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Garissa Attack victim buried in Makueni amid grief and anger

Mary Lole
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Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana during the burila of Cyrus Mutuku a student killed during the Garissa University attack Photo:Governor's Press
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana during the burial of Cyrus Mutuku a student killed during the Garissa University attack
Photo:Governor’s Press

A Facebook post by Cyrus Mutuku, a Garissa University College attack victim, on his page in February 2nd, 2015 reads in part, “When a teacher is not comfortable with their work station, simple logic will tell you that, if coerced to stay in that same environment, they will not give their best to the student.”(sic)

Mutuku’s post was perhaps, triggered by government’s insistence that teachers working in the North Eastern region should go back to their work stations despite the killing of 28 of their colleagues in December by Ashaabab. The teachers who were traveling from Mandera for the Christmas holidays were killed when terrorists waylaid the Nairobi bound bus and shot dead non Muslim passengers, majority being teachers.

Another attack by the Somali based militia group 10 days later in which 36 quarry laborers were massacred in the same region further aggravated the appalling insecurity situation. Due to the cold-blooded attacks, the teachers feared for their lives and requested the government to transfer them to safer areas.

Although the teachers’ cause seemed justified, their pleas landed on deaf ears forcing them to camp at the Kenya National Union of Teachers’ (KNUT) head office in Nairobi for more than two months to push for their transfers.

It’s the government’s handling of the teachers’ requests that seemed to have infuriated Kenyans, the second year student who vented his anger on the social media platform, unknown to him that on the 2nd of April, exactly two months after his post, he would face a similar fate like the 28 teachers and 36 quarry workers.

When Alshaabab militants struck the university college at around 5.30 am, the 20- year- old just like most of his fellow students was fast asleep. He sent a text message to his father Benson Mutuku the Makueni Branch, KNUT Secretary General immediately after the attack saying

“Dad tumeevamiwa na Alshaabab na watatuua kwa hivyo niombee” (Dad we have been attacked by the Alshaabab and they will kill us. Pray for me.)

He was brutally killed by the terrorists in the hostels together with other 146 students before they could scamper to safety.

Interestingly, the Bachelor of Business Management and Accounts student post continues to read,

“To me, this shows how the govt unskillfully and clumsily handles issues,”(sic).

As if a premonition, the government coincidentally, in Mutuku’s words clumsily and unskillfully responded to the Garissa attack leading to the high number of casualties. It took seven hours for the government to airlift a 18-member elite Recce squad to Garissa after the Makueni Boys’ School alumni and his fellow students were long dead.

It would emerge later, from media reports that the police chopper that was to be used for the rescue mission had gone to Mombasa apparently on a private mission, to pick up the daughter-in-law of the Kenya Police Airwing Commandant Rogers Mbithi and unidentified businessman.

If the chopper had been standby, probably the dreams of Mutuku and that of many others would not have been shattered so violently by the terrorists.

The second year student was laid to rest on Tuesday, April 14 at his parents’ farm in Ngutwa, Makueni County amid grief and anger. Mourners wept uncontrollably during the emotional sendoff attended by Governor Kivutha Kibwana and top KNUT officials among other leaders.

Mutuku’s parents Mr and Mrs Benson Ndambuki too distraught to speak, in their written tribute read on their behalf did not run short of positive adjectives to describe their first-born son.

“He was sociable, intelligent, humble and an epitome of kindness in the family. We are all still in shock that you died such a painful death,” they said.

“Our son worked hard and secured himself a place at the Moi University, Garissa campus to redeem the family and the entire community from poverty and injustices. It is so sad that he succumbed to an injustice that he was so determined to fight. May the killers never live to stage another attack,” they added.

Doreen Aketch a survivor of the attack, eulogized Mutuku as hardworking and a person with big dreams.

“He was focused, a fast thinker and he even harbored political ambitions. Too bad that he never lived to achieve his big dreams,” said Aketch who hid in a wardrobe during the attack for more than 13 hours before Kenya Defense Forces soldiers came to her rescue.

Makueni residents on social media including the governor also mourned Mutuku describing him as an educated and a vibrant young man who will be remembered for his kindness.

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Leaders who spoke in the burial ceremony, condemned the violence unleashed on the innocent and defenseless students and urged the government to move with speed and stem the rising wave of terrorism in the country.

“The government should stop at nothing to secure the country, anybody who supports terrorism should be flashed out,” said Kibwana.

KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion called on the government to close the university college together with the Garissa Teachers college and relocate the students and the personnel to other institutions in the country.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Wilson Sossion adressing mourners in Ngutwa Makueni
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT)Secretary General Wilson Sossion addressing mourners in Ngutwa, Makueni county during the burial of Cyrus Mutuku,a Garissa  attack victim

“Let the government close these institutions and instead establish a military base to tame insecurity in the region,” said Sossion.

He also castigated the North Eastern leaders for allegedly abetting terrorism.

“Radicalization in the region is real and unless the leaders and the locals fight the vice, we will continue to suffer,” noted the secretary general.

KNUT Chairperson Mudzo Nzili urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to use the powers bestowed to him by the Constitution to secure Kenyans and their property.

“Leadership is a trust bestowed on somebody let the president act decisively,” said Nzili.

Makueni County, in total lost nine students in the 5.30 am attack and as the families, relatives and friends bury their beloved sons and daughters whose dreams have been nipped in the bud, their hope is that no other family will have to go though similar circumstances.

Just like Benson summed up his sons’ tribute

“May this innocent blood avenge the deaths.”

Nakuru Deputy Governor unhappy with MP Gikaria

Kioko Kivandi
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Mary Adagala makes a point during the Friday event in which Ruto expressed his dissatisfaction with the conduct of MP Gikaria.

Nakuru County Governor Joseph Ruto is unhappy with the conduct of the Nakuru Town East Member of Parliament (MP) David Gikaria on his involvement on the affairs of hawkers in the County. Gikaria has been at logger heads with the county administration for months now since a process to relocate hawkers from the town center commenced at the start of this year.

In what the Kinuthia Mbugua led administration has been describing as attempts to reorganize the town, hawkers have continuously been resettled in formal sheds erected in different regions from the town’s main streets.

But this has not been going down well with the MP who is also commonly referred to as TM (Team Manager). Gikaria has in several occasions opposed the relocation and months ago he was involved in a scuffle with administration police officers as he tried to oppose the process.

And last week, the MP who is a former Mayor for Nakuru is alleged to have been involved in another scuffle in which a section of hawkers countered the demolition of their informal structures by county officers where several of the county officers were injured.

Although Gikaria has since denied his involvement in the scuffle it is reported that a legal process is being instituted against him.

Last Friday as the county met to take stoke of the process of devolution the Deputy Governor indirectly hit at the MP saying the county administration would not relent in its plans on reorganizing the town.

“We respect the informal sector but we must do things in an orderly manner,” said Ruto who was representing Governor Mbugua in the event.

He warned traders against settling in plots in the town without consulting the county administration.

“If any trader does so we will destroy the stand,” he said his face with a twinge of anger in his voice.

His decree was however met with murmurs of lack of satisfaction In the manner in which the county administration has been issuing out alternative business stands to the displaced hawkers and other interested business people.
A section of the residents accused the committee involved of discrimination.

“The committee is selling the kiosks,” a section of residents attending the event shouted.

“Women and youth are being discriminated,”

observed a resident Mary Adagala a vocal opinion leader in the county. But the Deputy Governor called the residents to report the discrimination they face from the committee at the Governor’s office to which they shouted

“it is hard to see the Governor.”

Johnson Ndichu one of the leaders of the traders asked the administration to push for dialogue in handling the issuing of the stands.

Gikaria is not new with court cases and even if the County Government manages in staring a legal process against him for his latest alleged misconduct, the court case may be the least of processes to make him go soft on his stand on the hawkers relocation from the town.

Baby detained at a Nakuru hospital discharged

Kioko Kivandi
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Nakuru Speaker Susan Kihika with the baby and his mother at the War Memorial Hospital. The baby was released after the government paid his medical bill. Looking on is County Secretary Joseph Motari. Photo: Nakuru County Government/Facebook

A baby who had been detained at a Nakuru hospital as his mother could not clear his medical bill has been discharged. This is after the County Government and the County Assembly of Nakuru came to his family’s plight and cleared the bill that stood close to sh600,000.

Baby Jeremy was born at a private hospital in December last year but after developing complications he was referred to the War Memorial hospital, also a private hospital in the county for specialized attention.

By the time his bill was being cleared by the County Administration it was standing at sh591,068. His mother, Olivia Osidiana, who is an attendant at the Nakuru Rural Water and Sanitation Services is said to have offered a land title deed to the hospital but its administration had declined saying it had many of such.

Nakuru County Secretary Joseph Motari said the money to clear the bill was sourced from the county’s emergency kitty.

“The county government is obliged to ensure her people are healthy, this is why it has stepped in to pay the entire bill of the baby to allow him have time with his mother,” he said.

Speaker Susan Kihika stated the assembly’s commitment to push for the welfare of residents by passing laws that promote maternal and child health and access to health facilities to all.

While commending the move to set Baby Jeremy free from the hospital, Irene Paul, a nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) said there was need to pass laws that address such special cases. Irene also called for more funding towards meeting health related facilities while stressing on improvement of specialized services on maternal and child health care in the county.

“In the next financial year we should have an allocation in our budget on handling special cases.”

It will be noted that all maternity services in government hospitals are free. According to the Jubilee government manifesto there are to be established low-cost diagnostic centers in all counties. This includes provision of “adequate screening and treatment facilities for persons with chronic or terminal conditions including cancer, diabetes and kidney failure.”

“We have already passed a motion for the creation of a cancer center in the county. What we need now is funding,” said Irene.

Molo market bunge entrenches public participation

shitemi khamadi
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IMG_6112It is 2.45pm and at Molo market, there is an ongoing heated conversation about the public participation forum on the budget that the participants had just attended. They call it their Bunge, Parliament, where the Chairman says “you are heard so long as you have something to say.”

These conversations are ongoing, every other moment at the same spot, they discuss various issues affecting them, sometimes joined by the elected leaders themselves. However at any time during the conversations, they have representatives from all the elected leaders. “Even as I speak to you, there are representatives here for the MCA, MP, Governor, Women Representative and Senator,” asserts a participant who is not comfortable to reveal his name.

These conversations have a speaker who moderates and directs debate. The Speaker, also called Chairman is John Kanja who is always looking forward to hosting these debates.

“This is a fruit of the Constitution. We can speak freely and know our fundamental rights and freedoms,” Kanja says.

Bunge chairman John Kanja
Bunge chairman John Kanja

At the budget forum, they say they wanted to know how much money will be allocated to their ward, Molo Central in Molo Constituency, Nakuru County. During the first disbursement in the financial year 2013-2014, they received sh10M, second disbursement 2014-2015 they received sh25M and in the next financial year, it has been budgeted for sh30M.

As they ponder on these figures, they are also interested in having some oversight role in how these funds have been used in the past.

“We want to do more monitoring of projects under these funds so that we can know their value to us. There is this Molo District Hospital which has some facility that is not yet complete. It is the ward for children, who currently share with adults yet they are vulnerable. We want these funds to finalize that ward so that our children are safer,” adds Sammy Kongo.

They also want better water services for them. The residents currently receive piped water from Chesoin dam but they say the distribution of that water to them is wanting.

Being an agricultural area, they have problems with fertilizers and farm inputs.

“We plant maize, vegetables and potatoes. However sometimes we lack enough fertilizers while at the same time diseases, like last year, destroyed all our maize and farmers were hungry,” said Kongo.

They would therefore want part of the ward allocations be used to construct a structure to hold subsidized fertilizers and also pesticides to guarantee yields.

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Tonny Mboyo of the Kenya Institute of Puppet and Theatre (KIPT) engages the cobblers

These ‘parliamentarians’ say the Constitution has birthed these benefits. Many here say they know their rights and cannot be violated by anyone while other say more needs to be done so that most residents are aware of their rights. They have learnt these rights through various civic education opportunities offered by civil society groups like Creco and CEDGG.

“Through this knowledge, we can now tell the value for money from projects being undertaken,” the chairman says.

“It would be great to expand our mortuary. The current has less bed capacity than the demand, as the reality is that the highway kills many people yet the mortuary is inadequate,” Sammy adds.

It is Rev. Jackson Agunza who revisits the issue of conflicts that Molo is largely known about outside the region. He is the chairman of the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Molo and says the government has neglected them.

“Molo has been forgotten while other areas have been attended to. It is good that there was no fighting in 2013 General Elections largely because the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities came together in order to guarantee a win for them,” he asserts.

Rev. Agunza also laments at the lack of opportunities not offered to those not considered area natives. He says resource allocation to such people is limited which makes them feel disenfranchised. He however also attributes the current tranquility to peace efforts among communities.

There is a mixed feeling among youths as to how the political leadership has supported them.

“The Governor is very supportive. He has provided us the first seed for a merry-go round among youth groups and now various projects like motorbikes, planting and selling trees and brick making are ongoing,” says John Rukwa, a youth group leader in the Constituency also known as Turkana.

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Rev. Jackson Agunza with John Rukwa

He however says the Member of Parliament and Member of County Assembly have neglected them.

“We need a lot of civic education on Uwezo Fund so that more youth groups can know about it and apply. We received the first disbursement for some few youth groups two months ago and groups are engaged in rabbit rearing and farming,” he adds.

How this enhanced civic education is done is something residents and leaders will think through as they move ahead. Kamau Mbugua, a matatu driver says if recent police recruits knew the Constitution well, they would not have turned up when the President made an illegal directive.

Moreover, just 5m away from the bunge, Joel and John, two cobblers and shoe shiners at the market say these public forums need to be more open so they are aware of them and participate since they are always in the dark. They did not know about the public forum that bunge members attended yet they need a shed for their work as their previous attempt to lobby the MCA were unsuccessful. It is a striking comment, a contrast from those, just nearby who are in the know.

Perhaps this bunge, when further decentralized to the whole of Molo and Nakuru County in general is the answer to perennial violent conflicts that kills many and leave families destitute.

Kenyans ‘celebrate’ Justice for Liz

shitemi khamadi
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justice for liz demoKenyans took to social media to celebrate the sentencing of rapists, earlier let free by only cutting grass at a police station even as the Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP) sought to have an enhanced sentence for the rapists.

In June 2013, the then 16-year-old victim, known by the pseudonym Liz, was reportedly attacked, beaten and then raped by six men as she returned from her grandfather’s funeral in Busia County. The gang dumped her, bleeding and unconscious, in a deep sewage ditch. She suffered a broken back, caused either by the beating or by being hurled down into the pit, as well as serious internal injuries from the rape.

When she reported it to the police, the punishment meted on the three rapists was cutting grass at the police station, a laughable punishment that led to worldwide condemnation. This worldwide outrage over the punishment prompted more than 1.8 million people to sign an online petition demanding justice. A campaign seeking to ensure to receive justice has finally bore fruits.

Lawyer Kimberly Brown, from the campaign group Equality Now, which supported the schoolgirl remarked

“today’s sentencing is sure to have a ripple effect across the nation, and hopefully the region at large.”

 

 

      Kenyans did not just look at the sentencing as justice for Liz but also a win for women rights.

Some are suggesting that the rapists should also be charged with attempted murder.

It is a call, the DPP could be considering as he seeks to harsher sentencing for the rapists

Duale’s remarks on Garissa University Attack irks leaders

Mary Lole
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National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale Photo:Magazinereel.com
National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale.His declaration that he will reveal those funding Alshaabab activities in Kenya has put him on the spot with Kenyans calling for his resignation
Photo:Magazinereel.com

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale’s assertion that he would produce names of those funding  the Alshaabab terrorist group activities in Kenya within 30 days has stirred anger and uproar among Kenyans.

Ordinary citizens and leaders from across the country have called for the immediate resignation and subsequent arrest of the majority leader who they believe held vital information that would have possibly averted the Garissa University college attack in which 147 students and security officers were killed and 92 others injured.

A section of leaders from Makueni  County have also added their voice to pile pressure on the majority leader to resign and be investigated for not reporting those behind the attack to security officers.

Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo while addressing mourners over the weekend, at Ukia location during the burial of  Muuo Mawioo a victim of the university attack said Duale must resign as both an MP and majority leader for allegedly abetting terrorism.

Maanzo said that Duale’s acknowledgement that he knew those behind the Somali based militia group funding is admissible in a court of law as evidence.

“In law once you admit that you know something, you are culpable and can be charged ,” he said.

The legislator said that the parliament will push for the resignation of the majority leader.

“The majority leader is the fourth powerful person after the president, his deputy and the speaker, for him to make such careless remarks is regrettable  and unfortunate,” he added.

Makueni Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau also echoed the legislator’s sentiments and called for resignation of the Garrisa Town MP.

makueni deputy governor Mwau while addrssing mourners at the burila of Muuo Mawiio,a Garissa attack victim photo:Governor's Press
Makueni County Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau while addrssing mourners at the burila of Muuo Mawiio,a Garissa attack victim
photo:Governor’s Press

“It is so painful for us as a country to bury such young and promising Kenyans yet some people knew who were funding terrorism activities,” said the Deputy  Governor.

Former Kibwezi MP and TIP party leader Kalembe Ndile said the government should arrest Duale and his fellow leaders from the North Eastern region for shielding the terrorists.

“The Kenya Defence Forces are wasting their time and resources in flushing out Alshaabab in Somalia,the head of the terrorist group is  in Kenya at the behest of some people while the tail is in Somalia,”said the TIP leader.

Kalembe added that the government should not sit and watch as innocent Kenyans are butchered by the Alshaabab and called for decisive action on matters pertaining to terrorism.

Kenyans on social media also did not spare the outspoken Duale for allegedly shielding terrorists. Under the hashtag #ArrestDuale, Kenyans on Twitter scolded the majority leader.

 

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Duale, an ardent defender of the Jubilee government is known for his abrasive style of leadership and is not new to controversy. His recent remarks on the university attack at a press conference in Nairobi  last week where he was flagged by other leaders from the North Eastern region did not perhaps come as a surprise to many. Last year in September, the majority leader almost exchanged blows with Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto in Narok County after the two clashed over county allocation of funds.

Bizarre leak claims to link Raila, Buhari, Al Shabaab and Boko Haram

Mkenya Mzalendo
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Mohammed BuhariA bizarre intelligence report being attributed to the Iranian government claims to link former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Nigeria’s President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari to extremist terror groups that have terrorized their respective countries. The report, written mostly in English, claims that Raila and Buhari are using Al Shabaab and Boko Haram to further their political ambitions.

Its important to emphasize at this point that the report hasn’t been authenticated and could in all likelihood be false. The report has however has gotten enough traction online to warrant reporting on it, if only to get the concerned authorities to either authentic or discredit it for public benefit.

The report claims that Buhari, who recently trounced the Goodluck Jonathan to win the Nigerian election, used Boko Haram to make the incumbent look ineffective at tackling the terror threat. The report then unconvincingly tries to paint Raila and Buhari as long time friends. A quick Internet search reveals no evidence that Raila and Buhari have ever even met!

Naturally, news of the leak has been met with a mixture skepticism, finger pointing and anger much of it aimed at the ruling Jubilee government:

Could this be a ham-fisted attempt at propaganda? Possible. If so it a new low for mudslinging in Kenyan politics. That’s saying something too since this sort of character assassination is usually spared for election season and even then well into campaigns when candidates are neck and neck.

It could also be a depressing sign that both sides of the political

Kenyans rally behind activist Francis Sakwa arrest

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Francis Sakwa being manhandled by police officers at a past protest. The activist was arrested on Sunday, (Photo/ @InsecurityKE)
Francis Sakwa being manhandled by police officers at a past protest. The activist was arrested on Sunday, (Photo/ @InsecurityKE)

Kenyans on social media have reacted angrily to the arrest of activist Francis Sakwa. Sakwa, a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice, was reportedly arrested by Flying Squad agents on Sunday evening in the Ngara area where friends say he was organizing a demonstration over land grabbing.

Those in the know say Sakwa was arrested by the Flying Squad agents from the Parklands police station just hours after attending a vigil for the victims of the Garissa University College terror attack in Mathare.

There is speculation that Sakwa’s arrest has something to do with his signing on to a petition asking the National Land Commission to act against “private developers” who have grabbed a piece of land near the Country Bus Station in Nairobi.

Given his unquestionable credentials as an activist for positive social change, Sakwa’s arrest has elicited angry reactions from ordinary members of the public, journalists and prominent politicians alike:

The arrest has also invited unflattering comparisons to the Moi regime when such arrests were part for the course. Coming in the wake of the slow and ultimately costly security response to the terror attack at Garissa University College, some Kenyans are questioning whether the people who are supposed to protect them have their priorities in order.

Posts from a Facebook account that hasn’t been authenticated as belonging to Sakwa appear to suggest that he has been released but the fact that his wife recorded a statement at Huruma Police Station this morning contradicts that.

Keep your eyes peeled on this page for updates on this story and others.

Update.

Latest reports indicate that Sakwa has been found in Voi. He was reportedly left there after being abducted by unknown men and put in the boot of a car. The unknown men also took away the activist’s phone.

Outrage over misuse of chopper in Garissa rescue mission

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A photo of the Cessna 208B registration number 5YPOL. The plane was sent on a private mission by a senior police official at a time when it should have been deployed to transport RECCE squad members to Garissa University Collage to end the siege by Al Shabaab gunment
A photo of the Cessna 208B registration number 5YPOL. The plane was sent on a private mission by a senior police official at a time when it should have been deployed to transport RECCE squad members to Garissa University Collage to end the siege by Al Shabaab gunmen (Photo: Nation FM)

There is mounting outrage over revelations that the delay in rescuing students caught up in the terror attack at Garissa University College was caused, in part, by the fact that a chopper to be used for the mission had instead been deployed to transport the relative of senior police commandant and an unnamed businessman hours after it was apparent that the university was under attack by Al Shabaab gunmen.

The revelations have come to light following reporting by the People Daily and Daily Nation that quoted insider sources who confirmed that the Cessna 208B registration number 5YPOL police chopper had left Wilson Airport for Mombasa at 7:30 A.M two and a half hours after the attack at Garissa University Collage had began. The People Daily was coy in its reporting only going as far as saying that the plane’s trip to Mombasa was a “private non-police mission.”

The Daily Nation took things a bit further by revealing that the plane had gone to Mombasa to pick up the daughter-in-law of the Kenya Police Airwing commandant Rogers Mbithi.

There is however no confirmation yet on the name of the businessman also reported to have been on the flight.

Pressure is already mounting on Mbithi, who has had a long and distinguished career in the police force, to resign following the revelations:

 

Confirmation that the police plane was on a private mission is the clearest evidence yet that communication failures and corruption contributed to the death toll at Garissa University College. This is troubling especially if you consider that this is not the first time that corruption and incompetence at the Police Airwing has cost lives.

Yet the people in charge appear to be indifferent.

The Police Airwing is not new to corruption scandals. There have been reports of police planes being used to train private pilots as well as frequent reports of corruption in the purchase of spare parts for the police planes.

The revelations about the goings on the Police Airwing should provide proof that the war against corruption and the war against terror are tied. It’s enough evidence that corruption within the police force is the biggest stumbling block to the government’s efforts to win the war against Al Shabaab. It’s a shame that so many lives had to be lost for this to be put beyond doubt but now its up to the government to do something about it. The lives of Kenyans depend on it.

No end to crisis at Pumwani Maternity Hospital

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The entrance of Pumwani Maternity Hospital, the the largest maternity hospital in the country and Sub-Saharan Africa
The entrance of Pumwani Maternity Hospital, the the largest maternity hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Photo: Nation FM)

There appears to be no end to the troubles confronting Pumwani Maternity Hospital. A day after the Nairobi County Health executive Mercy Kamau took out an advert in the local dailies to announce the end of the strike by the hospital’s staff, nurses at the hospital have come out to contradict her, insisting that they are still on strike.

Nurses at the hospital On Monday said that they will not return to work until the county government meets their demands chief among them increasing security at the hospital. Pumwani, the largest maternity hospital in the country and Sub-Saharan Africa, has been beset by accusations of child theft. The nurses insist that the accusations – widely covered in the local press – have not been proved and have endangered their lives.

As the push and pull between the nurses and the Nairobi County government has continued, Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako has been doing the rounds in the local press explaining how the negative media coverage has turned Pumwani into a “hostile work environment” for its staff.

Panyako’s comments about the treatment of the staff appear to have been vindicated by Nairobi County’s advert yesterday. According to The Star County Health executive Mercy Kamau apologized to Pumwani staff for having to “put up with insults, disrespect and negative image.”

It might just be a case of too little to late for Nairobi County government. Panyako has escalated matters by announcing that all Nairobi County nurses will be going on strike if the County doesn’t resolve the crisis Pumwani maternity hospital.

Pumwani always attracts the attention of the public whenever it finds itself in the throes of crisis. Reportedly the third busiest maternity hospital in the African continent, Pumwani occupies a special place in the hearts of many Nairobians. The reason why is no mystery. With 30, 000 deliveries a year, the lives of millions of Nairobians have started at the hospital. This is therefore an issue that Governor Evans Kidero needs to devote his energies to.

Makueni residents on social media say no to relief food

Mary Lole
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county executive for devlotion Kawive Wambua and his education counterpart flag off relief food for pupils in areas hit by drought Photo:Governor's Press
Makueni County Executive for Devolution Kawive Wambua and his education counterpart  Ruth Kyatha flag off relief food for pupils in areas hit by drought
Photo:Governor’s Press

 

Last week, the World Food Program (WFP) in collaboration with the Government of  Kenya initiated a cash transfer relief food program for 61,000 food insecure residents in Makueni county.

The Protracted Relief and Recovery Program (PRRO) which according to the head of Nairobi WFP Satellite Office, Christine Omondi will kick of in May, 2015 has however received opposition from residents with a majority castigating the national government for the initiative.

The program, created a heated debate on social media and the residents led by the Governor Professor Kivutha Kibwana took to Facebook to question the sustainability of the three – year program in a country that achieved independence half a century ago. The residents in their comments argued that relief food, locally referred to as ‘Mwolyo’ is not only unsustainable but also humiliating.

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Former regimes were also accused of deliberately ignoring the lower eastern region for selfish gains while politicians were also accused using the relief food as a campaigning  tool for ascending in power.

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8The county government was also on the receiving end, especially now that agriculture and water dockets are devolved with some  questioning what measures that the county government had put in place to increase food security for the two years.

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But its the county government’s  recently launched  initiative to construct shallow water pans at every household to enhance food productivity,that drew both praise and condemnation in equal measure.

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Those opposed to the water pans argued that just like the relief food, the project was unsustainable and suggested for mega water projects which can harvest enough water for both domestic and irrigation use.km7

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km9However despite the varied opinions, the residents seemed to agree that the problem required integrated measures and perhaps a different mindset in addressing issues relating to food insecurity.

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In the end, the residents were challenged to engage in public participation to initiate sustainable development

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From the comments, one cannot fail to realize the residents resolve  to eradicate dependence on relief food and with the onus squarely on the county government. It will be upon the county government to explore all options available, off course with the support of the residents to solve the perennial food insecurity in the county.

 

Mombasa residents decry poor state of roads

Nguru
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Mombasa Potholed road
A potholed road in Mombasa

Bamburi is where Mombasa’s working population reside. It has prime residential areas, most social amenities and home to Bamburi Cement. From the city centre, Bamburi is accessible by two roads, the better maintained Mombasa-Malindi highway and the dilapidated Kisauni-Kiembeni road. The Kisauni route is every road user’s nightmare.

There have been works on the route from Siwatu towards Bamburi by Njuca Consolidated Construction Company, but the true benefits of this fix are yet to be fully felt. What is more, the contractor and the team were on the site too long they became a problem themselves, according to some residents. Samuel Baya, a resident of Bersheba thinks they have taken too long.

“They were parking their trucks in the middle of the road and blocking traffic flow. I wish they could just finish and leave quickly,” he says.

The route is only 10km long, therefore the faster way to get to Bamburi. However, for all it gains in distance, it is undone by the sheer atrocity that is the experience of using the road. Perhaps, Brian Okello’s words sums it up best.

“Use that route only when you have no other choice,” he says.

Brian lives in Kiembeni and commutes to school in the Mombasa CBD daily, using the Kisauni road.

“The last stretch towards Bamburi is the worst,” adds Cyril Chidzuga, a Bamburi resident who uses the Kisauni route.

“It rattles both your bones and vehicle that by the time one is in town, you are sick. I wouldn’t use it if it weren’t comparatively cheaper and nearer.”

Then there are the traffic jams. In order to escape the rush hour traffic on the Mombasa – Malindi highway, many public service vehicles flood this route, causing a nightmare of a traffic jam.

Mzee Maalim Abubakar, a coffee vendor who runs a roadside stall at Mlaleo, thinks corruption is to blame. He says repairs on the roads take place way more often than they should.

“If these construction companies are genuine, and the government does its job, then the roads should be lasting for years.”

Attempts to get comments from the current contractors were unfruitful.

“This is undoubtedly the worst route in Mombasa County. The state of the road is such that we have to take our vehicles to the mechanics for repairs and maintenance frequently just so we can stay in business” says Mwangi Kinyanjui, a matatu driver who plies the route daily.

As if the poor state of the roads isn’t enough of a problem, the route is manned by drug users, commonly referred to as mateja, who levy ‘booking fees’ on the matatus plying the route. Failure to cooperate with these gangs often result in physical confrontations with the matatu crew and will often end in the mateja causing damage to the vehicle and injuries to the crew. Karani Mulongo, a matatus conductor, says the street gangs are a real threat to both their business and their safety.

“What we need here is a serious government to construct proper roads in this area. These street gangs also need to be rehabilitated and removed from the streets,” concludes Karani.

Photo Credits 

THE TUM CULTURAL WEEK

Nguru
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Technical University of Mombasa pageant participants
Technical University of Mombasa pageant participants

The Technical University of Mombasa just concluded cultural week is an annual affair meant to showcase the diversity of the institution’s members and their various cultural backgrounds. Far from encouraging negative ethnicity, the events carried out throughout the week are geared towards uniting the many communities at the university by encouraging each to learn about and understand other cultures.

The TUM Cultural Week featured various activities such as game matches,  singing and dancing, as well as cooking and feasting. It was interesting to see members of different communities interacting easily. One Johnson Mwatari,  a Mombasa native, says he had fun getting dressed in traditional Maasai garb, the shuka and jumping up and down like a moran.

Come Friday and there was a cultural parade of costumes, dishes and dances as they presented various aspects of their culture before a panel of judges. Members of the Luo community prepared their kuon (ugali) and rech (fish) while the Costerians made their biriani – a dish of rice made with pawpaw and thick spicy meat stew – and brewed their mnazi, the Luhyas made their obusuma (ugali) in large sufurias, obusera (porridge), ingokho, (chicken) and brewed busaa and the Kikuyus  boiled everything they could and roasted a goat. Then they made mukimo, meat stew and brewed muratina. Everyone – from the Somali to the Kamba to the Mijikenda and Kisii – made their various dishes as delectable as they could.

Technical University of Mombasa Students
Technical University of Mombasa students during the cultural week events.

The final day saw the students making their presentations on stage. Musicians, dancers, body builders and martial artists showed off their best moves. However, the highlight of the day was the  beauty contest where fine ladies and gentlemen walked up and down the runway, to much ogling and applause. They showcased various designs including African wear, beach wear, official wear, and so on. David the Student, of the Churchill Show fame, made an appearance, sending the students into wild cheers.

Mr. Obadiah Maganga, the Dean of Students at the Technical University of Mombasa had a lot of praise for his students.

“They have shown a lot of maturity and tolerance for each other. The institution will always seek to promote and ensure appreciation of our various cultures.” he said. “Mwacha mila ni mtumwa, “he added. “Whoever deserts tradition is a slave.”

“Events like these are opportunities for people to celebrate their own as well as others’ cultures. One learns a thing or two watching all these presentations,” said Kevin Kibet, who presented a Kalenjin dance with his friends.

All in all,  the TUM cultural week was a hugely successful event and proof as well as a reminder that institutions of higher learning can and should be used to promote cultural cohesion and prevent ethnic strife such as that seen in the past after elections.

By Mauko Maunde

Egerton University Terror Suspect arraigned in court

Kioko Kivandi
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Candle 2
A student at Egerton University Njoro raises a candle in an event to remember the Garissa terror attack victims. A man suspected of spreading a terror message targeting the institution was arraigned in court on Friday. Photo/Kioko.

A man suspected of spreading an alarming terror message targeting Egerton University students was arraigned in a Nakuru court today, Friday April 10. Robert Mungai Kariuki alias Robert Mohammed Bluez appeared before Chief Magistrate Samuel Mungai and charged with the offense that he allegedly committed on April 4. He was arrested on April 8.

The message which was shared through his Facebook account and posted on Egerton Campus Life, a Facebook page, stated that the campus would be raided by Al-Shabaab who would commit a more serious attack as compared to the Garissa one. To do so the message claimed that the Al-Shabaab terror group had information on the network of the University.

The Magistrate directed that the accused be remanded at the Njoro police station for 7 days as investigations on the issue are concluded and information handed to the defense. This was after the Prosecutor Samuel Wambua asked for 10 days for the same, an application that was opposed by the defense council David Mong’eri.

Mong’eri wanted the accused released on bond arguing that since his arrest he had been denied his right of being presented in court within 24 hours.

“The offense is bailable. He can be reporting to the police station. We are asking for the statements and exhibits,” said Mong’eri.

Mong’eri claimed that his client had been harassed and beaten by the police but the Prosecutor opposed by saying the accused had not reported to him such claims.

“We admit that the offense is bailable but once investigations are done the defense will be supplied with the statements,” said Wambua.

The mention date for the case was set for April 16.

Meanwhile the Nakuru Deputy Governor Joseph Ruto on Friday asked Kenyans to remain united even in the wake of the attack that claimed at least 147 lives.

“Let us not allow such acts of terrorism divide us on religious grounds,” observed Ruto during a forum to discuss successes of devolution in the county.

On Wednesday, students and staff of Egerton University also expressed similar sentiments during an interdenominational prayer service held at the institution’s Njoro campus.Candle 1

“We ask God to punish the terrorists,” said one students in a prayer in the service that saw lighting of candles in memory of the Garissa victims.

The Thursday morning raid at the Garissa University targeted students, some who were found praying, at a time when the world was getting ready for Good Friday and Easter celebrations this year.

The head of the Catholic Church in the world Pope Francis has since described those who died in the attack as modern day martyrs.

World Food Program Initiates a Cash Transfer Relief Food Program in Makueni

Mary Lole
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Total crop failure in Makueni County Photo:Google.com The World Food Program (WFP)has initiated a cash transfer foood aid program to cushion families in the county hit by drought.
Total crop failure in Makueni County
Photo:Google.com
The World Food Program (WFP)has initiated a cash transfer food aid program to cushion families worst hit by drought in the county

The World Food Program (WFP) in collaboration with the Government of  Kenya has developed a new Protracted Relief and Recovery Program (PRRO) aimed at increasing food security among hunger- stricken families in Makueni county.

The three year program expected to kick off in May 2015, will support 61,000 residents through electronic money transfers on a cash for asset creation set up. Initially beneficiaries received food donations under a Food for Asset (FFA) program.

Head of Nairobi WFP Satellite Office, Christine Omondi speaking this week in Wote town said under the program, beneficiaries will engage in building food resilience activities like rehabilitation of denuded lands, small scale irrigation schemes, agro-forestry, construction of sand dams and shallows wells in exchange for cash.

Ms. Omondi said the beneficiaries will work in groups at the village level but the stipend will be directly wired to each of the beneficiaries accounts.

“The PRRO will use the electronic cash transfer as a payment to the work done by the beneficiaries in a bid to cushion them from hunger and create  sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

The head of the WFP satellite office said the main drivers of food insecurity especially in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) like Makueni are unpredictable weather patterns, livestock and crops diseases underlined by structural inequality and poverty and that the PRRO seeks to reduce the effects of drought and vulnerability through sustainable development.

“Makueni faces high exposure to drought ,the impact of which remains potentially severe because of continued high vulnerability and low adaptive capacity but with the PRRO we expect  to improve resilience among the beneficiaries,”she said.

Although the initiative may seem laudable, Governor Kivutha Kibwana has called for a paradigm shift in addressing issues related to the perennial food insecurity in the county.

Makueni Governot Kivutha Kibwana Photo:Governor's Press
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana
Photo:Governor’s Press

While addressing a county drought mitigation workshop recently in Wote, the governor said over-reliance of relief food  had created a dependence syndrome among residents and called for sustainable ways of curbing the problem.

The governor blamed the problem on failures of both government and non governments organizations systems and challenged residents together with relevant stakeholders to look for long term solutions.

“Isn’t a shame for us to ask for relief food every year?”he posed.

County Director of Agriculture and Livestock, David Musyoki, also called for an end to food aid. Musyoki said that the county has a lot of resources which if well harnessed and utilized can boost food production.

The director told Kenya Monitor that the Department of Agriculture has already embarked on an ambitious water harvesting project to boost food productivity.

Dubbed “Kitwiikanya Kiwu” (to harvest water) the initiative aims, at constructing at least a water pan in each household  for both domestic and small scale irrigation use. Makueni has close to 250,000 households.

“We want every household in this county to have a water pan for increased food productivity,” said the director.

The director also called on residents embrace traditional high values crops that can thrive in the county’s climatic condition.

 “Farmers should now plant sorghum, green grams, and fruits like mangoes, oranges, watermelons and oranges instead of planting maize and beans that fail to produce almost every season,” said Musyoki.

Makueni county is characterized by erratic rainfall and perennial droughts that lead to successive crop failure putting a majority of its population under the dire need of relief aid. The PRRO will  off course go along way in supplementing government efforts in providing relief food to famine – stricken families as the county government puts in place long term measures to increase food security.

Some of the areas worst hit by the drought and need to be given first priority include Kalawa, Kako, Kikumini, Kathonzweni, Makindu, Nguu, Kibwezi, Thange, Nzambani and Mtito  Andei.

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