KSB has now compiled the pieces together about the situation that prevailed at Madaraka day that was organized by Ambassador Purity at the Residence on Sunday June 1st. The overall picture that emerges is that of a “Grand boycott” of the event by Kenyans in Stockholm.
Personalities who were there and who have been interviewed independently have admitted that the turnout was poor compared to last year’s Jamhuri or Kenyatta receptions that were both organized by the Embassy. “It was like a protest message to the Embassy” a contact told KSB.
Almost all the big names were missing in action, save for Mr. Daniel Mwaura, Chairperson of Narc-Kenya Scandinavia and Mr. Antony Adiwa, the proprietor of Saanda Travel Agency based in Stockholm. Jamlik Muritu, a prominent member of the Bagarmossen Church, popped up briefly but left soon after he probably noticed that it was a low-key event.
Saidimu ole Ngais was spotted at a corner as was Clay Onyango, Vincent Odede and Mrs Mary Muirani. DJ Jimmy arrived late and was shocked at the poor attendance. William Twiteok was the Chief chef while other faces were those of Embassy staff and their families.
Ambassador Purity is reported to have given a very short speech about “what happened in Kenya” and hoped that the situation would soon be OK. She then started walking around and talking to people in her usual style, like a celeb attending to fans.
Mr. Martin Ngatia, Vice chairperson of ODM-Scandinavia and other ODM-Scandinavia “Pentagon members” were conspicuously absent from the event despite the fact that the mother Party is in a Grand Coalition government with PNU.
Keegan Kagwe, the European Representative of Chama cha Mwananchi, together with his CCM “politburo members” were missing in action. If you know him, Mr. Keegan rarely misses a public function of the Madaraka type because he likes taking pictures then circulating the shots to Wakenya via email. This time round, the ubiquitous “Keegan flash lights” that have earned him the name of “Stockholm’s paparazzi” were at large.
Githuku wa Muirani, former Director of “Kibaki Tena” lobby group had better things to do as did Prof Jared Odero who was unavailable to put Madaraka day into “academic perspective”. It is very unlikely that Muirani could have attended the event because he has some very serious issues to sort out with poor Purity!
Mark Gaya, former Chairman of KUWA who returned from Kenya recently, decided to stay home, just like Mr. Laban Mberi and the whole of the Östberga crowd who had more important stuff to attend to instead of hanging around the embattled Ambassador at her residence. Pastor Beatrice Kamau and the entire St Klara Church members could not be traced at the scene.
KENYA BLOGGERS KEPT THEIR DISTANCE
Many Kenyans know Bwana Joseph Munene aka Man Nzoro and Chairman Sandy, top officials of the children’s organization called “Making A Difference” (MAD). They were missing from the event together with the whole MAD crew which alone, accounts for tens of children in Stockholm fathered and mothered by Wakenya.
From Lenza Odhiambo, Prisca Forsman, Hulda Palm, Caroline Odhiambo to Alice wa Märsta plus the entire troupe of Kenya Maendeleo ya Wanawake that is based in Stockholm, non of them was present. The Norsborg Network of women – Cathie, Winnie, Caro, just to mention but a few, kept away. This Network has the reputation of “dressing to kill” and if they went missing, then a “Commission of Inquiry” needs to be set up by the Grand Coalition government to investigate what is happening at Kenya Embassy in Stockholm.
Imagine an event that is not attended by both Man Ofore and Irene or the entire crowd of man Gitash, former Chairperson of KUWA who also kept his distance. Seriously, what happened because the whole crowd of Man Steve Kadir at Flemmingsberg were nowhere to be seen at Madaraka.
Before I forget, Gerry Midenyo, who came late at the function, must have given the Ambassador something to think about. He came with his drinks and refused the Embassy offers. He was kinda saying that Kenyans can afford their own drinks and that Madaraka should not just be about alcohol! I am yet to talk to Charles Otieno Owiyo to find out why he missed the event and who else?
Antony Odera, Jasper Wendo, Jacob Opande, Enock Otuga, Oti Goga, Beryl Otumba, Erik Raila, Nancy Osuma, Wamaitha, Mama Moni, Dosh, Patrick Odhiambo, the entire Warutere crew, Grace Nyambura, Grace Nduta, The Opwapos, Caroline Ayodo, the Owilis, the Nyamboks, the Omitis, the Opees… and other big names and veterans in greater Stockholm. They were all missing this time round.
Even if we move to Uppsala where Kenyans are known to attend every public function organized by the Embassy, the boycott trend was the same. Take for example Mr. Mohammed Yusuf who attended last year’s Kenyatta day. He was missing in action while Mr. Joshua Oyugi, another Uppsala based Kenyan, was also missing. Milton Muigai and Lady Lillian Mbova of Stockholm were both at large. As the names of absentees continue to pile up, the picture becomes clear.
Back to Stockholm: Munala wa Munala who runs Jamii blog, went on holiday as did Bryan Njoroge who runs “My Expression” blog. No wonder, the story has gone missing in key blogs. Joseph Goga (popularly known as coolie) decided to keep away with “Birgerjarlsgatan’s Bad Boys” as did Dan Aroka and Oyuga Odada. Once Odada goes missing at an Embassy function, ni kubaya!
Do not even mention musician St James and Rapper Billiy Boy because St James was deliberately away while Billy decided to skip the Madaraka and travel to Australia instead to connect a deal!
The language was the same when it came to the entire Kenya dotcom generation whose names will not be mentioned here. The situation was so serious that even resident alcoholics who do not care a thing about politics, society and culture, boycotte d the event thereby sending a strong message to Purity – that something is wrong at the Embassy. If you know the Kenyans mentioned here (and this is not the whole list) and they were not at the celebration, just ask yourself who was there?
Okoth Osewe
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