DEAR CITIZEN,THROW AWAY THE GUMBOOTS!

Its another season similar to Elnino which was last experienced over a decade ago. The rain is pouring very fast and furiously. Its also another day in the month of April that by fate and default  President Mwai Kibaki had to be in town.


It is all dreadful as the clouds get so dark and thick in a warning sight. In a cold breeze  Trafic Police seem to tighten security in all corners more than any other day. This is unusual to the common mans eye in any other normal day .


Traffic holds tight for all roads that lead in and out of town. People on foot seek for shelter and run around in helter and skelter within Nairobi's Central Business District.
Some fall into puddles of mud with trickles of leaked sewer streaming on the roads. While others loose their shoes over flooded drain systems that are clogged with debris.


At the tick of  5pm , President Kibaki slowly concludes and mesmerizes on the good deeds and efforts he initiated for the country's development during power. Among this was stabilizing "proper infrastructure" ; he mentions it with a pause and adds to the list of major highways and linking roads.


As a routine for appreciation, nearly all MP's stamp their feet in jubilation . Within the hard concrete of Parliament walls, they gleam through the TV screen in excitement .They are excited on the mention of infrastructure. Haiyaa!Our MP's seem content with their contributions for making the Kenyan roads a success.


I do not blame the president for those dreadful roads commonly pictured and seen in the media . Kudos to Kibaki for setting a visioned pace for development and still surviving an incompetent cabinet.


He has done his part but most definatley the representatives of those troubled Zones have done very little to make the road plague go away.


Its over a decade down the road but to date the "middle-class" citizens of SouthC are still swimming if not drowning along SouthC roads. Seriously?! what are the Councillors,MP's of that area doing? What is the community doing to complain about their situation?


Its become useless to use gamboots in some parts of Eastlands. The car sinks below the pot hole and the drainage system does not exist. Sewage has formed a natural cocktail with NWC's water from broken pipes and mud combined.


In  all roads that lead to Kayole, Umoja, Kangundo road, Embakasi estates and Donholm vehicles literally stall in potholed waters. Buses crowd  through narrow roads and hustling Kenyans glide deep through sewer cocktails, with no use of raincoats and boots in the rainy season.


The majority of Nairobi's population suffer the consequence of officials neglecting their duties. A problem that could be solved by the area MP, Councillor, NWC and  Nairobi City Council.  Poor drainage systems, unskilled city planning, harsh roads and neglected water services that mix with sewage are all in the hands of selected government officials in respective offices.



As President Kibaki wishes his next successor the best in governance, I wish citizens good luck in throwing away their gumboots and learning how to swim ,for this season and years to come. Roho juu!


Article: Opinion
All Photos: Courtesy of Senji Photos

WEEKEND BUS TRAGEDY

At least five people died on the spot and 23 other passengers were
seriously injured after a bus lost control and caused an accident over the
weekend.

The bus lost control while avoiding to hit a man crossing the road
and immediately landed into a nearby ditch in the process along Jogoo road.

Unfortunately a wheel from the Double M flew off the base of the bus
and hit the unidentified man to the ground.

Four passengers died instantly as the Double M skid and landed into the
ditch with heavy impact just a few meters near Makadara DC.

Some loose metallic sheets inside the bus located at the front
section, were among the objects that seriously injured the 23
survivors.

The bus was on its way from town and left Ambassador at around 10.00
pm on Saturday night, most of the passengers were residents of
Komarock estate.

According to eyewitnesses the Double M had low brakes and poor control
which caused the accident. An ambulance arrived at the scene about 20
minutes later and rescued a few to its capacity. They were taken to
various government clinics and hospitals.

Another spectator who was in a separate bus missed boarding the Double
M by five minutes. 
“The bus was on its way from town with high speed but during the accident it rapidly 
changed lanes to avoid hitting a man crossing the road.” Said Mwikulu Mwanzia .

The driver is still at large since the accident and police are
searching for the man.

Some survivors were discharged yesterday evening while others switched
to private hospitals.

ETHIOPIANS RELEASED TO FREEDOM

Five Ethiopians were finally released from custody after a court
confirmed their status to be legal in the country.

Samuguage Acheko, Dana Bulamo, Ayai Erjabu, Aneyo Ashore and Dawet
Markose were released after spending seven days in custody within Nairobi police cells.

The visiting foreigners were represented by a lawyer from Kituo cha
Sheria for free and debated for their freedom. This was after the
court postponed their case on three different mention dates.

The lawyer told the court that they were unfairly arrested and
detained in custody for long.  The court denied their release from the
first appearance in at the dock because there was no interpreter in
court.

He told the court their status in the country was supported by legal
documents and produced them as evidence before a Makadara court.

 They were in the country legally but lacked a representative that
could clearly express their position,they neither spoke English or
Kiswahili.

On their arrest they were charged on April 3  rd for being in the
country illegally while residing at Komarock Estate in Nairobi's Eastlands.

Senior Principal Magistrate Timothy Okello released the foreigners in
the country on proof of supporting documents.

ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF CRIME.

Three suspects were arraigned before a court for possessing a toy pistol suspected for anticipated crimes in Nairobi.

One of the suspects was granted a higher bond because of a previous warrant of arrest and crimes committed.

Joseph Mbote was denied a lenient bond and was granted sh 70,000 after prosecution alerted the court of his criminal record.

Jacob Mutua and Stephen Wainaina were each granted sh 50,000 cash bail  before a Makadara court.

The three suspects were all charged for jointly being armed with a dangerous weapon at Korogocho slums on April 16 th.

The men aged between 30 and 18 years were found with a toy pistol late in the night in circumstance that indicated the intent to commit a felony such as robbery.

The Chief Prosecutor notified the court that Mbote failed to appear before court twice in a separate case involving stealing and breaking into a building  in March this year.

Jacob Mutua told the magistrate that two of his mobile phones and sh 4,000 cash was missing since his arrest by officers.

District Magistrate Nyongesa summoned an investigating officer to appear before court .

The case will be heard on July 17 th this year.

MOTHER CHARGES SON IN COURT

A 17 year old boy was fined sh 20,000 for stealing personal items from his mothers house at Githurai estate in Nairobi.

The boy was charged before a Makdara court while the complainant was his Mother. He  represented himself during the plea and affirmed to the charges.

The boy stole his mothers floor carpet and their house helps mobile phone all valued at ksh 9,000. He pleaded guilty to committing the offense between 5 th and 7th April the property of Beatrice Muthoni, contrary to section 268 of the penal code.

District Magistrate Nyongesa inquired if there was any mitigation before proceeding with the sentence. But the boy said he was fine without  any personal problem.


Before he was fined the court made confirmations that he was a first offender. He fined ksh 20,000 with 14 days to submit failure of which he will face one year imprisonment.

ONE YEAR JAIL SENTENCE FOR DRUGS.

A man was sentenced to one year in jail after confessing that he intentionally and frequently abused drugs in Nairobi.

John Mwangi ,22, told a Makadara court that he used canabis sativa because of his disturbing job.

He affirmed to charges of being in possesion of  bhang  which was not in medicinal preparation on 16th April at pangani police station.

Police did a search on him and found  rolls of bhang with the street value of sh 100, contrary to section 3(1) as read with section 3(2) of the penal code and psychotropic substances control act.

He said the nature of his job entailed washing filthy toilets and could not function without taking bhang  at least a few minutes before the task.

On the said date he was arrested by a mob that accused him of stealing from a civilian. He was frog marched tot he police station until the complainant withdrew the charge at pangani station.

After a search by officers he was found with the substance that was produced as exhibits before court.

District Magistrate Hon. Nyongesa said he was a first offender and sentenced him to one year in jail.

DRUNKARD MOTHER REGAINS CUSTODY

A 30 year old mother was set free with a personal bond of sh 100,000 after facing charges of neglecting her six month old baby .

Monica Wairimu was arrested and charged for being cruel and neglecting her child.She was accused of denying the child food while being drunk and careless for three months.

She was released by a Makadara court after denying the charges and defending herself  and her husband in court. She told the court her family was facing financial crisis and were forced to seek shelter at a friends place.

Wairimu allegedly neglected the baby and caused the child's health to suffer between February 1st and April 4th at Zimmerman estate.

But she told the magistrate the case was a conspiracy by a female friend to separate her from her husband. The court heard that the parents were denied access to the baby since the mothers arrest on April 4th. The baby was in the care of officers at Kasarani station without a children s officer representative in court.

Senior Principal Magistrate Timothy Okello released the mother from custody because there was no child officer in court or prosecution witnesses . He further ordered for the child to be brought in court on 19 th April this month.The magistrate emphasised that children's officer should appear in court at all times because of children's safety.

The free bond was for the child's interest as there was no clear indication of the babies custody by police officers.

A RARE SITE OF ADVENTURE.

A team of random participants during the rope challenge.

The atmosphere is frosty, muddy, slippery yet ironically bright and sunny for a camp slightly 

below the slopes of Mt. Kenya.

Right at the Northern slopes of Mt.Kenya, lays KESAL Camp. It is estimated at 10,000 feet above sea level. The camp is filled with various kinds of indigenous trees, a breed of wild cats and grazing animals. This is as observed through a lengthy drive into KESAL Camp.

 

If one is late to arrive at the camp on foot past 6 pm, they may not be lucky to see the next day alive. “The place has wild animals camouflaged in the savannah grass and rough terrain. The serene is beautiful especially at sunset but one has to be careful with the animals,” says Ken Kaloki , Security Patrol. 

Contestants during the Mt. Kenya extreme sports at KESAL camp.

KESAL Camp is located towards Meru County  in the hilly slopes of Timau and a -6 degrees Celsius temperature .The camp  offers the thrill of a real life experience and challenge of surviving through the wild.

The camp portrays one with a relevant purpose and different from many camps in the country. It is a recreational site with a mix of environmental conservation, mountain tourism, sports and corporate team building facility.

My Kenyan Eye had the privilege to ride from KESAL Camp to Solo Camp.  It is another camp where more sporty activities take place. The distance between the two camps exposes another advantage for a Film Producer to use the serene for a beautiful movie production.

KWS team members during the rope challenge.

Kaloki ,has been in the job for  18 years long, “One must walk with a tent, water and lighter in case one is stranded because the forest can be dark and hard to see through during the day.” He instructs as he drives My Kenyan Eye from KESAL camp to Solo camp, which is another 40 minute stretch through slippery mud and wild cats.

Last year the camp organized its second annual event, Mt. Kenya Extreme Sports challenge with over 400 people in attendance.   About two hundred participants were to either win or lose in competitions of Extreme adventure, Sky marathon and Jungle race.

More than ever imagined, it is at KESAL camp where most of the awards winning athletes train. This is due to the high altitude above 9,200 feet.  Trainers, coaches and progressing athletes use the sloppy hills for their breathing exercise and marathons for practice in major competitions.

No one could have imagined but KESAL trains personnel’s drawn from Security Agencies, Parastatals, Ministries and the Private Sector. 

Those who have been advantaged of the environment include, Administrative Police (AP), Institutions of National secret intelligence service (NSIS), Kenyan Army, National youth service (NYS) and Kenya Wildlife service (KWS). These bodies have a mandatory standard to train in such challenging environments.

KWS Deputy director during a tree plant ceremony.

According to the Director of KESAL (Kenya school of Adventure and leadership) James Mwangi ,  the event is an opportunity for citizens to excel in local adventure and teamwork. “Kenyans can think of it as a recreational sport. The event is aimed for raising money for environmental conservation with the Mount Kenya Forest.” He said.

The school has a strong collaboration with Kenyatta University, The University of Nairobi and international professional bodies like Outdoor Learning Institute in the United Kingdom (UK).  Supported by various stakeholders aim to rekindle the event annually at the camp.  A target turn out of between 400 to 700 people would get Kenyans active in eventful recreation.

A hilly view from KESAL camp during Mt.Kenya Extreme Challenge.

Speaking to My Kenyan Eye in an interview, Mwangi added “Changes in the environment worldwide have greatly destroyed natural resources which need to be conserved at the moment.”

During a speech at the camp, Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia  further rendered the annual event as a Tourism pillar  through the creativity and innovation of conserving the environment.

Before he engaged in a tree planting ceremony, The P.S Said “This will promote Experiential Education, Mountain Sports Tourism and the Conservation Agenda. It is also a loud call to all of us to be on the forefront of environmental conservation in Kenya.”

A KWS team in the rope challenge at Mt. Kenya extrme sports.

However, some of the participants went through the adventure before it was to begin. Many were stuck in mud and had to push vehicles in the middle of the night, inside the wild forest.  By the time they made it to the camp a few who got lost, were traced to by security on patrol.

Nevertheless, KESAL Director admits that the rough roads and terrain may be a challenge for interested participants. “We need to work on the access roads, as others arrived at the venue as late as 4.00am in the morning due to unpredictable weather. This can earn a lot of revenue in the country for both local and international tourism.” He said.

Similar to a public private partnership the event is sponsored by Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Brand Kenya Board, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association (MKTCA), and Athletics Kenya (AK) for the Mount Kenya Extreme Sports Challenge.

FIGHT AGAINST TORTURE AND NEGLECT.

Her path and passion for protecting children began with a dramatic history that turned into an ironic twist.

Esther Njeri faced the Nairobi law courts back in 1996 out of ignorance. She forcefully took two neglected children into her custody with the aim of saving their lives. 

 The children had been starving for weeks as their father was not irresponsible, he would neglect his children since their mother passed away. “The children were three siblings, but one died out of starvation at the age one year.” Esther narrates .

Children's Officer Esther Njeri at her office.

The father had a round the clock schedule and would travel out of town without handing anyone his responsibility.  She recalls the incident that changed her life, “A neighbor came to the family in Kayole came to me and described babies’ ordeal. I was so disappointed with the father that I stormed into that house and took away the children right after their sibling’s death.”

However, the father was aggressive and mobilized a team of friends to take her to court. “I was so passionate and personal, that I had no clue about the legalities involved when taking neglected children to my custody.” She chuckles shyly in her office.

Fortunately, concerned Samaritans came into her rescue and assisted her. They accommodated the children and paid lawyers for the case, the rest is history to her daily career.

Today the Volunteer children’s officer saved those two children aged then  2 and 3 years old. They are healthy, alive and have completed secondary education.  

CAREER

Now , at 40 years old with four children of her own, she serves under the District  Children’s Officer in Kayole district.

She has a round the clock task. Her phone rings as late as midnight to rescue children neglected at odd places and at odd times.  She has served several cases dealing with child neglect, a child abuse and mothers being brutally assaulted because of a child in the relationship.

“Sometimes I am called at night and have to react on the spot with a colleague and live my house. Children are left in bars, trenches, locked in houses for days among unimaginable incidents”. She describes to .

Over 10 years of experience with such cases has made her wise and exposed her natural skill of counseling.

“I reached standard seven because of school fees. I heavily contribute as a counselor in most of my duties and influencing people’s perception s and attitudes in the community on children affairs.” 

She has never let education be her stumbling block in life.  But she believes if a scholarship came her way, there’s no doubt she would be a greater role model and influential in people’s lives with a higher authority to speak.

So far she has a business that keeps her clock full with managing it on the side. She owns a restaurant that further assists in funding her volunteer work on Children’s affairs.

MEMORABLE CASES

Her dedicated work has made Vice president, Kalonzo Musyoka meet her and take personal interest in children’s affairs.

“There are times my job is so overwhelming with unbearable incidents that I break down in tears.” She recalls the case that made the Vice president touched.  

She was handling a case of a 22 year old girl affected with a serious medical condition. “Her blind father would wash her daily as she was not able to bend or carry anything for herself for three years.” She explains remorsefully.

So what keeps her going?  " It’s the strength and value I have for children. I have my own to be concerned about but I take it my role to rescue those in desperate situations that make you want to fight."

She is haunted by an incident that occurred in 2004 under her duty. A one and a half year old baby was raped by her father and rescued but later died in her arms at Kenyatta National Hospital.

 The mother was also in hospital for a caesarian section for a seven month old baby.  “I was so devastated even though the father was imprisoned but later died in custody.”

FUTURE

She has noticed people in low income areas and slums have low regard for children due to tough times and life’s pressures. Her together with her colleagues take it upon themselves to train society in various communities on the significance of children.

So far the OCPD and OCS of Mihango police station in Kayole have been more than resourceful. “They give priority to children’s matters and hand in security escort and vehicles for efficient operations in handling such cases.” She says.

“We intend to start with Kayole district and move to other grass roots, where Seminars will be conducted on a regular basis. We want the parents to understand their responsibilities and roles on childrens rights, health and care.” She concludes with a smile.

The future looks bright for I am passionate with what I do, but with more support from the community and society I know children will not see teary days.

Article: Feature

If you are interested in helping neglected children contact Children's Officers on : bethmbatia@gmail.com

LANGUAGE BARRIER CONFINES ETHIOPIANS.

A court postponed a case involving illegal Ethiopian immigrants yesterday and ordered them to remain in custody for lack of an interpreter.

The Makadara court failed to proceed with the case for the second time after there was a language barrier and no interpreter to translate to the charges to the immigrants.

Five Ethiopian immigrants were arrested for being in the country illegally and put in custody at Kayole station last Friday.

Samuguage Acheko, Dana Bulamo, Ayai Erjabu, Aneyo Ashore and Dawet Markose appeared on Monday at the courts but failed to take their plea.

The men aged between 25-35 years, were arrested for being present in Kenya without valid documents at Komarock Estate on 30 th March.

The court ordered for an interpreter to appear in court for yesterday’s mention but was absent.

Senior Principal Magistrate Thimothy Okello said the case should be of interest to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) .  But the court required to know both nationality and detailed status of the Immigrants which was set back by language barrier.

Among  UNHCR roles is ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily.

UNHCR also has a mandate to prevent and reduce statelessness and protect stateless persons. By helping refugees go back home or to settle in another country and seeks lasting solutions to their plight.

However, when no interpreter or Ethiopian representative appeared SPM Okello ordered once again for an interpreter to appear on April 5 th the mention date.

A WALK FOR THE FUTURE.

PC Ndirangu waweru flagsoff a 10 km Charity Walk outside Nyayo house.

The Nairobi Provincial Commissioner has committed to support a charity
umbrella that aims to feed and educate more than 4,000 children within
Nairobi slums.

PC Ndirangu Waweru pledged to support the Kenya Family Charities  an
umbrella that sustains various Children’s homes in Kenya.

He committed sh  100,000 as contribution  that would seek to help
about  20 children homes distributed within Nairobi.

He guaranteed to be of help during the flagging off of a 10Km charity
walk that took place  on Saturday.  More than 1,600 participants
attended the walk in a colorful ceremony within the central business
district.

PC Waweru spoke at the starting ceremony outside Nyayo house. “It is
the right of every child to have shelter, and education and food
.These are also factors that influence a countries development.” He
said.

The Kenya Family Charities is a non- profit project umbrella organized
by Nazareth Sisters of Annunciation. The walk aimed to raise sh 60
million cash in a bid to support further support 18,000 children and
1,600 women nationally.

Nairobi PC speaks during the Kenya Family Charity walk outside nyayo house.

He further commended Lucy Kibaki for initiating Starehe Girls center
and advised young girls to aim for the National school. “It’s with no
doubt that any individual who goes to starehe, they excel in academics
and in life. We should appreciate the will by Lucy Kibaki to support
the girls centre.” He concluded.

According to KFC Directorship , Sister Magret Maina  children have
been neglected by their own citizens because they anticipate
international funds.

“The aim of this walk is to create awareness among Kenyans that they
can make a difference themselves without waiting for international
support.” She said.

Apart from Education, Shelter and Food support, KFC project
facilitates other programs such as health, guidance and counseling,
non-formal training for children that involves mind, body and soul.

She has supported the organization from her networks and other local
institutions since the year 2003. It accommodates all races and
religions of children for rehabilitation.

CULT, MYSTERY OF A MISSING GIRL.

A smart, pretty and focused girl disappeared from her parents’ home since November last year.  At only 20 years old she had been recruited to a cult that brainwashed her against her own family.

This girl was a student at University of Nairobi, but due to her ‘religious views’ she absconded class on several occasions. She would live the house on a normal routine pretending she was going to class but would not reach the institution for her own reasons. 

Off course this meant she could not attend to examinations like all the other students. According to her family she managed to forge transcripts and other academic records, she neatly scored high performances and presented them to those keen in her studies.

The sad part is that she was totally brainwashed by this ‘cult’ but none seemed to have a clear idea of its location or leader. She was quoted on several occasions by her friends saying “The bible says, even family can be your enemies ….” This saw her leave one evening from home in Eastland’s and was never seen again.

On the fateful day, she was dressed simply in slippers and walked out without a word. All Family members have searched for her everywhere and without a trace; they have safely reported the matter to police.

But today they have given up on her saying that when she gets back to her senses, she will return home. Four months after her disappearance, the father received text messages from her mobile number demanding for sh 10,000.

No one is sure if she is alive and the same person who is in control of the text messages or worse; dead and someone is using her line for profit. But her father did not send the money in response to text messages that emphasized it was for urgent purposes, “……it’s a matter of life and death.”

Her family let her be because she is over 18 years old and maybe influenced by Police officers who claimed she could be “married”.

Her friends are in denial with this version of her story because they knew her to be a sweet and focused girl since their childhood.

However, her family is sure that she didn’t leave the house willingly but was rather misled and brainwashed into an act of beliefs from a Cult.

So when is it serious to look for a missing person above 18 years old? The Kenya police are always reluctant to find a “missing girl over 18 years old.”

When do we draw the line between a religion and a Cult? They all have contrasting values and conflicting ideologies.

Sometimes in life, it is safer to be paranoid and not trust people. More so, on those who impose themselves too much in your life with a smile.

Article: Feature