during
morning hours and roasted maize in
the afternoons.
He joined savings groups where
would save his daily proceeds.
Page 38
WEEK IN REVIEW
als who use the courts to either delay or avoid
justice are abusing this legal process. Court or-
ders are being issued left, right and centre with
some only resulting in blocking development
projects.
However, the courts are sometimes abused
when malicious cases are lodged to pursue per-
sonal vendettas. All to often, work by the Ex-
ecutive or legislature have been hampered by
prolonged litigation processes often involving
frivolous cases, while corruption cartels have
used injunctive court orders to shield them-
selves from prosecution.
Without prejudice to our courts, a glaring
case study is the impeachment of Embu Gov-
ernor Martin Wambora. Even after the Senate
concluded its work and endorsed his impeach-
ment, for a second time, the process is awaiting
a new court determination.
This is the second time that Wambora was
being impeached after successfully using the
court to overturn his impeachment. In Nairobi,
Governor Evans Kidero has also blocked the
nullication of his election by the Appeal Court
pending his appeal to the Supreme Court. With
the case hanging in the balance, it is only hu-
man to assume Kidero will not fully concen-
trate on his work of serving his constituents in
the capital.
Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama
recently failed in his bid to block the Director
of Public Prosecutions from acting on a CID
report seeking him to be charged for the ir-
regular sale of Malili ranch. The legal issue on
this piece of land can interfere with Kenyas
development agenda as it is to house Konza
TechnoCity one of the Vision 2030 agship
projects.
And recently, the National Land Commis-
sion sued Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngi-
lu for closing the central registry for a few days
to block the loopholes that criminals use cor-
ruptly obtain forged title deeds.
Though the NLC later dropped the case, the
ongoing process has unearthed more than a
million les previously reported to have been
lost. Indeed, not even the presidential election
and various elective and appointive positions
have been spared the inevitable court process.
No single county or national government pro-
curement process has escape what at times ap-
pear to be frivolous litigation and no doubt, the
work of busybody ambulance-chasing lawyers.
We have failed to realize the delays and hurdles
this places on national development.
As we become more litigious, we must ask
the question; Are we using the Judiciary to pro-
mote justice or frustrate it? With three years
and three months to the next General Elec-
tions, we have not concluded all pending pe-
titions.The law requires that all persons and
organisations in Kenya should respect court
orders. However, this should not be reason to
abuse the court process in the name of seeking
justice.
Abuse of court processes
impedes our progress
I
n his work titled The Spirits of the
Laws, French political sociologist
Montesquieu wrote, There is no
greater tyranny than that which
is perpetrated under the shield
of the law and in the name of jus-
tice.
We are living in interesting times in Ke-
nya where there appears to be a renewed
faith in the Judiciary which has over the
years been seen as a failure and preserve
of those who could afford the steep cost of
justice by the depth of their pockets and
inuence. Today, more people are running
to the courts to get one thing or another in
the quest for justice.
Kenyans have looked to the reformed
Judiciary and seen in it as an institution
that they can condently carry their eggs
in without ending up with an egg on the
face. Kenyans have also been emboldened
by the expanded Bill of Rights and ease of
access to justice.
More Kenyans are now seeking the in-
tervention of the court than ever before
after decades of being denied access to fair
and expeditious court processes.
However, it appears like some individu-
type contracts. All quarters in our ethnically and politi-
cally balkanised society have been aptly represented
in the noise making about the scam. What has been a
constant feature in these debates though has been the
eagerness of each side to even out the numbers in terms
of accused persons each side contributed in this shame-
less robbery on the Kenyan taxpayer.
The loudest noise has emanated from the Law Soci-
ety of Kenya which has spared no effort in trying to un-
cover failings in the defence of the Anglo Leasing con-
tract cases by the State Law ofce.
The society has inundated members mail boxes this
past week with documents on the Anglo leasing cases all
the while asking for our patience due to the voluminous
nature of the documents. This is all well and good.
I cant help but wonder though why this corruption
has been singled out for this no-stone-unturned level of
attention and not any other. The timing of the onslaught
is curious, coming hot on the heels of allegations of cor-
ruption leveled against the societys chairman regard-
ing the Malili Ranch land deal. The Criminal Investiga-
tions Department has named names and recommended
prosecutions, including that of the LSK chair. Of course
the society has said nothing on this. I do not know about
the other members of the society but I would settle for
just a single page explanation of the Malili ranch deals
as I consume the volumes on Anglo Leasing.
The politicians have weighed in. CORD has named
names, demanding that those currently in power take
responsibility for the deals. Of course the coalition said
nothing about prosecuting any of their members or al-
lies who were around at the time the shady deals were
made. Jubilee met their CORD counterparts halfway,
weighing in with their own list of shame, not surpris-
ingly naming previous occupants of the State Law ofce,
and former government ofcials now in the Opposition
as being responsible for signing the deals in the rst
place.
The current Attorney General has likewise favoured
us with more names, baptising himself a mortician, in-
stead ngering his predecessor as the surgeon who let
the patient die.
The only good thing to come out of this whole An-
glo Leasing debate as far as I am concerned is that we
now have a full list of suspects and accused persons. The
Luhyias led by Dr Bonny Khalwale supplied the names
of Asian and Kikuyu suspects, Jubilee added names of
Luhyia and CORD suspects, the LSK proposed the AG,
and SG, the AG seconded his predecessor, those in past
governments added those in the current government,
and those in current government returned the favour to
give us a proper mosaic of the power that corruption has
to truly unite.
The pattern that emerges is clear. In this country the
creed appears to be you shout about my corruption, I
shout about yours. You name the thieves in my ranks I
gladly supply the list of those in yours. One must, how-
ever, not delude themselves that there is any interest by
the political class in prosecuting the suspects or ght-
ing corruption. This is evident in the fact that even now
that we have the full names of all the suspects, and we
know where they are, we continue pretending not to
know who the architects of the scam are, preferring to
refer to them as ghosts. The reason for this is because
while you can easily snap handcuffs on a human being
and haul him before a judge, the same is not true when it
comes to ghosts.
Do not be fooled by all the noise. What we are wit-
nessing are prisoner exchange negotiations, after which
a truce will be called to allow all sides go back to the
more important business of robbing us blind.
The writer is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
Debate nothing but
prisoner exchange
negotiations
Edwin Sifuna
ANGLO LEASING
T
hese past few
weeks we have
been treated to
a classic game
of chicken in
the politics sur-
rounding pay-
ments of the Anglo leasing
Machel Waikenda
twitter@MachelWaikenda
The writer is a political analyst and commu-
nications consultant
edwinsifuna@gmail.com
CONSTITUTION
dent to re a Cabinet Secretary.
The new Constitution how-
ever recognised that the im-
peachment process was, as far
as the President and Governors
were concerned, a subversion
of democracy. These ofcials had
been elected by millions of vot-
ers. Consequently to send them
home without involving the vot-
ers was a power to be exercised
in the most extreme of circum-
stances. Consequently the Con-
stitution set a very high thresh-
old for impeachment, replicating
the concept of high crimes and
misdemeanours in the Ameri-
can constitution.
For a Governor or President
to be impeached they must have
committed gross violation of
the Constitution or gross mis-
conduct. In a sense, it is not even
enough to show a violation of the
Constitution or misconduct, it
had to be the gross kind. The
same is true of members of Cabi-
net. Having been appointed by
the President or the Governor,
it is unreasonable for another
arm of government to re them
except in the most extreme of
circumstances. Consequently
the threshold for the vote of no
condence is placed quite high,
restating the gross violation
language.
The on going impeachments
and votes of no condence raise
signicant concern in the casu-
alness with which these consti-
tutional standards have been ap-
plied. In the two impeachments
of Governors that have so far
been concluded by the County
Assemblies of Embu and Ker-
icho, the matters complained off
were at best administrative mis-
demeanours hardly rising to the
gross violation standard.
It was clear in both cases that
the purported allegations were
not the focus of the impeach-
ers; other considerations in-
formed the decision to impeach.
This casual exercise of a consti-
tutional power is being played
out in the National Assembly
where a curious impeachment of
CS Ann Waiguru has been com-
menced with surprising enthu-
siasm. I say curious because
anyone who has dealt with CS
Waiguru knows she is one of Uh-
urus best performing ministers,
handling with unusual efciency
difcult dockets including de-
volution, public service, youth,
gender, planning and even disas-
ter management. The most one
can accuse her of is impatience
with non-performers; though
knowing Kenya, being a compe-
tent successful woman is a mal-
ady! Curiously, the motion led
by the Hon Linturi on the matter
is fairly casual on the charges it
frames against the minister. The
gross violation of the Constitu-
tion alleged is that the minister
intimidated two public ofcers
and thereby led to their unfair
dismissal. Amazingly, one of the
ofcers was a Presidential ap-
pointee who in the exercise of his
powers, the President, not the
Minister, relieved of his duties.
The second purported sack-
ing is actually an interdepart-
mental transfer of an ofcer
from the Ministry of Youth to
the Ministry of Sports, a process
that routinely occurs in the pub-
lic service. Indeed the transfer
notice in which former Director
Rugut is transferred contained
numerous other ofcers and is
signed by the Chief of Staff not
the Minister! No charge could
be lower on the constitutional
threshold than this one.
Clearly there are high octave
and personality politics at play in
this matter. Hon JB Muturi must
not dilute the essence of the vote
of no condence process by al-
lowing this on the oor. Were
the House to proceed on such a
matter on the basis of political
and put her in her place con-
siderations, it would defeat the
very essence of constitutional re-
sponsibility and violate the very
constitution every member took
an oath to defend.
Our laws have no place for
frivolous impeachments
Threshold set for
removal is so high and
must amount to gross
violations of the law,
not misdemeanours
O
ne of the most impor-
tant powers given by
the Constitution to our
legislators is the power
to impeach members
of the Executive. The
framers of the Consti-
tution were informed by our history,
where the Executive had run rough-
shod over the whole country, unac-
countable and untouchable. In our
previous dispensation, impeaching
the President was a suicidal act, as
it would lead to a fresh election not
just for the President but the MPs. As
for members of Cabinet, the Presi-
dent had unfettered discretion in
hiring and ring his team, and could
routinely ignore any votes of no con-
dence from the House.
In our current Constitution,
matters are reversed; the President
and the Governors can now be im-
peached without necessitating a
joint election. As for the Cabinet
Secretaries, the passage of a vote of
no condence now obliges the Presi-
Kamotho Waiganjo
kamothow@gmail.com
There are high octave
and personality
politics at play The writer is an Advocate of the
High Court of Kenya
Page 38
L
i
f
e
s
t
l
y
e
D
e
c
o
r
S
p
o
r
t
s
S
P
E
C
IAL O
F
F
E
R
2
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WEEKEND IN

More male
youth saving
than females
By WINSLEY MASESE
Kenya has more male youth
savers compared to female, ac-
cording to a new study. The Youth-
Save pilot results from three mar-
kets in Kenya, shows that out of
the 36,000 youth who had opened
accounts by November last year,
60 per cent were males while the
remaining were females.
Youth who save are more s-
cally prudent and have a positive
and have a future oriented view,
Njenga noted Moses Njenga of the
Kenya Institute for Public Policy
Research and Analysis (KIPPRA).
Njenga observed that youth
who save have a strong sense of
security such as completing their
education. According to the Youth-
Save pilot study, children who start
saving earlier learn survival and
protection skills.
These enhance their achieve-
ment and development. The re-
search released in Nairobi, on Fri-
day, shows that low-income youth
do have much money to save.
Duncan Harvey, the Save the Chil-
dren Country Director observed
that some youth do not waste
cash buying junk food but save for
rainy days, adding that opening
savings accounts among children
aged between 12 and 18 years will
make them thinking about their
future seriously.
Opening savings accounts
among young people impacts on
them positively as it lls them with
optimism of say completing their
education, Harvey noted.
Since the rollout of the two-
year programme in 2011, 36,000
Kenyan youth were able to save a
monthly contribution of Sh47,
bringing the total to Sh21 million
by November, last year.
Saving culture
However, this has increased
since 90,000 more have opened
SMATA accounts with Postbank,
using the savings coming from
support from parents, relatives
and guardians. Postbank Manag-
ing Director Nyambura Koigi not-
ed that with Kenyas majority of
the population being the youth,
inculcating a saving culture will
impact the society positively. The
uptake of the SMATA account has
been growing and this will impact
on the youths saving culture sig-
nicantly, she noted.
She said the development will
promote youth with nancial
management skills, expressing the
companys mission to reach out to
many youth those to make a social
and economic change.
We have sown the seed of a
saving culture among the youth
and hopefully would grow up as
entrepreneurs, she noted.
This will also ensure that once
they transit to adulthood with the
embedded challenges, the youth
would be able to learn how to tack-
le them.
According to Harvey, vulnera-
ble groups take riskier choices in
their lives mostly touching on sex
and reproductive lives but this is
likely to change with improved
saving culture and nancial liter-
acy.
By JACKSON OKOTH
Kenya loses an estimated $1 bil-
lion (Sh87 billion) yearly through ex-
port under-invoicing when sellers de-
ate the true value of their exports
and channel the difference to foreign
accounts.
The lost revenue can build about
three Thika Super highways. A new re-
port by Washington-based research
and advocacy organisation, Global Fi-
nancial Integrity (GFI) says between
2002 and 2011, $9.64 billion (Sh870
billion) half of Kenyas current bud-
get, owed illegally out of the country
due to trade misinvoicing.
This is the amount that the Kenya
Revenue Authority (KRA) collected in
the last nancial year. More than
$3.94 billion (Sh345 billion) also
owed illegally into the country due
to trade misinvoicing while $13.58
billion (Sh1.2 trillion) in illicit capital
owed either into or out of the coun-
try due to trade misinvoicing.
Illicit inows into Kenya over the
period of the study came almost en-
tirely from the under-reporting of im-
ports. Although illicit outows
trumped illicit inows for every year
in question besides 2008, the $3.94
billion (Sh345 billion) in cumulative
under-reported imports indicates a
large amount of forgone tax revenue.
Kenyas existence of parallel domestic
markets in foreign exchange also fa-
cilitates illicit ows through trade
misinvoicing.
Average annual real GDP growth
since 2004 has been well under six
per cent, including a signicant dip
following post-election violence in
2007 into 2008. Good prospects ap-
pear on the horizon, however, with
investment to support a boom in con-
struction and Tullow Oil and its part-
ner Africa Oil Corporations discovery
of two wells in the northern part of
the country in 2012, have all raised
prospects for improved economic
growth in the future. The GFI report
also places Kenya the worst of the ve
By MWANIKI MUNUHE
Kenya will host the rst inaugural
meeting of the New Partnership for
Africas Development (Nepad) focal
points platform. The meeting, start-
ing tomorrow will attract represen-
tation from at least 24 African coun-
tries and will kick of tomorrow at
Windsor Golf Hotel.
Africa is the single most exciting
continent right now in terms of op-
portunities and for doing business.
We are the next big thing, said De-
volution Cabinet Secretary Ann
Waiguru (pictured), who will open
the talks. Expected at the event will
be representatives of other regional
economic blocs among them IGAD,
Comesa, Ecowas and EAC.
Nepad, the technical arm of the
African Union, is spearheaded by Af-
rican leaders, to address challenges
facing the continent, among them
poverty and development. In Kenya,
programmes being implemented
under Nepad include African Peer
Review Mechanism (APRM), Com-
prehensive African Agricultural De-
velopment Programme (CAADP),
Climate Change and Natural Re-
source Management, Infrastructure
and Regional Integration, Human
Development and Gender, Youth
and ICT. The programmes are being
implemented by Nepad Kenya Sec-
retariat whose mandate is to identify
areas of synergy with Vision 2030
and the Constitution.
The secretariat also seeks to align
development initiatives with the AU-
Nepad action plan at country level
besides aligning Nepad projects to
the Regional Economic Countries
(RECs) and Vision 2030.
Other roles include establishing
strategies for forging alliances, col-
laboration, partnerships at national
and regional level, building capacity
and competences of key stakehold-
ers for effective implementation of
Nepad programmes and tapping in-
to the private sector resources, com-
petences and capabilities.
Kenya also plays a regional man-
date in fullling the Nepad agenda
within the East African region on an
interim basis. This mandate was be-
stowed upon the country at the 2nd
Eastern Africa Region Heads of State
and Government Summit on Nepad
held in Nairobi in October 2003, Ke-
nya was mandated to be the region-
al co-ordinator of Nepad activities in
eastern Africa as an interim mea-
sure, said Ibraham Assane Mayaki,
former Prime Minister of Niger and
CEO of Nepad.
Nepad Kenya secretariat, he said,
has been instrumental in supporting
the implementation of priority proj-
ects identied in Vision 2030 that
have a direct link to Nepad and
APRM National Plan of Action and
engaging policy institutions on key
APRM grassroots issues. The Nepad
secretariat has also enabled the gov-
ernment to increase agricultural
productivity through a 10 per cent
annual budget through CAADP.
Through the introduction of Ne-
pad e-schools programme, schools
have been used as a mirror to intro-
duce computers both at primary and
secondary schools to encourage use
of ICT. Kenya, among other coun-
tries in region has fully integrated
the CAADP into the countrys agri-
cultural programmes (Strategy for
the Revitalisation of Agriculture).
It is a fact that women constitute
over 52 per cent of the African popu-
lation and also contribute signi-
cantly to the development of the
continent yet they rarely enjoy ac-
cess to basic services or equal oppor-
tunities, and are often excluded from
major decision-making processes,
said Mayaki.
Nairobi hosts Nepad talks on regions growth
Kenya lost nearly Sh1 trillion
through illicit trade practice
Costly: A new report
says the country could
have lost the cash in
the last ten years
countries in this study in the Failed
States Index and second worst in the
Corruption Perceptions Index.
A terrorist group al-Shabab at-
tacked the Westgate Mall in Nairobi
on September 22, 2013, killing more
than 60 and injuring nearly 200. Since
then, more terror attacks and threats
have been recorded with most West-
ern nations issuing travel advisories.
The economy is estimated to have
lost $9.64 billion in potential domes-
tic investment from export and im-
port theft syndicates during the peri-
od covered in this study. It is
estimated the State might have lost
$3.92 billion in tax revenue resulting
from these illicit outows and from
the $3.94 billion in illicit inows.
Tariff rates
The report estimates that the Gov-
ernment of Kenya potentially lost tax
and tariff revenues of $3.92 billion
over the course of this study or an av-
erage of $435 million per year, based
on ofcial tax and tariff rates. The
statutory corporate tax rate in Kenya
is 30 per cent, the average simple
mean tariff rate over the period where
data is available is 12.93 per cent, and
the VAT on imports is 16 per cent.
Given that cumulative govern-
ment revenues reported to the IMF
were approximately $44 billion (Sh3.8
trillion over the course of this study,
the taxmans total collection of gov-
ernment revenues would have been
8.9 per cent higher had there not been
any trade cheats present since 2002.
Kenyas main port of Mombasa. The lost revenue due to leaks could plug Kenyas
budget decit and remain with some surplus. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]
Rivalry: Equitys race for a piece of the lucrative retail payments market puts it head to head with Safaricom, which has been issuing M-Pesa pay-bill numbers to retailers under Lipa Na M-Pesa service to facilitate cashless transactions
WEEKEND IN BUSINESS
Page 40
By JEVANS NYABIAGE AND
MACHARIA KAMAU
This Monday, Equity Bank will re-
veal its entry strategy into the tele-
coms industry. Analysts say this could
be a turning in Kenyas telecoms mar-
ket. Equity Bank will on Monday, May
26, 2014 hold an investors and media
brieng to unveil its MVNO strategy,
report on progress of preparedness
and rollout plan, read an invite.
The bank, the largest lender in cus-
tomer numbers has always hoped to
go big on mobile phone banking to de-
liver nancial services to its eight mil-
lion account holders.
Nairobi Securities Exchange listed
bank made a signicant leap to ven-
ture into the telecoms mobile money
space with M-Kesho. The venture was
largely unsuccessful due to complica-
tions in revenue sharing and business
models between it and Safaricom. The
concept died. Safaricom went ahead
to partner with Commercial Bank of
Africa to launch a similar productM-
Shwari.
For Equity Bank, it had to look for
alternatives. In the quest to dominate
nancial services in Kenya, Equity
Bank has been slowly creeping into of-
fering IT services. It recently built one
of the few Tier 4 data centres in East
Africa and will lease out 90 per cent of
this capacity to enterprises.
The bank has also signed a number
of agreements with Visa, PayPal and
MasterCard to become dominant
players in the growing electronics pay-
ment space. MasterCard and Equitys
offering allows users to carry out cash-
less transactions on their mobile
handsets through mobile points of
sale (MPOS). The bank had interest in
yuMobile assets, the mobile phone
company owned by Indian rm Essar
Telecoms. But Safaricom and its main
archrival Airtel outsmarted it.
Now, the licensing of Equity Banks
subsidiary Finserve Africa Limited and
two others Zioncell Kenya Limited,
owned by Mobile Decisioning (MoDe)
and Mobile Pay Limited, which runs
the Tangaza Pesa brand as Mobile Vir-
tual Network Operators (MVNO) could
be a game changer.
The MVNOs are a new phenome-
non in Kenya, and while we await to
see what MoDe will do, the most inter-
esting ones are Equity and Tangaza,
says Peter Wanyonyi, telecoms ana-
lyst.
Tangaza, in particular, offers mon-
ey transfer services very similar to M-
PESA. However, the problem one can
foresee in Tangaza is the requirement
to get a new SIM card in order to use
Tangaza.
This way, penetration is likely to be
slow given the reluctance and / or in-
ability of customers to purchase a new
phone to use with Tangaza, as well as
How Equity plans to take on Safaricom
Equity
Bank CEO
James
Mwangi
(left) will
tomorrow
unveil the
banks
entry
strategy
into the
telecoms
business.
like Equity, whose target clientele is
the same as that targeted by M-Shwari.
It, therefore, follows that Equity would
want to have its own network to rival
Safaricom on its own turf technol-
ogy just like Safaricom has brought
the game to the banks on their turf
money transfer and banking,
Wanyonyi said.
By having their own network, Eq-
uity Bank could rattle Safaricom out of
its middleman role, thus increasing
earnings and passing the benets on
to consumers and shareholders.
However, Standard Investment
Bank (SIB) believes MVNOs entry
would not pose any serious challenge
on Safaricom.
With operators (MNVOs) riding
on existing infrastructure, we do not
feel these changes will pose any signif-
icant value destroying competition. In
fact, the main competitive focus is
likely to lie in the payments space,
which is being spurred by regulatory
initiatives that focus on e-govern-
ment, SIB said in a recent note to its
clients.
Despite the entry of MVNOs, we
see little room for aggressive tariff re-
ductions, with Kenya being one of the
cheapest markets on the continent,
and already the most aggressive on
Mobile Termination Rate (MTR) re-
duction. We therefore see the main fo-
cus for Safaricom being mainly on im-
proving network quality and customer
retention, specically coming up with
innovative products.
However, bring it on, seems to be
the message Safaricom is getting out
to its new competition. The rm ap-
pears bullish especially on the back-
ground of breaking its own record in
posting the highest prots in the re-
gion and holds the view that its market
share will remain largely unchanged
even with increased competition.
resistance to change in general.
However for Equity, it has an inter-
esting technological innovation in the
market: a stick-on sim card, which
works with an existing sim card. It es-
sentially is a thin layer of plastic with
a circuit printed on it, and it allows
a user to continue accessing their
original network, but with the add-
ed functionality of enjoying Equi-
tys nancial services.
Its own turf
If Equity can leverage its massive
customer base to adopt this, an easy
way would be to offer it free to all cus-
tomers with incentives for adoption, it
would, in the medium term, pose a se-
rious threat to Safaricom, says
Wanyonyi. But, he says all this depends
on how Equity rolls out its services, and
how acceptable to merchants it is, as
well as how many money transfer
agents it can roll out quickly.
Equity, though, is on the right
path, he added.
Last month, Equity Bank an-
nounced that it would issue 300,000
smartphones to retailers to facilitate
cashless transactions.
The bank will distribute the Near
Field Communication (NFC) enabled
phones free of charge to supermarkets,
restaurants, kiosks, and barbershops
as it seeks to boost income from pay-
ments processing.
The bank is turning to mobile
phones as a cheaper and more conve-
nient point of sale (PoS) compared
with traditional swipe card readers.
Equitys race for a piece of the lucra-
tive retail payments market puts it
head to head with Safaricom, which
has been issuing M-Pesa pay-bill num-
bers to retailers under the Lipa Na M-
Pesa service to facilitate cashless trans-
actions.
M-Shwari is a big threat to banks
If Equity can leverage its massive customer base to
adopt this - an easy way would be to offer it free to all
customers with incentives for adoption - it would, in
the medium term, pose a serious threat to Safaricom,
Peter Wanyonyi.
Equity takes fght to Safaricoms home turf
Rivalry: Equitys race for a piece of the lucrative retail payments market puts it head to head with Safaricom, which has been issuing M-Pesa pay-bill numbers to retailers under Lipa Na M-Pesa service to facilitate cashless transactions
Page 41
WEEKEND IN BUSINESS
The mobile operator reported
Sh23 billion in net prots for the -
nancial year ending March 2014.
Price wars
We are kind of used to people
trying to snatch our customers we
saw the attempts with MNP where
there were expectations that over a
million customers would jump to ri-
val networks, said Bob Collymore,
chief executive ofcer Safaricom.
Kenyan subscribers have a low
propensity to switch mobile service
providers even when offered lower
tariffs. The telco market is already
ercely competitive, with custom-
ers more often than not preferring
value over price when making pur-
chasing decisions.
Respectfully, we stopped wor-
rying about competition and react-
ing to their strategies and focus on
giving our customers better service
and this has resulted in low churn
among our subscribers. Customers
with an average revenue per user of
Sh500 and above have a churn rate
of below 2 per cent.
Safaricoms network has a pop-
ulation coverage of over 91 per cent,
which means you get connection
pretty much across the country and
people want connection when they

Is it that easy to tax
capital gains?
Commentary
Since last years Budget speech, we have not
seen any signs of the reintroduction of the capital
gains tax on real estate, marketable securities and
other saleable assets. Clarity is precisely what inves-
tors and the growing middle class require.
Kenyas capital gains tax (CGT) exists as legisla-
tion but it has been suspended since 1985 to en-
courage investment in properties and securities. If
the legislation were in effect, tax would be collected
upon the sale or transfer of land, houses, stocks,
bonds and similar assets.
If the National Treasury fulls its intention to re-
introduce the capital gains tax, there is little doubt
that it will impact Kenyas economy.
The tax would affect the property and nancial
markets most acutely if the exemption on market-
able securities (such as shares) is not retained. Ke-
nyas construction and property markets are cur-
rently growing at a rapid pace and hence would
contribute a large share of CGT revenue.
We should consider whether the sectors impact-
ed by the reintroduction of CGT are sufciently ma-
ture to make this contribution, without the tax ad-
versely impacting growth. We should also consider
whether the proposed tax regime for capital gains
tax adequately addresses a number of factors that
may not have been prevalent in 1985.
First, does the tax regime provide denitions of
terms like disposal, chargeable events, chargeable
assets, qualifying assets, and qualifying shares?
Sales, gifts and exchanges would be instances of
natural disposals.
Second, would a transfer between husband and
wife be a chargeable transfer? What about disposal
of private motor vehicles, tangible moveable prop-
erty (chattels like household goods and personal ef-
fects, worth less than a dened amount) and the
receipt of winnings from betting (including pool
betting, lotteries or games with prizes)?
Third, would the CGT regime provide relief for
rst-time homeowners? The purpose of the relief
would be to enable a person to replace their exist-
ing home with another home of similar value by en-
suring that the proceeds of the sale of the old home
are not diminished by a CGT.
So in most cases, the gain arising from disposal
of a persons home would be relieved from CGT. Pri-
vate residence relief would be available where gain
arises from disposal of an interest in a dwelling
house, or part of a house, which has at some time
been its owners only or main residence.
Fourth, would the CGT regime provide relief
when assets or property are reinvested or reor-
ganised? This type of roll-over relief would enable
traders to modernise, expand and relocate without
loss of capital to an immediate tax charge
There could also be roll-over relief for individu-
als whereby it would allow chargeable gains on
qualifying disposals of certain shares to be rolled
over where the chargeable gain was reinvested in
qualifying shares.
Fifth, we should ask whether the National Trea-
sury or other agencies would use technology to
track property and its owners. This property could
include nancial instruments or physical assets
such as land and buildings. Technology would help
Treasury to track assets, which in turn should make
it easier for them to collect revenues arising from
capital gains. There could also be other benets
such as preventing terrorist nancing.
Finally, we should ask whether gains arising due
to inationary pressures will be taxed, and whether
an indexing factor will be considered for the valua-
tion of costs of property. The basic principle would
be that CGT would be charged on the actual gain
from the date of acquisition.
It could, however, be argued that CGT is a tax on
gains in true money terms. Therefore the price ac-
tually paid by a taxpayer should be reassessed to
take into account the fall in value of the shilling.
Kaajal Raichura is a Manager with PwC Kenyas
Tax Services practice
WITH KAAJAL RAICHURA
travel and not too many people
are prepared to give this up.
While it may brush past at-
tempts to snatch Safaricoms cus-
tomers, these attempts have not
been without an impact.
The price wars of 2011 saw
Safaricoms protability for the
year to March 2012 decline, and
more pronounced in the half
year between April and Novem-
ber of 2011 when its prots de-
clined almost 50 per cent.
A similar onslaught seems to
be in the ofng, with the recently
licensed MVNOs promising to
offer services at just a fraction of
what is offered by Safaricom.
They are expected to offer prod-
ucts to what the mobile opera-
tors are offering today.
The three MVNOs will ride on
Airtel Kenyas network.
Safaricoms dominance
Collymore said Safaricom is
unlikely to lower its costs but
would instead focus on other
customer retention strategies,
especially upping quality of ser-
vices.
It is their business plan, I do
not know what they are planning
to do but respectfully, we stopped
worrying about competition and
reacting to their strategies we
will let them knock themselves
out, he said. Call costs have
gone to Sh3 per minute, then to
a shilling and now there are tar-
iffs where you pay Sh10 and talk
free all day it cannot go lower
than free calls. With all that, we
have been able to increase our
market share by four percentage
points from 64 to 68 per cent by
focusing on our customers.
Equity Bank is expected to
unveil its product offering on
Monday morning in a press brief-
ing, while Tangaza has been run-
ning a campaign to recruit agents
across the country.
Zioncell as an MVNO will
have a clear focus on impacting
communities by ensuring that
users have the benet of adding
value. This is achieved strategi-
cally and driven heavily by users
in ways which Zioncell will re-
lease to the public during its of-
cial launch, CEO, Julian Kyula
said in an email response when
asked to comment.
We will work with large or
small groups or societies while
customising user cases to deliver
value at the same time ensuring
the social impact is validated
through the benets of being a
customer.
If Equity Banks strategy suc-
ceeds; it could even eat into the
market share of smaller opera-
tors. This way, Wanyonyi says,
23b
Profts
Safaricom, Kenyas largest mobile phone
services provider announced a record Sh23
billion net prot on May 12
in mobile payments

Will Equity Bank match Safaricom
in mobile payments?
While we believe person-to-person
(P2P) mobile money transfers will re-
main rmly in the sphere of Safaricom,
other players are increasingly look-
ing to play in the mobile digital pay-
ments space.
Three rms Finserve Africa, Mobile Pay
(owned by Tangaza Pesa) and Zioncell
Kenya now have a Mobile Virtual Net-
work Operators (MVNO) licenses. We
see Finserve Africa, a subsidiary of
Equity Bank, as the most serious con-
tender in this space.
With Safaricoms Lipa na M-Pesa ser-
vice charging merchants close to half
what typical issuer card holders with
MasterCard or Visa charge, it is easy
to see why such an ecosystem has be-
come popular with merchants, particu-
larly SMEs. But for consumers to use
it even more, a key downside is load-
ing money into the M-Pesa platform
and enhancing the speed with which a
transaction is completed.
We see this achieved by having M-Pe-
sa funds being considered as deposits
rather than held in a trust account, a
subtle but important change that will
effectively create bank accounts where
salaries can be received more widely.
On speed of transaction, Safaricom has
suggested mass deployment of Near
Field Communication (NFC) enabled
SIM cards, which if successful be-
yond smart phones will be a big game
changer and a potential dampener for
Equity banks NFC mobile point of sale
(mPOS) terminal plan.
Either way, there is signicant oppor-
tunity for all players with the Kenya
governments e-government program
where all government payments are
to go cashless. Public transport is also
expected to go cashless in the mid of
this year but this could be delayed.
We think Safaricoms platform could
easily become one of the main pay-
ment platforms for person-to-business
(P2B) in Kenya, the same way Visa and
MasterCard have achieved with cards
globally.
A plan by Kenya Bankers Association
to provide real-time interbank money
transfer platform is likely to create a
real challenge to Safaricoms M-Pesa
service (one of the key advantages for
M-Pesa has been real time settlement).
Ultimately, we still see most payment
transactions being booked over the
phone, which means some revenue one
way or another.
Standard Investment Bank (SIB)
The smaller operators will have
to piggy-back on the Equity ser-
vice, since their own proprietary
money-transfer services have
failed to pose any serious threat to
Safaricom. If Equity succeeds with
its offering which is cross-plat-
form we would slowly begin to
see it eating into Safaricoms dom-
inance, and hence into Safaricoms
massive prots.
In line with these develop-
ments, it is no surprise that the
bank sought an MVNO licence so
as to gain a share of the lucrative
telecoms market, telecoms re-
search rm International Data
Corporation (IDC) said in a note.
However, IDC says the MVNO
licence does not translate to easy
sailing. In Africa, a number of MV-
NOs have failed to gain signicant
market traction. The South Africa
telecoms industry has been a key
victim as MVNOs, Virgin Mobile
and Red Bull Mobile dismally
failed. This failure is attributed to
high interconnection fees, low Av-
erage Revenue Per User (ARPUs),
an unfavourable regulatory envi-
ronment and lack of adequate in-
frastructure-sharing mechanisms
enforced by the regulatory body.
But still, Equitys entry into the
telecoms space will be keenly
watched by other nancial servic-
es providers in Africa. The banks
entry into the telecommunica-
tions sector will be a challenge at
rst, but it is expected that once
initial hurdles, such as regulatory
approvals, mode of delivery of ser-
vices either through use of SIM
cards or native mobile applica-
tions, identifying the correct part-
ners for their agent and network
infrastructure to name a few, are
overcome, the bank might start
pushing for market share in the
targeted niche market of mobile
money services, IDC said.
While the analysts see the mo-
bile transfer and payments market
as a promising market segment for
the bank and the other MVNO op-
erators, the real ght for market
share will be on mobile payments
of goods and services (in particu-
lar utility bills and daily basic com-
modities), and integration with
bank accounts to facilitate depos-
its and lending.
This, therefore, provides a
sound market opportunity for MV-
NOs offering value-added services
such as mobile money and mo-
bile-based retail transactions.
Pegged on the eight million
customer base they already pos-
sess and the well-established dis-
tribution channels in place, Equity
Bank will be initially better placed
to target this internal customer
segment before reaching out to
the broader market, IDC said.
The analysts say the key value
propositions to be offered as they
roll out their MVNO strategy
should be mobile money and e-
payments, with competitive pric-
ing points, widespread access and
availability of agents.
Equity also possesses the -
nancial muscle to wage potential
price wars with other competitors
and also resonates as a strong
brand with millions of Kenyans.
Tunisian soldier killed
on Algerian border
BAMAKO A Tunisian soldier was
killed and ve others injured on Fri-
day in a landmine explosion during a
sweeping operation against Islamist
militants near the borders with Alge-
ria, the defence ministry said. The ex-
plosion took place in the remote Mount
Chaambi area, southwest of the capital
Tunis, when a military vehicle was pass-
ing by, the ministry said, adding that a
senior non- commissioned ofcer was
killed and ve other soldiers injured,
two seriously. Security forces have been
ghting Al-Qaeda-linked militants hid-
ing near Tunisian-Algerian borders since
2012, but have so far failed to eliminate
them and fully control that area. Mount
Chaambi, which lies on those borders
in the governorate of Kasserine, was
declared a closed military zone after a
group of militants were discovered to
use the location as a refuge.
California shootings
leave seven dead
SANTA BARBARAA gunman went on
a drive-by shooting rampage in a Santa
Barbara student enclave and at least
seven people were killed, including the
attacker, authorities said. Investigators
believe a gunman driving a black BMW
acted alone in the shootings late Fri-
day night near the University of Cali-
fornia, Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara
County Sheriff Bill Brown conrmed at
a news conference early Saturday that
seven people were killed, including the
gunman, and seven wounded. Brown
said the suspect exchanged gunre
with deputies and then drove off and
crashed into a parked car.
Fear strikes out
on Wall Street
NEW YORKWhatever investors are
worried about right now, those con-
cerns are not showing up in Wall
Streets fear gauge. That scares some.
On the other hand, it more than like-
ly means that stocks will keep tak-
ing things slow and steady. The CBOE
Volatility Index .VIX, or VIX, closed on
Friday at 11.36, its lowest level since
March 2013. That means investors see
less risk ahead, particularly with the
S&P 500 .SPX ending at a record high
again on Friday. With the typically slow
summer months just ahead and little
on the horizon to shake the market
from its current course, investors could
be looking at even lower VIX levels,
some analysts said.
Quake hits SW China,
causing injuries
BEIJINGA moderate earthquake has
struck southwest China, injuring about
a dozen people and damaging thou-
sands of houses. The quake happened
early Saturday in quake-prone Yingji-
ang county in Yunnan province near
Chinas border with Myanmar. The U.S.
Geological Survey said it had a magni-
tude of 5.6. The provinces seismologi-
cal bureau said on its microblog that
more than 9,000 houses were dam-
aged, with a dozen collapsing. It said 13
people suffered minor injuries.
AP, Reuters, Xinhua
Briefy
IN THE NEWS
Pope begins 3-day tour of MidEast
P.44
Page 42
World
NEWS OF THE
May 25, 2014
STANDARD ON SUNDAY
forums and more:
Briefy
South Africas Zuma to be
inaugurated in Pretoria
PRETORIA, SATURDAY
South Africas president, Jacob
Zuma, was inaugurated for a second
term on Saturday in a ceremony
marked by dance, prayer, a 21-gun
salute and air force yovers.
Leaders from Nigeria, Zimbabwe
and other African countries attend-
ed the event at the Union Buildings,
a Government complex in the South
African capital of Pretoria.
It was the same place where Nel-
son Mandela, the anti-apartheid
leader who became South Africas
rst black president, took the oath of
ofce 20 years ago in a ceremony of-
cially ending white minority rule.
On May 7, the ruling African Na-
tional Congress won elections, con-
tinuing its political dominance since
the end of the apartheid system that
it had fought for decades.
The party retains a comfortable
majority, but opposition parties have
capitalised with some success on al-
legations of ofcial corruption and
mismanagement. National elections
are held every ve years.
In an inauguration speech, Zuma
said South Africa was a much bet-
ter place to live in now than before
1994 but that poverty, unemploy-
ment and other problems persisted
despite many improvements.
Black empowerment
Economic transformation will
take center-stage during this new
term of Government as we put the
economy on an inclusive growth
path, Zuma said.
He promised to promote broad-
based black economic empower-
ment to address government con-
cerns that much of the economy
remains in the hands of South Afri-
cas white minority. This months elec-
tions saw the rise of the Economic
Freedom Fighters, a new opposition
party that wants to redistribute na-
tional resources to the poor.
Zuma, a former anti-apartheid ac-
tivist, was jailed for 10 years on Rob-
ben Island, the same prison where
Mandela was held for many years.
As president, Zuma has been hit by
criticism over a scandal surrounding
more than $20 million in state spend-
ing on his private home.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was to-
day among over 40 Heads of State and
delegations who attended the inaugu-
ration of South Africas President Ja-
cob Zuma. Also in attendance were
former Heads of State, eminent per-
sons, resident foreign ambassadors
and thousands of South Africans.
President Kenyatta, in a statement,
congratulated ANC and President Zu-
ma on the resounding victory saying
Kenya and South Africa shared excel-
lent bilateral relations.
He pledged to further strengthen
the existing cordial relations by ex-
ploring more opportunities of coop-
eration for the mutual benet of the
two countries.
President Kenyatta said in the
statement, Under your leadership we
look forward to greater prosperity for
the South African people as well as
your continued invaluable contribu-
tion to the peace and development
agenda in the continent. The Presi-
dent who is the current EAC chair
added in the statement: Indeed your
re-election is a clear testimony of the
condence and trust the people of
South Africa have bestowed upon
you.
Among the Presidents in atten-
dance were Ethiopian Premier Haile-
mariam Desalegn, Tanzanias Jakaya
Kikwete, Zimbabwes Robert Mugabe,
Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi, Yayi
Boni of Benin, Mozambiques Arman-
do Guebuza, Congos Joseph Kabila,
Nigerias Goodluck Jonathan, South
Sudans Salva Kiir Mayardit, Somalias
Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, and
Ugandas Yoweri Museveni.
AP, PSCU
By GARDY CHACHA
FROM CAIRO
A journalist and a former eld mar-
shal are gearing up for presidential
elections in Egypt, amid heightened
fears of disruption of the exercise by
members of the Muslim Brother-
hood.
Adherents of the group have boy-
cotted the polls, which will be carried
out for two days starting from tomor-
row, Monday, following the ouster of
Mohammed Morsi as President one
year ago.
The 53,909,306 registered voters
will from tomorrow line up to cast
their vote in favour of Hamdeen Sab-
bahi, a newsman, or former eld mar-
shal and Defense minister Abdel Fat-
tah el-Sisi, as Egypts next President.
Plans are in high gear for a successful
poll. Security has been deployed and
the committee of presidential elec-
tions is on nal stages with the logis-
tics involving balloting.
Unlike in Kenya where presidential
campaigns are marked by dance and
theatrics at rallies and blaring music
in open vehicles, life along the streets
and highways of Cairo is relatively
calm, except for the presence posters
and banners of the two candidates.
In fact, for the past week, neither
Fattah El-Sisi nor Hamdeen have ap-
peared on the streets to campaign in
person. Cairo remains tranquil and it
is business as usual for residents of the
metropolis who are moving on with
their daily means of livelihood. There
are no choppers hovering over the
skies as was witnessed last year in Ke-
nya during the neck-and-neck battle
between President Uhuru Kenyatta
and former Prime Minister Raila Odin-
ga. While motorbike transport is also
a high prole business here, no rider
is wearing a trafc vest with party
symbol of his favourite candidate.
Save for banners and posters on the
streets and high bridges over the Nile,
it would be difcult to make out any
elections in the ofng.
Noha el-sadek, a vendor of tradi-
tional bread on the streets of Cairo
seems unperturbed by the poll. In
Egypt, she says, we take the elec-
tions seriously but life doesnt need to
stop. While in Kenya it is the presid-
ing ofcer (appointed by ofcials of
the electoral commission) who ap-
proves the nal results at every polling
station, a judge will oversee the pro-
cess at every polling unit here in Egypt:
issuing the ballot to every voter after a
water tight process of voter identi-
cation. The Presidential Elections
Committee (PEC) the body tasked
with execution of the polls is consist-
ed of judges only and not commis-
sioners as in the case of Kenya.
Egypts has 16,000 judges all who
are expected to be busy on 26 and 27
June as the country decides its future.
Polling stations will open at 9 am and
close at 9 pm in the evening on the
rst day. The second day voting will
continue until the last person to vote
will be declared by the judge at the
polling station.
Continued on pg 44
A relatively calm Egypt prepares for elections
Celebration: More than 4,000 guests and several heads of state are at the ceremony in Pretoria
South African President Jacob Zuma is sworn in for a second term in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. [PHOTO: AP]
A pro-Russia armed man, with the parts of his dismantled weapon laid out
on a bench, poses for a picture at a checkpoint in Slaviansk, eastern Ukraine
on Friday. [PHOTO: BBC]
Page 43
NEWS OF THE WORLD
Ukraine, on edge, prepares
to vote after bloodshed
KIEV, SATURDAY
Candidates in Ukraines presi-
dential election stayed out of the
public eye today, observing a ban on
campaigning on the eve of a vote
that Kiev hopes can help end a bit-
ter confrontation with Russia.
On Friday, armed pro-Russian
separatists and a Ukrainian militia
group clashed in the east of Ukraine,
leaving at least two dead.
An attack on Ukrainian troops a
day earlier killed 17 soldiers, of-
cials have said.
Kievs pro-Western leaders hope
Sundays poll will stabilize the for-
mer Soviet republic after street pro-
republic out of Moscows orbit and
denies Kievs charges that it has fo-
mented the separatist rebellions in
the Russian-speaking eastern areas.
On Friday, Moscow said it would
pull back all forces from its border
with Ukraine within a few days, a
move that, if carried out, could ease
tensions around the election. The US
said it was not yet convinced: We
have actually seen the movement of
some units away from the border re-
gion, apparently back to what we
would consider garrison, their home
base.
But its not in great number right
now, said Rear Admiral John Kirby, a
Pentagon spokesman.
Reuters
Goodwill: Kievs pro-Western leaders hope Sundays
poll will stabilise the former Soviet republic
gested violence may mar the
event.
A Reuters correspondent saw
two dead bodies after the three-
hour reght in the morning be-
tween Ukrainian self-defence ght-
ers and separatists manning a
checkpoint in countryside west of
the big industrial city of Donetsk.
The pro-Kiev ghters issued a
Facebook statement saying four of
their men were killed and nine
wounded. Allied to billionaire Igor
Kolomoisky, they are at the fore-
front of Kievs efforts to prevent the
country splitting.
We are determined that honest
and transparent elections will take
place, interim Prime Minister Ar-
seny Yatseniuk declared in talks
with two European Union foreign
ministers as the blocs foreign poli-
cy chief Catherine Ashton voiced
support for Kiev and its election.
Opposed terrorists.
Yatseniuk added that, despite
separatist plans to disrupt the poll
in eastern areas they control, he be-
lieved the majority of people there
opposed the terrorists.
But Russian President Vladimir
Putin, speaking in St Petersburg,
said Ukraine was already in effect in
the grip of civil war. A civil war is
raging through Ukraine. But why
are we the ones who are being
blamed for this? he asked at an in-
ternational business forum.
After Yanukovichs overthrow in
February, Russia annexed Ukraines
Crimea region and stationed thou-
sands of troops in combat readi-
ness near the border with Ukraine
as armed pro-Russian rebels took
over strategic buildings in the east.
It looks askance at Kievs leaders
and their pro-Europe policies,
which could take the former Soviet
LILONGWE, SATURDAY
Malawis President Joyce Banda
says she is annulling this weeks gen-
eral election in which she was a
candidate because of voting ir-
regularities. Ms Banda had earlier
said Tuesdays vote had been marred
by rigging, multiple voting and com-
puter-hacking.
She said a new vote should be
held within 90 days but she would
not stand again in any new poll.
However, correspondents say it is
unclear whether the Malawian pres-
ident has the power to order an elec-
tion. I am nullifying the elections,
using the powers invested in me by
the Malawi constitution, Banda told
a news conference, according to Re-
uters. I want to give Malawians an
opportunity to choose a candidate of
their choice in a free and fair man-
ner. When elections are to be held
again, I will be stepping aside, she
added. Late on Friday, the Malawi
Electoral Commission (MEC) said ri-
val candidate Peter Mutharika had
taken a lead of 42 per cent, with 30
per cent of votes counted. Joyce Ban-
da was in second place with 23 per
cent, the commission said.
Banda had previously accused a
party, which she did not name, of in-
ltrating and hacking the MECs
counting system. The MECs chair-
man denied that its system had been
hacked. In a previous statement
about the elections, Banda had said
that irregularities included:-
The arrest of presiding of-
cers who were caught in
the act of rigging
Some people voting up to
three times
Serious anomalies where
some candidates won more
votes than the number of
registered voters
Discarded and tampered
ballots
Communication devices of
some monitors being
blocked
Voting had been chaotic, with
one BBC correspondent reporting
people voting two days on from elec-
tion day because of delays in distrib-
uting election material.
Frustrated voters set one polling
station alight and smashed election
material at another.
Around 7.5 million people were
eligible to vote in the fth elections
since the end of one-party rule 20
years ago. This was the rst time that
Malawi held presidential, parlia-
mentary and local elections on the
same day. BBC
Islamist militants from the al-Shabaab movement have attacked the Somali Par-
liament in Mogadishu, leaving at least 10 people dead. Explosions and gunre were
heard and witnesses reported seeing bodies. Somali police were joined by African
Union troops as they engaged the attackers. Al-Shabaab, which is linked to al-Qae-
da, once controlled large areas of Somalia but was pushed out of major cities in 2011
and 2012. However, it is still able to mount complex attacks. It has frequently tar-
geted the UN-backed Parliament.
A car bomb exploded outside the gates of Parliament shortly before midday lo-
cal time (09:00 GMT), followed by more blasts and bursts of gunre. The attack-
ers then stormed the front of the Parliament building as security forces red back.
Fighting is going on inside the Parliament building and we are ghting rebels inside
the building but we evacuated Members of Parliament, Col Mahamed Dahir said. At
least four police ofcers and several militants were reported killed.
Eyewitnesses saw a number of bodies in military fatigues but could not con-
rm whether they were members of the security forces. Two MPs were reported-
ly wounded in the attack as they were taken out of the back of the building. The
enemy can now access everywhere, MP Mohamed Nor told Associated Press, criti-
cising the armys failure to protect Parliament. An al-Shabaab spokesman told the
AFP news agency: The so-called Somali Parliament is a military zone. Our ght-
ers are there to carry out a holy operation. African Union (AU) troops from the
22,000-strong Amisom security force joined the Somali army in ghting the insur-
gents around Parliament, an Amisom spokesman said.
The UN envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay said he was horried by the attack and
paid tribute to the response of Somali and African Union forces. Somalia has experi-
enced almost constant conict since its Government collapsed in 1991. BBC
Somalia Parliament attacked by al-Shabaab in Mogadishu
Malawian President Banda annuls election
Flashes of lightning strike above the Saint-Bruno des Chartreux church, on
May 22, 2014, in Lyon. [PHOTO: AFP]
An angry sky
tests toppled Moscow-backed presi-
dent Viktor Yanukovich and
pro-Russian separatists responded
by seizing Crimea and parts of east-
ern Ukraine.
European leaders will consider
steps against Russia on Tuesday if
they decide Moscow has hampered
the election, ranging from restric-
tions on luxury goods imports to an
oil and gas ban, although some are
wary due to close trade ties.
The Ukrainian authorities have
promised a suspension of anti-sep-
aratist operations on the day of the
election, billed as the most impor-
tant in 23 years of independence
from Moscow, but Fridays clash sug-
May 25, 2014 / STANDARD ON SUNDAY Page 43 Page 44
NEWS OF THE WORLD
Pope begins 3-day tour of MidEast
The pope frequently has
lamented the plight of
refugees, denouncing
the globalisation of
indifference that often
greets them
Peace Mission
tially become the worlds
second-largest refugee camp. Jordan
is hosting 600,000 registered Syrian
refugees, or 10 percent of its popula-
tion. Jordanian ofcials estimate the
real number is closer to 1.3 million.
For the Syrian Christians who will
greet Francis, his presence is a chance
to show the world their hopelessness
as the conict drags on.
We are very happy because he
will see Christians in the Arab world,
he will see us and see our suffering,
said Nazik Malko, a Syrian Orthodox
Christian refugee from Maaloula who
will be among the 600 or so people to
greet the pope at Bethany beyond the
Jordan. We wish that peace will be
restored in the whole world, and in
Syria.
Another Orthodox Christian from
Maaloula, Yacoub Josef, said he
couldnt wait to leave. Francis will
visit a Palestinian refugee camp on
Sunday when he travels from Am-
man directly to the West Bank city of
Bethlehem. Its the rst time a pope
has landed in the West Bank rather
than Tel Aviv rst, and Palestinian of-
cials are eager to show Francis the
limbo endured by generations of Pal-
estinians forced or driven out in the
war over Israels 1948 creation.
Today, along with their descen-
dants, these refugees make up more
than 5 million people scattered
across the West Bank, the Gaza Strip,
Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Technically, the main reason for
the trip is for Francis and the spiritu-
al leader of the worlds Orthodox
Christians to mark the 50th anniver-
sary of a historic meeting in Jerusa-
lem by their predecessors which end-
ed 900 years of Catholic-Orthodox
estrangement.
That highlight will come on Sun-
day, when Francis and Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew I preside over
a joint prayer service in the Church
of the Holy Sepulcher, where Chris-
tians believe Jesus was crucied and
resurrected.
AP
ident Bashar Assads rule have fueled
fears among the countrys religious
minorities about the growing role of
Islamic extremists in the revolt.
Christians believe they are being tar-
geted in part because of anti-Chris-
tian sentiment among Sunni Muslim
extremists and partly as punishment
for what is seen as their support for
Assad.
The Vatican secretary of state,
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said Francis
wants to offer comfort to all Chris-
tians who live in the region and en-
courage them to stay.
These Christians are living
stones, and without their presence,
the Holy Land and its holy sites risk
becoming a museum, Parolin told
Vatican Television on the eve of the
trip.
Jordan last month opened a third
camp for Syrian refugees, a stark in-
dication of the strains the civil war is
creating for the country. The sprawl-
ing facility is designed to accommo-
date up to 130,000 people and poten-
Pope Francis waves to reporters as he boards a plane to Amman, Jordan, for a three-day trip to the Middle East yesterday. .PHOTO:
BBC]
SLOVAKIA, SATURDAY
Two Slovakian parents have failed
to block the adoption of two of their
sons by a same sex couple in Kent.
The Catholic couple, who are of Ro-
ma origin, argued their two young
children would grow up alienated
from their family and community.
Taking the case to the High Court,
they accused the local authority of
social engineering by attempting to
turn the children white and middle
class. An earlier hearing heard evi-
dence they had neglected their chil-
dren.
Over-chastised
In what the judge described as a
very sad case, the boys aged two
and four were put up for adoption
because of concerns about the cou-
ples parenting.
Mrs Justice Theis had found them
unwilling to acknowledge the criti-
cisms or to change how they parent-
ed their children. The court heard the
boys older siblings school atten-
dance was poor, that they were left
alone and over-chastised the fa-
ther admitted he had beaten them -
and sometimes appeared dirty and
unkempt. The judge had ruled the
younger boys should be adopted, for
their long-term welfare.
She said that any adoption place-
ment should be sensitive to their
needs and identity. But the parents
argued the current plan to place
them with a gay couple did not ful-
l this. At the High Court earlier this
month the parents accused Kent
County Council of a conscious de-
liberate effort... to transform our
children from Slovak Roma children
to English middle-class children.
They claimed homosexuality was
not recognised by the Roma commu-
nity. Gay marriage has been con-
demned by Catholic bishops in Slo-
vakia. Adoption by a same sex couple
could cause their children psycho-
logical harm in the future, they ar-
gued.
However in his judgement - made
public on Friday - Sir James Munby,
the most senior judge in the Family
Court, said the couple had no
grounds in law to appeal.
The parents are appealing to the
European Court of Human Rights, al-
though it is likely it will take months
before their case is heard.
BBC
Slovak parents
fail to block
adoption by
gay couple
AMMAN, SATURDAY
On the rst leg of his three-day
Middle East trip, Pope Francis will
get a rsthand look at the plight of
Syrian refugees and witness the toll
the civil war next door is taking on
Jordan.
Francis frequently has lamented
the plight of refugees, denouncing
the globalisation of indifference
that often greets them in their newly
adopted homelands. At the same
time, he and his predecessors have
decried the ight of Christians from
the Holy Land, insisting recently:
We will not be resigned to think
about the Middle East without Chris-
tians!
After meeting with King Abdullah
II and Queen Rania at the royal pal-
ace, Francis is due to celebrate Mass
on Saturday in Ammans Internation-
al Stadium. The Vatican expects some
25,000 people to attend, many of
them Palestinian, Syrian and Iraqi
refugees. Later, he will meet one-on-
one with refugees and disabled chil-
dren at a church in Bethany beyond
the Jordan, which many believe is the
traditional site of Jesus baptism.
Christians make up about 5 per-
cent of Syrias population, but as-
saults on predominantly Christian
towns by rebels ghting against Pres-
>>Continued from pg 42
Speaking to journalists, Prof Ab-
delHaziz Saalem, the secretary gen-
eral of the Presidential Elections
Committee (PEC) the body tasked
with ensuring a free and fair election
reiterated Egypts commitment to
ensure that the poll will bestow the
country with a leader, as per the wish-
es of the majority of Egyptians.
The polls will be very fair, he
told a group of African journalists in
Cairo. The committee that presides
over presidential elections is fully in-
dependent from the Government and
therefore is beyond reproach.
The winning formula is 50 per
cent +1 of valid votes. The ballot will
carry the name, symbol and face of
the candidates.
Pollsters indicate that presidency
for Fattah El-Sisi is as good as a done
deal. Three weeks ago, opinion poll
by Basera group determined that Sisi
will win with over 70 per cent of the
vote. While the rules of presidential
elections dictate that all candidates
have to get fair coverage by the me-
dia, supporters of Hamdeen Sabbahi
say that Sisi has an unfair advantage
in media coverage.
Asked if this is the case, Prof Ab-
delHaziz said that the rule applies to
all state-owned media.
As for private media stations and
outlets, they are allowed to carry out
their programmes as they please.
What we have observed though is
that they have done well in giving fair
coverage to the two contenders, he
said.
However, Sisis posters and ban-
ners on the streets of Cairo conspicu-
ously outnumber his opponents by
several folds. The military backed
Government is on high alert as it is
feared that members of Muslim
brotherhood plan to disrupt elec-
tions through acts of violence.
This notwithstanding, Salah El
Sadek, an ofcer at State Information
Service ofces from where election
results will be announced main-
tains that the elections will be suc-
cessful, saying that Egypt is at a de-
ning moment in its History.
This is democracy in the works.
Morsi was ousted through popular
lobby by Egyptian people and it is the
mandate of the electoral body to give
Egyptians a leader who espouses
their dreams.
Asked if the elections may be can-
celled for one reason or the other,
Prof. AbdelHaziz said it is not part of
the plan to cancel the elections. The
process is free and fair and we are not
going to cancel it.
All electioneering will stop two
days before the day of election.
President elect will be sworn in in
front of Supreme constitutional court
within two days of declaration of of-
cial results.
Security heightened as poll date draws near
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STANDARD
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forums and more:
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7 Pages of
sizzling
Sports
coverage!
Fasttrack
F1: Rosberg takes pole
position for Monaco GP
Nico Rosberg took pole position for the
Monaco Grand Prix in controversial
circumstances on Saturday, ahead of
his unhappy Mercedes teammate Lewis
Hamilton and Red Bulls Daniel Ricciardo.
The Mercedes pair went out for one nal
qualifying lap with less than a minute
remaining and Rosberg lost control
coming out of the Mirabeau turn, sliding
down an escape road. After Rosberg
backed out onto the circuit, a yellow ag
came up which meant that Hamilton
could not improve on his time.
TENNIS: Stopping Serena
not simple, rivals say
Maria Sharapova hopes sweet Paris
macarons might help, Li Na looks to a
savvy coach, and Alize Cornet wants some
backing from her home crowd if they
are to halt the steamroller that is Serena
Williams in the French Open. The American
at 32 may be well into the veteran ranks
in Paris, but she believes that like a good
wine she is getting better with age. Last
year she won her second title in Paris and
her 17th Grand Slam crown in New York
has been followed by a patchy 2014. Titles
in Brisbane and Miami have been offset
by a an early exit at the Aussie Open and
a succession of injuries and a loss of form
that have left her short of match practice.
TENNIS: Bouchard wins
rst Nuremberg title
Eugenie Bouchard of Canada defeated
Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic
6-2, 4-6, 6-3 Saturday to win the
Nuremberg Cup for her rst WTA title. The
second-seeded Bouchard, who had not
lost a set on the way to her second career
nal, held her nerve in the third set after
ve breaks of serve in a row to win in 1
hour, 53 minutes. Pliskova beat top-seeded
Angelique Kerber and No. 4 seed Elina
Svitolina to reach the nal and the Czech
showed her ghting qualities after losing
the opening set. But she was unable to
claim her second career title after Kuala
Lumpur in 2013. He had won the only
previous matchup between the pair in the
rst round of the U.S. Open last year.
BRILLIANT
By JOHN LAWRENCE
The town of Nakuru once more
burst into song and dance as Bam-
buri Rugby Super Series defending
champions Ndovu beat Bulore
Chui to qualify for the semi-nals
in a Pool A encounter played at the
Nakuru Athletic Club yesterday.
The match kicked off with both
sides afraid of making school boy
blunders but Ndovus captain Solo-
mon Obiero missed two straight-
forward goal attempts after Chui
infringements saw centre referee
Ramsey Olinga award penalties.
Edwins Makoris try broke the dead-
lock and Obiero converted to make
the game 7-0 at the 10th minute.
However, the home team was
shocked with Chuis response
through Cedric Odera with George
Okowa converting to tie the scores
at 7-7.
Ndovu edged ahead in terms of
possession, and their pursuit for
points saw them camp in Chui ter-
ritory.
Winger Derrick Ekurutu visited
the sinbin but 14-man Ndovu still
went ahead, their pressure forcing
an infringement, Obiero obliging
with three points, Ndovu 10 Chui 7.
Final score, Ndovu 27 Chui 10.
Earlier, UAP Kifaru franchise
qualied for the semi-nals of the
Super Series after a hard-fought 35-
22 victory against Rwenzori of
Uganda on match day three at the
Nakuru Athletics Club.
The visitors Rwenzori drew rst
blood with a third minute penalty
converted by centre Michael Amo-
lo. Kifaru would level ten minutes
later also from the spot thanks to
scrum-half George Mutuku.
After 15 minutes of play, Pius
Shihundu gave
K i - faru the lead for
the rst time with a try.
George Mutuku converted to
put Kifaru 10-3 up but Rwenzori
cut shot their celebrations with
Isaac Tagos try. The game would go
to the break on a 10-10 draw.
Daniel Otienos early try in the
second half placed Kifaru on a 15-
10 score line.
Brad Oduako scored another try
for Kifaru with Mutuku again con-
verting as Kifaru stretched the lead
to 22-10 at half time.
After the break, Alvin Otieno
and Kevin Bundi scored two tries
for Kifaru to open a 30-10 gap
Rwenzori got a penalty try which
was converted by Michael Amolo.
Ronald Mussajagulanyago
scored another try for Rwenzori as
the Ugandan franchise pulled to
32-22 on the score board. The nal
score of the match was a drop goal
by Kifaru at the death, to win the
match at 35-22.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman
Mwangi Muthee while speaking to
FeverPitch expressed his apprecia-
tion to the tournaments title spon-
sors for making the game grow in
lips and bounds.
Todays matches were way bet-
ter than last years games. We have
had a more evenly-contested games
with a greater intensity. Bamburi
are no doubt the biggest partners
of the union in terms of developing
the game, said Muthee.
The Nakuru fete saw two cricket
greats Tito Odumbe and Tariq Iqbal
grace the tournament in a day that
saw big crowds sing and cheers.
The series now move to Kenyatta
Stadium in Machakos where Papa
Nguvu will meet Chui while Ndovu
will tackle Kifaru next Saturday.
NDOVU, KIFARU
STORM BAMBURI
SERIES SEMIS
Sidney Muniafu of Chui is
stopped by Ndovu player
during their Bamburi
Super Series match at the
Nakuru Athletic Club,
yesterday. [PHOTO:
BONIFACE THUKU/
STANDARD]
UAP franchise and
defending champions
enter last four at Nakuru
May 25, 2014/ STANDARD ON SUNDAY
FEVERPITCH / Page 47
RALLY/SCHOOLS
Aga Khan win Potterhouse football tournament
By GILBERT WANDERA
Aga Khan A won the inaugural
Potterhouse football tournament
held at the school on Friday.
On their way to lifting the tro-
phy, Aga Khan edged out Light
Academy in post-match penalties
after the match ended 1-1 in regu-
lar time.
Some eight schools took part in
the inaugural tournament and
were divided into two pools.
They include Potterhouse A,
Aga Khan B, Makini, Aga Khan A,
Light Academy, Potterhouse B, Os-
hwal Academy and School of the
Nations. In the preliminary stage,
Potterhouse A beat Aga Khan B
2-0, Oshwal beat Potterhouse B
3-0, Light Academy went down 1-0
to Makini Potterhouse A were held
to a barren draw by Makini who
laterbeat Aga khan B 2-0, School of
the Nations won 1-0 against Osh-
wal.
After the preliminaries, Makini
School emerged top of pool A with
Light Academy second in the same
pool. School of the Nations were
winners in pool B while Aga khan
A was second.
In the semis Makini lost to Aga
Khan A 5-4 in post-match penal-
ties while, Light Academy Beat
School of the Nations 1-0.
School of the Nations lost to
Makini during third play off 1-0.
The tournament will be played an-
nually by Potterhouse School and
will bring together children under-
10. years.
The trophy will be oating
among the winning schools.
Speaking at the event, the Pot-
tehouse School Executive Director
Florence Wanyoike was impressed
by most of the players and urged
that their progress should be mon-
itored to ensure the best talents
are scouted.
Potterhouse School players will
be heading to South Carolina in
America for a soccer camp-educa-
tional cultural tour during July
summer holiday.
Potterhouse take the need to
expose their players as this gives
them an opportunity to learn from
their peers from other countries.
Some players are optimistic to
be scouted by top universities and
soccer academies in the America.
gwandera@standardmedia.
co.ke
Action between Light Academy
and Aga Khan during Potterhouse
tourney. [PHOTO: FENIPHER WACHIE]
ReportsPreviews
Kenya U-13 team
enter camp ahead
of Nigeria tourney
By ERICK OCHIENG
The Kenya Primary Schools under-13
football team reported to camp yesterday
at the YMCA grounds, Nairobi, ahead of
the MILO African Championships to be
held on May 30 and 31 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The team, comprising pupils from the
Lake Region (Nyanza Province) schools,
qualied for the continental tournament
during last months nals of the National
Primary Schools Ball Games and Gymnas-
tics in Kisumu.
We have set out targets for nothing
less than a win in Nigeria and through
hard work, we can achieve this, coach
Ben Awinda told FeverPitch after training
yesterday.
The training that kicked off yesterday
and will end on May 28 before the team
travels to Nigeria on May 29.
Ghana, who are also the defending
champions and Nigeria represent West Af-
rica as South Africa represents Southern
Africa. Kenya will represent East Africa.
According to Nestl Kenya Managing
Director, Svetlana Obruchkova, the Nestl
MILO Under-13 tournament aims to nur-
ture youngsters in sports besides learning
important values such as honesty, team
work, fair play, respect, adherence to
rules, discipline, perseverance, resilience
and a strong sense of purpose.
These children will be better
equipped to face the future as their social,
teambuilding and leadership skills are de-
veloped through the practice of good
sportsmanship as exemplied by the an-
nual MILO U-13 football competition,
said Svetlana. eoyugi@standardmedia.
co.ke
MAIDEN VICTORY
Rajbir registers rst KNRC win as Duncan
suffers multiple punctures in Eldama Ravine
By OSCAR PILIPILI
Rajbir Rai, navigated by Tim
Challen in a Mitsubshi Lancer EVOX,
registered his maiden career Kenya
National Rally Championships (KN-
RC) win as the KCB Mtaani Eldama
Ravine Rally ended at Kamwosor
service park in Elgeyo Marakwet
County.
The son of legendary two- times
former Kenya Champion Sarbi Rai
had his campaign sewn-up when
Ian Duncan suffered multiple punc-
tures in Tugumoi stage (CS5).
Duncan, who picked his third
puncture at the CS6 Kiptacich stage,
led the rally until the CS5 puncture
jinx set in. Alasdair Keith won Group
S for the second time running.
Defending champion Baldev
Singh Chager nished second over-
all despite illness while Duncan set-
tled for third.
Chager spent a sleepless night as
a result of a bad fever that had at
some point threatened to pull him
out of the rally.
But he beat the odds to clinch a
podium nish contrary to all expec-
tations.
Tundo retired in the opening Tu-
gumoi/Kocholwo stage after hitting
a culvert and subsequently damag-
ing the front left from suspension
arm.
Undaunted by his retirement,
Tundo managed to come back into
the rally as a route-opener but suf-
fered further when his Proton
ST2000 caught re in the repeat run
of the Flourspar (CS7) section. He
has stopped to put off the re
though.
Rajbir, who is among the rising
youngsters in the KNRC said: It was
a very good rally and a very chal-
lenging route. We were trying to
keep good rhythm through out the
rally and I really excited to win my
rst rally, We will push on hoping
that more will follow, said Rajbir.
Rajbir started his rallying career
with buggies at Jamhuri Park before
joining the KNRC in the ex-Sarbi VW
Golf and now the monster EVOX
that enters his name in the annals of
rallying history.
With Tundo failing to nish his
home rally, Chager who had retired
in the latter stages of last months
Kiambu rally, resumes his KNRC
lead with 220 points.
Rajbir was only 30 seconds be-
hind Duncan as at CS4 end.
Chager said: Today is a bit tricky
for me. Stage 1 (Tugumoi) was very
slippery, very rocky, very hard to get
the rythym and Ive actually been
battling with fever all night so not
feeling the best of myself. Thats why
my commitment isnt as it should
be. We enjoyed stage 2 and Flour-
spar going up but Im not still feel-
ing well.
The Rift Valley Motor and Sports
Club (RVM&SC) organised round
proved quite unforgiving to some of
the crews. Ghalib Haji was time
barred after getting stuck in a sec-
tion for close to an hour.
Raaji Bharij and Geoff Mayes re-
tired at CS2 after clipping a bank at
speed. This pulled off a control arm
of their Mitsubsihi EVO9.
After the Raajis mishap, CS2 was
stopped and the rest of the drivers
given a bogey time. Five cars had
tackled the second section at the
time of the stoppage.
Rabjir Rai in a Mitsubi-
shi EVOX tackles a
section during the KCB
Mtaani Rally in Eldama
Ravine, yesterday.
[PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU/
STANDARD]
Captivating
features set for
Ngong
By THE SQUIRREL

Royal Silk (Patrick Mungai), can set the
Jill Harley Memorial ball rolling, from
King of Burma, for Surat Mohammed
Noor and his Karen Equestrian Syndi-
cate.
Ngong has laid out a red carpet of fea-
ture races this afternoon, so there are no
other enticing venues for punters.
How great is Westonian in the De-
lamere Gold Vase against Irish Garden, at
level weights?
As Kenyas most absorbing thorough-
bred, Westonian (Bezrin/Western Truth),
just has to sit pretty, then capriole private-
ly to the post.
Tiger In The Woods has to be napped
as he swims across Lake Naivasha with
Santa Anna and Shakara Man, over
1,400m.
Tiger has always rejoiced at this trip.
Now he is a mature citizen of 5, strength
should prevail.
There is nothing to touch Bolt and
Lucky Mascot in the Beryl Markham Tro-
phy, if they reproduce recent form. Both
have covered distance without much ado.
You will notice Bolt is the pink elephant
among six Joe Karari entrants, so, he bet-
ter tighten a grip for his Lively Lads own-
ers. What can we say about the Louis Cup,
apart from it being a tiring marathon?
Whoever can stay, wins. Maybe Bancroft,
Blossom Hill, Njambini, and, Soyuz, have
a minor squeak, but where ratings are be-
low 17, anything goes, or stops!
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
1. Rajbir Rai/Tim Challen (EVOX) 2:07.59
2. Baldev Chager/Ravi Soni (EVOX) 2:09.35
3. Ian Duncan/Amaar Slatch (EVO9)
2:09.58
4.Jaspreet Chatthe/Gurdeep S.
Panesar (EVOX) 2:13.04
5. Onkar S. Rai/Gavin Laurence
EVOX) 2:16.54
6. Azar Anwar/Julius Ngige (EVO8)
2:17.10
7. Petter Horsey/Bella Erskine (EVOX)
2:17.41
8. Alasdair Keith/Tariq Maliq
(Subaru GC8) 2:28.58
9. Jasmeet Chana/Ravi Chana
(EVO9) 2:25.41
10. Mahesh Halai/Ketan Dinesh
Halai (Subaru N12) 2:28.35
11. Steven Mwangi/Steven Nyorri
(SubaruN10) 2:31.39Um vullut
PAGE 48 / FEVERPITCH
ATHLETICS/GOLF
Standard County Classic Golf tees off in Kakamega
By PHILLIP ORWA
Expectations were high as
over 61 golfers teed off yester-
day during the third leg of the
Standard County Classic Golf at
the par 72 Kakamega Golf
Course.
Innocent Ondieki of Kaka-
mega Golf Club had by 10:00am
scored the nearest to the pin
and was condent of pulling a
surprise at the event.
Hii ntashinda, si unaona
vienye nacheza vizuri? (I will
win this tournament, dont you
see how well I am playing?,
joked Ondieki on hole seven
par four.
Ondieki had teed off togeth-
er with Eng George Oribo, Josh-
ua Ashioya, and Fr Bonaventure
Luchido.
Mumias Golf Club Captain
Daniel Tanui, who was im-
pressed by the organisation of
the event, thanked the Stan-
dard Group for sponsoring the
event in Kakamega.
Im happy with the organi-
sation of this event, it is the best
so far, I can conrm that I have
enjoyed nyama choma (roasted
meat) that is being prepared
near hole number seven par
four, said Tanui.
The same sentiments were
echoed by the Kakamega Lady
Captain Lydia Oketch.
Oketch said: Standard
Group sponsored a tournament
here last year and promised to
come back again, Im happy
that they have came back, the
number (of golfers) is bigger
than last year and the course is
in good condition owing to the
rains that have been pounding
the region.
Prof Barasa Wangila said:
The game of golf brings people
together, it is from such tourna-
ments that businesspeople and
professionals meet to talk about
topical issues and business re-
lated matters, we have now
seen some of the Standard
Group brand that is largely con-
sumed in this region besides in-
teracting with their staff.
Junior golfers led by 11-year-
old Eunice Achando, of Musele
Girls Boarding School, who
started playing golf last year
and Nick Dominic Makhoha,
10, of Facebeth Academy who
started off his golng career in
2012, also graced the tourna-
ment.
Standard Group team led by
Kizito Namulanda, Cynthia
Matee, Judy Yego and Luke An-
ami the Bureau Chief of Kaka-
mega among others graced the
occasion.
Dr Lydia Oketch prepares to tee off during the
Standard County Golf Classic tourney at Kakamega
Sports Club, yesterday. [PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA]
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp (left) of Eintracht
Frankfurt challenges Gerald Asamoah of
SpVgg Greuther Fuerth during their
German rst division Bundesliga soccer
match in Frankfurt, on Friday. REUTERS
LONGOSIWA SETS RECORD
By JONATHAN KOMEN
Olympic 5,000m bronze medalist
Thomas Longosiwa yesterday broke
the 5,000m record at the Kenya Pris-
ons Athletics Championships at the
Safaricom Stadium Kasarani.
Longosiwa posted a time of
13:33.00 to lower a year-old record
set by Africa Cross Country bronze
medalist Timothy Kiptoo of 13:38.00
he set last year at Nyayo National
Stadium.
Kiptoo, who competed for Nairo-
bi and also the Africa 5,000m bronze
medalist, nished fth in 13:48.06.
Former world half marathon
bronze medallist John Mwangangi
saw his dreams crush land as he
wound up eighth in 13:56.01 behind
former world 1,500m Junior cham-
pion Fredrick Musyoki who returned
sixth in 13:56.01.
Longosiwa said he is now focus-
ing on booking a ticket in 5,000m to
the 20th Commonwealth Games set
for Glasgow, Scotland, this summer.
For me, this race was more of a
practice session than a competition
as I was using it to prepare for the AK
National Championships and trials
next month. From this event I have
assessed my shape and proved t for
the big battle, he said.
GROIN INJURY
Kenya Prisons head coach Gide-
on Chirchir conrmed that Kiptoo
has been included in the team for the
national championships to be staged
at the Nyayo National Stadium on
June 5-6.
He said the athlete was recover-
ing from a groin injury and his per-
formance indicated that he is shape
and stands high chances of bringing
glory to Kenya Prisons.
Kiptoo, despite recovering from
the injury, was only ten seconds
slower to the time he posted when he
broke the Kenya Prisons record last
year, said Chirchir.
Four time Boston and two time
World marathon champion Cathe-
rine Ndereba nished fth in wom-
ens 10,000m in 35:18.0.
Nancy Kimaiyo of Nyanza won
the race 33:29.00 ahead of Westerns
Lydia Simiyu in 33:53.05 as Rift Val-
leys Jane Moraa completed podium
nish in 34:06.01 to edge out her
teammate Winnie Jepkorir into
fourth place in a time of 34:07.14.
The 2009 World Half Marathon
champion Agnes Katunge of Prisons
Staff Training College (PSTC) was
beaten to third place in a time of
16:27.08 won by teammate Nancy
Nzisa who clocked 16:21.00 ahead of
Nyanzas Viola Jemutai in 16:25.00.
Jane Murage of Prison Headquar-
ters the 2013 womens champion of
the Times Colonist 10K, USA, n-
ished second by clocking 9:58.02 in
the womens 3,000m steeplechase in
her quest to qualify for the Com-
monwealth Games behind Nyanzas
Nancy Kimaiyo in 9:52.02 as PSTCs
Mercyline Ondieki was third by
clocking 10:28.07.
The Commonwealth Games are
the goal for this year. There is very
good competition and you have to
be smart and have great speed to
make the Kenyan team, said M Aron
Langat wins 800m men nals race
during the Inter-prisons Athletics
Championship at Kasarani Stadium
on 24-05-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS
OKEYO urage, who is based in Phila-
delphia, USA. The event now sets the
stage for the national athletics cham-
pionships, which will serve as a cur-
tain raiser for the national trials set
for June 7.
Olympic bronze medalist breaks
Prisons 5,000m all-time mark
Prisons lay
strategy to
rule athletics
By JONATHAN KOMEN
After the Prisons Championships,
action now shifts to the national con-
test set for Nyayo National Stadium
on June 5-6.
The corrective department will
certainly have a mountain to climb
against elite athletes from the Kenya
Defence Forces and the National Po-
lice Service.
But Benjamin Njoga (pictured),
the Acting Commissioner General
Prisons, said they have a long term
programme to post brilliant shows in
athletics and also in womens volley-
ball.
We have laid down strategies to
tap new talents from schools in all
sports disciplines. We have a nod
from the Kenya Prisons Sports Coun-
cil, who is mandated to oversee our
sports events. This is also part of our
corporate social responsibility, he
said.
Kenya Prisons women athletes
among them Catherine Ndereba, Su-
san Chepkemei, three time world
cross-country champion Edith Masai
and ew the Kenya ag high across
the globe but the performance has
slumped down.
We took a lot of time basking in
their glory. And we later realised that
our competitors were catching up.
Thats why we brought on board our
partners that include Safaricom, Ke-
nya Commercial Bank and Athletics
Kenya to supplement the contribu-
tions from our Magereza Sacco Soci-
ety, said Njoga, who is also AK exec-
utive member.
And would offer a precise a gen-
erational change after four time Bos-
ton Marathon champion Catherine
Ndereba announced her bid to quit
competing for Kenya and will only
concentrate on serving the Kenya
Prisons Service.
Ndereba said she will no longer
compete for slots in national teams
to Olympics, Commonwealth Games
and World Championships to allow
new talents to take over.
Ndereba, who has won two world
championship gold medals and two
time Olympic silver medallist, said
she will participate in major mara-
thons like Boston marathon depend-
ing on her shape.
She made the remarks after nish-
ing ninth in womens 10,000m in
35:18.0 in a race won by Nzanzas
Nancy Kimaiyo in 3:29.00.
Ndereba said she was competing
in the Kenya Prisons championships
to inspire many female athletes.
jkomen@standardmedia.co.ke
Aron Langat wins the mens
800m nal during the 2014
Kenya Inter-regional Prisons
Athletics Championship at
Safaricom Kasarani Stadium,
yesterday. [PHOTO:DENNIS
OKEYO/STANDARD]
FEVERPITCH/Page 49
GET IT RIGHT ON THE PITCH
ReportsPreviews
SAO PAOLO
Embarrassed about his
countrys inability to complete
the promised infrastructure
ahead of next months World
Cup, Brazil great Ronaldo be-
lieves the hosts will get it right
on the pitch and win the tour-
nament for a record sixth
time.
Brazil will stage the World
Cup in June and July for the
rst time since 1950 and are fa-
vourites to lift the trophy at the
Maracana stadium on July 13.
The hosts have struggled to
build stadiums on time and
many of the promised infra-
structure projects such as air-
ports, bus lanes, and metro
lines have been either can-
celled or scaled down.
Ronaldo, who as a member
of the Local Organising Com-
mittee is one of the most visi-
ble backers of soccers world
governing body Fifa and the
Brazilian government, said
Brazil has always faced prob-
lems of corruption, embezzle-
ment, overcharging and he la-
mented the late delivery of
stadiums, three of which are
still not ready.
TOTAL CONFUSION
In 2007 when they decided
that the World Cup would be in
Brazil, President Lula signed
everything and agreed to ev-
erything and then they get here
and theres this bureaucracy,
total confusion and lateness,
Ronaldo told Reuters in an in-
terview on Friday at his ofce
in Sao Paulo.
Its a shame. I am embar-
rassed, this is my country and
I love it and we shouldnt be
transmitting this image
abroad, he added.
But we mustnt forget that
Brazil wasnt perfect before the
World Cup. It was the same or
worse.
HOME WIN
The former Barcelona, Real
Madrid and Inter Milan striker
is betting on Brazil to win the
competition, with Germany
his second favourites, followed
closely by Argentina and
Spain.
Brazil are on a rich run of
form and have won 13 of their
last 14 encounters, including
the ve games that won them
the Confederations Cup last
year.
However, no side has ever
won the World Cup a year after
lifting the Confederations tro-
phy and there is also the little
matter of pressure. Local fans
are desperate for a home win
and yet only six players in Luiz
Felipe Scolaris 23-man squad
have been to a World Cup be-
fore.
Ronaldo, 37, said the play-
ers were experienced enough
for the big occasion and will be
well prepared by Scolari - the
man who led Brazil to their last
title triumph in 2002, with the
help of two goals from Ronaldo
in the nal.
The rst match against Cro-
atia on June 12 could set the
tone for the tournament, he
said.
The rst game in the World
Cup, in Brazil, the rst match
for many players, it is going to
be very important and it could
determine the teams future,
he said.
Reuters
Chastened Ronaldo hopes Brazil
can deliver home triumph
By STANLEY ONGWAE
Sony Sugar FC clinched a rare but
sweet 1-0 win against KCB on Satur-
day at Awendo in a ercely contested
match.
Sony scored the only goal of the
match after Marwa Chamberi con-
verted a crucial penalty kick after 16
minutes of play.
Edwin Oduor was brought down
by KCB skipper Bethwel Warombo in
the box as both teams fought hard to
secure an early lead in an exhilarat-
ing rst half.
By the end of the rst half, both
the teams had not fully settled in the
game as players from both sides
could not display any meaningful at-
tacks in the quest for goals.
The second half started on a high
note with hosts Sony enjoying pos-
session and conning the visitors to
their half.
The Millers veteran Marwa
Chamberi will rue the many scoring
chances he lost during the encoun-
ter.
In the 46th minute, Chamberi
failed to convert from John Bosco.
Bosco had fed Marwa with a
through pass with KCB defenders
Kevin Omondi and Bethwel Warom-
bo well beaten only to shoot wide.
KCB also made several attacks
only for their efforts to be thwarted
by Sony Sugar custodian Lukas Inde-
che.
Sonys defense further tightened
the game for their visitors with Wyc-
liffe Nyangwechi and Joseph Omw-
eri both giving their keeper a well or-
ganised shield from attacks.
Sony would have won the game
by more than three goals but they
squandered numerous chances that
came their way.
Harambee Stars forward Paul Ki-
ongera was a frustrated man after his
ght for an equaliser met relaxed So-
ny players.
KCB coach Rashid Shedu said the
defeat was not justied since the
centre referee Israel Mpaina denied
his team a fair play.
My boys played well and a win is
what we came for but the referee
failed to show command in ofciat-
ing the game fairly, said Shedu.
He said his team was the better
side as they created more chances
than Sony only to be frustrated by
the referee.
Shedu blamed the referee for
ending the match prematurely even
before he could award time that was
wasted due to injuries.
Sony coach Zico Otieno on his
side said the game was played well
and promised to turn tables in this
season.
It was a good game and I am
happy for the boys, They played well
despite wasting a lot of chances that
would have given us a boost on our
way up on the KPL table, said Zico.
With the victory, Sony have
moved to position seven from ten,
while KCB remain at position 15 in
the 16-team league.
Hosts Sony win to add to KCBs league woes
19
DAYS TO GO
Ronaldo, former
Brazilian player and
member of the Fifa
local organising
committee during an
interview in Sao Paulo
on Friday. [PHOTO:
REUTERS]
Fasttrack
BERLIN: Lahm, Neuer join
Germans, Loew shuts doors
Coach Joachim Loew welcomed Philipp Lahm
and Manuel Neuer into Germanys pre-World
Cup camp on Saturday before holding a closed
doors training session on Saturday to ne-tune
their Brazil 2014 plans. German captain Lahm,
who has laboured with an ankle injury, and
goalkeeper Neuer (shoulder) nally joined
the squad late on Friday having missed the
rst few days in north Italy where Loews
squad assembled on Wednesday for their
10-day camp. The Bayern Munich pair had
remained in the Bavarian capital to receive
intense treatment from the German Football
Association (DFB) medical staff under head
doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt.
LOS ANGELES: US coach
Klinsmann apologises
USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has
apologised after his teenage son posted a
Tweet which mocked veteran forward Landon
Donovans dropping from the Stars and Stripes
World Cup squad. I am very disappointed,
I called him immediately, Klinsmann told a
press conference Friday in Stanford. After a
few minutes he realised what he had done.
He had just come home from school and was
joking with his classmates.
BRASILIA: Brazil ready to
quell protests
Brazil has stocked up on riot gear and is ready
to deploy police and military forces to contain
anti-government protests expected during
the 32-nation World Cup soccer championship
starting next month, authorities said
on Friday. Brazilian ofcials believe the
protests will be smaller than the massive
demonstrations that unexpectedly erupted
in June of last year during a warm-up event
for the World Cup. The protests by Brazilians
angered by the excessive cost of building the
World Cup stadiums in a developing country
with decient public services. Reuters
OUNAS BIG TASK
SPORTSROUNDUP
Page 50 / FEVERPITCH
Makongeni and Matuu qualify for Nationals
BY GILBERT WANDERA
Gor Mahia have appointed team
manager Frank Ouna to take charge of
the teams Kenyan Premier League
(KPL) Top-8 semi-nal match
against Tusker at Meru Stadium
today.
This is the rst time ,
Gor Mahia will play
without the head
coach nor his assis-
tant.
Head coach
Bobby Wil- liam-
son travel ed
to his native
country Scot-
land on Saturday to
attend his mothers
burial while assistant
Bobby Ogolla is still admit-
ted in hospital.
Deputy Secretary Ronald
Ngala said: We understand what
the rules are in regard to postponement
of matches and it does not apply in this
situation. We have appointed Frank Ouna
to be incharge on Sunday as we wait for
two coaches to come back.
This is the second high prole match
to be hosted at the venue which rst
played host to a league match between
Tusker and KRA two weeks ago.
If the enthusiasm showed by Meru
fans the last time there was top ight ac-
tion at the venue is anything to go by
much more should be expected this time
around with the green army sure to paint
the town in their colours.
At the end of the day it may end up be-
ing a shouting match between the two
opposing fans setting up an incredible
Top-8 nal match.
For the rst time Tusker have ac-
quired their own passionate fans and
coach Francis Kimanzi believes it is
the beginning of great things to come
for his club.
It always makes a big difference
whe n
you play
before your
s u p p o r t e r s .
They always give
the players
some push and
motivation to
give their best.
We felt motivated
against KRA and
expect to keep up
the ght on Sun-
day, he said.
The ground has
already been set for a
titanic battle today.
The last time the two
sides played, the match
ended in a 1-1 but with two
of Tusker players having been
sent off of the pitch.
It was believed in many quarters
then that center referee Sylvester Kir-
wa had erred in taking such drastic
action and even though the
Tusker coach refused to
comment on the matter,
his time for revenge
has come.
A good form
enjoyed by
both sides
in the
league is likely to spice
up the xture with each team
determined to have a good
start in an anticipation of the
second leg.
The KPL Top-8 semi-nal
is a two legged affair where
the winner on goal aggregate
makes it to the nal.
Tusker are the current
champions of the competi-
tion and will be out to defend
their trophy. A start studded
attack led by Jesse Were,
Clifford Alwanga with sup-
port from Brian Osumba is
at the disposal of Tusker.
On the opposing side
Gor Mahia have Dan Sse-
runkuma, Rama Salim
and the dangerous God-
frey Walusimbi to lead
their goal hunt.
gwandera@st an-
dardmedia.co.ke
Gor team manager seeks
to steer side past Tusker
in the absence of coach
Williamson and Ogolla
Gor Mahias Jerim Onyango
during a Kenyan Premier
League match. [PHOTO:
BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]
By OSCAR PILIPILI
Makongeni of Nairobi and Matuu Me-
morial of Machakos handball teams have
qualied for the National Secondary
School Games to be played in Kisii next
month.
Makongeni, who are the current Na-
tional champions, beat Kasikeu of Macha-
kos 23-19 in a tight nal during the Met-
ropolitan region games at Nairobi School
to book ticket to the Nationals.
Matuu defeated New Jogoo Road of
Nairobi 24-10 in girls nal to earn a slot in
the National Championships.
The match between Matuu and New
Jogoo Road was closely contested in the
opening minutes.
Betty Chepngetich gave Matuu two
goals lead at 5-3 after she scored two
quick goals to break the 3-3 tie.
Matuu scored one more through Nao-
mi Musembi as they raced to 5-3 lead at
rst quarter.
On resumption Chepngetich, who was
the highest scorer with eight goals inter-
cepted a pass and charged forward to
score past Jogoo goalkeeper Ruth Jepkiruii
and bring the scores to 6-3. Chepngetich
converted a penalty to give Matuu 7-3
lead.
Two more goals from Chepngetich and
Faustin Kasiva stretched Matuus lead to
9-3.
Jogoo suffered a setback after Hana
Wambui was sent off and Matuu used
their numerical advantage to widen the
gap to 13-5 at half time.
Jogoos combination of Jemtain, Yas-
min Hassan and Seraphina Nyambura
staged a late comeback but Matuu main-
tained scoring rhythm to carry the day
with 24-10 goals advantage.
Janet Awour, Musembi and Rebecca Si-
la scored four goals apiece for Matuu
while Nyambura top-scored for Jogoo
with three goals to her name.
In the boys nal, Evans Owiti put Ma-
kongeni in the lead before David Mutuku
equalised for Kasikeu.
Kasikeu formed watertight defense
that frustrated Makongenis attacks.
Goalkeeper Mwania Mutunga made
daring saves to deny Makongeni impor-
tant goals.
Makongenis improved their game in
the second half with good runs by Peter
Kolil, Bismark Rotich and Evans Owiti saw
the Nairobi team make a late recovery to
win the match 23-19 and qualify for Na-
tionals.
FEVERPITCH / Page 51
NASSAU/ATHLETICS
Kenya has upped its campaign
for the 2018 World Youth Champion-
ships.
Athletics Kenya (AK) President,
Isaiah Kiplagat, told FeverPitch here
they have many supporters within
global athletics circles and in Ke-
nyas political leadership.
We shall make a major an-
nouncement next week in Kenya
about a supporter who will help us
sell our bid abroad. This is a huge
breakthrough, which was missing in
this exercise, Kiplagat told Fever-
Pitch on the lobby of Melia Nassau
Beach Hotel here on Saturday morn-
ing.
Kenya has two rivals in United
States and Argentina for the event,
which will require mainly one stadi-
um and an institution to host the
youths.
Some 150 countries will send
athletes and this will be a huge eco-
nomic and touristic boom for Kenya.
We have many supporters and good-
will in Africa and overseas due to our
success on the track and roads. But
the missing link was political good-
will back home, which we are on the
verge of getting, said the athletics
supremo, who has been running AK
since its amateur era in 1990.
Kiplagat also said they will soon
make major partnership announce-
ment to spur the sport to the next
level.
You know, with World Youth, we
dont have to worry abour ve-star
accommodation, altitude or oth-
er factors that affect staging of major
world events, he said.
We want athletics to attract the
youth and what the people saw dur-
ing the trials for World Sprint Series
was only a prelude for what is in
store for Kenyan athletics, he said.
The carnival festival during the
trials was mainly courtesy of Safari-
com who sponsored the event from
its build up. There was an assorted
entertainment and a Safaricom Vil-
lage for shoppers, diners and revel-
lers.
Meanwhile the Kenyan womens
quartet led by Hellen Obiri are con-
dent of bettering their own world
record in the 4x1500m at the IAAF
World Relays at the weekend.
Mercy Cherono, Irene Jelagat,
Ann Karindi Mwangi and Perin
Nengampi set a world record of
17min 05.72sec in the 4x1500m in
Nairobi only last month.
Nengampi has now been
swapped for 2012 world indoor
champion Obiri, who has touched
down in Nassau in prime form after
setting an African 3000m record in
Doha this month.
iomulo@standardmedia.co.
ke
Eunice Sum. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/
STANDARD]
MEDAL HUNT BEGINS
By OMULO OKOTH IN NASSAU,
BAHAMAS
Kenyan golden girls, Eunice
Sum and Hellen Obiri said they
have no pressure despite huge
public expectations back home as
they take on the worlds top sprint-
ers here in Nassau in the Baha-
mas.
Fielding questions from a bat-
tery of reporters at the Local Orga-
nising Committee/IAAF press con-
ference at the Melia Nassau Beach
Hotel on Friday, a pre-event ritual,
Obiri caused laughter when she
said pressure will be on USA and
Jamaica, not Kenya.
Sum said they have trained well
and are ready to battle with the
worlds best in this Pacic Ocean
archipelago.
Obiri said they have come here
to conrm that the world record
they set in Kenya during the trials
was not a uke.
The two Kenyan girls were
among the select few handed the
privilege of giving a peak into what
is to be expected here.
IAAF President Lamine Diack,
General Secretary Essar Gabriel,
Director of Media, Nick Davies,
LOC Chairman Keith Parker and
his vice Mike Sands, and a retinue
of the isles political and sports
leadership, led the press confer-
ence at which they raised the glob-
al expectations even higher when
they said all tickets were sold early
in the week for the two day event.
DAMPEN SPIRIT
Diack, from Senegal, said 40
countries and more than 500 ath-
letes have come for the event
which is expected to attract a
worldwide television audience..
Even the absence of Jamaicas
Usain Bolt and his compatriot As-
safa Powell did not seem to damp-
en to spirit. A total prize purse of
USD $1.4 million is on offer, and
the top eight teams in the 4x100m
and 4x400m will automatically
qualify for the 2015 IAAF World
Championships in Beijing.
FASTER TIMES
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on
the Kenyan team on Sunday when
world 1,500m champion, Asbel
Kiprop leads a strong Kenyan team
to the 4x1,500m race.
All the athletes in the Kenyan
team has run 3:32 or faster times.
But with Collins Cheboi, James
Magut, who is expected to run
4x800m, Nixon Chepseba and Silas
Kiplagat in the mix, even faster
times are expected here.
Their main challengers could
most likely be the usual suspects
from the neighbourhood Ethio-
pia. They have Aman Wote, Cha-
lachew Shimels, Mekonnen Ge-
bremedhin, Soresa Fida and
Zebene Alemayehu.
Wote and Gebremedhin have
sub-3:32 personal bests and world
indoors medals.
Bahamas is a tiny Pacic Ocean
tourist archipelago with a popula-
tion of 350,000. The countrys main
economic activity is tourism and
nancial condentiality which has
attracted investors from the neigh-
bouring economic super power,
United States, and south American
countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Co-
lombia and Honduras.
The ocean is sparkling clean
and the sea bed can be seen clear-
ly from the air. A 35-minute ight
from Miami, Florida, connects Ba-
hamas to the world although many
other ights go there directly from
the rest of the world.
The streets are clean and tree
clustered with palm trees and oth-
er typical coastal type trees. The lo-
cal population is predominantly
black, although a few caucacians
can be spotted in ofces and
streets. iomulo@standardme-
dia.co.ke
We have no pressure despite huge
expectations, say Obiri and Sum
NASSAU: American dollar
is offcial currency
Bahamas use American dollars as their ofcial
currency. This Pacic Ocean archipelago of
some 350,000 people attracts many investors
from the Caribbean, South America and the
United States, which is 35 minutes ight away
due to its tax free economy. Banks are all over
the place, just like corner shops of London.
Miami Heats, a top NBA side, recently camped
in one of the smaller islands to prepare for
their Conference matches.
NASSAU: Coastline has
very few distractions
While Kenyan beach boys are an unwelcome
distraction along the polluted beaches along
the Kenyan coastline, where they tout for
their curios to attract tourists, Bahamans
pristine coastline has very few such
distractions. But they, too, have their beach
combers, who sell Cuban cigars and coconut
drinks. Their pidgin English, corrupted with
American tweng, makes their speeches
somehow incomprehensible, but tourists get
along with them pretty well.
NASSAU: Salty Pacifc
Ocean huge attraction
The salty Pacic Ocean here is a huge
attraction for feel good swimmers who wish
to shed off a few kilos of fat. The open air
ocean attracts more swimmers than the tens
of swimming pools in ve star beach hotels.
One would think the same would happen from
Tamarind on the Nyali side to Fort Jesus and
even Mama Ngina Gardens and Likoni area.
The only difference the absence of crocs here,
which adds to the glamour.
Reports by Omulo Okoth

Fasttrack
Hellen Obiri. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO
/ STANDARD]
Report by Omulo Okoth, Snr. Associate Editor
Kenya ups its bid for 2018 World Youth
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Standard Group County Golf Classic series tees off at Kakamega Sports Club, P.48
Kenyans under no pressure at IAAF World Athletics relays, P.51
Published and printed at The Standard Group Centre, Mombasa Road Nairobi - Kenya, by The Standard Ltd., P.O. Box 30080, Nairobi 00100, Kenya. Switch Board Tel. 3222111. Fax: 2214467, 2229218, 2218965. News Desk Tel: 3222512/44,
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STANDARD
THE
FEVERPITCH
STANDARD
THE
on Sunday 7 Pages of Sizzling Sports Coverage!
Edwin Lavatsa
of Gor Mahia
(right) and
Titus Wamalwa
of Karuturi
Sports during
the KPL match,
yesterday. Gor
won 1-0.
[PHOTO:
STAFFORD
ONDEGO/
STANDARD]
Stakes
high
...as Gor face Tusker in Top-8
semi-nal duel today, P50
Gor Mahias Shaban
Kenga (left) stalks
Brian Osumba of
Tusker for the ball
during their Kenya
Premier League
match at Nyayo
National Stadium.
[PHOTO: BONIFACE
OKENDO/STANDARD]
Pullout Section E
WITH THE
STANDARD
May 25, 2014
For the young and growing
ext
ext
eneration
I
n
s
i
d
e
F
A
B
U
L
O
U
S

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U
N

A
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D

G
A
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E
S
B
a
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,

B
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t
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i,

M
c
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o
,

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,

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.
.
.

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d

s
o

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m
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.
Healthy
record breakers,
Pg 4
freebie issue!
Win incredible GENERATION NEXT branded goodies!
For the young and growing
Tee shirts | Caps | Pencil pouches
Find and answer the
hidden trivia question
for a chance to win!
Healthy
record breakers,
Pg 4
May 25, 2014 / The Standard on Sunday
Page 2 / Next Generation
D
id

y
o
u
k
n
o
w
?
Group Managing Editor (Print): Kipkoech Tanui | Managing Editor: Enoch Wambua | Deputy Managing Editor: Fred Waga
Sub Editor/Writer: Thorn Mulli
Contributors: Calvin Odhiambo, George Olwalo, Lydia Limbe, Phares Mutembei, Rebecca Gichana, and Rose Kwamboka
Manager Print Creative : Dan Weloba | Creative Designer: Christine Nyaga | Photograhy: Jenipher Wachie and Maxwell Agwanda | Illustration: Harry, Kiddo and Michael Munene
E-mail: GenerationNext@standardmedia.co.ke; | Website: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mag;
All correspondence to Generation Next is assumed to be intended for publication.
Generation Next accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artworks or photographs. All rights on publication remain with the publisher.
Thorn Mulli
The
fun
team
Editorial
I admire this fellow I know. Not only is he progressing fast in his career (really fast), but he is also an enviable athlete who trains daily. He also goes to school, plays an instrument, can speak more than one foreign language, and still has time to volunteer at an orphanage when he is not hanging out with ushis
friends.
Quite a mouthful you would imagine, but he seems to do it awlessly. He answered my curiosity about how he does it by explaining that he ensures all hours in a day are accounted for. He, however, admitted that only a few people could pull off his schedule as it involves dedicated sacri ce. His main drive is that it is better to be a jack-of-all-trades than a master of none. I know that you have interacted with such individuals who always turn you green in envy with their
supernatural ability to juggle a thousand things. I know that sorry feeling of failure that washes over you
when you look at your life.
Fret not, however. Before you work yourself to death trying to be a jack-of-all-trades and end up a master of none, remember there is always that one thing you
are best at. Go on, be the best. My advice, only include activities that compliment your talent.
Generation Next A phrase
a week
The phrase You are what
you eat advances the notion that
to be t and healthy you need to eat good
food. This phrase, originally in French, is
believed to have been coined in 1826, but
the actual phrase did not emerge in Eng-
lish until some time later. In the 1920s and
30s, the nutritionist Victor Lindlahr, who
was a strong believer in the idea that food
controls health, developed
the Catabolic Diet. That view
gained fans at the time and
the earliest known printed ex-
ample is from an advert for beef
in a 1923 edition of the Bridgeport Tele-
graph, for United Meet [sic] Markets:
Ninety per cent of the diseases known to
man are caused by cheap foodstuffs. You
are what you eat.
Folk
tale
By CALVIN ODHIAMBO
Hairstyles through the ages
hair being extremely
long was because
it was considered
disrespectful to cut
hair as it was an
inheritance from their
parents. It does not
come as a surprise
that the worlds
longest documented
hair belongs to a
Chinese woman called
Xie Quiping with 5.2-
metre long hair, she
had from the age of
13.
Africans too are not new to hair
styling. Our very own Maasai
warriors preferred braiding their
hair. They also dyed their hair
red with a natural pigment found in
volcanic regions which is mixed with
animal fat to create a paint texture.
The women were shaved when they
got married to symbolise a new
beginning. Mangbetu women from
the Congo also braided their hair
into a cone-shaped basket held in
place by bones shaped like needles.
Dyed and stiffed hair was achieved
by applying dung.
These old school hairstyles are
today exercised by vibrant youths
and celebrities with meaning, age
or culture taking a back seat as
how unique ones hairstyle looks.
Surprisingly, most cuts have animal
names attached: Bob-cut, Mohawk,
rat-tail cut, sh-end cut
among others.
Be the best you can be
A hairstyle, hairdo,
or haircut refers to
the styling of hair,
usually on the human
scalp. Afros, braids,
curls, cornrows,
dreadlocks, Mohawks
are present day
hairstyles, but
hairstyling began a
long time ago.
Egyptian hairstyles,
for instance,
depended very much
on the age, social
group and wealth of the
wearer. Young adults wore a shaven
head. They would leave a small curl
on the side of their head named lock
of youth to symbolise their youth.
Indians shaved the whole head,
leaving a lock of hair at the back or
at the side similar to the Egyptians,
with a belief that it allowed God to
easily pull people to heaven.
The Greeks, on the other hand,
mostly spotted long hair. The most
popular hairstyle hair for both men
and women was braiding and decorating
it with owers, headbands, ribbons
and pieces of metal. Ancient Greece
hairstyles also involved sprinkling
gold powder into the hair. Men would
have short or shaved hair and they
would wear beards unless they were
soldiers.
Chinese hairstyles varied depending
on the age of the woman and her
marital status. The reason for their
/ Page 3 Next Generation
A phrase
a week
Folk
tale
By THORN MULLI
The king of Mandingo kingdom, Papa,
had ruled justly since his crowning.
Most, if not all, of his subjects agreed
that Mandingo had never seen such
development like that under his watch.
At rst, King Papa was solely focused on
running affairs in his kingdom that he did
not lend his ear to gossip. Like most men,
however, the insistent praise eventually
got to his head and he began questioning
the power of the creator. He became so
conceited that he became drunk in his
own power. Not even members his council
dared point out his folly. They were too
scared of the powerful king.
Now, the king had a shy, but
trustworthy squire named Pole. Every
time the youth served him his favourite
drink, he would mutter, My King,
everything God does is perfect. He never
makes mistakes. The now proud king
began getting irked by Poles muttering,
but did not act.
One day, the king and his squire were
out hunting when a cornered leopard
charged at them. Master and servant
This narrative talks of Murage, a man who lands a prestigious
job as Nairobi citys urban planner soon after graduating
from the university. Murage loves his job and works
wholeheartedly. So dedicated is he at his work that he
decides to blow the whistle after he discover shady deals
in his station of work. This noble action, however, rubs the
exposed corrupt ofcials the wrong way. These dishonest
individuals in revenge hatch a wicked plan that eventually
drives poor Murage into the streets hunting for elusive
jobs. Things get so thick that he is forced to depend on his
wifes earnings to manage family nancial obligations.
Eager to get work, Murage religiously searches and
applies for job advertisements, but his efforts amount
to nothing. Realising that work were hard to come
by, the former urban planner nds himself getting
involved with quick money minting deals. These
shy deals land him in hot soup after he loses a
substantial amount lent to him by his wife. Emotionally
drained and unable to afford the expensive city
life, Murage decides to relocate to Dundori, a
rural area where his parents and brothers live.
His wife, however, is opposed to going to Dundori,
and says the place is backward and not for people with their level of
education. She uses derogatory terms to describe Dundori and is
adamant that she will not move out of the city. When the going gets tough, she agrees to move out,
but only to Naivasha where her elder sister lives.
As fate would have it, Naivasha turns out to be a compromise town, but sadly unemployment follows Murage.
His family is forced to depend on their host handouts to pay rent and other monetary commitments. What
happens to them can only be answered by grabbing a copy of the book available in Nakumatt bookstores
countrywide. Readers will readily identify with the circumstances surrounding the Murages.
Everything happens for a reason
AUTHOR: Muthoni Garland
PUBLISHER: Storymoja Publishers
REVIEWER: GEORGE OLWALO
Book
review
Halfway Between Nairobi and
A
s
k
R
os
e
Mail your Ask Rose queries to :
GenerationNext@standardmedia.co.ke
Remember to include your full names, age and location.
everything, God is perfect and that he is
never wrong. Outraged by the response, the
King ordered the arrest of his servant.
While being taken to prison, Pole continued
muttering that God was perfect and was
never wrong.
Days went by and pole was forgotten as the
kings pride continued to know no bounds. On
one of his hunting escapades, the lone king
fell into the hands of a savage tribe. It was
customary for them to sacrice strangers
to their gods and they were about to do that
before they noticed that their sacrice was
short one nger. Unt to be offered to the
gods, the shaken king was released.
Upon nding his way back to the palace, he
ordered the release of Pole exclaiming, My
friend, God was really good to me. I was almost
killed, but for lack of a nger, I was let go. I,
however, have a question; If God is so perfect,
why did He allow me to throw you in dungeon?
To this Pole responded, My king, if I had not
been put in prison, I would have accompanied you
for your hunt and probably ended up a sacrice
because I have no missing nger.
Everything God does is perfect, He is never
wrong. We often complain about life, and the
negative things that happen to us, forgetting
that everything happens for a purpose.
managed to spear the animal to death,
but that did not prevent his majesty from
losing a nger to the beast. Furious and
without showing gratitude, the King yelled,
If God was perfect, a good king such
as I would not have lost a nger. To his
surprise, Pole calmly asserted that despite
DEAR ROSE,
My name is Mark Spunky, and I
am 17. I have a bone to pick with
my girlfriend who texts and irts
with other guys, including her ex-
boyfriends. Whenever I ask her to
introduce me to them, or stop the
habit altogether, she claims they are
not close friends. We dened our
relationship a long time ago, but this
situation is causing me much unease.
I need to feel safe with her knowing
that she will not slip into any of
these guys arms. Please help.
DEAR MARK,
Trust is the foundation of any
relationship. When it is broken; you
may feel, a very common feeling
and reaction, that the relationship is
jeopardised.
You need to
talk to your
girlfriend
and establish
those factors,
clearly
pointing out
what habits
make you
uncomfortable.
Tell her how her behaviour makes
you feel. Giving her an ultimatum
may help in hastening the process
and allowing her see how serious
you are. If she is willing to make
adjustments, she is a keeper, if not,
you are better of alone than in a
disappointing relationship.
Next Generation Page 4 /
Lisa Angela
Cultural events in our schools will
play a vital role in celebrating our
unique diversity. This will, without
a doubt, enhance unity.
Purity Busene
I think it will help most Kenyan
students, including me, to appreciate
and co-exist with each other without
considering ones ethnicity.
Baverlyne Charuma
By enabling students to accept their
culture as well as appreciating that
of others, I have condence that
cultural events will overcome the
negative ethnicity devil.
What is your take on the
introduction of cultural events in
our schools? Students of St
Philips Girls Mukomari,
Kakamega aired their views:
Teen talk
Joan Khamayo
I do not support the introduction
of cultural events as it will promote
tribalism because students will team
up to form ethnic groupings.
If you need an inspiration of what
teamwork can achieve, look no further
than our very own Braeburn Garden
Estate Primary School. Two Fridays
ago, 47 of its pupils joined the rest
of the globe to set a global Guinness
World Record. This record is for the
most participants in a cookery lesson in
24 hours (multiple venues).
Organised by Deputy Head, Mrs Yvonne
Atkins-Brown, the project was part
of Food Revolution Day. This is the
brainchild of English celebrity chef
Jamie Oliver. For those unaware, Jamie
is a famous for his campaign against
the use of processed foods in schools.
To this cause, his foundation and its
partners around the globe host a day
of global action every year. They ght
obesity and get people excited about
good food. Last years event had an
impressive 1,200 events in over 70
countries. Some cooking lessons and
dinners were in places as far ung as
China and Brazil.
Our record breakers, mostly scouts,
gathered in the school-dining hall to
watch Jamies live lesson broadcast
at 2pm (GMT) live from England.
There were instructed on some of the
ingredients to be used. Did you know
that carrots come in pink and black
varieties and are rich in vitamin A, or
beetroots can be white or stripy and
the leaves are delicious in salad?
Jamie then demonstrated the making
of a nutritious, colourful meal called
the Rainbow Salad Wrap. From
watching the lesson, the children
went to their stations, each gathering
around a table where their ingredients
awaited them. The kitchen staff were
kind enough to purchase and clean
the vegetables as well as prepare the
tables before the students arrived.
Nineteen ofcials composed of
teachers, technician, nurse, and chef
Feature
and outside independent witnesses
were on hand to watch, supervise, and
verify. Ms Ellen Karanja, a local bakery
owner, and Mr Kurt Rockeman, a
consultant, were the two independent
witnesses, while the Windsor Hotel
sent their Head Pastry Chef Ms Faith
Kamanu to be the steward. These
three VIPs veried that rules were
followed and requirements were met
as stipulated by the Guinness World
Records. With everything ready, all
that remained was the pupils full
participation to qualify for entry into
the Guinness World Book of Records.
The school dining hall, temporarily
converted into a huge kitchen, easily
accommodated the busy, young chefs
and their instructors, with the VIPs
watchfully wandering round. Every
participant, either grated, chopped,
measured, or mixed a part of the
recipe. Together, the ingredients were
stirred in a large bowl in the centre
of each table. The dressing was then
poured over after being shaken by
each participant in the group. The
salad mix was spooned onto individual
tortilla wraps, sprinkled with cheese,
and then carefully rolled up. Final
group photos were taken and then,
after an extremely industrious, but
enjoyable one hour, each child tucked
into his or her own healthy, Rainbow
Salad wrap!
One Year ve boy who participated
couldnt help, but exclaim Fun! I
enjoyed the Rainbow Salad. I want to
make it at home.
Speaking to GN Mrs Artkins explained
that she registered because Braeburn
tries to promote a healthy lifestyle
also because that she also appreciates
good food. The best way to learn is
to do. This was denitely a practical
session. As our scouts usually meet on
Fridays after school, this seemed the
perfect group to invite to take part,
said Mrs Artkins.
Dear reader, remember, the Food
Revolution didnt stop on Saturday
morning. Generation Next also
champions good food, the importance
of cooking from scratch and the need
to educate you about where food
comes from: You should too.
Kenyan pupils help break world record
By GN REPORTER
/ Page 5
FABULOUS FUN AND GAMES
May 25, 2014
Page 4 /
Page 6 / Next Generation Page 2 / / Page 3
What you will require:
An electric hair dryer with circular nozzle
A balloon
A table tennis ball
Procedure:
1. Blow up the balloon and tie off the end. Hold the
balloon out at arms length and let go. Does it
stay there, or drop?
2. Hold the balloon above your head at arms
length, then blow hard at it as you let go. Can
you keep the balloon in the air?
3. Now hold the hair dryer in one hand, turn it on,
and point it up toward the ceiling. Place the
balloon in the stream of moving air, and let go.
Does the balloon fall to the ground or stay up?
4. Tilt the nozzle of the dryer slowly a little to one
side. Does the balloon stay in the air stream?
Can you bring the nozzle back to vertical and
make the balloon follow? How far can you tilt
the nozzle before the balloon falls?
5. Finally, try placing a table tennis ball in the air
stream created by the hair dryer. Does it oat? If
your hair dryer is powerful enough, the ball will
oat in the stream just like the balloon.
What is happening?
When you rst let go of the balloon, it drops
because it is denser than the surrounding air. The
balloon, however, is just a little denser than air, so
you were able to keep it from falling by blowing on
the bottom of the balloon either by mouth or with
Career
walk
I want to be an
Optometrist
the hair dryer.
The column of moving
air pushes on the bottom of the
balloon, forcing it to rise. The effect is the
same in either case the only difference being
that the hair dryer does not run out of breath.
When you tilted the nozzle of the hair dryer,
the balloon followed the column of air when it
movedso something else must be happening.
The reason the balloon stays in the mov-
ing stream of air has to do with Bernoullis
Principle, which states that pressure decreases
inside a stream of owing air. When the bal-
loon begins to move out of this low-pressure
stream, the higher pressure of the air in the
room pushes it back into the moving stream.
When you tilt the nozzle, the pressure in the
room is still high enough to push the balloon
back into the air stream even if the moving air
stream is at an angle. Eventually, at a large
tilt, the force of gravity will become greater
than the force of the air pressure holding the
balloon in the stream, and the balloon will fall.
This principle is very handy in sailing, air ight
and in the sport of baseball. In your free time,
read more on its application.
Dr Know
By ROSE KWAMBOKA
By LYDIA LIMBE
There are spe-
cial doctors
d e d i c a t e d
to eye care.
These doctors
are referred to
as optometrists.
They, among
other things,
examine peoples
eyes to diagnose and pro-
vide treatment to vision
problems and eye diseas-
es. It is optometrists who
prescribe eyeglasses and
contact lenses and provide
vision therapy and low-
vision rehabilitation.
Optometrists work in
placesusually their own
ofcesthat are clean,
well lit, and comfortable.
Most full-time optome-
trists work about 40 hours
a week. Many work week-
ends and evenings to suit
the needs of patients.
Requirements for ad-
mission to schools of op-
tometry include aptitude
in English, mathematics,
and science subjects. Be-
cause a strong background
in science is important,
many applicants to op-
tometry school major in a
science such as biology or
chemistry while other ap-
plicants major in another
subject and take many sci-
ence courses offering labo-
ratory experience.
You need a KCSE Mean
of 46.8 to pursue Medi-
cal Laboratory Science
and Technology
at a public
institution
like Univer-
sity of Nairobi.
O p t o me t r y
programmes
include class-
room and labo-
ratory study of health and
visual sciences, as well as
clinical training in the di-
agnosis and treatment of
eye disorders. Courses in
pharmacology, optics, vi-
sion science, biochemistry,
and systemic disease are
included.
As an optometrist em-
ployed in a hospital or
running ones own prac-
tice, business ability, self-
discipline, and the abil-
ity to deal tactfully with
patients, and continuous
training are important for
success.
*Hidden Trivia: What is
our phrase of the week?
Mail in the
correct answer to
GenerationNext@
standardmedia.co.ke for
a chance to win!
Congratulations to
last weeks winners
*Lenah Akoth
*Caroline Nyukuri
*Elmer Ouya
Bouncing
Balloon
Name
it
/ Page 7 Next Generation Page 2 / / Page 3
Career
walk
Fill in the
blanks
Colour
me
Fill in the
puzzle
Name
it
Maze
Code word
Page 8 / Next Generation Page 4 / / Page 5
Pupils, mostly scouts, from Braeburn Garden Estate, take part in a synchronised cooking competition where they contributed to making a healthy
rainbow salad. The participants set a global world record. *Story on page four.
My
fashion
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NAME: ZAINAB SALIM.
SCHOOL: MWANICOS ACADEMY.
AGE: SIX.
CLASS:ONE.
HOBBIES: DANCING, RUNNING, AND RACING.
FAVOURITE MEAL: CHIPS AND RICE.
AMBITION: TO BE A NURSE.
Kenyan pupils help break world record
[PHOTOS BY: BEVERLINE MUSILI/ STANDARD]
/ Page 9 Next Generation Page 4 / / Page 5
Breaktime teasers
Hot on the street
#University Demo
University students took to the streets to
demonstrate against a proposed increase
of tuition fees in public universities. The
demonstration was supposed to be a quiet one,
but that did not seem to be the case on twitter.
While some were in agreement and support of
S
o
cia
l m
e
d
ia By @kwambokar
What snakes are good at doing sums?
Adders.
Where did the turtle get a new shell?
From the hard-wear store.
What do you call a camel with no
humps?
Hump-free/Humphrey.
Did you pick your nose?
No, I was born with it.
How do you make a skeleton laugh?
Tickle her funny bone.
What do ghosts like for dessert?
I scream (Ice cream).
What do you call an alligator detective?
An investi-gator.
Techie
the strike, others took the time to show off their funny
side with others giving warnings on what roads to
avoid and updates on any incidents and accidents.
Some saw this as an opportunity to market their
brands, while others were clueless. Such are #KOT.
@UKenyyatta Five years from now, the students
demonstrating against increase in fees will
demonstrates to have their salaries increased.
@kevoice Some of these students cant even complete
a sentence in English. Instead of demonstrating, they
should ask donors for dictionaries.
@SamGichuru Curious, where do student leaders get
money to mobilise demonstrations?
@Tiatie For today, dress like you are ready for a
marathon at
anytime.
@Rnagila Where was it announced that university
fees were to be increased? Cant nd it anywhere,
anyone?
@korirHilla Selling a cow to educate a cow you
get
@toxicTony Only the rich with fake degrees are
against this.
@bonifacemwangi Dont let a few criminals
dilute your message and the reason why you are
protesting. Name, shame and arrest the looters.
Ever noticed that you never seem
to nd your keys whenever you are
in a rush? The high tech Goji Smart
Lock to solve this problem.
The lock, compatible with most
wood and metal doors, uses both
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to lock and
unlock your door. It also has a built-in front-facing camera
that takes the photo of persons who approach the door.
It then alerts you via a text message. The photos are then
uploaded to cloud storage along with the exact time and
date of guest arrival. Note that the Bluetooth function also
has the capability of granting or revoking access to other
Bluetooth devices.
To add fun to this, the lock sports a durable LED screen
that recognises users based on their devices and greets
them as they enter.
In case you lose your phone, you can cancel access through
the manufacturing companys website and transfer the
right to another phone immediately. You can, of course,
regain access once you acquire a new phone. Note that
when the internet or power goes off, the lock continues to
lock and unlock as normal, but no notications are sent to
your phone until the system goes back online.
Luxury comes at a price and you will have to part with
Sh19, 000 for the lock. For this price, it better not fail.
Goji Smart Lock
P
IC
O
F
T
H
E
W
E
E
K
A few adjustments
on an oversized
sweater can turn
an otherwise drab
piece into a fash-
ion statement.
Here are a few tips
on how to do that
while ensuring
it still serves its
core purpose of
keeping you warm.
Give the sweater some shape by wearing it with a thick
belt that cinches at the waist. One with a colour that
contrasts that of your sweater will give a pop to your
look.
Balance out your look by pairing the sweater with leg-
gings, leather pants or skinny jeans. Throw in some
sexy heels or boots to seal the look. This look says you
are fashion forward. You may also opt for a pencil
skirt in place of the leggings.
Give your sweater some class by pairing it with
a collared shirt underneath. To keep the look femi-
nine, go for collars that have prints. Avoid the plain
ones.
Show your wild side by pairing an oversize animal
print sweater with distressed jeans and sneakers.
Style has never been so comfortable.
For those really cold days, wrapping a stylish
scarf over the sweater will draw attention away
from the sweater and onto the pretty scarf.
The key to wearing a big sweater is not to be
afraid to go big. The bigger, the better. Do not
be afraid to mix the textures.
Series
Review
The year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is
at the centre of robot technology. OmniCorp drones, used overseas
by the military for years, have minted billions of dollars and now
OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home
front. They see a golden opportunity to do it when Alex Murphy a
loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to ght crime and
corruption is critically injured in the line of duty and left for the dead.
With his body, they build a part-man, part-robot indestructible police
ofcer envisioning a Robocop in every city: even more billions for their
shareholders.
Within a matter of weeks he has erased crime from the streets of
Detroit, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside
the machine pursuing justice. His human side still wants revenge on the
thugs who attempted to kill him
The movie takes you on a rollercoaster of comedy, science ction and
crime thriller. This is not a movie to be missed considering its ratings.
Remember that photo of Willow Smith
looking cosy in bed with 20-year-old Moses
Arias of the Disney Channels Hannah
Montana series? You may recall that Jada
Pinkett-Smith thought there was no cause
to be concerned about the photo, even
terming it as artistic. Well, the Los Angeles
Department of Child and Family Services,
reportedly, begs to differ.
A source told Radar Online that Child
Protective Services is investigating the Smith
family in connection with the controversial
photo that leaked online earlier this month.
The investigation was formally opened last
week and is being taken very seriously by
the department, says the insider.
Will and Jada have been extremely
cooperative with ofcials. Of course, they
arent happy that their parenting skills are
under scrutiny, but they understand.
The source adds that both Willow and the
authorities will interview Arias:
Social workers will be talking separately
with Willow, and they also want to talk to
the young man in the picture with her as
well. This wont just be one or two visits
with the family, it will likely be an open
investigation for at least a month.
Jada Pinkett Smith claimed that there was
nothing sexual about the photo when she
spoke to reporters at LAX shortly after
the picture was revealed online.
While at it, Will helped a young fan
announce her pregnancy online.
Hopefully questions about Wills
parenting skills havent caused her to
regret her method of sharing her big
news.
TRENDVILLE
BY ROSE KWAMBOKA
Willow Smith and Moses Arias
photo prompts investigation
Oversized sweaters
Robocop
Celebrity Psst...
Page 10 / Next Generation
Page 6 /
Generation Next: What was your reaction about the results?
Paul Gachoka: At rst I was in disbelief, but in time, a sense
of calmness engulfed me after I realised that my dream has
come true. I could not stop smiling.
GN: What kind of student would you say you were?
PG: The quiet and responsible kind telling by my library prefect
role that lasted for two years. I am also very inquisitive and
curious which can be annoying to some. I was also active
in extra-curricular activities with awards to boot. I played
basketball and was very active in the science congress
club missing national level by a hairs breadth. I also always
participated in Mathematics contests.
GN: What is your favourite subject?
PG: English. It is not a surprise then that I
scored an A in the subject.
GN: What is your secret to
success that others can
adopt?
PG: God comes rst for
me. With my spiritual
needs met, I can proceed
to reading believing
rmly in quality reading
as opposed to quantity.
It might sound unreal,
but I also believe in
training oneself to enjoy
reading. You can only
be passionate about
something you enjoy.
It is also crucial to
stay grounded as you
continue to succeed. My
mum has emphasised
on humility for as long
as I can remember.
GN: How has your
personality played a
role in your success?
PG: I am quite the
introvert. This allows me
to listen to others and in
turn I get to absorb a lot. I am
also very attentive to detail,
which comes in handy
in studying. Many
people have told
me am an erratic
perfectionist.
GN: Tell us a little
more about your
background.
PG: I am the third
born of seven
siblings in a
single parent household after my dad suffered a cardiac arrest
and died when I was twelve. We are a closely-knit family based in
Nakuru always ready to support each other. I credit my success to
this support as well.
GN: You intend to pursue Medicine at the university. What do
you attribute this desire to?
PG: This is partly because I felt hopeless when my dad passed on.
If I become a doctor, I could probably change somebody elses life.
Besides, nothing interests me nearly as much as Medicine. At the
moment, however, I am a bit confused with the endless career
opportunities possible.
GN: You have just concluded a training conference with Equity
Bank, how did you land the job?
PG: Luckily I did not have to apply. Equity Bank have a mentorship
program that offers the best performing boy and girl from
each district opportunity a chance to intern with them. After
performing the best in Molo district, I automatically qualied for
the job.
GN: How is the job so far?
PG: It is a little hectic. I report to work at seven in the morning
working till eight in the evening Monday through to Friday. On
Saturday, I work a shift that runs from eight until two in the
afternoon. The pay is reasonable with half of it going to a fund
that pays our university fees.
GN: What mantra do you live by?
PG: Learn everything and anything about anything and
everything. I read everything I come across: from newspapers,
to novels, yers, and posters. It is what makes me so good at
languages.
GN: Apart from reading and working, what else do you do
during your free time?
PG: I am a huge basketball fan; the kind who have scars to prove
itI have broken my hand playing. I also enjoy cooking. Everyone
who has tasted my food can attest to how good a cook I am. I also
enjoy watching the television, I mean who doesnt.
GN: What is your view on relationships with the opposite sex
while still in school?
PG: It is my opinion that it is healthy (good for social development)
to be in one as long as it is a responsible one. You need not
jeopardise your education. You after all have a whole lifetime
to explore everything else. I, for instance, had a student lady
friend whom I have known for close to eleven years. She was
not only positive inuence, but she also encouraged, supported,
challenged in me. We competed a lot. The thought of her beating
me just freaked me out so I worked very hard. Needless to say, I
did beat her in Physics and English albeit by a small margin. She
got an A as well. This is the kind of healthy relationship I advocate
for.
GN: What would you say was your biggest inspiration?
PG: That would probably be my insatiable need to prove myself. I,
for instance, felt I underperformed in primary school. I had hoped
to score very high since I was index one but I barely scored four
hundred out of the possible ve hundred marks. I was crushed. I
knew I had to regain my lost glory.
PAUL GACHOKA
NDICHU, 18, from Molo
Academy was one of the
top 100 students in
last years KCSE
examinations:
the best in his
District. ROSE
KWAMBOKA
had him share
his inspiration
to succeed and
his experience
working at a bank.
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Find that balance
to succeed
Top
gun
/ Page 11 Next Generation
/ Page 7
Style
lab
It is not everyday that we dress up. Some days are just laid back ideal for
walks, enjoy a cup of coffee with friends, or simply enjoy a good book. Even
on such dress down days, we should stylish as @SCARLETNDUTA shows us.
MODEL: ANTOINETTE
CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES
FROM: MR PRICE
Leather inspired
pieces are perfect
for the rocker girl.
Booties complete
the edgy
ensemble.
Animal print is a
good addition to a
girls closet. Have fun
with an outt and try
pairing your skirt with a
bright coloured top.
Leggings remain
the most comfortable
trouser type one could
ever own.
Laid-
back look
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Who doesnt love a
cosy feel? Grab long-
sleeved tops, perfect
for cold days, which
offer such kind of
comfort.
Every girl should have
at least one bandage
dress: Easy to style and
gives an illusion of a
well-toned body.
.
Next Generation
School
profile
SCHOOL: Rangala Boys High school.
COUNTY: Siaya.
ESTABLISHED: 1976.
POPULATION: 666 students in three streams per level.
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Mr Kennedy Ojijo.
SCHOOL MOTTO: Excellence in all endeavours.
SCHOOL VISION: To be a centre of excellence renowned for the
provision of holistic education.
TARGET MEAN SCORE: 9.5.
SISTER SCHOOL: Rangala Girls High school.
NICKNAME OF THE SCHOOL BUS: Private Jet.
FAVOURITE TEACHER: Julians Ayiecho.
FAVOURITE SUBJECT: Mathematics.
FAVOURITE SPORT: Football.
WORST PUNISHMENT: Cleaning toilets.
COOLEST HANGOUT: Computer laboratory (3G-NET).
LATEST DANCE STYLE: Skol.
FAVORITE MEAL: Rice and beans served on Thursdays.
LATEST SLANG: Kulaunch synonymous with unveil.
COOLEST CLUBS: Music Club.
COMPILED BY GEOFFREY ODHIAMBO
SUNDAY
MAGAZINE
STANDARD
WITH THE
ONLY
HUMOUR / L E I S UR E / ADVI C E / L I T E R ARY DI S C OUR S E / MOTOR I NG / L I F E C OAC H
BABA JIMMY
Displaced by
kazi funga, P.12
The Eagle
punches
his way to
top perch
P.4
STANDARD ON SUNDAY, May 25, 2014
The Eagle
punches
his way to
top perch
Page 10/SUNDAY MAGAZINE Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Page 10/SUNDAY MAGAZINE
LiteraryDiscourse
PoetryCorner
Writers bond with
characters creates validity
Who should you write for?
BY TONY MOCHAMA
BOOKTips
E
rnest Hemingway saw his
characters as friends, and this
enabled him to know their
strengths and aws, as well
as the nitty gritty details of their lives,
making them appear real.
Does this imply that if an author
wants the people in his story to be
believable to the reader, he has to be
emotionally attached to the personas
he creates? That the writer has to put
himself in the characters shoes and
live the life on the characters behalf?
That a novelist can only be as good as
his relationship with his characters?
George R R Martin, an American
novelist and screenwriter, is known
for killing characters that readers do
not expect to die. Also known for not
getting sentimental with characters,
he is unmoved by what happens to
them in the story and lets their aws
be evident as seen in the TV series
Game of Thrones, and his book, Song
of Ice and Fire.
Many things draw us to a character
in a story; when they mirror us, when
their circumstances move us, when
their journey inspires us, and so on.
Character attachment, the emotional
connection one has to an individual
in a story, has had authors wonder
whether keeping their distance is bet-
ter than a heartfelt bond.
Writers, like readers, tend to fo-
cus more on the main character. This
is justied, as this character drives
the story. An attachment to the main
character draws us deep into the
story. The ip side is that a gripping
story needs more in its plot than a
main character. Focusing only on one
person could spell the death of an in-
teresting storyline.
Attachment to one character leads
BY ANJELLAH OWINO
Ive lived with her for so long in my
head, its hard not to think of her as
anything but real
tration on such pages,
and skip to the sec-
tions where the main
character is found.
When the emo-
tional attachment is to
a sidekick, there could
be competition for at-
tention, and readers
might conclude that
the writer does not
know who the main
character is.
A writer-character
connection could also
drag the story. For
instance, the tempo
might be building
up for a catastrophic
event, but the author
does not want to hurt
a certain character, so
the suspense drags on
unnecessarily. Drama
might keep readers
glued to a story, but
too much of it is off-
putting.
But maintaining
an indifferent stance is
sometimes difcult. R J Dennis, a nov-
elist, wrote an article titled Emotional
Attachments Writers and Readers Have
with Characters where he mentioned
that while writing his novel Silent Ra-
ven, the antagonist had an emotional
revelation that left the writer in tears.
It hit both her and me at the same
time. I felt so sorry for her, as though
she was a real person. To me, I guess
THE CRUCIBLES OF TRUTH
From now onwards,
With every situation,
With every proposition,
This is what I intend to be
doing:
Putting them in a crucible;
A special type of crucible;
The crucible of proving truth;
The crucible of truth.
If it is true that it is true,
I will adopt it;
If it is true that it is false,
I will reject it;
If it is true that it is
indeterminate,
I will be indeterminate;
If it is true that it is probable,
I will accept it;
If it is true that it is
acceptable,
I will abide by it;
Should it be plausible,
I will buy it;
Should it be sensible,
I will go by it;
Should it be treasonable,
I will discard it;
Should it be laudable,
I will accede to it;
Should it be dependable,
I will defer to it;
Should it be credible,
I will swallow it.
If I do this, proving truth from
Every situation and
proposition,
I will survive as well as thrive.
In prudence, I do expose and
defend
This the crucibles of truth:
In truth, it should be,
The mind and the soul;
In truth, it should be,
They do this, proving truth
From every situation,
From every proposition.
By MOSES OMUSOLO
she is. Ive lived with her for so long in
my head, its hard not to think of her
as anything but real, Dennis wrote.
As a reader, I mostly read series
books. Why? Because the characters
become our friends. We get emotion-
ally invested in them. We want to know
more about them. We cheer for them,
cry for them, rally to their aid. But yet,
we cant. Not really. Theyre just words
on a page. But words have power, as
we all know. So we ght alongside our
friends, through thick and thin, and
come out at the end the way the char-
acters, our friends, do.
Character attachment can also
destroy readers and writers. This
happens when what a character goes
through affects the emotional being,
with us sub-consciously believing
that the character is our friend or we
are the character.
DETACHMENT
The writer might also not know
when to detach from the character,
stop being the character after putting
the pen down, and risks ending up
being the character. The same case
applies to readers who take up a char-
acters personality.
Sometimes, writers may feel that
they are writing about themselves, but
we have to ponder whether there has
been manipulation brought about by
our attachment to the character.
In my opinion, the emotional
connection could be a good or a bad
thing. Hemingway was right; a writer
has to feel the story and his charac-
ters for the readers to feel the same.
I also believe that a writer should be
attached to all characters, even giving
minor characters their connection in
the story for the reader to ip to every
page until the end.
to a one-man or one-woman show,
where our favourite overshadows
the rest of the characters. The writer
has no morale when writing a scene
where the main character is absent,
leading to writers block.
The reader, too, will lack concen-
Should I write for the reader, or for
myself?
This is a question one often hears, as
if it is a great literary dilemma.
Oh dear! On the one hand, there are
the great masses, drooling to read
what one has written. On the other
hand, there is the agonised, artistic
genius, struggling with his or her
soul, saying, I want to write just for
me.
See the STOP sign? Stop right there.
No one cares. If you want to get
published and read, and maybe even
have a few people pay a penny or two
for the privilege, you need to lose the
nave romance that it is sacrilege to
spin out books for the masses (and
by masses, I mean a few dozen
Kenyans).
Still, while it is a pretty bad idea to
focus on writing for yourself, it is
equally appalling to try and write
for the masses (quite different from
spinning out books with the intention
of getting them read by the masses).
Go to a popular bookshop in town and
stand near the cashier after picking a
new book (the latest bestsellers are
always near the cashier). Pretend
you are perusing through it, but what
you are really doing is browsing the
actual book buyers there.
One thing will become obvious:
These book buyers, who are the
folks that make the book world
go round, are not the same. They
dont look the same, dress the
same or sound the same. In fact,
they are wildly different, including
in the books they choose to buy. In
other words, you cannot write for
ALL of them.
So, if you are not writing for
yourself or writing for them, who
are you writing for?
The answer is that the answer
changes all the time.
When I wrote my rst book, What If
Im a Literary Gangsta? I lived the
title and wrote for myself, shooting
from the hip and getting called all
sorts of names.
When I did The Road to Eldoret, I
wrote it
for all the middle class
folk who witnessed the post-election
violence on TV, and in the unease in
the ofce and the silence on streets,
lled with lingering teargas and robo-
cops.
After a couple of books, then you may
nd the agenda changing and you
begin writing for, perhaps, specic
publishers. I have written crime noir
for Storymoja, a poetry anthology for
Kwani? and Im in the process of co-
authoring a literary text for Phoenix
Publishers.
Sometimes, it is important to gure
out what publishers need, instead
of blindly sending ones work
everywhere.
In addition, there are numerous
literary awards, and one can look at
the criteria needed and tailor their
literary cloth accordingly. Just dont
make a career out of trying to write
for prizes. Otherwise, you risk losing
originality. And becoming that worst
of literary creatures a hack!
So, for example, who am I writing this
article for?
First of all, for my editor, Terry, who
has delineated space. Secondly, for
you the reader, who has specic
expectations to learn. And when I
get paid, why, I discover I also wrote
for myself!
SUNDAY MAGAZINE /Page 11 Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard
w
Family FINANCE
By VERONICA CHEROP
verocheropy@gmail.com
so. Who wants to be constantly
reminded of their bad judgement?
All said and done, if a family
cannot walk the same path in
investment, that family will be
unable to cross the bridge from
want to nancial freedom.
There are many successful
families that have made it
because one partner went against
the grain and put their foot down,
putting up a strong ght for what
they wanted to invest in. If you
give in to every discouragement
from a spouse who fears taking
risks yet you are a risk taker, you
will be frustrated and your family
will rot in need.
Clearly give the reasons why you
are going ahead with the idea
despite his or her misgivings.
When the spouse sees your
venture bearing fruits, he or she
will start owning it our land in
Kajiado or our business in Maua
town.
Remember, once you go ahead
with your vision, ensure you give
it your best shot; failure is not an
option.
An agitated reader recently wrote
me an email saying she was
staring at useless money she
had set aside for an investment
that did not come to fruition. Her
husband had discouraged her
from buying a house in Mlolongo,
in the outskirts of Nairobi, which
was on offer for Sh4 million cash.
The three-bedroomed house was
everything she wanted, and the
location near the main highway
made it even more attractive. Her
plan was to buy the house then
nd a tenant so that she could
earn some extra income.
She approached her husband
with the idea, and proposed
that they dispose of some land
they had bought earlier, and
which had appreciated greatly,
to raise Sh2 million. They could
then contribute another Sh1
million each, either through
borrowing from their Saccos or
amalgamating their savings.
But after listening to her plan,
her husband dismissed it as
year was barely affordable now.
What should you do if you
face a similar dilemma? In my
experience, if you strongly
believe in something, you should
go ahead and execute it. In the
above situation, the lady should
have thanked her husband for
the advice, but made it clear that
she was going ahead to buy the
apartment.
SPREAD RISK
You can spread the risk by
investing jointly with your chama
members. That way, you will have
a piece of the dream. Although
your initial wish was to have the
property as a family asset, this
new arrangement will ensure
you get a slice of the appreciated
property if the group decides to
sell it and share the benets.
On the other hand, only go
against the advice of your spouse
if you are absolutely sure that
the investment will give you
maximum benets. Otherwise,
you will live with that irritating
constant reminder, I told you
a worthless venture. He went
on to explain how contractors
steal from unsuspecting buyers
by exaggerating the prices of
properties.
How long will it take you to
recover Sh4 million from rent?
Twenty years or more, he
argued.
RUB SALT
He did not understand that to his
wife, the house was an investment
for their children and even
grandchildren. Why did he think
she needed the money back?
When she realised she would
not get his support, and for the
sake of harmony, the woman
sorrowfully shelved her plan.
Then, as if to rub salt into her
sore wound, the houses were
advertised in the local dailies
three months later; they were
selling at Sh5 million cash!
If the couple had gone ahead to
buy the apartment, they would
have been Sh1 million richer. In
addition, with the high ination
rates, what the money could have
bought at the beginning of the
Sometimes, it pays to disagree

an interest rate of 20 per cent for
the rst four loans. Upon timely
repayment of the rst four loans,
members can borrow cash at an
interest rate of 10 per cent.
7. Is the group involved in
any project or business?
Our group was founded
mainly to help members develop
themselves economically by giving
them nancial aid through the loan
programme. We are yet to come
up with community projects, but
we plan to do so in the near future.
Each member has a personal
business that they are engaged
in. Three of us distribute fruits at
Githurai Market while the rest run
butcheries in different areas.
8. How has the group ben-
eted the members?
The group has helped its
members settle hospital bills,
pay school fees for their children,
and renance their businesses
when capital runs low. Members
have also acquired better money
management skills. As friends, the
group has also drawn us closer as
we help each other solve profes-
sional and personal problems.
9. Any challenges?
We lack partners who can
contribute to our ideas and
offer extra nancial support to
help us initialise other projects
that may benet the group and the
community.
10. What are your plans for
the future?
We plan to mould our group
into a well-established and or-
ganised structure that will branch
into real estate.
and how is the money used?
Each member contributes
Sh1,500 every two weeks, and
the money is banked in the groups
account, where it earns interest. At
our various meetings, we discuss
how to use the money for develop-
ment purposes.
6. Do you give loans? If yes,
to whom and at what inter-
est rate?
We lend money to members at
4. How often and where do
you meet?
We meet once every two
weeks, on Sundays, at a hall within
our estate in the Githurai 45 area.
After every two years, we visit
every members parents as a way of
giving back to the community. This
year, we are planning such visits.
5. Do you contribute any
money? If yes, how much
money do you contribute
types. Then, one of us came up with
the idea of forming the group, as
a way of saving money together
for development and business
ventures.
3. When did you form the
group and how many are
you?
We formed the group in June
2009, with 15 members. Along the
way, however, four members quit
the group due to personal issues, so
we are currently eleven.
Q
Q
Q Q
Chamas
WITH SOPHIA OYUGI
sophiaoyugi@yahoo.com
1. Tell us about your
groups name.
Our group is called Great
Mark Self-help Group. We de-
cided to use this name because
our groups purpose is to help each
member grow nancially and so-
cially, and to ensure every member
is treated equally.
2. How did you meet?
Before we started the group,
we were just friends engaged
in businesses of various
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Making a great mark
in the business world
Members of Great Mark Self-help Group want to help each other improve their business skills. [PHOTOS: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]
Page 12/SUNDAY MAGAZINE Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard
M
ama Jimmys boss has
turned her into a 24-
hour workhorse of sorts.
Throughout the past week,
she has been receiving numerous work-
related phone calls, texts and emails
outside of regular ofce hours. In other
words, her boss has been mixing busi-
ness with pressure, and Mama Jimmy
is unable to separate her work life from
family life.
It all started on Monday evening,
when she dragged an industrial-sized
heap of les into the house with her.
She immediately set to work on this
kazi funga. Being a sinfully nosy hubby,
I sought to know what it was she was
working on so zealously.
Sorry, dear, but this is condential,
the comptroller snapped, and promptly
went back to her work.
It is not like I was overly interested
in her job-related secrets; I was just cu-
rious. The only secret I need to know
these days is Bill Gates ATM Pin. Any-
way, long after dinner, she was still
working on those top-secret reports.
Wont you come to sleep? I bawled
from the bedroom.
Just a minute, Baba Jim; Im work-
ing on some reports, she screeched
back.
Ten Oclock came and she still hadnt
materialised. By now, the atmosphere
in my bedroom comprised 78 per cent
nitrogen and 21 per cent loneliness. I
just could not sleep.
BabaJimmi
With
Joseph Maina
Her boss
has been
mixing business
with pressure.
It was midnight when my wife nally
wobbled in, looking as tired as a mjengo
guy. Tuesday to Thursday turned out to
be no different.
Tangulia ukalale tu niko na kazi
mob sana, she advised.
missed my Nyayo House questions.
Wacha maswali mengi Baba Jim,
she riposted dryly. Kwani wewe ni
polisi?
Later that evening, the two drove
into the compound in a Land Cruiser
VX110, which the boss parked right next
to my Toyota Starlet 1300cc 4EFT Inter-
cooler Turbo.
Habari yako mzee? he saluted
gaily. Mzee? What did I look like a
pensioner? Am I Baba Jimmy or Babu
Jimmy?
Niko poa, boss, I snapped back
while studying him closely, trying to
analyse his threat potential.
To his credit, the bloke exuded the
airs of a thoroughbred gentleman. And
no, he was not just a hustler in an ex-
pensive suit this was Mr Moneybags
himself. As to whether he was hand-
some or not, I will reserve my com-
ments, lest I be accused of hate speech.
ZOOMED OFF
Having safely delivered his passen-
ger, the gentleman begged to leave.
Tuonane kesho kazini, Beatrice,
he told his employee, before turning to
me: Lala salama, mzee.
He then hopped into his parliamen-
tary-grade automobile and zoomed off.
Now, the workaholic may not be
the most romantic word to use in de-
scribing ones wife, perhaps because of
the last ve letters. Still, I cannot think
of a better word to describe Mama Jim-
my, who is so hard working she makes
bees look lazy.
However, this kazi funga business
must stop, ladies and gentlemen. Like
I have told you before, I have only one
dear wife, and that is the comptroller.
At this rate, I might just have to launch
Operation Linda Mama Watoto.
Displaced by kazi funga
Memoirs of a scribe
Borders are
made to be
crossed
I
n the wake of recent terrorist
attacks in Nairobi, Mombasa
and parts of northeastern Ke-
nya, there have been all man-
ner of suggestions on how to decisive-
ly deal with the Al Shabaab menace.
One is that the Government should
scrap some of its more ambitious and
contentious plans, such as the Class
One laptop project, and instead use
the money to fence Kenyas porous
border with Somalia, from Kiunga in
the south to Mandera in the north.
This is an idea I nd interesting
because, in the course of my career,
I have had some experience with the
so-called porous border.
After dictator Mohamed Siad
Barres ouster in 1990, Somalia erupt-
ed into factional ghting by militias
allied to a number of warlords, result-
ing in a ood of refugees, many of
whom ed into Kenya.
In response to the evolving hu-
manitarian crisis, the United Nations
High Commission for Refugees (UN-
We were
unaware
that we had crossed
over into Somalia
when gunre
erupted around us.
Ogle, it was all in a days work because
that part of the country was home.
My rst impression of Garissa was
of a place like none I had ever seen be-
fore. After ying for miles on end over
what seemed to a mountain main fea-
tureless landscape, we arrived at Li-
boi, an expansive cluster of tents.
The pilot pointed down to what
looked like a busy marketplace full
of milling crowds, goods, and don-
keys and camels walking about, and
informed us that it was the airstrip
where we would soon be landing. To
clear the earthen, potholed runway,
he ew low a couple of times to buzz
the crowds out of the way.
The welcoming party at Liboi was
a throng of refugee men, women and
children hissing angrily in demon-
stration over one thing or the other.
Somehow, we were herded into UN-
HCR vehicles unhurt, and were soon
on our way to the agencys ofces.
TOUGH JOURNALISTS
Ogle and I were, however, soon
restless and eager to play the role of
tough journalists. We were informed
that the border with Somalia was only
half a kilometre away, and decided
to do some exploration through the
thorn brush where only locals could
see roads and pathways.
After half an hour of walking, we
were unaware that we had crossed
over into Somalia when gunre erupt-
ed all around us. We had missed the
manned border post on the way.
We were crawling on our knees
and bellies back the way we had come
when the source of the gunre ap-
peared in a cloud of dust and a num-
ber of technicals, modied Land-
cruiser vans, passed us.
We found some of the vans at the
border post we had missed. After
some discreet inquiries, we learned
that one of the vans occupants was
the injured son of a Somali warlord,
General Morgan. He had come to Ke-
nya to seek medical attention.
Ogle had his hard story, and I
could write about the imaginary bor-
der between Kenya and Somalia.
With
Benson Riungu
HCR) started building refugee camps
at Liboi, Hagdera and Dageley in what
is today Garissa County. As a feature
writer with The Standard in 1992, I was
invited by UNHCRs resident represen-
tative in Kenya to join a party touring
the camps and record a phenomenon
that even then appeared historic.
In view of the fact that I would be
concerning myself largely with the
soft side of the refugee story, I thought
it prudent to ask a hard news reporter
to accompany me. I approached Bakr
Ogle, at the time a reporter with The
Standard, but who was to later go up in
the world and represent Kenya as am-
bassador in the Middle East, among
other senior appointments.
It would be the rst time I was
travelling beyond Isiolo into a part
of Kenya that not many years before
was known as the Northern Frontier
District and into which entry was of-
cially restricted. I was understandably
eager for the experience as we ew out
of Wilson Airport one ne morning. To
up to a volume high enough to awaken
the dead as the lads listened to Sheng
grammar lessons from one Bonoko-
deh. Eventually, the room became in-
sufferably chaotic even for my associate
couch potato, Tyson the cat.
Seeing that it was getting late, I
called the comptroller, seeking to know
her transport arrangements.
Mdosi wangu atanileta nyumbani,
she submitted.
Will he take everyone home after
work? I posed.
No, just me, she snapped back,
and this set my alarm bells ringing.
Is he married? I prodded.
Perhaps the boss was just being a
Good Samaritan, but at this rate, he
might end up being the saviour! I
would hate to imagine a hot-blooded
bachelor cruising along the highways
with my comptroller by his side, treat-
ing her to all manner of cock and bull
stories while changing gears unneces-
sarily.
At this point, the comptroller dis-
On Friday evening, she called to an-
nounce that she was held up at work.
Leo nitatokea job late, she re-
layed, effectively leaving me in the bad
hands of my mboys.
Before long, the stereo was cranked
SUNDAY MAGAZINE /Page 13 Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard SUNDAY MAGAZINE /Page 13
PRESENTS
@ KENYATTA STADIUM MACHAKOS
27
29
JUNE 2014
TICKETS: KSH 500
CAMP SITE
@MACHAKOS GOLF CLUB
GATES OPEN: 10AM
@KENYATTA STADIUM
VILLAGE
Culture
BY THORN MULLI
The treasure
Murumbi left
Murumbi, Kenyas rst
Foreign minister and the second
vice president, resigned from the
Government in 1966 and found
another path through which he
could serve his country and the
world by collecting, preserving,
protecting and promoting African
art and culture in all its forms.
The collections left behind
by the passing of Sheila Mu-
rumbi in 2000, endured more
than a decade in a purgatory of
legal wrangles. They were nally
released through a deed of gift to
the people of Kenya, represented
by the Kenya National Archives
and the National Museums of
Kenya, who have signed a deed
to maintain and exhibit the col-
lections for locals and visitors to
enjoy.
TORN DOWN
Murumbi sold a consider-
able part of his collections that
included books and art to the
Kenya National Archives in
1976, after a re devastated the
rst African Heritage Gallery on
Kenyatta Avenue. The follow-
ing year, he offered his house in
Muthaiga to house the collection,
on condition that it be turned
into the Murumbi Institute of
African Studies.
However, this was never to be
and the house was abandoned
until it was nally torn down and
the land reallocated. Meanwhile,
Murumbi had moved near the
Masai Mara Game Reserve, to a
place called Intona, which means
roots in the Maa language. He
built another stunning house
there, but it is now abandoned
and vandalised, its doors and
windows missing.
After a serious fall in his bath-
room, he was moved from that
house, and he lived in a house off
Ngong Road in Nairobi until his
T
he grand old building
that houses the Mu-
rumbi African Heritage
collection has celebrat-
ed its 100th birthday, having been
built in 1913 to house the then
Native ministry. The settler com-
munity referred to it as Hatches,
Matches and Dispatches because
of the births, marriages, and
deaths recorded there.
Now it is a safe place for
books, cultural attire, fabric and
postage stamps from days gone
by. Renowned artists, includ-
ing East African pioneers Sanaa
Gateja and Ancent Soi, also have
their work displayed. The former
established Studio Sanaa, one
of the rst galleries in Kenya, in
Mombasa in 1971. He currently
works from Kampala and uses
bark cloth and other local materi-
als in his art.
Soi, on the other hand, was
selected out of all the entries
from Africa to create the poster
for the Munich Olympics in 1972,
bringing him world fame. He has
more than 20 works on display at
the Nairobi Gallery, the modern
name for the historic building.
Of signicance also is a
clay vessel by Lady Magdalene
Odundo, placed at the centre of
rotunda, which is said to be the
centre of Nairobi. Odundo is the
only Kenyan to have received the
Order of the British Empire (OBE)
from the Queen of England for
her work.
BUSINESS PARTNER
Murumbi opened the conti-
nents rst Pan African Gallery in
1972, with his business partner,
Alan Donovan, now chairman
of the Murumbi Trust, and wife,
Sheila Murumbi.
It was Joe Murumbis dream
to have a centre where artists
from all over the continent could
show their works and see and
meet other artists, Alan says.
death in June 1990.
The Government granted
permission to bury the former
VP at the Nairobi City Park. This
was because he had requested
to be buried as near as possible
to his close friend and mentor,
Pio Gama Pinto, a victim of the
countrys rst political assassina-
tion, who is buried in the nearby
cemetery.
When Sheila died in 2000, she
was buried next to her husband.
There were repeated attempts
to vandalise the graves, so they
were covered with huge boul-
ders. When the Murumbi Trust
was nally set up in 2003, it got
permission to put up a fence and
do some landscaping around the
Murumbi graves.
In his last wishes, and as bets
such a great lover of art, Murumbi
asked that sculptor Elkana Onge-
sa, who staged the rst exhibition
at African Heritage in 1973, sculpt
a statue near his gravesite. Elka-
na created a monumental statue
from Lukenya granite called The
bird of peace emerging from the
stone of despair.
The Murumbi Trust installed
several other sculptures by
pioneer artists close to this one,
including the massive iron statue
by Francis Nnaggenda, which had
stood in front of the Murumbis
Muthaiga house for two decades,
and two soapstone sculptures by
John Odochameny and Expedito
Mwebe.
Sheila Murumbi died without
leaving a will. After it was found
that her British heirs, whom she
had never met, were planning to
export items that were of national
importance, and clearly against
hers and Joes wishes with the
help of the then Vice President
Moody Awori, the containers
were prevented from leaving
the airport. Nearly a decade
later, they were at last
released to the Kenya
National Archives
and the National
Museums of Kenya
through the deed of
gift.
These collections
have now been reunited in this
building, the Old Provincial Com-
missioners ofce. It is a tting
site since Murumbi tried to make
this same building a Kenyan Na-
tional Art Gallery during his time
as Foreign minister.
The gallery is open to the
public, who can also enjoy bitings
and freshly brewed coffee at the
Coffee Arabica shop in the same
compound.
Joseph Murumbi
(inset) was
passionate about
art. He, along
with his wife,
Sheila, and
business partner,
Alan Donovan,
started the
African Heritage
company, which
aimed at
sustaining the
African art
market and
sustaining the
culture. The
pieces they
collected
included clothing
items (worn by
models above
and to the right),
sculptures and
paintings.
[PHOTOS: JONAH
ONYANGO AND FILE/
STANDARD]
SUNDAY MAGAZINE /Page 15 Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard SUNDAY MAGAZINE /Page 15
Getaway
The drive from Nairobi to Na-
kuru is an easy one. The road is
smooth and the refreshing breeze
helps to clear the mind.
Punda Milias sits in the heart
of a perfectly peaceful bush, just
three kilometres off the Nairobi-
Nakuru highway, and one-and-
a-half to two-and-a-half hours
drive (depending on the trafc)
from Nairobi.
On arrival, I am met by Kirsty
and Jason Anderson, the owners
and managers of the camp. After
freshening up in my allocated
banda, Kirsty offers to take me on
a tour of ten-acre property.
ELECTRIC FENCE
The large, well-kept grounds
make it an ideal location for pri-
vate events and gatherings. Next
door is Soysambu Conservancy, a
15,000-acre wildlife-packed area
on the shores of Lake Element-
eita.
Zebras, buffaloes, jackals, ga-
zelles and hyenas are just some
of the wildlife that can be seen
roaming close to the camp in the
day and night. If you are lucky,
you might even spot a pride of li-
ons. An electric fence surrounds
the camp, keeping the animals in
their own area while allowing for
fantastic game viewing.
The camp also attracts a va-
riety of colourful birds, includ-
So close yet so remote
ing hoopoes, crested cranes, the
rare secretary bird, and a variety
of eagles. They are a delight to
watch and listen to, with weaver-
birds being the noisiest feathered
residents.
As we walk back to the main
buiding, I am curious to know
why the name Punda Milias.
My husband and I had always
dreamt of developing a camp af-
ter seeing so many amazing ones
while working as safari guides.
We wanted to implement our
own ideas, offers Kirsty.
The name Punda Milias was
mainly chosen for symbolic rea-
sons. I am a white New Zealander
while my husband is a black Ke-
nyan, but rather like the black
and white of a zebra, we are one!
It also made sense as there are
lots of zebras close to the camp.
The main challenge at Punda
Milias Nakuru Camp is accessi-
bility. Many people have no idea
how to nd their way there.
We are located along a
bumpy but accessible road, even
in the wet weather, and we are
signposted all the way, so nding
us shouldnt be too difcult, says
Kirsty.
We get back in the evening,
just in time for a sumptuous din-
ner at the a la carte restaurant
that serves a great mix of tradi-
tional Kenyan and international
Head chef
Joseph and his
team churn
out delights
for the eye and
the palette.
dishes. The menu varies, depend-
ing on what is in season, and I am
lucky to have visited when seared
prawns with a spicy harissa
sauce, and chocolate and Ama-
rula mousse with a strawberry
champagne sauce are available.
Head chef Joseph and his team
churn out delights for the eye and
the palette.
After a warm shower, I retire
for the night.
There are eight bandas (with
double or twin rooms), a large
dorm tent that can accommo-
date ten guests and a family tent
sleeping four guests. The height
of comfort are four stunning lux-
ury safari tents with private, out-
door bathrooms, and a romantic
self-contained cottage.
HOMEMADE BREAD
Dawn breaks with the sound
of birds lling the air. After break-
fast, we head off for a game drive
in the magnicent Soysambu
Conservancy.
We are welcomed by a herd of
gazelles quenching their thirst in
a river. Afterwards, we spot ze-
bras, buffaloes, hyenas and the
endangered Rothschilds giraffe
and Colobus monkeys.
Our drive ends at our picnic
spot, overlooking the conservan-
cy, where we enjoy a bush lunch.
If you think sandwiches are a
humble food, you have not tried
Punda Milias homemade bread
with a variety of mouthwatering
llings.
This also serves as my fare-
well lunch, and soon I have to say
goodbye to this exciting place.
But I will be back!
I
have always loved visit-
ing Nakuru, the majestic
town located on the oor
of the Rift Valley. Of late, it
might have become (in)famous
as Nax Vegas, but there remain
places to have wholesome fun as
a family.
The towns central location
makes it a popular stopover for
travellers heading to other major
urban centres in Kenya, includ-
ing Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu and
Nyeri. A wide range of establish-
ments have been set up to cater to
these guests, as well as the recent
boom of holidaymakers looking
for something beyond the tried
and tested Naivasha.
And Nakuru does not disap-
point. There is much on offer,
including tourist attraction sites
such as Lake Nakuru and the sur-
rounding national park, Menen-
gai Crater and Hyrax Hill. Rugby
matches featuring the countrys
nest are popular with the young
crowd, and Top Fry Nakurus re-
taining of the Kenya Cup is likely
to spur the sports tourism.
On this particular weekend,
I did not seek the excitement of
an athletic clash, but a quiet, re-
laxing getaway from the capital.
My destination was Punda Milias
Camp, picked for its location off
the beaten path (and, to be hon-
est, its interesting name).
BY SYLVIA WAKHISI
Punda Milias
Camp is quite
close to
Nairobi and
Nakuru, but its
rustic ambi-
ence and
location close
to the
Soysambu
Conservancy
give one the
feeling of being
deep in the
bush.
[PHOTOS:
COURTESY/
STANDARD]
The eagle
punches
his way to
top perch
With
Lynet Otieno
lotieno@standardmedia.co.ke
Ofce pepper
clock. Sh2,499
Wooden clock.
Sh14,590
Polar clock.
Sh8,500
Clock with single
penholder.
Sh4,950
Desktop clock.
Sh5,600
Atlas desktop clock.
Sh7,550
Flight clock. Sh8,500
Desk clock.
Sh3,500
Keeping time and beating deadlines
are important parts of every job. So,
why not set the pace using a clock that
reects your personal style?
Be the
boss of
your time
PHOTOS: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD
WHERE: Bo Concept at ABC Place, Enkarasha at T-Mall, Scalina Home Dcor at
Uchumi Langata Hyper, and Rupus Gift Centre on Standard Street, all in Nairobi.
Fromtheheart
welcome
Lessons and friends come in all forms
L
ast week, I accompanied a friend to
hospital in the middle of the night.
Actually, it was more dramatic than
that, courtesy of a phone call at midnight,
excruciating pain, and speeding off to see
the doctor in a sleep-induced daze while
the car made a funny sound.
We screeched into the hospital driveway
in record time, and the ailing young woman
was escorted into the medics ofce by her
sister. Then the waiting began.
After such an adrenalin rush, sitting pa-
tiently in a freezing waiting room can be the
most difcult of tasks. The cold made doz-
ing off impossible. The vending machine
was out of coffee, so the only way to keep
warm was to walk around the deserted re-
ception, which was asking too much of this
unt Kenyan at that hour.
So, sitting it was. The barely audible
TV was not much of a distraction. Im not
a big fan of Naija movies, much less those
featuring ghosts rising from graves and an
alarm-clock-type soundtrack.
And then I tried ddling with my phone.
Isnt it amazing how those friends who
Whatsapp annoying cartoons at 1am like
clockwork have nothing to send the day you
are actually awake and bored?
That is how I ended up playing a game
that involved trying to read as many post-
ers as I could without getting up from my
seat. There were at least ten posters and Im
shortsighted, so I gured I would be occu-
pied for a while.
And then a saviour came along,
and in the most unexpected of forms. One of
the hospital guards walked up, said a warm
hello, commented on the chilly night and
then sat down a respectable two seats away.
Apparently he was assigned to the waiting
room for the night.
I was downright grumpy by then, but the
security guy was in such an upbeat mood,
we might as well have been old friends
catching up on a Sunday afternoon. Thank-
fully, his mood was more contagious than
mine, so we were soon having an interest-
ing chat.
Turns out guards have more to their vo-
cabulary than, Weka handbag hapo, Un-
aenda wapi? and Leta ID.
This one was full of anecdotes; from the
hardships of his previous career as a hawk-
er, the near-impossible drills at the guard
training school, and the shootouts he had
witnessed. He is hoping to leave that kind
of excitement behind though, so during the
day he moonlights as a media student.
In between all the funny stories, he did
ask why I was at the hospital, and reassure
me that my friend would be ne. Which she
was when we nally headed home after
4am.
That hospital has a new fan, and I made
a new friend and learned a valuable lesson
about public relations and customer satis-
faction that day. The small stuff does mat-
ter.
FEEDBACK
PREPARE FINANCIAL CUSHION FOR YOUR BUNDLE
OF JOY
Jeremy Kiptoo: Thanks for bringing up this issue. You wont
believe the number of Kenyans who need this message
repeated to them, over and over again. Why would you do
nothing to prepare for your baby throughout the nine months
of pregnancy? Surely, what kind of miracle are you expecting?
Agness: I support that neighbour; such men need to be given
a dose of reality. When you get your wife pregnant, nobody
needs to tell you that in a few months she will need to be
discharged from the labour ward.
Zablon: The mother and father have equal responsibility in
this. An expectant woman should not just put up her feet and
demand special treatment while her man works hard to put
money aside for the babys needs. Its their baby, not just his.
Anne Otieno: That neighbour was too harsh! Surely, even if
the parents were irresponsible, the baby had done nothing
wrong. Call the unprepared parents names, but help the poor
baby.
ALTERNATIVE RITES OF PASSAGE
Sereti: Why wont the monster of FGM just go away? Even
when groups like this one do away with the barbaric practice,
others will continue to torture their girls in the name of
making them adults.
Angie Mwangi: These girls are very lucky. Female
circumcision has ruined many lives. The Government should
do more than just making laws.
Terry
Lose weight. Losing even a bit of weight can
reduce fatty tissue in the back of the throat
and decrease or even stop snoring.
Exercise. Working out to tone your arms,
legs, and abs, for example, also leads to
toning the muscles in your throat, which in
turn can lead to less snoring.
Quit smoking. Smoking causes airways to
be blocked by irritating the membranes in
the nose and throat.
Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedatives,
especially before bedtime, because they re-
lax the muscles in the throat and interfere
with breathing.
Reposition. Elevating your head four inches
may ease breathing and encourage your
tongue and jaw to move forward. Avoid
sleeping on your back.
Avoid caffeine, heavy and dairy products
just before going to bed.
Source: helpguide.org
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Life is the greatest adventure because one
never really knows what will happen tomor-
row.
Anne Mukei
STOP SNORING
TIPS AND TRICKS
Published by: The Standard Group Ltd
Sunday Managing Editor: Enoch Wambua
Deputy Managing Editor: Fred Waga
Senior Sub-editor: Terry Mwenda
Writers: Anne Anjao-Eboi, Anne Mukei, Rozie Juma,
Sylvia Wakhisi, Joan Barsulai, James Gitau, Tony Ngare,
Sheila Kimani, Lucy Maroncha, Sophia Oyugi, Veronica
Cherop, Benson Riungu, Joseph Maina, Shamlal Puri,
Lydia Limbe, Lynet Otieno
Photography: Wilberforce Okwiri, Collins Kweyu, Jonah
Onyango, Jenipher Wachie
Manager Print Creative : Dan Weloba
Creative Designer: Christine Nyaga
E-mail: sundaymagazine@standardmedia.co.ke;
Website: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mag
All correspondence to Sunday Magazine is
assumed to be intended for publication. Sunday
Magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited
manuscripts, artworks or photographs. All rights on
publication remain with the publisher.
P.15
Getaway
P.14
Diaspora &
destination
Highlights
LIFE COACH: When
moderation is not an option
Alcoholism is a disease, and needs to
be treated as such if those suffering
from it are to turn their lives around.
PAGE 7
BOOK TIPS: Who you
should write for
Many writers are tempted to write
simply to please themselves, but there
are other people to consider.
PAGE 10
MEMOIRS OF A SCRIBE:
Imaginary borders are made
to be crossed
Benson Riungu had a rsthand
experience of the porous boundary
that separates Kenya and Somalia.
PAGE 12
Write to us on sundaymagazine@standardmedia.
co.ke.
P.9
Fashion
Etiquette
WITH ROZIE JUMA
Make your ofce t to work in
T
he professional environment has
an unwritten code of conduct that
dictates how you should behave.
As you go about your day-to-day
activities, here are some important point-
ers to keep in mind.
Keep it low: The ofce in not a public area
where you can speak or laugh as loudly
as you wish. Monitor your volume as
you speak. Ensure that the volume of
your ringtone is not a distraction to
your colleagues.
Be neat: The state of your desk says
much about you. A table cluttered with
papers and disposable cups, cabinets
bursting with les, and an overowing
dustbin are eyesores. Keep your work-
ing area neat to display some efciency
and organisation.
Relationships: The workplace is meant
for business transactions, not personal
matters. Try and avoid intimate rela-
tionships in the ofce; they might have
a negative impact on your professional
growth.
Social networking: I recently overheard a
With
Anne Mukei
Fromtheheart
friend complaining about her employ-
ee who never meets deadlines because
he spends most of his day at work on
Facebook. Limit the amount of time
you spend on the virtual world at the
ofce, lest you miss out on the next
promotion.
Dressing: Just like you plan meticulously
for a wedding or party outt, put some
thought into what you wear to work.
Dress presentably and in a respectable
manner. Most work environments re-
quire formal dressing, apart from the
dress down Friday that has become
a culture in most organisations. For
men, ensure your clothes are ironed,
your hair neat and your shoes polished.
Women should go a step further and
ensure their nails are well manicured
and their outt decent.
Eating habits: I was amused when I
walked into our ofce washroom re-
cently and found a woman washing
dishes. She had everything you would
need for that task, from dishwashing
paste to scouring pad and dishcloth.
While it is not wrong to eat at your desk,
consider your colleagues as you do this.
Why would someone, for instance, carry
sh to the ofce? Some people will be put
off by the assault on their nostrils. Also,
please remember to wash your hands after
you have indulged in an oily feast to avoid
tainting documents with the aftermath of
your meal.
care. Good is comforting because it
is what you are used to. Good takes
your eyes off excellent.
Imagine the possibilities that
would exist if you chose not to settle
for good and decided to go after
excellent.
Imagine the high standards that
would become a part of your once
mediocre life. Imagine the good
feeling that would be birthed from
knowing that you are having the
very best.
TOP GRADE
Being human, and living in a
world governed by humans, it is ac-
ceptable to not always score that
top grade, but it pays to want to be
at the top.
We are told to fan into ame the
gift God has put within us. Into
ame; think about that. Even the
Bible tells us not to settle for good
enough. We are exhorted to turn the
spark we have into an all-consum-
ing re. Why? Because that is what
you are worthy of.
Maybe you need motivation to
be a champion, to be the best, to
be excellent, and if you wont do
it for yourself, then do it for your
country, for your children or for
your colleagues, for your friends.
Whatever it takes, nd a way to turn
your spark into a ame, to turn your
good into excellent. For good is
not good enough.
Good is a word we all want to

be associated with. That four-
letter word always brought
feel-good feelings when it
was scribbled in red on my exam
papers. This is probably because
this was a rare occurrence. But ex-
cellent was the best. It meant I had
surpassed good, that I had outdone
myself.
Anyway, good was always good
enough. Most of us have grown
up with the mentality that good is
enough. But in retrospection, good
is limiting. It makes you settle for
less than you are capable of or
even less than you deserve.
You may be happy with a good
road yes, there are potholes af-
ter that bend, but at least before
you get there, the road is good. So
you embrace its state for years. And
when the road engineers decide to
redo the road one day, you realise
you were settling for less.
You are happy with good cus-
tomer service so what if they
dont respond to your greetings or
look you in the eye as you make an
order? At least they bring you good
food quickly, even if it is minus that
warm human touch.
You settle for good leadership
from an administration character-
ised by corruption and unfullled
promises. Yet if you were to make a
petition, you would have far better
services.
But you wonder why should you
Good takes your
eyes off excellent
It makes you
settle for less
than you
are capable
of or even
less than you
deserve.
Dating on
different
pages
C
onfusion reigns about
dating and marriage
among believers. What
are the rules? What is
Gods perspective? Consider the
scripture below:
Do not be yoked together
with unbelievers. For what do
righteousness and wickedness
have in common? Or what fel-
lowship can light have with
darkness?
The Word warns against dat-
ing and marrying unbelievers.
Why get involved emotionally
with someone that you should
not marry?
When we love someone, we
often think we can pull off mis-
sionary dating, which is dating
a non-believer in the hope that
you can convert him or her.
Some have even married non-
believers, hoping to draw them
to God. Your intentions may be
noble, but such relationships
rarely work out.
Too often, we fall in love and
rush into relationships without
investigating someones back-
ground. Even in secular mat-
ters, it does matter. I am a rm
believer that two people dating
and with intentions to get mar-
ried must be on the same page.
In Looking for a Rain God
and Other Stories, one of the
most fascinating tales is The
Torn Veil, by Mabel Dove-Dan-
quah. It is a story about Akosua,
a village woman who gets mar-
ried to Kwame, a city man.
MODERN WOMAN
At the point of marriage, the
two are not necessarily at the
same level, but the man grows
in his career to the extent that
he sits in important meetings,
while his wife remains more or
less unchanged. This tempts
him to get a modern woman
who will match his status.
Well, the story ends tragi-
cally, when the rejected Akosua
dies in her home village, but not
without haunting her husband,
who follows her to the grave.
I know people will argue
that nothing matters except
love, but I disagree. Think of two
Form Four leavers who marry
without knowing the others
desires and expectations. Over
a 20-year period, one spouse
climbs the academic ladder and
becomes a university don, while
the spouse remains a Form Four
leaver struggling with cleri-
cal work. My take is that there
wont be much conversation in
this home.
BROKEN HEART
It gets worse in spiritual mat-
ters. While one spouse is deeply
in love with service to God, the
other is deeply serving Satan,
hence our scripture above, that
light and darkness do not walk
together. What happens when a
group of worshippers visit this
home and nd the other spouse
drunk and incoherent? Which
path will the children follow?
This is bound to be a struggling
relationship.
The other problem is dating
for the sake of dating. There is
the danger of suffering from a
broken heart. God understands
the power of love and the dam-
age a broken heart can do. This
is why it is important for us to
pray, know our hearts, and lis-
ten to God when we decide to
date, and eventually get mar-
ried.
There is also the issue of
boundaries, where those dating
need to know their limits. God
frowns upon fornication, thus
the need to understand these
boundaries. God-ordained dat-
ing will not be a secret affair,
but will be conducted openly.
And yes, it should have received
serious prayers for conrma-
tion, even before it starts, that
it will eventually lead to mar-
riage.
Moment with God
WITH ANNE ANJAO-EBOI
Mainfeature
Diaspora Kenyan ERICK THE EAGLE OCHIENG is
a force to be reckoned with in the world of British
boxing. SHAMLAL PURI throws a few verbal
punches at the champ and gets a bagful
of responses in return.
The Eagle
punches
his way to
top perch
W
hen he steps into the
ring, English Light
Middleweight cham-
pion Erick The Eagle
Ochieng has a single aim to knock
his opponent at on the canvas.
And when he is concentrating
on unleashing well-aimed jabs and
power punches, the ringside erupts
with chants of Erick! Erick! Erick! The
atmosphere is simply electric.
The Nairobi-born 27-year-old is a
professional boxer, and is fast becom-
ing a dominant force on the British
boxing scene. He has seen off the
likes of Andrew Lowe, Max Maxwell,
and Ryan Toms, all stars in their own
right, since beating Nick Quigley to lift
the vacant title on 28 January, 2012,
in a tough match at York Hall in east
London.
He has spiritedly defended his title,
proving a tough adversary to the con-
tenders, and a favourite among boxing
fans, thanks to his crowd-pleasing style
and playful demeanour.
Erick was born in the Kaloleni area
of Nairobi and raised by his grand-
mother until the age eleven, when
she passed away. He then moved to
London to join his parents.
On arrival in the British capital,
the boy found that his parents had
separated, and he went to live with his
mother.
Like every newly arrived migrant,
Erick experienced a culture shock in
his new environment. Unfortunately,
he mixed with the wrong crowd, and
subsequently got into trouble with the
police. The young Kenyan ended up
in a foster home in Tottenham, north
London.
The subsequent court appearance
gave him a jolt, and he decided to turn
his life around. He started to attend
church services and has since then
been a devout Christian.
To occupy himself more construc-
tively, he and a friend started to attend
the Haringey Boxing Club in north
London. Rather than ghting on the
street, he turned to ghting in the ring,
and found that the sport gave him the
motivation to work hard to achieve his
goals.
I was always into sport, even as a
child in Nairobi, he says. I would take
part in football, basketball and athlet-
ics. I started boxing at the age of 14,
but did not take it seriously.
The trainers watching me in
Rather
than
ghting in
the streets,
he turned
to ghting
in the
ring.
Erick Ochieng
turned to
boxing after
getting into
trouble with
the law. From
a troubled
teenager, he
has become
an inspira-
tional
sportsman.
[PHOTOS:
SHAMLAL PURI
AND COURTES/
STANDARD]
London said I had talent, so I
started being keen on training,
and my boxing career took off
from there.
Today, he says that he places
his success squarely at the feet of
the Lord Jesus.
Boxing runs in Ericks blood.
He draws inspiration from his
uncle Nick Odore, nicknamed
Computer, who dominated the
light welterweight nal in the
1990 Commonwealth Games, but
fell victim to biased judgement.
Ericks amateur boxing career
ultimately led him to win the
Haringey Box Cup in 2008, and
successfully representing the
Haringey Boxing Club in the
Swedish Club Championship in
2005 and 2006. It was around this
time that he noticed Bryan Law-
rence, who was to be his future
trainer, working in the gym with
Ian Napa, the British and Euro-
pean Bantam Weight Champion.
He approached Lawrence and
asked for his help.
IMPRESSIVE RECORD
In September 2009, Erick
turned professional. Lawrence,
an experienced trainer, took Erick
under his wing. The coach had
previously brought success to
such boxers as Napa, as well as
Henry Akawade (Commonwealth
and European WBO heavyweight
champion), James Cook (British
and European super middle-
weight champion) and Richard
Williams (Commonwealth IBO
light middleweight world cham-
pion).
Lawrence guided Erick
through his early professional
ghts, and ultimately to attaining
the English light middleweight
championship.
Ochieng takes an orthodox
stance in the ring, which is
mostly used by right-handed
boxers, including the legendary
Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis,
Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson.
Ericks boxing record speaks
for itself. From 65 amateur ghts,
he won 55, with 22 knock-outs.
There have been some low
moments, too. After his 3 x 3
minute rounds welterweight bout
against Paddy Gallagher in East
London on April 5, Erick had to
be given medical treatment and
stretchered from the ring. Later,
he put the incident down to too
much heat and stufness in the
hall.
After turning professional in
2009, Erick has set an impressive
record. He has won 13 out of 15
ghts no mean feat in a sport
driven by tough competition in
the ring. He is ranked 20th out
of 129 in the UK, and 185th from
1,685 internationally.
And he is not about to hang
up his gloves. He says with deep
conviction, My ultimate aim is to
be the world champion.
I am a full time ghter and I
spend four to ve days in train-
ing, especially when there is a
ght on the horizon. I want to
make sure that I get to where I
should really be in boxing.
The ultimate landing ground
for The Eagle is the top spot in
the global arena.
shamlalpuriStandard@gmail.
com
Kenyas dry spell in the boxing ring has lasted several years.
Older folks remember with nostalgia the accomplishments of
Steve Muchoki and company at the Amateur Boxing Champion-
ships.
Muchokis won a silver medal at the inaugural championships of
1974 held in Havana, Cuba. He topped this with a gold two years
later in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Muchoki put Kenya on the world map in this championship.
It is now 28 years down memory lane, and Kenyas medal cabinet
can only dream of silver ware like Muchoki brought.
How we long for the days of our Hit Squad. This
squad of 1987 put Kenya on the boxing world map
and sent local fans into frenzy. It included light
fyweight Maurice Maina, light welterweight David
DK Kamau, featherweight Patrick Mont Waweru,
Bantamweight Stephen Mwema.
Others were lightweight John Wanjau, Mohammed
Body Orungi, welterweight Robert Wangila, and su-
perheavyweight Chris Odera.
Those days, medals and trophy from regional,
continental and international bouts fowed into
the country. Our boxers were respected at the Af-
rican Games, Commonwealth Games and even
the Olympics.
But not any more. Many of the local ama-
teur boxers have walked away from the
ring owing to poor pay and mismanage-
ment from the associations, managers
and promoters.
It is distressing to see our up and
coming talent opt to do odd jobs rath-
er than pursue a sporting career that
they were clearly made for.
- Courtesy of Game Yetu
Mainfeature
* Omar Ahmed
Born: December 29, 1970
Specialty: Boxing (Heavyweight)
Won gold at the Commonwealth Games held in Victoria in 1994
Also won an All-Africa Games gold medallist (Harare 1995)
* Joseph Akhasamba
Born: June 20, 1963 in Nairobi
Specialty: Boxing (Light Heavyweight)
Won gold at the Commonwealth Games held in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990. He
competed at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games
* Robert Napunyi Wangila
Born: September 3, 1967 in Nairobi
(Died July 24, 1994)
Specialty: Boxing
Made history as Kenyas and Africas frst gold medallist at the Summer Olympics
when he knocked out Frenchman Laurent Boudouani in the second round in Seoul
1988. To date the late Wangilas gold medal remains the only Olympic triumph for
Kenya outside athletics.
On his way to winning gold, Wang-
ila eliminated ore Petronijevi
(Yugoslavia), Khaidan Gantulga,
Khristo Furnigov (Bulgaria)
and got a walkover against
Jan Dydak of Poland. He
turned pro after the Olym-
pics. He died from injuries
sustained during his bout
with David Gonzalez in
Las Vegas, USA.
Achievements:
Gold, 1988 Seoul Olym-
pics, Welterweight
Gold, 1987 All-Africa
Games Nairobi, Feather-
weight
Courtesy of Game Yetu
Some of Kenyas boxing legends
Bring back Kenyas boxing glory
PICTURES: James Keyi
Unsung heroes
towels. She got a prototype of the
pads and realised that the women
in her village could make a similar
product, using locally available
materials.
I realised that manufac-
turing the washable sanitary
towels could be a viable business
opportunity for women in my
region. I brought the idea to Imara
Womens Group, of which I am the
patron, and they liked it.
SELF-ESTEEM
The group began to manufac-
ture the pads after getting certica-
tion from the Kenya Bureau of
Standards (Kebs). The major raw
material is a woollen fabric that is
cut into strips and then covered
with soft cloth.
Our nal product, dubbed
Buttery, is economical and en-
vironmentally friendly. We started
selling it last year to schools, and
women in the village and be-
yond. It is sold as a kit in a pack
of eight pads, two underpants,
a piece of soap and a pamphlet
containing information on sexu-
ality, including the menstrual
cycle, safe sex and self-esteem.
Buttery stands for the
beauty, fragility and liberty the
insect represents, qualities that are
also found in our girls. The project
is partly sponsored by Soroptimist
Suisse, an international womens
club to which I belong.
Last month, Imara Womens
Group entered into an agreement
with the wife of Bungoma Governor
Ken Lusaka, Dr Margaret Makelo
who has set up an initiative that
will supply free sanitary towels to
primary and secondary schools in
the county.
It gives me joy that these
women are not only empower-
ing themselves economically, but
their products will go a long way
in keeping girls in school, says a
beaming Everlyn.
it was unfair that her family was
the only that was prosperous. The
scornful consensus was that they
would suffer like anybody else
in the village once she boarded a
plane back to Europe.
The statement greatly both-
ered me. I was troubled in my
heart when I ew back to Switzer-
land because it dawned on me that
all the years I had been supporting
my family exclusively, I was also
stoking their problems and putting
them in imminent danger. This
spurred me to stop postponing the
idea of starting projects to benet
the community.
200 DESKS
She and her husband pondered
over ways to help local people.
I got in touch with chiefs and
other members of the then provin-
cial administration for their input
says Everlyn.
As we speak, her command
of Swahili and the local Bukusu
language belies the fact that she
has lived in Europe for the last 20
years.
Khachonge Primary School,
where this philanthropist began
her education, was the rst bene-
ciary of her charity work. The most
pressing concern was desks not
all the 1,300 pupils had desks.
I organised a charity dinner,
where we raised more than 3,500
Swiss francs, an equivalent of
Sh160, 000 then.
With the money, local car-
penters made 200 desks for pupils,
as well as some chairs and tables
for teachers. The classroom oors
were cemented and the windows
and doors xed.
We cost-shared with parents,
who provided some of the labour,
and building materials such as
timber at a 10 per cent discount.
That is why we did so much with
such little money.
Before the project at the school
was complete, it struck her that
the area had no health facilities.
I
rst meet Everlyn Nasambu
Wamalwa at Khachonge
Trading Centre in Bun-
goma County. She is chat-
ting animatedly with a group of
women who are hanging onto her
every word. Most passers-by want
to shake her hand and have a word
with her, and soon, a small crowd
has gathered.
The mother of two, who relo-
cated to Switzerland, has attained
quasi-celebrity status in not only
her village but the county, for her
passion in supporting womens
empowerment projects.
Everlyn funds the projects in
her native home through hosting
charity dinners featuring Kenyan
delicacies for her friends, col-
leagues and neighbours in Europe.
Ugali and chapati are some of the
most popular items during these
gatherings.
The counselling psychologist
also supports some of the projects
she has initiated from her own
pocket. The 42-year-old travels
home at least twice a year to moni-
tor how the projects are doing.
Community development has
been her passion for many years.
Like most people in the
diaspora, I had concentrated on
personal investments and assisting
my immediate family members
and close relatives, but I had a
burning desire to give back to the
community because of the chal-
lenges I faced as a child. Procrasti-
nation held me back for a while,
Everlyn admits.
Twelve years ago, she bought
a parcel of land near Khachonge
Trading Centre in Bungoma with
the intention of putting up her hol-
iday home. She reasoned that she
needed a house where she could
stay with her husband and children
when she visited her home country
instead of putting up at a hotel.
Before Everlyn started laying
the foundation of the house,
neighbours were overheard mak-
ing snide remarks to the effect that
People often sought medical treat-
ment in clinics that were more
than 15 kilometres away, most of
this distance on near-impassable
roads.
Everlyn did the unthinkable;
she decided to convert her house,
which was nearing completion,
into a health centre where patients
would receive treatment at a sub-
sidised cost. The bedrooms were
converted to wards of Khachonge
Hospital, whose daily operations
are funded by her fundraising ac-
tivities wand a network of friends.
It is a challenge keeping the
health facility running, especially
when you consider that salaries
and wages are a constant demand.
But the joy I see on the faces of
women and children after receiv-
ing treatment keeps me going, the
facility has been running for more
than 10 years, says Everlyn.
Four years ago, a local adminis-
trator brought to her attention the
plight of girls from needy families
in the region, who miss school
several days a month because they
lack sanitary towels.
While trawling the Internet on
this topic, Everlyn, stumbled upon
some information on a womens
group from Nairobi that was
manufacturing reusable sanitary
Charity
fuelled
by ugali
Like many Kenyans from the diaspora,
EVERLYN NASAMBU WAMALWA focused
on improving the lives of her immediate
family members, until she realised that
there could be no real change if the rest
of the community was suffering. She told
DANIEL PSIRMOI her story.
She decided to
convert her house
into a health centre
where patients would
receive treatment at a
subsidised cost.
Everlyn Nasambu Wamalwa (above) lives in Switzerland but is actively
involved in community projects in her village in Bungoma County. The
projects she sponsors include making reusable sanitary towels and
improving school facilities. PHOTOS: DANIEL PSIRMOI/STANDARD]
When quitting is not an option
SUNDAY MAGAZINE /Page 7
By TONY NGARE
Twitter: @tonyngare
Sunday, May 25,, 2014 / The Standard
Sundayride
WITH JAMES GITAU
A
s the sad scenes of
death by drinking were
beamed across our
screens, a very disturb-
ing picture was unfolding. Some
deant citizens, in various stages
of intoxication declared they
would stick to their favourite tipple
regardless of the consequences.
Why dont they just quit? an
observer may ask. The drinkers
life seems to be such a struggle
that opting out looks like the best
option.
Why cant you stop drinking;
cant you see what alcohol is do-
ing to your life?we ask relatives or
friends whose drink-
ing has constantly-
wreaked
of nerve cells in the brain), also
referred to as the brains pleasure
centre.
Repeated consumption of an
addictive substance, such as al-
cohol, certain foods or even sex,
causes nerve cells in the nucleus
accumbens to communicate in a
way that transforms liking some-
thing to needing it. This in turn
drives the user to go after that
thing at any cost.
For the alcoholic, this moti-
vates them to seek the source of
pleasure, even if it endangers their
health or poses the risk of arrest.
This need for physical pleasure,
however, is not the sole source of
alcoholism. To develop depen-
dence on alcohol, genetics and
psychological and social factors
combine to create an atmosphere
conducive for addiction to mani-
fest itself.
Alcoholism often seems to run
in families. Research has shown
that genes are responsible for
about half the risk of alcoholism.
The genetic predisposition to alco-
holism, coupled with environmen-
tal factors, inuences the suscepti-
bility to alcohol dependency. This,
in part, explains why some people
become addicted to alcohol, while
others drink but do not become
dependent.
The initial consumption of
alcohol is a choice, possibly in-
Lifecoach
they start drinking. Over time
though, drinking too much may
change the chemistry of the part of
the brain associated with the expe-
rience of pleasure, judgment and
the ability to exercise control over
ones behaviour.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The chemical composition of
alcohol causes it to affect all types
of cells in the body, especially those
of the central nervous system. Al-
coholism is a chronic disease that
changes both brain structure and
functions. Just as diabetes impairs
the pancreas and cardiovascular
diseases damage the heart, addic-
tion hijacks the brain.
A series of changes occurs, be-
ginning with the recognition of
pleasure, then an ever increasing
effort to achieve that pleasure, and
culminating with compulsive be-
haviour.
Let me explain a bit here as this
may help us better understand
addictions of all kinds. The brain
registers all forms of pleasure in a
similar way, regardless of origin.
This could be the pleasure from
winning a prize, sex or even enjoy-
ment of a delicious meal.
In the brain, pleasure has a dis-
tinct signature, which is the release
of a neuro-transmitter (chemical
messenger) called dopamine into
the nucleus accumbens (a cluster
havoc in their lives.
This need to drink at any cost is
an addiction to alcohol; a depen-
dence on alcohol also referred to
as alcoholism.
Addiction is an intense craving
for something, a loss of control in
its use and continued usage de-
spite adverse consequences. An
alcoholic or addict will rationalise
that whatever harm is being ex-
perienced by other users will only
happen to them, but not to him or
her.
The root cause of alcoholism
is as yet unknown. However, alco-
hol dependence is inuenced by
genetic, psychological, social and
environmental factors. These el-
ements, coupled with the use of
alcohol over a prolonged period,
will sometimes lead to depen-
dency.
Di f f er-
ent people
have dif-
fering re-
s pons es
to al-
cohol
when
L
ast week, yours truly
narrated how he was ar-
rested and booked for
a minor trafc offence,
(using the wrong lane and allegedly
causing obstruction).
After the bulky cop had searched
me, he opened the police cell. I had
been dreading this moment. In a
desperate bid to get an extra few
minutes of freedom, I told him I
needed to make a call.
There is network in there, he
growled.
With that, I was shoved me into
the dark cell, where I found another
ten people or so.
I did a quick scan of the room,
and found that my companions
looked quite harmless. Several
were actually like me, all suited up,
and held back from their mission
of building the nation. The others
were matatu crew.
I called a lawyer and he told
me not to worry, the ne could
even be Sh1,000. Not convinced
I called another and he gave me a
very uncomfortable piece of news:
The ne is actually at the discre-
tion of the magistrate, and could
be anything between Sh10,000 and
Sh50,000. My sister later corrobo-
rated this.
Tough-talking, no-nonsense
guess is as good as mine, as I dont
know whether he was going to call
him for a cup of tea, or lunch at the
nearly food shack. I did not probe
him further.
Then there was another matatu
driver who had been stopped the
previous week by the police, but
woman that she is, my sister took it
upon herself to establish whether I
could get out on police bond. No
way, came the response. These
suspects are going to Kibera at
nine.
In one single utterance, the po-
licewoman had reduced her broth-
er from a close relative to a mere
suspect! Like me, my sister discov-
ered that things were getting more
complicated as the sun rose. It was
now 7:15am. I had been arrested at
around 6.30am.
My family called to tell me they
were looking for money in readi-
ness of the court ne.
Meanwhile, inside the police
cell, it was getting hotter and more
stuffy by the minute, never mind
that it was not even7:30am.
MUNDANE CHARGES
In that room, we all had one
thing in common; we felt we did not
deserve to be there. Honestly, there
are thugs and terrorists invading
our world, and yet, there we were,
honest and hardworking patriots
arrested on mundane charges.
One of the matatu guys was
complaining bitterly, saying that
after the court hearing, he would
surely have a word with the police-
man who arrested him. Now, your
ered my ears, not wanting to sub-
ject my innocence to such raw
brutality. From his breath, you
could tell that this suspect had
been drinking.
He then shouted to the police,
Afande, I need to use the wash-
room.
Luckily that was one of the few
remaining luxuries we were enti-
tled to. He was let out, and thank-
fully so. From the look of things,
had he been denied his right to
use the washroom, he would
have relieved himself in the cell.
The stench in the room made it
clear that it this would not have
been the rst time someone had
used the oor in this manner.
TEAM LOST
I tapped the matatu fellow,
who had cooled down by this
time. I asked him what kind of
ne obstruction by changing
lane would attract.
It depends. If the magistrate
is an Arsenal or Man United fan
and the team lost over the week-
end, he could ne heavily. It is
at his discretion. This was more
worrying than funny.
At 9am, a minibus drove up to
the station, and we all led out of
the police cell, heading to Kibera
for our date with the magistrate.
My relatives, who by now
numbered about ve, jumped
into a car and raced to the Kib-
era Courts. There is a reason why
they say blood is thicker than wa-
ter; none of them went to work
that morning.
Jailbirds of
a feather
uenced by peer pressure, the
socio-economic environment and
availability. But once an individual
begins drinking alcohol, the risk of
developing alcoholism is largely
inuenced by genetic make-up.
Lack of employment oppor-
tunities (hence idleness), the pro-
liferation of cheap liquor and a
prevalent drinking culture provide
the perfect recipe for the increase
of alcoholism among the popu-
lace. Alcohol acts as a substitute
for coping skills in this hostile en-
vironment.
MORAL ISSUE
Alcoholism is neither a moral
issue nor a matter of choice or lack
of willpower, it is a chronic condi-
tion; a disease.
In my case, my initiation to al-
cohol was as a result of peer pres-
sure. The environmental inuenc-
es (family) may have steered me
away from total destruction, and I
consider myself fortunate.
What options for rehabilitation
or an alternative lifestyle are be-
ing offered to those being arrested,
jailed or ned for drinking? They
need help.
The author is a life coach and
founder of Peak Performance In-
ternational a human potential
development rm: coach@peak-
performance-int.com
had ed. Thus, he had been arrested
for an offence he committed a week
earlier. I wondered whether that
was legal, but again, I had enough
problems of my own.
Another burly man was ushered
into the police cell. He was furious,
and spewing unprintables. I cov-
You are the architect of your own destiny; you are the master of
your own fate; you are behind the steering wheel of your life. There
are no limitations to what you can do, have, or be. Except the
limitations you place on yourself by your own thinking.
AZIM JAMAL,
CANADA.
BRIAN TRACY,
USA.
HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP
LIVE SEMINAR
TUESDAY, 17
TH
JUNE 2014
Safari Park Hotel Nairobi
9 AM TO 4 PM
International Leadership Trainers
GET YOUR TICKET NOW
FOR BOOKINGS, REGISTRATIONS AND ENQUIRIES- TEL: 020 240 3416, 0719 197 527
Email: info@aloraafrica.com
www.aloraafrica.com
BECOME A HIGH PERFORMING LEADER
ALORA
AFRICA
THOUGHT
LEADERSHIP
SERIES
LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE.
Halftime
ACROSS: 1, Lethal 7,
Acrimony 8, Feat 10,
Cradle 11, Figure 14, Tee
16, Minus 17, Sped 19,
Rerun 21, Madam 22,
Latin 23, Most 26, Steer
28, Gap 29, Manage
30, Enrage 31, Null 32,
Recanted 33, Singer
DOWN: 1, Lances 2,
Heeded 3, Late 4,
Minimum 5, Bosun 6,
Tyres 8, Fate 9, Ale 12,
Gin 13, Runes 15, Medic
18, Pasta 19, Rat 20, Ran
21, Margins 22, Lea 23,
Marlin 24, Opal 25, Teeter
26, Smart 27, Enact 28,
Gnu 30, Ends
LAST SUNDAYS EASY SOLUTIONS
EASY PUZZLE
Across
1 Hollow (6)
7 Corrupt (8)
8 Quote (4)
10 Fairy king (6)
11 Corsair (6)
14 Lair (3)
16 Filleted (5)
17 Bound (4)
19 Entire range (5)
21 Brimless cap (5)
22 Type of saw (5)
23 Nip (4)
26 Criminal (5)
28 Obtain (3)
29 Delighted (6)
30 Small mammal (6)
31 First man (4)
32 Contaminating (8)
33 Glowing coals (6)
Down
1 Pious (6)
2 Coupled (6)
3 Paradise (4)
4 Fish (7)
5 Type of nut (5)
6 War-horse (5)
8 Yield (4)
9 Weight (3)
12 Decay (3)
13 Lure (5)
15 Christmas song (5)
18 Drive (5)
19 Information (3)
20 Males (3)
21 Under (7)
22 Baby (3)
23 Smear (6)
24 Thing (4)
25 Goes in (6)
26 Achievements (5)
27 Dead language (5)
28 Deity (3)
30 Anger (4)
Using all the letters of the
alphabet, ll in the grid. To
help you, there are three
cryptic crossword-style
clues:
Top line: A golfers snack? (1,
4, 8)
Middle line: Is this part of
a vessel designed for jam-
making? (3, 10)
Bottom line: This mammal ies
at great speed from a place of
evil. (1,3, 3, 2, 4)
To start you off, here is one
of the letters.
CODEWORD PUZZLE
By Rosy Russell
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
N A M U S T R D I X O Y
C L B P K H V Z
L
LAST SUNDAYS SOLUTIONS
E F
G
J W Q
Fashion
W
I
T
H

R
O
S
E

K
W
A
M
B
O
K
A
Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard Sunday, May 25, 2014 / The Standard
Consider solid
colours and
slimming
silhouettes for
your tops to
complement
the boldness of
your patterned
leggings.
Remember,
leggings are not
pants, so your
top should be
long enough tot
at least hit your
hips, unless your
style mantra is
ridiculous.
Do not wear
leggings that are
so tight that one
can see every
dimple on your
leg, or so loose
that you look
frumpy.
The most
appropriate length
of leggings is
ankle-length. Mid-
calf is generally
not very attering,
especially if worn
with heels or ats.
The leggings are
already making
a statement.
Therefore, keep
the accessories
to a minimum
otherwise your
look will be too
busy.
Snippets of Style
Let your
leggings do
the talking
Patterned
leggings have
become a sizzling
fashion must-
have, but they
can be a hot
mess if worn
wrongly. Heres
how to walk
on the cutting
edge without
losing the casual,
comfortable
appeal that
makes leggings
so appealing.

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The Standard 25.05.2014

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