By: Crispy Kaheru
When the East African Community (EAC) collapsed in 1977, it did so not just because Kenya demanded for more seats than Uganda and Tanzania in decision-making organs of EAC but because there was generally a lack of integrity, trust and selflessness among the leaders at that time.

With its restoration in 2000, the EAC is making strategic leaps towards political integration.

However the ultimate political integration is going to heavily depend on the extent through which the political leaders in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi seek to fulfill the core values of the regional bloc as opposed to undertaking individual self-seeking projects. While regional cooperation may be important in developing constructive relations between states, it cannot be assumed that pooling resources to provide public goods for populations and creating platforms for dialogue regarding shared interests will automatically follow.

Despite the high hopes raised by the re-ignition of the EAC concept, the region continues to suffer from deep-rooted mutual suspicions, as well as selfishness by some of its contemporary main political actors. The neatly woven suspicion and individualism amongst some of the regional political players might sooner than later pause a greater challenge to regional integration.

   EAC Heads of State – From Left: Uganda’s Museveni, Kenya’s Kibaki, Rwanda’s Kagame, Tanzania’s Kikwete
   and Burundi’s Nkurunziza [ ENLARGE ]

The Kenyan Triton Oil Scandal of 2008/9 that led to the massive fuel shortage in the entire East African region is said to have been engineered by sections of political leadership in Kenya for self vested interests. Without naming names, considerable evidence unraveled after that fuel scandal pointed to key political figures issuing orders to the Triton management to hoard fuel in order to escalate the oil prices beyond the market rates for individual gains. To the best of luck of the proprietors of this fraud, the oil prices more than doubled in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for about a month in the later part of 2008.

Similarly, recent media reports have associated the current economic slowdown characterized by the skyrocketing inflation in the region to the artificially triggered fuel prices in Kenya whose brunt is now being intolerably felt by Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Although initial explanations by the Ugandan, Rwandan and Burundian governments dwelt on the insurgency in North Africa and the Arab world, the focus has dramatically shifted to analyzing the costs levied on fuel between Mombasa port and Eldoret. In his swearing in speech, President Museveni last week actually revealed his intentions to start importing crude oil from Sudan as a measure of curbing the soaring prices of fuel. Although Uganda has time immemorial got its fuel from Mombasa, Museveni expressed concern on the costs charged on fuel products to Uganda by the Kenyan authorities.

Of course with the fuel fraud precedence that has been set, I would not be shocked if the economic crisis in East Africa is yet another individually engineered or exacerbated scam to amass quick wealth for just a few politicians who trade in oil at the expense of the ordinary citizens in the region who now cannot even afford one meal a day, due to the unbelievable commodity prices. Yes, this has happened before and it wouldn?t be shocking if the same game is being played by a cabal of cruel, self-minded leaders somewhere in the region.

Such politics of selfish interests will definitely serve to breakdown the foundation of trust between what are essentially supposed to be cooperating countries in the region. Interstate agreements on partnership relations of cooperation are supposed to be built on mutual trust, respect and confidence between the countries’ leaders.

It is imperative to note that regional cooperation, as a middle path between complete self-reliance and complete openness, gives countries increased room to maneuver in pursuing development. Therefore, the only way to maintain regional political stability and social and economic welfare is to have an altruistic attitude in administration rather than leadership that presages selfishness.

By David Ochami & Philip Mwakio (The Standard, Kenya)

Kenya is fast becoming a key hub for trafficking of drugs from Afghanistan to the rest of the world.

According to reports by the United Nations, “30 to 35 metric tonnes” of Afghan heroin pass through East Africa each year.

This is two-thirds the volume going through West Africa. The largest ever drug haul in Kenya, in December 2004, was 1.1 metric tonnes with a street value of over Sh13 billion.

The proceeds from the drugs are used to finance terrorism activities in Northern Africa and some other sub-Saharan states. It is also suspected that the illicit drug trade supports the unending conflict in neighbouring Somalia.

The Taliban, among whom the world’s most notorious terrorist Osama bin Laden hides, are reported to earn $100 million (Sh8 billion) a year from protecting the drug trade. Drug barons are rumoured to sit in Afghan government positions raking in billions more. The UN puts the potential export value of Afghan narcotics at about $3.4 billion (Sh270 billion) a year. So much is grown that destroying it all is impossible: With stockpiles of 10,000 metric tonnes awaiting export, the UN this year proposed creating a “flood of drugs” in the country to destroy the value of opium.

Experts say the availability of drugs in Kenyan cities is fueling addiction and spread of HIV and Aids in towns like Mombasa and Nairobi.

The UN says that countries in East and West Africa, including Kenya, are no longer only consumers of drugs but are turning into processing hubs for hard drugs. Some states are “threatened” by the increasing clout of drug cartels.

Last evening, Judith Odhiambo who heads the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Kenya Police acknowledged a surge in seizures of drug hauls but it was not clear whether that is a result of better law enforcement or an increase in trafficking through Kenya.

“Seizures are rising now,” she said in a brief interview. She did not, however, have definite figures of trends and added she needs to read the UN report first.

The UN says heroin is replacing cocaine whose supply has been going down. Last year 80 per cent of the world’s opium (used to make heroin) came from Afghanistan. Production is up over 239 per cent since 2003, according to US government estimates. Most states preferred by traffickers lack money to implement anti-narcotics strategies.

On November 24, a ministerial declaration supporting UN efforts against drugs and organised crime was signed in Kenya. Dated December 8, the report quotes Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director on the UN Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) as saying: “Drugs are enriching not only organized crime but also terrorists and other anti-Government forces,”

He describes the situation as a worrisome development.

“In East Africa…30 to 35 tonnes of Afghan heroin [are] trafficked each year causing a dramatic increase in heroin addiction and spreading of HIV and Aids in the slums of Nairobi and Mombasa.”

The official said the rise is also connected to state failure in Somalia.

“Mainly because of the drastic situation in Somalia, he said, East Africa was becoming a free economic zone for all sorts of trafficking — drugs, migrants, guns, hazardous wastes and natural resources.”

West Africa has traditionally been associated with the international drug trade but Kenya now leads states in East Africa that have emerged as favourites for drug traffickers.

A UN Security Council meeting on global cooperation in fighting international drug trafficking was told that narcotic laboratories are increasingly finding homes in Africa.

The UN bulletin, which reported on the meeting, says that such laboratories have already been found in countries such as Guinea-Bissau. The country’s Cabinet is so compromised, it is referred to as the world’s first “narco-state.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon told the meeting that international drug trade is fuelling brutal conflicts, corruption and other crimes besides undermining the rule of law.

The UN chief said in some poor nations proceeds of drug trade distort Gross Domestic Product and disclosed that global co-operation to fight the narcotics menace lags behind cooperation between or among criminal groups.

The CEO of the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) Jennifer Kimani says there is a rising consumption of heroin in Kenya owing to its availability and affordability on the market.

“There is a rise in demand for heroin because it is cheap and available,” she says and adds supply and abuse of the drug has risen lately beyond the traditional Coast province to Kenya’s hinterland.

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya According to the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) lack of goodwill from the government was derailing efforts to contain the menace.

“A good example is the Kenyan Coast which has seen the number of youths hooked to illegal drugs on the increase. It is religious leaders and to some extent provincial administration officials who are trying to eradicate drug use here,” Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, CIPK organising secretary said.

He added that certain individuals known to be involved in drug trade are in good books with senior Government officials who act to protect them arrest.

But Sheikh Juma Ngao, a Nacada director, points an accusing finger at western nations which have reneged on their role to help stop supply of drugs to developing countries.

“There is need to have stiffer international laws in place that could deter transfer and or transportation of drugs to countries like Kenya in the first place,” Sheikh Ngao said.

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US Ambassador, Mr Michael Ranneberger, said Obama’s win would have tremendous impact on Kenya.

Kenyans have welcomed Senator Barack Obama’s nomination as the Democratic Party candidate for the November US presidential elections.

Proud Grandma: Mama Sarah Obama and one of her grandsons, Mr. Wycliffe Omondi read The Standard at her Kogelo village home, Siaya District, Kenya on Thursday. Mama Sarah is the grandmother of Senator Barack Obama. Picture by Titus Munala.

Congratulatory messages continued to pour to The Standard newsroom from Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa and even Moyale, with Kenyans wishing the Illinois senator the ultimate victory in the November election.

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga were not left behind. In a statement from Arusha, President Kibaki congratulated Obama, saying the victory was a manifestation of the faith and confidence the Democratic membership had in his leadership.

On his part, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said Obama’s victory was a momentous occasion in history.

“Barack Obama’s success will inspire us all to break the shackles of ethnic preoccupations in determining political leadership,” Raila said in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Salim Lone.

Obama’s grandmother, Mama Sarah, 86, led villagers of Alego Kogelo, Siaya, where the senator’s father — Barack Obama Senior — was born, in thanking American voters for no,inating her grandchild.

At the home of Obama’s father, relatives, neighbours and students celebrated the triumph, whose campaign now promises to capture the psyche of Kenya in the run up to the presidential elections.

Obama’s Kenyan Kin Celebrate

   Barack Obama speaks to residents of Nairobi’s Kibera area,
   Kenya, in August 2006.

   Obama and Kenyan Grandmother (Mama Sarah)… Earlier Visit

   Kenya Flag

   Obama and Kenyan Relatives … Earlier Visit

Mama Sarah spent most of on Wednesday morning talking on the telephone to her relatives in America, UK and South Africa about Obama’s victory against Mrs. Hillary Clinton in the hotly contested primaries.

“I will travel to America to witness his swearing in because I know he will win. But I will not stay in the country for long,” she said.

Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, hailed the victory as historic, saying Obama had won the nomination with dignity.

“Indeed, he may make history as the first American president with African roots,” said Kalonzo in Nairobi.

US Ambassador, Mr Michael Ranneberger, said Obama’s win would have tremendous impact on Kenya.

“Over 350,000 Kenyans live in the US, with another 7,000 traveling there annually, which explains the great interest in the race,” Ranneberger said.

Back at Obama’s father’s home in Siaya, residents basked in international glare as CNN led other international media teams in airing to the world live the joy of the village.

   Barack Obama Jr. / Barack Obama Sr.
CNN was live at Alego Kogelo at 10am, showing villagers holding bottles of ‘Senator’ beer to celebrate the Illinois Senator’s win.

Journalists, armed with sophisticated satellite equipment, began arriving at the sleepy village from as early as 6am on Wednesday.

Many installed their equipment at the home as they waited for permission from the family to interview the senator’s grandmother.

Other international media at the home included BBC, Reuters and Al Jazeera.

However, the media had to wait for more than two hours before they could get access to Mama Sarah, who has become the biggest local celebrity.

The number of people claiming to be related to Obama also increased as the news of his victory filtered into Nyanza.

More ‘relatives’ show up

Mr. Tom Ombaka, a Kisumu businessman, said: “Everyone now claims he or she is a cousin of the senator. I have met more than ten people this morning who tell me they are Obama’s blood relations.”

Amid song and dance, Mama Sarah announced she was preparing for an epic journey to America to witness the swearing in ceremony of her grandson as the country’s first black president.

She said: “I will go there to witness the swearing in ceremony, and to pray for him, his family and the people of America for demonstrating unity and love beyond race and colour by picking a black person to lead them.”

She went on: “I love Africa. I am too old now and America is too cold for me to settle. So I will only be visiting once in a while if I am still alive by God’s will.

“I was highly elated when his sister, Rita Auma Obama, in South Africa phoned me to break the news. I said glory be to God,” she said, beaming with joy as she greeted the journalists.

She quipped: “I know what brings you here this early. But don’t worry, feel welcome. I will attend to your needs,” she said as she ushered in visitors to her compound.

“I had prophesied that Obama would win and my dream has partially come true. I am sure he will also win the final contest, God willing. This is my honest and humble prayers,” she said.

She said of her grandson: “His father loved people, development and education. These are the traits that Obama inherited and I can assure you he will go far.”

At the nearby Senator Barack Obama-Kogello Secondary School, which neighbours Mama Sarah’s home, students danced, sang and shouted: “Obama Juu! Obama Juu!”

The school principal, Ms Yunita Obiero, said she announced the good news to the students at assembly in the morning after hearing of Obama’s victory on BBC’s Swahili Service radio.

In Nairobi, ODM congratulated Obama for clinching the Democratic presidential nominations. Secretary-General, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, said the primaries were free and fair and Obama won convincingly.

“His global leadership is cut out for him,” said Nyong’o, who is also the Medical Services minister.

Win-win situation

Lands minister, Mr. James Orengo, said the Obama victory was a win-win situation for Kenya and US. “The US electoral process offers a rare opportunity for men and women of good character. Any Kenyan should, therefore, be able to win nomination locally irrespective of gender, tribe, race or religion,” Orengo said.

Previous Visit To Kenya

In Mombasa, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Organising Secretary, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, urged Obama to stick to his manifesto which has earned him wide support and to steer away from US President George W’ Bush’s “confrontational policies”.

“Apart from being close to Africa, we expect Obama to move away from confrontational policies and unite the US and the rest of the world if he finally wins the presidency,” Khalifa said.

ODM-Kenya nominated MP, Ms Shakila Abdalla, said Obama’s victory was an achievement for Kenyans and Africa.

“Because Obama has roots in Kenya, we expect the US and Kenya to forge close ties. We are praying for his victory in the presidential poll,” Shakila said.

And North Eastern Province on Wednesday took delight in Obama’s victory. The predominantly Muslim province came to the limelight during the primaries early this year when Obama’s rival, Mrs Hillary Clinton’s campaign team circulated pictures on the Internet of Obama in Somali traditional attire taken in Wajir.

An elder, Mr Mohammed Hassan Mumin, who was photographed dressing Obama during the senator’s visit to Wajir, said they were happy that Obama was a step away from the presidency.

Mr Maalim Hussein, a teacher at a Quranic school in Garissa, said: “He was a victim of smear campaigns from the Clintons for embracing our attire, but we kept praying for his success and we are celebrating today.”

He added: “We also pray that he becomes the next US president so that he can help our impoverished province and Africa.”

Mr Christopher Njoroge, who lives in Washington, Seattle, said on the telephone: “This is great victory. It is victory for all America that wants real change.”

And from Des Moines, Iowa, Ms Nancy Mwirotsi, a key Obama supporter and mobiliser in a State that gave Obama his first victory, shed tears.

“For me, Obama’s victory is not just about himself and his family, it is about many young Kenyans here who look up to him as their role model,” she said.

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