P R O F I L E S
CATCH UP WITH THOSE ON THE MOVE
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BUT THE MODERATORS CHOOSE WHICH PROFILE TO PUBLICIZE
CLEMENT KARIUIKI NGANGA (WAMAITU)
VIE FOR GATUNDU NORTH SEAT IN 2007
Dear Comrades in Diaspora,
Have you heard often enough about corruption, youth unemployment, economic malaise especially at the local level and political blindness of our leaders in Kenya? Does it seem to you that Kenya has more potential than is currently being displayed? I could very well embody the solution that many Kenyans in Diaspora have been searching as one of you, former Houstonian (USA) and currently in UK. Let me give you my account as MP aspirant for Gatundu North.
I have been a Sunday school teacher, very active member of my local church (Kamwangi Full Gospel Church of Kenya), former organizing/Secretary Kianyaga High Christian Union and Captain, Former Vice Chairman Main Campus Christian Union, University of Nairobi, Graduate of University of Nairobi, Associate Fellowship of Christian Union in Kenya (FOCUS).
In Jua Kali sector, I was former co-founder Ideal Computer College, owner of Kariuki's telephone services and much more small entrepreneurship in Gatundu North Constituency.
In community service, I am founder and former chairman of Youth Against AIDS and Poverty (YAAP), peer educator of AMREF, former board member of Igegania Health Center and innovator and mobilizer of Mbichi Dispensary. I participated in Launching of Gatundu North AIDS committee Control, drafting of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and Civil Education Constitution Review Kenya for “Wanjiku’s constitution”.
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Clement Nganga and British Deputy British High Commissioner Sir Paul Harvey at Gatundu North HIV/AIDS Awareness |
 Clement Nganga address community during fight for illegal brews (kumi/kumi/ chang’aa) |
In 2002 at age of 27 years, I contested Gatundu North MP seat with Sisis Kwa Sisi Party of Kenya ticket. Though I didn’t go to parliament, it was a big success for me and youths in Kenya. Please visit www.eck.or.ke
Clement Nganga during 2002 General Election campaigns
During the last four years, I have worked to enhance my skill set; completing further post graduate studies in USA and successfully organizing a social forum for Kenyans Society in Houston, Texas (KENSHO) as founder and former 1st acting President. Currently I am in UK for Europeans exposure in governance and social welfare systems.
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Congresswoman/ first vice-chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Sheila Jackson-Lee hand over to Clement Nganga certificate of appreciation To KENSHO for their contribution to Kenyans Houston community in Texas |
 Clement Nganga, Wahu Kaara (KENDREN founder- Kenya) Dr. Ngozi (former VP World Bank & finance Minister Nigeria) and Steve During Jubilee Debt Cancellation 2007 in London |
I hope to leverage all this experiences and organizational skills acquired in the last General Elections and aboard to mount a formidable run for Gatundu North parliamentary seat as an effective, visionary and accountable leader to help common people to actualize their dreams for Kenyans posterity.
The following is some of main objective as MP
a) To unite the constituents for social-economic growth and development in area.
b) Provide servant-hood leadership hence custodian of people resources and welfare.
c) Mobilize constituents for sustainable development hence proper use of CDF money with at least, oversight of 50 years if not 100 years to impact generations and generations to come hence jobs creation especially for the youths.
d) Provide political will to address AIDS epidemic and many other health issues as I have done in past as founder YAAP and member of community management board of Igegania health Centre and Mbichi dispensary In Gatundu North constituency
e) Provide wealth experience and exposure I have acquired from USA and Britain in terms of governance.
f) Mentor many people into servant-hood leadership thus groom up effective, visionary and accountable leaders in Kenya through human capacity building enhanced with civic education to the community
g) Fight corruption by all means
h) Promote and create initiatives for jobs creation as means to address poverty in our society as have done in the past through YAAP with partnership with AMREF-Kenya and many other NGO’s in Kenya.
i) Promote education and environment friendliness as have done in the past at Gatundu North as on of elite and scholar.
j) Promote youths and women empowerment initiatives as have done in the past
k) Awakening/enlightenment of people hence culture revolution for working nation as long time investment for our people. This will happen through civic education to the community on their civil rights, liberties and duties/responsibilities as Kenyan citizens.
God bless you!
God bless Gatundu North!
God bless Kenya!
Clement Kariuki Nganga (Wamaitu)
For MP Gatundu North
E-mail: ngangajr75@yahoo.com or
Web: www.youtube.com/2007mp4kenya
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Dr. Ernest Otieno Obunga a Kenyan in the
UK to vie for Uriri Parliamentary Seat in 2007
ODM-K: URIRI CONSTITUENCY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS, 2007
Dr Ernest Otieno Obunga [BSc, MSc (UoN), Ph.D (Sussex, UK], Aspirant
Profile:
UK-based academic, previously, lecturer at Baraton, KEMU, USIU and Maseno. Also served as Senior Research Scientist at National Museums of Kenya and as Ecologist with Ministry of Planning and National Development. I am a visionary, rational and balanced leader with effective communication, persuasive and inspirational skills. I also have proven academic, research and administrative skills gained during my work in various universities and the Civil Service. These skills equip me well to deal with a wide range of issues and challenges such as interpersonal interactions, people management, and mobilisation which are invaluable in politics. "I never dodge difficulties, I face and tackle them"
I have been involved in extensive social work in Uriri Constituency and experienced politics in various dimensions. That has endeared me to the people and vice-versa. The party and the electorate stand to gain immensely from my continued material input from the worlds of social welfare, academia, diplomacy and politics. My international connections will also be invaluable in our development endeavours.
SYNOPSIS OF MY VISION AND ASPIRATIONS
Uriri is a diverse constituency with great economic potential. Achievement of tangible and sustained development lies in the the vision of our leaders and the the discipline of our people. Our constituency has great potential for production of tea, pineapples, potatoes, cassava, sugarcane, tobacco, millet, beans, groundnuts and fruits just to mention a few! However, the production is low and there is general lack of incentive. Besides, there is dwindling livestock production and lack of well established mega-businesses. A host of other pressing problems remain to be addressed. These include:
· poor road network
· lack of rural electrification
· poor health facilities and
· low investment in education
Every year each constituency receives at least 80 million Kenya shillings through Local Authority Transfer fund, Constituency Development Fund, Bursary Fund and District Roads Fund among others. The use and distribution of these funds are largely characterised by abrasiveness and conspiracy. Time has come for us to make a difference and the onus is ours as we prepare for the general elections this year. Let us unite and usher in new leadership.
I have offered my candidature and seek your support to make me your servant. I promise to provide selfless and inclusive leadership based on wider consultation with everyone.
My vision:
· to create a major and steady education base by establishing educational fund that will support our youth in their endeavours
· To renovate and build quality schools and improve their resource base.
· To improve the status of our health institutions by investing in facilities and manpower
· To work with farmers in establishing cooperative societies that can enhance their collective bargaining
· Link various sectors of our society with local and international NGOs willing to be our development partners
· To lobby ministries on issues of land title deeds, rural electrification, trunk roads and water supply.
· To initiate programmes that will help improve our economic status by involving local and international partners
· To encourage role modelling through exchange programmes and twinning of our schools with those oversees
· To foster unity and collective responsibility among ourselves
· To work with farmers to address delays in cane maturity, delays in payment for cane delivered, exaggerated deductions by the miller for farming inputs and loans for farmers.
· To initiate integrated programmes for environmental conservation in the constituency.
· To establish care centre for orphans and mobilise resources to support them.
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Going for Bunyala South Seat in 2007
Alice Were going for Bunyala South seat
A Kenyan in the UK is going for a parliamentary seat in Western Province in the year 2007. Mrs. Alice Were is going for Bunyala South constituency. After 17 years in the UK she now want to serve her community back in the Kenya as their Member of Parliament. She was born in Bunyala -Busia in Western Province. She went to School in Bungoma (Misikhu Girls High School) then progressed on to' A' level in Nairobi Girls High School in Nairobi, Utalii College two year training in Tourism and Travel I joined Kenya Airways immediately there after. 1984 -1990. Settled in the United Kingdom in 1990.
Alice has been helping her constituency in many ways
She was a partner and director of travel firm (Safari Global Travel). In 1998 she graduated in Legal Studies at Goldsmith University College London. Later she graduated with LLB University of Wolverhampton. Afterwards she initiated a charity to render help to flood victims in Bunyala - (Budalangi Flood Services) the organisation has benefited the community in terms of providing food, shelter, transport and other requirements. The inhabitants experience less dignified human life. "I have been in there so I know what I’m talking about. The CDF money does not spread wide enough to save the floods in Budalangi, families get forced out of their home due to natural courses which the government can easily handle does raise concern, these floods reoccur yearly, very little has been due to corruption.
Alice presenting some equipments to a school in her constituency
It causes massive violation of Fundamental rights in many ways. It worsens poverty and inequity within societies thereby seriously inhibiting the realisation of economical, Social , Cultural rights. Land and other natural resources occupy a central place in the livelihoods of the majority - Corruption diverts these resources from intended public use in realisation of rights to decent livehoods into bank accounts , thus creating extreme income inequalities, diversion of resources causes massive human deprivation. Corruption leads to infringement of civil and political – electoral outcome are determined through bribes of public money, land clients, Mwananchi Choices are distorted and they don’t get leadership they deserve. I believe I will bring changes in Bunyala South , the floods victims don’t have to suffer. With the help of the new government 2008 corruption must be eradicated." Alice concluded.
Her email contact is - werealice@yahoo.co.uk
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Mr. S.N. Watailor Kinuthia of Pricewaterhouse
joins the Maragwa 2007 race
Mr. Kinuthia, 51, married with 3 grown up children
Mr. Kinuthia a partner of PriceWaterhouse, Nairobi, has been Mr. Seed's former boss at PriceWaterhouse as from 1986 to 1990.
KEY EXPERIENCE AND PROFILE
Mr SN Watailor Kinuthia is an experienced accountant and management consultant having trained and worked for Price Waterhouse for 20 years, in the UK and in Nairobi.
Attended university education at the University of Nairobi (B Comm.), then proceeded to Lancaster University in 1978 for a masters in Accounting and Finance.
Articled with Price Waterhouse in London from 1978 to 1982 as an audit and accountant trainee - leading on to qualify as a chartered accountant (UK) in 1982.
During this time, obtained extensive practical experience in the audits of a variety of UK companies, particularly in the manufacturing and service industries.
Appointed Assistant Audit Manager in 1993 in the firm upon return to Kenya, rising to Manager, Senior Manager and ultimately partner in 1988. As audit manager, Stephen was responsible for a wide range of organisations and companies, locally owned and multinational.
During his training and work with Pricewaterhouse he held senior management positions in the firm besides carrying out a wide range of professional client work. He was the head of the firm’s audit and accountancy division for a number of years. In this capacity, he has audited and consulted for a number of large organisations and banks, non governmental organisations and government.
He has a wide range of experience in the corporate governance and consultancy business both in Africa and Europe where he worked with Pricewaterhouse. He has been engaged in various capacities in the corporate world and has carried out a wide range of financial consulting assignment and financial reporting. He is currently the owner and founding partner of Finsoft TCS Ltd, a company focussing on implementation of financial software systems in large organisations in Africa.
AGE: 51; Married with 3 grown up children
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Chartered Accountant (UK) and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ACA)
Certified Public Accountant (Kenya) and member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)
COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL WORK
GOALS
Watailor believes he can do more for the people of Maragua if he is operating with the resource basis that would be available as Member of Parliament for Maragua.
His vision is simple: Go out and create leaders and wealth in Maragua. The rest will follow.
The funds available for development are huge thru CDF and other funds. Watailor has the managerial and financial training to manage these funds well to the benefit of the people.
A Kenyan living in Slough declares his interest in Molo Constituency
1. Personal Profile
Mr. Kaniaru was born in Njoro division of Nakuru district (now Molo district) in 1974 to Nahashon and Damaris Kaniaru who are farmers in the area. He is married to Sally and have two children. He attended Mwigito and Loruk Primary schools and later joined Kituro high school and D.N.Handa secondary school. He joined University of Nairobi in 1996 where he graduated with BA in Politics and Philosophy in 2000.
He proceeded to UK for further studies and graduated at Thames Valley University with MA in Human Resources Management in February 2005. Later in May 2005 he started a Recruitment and Consultancy firm in Slough.
2. Political Profile
Politics is not new in Mr. Kaniaru’s life having experienced it in various dimensions. As a student leader in University of Nairobi, he participated in debates, lobby and demonstrations to push for political, social and economic justice in Kenya. He is an ardent believer that with equitable distribution of wealth, Kenyan’s can reap from their sweat what they deserve.
Peace and Security is central in Mr Kaniaru’s vision having been a victim of the infamous Molo clashes that led to loss of lives and properties. The clash victims in the area and those in Diaspora are relieved that at last one of their own, who has witnessed their plight has offered him self to champion for genuine peace in Molo and Kenya at large.
Mr Kaniaru has been involved with Youths, Women and Church projects in Molo since he came in UK. He visits Kenya often to meet his people and participate in community work. He formally launched his campaign in January 2007 and is now visiting Europe and America to establish contacts with NGO’s and donors to support social and economic projects in Molo. In 1999, he was involved with organising peace and reconciliation meetings in Rift Valley in conjunction with the then Molo MP the late Kihika Kimani and other leaders in the area.
Mr. Kaniaru posing with his family in the UK after graduation
3. Political Vision
Mr Kaniaru’s determination to succeed is inspired by Chinese philosopher called Confucius who once said that “never dodge difficulties, meet them, greet them and beat them”. To this end, he believe Kenya’s problems should be faced and won by selfless leaders ready to defend justice at all cost. He appreciate that Kenya’s Politics in turbulent but with a call to make a positive contribution, his mind, body and spirit is equal to the task.
He envisage Molo and Kenya at large where citizens are empowered to attain their full potential in life regardless of their tribal, religious or racial background. As an MP of Molo he promises to lobby for further investments of resources in security, health, education, infrastructure and Agriculture to mention but a few. He believe the starting point is to empower the Youths in Kenya in order to equip them to face the 21st century. He strongly believes that women empowerment is paramount if Kenya is to realise her full potential. He will also act as a voice of Kenyan’s in the Diaspora once elected having been one of them for the last five years.
4. Contact Details.
There will be a goat eating party and prayers organised by Kenyan’s in Diaspora who support Mr Kaniaru’s Vision. This will be held in Slough in May 2007. For further information of the party cum prayers, advise and support for Mr. Kaniaru, email Kaniarujk@yahoo.com
Kenya’s oldest immigrant talks about life in London
Photo and story by Gitau wa Njenga of Jambo Magazine and Mr. Seed
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Mrs Muoria during the interview |
 Mrs. Ruth Nuna Muoria, was among the women admitted into World – Wide Mothers’ Union Anglican Women Fellowship by The Anglican Archbishop of Kenya, The Most Rev’d Benjamin Nzimbi in February 2005
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Leaving her four young daughters behind, Mrs Ruth Nuna Muoria, set out for London in August 1954. The cruelty of racism, sexism and harsh living conditions, notwithstanding, Nuna struggled with her husband to bring up a family in the 1950s Britain. Fifty-four years on, Nuna who still lives in London, recounts her experiences. At a glance, Nuna could easily be mistaken for a Kenyan granny visiting with her children in London. She has all the ingredients of a grandmother, her Gikuyu and Kiswahili are impeccable. What she recollects about her first experiences include the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne after the death of her father King George in 1952. "Ni ndi muikari wa London, ngikarite guku miaka 54," ( I am a London resident, I have lived here for the last 54 years) Nuna,77, says at her North London home. She first came to London to visit her husband, Henry Muoria, who had travelled to Britain two years earlier. Muoria, then working as a journalist-cum-publisher of a Kikuyu newspaper Mumenyeriri (The Carer) had come to Britain to buy a Printing Press. Former freedom fighter Fred Kubai had facilitated his travel. "While Muoria was here, the colonial government declared a State of Emergency in Kenya on October 20,1952 and arrested former President Jomo Kenyatta, Kubai, Kung’u Karumba, Bildad Kaggia, Ochieng Oneko and Paul Ngei," recalls Nuna.
"Former attorney general Charles Njonjo, who was then studying Law in the UK, told him about the new developments and advised him against returning home because his printing machines and newspapers had already been confiscated," says Nuna, a mother of 12. Njonjo warned Muoria that he risked arrest if he returned to Kenya because his newspaper sympathised with those engaged in the struggle for independence. Muoria then to return settle at Holloway, London and got a job with the London Underground Transport Company as a train guard. "Thereafter, he invited me to visit him… and that is how my relationship with Britain started," recounts Nuna. "I did not have a passport, but Muoria’s friends helped me get one," she says. It cost Sh20 to get it and a £75 return air ticket to London was all she needed to start her journey. "I boarded the Hunting Clan, a 28-seater plane at Eastleigh Airport (now Moi Air Base)," recalls Nuna.
Mr and Mrs Muoria seen in a picture taken in London in the 1950s
The plane made several stop-overs. The first was at Entebbe, Uganda, and then in Khartoum, Sudan, before flying to Malta Island two days later. There was yet another stopover in Nice, South-East France, before finally landing at a military airport in North West London. "From the military airport, we took a coach to Hdye Park Corner in Central London where my husband and former Foreign minister Munyua Waiyaki (then a medical student in UK) were waiting to receive me," recalls Nuna. After his wife’s arrival, Muoria had to look for a house, but no one was willing to take in a black couple. "In the 1950s, racism and sexism was very much strong. We would go looking for accommodation and a big sign would scream back at us… No Blacks, No Irish, No Women and No Children," says Nuna. After a long search and with the help of a man called Frank Watson and a Nigerian friend, Muoria moved into a one-roomed flat at Tufnell Park in North London.
"It was in this house that I started my London family. In September 1955, I gave birth to Jean Wangari Muoria, my first baby in UK, followed by Juliet Njeri "Enji" in 1956 and Peter Mwaniki in 1957.We all lived in a tiny room… life was very hard…we lived in harsh conditions," remembers Nuna. She says struggling to bring up three children then was a real challenge, especially for an African woman from a British colony. "Mwaniki used to sleep on a pram, while the two girls would sleep in baby cots, there was no space… imagine a tiny room with a young family, but against all odds," we survived. "My husband was working to support us, earning a mere wage of £7 a week," says Nuna, whose four boys and three girls live in the UK while her other four daughters live in Kenya. Her other child, a boy, died at infancy. Regular visitors to her North London home were Njonjo, his sister Emma, Waiyaki and Gladys Wathoni, Waiyaki’s sister. All were students at the time.
After years of toil and hardship, the Muorias bought a 5-bedroom house in Islington, where the family has lived to date. Wangari then serves us tea and a birthday cake. It is her daughter, Nuna’s 21st birthday. Aged 50, Wangari is believed to be the oldest Kenyan born to immigrant Kenyan parents in the UK. Soon, more family members troop in for the party and our interview is disrupted, but after a while we resume in a different room. Muoria’s other children, Margaret Wanjiru, David Mbari and Simon Mbugua, were born after the family moved to their new home. Mbugua, who was born in 1964, lives in the same house. The four girls left behind in Kenya— Grace Mary Njoki, Helen Wambui, Immaculate Waringa and Christine Gathoni— were born in Kenya between 1945 and 1951. Nuna says she first came back to Kenya in 1975.
A jovial Mrs. Ruth Muoria was admitted to Anglican Mother's Union on Sunday 27th February 2005. She was the oldest lady in the group having been born in 1927. This is what she explained to Mr. Seed in kikuyu: "Baba ari muhindi na mami ari mugikuyu wa kuma Kirangari hakuhi na Wangigi" meaning 'my father was of Asian origin and my mother was a kikuyu from Kirangari near Wangigi'.
"I went to see my ailing mother who died in 1977. While in Kenya, I was taken to State House, Nairobi, to see the Founding Father of the Nation Mzee Kenyatta," she recalls. Kenyatta’s daughter, Margaret Wambui, a friend of Nuna, was then the mayor of Nairobi. Nuna came back again for the second time in August 1978, the same week Kenyatta died. She returned for the third time with her husband in 1989 to attend the funeral of Muoria’s estranged first wife, Elizabeth Thogori. "On the third visit to Kenya, we stayed for eight months, it was a great experience to be back home and catch up with our extended family after all those years," says Nuna, who has nine grand children and one great-grand-daughter in the UK and 20 grand-children and28 great-grandchildren in Kenya.
In the early 1990s after their return from Kenya, Muoria’s health started to deteriorate. He had been diagnosed with diabetes. His condition was worsened by a flu epidemic, which broke out in England in December 1996. He succumbed to diabetes on January 27,1997. His body was brought back to Kenya for burial at Nyathuna in Kiambu District. Nuna says his death was a big loss to her and the family. "Muoria was my life… he was my best friend, he cared so much for the children, we miss him so much," says Nuna of the man she met in Nairobi in 1947, when she was 20.
After courting for nearly one year, the couple married in 1948 and the following year she gave birth to Helen Wambui. Nuna’s first child, Grace Mary Njoki who was born in 1945, is from a previous relationship. "I gave birth to my first child when I was 16," says Nuna whose father, Jan Muhammed, was an Indian from Punjab. "I never saw my father... I remember when I was about seven, I was taken to see him but the meeting never took place because it was deemed too stressful for me. All the memories I have of him is this photo," says Nuna pointing to a portrait of her father hanging on the wall in her living room. "My two step-brothers who live in Kenya have kept in touch over the years, they remind me of my father," says Nuna, who was born on December 5,1927 at Pumwani in Nairobi. Nuna grew up in the sprawling Majengo slums in Nairobi. So, why did Nuna choose to remain in Britain for all these years?
Mrs. Muoria and her daughter Wangari Muoria who was born in 1955 in UK. She is thought to be the oldest Kenyan to be born in the UK by Kenyan parents - You can contact them at wm@soas.ac.uk
"I had a young family to support and the welfare of my children took priority. In Britain, I was assured they would get better education and health, looking back now, I am delighted it was the right decision to make," she says. Nuna was among the Anglican faithful that Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi admitted to the Anglican Mother’s Union recently. Despite living in Britain for over five decades, Nuna has remained a Kenyan national. She never took British citizenship and longs to come back home. Now aged with failing eyesight, Nuna spends most of her days at Day Centres in London socialising and meeting her agemates.
She divides her time visiting her extended family in London and talking to her families in Kenya, whom she calls regularly. In 2001, at Alsen Day Centre in North London, Nuna was among the service users who had a royal audience with the Queen when the monarch visited the centre. Does she have plans to relocate to Kenya? "East or West, home is best. One day I will return to Kenya," she says. "Because of my failing health, it is important that I stay in England, because as a pensioner, I am eligible to vital services such as health care unlike in Kenya where there is no provision to cater for the elderly," she quips.
"I arrived in the UK in August 1954" says Mrs. Muoria
He was among the first Kenya to start his own newspaper. "Muigwithania" as it was called by then. He decided to move a step forward and buy his own printing machine. He arrived in the UK in 1952 to shop for the machine. While in the UK he was informed by Charles Njonjo who was then studying law in the UK that emergency had been declared in Kenya. Njonjo adviced him not to return back to Kenya as his printing machines and newspapers had been confiscated by the colonial government. We are talking about Mr. Muoria from Nyathuna, Kiambu, Kenya. With Njonjo's advice he opted not to return back to Kenya. He settled at Holloway, North London. After securing a job with London Transport as a train guard he invited his wife Mrs Ruth Muoria from Kenya to join him. Mrs. Muoria a mother of 11 children arrived in London in August 1954. He left behind her children in Kenya. They were blessed with a baby girl (Wangari Muoria on the picture below) in 1955 who is now thought to be oldest Kenyan to be born in the UK by Kenyans parents. Mr. Muoria passed away in 1998 and he was transported back to Kenya for burial. The family bought their first house in 1959 at Holloway, north London at a cost of £2,500. Mrs Ruth Muoria who speaks Kikuyu, Kiswahili and English fluently still lives in that house. It is quite interesting to note that all her children born in the UK speaks Kikuyu and Kiswahili. Mrs. Muoria will be among tens of Anglican church in UK faithful who will be admitted to the Anglican Mother's Union on Sunday 27th February, 2005 by Kenya's Anglican Arch Bishop Benjamin Nzimbi at Stratford, London.
Kenyans in the Diaspora continues to spice the Kenyan politics. Meru Central has one more 2007 parliamentary candidate. This time to challenge Kirugi M'Mukindia who is the current MP. A Kenyan in USA Mr Mugambi Arimi is entering the race to unseat Hon Mukindia. Who is Mr Mugambi Arimi? A man of passion-with the passionate believe that the people of Kenya deserve and can achieve freedom with strong and caring leadership. A man who sees clearly the relationship of his Christian commitment to the world around him-he walks the walk. MORE
Mr. Mugambi Arimi going for Meru Central in 2007
A Londoner, Dennis Onyango Orero to vie for Ndhiwa Seat
Mr. Dennis Onyango Orero, a Postgraduate in Management Economics and Government from
the University of Baroda in India, is currently working and living in London, United Kingdom.
Political Profiling
2007 is General Election Year for Kenya. 43 years after independence, the country still has persons in politics/ parliament that were there right from the beginning to today. Kenya has had three presidents in all. Starting from the Nation’s founder Mzee Jomo Kenyatta who ruled the country from 1963 until his death from natural causes in 1978, to be succeeded by Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, then his Vice President of more than ten years. Moi ruled the country for 24 years until his retirement in 2002, which also marked the end of the KANU political party rule since independence.
Without pointing fingers at any one, Kenya with over 42 tribes and characterised into 210 constituencies, still has reaches that are still as under-developed as they were in 1963. For many political pundits, this may have been partly because of the single party rule that allowed the Chief Executives to personalise development programmes. The country is still governed by the Constitution instituted at Independence. A document that has been largely responsible for the mess in Governance. 43 years after independence, Kenyans continue to search for the answers to their woes. Suggestions have been rampant, but speculation is rife, that the answer to the elusive question of development and peace of mind will come from either;
1) A youthful leader and or
2) A leader from the Kenyan Diaspora.
It is with this in mind that Kenya London News begins this humble profiling of the young men and women based abroad, who want to take on the might of Kenya politics, with a view to safeguarding the peace and prosperity in Kenya, for future generations. Guesting in our profile today is Dennis Onyango Orero, who has ambitions to vie for the Ndhiwa Seat now held by Orwa Ojode. Hear him out and judge for yourselves.
An Audience with Dennis Onyango Orero
Mr. Dennis Onyango Orero, a Postgraduate in Management Economics and Government from the University of Baroda in India, is currently working and living in London, United Kingdom. He hails from Central Kabuoch Location, Riana Division of Ndhiwa Constituency. Dennis was born the fifth child to Richard Orero and Mama Turphosa Atieno of Magina Village in 1963.
He obtained his primary education at Okota and Migori Town. He attended Rapogi High School, before moving on to Lutsangani in Mombasa and finalising his High School education at the famous St. Mary’s Yala where he sat for his A-Levels. Little did he realise that this diversity would cultivate and promote his interest in quality leadership and politics.
Early in life while at St. Mary’s Yala, Dennis contested and won the prestigious position of “The Chairman of Chairmen”- a post that required focus and precision as he was responsible for the effective coordination of all the school clubs & societies Calendar of Events.
Dennis regards himself as a home-boy; he treasured his roots from an early age and was never ashamed to exercise this passion. On completing his A-level studies at St.Mary’s Yala, he came home and took up a teaching position at Luanda Kawuor - a village primary school situated in the deep centre of Kabuoch Location. In cycling to school every morning, Dennis slowly understood the realism of not only the village life but the patriotism of permeates through the souls of the Kabuoch people.
After a one-year stint at Luanda Kawuor, Dennis was able to secure a scholarship to study in India, through the efforts of family, friends and people of Kabuoch. At Baroda University- one of the best Management Economics schools in India, Dennis’ organisational qualities came to the fore as he helped many other Kenyan students to get scholarships in the prestigious school. His efforts earned him the rare name of ‘The DON’. Dennis returned to Kenya after six years, with a Masters Degree in Economics and Finance.
On his return Dennis was employed by BS Mohindra Group of Companies- a Nairobi based firm, as an Operations Manager in-charge of Procurement and Recruitment. Apart from streamlining the company’s operations Dennis took advantage of his humble position to employ many young men and women from his home District.
His efforts enhanced his profile among his home constituents prompting them to send a delegation, asking him to stand in the by-election of 1994 following Tom Obondo, the area MP’s defection to KANU. He however turned down the offer to become the Ndhiwa MP, but continued his interest in serving his people.
Mr. Orero moved to the United kingdom in 2000,to work for TNT International, where he has been for the last five years rising up to the position of Operations Manager. In anticipation for the task ahead, Dennis, early last year joined forces with his younger brother Rodgers Orero to form an NGO going by the name RIANA Development Foundation Network (RDFN). The group is involved in community projects both in the UK and the home district at constituency level. The Foundation’s efforts have manifested itself in the multimillion Magina Orphanage Centre catering for AIDS orphans.
Other projects on the ground supervised by his father Orero Snr. Include Magina Girls Secondary School, Magina Church of Kabuoch and the Magina Orphanage. Elsewhere Dennis has been involved in myriads of fund raising projects in the constituency, building schools, churches and several utilities including paying fees for children from less fortunate families.
In a chat with Dennis Orero this is what he had to say in response to some pertinent issues regarding his desire to become the next Ndhiwa Member of Parliament.
KLN: - Good evening Mr. Orero and welcome to the Audience.
Dennis:-Good Evening and thank you very much for taking this time to speak to me.
KLN: - Can I address you as Mbunge wa Ndhiwa in-waiting? (next Ndhiwa MP?)
Dennis: _ (haa...laughing) Well that is my goal and destiny and am not ashamed to admit it is now or never. It has been your ultimate wish to contribute more than the little I have on offer and I believe parliament will give me the forum to achieve that. I have been approached severally by Ndhiwa constituents who have expressed their support and wish to have me as their parliamentary representative, and who am I to deny them?
KLN: - Why do you want to stand in Ndhiwa?
DENNIS: - First and foremost am born, bred and grew in Ndhiwa.
Secondly I believe I can make a difference. There is failed leadership in Ndhiwa. 43 years after independence, my constituency is still one of the least developed in the country with no running water, no any known factory, and no any school to have appeared in national ranking or best performance in the last 15 years?
I want to help organise my people to help them to help themselves. I want to help them to improve schools, fight the roughage of AIDS, and build hospitals and general infrastructure. I want to work together with other leaders to bring government services to the local community. I want to help create hope in our youth-help foster an entrepreneurship spirit. I believe my work experience in Kenya and abroad have provided me with the knowledge and experience that will allow me to effectively represent my constituents.
KLN: - Are you a sponsored candidate?
DENNIS: - Wish I was in the sense that you appear to be implying - My only sponsor are the people of Ndhiwa. I will fight for the ODM-K nomination, as I believe it is the party that best captures the values and aspirations of Kenyan people at this point in time.
KLN: - Campaigns can be pretty expensive – how do you plan to off-set some or all the expenses?
DENNIS: - All the funding I need for my campaign will be from my family, friends and well wishers.
KLN: - Ndhiwa normally has a huge attraction of contestants, and the incumbent Orwa Ojode seems formidable-does that not scare you?
DENNIS: - Why should it? OK as an incumbent of 15 years Ojode cannot be underrated, but not anything to worry about. He has yet to deliver the promises he made and after 15 years, I believe he has outlived his welcome.
KLN:- Finally Mr.Orero-Kenyan politics what is your general view?
DENNIS:- I am a very proactive person I believe in Kenya as one country – one community. Kenyans have really matured politically and I believe, if they vote with their conscience, Kenya will be on the roll. What we need in Kenya is good leadership, proper guidance and openness. Let everyone feel they belong. Don’t subject certain communities to ridicule, treat everyone as an equal, andlet’s learn to share and exchange views and stop operating in isolation. We need each other regardless of political or tribal affiliations.
Dennis has a strong family backing comprising his seven brothers and three sisters, most of whom are graduates – among them two Doctors. They work in various fields including education, health services, Non-Governmental Organisations, Business and International Agencies.
His ancestry will be another bonus. Hailing from Kabuoch, which is one of the most heavily populated locations of Ndhiwa. Kabuoch neighbours Kanyamwa who together form the ‘JoKonyango Rabballah’ Clan.
His father Richard Orero Snr. worked as a Public Health Officer before retiring to concentrate on development projects in Kabuoch, while his mother, Turphosa ‘Nyack’ whose name he likes using, was a Maendeleo ya Wanawake leader since independence days and one of the rocks behind the SDA Church in Kabuoch.
Vision
Make Ndhiwa people self-reliant. Give them their pride. He wants to see children in school studying and playing in the grounds in the village after school without the fear of not knowing what it will be like tomorrow. He would like to restore the pride that the women-folk had in the days gone by. A united Community in Ndhiwa will be an asset to the rest of Kenya as it will join hands. - Source: Kenya London News. Contacts: wuodnyaoko@hotmail.com - Tel: 077960444711.
A Kenya living in London to vie for a Kwale Seat in 2007
Isaac Mutula going for Matuga Parliamentary seat
Some friends in Hounslow west London organised a party for him recently
A large number of speakers expressed their wish to help Isaac (second left) financially
Jane (right) a resident of Hounslow wishing Isaac best wishes and good luck at the polls
"I will miss you Isaac but it is good that soon, I will be visiting you at the parliament building for a cup of tea if you through"
WHO ARE THE KENYANS ABROAD GOING FOR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN KENYA IN 2007?
COMING SOON!
