Owili Ongaro Funeral Committee Set Up
A Committee to help organize the transportation of the body of the late Mr. Philip Owili Ongaro to Kenya has been set up in Stockholm. The Committee is headed by Mrs Hellen Opwapo, ODM-Scandinavia Chairperson, Dr. Margaret Obondo, Secretary and Mr. Mark Agar Gaya, the Treasurer.
The task of the Committee is to raise funds to finance the transportation of Mr. Owili’s body to Kenya for burial accompanied by his four children and his wife, Mrs Jane Owili. The total cost of the project has been placed at 70,000 kr (about 700,000 Kenyan shillings). A funds drive has been set for Saturday, 5th December 2007 although the venue will be announced later because consultations are still continuing.
Mr. Owili’s body was found in his flat last Tuesday. At the moment, the cause of death has not been established because a post mortem report is still awaited. Mr. Owili’s death has shocked members of the Kenyan community who knew him because at the time of his death, he appeared healthy, strong and out-going.
The Committee has appealed for solidarity from members of the Kenya-Stockholm community, Swedes, friends, sympathizers and well wishers. Speaking to KSB, Mr. Mark Gaya said that Mr. Owili’s family in Kenya is awaiting the body for burial and appealed to Kenyans to unite during this time of shock and sorrow and assist the family transport the body to Kenya.
Mr. Owili’s brother is resident in Sweden and, according to reports reaching KSB, he is allegedly not in talking terms with Mrs Owili because of long standing family feuds. It is reported that he has chosen to keep away from the fund raising activities.
A KSB agent has reported that the brother has ganged up with a group of Kenyans to try and undermine the fund raising effort, arguing that family members of the late Owili in Sweden have changed the key lock at Owili’s residence where the brother used to stay with the late.
Committee’s Appeal for Solidarity
According to Mrs. Jane Owili who was interviewed by KSB, the lock was changed through the assistance of police after the brother refused to surrender the key so that the family could have access to Owili’s flat in order to acquire documents and other personal details that were required in the process of collaboration with the Swedish authorities who are in contact with the family as the next of kin. Mrs Owili said that it is Mr. Owili’s eldest son who intervened to open the door in conjunction with police for official reasons.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Mr. Mark Gaya said that the Funeral Committee will not engage in any real or imagined family feud between the family and Owili’s brother because the agenda of the Committee is to fund raise so that the family can transport Mr. Owili’s body to Kenya for burial. He appealed to the late Owili’s brother and anybody around him to set aside any differences and help the Committee to fund raise.
Mr. Gaya also said that although Mr. Owili had a separate flat where he was living at the time of death, the Committee will be meeting at his official residence where his wife and children have been residing because, according to Luo culture, that is the house where bereavement has taken place.
Some Kenyans have accused the late Owili’s brother of being inconsiderate and irresponsible for seeking to set up a rival group to fight the family at a time when a huge amount of cash needs to be raised to transport Owili’s body to Kenya for burial.
Those who support him have claimed that the family has made him homeless by changing the lock although the family has countered by saying that they had to have access to the flat as the next of kin after he refused to hand over the keys.
As we went to press, there were no plans by Owili’s brother to organize any rival fund raising. Through KSB, both the Funeral Committee and the family, have appealed to Kenyans and well-wishers in Sweden to support the family and ignore Owili’s brother whom, they say, is also welcome to join in the fund raising activities. Another key member of the Committee is Mr. Oyuga Odada. The Committee tasked KSB with transmitting relevant information to the Kenyan and other publics in relation to its fund raising activities.
Okoth Osewe
Update on Mzee Goga’s Passing: Meeting Today at Continental
Following the passing of Mzee Goga, the father of Coolie and Otie, Kenyans, friends and well-wishers are meeting today, Friday 27th November at Continental Hotel (located near the Central Station) from 18.00 hrs to condole with the bereaved family during this time of shock and sorrow.
Continental Hotel is a central meeting place and Kenyans have been meeting there from time to time especially following bereavements.
Another meeting will take place tomorrow at Elizabeth’s Salon from 14.00 tomorrow Saturday 28th November. The address is Roslagsgatan 11 and further information can be obtained by ringing 0739239413.
Okoth Osewe
Fanuel Okoth Update: Details About Memorial Service
Arrangements for the burial of the late Mr. Fanuel Okoth have been finalised. The body leaves New Nyanza General Hospital on Thursday 3/12 to it´s final resting place in Yimbo, Goma Village, Siaya District where Okoth will be burried. Burial will take place on Friday 4/12.
Meanwhile, the “Fanuel Okoth Funeral Committee” here in Stockholm, together with Okoth’s family in Sweden, has announced that plans have been completed for a Prayer meeting scheduled for Saturday 28th November at Okoth’s residence in Södertälje starting from 14:00hrs.
For those who wish to attend, take pendeltåg to Östertälje, then buss 753 to Fornhöjden and drop off at Fornbackaskolan. The addresse is 44, 2tr code: 2244#.
In case of difficulties, call 074954947 or 0700299650. KSB has also been informed that former wife of the late Okoth who also resides in Södertälje will travel to Kenya to attend the burial together with all her 3 daughters, a son and 1 of the daughter’s husband.
Nina Okoth & daughters, Angelica Mohlin & husband Jesper Mohlin, Agnetha Okoth, Theresa Okoth and son James Okoth have expressed their wish to be present during the burial ceremony.
Fanuel Okoth, whose mother is a sister to Kenyas Prime Minister Raila Odinga´s mother, was one of the beneficiaries of scholarships issued by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to pursue studies in the former Soviet Union.
He is one of the few Kenyans who came abroad in the early 70´s. From Soviet Union, he settled in Sweden where he got married to his former Russian wife and got blessed with 4 children. He later got married to a Kenyan lady, Lilly Okoth with whom they have also lived with for quite some time before his death. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
Ochieng Nyambok,
Chairman,
Fanuel Okoth Funeral Committee
Babito Update: Reply from Former Swedish Boyfriend
I could go through the original article and the updates bit by bit and explain my view on it and why I see the situation very differently than stated on the blog, but that will still be word against word, and no one can prove anything. My words might also be interpreted negatively towards the mother and other people, which I would not want to do!
Instead I will say that when this article came to my attention, I immediately brought up this with the mother of my son – which was on Monday the 23rd. She said that she was “shocked” by it and that all of the article was a collection of lies and exaggerations. I asked her to contact KSB and tell them that, so that this information would come from the source, not second hand. I also spoke extensively to the moderator of KSB who explained that the articles can not be removed, but he welcomed my comments. Later the mother said to me that she had “gone to the core of the whole story”, and that some kind of mistake / misunderstanding had been made by people she knew.
After having read the last updates and read about all these wonderful people that have been so caring to my son and her mother, I felt so outraged that I just had to send in a posting to KSB! It is so fantastic that apparently so many people have reached out their hearts for what they think is a worthy cause! That they want to help when people are in need! These are the people that will save this world from all the bad things that unfortunately comes out now and then! But in this case, those well wishes are for something that is not true! Someone has written a wildly exaggerated story where very little is true. I and the mother agreed very much both on this when we spoke. When I asked her Monday if she agree that the original posting is lies and crap, her exact comment was “Basically most of it is crap, crap, crap”!
I must strongly point out that my parents have met our son, and find him absolutely adorable! The color of other people’s skins has never been a problem in our family, and, as a matter of fact, my sister is adopted!
It breaks my heart to read this vicous story and these false accusations. Where generous-hearted people are exploited to earn money dishonestly. My exact words Monday to the mother was: “People might believe what is there and might want to give money to you, to my son – to Our son – for something that is not true”.
If the situation had been one where all these lovely people had given to help our son and his mother because our present financial situation is not that good, that would be wonderful. But for them to give, based on this story is terrible! I feel a knife in my heart, for our Son! I feel the honor of a very innocent soul has been used and tarnished! The caring souls who actually reach out are the ones who will make it so something like this does not happen again 
According to the former Swedish boyfriend, this response has been agreed upon by Babito, her former Swedish boyfriend and the Good Samaritan
Great Public Demand! Vumbi Dekula to Swing into Action
Vumbi Dekula in action
Due to great public demand, Vumbi Dekula Band will be playing at Lilla Wien on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th when he will entertain fans from 21.00 to 1.00. The address is Swdenborgsgatan 20 (Pendel Södra Station).
Lilla Wien, which is also known as “Little Nairobi” is increasingly becoming popular with members of the African and Swedish communities who continue to enjoy the beats churned by the Vumbi group. Last month, Prime Minister Raila Odinga surprised revelers at the club when he came to have fun there after a busy day in Stockholm during his official visit in Sweden. Raila’s name went down as the most senior politician to have visited the club and the spot where Raila sat has since been baptized “Raila Corner”.
KSB takes this opportunity to congratulate Vumbi and Crew for having set up a base at Little Nairobi at a time when Africans and lovers of African music have no major music point where they can enjoy Live Music all night long. All people who love African music should support and encourage Vumbi and Crew because they are filling a huge vacuum in the African Entertainment industry in Stockholm.
Okoth Osewe
Coolie and Otie Have Lost their Dad in Kenya
Members of the Kenya-Stockholm community have been plunged into yet another bout of mourning following the demise of Coolie and Otie’s Dad in Kenya. KSB has already taken contact with the family and the brothers will be leaving for Kenya as soon as possible. We take this opportunity to send deep condolences to the bereaved family during this time of great shock and sorrow.
We hope that the two brothers, together with members of their families, will gather the courage to go through this very difficult moment of mourning. For messages of condolences, Kenyans, friends and well-wishers can get in touch with the family through Coolie at: Tel 073 9420003. In the meantime, the family has an “Open House” continuously until they depart for Kenya to attend the funeral. Mourners are free to pop in and register their condolences to the bereaved family.
The bereavement comes at a very difficult time when the Kenya-Stockholm community has been hit by a series of deaths of Kenya-Stockholmers, the latest having been the sudden death of Mr. Philip Owili Ongaro whose body was discovered in his flat yesterday and the late Mr. Fanuel Okoth who passed away in Kenya last week.
The two deaths follow the passing of Mr. Onyango Sumba, a former Stockholmer who was buried in Kenya last month. Thereafter, Naomi Njeri, a Kenya-Stockholmer had to leave for Kenya to attend burial following the death of her Dad in Kenya while just before that, another Kenya- Stockholmer lost his Mom, forcing him to travel to Kenya for the funeral.
Okoth Osewe
Late Owili Update: Kenyans to Meet at Residence
An “Open House” has been set up at the residence of Mr. Philip Owili Ongaro who passed away in Stockholm. Friends, relatives and well-wishers are invited to the residence on Sunday, November 29th at Drakensbersgatan 37 at Hörstull in Stockholm. The purpose of the meeting is to set up a “Funeral Committee” to facilitate the late Owili’s body transportation to Kenya. Mr. Owili is survived by his wife, Mrs Jane Owili and three children who all reside in Sweden. For further info, call 0739778560.
Okoth Osewe
Babito Update: “Thank You Very Much”
Following good response in connection with assistance of Babito and her baby, the mother wishes to put on hold further help. The Good Samaritan who has been helping in the case has been doing so out of a good heart, the love for the child and the compassion for the mother. Since no further help is currently necessary, personal contact details of the Good Samaritan have been retired from the blog while further appeal for help has also been halted. The child’s mother would like to thank everybody who has been concerned about the situation.
Okoth Osewe
Update on Babito and New Baby
Overwhelming Response Following Appeal for Help
A box of diapers just opened
Following an appeal at KSB for help linked to Lady Babito and her new baby, reports reaching KSB indicate that there has been a massive response which has surprised the Good Samaritan who has been helping Babito. Barely twenty four hours after the appeal went out, a flood of donations of different descriptions began to flow in the flat where Babito lives.
Through agents, KSB has learnt that a mountain of diapers is now packed in the flat and to quote a source, “there is no more space” in the balcony which is packed with diapers. “We are overwhelmed and you people have done a fantastic job”, a source said referring to KSB and agents.
There was also an appeal for formula milk and, according to sources, the amount of milk that has so far been received is enough to feed the baby “indefinitely” and more is still pouring in.
“We are extremely grateful to KSB”, a source at the Good Samaritan’s house is quoted to have told an agent. “It is incredible what can happen within such a short time”, the source added. The baby now has two prams, a situation which has created problems with space while the pile of clothes that have so far been donated is said to be “enough for now”.
A new pram packed with baby clothes had to be detained by a woman donor because reports from the flat where the baby is living indicated that “there was no more space” where another pram could fit.
The family is thankful to all donors who responded with lightning speed following the appeal. In the meantime, sources have confirmed that some donors have been pumping cash in a Nordea account linked to the baby although the exact amount so far raised could not immediately be established because no auditing has been done. The last time an update was made available to KSB by the person in charge, someone had pumped in 500 kr. A comprehensive audit of the help will be made available as soon as it is received from the subjects.
In the meantime, an interesting twist to the saga has also emerged. It is reported that after the story exploded at KSB, the Swedish father of the baby surfaced with a pack of diapers and some milk for the baby. This was positive.
It has also emerged that there are “some people” who have put both Babito and the Good Samaritan under immense pressure after they made a public appeal for help when the situation became desperate.
This new development has prompted KSB’s “Department of Intelligence” to allocate extra agents to try and establish who these people are and why they are opposed to public help for Babito and child in a situation that clearly called for outside help.
Another interesting development is that it has emerged that the Swedish father has another girlfriend who is said to be behind the rejection of Babito and whose romantic interests may be threatened in case the Swedish guy begins to develop serious attachments to both the baby and Babito.
KSB’s agents are working in shifts 24/7 to unravel details that could help KSB readers understand the real puzzle that could have landed Babito in such a difficult situation. As we went to press, an agent reported that she has established that Babito has an Auntie who lives outside Stockholm and who is reported to be unhappy about current developments.
What is not known is why the Auntie refused to help Babito at a time when she was homeless with a new baby and the reasons why she is reported to be unhappy with current developments. The main story may have just began.
Okoth Osewe
Breaking News: Kenya-Stockholmer Philip Owili Ongaro is Dead
Kenya-Stockholmer Mr. Philip Owili Ongaro is dead. According to sources which confirmed the sad departure of Mr. Owili, he was found dead in his flat today in the morning by his brother who had just returned from safari.
Mr. Owili’s family in Stockholm has been alerted about the news while the body has been moved to Karolinska Hospital. The cause of death could not be established immediately.
The death of Mr. Owili is extremely shocking, coming at a time when Kenyans are preparing for a Memorial service of Mr. Fanuel Okoth who passed away last week. KSB has spoken to Mrs Owili’s wife, Jane and passed condolences to the entire family which has entered into great shock and sorrow.
KSB has been in contact with Mr. Owili on several occasions, the last contact having been last month. The departed Kenyan was a great story teller and spoke the truth about our country, Kenya. He liked discussing African and Luo culture at every opportunity.
Apart from the family who will miss him greatly, he will also be missed by Kenyans who knew him as a steadfast person who was very concerned with the future of Kenya. Further information will be circulated as it becomes available.
Okoth Osewe
Letters Fron Shiku
The Fear of Calling Home Without Money
30th Oct marked an exceptional event for many slums women. This is the day they voice their unheard predicaments. Converged at an open field in Kibera, women from various slums represented their fellow women in large numbers. This forum is an initiative of a humble 25 year-old woman – Jane Anyango Agar, who is so dedicated in creating space for the slum woman in society.
Jane, like many slum women, left the village to look for greener pastures. Her first landing was at her auntie’s place in Kibera. This is not the city she had heard so much about. There was no electricity, no toilets, no water and no food. “I slept stomach-empty most of the time. The nights were cold and days started unpromisingly. Each day passed with a drop of my hope to excel in life. I felt wretched.” She recounted poignantly.
Jane says village life was far much better. But she couldn’t dare return empty handed. “When you board a dream bus to the city, the aim is to make money and a lot of it in the shortest time possible and assist those you left behind”, says Jane, amidst chuckles.
There is a lot of expectation from society too. That’s why most people prefer to suffer in silence and disconnect communication from their close families. “I didn’t communicate with my parents for nearly 3 years and the thought of calling just to say hello sickened me. I knew their first request would be money which had proved to be chicken milk to me.” She reveals.
City life exposed Jane to more pain as she shared a one – roomed mabati house with her aunt, uncle and four of her cousins. They were lucky to have an extra small cube-like kitchen. “Privacy in our house was costly; we had to stay out for hours to give auntie time with uncle”, Reveals Jane.
“Weekends were worse” she adds “I loathed the thought of it. Both auntie and uncle weren’t working. After church on Saturday, they spent the whole day resting. Then, we joined other children in a play ground. Some played, some acted while others just sat and watched. I opted to form a group of girls of my age to share and sort out our issues. Through this, I realized we had a lot in common. I loathed not weekends any more. I looked forward to our “Kamukunji” days with enthusiasm and anticipation”
Their long whining hours and days of apprehension produced new vigor and anticipation. “We realized that no one apart from ourselves will come from the so called class environs to better our life”, says Jane.
To succeed in life, they had to change their attitude and way of thinking. She says the greatest mistake they made was to accept what others thought about them – that a slum woman is illiterate and idle, indolent and messy. “Most people treat slum women with contempt and believe that they are top pick pocketers thus treat them with the same attitude’’ laments Jane.
“Supermarket IDPs”
Jane, together with her friends, came out in 2004, strong and willing to speak out for the slum woman. They formed POLYCOM development project. The effort and strong will to change slum women would be fruitless without converting other slum women to join the Forum. They moved from slum to slum advocating change of attitude.
This move gave all the slum dwellers a strong Forum through which they could speak with one voice to the effect that a slum woman should be empowered to cater for her own needs individually. All they want is information and inspiration.
The slum women of Kibera meet under a tree every Thursday. The Forum is attended by women from all ages, young and old. They share latest `wamama’ news, discuss women issues and invite Councilors and area leaders to give advice. They do not leave their daughters behind as they advocate for change. They have GIRLS SPEAK OUT FORUMS. This Forum has helped a lot of girls to say NO to negative things in their lives.
Kiamaiko slum has an interesting institution – Bunge la Wamama (Women’s Parliament). Theirs is a real bunge (Parliament), where they conduct all their activities and debates “bunge style”. Started a year ago by four women, the Women’s bunge has over one thousand members.
“Our vision is to have the biggest Movement ever in Kenya and thus talk with one voice”, says Mumbi, the group’s Co-coordinator. She adds, “Tumekanyangiwa siku mob sana, saa ni time yetu, tume elevuka, eti tu-me…” (We have been oppressed for a very long time and this time it’s our turn) as the rest shout in chorus “E-LE-VU-KA!” passionately.
When the chief guest stood to speak, she attacked fellow women because they urged their daughters to harden to harsh treatments from their husbands in the name of culture. In making her point, the guest mimicked the women thus: “Mwanangu, rudi, kwa bwana, mwanamke nikuvumilia, ata mimi nilipitia hayo hayo’’ (My child, return to your husband. A woman must be tolerant. I went through the same treatment).
Jane is such an amazing leader. She says that very few people who have interest in Kibera slums are genuine. Most have individual interests. “How many movies have been shot from Kibera?” She asked rhetorically. They follow us even to the IDP camps. A German crew invaded a camp near Eldoret, they were “kind” enough to camp and eat with them. To add to their generosity, they paid them to be filmed. Each kid was paid Ksh.2000 and adults Ksh.3000. But they never explained that they were filming to sell their pictures to the world. “As a result, the world laughs at us. Some even think this is Africa’s life style”, she says.
Silence Kills Family Members
Locals are not angels either. They get donations in the name of changing slums. They come and dish out 200 bob to women and steal the rest of the money. These handouts have changed women, men and children in the slums. It became very hard to call for “A pass information” Forum. In such cases, the first question is not an enquiry about the agenda but a loud question about the take. IDPs had also adapted this style to an extent of creating “supermarket IDPs”. These, she says, are on-and-off IDPs. They only rush to camp when they sight a lorry of goodies.
Jane says her message to fellow slum women and even men is for them to come out in large numbers and work hard in creating change. Sadly, she says, men and young boys are always used by politicians only when it suits them.
Because of commercialization of almost everything and fear that relatives are always after money, no one will ever feel comfortable phoning family members back home. “When I revealed the reason for my non-communication to my family, they were stunned. My silence killed them softly. They needed me, not my money. I felt guilty but that is history. I can only tell anyone who feels stuck to never shun parents.” she concluded her narration.
As she recounts this, my mind flashed three years back. I sat down with a dude who had come to Stockholm through Denmark. “This is not the ulaya (Europe) I thought and dreamt of. I have suffered a great deal. I just wish I can just gather enough guts to return home’’ he laments. By then, he was hosted by a fellow Kenyan whom, he claimed, was getting fatigued.
This is a dilemma faced by many city and Diaspora dwellers. Every one looks upon to them like a tree dripping with honey. This discourages many from calling home when they don’t have `M-PESA’ or `WESTERN UNION’ announcement.
Another dude jokingly said, sometime you call home and the second word from hello is a question. And the question, what is the pin number? Please give it to me before the line gets disconnected. As Jane says, never hesitate to let your folks know your real economic situation. Your silence might kill them.
Shiku Steve
Update on New Baby Without Milk: How You Can Help
Following good response in connection with assistance of Babito and her baby, the mother wishes to put to hold further help. The Good Samaritan who has been helping in the case has been doing so out of a good heart, the love for the child and the compassion for the mother. Since no further help is currently necessary, personal contact details of the Good Samaritan have been retired from the blog while further appeal for help has also been halted. The child’s mother would like to thank everybody who has been concerned about the situation.
Okoth Osewe
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