Loud silence from Kenya High Commision as Kenya's 1st lady skips meeting

[Ab-Titchaz]

Loud silence at Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam as Obama visits

Updated Tuesday, July 2nd 2013 at 09:21 GMT +3 By Oscar Obonyo



Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: There was lull at Kenya High Commission and among Kenyans living in Dar es Salaam as US President Barack Obama landed in Tanzania to start a two-day tour.


Ambassador Mutinda Mutiso confirmed to The Standard that the Kenyan Government was not represented or involved at any level in the Obama tour.

"I have neither received any official invitation from President Jakaya Kikwete or Foreign Affairs ministry nor been asked by the US Mission here to partake in events of this visit," he said.

There were claims that First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, who was expected to join her American counterpart Michelle Obama and other First ladies across Africa at a forum this morning, will give the event a miss.

In bypassing Kenya during his current tour of Africa, President Obama has explained that "the moment was not just right" as the Kenyan leadership had international issues to deal with first.

This is in reference to the cases at International Criminal Court involving President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

Dinner

It would, therefore, be curious if Mrs Kenyatta opts to honour the invitation of the Obamas, especially after snubbing her husband.

"I can confirm there is no official Government delegation here to meet or participate in the Obama tour. State House has also not communicated to the contrary, meaning our First Lady may also not be coming," said Mutiso.

The ambassador, however, explained that the Kenyan mission in Tanzania was not irked by the decision to sideline the Government in the Obama visit as "this is purely a Tanzanian affair".

Besides the First Lady, Nairobi businessman Chris Kirubi publicly turned down an invitation by an elite club of Africa's businessmen and women to attend a dinner hosted by President Obama Monday.

A team of nearly 130 top American entrepreneurs are accompanying Obama, and Kirubi and other invited guests were to meet with the team for business opportunities.

Standard Digital News - Kenya : Loud silence at Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam as Obama visits

 

[TANMO]

Strange.......

 

[Nyani Ngabu]

:becky: Kama kutembelewa na Obama ni big deal kihivyo basi wasingeichagua Jubilee (hiyo ni kama Jubilee walishinda kihalali).

Otherwise they should shut up and suck it up.

 

[Niwemugizi]

Hivi hii issue ya kutembelewa nayo ni deal, Kenya kwanza mafoleni yanawatosha sasa na ugeni huuu si ndiyo watalala kwenye magari

 

[Stroke]

hii kitu imewauma jamaa mpaka basi,

 

[mfianchi]

Inawauma kama vile umeachwa na mpenzi uliyempenda hadi kumoyo lol

 

[Hiram Abiff]

wana nini cha kumpa Obama!

 

[Bulesi]

Kenyan businessman Mwangi of Equity Bank is said to have attended the meeting of prominent African bisinesspeople with Obama !!!

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

Inawauma kama vile umeachwa na mpenzi uliyempenda hadi kumoyo lol

Mkuu,

hii kitu imewauma hata wabishe namna gani...wewe tazama serikali ya Uhuru inayojigonga na maukuta ilimradi
waonekane wababe lakini wapi!...Sasa leo wamekuja na hii...


Kenyan govt snub US Independence Day celebrations


By AGGREY MUTAMBO amutambo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, July 4 2013 at 04:39


In Summary

• In his recent African tour, President Obama skipped Kenya in what he argued was because of the ICC cases facing Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto. But he promised to visit before his term expires in three years.
• The US recently announced a $3 million (Sh255 million) sponsorship to Kenya in fighting animal poaching and trafficking. In an Executive order by President Barrack Obama, the US announced the money last weekend to combat wildlife poaching and to help Kenya to build institutions to fight the vice that has threatened to eliminate elephants and rhinos.

The government Wednesday gave a wide berth to the US independence celebrations at the US embassy in Nairobi, even as the US envoy in Nairobi asked for tougher laws on poaching.

At a function in which top government officials were invited, there was no president, his deputy, cabinet secretary or principal secretary at the function.

The celebrations came just two days after President Obama completed his Africa tour without setting foot on his father's soil -Kenya.

The Jubilee government sent Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro and a number of junior officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. There were several constitutional Commission heads such as Charles Nyachae of the Constitutional Implementation Commission (CIC).

There was no immediate explanation on why top government officials skipped the event.

However, Cord leader Raila Odinga and United Democratic Front party leader Musalia Mudavadi were in attendance.

In his recent African tour, President Obama skipped Kenya in what he argued was because of the ICC cases facing Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto. But he promised to visit before his term expires in three years.

Wednesday, despite the glaring absence of the Jubilee government officials, Speaker Ekwe Ethuro said there would be something Kenyans would learn from the US's endurance in their 237 years of independence.

"We are just 50 years old, but we can learn that there is life after 237 years," he said.

US Ambassador to Nairobi Robert Godec insisted that Kenya remains a crucial partner in fighting global threats that also affect the US.

"It is important to underscore our friendship and the 50-yar partnership we have had and build on that partnership going forward," he said.

Mr Godec said Kenya should have tougher anti-poaching laws in place as a way of taming the vice.

"Yes, I would encourage Kenya to increase the penalty. I look forward to that happening. It is important to increase the penalty against poaching," he said at his residence in Nairobi.

The US recently announced a $3 million (Sh255 million) sponsorship to Kenya in fighting animal poaching and trafficking. In an Executive order by President Barrack Obama, the US announced the money last weekend to combat wildlife poaching and to help Kenya to build institutions to fight the vice that has threatened to eliminate elephants and rhinos.

Despite the move, Kenya's laws are still too lenient to those found in possession of illegal wildlife hides, ivory or rhino horns. For example, most of those recently found with illegal ivory have been fined just Sh30, 000 yet a kilo of ivory goes for Sh40, 000 in the black market.

At the US Independence eve Wednesday, Mr Godec said it would be important for Kenya to have heavier laws, besides having the financial muscle to combat poaching.

"The threat poaching poses to Kenya and other countries means it so important to get the penalties in place to deter poaching, and to put away all those who are responsible for it."

"Already, I have been very pleased to see the commitment shown by the government of Kenya and the Kenya wildlife service and by many civil society organizations and partner governments including the United States to combat wildlife trafficking."

Kenyan govt snub US Independence Day celebrations - News - nation.co.ke

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec during the celebration of America's 237th Independence Day that was commemorated a day before on July 3, 2013. Looking on is former deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi (centre). Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

Deputy Chief Justice Kalpana Rawal (right) and former Attorney General Charles Njonjo at the ambassador's residence on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (centre) and Maloba Wekesa, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, during the celebration on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

US Ambassador Robert F. Godec (left) and Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro celebrate Independence Day on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA
​

 

[mwathai]

The only person to whom contacts with the Americans and the West generally is a great issue is the Nation Media Group, whose preferred president, RAO lost the election. Kenyans made their Choice despite threats of isolation by the West. So they are already psychologically prepared for any consequences.
Expression of anger by NMG will not chnage the position we took

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

Former Deputy President Musalia Mudavadi and other government officials attended the celebration on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

The US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec speaks during the celebration on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

US Marines during the celebration at the ambassador's residence on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

US Ambassador Robert F. Godec's wife Lori Magnusson speaks to guests at their residence on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

Visitors who attended the celebration on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

Barbecue at the US ambassador's residence on July 3, 2013. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA
​

 

[mwathai]

Strange.......

What is strange? The diplomats said they will maintain only essential contacts. Celebrating their national Holidays is not an essential contact. By they did they attend kenya's jubilee celebrations on June 1st? I don't remember seeing them there or were they?So why should a President lower himself to that level?

 

[Mwita Maranya]

What is strange? The diplomats said they will maintain only essential contacts. Celebrating their national Holidays is not an essential contact. By they did they attend kenya's jubilee celebrations on June 1st? I don't remember seeing them there or were they?So why should a President lower himself to that level?

Punguza kelele wewe mwathai, sasa hivi inaonekana wakenya mmenuna na mmechanganyikiwa sana baada ya kuona raisi wa marekani "mkenya" mwenzenu ameshindwa kutembelea kenya.

Ukweli wa mambo ni kwamba kenya ndiyo inaihitaji marekani kukiko marekani inavyoihitaji kenya. Kwahiyo hata kama serikali yenu ya watuhumiwa wa ICC imegoma kuhudhuria hiyo sherehe ya uhuru wa marekani kwa madai yako kuwa hakukuwa na sababu ya raisi wenu kenyatta kujishusha kiasi hicho, na kwamba wamarekani hawakuhudhuria sherehe ya kuapishwa kwa raisi wenu kenyatta lakini utambue kitu kimoja kuwa marekani ni big brother, kenya hamna jinsi hata kama mnajifanya kususa sasahivi lakini baadae mtarudi chini tu na kuwapigia magoti. Mimi nawapa miezi sita tu mtakuwa mmeshakuwa wanyonge kama mbwa mbele ya chatu.

 

[Kichuguu]

Wanasiasa wa Kenya wanaendesha mambo yao kitoto sana. Kutotembelewa na Obama siyo deal la kufanya watu wenye akili za kitu uzima kuamua kupoteza akili zao. Kama ambavyo alivyoamua kutemebea nchi mbili tu katika ziara yake ya kwanza Afriuka, safari hii katembelea nchi tatu, na huenda safari nyingine akatembelea nchi moja tu ya Kenya. Safari za Obama ni za kiserikali na hupangwa kulingana na agenda iliyoko mezani. Ajenda yake kuu kuhusu Tanzania ilikuwa ni kujaribu kupunguza makali ya influence ya China kwa Tanzania, ambapo kuna wasi wasi kuwa influence hiyo kutokea Tanzania inaweza kuzagaa eneo lote la Afrika ya mashariki na ya kati. Kenya hakuna influence kubwa ya China na hata ikiwapo, wamarekani hawaamini kuwa influence ya Kenya inaweza kusambaa haraka sana kama ambavyo itakavyokuwa kwa Tanzania.

Wanasiasa wa Kenya wakomae kiakili sasa; mara zote kutokuoneysha hasira huwa ni jambo la busara sana kuliko kujaribu kuoneysha ubabe ambao hauitishii Marekani wala Tanzania.

Mkutano wa wanawake ulikuwa umeandaliwa na Bush wala siyo Obama, kwa kuwa walimchukia Obama, basi angalu wangemheshimu Bush

 

[mwathai]

Punguza kelele wewe mwathai, sasa hivi inaonekana wakenya mmenuna na mmechanganyikiwa sana baada ya kuona raisi wa marekani "mkenya" mwenzenu ameshindwa kutembelea kenya.

Ukweli wa mambo ni kwamba kenya ndiyo inaihitaji marekani kukiko marekani inavyoihitaji kenya. Kwahiyo hata kama serikali yenu ya watuhumiwa wa ICC imegoma kuhudhuria hiyo sherehe ya uhuru wa marekani kwa madai yako kuwa hakukuwa na sababu ya raisi wenu kenyatta kujishusha kiasi hicho, na kwamba wamarekani hawakuhudhuria sherehe ya kuapishwa kwa raisi wenu kenyatta lakini utambue kitu kimoja kuwa marekani ni big brother, kenya hamna jinsi hata kama mnajifanya kususa sasahivi lakini baadae mtarudi chini tu na kuwapigia magoti. Mimi nawapa miezi sita tu mtakuwa mmeshakuwa wanyonge kama mbwa mbele ya chatu.

As a matter of policy I do not engage with people suffering from verbal diarhoea.or is it acquired intelligence deficiency? syndrome?

 

[JokaKuu]

Kichuguu,

..nadhani tatizo ni kesi inayowakabili Uhuru na Ruto.

..kesi hiyo ndiyo inayofanya mahusiano yao na mataifa ya nje yawe complicated kidogo.

..ila mataifa ya magharibi yakiona interest zao zinakuwa affected basi wanaweza "kuibinya" ICC ili kesi hiyo imalizike haraka na Uhuru na Ruto wasipatikane na hatia.

NB:

..Wakenya walionywa na Koffi Annan, lakini kutokana na tabia na kiburi chao cha KIKABILA wakapuuza ushauri huo.

cc: Nyani Ngabu, Kabaridi, @Ab-Tichaz

 

[MzalendoHalisi]

Vivu tu wa kike!

 

[andate]

Kichuguu,

..nadhani tatizo ni kesi inayowakabili Uhuru na Ruto.

..kesi hiyo ndiyo inayofanya mahusiano yao na mataifa ya nje yawe complicated kidogo.

..ila mataifa ya magharibi yakiona interest zao zinakuwa affected basi wanaweza "kuibinya" ICC ili kesi hiyo imalizike haraka na Uhuru na Ruto wasipatikane na hatia.

NB:

..Wakenya walionywa na Koffi Annan, lakini kutokana na tabia na kiburi chao cha KIKABILA wakapuuza ushauri huo.

cc: Nyani Ngabu, Kabaridi, @Ab-Tichaz

waafrika inabidi tukubali kuwa siasa za marekani ni tofauti kabisa na siasa za kwetu. Kwetu afrika rais anajiamulia tu kusafiri na anasafiri, hakuna mtu anayehoji kulinganisha matumizi ya pesa za safari na faida ya safari. Ilitakiwa aende mpaka kutalii mbuga za wanyama lakini waserekali wenzake wameikatisha kupunguza gharama, ni nani angeweza kumkataza rais wa afrika asitembelee mbuga eti ili gharama zipungue?
Wakati wa Obama kwenda Kenya bado haujafika ukifika atakwenda.

Kama ulivyoeleza jambo la ICC, kwetu afrika tunaona ni jambo dogo tu, lakini wenzetu wanalichukulia tofauti kabisa, na wanashangaa inakuwaje watu wanawapigia kura watuhumiwa wa uhalifu ili wawaongoze kabla ya kesi haijaamuliwa.

Ikiwa wamarekani wanataka kumshikia bango Obama kwa kutembelea Tanzania nchi ambayo ubalozi wake(DC) una kasha ya kusapoti utumwa itakuwaje akienda kuwatembelea watuhumiwa wa uhalifu wa kuua watu?

Bila kusahau jamaa alikuwa anatafuta chanzo cha kifo cha baba yake, na matokeo yake yana utata kidoogo, sasa sijui.

 

[Lole Gwakisa]

As a matter of policy I do not engage with people suffering from verbal diarhoea.or is it acquired intelligence deficiency? syndrome?

Mister, you sound like an ostrich, with its ass high in the air, and head buried in the ground.
Kenya has got to solve its internal problems first before it is recognized internationally.
That ICC case which you guys have made every effort to side pass is coming around in a different way, Kenya is becoming a pariah state, even your next of kin wont recognize you.