St James Aiming for the Sky
From St James to cool you down over the week-end:
Milionaire Barbz is Available and Doing Well
KSB appointment at Scandic Anglais in Stockholm
Kenya-Stockholm millionaire girl, Barbz, has taken contact with KSB and said that she is fine and doing well. Speaking to KSB, she said that she was shocked to learn that stories were circulating in Kenya-Stockholm that she had gone missing.
“I have been holidaying in Spain and I don’t understand why people are spreading rumours that I have gone missing”, she said. “Some Kenyans are just crazy”, she added.
“Before I left for Spain, I had been partying with friends at Stureplan when I had time. I have been available to my close friends and I don’t understand all this talk”, she pointed out.
She said that she had lost both her phones and changed numbers making it difficult for all her contacts to reach her.
“People lose phones all the time and this is what happened to me”, she said. She was surprised that some Kenyans were making wild claims about her and expressed disappointment with Kenya-Stockholm rumor mongers.
“If I owe anybody money, why can’t they come out in the open with their identities and the amount I owe them?”, she wondered.
Some commentators at KSB have been gossiping that Barbz may have gone underground because she is in debt. Others had claimed that she had no fixed abode, claims she dismissed as “cheap talk” spread by “idlers”.
“I have even been attending grill parties with friends. I am not the kind of person to go underground for whatever reason”, she said. It looks like Barbz may have fallen victim to Kenya-Stockholm “Celebrity gossip”.
Rosemary, a contact, called KSB and claimed that some Kenyans are not happy that Barbz appears to be having a lot of cash.
“I know people who have been hanging around Barbz trying to impress on her to help them with their financial problems and if they don’t get what they want, they go out with rumours”, she said. “We should actually be celebrating that we have a Kenyan millionaire in Stockholm”, she quipped.
She gave the example of a Kenyan lady who got 3,000 kr from her although she had asked for 30,000 kr to sort out her bills at Kronofogden (The State-owned debt collection agency). Rosemary was upset that when the lady failed to get the whole amount she had requested, “She went around claiming that Barbz was stingy. She was not even grateful that no one in Stockholm can just throw you three thousand crowns for free”, she said. She appeared very defensive of Barbz.
Appointment at Scandic Anglais
There are some celebrities within the Kenya-Stockholm community and people have a tendency of watching what they do to generate gossip. KSB will soon be giving brief profiles of these Kenya-Stockholmers so keep tuned.
There is a rumour spreading that celebrity St James is planning to move to London once he launches his new album in about 2 weeks time but KSB will soon know. Our spies last spotted him boarding a limo at Skanstull in Stockholm city.
We also know that Rapper Billy Boy has just returned from Kenya where he set up the “Kenyan branch” of his group G-Ruff. A KSB agent in Kenya said that the Kenya-Stockholm celeb was all over the radio although he escaped from the Media at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to avoid Papparazis who wanted a shot of his long standing Swedish girlfriend.
In the meantime, Barbz has given KSB an appointment next week at Scandic Anglais (a Five Star Hotel at Stureplan) “for a chit chat”. Many Kenyans in Stockholm cannot afford to socialize at the Hotel because their status as “economically disadvantaged earthlings” does not allow them to do so. They prefer Vasa where consumables are cheap and where every Odiangabuk can afford a drink.
When you propose a drink at a joint where the cost of “one for the road” could potentially climb to over 30 kr, “The Eco-disadvantaged” begin ku-show wasiwasi on the face. They could say something like “Eh Mamen! Hapo ni expe maze… niko gesi bwana juzi nilituma chapa home you know and blahh blahh blahhh” as the mood begins to get gloomy.
You rescue the situation by saying (on a very serious note) that “But we can go to Vasa. Why waste money at such an expensive place? You know two beers there could provide a meal for a whole family in Kenya for a week. It’s very good that you are sending cash home Mamen…”. As the smile returns to the ka-face, the poor chap will most likely say “Hiyo ni kweli kabisa Bwana Osewe” as you make an about-turn towards Vasa. “Ume jua lazima tukuwe realistic”, he may add. “Exactly”, you nod as you cross the road leading to Vasa.
For now, we wait for the Barbz’s appointment next week to find out what she has been up to. The last time KSB had an appointment with her, her friends who were also sharing the moment, blocked me two times from pulling out my wallet to sort out my bill when the waiter swung around.
A chorus of “please… please…” urging me to return my wallet in my pocket as soon as possible rent the air. Others stood half way on their seats with their hands stretched in a way that suggested that they would physically try to return my wallet into my pocket if I did not get the message. Barbz did not say anything.
Okoth Osewe
Kenya-Stockholm Tycoon Speaks
This is to say that I have read your article about me. While I appreciate your efforts to inform the public about my situation, I wish to point out that your information was a bit exaggerated.
I know the people who provided you with the information and the strange thing is that they are the very people who conned me out of my money. Because friends in Stockholm have also contacted me, I would like you to correct the following.
I am not stranded in Kenya. I am having some financial difficulties after my return ticket expired. I am pursuing legal action for the people who stole my money so the matter will be coming to the courts soon.
I have not been fund raising as you say. The fund raising you were told about were held to help other Kenyans who invited me to help. There are people who cannot send their kids to school while others cannot get medical attention. I have been raising money to help these people, not for my ticket.
I did go to the bank using police escort but it was only once when I went to withdraw a lot of money for a business transaction. There is a lot of crime in Kenya and I didn’t want to be robbed. Pepole do this all the time in Kenya so there is nothing special about it.
I don’t walk with body guards or do the things you talked about. I have some boys around me all the time but they are not bodyguards. They help me go around town because I have not been in Kenya for a long time. They dress smartly in suits because I am a businessman and I meet important people. It is therefore important that the people I walk around with are smart.
The red carpet idea was not my idea. It only happened once when I went to help a friend raise money for his father for treatment. I don’t carry a red carpet in my car. The people thought that I deserved a red carpet because I was using my money to help people. Politicians use stolen money and they don’t even help.
I haven’t hired any Prados to move around because that would be a waste of money. I must admit that I have come to respect your ability to get information.
I am not coming back to Sweden. Although I lost some money, I am still on my feet and able to survive. It is true that some of my property was sold but not everything was lost. I had not put all my property in the bank loan security because I am not thick.
I had my own financial problems with the Swedish authorities but I am working on them. I am very disappointed that after people conned me here, they rushed to KSB with wrong details to portray me as a failure who was stranded in Kenya. I am not stranded. I am doing well and will welcome any Mwananchi from Stockholm for a cold one.
Ni Mimi
Nyama Choma Date for Network Africa Switched to 25/07
The date for the Mega African Grill that was supposed to take place on August 1st under the auspices of the “Network for African Unity” has been switched to Saturday July 25th to avoid a “clash of African Nyama Choma” events.
Sollentuna Nyama Choma Poster
According to Samson Mande, a founding member of the Network, the group learnt that on August 1st (when the grill was scheduled at the Open Garden in Sollentuna) members of the East African community and friends had also scheduled the annual “Grand Nyama Choma” bonanza that will be hosted by Sound of Blackness, a situation that precipitated the date switch by the Network Africa group.
The Grand Nyama Choma event has been running since 1998 when it was set in motion by the defunct Kenya United Welfare Association (KUWA).
The new development will, most likely, provide a sigh of relief to many Nyama Choma addicts of African orientation because of one single reason. Both Sound of Blackness and Network for African Unity have a history of proper organization of events packed with thrilling action and an enthusiast would not want to miss events organized by either of the two groups especially of the Nyama Choma type.
In any case, organizing two huge African grill parties in Stockholm at the same time carries with it the possibility of splitting both attention and crowds, a negative vibe that is not in the interest of African unity in Stockholm. In fact, both Network for African Unity and Sound of Blackness have spread their wings within the same clientele so if both have functions on the same day, the instinct of preference may act negatively on both sides of the Entertainment divide to reduce the socialization index whose peak-point relies greatly on numerical factors.
The Network for African Unity grill, set for Sollentuna, will be held at the “Open Garden” between 14.00-21.00 hrs. Apart from the Nyama Choma, compact entertainment will be provided by a leading African dance group – Chapeux De Guinee and the Kenyan Maestro, Albert Taabu plus Crew.
The presence of live African band to entertain the crowd promises to spice up the occasion and increase temperatures as fans loosen up on the floor to enjoy themselves.
Vumbi Dekula and Sammy Kasule, two prolific Artists based in Stockholm, need no introduction, having made names for themselves long time ago in Africa when I was growing up. I still remember Kasule’s hit single, “Maria Wandaka” which once took the East African music industry by storm. The Kenyan radio DJs could not stop playing this number, not just because of the rhythms but also because of the passionate message Kasule wrapped in the lyrics for his wife. I wish I had more time to go into details.
I am bringing up this history because both Vumbi and Kasule are the big attractions at the Live dance on July 25th so make your date by arranging items on your calendar accordingly.
Sometimes I am just amazed at the talent available within the Stockholm-African community. “Lover Dee” from Uganda is another star in his own right and for followers of the African music scene, he too, needs no introduction. The last time I watched him and his ensemble, he was curtain raising at Debasen before a crowd of over 500 which had descended in town to watch and dance to the beats of “Magic System”. Lover Dee will be at Sollentuna so if you have never seen him in action, take your cue.
The grill garden will be free and as a bonus, Queen Shibba will also be there to give her fans a dose of fun. The revelers will then wind up the evening to get to the dance floor for an all night disco which kicks off at 22 hrs until sun-rise. An important aspect of the situation is that if you want to go through the journey for the night, you have to take it easy at the grill otherwise you will begin to crawl on your knees by midnight because it is a marathon of a Party.
Once the situation changes from grill party to disco dance, guests will be confronted by both DJ Jimmy and DJ Mike who will be sending the message through huge speakers that could stop your heart “MJ style” in case you have a pace-setter installed so be careful. At only 70kr, guests will be treated to non-stop dancing from 22.00 to 06.00 hrs.
According to the organizers, Nyama Choma and entry to the dance floor will be free for Network members, a good reason to pay up the 100kr membership fee. Membership fee will be payable at the venue. For non members, Nyama Choma will cost 50kr while activities will also include children’s play packages so don’t leave your kids behind. Bring them so that they can have fun too!
Okoth Osewe
Millionaire Barbz Goes Missing
Barbz, the young and stylish Kenya-Stockholm millionaire girl, has gone missing and there is a lot of worries that she may have been kidnapped by a group of Nigerians and taken to unknown destination.
According to a friend who called KSB in a moment of panic, Barbz has not been seen for the last one week and all efforts to trace her have gone cold heightening fears that something nasty may have happened to her.
Attempts by KSB to trace her for the past one week have also been fruitless because we have been unable to go through all her three lines in the file. Sms messages are not going through either. A close friend who was contacted by KSB confirmed that she has not seen Barbz “for a long time”.
At the time she disappeared, Barbz had received a message from her Lawyer in Kenya about a 10 million pound residential house in London which was allegedly left to her by her late hubby who died in Kenya.
Friends were certain that she may not have travelled to London to pursue the property because details are with her Lawyer in Kenya who had just broken the news to her. Others have speculated that she may have gone into hiding because of a pending court case in which a Stockholm Pastor is involved.
KSB is still trying to trace her using other channels. We appeal to Barbz to get in touch to allay fears about her personal security.
Okoth Osewe
Karen’s Mom Passes On, Open House at Åsta
Ms Karen Ngina Jönsson, a Kenyan resident in Stockholm, has lost her Mom back home. All Kenyans, friends and well wishers are invited to an “Open House” at Ymsenvägen 9 6tr at Åsta daily from 16.00 hrs until Thursday 16th (next week).
Karen will leave for Kenya on Friday the 17th July to attend her mother’s funeral. KSB sends deep condolences to the bereaved family of Karen following the demise of her mother. We hope that the family will find the courage to go through this difficult moment of deep shock and sorrow.
Death continues to take away loved ones of Kenyans in Stockholm and now, the family of Karen has been robbed of a loving family member.
May Karen and family continue to live up to the expectations of her late Mom as this is the best legacy to show to a departed soul. We are with the family during this time of mourning. Further info: 0704575209; 08-50866655.
Okoth Osewe
“Kenya Red Alliance” Formed in Diaspora
MISSION STATEMENT:
A new political formation called the “Kenya Red Alliance (KRA)” has been set up by a group of Kenyans at home and in Diaspora to address the growing and critical question of the “Kenyan revolution” which KRA initiative takers believe, is the only way to rescue the country from deep political, economic and social crisis after more than 45 years of dictatorship and authoritarianism by three subsequent regimes.
Experiments with capitalism have led to starvation and death in Kenya
Today, the rapidly deteriorating situation in Kenya has led to starvation of millions of citizens, total collapse of social infrastructure, mass poverty, spiraling crime especially among the youth, personal insecurity, mass unemployment, looting of the economy by political gangsters, extra-judicial executions of innocent civilians by organized agents of State terror, banning of books and a host of catastrophic failures that are increasingly leading to the categorization of Kenya by the International community as a “failed State”.
The formation of KRA comes after six months of meticulous deliberations by “like-minded” Kenyans at home and in Diaspora who believe that fourty five years of experimentation with a deformed capitalist system of government headed by wealth grabbers is not working for the people of Kenya but serving the collective interests of a tiny class of thieves and robbers. This class continues to use the system to steal wealth produced by toiling workers and peasants and, in the process, leaving the suffering masses without the most basic of human necessities. Once again, a powerful smell of revolution is in the air.
While KRA initiative takers agree with millions of Kenyans who believe that politicians have let down workers, peasants, students and the army of unemployed youth, their position is that the rotten political system called capitalism that enables politicians to steal tax Payers’ money through illegal salary increments of MPs, institutionalized corruption, tax evasion by the rich, lavish lifestyles for the ruling class as Kenyans starve and an entrenched policy of external dependencies and internal exploitation by domestic and International wealth grabbers is directly responsible for the misery millions of Kenyans have and continue to undergo with devastating consequences.
KRA’s initiative takers believe that the system of capitalism has failed globally and that it will never work in Kenya because this rotten system (that pits the rich against the poor) has outlived its usefulness thereby making it incapable of moving society forward. Under the circumstances, it is the view of KRA initiative takers that the system needs to be abolished while corrupt and opportunistic politicians presiding over it should be forced out of power by a revolutionary movement or Party through available democratic channels.
The defeat of collaborators running the corrupt government on behalf of themselves will pave the way for a new beginning by a new generation of leaders and thinkers armed with a workable political alternative that can effectively end mass poverty, perpetual starvation, wanton deprivation, looting of resources and untold human suffering of millions of Kenyans.
KRA’s initiative takers believe that reclaiming the country will not be possible without a clear understanding of both the main issues that needs to be addressed and the political tasks ahead of KRA as a serious revolutionary outfit. While the core issue is to defeat the system, the fundamental objective is to erect a just and democratic government that will ensure equitable distribution of the country’s vast resources among the people of Kenya who are seeking to address the crisis of leadership in the country.
From the standpoint of KRA, there is no solution to the stalemate apart from revolution and the big questions on KRA’s table includes a general agreement about the definition of revolution within the Kenyan context, the kind of revolution needed in our country at this point in time, the immediate agenda of this revolution, how it should be organized and the people who are best equipped to lead the struggle for genuine political change, economic transformation and social justice in Kenya. KRA’s initiative takers believe that there can never be “Business as usual” as long as there are Kenyans going without food, clothing and shelter.
It is the view of KRA that Kenya is ripe for revolution but that there is currently no Movement or Party armed with the right ideas, strategies and tactics to lead the revolutionary struggle as the masses of the people cry for revolutionary change to defeat an entrenched class of looters who have been facing no serious or organized challenge as they run the country like a huge business empire where they are answerable to nobody but themselves.
Today, millions of Kenyans are convinced that the country is sinking but, unfortunately, there is a lot of hopelessness about what needs to be done. Although there is talk of reform from the opportunist wing of the democratic Movement led by sections of the wealthy ruling class and segments of the civil society, there is no indication that these reforms will ever put food on the table for the starving Kenyans, create jobs for idle youth, avail medicine in hospitals or create shelter for millions of homeless citizens in our country.
KRA believes that the political vacuum that exists in Kenya will never be filled without the element of revolution coming into play and it is because of this belief that KRA has been formed. The emergence of the Alliance is the product of convergence of individuals, groups and organizations which have, in the past, put forward a revolutionary agenda for Kenya but whose initiatives have been hampered by lack of sufficient revolutionary consciousness among the oppressed and subjugated masses in Kenya.
The System is “Rotten Beyond Refom”
KRA’s Mission Statement Continued…
The positive aspect is that political consciousness in Kenya has, over the past decade, undergone rapid and tremendous growth as a result of systematic capitalist decay in Kenya and collapse of the system internationally. This development has created a volatile situation that has sustained sporadic social explosions that, in turn, desperately calls for a revolutionary outfit like KRA to give hope in a hopeless situation and to direct the struggle against the rich which has held the poor hostage in their own country.
Kenyan MPs living lavishly while citizens starve to death
The intention of KRA’s initiative takers is not to pursue a rigid line of struggle or opt for a sectarian line of politics closed to open debate and stuck with dogma. The intention is to gather all individuals and forces who believe that the country is ripe for revolution, honestly access the gains of the Kenya democratic movement since the betrayal of the Mau Mau following the “Colonial revolution”, expose the ravages of neo-colonialism and imperialist domination of our country over the past decades and to chart out a clear and workable revolutionary solution that has evaded several progressive Movements whose leaderships believed in the concept of liberation within the framework of a rotten system that has been entering into one crisis after another both locally and internationally. The country is in decay because the system has literally grinded to a halt.
There is no doubt that protracted struggles by “Post-independence Movements” led by very courageous compatriots have led to massive democratic gains in Kenya. Huge sacrifices in terms of life and blood have been made by thousands of Kenyans for the sake of our country’s freedom and emancipation. The democratic gains Kenyans enjoy today were not won accidentally or without a fight. They came about as a result of commitment to the liberation struggle by Kenyan freedom fighters who struggled tirelessly under impossible conditions to realize these gains following the colonization of Kenya and the emergence of the Kenyatta, Moi and, lately, Kibaki dictatorships under the neo-colonial arrangement supervised by imperialist powers.
However, the democratic gains over the past decades have, at the same time, been overshadowed by a “permanent status quo” characterized by the country’s resources and wealth producing institutions having been left on the hands of multi-national companies and local bourgeoisie whose agents constitute the corrupt ruling classes which have and continue to control the Kenya State machine to perpetuate both their personal interests and the interests of their imperialist masters. The problem in Kenya is not about the constitution but wealth distribution. It is about the struggle between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have nots, the exploiter and the exploited.
In other words, the general stand-still of Kenya’s political, economic and social progress is a result of decades of control of the country’s wealth and resources by foreign agents working in cahoots with local stooges in control of the State machine which they utilize to contain the struggle against the system as reform politics is put forward to dupe the masses that the solution to the crisis is reform and not revolution.
KRA initiative takers believe that constitutional and other reforms are a step in the right direction but that the Constitution is a piece of paper that will never put food on the table. Kenyans are not starving because of a defective Constitution but because of looting of the country’s resources by thieves in control of a rich man’s system of government which needs to be vanquished to open the way for sharing of the national cake currently in the custody of a committee of wealth grabbers calling themselves “government”.
From the Kenyan experience, there is ample evidence that the rich and powerful will never institute political changes in the interest of the poor but in their own personal interests and to further their own endless wealth-grabbing agendas. KRA seeks to break the gridlock where Movements and politicians have entered into politics with reform agendas to sustain the status quo, not to overturn the very system that is at the center of the suffering of millions of Kenyans who have been living under dehumanizing conditions since the days of flag independence in 1963.
Our position is that while political reforms are vital and important for the country’s democratization process, the system of capitalism under which millions of Kenyans are and continue to suffer “is rotten beyond reform” and consequently, “ripe for overthrow”. Any sane Kenyan who does not understand this fundamental point is politically unconscious.
It is a fact that the reform process has been stuck because of competing interests of various capitalist factions within the coalition’s ruling classes whose members continue to loot the economy, grab land and execute Kenyans using security forces under their firm control.
Initiative takers of KRA believe that the emergence of the Alliance at this critical point in the history of our country is a bold step towards creating the “subjective factor” currently missing in Kenya to help speed up the revolutionary process that will liberate our country from neo-colonialism, imperialist control and capitalist class rule that has, over the years, guaranteed mass poverty, mass unemployment and “hell on earth” for millions of Kenyans already starving to death.
We take this opportunity to appeal to Kenyans who may be interested in the Alliance to take contact for further discussions and coordination for purposes of emancipating our country.
Okoth Osewe
Interim Secretary
Kenya Red Alliance (KRA)
kenyaredalliance(at)mapambano.com
Kenya-Stockholm “Tycoon” Stranded Back Home
Kenya-Stockholmer liked Prados
A Kenya-Stockholmer who has been chilling in Sweden for over three decades and who recently made a dramatic return to Kenya to set up business is stranded in the country after he ran bankrupt unexpectedly following a bizz-deal gone sour.
“He has sold virtually everything to survive including his expensive three piece suits, BlackBerry, gold chains and mega-pixel camera”, a source who has been hanging around the guy told KSB in an exclusive expose.
The Kenyan landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport aboard a British Airways flight a few months ago with a one-way ticket after bidding “good bye” to Sweden to start a brand new life in Kenya as a local tycoon.
The amount of Swedish Kronazz he had at his disposal at the time of his arrival in Kenya is said to have been enough to earn him the coveted “Millionaire tag”, at least, by ordinary Kenyan standards.
He enhanced this image by adopting a flashy life-style, complete with “all expenses paid” business appointments at five star hotels, huge tips to waiters to intimidate his guests and chattered taxi rides for his hangers-on to maintain their sycophancy. Apparently, locals appeared to have swallowed his bait as they marveled at his dazzling plastic bizz-cards, gold-coated watch and other paraphernalia associated with big quid.
During his debut as a local tycoon just landed from Chambele, he used to ramble in town with hired Prados, swaggering endlessly with intimidating and stone faced “body guards” cloaked in dark black suits with eyes hidden behind dark glasses and postures choreographed to imitate Presidential security.
With grinding poverty in Kenya, he quickly discovered that there was no shortage of invitations to fund raising functions with himself as “Guest of Honour” and prior to his arrival at these points of exhibition, a pack of well-dressed “security personnel” would arrive at the scene “to inspect the place” and to prepare the crowd for his arrival. In fact, his very approach was a spectacular event because of the theater his so called minders built around his presence. Within his convoy was a car loaded with a roll of red carpet which would be put in place just before he arrived to enhance his public image.
To be exact, an impromptu entry of his entourage into a locality literally created a pandemonium as stampeding locals ran amok to try and catch a glimpse of the “VIP” who was visiting town. According to a source, “You could think that he was a Cabinet Minister” helping in the running of the Coalition government. When he went to the bank to withdraw quid, he used to hire armed uniformed police (a legal activity in Kenya) to provide security.
After collecting his life time savings, selling his car and other assets and securing his pension, the Kenyan left Sweden “For G” to live his last days at home as a member of “the Kenya business elite”.
According to a source who has updated KSB, things were kind of good because the Kenyan had done his research, set up a stable economic base and appeared to have understood the dynamics of setting up business in Kenya. He had invested in small time real estate (built some residential houses), set up an Internet coffee shop, invested in public transport among other average business ventures.
Insiders say that he had planned well and that his intention was to first make a huge impact then begin to tone down his economic possibilities as he began to control his business.
It was great when he eventually left Stockholm and Kenyans stuck here with menial jobs which have “tied them up” looked upon him as an example they could emulate when he eventually left to set base in Kenya.
According to reports, things started taking a negative twist when the Kenyan began to aim even higher by trying to venture into bigger business opportunities within a very short period of time. He had a solid financial base and punde si punde, he discovered how easy it was for him to acquire Bank loans using his fixed assets. Since he had never taken a single loan in Kenya despite his investment, he became the “darling of the banks”.
The fact that he had resided in Sweden for more than three decades only made things better because whenever he talked about his “Swedish background” to bosses across the country, they smiled because they viewed him as a good contact who could probably help them with business connections in Sweden to help them expand their business empires.
The Kenyan had succeeded in convincing skeptical Kenyans at home that he was actually a successful international businessman who had returned home to invest because of changing political climate that tended to encourage Kenyans in Diaspora to invest their money back home.
One big advantage he had was that he had solid investments at home which he could identify with as he claimed other fictitious assets abroad and, according to our contacts, this strategy appeared to have been working a lot of magic as parasitic formations began to crowd around him expecting to have their economic problems sorted out if they could attract his attention. It was like his business interests in Kenya was less than 5% of his entire global investments.
Sixteen Harambees and Ksh 14,000
If there is one thing this Kenyan dude is talented in, it’s “talking big”. For some inexplicable reasons, he has the capacity to make a huge psychological impact on people he comes into contact with and within a very short period of time. Combined with his advanced age, polished dressing style, smooth talking, a permanent crowd around him and name dropping, he is said to have been in a position to wade his way through the complicated Kenyan business avenues with ease. But that was not until he talked his way to acquire a Bank loan using his assets and an assortment of what our contact termed “economic theatrics” (whatever that means).
Once he acquired the loan (in millions of Kenyan shillings), he was enticed to enter into partnership with a Kenyan businessman with the aim of venturing into the lucrative Communication industry and that is when he met his Waterloo.
He was conned with fake papers by a professional con-artist and after frantic efforts, he failed to prevent his assets from being sold by his bank which had used the assets as collateral. Once his property was sold, the Kenyan went broke and now, he is stranded.
The situation is even more complicated because back in Sweden, he had fled from Kronofogden (the debt collection agency), after selling off his share of a house he purchased with a Swedish woman to raise cash to return to Kenya.
By “playing chess games” with Swedish authorities, he managed to keep his cash away from the Tax authorities by using other contacts to claim asset ownership. It is said that as soon as he noticed that he was heading for the bad books at the Tax office, he switched all his wealth to other destinations and what the Swedes were left with for deductions by the time they caught up with him was his pension. He got an “Early pension” after he claimed that he was suffering from back ache as a result of a chronic a disease and somehow, he got his way.
His bills at Krono are said to be approaching 1 million Swedish Crowns because in Sweden, he used to run a Taxi business which collapsed a few years ago. His relocation back home was viewed by friends as the best thing that ever happened to him because after life took a downward turn in Sweden, he faced a big risk of a breakdown and entry into alcoholism.
There is no doubt that the guy is one of the most intelligent Kenyans in Stockholm but unfortunately, the tight Swedish system has, in the past, destroyed even the most gifted Kenyans. Kenya-Stockholm insiders will quickly give you examples of some of our best brains that have been destroyed as a result of frustrations, lives turned upside down and a host of other problems.
Back to our stranded Kenyan: The situation is serious because the guy is unable to raise a ticket. Wananchi at home have began their usual pastime when it comes to such situations – laughing at the Kenyan.
The talk goes that he was running around feeling bossy but that now, he is begging for funds to buy a ticket back to Sweden. Besides, Kenyans are undergoing their own versions of economic crisis and therefore unable to help financially. All his rich friends have deserted him while his immediate family members are too poor to intervene. So far, he has called 16 fund raising functions but he has only managed to raise Ksh 14,200 (about 1,4000 kr). This is far much short of the 4-5 thousand Crowns (about Ksh 40-50,000) he needs for a one way ticket.
After sixteen Harambees, some Kenyans around him have told him that they are already exhausted financially and therefore unable to help further. Although he says that he will refund any cash donated, skepticism has set in because Kenyans back home cannot understand why he cannot request his friends in Stockholm to help after residing here for more than 30 years.
Back in Stockholm, a contact told KSB during investigations that the Kenyan “was boasting too much” after he booked his one way ticket and announced that he was returning to Kenya. “He told us that we are losers” because we were even finding problems raising cash to travel to Kenya. This situation has made it difficult for even some of his closest friends to help.
The question is whether people can put aside personal differences and intervene in the spirit of chasing away the fox before the hen can be warned against wondering into the “thick Kenyan business bushes”.
Okoth Osewe
Best Wishes to Winnie Mukaru and Family
On behalf of my family, I take this opportunity to send best wishes to Winnie Mukaru and her entire family on the special occasion when Winnie’s Son, Mukaru Nganga, is being officially welcomed to the planet by the Kenyan community and friends in Stockholm.
I am away at the moment and therefore unable to attend the function taking place in Stockholm, today Saturday July 4th 2009. May the young Mukaru grow up and become productive in life like his late grandfather, Dr. Mukaru Nganga, whose passing was a great loss to the entire Kenya revolutionary Movement at a critical tme when the Nation needed him the most.
Okoth Osewe
DJ Otieno V to Feature at Grand Nyamchom After-Party
There is no end as to the number of surprises the Entertainment team, Sound of Blackness, has for their fans, friends and the general Kenyan fraternity in Stockholm. With the Grand Nyama Choma slightly more than a month away (Sato 1st August is the big day), the smell of Nyamchom could as well be in the air and Sound of Blackness crew is leaving nothing to chance.
Nyama Choma poster in circulation
Most Kenyans who were at the all night boogie dance will remember DJ Otieno at Norsborg who was connected some times back by Sound of Blackness to give Kenyans in Stockholm a memorable break. After the Nameless show, which was also facilitated by Sound of Blackness a few weeks ago, the group has once again wired DJ Otieno to complete the cycle at the Red Line Disco.
That will be after the grills shall have gone cold at Fittja and the beach deserted. The target group are the hangers-on who will be “Party hungry” and therefore looking for extra action after the sun sets on the 2009 Nyamchom. KSB has been updated that entrence will be 80kr.
Since the summer began officially on 19th July, there have been several Kenyan private grills but the Grand Nyama Choma is normally the ultimate point where the Nyama Choma culture reaches a climax. For this reason, the event is normally the most publicized or, if you like, it’s normally regarded by Kenya-Stockholmers as the annual “mother of all Nyama Chomas”.
In fact, the Grand Nyama Choma culture has survived for more than 10 years because its organization has continued to change hands although without any official documents. At some point, Nyama Choma attracted an International audience with professional Nyama Choma consumers travelling all the way from Kenya, Norway, Denmark and the United States just to sample the meat and to keep the spirit alive.
May be, Sound of Blackness should talk to the newly launched “Africa Nordic Cultural Organization” (with leading artist Albert Taabu at the helm) to link up the Grand Nyama Choma with his popular “Watoto Wacheze” sessions. Taabu and crew have already proven their worth, having performed and entertained kids at numerous functions especially in Stockholm. The latest was last Saturday at Hässelby where kids were entertained free of charge as their parents were treated to Nyamchom and other adult stuff.
Another idea would be for a group like “Making A Difference” to discuss with Sound of Blackness on how kids activities might be better coordinated at the Nyama Choma. The importance of linking the kids is one. Kenyans meet at diverse functions and even on this material day, adults will have the opportunity to extend their activities at the Red Line Disco the whole night so why not make something special for the kids?
Guest of Honour
DJ Otieno V in action at Norsborg
In any case, it is at the Nyama Choma type of functions where families could maximize time to let the children play. The problem is that Kenyan parents are not centrally organized because of reasons beyond this article. Groups that claim to organize kids should therefore seize on the opportunity and get their acts together by setting aside all possible obstacles to get the kids running with all sorts of activities. The truth is that there are very few palces to recruit parents and their kids to future activities and Nyama Choma presents a real opportunity.
As Kenyan youth get older and middle aged Kenyans are pushed by nature towards becoming Wazee, the reality is that these Kenyans are not idle. The men have caught up with the women and vice versa, they have done stuff and ended up with kids. Many of these kids are under ten years and despite the normal children’s entertainment circles open to the public in Stockholm, it is at places like Nyama Choma where you see fingers pointing to kids running around with “that is the kid of so and so” talk.
You didn’t even know that Nani has crossed over from the single’s club after being cornered while you are not aware that Yule Jamaa has been working so hard that he has completed another multiplication process of Kenyans in the planet. Not only has the boy crawled and taken his first steps, the Kajunior is already running around and since you missed it all, you have some breaking news to attend to. You begin to understand that Nyama Choma is not just about meat. It’s partly about being able to catch up with the real news, not endless propaganda at KSB.
May be, if Sound of Blackness has the nerves, they could approach Ambassador Purity Muhindi to take a break with attending Wazugu functions and surprise Wakenya for once by attending this year’s Nyam Chom as the “Guest of Honour”. Purity has become KSB’s favourite punching bag but she needs to put differences between her and KSB to serve her people.
Regardless of what happens, the continued presence of the Grand Nyama Choma as an annual Kenya-Stockholm event should be a moment of pride because not many immigrant communities are capable of uniting to pull anything like it.
We hope that Sound of Blackness will not just keep the spirit but also maintain the high standard that has continued to make the event attractive and a special treat to mark on the Summer calendar.
Okoth Osewe.
Kenya-Stockholm Artist, St James to Launch Album on 20th July
Leatherear is proud to present the absolutely hottest house act from Sweden today…. St. James! who has signed a world-wide deal with Leatherear and is
St James: “Reach4TheSky”
currently applying finishing touches on a MONUMENTAL album. The first single, “Reach4TheSky”, is produced by the legendary Mike Perry. This undertaking delivers slick radio edits and “kick-ass extendeds” & dubs, all with liberal doses of club-tastic vocals by St. James.
The release date of the album is 20th July 2009, and you can have a pre-listen of Reach4TheSky at: www.djshop.de
KSB takes this opportunity to congratulate St James as he awaits the release of his MONUMENTAL album. It is the intention of KSB crew to be part of the crowd when the LP hits the market. Well done St James. You continue to show the artistic creativity of the Kenyan Nation hapa ulayani and we hope that sky will be the limit.
Okoth Osewe
Vumbi Dekula and Sammy Kasule at Lila Wien: 3-4/July
Lilla Wien Bar and Restaurant Present’s
Vumbi Dekula
Afro-Music Soukous and Rumba with:
Maestro Vumbi Dekula and Sammy Kasule.
Date:03-04 July 2009 (Friday-Saturday) from 21-01
Address: Swedenborgsgatan 20 Södra Station Pendeltåg
Welcome and dance with us “Soukous Mashariki na Kati”
About KSB
New Book On Kenya December 2007 Election Crisis: In Circulation
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