While mainstream Somalis in Kenya have been facing the constant discrimination and racism against them with remarkable stoicism and resolve, some of our Somali boys are on the front-lines defending this country at a huge cost.
Regrettably many in this country throw outlandish and slanderous statements at Private Omar and his ethnic community based solely on their uniqueness.
Showing posts with label Racism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Racism. Show all posts
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Our Lame Media
Human beings have a noted bias towards those of their kind and creed. This explains why Kenya's media has been the equivalent of a Nazi propaganda machine when it comes to Kenya's war on Somalia. The media has been forever overlooking the serious crimes the army has been accused of committing in anyplace it has ever been deployed to; be it Mount Elgon, Mandera and now Somalia.
I'm not sure if its tribal. Tribal loyalty mainly consists of judging people solely by which side they are on and if the coverage is anything to go by, the media has been nothing short of cheer-leader for this effort.
It's not so much as being patriotic, it's that they've been consistently pursuing hatred and bigotry against Somalis for half a decade now.
The media eschews fairness and accountability, writes editorial urging the government to invade Somalia and casts a blind-eye on all the shortcomings of the military and the political class. It's like they've been paid to shill for all that is bad about this country.
Joseph Goebbels' (Hitler's propaganda minister) infamous propaganda principles included this
"Propaganda must facilitate the displacement of aggression by specifying the target of hatred."
Clearly some at NTV, KTN and Citizen have been reading this.
I hope this instills some cognitive dissonance in you and makes you seek information from unbiased sources. What we have in Kenya is a sham hate mongering machine that masquerades as MEDIA.
Let's all pray for peace and brotherly love.
Human Rights Watch Lambastes Kenya For Rights Violations in a Letter
Letter to Yusuf Haji, Minister of State for Defence
Dear Hon. Haji:
I am writing on behalf of Human Rights Watch to raise concerns regarding possible violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by elements of the Kenyan armed forces during Operation “Linda Nchi.”
Human Rights Watch researches violations of human rights and the laws of war by governments and non-state armed groups in more than 80 countries around the world. We raise our concerns with the responsible parties and with other concerned actors. For all abuses, we press for justice and accountability.
One focus of Human Rights Watch’s work is the protection of civilians during armed conflict. International humanitarian law (the laws of war) seeks to minimize civilian casualties during armed conflict, and prohibits deliberate and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. It applies to all parties to a conflict, both government forces and non-state armed groups. The protection of basic civil and political rights under international human rights law must be assured in times of conflict as in times of peace.
We are concerned about possible violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by Kenyan armed forces during three incidents connected to Operation Linda Nchi. We wish to know what steps the Kenyan government is taking to investigate the incidents and its response in the event of any finding of wrongdoing.
We would appreciate your response to the questions raised below.
On October 30, 2011, the Kenyan air force carried out an attack with aerial bombardment that struck an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on the outskirts of the town of Jilib in Somalia. The international humanitarian organization Médecins sans Frontières reported treating 45 wounded people, including 31 children, and confirmed five civilian deaths following the aerial bombardment.
I. Possible Unlawful Attack in Jilib, Somalia
On November 1, Kenyan Armed Forces spokesperson Maj. Emmanuel Chirchir stated that the Kenyan air force attack at Jilib had only killed members of the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab. A Department of Defence statement claimed that any civilian casualties might be due to the fact that “[u]pon the aerial attack an Al Shabaab driver drove off a technical battle wagon … [that] exploded while at the camp causing the reported deaths and injuries.” However, a civilian wounded in the attack told Human Rights Watch that she had seen a dark green plane drop one bomb on the camp. She said the plane then turned around, came back and dropped another bomb on the camp that wounded her, and started firing machinegun rounds.
International humanitarian law requires all parties to an armed conflict to only target combatants and never civilians. Attacks that do not distinguish between combatants and civilians are indiscriminate, and are a serious violation of the laws of war. Civilians have reported that al-Shabaab members were expected at the IDP camp. But a camp resident told Human Rights Watch that al-Shabaab members were not present at the time of the bombing as they were praying at a mosque in Jilib town, along with many of the town's male residents. Al Shabaab unlawfully places civilians at risk whenever they place their fighters inside the IDP camp. However, under the laws of war this would not justify indiscriminate bombing of the camp by Kenyan forces.
On November 2, Prime Minister Raila Odinga publicly promised that there would be investigations into any civilian deaths that occurred as a result of the military operation. Governments have a responsibility to investigate credible reports of violations of international humanitarian law and appropriately prosecute those responsible.
1. What investigations have the Kenyan armed forces undertaken thus far into possible violations of the laws of war that occurred in the Jilib IDP camp as a result of the military operation?
2. What steps have been taken to hold accountable any military personnel found to be responsible for serious violations of the laws of war and to prevent such violations in the future?
3.What compensation is the Kenyan government planning on offering to civilians for loss of life, injury, and property damage if investigations determine Kenyan responsibility for unlawful attacks?
4. More generally, what precautions are the Kenyan forces taking during their military operations to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law? What training in international humanitarian law have the Kenyan forces engaged in Somalia received?
II. Possible Unlawful Attack near Kiunga, Kenya
On the night of November 3 the Kenyan navy intercepted a fishing boat near Kiunga, on the Kenyan coast near the Somalia border. According to research conducted by the Muslim Human Rights Forum (MHRF) and shared with Human Rights Watch, the fishing boat voluntarily came to shore. Navy personnel searched and interrogated the persons on the fishing boat. The passengers, all of whom were Kenyans from Ngomeni, explained that they were returning from two months at sea, and had been carried by the tides toward Somalia, but were trying to make their way back to Ngomeni, near Malindi. The navy instructed the fishing boat to remain anchored for the night and promised to escort it to Ngomeni the next morning. At approximately 1 a.m. on November 4, the navy ship approached and fired on the fishing boat, which remained anchored off the shore of Kiunga.
According to MHRF, four civilians were killed, all of them elderly Kenyans: Mohamed Masuo, 85, Haji Omar Mote, 73, Isa Yusuf, 61, and Salim Chechemeyo, 60. The remaining fishermen swam to shore and were detained by the Kenyan armed forces at Ishakani. At least two of them had gunshot wounds. At the army base, they were allegedly severely beaten by Kenyan military personnel before being transferred to police custody and eventually released.
This account calls into question the version of events put forward by the Ministry of Defence. According to a statement by Major Chirchir on November 4, the fishing boat was fired upon after it refused an order from the navy ship to stop for identification.
International humanitarian law applies at sea and prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians. It requires that warring parties take all feasible precautions to ensure that objects attacked are valid military targets. International human rights law, which was also applicable, permits the use of lethal force outside of zones of armed conflict only when it is strictly and directly necessary to save human life.
1. What investigations, if any, have been undertaken into the conduct of navy personnel on the navy ship that fired on the fishing boat near Kiunga? Have any navy personnel been disciplined or otherwise held accountable?
2. What investigations have been undertaken into allegations of mistreatment of fishermen detained at Ishakani?
3. What compensation is the Kenyan government planning on offering to civilians for civilian loss of life, injury, and property damagefor unlawful attacks or use of force?
III. Possible Arbitrary Detention and Mistreatment in Garissa, Kenya
Human Rights Watch has received reports that Kenyan military personnel have been engaged in arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of civilians in Garissa, near the Somali border. A witness told Human Rights Watch that on November 11, military personnel detained individuals solely on the basis of their Somali appearance. The witness saw military personnel picking up suspects at pubs around Garissa, including DRC Pub and Locus; he later drove to Town Club and saw military personnel detaining additional suspects there, as well as pulling drivers out of taxis. The witness stated that those picked up by military personnel were forced to sit in mud and dirty water outside these locations. According to the witness, a number of them were beaten by military personnel while being interrogated. Most were then released after interrogation, but some were detained. The witness also heard reports that people were detained and beaten in Village Takwa.
Both international humanitarian and human rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity and national origin. Detention on such a basis is a violation of international law, as is all mistreatment of persons in custody.
1. On what legal basis did the military detain and interrogate civilians at Garissa?
2. What investigations have been undertaken into allegations of mistreatment of detained persons in Garissa?
3. What compensation is the Kenyan government planning on offering to civilians for injury from mistreatment?
The Kenyan Armed Forces have an international legal obligation to conduct any and all operations, both within and outside of Kenya, in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Human Rights Watch will continue to monitor the situation in Kenya and Somalia in order to promote compliance with international law by all parties to the conflict. We would greatly appreciate your response to these questions.
Yours sincerely,
On November 1, Kenyan Armed Forces spokesperson Maj. Emmanuel Chirchir stated that the Kenyan air force attack at Jilib had only killed members of the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab. A Department of Defence statement claimed that any civilian casualties might be due to the fact that “[u]pon the aerial attack an Al Shabaab driver drove off a technical battle wagon … [that] exploded while at the camp causing the reported deaths and injuries.” However, a civilian wounded in the attack told Human Rights Watch that she had seen a dark green plane drop one bomb on the camp. She said the plane then turned around, came back and dropped another bomb on the camp that wounded her, and started firing machinegun rounds.
International humanitarian law requires all parties to an armed conflict to only target combatants and never civilians. Attacks that do not distinguish between combatants and civilians are indiscriminate, and are a serious violation of the laws of war. Civilians have reported that al-Shabaab members were expected at the IDP camp. But a camp resident told Human Rights Watch that al-Shabaab members were not present at the time of the bombing as they were praying at a mosque in Jilib town, along with many of the town's male residents. Al Shabaab unlawfully places civilians at risk whenever they place their fighters inside the IDP camp. However, under the laws of war this would not justify indiscriminate bombing of the camp by Kenyan forces.
On November 2, Prime Minister Raila Odinga publicly promised that there would be investigations into any civilian deaths that occurred as a result of the military operation. Governments have a responsibility to investigate credible reports of violations of international humanitarian law and appropriately prosecute those responsible.
1. What investigations have the Kenyan armed forces undertaken thus far into possible violations of the laws of war that occurred in the Jilib IDP camp as a result of the military operation?
2. What steps have been taken to hold accountable any military personnel found to be responsible for serious violations of the laws of war and to prevent such violations in the future?
3.What compensation is the Kenyan government planning on offering to civilians for loss of life, injury, and property damage if investigations determine Kenyan responsibility for unlawful attacks?
4. More generally, what precautions are the Kenyan forces taking during their military operations to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law? What training in international humanitarian law have the Kenyan forces engaged in Somalia received?
II. Possible Unlawful Attack near Kiunga, Kenya
On the night of November 3 the Kenyan navy intercepted a fishing boat near Kiunga, on the Kenyan coast near the Somalia border. According to research conducted by the Muslim Human Rights Forum (MHRF) and shared with Human Rights Watch, the fishing boat voluntarily came to shore. Navy personnel searched and interrogated the persons on the fishing boat. The passengers, all of whom were Kenyans from Ngomeni, explained that they were returning from two months at sea, and had been carried by the tides toward Somalia, but were trying to make their way back to Ngomeni, near Malindi. The navy instructed the fishing boat to remain anchored for the night and promised to escort it to Ngomeni the next morning. At approximately 1 a.m. on November 4, the navy ship approached and fired on the fishing boat, which remained anchored off the shore of Kiunga.
According to MHRF, four civilians were killed, all of them elderly Kenyans: Mohamed Masuo, 85, Haji Omar Mote, 73, Isa Yusuf, 61, and Salim Chechemeyo, 60. The remaining fishermen swam to shore and were detained by the Kenyan armed forces at Ishakani. At least two of them had gunshot wounds. At the army base, they were allegedly severely beaten by Kenyan military personnel before being transferred to police custody and eventually released.
This account calls into question the version of events put forward by the Ministry of Defence. According to a statement by Major Chirchir on November 4, the fishing boat was fired upon after it refused an order from the navy ship to stop for identification.
International humanitarian law applies at sea and prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians. It requires that warring parties take all feasible precautions to ensure that objects attacked are valid military targets. International human rights law, which was also applicable, permits the use of lethal force outside of zones of armed conflict only when it is strictly and directly necessary to save human life.
1. What investigations, if any, have been undertaken into the conduct of navy personnel on the navy ship that fired on the fishing boat near Kiunga? Have any navy personnel been disciplined or otherwise held accountable?
2. What investigations have been undertaken into allegations of mistreatment of fishermen detained at Ishakani?
3. What compensation is the Kenyan government planning on offering to civilians for civilian loss of life, injury, and property damagefor unlawful attacks or use of force?
III. Possible Arbitrary Detention and Mistreatment in Garissa, Kenya
Human Rights Watch has received reports that Kenyan military personnel have been engaged in arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of civilians in Garissa, near the Somali border. A witness told Human Rights Watch that on November 11, military personnel detained individuals solely on the basis of their Somali appearance. The witness saw military personnel picking up suspects at pubs around Garissa, including DRC Pub and Locus; he later drove to Town Club and saw military personnel detaining additional suspects there, as well as pulling drivers out of taxis. The witness stated that those picked up by military personnel were forced to sit in mud and dirty water outside these locations. According to the witness, a number of them were beaten by military personnel while being interrogated. Most were then released after interrogation, but some were detained. The witness also heard reports that people were detained and beaten in Village Takwa.
Both international humanitarian and human rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity and national origin. Detention on such a basis is a violation of international law, as is all mistreatment of persons in custody.
1. On what legal basis did the military detain and interrogate civilians at Garissa?
2. What investigations have been undertaken into allegations of mistreatment of detained persons in Garissa?
3. What compensation is the Kenyan government planning on offering to civilians for injury from mistreatment?
The Kenyan Armed Forces have an international legal obligation to conduct any and all operations, both within and outside of Kenya, in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Human Rights Watch will continue to monitor the situation in Kenya and Somalia in order to promote compliance with international law by all parties to the conflict. We would greatly appreciate your response to these questions.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Bekele
Director, Africa Division
Human Rights Watch
Director, Africa Division
Human Rights Watch
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Kenyan Somalis at Risk of Xenophobic Attacks
Apparently people are shocked that the constant vilification of Somalis on TV, Social Media and Parliament could lead to reprisal attacks against them. Some of us are on the record stating the obvious long before this war.
The distrust of Somalis will always hurt national cohesion more than it will harm actual Somalis living in Kenya. To the extent that there is a significant portion of the Kenyan populace that is somaliphobic, I think that emanates from trade envy and a failure to understand the significant role we played in this country's history. Historical revisionism has edited out the vital role Somalis hold in this nation and our contribution to the remarkable success of the Kenyan economy in the past decade.
It doesn't help either that we have brain-dead leaders who continue to feed upon our disenfranchisement rather than unity. The unintended consequence of this conflation of Somalis with Al-Shabab might be the unification of all Somalis living in Kenya.
Let me get to the point of this post.. which is this assessment offered by the head of NCIC regarding Somali Kenyans.
Finally, I received an e-mail, yesterday, from a friend asking me to make a distinction between Somali Kenyans and Somali refugees so (non-Somali) readers can know who I'm referring to. I refuse to do so mainly because those who hate us for being Somali generally hate us without making any such distinction. I don't think selling out my refugee brethren would make them accept me for the Kenyan that I am anymore.
The distrust of Somalis will always hurt national cohesion more than it will harm actual Somalis living in Kenya. To the extent that there is a significant portion of the Kenyan populace that is somaliphobic, I think that emanates from trade envy and a failure to understand the significant role we played in this country's history. Historical revisionism has edited out the vital role Somalis hold in this nation and our contribution to the remarkable success of the Kenyan economy in the past decade.
It doesn't help either that we have brain-dead leaders who continue to feed upon our disenfranchisement rather than unity. The unintended consequence of this conflation of Somalis with Al-Shabab might be the unification of all Somalis living in Kenya.
Let me get to the point of this post.. which is this assessment offered by the head of NCIC regarding Somali Kenyans.
The continued branding of Kenyan Somalis as Al-Shabaab sympathisers could fuel xenophobic attacks against them, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission has warned.NCIC also criticised Friday’s attack on presidential hopeful Raphael Tuju who was on a campaign tour in Kisumu, which it described as the "apex in the country’s pyramid of intolerance".On the hate propaganda targeted at Kenyan Somali community, chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said this was being propagated through social media, broadcasts and SMS text messages.“These include one that advises Kenyans to alight from matatus if they get on board. This outrightly amounts to fear mongering and is likely to fuel xenophobic attacks against the community. We shall not allow this to happen,” said Mr Kibunjia at the Commission’s Delta House headquarters in Nairobi Saturday.“People become Al-Shabaab or any militia group on their individual capacity and not as an ethnic group or race,” he said citing Elgiva Bwire Oliacha, the self-confessed terrorist, who pleaded guilty to the grenade attacks in Nairobi last month.
Finally, I received an e-mail, yesterday, from a friend asking me to make a distinction between Somali Kenyans and Somali refugees so (non-Somali) readers can know who I'm referring to. I refuse to do so mainly because those who hate us for being Somali generally hate us without making any such distinction. I don't think selling out my refugee brethren would make them accept me for the Kenyan that I am anymore.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
More Hate, More Daily Nation and More Yellow Journalism.
Responding to this kind of malicious slander and racist propaganda is becoming almost too tedious for this blog. The Daily Nation continues to double down on its racist, knee-jerk reaction to anything marginally associated with Somalis even if culpability doesn't lie with Somalis.
This week, their delusions are based on a nefarious (mis)understanding of what happened in Madogo. The monkey posing as an editor forgot to mention to the clown who penned this opinion that Tana North District isn't part of Garissa and that the OCPD was killed by raging Munyos- not Somalis. But why let facts stand in your way when you can score cheap political points.
The Daily Nation's disregard for basic accuracy is villainous and reeking of yellow journalism.
The whole article is riddled with innuendos and counter-factual claims that are not supported by basic common sense. If Kenyan Somalis are to thrive long term, they need to take on this Indian backed rag head on.
At a time of such great difficulty for many Somalis who are suffering as a result of drought, state sanctioned marginalization and internal conflict, its inhumane and against common human decency for a paper beholden to rich Indian benefactors to paint a whole community as anarchist, violent and anti-democratic.
To allow teachers at third rate colleges to slander a whole community without evidence because of their deep seated hatred for Somalis is against the course of natural justice. The retard who wrote this hateful fluff piece can be reached at amutabi@yahoo.com
If you have a conscious, you'll e-mail this clown your reactions.
To read the full article, go here
This week, their delusions are based on a nefarious (mis)understanding of what happened in Madogo. The monkey posing as an editor forgot to mention to the clown who penned this opinion that Tana North District isn't part of Garissa and that the OCPD was killed by raging Munyos- not Somalis. But why let facts stand in your way when you can score cheap political points.
The Daily Nation's disregard for basic accuracy is villainous and reeking of yellow journalism.
Eastleigh estate has been taken over and it is no longer regarded as part of Kenya. Indeed, many Kenyans rarely venture into Eastleigh because it is under siege from various Somali elements.
Many indigenous Kenyans (including Kenyan Somalis) have since left for other estates. I hear that some crooks even collect ‘‘protection fees’’ from business owners.
The whole article is riddled with innuendos and counter-factual claims that are not supported by basic common sense. If Kenyan Somalis are to thrive long term, they need to take on this Indian backed rag head on.
At a time of such great difficulty for many Somalis who are suffering as a result of drought, state sanctioned marginalization and internal conflict, its inhumane and against common human decency for a paper beholden to rich Indian benefactors to paint a whole community as anarchist, violent and anti-democratic.
To allow teachers at third rate colleges to slander a whole community without evidence because of their deep seated hatred for Somalis is against the course of natural justice. The retard who wrote this hateful fluff piece can be reached at amutabi@yahoo.com
If you have a conscious, you'll e-mail this clown your reactions.
To read the full article, go here
Monday, May 16, 2011
Martha Karua turns to Ageism to disparage Yussuf Hassan
The Kamkunji by-election is turning out to be a crash course in all the vile things Kenya's politics is capable of. We've seen everything from racism to religious discrimination to tribal politics to violent intimidation and now comes the only other form of discrimination xenophobes could think of: Ageism.
In a much publicized confrontation, Martha Karua turned to her natural talent of discriminating against non-kikuyus/sycophants to drum support for her minion (Brian weke), but this time round her excuse was the age of Yussuf Hassan.
In a belligerent display of ageism, Karua claimed that Yussuf Hassan's age disqualifies him from holding public office. Remember, this very woman in what is becoming characteristic, referred to Somalis as "refugees" and also refused to ask her puppet, Weke, to apologize for his outlandishly racist campaign tone.
Leave it to Yussuf to muzzle the Gichugu witch with a zany zinger that went something like this:
“If it is about age and voting for young people then may be my sister (Ms Karua) here should also drop her quest to be president because we are the same age,”BURN!!!!
Read full story here.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sunday Nation & this month's latest in Anti-Somali Racism
Malignant Racists, like the Daily Nation's Editor's, don't know went to drop the old beat-up story of how Somali refugees are a threat to Kenya's "security".
In typical xenophobic cabiid fashion, their template article for drumming up hatred, probably to influence the Kamkunji election is out.
The template always looks something like this:
HEADLINE: Somalis/Illegal immigrants pose risk to Kenya
"Kenya is grappling with the increased risk of (Insert one of the xenophobic lies they propagate e.g home grown terrorist, property price spikes, money laundering etc)
Blah blah blah...Monkey X, an expert in Security, finance, real estate said yada yada yada
Insert a definitively sweeping negative statement about all Somalis, Kenyan or otherwise,alleging the same aforementioned crap.
In this particular case, what stood out for me was the supposed security officer who said:
Expect more of this as the normally notorious Kamkunji Politics heat up.
If you want to read the full story, here is the link
In typical xenophobic cabiid fashion, their template article for drumming up hatred, probably to influence the Kamkunji election is out.
The template always looks something like this:
HEADLINE: Somalis/Illegal immigrants pose risk to Kenya
"Kenya is grappling with the increased risk of (Insert one of the xenophobic lies they propagate e.g home grown terrorist, property price spikes, money laundering etc)
Blah blah blah...Monkey X, an expert in Security, finance, real estate said yada yada yada
Insert a definitively sweeping negative statement about all Somalis, Kenyan or otherwise,alleging the same aforementioned crap.
In this particular case, what stood out for me was the supposed security officer who said:
"Unlike the Ethiopians who use the country as a transit route, the Somalis mean no good; they are a security threat,”Seriously? Not be a racist myself but come on, Ethiopian are better for Kenya than Somalis? HAHAHA!
Expect more of this as the normally notorious Kamkunji Politics heat up.
If you want to read the full story, here is the link
Monday, April 25, 2011
Racism rears its ugly head in Kamkunji polls
Given how freaked out everyone is about the issue of tribalism, you'd think rabble-rousing, former Matatu tout, Brian Weke of Narc Kenya, would think twice before he tastelessly referred to Somalis as "outsiders". Most reasonable people with access to the internet and Google, know Somalis were in Eastleigh long before Luhya's ever crossed the Congo River.
In an interview, the failed Matatu tout is quoted to have said;
Both ODM and PNU have condemned the racism laden statements. Now its you, the reader's, time to stuff Ms. Martha Karua's inbox with angry reactions and requests for an apology from the man running on her party's ticket. She has an interactive twitter acct @Martha_W_Karua or http://facebook.com/MarthaKarua.
Real Full Story here.
In an interview, the failed Matatu tout is quoted to have said;
“It will be a clear race between the people who were born in Kamukunji and others who have come later.”Who can blame him. He is the product of the bland and unimaginative Matatu industry and was probably hounded out of it by the constant bullying from Mungiki. The one problems is, this guy thinks he is electable. Mouthing such racist epithets is his way of solidifying his political bona fides with the Somaliphobes in Kamkunji. Sadly, this won't work for him since Somalis dominate Kamkunji economically and numerically (Even the daily nation admits to this).
Both ODM and PNU have condemned the racism laden statements. Now its you, the reader's, time to stuff Ms. Martha Karua's inbox with angry reactions and requests for an apology from the man running on her party's ticket. She has an interactive twitter acct @Martha_W_Karua or http://facebook.com/MarthaKarua.
Real Full Story here.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
KTN Insults Somali Culture, Again!
It's a long, winding road from the crucible of some third rate college to a media house. But Saida Swaleh seems to have made the leap before she learnt anything. In some horseshit clip purporting to be a study of Somali culture, this brain-addled bimbo serves up the usual racism that has become the trademark of KTN and The Standard Media Group in general. She dabbles in propagating stereotypes, spreading unfounded lies, insulting Islam and belittling Somali culture. For someone who claims to be a Muslim, this scumbag of a reporter is as Bipolar { the ending was somewhat conciliatory}as they come.
What I like the most about the video is the Gentleman in the Raila-esque cap who said:
What I like the most about the video is the Gentleman in the Raila-esque cap who said:
"Unaona hii nyumba. Zamani ni ya Mkikuyu, sasa ni ya Wariya"Fucking deal with it bitch. We are successful because we work harder than any of you retarded morons. Gotta love it though. No one gets the adoons as cranky as we do.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Law Designed to Keep Somali Kenyans Poor
NEWS
Archaic law linked to poverty in Garissa
By ISSA HUSSEIN, ihussein@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, April 14 2011 at 20:06
Posted Thursday, April 14 2011 at 20:06
The emergency law creating poverty in Garissa County, the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission has been told.
The team heard that more than 9,000 cattle were confiscated by the state through an archaic law.
The law reportedly created concentration camps known as villages to curtail the movement of pastoralists and livestock found outside the camps were taken away.
Mr Dubat Ali Amey, a witness who spoke before the commission, said five camps known as ‘kijijis’ were created in Modogashe, Garissa, Balambala, Bura and Ijara between 1965-66 under the leadership of then PC J. J. Mburu.
“Anyone found outside the camps was declared a shifta, and was shot dead while his herd was taken to Kenya Meat Commission to make canned meat that was served to the security forces that conducted the deadly operation,” Mr Dubat said.
The witness said camels were shot dead since the security officers did not like the meat.
He said the move by the state resulted in widespread poverty in Garissa county.
A notorious concentration camp known as Jaribu was cited as one of the worst. There, nine officers also known as the Nine Brothers, reportedly used brutal acts to extract information from locals.
Officers from the Special Branch, Criminal Investigation Department and Kenya Wildlife Service, acting on the orders of then PC Mburu, allegedly tortured and killed anyone who did not cooperate.
The commission sitting at Garissa National Library heard that the officers working with Somalia bandits were involved in wildlife poaching.
“It is known to all the residents of Garissa Town that the 300 people killed in Garissa Gubay in 1980 was because of a bandit called Abdi Madowe who was a notorious poacher and a close friend of the security officers,” Mr Dubat said.
The commission was asked to refer to a 1980 Sunday Nation paper where then PC Benson Karia was quoted saying that for the death of one security officer, 100 Kenyan Somalis would die.
“Police officers killed with impunity,” Mr Dubat said in a lengthy testimony.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Horrifying Testimonies from TJRC Hearing
Former PC and gutless war criminal, Francis Sigei , perpetrated horrific crimes upon the residents of Galmagalla in 1989, TJRC was told. Several victims of the former fascistic Moi government told commissioners about the trauma they went through at the hands of security officers.
Mr. Farah Waju's also gave a moving testimony about the brutal death of his wife and the post traumatic effect it had on his children. It was a teary and emotional testimony on the kind of injustice that humans are capable of inflicting on others when there is no equality or accountability. Mr. Farah Waju was the chairman of KFF-Garissa branch and head of PTA Garissa primary school.
Here is the link to the daily nation version and here is the Standard version
The face of the devil --->
Mr Yakub Adow Abdi, who was a councillor at the time, accused Mr Sigei of assaulting him when he arrived at Galmagala trading centre in a helicopter where four police officers taking salaries to Holugho Police Station were ambushed and killed by bandits.
Mr Abdi told the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission during its hearings at the Garissa Public Library that when Mr Sigei arrived at the scene of the attack, he ordered the police to round up residents.
“We thought his arrival will end our torture at the hands of the security officers sent to pursue the bandits, but we were shocked when he asked us to give him the names of the culprits who had killed his officers,” Mr Abdi said.
The former councillor said he told the DC the bandits were from across the border, but in response the official attacked him.
“He kicked me in the ribs. Other well-built officers descended on me with kicks and gun-butts until I fell down unconscious,” he said amid sobs.
Mr Abdi said 20 people died in the 1989 Galmagala operation and many women were gang-raped by security officers.
Mr. Farah Waju's also gave a moving testimony about the brutal death of his wife and the post traumatic effect it had on his children. It was a teary and emotional testimony on the kind of injustice that humans are capable of inflicting on others when there is no equality or accountability. Mr. Farah Waju was the chairman of KFF-Garissa branch and head of PTA Garissa primary school.
Mr Hussein Farah Waju, whose wife was also allegedly killed by a police officer whom he said was still serving in the force, sobbed uncontrollably and said his has been a long journey to seek justice. “I wrote to then provincial commissioner Maurice Makhanu and a former police commissioner asking for justice but all in vain,” said Mr Waju.He said one of his daughters was so traumatised by the shooting of her mother that she suffered a mental breakdown.I cannot do the story any justice by trying to summarize it, therefore, I'll refer you to the full stories on The Daily Nation and The Standard.
“I am witnessing a truly remarkable turnaround in northern Kenya with this commission. I hope justice will come soon,” said Mr Waju.
Here is the link to the daily nation version and here is the Standard version
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Daily Nation: - News |Tears flow as truth team told of 1980 atrocities
Tears flow as truth team told of 1980 atrocities
By ISSA HUSSEIN and HASSAN BARISA newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Monday, April 11 2011 at 22:00
Posted Monday, April 11 2011 at 22:00
IN SUMMARY
- Garissa residents say previous probes on military’s rights abuses have been left to gather dust by past regimes
Emotions ran high in Garissa Town as the truth team opened its first public hearing at a school where hundreds of residents were detained and tortured by security forces 30 years ago.
Tears flowed as residents thronged the school on Monday, performing poems, songs and traditional dances depicting the injustices.
The military is accused of committing the atrocities against residents of Northern Kenya under the guise of fighting banditry and cattle-rustling.
Mr Dubat Amey, an elder who has served as Garissa council chairman, told the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission that the abuses were still fresh in the residents’ minds.
He said they were angry because various regimes had let recommendations by past commissions gather dust.
Pointing at the school’s playground where hundreds of residents were assembled in 1980 after a notorious bandit called Abdi Mathobe raided Garissa Town, killing security personnel and a district officer, Mr Amey said: “Because of an offence by one notorious bandit, we were detained here for 72 hours.
“When they told us the women would be freed, we thought it was out of sympathy, but we were shocked to hear they had been raped at gunpoint.”
Garissa mayor Mohamed Gabow told the commission that it would be a big mistake to invoke memories of the injustices and then do nothing.
“You must show that you are equal to the task. If not, we would rather you leave as it hurts to talk about the inhuman treatment,” he said.
He said some dates are associated with the horror like Silig Galay (when the residents were locked in meshed wire), Garissa Guway (when Garissa burnt) and Imigancy (when emergency law was introduced).
He also urged the commission to address current issues like identity cards and security checkpoints, which, he said, still discriminated against Northern Kenya residents.
Acting TJRC chairperson Tecla Namachanja said the hearings are based on 30,000 statements and 600 memoranda recorded from September 2010.
She said Northern submitted the highest number of statements, with 6,000 statements of extrajudicial killings, rape and other violations.
Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo said in a statement read on his behalf that the commission will record historical human rights violations and identify and recommend prosecution of those responsible of the abuses.
Monday, April 11, 2011
TJRC Hearings To Kick Off in Garissa Today
The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission will kick off its first public hearing in Garissa today. Among witnesses who are expected to appear before the commission are, former Chairman and 'criminal' Bethuel Kiplagat who served the Moi regime during the 1984 Wagalla Massacre, former Chief of General Staff Joseph Kibwana, NEP PC James Ole Sirian, former Ministers Mwiraria & G.G Kariuki. and former PC Francis sigei. All these men played a role in the massacre of 5000 innocent Somalis in Wajir in the infamous events of Wagalla.
Lets also not forget about what happened during "Garissa Gubaay" and the many innocent Garissians who were unjustly killed by former regimes. The double standard in ID issuance, vetting committees, the rape and torture women in Mandera, the arbitrary arrest and rendition of Muslim Kenyans are just a few of the issues that we need addressed.
The hearing is open to the public and all are encouraged to voice their grievances either in writing or by making an appearance in person to vent their frustrations. I personally hope many rabid Garissians frothing at their mouths will give the criminal witnesses a piece of their feelings.
Its time to get a redress for those who were wronged and if possible, monetary compensation for all those who lost loved ones.
Lets also not forget about what happened during "Garissa Gubaay" and the many innocent Garissians who were unjustly killed by former regimes. The double standard in ID issuance, vetting committees, the rape and torture women in Mandera, the arbitrary arrest and rendition of Muslim Kenyans are just a few of the issues that we need addressed.
The hearing is open to the public and all are encouraged to voice their grievances either in writing or by making an appearance in person to vent their frustrations. I personally hope many rabid Garissians frothing at their mouths will give the criminal witnesses a piece of their feelings.
Its time to get a redress for those who were wronged and if possible, monetary compensation for all those who lost loved ones.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Of Lies, Lawsuits & ID issuance
In line with its brazen disregard for the truth, the government is still doubling down on the lie that Nepians are not discriminated against in the issuance of ID cards stating among other reasons that the process is meant to weed out non-kenyans and applies to all communities that live near or at international borders.
The government also stated that vetting committees are necessary to assess theauthenticity of ID applications. It also insisted through its lawyers that the burden of proof of citizenship and age lies with us (nepians/applicants) and not the government. Not only is their reasoning disingenuous, its in clear contravention of the new constitution which calls for the equal treatment of all citizens regardless of religion, tribe and place of residence.
Vetting committees are inherently corrupt and clearly do nothing to weed out so called "aliens." They are just there to frustrate legitimate Kenyans and make a quick buck from selling national identity cards. The Somalis on these "vetting committees" are perennial second fiddles to their counterparts from elsewhere. May be 2012 will be the dawn of a new era for us.
Unsheathe your pitch forks and demand your rights!
Full story on the lawsuit can be read here
The government also stated that vetting committees are necessary to assess the
Unsheathe your pitch forks and demand your rights!
Full story on the lawsuit can be read here
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Fibre Optic Cable in Garissa & Racist Michael Joseph
Another reason why any self respecting Garissian should immediately cease their association with Safaricom has emerged through recently leaked secret cables published by wikileaks. Apparently, Michael "I-know-everything-kenyans-want" Joseph has told American officials that providing high speed internet to Garissa was a waste of resources. He further added that indeed it was places like Nyeri that needed such services instead of "sparsely populated" NEP.
I'm very glad that this raving lunatic has departed Safaricom after several years of fleecing Kenyans through over-priced and poor quality services. His borderline racist crap should be called out for what it is by our MPs and every self respecting Kenyan. After years of isolation and neglect we cannot have the guy who is running the tourism department in Kenya advocating for cutting off Garissa from the world wide web.
Quite clearly this megalomaniac has never been to Garissa and doesn't understand the leaps this city has made in the last decade. Before he spews such demonstrable lies maybe he should pay this great city a visit and see what it means the greatest self-made city in East and Central Africa.
To you Garissians, if you are half as livid as I am, give this moron a call and tell him how pissed you are. Currently, he is the chairman of Kenya Tourism Board.
I'm very glad that this raving lunatic has departed Safaricom after several years of fleecing Kenyans through over-priced and poor quality services. His borderline racist crap should be called out for what it is by our MPs and every self respecting Kenyan. After years of isolation and neglect we cannot have the guy who is running the tourism department in Kenya advocating for cutting off Garissa from the world wide web.
Quite clearly this megalomaniac has never been to Garissa and doesn't understand the leaps this city has made in the last decade. Before he spews such demonstrable lies maybe he should pay this great city a visit and see what it means the greatest self-made city in East and Central Africa.
To you Garissians, if you are half as livid as I am, give this moron a call and tell him how pissed you are. Currently, he is the chairman of Kenya Tourism Board.
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sullying Kenya's Good Name
By Mark T Jones
As one of Africa’s most ethnically diverse cities, Nairobi is a magnet for those seeking a better life. Kenya’s capital exudes an entrepreneurial spirit that helps ensure the nation remains a place of innovation and creativity. Education is valued and the vast majority of people are eager to make the most of a generally outward looking country, one eager to be the dynamo of the region. That said, to those prepared to look as well as see there are also a number of disquieting features that indicate serious weaknesses that have the potential to gnaw away at the heart of the Kenyan dream.
As one of Africa’s most ethnically diverse cities, Nairobi is a magnet for those seeking a better life. Kenya’s capital exudes an entrepreneurial spirit that helps ensure the nation remains a place of innovation and creativity. Education is valued and the vast majority of people are eager to make the most of a generally outward looking country, one eager to be the dynamo of the region. That said, to those prepared to look as well as see there are also a number of disquieting features that indicate serious weaknesses that have the potential to gnaw away at the heart of the Kenyan dream.
Recent events in Eastleigh are in many ways symptomatic of these weaknesses. When the Police and Armed Forces consciously set out to round up individuals like cattle in the name of a so-called security operation, then we are aware that the State has contempt for the rights of the individual. No amount of sophistry, semantics or half truths will mask the fact that arrests have been indiscriminate and that innocent people have suffered on the Orders of the State; for the Police and Armed Forces do not move without the blessing or say-so of the powers that be. The Authorities excuse their actions claiming that such action is necessary to deal with those who are in the country illegally, or may be subversive elements intent on perpetrating acts of terror. If this is the case why are the same Authorities not arresting individuals, owners of companies and prestigious institutions and dare I say it Heads of Government Departments and Ministers who employ and take advantage of individuals who may be in the country illegally?
Before action can be taken there needs to be proof. The Police and Security Forces make mention of an attack, before a proper investigation has taken place to prove it was precisely that. In these challenging times it is far too convenient to blame every explosion or incident on the likes of al Shabab. The vast majority of people in Kenya of Somali heritage are law abiding individuals and yet all too often the Somali community and those from other countries in the Horn of Africa are stigmatised. Derogatory remarks are made about ‘the Goat People’ and if Kenya is truly to live up to its democratic and pluralist aspirations such racism and xenophobia must end.
The arrest of some 400 individuals has been defended by the likes of Anthony Kibuci, Nairobi’s Provincial Police Chief; yet what has actually been taking place is an extensive trawling exercises that would appear to have an ulterior motive. People including women, children and the elderly have been held in conditions which in a time of war would be deemed a contravention of the Geneva Convention – with in many cases no food, limited or no access to water etc. As if this were not bad enough, there are reports of individual’s families having to buy their freedom. Such extortion of Kenyan nationals, foreigners and the vulnerable seems to have become something of a tradition in the run-up to Christmas. These modern day fishers of men, women and children sully the good name of Kenya.
No one doubts that there are legitimate security concerns throughout the region, but by seeking to demonise Somalis and others is both simplistic and dangerous. In the post 9/11 world it has become far too easy for governments to pander to the fear agenda. 2010 has seen Kenya take a bold step forward by endeavouring to embrace a new constitution; it would be a tragedy indeed if before the ink was really dry those meant to be the guardians of the State were allowed to undermine social cohesion and trust.
If cast iron evidence can be found for genuine wrong doing then let the Law follow its course, not as an instrument of Government, but as its pure impartial self. As for the people of Eastleigh and similar such communities, let us not forget that like Mary, Joseph and Jesus they have found themselves in a neighbouring country due to circumstances beyond their control. All the great faiths speak of charity and neighbourliness, and at this time of year it is all the more important to seek the truth and not rush to judgement. One thing is for certain and that is that Nairobi is a better place for its diversity.
Mark T Jones
London based freelance writer and international advisor on African Affairs
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