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22:20
From: Kenyanentrepreneur.com
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanentrepreneur.com
I just heard him on the BBC trying to compare the situation in Kenya to the genocide in Rwanda. Please, please, please!
Kenya is not Rwanda. Kenya has a well educated middle class, Rwanda did not have this. Kenya has a high literacy rate, currently standing at about 75%, Rwanda did not have this [...]
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19:53
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
One of the things the first blundering Kibaki administration will always be remembered for is incompetence. This clearly came out in the just concluded general election because the administration failed to even rig the general election competently without getting caught and left behind too much evidence forensic and otherwise. It is now emerging that the swearing in ceremony was conducted minutes after the election “results” were read. Meaning that it had been organized well in advance and guests invited and seated, even before the general election results were known. There are even disturbing suggestions that it may have been done before the results were announced! Those suggesting this point to the swearing in footage which was done outdoors in relatively broad daylight and yet the results were read late in the day as it was getting dark. In 2002 the swearing in ceremony was done a day after the results were officially announced but this time there was a big hurry. Sources close to PNU had even suggested to their close friends that the swearing in would be at 2:30 pm, hours before Kenyans even knew who had won the general elections. This was the last big blunder made in a long list of blunders that have driven Kenya to the brink with unprecedented turmoil and damage to property that does not come anywhere near what happened during the 1982 coup attempt that lasted just day but took years to fix and affected the economy for years on end. It is anybody’s guess how long the current turmoil will affect the economy for because it is in fact far from being over. Not to mention the number of deaths which will probably never be known because stretched security agents still find it necessary and vital to heavily guard the City Mortuary. One reported incident still hangs heavily on the conscience of many Kenyans who voted for Kibaki. And that is his disturbing words spoken to a BBC reporter when asked if he would concede defeat and have over power if he lost. His reply in swahili: Usiniulize maswali ya upumbavu (Do not ask me idiotic questions). As the death toll in Kenya rapidly rises, legal experts are now suggesting that President Kibaki may qualify to face an International court for war crimes in the future, even if he completes his fraudulent 5 year term. What the world is being told about the Kenyan elections by an executive who got out of the country just days ago.“Britain looks forward to working with a legitimately elected government of Kenya…” A hint from the British government of things to come? Read the story for yourself and decide.
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19:50
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
Guest post
This is not the time to mourn. And it's not the time to celebrate the new year. That will come after the Hon. Raila Odinga is sworn in as the nation's democratically elected president. We've indeed heard wrenching stories about the brutality of the GSU and police officers who've turned their guns on the people. We've seen pictures of dead children and women. And we've heard accounts of morgues filling up with bodies of innocent Kenyans. All that is enough to make us buckle to tyranny and accept hopelessness as a better alternative, but I call on Kenyans to never give up. Victory is at hand, and it will be sweet. We have only this one chance to wrestle the nation from the jaws of a future too horrifying to contemplate here.
I thank the Kenyans of the diaspora for taking up the cause of keeping the flames alive and forcing the evil going on in Kenya on the consciousness of the world community. As we struggle here, I want our brothers and sisters in Kenya to know that we stand with you shoulder to shoulder. We will not give an inch and we will never accept anything less than an outcome that reflects the will of the people.
So let's all sign that petition Ms. Anna Sidigu has going around. It will find it's way to world bodies and western capitals with any capacity to bear down on the authorities in Nairobi.
For now, I continue to call on all Kenyans to do everything you can, wherever you are, to hasten the demise of this ill-fated government. We will all mourn when freedom is restored and our tears can make sense to our compatriots who've lost their lives.
Sam Okello
President & CEO
Sahel Books Inc.
P.o. Box 6451
South Bend IN, 46660-6451
USA
Phone: Toll Free: 1.877.297.2435
samokello@sahelpublishing.net
www.sahelpublishing.net
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19:43
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
Reports indicate that the GSU presence in Kisumu, Eldoret and Nairobi are not Kenyan GSU but UGANDANS GSU sent in by Museveni (as requested by Kibaki and Michuki). As you will see on satellite television, the men are not talking whilst beating up and shooting people, this will give them away as not being Kenyans.
Unconfimed reports indicate that both the Kenyan military and the Police declined to the 'Order of shoot to kill' as commanded Kibaki and Michuki'.
Sources say that this will be highlighted at the planned Thursday Rally in Nairobi.
Kumekucha is stillseeking further confirmation of this report.
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19:05
From: More to Life
Read This Entry & More At More to Life
This site has been cited by many as good pictorial evidence of what is going on in some parts of Kenya. I looked at them and many are very disturbing. The sad part is the obviousness of the social class of most of the victims. It's a theme I've been carrying in this blog ever since threats of violence started to seep in. It's the poor who fight the hardest for these things they think they believe in. And I say 'think they believe' because many a time they can't tell you much beyond what's been propagandad to them by their closest political aspirant. A whole lot of times they are mired in half knowledge. And while right now they hurt very badly because they feel robbed after a flawed election, or threatened because their hopeful won; they have lost all reasoning and are fighting fully for a situation that to speak honestly, will probably never impact their lives as much as their injuries and life losses are about to at this moment. The Army needs to come out with a mission to save Kenya from anarchy. I understand there are concerns about a divided army. I don't think this would come up unless their orders were anything but to enforce a curfew and apprehend anyone walking around armed with machetes or any such thing. I strongly believe that just their presence should knock some sense into many deliriously angry people out in the streets causing chaos. Kenya's army can very easily handle this situation. Meanwhile, Raila and Kibaki and their teams need to start talking to Kenyans after having had a collective discussion. As for the media blackout, I support it and I may be the only one. The one thing that country doesn't need right now is the media advertizing where crowds of violence are gathered so that other small crowds know where to merge and escalate issues. If you have relatives in any potential danger, this may make sense to you. In the future, Kenya must educate the masses. About peace. And about how to evaluate issues and options and how to fight effectively without being the ultimate loser (mind wars vs bloody ones). Africa tells the same story over and over again. In the mid 1990s, the wealthy Rwandese were in Kenya and other viable African countries, their children in school with some of us. Many of the wealthy got away even in that situation. We claim we are fighting for the poor, but what happens is we cleanse ourselves of them and pick up with the same issues where we left off. From the pictures in the aforementioned blog, it is saddening to see young people in the mercy of armed police. But once you know that it is likely they were apprehended while throwing stones or raging some other kind of violence, one wonders how exactly to feel next. of course there are innocent victims, perhaps guilty by association. I can't stress enough the need to be as far away from rioting gangs as possible. Self responsibility and consequence for action must be taught to Kenyans across the board. Watching the people in the slums destroy their meagre life possesions is so disheartening and so frustrating. If anyone needs to guard the little they have, they do. Why are they doing this to themselves? What don't they understand? They are also primarily the ones waging violence as reported that violence is in Kibera slums, mathare slums and Mukurwa slums. If anyone really needs to get back to work the most, it is still probably these people who benefit from overtime pay in several factory jobs. Schools should open soon. Let's hope that all will be well and that they will. I'd like to reiterate that Kibaki and Raila need to start quelling this situation. including deploying the military. As well, I'd like to emphasize that the local citizen has a role to play in bringing back peace. By choosing to stay at home and with no weapons matching out. Those at home in potentially dangerous areas, please be as safe as possible. It is my hope and prayer that help in the way of cops and military personnel is on their way. Burnt Forest rumors? Absolutely scary. Let's hope someone is handling that. We the bloggers? Many who have become the source of information need to become very responsible with our posts. It would be foolish to think that an already incited population is not picking on what we're saying and that we're not helping to fuel emotions. Hopefully, we can all (perhaps with the exception of one Gerald Baraza) promote peace and helpfully suggest how that may be achieved. My prayers go out to all of Kenya. And to all the Eldoret church arson victims. And to all the other victims of these spate of violence. My prayer is that everyone has been able to glimpse exactly what it means to be at war. And that those who were in the heat of the moment calling for or wishing for some kind of war have had some time to reconsider. We can't choose the victims of war. Soon, it will reach our doorsteps. Some places have already started running out of food amongst other necessities such as fuel. Calling for help from the US and the EU is always disconcerting to me. I always believe that the solution lies with the perpetrators and those closest to them, in this case, all of Kenya. And subjecting me to listen to the US 'scold' or "advise" us about flawed elections after Florida 2004 is too much for me. I have never been one to believe in the supreme ability of the West to handle African problems however, so this is a biased view. Besides, this problem is not above Kenya. I have extreme confidence that the situation as it currently stands though scary, volatile and escalated is still very within manageable proportions. All we need to do as Kenyans is unite in wanting and demanding for peace. Our voices must be more influential than western voices if anything is ever going to change. Going out with a portion of Eric Wainaina's song...(As best as I could remember the lyrics, no internet source for them after a brief search) "Our task is incomplete If our souls and lives don't mix If there's one in the multitude Who does not share our attitude To love, to dream, to Pray for Kenya only let my flag remind me of my sacred duty ... And white for peace in Kenya My pride, my strength, my joy Always peace in Kenya In pride and strength and joy." May God bless Kenya.
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17:43
From: Marian's Blog
Read This Entry & More At Marian's Blog
Looking back at the tampered 2000 and 2004 U.S. elections from today, Tuesday, January 1st, 2008, it is crystal clear we now are down to the wire for democracy in America. No joke, folks. We need John Edwards for president...
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16:34
From: Kenyan Pundit
Read This Entry & More At Kenyan Pundit
- Kivuitu admits to acting under pressure. The story was apparently up on the Standard website, but is no longer available there (haven’t verified this) [edit - article available on the standard here, and on Youtube here]. Just in case, save the text somewhere. How was he compromised? [...]
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16:02
From: Kenyan Pundit
Read This Entry & More At Kenyan Pundit
Just got back home still trying to parse through the news/info coming through.
For now it is critical to get the word out about the situation in Eldoret and Burnt Forest. This is in the aftermath of the church burning. Reports of armed men going into the forest coming through from [...]
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15:42
From: Farmgal
Read This Entry & More At Farmgal
The situation in kenya is not political and its not ethnic.
The devil has entered the hearts of men and women.
A spiritual warfare can only be fought in the spirit. Your weapon right now is PRAYER.
Don’t let the devil find a home in your heart, and Kenya shall be saved!
Kibera youths run past a burning [...]
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15:38
From: Kenya Imagine
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“Let Raila and Kibaki fight! They are the presidents; we are just people!” Those, The New York Times reports, are the words of a Luo man interviewed during a march for peace in a Nairobi slum, a march attended by both Kikuyus and Luos. And that really is the message we should be sending to the young men and women killing each other across the country - not the baseless, emotion-charged arguments we continue to see on internet forums. Read more from Ombuya Okon'go. 
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15:00
From: tHiNkEr'S rOoM
Read This Entry & More At tHiNkEr'S rOoM
News On The Ground
A church with 200 sheltering people in Eldoret torched with the people still in it. Not many were able to flee
The monument Nicholas Biwott built for his mother has been torched. So has his mother's house
The Central Business district apparently is a no go zone
Government Spokesman and ...
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15:00
From: tHiNkEr'S rOoM
Read This Entry & More At tHiNkEr'S rOoM
Disturbing news from the Buru Buru area (thanks WathiiFM)
Paramilitary men are camping right outside gates
There is the modern equivalent of the Passover in operation. If your security lights are not on mobs will enter your house. Woe unto you if you and yours are there
Mobs have been forcefully circumcising people. ...
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13:21
From: More to Life
Read This Entry & More At More to Life
What to do next? How do we resolve the situation? How do we make things better? How do we maintain peace in Kenya? What is a seriously viable and acceptable to most solution? I'm a firm believer in fixing the future simply because fixing the past is not possible; a phenomenon I often wish my fellow countrymen would catch up to. So here is what I have processed alone and also through talking with various people. I personally thought Kibaki should resign. I assumed it would bring peace. I was rest assured that it wouldn't. In addition to being all about egos (between men and politicians, could it get worse?)and therefore not likely to happen, I was assured that many kikuyus are now afraid to be governed by anyone other than a kikuyu. Many will flinch at the tribal references. I'm keeping it real. I don't think hiding in shadows is going to do anyone any good any longer. Kikuyus are afraid because many have been directly threatened about "taking our land back" as well as their lives being threatened. I have heard that Western parts that voted for PNU have received threats as well. So have Eastern parts. Some with their lives and properties, some with the future of their constituencies in other tribal hands. I have also been informed that Mungiki is spoiling for a fight. I thought they were all in jail, well not all, but mostly incapacitated. A whole lot of this is hearsay, perhaps not even likely, but definitely makes the Kibaki resignation issue not the simple solution I had thought it to be. A significant percentage of the population does not see it that way. So I thought, what about going back to the polling stations? Everyone is calling for a recount. Of what votes, I ask? The same ones nobody trusts? The same ones that were stolen from different polling stations? If it's going to be meaningful, it needs to start at the polls. Not that voter turnout could be anticipated in the same numbers. I expect many would stay home for safety reasons. In future, whether as a repeat to the polls of 2007 or in the next 5 years, a few simple solutions could easily be met. Technology: 1.counters Ballot boxes need counters added on them. And the total number of votes in each ballot box recorded in relation to its serial number before it is sealed. That's really simple technology. 2.cameras Simple solution is to in addition to having observers from every party in the counting stations, attach cameras and have a second authorized set of observers from all parties observing via camera from a different location. All cameras on the ballot boxes and the tallying process. And the events being recorded. Admittedly this won't cover stupidity which was rumored in some polling stations where rival observers start to feud and the ballot boxes or votes get impacted by being strewn across rooms or whatever. Still stiff penalties for such actions could be enforced and with video evidence available, for both the vote tallies and dodgy behaviour, I don't see how anyone could lose. 3.Computerized system: Drawbacks: Expensive and from the rumors that have been circulating, technology personnel is not trusted. They were rumored to be inflating numbers. I can't comment on that without knowing what level of security they have. However, levels of security is a solution to tech staff being part of a counting problem. However, should be looked into maybe for elections 5 or 10 years from now, assuming we still have a country in which to vote. Training and Role Specifications: Processes for all observers must be outlined clearly. As well as dispute processes. Also communication processes between observers and their candidates need to be established. (aside: Like the F16A forms ODM claims are different from numbers announced, why didn't anyone take pictures of this even with cell phones to forward to their teams?) Security: It is preposterous that ballot boxes were stolen. This is probably the easiest fix yet. All persons walking in and out of counting stations, besides needing to show 3 types of identification, including a key card pass identifying them as authorized to be in the specific counting station; should be searched both as they come in and leave the stations. I think the ultimate correct way to do this is actually to make better premises for counting where they are "arrested" in until the counting process is complete. Of course the counters from one station should have no access to other counting stations. Attitudes: Especially from the politicians and as well the voters need to be noble. Also controlled, analytical and mature. Emotions should be controlled. Back to how do we fix the current situation. Raila could concede defeat. I most definitely don't expect this to happen for the same male politician ego reasons I mentioned above with Kibaki. As well as I don't think that that is his style. I don't personally in any way think this would help the situation on the ground. And about a significant progressive next 5 years, I imagine that our politicians are dumb enough to stalemate parliament for the next 5 years at the expense of development to prove their points. Hence my call for elections. Again, not a recount. After the massive rigging issues being claimed, I don't see how a recount would help. Now if someone would just figure out how to get Kibaki and Raila to dialogue about elections being held all over, allowing the previous government to keep running affairs for the next 90 to 180 days as they prepare for better manned and executed counting of votes (This process to be arranged and agreed upon by combined members of all significant parties), because let's be honest, voting day went very well. And since everyone has seen what the results of rigging (alleged)are, perhaps we can dare hope that things should go smoothly thereafter. This just in. Kivuitu announced results under pressure. After reading the entire article, it doesn't seem that Kivuitu is claiming to have announced rigged numbers, just to have announced results before investigations into issues could be done. Well, ECK doesn't have that mandate to investigate so I don't see that he could have done much. I Imagine his job in the past few days has been one of the toughest in Kenya's history. In the end, what matters is peace. There will be no need to be in Kenya if it is all in ruins after war. As seen already, carnage is being reported everywhere. As usual, it's not the elite upper class or middle class that usually pays the price, unless of course they are caught in the wrong places such as those who died in the Eldoret church arson. What is it that people choose to die for? Which one of these people roaming streets with machetes is likely to meet Kibaki or Raila on a personal level ever? I'd like to add also what my friend from Somalia said to me when she called to inquire about Kenya after catching some news on CNN. That if Kenya degenerates into war, there goes hope for Somalia and Sudan as well. It's a huge burden on those who can manage the situation in Kenya. However, anyone who thinks that war is the answer can right now face the fallacies of that view, or wait to learn a painful lesson somewhere down the road. I do hope there will be another election soon. On election day the following prayer from our national anthem graced my post. It will today as well. O God of all Creation Bless this our land and nation ... May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty. And all peaceloving Kenyans said, Amen!
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11:40
From: Black Looks
Read This Entry & More At Black Looks
New Year, Same Dawn
At the stroke of midnight
the shouts of jubilation reach a crescendo
Glasses clink, lips cheer, hands clap
mortals rejoice to bear witness
to the onset of another sequence of time on earth
yet somewhere, at the exact minute, a life departs.
So the new year meets the eyes of waiting hearts.
Eventually, day heaves a sigh of tiredness,
shuts [...]
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11:08
From: Mentalacrobatics
Read This Entry & More At Mentalacrobatics
Apologies for silence today, I have been running around trying to keep tabs on the various initiatives to save our country. I will put up some posts in the next few hours. Right now I have to get home safe. One quick note:
Eldoret, ladies and gentlemen, things are very very bad in Eldoret. Homes being raided. Churches being burnt. Shops being looted. Murder and rape in broad daylight. Ethnic groups after each other. Let me tell you this is much much bigger than Kikuyu –v- Luo.
Pamoja.
 kenyaelection07
© Mentalacrobatics for Mentalacrobatics, 2008. |
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11:01
From: You Missed This
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Breaking NewsIt seems that the truth about what happened in Kenya on 30th December is now unfolding at break-neck speed. Barely a day after 4 ECK commissioners boldly told the world that the 2007 presidential elections were rigged, the ECK chairman Samuel Kivuitu himself has come out to admit that he was under intense pressure form PNU and ODM-K to announce suspect results. Phil said in an earlier comment: Yes, I confirm Sam and others, Kivuitu appeared on prime time news this evening saying he read the results under extreme duress. Pressure was from PNU/ODM-K, and heavily armed government agents were slave-driving around.. Others like Maina Kiai pleaded with him to defer announcing presidential poll. He offers very little comfort when he suggests ODM seeks legal redress. But then, everyone knows he had no choice. He was a HOSTAGE and even now, I doubt whether he is free because he spoke at a room that resembles a hospital bed and he was dressed in some sort of pyjama uniform without any vests.... Read the full story here
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10:57
From: Kenya Imagine
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I just made it back to the US yesterday after spending several weeks in Kenya. Several claims are flying about the country, but the thing that should be worrying us most of all is the state of affairs in the country. From my observations while I was there and phone calls I have made after my arrival, most people in Nairobi are almost out of food. Not only are shops and supermarkets not open but there are no food deliveries in the city.(and as we all know, Nairobi has no shambas) Read more from Daniel K Rubia here. 
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10:54
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
Much has been said about the recently concluded presidential election that Raila Odinga lost but which still gave his party sufficient constituency wins to control parliament. There is a feeling of resignation, shock and being cheated at the electoral loss and this is fully understandable. Those of us old enough will recall the 1992 election where everyone thought they would beat the KANU candidate Daniel Arap Moi but he still came out triumphant. Opposition leaders screamed that Moi had rigged the elections and even FORD Asili's Kenneth Matiba went the extra mile to file a petition in court, one which ultimately failed on a technicality. Read more from Kamale T here.
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10:35
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
 As the ODM prepares a comprehensive report on election malpractices and presidential vote count escalation in favour of Kibaki, media got hold of this hand written ballot paper summary for the Langa Langa polling station in Nakuru Town constituency. It is obvious even to most illiterate eye, that "0" was added by Kibaki supporters to inflate his vote from 79 to 790 and thus earn him an extra seven hundred dishonest votes. Obviously, with these sort of mischievious games, PNU's Kinyanjui Lee Maiyani emerged the winner. This reminds me the Kisauni by-elections petition case which has been proven several times over was stolen by Anania Mwaboza from LDP's Ali Hassan Joho. Another example is the Magarini by-elections a few months ago which were a BIG FRAUD. Where is Hon Kombe today? Because of this open fraud the country continues to burn and innocent Kenyans continue to die.
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8:29
From: You Missed This
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Women and children set ablaze and burnt to death inside Eldoret church
A few moments ago in Eldoret, 40 women and children who had fled into a Kenya Assemblies of God church to seek refuge from protesters were burnt to death. Other figures put the number of those who perished in this heinous crime at 100.
Rwanda is unfolding in Kenya before our very eyes as the City Mortuary is heavily guarded by the GSU to prevent the truth of the deaths happening in the country from ever coming out.
Officially, barely 200 people have died countrywide since this mess started. What a joke, only that it is not funny.
Kumekucha Special Appeal: In my view the priority now should be peace and an immediate stop to the killings. Please appeal to your relatives at home, especially in Rift Valley, Coast and Nyanza that we have not exhausted peaceful means. Emphasize to them that peaceful protest always achieve much, much more. Violence only begets more violence and it can be difficult to end. Please let's act NOW to stop violence.
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7:46
From: Kenyan Pundit
Read This Entry & More At Kenyan Pundit
Not much to report at this point. Here’s the latest I have:
- Was worried about running out of food this morning, but a good friend who lives in Kiambu, where it’s business as usual, came over with “relief supplies” including meat because you know Kenyans can’t do that vegetarian story if they [...]
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7:08
From: RIBA CAPITAL
Read This Entry & More At RIBA CAPITAL
 ::: I love my country and this post is not on capital markets but the situation in Kenya::: I came back home to vote but what has happened since then is just unbelievable and sad. Maji yakimwagika haya zoleki.. We really, really need to move on. I am not taking any side here and as a Kenyan I cannot even imagine driving this country to where Rwanda was a couple of years ago. Ethnic cleansing will not solve anything, if anything. it will just make matters worse. Let the government and the opposition come together as Amb. Kiplagat has already set up a reconciliation team. Everyone knows the election tallying process was not solid and we can begin negotiations from there but killing our brothers and sisters is purely criminal. For heavens sake Raila's own son is married to a Kikuyu lady. and even in ODM's pentagon, the party's highest office, there is a Kikuyu, Joseph Nyaga. Similarly in PNU, Kibaki garnered votes from Luo's also and the issues about the election have no bearing to being a Kikuyu or a Luo. Kenyans are suffering and dying, yesterday(31/12/2007) I went out to try and buy some food, cabbage was retailing at Kes: 100.00 from Kes: 40 and less a few days ago, scratch cards are retailing 10% or higher above their marked prices.. War has never solved anything, look at Iraq and other Kenyan neighbours.... We don't need to be another statistic or example. We have always been sending peacekeepers and mediators around Africa, who will come to us?? if we are the ones who provide mediators?? Before the 27th,.. actually before the swearing in of Kibaki, no one really cared whether Riba is a Luo or Kikuyu, all you wanted was news on capital markets from a Kenyan.. Why shouldn't that be the same anymore.. We are Kenyans first and tribes don't really matter. Today (01/01/2008), is relatively peaceful and atleast from Eastlands in Nairobi where am publishing this article, I have not heard a gunshot or even seen smoke in the skyline, neither have I seen crowds running and shouting as was the case for the last few days.. I hope this continues to be the case... I am Proudly Kenyan.. and that won't Change... Tomorrow, (02/01/08), the stock market might open, depending on the situation of course. And I project a dip in prices as foreigners and locals withdraw from their positions until the country stabilises, this is so sad especially considering we were preparing for the biggest IPO in the region, currently I don't expect the Safaricom IPO to take place until some sense of stability returns and people feel confident to invest again, this was a great chance to project the maturity of the Kenyan economy and hopefully we can still salvage the situation by maintaining peace and calm as seen today. I will post some more as events unfold, but I also call on fellow bloggers not only to report on the dark side of these trying times but the positives too, for the sake of Kenya. For instance: Uchumi supermarkets were open for most of the previous day's and only closing when things went out of hand and I actually shopped there, despite heavy police presence and long queues. Today, the shops are open and Matatu's (public transport) is back on the roads and people can move around freely. KCB and Barclays ATM's are however down though they were previously working, the problem could be because they were not replenished once they run out of bank notes. Pesa point was also down but should be up very soon. MPesa, the Safaricom service has been working, but was down shortly, I still cant confirm whether its up again.
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6:18
From: You Missed This
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After reaping billions of shillings in dishonest profits from politically oppressed Kenyans, cellphone services provider, Safaricom Limited, has the nerve to send unsolicited text messages to its subscribers on behalf of John Njoroge Michuki. The contents of the SMS are as follows:
"The Ministry of Internal Security urges you to please desist from sending or forwarding any sms that may cause public unrest. This may lead to your prosecution. (sic) From: SAFARICOM."
In multi-party politics, private and public business corporations are not supposed to engage in partisan politics. It is inconceivable that Safaricom have opted to support the evil needs of a cabinet minister who has little respect to freedom of speech and freedom of movement - all of which, Safaricom conveniently forgets, are basic human rights.
One fails to understand how Safaricom, owned partly by Vodafone PLC and the Kenyan public through the Government of Kenya, can allow its network to be misused for political gain at this critical time while it failed to do absolutely nothing when fake propaganda was circulating within its network prior to the general elections. Perhaps the profits were too sweet to turn down, huh? The latest short text message is in fact tantamount to Safaricom turning into a state broadcaster and I dare add, a direct infringement on the privacy of its subscribers.
As we debate here, it baffles me that after 45 years of self-rule, Kenyans do not presently have free access to information after the overzealous minister banned live media transmission. Worse still, for the last two days, millions of residents have had state-sponsored violence unleashed on them and their fundamental freedom of movement curtailed by paramilitary forces because the corrupt and illegitimate regime knows it has a lot to hide from the electorate.
Q: What better option does this leave Kenyans?
A: Continue the fight to Making Life Better for all Kenyans!
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6:12
From: You Missed This
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...As security tightens around City Mortuary In an well attended press conference in Nairobi that ended a few minutes ago, the EU has bluntly said that the just concluded general elections were rigged. Led by EU Chief observer, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff the EU team told journalists at the Intercontinental Hotel that the exercise fell short of the UN Charter on Civil and Political Rights which Kenya is a signatory to. They recommnded that an independent audit be done of the presidential election results. Clearly the preassure on the frausulent Mwizi Kibaki government has rapidly been increasing over the last few hours. With Britain and the United States not on their side now, it is only a matter of time now. Kibaki and his hawks could of course prolong the painful process for as long as they want, but the conclusion will be the same. This government will not survive. Read Daily Nation report of the EU press conference.Meanwhile there is something really evil going on in Kenya as heavy GSU presence is maintained at the City Mortuary. Dead bodies being guarded from looters? Or does this have something to do with reports that hundreds of people have been killed countrywide but somebody somewhere is very determined to keep the real figures secret? &&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Kumekucha rarely quotes other newspapers but this one from the Telegraph in Britain is a gem; What is shocking about the rigged poll is not the fact of electoral manipulation, but its blatancy. President Kibaki's partisans barely troubled to cover their tracks. In one instance, observers saw one total being recorded at a local polling station, and a different one reported to the national electoral commission. Government supporters would have us believe that Kenyans voted decisively against the ruling party's parliamentary candidates, that they turfed out the vice-president, but that they then split their tickets to return Mr Kibaki. ...Commonwealth leaders should suspend Kenya from their ranks and retain the option of further sanctions unless the election is re-run. If the Commonwealth fails, all Africa will fail with it. Read the complete article. This election prophecy given early last year predicted bloodshed. Look at the other amazing things said. Who is the leader plotting to shed blood for example?
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6:00
From: tHiNkEr'S rOoM
Read This Entry & More At tHiNkEr'S rOoM
Thanks to all of those checking into the welfare of myself and Ory. We're OK.
For some reason shortly after my post I was unable to access any websites at all. I like to think that it was a purely technical hitch, which persisted all day. I'm now blogging from another ...
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4:08
From: Afromusing
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Click on this picture for more shots from yesterday and this morning.
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2:52
From: Afromusing
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- hi everyone, in Eldy, lots of tension though it has eased as it is daylight now, some people sought refuge in churches and police station last night and are still there this a.m saw some people carrying their belongings, will upload pics shortly if i can.
Yesterday, saw a mob of youth >300 crossing through farms, walking in a single file line. They later walked back after a few hrs.
Later in Kapsoya there were screams and people milling around.
-Just received an SMS from Safaricom that reads
“The ministry if Internal security urges you to please desist from sending or forwarding any SMS that may cause public unrest. This may lead to your prosecution”
-Continued media ban on live broadcasts
-Houses were burned in the last two days, things seem calmer now, though in Langas, people are still fighting and supposedly even more killed last night. Talked to a guy who lives there, says the leaders need to come there, one rep of the following languages: Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, put up a white flag and appeal for peace. “Radio appeals do nothing to calm that particular part of Eldoret”. In addition people’s heads are supposedly lying about and it is terrible.
-Govt spokesman’s words seem very hollow considering the situation on the ground. Long queues at Uchumi in Eldoret, some parts of town completely deserted.
-No fuel.
-I think Eldoret airport is still operational (as of confirmation yesterday)
-ATM’s still working though - Barclays on Uganda Road.
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1:14
From: Kenyan Pundit
Read This Entry & More At Kenyan Pundit
Site was back down again last night. Working on setting up a mirror site to handle traffic. Also had to try and make something out of New year’s eve.
I’m supposed to be traveling back to Joburg where I’m currently based tomorrow am. I want to stay behind and [...]
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0:49
From: You Missed This
Read This Entry & More At You Missed This
With many internet connections jammed for the last 36 hours, I have not been able to make any post, but congrats Chris and the thousands of Kenyan patriots out there, you have sustained the tempo very well. After spending the whole day with ODM top brass on new year's eve, I can authoritatively inform the world that this country is headed for a confrontation that will leave deep scars which will last decades to heal. Suggestions of a power sharing deal have been totally rejected by ODM which is demanding that Kibaki concedes defeat and hands over to Raila Odinga. This, according to ODM, is not negotiable. The ODM is working on mobilizing Kenyans to revolt against the PNU so as to force it to resign and give way to the ODM government. This tactic is already working as ALL social and economic actives are presently completely paralyzed. What is making life unbearable for many is that food stocks are running short and the internal security minister has deprived them of information. Food, water and electricity supplies to Kibera have been cut-off and the poor slum dwellers of Kibera are bearing the brunt of Michuki's draconian decrees. Whereas many will have already dismissed rumors of mass resignations from top public servants, its very true that 80% of them are on the side of ODM, going by the messages of goodwill and solidarity received by the party. The list of ODM well-wishers includes who-is-who in local and global political and business circles. I personally doubt whether Kibaki's PNU composed of the Wekesas, Mungatanas and Kiunjuris of this world will be any match. When ODM threatened to swear-in the people's president, it took the intervention of top diplomats, world leaders and PNU members known to be close to ODM to forestall what would literally been a creation of a stronger parallel government. Just how was President Raila meant to receive the sword? Who would administer the oath of office? Who were the invited dignitaries? These questions remain unanswered for now, but as someone close to ODM insiders, "everything had elaborately been put in place to ensure a successful official inauguration for Raila." As the leading political party in this country, the ODM has opted that instead of giving Kenyan security forces an excuse to batter innocent wananchi, it is advising party supporters to follow the law and the ODM yesterday submitted a prerequisite notification to the police of intention to assemble at Uhuru Park on 3rd January 2008 - in what is called the one million protest march. Several resolutions will be made at this rally which will give the general direction which the ODM intends to take in its quest to unseat the PNU.  Many diplomatic and political observers were shocked by the haphazard manner in which Kibaki and his ilk hijacked Kenyan voters. Why you may ask? Well, not only was the vote seen to have been stolen but also for example, during Kibaki's supposed inauguration, THE NATIONAL ANTHEM WAS NOT PLAYED OR SUNG during the entire ceremony as required by law. Remember for the last fortnight, the Kenyan military have been busy rehearsing an official hand-over ceremony at Nyayo stadium. Although the president is constitutionally also the commander in Chief of the Armed forces, all those important military protocols were thrown out of the window by PNU at State House and this may have upset some military top brass some of whom are seriously contemplating resignations. It seems the PNU are more interested in grabbing political power than following what is the supreme law of the land. Experts on Kenyan law who read this blog will tell you that the Kibaki presidency is not just a sham but it is in reality a coup de' dat on the Kenyan people. Diplomats and political observers have offered numerous solutions but these have all been rejected by ODM. This blogger received information that Michuki John Njoroge is now "ruling by proxy" and that there is a group of individuals with connection to Kenya's infamous and powerful corruption networks who have made it their business that the ODM must not be made to take over government at whatever cost. ODM-K Presidential candidate - perhaps unaware that his past behavior and actions are indirectly responsible for Kenya's sad state of affairs - is now making it his business to contact ODM in a bid to have them "talk" to PNU, the same thing that he himself totally rejected when ODM-K's council of elders and Mrs. Charity Ngilu attempted to do so as to keep the orange families united. In my opinion, Kalonzo Musyoka's political career is moribund and after having roped in the Akamba community into his ill-fated presidential bid, he is the least qualified to act as a mediator in a conflict which pits parties that garnered more than 10 times his own presidential votes. This is made even worse by the fact that Kalonzo's ODM-K took sides at the most crucial point in endorsing a great injustice during the time ODM was making gallant and spirited efforts in stopping a kidnapped ECK Chairman reading illegitimate presidential results. Observers feel the two opposition parties should have been standing in solidarity after blatant robbery of votes from Eastern Province where ironically the ODM-K's presidential candidate hails from. Meanwhile ODM calls upon its members to remain peaceful in the interim period, but mobilise in their millions to participate in country-wide mass action on Thursday 3rd January 2008. It will be a long and expensive struggle.
Read the complete article at
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