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AUGUST 2004 - PART ONE

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This man have lived at Heathrow airport for four years

This man was missing for four years - until his mother chanced upon him living at the Heathrow airport

26-year-old George had not spoken to her mother for four years

Scanning the many seated areas of Heathrow's Terminal 1, it seems like everyone is waiting for the call to board a flight. But would you spot someone who is going nowhere - and has been living in the airport lounge for four years? That is what 26-year-old George did until one day, by chance, he was spotted by his mother. He had not seen or spoken to her in all that time. George, who asked for his surname to be withheld, seemingly disappeared without a trace after falling into debt. The college drop-out sought shelter at the airport after building up a £2,000 overdraft and moving out of home. He then left York and headed to London to stay with friends. 'When that ran out I thought, where can I be warm, dry and safe?' he said. Given the nature of international airports - with delayed passengers often taking a kip across a bank of seats - George found he could go relatively unnoticed, providing he kept himself clean and tidy. He said: 'You get some jobsworths who will chuck you out, but most of them say, ¿OK, son, get your head down and move in the morning¿. They're fine once they know you're not up to anything.' Free food was easy to come by, with coffee shops throwing out leftovers in clean plastic bags placed at the back of the building at the end of the day. George's surreal existence came to an end when his mother spotted him using a pay-phone. She was at the airport to pick up a relative. 'We sat down and had a bit of a cry and a cuddle,' George said. 'But it would be foolish to think everything was going to be the same again, because they (his parents) have spent four years telling people they don't know where I am. You can't just walk back into their lives and say ¿Hi, prodigal son returns' - you have to give everybody time.' Angela added: 'It's like having a death in the family, except nobody has died - you talk to keep their memory alive.' George's story mirrors the lead character, based on a real person, in Steven Spielberg's latest film, Terminal.

IT IS A COMMON TO DISAPPEAR IN THE UK

About 210,000 people a year go missing in the UK. Nearly half of them are children

A Kenyan Ann Wambu Jarand disappeared from her home in West London on 6th April, 2004 leaving behind a young daughter and has not been seen since

Adult men are twice as likely to disappear as women. Those aged 24-30 are most at risk. Teenage girls are twice as likely to disappear as teenage boys.

Most people return within 72 hours, but each year several thousand are believed to go missing for long periods.

Tony Watkins, 32, disappeared without trace from his Worcestershire home in 2002. His bank account remained untouched and his wife heard nothing for six months. He was spotted by a neighbour on a trip to North Yorkshire and said he simply wanted a new start.

Alistair Laddle, a solicitor, disappeared in 1997. He travelled from Inverness to Cornwall, changed his name and started a new life as a flower picker. Wanted for stealing clients' cash, he was uncovered when police were eliminating locals from a murder inquiry.

In January 2004, Phil Ryder, 53, an accountant, left his home in West London for his daily commute to work. A month later police found him in hospital being treated for depression. After counselling he agreed to contact his wife.

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11 children for DNA test

A police officer leads some of the 11 children seized from their home in Nairobi’s Komarock Estate on Tuesday 17th August, 2004. They were taken to Kilimani Police Station for DNA tests as part of investigations into the ‘miracle babies’ saga revolving around the Rev Gilbert Deya. - The Standard.

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£6,000 for famine relief in London

CAP successfully launched its fundraising appeal for Kenyans affected by the famine on Saturday 14 August at the Royal National Hotel, London. Participants included Kenyans and friends of Kenya. £6000 was raised. The money will be channelled through the Save A life Initiative in Kenya. Speakers during the function included  a lecturer, Dr. Wangui wa Goro, Pastor Osano, Mr. Musyoka who represented the Kenya High commissioner, HE Joe Muchemi, Mr. Sam Ochieng of SACOMA, Ms. Rebeccah Karanja of Kenya Club,  Agnes Gitau, Businessmen Gatheru Rwamba and Mr Mwenda. A Kenyan children’s choir and the Bomas of Kenya provided entertainment. Bomas of Kenya acrobatic and dancers team currently in the UK stopped the venue with swahili songs to the excitement of the guests. Other guests in the hotel joined the venue for the entertainment which was done to the excitement of many who have never seen such performance before. Notably was the absence of pastors, community leaders and professionals. With over 64,000 Kenyans in the UK the low turnout showed luck of interest with Kenyans towards this good course. It was not clear whether it was something to do with internal politics, wrong timings, the venue or lack of interest. The appeal has gathered pace and the organisers (CAP) are  expecting to receive more funds from donations through the website and cheques. Please visit their  website at www.caprogramme.org for more information on how to join this noble campaign.

Kenyan community young girls in London performed a dance	Bomas of Kenya ladies performing a dance at the function
Acrobatic team took the guests by surprise	It was all a show for all - the roof of the hotel blocked the team to go higher
The dancing team displaying their talents	Talents at work as the acrobatic team member jumps backwards
The Bomas of Kenya team display before the dance	Acrobatic team displaying a team mate spinning on the head

Speakers at the function

Dr. Wangui wa Goro

The organiser Mr. Gabriel Rwamba

Mr. David Musyoka of Kenya High Commission

Mr. Sam Ochieng of Sacoma

The Bomas of Kenya team off the stage as they toured London on Sunday 15th August, 2004. The team was given a good tour around London by Mr. Steve Kimemia (far right) a lecturer at the University of Manchester together with Mr. Rwamba (fourth right)

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Fund raising for Kibugi on 11/09/04

Patrick Kamau Kibugi (wa Kibugi)

Patrick was born in 1953 at Matindiri in Nyandarua district, Kenya. In 1978 he moved to Githunguri division in Kiambu district and later married Jane Murugi daughter of Muigai Kagogo. They have two children, Kibugi born in 1981 and Ziporrah born in 1983. Patrick came to London in the year 2000 and has been working. On 4th March this year, he fell sick at work and has been hospitalised since then. He is currently on wheel chair at St. Albans City Hospital, Runcie wing, Holywell rehabilitation unit. A harambee fund raising has been organised in aid of his children education fund on 11th September, 2004 at Manor Park Community Centre, 524 High Street North, Manor Park, London E12 starting from 5.00 p.m. Guests of Honours will be George Githunguri, Vincent Wainaina, Brother Blessed (Mukiri), Robinson Kiragu, Ronald Erastus and Kennedy Bwire. All are invited to help in donations and prayers. Contact Ronald Ruiru 07956881540, Bro. Mukiri 07932847598, Humprey 07984235369.

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Girls are the same throughout the World!

Dear Mister Seed,

I had the pleasure of spending time with Anne Chege from the New Hope Children’s Centre last week, attending a Girls Camp at Vauxhall Farm, Suffolk organised by Essex Christian Camps. The Camp is for girls aged 11 – 18 years old, and when they heard about the New Hope Children’s Centre during a visit from Hand in Hand at their Sunday Service, they were keen to meet Anne and learn more from her about the home and all of her kids.

Anne’s Photo Albums were well used as the girls learnt about the girls they were making bookmarks for.	The girls were fascinated by stories from New Hope
All of the girls with their new friend, Mrs Chege	Some of the camp committee (Back Row L-R Carol Jones (Mama Daniel!), Pastor Gill Bowker, Laura Mitson, Mrs Anne Chege, Jeff ‘The Chef’ Fair, Front Row L-R Worship Leader Jo, Kate Summers, Diane Moore & Sue Summers)

Mrs Chege spent the day with the girls at the camp, telling them stories of the girls at the home and showing them plenty of photographs.  During the stories from Kenya, the girls were also very busy making bookmarks for the girls at New Hope, making sure every child had one with their own name, as a keepsake from their new friends in the UK. During the rest of their week at camp, the girls also fundraised for New Hope, saving their pocket money instead of spending it on sweets and activities.  This money will be given to Anne to take back to the children, so that they can see that their own generation in the UK care for them and want to help them in whatever way they can.

Thank you for your support and May God Bless you all,

Daniel Jones

National Coordinator for Hand in Hand

Springfield Lyons House, Chelmsford Business Park, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 5^TH

01245 236561 or 07899 952075

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Living to see three centuries

Daniel Wanjau Waruinge, who died on Saturday in his home in Nyeri aged 115. 

The man who last year claimed to be the oldest in Kenya and the whole world is dead.  Daniel Wanjau Wariunge died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, marking the end of an era for a man blessed with a rare gift—living in three centuries. He was 115. It is suspected he may have been older than that but there are no documents to prove that. His age was based on his claim that he was the age mate of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta, who is believed to have been born around 1890. Kenyatta was believed to be 89 at the time of his death in 1978, even though gerontologists could not ascertain his date of birth.Having lived in three centuries, Wariunge had seen empires rise and fall. He had lived through the complete transformation of his society from the pre-industrial to the industrial age. He had survived two world wars, the Mau Mau war and outlived his siblings and two of his three wives. Waruinge was born before man discovered flight and lived to see aeroplanes break the sound barrier, even though he has never been inside one. Family members said that the grand old man of Nyeri had a premonition about his death. He ate his last dish with relish, as if knowing it was his last.

At the man’s home in Gachika village in Kirichu, Nyeri Municipality, his nephew David Mathenge Gikuya, who was the last person he talked to, said his uncle appeared to know of his impending death and that he had alluded to it a few times. "He appeared to know about his death. He had told me that he would definitely see this season even though he could no longer walk without support,’’ Gikuya said of the old man. Waruinge, he said, was in good spirits on the last day of his life and that when he asked for his favourite dish of boiled rice mixed with milk he ate to his fill. They however did not suspect that Waruinge would depart at dawn the next morning, Gikuya said. "On normal days he would not clear his plate but on Saturday he ate all the food that was served at around 6:00 p.m," Gikuya said. He added that his uncle had also told him that he would find him asleep the next day. - The Standard.

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Meet the wonder girl Ciru

She was born in the Slough, Berks, UK three and half years ago. Vivian Wanjiru (centre) is wonder girl. She can speak three languages fluently. Kikuyu, Kiswahili and English. The most interesting thing is that she has no sibling. The mother has worked hard to teach her. A brief discussion with Mr. Seed: "Hi, what is your name?" "Ciru" she replied. "That is my uncle and that is my mum" she explained. "Na hapa mumekuja na nani?" Mr. Seed asked "situlikuja na mama na baba - baba ndiye yule ameketi pale." Ciru explained while loughing. "riu Ciru-ri niuthomaga?" Mr. Seed asked her. "Ini, mwalimu witu niaheaga karamu ga kwandika." she continues to explain. "Kwanyu niku Kenya?" Mr. Seed asked her. Ciru explained "ndiui, uria mami". She is the daughter of Jane Gitau and a niece to Mr. Murichu of Slough. How does the mother go about teaching her - contact 07985683673.

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A hero welcome for Ngugi wa Thiong'a

Prof Ngugi wa Thiongo and his wife Njeeri (centre) are hugged by his mother-in-law Magdaline Wambui during the visit in Mang’u, Thika.

It was another hero’s welcome for Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o when he paid his in-laws a visit for the first time in the Kikuyu traditional fashion on Wednesday. The literary icon was accompanied by his family members and friends as he made his inaugural formal contact with his in-laws, in a practice commonly known as kumenya mucii, (knowing the home) at Mitero village in Mang’u, Thika.Right from the local trading centre, Gatukuyu, the villagers were agape as they watched the convoy of cars snake its way along the dusty roads. And on arrival at his wife’s ancestral home, Ngugi — this unrivalled lover of culture and everything African — could not have felt greater joy. Women welcomed the delegation with song, dance and the traditional ululation (ngemi) as they were ushered into a makeshift tent made of gunny bags. Here, they were served with lunch as a mob of villagers and dusty children mostly in tatters joined in the celebration and kept their eyes glued on this enigma. But always the peasants’ advocate, the writer patted the youngsters’ heads affectionately and inquired their names and after their well-being as he passed them on his way to an adjacent pit latrine. The visitors were served with the Kikuyu traditional delicacies of irio (a mashed mixture of maize, beans, potatoes and wild greens) sweet potatoes, njahi, and njugu (variety of legumes) and roast goat ribs. And as is anybody’s guess, the writer ate the meal voraciously.

Ngugi, who spoke fluent Kikuyu, then proceeded to greet his mother-in-law, Magadaline Wambui, in the deeply traditional Gikuyu version, that is almost extinct and connotes a lot of respect, "Wakia Maitu (how do you do mother)," to which his wife’s mother promptly responded: "Wakia Awa (how do you do father)."  And as per the custom, after the food and refreshments, the inner circle consisting of Ngugi’s family and close friends from Limuru, who included his elder brother Kibiruri wa Thiong’o, were ushered into his mother-in-law’s the house. According to Njeeri, this was not an occasion to pay dowry, but for the two families to get to know one another. Bride price negotiations are scheduled to start later this month. The party went on into the night before the visitors finally left for their homes. Meanwhile, it emerged that between 2001 and 2002, Ngugi dispatched his two children to a nondescript rural school in the area to learn Gikuyu. Mumbi and Thiong’o were enrolled in Standards One and Two respectively at St Francis Primary School, a typical rural school with dusty classrooms and missing window panes.

Ngugi explained that his children initially spoke their mother tongue when they were growing up in New Jersey, but they later forgot the language.  "We wanted our children to have roots, so we brought them to stay with their aunt and study in this school for one year," said Njeri. Today, the children alternate fluent Gikuyu with English with amazing ease.  And on arrival at his wife’s ancestral home, Ngugi — this unrivalled lover of culture and everything African — could not have felt greater joy. Women welcomed the delegation with song, dance and the traditional ululation (ngemi) as they were ushered into a makeshift tent made of gunny bags. Here, they were served with lunch as a mob of villagers and dusty children mostly in tatters joined in the celebration and kept their eyes glued on this enigma.

But always the peasants’ advocate, the writer patted the youngsters’ heads affectionately and inquired their names and after their well-being as he passed them on his way to an adjacent pit latrine. The visitors were served with the Kikuyu traditional delicacies of irio (a mashed mixture of maize, beans, potatoes and wild greens) sweet potatoes, njahi, and njugu (variety of legumes) and roast goat ribs. And as is anybody’s guess, the writer ate the meal voraciously. Ngugi, who spoke fluent Kikuyu, then proceeded to greet his mother-in-law, Magadaline Wambui, in the deeply traditional Gikuyu version, that is almost extinct and connotes a lot of respect, "Wakia Maitu (how do you do mother)," to which his wife’s mother promptly responded: "Wakia Awa (how do you do father)."

And as per the custom, after the food and refreshments, the inner circle consisting of Ngugi’s family and close friends from Limuru, who included his elder brother Kibiruri wa Thiong’o, were ushered into his mother-in-law’s the house. According to Njeeri, this was not an occasion to pay dowry, but for the two families to get to know one another. Bride price negotiations are scheduled to start later this month. The party went on into the night before the visitors finally left for their homes. Meanwhile, it emerged that between 2001 and 2002, Ngugi dispatched his two children to a nondescript rural school in the area to learn Gikuyu. Mumbi and Thiong’o were enrolled in Standards One and Two respectively at St Francis Primary School, a typical rural school with dusty classrooms and missing window panes. Ngugi explained that his children initially spoke their mother tongue when they were growing up in New Jersey, but they later forgot the language.  "We wanted our children to have roots, so we brought them to stay with their aunt and study in this school for one year," said Njeri. Today, the children alternate fluent Gikuyu with English with amazing ease. - The Standard.

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East African Credit Society Silver and Gold cards

East African Credit Society unleashes their  free personalised Silver and Gold plastic magnetic strip technology cards to their members. The Silver card has an advance limit of £ 2,000 while the privileged Gold card has an advance limit of £ 10,000 that can be drawn either in the UK or from two banks in Kenya one in Uganda and another in Tanzania. The EASC marketing department promises to deliver one unique service to its members every month for the next six months when they open their ultra-modern trading floors in London and in America. For more information on how to become a member, please visit their web site at www.ea-creditsociety.co.uk or call their customer service hotline 0870 460 5468 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.

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Put yourself in her shoes

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Kenyan Exiles B-Ball Tournament

Hundreds of Kenyans from all over the United Kingdom came together for the Exiles Basketball tournament held on Saturday 31 July at the Leeds University Sports Complex.  The event organized by UK Kenyan Society  was sponsored by Sahara Communities Abroad [SACOMA] and was held following the success of last year's inaugural tournament.  Food and drinks were also served at the venue with music by UK based Kenyan DJ's.  8 teams entered the competition won by A-Team who defeated Mau Mau in the closely fought final game.  Prizes were given to the winners, the beaten finalists and the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Winners,-The-A-Team

Runners-Up,-MauMau-Team

Prizes were handed out by Mr David Musyoka the second Secretary at the Kenyan High Commission in the UK and Ireland.  In a brief speech delivered to the crowd, which was mainly composed of students from various UK universities, Mr Musyoka thanked the tournament organisers for their efforts to bring people together.  He encouraged Kenyans to feel free to visit the High Commission in order to foster a better and closer working relationship with members of the community.  He also stated that the High Commission was there for the purpose of assisting those who require its services and encouraged them not to hesitate to seek these services when in need. A SACOMA Director Mr Sam Ochieng also addressed the gathering.  He thanked UK Kenyan Society for organising the event which he said could be used to identify existing talent within the community.  He asked the organisers to work towards rotating the venue of the event between UK cities in future as holding it at a more central location would  increase participation and attendance.
 

From left is Sir-Henry,Sam-Ocheing,Agnes-Gitau, Sam Ochieng, Team Captain and David Musyoka

From left is Tim,-Sam,-A-Team,David-Musyoka and Miss Gitau far right

  Mr Ochieng encouraged students to make full use of the opportunities available to them in the UK to develop their skills to make them employable in the competitive labour market. He also informed those intending to go back home of the rising employment opportunities in blue chip companies in Kenya that are targeting students who have finished their first or Masters degree courses in the UK. After the tournament, further entertainment was available for the young at heart in the form of a party held at Radisson Sas a popular  nightclub in Leeds.

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A house on no man's land - roadside

Despite the extent of the poverty in her homestead - she manages to sleep well Wambui (right) has 5 children. She lives on the roadside near New Hope Children Centre. She often comes to the orphan's orphanage to borrow food and clothing for her kids. Any help can be passed on to her through Mrs. Ann Chege, New Hope Orphan Children's Centre on (UK) 07947883505 email newhopechildren@mail.com

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Mum had sex with son, 18

Shame ... the pair leaving court

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From Daniel Jones, National Coordinator for Hand in Hand - A registered UK charity Springfield Lyons House, Chelmsford Business Park, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 5^{TH -} 3rd August, 2004

 

Dear Mister Seed,

 

It was my pleasure to spend time with Anne Chege from New Hope Children's Centre, Uplands, this week during her stay in the UK to raise funds for her home for orphaned and destitute girls. I have known Mrs Chege and her home since it opened in April 2000, and represent a UK charity Hand in Hand which has been doing our best to assist her in whatever way we can as she seeks to care for these neglected children.  Both she and Mr Chege do a sterling work for these kids and it is so encouraging to see how God has blessed this ministry over the years, and particularly now as we see the first stages of their new building going up in such a short period of time.

(L-R:  Joe Norris from Barclays Bank, Mrs Anne Chege & Julie Perry from Trinity High School)

(L-R) Daniel Jones, Gabriel Rwamba, Mrs Anne Chege & Steve, outside Eulink House Salford, who pledged an ongoing commitment to assist Anne in any way that they could.

 

During our time with each other Mrs Chege was able to update me on how the kids are doing and on the progress of the building, and we were also able to visit a number of other interested parties to talk to them about the problems that the home faces, particularly in lieu of financial support.  Our short tour began in Luton and then onto Swinton, Trinity High School Manchester, Eulink House Salford, Barclays at Radbroke Hall, and then finally resting at Mister Seeds own home. (thank you for your kind hospitality). The pupils of Trinity High School Manchester, under the guidance of teacher Ms Julie Perry, will be setting up a pen pal scheme to the teenage girls at the New Hope Children's Centre in September to give the opportunity for the kids in each country the chance to share their experiences and encourage self development for all concerned.  In addition to this, Julie Perry also proposed some fundraising that her pupils could do for Anne and  children at the centre, to help lift some of the load which Anne and her husband have to bear.

 

This scheme has been set up by a support group from Barclays at Radbroke Hall in Knutsford who were shocked and amazed when they heard some of Anne's stories when she visited with me last October.  In that time the staff at Barclays Bank have donated nearly £10,000 to the home through Hand in Hand, which has covered school fees for the girls, and other practical needs at the home.

An extension of this support has been the pen-pal scheme, and Barclays will be coordinating this activity on behalf of Trinity High School and New Hope when it commences in September 2004.  In addition to this the support group at Barclays have pledged their ongoing support to New Hope and will continue fundraising whenever possible.

 

Anne Chege with members of Barclays Bank who have formed the New Hope Children's Centre Support Group at Radbroke Hall, Knutsford.

Mrs. Ann Chege with the Seeds - From right is Miss Margaret Njiiri (Duaghter Seed), Mrs. Chege, Dennis Njiiri (Baby Seed) and Mr. Seed

 

It was such an encouragement for both Anne and me to meet so many kind and caring people in just a matter of a few hours who wanted to help the children at New Hope, and none of them have ever been to the home or met the girls.  Their response is truly a testimony to the difficult and honourable task that Mr & Mrs Chege are carrying out in the Lord's name at New Hope.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share our visit with your readers, and may I also take this chance to remind them that Anne will be in the UK until 30^th August.  The needs at the home are many and if you would like to make a contribution to this deserving cause you can contact Hand in Hand in the following ways:

 

Springfield Lyons House, Chelmsford Business Park, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 5^TH

01245 236561 or 07899 952075

 

(As a registered UK charity we can claim back income tax from the Govt via GiftAid and 100% of every gift goes to New Hope, as our administration needs have been covered thanks to the Grace of God)

 

Thank you for your support and May God Bless you all,

Daniel Jones

National Coordinator for Hand in Hand

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A hug for a lost son

Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o is hugged by Dr Wanjiku Kabira on Monday 2nd August, 2004 at the University of Nairobi where he taught literature before going into self-exile 22 years ago. He later delivered a public lecture at the university’s Taifa Hall. - The Standard.

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World Wide Wonderland

They claim that it is globalization. You wonder how long it took to make all this tatoo. A well done job but in the wrong place. His supporters claim it is World Wide Wonderland. All the same there is a Swahili saying that goes "Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame".

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Kenya Society summer barbecue

Behind the official residence of the Kenya High Commissioner in the UK well known as Harambee House was like a beehive on Thursday 22nd July 2004 as members of the Kenya Society in the UK held their summer barbecue party. The society which most include the old settlers in Kenya was a nice get-together party where members and their friends joined in for an evening treat. The Kenya High Commissioner and his wife Cecilia Muchemi attended the function where the High Commissioner gave a speech. A number of the Kenya embassy staff attended the function.

From left is the Mr. Joe Muchemi the Kenya High Commissioner in the UK, Mr. Sam Ochieng	Guests linking at the barbecue
From left is Bulimo Amokoye from Milton Keynes, Kenya's embassy no. 2 Mr. Boru Garma	A group photo with Noni daughter of the high commissioner in far left

Mrs. Cecilia Muchemi (right) and Mrs Perez Ochieng (second right) were among the guests

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Nyama choma, nyama choma everywhere

By the look of the scenery  it looks as it somewhere in a rural area in Kenya. The people around looks like Kenyans feasting with their famous nyama choma. The roasting style to the man roasting the meat seems to be the one working somewhere in Kariokor or the recently closed Kenyatta market in Kenya. But the truth of the matter is that the scenery is Brentwood, Essex, near London on Saturday 24th July, 2004. The venue itself is called the Pilgrim House a well known Christian Centre. Interdenominational World Revival Ministries, in East London organised a get-together nyama choma party as well as games for itself and friends. A well co-ordinated party where nyama choma was more than the guests is a scenery which reminded most of those present about their homeland, Kenya. With lots of nyama choma, ugali, mukimo, hamburger, kachumbari which was crowned by competition in various games. Racing, ten quite, Men and ladies football, dancing and skipping were among the activities going on the fun field day. There was so much happenings around which attracted  young people. Among the guests invited was Mrs. Ann Gathoni Chege of New Hope Children's Centre in Kenya currently in London. The guests took time to speak to Mrs. Chege who narrated about the lives of the orphans children in the orphanage. The guests made some quick donations on the spot towards the orphanage. The guests also requested Mr. Seed to organise a fundraising event in London to help Mrs. Chege to complete the construction going on the orphanage.

Mrs. Ann Chege (centre) addressing some guests at the venue	Ken video (Mwangi) is not only good in video recording he is also good at "chomaring" - is he a former employee of Kariokor?
Ladies trying to reduce the cholesterol level  with the ball	A group photo in the kitchen - interesting enough hamburgers were an item in the menu

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Africa should aim to be self dependent , says Kenya’s envoy

By Gitau wa Njenga in London, Monday

Africa should aim to be self dependent and not always relying on foreign aid, Kenyan High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Joseph Muchemi  said  on Saturday 24th July, 2004. Mr Muchemi noted that Asian Tiger economies are a real story of those who have broken the yolk of this over dependence on Aid. Mr Muchemi  made the remarks when  he presented  training kits to Ligi Ndogo Planets Football team that represented  Kenya in the Annual Youth Umbro International Cup 2004  in Manchester from 21-24^th July. Mr Muchemi observed that Kenyans living or travelling   are the  real ambassadors of  Kenya and appealed to them to play a positive role in the development of  our country. Mr. Muchemi promised to liase with necessary government authority in Kenya, and  businesses in UK to see how the youth programme could be promoted. The Kenyan team reached the semi finals in the tournament that saw 400 Youth teams representing 20 countries participating. The winners of the tournament were Wimslow Sports JFC of Cheshire, North West England.

Kenya High Commissioner in the UK Mr. Joseph Muchemi presenting football kits to one of the Ligi Ndogo members in Manchester	All the way from the land of "hakuna matata" - a group photo of the Ligi Ndogo - notably is the white boy in the middle - are there white boys in Mathare?
The two teams posing with the Kenya high Commissioner Mr. Joseph Muchemi and his wife Cecilia Muchemi and Mr. Gatheru Rwamba	Mr. Kimemia (third right) helping the Kenya High commissioner Mr. Joseph Muchemi (second right) to present the football kits to the team

The training kits were donated by CAP (Community Advancement Programme), an organisation based in UK with the main objective of sourcing resources for deserving causes in Kenya. Ligi Ndogo is a Kenyan Youth football clubs league, comprising young players 9-17 years old)  largely drawn from youth teams from the disadvantaged parts of Nairobi including Mathare, Kariobangi and Kibera. “You have done Kenya proud  and with a good management, and necessary support, we are confident that we are likely to see some Kenyans playing in the UK Premiership in the near future ” said Mrs  Cecilia Muchemi. Speaking during the occasion, the Chairman of CAP, Businessman Gatheru Rwamba indicated that there are many good donors all over the world who are willing to support causes like youth Development. “We are happy to add Ligi Ndogo as one of the several worthy and deserving projects we currently support in Kenya”, said Mr Rwamba Mr Rwamba was accompanied by one of the Trustees of CAP, Mr. Stephen Kimemia Q.C.  Mr. Kimemia appealed to the government to hasten repossession of grabbed land meant for social amenities and distribute the same to those who are running youth activities, mainly in the urban centres. CAP will not only be kitting the Ligi Ndogo teams, but also sponsoring their annual league tournaments. CAP which has two offices, one in Manchester and the other one in London is also organising for a Grand Famine Relief Fundraiser event to be held in the first half of August. Further details will be available in Newspapers and their website at  www.caprogramme.org by Friday 30th July, 2004.

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Financial Breakthrough for Kenyans in the UK

Kenyans in the UK with only their Kenyan ID’s can now enjoy some of the benefits of a high street bank, from savings to loans. They can now save while in the UK, have 24 accesses to their money and at the same time be able to withdraw the money from Kenya.

All this has been made possible by a new finance organisation the EAST AFRICAN CREDIT SOCIETY.

Sheila at the East African credit society call centre. Sheila and her team, Helen, Cath and Penny have been overwhelmed by the number of calls since the company started operation

The organisation has devised a simply smart way for those without a long credit history, proof of address and financially marginalize to open accounts, save and benefit from loans in a co-operative or ‘credit-union’ style structure.

Traditional High street banks and finance companies that initially found it difficult to advance loans to new comers from East Africa are now shifting the responsibility to this organisation.

The idea was so attractive to some Banks and finance companies that so far the organisation has received offers worth over £3.2 million since it opened its doors in February this year. More money is expected as the membership grows and Kenyans proof that they are worth lending to.

With an estimated population of 85,000 East Africans living in the UK, the potential growth of this company is unlimited. Giving it an opportunity to tap millions of pounds into the pockets of its members and at the same time attract a lot of funding from major financial institutions.

Kenyans (among the East Africans) are expected to take the lead in taking advantage of this new facility

However, a major problem is that the British legal system allows such a society to have a limited membership base of about 3000 members, we therefore expect the company to be closing down its doors to new members within two or three months or alternatively find a way to go round this obstacle.

To request for an application pack for membership, please text your name and address to 077 3138 8954 or call their call centre on 0870 460 5468. For more information about EAST AFRICAN CREDIT SOCIETY, please visit their wed site on www.ea-creditsociety.co.uk  (click on this web address)

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Gitau wa Njenga weds in style at Manchester Utd. field

Those who have been doubting, Giatu  wa Njenga is now a husband to Waithira. Gitau tied they knot to the Bsc graduate who is also a certified Accountant last Saturday 24th July, 2004. In what turned out to be the best wedding ceremony to be witnessed by Kenyans, the Manchester based journalist - a man from Ndeiya, Kimbu did it. There was no pre-wedding for their big day. But their friends didn't let them down. They made sure that the function took place in those rooms that only the likes of Bekham, Sir Ferguson etc could step in. The highly successful Wedding function was graced by HE the High Commissioner , Mr Joseph Muchemi and his wife Cecilia Muchemi. What a spectacular sight? The couple were at the middle of The Manchester United Play ground. Shouldn't we be proud that other Kenyans ( and for that Matter Africans), that those facilities at the football millionaire clubs are now open to us? True to his character, Gitau has achieved something for us. A  6 year old boy who who attended the wedding asked: "iss this where Bekham played before going to Real Madrid?. The attendance was not big but the wedding was good. In attendance were several successful Kenyans businessmen in the UK among them Zed Mbugua, Mbogoro, Mr. Gatheru Rwamba and Mr. Joseph Ngugi well known as Ngugi wa Nation. To congratulate Gitau wa Njenga and his wife please email them at gitauwanjenga@yahoo.co.uk

Many people wrote to Mr. Seed before the wedding that Gitau will come out of the field before the wedding day. But the man from Ndeiya has at last made it. Congratulations Mr&Mrs. Gitau - you proved them wrong.

Newly weds Standard London Correspondent,Gitau wa Njenga and his wife Waithera wa Njenga share a light moment at centre pitch of Manchester Football Club , Old Trafford on Saturday after their wedding. - Picture by Thambo Mbeki.

Newly weds Standard London Correspondent, Gitau wa Njenga and his wife Waithera wa Njenga share a light moment  with Kenya High Commissioner to UK, Mr  Joseph Muchemi and Mrs Muchemi  at  Manchester Football Club , Old Trafford on Saturday after their wedding. - Picture by Thambo Mbeki.

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Namessless steals the show in London

Nameless is a true crowd puller especially the young generation	Some in the crowd did it as it was mugithii...but all for the nameless person
Action speaks better than words in some occasions	The crowd asking for more from the the man without a name

Names steals the show in London on Saturday 24th July, 2004. Camp Safari exclusive: Nameless makes history in London. Record breaking crowds at Camp Safari promotion prove that Nameless is famous in London. Nameless, used his superstar status to pull massive crowds to The Camp Safari promotion in London on Saturday night at Elephant and Castle, South London. With a multimillion pound venue, a superstar Kenyan musician and UK supporting acts working the crowd into a frenzy, The Camp Safari has set a new precedent with the biggest East African event in London ever. As Sir Henry hyped the crowd Dj’s Billy, Viagra, Doc Collins and Dani Luv got the party started. The supporting acts included: Kenyan based Lopo, and UK based Lyricist. In between acts, the sizzlingly sexy Smooth Angels worked the crowd with their tight routines. With the crowd screaming his name, Nameless, backed by the Smooth Angels, came out to drop a blistering 90 min set which included the crowd pleasers, old favourites and new material. Women – outnumbering men two to one - rushed the stage desperate to get close to their idol. To the lucky few brought on stage by Nameless, came the chance to dance and sing with the star whilst everyone clambered for the signed CD and poster giveaways. Despite having only 30 min rehearsal time, The Smooth Angels were effortlessly slick and professional, the perfect complement to a toned, honed and pitch perfect Nameless.

After telling the dj’s to rewind the track one last time, Nameless left the crowd which included Sam Ochieng – director of Kenya Community Support Network- and members of Sacoma  in the more than capable hands of Sir Prestige who dropped the hottest hip hop beats keeping the crowd dancing until 5 am. The Camp Safari team now heads out to Mombasa for their Youth Summer Camp  3- 8 August. Nameless will reunite with the gang alongside Dj Pinye, the Homeboyz and Seani B of BBC 1Xtra for Jungle Jam – the Camp Safari finale on August 7 at Mamba Village, Mombasa.

Further news from The Camp Safari

After his blazing hot performance at The Camp Safari promotion in London on 24/07/04, Kenyan Superstar Nameless signs up to the ‘A dream come true’ program. Kamau Wainaina (Diggy), Director of African Youth League, the UK based partner of The Camp Safari, says ‘The dream come true’ program is an African Youth League initiative set up to supports young people realise their full potential and ambitions.  We have already supported young people in Kenya and are really excited to have Nameless on board the program now. His performance on Saturday night proved that he is quality musician. The crowd were really receptive. We hope to bring him back later in the year to cut a record with some of the British artists on the programme. This will be the opportunity to take his career to stratospheric new heights. I am confident that we can support his dream to be an internationally renowned artist.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!

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