PLANNED HUNGER STRIKE TO END FORCED EVICTION DISRUPTED BY ABDUCTION OF MEMBERS OF UNGA REVOLUTION HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST ON SATURDAY 26/11/2011

Members of the Unga Revolution who were abducted by state agents  are still missing even today,    after they attempted to stage an hunger  strike on Harambee Avenue on Saturday morning. The two, Joseph Gitonga and Erick Omeny, Co-conveners of the unga  revolution had been involved in a vigorous civic education campaign  in kamukunji’s kiambiu settlement and Eastleigh section III, educating   the people on  government’s negligence on implementation of  article 43 and its continued abuse of the right to decent housing and social welfare.
Recently, the Kenyan government has gone on rampage,  in demolitions  of houses and eviction  in this areas.It is regrettable that some of the buildings that have and are being demolished around the Eastleigh airbase have been standing there long enough now, housing families, jobs and sustaining a community of locals that have now been scattered and rendered homeless, One fails to understand where this destructive government was when these lands were being traded, when the buildings and settlements were being approved and built and when the subject buildings were being occupied.
These are some of the questions that led these brave comrades to sacrifice their time and go to the grassroots to inform the resident of this area on their constitutional right and their inherent human dignity. It is evident that the Kenyan government has been the worst performing in the modern world in terms of provision of housing and other basic social needs to its people. Everyone in Kenya would testify that that Coalition government has demolished more houses in their neighborhoods than it has built. These houses flattened by the G.O.K belong to non but the same poor and heavily taxed ordinary Mwananchi . It is unfortunate that the government so quickly mobilizes and responds to its demolitions and evictions missions than it responds its constitutional duty and obligation to provide housing and social welfare to those who cannot provide for themselves. We have seen the government using millions tax payer money to provide mansions to the Vice president and  and building  Prime  minister’s office . It even goes ahead to assure them security of their ill gotten wealth.
The abduction of the two unga revolution conveners while they attempted to stage  hunger strike with a chain  in  harambee house to protest  the continuing gross human rights violations   in  state led demolitions in Nairobi is evidence of the attempt by agents of impunity to reverse the democratic rights gained by the Kenyan second liberation and the new constitution. The two young Patriots were arrested at 9.00 am on Saturday 26th by suspected Provincial Admistration state agents at Harambee House  as they prepared to stage a sit-in and an hunger  strike on Harambee Avenue, between the president and the prime minister’s office. Since, their abduction, their phones have gone off and we suspect that they are being denied the right to communicate to family, an advocate or close friends. Others members that were set to be part of  the the hunger strike were Florence Kanyua and Francis Sakwa who have also raised distress calls. Mr. Sakwa has complained that strangers have been asking for him at his home at night while Florence has severally since, complained of being trailed by two suspicious women
In another incident on Thursday 24th, armed goons hired by the local chief attacked and seriously injured other activists Members of Unga Revolution as they visited Eastleigh Moi Air Base  Mr. Kirimi  Mbae and Mr. Josphat Waema , Bunge La Mwananchi , Eric Omenyi And Josepth Gotong they had visited the area  on unga revolution  campaign to the people on the rights to housing  as per article 43.
We are calling upon all defenders to join hand and demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Erick Omenyi and Joseph Gitonga.
The case was reported to KICC Police station KICC  (OB No. 22/28/11/2011).

co convener
francis sakwa

about unga revolution

Evolution of the Unga Revolution

The idea of Unga Revolution can be traced back to the year 2006 when the prices of basic commodities went up drastically becoming out of reach to many Kenyans. Members of BLM and other likeminded groups came together and carried out a campaign called Unga for 30/= campaign. The campaign was dubbed Unga for 30/= because just three years earlier when NARC government took power, the price of 2kg of maize flour had risen from 27/= when KANU government left to around 45/=.
Members were calling for the price to go to its original value. However during this period the campaign was carried out using signed petitions to the relevant authorities but unfortunately none of the petitions was acted upon as this was an election period and Kenya having come out of a divisive referendum our calls was submerged by politicians who were interested with power.

In 2008 May 31st a demo was organized by BLM, Huruma Social forum and other community based organizations across Nairobi to protest the high prices of basic commodities. During this demo, comrade Gacheke Gachihi and the late Jacob Odipo were arrested and detained unlawfully for three days. On Madaraka Day 1st June 2008 comrade Fredrick Odhiambo was assaulted and arrested by the Presidential guards as he tried to alert the President on the plight of the arrested and that of majority of Kenyans who could not afford the rising cost of living. Comrade Odhiambo was seriously injured and admitted at Nairobi Women Hospital.

As a result of these actions by brave Kenyans the government during the 2008 budget announced the introduction of a 5KG Unga which was going at 120/= to target the poor especially those who live in slums. This was a welcome move but in a while the Unga disappeared. Just like in 2006 continued pressure from Kenyans protesting the high cost of living were submerged by the wrangling in the coalition government and the 2010 referendum.

When the news of popular uprisings in North Africa and Arab world started trickling in early 2011, members regrouped and thought of reviving the Unga for 30/= campaign. This was particularly spurred by the fact that those uprisings were triggered by high cost of food and basic commodities. With successful revolution in Tunisia and Egypt some members of Unga for 30 campaign and new converts regrouped and thought of a daily action where members would be making noise every day at 1PM as a sign of raising the plight of the suffering majority.
But as a coincidence a group Kenya Feb 28th organized the singing of National Anthem at 1PM at across the country on Feb 28th 2011. The main event was at KENCOM bus stage. Members joined and sang with the organizers. As all this were going on, members of the Unga for 30/= campaign were reorganizing themselves and reflecting on their past struggles and how to come up with a sustainable movement owned by Kenyans but fighting to ensure that the basic rights of the common Mwananchi are taken care of.
On Feb 19th Consumers federation of Kenya (COFEK) organized a nationwide protest against high fuel prices. The members participated and still this offered them with an opportunity to learn more about how to sustain such a process. On 20th April 2011 members of Unga for 30/= met and resolved to change the group’s name from Unga for 30/= to Unga Revolution. This is because the 30/= tag was specific to the time and the current campaign was not per see based on the price of commodities but Article 43 of the constitution. The name was chosen due to the nature of the struggle. Members deemed it fit to come up with an outfit which is different and with a clear message. The choice of the name did not however come without reservation as some felt the name Revolution was too radical hence could attract the wrath of the state. However the majority were for the Revolution hence it was adopted.

The Unga Revolution is a self motivated and non-violent movement of the people of Kenya aimed at realizing all the Economic and Social rights as enshrined in the Article 43 of the constitution of Kenya.

With the name ready members resolved to roll out and set May 31st 2011 as a day for our first activity. The day was chosen because it was the third anniversary since the first demo on 31st May 2011. There were a series of sub activities including a parallel Labor Day organized on 1st May 2011 at Kamukunji grounds. Other sub activities included a rally in Mathare on 8th May 2011 which aborted due to police interference. Other rallies were held in Kibera’s Kamukunji, Kangemi, Huruma, Kiamaiko, Ngei 1 and 2, Mukuru and Kawangware areas. These rallies culminated to the Unga 30 BOB rally held on 31st May 2011 at Harambee Avenue where Kenyans were to keep vigil until the President and the PM gives a clear roadmap for full implementation of Article 43 of the Constitution.

The PM showed up after about six hours wait and received the grievances from the people. He asked members to wait for the budget speech but Kenyans could hear none of it. The PM then left.

The rally was violently disrupted by the police under the cover of darkness and several comrades including comrade Gacheke, Mulialia, Rahma and Rotich were injured. Others were arbitrarily detained beyond 24 hours required by law.

On 1st June 2011, Unga Revolution members attended the Madaraka day celebrations at Nyayo stadium during which the President and the PM reiterated their calls to Kenyans to wait for the Budget to be read on 8th June 2011.

On 8th June 2011 members kept vigil outside parliament and peacefully protested the Budget and promised to prepare a Mwananchi’s Budget which shall be presented to the Budget committee and to the public.
The Unga Revolution has set 7th July 2011 (Saba Saba) as a rally date and there shall be mini rallies across Nairobi to mobilize for the main one. Meanwhile members shall be singing the national anthem daily at 1 PM at Harambee Avenue and other places across the country.

ABOUT THE UNGA REVOLUTION

The Unga Revolution is a self motivated and non-violent movement of the people of Kenya aimed at realizing all the Economic and Social Rights as enshrined in the Article 43 of the constitution of Kenya. It is a common people's campaign whose main aim is to ensure that the state honors its obligations to the common Mwananchi as enshrined in the Article 43 of the constitution.

The struggle of the Unga Revolution is anchored in the constitution of Kenya through Article 43, Article 1, 2 & 3 and Articles 37.

Article 43 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya
Economic & Social Rights
43. 1. Every Person has the Right-
a) To the highest attainable standard of health which includes the right to health care services including reproductive health care
b) To accessible and adequate housing and to reasonable standards of sanitation
c) To be free from hunger and to have adequate food of acceptable quality
d) To clean and safe water in adequate quantities
e) To social security and
f) To education
2. A Person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment
3. The state shall provide appropriate social security to persons who are
unable to support themselves and their dependants

The Unga Revolution Symbol, Colours and Slogan
Symbol
Unga

Slo¬gan
• Call- Unga? Response- 30 Bob X 2
• Call– Unga? Response– Unganisha WaKenya.

Colours
The national flag of Kenya

The Unga Revolution Vision

”Full implementation of Article 43 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya”

The vision of the Unga Revolution is anchored in the Article 43 of the Constitution. We believe that the whole constitution promulgated on 27th August 2010 is about the full attainment of the Article 43. It is the people’s biggest achievement in the fight for reforms in this country. For the first time the Right to Social Welfare is enshrined within the supreme law hence the state is obligated to fulfill it in its fullest.

The Unga Revolution Mission
“To pressurize the state and those in it through public awareness rallies, Assemblies, Processions, Demonstrations, Pickets and Public Education on the Constitution to fully implement the Article 43 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya”.

The Mission of Unga Revolution is anchored in the Article 37 of the Constitution which states that all citizens have a right to peaceably and unarmed to assemble, to picket, to demonstrate and to present petitions to those in authority. All the activities of the Unga Revolution shall be peaceful and non violent and we expect those in authorities to abide by the law.

Unga Revolution Strategic Objectives

1. A reduction of prices of ALL basic commodities.
2. Creation of a SUBSIDY FUND to support in the production of basic commodities.
3. Nationalization of the food and oil sector to protect Mwananchi from profiteers.
4. Building of silos & modern storage facilities in all productive areas and Diversifying food production by focusing on Range Lands and Livestock Production.
5. Recovery of all grabbed agriculturally productive lands in Kenya and expanding on the total acreage used on food production
6. An audit of ALL natural and mineral resources in Kenya, especially Lake Magadi and the Kwale titanium, and how their revenues are used.
7. Accessible education at all levels to all Kenyans who are willing to learn.
8. Creation of suitable jobs for all Kenyans and a welfare and social security program for those who are unable to access income legitimately.
9. Guaranteed accessible & quality healthcare services to all Kenyans.
10. The removal of all privileges and special protection to any section of society and a reduction in the differences of the salaries of all workers.
The Unga Revolution Short Term Strategic Objectives
1) To establish the total number of Kenyans who can’t afford the high cost of living by 31st July 2011
2) To push the government to release a program to provide Food Stamps to all those who can’t afford the high cost of food by 7th August 2011
3) To push the government to start a subsidy fund for Kenyan Farmers and other sectors of production by 31st August 2011
4) To push the government to release a program to provide accommodation and shelter to IDPs, Squatters, Slum dwellers and all other Kenyans without housing by 8th September 2011
5) To distribute 20 million copies of pocket size constitutions in all the counties of Kenya by 31st August 2011
6) To carry out continuous constitutional, civic and political education in all the counties of Kenya with a specific aim of mobilizing Kenyans to push for the full implementation of Article 43 of the constitution
7) To organize continual and occasional public demonstrations, sit ins, seminars, workshops, processions, rallies, assemblies to enable the people fulfill their constitutional obligation as per Article 1 & 3 of the constitution

Unga Revolution Code of Conduct
These are the Unga Revolution code of conduct and they shall bind all members and any member who contravenes any of them shall be appropriately reprimanded.

1. I shall at all times and everywhere bear true allegiance to the Unga Revolution Code of conduct and project a positive image of the Revolution, its policies and ideology
2. I shall always in words; deeds and actions defend the constitution of Kenya, Flag and national values
3. I shall always push for the full implementation of the constitution of Kenya especially the Article 43 of the constitution
4. I shall strive to educate myself, my family, my friends and other Kenyans about the Unga Revolution ideas and values
5. I shall work hard at all times to disseminate progressive Unga Revolution ideas in Kenya
6. I shall everywhere and at all times in words and deeds identify with the course of liberation of the marginalized, the exploited and the oppressed people and I shall participate in all just struggle
7. I shall not participate, advocate or tolerate tribalism, racism, sexism, nepotism, cronyism, xenophobia, or any other form of discrimination against other people
8. I shall always and tirelessly fight against corruption, sleaze and all its manifestation and I shall be a guardian of justice and I shall be a custodian of public property and I shall be a living example of patriotism and morality
9. I shall not deceive the people with false promises, populism, and cheap propaganda or buy their support with money
10. I shall tell the truth to my comrades even when it is uncomfortable to do so, I shall tolerate being constructively criticized by other comrades and I shall not publicly quarrel with a comrade
11. I shall not falsely accuse or bear false witness against a comrade or other persons and I shall be the paragon of the truth and honesty
12. I shall promote the spirit of mutual respect, tolerance, friendship and comradeship with my comrades and shall not conduct myself in a manner inimical to the unity and progress of the collective leadership of the Unga Revolution
13. I shall be bound by the Unga Revolution code of conduct, organs and democratic ideas and I shall be bound by collective discipline and responsibility
14. I shall carry out the Unga Revolution assignments efficiently and in a transparent and accountable manner
15. I shall not reveal secrets of the Unga Revolution to non members and I shall not talk to media about internal affairs of the Unga Revolution
16. I shall avoid any conduct at public, social and personal level which is likely to put the Unga Revolution into public odium and disrepute, embarrass or compromise the Unga Revolution ideology, image, vision, mission, objectives, organs and the Unga Revolution members

I ______________________________​______________ of P.O. Box ______________________
Mobile _________________________ Email ______________________________​__________
Hereby commit myself to this Unga Revolution Code of Conduct.
Signature __________ Date _____________ Place ____________ Membership No. _______

Confirmed by:
______________________________​___________ Signature __________ Date ____________


Unga Revolution leadership structure
The leadership structure of the Unga Revolution is in form of standing committees namely:
1. Coordination and Communication Committee
2. Legal and Constitution Committee
3. Political and Resource Mobilization Committee
4. Security and Welfare Committee
Each of these committees has a convener, a deputy convener and members. The conveners of each committee are the Co-Conveners of the Unga Revolution.

Unga Revolution Central Committee
1. The Unga Revolution Central Committee is the top most decision making organ and shall ratify all reports from the standing committees, policies, programs and plans
2. All members of the Unga Revolution form the Unga Revolution Central Committee.
3. During the Unga Revolution Central Committee meetings, any member appointed by the members present can be the chair.

The leadership structure of Unga Revolution
Coordination & Communication Committee
1. Otieno Cidi ----------------------------- Convener
2. Francis Sakwa -------------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Khakasa Marakalu -------------------- Member
4. Nelson Munyuauki -------------------- Member
5. David Ndungu -------------------------- Member

Security & Welfare Committee
1. Vincent Kidaha Madegwa ------------- Convener
2. Florence Kanyua ------------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Erick Omenya ---------------------------- Member
4. James Nyakundi ------------------------- Member
5. Gibson Mukoma ------------------------- Member
6. Allan Okoth ------------------------------​- Member

Legal & Constituion Committee
1. Gacheke Gachihi ------------------------- Convener
2. Abdala Salim ----------------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Kimani Humphrey ---------------------- Member

Political & Resource Mobilization
1. Kenneth Kirimi --------------------------- Convener
2. Emily Kwamboka ----------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Nicholas Bundusi ----------------------- Member
4. Festus Kaloki ---------------------------- Member
5. Muigai Kamau ------------------------- Member
6. Joseph Gitonga ------------------------ Member
7. Sikwattah Lupao --------------------- Member

The Kenya national flag and videos

Anticorruption activists Jogoo House Sit-in song      The  may 31 Unga Revolution  rally

wht unga stand for

kenyan flag

SABA SABA RALLY

Ten people were on Thursday arrested as protests against the high cost of living and graft at the Ministry of Education turned chaotic.

And police were forced to lob several teargas canisters to disperse the group of Unga Revolution campaigners who are pressing for a reduction in the cost of flour as well as the sacking of Education minister Prof Sam Ongeri.

The Ministry of Education has of late been on the spotlight over the loss of Sh4.2 billion meant for the Free Primary Education kitty.

The group, which was later on joined by a number of university students, had initially gathered at the Kencom bus terminus, where they in turns, vented their anger at the government failure to reduce the price of flour.

'We are pained by the high cost of flour and we shall not keep quiet about it,” said

Consumers have been paying between Sh130 and Sh140 for a 2kg packet of maize flour, up from Sh75 at the beginning of the year but according to them, this should further be reduced to Sh30.

It is then that they decided to hold a procession along the city streets to Harambee Avenue – where the offices of President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are situated to demand answers on what the government is doing to arrest the situation.

They had also planned to visit Parliament.

However, on reaching the junction that joins Moi and Harambee Avenues – they encountered a group of law enforcement officers - both from the Regular Police and General Service Unit - who declined to let them proceed.

The law enforcers, some of whom had fierce police dogs in tow, had arrived at the venue in three lorry loads.

It is here that the protestors demanded to be let through, with the law enforcement officers, who were very much restrained, standing their ground that they will not pass.

Amid chants, the placard waving protestors refused to abandon their mission.

At this time, a huge group of curious onlookers had gathered to check what was happening.

Traffic along the busy roads was also paralysed.

Suddenly, the officers swung into action, volleying several teargas canisters that sent both the protestors and onlookers scampering for safety.
view video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY9S9JtEkX8

sab saba program

UNGA REVOLUTION SABA SABA 2011 PROGRAM AT UNGA AVENUE FORMER HARAMBEE AVENUE

TIME	VENUE	ACTIVITY
8am -9am	Within the community i.e mathare, huruma, mukuru,kibera,kangemi, kayole,kamkunji, karioko ,ziwani,dandora,zimaman,rongai,mwiki etc.	Kenya gathering and start walking toward town,
11:30am	Town [kencom bus terminal].	Kenyans from different part of the city gather , assemble and proceed to Harambee avenue via joogoo house chanting slogans
1pm-2pm		Singing of national anthem and wimbo wa mapambano,
2pm-3pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue	Taking of oath using the constitution ,to defend  the constitution  and  fight for its  full implementation.
3pm-4pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	1.Drawing of Kenyan map and highlighting the price of unga  in 210 constituency tagging using plates.. 2.Reading the unga revolution  Petition demand, as a reminder to the two principals.
4pm-6pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	1.Speeches from community members songs and poems…History of the struggle in Kenya. 2. Speeches from  saba saba heroes and Social activist from community.
6pm-6:30pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	Lighting of the 21 candles  in honoring the 21 saba saba  youth who died in  Saba Saba rallies .
7pm-	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	Way forward and wimbo wa mapambano.

Slogan

UNGA    --------- 30 BOB!!!!

 UNGA    --------- 30 BOB!!!

UNGA    --------- UNGANISHA WAKENYA,

NO UNGA !!! NO PARLIAMENT!!!!

MEDIA INVITATION

UNGA REVOLUTION

                  ungarevolution@yahoo.com             Facebook: Ungarevolution Kenya. Twitter: #ungarevolution                            CONTACT: 0702655596

Date: 28^th June 2011

To: ALL MEDIA HOUSES

       

SUBJECT: SABA SABA DAY  

The Unga Revolution is a self motivated and non-violent movement of the people of Kenya aimed at realizing all the rights and privileges as enshrined in the constitution of Kenya.

Currently the Unga Revolution is focusing on the Article 43 of the constitution ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RIGHTS-which state that all citizens have a right to Food, Housing, Healthcare, Education, Employment and Social Security. On 31^st May 2011 the Unga Revolution organized an assembly along Harambee Avenue between the office of the President and the PM with an aim of highlighting the escalating prices of basic commodities especially food stuffs. The Principals in their address to the assembly promised that the issues raised by the Unga Revolution especially the price of basic commodities shall be addressed in the budget statement.

The Unga Revolution has earmarked 7^th July 2011 (Saba Saba day) as a day of remembering the social struggle that the Young Turks and other progressive forces endured to create room for constitutional Review and opening up of democratic space to organize. It is also in memory of 14 Youth who died during Saba Saba Nane Nane and Tisa Tisa Rallies dubbed no reform no elections organized by NCEC in 1997 which gave the momentum for constitutional reforms in Kenya. It will also be a reminder that the Implementation of Article 43 of the constitution should be treated as a matter of urgency. You are invited to attend the Saba Saba Day Commemorations outside Harambee Avenue at 1:00PM.

Meanwhile as part of Saba Saba Day rally we have organized a ceremony to Honor Saba Saba Heroes at the same venue. Unga Revolution shall reward them with presents hence this personal invitation to your media house to cover the event.  

CC.

·         Raila Odinga

·         Dr. Willy Mutunga

·         Paul Muite

·         Martin Shikuku

·         Keneth Matiba

·         Charles Rubia

·         Timothy Njoya

·         Koigi Wamwere

·         Gitobu Imanyara

·         James Orengo

·         Davinder Lamba

·         Wangari Maathai

·         Martha Karua

·         Mukisa Kituyi

·         Njeri Kabeberi

·         Kiraitu Murungi

Kenyans demand a stop to GMO Food Imports
Press Release

1^st July 2011; Nairobi, Kenya

Kenyans, demand a stop to GMOs:

We demand the recognition of organic agriculture and other agro-ecological farming practices in Kenya’s agriculture policies and practices.

The developers of GMOs have exerted great pressure to ensure that our recently enacted Biosafety Act of 2009 serves the interests of foreign Agribusiness, rather than farmers and consumers. The introduction of patented seeds and related chemicals into our farming systems threatens our agricultural practices, our livelihoods, the environment, and undermines our seed sovereignty. We believe that we can feed our communities and this country with organic and agroecological farming practices that do not destroy, pollute and contaminate food, land and seeds. Our ability to feed Africa through agro-ecological practices is recognised and supported by UN reports, the IAASTD report and many research findings. We call upon the government to support small scale farmers in having access to water and capacity building in agro-ecology and for this to be enshrined in our Kenyan policies.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence to show that GMOs can cause serious damage to health, environment, food production and livelihoods. For example, animal feeding trials have shown damage to liver, kidney and pancreas, effects on fertility and stomach bleeding. A most recent study carried out on pregnant women in Canada found genetically modified insecticidal proteins in their blood streams and in that of their foetus. The developers of GMOs have always claimed that this is impossible; they have stated that these proteins are broken down in the digestive process and will not be found in the body. This recent finding is sending shock waves around the medical and scientific community.

Some of the problematic environmental consequences of GMOs include the development of insect resistance to the pesticides engineered into crops as well as the emergence of new and secondary pests destroying farmers’ crops forcing them to buy and use highly toxic pesticides. Further, the development of herbicide tolerant weeds are choking farmer’s fields. These weeds can no longer be controlled by modern herbicides, forcing farmers to spray high doses of older more toxic chemicals in an effort to control them. This has disastrous consequences for environmental and human health.

We do not believe that top-down technological solutions will solve the many challenges that Kenyan farmers face. This one-size-fits all solution cannot attend to our varied needs. Instead, we call for collaboration between farmers, scientists and government to ensure that we produce healthy and plentiful food. This “solutions centred” approach and farmer -scientist cooperation has in the past resulted in such innovations like the Katumani breed of maize for drier areas of Kenya and an improvement in food production systems and increased yields in a sustainable way. Everything that genetic engineering is claimed to offer can readily be achieved through safer methods such as non-GM breeding, intercropping and creative innovation. Our public research institutions must shift their focus back to farmers needs rather than support the agenda of agribusiness, which is to colonise our food and seed chain. We believe that the patenting of seed is deeply unethical and dangerous; it undermines farmers’ rights to save seeds and will make us wholly dependent on corporations in the future.

Farmers of Kenya believe that hunger is not caused by under-production of food, but because people have no money to buy food. Thus it cannot be said that GMOs are the solution to poverty and hunger. Article 43 of the Kenya Constitution affirms that Every Person has a Right to be free from hunger and to have adequate food of acceptable quality (Not GMOs!)

We demand that the Kenyan government recognizes the importance of agroecological practices as the primary farming practice in the country by enacting concrete legislation on it and allocating an annual budget for capacity building of small farmers who want to practice agroecological practices.

Further, we demand that the government, through a concrete policy statement, protects the integrity of agroecological practices and farmer saved seed varieties by banning the introduction of GMOs into the Kenya.

Contact: 

Anne Maina

Advocacy Coordinator

African Biodiversity Network (ABN)

Tel: +254 722 386 263

Email: anne@africanbiodiversity.org

Gacheke Gachihi

Social Justice Activist

Bunge La Mwananchi Social Movement

Tel: +254 720 318 049

Email: ggacheke@gmail.com

Cidi Otieno

Convener,

UNGA Revolution

Tel: +254 721 609 699

Email: ungarevolution@gmail.com

Report from Unga Revolution committee visit in, Taita Taveta County on the right to food

Report from  Unga Revolution committee visit in, Taita Taveta County on the right to food   and Access to National resources on 14/06/2011.

        Members of the Unga revolution committee in Nairobi received invitation of solidarity  from Taita taveta community leaders to visit there area on the violations of their  rights to food by increasing number of elephants from Kenya wildlife service  that stray from the Tsavo   National park  during every  planting and harvesting seasons and destroying acres of mature crops from the peasants farmers who depend on this farming for their livelihood, this  destruction of their livelihood by elephants from KWS  has made them to depend on the unaffordable maize flour that is costing Ksh 160 per  2kg ,in the local shops  and government relief food that is used by the local political class  to manipulate the resident of the Taita  Taveta county during election  . The systematic destruction of the maize crops during this season has exposed the said peasants farmers in Taveta  to food insecurity  and hunger  this year which is gross violation of the   their constitutional right to food that in anchored in the constitution  in article 43, on the right to food and protection of livelihood  which is part of the Unga revolution countrywide  campaign, for the government to implement the its obligation as spelt out in the constitution.

  Taita Taveta county is embodiment of neo- colonial poverty, that is obscured by large scale sisal estate plantation and animal  Ranch that cover an   area of  4,073km  and the Tsavo National park   which occupies the largest area 10,539 km from 16,975km , with remaining small part being habited by the Taita –Taveta county population people of  300,000 people in the four constituency  named  Taveta , Wundayi , Mwatate , and Voi., which make  Taita –Taveta  whole as County.

Sisal Plantation( photo by Unga Revolution team)

The history of this exploitation dates to the first and second world war when the British settler soldier were settled in Taita Taveta, then followed by Kenyatta regime , that extended   undemocratic controll and exploitation  of the land in Taita Taveta and the National Resources , The former MP of the area  Basil  Criticos  and the Kenyatta family  own the  70 percent  of the Land in Taveta , which  was  intialialy owned by Colonial settler Col  Grogon as retirement package from the British Colonial government in 1930 , But in 1959 the Land was acquired by  Basils Criticos  father who turned it to sisal estate.  When in1971 Kenyatta acquired 24000 of acres adjacent to Basil Criticos  estate  using the British  government Funds, where the Kenyatta family today owns the mines in Taita Taveta, with the local ruling  political class.  

    The economic  disempowerment  and marginalization of the people of the Taita- Taveta and systematic destruction of their livelihood by Kenya wildlife’s services elephants every year,which undermine their right to food and threat by Coalition government to settle large number of  the 2007 post election  violence    internally displaced people (IDP) in the area,   has promoted the  community  leaders of Taita –Taveta council of elders ( Waghosi wa Isanga ),  and the  local councilors   to seek  solidarity  with the unga revolution movement  in demanding the government and the Magemement of the Kenya Widlifes services to account on the gross violation of human rights to  the people of Taita- Taveta, especially the right to food and access to national resources as in the constitution.

   The resident of Mwaktau Location, Mwatate Constituency took to the street early June to demand accountability from the Kenya wildilfes service management and number of the villagers were injured by the Kenya police at  Voi- Taveta road,  in violations of  their constitutional   rights  to assemble, picket  and petition authorities , this happened   on 3^rd  June  2011 while conducting a non-violent  protest action of the sit-in at Voi –Taveta road to pressure the government and the KWs to take action on  the systematic destruction of their livelihoods.

 

The destroyed Maize crops by the KWS elephants. (photo Unga Revolution team.)

Mr Alfan Mborioa community leader and  Waghosi  wa Isaga council of elders   who hosted the Unga revolution committee from Nairobi, in assessing the impact and damage caused by the  elephants informed the team the school  attendance in Mwakitau  and Mwashuma  areas  classes were affected because of the fear of the pupils being attached by the said elephants while going to the schools in  the morning and the evening  while going back home. Which also is compounded by hunger.

 

   Small farms Maize crops destroyed and …..(Women in concern)  

Action that was to be taken by the Unga Revolution committee in Nairobi and  Taita Taveta Community leaders  local CouncillorsWaghosi Wa  Isanga elders  and the peasants farmers in the area.

1. Documentation of the destruction of the crops and affected people and the  number of plots  in  all areas within Taita taveta  county , that border the Tsavo national park.
2. Community participatory in social audit on the Kenya wildlife service in the Taita –Taveta County, Tsavo National park on the violation of right to food and access to national resources by the people of Taita Taveta.
3. Instituting a classic legal action case against the Kenya government and Kenya wildlife service on the violations of right to food and destruction of property in the area.
4. That the government should not settle 2007 post election victims (IDP) in the area because it amount to gross human rights violations  and historicsal injustice to  the people of Taita- Taveta who were originally displaced and rendered  landless  in the Taita-Taveta area by Britist  colonial govermemt and subsequent government of Kenyatta Moi  and Kibaki regime. \

Unga Revolution team with residents and teachers  of Mwakitau Secondary school in Taita Taveta.

5. Petition the government  and Kenya Wildlife service under the Article 37 of the constitution to compensate  and pay damages on the said victims of right to food, and respect the constitutional right to food as anchored in the constitution of Kenya.
6. Participation of the affected people in the decision making processes, in order to identify the real needs of the right to food are responded to effectively and all victims of the right to food affected are compensated.
7. The residents affected were to make a delegation to Kenya wildlife service headquarters to petition the KWS director Dr. Julias Kipngetich on the said human rights violations.
8. The team were to  advance the Saba saba(7/7/2011) commemoration in the respect to right to food by petitioning  authorities in picketing , organizing  sit in  and rallies  in the governments offices to demand accountability  and respect of our  rights as stipulated in the new constitution.

Tsvo West National Park ( Unga Revolution Photo)

Reports By Unga Revolution Committee.

1. Francis Sakwa, Unga Revolution Mathare Committee
2. James Kamau (Jemu ) Unga Revolution Mukuru Committee
3. Vincent Madegwa Kidaha  Unga Revolution Kibera Committee
4. Cidi Otieno  - Convener Unga Revolution
5. Gacheke Gachihi  Convener Bunge La Mwananchi social movement

Blog.  Ungarevolution.blogspot.com

Email, ungarevolution@gmail.com

Twitter. ungarevolution

Cellphone. +254721609699

Jogoo House overnight sit-in activists update statement

On June 20, 2011 at around 9am  activists  stormed into Minister for Educations office on Jogoo House and staged a sit-in to demand Prof. Ongeri resigns or fired by President Mwai Kibaki to pave way for further investigation. This was occasioned by Treasury internal audit report that revealed that Free Primary Education Fund had lost Kshs. 4.6 Billion.

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Our demand does not mean that he is culpable but we hold it that he is the duty bearer and he has obligation to be accountable to the people of Kenya about their money. The same activists were among the 22 who were arrested on December 24, 2009 following a civic action to spotlight embezzlement of FPE money.
By close of business June 20 the activists had only heard from Permanent Secretary, Prof. James Ole Kiyiapi who defended himself saying he does not know who stole the money.
Yesterday, June 21, the activists returned to the Ministers office, subdued intimidation from anti riot police who demanded they leave and staged an overnight vigil at Jogoo House. As I write this statement the activists are still holding out at Jogoo House 2nd room 204. We are mobilizing more support from our networks this morning to join so as to make it business unusual at the ministry until something gives in.
The activists are determined to stay put at the Ministry of Education headquarters Jogoo House until the Minister resigns or is fired to pave way for further investigation. In the event he is found culpable, he should prosecuted and the money recovered.
We are also asking the British government not to demand their money back because the money gives relief to the poor families. Prof. Ongeri’s children do not go to public schools and will not be affected. The British government should use other means of holding Kenyan political leadership accountable on corruption.
With the new constitution, the new chief justice, increase demand for integrity among judges and magistrates, and the promise of total overhaul of judicial system; the ball is in the court of us citizens to make Kenya better a nation.
We must now make the concept of accountability a reality and inculcate the culture of taking responsibility into our public affairs. This is a song we sang as we whiled the night away at Jogoo House on June 21, 2011.
The following are the activists in the photos: Florence Kanyua, Francis Sakwa, Vincent Kidaha, John Koome, Gabriel Adigo, Japhet Moroko, John Abok, Gacheke Gachihi, Fredrick Odhiambo, Okoiti Omtata and George Nyongesa

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