Kabogo’s promise to Kiambu people as Mbugua says Nakuru will be model county Page 8&9
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Mama Gathoni, 112, widow of Ex-Senior Chief Koinange wa Mbiyu, tells of how Uhuru’s father Jomo used to joke with her Page 10
The Tyranny of Numbers: How Mutahi Ngunyi predicted Uhuru victory Back Page
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April 18-May 18, 2013
SOCIETY: Why the ‘Chinese wedding’ of “son of Nabongo” and “daughter of Gikuyu” became talk of town Page 6&7
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Election 2013 Special Edition
The making of President Uhuru Issue No. 002 April 18 - May 18, 2013 www.metroadvertiser.com
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When Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s founding father, wrote the book Facing Mount Kenya, perhaps no one, not even his wife Mama Ngina, would have dreamt of his son Uhuru literally facing Africa’s second highest mountain to thank his gods for making him Kenya’s fourth president. Special coverage of General Election 2013 and President Kenyatta’s colourful inauguration ceremony: Page 2-5
Power to Lead: President Uhuru Kenyatta lifts up the Commander-in-Chief ceremonial sword after receiving it from outgoing President Mwai Kibaki (2nd left), during the inauguration ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on April 9, 2013. On the left is Gen Julius Karangi, Chief of Kenya Defence Forces, while on the right is Deputy President William Ruto and Mama Ngina Kenyatta (behind Mr Ruto). PHOTO:XINHUA/Meng Chenguan
• Kiambu gives its son • Mama Ngina’s memorable support 2002 prayers and as people vote with appeal to the House fujo of Mumbi finally answered.
• Former President Moi surely has last laugh as his 2002 annointed “son” finally makes it.
• John Michuki must be saying, as he rests in the other world: “You see! I told you, Uhuru is the man!”
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Election 2013 Special
Election 2013 Special
April 18-May 18, 2013
April 18-May 18, 2013
After long march to State House, Uhuru gets the power to lead No easy ride for Uhuru to the top BY STEPHEN MBURU AND WILLIAM MUSOLI
Mr Uhuru Kenyatta is sworn in while his wife Margaret holds the bible for him. Administering the oath is the Registrar of the Judiciary Gladys Shollei, as President Kibaki (far left) looks on. XINHUA/Meng Chenguan
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f there are two people who are over the moon because their lifetime dreams of seeing Uhuru Kenyatta become president have now been realised, they are former president Daniel arap Moi and Uhuru’s mother, former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta. On April 9, 2013, the two sat among dignitaries who witnessed Uhuru being sworn in as Kenya’s fourth president at the appropriately-named Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi. And if these two were at pains to conceal their joy at the event, there is one man who would have openly celebrated had he lived to see the day. John Michuki, the late Environment minister, caused political controversy in 2010 when he said Uhuru was the de-facto leader of the House of Gema, a euphemism for the Gikuyu, Embu and Meru communities. In 2002, Moi raised political temperatures within the Independence ruling party, the Kenya African National Union (Kanu), when he declared Mr Kenyatta the ideal candidate to be his successor and therefore Kenya’s third president. This was despite having the late Prof George Saitoti as his long-serving Vice President. Although Mr Kenyatta was then dubbed the “Moi Project”, it seems the young man was his father’s own project. In fact, if some old photos of President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta attending official functions are anything to go by, it seems the old man had dreamed of grooming his son to some day become the president of Kenya. One photo shows Mzee Kenyatta signing a document with the young Uhuru seated next to him looking on, in the presence of then Vice President Moi and Cabinet minister
When I grow up, I would like to be the President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd left), seems to tell his cousin, Ngengi Muigai, as Uhuru’s step-sisters Jane Kenyatta, daughter of Jomo Kenyatta’s second wife Grace Mutundu, and Margaret Kenyatta, daughter of Jomo Kenyatta’s first wife Wahu, seem to say: “Yes. Our step-brother has the potential to be our president.” Inset: Mr Kenyatta displays his victory certificate after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared him the winner at Nairobi’s Bomas of Kenya on March 9, 2013. Looking on are his wife Margaret and Mr Muigai (right). PHOTOS:Courtesy of Ngengi Muigai family album, and XINHUA Mwai Kibaki. If Mr Kenyatta was a “Moi Project” in 2002, then he must have been a “Jomo Project” since he was born on October 26, 1961. He may have had the potential to be a politician, but it is Mr Moi who, as Kenya’s second President, “discovered and helped nurture the young man’s leadership skills. That was way back in 1997 when Mr Moi reportedly nudged the son of Jomo to join active politics. Three year’s later, publicity-shy Mama Ngina was forced to come out into the open and plead with both the House of Mumbi and the larger House of Gema to support her son to become the country’s third president. Addressing a funds-drive at Gatitu Catholic
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In these photos, now popular on social media, on the left is President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta signing a document as his son Uhuru, Cabinet Minister Mwai Kibaki and Vice President Daniel Moi look on. Above: President Kenyatta tags along Uhuru as Mr Moi (centre) looks on.
My son is able to lead. Let’s unite and God will show us the way and lead us across the river to a place of His choice,”
- Former First and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta, 2002 THE METRO TEAM: Editor: Stephen Mburu News Editor: William Musoli Consulting Editor: Isaac Mwangi Business Executive:Lilian Waithira Head of Production and Circulation: Kiarie Koigi To advertise, give story tips, or feedback: info@metroadvertiser.com To read the Metro online: www.metroadvertiser.com
From above clockwise: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, her son and mother-in-law; former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta looks on as her Uhuru Kenyatta (second photo) goes through the voting process at Mutomo Primary School in Gatundu, Kiambu, with William Kabogo, now Kiambu Governor (right) looking on; Mr Kenyatta casts his vote; and Kenyatta, as President-elect, visits his mentor former President Moi at his Kabarnet Gardens home in Nairobi. PHOTOS:Xinhua/Allan Muturi, Charles Onyango, and PPS
Church on July 21, 2002, Mama Ngina asked the Gema community in general and the people of Gatundu South, in particular, to back Uhuru not only as their MP but Kenya’s third president. During the harambee, Mama Ngina, not known to campaign openly, told the audience her son was then mature enough to become Kenya’s president. In 2002, Mr Kenyatta’s running mate was Mr Musalia Mudavadi, who was one of the eight presidential candidates in the March 4, 2013 elections. “My son is able to lead. Other people have shown us the direction the country is headed for. Let’s unite with them and God will show us the way and lead us across the river to a place of His choice,” Mama Ngina said as the faithful chanted: “Harambee, Uhuru!” in anticipation of Mr Kenyatta’s rise to the presidency. [Come 2013 election day, the people of Kiambu did not disappoint Mama Ngina, turning out in record numbers to support their son. Out of the 861,828 registered voters, Kiambu gave Mr Kenyatta 705,185 votes]. The chief guest at Gatititu function in July 2002 was Mzee Kenyatta’s former banker, business magnate Stanley Githunguri, who together with former influential Attorney General Charles Njonjo were then aggressively campaigning for the election of Mr Kenyatta as the man to succeed President Moi. Mr Raila Odinga, who came second in this year’s elections, was then Kanu secretary general and one of those hoping to succeed President Moi in 2002. Interestingly, Mr Githunguri and Mr Njonjo supported Mr Odinga’s candidature in 2007. But ahead of this year’s polls, Mr Githunguri was rooting for Mr Kenyatta, while Mr Njonjo seemed to have opted to play it safe politically by not publicly supporting Mr Odinga. However, many interpreted Mr Njonjo’s “inaction” to mean his silent endorsement of Mr Kenyatta. The young Kenyatta made his foray into active politics through his election as the chairman of his rural Thika Kanu branch in 1997. This came with the tacit approval of President Moi. At the time, many saw the election as a calculated move to prepare
President Uhuru Kenyatta (third right) moments after Mr Kibaki handed over to him. With them are, from left, Gen Julius Karangi, Deputy President William Ruto, First Lady Margaret, and Mrs Racheal Ruto. Notice President Kibaki’s portrait. PHOTOS: XINHUA/Ben Kulonza
Mr William Ruto takes his oath as Kenya’s first-ever Deputy President.
Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga arrives to witness the swearing in of Mr Uhuru Kenyatta as Kenya’s fourth President. XINHUA/Ben Kulonza him for bigger things. In the general election held the same year, Mr Kenyatta contested the newly -created Gatundu South parliamentary seat once held by his father. It was widely believed President Moi had influenced the creation of the constituency in a bid to help the youthful politician to have an easy ride to Parliament. With a constituency apparently “tailormade” for Mr Kenyatta, it was largely assumed he would easily sail through, but that was not to be. He could not beat Moses Muihia, then a little-known Nairobi-based architect, who made it to parliament mainly through the anti-Kanu wave that was at the time blowing fiercely across central Kenya. Mr Kenyatta is said to have been so upset by his electoral defeat that he contemplated quitting politics altogether. He retreated to manage the family’s vast business empire. However, little did he know that President Moi, the self-proclaimed “professor of politics”, was still intent on propelling him into the national political scene. In 1999, Mr Moi appointed Mr Kenyatta chairman of the high-profile Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), where he worked with Kenya’s political power-broker Nicholas Biwott, a then close confidante of President Moi. Apparently, the young Mr Kenyatta was undergoing even more intensive political training. Then came October 2001 and he was nominated to parliament and subsequently to the Cabinet as Minister for Local Government.
President Kenyatta waves at wananchi as he takes a lap of honour in the ceremonial car.
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President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) takes a salute from Kenya’s Defence Forces (KDF). With him is Gen Karangi and Mr Kibaki. Notice Mr Kenyatta’s potrait and his aide de camp, who was with President Kibaki minutes earlier. Far left is Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni. XINHUA/Ben Kulonza
Nominated MP Mark Too, a confidante of President Moi, had been prevailed upon to step down and pave the way for the upcoming politician. Mr Kenyatta would years later make it big on the national political scene when he was elected one of the four Kanu national vice-chairmen. But President Moi would pay a heavy price for fronting Mr Kenyatta as Kanu’s presidential candidate. Angered by Moi’s choice, Mr Odinga led a number key Kanu leaders, including Vice President George Saitoti and Cabinet ministers Kalonzo Musyoka and Joseph Kamotho, in trooping out of the party and government. The Kanu “rebels” formed the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The young party was later to come into an alliance with the formidable three-member team of Mwai Kibaki of the Democratic Party, Kijana Wamalwa of Ford Kenya and Charity Ngilu, under the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc). Realising, perhaps, he would not have made it alone, Mr Odinga tactfully asked the crowd at a historic rally at Uhuru Park just weeks to the 2002 elections: “Si Kibaki Tosha?” The crowd roared in the affirmative and Mr Kibaki romped home well and dry, leaving Mr Kenyatta, his running mate Musalia Mudavadi and key supporter William Ruto, now the Deputy President, nursing serious election defeat injuries. Mr Ruto was among those who stood by Mr Kenyatta as he honourably conceded defeat. Ever since he joined Mr Moi’s inner circle, Mr Kenyatta had been fighting to prove that he is his own man and not Mr Moi’s stooge. In January 2005, he won the Kanu chairmanship after defeating Mr Biwott, who protested the results, claiming the party elec-
tions were flawed and skewed in favour of Mr Kenyatta. Mr Biwott later founded a splinter outfit, the New Kanu. In 2005, Mr Kenyatta would find himself on the same side with Mr Odinga, this time around campaigning against the draft Constitution. Kanu teamed up with Odinga’s LDP and supported the “NO” vote whose symbol was an orange, which would five birth to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). This saw Kenyans humiliate the Kibaki Govern-
CONT. ON PAGE 4
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Election 2013 Special
April 18-May 18, 2013
Kenyans finally give Uhuru the power to lead
Election 2013 Special
April 18-May 18, 2013
CONT. FROM PAGE 3 ment, whose symbol was a banana standing for the “YES” vote, by overwhelmingly rejecting the controversial draft Constitution. In November 2006, Biwott displaced Mr Kenyatta as the Kanu chairman, but this lasted for only a month, when the High Court reinstated Mr Kenyatta. However, counter-suits followed and in June 2007, the High Court confirmed Kenyatta as the party leader. In September 2007, Mr Kenyatta surprised many when, as the Kanu chairman and Leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament, he said the party would not field a presidential candidate but would back Mr Kibaki’s bid for the second and last five-year term in the general election in December that year. At the time, Mr Kenyatta argued he did not want to run unless he was sure he would win. Following the hotly-contested presidential election, there was controversy after Mr Kibaki was declared the winner despite claims of alleged fraud from his closest challenger, ODM’s Mr Odinga. It was during this period that President Kibaki appointed Mr Kenyatta as Minister for Local Government in January 2008. The controversial elections resulted in bloody violence that left more than 1,300 people dead, with hundreds of thousands injured and displaced. The disputed elections forced the United Nations, through former UN Secretary General Koffi Anan, to step in for mediation. In February 2008, President Kibaki of the Party of National Unity (PNU) and Mr Odinga agreed on a Grand Coalition government in which the two would share power equally. The power deal created the position of Prime Minister and two deputy prime ministers, with Mr Odinga becoming the premier. He appointed Mr Mudavadi his Deputy and Minister of Local Government, while President Kibaki appointed Mr Kenyatta the other Deputy PM and Minister of Trade. Mr Odinga would always talk of having mkate nusu (half a loaf of bread), referring to the 50-50 power-sharing deal with President Kibaki. He sought to assure his supporters that in the next round of elections, he would strive to win and get the full loaf. Barely two years into the Grand Coalition Government, sharp political differences occurred between Mr Odinga and Mr Ruto, who claimed Mr Odinga allegedly shortchanged him. Mr Ruto, who was a Cabinet minister from the ODM wing, argued he was the one who would have deserved to be the Deputy PM as he had brought in more votes to ODM than Mr Mudavadi. However, it appeared Mr Odinga had no time for his once loyal supporter. He sacked Mr Ruto from the Cabinet, and the gifted orator then started working with Mr Kenyatta and the PNU side of the government. There was no turning back for the
Left and above: A section of the crowd that turned up at the stadium cheers the new leaders. The stadium was filled to capacity by people who had come from all parts of Kenya. PHOTOS/ XINHUA
Above and below: Turning out to vote at Mutomo Primary School in Gatundu, Kiambu, on March 4, 2013. PHOTOS:Xinhua/ Xiao Zhengqiang and Allan Muturi
Citizens queue as they wait to enter the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to witness the swearing-in ceremony of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto. PHOTOS:Kaniaru Ndirangu, XINHUA/Ben Kulonza.
From top: Artistes perform during the ceremony. PHOTOS: XINHUA/ Meng Chenguan and Ben Kulonza
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On the campaign trail: President Kenyatta with his Deputy William Ruto moments after presenting his nomination papers to the IEBC in Nairobi. PHOTO/Kaniaru Ndirangu
The six-member bench of the Supreme Court, from left, Justices Njoki Ndung’u; Jackton Ojwang’; Dr Willy Mutunga, the Chief Justice and Supreme Court President; Philip Tunoi, Mohamed Ibrahim; and, Smokin Wanjala. Inset: Dr Mutunga, centre, with Justice Ojwang (left), and Jutice Tunoi. PHOTOS: XINHUA:Charles Onyango
two and despite being among the four Kenyans charged at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague with alleged crimes against humanity following the 2007/08 post-election violence, they mount ed a spirited campaign that saw them mobilising their respective communities to overwhelmingly supporting them in the March 4 elections. Mr Kenyatta, who was The National Alliance (TNA) presidential candidate, merged with Mr Ruto, his counterpart in the United Republican Party (URP), and the two formed the formidable Jubilee Coalition, with Mr Kenyatta being
the presidential candidate and Mr Ruto his running mate. On March 9, 2013, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman, Issack Hassan, declared Mr Kenyatta the winner with 6,173,433 votes (50.07%) out of the 12,338,667 votes cast, and above the Constitutional 50 per cent plus one vote threshhold. Mr Odinga, who was his closest rival in the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) that brought together ODM and Vice-President Kalonzo Musy-
oka’s Wiper Democratic Party, got 5,340,546. But Mr Odinga rejected the results, claiming the election was far from being free and fair. He filed a petition in the Supreme Court which, after week-long legal battles, was dismissed. The six-member Bench led by the Court’s President, Dr Willy Mutunga, was unanimous in their verdict delivered on March 30 that Mr Kenyatta had won fairly. The ruling paved the way for Mr Kenyatta’s swearing-in ceremony, administered by the Registrar of the Judiciary Mrs Gladys Shollei and
witnessed by Dr Mutunga. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who spoke on behalf of the Heads of State and Government at the ceremony, praised Kenyans for electing Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto, thereby rejecting “the blackmail by the ICC.” Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka boycotted the event. They returned a day later and explained they were in South Africa on holiday. However, the two visited President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto State House on April 13 where they had a hearty chat .
Last minute appeal: Left: Jubilee Coalitions’s last public rally at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on March 2, 2013. Above: President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto during the rally. Inset, President Kenyatta with Mr William Ruto, Mr Najib Balala (left) and Mrs Charity Ngilu. PHOTOS: Kaniaru Ndirangu.
“
I thank you Kenyans for your rejection of blackmail by the ICC,”
- Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni
President Kenyatta (right) in a light moment with his Deputy William Ruto, Raila Odinga, who was Cord presidential candidate, and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka. PHOTOS: PPS.
Thanking God: President Uhuru Kenyatta chats with Central Provincial Commissioner Jasper Rugut at Martyrs of Uganda Catholic Church in Gatundu after attending mass on March 10, a day after the IEBC declared him the winner. With him are Kiambu Governor William Kabogo (2nd left), Kiambu Women Rep Ann Nyokabi and Bishop David Kamau of the Nairobi Archdiocese. Inset: With Bishop Kamau. PHOTO: William Musoli
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April 18-May 18, 2013
Society
Society
April 18-May 18, 2013
7
Why “Chinese wedding” became the talk of town
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“We only borrowed the Chinese fashion and decor options. But we strictly went by our different customs and traditions” — Peris and Raymond
Standing from left: Edmond Okemo Juma, Desmond Patrick Juma, Gladys Waceke Njomo, Karen Chepchirchir Rono, Edward Gondi (far back), Hellen Wangui Waichuhi, James Kamau Kariuki (far back), Susan Nyawira Munene and Hannah Wanjiku Kinyanjui. Seated from left: Antony Kanogo Njomo (Best Man), Raymond Were Jumah (The Groom), Peris Wanjiku RanjiWere (The Bride), Sarah Mweru Ranji-Kanogo (Best Maid) and Timothy Gathuka Ranji.
From left:Sarah Mweru Ranji-Kanogo (Best Maid), Hannah Wanjiku Kinyanjui, Susan Nyawira Munene, Peris Wanjiku Ranji-Were (The Bride), Hellen Wangui Waichuhi (far back), Gladys Waceke Njomo and Karen Chepchirchir Rono. PHOTOS: XINHUA/ BEN KIRUTHI, FAITHFUL FRAMES BY BEDAH MENGO, XINHUA
W
hen Raymond Jumah and Peris Wanjiku decided to marry, they agreed on one thing: theirs would be a wedding to remember. The couple, like many others do, wanted a wedding ceremony that would stir unforgettable memories among friends and families. They considered several options – a Western wedding, an Indian or just African one in which they would blend their different cultures. Raymond is Luhya while Peris comes from the Gikuyu community. Both communities are Bantus, but have different traditions and cultures, especially when it comes to marriage. “We thought Western, Indian and African-themed weddings had become too common for the desired effect we wanted to impart on ourselves and our guests on the most important day of our lives,” says Raymond. As they reflected on other wedding themes, Raymond says his partner pleasantly surprised him one day with a suggestion that they go for a Chinesethemed wedding. “I was excited! I thought it was an amazing idea. I am not known to doing what most people do because I always want to set trends. I thought, why not do with a Chinese-style wedding?” he says. Raymond bought into the idea of the unique theme. “We have always admired
the Chinese way of dressing. This was simply another reason to embrace the idea,” he says. The couple then embarked on executing the gold and purple Chinese-themed concept, and informed their parents and friends who, although surprised, supported their choice and looked forward to the wedding. Chinese Wedding of the Year And on May 12 last year, Raymond and Peris walked down the aisle at Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in Kayole in a wedding that friends and admirers on social media would later dub “The Chinese Wedding of the Year”. The lovebirds were resplendent in their attire, with the groom donning a black Mao suit and his bride an immaculate snow-white gown. Their bridal party stood out in their Chinese-style outfits. The maids were dressed in gold-coloured dresses and purple shoes while the groomsmen wore purple linen shirts and black trousers. “Our outfits were designed and tailored by different design houses in Nairobi. We chose different people based on their expertise as we wanted our wedding to stand out. My gown was designed and tailored by someone different and so were the maids’, the groomsmen’s outfits and groom’s suit and that of his best man,” says Peris. On the grooms’ outfits, Raymond had their names stitched in Chinese, which
Left: Edmond Okemo Juma and Hannah Wanjiku Kinyanjui. Right: Timothy Gathuka Ranji and Susan Nyawira Munene.
further enhanced their theme. “It was my idea to brand the groomsmen’s shirts with any favorable Chinese characters or symbols. I chose their first names and got them translated by a Chinese friend,” he said. While their wedding had a Chinese theme, they went through the normal wedding procedures that included a church service and reception. They had a twohour church service at the PCEA Kayole followed by a reception at the PCEA St Andrew’s Church on University Way still in Naiorobi. They then hosted guests to an evening party at a restaurant in Upper Hill. “The wedding was breathtakingly awesome,” says Raymond. Introduced our parents Before the wedding, the couple had followed their respective communities’ traditions, including payment of bride price. “We only borrowed the Chinese fashion and decor options for our wedding, but strictly went by our different customs and traditions. We introduced our parents and family members to each other and went for dowry negotiations, which we later paid and presented other gifts as well. We made various visits to each family’s residence,” says Raymond. “This did not pose any challenges to us. We ensured we demystified and fused our individual cultures through interaction of close family members,” he says. Interestingly, the couple, despite doing
Desmond Patrick Juma and Karen Chepchirchir Rono.
an elaborate Chinese-themed wedding, did not hire any Chinese specialist to help in planning and executing the event. “We did all the planning ourselves, with some assistance from family and friends,” says Peris. Made wedding affordable The couple says each wedding is different and lovers should choose the theme they want for their occasion and match it with their budget. “No matter the theme or concept, a couple can match their dream with their budget. We did it effectively and made our wedding affordable despite venturing into what had not been done before,” says Peris. Neither Raymond nor Peris has ever been to China, while none of them speaks Chinese. “We can actually say “Ni Hao!” or “Hallo!” but we do not speak Chinese and we have never been to China, though we plan to go there one day,” says Peris. Besides their love for Chinese attire, the couple also admires Chinese food, culinary skills and discipline. Worth emulating “Their food, cooking skills, fashion and discipline are worth emulating. We also admire their time-management culture, which they are very strict about. We embraced it in our wedding and it helped us have things go on as scheduled and stage a successful and unforgettable event.” So, would Raymond and Peris, now happily married and living in Nairobi, recommend to their friends to look East when planning their weddings? “Yes,” says Raymond with finality. “We learned a lot and we believe a Chinese-themed wedding is unique.” A friend of his who was inspired by the couple’s wedding has decided to go for a Chinese-themed wedding next year, he says. (Additional reporting by Stephen Mburu) For comments and story tips: info@metroadvertiser.com
From left: Edward Gondi, Edmond Okemo Juma, Antony Kanogo Njomo (Best Man), Raymond Were Jumah (The Groom), James Kamau Kariuki, Timothy Gathuka Ranji and Desmond Patrick Juma.
From left: Gladys Waceke Njomo, Hellen Wangui Waichuhi, Susan Nyawira Munene, Hannah Wanjiku Kinyanjui and Karen Chepchirchir Rono.
The newly-weds: Raymond and Peris. Inset: The couple’s Facebook photo.
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April 18-May 18, 2013
April 18-May 18, 2013
Kiambu Governor
Kabogo: I will fulfil my pledges to the people of Kiambu BY WILLIAM MUSOLI
K
iambu County’s first-ever governor William Kabogo has promised to fulfill all his pre-election pledges. “I won’t let you down,” he said as he took the oath of office for the newly-created position. At the same time, he said he would not tolerate state officers bent on frustrating the operations of the county government. “The county government is here to stay and those with different ideas should be told that nobody can stop a river using iron sheets,” Mr Kabogo said. And days later, Mr Kabogo, took over the offices at Thika Municipal Council offices, which he has since said will be his temporary base pending renovations in Kiambu town, the designated head office of the Governor. At the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Kabogo said his priorities would be education, employment creation, health and tackling insecurity. He said his government would also seriously address the problem of alcoholism. The new governor said in the next 12 months, his county government would help ensure all health facilities were equipped with medicines and there was an adequate supply of clean water for all. Other services would include making all roads motorable and helping improve garbage collection and sewage management systems in local towns. The first working county Governor Kabogo said he would make Kiambu “the first working county” through proper coordination of services and resources. “I want to be held accountable for the pledge that I repeat here during this swearing-in ceremony. Work begins here and now,” Mr Kabogo said as he was sworn into the new office at the historic Kirigiti grounds in Kiambu town on March 27. The colourful ceremony, which also saw Mr Kabogo’s deputy Gerald Gakuha Githinji being sworn in, was presided over by Justice Nzioki Wamakau and witnessed by hundreds of residents from across the county. Those who graced the event included top government officials led by the County Commissioner Wilson Njega, newly-elected county Speaker Nick Ndichu, clergymen and leading educationists, including Simon Gicharu, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mount Kenya University. The Governor said since the county lacks substantial mineral wealth, it will rely heavily on human resources, agricultural produce and real estate for growth. He asked the people of Kiambu to always give him more ideas to help develop the county. His government, he said, would approach financial institutions to negotiate affordable credit to smallscale traders and farmers. In addi-
Governor Kabogo seems to seek divine intervention. PHOTO/Xinhua
Kiambu County’s first-ever Governor Wiliam Kabogo (with hand on his chest), his Deputy Gerald Githinji (right), with their wives, friends and relatives during the swearing-in ceremony at Kirigiti grounds in Kiambu town on March 27. Inset: A clergyman leads in prayers. PHOTOS/KANIARU NDIRANGU
“
I want to be held accountable for my pledges” -- Governor William Kabogo
Nakuru Governor
Nakuru will be model county, says Mbugua
Nakuru County’s first-ever Governor Kinuthia Mbugua (left) signs his inauguration certificate during the swearing-in ceremony at the Afraha Stadium Annex in Nakuru on March 27, 2013; Governor Mbugua (centre) with, from left, Nakuru Chief Magistrate Samuel Mungai, Justice Anyara Emukule and Deputy Governor Joseph Ruto
BY STEPHEN MBURU
T
he first-ever Governor of Nakuru, Kinuthia Mbugua — a man who ditched the gun for the pen after he resigned as the Commandant of the Administration Police — says he will do his best to make it a model county. He will put to good use his ex-
perience in the security forces to instil discipline among the staff in a bid to make service delivery efficient. Corruption, he said, would “cease to be a way of life in this county. “My dream and vision is clear; to make Nakuru a model county. I promise to steer Nakuru County into the sunrise of its potential and
into the sunset of its past failures. I am willing to put everything I have into this job because I regard it as a sacred duty,” said Mr Mbugua during his swearing-in ceremony at the Afraha Stadium Annex in Nakuru on March 27. The Governor said he would work with all stakeholders to make his dream a reality. His gov-
Bishop Maurice Makumba Muhatia of Nakuru Catholic diocese congratulates Governor Mbugua. PHOTOS/The Nakuru Dispatch
ernment, he said, would create an “enabling environment” for investors with the top issue on his agenda being to address security concerns. Mr Mbugua said he will use the skills that he learnt during his years of training personnel in security services to help boost security and help “ensure that Nakuru
County is the safest in Kenya.” “I will do all in my ability to utilise the resources at my disposal and the invaluable networks that I have created over the years, to ensure that the dream of a prosperous Nakuru lives, and remains a reality for generations to come,” said Governor Mbugua.
KENYA SCHOOL OF FLYING “for those who defy GRAVITY safely”
Mr Kabogo addresses the audience for the first time as Governor. PHOTO/Xinhua
Governor Kabogo displays his inauguration certificate after being sworn in by Justice Nzioki Wamakau (left). On the right is Mrs Kabogo.
Mr Simon Gicharu (centre), the proprietor of Mount Kenya University and chairman of its board of trustees, with other guests.
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Former Juja MP Stephen Ndicho (centre) and other guests. tion, he sought to assure residents that he would do his best to help create jobs for the youth. “Kiambu is the dormitory town of Nairobi and we will go out of our way to encourage more real estate investors in our towns,” Governor Kabogo said, adding that he would not let down the residents when it comes to helping them access healthcare, as well as investing in quality education.
Kiambu’s “First Couple” join traditional dancers in a jig.
His government, he said, would come up with smart plans for the expansion of local satellite towns, including Juja, Kinoo, Kikuyu and Limuru. Besides, he promised to help the people exploit the many opportunities existing in the county in the entertainment and filmmaking industry. “We have a wealth of natural sites including caves. We shall invite film makers to come and shoot
Above: Students perform for the guests. Below: Early arrivals, included Kabete County Rep Walter Ndambo.
their films in real forests and not artificial ones,” he said. Justice Wamakau asked the new county government to help set up a High Court as the Judiciary was willing to post more staff and judges to Kiambu. To advertise, give story tips, or feedback: info@metroadvertiser.com To read the Metro online: www.metroadvertiser.com
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Diani
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April 18-May 18, 2013
This is where Jomo used to hold secret meetings - Mama Gathoni Koinange
Metro Sport
cated young men to help them write documents and petitions to the British colonial government protesting land alienation as resident Uhuru Kenyatta, newly- well as discrimination of Africans. Kenyatta, installed as Kenya’s fourth leader, she says, had been introduced to Koinange is known to be a jovial man. Un- by the young man’s father Ngengi. known to many, however, the man may well The elders, she says, had looked for have taken after his father, Kenya’s found- educated young men who “could not reveal ing President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. secrets.” Koinange would present the docuLong before he became Kenya’s presi- ments to the colonial regime, a move that dent, Kenyatta used to spend many nights saw him demoted for being disloyal to his in secret night meetings with other freedom employers. He was arrested and detained fighters at the Kiambu home of colonial Se- in connection with the murder of loyalist Senior Chief Koinange wa Mbiyu, who would nior Chief Waruhiu wa Kung’u. become his father-in-law. Mama Gathoni’s modest stone house Mama Elizabeth (Nyakanini) Gathoni, stands just metres from the main house Keaged 112 and the only surviving of Koin- nyatta and company had converted into a ange’s six wives, recalls how she used to secret meeting place. She says Koinange serve meals to Kenyatta and his compatri- used to leave Team Kenyatta in the house, ots as her husband left them indoors plan- where their meetings regularly extended ning how to topple the colonial government. late into the night. In the same way that Jomo’s son Uhuru “My role was to feed them,” Mama Gateamed up with his friend William Ruto, now thoni says, adding she would do so tactfully the Deputy President, to plan how to form to avoid raising suspicion. the government after the constitutional re“I would first deliver tea in a sufuria as a tirement of President Mwai Kibaki, Jomo kettle would have raised suspicion. I would also had a team: the older Kenyatta used use a sufuria so that even someone who to meet with Koinange’s son Mbiyu, Kung’u may be hiding in the hedges would not get Karumba and Fred Kubai to strategise how suspicious. to oust the colonial government. And oust“I would return to the kitchen, delay for ing it they did, with Kenya gaining its inde- some minutes and then take the cups, still pendence on December 12, 1963. hidden in another sufuria. The guests would ask me to leave and they would serve themKey strategist selves,” she says, adding that Kenyatta and Mama Gathoni says that although she his comrades were so secretive that they never sat at any of their meetings, Kenyatta would stop talking the moment she entered seemed the key figure. “Kenyatta tiwe wa- the room kiri githegethi kia uhoro (Kenyatta was the “Those people were so secretive that I key strategist),” she told the Metro at her would not know anything of their discusKiambaa home. sions, “ she says. Kenyatta and his team, she However, Kenyatta would Kenyat- exchange says, would work in a room pleasantries with during the day and convert it her. “Kenyatta was the only ta, was into a bedroom at night, where one with the courage to talk to the only me, calling me mundu wakwa they would sleep on the concrete floor. “The room was evone with (my person), she says. And erything... the office, dining as with her husband Koinange well as bedroom. Those who the courage to having originated from the could not travel back home, Maina clan in Murang’a, Keincluding Kenyatta, would talk to me. Call- nyatta would refer to Mama spread matharara (dry banana ing me ‘mundu Gathoni as “Maina’s wife”. straws) on the floor and sleep “Kenyatta would ask me wakwa’ (my there. In the morning the room lightheartedly, ‘Mutumia wa would be an office once again,” Maina, ni woka?’” (So you, person).” says Mama Gathoni. - Mama Gathoni Maina’s wife, have come?) I Her husband was illiterate would answer in the affirmative Koinange, 112 and so, together with other eland we would laugh. Kenyatta ders from Nyeri and Murang’a, was a jovial person.” had shopped around for edu“There was a lot of work of
ter in the Kenyatta government. Koinange’s second wife was Julia Njeri, followed by Joyce Wanjiru and Phylis Wambui, while the last and youngest was Beatrice Gataa. Apart from Kenyatta, Kubai, and Karumba, Koinange’s many guests included chiefs and senior chiefs from Kiambaa, Murang’a and Kiambu. Those from Kiambu were Senior Chief Waruhiu wa Kung’u (whose daylight murder on October 7, 1952 forced the colonial government to declare a State of Emergency on October 20), Makimei wa Kuria, Waruiru wa Mukui and Mbira Githehu. Others included Njiriri wa Karanja and Muriranja from Murang’a, Wambugu Mathangani and Muhoya Kagumba from Nyeri.
BY STEPHEN MBURU
P
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preparing food for all guests. Sometimes they would be about 20 of them at a go. I would not sleep until the guests had finished their work and eaten. And then early in the morning, I would be there again preparing their breakfast. Sometimes I used to fry eggs in advance so in the morning I would only warm them.” Mama Gathoni says the office the Kenyatta group used to work from had been a small single room. But as the number of members grew, the wall separating two rooms was demolished to create one bigger room. The room has remained that way to date. Mama Gathoni was Koinange’s fifth wife. The first was Mariamu Wambui, who was the mother of Kenyatta’s third wife Grace Mitundu, the mother of Jane, Uhuru’s stepsister (see photo on page 2). Wambui was also the mother of Mbiyu, who would become Kiambaa MP and an influential minis-
Koinange Street in Nairobi. It is named after former colonial Senior Chief Koinange wa Mbiyu. PHOTO/ Kaniaru Ndirangu
Koinange Street The old woman believes Mzee Kenyatta became the president partly due to the early leadership grooming he received from Koinange. And as if to reward the Koinange family for the role the patriarch played in helping him rise to power, Kenyatta appointed his brother-in-law Mbiyu Minister of State, where he would become a powerful member of the Kenyatta kitchen Cabinet. President Kenyatta would also appoint Koinange’s son Charles Karuga to the Civil Service, where he became a provincial commissioner. Mama Gathoni’s last-born daughter Grace Wanjiru would also recruited into the police force and attached to the presidential guard. In addition, a road in Nairobi’s central business district was named Koinange Street (below) in honour of the ex-senior chief. To advertise, give story tips, or feedback: info@metroadvertiser.com To read the Metro online: www.metroadvertiser.com
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Wanyoike: Why I plan to promote youth talent BY METRO REPORTER
R
enowned blind marathoner Henry Wanyoike says he is committed to helping youth in Kiambu County and around the country relealise their potential. He, at the same time, asks Kenyans to use sport and promote peace and disbility. Wanyoike, the founder of the Henry Wanyoike Foundation, the key sponsor of the annual marathon, says his determination to help the youth comes from the fact that he has become a successful world athlete despite his blindness simply because God “has helped me.” Lost sight in 1995
Left: Mama Gathoni, 112, widow of former colonial Senior Chief Koinange wa Mbiyu (inset) shows the house Uhuru’s father Jomo Kenyatta and other anti-colonialist strategists used to hold sceret meetings.
April 18-May 18, 2013
Wanyoike, who only became an athlete after he lost his sight in 1995, has over the years won world athletics competitions in the handicapped category. The marathoner, who was born at Kanjeru in Kikuyu, says he would in particular, start promoting local youth in line with the adage: “Charity begins at home.” He says he is committed to using sport to promote peace and unity, as well as help the youth tap their talents in sport. During the 6th Edition of the Henry Wanyoike Hope for the Future in Kikuyu, Kiambu last June, the Wanyoike emphasised
the marathon’s theme, “Disability peace and sports”, and urged Kenyans to promote peace and disability rights as “we are all equall and brothers and sisters in various sports.” From right, clockwise: The 6th Edition of the Henry Wanyoike Hope for the Future Run starts at Wangige, with people with disabilities leading the pack. Senior citizens and other athletes are honoured at the end of the event at Kikuyu Township Primary School. (PHOTOS/ Courtesy, Henry Wanyoike Foundation).
Kahata, other stars awarded Kiambu football academy set for friendlies in Uganda
BY METRO REPORTER
Various young sports men and women from Kiambu County were awarded during the Kabete Cares 2012 Awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Nairobi. The event, presided over by the Kabete Cares chairman George Kinuthia, saw John Kiambuthi, the winner of Kabete Cares UN Day Against Drug and Crime Race Children’s category — who also registered the best results in the Kigali International Marathon Children Race Rwanda 2010 — was named the Most Promising Athlete. The Most Disciplined Footballer (under 14 years ) 2012 award went to John Mbugua. Others were Jennifer Rehema the Most Promising Chess Player (under 13 years) 2012. Lenny Thubi, the Most Promising Footballer (under 14 years) 2012 Award; Danson Njenga (17 years ) Youth Leadership Award; Tabitha Wanjiru (First Aider) Volunteer of the Year; James Kamau (Kanyungu Development Initiative ) Envi-
From top clockwise: Some members of Kabete Cares Football Academy, Kabete Cares members and friends, Francis Kahat (right) Harambee Stars and Thika United player, is awarded. Some players at the event. (PHOTOS:Courtesy)
ronmental Award; Francis Kahata, Harambee Stars/Thika United (Footballer of the Year 2012); and, Peter Chege Gathungu (Msamaria Mwema Children’s Home) Compassion Award. Naoki Toyota (JICA/ Baseball Federation of Kenya Coach of the Year, Jim Tamarack (Baseball 4 Africa Founder Atlanta & Africa) Sports Ambassador of the Year.
Members of the Kabete Cares Football Academy with their trainer. They have been invited to Uganda for a series of friendlies. (PHOTO: Courtesy) BY METRO REPORTER
Kabete Cares Football Academy, who train at Wangige Primary School grounds, have landed an invitation to Uganda to play several friendly matches against Kampalabased football academies. The five-day trip, between end of April early May, will see two teams (both boys and girls) of 15 players each, meeting their courterparts at various grounds in Kampala. George Kinuthia, the Uganda tour consultant and the Kabete Cares sports promoter, is appealling for financial support to help the young team travel to Uganda. In 2010, 30 players (under16 boys and girls) travelled to Kigali, Rwanda and played several matches against one of the country’s leading soccer academies, SEC, which had nine players in the under-17 Rwandan teams that participated in the World Youth Championship in Mexico. The academy uses sport to help local youths
fight drug abuse alongside nurturing their talent. Meanwhile, Kinuthia says this season two players from the centre joined Ruiru Sportiff, which nurtured Harambee Stars’ celebrated player Francis Kahata, who was also third in last year’s FKF Central Provincial League.
WE ALSO SERVICE SHAVING MACHINES VISIT US AT WANGIGE, KIAMBU COUNTY TEL. 0721786485, 0724141932
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April 18-May 18, 2013
Sport
April 18-May 18, 2013
The Game of Numbers
The Tyranny of Numbers: How Ngunyi predicted Uhuru victory P
olitical scientist Mutahi Ngunyi (pictured) received sharp criticism from officials and supporters of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), whose presidential candidate was Raila Odinga, after he used voter registration figures from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to predict a resounding win for the Jubilee Coalition’s presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta. Below is verbatim report of Mr Ngunyi’s own video: “Why we call this a tyranny of numbers is because this election was actually won on December 18. It was conducted in one month and the results were announced on December 18, when the IEBC closed voter registration and said the following number of people have been registered. “And some people slept through registration as they were doing razzmatazz on the streets during their rallies, while others actually schemed through registration. “That is the reason why some communities have registered very big numbers and others have registered almost inconsequential numbers. And as a result, you can see
that some communities will actually ‘tyrannise’ the other communities during the voting process. “The difficulty in this election is not who will win or who will lose. The difficulty is in ensuring, especially Mr Mutahi Ngunyi for Raila, that Jubilee does not win this election in round one. “And I say so because when you look at the 50 per cent + 1 threshold, which is 7.1 million votes, and you look at the Jubilee support which is 6.2 million votes, they (Jubilee) are short of the threshold by only 980,000 votes, if voting will be 100 per cent. “Whereas if you look at Cord, they are 2.8 million, ethnic blocs being the Kamba and the Luo — 2.8 million votes only. The difference is 4.3 million votes to reach the 50 per cent + 1. It, therefore, means Cord has to work four times more than Jubilee to be able
to reach that particular threshold. “No matter what strategy he (Raila) applies now, it is late for him, because the election was won a long time ago. His only strategy for now is not to try and break into those strongholds as it were, but to try and stop these guys (Uhuru and Ruto) from winning in round one. “And he has to do that by ensuring that the Cord fellows come out to vote to the last man, because if voter turnout is low in the Cord areas, the chances of Raila becoming number three are very high. Musalia Mudavadi could just come number two, and that would provide for serious political comedy, which would also be very pathetic. It’s because he (Raila) slept through the nomination.
Registered with fujo
“The House of Gema, in particular, was annoyed when they went to register. They registered with fujo (anger). IEBC expected them to register a certain number, (but) they hit that number and went beyond, because almost all the Kikuyu strongholds, and the
Embu and the Meru strongholds, are at 100 per cent plus. Kiambu alone is at 113 per cent. Others are 104 per cent, 109 per cent. And the same thing in the Kalenjin area. “And I think the ICC is what drove these people. The desire is to protect their own. And that’s why the record must reflect that if Uhuru becomes president and Ruto his deputy, it is because of Kofi Annan. The Annan process, and the ICC process, are what then caused everybody in these ethnic groups to regiment around their own as a way of protecting them. And I think this is what these figures are telling us. “If he (Raila) continues to delude himself through the polls that he is ahead and he fails to pay attention to the raw figures on the ground and work with them, he will slip through this election. “What he must do, in my view, is to work hard to stop Uhuru and Ruto from winning round one. That should be his only strategy, because then that will give him an opportunity to get into the run-off, and it will help him regroup with the other communities and do a good fight during the run-off.”
MKU develops plan for Joytown Special School as student wins Maathai award
From left: MKU DVC, Prof John Nderitu (left) and Joytown Special Primary School Head techer, Mr James Macharia, display the strategic plan, and Prof Nderitu cuts the tape to launch the plan.
BY JAMES WAKAHIU Mount Kenya University has developed a five-year strategic plan for Thika’s Salvation Army Joytown Special Primary School to help it tackle its challenges. Launching the 2013-2017 strategic plan at the school, MKU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof John Nderitu said the university was committed to helping the school achieve its aims of tapping and nurturing talent among special needs children as it seeks to “add a smile on their faces and give them hope.” The plan involves a budget of Sh122 million, with the funds going towards education, rehabilitation, health care and advocacy for fundraising. The school head teacher, Mr James Macharia, who was accompanied by his deputy Grace Kabocho, deputy headteacher Captain Harun Wanyonyi of the
Joytown Special Primary School pupils entertain guests.
Salvation Army, and BOG chairman Arnest Wasike, commended MKU for its support and asked other wellwishers to sponsor projects at the institution.
Mount Kenya University student Abigael Ndinda is the winner of the inaugural prestigious first-ever Wangari Maathai Scholarship Fund award. The prize, worth more than Sh800,000, is named in honour of late Nobel Prize winner and conservationist Prof Wangari Maathai. “I am lost for words. I seek to work hard and live to the aspirations of the late Prof Maathai,” said an elated Ms Ndinda after she was presented with the prize by the Rockefeller Foundation’s regional managing director Eme Essien Lore at the Green Belt Movement offices in Nairobi. Those who was accompanied her included MKU staff and students. Prof Maathai, who founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, was the first female to get a doctorate in East Africa, as well as the first African woman to receive the prestigious Nobel Prize for Peace The British Royal Family also recently honoured her. posthumously.
Sh800,000 The amount the award is worth
Above: Abigael Ndinda (right) a Mount Kenya University student, receives the prestigious first-ever Wangari Maathai Scholarship Fund award from the Rockefeller Foundation’s regional managing director Eme Essien Lore. Below: Ms Ndinda with some MKU students.