Invitation to Welcome New Year at New Life Church
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me (God) your days will be many and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Proverbs 9: 10-12.
Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God is not just to know facts about him, but to stand in awe of him and have a relationship with him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better.
James: 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics:
(1) It is practical – The wisdom from God relates to life even during the most trying times. It is not a wisdom isolated from suffering and trials. This wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person put profound ideas into action. Intelligence will allow someone to describe several reasons why the car broke down. The wise person chooses the most likely reason and proceeds to take action.
(2) It is divine – God’s wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God’s direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong.
(3) It is Christlike – Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the “wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2: 1-7).
Dear Kenyans and friends, as we approach the end of the year, it is good to thank God because of his protection throughout 2009. It was the other day when violence rocked our country and almost everyone became “religious”. The same can happen again if we do not repent our sins to God and asks for his forgiveness. So let us celebrate the end of 2009 and welcome 2010 in the house of the LORD.
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD. Psalm 122:1.
We are having an all night service (Kesha) at New Life Church which is located at Fridhelmsgatan 17, Fridhemsplan, and the service will start at 22.00 hrs. Let us depart from our usual ways and let God take control of our lives.
“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time”.
May the Almighty God bless you all and have a blessed 2010. May our Lord King Jesus reign in your lives forever. Amen.
Bro. Muirani.
Mama Keegan’s Daughter in Law Has Passed Away
The family of Mrs Jane Wangari Mugo (also known as “Mama Keegan), has suddenly been plunged into deep mourning following the passing of Mama Keegan’s daughter in Law in Kenya. The deceased passed away yesterday 29th December, at the private wing of Kenyatta National Hospital where she was admitted after she fell ill.
The deceased was a mother of four children and wife to Mr. Francis Maina Mugo who is the elder brother of Mr. Keegan Kagwe, a well known Kenya-Stockholm photographer. When he spoke to KSB following the eruption of the sad news, Man Keegan appeared to have been in deep shock occasioned by the death of his Sister in Law.
Following the untimely death, an “Open House” has been set up at the residence of Man Keegan at Lödagsvägen 25 in Hokarängen (Tube to Färstastrand). Apart from funeral expenses, the deceased has left behind a huge hospital bill which needs to be sorted out. Kenyans, friends, sympathizers and well-wishers are all welcome to Keegan’s residence everyday at any time to condole with the grieving family.
There will be a “Prayer Meeting” on Saturday 2nd January 2010 at the same address from 4pm. Further information can be obtained by calling 08-7246193 or Keegan’s mobile at 0762170866.
KSB sends deep condolences to the entire family of Mrs. Jane Wangari Mugo during this trying moment. It is very sad that death has struck at the most unexpected time after Christmas and when the Global community is preparing to welcome the new year. We hope that the bereaved family will gather the necessary strength to go through this very trying and difficult moment. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace.
Okoth Osewe
Happy New Year Live Extravaganza at Lilla Wien
Dekula Band “Ngoma ya Kilo”
Date: Friday-Sato 01-02 January 2010
Time: 21.00-01.00
Place:Lilla Wien Bar & Restaurant
Add: Swedenborgsgatan 20
Pendeltåg: Stockholm Södra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2dyMBN-NtA
Africa New Year Bashment in Stockholm
Africa New Year Bash
Mama Africa & Top Ranking Wish you a Good 2010!
Come Party with us
Where?: At BAR 122. Folkungagatan 122. T-Medborgarplatsen
When?: New Years Eve + New Years Day + 2:nd of January
Time?: 22-03
For more info and pics check us at www.mamaafricaclub.se and www.topranking.se
Bless it up
MACrew
Ukweli wa Mambo: Saalamu Na Heri Za Krismasi
From 1st January 2009, “Ukweli wa Mambo” Editions written in Kenya’s national language, Kiswahili by Comrade Mwandawiro Mghanga, at KSB will be published on Sundays. We have been carrying the Editions on Saturdays and we thank Ndugu Mwandawiro for keeping the “Ukweli wa Mambo” Edition running since it was introduced at KSB. We hope for further cooperation with Mwandawiro in the coming year and also hope that our Kiswahili readers will continue to enjoy the Edition which has been very informative and inspiring.
Makala ya Nguvu ya Hoja kwa KSB Jumapili Disemba 27, 2009
na Ndugu Mwandawiro Mghanga
Ndugu Mwandawiro Mghanga
Krismasi imefika. Makala haya yawatakia wasomaji popote pale walipo furaha, amani, salama na kila la heri za Krismasi. Lakini pia naomba tifikirie ukweli halisi wa maisha katika nchi yetu na kuazimia kupambana kukukuta na kuondoa unafiki na uongo ambao umekuwa sehemu ya utamaduni nchini na ambao unakuzwa, kupaliliwa na kutiliwa maji na mbolea na viongozi, wawe wa kiserikali, mashirika yasiyo ya kiserikali na wa kidini.
Siku Kuu ya Krismasi, ambayo ni kumbukumbu ya kuzaliwa kwa Yesu Kristo, miaka 2009 iliyopita, hivi leo ni sehemu ya utamaduni kote ulimwenguni. Ni siku inayosherehekewa na Wakiristo, watu wa dini mbalimbali na hata makafiri. Ni wakati wa kukumbuka Yesu kwa vifijo na nderemo. Ni wakati wa ndugu, jamaa na marafiki kujumuika pamoja vijijini, nyumbani mwao, na katika sehemu na hali mbalimbali kula, kunywa na kukaa kwa furaha na bashasha.
Ni katika hali hii ambapo tunaomba usalama uwe kwa kila mtu maana kwa bahati mbaya wakati wa Krismasi pia ajali za barabara na za kila aina huongezeka na kusababisha huzuni badala ya furaha. Kwa sababu hii tunaomba kila dereva, hasa wa magari ya abiria waendeshe kwa makini na kwa kujali ili kuhifadhi usalama barabarani. Aidha, katika msimu wa Krisimasi, uhalifu na vituko vya kila aina huongezeka. Hivyo basi lazima kila raia mwema atahadhari na polisi wafanye kazi yao ya utumishi kwa watu vizuri. Lakini uwe ni utumishi wa kweli wa kulinda usalama wa raia. Usije kuwa ni utumishi wa kuzua vitimbi na kuzidisha dukuduku kwa wananchi wanaostahili amani na furaha, hasa wakati huu wa sherehe za Krismasi.
Ndiyo, ni vizuri wakati wa Krisimasi tuandae na kufurahia karamu za nyamachoma, kuku, mapochopocho na manywaji ya kila aina. Tufurahie hata kwa ngoma, nyimbo na muziki unaopendeza nyoyo zetu. Tupige gumzo na kucheka, kwani daima kucheka ni kuzuri maana kunaongeza afya. Tusafishiane nia na roho, tusameheane makosa na kujenga urafiki badala ya chuki huku tukizingatia wema wa binadamu kuliko ubaya wao. Tuombeane heri wala siyo shari, baraka wala siyo bahati mbaya. Wenye kwenda kanisani waende huku tukimkumbuka na kumuenzi Yesu Kristo kwa dhati siyo kwa chati.
Aidha, wakati tunaposherehekea tusisahau Wakenya wenzetu ambao wako katika hali ya dhiki za kila aina. Kuna wengi ambao ni mafukara ambao wanashindwa kula mlo mzuri na wa kutosha kila siku. Kuna maskwata na wale waliyotimuliwa kutoka misituni, ardhini walikokuwa wakipata ridhiki yao na sehemu mbalimabali huku wakiwachwa katika mateso bila makao. Kuna wahanga wa ghasia za baada ya uchaguzi ambao wanadidimia katika shida na mateso ya kila aina bila kujua mbele wala nyuma. Kuna ambao wameshindwa kwenda vijijini mwao kujumika na wake na watoto wao kwa kukosa nauli ama chochote cha kuwachukulia kutokana na ukosefu wa ajira ama mishahara duni.
Kuna wagonjwa mahospitalini na wafungwa magerezani ambao wanahitaji kufikiriwa kwa kila hali. Kuna wanaoishi kwa mitaa ya mabanda pamoja na magumu tilatila yaliyomo humo. Kuna walofa na mafukara wengi mijini wanaolala nje na kuishi maisha ya ombaomba. Tuwakumbuke huku tukitia manani ukweli kwamba kila mtu anastahili maisha ya kiutu, amani na furaha.
Bali tukiwawakumbuka watu waliyoko katika hali mbaya za kila aina, tusijidanganye kuwa hali zao zitabadilishwa kwa fadhila za siku moja au maombi tu. Katika historia maisha ya ufukara hayajawahi kubadilishwa na maombi matupu au sadaka za wanyonyaji. Mfumo wa kijamii – kiuchumi unaowafanya watu wengine katika jamii kuishi kwa kutegemea sadaka haufai thumni wala si wa haki au ukweli. Ndiyo kwa sababu ubepari ni unafiki. Na si vyema Wakenya tuendelee kuishi maisha yaliyoja unafiki, uongo, nyanyaso na maovu ya kila aina. Yesu Kristo daima alikuwa shujaa wa kupinga dhuluma, unafiki, uongo na kila aina ya uovu tena kwa maneno na matendo. Ndiyo kwa maana alitufundisha tuwapende jirani zetu kama tunavyojipenda sisi wenyewe. Alisisitiza kuwa ikiwa huwezi kupenda mwezako unayemuona unawezaje kumpenda Mungu ambaye hujawahi kumuona?
Kila mtu nchini anajidai kuwa Mkiristo au mwenye imani ya kidini. Bali viongozi ambao wanasema ni Wakiristo au washiriki wa dini wanafanya kazi ya kuudumisha na kuuhalalisha mfumo wa unyonyaji wa mtu kwa mtu. Tamaa ya pesa, utajiri na maisha ya kibwanyenye zimewageuza kuwa wezi, wafisadi, matapeli, waporaji wa mali ya umma, wanyakuzi wa ardhi, wapinga maendeleo na vibaraka wa wakolonimamboleo. Tamaa ya pesa pia imechafua na kunajisi kanisa la Mungu, hata Yesu Kristo akirudi leo sijui ni kanisa gani halitavunjwa na kuchomwa! Kwani wakora na matapeli wa kila aina sasa wanachumia makanisani huku wakiwafanya Wakiristo wa kweli kuwa wajinga wa kutapeliwa na kuporwa Jumapili na hata kila siku mitaani.
Hatuwezi kumkumbuka Yesu Kristo huku tukikumbatia ubepari na maadili ya kibepari. Tutamkumbuka ipasavyo kwa kutambua na kutekeleza ukweli kwamba Kenya imebarikiwa na rasilimali za kutosha kufanya kila mtu nchini aishi maisha bora ya kiutu yasiyo na dhiki na ukosefu. Bora tujipange na kuondoa mfumo wa ubepari. Mungu aliumba binadamu kwa sura yake. Na sura ya Mungu si ya ufukara wala ya ndumulakuwili – maskini na matajiri sawia. Nawatakia Krismasi njema ya mabadiliko!
Mwandawiro Mghanga, Barua pepe: mwandawiro2002(at)yahoo.com
The Shame of the Kenyan Flag at Purity’s Embassy
The Kenyan Flag at the Embassy: A source of shame
It looks like Ambassador Purity Muhindi at the Kenyan Embassy in Stockholm is failing in almost everything. The Kenyan flag is a national symbol and pride of the Nation. It is supposed to be respected and treated with dignity. This is why when you want to register your outermost disgust against a country, you publicly burn the flag of that country. It is the worst action you can take to show a country’s nationals or leadership that they suck.
The National flag flies outside every Embassy. In the case of Kenya Embassy in Stockholm, it serves as a mark of identification of the Embassy as the seat of power as far as the Kenyan government is concerned. These are powerful features of the flag which Ambassador Purity does not recognize because for her, the flag is just another piece of cloth hanging outside the Embassy. Just as the flag is in “disorder”, the Embassy is equally in total chaos.
The picture of our national flag folded around the mast was sent to KSB by a concerned visitor who was searching for the Embassy. He wasn’t sure whether he had arrived at the Kenyan Embassy because something was wrong with the flag and he couldn’t recognize it. Since a picture tells a thousand words, there is no need of going into detail. One certain observation is that as it is, something is wrong with the flag because it is not flying as it should.
The strange aspect of the situation is that the Ambassador is not alone at the Embassy although the flag has been flying in the wrong direction for months. Top personnel who could have helped her straighten the flag or who could have reminded her that something is wrong with the flag are equally blind. It is not therefore strange that when Kenyans come for help at the Embassy when they have been freezing at the Central Station, they are chased away.
We have people like Arthur Amaya Andambi, First Counsellor, who was posted at the Embassy last year. This brother should have been a soldier instead of a diplomat because when you talk to him on the phone, he sounds very militant, as if he wants to beat someone. He probably thinks that he can scare Kenyans with “tough talk” on the phone. Interestingly, when you meet him in person, he is always in a hurry to go and, just like the Ambassador, he doesn’t like mingling with Kenyans.
When he attended the Maina Kiai meeting, we didn’t even know when he sneaked out after the meeting as Kenyans congratulated Kiai for a documentary well done. At the Githongo meeting in Uppsala, Bwana Andambi was so secretive that no one even knew that a top Embassy official was at the function. Naturally one expected him to register his presence with the organizers so that his presence at the function could be recognized and Kenyans who did not know him could take contact.
I had to introduce him at the end of the meeting before he slipped away and left for Stockholm. If you study Andambi’s demeanor carefully, he behaves more like a Security officer than a typical diplomat. He is the second in command but unfortunately, there is nothing new he brought at the Embassy because nothing has improved. Andambi is one man who should remind his boss Lady Ambassador that the Kenyan flag is not flying correctly and that something should be done.
We also have this guy called Daniel Kipkemoi Kottut, the Second Counsellor who was posted at the Embassy in 2007. When he came, there was a lot of hope and expectation that as a young educated man, he would try and pump some sense in the head of the boss but so far, the situation has grown from bad to worse.
“Collective Amnesia”
Kottut had a fantastic introduction to Kenyans by his predecessor, Mr.George Kinywa, but as soon as Kinywa left for Canada, Kottut began to degenerate. He retreated from Kenyans as he began a life of isolation from his people. His problems began after the post election violence.
Although he was initially “attached” to the Bagarmossen Church where Kinywa left him, he fled from the church as Kales began to slaughter Wakikuyu in the Rift Valley following the stealing of Raila Odinga’s Presidency. As a member of the Kalenjin, he could have employed both diplomacy and PR to counter accusations that his people were killing the Kikuyu instead of abandoning the Church.
The Church was mainly dominated by members of the Kikuyu but as the killings continued, Kottut found the heat “too much” and he disengaged. This was the beginning of his isolation from Kenyans in Stockholm because he never recovered. Today, he is miles away from Wakenya although his hands are tied because he also fears his boss, the Ambassador.
He cannot therefore tell her that something is wrong with the flag because Purity might call the real First Lady, Lucy Kibaki, who may instigate Kottut’s exit from the Embassy. Just like other members of Embassy staff, it boils down to the philosophy ya kuchunga unga isimwagike. They pass under the flag at the Embassy on a daily basis but they have never noticed that something is amiss. This is what Sam Pippo call “collective amnesia”.
If the flag issue was falling under Administrative Affairs, the person who could have taken the blame could have been Mrs Anne K.M. Kesekwa aka Mwana wa ingo. She is the Third Secretary in charge of Administrative Affairs, very quiet and underground. If you want to see her outside the office, you have to wait for the two-hour drinking spree at Jamhuri reception and that is once a year. She dabbles as the Ambassador’s Secretary although she gets better marks than her boss because she understands her tasks while she has a good PR strategy. On the phone, she is always very polite, a sign that she has some level of diplomacy.
Then we have Mrs Habiba Gabo Wako aka Msomali Lady whom many Kenyans have complained about. She doesn’t speak good English and as an Attaché in charge of Immigration, she is the person to deal with when you need your Passport issue fixed. If you want to measure the degree of her rudeness, call her and say that you have a problem with your Passport which you need fixed and that’s it.
You will get your doze of rude responses until you begin to scratch your head wondering how a person with such horrible approach on the phone could be posted at the Embassy as an Attaché. Be careful because you may puke at the crude combination of rudeness and bad English coming from a diplomat. If only she could convert her rudeness into a weapon directed against the Ambassador to sort out the problem with our national flag outside the Embassy, she could be more productive.
Despite her informal style and her almost semi-illiterate mien, the processing of passports has actually improved at the Embassy. Now it takes 3-4 weeks to get a passport renewed compared to 6-12 months in 2004. It is a rare occasion when KSB has to give the devil her dues.
Okoth Osewe
Plans for Cucu Damaris Harambee Complete
The late Cucu Damaris
The family of the late Damaris hereby announces to Kenyans, friends and well-wishers that a fund raising meeting to help transport the body of the departed Damaris will be held on Saturday 26th December at St Eugenia Church located at Kungsrädgården 12 (Tube station Kungsträdgården) from15.00 hrs.
A Bank Account has been opened for those who might be unable to attend the funds drive but who are willing to chip in. Details of the Account are as follows:
Bank: Handelsbanken: 6107- 736 692 762
Account holder: George Thugge
IBAN: SE53 6000 0000 0007 3669 2762
SWIFT: HANDSESS
The family would also like to mention that the late Cucu Damaris is survived by several grandchildren resident in Sweden. They are: Lucy Nilsson, Nancy Dolfe, Mary Thugge, Grace Pettersson, Nicholas Maina and George Thugge.
In the meantime, the family informs the public that due to Christmas celebrations, they have cancelled the “Open House” scheduled for the 24th and 25th December. For further information, contact Pastor Samson at 070-4523798.
Rescued Kenyans “On the Verge of Starvation”
A group of six Kenyans who were rescued from cold winter at T-Centralen by a Kenyan are doing well in their new abode. Although the situation is tight because they are crammed in a one roomed flat, they are out of the cold and good Samaritans continue to pop in to help. Their most urgent requirement is food because the Kenyan putting them up at the moment is experiencing a lot of difficulties in feeding them. To be precise, “The economic situation is worsening by the minute”.
So far, one of the Kenyans has been taken by another good Samaritan from Kenya while another Kenyan lady has promised to take yet another one in her flat during Christmas. The Kenyans are still in bad need of help and members of the Kenyan community are kindly asked to show solidarity with these Kenyans at this very difficult time. The fellow countryman housing them in his one roomed flat should be pronounced a hero. His incredible intervention should stimulate others to act.
On Thursday, a Kenyan popped in and contributed 100 kr so that they could take breakfast because the situation was acute. The latest hope is that another Kenyan has promised to pop in with a load of food on Friday or Saturday. KSB is mobilizing the humanitarian assistance and we appeal to Kenyans and other well-wishers for help during this Christmas which has turned out to be hell on earth for these innocent young Kenyans.
The Kenyan six have been abandoned by the Kenyan Embassy in Stockholm which left them to freeze in the cold at the Central Station before they were rescued. At the time they were saved from sub zero temperatures, they had began to suffer from hypothermia after spending two days in the cold. They looked weak, hungry and tired after two days sleeping on the cold floor at the Central Station without food, shower and contact.
When the Station closed at around 1.00 hrs, they had to sleep outside in the street after being chased out by security guides before returning to the station at 5.00 hrs when the station doors opened. The least one could have expected from the Embassy was to accord them accommodation as they waited for Monday when their problems could be looked into.
The Ambassador lives in a huge villa at Nacka paid by tax payer with several empty rooms where they could have been accommodated but because she doesn’t care about the plight of Kenyans in Stockholm, the Embassy chose to chase them away because the Ambassador was “going on Christmas holiday”.
As Kenyans, we are in serious problems if our Ambassador can act in this way when it is clear that the lives of a group of Kenyans are threatened. The question that arises then is why we still need an Embassy in Stockholm when the Ambassador cannot meet even the most basic expectation when a Kenyan is in dire need. If the Kenyans were Swedish citizens stranded in Kenya, they could have been sleeping at a five star hotel before being flown to Sweden.
Since they had already been screwed by a Kenyan woman in Finland, there isn’t much the Embassy was expected to do apart from offering them accommodation then helping them to return to Kenya. However, by abandoning them at the Central station, Ambassador Purity Muhindi has shown her worst side when it comes to barbarism and animalistic behaviour for how do you abandon Kenyans to freeze in the cold without food to eat during one of the harshest Swedish winters? It is even more painful that the only reason was that the Ambassador was going on holiday!
Feeding on handouts
We take this opportunity to congratulate Kenyans who have taken these fellow citizens in during this trying moment. Four are still crammed in a room and we further appeal to well wishers to come to their rescue by taking in more of them. There is a vibrant Christian community in Stockholm and this is the right time for them to show compassion because Christians are celebrating Christmas.
How do you thank the Lord for all the things he has done for you and what do you say to the Almighty God when you are at home eating “Chickling” for Christmas and some countrymen are starving after being rescued from winter? You believe in Jesus but you have not even tried to get in touch to look into the plight of these Kenyans here on earth so why should you preach that people should love others as they love themselves? Surely, it is time for self re-examination and if you claim to be a Christian and you behave like our nasty Ambassador, then you should stop quoting from the bible. This is how I see it.
If you are not in a position to offer accommodation, you can pop in with some food because the situation is extremely desperate. Go to some food store like ICA, Konsum or Vivo and buy Manner-Gryn for ugali, some chicken wings for lunch, bread and milk for breakfast, some eggs if possible and some ribs which can be chomad in the oven to make these Kenyans feel good during Christmas. Don’t just sit there reading KSB and doing nothing because then, you begin to behave like the Ambassador.
Kenya Embassy is not providing food for the Kenyans and the risk is that although they are safe from the cold, they may starve to death if the current supplies run out. In fact, they are feeding on hand-outs so don’t just sit there with your whisky or mikebe celebrating Christmas when your own people are on the verge of starvation after being abandoned by a hopeless Ambassador who is supposed to be representing your country in Sweden. In case you can help or in case you want to meet these suffering countrymen (there is also at least one very intelligent girl), contact KSB for further instructions on how you can intervene.
From this latest example, it is evident that the Kenyan Embassy has failed in its responsibilities of taking care of Kenyans in distress abroad, a basic obligation and a Constitutional right. If the Kenyans had not taken contact with the Embassy, the Ambassador could convincingly argue that she did not know about their plight. We are in a situation where the Embassy was well aware that they were freezing at the Central station but chose to chase them away like rabid dogs. Two of the Kenyans went to the Embassy personally but they were chased away. The case of these Kenyans is further evidence that our Ambassador has failed her own people and that she is ripe for recall.
Despite frustrations from the Embassy, members of the Kenyan community should not follow the Embassy’s example and abandon these young and energetic Kenyans whose only crime is that they have been duped by a Kenyan crook in Finland. As has already been stated, their most urgent need is humanitarian and as you celebrate Christmas, think about them sitting in a room with a hopeless future after they were fooled by a stupid con woman who conned them out of their money before disappearing into thin air, leaving them freezing and starving at the Central Station.
Unlike the Ambassador, be human and get in touch to find out how you can help. Whatever your point of view, you can do something. A single Kenyan housing them is already doing more than he needs to do and popping up with a small load of food should not be so taxing during Christmas for when will you ever genuinely help someone you don’t know? More so, a fellow citizen in distress?
Okoth Osewe
Vumbi Band for X-Mass Evening at Lilla Wien
Vumbi Dekula will be performing at Lilla Wien Today Friday 25th December during a Special Christmas evening. The show starts at 21 hrs up to 1.00 hrs, time when revellers will have the option of flying to Märsta where Maison Africane will be entertaing fans until morning. Don’t forget that Vumbi will be at Sollentuna together with other African Artists performing Live in what promises to be the largest gathering of African Artists in Stockholm on Boxing day (See Artists below).
Afro-Jam Live Music on Boxing Day at Sollentuna
Afrojam Kultureförening proudly presents Afro-Exlposion Live Concert by Pablo Machine, Vumbi Dekula, Yaya Sella, Sammy Kasule, Kumbi Miguele, Blanchand, Boto, Joseph Semafunu, Apollo, Mike and more. Best DJ Malik, Rich’s. Date: 26th Dec and 1st January 2010. from 19 hrs till Late at Sollentuna Bibliotek Amorinasalen. Food and drinks will be available. Entre: 100 kr. Info: afrojam.podomatic.com. Book a VIP tabe via SMS.
Muirani and Family Says “Thank You” and “Merry Christmas”
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. I would like to take this opportunity to Honor and Glorify the Almighty God since its only him alone who deserves it. Am humbled by the almighty God to thank all my friends and well wishers who turned up to witness my Spiritual baptism.
I thank also all those who did send messages of encouragement through phone calls and e-mails. God bless you all and its my humble prayer that many more Kenyans are going to turn up and proclaim Jesus as their Lord and savior in 2010.
How does Jesus’ blood purify us from every sin? In old Testament times, believers symbolically transferred their sins to an animal, which they then sacrificed(see a description of this ceremony in Leviticus 4). The animal died in their place to pay for their sin and allow them to continue living in God’s favour. God graciously forgave them because of their faith in him, and because they obeyed his commandments concerning the sacrifice.
Those sacrifices anticipated the day when Jesus Christ would completely remove sin. Real cleansing from sin came with Jesus, the “Lamb of God”, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Sin, by its very nature, brings death- that is a fact as certain as the law of gravity. Jesus did not die for his own sins; he had none. Instead, by a transaction that we may never fully understand, he died for the sins of the world.
When we commit our lives to Christ and thus identify ourselves with him, his death becomes ours. He has paid the penalty for our sins, and his blood has purified us. Just as Christ rose from the grave, we rise to a new life of fellowship with him (Romans &:4).
” For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and per sue it. For the eyes of the lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3: 10-12).
Merry Christmas to all and a blessed 2010. May Christ be born in your hearts and His peace which surpasses human understanding be with you now and forever. Amen.
Muirani & Family.
Stranded Kenyans Abandoned by Kenya Embassy
Six young Kenyans who have been stranded at the Central station took contact with the Kenyan Embassy today, Wednesday 23rd December but received no help from the Mission. KSB has talked to them and according to information they gave, two of their colleagues went to the Embassy to explain their problem but unfortunately, they were told by an Embassy official that they should return on Monday next week because the Embassy is closed during Christmas. The official added that nothing could be done immediately.
Ambassador Purity at a Sudanese function: She does not want anything to do with Kenyans in Stockholm
“They told us that there is nothing they could do because the Embassy will remain closed”, one of them told KSB. This is despite the fact that the Embassy knew and understood that they were sleeping at the Central station and that they had nowhere to go. The Embassy did not give any ideas on where they were to sleep until Monday when the Mission can look into their problems.
As a result, a Kenyan has now picked them up and decided to accommodate them temporarily in his one roomed flat, arguing that it was inhuman to leave these Kenyans to freeze at the Central Station. News that the Embassy has abandoned these Kenyans will, most likely, shock Kenyans who believe that the Kenyan Ambassador to Scandinavia, Mrs Purity Muhindi, is a kind hearted family woman who minded so much about the affairs of members of the Kenyan community in Stockholm.
According to the six Kenyans, they were conned by a Kenyan woman who lives in Finland and who promised them that they would be slotted into various Finnish Universities under an arrangement which was organized by an agent in Kenya. When the story was first broken by KSB, we had not reached the Kenyans and news indicated that they were to be admitted at Swedish Universities.
Speaking to KSB, one of the Kenyans said: “We travelled to Finland through Stockholm and we were supposed to be met by a Kenyan woman in Finland but she never turned up”. The Kenyan said that when they tried to enquire about the woman, they were told that she had gone on holiday.
Once they discovered that they could not trace the woman, they decided to return to Stockholm to try and make arrangements on how they could return to Kenya because they had return tickets. It is during the process that they were trying to sort their trip back to Kenya that they got stranded at the Central Station with nowhere to go. A Kenyan discovered them at the Station and alerted KSB.
The good and caring Kenyan, who has accepted to accommodate them, has said that the issue should now be a communal affair because the stranded Kenyans do not know anybody in Sweden. He told KSB that he is taking in the boys as a matter of concern and as a human being who cannot see others suffer under the circumstances without doing anything. He has appealed to Kenyans to help in any way possible as their plight is looked into.
When questioned further, the Kenyans said that their parents back home know about their problem and that some parents have tried to communicate with Kenya Embassy but that the Mission has been very unresponsive. All personnel at the Embassy have gone on Christmas holiday including the Boss, Ambassador Purity.
According to information gathered, three of the Kenyans are 21 years old, one is 20 yrs, one is 23 years while another one is 25 years old. The Kenyan who took them in his flat told KSB that the six need to shower and feel fresh because they have not done so for two days. He says that Kenyans in Stockholm need to meet to look into how the stranded countrymen can be assisted.
Okoth Osewe
Fund Raising for Late Damaris on Sat 26th Dec
The family of the late Damaris hereby announces to Kenyans, friends and well-wishers that a fund raising meeting to help transport the body of the departed Damaris will be held on Saturday 26th December at St Eugenia Church located at Kungsrädgården 12 (Tube station Kungsträdgården) from15.00 hrs.
A Bank Account has been opened for those who might be unable to attend the funds drive but who are willing to chip in. Details of the Account are as follows:
Bank: Handelsbanken: 6107- 736 692 762
Account holder: George Thugge
IBAN: SE53 6000 0000 0007 3669 2762
SWIFT: HANDSESS
The family would also like to mention that the late Cucu Damaris is survived by several grandchildren resident in Sweden. They are: Lucy Nilsson, Nancy Dolfe, Mary Thugge, Grace Pettersson, Nicholas Maina and George Thugge.
In the meantime, the family informs the public that due to Christmas celebrations, they have cancelled the “Open House” scheduled for the 24th and 25th December. For further information, contact Pastor Samson at 070-4523798.
Okoth Osewe
Six Kenyans Stranded at Central Station
A group of six Kenyans are stranded at the Central Station in Stockholm after arriving in the country through Denmark. According to information available to KSB, the young Kenyans left Kenya for Stockholm to pursue further education at a Swedish University.
Information about them is scarce and KSB is trying to reach them. However, according to what is known, the six Kenyans were to travel to Sweden through Denmark after which they were supposed to link up with a contact in Sweden who was supposed to wire them to a Swedish university. All the arrangements were reportedly tied from Kenya by an agent who was supposedly paid for the job.
The Kenyans did reach Denmark as had been planned but when they arrived in Stockholm, the agent who was supposed to pick them up and assist them further did not turn up. They therefore ended up being stranded at the Central station where they have been sleeping.
A Kenyan who bumped into them at the Central Station and who alerted KSB said that the situation is very serious because the young Kenyans have ran out of money and so they have no food to eat. They have nowhere to sleep and are spending cold winter at the Central station.
The Kenyans have appealed for urgent help from sympathizers and well-wishers. They need a place to sleep because they are freezing while they have also appealed for food. They are camping at the Central station and anybody who wants to help can go there and meet them or call KSB.
KSB appeals to Ambassador Purity Muhindi to intervene on their behalf by trying to seek for a solution to the crisis of these young Kenyans who appear to have been duped by an Education con-artist with networks in Sweden. KSB is monitoring their situation and will report on anything new.
Okoth Osewe
Juliet Thugge’s Mother Damaris Passes on in Stockholm
Juliet Thugge, a Kenyan resident in Tensta, Stockholm, has lost her mother, Damaris Wambui Kanoru (also known as Cucu). The late Damaris is the grandmother of George Thugge, also resident of Stockholm. Damaris passed away at St Göran Hospital where she has been undergoing treatment and currently, the family has been plunged into deep mourning.
An “Open House” has been set up at Juliet’s house in Tensta, address Glömmingegränd 18 1st Floor near the Shell Petrol Station on E18 between Rinkeby and Tensta. For further information, contact Pastor Samson on 070-7022173, George Thugge on 070-3580593 or Nicholas Maina on 073-7022173.
KSB sends deep condolences to the family of the late Damaris during this tragic moment. It is very sad that the bad news is coming at a time when Christians are faced with Christmas but all is planned by the almighty God whose will always prevails. Grandma Damaris was well loved by those who knew her and her loss has come at a time when it was least expected.
We hope that the family will find the strength and courage to go through this difficult moment. Further information will be released by the family with time. In the meantime, Kenyans friends, sympathizers and well-wishers are welcome to the Open House to condole with the bereaved family.
Okoth Osewe
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