Showdown looms as Cord plots Parliament siege to block key Bill

Opposition politicians have vowed to seal off Parliament Buildings tomorrow to stop MPs from passing a security Bill on terrorism, raising the possibility of a clash with police.


As a prelude to the siege on Parliament over the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill, which they describe as draconian, Cord leaders will today meet at the famous Kamukunji Grounds to rally the public behind the blockade.


The leaders are also planning a series of street protests and court action to block the enactment of the Bill because the “tyranny of numbers” will prevent a fair contest in the National Assembly.


Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama said Tuesday: “I want to tell Kenyans that on Thursday we will enter Parliament at 6am, we will also block Uhuru Highway. If they want to kill us, let them kill us because it is better than being a slave. Thursday is a big day for Kenya,” he said at Ufungamano House in Nairobi yesterday.


“National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze, Cord MPs and senators will meet at Kamukunji to demand the inclusion of the Senate in reviewing the Bill.


“There is no law, which affects counties, that can be passed without the input of the Senate,” he said.


Cord co-principal Raila Odinga outlined 10 reasons he thinks the proposed law is dangerous and should be opposed if democracy is to prevail and the freedom and rights of the people protected.


“The Bill introduces a new type of law that makes people responsible for the actions of others. For example, trade unions will now be liable to companies for economic losses resulting from strikes or to the government for causing traffic jams,” he said.


He added that the proposed law takes away the power to impose a curfew from the Inspector-General of Police and bestow it to the Cabinet Secretary. The decision, Mr Odinga said, would be on political grounds, not on professional security risk assessment.


He added that the Bill does not define what is “obscene”, “gory”, or “offensive” and therefore, interpretation would be at the discretion of the police.


“We saw our President protest strongly at the International Criminal Court at The Hague when the prosecution applied to Kenya to provide information. The President must also respect the same rights for the rest of Kenyans.


WESTGATE ATTACK


“The Bill limits the right of the media to give accurate information. The restrictions under the proposed law would have rendered last year’s coverage of the terrorist attack on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands illegal.


“We would only have known what the police wanted us to know. The coverage of Mandera attacks would also have been illegal,” said Mr Odinga.


Siaya Senator James Orengo said the Bill should not be amended, but rejected, as the process through which it was published is unconstitutional.


BILL OF RIGHTS


“Parliament is trying to unconstitutionally pass 36 new laws in the guise of this single Bill. The government is deliberately violating the Bill of rights and eroding all the democratic gains we have made over the last two decades,” he said.


Constitutional Law Expert Yash Pal Ghai said the rash manner in which the Bill was prepared was suspect.


“The law has been amended under the Miscellaneous Amendment Act, but the contents of these amendments deny Kenyans key rights and freedoms. It is a big blow to the fundamental principles of our Constitution,” he said.


IN HIS OWN WORDS


10 Reasons why the security laws (amendment) Bill is dangerous:


1 It takes away the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities by giving the Cabinet secretary power. Trade unions can now be neutralised and political activity, the government would become dictatorial.


2 It introduces a new type of law that makes people responsible for the actions of others. This is what they mean when they say a person convicted of convening a rally, meeting or procession will be made liable for any loss suffered.


3 It takes away the power to declare curfew from the Inspector-General of Police and gives it to the Cabinet secretary. The decision to impose a curfew will not be based on a professional security risk assessment but on political grounds.


4 It restricts the right of the people to receive information if that information is considered “obscene”, “gory” or “offensive”. The Act does not define “obscene”, “gory”, or “offensive” and this will depend on police interpretation.


5 It takes away the right of an accused person to be told what evidence the prosecution has. We saw our President complaining that the prosecution was withholding evidence at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.


6 It requires an accused person to disclose his witnesses and evidence to the police. Our president protested strongly at the ICC when the prosecution applied to Kenya to give the prosecution information.


7 It institutionalises the military into our civilian life by putting them in the Firearms Licensing Board and Inter-agency security advisory committee. As Kenyans, we keep our military out of civilian affairs.


8 It gives the right to police to obtain information from landlords about tenants even in the absence of an investigation. Allowing this is only opening up a new plantation for them to harvest where they did not sow.


9 It brings back to Kenya the dreaded Special Branch in a more lethal formation. The National Intelligence Service now has power to search premises and take away property without having a warrant from court.


10 It limits the right of the media to give true and accurate information. The restrictions on media under the proposed law would have made the coverage of Westgate attack illegal.

US 'concerned' by new security law Tweet comment Print

The Obama administration has said it is "disappointed" and "concerned" by sections of the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill.


In a statement from State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki on the Bill that was signed into law on Friday by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Washington however reaffirmed its support of Kenya's fight against terrorism.


"The US government is firmly committed to supporting Kenya's efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab and to ensure security of all of its citizens.


"We are disappointed, however, by the very limited time allowed for debate and consultation on the 2014 Security Laws (Amendment) Bill prior to its passage and enactment into law," the statement read.


"We are also concerned about several provisions in the legislation, including those that appear to limit freedom of assembly and media, and access to asylum for refugees.


"As a key partner in the global effort to counter terrorism, we expect the Kenyan government to ensure that its counterterrorism efforts live up to Kenya’s international commitments and its own constitution.


"Protecting Kenya’s constitution and upholding human rights, democracy, and international obligations are among the most effective ways to bolster security."


The Security Laws (Amendment) Bill was passed by MPs in an acrimonious session on Thursday. Legislators scuffled in the chamber as debate descended into chaos, prompting the chairman of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Mumo Matemu, to announce on Friday that MPs who disrupted the session were being investigated and could lose their seats.


'DEPLORABLE CONDUCT'


In an address to the nation shortly after signing the Bill on Friday, President Kenyatta said they would help boost the government's fight against terrorism and criminal activities such as poaching and cross-border trafficking.


Reacting to the ill-tempered session, the President said Opposition MPs in the National Assembly and senators had exhibited a “deplorable conduct.”


He described Thursday’s session as an “unfortunate incident” that denied Kenyans a chance to follow the House proceedings.


He praised members from the ruling Jubilee coalition for passing the law despite the chaos and mayhem.


On the deregistration of NGOs, Washington said it was seeking "further information" on the decision.


"A strong civil society is vital to democracy, security, and prosperity. We urge the Government of Kenya to ensure the regulation of NGOs is transparent, fair, and grounded in clear criteria that do not limit free expression, association, or assembly," the statement said.

Govt won’t approve transfer requests by teachers from Mandera, says PS Belio Kipsang

                           
The government will not approve transfer requests by 150 teachers from Mandera County who want to relocate following security threats.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang Thursday said the government would ensure that emergency intervention measures are put in place ahead of the re-opening of schools in January 2015.

Speaking after an assessment tour of Mandera County, Dr Kipsang said the government would give the county all the support requires.

“We are not departing from Mandera in its hour of need. We are here to give our support,” Dr Kipsang said during a meeting at the county headquarters.

The PS, who met with Mandera Governor Ali Roba, was accompanied by his colleagues Mutea Iringo (Defence), Monica Juma (Interior), Nduva Muli (Transport) and Director of Medical Services Nicholas Muraguri.

Mandera has witnessed a mass exodus of workers especially civil servants working in the health and education sectors after two attacks that have left more than 60 people dead in the recent past.

Twenty eight people were killed in the first attack after the Al-Shabaab militants raided a Nairobi-bound bus and shot them dead near the Kenya-Somalia border. Most of those killed were teachers and other civil servants travelling home for the Christmas holidays.

A week later, on November 22, 2014, 36 people were ambushed as they slept in tents at Koromey quarry near the same border. All those killed were non-locals and non-Muslims.

RE-OPEN HEALTH FACILITIES

Following the departure of 50 health workers, Dr Muraguri said the government will re-open 20 health facilities that have closed down due to security threats.

This, he said, will be done as a matter of urgency.

“Our ministry will help Mandera stabilise following the security blow.

“I applaud Mr Roba for his efforts in trying to keep the county moving despite all the challenges you are going through,” he said.

Ms Juma appealed to all ministries to fully commit themselves and help the county get back on its feet.

“Mandera is our frontline. We are here to support the county to the end,” she said.

Governor Roba lauded the National Government for its response in ensuring that crucial government services were not further paralysed by the exodus of civil servants.

Raila summons elders with Homa Bay seat on the card

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga addresses delegates during the National Governing Council held at the Bomas of Kenya on December 5, 2014. Odinga has called a meeting of Luo elders at his Opoda home in Bondo, on Sunday, to discuss a wide range of issues, including suggestions by a section of leaders that he should seek the Homa Bay Senate seat. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
In Summary

A few members of the Homa Bay county assembly have also been invited to the meeting where the possibility of Mr Odinga’s candidature will be on the table.
He said that if Mr Odinga offers himself as a candidate, it will provide him with a forum to reach out to millions of Kenyans.
The county is home to most of the MPs branded rebels for agitating for internal change with the ODM establishment. They include Mr James Rege (Karachuonyo), Mr Sylvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul), Mr George Oner (Rangwe) and Mr Augustinho Neto (Ndhiwa). advertisement

By ISAAC ONGIRI
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ODM leader Raila Odinga has called a meeting of Luo elders at his Opoda home in Bondo Sunday to discuss a wide range of issues, including suggestions by a section of leaders that he should seek the Homa Bay Senate seat.


Despite opposition to the proposal for the former Prime Minister to enter the Senate, some of Mr Odinga’s allies are determined that he contest the seat left vacant by the death last month of one of his key lieutenants, Otieno Kajwang’.


The by-election is slated for February 2, but political parties are expected to confirm their candidates by December 19 in primaries. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission gave January 5 and 6, 2015 as the dates for receiving nomination papers.


The elders being assembled at Mr Odinga’s home Saturday have been carefully selected from the entire region and include elected leaders.


The Sunday Nation has learnt the group will include the new ODM chairman and Suba MP John Mbadi, the Director of Elections and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Homa Bay County Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Central MP Opondo Kaluma, Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga, nominated MP Dr Oburu Oginga and at least 50 elders.


NO COMPETITION
A few members of the Homa Bay county assembly have also been invited to the meeting where the possibility of Mr Odinga’s candidature will be on the table.


When contacted Mr Mohammed said: “This is a routine exercise. We will be strategising on how to handle the Homa Bay senatorial seat broadly and also planning for the Kajiado Central seat.


We have already asked the Jubilee side not to field a candidate — they have poached our MP (Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Joseph Nkaissery) and we must be allowed to sponsor a candidate unopposed.”


Mr Mohammed will be squarely in charge of the two by-elections after the National Governing Council on Friday picked him as the party’s director of elections moments after Mr Odinga proposed the creation of the new powerful office.


On Wednesday, a group of ODM MPs urged Mr Odinga to consider running for the Homa Bay seat. But the former PM is yet to comment on the matter.


On Saturday, Mr Kaluma, who is in Arusha on official business, said the Opoda meeting is not meant to confirm Mr Odinga’s proposed candidature.


“We have expressed support for Mr Odinga to run. This is not unusual, there are so many other world leaders before him who did the same previously after holding higher offices. You know the story of Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, Gordon Brown of Britain and many more,” he said.


SERIOUS PROPOSAL
He said that if Mr Odinga offers himself as a candidate, it will provide him with a forum to reach out to millions of Kenyans.


“I know Mr Odinga is not interested in coming to the Senate. Moments after we addressed the press last week he called me. He was concerned that we did it without consulting him. Remember, I had even offered to resign for him to take over my parliamentary seat,” Mr Kaluma said.


And Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga who also spoke to The Sunday Nation moments after he came back from the United States said the matter required time to be thoroughly discussed.


“We should consider it if it is going to add value to our politics. I do not want to be in the group that is opposing it if somehow it is going to help us achieve something. But if in some way it will not help us then we must drop it,” he said.


Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga, who first suggested that Mr Odinga should run, said more meetings will be held in four counties in Luo Nyanza to come up with a firm decision on the matter.


He dismissed those who have said the idea was a joke.


“We are serious we want Mr Odinga to contest as part of our preparation for the 2017 elections. Candidates in Homa Bay who are interested in this position must swallow their pride and look at the bigger picture,” he said.


UNFORTUNATE PROPOSAL
It is not the first time Mr Odinga’s allies are pushing for a way to have him back in Parliament.


In 2013, some allies of the ODM leader were said to have approached Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura to step down for him.


“Yes I was approached to step down for Mr Odinga. While I would not refuse to give way to him, I thought it would not have been a bright idea to have him as minority leader (in the National Assembly) while Mr Aden Duale is majority leader,” Mr Obura said, alluding that Mr Duale is junior to the former PM.


After he declined to give way, pressure was turned on Kibra MP Mr Ken Okoth who also declined to resign.


At the same time 17 ODM officials from eight constituencies in the county issued a statement condemning attempts to drag Mr Odinga into the race.


“We the chairmen and secretaries of all eight ODM branches that make the county branch hereby reject the unfortunate proposal by a section of ODM MPs principally from outside Homa Bay that the party leader contests for the Homa Bay senatorial seat,” read part of the statement.


The group led by the party’s Suba branch chairman Ken Oure told Mr Odinga to be conscious of a local agreement among the eight constituencies on how to share the top county positions. In 2013, a pre-election pact on key elective positions was arrived at among the three blocs in the county.


The greater Rachuonyo was to get the governor’s slot; Homa Bay town, Rangwe and Ndhiwa constituencies were to provide a candidate for the Woman Representative while Mbita and Suba constituencies were given the Senate seat. Positions in the county assembly were also divided.


“This is demeaning to our party leader. We are warning these MPs to keep off the affairs of Homa Bay County. The only county in the ODM strongholds that elected its governor, senator and MPs from ODM,” read the statement.


HOME TO REBELS
Elders from the region led by the Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders Mr Willis Otondi and his predecessor Mr Riaga Ogallo urged Mr Odinga to ignore the appeals of the MPs.


“We have been so hopeful that Mr Odinga will become President after the coming election. It is so destructing that while we put focus on the presidency someone wants him to become a mere senator,” Mr Otondi said.


And Mr Ogallo said Mr Odinga does not come from Homa Bay County and that it would be embarrassing for him to get into confrontation with county leaders.


Several candidates including two of Mr Odinga’s former aides, Mr Caroli Omondi and Mr Silas Jakakimba, have already hit the ground running as they campaign to succeed Mr Kajwang’.


Mr Jakakimba has been endorsed by Suba elders. The late senator’s brother Moses Kajwang’ and former National Social Security Fund Managing Trustee Fred Rabongo, who comes from Kajwang’s Waondo village, have also announced their intention to run.


The race may also include former MPs Philip Okundi and Martin Ogindo, Dr Kenneth Kambona, Mr Herbert Ojwang’, Mr Hillary Alila and Mr Odoyo Owidi.


“It will be unfair for Mr Odinga to attempt to seek a position from this side while he knows very well he is not a resident of Homa Bay County. If he does I will contest and am sure I will give him a run for his money,” Mr Owidi said.


The county is home to most of the MPs branded rebels for agitating for internal change with the ODM establishment. They include Mr James Rege (Karachuonyo), Mr Sylvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul), Mr George Oner (Rangwe) and Mr Augustinho Neto (Ndhiwa).


THE FINAL SAY
Mr Magwanga, Mr Mbadi, Mr Kaluma and Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo are considered Mr Odinga’s allies in the county.


Meanwhile, the ODM leadership could go for direct nomination to pick a candidate to contest the Homa Bay seat in the February 2 by-election. The IEBC gave all parties until December 19 to nominate their flag bearers.


A number of MPs have floated the idea of party leader Raila Odinga contesting the seat to replace the late Senator Kajwang’.


In light of this, those who had shown interest in the seat are said to be holding secret discussions with Cord affiliate parties to get nomination certificates just in case the ODM certificate goes to Mr Odinga.


But Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi who is also ODM secretary for political affairs said the people of Homa Bay will have the final say on who becomes their senator.


“The seat is precious to us; we will stop at nothing to recapture it; nomination of a satisfactory candidate is the answer to getting the seat,” he said.


ODM is the dominant party in the county and whoever gets the ticket is likely to carry the day.

Uhuru rallies MPs to pass Bill to fight terrorism and banditry

 


President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, Mr William Ruto, on Wednesday rallied Jubilee MPs to pass an amendment Bill to fight terrorism and banditry.

The President hosted the MPs and senators at State House, where he explained why he needed more powers to deal with terrorism and asked them to pass the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill.

MPs who attended the meeting said the President said he was being blamed by the opposition, civil societies and the clergy for failing to tame insecurity yet the law did not give him the authority to deal decisively with the attacks.

“The President said everyone was saying the buck stopped with him but the Constitution did not give him enough powers to fight terrorism,” said an MP who requested not to be named.

A senator said the President argued that since the buck stopped with him, he deserved the powers that would allow him to deal decisively with government officials who failed in their duties.

He made it clear that he needed the powers to come down hard on the Inspector-General of Police and the two deputies, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) director.

SECURITY TENURE

The Bill, which is expected to be taken up for debate in the House on Wednesday, proposes to take away the security of tenure of the Inspector-General of Police and the two deputies, the NIS director and the DCI.

The proposed law comes two weeks after suspected Al-Shabaab militants killed 64 people in Mandera in two separate incidents.

Opposition leaders and the public heaped pressure on the President and called for his resignation.

President Kenyatta responded by nominating Kajiado Central MP Joseph Nkaissery as Interior Cabinet secretary in the place of Mr Joseph ole Lenku. Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo retired and is yet to be replaced.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale told the House that the Bill would go for the second reading and possibly allow for the third reading at a later date or on the same day.

Jubilee MPs meet this morning to discuss how to rally their colleagues to pass the Bill.

Said Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria: “There will be a meeting tomorrow (Thursday). We want to make it clear that when the Bill comes to the House, there will be no coalitions, religious affiliations or partnerships. We ask Kenyans to watch out for those who will be on the side of freedom and democracy and those who will be on the side of terrorists and killers.”

The opposition has criticised the amendment Bill, arguing that it infringes on freedom of expression, freedom of the media and Kenyans' right to privacy of Kenyans.

Kenyans nominate 10 most favourite MPs in 2014

Ten Members of Parliament have been nominated as the most favourite leaders in 2014.


Through online voting, Kenyans nominated their most favourite MP in 10 different categories, with three nominees initially in each category.


The parliamentarians were selected based on Bills moved, contributions to Bills, motions raised and statements issued from March 2013 to November 2014.


The categories, under the banner Wanjiku’s Best Representative, are education, water, health, food, devolution, oversight (progressive legislation), budgetary oversight and youth.


The 10, who include members of the National Assembly and the Senate, are in the 2014 People’s Shujaaz Awards.


THE NOMINEES


MPs Boniface Gatobu (Buuri constituency in Meru County) and Senator Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) have been nominated as the most favourite leaders in the education category.


Mr Gatobu was nominated for moving a motion urging the government to establish a public databank of all bright students from low-income families.


The databank would be used when disbursing bursaries from public institutions and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).


Dr Khalwale was nominated for his motion on equitable distribution of universities across counties.


In the health category, the nominees are Senator Wilfred Machage (Migori) and Dr James Nyikal (Seme MP).


Dr Machage was nominated for moving a motion urging the government to establish Level 5 hospitals in all 47 counties.


Dr Nyikal was nominated for his contributions on the health sector and devolution.


Ms Amina Abdalla (MP) was nominated in the water category for her contributions to the Water Bill of 2014, which seeks the separation of responsibilities between the water authorities at the national and county government levels.


Nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi was nominated as Wanjiku’s Best Representative in the food category.


Ms Elachi was nominated for her role in the Food Security Bill.


In the youth category, the nominee is Mr Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini MP).


FUNDS FOR WOMEN AND YOUTH


He was nominated for seeking to have the Sh6 billion initially earmarked for a presidential runoff in the 2013 elections to be disbursed to youth and women groups across the country.


Suba MP John Mbadi was nominated for his contribution to debates on salaries, allowances and vehicles allocated to constitutional commissioners.


Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando was nominated in the oversight (progressive legislation) category for proposing the reintroduction of capital gains tax that was included in the Finance Bill of 2014, among other contributions.


Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki was nominated as Wanjiku’s Best Representative for devolution.


Prof Kindiki is credited with contributing to several county Bills in the Senate.


These include the County Allocation of Revenue Bill of 2013; the Community Land Bill; the Division of Revenue Bill of 2014; and the County Retirement Scheme Bill, among others.


He is also recognised for a motion urging the national government to enter into agreements with county government to transfer resources, functions and powers to them.


The online voting, which was conducted by Mzalendo.com, lasted 10 days.

DPP wants speedy arrest of 15 men in rape of sisters in Tana River

                                                                                                                                                               The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has expressed concerns about the delayed arrest of 15 people who allegedly gang-raped and defiled two sisters in Wayu, Tana River County.

In a letter dated December 9, 2014 the DPP ordered police in Hola to act swiftly and arrest the suspects, to avert a possible outbreak of inter-clan wars between the Somalis (the victims) and the Ormos (the alleged assailants).

“Our main concern is as to why there have been no arrests by Hola OCS from the day he received the file from Bura Police Station for his action,” reads the letter addressed to Tana River County Criminal Investigation Officer.

“Two communities are involved here. We must act as quickly as possible to avert any possible break out of war between the Somalis and Ormos, who are awaiting your action,” the letter emphasises.

This comes barely two days after protests from the families of the victims and civil society, who accused the area chief and the OCS of deliberately shielding the suspects from arrest.

“We know and we have evidence that there is (a) deliberate attempt by (the) Bura OCS and (the) Wayu chief to cover up this matter. That is why the Bura OCS transferred the file to Hola and yet the crime (took) place in his area of command,” said Ibrahim Aden, a child rights activist.

The two sisters, aged 16 and 23, were on Friday waylaid and allegedly gang-raped by a group of about 15 youths in Wayu Location in Bura, Tana Sub-County, while their father was tied to a tree and forced to watch as his daughters were assaulted.

The elderly father and his daughters had gone to look for their lost camel when they were ambushed and dragged to a nearby thicket, where the girls were allegedly repeatedly raped.

TRY THEM IN GARISSA

Bonny Okemwa, the principal prosecution counsel who wrote the letter on behalf of the senior assistant director of public prosecutions, insisted that the suspects, when arrested, must be taken to the Garissa Law Courts although the offence was committed in the jurisdiction of the Hola Law Courts, saying he fears there could be witness interference in Hola.

“There are so many compelling reasons as to why we need this matter to be heard (in) Garissa, one being the availability of witnesses.

“We have secured witnesses here and the fear of the suspects' family members interfering with our witnesses,” reads the two-page letter, which is also copied to the Tana River county commissioner and the county children's officer.

The office of the DPP further wants the relevant government organs to act promptly and arrest the 15 men.

“Please act and let us have the 15 and more men who did this.

"Your office has the machinery to protect or conduct the prompt arrest, let us have them by Wednesday December 10, 2014,” it reads.

The DPP also requested the county criminal investigations officer to give a stern warning to the area chief and his assistant, who have been reported to be interfering with investigations and efforts to prosecute the culprits by allegedly compromising and threatening key witnesses.

Clubs rush for reinforcements

                                                                     THE ongoing mini-transfer window shapes as make or break for a host of Mainland clubs, with title heavyweights busy in the market looking to bolster their squads after a battling start to the new campaign.

The month-long transfer window, which opened on November 15, represents a chance for clubs to give their teams a boost but once again it is the big clubs that are dominating the market.

Defending champions Azam FC have reacted to their recent stuttering form by sealing the signing of Ivorian defender Paschal Serge Wawa on a two-year contract.

Wawa’s transfer from Sudanese giants El Merreikh has been hailed as a good deal that is expected to bolster the Tanzanian side not only on the domestic front, but also in the CAF Champions League.

Joseph Omog’s determination to improve his squad saw him recruit ever-green Amri Kiemba from Simba. The reliable midfielder for both Simba and the national team, Taifa Stars, has fallen out with his current club and has joined the city tycoons on loan.

Azam’s spending is likely to continue. Mali’s striker Mohamed Traore, who plays for El Merreikh, remains the leading target as the future of the Ivorian striker Kipre Tchetche still hangs in balance.

While Azam are flexing their muscles seeking to revive their fortune, one would not expect other title contenders to lay dormant in the market and there are transfer activities going on at both Young Africans and Simba.

Yanga, in particular, are set to welcome Brazilian defensive midfielder Emerson De Oliveira Neves Roque (24) for trial and medical test ahead of a potential move.

Roque, who has been spotted by the club’s head coach Marcio Maximo, would likely fill the void left by compatriot Geilson Santos ‘Jaja’, who has returned home after failing to make an impact since joining the club a few months ago.

Maximo wants to add some firepower to his misfiring attacking force during the ongoing transfer window and has reportedly earmarked Uganda Cranes striker, Yunus Sentamu, currently with Congolese side AS Vita.

Exciting Mbeya City attacker Deus Kaseke is also reportedly attracting interest from giants Simba and Yanga, who unsuccessful tried to sign him before the start of the season.

Though the Reds have tried to distance themselves from a possible move for Kaseke, reports suggest that the Simba Players’ Registration Committee members have been working hard to win his signature.

Simba are also reportedly seeking the signature of Mtibwa Sugar’s duo of Ame Ally and Hamis Kessy, Prisons’ Salum Kimenya as well as former goalkeeper Juma Kaseja, who has reportedly terminated his contract with Yanga.

But their best move was to seal a two-year extension deal with their midfield maestro Jonas Mkude, who was on both Yanga and Azam’s radar.

Several other clubs have signaled their intention to strengthen their squads, with Ndanda FC also looking to bolster their team after a tough start to life in the top flight league.






Struggling Mbeya City will be eager to retain key players in the squad but also bring in some freshness to the team that finished second runners-up the previous season.

Know your investment partner beforehand!

ONE would often observe that whenever we want to open a new bank account with any bank, one of the forms which we are asked to fill is called ‘KYC’ form.

What does this acronym ‘KYC’ mean to a normal human being? The expanded form of ‘KYC’ is nothing but it stands for - “Know Your Customer”. This famous acronym i.e. ‘KYC’ is very popular in the banking/ financial industry across the world.

“Know your customer (KYC)” is the due diligence that banks/ financial institutions and other regulated companies must perform to identify their clients and ascertain relevant information pertinent to doing financial business with them.

‘Know your customer (KYC)’ policies are becoming increasingly important globally to prevent/ identify transactions relating to theft, fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing etc.

Howsoever influential one might be no bank of professional standing will open an account until that customer passes the mandatory ‘KYC’ guidelines/ procedures.

That being the practice in financial sector, don’t you feel that it is equally obligatory on the part of any depositor or investor to also know the corresponding bank/ investment company where one is intending to put his/ her hard earned money.

This is where I introduce you to an altogether new terminology/ acronym i.e. ‘KYB - Know Your Banker’, which basically connotes that as ‘KYC’ is for a bank or investment company, ‘KYB’ is for a customer.

So if it is mandatory for a customer to undergo KYC compliance procedures to open a bank account or make investments, are we not supposed to apply the same yardstick when we decide to transact with any bank or investment company.

This is where a common investor normally makes a miss. One would go to any extent to comply with the mandatory ‘KYC’ guidelines when required, while on other hand the same person would pay very little attention to know about the bank or investment company where he/she intends to put one’s hard earned money for investment purpose.

Please note, your first and foremost concern as an investor should be the safety of money you intend to deposit or invest. In order to address this concern one has to take some pain by following the dictum of our today’s message i.e. ‘Know Your Banker/ Investment Company’.

Though the moot question remains, as to how one can know about its Banker or Investment Company? There are many ways through which one can collect some basic information/ data to know one’s banker/ Investment Company well.

While doing ‘KYB’, the first things you must ensure is that the financial entity (whether it is a bank, finance company, chit fund or any other concern of similar nature) is duly registered and has a clear cut mandate/ licence to undertake the type of business currently being operated.

Once that financial entity (under review) has passed the 1st litmus test of being found duly registered, the very next thing one must find out is about its track record. One of the best ways through which one can easily find out the track record of any entity is by seeking/ analyzing audited financial accounts of that entity for a period of about 3-5 years.

While doing so, you may even take the help of some financial analyst, accountant or stock broker. Another important thing one must ensure is to clearly understand the terms and conditions that govern the investment plan you intend to join.

The normal practice is to just sign on the dotted lines, without being clear on many important key parameters. You may decide to put money under ‘fixed deposit’ with a bank for five years without even knowing whether there is any window available to you in case the money is needed before maturity (i.e. before 5 years).

If yes, then what conditions would apply in case you decide to break the fixed deposit after completion of 3 years. There could be many permutation and combinations of similar nature relating to one’s investment placed with various financial entities.

There are numerous instances where an investor had joined a savings/ investment plan based on misguided advice received from some greedy financial adviser or agent, which later on turned out to be completely not in sink with one’s investment profile.

But by the time one discovers such unwanted clause, it is too late for correction. So the best time to do the necessary due diligence is when you are investing at the first instance.

For security, and peace of mind, you should be interested only in dealing with the safest Bank or Investment Company, which enjoys highest quality of financials, coupled with the lowest risk and has a steady track record.

Thus from hereon please make ‘KYB - Know Your Banker’ as one of your integral investment mantra, and I am sure by doing so you would avoid unnecessary miseries that may befall on your hard earned money in the times to come.

Cheers and happy investing!!!

3.6bn/- used for Mara hospital projects

ABOUT 3.6bn/- has been issued for the implementation of Mara Regional Hospital projects in the financial years 2011/12 and 2013/14.


The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, Mr Aggrey Mwanri, said 256,173,000/- was spent on compensations and 3,365,939,000/- was spent on construction.


He said that in 2014/15 the government has set aside 2.2bn/- and already the region has been given 287,145,000/- to continue construction work at the hospital.


The Deputy Minister said that preparations to get a contractor for the second phase of the project is still on, and the government will be setting aside funds as they are available.


Mr Mwanri was responding to a question by Musoma Urban MP (Chadema), Mr Josephat Nyerere, who wanted to know if the government will fund to complete implementation of the projects.


Mr Nyerere also questioned the government’s plans to employ the Public Private Partnership (PPP) so that Appollo Hospital and other private partners be involved.


Mr Mwanri said that the issue of PPP is among the government’s policies in implementing developmental projects and already it has started involving the private sector in various education and health projects.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the government has managed to build 249 hospitals, 716 health centres and 5,960 dispensaries countrywide.

State’s financial support to farming reaches 1tri/-

TANZANIA has stepped up the state’s financial support to the agriculture sector, which at the moment is clocking 1 trillion/-, according to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Governor, Professor Benno Ndulu.

“Although it is still low, the share of lending to agriculture to total lending to private sector by the banks has increased from the average 9.6 per cent in 2008 to nearly 12 per cent by the end of 2013, against the backdrop of rapidly expanding total credit to the private sector,” stated Prof Ndulu.

Speaking at the ongoing 17th Conference of Financial Institutions (COFI) taking place at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) here, the central bank chief pointed out that in absolute terms, credit to agriculture increased from an average 700 billion/- in 2008 to over one trillion/- at the end of last year.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Financing Agriculture and Agribusiness in Tanzania: Challenges and Opportunities’ and reflects the need to increase financial resources to agriculture, which was stated during the event to be the major activity of the majority of Tanzanians.

To that effect, therefore, Governor Ndulu pointed out that the government has already made significant strides in providing financing to medium and large-scale agriculture through guarantee schemes operated by the BoT and ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ initiatives.

“Local financial institutions have also played a sizeable role in this endeavour,” he noted, adding that more efforts were being made to ensure that more grants are pumped into the farmers’ coffers to boost productivity.

The Vice-President, Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal, officially opened the conference and stated that the importance of agriculture cannot be underestimated on that the sector accounts for 30 per cent of export earnings and about 25 per cent of the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

“And when looked in real terms, the sector provides backward and forward sectoral linkages and is key in controlling inflation, because food contributes about 44 per cent of the total consumer’s expenditures,” pointed out Dr Bilal.

COFI is a biennial forum that was created by the BoT in 1980.






The conferences bring together heads of financial institutions and other stakeholders to exchange views and experiences on matters related and relevant to the financial system and the country’s economy.

NIGERIAN SOLDIERS CATCH BOKO HARAM LEARDER ON BORNO.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014 was a particularly bad day for stubborn Boko Haram terrorists operating in the North East as they lost scores of their members during repeated attempts to enter Konduga, about 70 kilometres to Maiduguri.

But the icing on the cake of Nigerian troop’s victory of the day was capture of “a high ranking terrorists’ leader” who was seriously wounded and is currently being treated in a military medical facility.

Military sources informed PRNigeria that the terrorists leader

whose name is still being kept a secret was captured after the second but more fierce battle waged by the group of insurgents to capture the town following their earlier routing by the military.



Among those captured yesterday in battles where over 60 terrorists were wiped off the face of the earth.

In addition to their losing scores of their fighters, the terrorists also lost weapons and equipments including 24 riffles, five rockets propelled grenade tubes, two machine guns as well as a Ford Ranger vehicle. Another Ford ranger vehicle was also destroyed.

During the first battle of the day, which lasted over 12 hours, scores of the terrorists were again sent to hell.

“Right now, our troops are combing the vicinity of the battle scene in a cordon and search operation to determine the exact casualty figures suffered by the terrorists in the encounter,” our source declared.

During the encounter, three Hilux vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier and a cache of arms and ammunition were confirmed captured by the troops.

In yet another battle which occurred at Benishek on Wednesday, troops fought through an ambush, capturing four motorcycles from fleeing terrorists.

Unfortunately, one soldier lost his life while four other who were wounded are receiving treatment.

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ FAIL AGAIN TO PERFOM ON HIS SHOW ON LONDON.

his promoter has VICTOR Diamond Show London is under arrest by police, who bought a ticket to see his show were on strike leaving to receive as much money and have returned.

Diamond not found the hall of La Face in London where he announced to perform, and tomorrow night he claimed he performed 20 picks Germany free. and so the median is not known when or how does ... tusubirie

Now this young man has been lucky so bad yesterday ..... For how can Germany be today london amazing games inamtokea?

THESE FACTS AS IS STILL hear TUUSUBIRIE HAKUJAKUCHA NOW .... the truth / lie will come

except Mie supposedly exhausted to hear the show has to show its management is not buruzweeeeeee learn ... we heard. ependa guess we pity her music and her efforts

*******
I do not know what's going on everybody ILA KUMUONEA STARTS WITH COMPASSION AS reports from earlier ITS wrote FB PAGE

"Please, I pray unipangie list of songs that you would niziimbe tonight there will nipangiaje ??? #LAFACE_CLUB London ...
(if i ask you to arrange a playlist for my Performance tonight at #LAFACE_CLUB #LONDON ..... how would it be?) "

THIS WAS READY ...... KABISAKUTUMBUIZA TUTASIKIA

********
NOW THAT IS THE MOST amazing

7 hours ago speak as if at 5 nights median of London, he smashes Kideo showing venue in Germany will be playing the show when it picks on Saturday 20 Sept (FREE) to compensate for what happened that day and make the show. the fro is so he left again sohooo of doing a show in London

You'll have to answer that he had median where he need to be a hall in London, I saw it began to be called rogue ...

YOU KNOW YOU WILL BE DIAMOND GERMANY WAS LIKE WHY FANS apologize HAUKURUSHA MESSAGE TO YOUR WASISUMBUKE ?????

TUSUBIRIE companies STORY OF VIDEO AGAIN .... You speak Kiswahili is available ... HOW COME? Explain to us TO KNOW THE MEANING IF traveled to the West to please MMMHHHH ... They will say MUST SAY FOR THE UK HAWAKUKUPA MLIZOAHIDIANA CASH OR ???

****
Insta KAMRUSHA OK DIAMOND FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND WRITE THESE brother

Please my brothers in UK !!! .... Be very careful with this promoter (Victor - Dj rule) are heard and they prepared the show, party or any event ... it is advisable to avoid them by not attending at all because it is a rogue .... do not you know aisifiae imemnyeshea rain ... then Mie am quite wet! "

Hiii IS hours ago IE at 11:40 am MIDA OF LONDON


Answers in them one is

"embu express themselves well now because the majority we'll show thee will not come until the smell door., why you called rogue? yesterday Germany was said that way the brother rogue embu say leave Swahili and rogue name is yours kamahaujifunzi your responsibility. says explains why not kukmchafua colleague without proof"

"A piece of advice may I have a lawyer look at it now, there are things vimejificha contracts back working basics kukuharibiaa our desire to be proactive and strive to be human mwanasheriaa we tell you there is nothing bad walaaahi c free just here"

"First as wasemvyo stakeholders such conspiracy, shtukia abilities and to form international and in knowledge more. Set new terms and hire a professional lawyer for entering contracts for your work and manage. These yasikuyumbishe nor getting you back to the past but to be level to reach there they wished come.diamondplatnumz "

MARIO BALOTEL SHARE NEW PHOTOS OF HIS NEW FERRARI SEE HERE...

 \
They use this money to membrane ikuzoee had done new Liverpool player Mario Baloteli when he arrived at the field for practice and spent the Liverpool team. Baloteli when he entered the pitch to drive Ferrari F12 Berlinetta form which sold 240,000 pound, which is equivalent to 652 million TSH

also he owns this one

KENYA MARKS ANNIVERSSARRY OF DEADLY WESTGATE MALL ATTACK

A memorial plaque will be unveiled and a candle-lit vigil held.

The siege at Westgate lasted four days, with CCTV footage showing terrified shoppers fleeing the gunmen and cowering behind counters.

Somali Islamist group al-Shabab said it carried out the attack in response to Kenya's military operations in Somalia.

On high alert

Later on Sunday, relatives of the victims will lay wreaths at a garden in the forest where 67 trees were planted after the attack.

Interfaith prayers will also be held at the site.

"We expect the victims' families and friends to come out and be part of the healing process," event organiser Rajesh Shah was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.
CCTV footage showed the gunmen hunting down their victims
Large parts of the Westgate shopping centre were completely destroyed

Ahead of the commemorations, Kenya was put on high alert amid fears of possible attacks by militants.

"We are prepared in case of anything. Specialised units are on the ground and we have intensified patrols during this period of the anniversary," Kenyan police chief David Kimaiyo said.

Leader assassinated

Last year's attack sparked a four-day siege in which large parts of the shopping centre were destroyed amid heavy fighting and a fire.

All four gunmen are believed to have died during the assault.

The Kenyan authorities have been criticised for what is seen by some analysts as their slow response to the attack and also lack of co-ordination between police and the army. Kenya rejects the claims.

Four Somalis are being held in prison in Kenya on terrorism charges linked to the attack.

Al-Shabab is fighting to create an Islamic state in Somalia and is banned as a terrorist group by both the US and the UK.

Earlier this month, al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane was assassinated in US air strikes in southern Somalia.

The militants later chose a new chief and vowed revenge attacks.

KENYA MARKS ANNIVERSSARRY OF DEADLY WESTGATE MALL ATTACK

A memorial plaque will be unveiled and a candle-lit vigil held.

The siege at Westgate lasted four days, with CCTV footage showing terrified shoppers fleeing the gunmen and cowering behind counters.

Somali Islamist group al-Shabab said it carried out the attack in response to Kenya's military operations in Somalia.

On high alert

Later on Sunday, relatives of the victims will lay wreaths at a garden in the forest where 67 trees were planted after the attack.

Interfaith prayers will also be held at the site.

"We expect the victims' families and friends to come out and be part of the healing process," event organiser Rajesh Shah was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.
CCTV footage showed the gunmen hunting down their victims
Large parts of the Westgate shopping centre were completely destroyed

Ahead of the commemorations, Kenya was put on high alert amid fears of possible attacks by militants.

"We are prepared in case of anything. Specialised units are on the ground and we have intensified patrols during this period of the anniversary," Kenyan police chief David Kimaiyo said.

Leader assassinated

Last year's attack sparked a four-day siege in which large parts of the shopping centre were destroyed amid heavy fighting and a fire.

All four gunmen are believed to have died during the assault.

The Kenyan authorities have been criticised for what is seen by some analysts as their slow response to the attack and also lack of co-ordination between police and the army. Kenya rejects the claims.

Four Somalis are being held in prison in Kenya on terrorism charges linked to the attack.

Al-Shabab is fighting to create an Islamic state in Somalia and is banned as a terrorist group by both the US and the UK.

Earlier this month, al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane was assassinated in US air strikes in southern Somalia.

The militants later chose a new chief and vowed revenge attacks.

MARIO BALOTEL SHARE NEW PHOTOS OF HIS NEW FERRARI SEE HERE...

 \
They use this money to membrane ikuzoee had done new Liverpool player Mario Baloteli when he arrived at the field for practice and spent the Liverpool team. Baloteli when he entered the pitch to drive Ferrari F12 Berlinetta form which sold 240,000 pound, which is equivalent to 652 million TSH
 
also he owns this one

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ FAIL AGAIN TO PERFOM ON HIS SHOW ON LONDON...

his promoter has VICTOR Diamond Show London is under arrest by police, who bought a ticket to see his show were on strike leaving to receive as much money and have returned.

Diamond not found the hall of La Face in London where he announced to perform, and tomorrow night he claimed he performed 20 picks Germany free. and so the median is not known when or how does ... tusubirie

Now this young man has been lucky so bad yesterday ..... For how can Germany be today london amazing games inamtokea?

THESE FACTS AS IS STILL hear TUUSUBIRIE HAKUJAKUCHA NOW .... the truth / lie will come

except Mie supposedly exhausted to hear the show has to show its management is not buruzweeeeeee learn ... we heard. ependa guess we pity her music and her efforts

*******
I do not know what's going on everybody ILA KUMUONEA STARTS WITH COMPASSION AS reports from earlier ITS wrote FB PAGE

"Please, I pray unipangie list of songs that you would niziimbe tonight there will nipangiaje ??? #LAFACE_CLUB London ...
(if i ask you to arrange a playlist for my Performance tonight at #LAFACE_CLUB #LONDON ..... how would it be?) "

THIS WAS READY ...... KABISAKUTUMBUIZA TUTASIKIA

********
NOW THAT IS THE MOST amazing

7 hours ago speak as if at 5 nights median of London, he smashes Kideo showing venue in Germany will be playing the show when it picks on Saturday 20 Sept (FREE) to compensate for what happened that day and make the show. the fro is so he left again sohooo of doing a show in London

You'll have to answer that he had median where he need to be a hall in London, I saw it began to be called rogue ...

YOU KNOW YOU WILL BE DIAMOND GERMANY WAS LIKE WHY FANS apologize HAUKURUSHA MESSAGE TO YOUR WASISUMBUKE ?????

TUSUBIRIE companies STORY OF VIDEO AGAIN .... You speak Kiswahili is available ... HOW COME? Explain to us TO KNOW THE MEANING IF traveled to the West to please MMMHHHH ... They will say MUST SAY FOR THE UK HAWAKUKUPA MLIZOAHIDIANA CASH OR ???

****
Insta KAMRUSHA OK DIAMOND FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND WRITE THESE brother

Please my brothers in UK !!! .... Be very careful with this promoter (Victor - Dj rule) are heard and they prepared the show, party or any event ... it is advisable to avoid them by not attending at all because it is a rogue .... do not you know aisifiae imemnyeshea rain ... then Mie am quite wet! "

Hiii IS hours ago IE at 11:40 am MIDA OF LONDON


Answers in them one is

"embu express themselves well now because the majority we'll show thee will not come until the smell door., why you called rogue? yesterday Germany was said that way the brother rogue embu say leave Swahili and rogue name is yours kamahaujifunzi your responsibility. says explains why not kukmchafua colleague without proof"

"A piece of advice may I have a lawyer look at it now, there are things vimejificha contracts back working basics kukuharibiaa our desire to be proactive and strive to be human mwanasheriaa we tell you there is nothing bad walaaahi c free just here"

"First as wasemvyo stakeholders such conspiracy, shtukia abilities and to form international and in knowledge more. Set new terms and hire a professional lawyer for entering contracts for your work and manage. These yasikuyumbishe nor getting you back to the past but to be level to reach there they wished come.diamondplatnumz "

NEW VIDEO YOUNG DEE FT JUX :SIYO MCHOYO