London Latest News January 2009

Kenyans in Bedford joined the rest of the world in

celebrating President Barack Obama’s victory

Kenyans in Bedford joined the rest of the world in celebrating President Barack Obama’s victory at Harpur Suite in Bedford on Saturday 24th January 2009. The colourful celebration was attended by local councillors and the Chairman of Bedford Race Equality Council who gave the key note speech on what Obama’s victory meant to the Black people and the world. Mr Sam Ochieng, Director of Sacoma in London, was the Master of Ceremonies.

The Kenyan Community Bedford used the occasion to market Kenya with Sandra Hullette a tutor at Westbourne College winning a holiday to Kenya. Sandra scored the highest marks in an environmental quiz. She was delighted to win the two return air tickets and two nights at the Mara Sarova Lodge situated in the world famous maasai mara courtesy of Kenya Airways and Sarova group of hotels who supported the inauguration dinner dance.

Prior to the event, the organisation had been in daunted with media interest especially on Tuesday 20th January when President Barack Obama was sworn in. Some of the trustees appeared on TV, while others were interviewed by newspapers. There was a special Kenya programme on BBC three counties radio. The presenter spoke live to some people in Kenya and in USA.

In the hall, the organisers had set up a Kenya Tourism Stand which had Kenya information and a holiday to give away. A voter information stand was set up by Luke Fatturuso, Bedford’s Borough Council Democratic Engagement Officer. Its significance was to remind that Obama became President because of people voting. The event was well attended, Kenyans travelled from Luton and Slough to grace the auspicious occasion. DJ Papa Josh entertained the guests with a variety of African and hip hop music.

Kenyan Community Bedford provides its members with a powerful voice on issues that directly affect them and leads the way in engaging at a higher level with the various bodies/organizations /community groups etc in a way that is beneficial to all involved.

The organisation founded in 2005 and incorporated in 2007 has gained recognition by Bedford Borough Council, Bedford Race Equality Council, the Police Partnership Trust, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, amongst others. Kenyan Community Bedford is now authorised to carry out CRB checks for its volunteers. Its main objectives are to address the welfare, educational, social and cultural needs of the Kenyan and African communities through integration. Key priorities include putting children and families at the centre of all we do. By running a Swahili Saturday class, our main aim is to provide our children with knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to make healthy informed choices about their futures in a fun filled cultural environment. The promotion of education, Information, advice and guidance is a vehicle for empowerment and consciousness.

                                         Kibaki salutes new US leader

                                                 Local musician Jua Cali urges Vice president Kalonzo Musyoka for a dance to the podium during the launching of the Kenya Change Generation Campaign at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi on Tuesday.

President Kibaki on Tuesday said Mr Barack Obama’s inauguration as US President would inspire hope in millions of people around the world. He said he was confident Mr Obama would succeed in making the world a better place. In a congratulatory message to Mr Obama, who was sworn in as America’s 44th President, Mr Kibaki said: “Through that journey you have inspired many young and old people not only in America, but around the world, with a strong message of hope.”  Mr Kibaki praised President Obama for his journey of courage and message of the audacity of hope. Bilateral ties “In that message you outlined the values and principles of freedom, equality and change that you have always championed,” he added. “As you commence your first term in office, I am confident that you will succeed in making the United States, and indeed the world, a better place for humanity,” he said. “We, the people of Kenya, cherish the many years of bilateral ties with America and look forward to even stronger relations in areas that are mutually beneficial to our two countries.” Mr Kibaki pledged support for Mr Obama as he embarked on the national and international obligations that come with the responsibilities of US President. Elsewhere, Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Tuesday congratulated Mr Obama, urging him to support democracy across the world. “My wish is for President Obama to support democracy, democratic institutions and democratic transfer of power across the world.  “I hope that President Obama will help strengthen civil society organisations that are involved in efforts to uplift their nations,” Mr Odinga said. He said President Obama comes in after generations of civil rights activists pushed for fairness and equality among the races. “I also have no doubt that President Obama will be equal to all the other tasks ahead,” the PM said. He cited tasks that include uniting the polarised world, giving hope to the hopeless, encouraging diplomacy in conflicts and fair trade among nations. Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday urged youths to draw lessons from the new US President and spearhead the campaign for change in the country. Speaking during the launch of the “Kenya Change Generation Campaign” at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Mr Musyoka said the youth should learn from Mr Obama’s historic achievement and set the national agenda for the future.

                                                              Obama becomes first black U.S. President

                                                              Barak Obama being sworn in as the first black U.S.APresident

Barack Obama became the first black U.S. president on Tuesday, making history before a sea of people and declaring the United States in the midst of a crisis that can be defeated with a united sense of purpose.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama said in his inaugural speech shortly after taking the oath of office. "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America -- they will be met."

Hundreds of thousands of people erupted in roars of approval on the broad National Mall grounds as they watched Obama stand with one hand raised, one hand on a Bible used to swear in Abraham Lincoln in 1861, and repeat the brief oath to become the 44th U.S. president and succeed George W. Bush.

The inauguration of Obama, 47, the son of a black Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, was steeped in symbolic meaning for African-Americans, who for generations suffered slavery and then racial segregation that made them second-class citizens.

Beaming broadly, the new president had kisses for his wife, Michelle, and his school-age daughters, Malia and Sasha, then he turned to the crowds stretching away into the distance on a cold, wintry day.

"Obama, Obama," the crowd cheered.

Dispatching quickly with pleasantries, Obama turned to the task at hand and sought to temper the soaring optimism about his leadership with reality. A Democrat, he took over from Republican Bush, who served two terms and whose approval ratings plumbed record lows.

Obama cited the worst U.S. economic conditions in 70 years and U.S. involvement in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as having placed the country "in the midst of crisis."

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord," he said.

He pledged bold and swift action on the "badly weakened" U.S. economy, a top priority as he works with the U.S. Congress on an estimated $850 billion economic stimulus package aimed at jolting the economy back to life.

U.S. stock indexes extended losses and hit session lows after his speech, which provided few details on how to tackle the crisis. 

VOWS "NEW WAY FORWARD" WITH MUSLIMS

After years of tense relations with Muslims following the September 11 attacks seven years ago that prompted Washington's declared war on terrorism and deeply shaped Bush's policies, Obama offered conciliatory words to the Islamic community while issuing a warning to those who would wage terrorism.

In a message to the Muslim world, Obama said he would seek a "new way forward" based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

He added: "We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

In his first act of business, the Obama White House issued a proclamation declaring a national day of renewal and reconciliation and calling on Americans to serve one another.

Highlighting the economic problems Obama will face, major U.S. stock indexes fell on Tuesday on mounting worries over grim earnings and the health of the banking sector.

Obama said the economic crisis was a consequence of "greed and irresponsibility" on the part of some and vowed that those who manage Americans' money "will be held to account."

He also promised a "watchful eye" to ensure financial markets do not spin out of control.

Economic woes -- the recession has saddled the country with a $1 trillion deficit and 11 million people unemployed -- have become the top concern of the U.S. public and helped Obama beat Republican John McCain in the November presidential election.

"I don't care what colour he is," said Garrell Winstead, a 67-year-old real estate investor who travelled to the Mall from Cincinnati, Ohio to see Obama sworn in. "If the economy doesn't improve and if he doesn't create enough jobs, patience will evaporate."

The inauguration took place amid unprecedented security. About 8,000 police were deployed and a total of 32,000 military personnel were on duty or on standby.

The Homeland Security Department said authorities were investigating a potential threat of "uncertain credibility" in connection with the inauguration.

Some estimates put the number of people expected to pack the Mall and inaugural parade route at more than 2 million. Crowds clogged the city's metro rail system and thronged the security check-points.

"This is chaos now," said Judy Bailey, 42, of Cincinnati, Ohio, as police shunted her further and further away from the swearing-in ceremony early in the morning. "But it is amazing to be here. This is history in the making."

Polls show widespread U.S. public support for Obama and optimism about the coming four years of his presidency. Bush, leaving office after eight years with record lows in approval ratings, was returning home to Texas on Tuesday.

FIRST MOVES

The Washington Post reported that in one of his first actions as president, Obama planned to name former Sen. George Mitchell as his Middle East envoy in one of his first actions as the new U.S. president.

Obama will also meet military commanders on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of accelerating the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, to fulfil a campaign pledge to withdraw all troops within 16 months.

He is also expected to discuss the need for more forces in Afghanistan at the White House with a Pentagon delegation led by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, officials said.

                              Happy New Year Kenyans

REFERENCE TO IDP CHILDREN IN KENYA

By Joyce Kerr, Newcastle, UK

I posted a message on this website last November saying I was going to Kenya and would visit the IDPs.  I visited the poor families and the candidates just before they sat for their KCPE. When I talked to their teacher Mr. Wanyoike and asked him to point out a few very poor kids who wouldn’t afford school fees, he just laughed and said “everyone here is poor , otherwise they wouldn’t be here”.

I am looking for any willing persons to help these children as they will not afford to go to Secondary school.    I took a few photos of the kids both in their tented classroom and outside their tents.  I also took  about twelve names and their individual photos refusing to take more though the kids were begging me to,  I didn’t want to disappoint them, in case I don’t get enough sponsors .  I also took their index numbers in case anyone would like to confirm this from the Official Kenyan KCPE results website (link below).  Just type their index numbers and their names and results will show just to confirm these are the real names and scores I have given.

If anyone would like to help any of the kids please get in contact with me so I can give you the contact of the child you would like to sponsor.  You could probably ask the child to send you a copy of their admission letter which has the fees structure and a photo so you are sure to be sponsoring the child you pick.  I am also getting the whole result list tomorrow in case anyone would like to sponsor another child in the same group who performed well (you can prove this as first 6 index numbers should be same as they represent centre number). You can then arrange with the child or the school to be paying fees direct to the school or however you wish.  Please note that I personally don't get involved at all.

I would also like to thank the four ladies and one gentleman who have so far replied to me.  Just read the children's stories in the link below and choose any child you would like to sponsor.  I am personally confused on which one to sponsor as I met them all and know their story, but I will see how this goes and make my mind up.  Remember you only pay fees three times a year starting from February. Thanks a lot and if you have any questions just send me an email.  My name is Joyce and I am here in UK, I will be willing to give more details on phone.  Contacts details: joymachaa55@yahoo.co.uk tell: 07532-358061

For official KCPE results please click this link:      http://www.examscouncil.or.ke/

The school is located at the Eldoret showground in the Rift Valley. The temporary tented school was put up for the candidates who were in their final year at primary school to give them somewhere to sit their exams.