Morris Cerullo – The Speaker News Journal

Land tussle in Kenya

January 23, 2015January 23, 2015 by Morris Cerullo

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Kenya’s ruling Jubilee coalition came to power in 2013 on a platform of promises to Kenyans — promises that the party would ensure an end to land injustices and corruption. However, even as the coalition assumed office on hopes of digital development and an end to historical injustices, the nation may have to accept the fact that the coalition orchestrated a well-developed game plan to sail them through to power. The government of Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr. William Ruto has, however, benefited the nation with its massive investment in attempts to solve land issues since getting into office.

In the earlier days of 2014, the nation witnessed the closure of the Lands Ministry’s doors in a bid to have the ministry reorganize itself and provide efficient services while solving land issues. The exercise, which was engineered by Lands Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Charity Ngilu, was aimed at generating title deeds for all owned lands while revoking numerous numbers of fake title deeds. At the end of the exercise, the cabinet secretary publicly stated that land injustices had come to an end.

Probably the exercise at the Lands Ministry, which saw the rearrangement of files within the organization, was thought to be a great thing by citizens and land owners alike. The cabinet secretary for her part assured the citizens that the emotional land issue had been solved.

However, a year down the line, the nation seems to now recognize the fact that they were duped by the ministry as the nation now again experiences issues of land grabbing.

The Karen land saga last year brought emphasized the fact that land grabbing is not a thing of the past. Funny enough, key politicians have been linked to the land saga and to date — three months down the line — the investigations are still underway with no arrest being made to date.

Barely three months later, a piece of land belonging to Langata primary school has been alleged to have been grabbed by a private developer. The ministry and the Nairobi country government has stated that the land belongs to the primary school. But even as the grabbed land is investigated, the ministry has stated that the land is under the title of the Weston Hotel, which is believed to belong to one Mr. William Ruto.

So does it mean the private developer in question is Mr. William Ruto?

Even as this question remains unanswered, the ministry has stated that the land is being grabbed by a private developer who seems to be nameless.

The land issue indeed remains an issue related to violence in the country. The recent Occupy Playground by the Langata primary school pupils has also been linked to the South Africa’s Apartheid regime, in which school pupils were attacked by police officers. The Occupy Playground saw the demonstrating pupils teargased by the anti-riot police. The peaceful demonstration by school pupils has indeed sparked a heated debate in the international media — and in the social media as well. Likewise, the demos has brought to play the fact that the land could have been owned by a key political personality or an influential personality, as heavy security was deployed that morning to guard the compound.

Analysis by Morris Cerullo

The Odingas and Kenya mourn their son

January 13, 2015 by Morris Cerullo

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Kenya woke up to the death of the son of the former prime minister on Sunday, January 11. The son of the former premier had spent the previous night out with friends. He arrived home at 2 a.m. and a few hours later was pronounced dead.

Fidel Odinga, who was the eldest son to Rt. Hon Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga, is said to have visited his parents the previous day and excused himself to meet a group of friends that afternoon before joining his other close allies at a restaurant in Westlands, Nairobi, where the group stayed until their last drinks.

The country may have been robbed of a great son of the land and a young man who had serious ambitions, but as of yet not all is known about the death–the nation waits for the post-mortem results.

The premier’s son was an outgoing man and hit the limelight during the last elections following the succession politics of the Kibera constituency which his father has been representing for more than two decades.

Odinga was brought up in a political family. His grandfather was the first Kenyan vice president, the late Hon. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. His cousin and fathers elder brother, Hon. Oburu Odinga, was a minister and a one time Member of Parliament. Fidel Castro Makarios was expected to follow his family’s footsteps and work in politics as well.

Odinga, as eulogized by several leaders, was said to be an outgoing, humble young man who respected all despite their political differences and ethnic origins.

The son to the former premier married an Eritrean, Mrs. Bekele Lwam, with whom he had a son named Alai Raila Odinga. Odinga was married at the Coptic church in Nairobi and was baptized by Pastor Makarios of the Coptic church clergy.

Assuredly, even with the death of Fidel Odinga, the country still has another Odinga who could be a force to reckon with in the future.

As Kenyans await the post mortem results, the government has promised to conduct an intensive investigation to ensure the family of the prime minister and the country at large of the true reason they were robbed them of such a promising young man. But even as we wait for the results, one is left to wonder if the Government will really succeed in carrying out the investigation, since even decades after the deaths of other key political personalities such as Tom Mboya and Dedan Kimathi the investigations are not complete. Additionally, the deaths of Hon. Mutula Kilonzo and Hon. Otieno Kajwang are still unknown despite the government having assured the citizens last year of carrying out credible investigations.

Mourned internationally, the funeral of Fidel Odinga was not very different from that of Sen. Mutula Kilonzo and Otieno Kajwang, two other men who once played their part in Kenyan politics.

Opposition leaders made a clarion call to the government to ensure the nation is told what robbed them of a young man with great aspirations. The leaders also used the funeral as a stage to call for the government to engage in dialogue with them.

Described as a hero (jowi), Odinga was the sponsor of the Kisumu rugby club as well as of the Gor Mahia club. As a sportsman, he ensured the two clubs were on course. He had a vision to make a rugby sports stadium in Kisumu this year; a dream that may now never come true.

In a mode to rememberance for Odinga, the governor of Mombasa, Hon. Hassan li Joho, has already named a street after the young man. Even as we await the post mortem, all we can say is: Rest in peace Fidel Castro Makarios Odhiambo Odinga.

By Morris Cerullo

Happy New Year 2015 from Kenya

January 1, 2015 by Morris Cerullo

It's all pomp and glory as the world welcomes the year 2015. Faithful from all over the globe last night gathered in places of worship to bid goodbye to the year 2014 and to usher in another year of possibilities. The year 2015 comes amidst challenges from the previous year and everyone waits to see how the year will take its course. The events which were broadcast live saw the nation host several gospel artists from all over the world with the Groove party held at the Kasarani stadium hosting a South African gospel artist, Solly Malanghu and local artists, Willy Paul, Size 8, Pitson, Bahati and others. Among other artist at the TSO event was Christina Shusho and local artists. At the shout of the word 2015, fireworks, celebrations and jubilation rent the air in honor of the New Year.

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It’s all pomp and glory as the world welcomes the year 2015. Faithful from all over the globe last night gathered in places of worship to bid goodbye to the year 2014 and to usher in another year of possibilities. The year 2015 comes amidst challenges from the previous year and everyone waits to see how the year will take its course. The events which were broadcast live saw the nation host several gospel artists from all over the world with the Groove party held at the Kasarani stadium hosting a South African gospel artist, Solly Malanghu and local artists, Willy Paul, Size 8, Pitson, Bahati and others. Among other artist at the TSO event was Christina Shusho and local artists. At the shout of the word 2015, fireworks, celebrations and jubilation rent the air in honor of the New Year.

In Kenya, the situation isn’t different; people thronged places of worship to give thanks unto Almighty God for yet another year. The country’s leadership wasn’t left behind as politicians joined other Kenyans in celebrating the birth of yet another year. The president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces was on his toes to deliver a message to the citizens, seconds after the new year was born. While speaking at the state house, President Uhuru Kenyatta thanked every Kenyan for the great job they did in the previous year. Dubbing it a year of possibilities, the president indeed expressed great belief that there are going to be numerous possibilities in the New Year. He called on all Kenyans to be part of the development agenda and to be mindful of each other’s security.

The church leaders as well gave preachings that ushered everyone into the New Year. Nevertheless, as some Kenyans went to churches to pray, other citizens joined to cross over while at social places. The clubs at the city center were fully parked as celebrities also entertained their followers. The Machakos Governor as well joined his county residents at the Machakos people park in which people enjoyed some cool reggae music from different artists. However, after ushering the new year, Kenyans now await to see what the new year brings on board. It may have been an enjoyable moment last night with everyone staying up to late. Already the teachers’ strike is on and it only remains doubtful if the New Year will come along with goodies to woo the teachers to get back to class. Even as Kenyans get to celebrate today, the celebrations may be short-lived with calls to get back to work beginning the second day of the month. As for pupils and students, it’s now not about the New Year but more precisely about school.

Even as the nation experiences adversities, it is believed that the New Year will come along with solutions for these problems. It is indeed a time that the leaders need to unite to work together to achieve development goals. He time for ethnic divisions should now be over. It is a new year with new things.

Letter by Morris Cerullo

No schooling come 5th January in Kenya

December 27, 2014 by Morris Cerullo

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Education is a key factor in the development of any nation and so is it in Kenya too. However, despite the fact that Education is key in developing any state, the plight of teachers remains unattended to for now over a decade. In a recent move, The Kenya National Union of Teachers has called upon students and pupils to remain at home come Jan. 5. The Union has called for a nationwide strike come January if the Government does not honor its agreements.

The Union has warned the government to ensure the enumerations are enhanced and have issued a seven day notification to the government. At the Unions’ headquarters, Secretary General Mr. Wilson Sossion insisted that payment allowances have to be honored. Indeed, over the years, teachers’ boardroom meetings with the government have bore no fruits in having them well remunerated. The union has accused the Salaries and Renumeration Commission of being an impediment to their remuneration discussion. The commission has over the recent days increased the salaries of legislators and cabinet secretaries while the teachers’ wages have remained unattended to.

The teachers have held that they will hear nothing from the government and the Teachers Service Commission until the government gives

Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion speaking

in to their demand. They have reiterated their words to play hard ball with demands for their payment hikes. The government is under pressure to put a more favorable deal before the teachers so as to avert the strike. The chairperson of the Union has held that the 7-day strike ultimatum takes effect on Dec. 29 and so the strike will begin on Jan. 5, the day that schools are expected to reopen for yet another term. The strike has however been said to be stoppable if only the teachers’ demands are met.

Indeed, teachers in the country, have faced an uphill task in fighting for their rights. Records put it straight that teachers always have to fight to have their rights issued to them. The streets speak better for them to have the government issue them with their rights. It is indeed noticeable and agreeable to each Kenyan citizen that the teachers always fight hard to get their benefits and possibility that the government listens well to the message of the streets. The constitution gives priority for people to engage in strikes.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers Chairperson, Mr. Nzili, has maintained that teachers have to be protected from the economic distress they are passing through. In a news interview with the Nation Television Network, he said that, “As patriotic Kenyans who support the nation and Govrnmebt, teachers have to be given the hearing and the consideration they require.” He holds the fact that they are prepared to be out of classrooms for as long as it takes for the government to meet their demands. He said that some of the Teachers demands are:

1. To have the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed by the government in accordance with the court order
2. To have their salaries increased; a salary component within the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Analysis by Morris Cerullo

One of Nairobi’s flashiest bishops’ political woes

December 26, 2014 by Morris Cerullo

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Known for her ministry The Glory is Here, Hon. Margaret Wanjiru, one of the flashiest preachers in Kenya, is indeed experiencing an uphill task in her political career. The bishop has in the last five years served as a member of parliament and a cabinet minister. The former housing cabinet minister has since decamped from the Orange Democratic Movement party to The National Alliance Party, in which already she is experiencing lots of troubles. Barely two weeks ago, after joining the TNA alliance, we can now report that she is not at peace with her move.

TNA party members have expressed discontent with her and claimed that she is just there to reap from where she did not plant. Indeed the honeymoon period could be over, and she will have to battle it out to be relevant in the party “things.” The Nairobian flashy preacher, upon joining the TNA party, walked to several media stations accusing the ODM of being undemocratic. Funny enough, the party she claims is undemocratic gave her son a nomination ticket and campaigned for him until that son won the parliamentary seat. Margaret Wanjiru has since opened claims into the issue that the ODM party of which she was part during the 2013 elections, refused to sponsor and support her gubernatorial seat, which she lost to the current Nairobi Governor, Dr. Evans Kidero of ODM party.

Even as she claims so, the truth that has been established is that the bishop never had the required papers to become governor. She wasn’t a qualified candidate. It is indeed very funny that the bishop lies with impunity. After the elections she joined St Pauls University, from which one and half year later she graduated with a degree. She, therefore, meets the IEBC threshold to qualify for a governors’ post suppose elections are held today. However, does it mean that education will remain compromised so as to have people and personalities meet their goals and selfish ambitions?

The Jesus is Alive Ministries pastor and bishop has to date not met the president, a month after joining the TNA party despite making several appointments. The several appointments have indeed turned to disappointments and political followers are left to see what comes to play the next time. The flashy Nairobi bishop has since maintained that she will battle it out with other aspirants for Nairobi gubernatorial candidate come 2017. Among her opponents will be the flamboyant Nairobi senator, Hon. Mike Sonko and Nairobi businessman Jimnah Mbaru, who have both vowed to ensure she sinks into political oblivion. Indeed someone could be signing her political oblivion certificate by herself.

Despite declaring interest to battle it out in 2017 with the political heavyweights for the gubernatorial party candidate, political pundits and supporters are left to see if the Glory will be there for the bishop. Even so, the already lit fire could be seen burning for the next few years or it could be extinguished. Hon. Margaret has however held that the fire has to continue burning.

Analysis by Morris Cerullo

The CORD coalition to petition the implementation of the draconian laws

December 23, 2014 by Morris Cerullo

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Following the passing of draconian security laws in Kenya, the opposition has taken things a step further to get to the courts.

The Coalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) will this morning be presenting a petition against the parliament’s move to pass draconian laws. The draconian laws in regard to security were passed by the legislative house amidst chaos and brawl. In the petition that was drafted by lawyers allied to the coalition and human rights groups, the coalition is pleading with the judicature to bar and stall the execution of the law citing the fact that it impinges on the rights and exaptation of the citizens.

The opposition’s legal team, which comprises of over thirty qualified lawyers and advocates led by senior counsel Hon. Senator James Orengo, will today get to the Milimani court at 9:00 a.m. Kenyan time. The law indeed wasn’t acted upon in good faith and is possibly a tool which the ruling Jubilee coalition can use to kill political dissent in the country. The bill that president Uhuru signed into law last week has issued more powers to the National Intelligence Service that could possibly bring back the horrific Moi era, which witnessed the abuse of power by the intelligence agency. In all likelihood, the laws could bring to the fore the application of impunity to prevail on the opposition.

The amendment, which was hastily passed in a disorderly parliamentary session as well, imparts the executive much power to manipulate what the media puts out. The media proprietors have as well come strongly to contradict the legal philosophy which they say will obstruct the freedom of the press.

In a deep rejoinder to the topic at hand, the US State Department in its affirmation stated its disappointment in the way the bill was covered. The department said that, “We are disappointed, yet, by the very restricted time permitted for debate and audience on the 2014 Security Laws Amendment Bill anterior to its enactment and passage into law.” The Department as well held that they are worried about the very many provisions in the security law legislation, which include those that feature to restrict the freedom of communication and media, and access to asylum seekers and refugees.”

Nevertheless, in a quick response, the PSCU said in their assertion, “The law is of great importance to Kenya and Kenyans. The State House Communication Unit went ahead to hold that the law is of great importance to Kenyans. The PSCU stated that the Security law is similar to the Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act which have helped Americans.”

Despite the opposition’s move to get to the court, Kenyans have cast uncertainty on the success of the petition in the courts. Many Kenyans think that the tribunals may not practice their independence as required but instead will follow orders from the Statehouse. The opposition’s move is also viewed in terms of a fierce legal battles between the ruling coalition and itself. The former prime minister, who is also the coalition’s chief principal, has sent a warning message to the President and told him to be ready for a fierce battle in regards to the draconian bill. The move is anticipated to dwarf the chaotic scenes that decorated the passing of the bill. Hon Raila Odinga as well stated that the opposition will not be intimidated until they save Kenyans from the wrath of the new law.

Analysis by Morris Cerullo

Kenyan Parliament hears 100 amendments amid brawl, passes new draconian laws

December 18, 2014 by Morris Cerullo

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Chaos erupted as the August House passed the security bill Wednesday. The Legislators engaged in a war of words and exchanged blows as the proceedings went on. Even so, the speaker and his deputy were not safe. The speaker got a taste of bottles that were thrown at him. Even as the House blazed in a war of words, one Member of Parliament literally poured water on the deputy speaker so as to cool down the temperature.

The rowdy legislators disrupted the morning session that saw the parliament take a break for about two hours. The opposition engaged the House in singing, “Bado mapambano,” a song that translates as “Struggle continues.” Indeed the struggle continued till at the close of the day’s business–not, however, barring the speaker and the ruling coalition from passing the security laws. The ruling coalition that boasts the numbers in the House used its tyranny well and slid by the laws that the opposition and human rights activists have condemned as draconian.

Wednesday’s day’s and night’s proceedings can be identified as one of the most acrimonious sessions ever witnessed in the August House since 1963 independence. The passage of the contentious security laws on Wednesday night could just have renewed the war between the ruling alliance and the opposition. The government side had its way as the members of parliament threw a ring around the House speaker, Hon. Justin Muturi, so as to shield him from opposition legislators who unsuccessfully attempted to scuffle the process.

The speaker read each of the 100 amendments amid deafening noise and declared them as endorsed. The draconian legislation is now part of Kenyan law, and the opposition has vowed to move to the courts. Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Hon. Ababu Namwamba in his own words said that the manner in which the bill was passed was an advance warning of how dangerous the same laws would be executed. He went ahead to say, “Parliament buildings have been turned into military barracks to demonstrate indeed that they are prepared to turn Kenya into a police state.” Deputy minority leader, Hon. Jakoyo Midiwo, on his part weighed in and said, “I have never seen, even in movies, a mace being taken out of the House through the back door. It means it is evil. It is a government wanting to pull a fast one and in an evil way.”

The speaker actually acted clueless on ways of dealing with the rowdy members of parliament. The manner in which the laws were passed indeed confirms that the laws are draconian. The laws that president Uhuru has critically campaigned for may see the nation get back to the old Moi era in which people were tortured by the police and the government. The heavy military presence outside the parliament buildings indeed proved a point. It was for the first time that people were refused access to the public gallery. The opposition senators were mistreated outside the House and one of them was even arrested or a few minutes. The mace in the House was under a tight security with it being guarded by about ten sergeants at arms. The divided House could have lost rip and the citizens’ trust, going by what those citizens watched broadcasted live on television channels in the country.

Analysis by Morris Cerullo

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