Latest News
JUNE 2003 - PART ONE
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Wambui in rowdy incident at burial
Peter Mbugua and his wife, Wambui Otieno, pay their last respects during the burial of Mbugua's mother, Florence Nyambura. She was buried at her family's Mwetumberia home in Gilgil on Wednesday 30/07/03
Wambui Otieno on Wednesday 30th July, 2003 was received by a hostile crowd at her husband's home when she attended his mother's funeral. Over two thousand people who turned up at Peter Mbugua's home in Mwitumberi village, 10 Km from Gilgil town along the Gilgil/Nyahururu road almost turned violent as they shouted insults at Wambui. It took plainclothes police officers to rescue Wambui from the hostile crowd before smuggling her out of the compound. Wambui, who arrived at the funeral at 12.38pm, found a large crowd waiting to see her. Initially, it seemed more out of curiosity but shortly after she was escorted to the dais, the crowd kept on surging forward to see her. Efforts to control the mob were fruitless as they ignored pleas to step back. For almost two hours, church leaders and relatives pleaded with the unruly crowd to settle down so that the funeral service could begin but in vain.
Many gathered in groups of threes and fours to discuss the couple and barely participated in the funeral service conducted by the Bishop of the Church of Holy Ghost where Nyambura was a faithful. Even a plea from Mbugua, who almost broke down in tears, were ignored. At one time, Mbugua and his brother, Charles Wanyoike broke down, in frustration as the crowd refused to give way. The master of ceremony, pleaded with the crowd and even promised to parade the couple so that the crowd could allow the burial ceremony to start. Finally, there was respite but only for a short time. The crowd only gave them 30 minutes before they started surging forward. After a brief consultation, Wambui was whisked away to the main house as the crowd hurled insults at her. Wambui was holed up in the house from 1.45pm until 3pm when she was escorted by two plain clothes police officers from Gilgil through the back door and out of the compound.
Curious onlookers surrounded the house and youths formed a ring around her as she got into a vehicle. Wambui urged a reluctant Mbugua to get into the car as it was no longer safe to stay behind. Immediately the couple left, the crowd dispersed even before the burial ceremony was over. Earlier, self-styled security youths carried Mbugua shoulder high after he threw soil into his mother's grave. The couple could not even place wreaths of flowers they had brought from Nairobi. An agitated Wambui told journalists: ''They either accept me with Mbugua or I take him away.'' Drama started at Naivasha District Hospital mortuary where the body of Mbugua's mother, Ms Florence Nyambura, was to be collected for burial. At 9.35am, hundreds of people started trickling in to catch a glimpse of Wambui, who was expected at the mortuary compound. The curious onlookers poured into the mortuary compound in droves as word went around that Mbugua's 67-year-old wife was expected.
But at 10.15am, Mbugua arrived in a Toyota Corolla with relatives after he received word that Wambui would not make it to the mortuary but would proceed to the home for the funeral. A charged crowd mobbed the car and Mbugua had difficulties getting out. He was immediately whisked to the mortuary. After the body was put into a waiting pick up for transport home, the crowd refused to give way as they demanded to see Mbugua. The shy 28-year-old declined but journalists pleaded with him as the crowd threatened to get out of hand. Immediately after he agreed to greet the crowd, he was allowed to drive off and follow the pick up that was ferrying his mother's remains. At his home, people walked for tens of kilometres to see the couple. A neighbour, who declined to give his name, said it was the first time the village was hosting such a large number of visitors. Some walked, others rode their bicycles while others drove. They patched on trees and fences even a top vehicles to catch a glimpse of the odd couple.
Mr Peter Karanja, 72, from Gichigirira village in Ol Kalau, said he was attending Nyambura's funeral and was not in anyway moved by Mbugua's choice of a wife. Hawkers did brisk business and even the local Coca Cola distributor pitched camp at the expansive compound with his goods. Later, an apparently shaken Wambui dismissed the incident saying that she had been through more difficult situations but was worried about her husband. "I was not shocked. I have been through worse. These people were just spoilers. My concern right now is for my husband who has been overwhelmed by the reactions," she said. - The Standard
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A word of comfort
Family and friends joined the late Ndirangu's mother at Karima for a comforting service. The meeting which takes place every evening is conducted by Jubilee Ministry International under the leadership of Pastor Daniel Kariuki. Some friends of Aunt Mso came as far as Germany with their condolences. Douglas Ndirangu Muthoni, 24, passed away in at Warley Hospital, Brentwood, Essex on 27th July, 2003. He is the son Muthoni Aunt Mso, of Karima, 56 Plashet Road, London. According to reliable sources the late Ndirangu committed suicide at the hospital. He was admitted at the hospital with a depression. He comes from Githunguri, Kiambu, Kenya. Family and friends will be meeting at Karima, 56 Plashet Road, London E13 as from tomorrow Tuesday 29th July, 2003. Contact 07944113362.
"Today this is a Karima with a difference - when the spirit of the Lord comes, Karima is not longer the same Karima" - Pastor Kariuki
 Elizabeth Muthoni (second left) the mother of the late Ndirangu |
 Pastor Daniel Kariuki of Jubilee preaching at the Machakaya at Karima this week |
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Muite for BBC interview in London
Hon. Muite passed in London last week on his way to Kenya from USA. On his busy schedule in London he visited BBC studios for an interview. His interview was based on terrorist bill in Kenya. Muite was highly welcomed at the BBC offices. - 28/07/03
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At African Union meeting in Maputo
 Muammar Gaddafi signing his autography at the African Union meeting in Maputo in July, 2003 |
 A traditional drummer was at hand to entertain the guests |
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Death after wedding
The Mother(Florence Nyambura) of the 28 year old Mbugua who wedded a 67 year old freedom fighter veteran Wambui Otieno dies of hypertension (Insert) Mbugua and Wambui after their wedding last week.
The mother of Peter Mbugua, who four days ago married a veteran Freedom fighter Wambui Otieno in a controversial wedding, is dead. Tragedy befell the newly wed 28-year-old Mbugua when his mother Florence Nyambura who bitterly opposed his marriage to Wambui, 67, passed away in hospital on Monday afternoon. Nyambura, 53, died at the Naivasha District Hospital on Monday afternoon, 40 minutes after admission. Hospital sources said Nyambura was admitted at 3pm on Monday, suffering from high blood pressure and related illness, admitted under the nickname Kabura. According to the medical report, Nyambura was initially admitted to Gilgil Sub-district Hospital on February 21 and later discharged on March 3, suffering from a mild stroke and high blood pressure. News of Nyambura’s death hit Naivasha streets yesterday morning, but they were at first dismissed as rumours, only to later turn out to be true. Members of Nyambura’s family also heard the "rumours" and rushed to the hospital to confirm, arriving at the institution at 2pm. Journalists camping at the hospital gates joined the family members into the hospital where the grim reality awaited them. Her first-born daughter, Mary Njeri, who was wailing uncontrollably, confirmed that the dead woman was her mother. Rose Mbugua, a cousin to Mbugua, said the marriage would terribly affect the family. Mburu, who lives in Kinangop, said that they were born a family of six women and one man. Mbugua is the second born in a family of five — two women and three men.
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This is East Africa Studios, London
Eastern Africans discuss - President Bush visit to
It was a moment of free discussion at Eastern Radio Studios on Thursday 17th
July, 2003. The discussion panel which was focussed on President Bush visit to
Africa was participated by members from different eastern Africa states from. At
the studio was from right is Mr. Yagoub Aldamuki from Sudan currently an Arabic
broadcaster in London, Mr. Oloya Aliker Tebere from Uganda currently doing his
Political PhD at Oxford University, Mackonen Michael editor Eastern Africa
Radio, contributor to Eastern Africa Magazine, London, Mr. Kibira the DJ of the
Eastern Africa Radio, Mr. Gakuru Macharia Director eastern and Radio Africa. and
last Peter Njiiri Karanja (Mr. Seed) most popular Kenyan website outside
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An outing to London from Glasgow
Summer is here with us. Families are now busy arranging venues for summer holidays. Kenyan families living in Glasgow flew to London to an weekend outing. While in London they visited Josda restaurant in East London the popular Kenyan nyama choma joint. From left is Stephen Njenga his wife Purity Njenga (red) Simon Njenga, Rev. Lukas Njenga Director of Heart for the City Glasgow and Phylis Njenga accompanied by their children. Contact 9 Newark Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 4QJ. Tel: 0141 4235229. email njenga@btopenworld.com - It was quite interesting to note from Rev. Njenga that it is far much cheaper to travel by air than on rail or road. It is about £90 by rail and only £30 by air return booked through internet. It is quite interesting to note that booking by internet it costs just £21 for a return ticket to Rome.
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Sacoma donate a computer to Kenya youth
 Mr. Sam Ochieng of Kenya Community Support Network in London demonstrating the high tech computer to Mrs. Leah Rotich Education Attache, Kenya High Commission London as Ashionoh Ashionoh chairman of National Youth Organisation Kenya. |
 Mrs. Leah Rotich Education Attache, Kenya High Commission London receiving with Ashionoh Ashionoh chairman of National Youth Organisation Kenya receiving computer documents from Sam Ochieng - a Pentium 4, 2.6mz processor, with 100gb hard disk |
Mr Sam Ochieng of Kenya Community Support Network presenting a new computer to Leah Rotich Education Attaché Kenya high commission London and Ashionoh Ashionoh Chairman National Youth organisation Kenya. The above mentioned paid a courtesy call on Mr Sam Ochieng of KCSN UK to receive a computer donated by Mr. Ochieng to help in organisation of the international youth summer camp to be held in Kenya in August 2004.Mr Ochieng will also continue to assist the National youth organisation in order to create opportunities for Kenyan youth to be positively engaged in development. Mr.Ocheing stated that there was tremendous goodwill among Kenyans abroad for their country and the government should quickly set up a mechanism of including them in development
Mr Ochieng asked the government to empower young people as they have the skills, energy and enthusiasm to build Kenya. The computer donated by Sam Ochieng of Kenya Community Support Network is going to be very useful for the planning of the International Youth summer Camp to be held in Kenya in august 2004. Mr Ashionoh noted that lack of access to information and communication technologies is a major impediment to the development of a vibrant youth sector in Kenya. Mr.Ochieng will donate 10 more computers by the end of the year which will be used to increase efficiency at the secretariat and train staff and youth on ICT skills and packages that are important in management. Mr. Ochieng emphasised on the urgent need of investing in personal development for Kenyan youth to put them at par with their western counterparts.
The IYSC is an international event that will involve close to 100 countries, the computer which is fully loaded with the latest technology will enable us in communication through the internet with other participants all over the world. Mr Ochieng asked the Kenyan government to take advantage of this event to market Kenya as a tourist destination and for investment.
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Swahili Speaking Ethnic Minority
organisation launched in UK
Swahili Ethnic Minority Assistance (SEMA) is a community based organisation was officially launched in London on Tuesday 15th July, 2003. The organisation has been established in the United Kingdom, initially operating in Reading and its environs. It objectives is to create and facilitate self awareness among the Swahili speakers in UK. Seen on the photo is Mr. Sam Oching of Kenya Community Support Network welcoming the chairman of Semi Mr. Maina Owino (right) and Peter V. Kinyange the Secretary from Tanzania. Sema contact is 07789267219 email codia@hotmail.com
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What goes round comes around
As a man sowth so shall he reap
Armed policemen on Thursday 10th July, 2003 blocked Baringo Central MP Gideon Moi from entering his constituency after cancelling a public rally he had called at Muchongoi centre. They cordoned off the entire division bordering Laikipia District and turned away the Kanu legislator who was accompanied by 20 civic leaders at Kaben centre. Councillors Francis Kiptoo of Arabel Chebinyinyi ward and Joseph Kibet of Loboi were arrested as they left Muchongoi for Kaben to prepare residents for the rally. Speaking angrily at the scene where his convoy was blocked, Gideon said: "The same thing used to happen to my father (former President Moi) 40 years ago in the same constituency during the colonial era".
Baringo Central MP Gideon Moi argues with
Inspector John Seki after the officer stopped him from addressing a meeting in
his constituency on Thursday 10th July, 2003
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Photo by A Correspondent
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Refugees in 'toy dinghy' rescue in UK
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The men had spent 12 hours on the water in a rubber boat
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The dinghy, just visible, was only 50 yards from a passing freighter
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Three suspected asylum seekers are being questioned in Dover after trying to cross the Channel in a children's dinghy. The men, all in their twenties, were rescued three miles off the coast by the Dover lifeboat on Sunday morning. They had been spotted at about 0600 BST paddling towards the coast by the crew of a passenger ferry and were pulled from their boat by lifeboat crew. The trio, who wore shorts and t-shirts, were believed to have spent about 12 hours on the water and were starting to suffer from hypothermia. Lifeboat coxswain Dave Pascall said: "It's the sort of dinghy you would buy in Woolworth's for a couple of small kiddies in a paddling pool, no more than about six feet long. "It just needed one little puncture and it would go down, so they were very lucky to get that far crossing the lanes in the middle of the night, which they obviously did. "It had a bit of water in it when we got to it - they had obviously been bailing it out.
"They were right in the middle of the south west lane and there was a freighter that passed by while we were recovering it no more than about 50 yards away - so no doubt they had a few close encounters in the night." The men are believed to have launched the dinghy from near Calais. Dover Coastguards said they had attempted to transfer the men on to a ferry heading back to France but no vessel could arrange to take them on board. All three were taken to hospital to be checked and are now being held at the Port of Dover by immigration officials who are due to interview them later. Immigration officials in the Port of Dover said two of the men were believed to be from Romania and the other from Chechnya. None of them could speak English.
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Hon. Chelaite joins Kenyans in London
for a dinner in a local hotel
Hon. Alicen Chelaite, MP, Deputy Minister ministry of Gender Sports Cultural and Social Services is in London. She arrived in London on Monday from Wales where she has been attending International Youth Summer Camp 2003. Accompanying the minister is Mr. Ashionoh Ashionoh chairman of National Youth Organisation of Kenya and coordinator of African Youth Action Network. After arriving from London from Wales the minister went to the Kenya High Commission in London where she was highly welcomed by the staff. Later in the evening she visited Sahara Communities Abroad offices at Ilford, Essex where she was shown around by Sam Ochieng one of the directors of Sacoma. Mr. Ochieng explained the minister the role the community organisation is playing among Kenyans in UK.
Earlier, a word had gone around among Kenyans in London that the minister was to go for a dinner at Pigeons Hotel, Stratford. Several Kenyans joined her at the dinner including people from her Rongai constituency like Joseph Ngugi of Kenya London News among others. During the dinner which included nyama choma as usual with Kenyans the minister updated the guests about the current political situation in Kenya. The former councillor, mayor and MP explained jokingly that now the NARC government has just finished the re-installing the fence of the homestead. "Sasa tutanunua ng'ombe, kuku, mbuzi....tulikuta nyumba haina kitu". "Nanynyi murete mari tuchenge taifa". she continued among laughter.
Those Kenyans present presented several grievances to the Hon. Chelaite to forward it to the Narc government. Among the grievances was that the government should open a commercial bank in UK so that the money that Kenyans in UK sends home pass through the right channel for the benefit of Kenya. The point was that the government should open department in foreign embassies that communicate directly with the common Kenyans with objectives of knowing the problems surrounding them. The third point was about the duo citizenship. Those presented had a high praise of Hon. Chelaite how she helped them especially during the clashes. Mr. Ashionoh explained that 2004 International Youth Summer Camp will be held in Nairobi in August, 2004. The team hangs around in London for the week as they shall be leaving London for Nairobi on Friday 4th July, 2003. Contact: 07855602234.
The minister was greeted with a red by those present
 Hon. Alicen Chelaite MP and Deputy Minister at Pigeons hotel |
 Mrs. Chelaite with Kenyans at the dinner. From right is Sam Ochieng, Joseph Ngugi, Samuel among others |
 Joseph Ngugi (right) pushing a point to the minister |
 From left is Mr. Keya, Sam Ochieng and Ashionoh Ashionoh |
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Meet Kafie Wangari from Othaya
Mr. Seed was just about to register to enter at Redbridge Refugee and Foreigners Day on Friday 20th June, 2003 in Ilford when a soft voice sounded. "Wimwega Mr. Seed, nithiiaga website yaku. Niguo njitagwo Wangari, na gwitu ni Kenya, Uthaya, Kagongo" - Hi Mr. Seed, I do visit your website, my name is Wangari from Kenya, Uthaya, Gichichi, Kagongo. This was the introduction by the above lady who was helping registration at the centre. With a clear Kikuyu accent the lady explained to Mr. Seed that she had been in Kenya for quite sometime with exchange programme. The lady from Ilford is doing a BA development studies in Norwich. She went to Kenya through Right Hand Trust, UK. Her contact is kenyakate@hotamil.com
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A new Kenyan pub in Northampton
This time it is not Serengeti for animals it is Serengeti for Kenyans
124 Wellingborough Road, Northampton
Standing outside Bar Serengeti is from right the chairman of Northampton Kenyan Community Mr. Mucheru, Serengeti proprietor Mr. Njenga Gatahi and Michael. Henry Ngei of H&H Services distributors of Tusker in UK has serviced his vehicles ready to drop Tusker in Northampton
Going broad with their names in mind. Mr. Njenga wa Gatehi has opened a pub in Northampton. Bar Serengeti as it is popularly known is a hot venue for Kenyans and Zimbabweans in Northampton. Coming to two weeks since they opened the place is becoming small as most of the times you cannot get a place to sit. With a lot of customers coming within the outskirts of Northampton the management are in the processes of renovating the first floor of the venue for a restaurant as you know Kenyans without "nyama choma" the dish is not complete.
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"I must repay the Kenya Government" - says Kipsang
Here comes Mr.Kipsang Keter a student at University College of Northampton. Kipsang is now ready to go back to Kenya after studying material technology. He had been sponsored by Kenya government for a KShs.2.4 million. He has studied for three years. He vows to repay the money before he goes to the grave. "Mr. Seed I must pay the Kenya government this money before I go to grave - that is why I want to go home", Kipsang explained to Mr. Seed on Saturday 21st June, 2003 in Northampton. Six people were sponsored at Northampton College and only two student who managed to finish - Kipsang and another lady. Kenyans in Northampton are planning to hold a farewell party for him soon.
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