SIGHTS and SOUNDS

From top to bottom: Local residents offloading sacks of fertilizers to be distributed to all farmers in Marenyo

Jerusa Luhano addresses a crowd.



Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo.











Gem Junior MP George Maugo.



A farmer tends to his maize field. Over 700 farmers in Marenyo got free maize seeds and fertilizers.

Okoth Owiro is gone, who shall pick up his gauntlets?

Arthur Okoth Owiro was a prominent son of Sagam and a Professor of Law at the University of Nairobi. A sad loss.

This was featured in the East African Standard

By Dominic Odipo

The other week, the country and the University of Nairobi, in particular, lost a giant. Arthur Okoth-Owiro, the man who had taught Private Law at the university for quarter a century and who had served as the first secretary of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC), finally left us.

For those among us who knew him so well, Okoth’s death was a singular and devastating event. We take solace only in the fact that that is the way of all of us and that the Good Lord will receive him with open arms on the other side. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Arthur Okoth-Owiro was the only man of his kind in this country. You can search the length and breadth of the entire country, but you will not find another quite like him.

His birthplace of Ahono, Gem in Siaya District combined with Sawagongo Secondary School, Alliance High School and the University of Nairobi to produce a unique human species. There are very few people who ever met Okoth-Owiro and forgot the experience. His impression, like that of all strong men, always remained behind, sometimes favourable and sometimes highly unfavourable. Here was a man whom neither his friends nor foes could totally ignore.

Okoth was a giant not only in the physical sense, but also in the social and intellectual sphere. He lived his half century to the full, ignoring the vaunted moderation of the ancient Greeks and testing life’s limits like few among us could dare. Very often, he pitted his intellectual arsenal against the very best Nairobi University could offer and came out tops. As it has been well put elsewhere, Okoth was a man who had all the characteristics of the human race.

Turbulent and often unpredictably spontaneous, he was selectively generous, often lavishing full attention and the fruits of his many labours on a select few and denying them completely to others. That Okoth drank the full measure of his glass of life, no one who knew him can deny. He loved his red wine and his Johnny Walker and would often consume enormous volumes of both. He loved the company of his fellow human beings, both male and female.

He loved African music, especially the big band sound of Congolese maestro Franco and his TP OK Jazz. He adored the solo vocals of Carlito Lassa (Affaire Kitikwala), Sam Mangwana, Malage de Lugendo (Testament ya Bowule) and the superb duets of Franco and Youlou Mabiala (Infidelite Mado) and Franco and Sam Mangwana (Cooperation, Toyeba Yo.)

On the local scene, he reserved a special place in his musical soul for Okatch Biggy, like him, a native of Gem. After Okatch passed on, he transferred his affection to those musicians who had learned at Okatch’s feet. As if in reciprocation of his love for their art, these musicians generously included his name in their lyrics.

Those of us who knew Okoth well will remember him, not for his red wine or generous love of humanity, but for his withering wit and for what we used to call his cut-throat intelligence. With one quick, pithy retort, Okoth could cut down any man or woman in an intellectual exchange. He could do this to students, fellow lecturers, professors and journalists alike.

Unfortunately, this cut-throat wit was not always doled out judiciously. Many of his friends and university colleagues often ended up at the sharp end of it. So it happened that, often, when he needed the backing of his friends or colleagues, he found it vapourised by some defunct, but devastatingly witty remark long gone from his own memory.

When, during the mid-1980s, the University of Nairobi found itself with a vice chancellor and a law dean who were both Kamba, Okoth suddenly found the university "too Kambasome". Commenting on the standard of the lawyers being produced by the university, he said: "You know most of the students who later become lawyers in this town only manage pass degrees. That means they only know about 40 per cent of the law."

There are many of his former colleagues who will swear that Okoth was incorrigibly arrogant. That he had a rather inflated opinion of himself. Are they correct? Indeed, they are. But this arrogance and highly inflated sense of self-esteem turned out to be one of his greatest assets.

In a huge, public university setting in which one must publish or perish, a huge intellectual ego can be very useful indeed. You must prove by what you publish and do that you are indeed superior to your peers. In the end, what starts out as a vice becomes the engine through which you develop all your potential and end up dominating your colleagues even more.

And this, in effect, is what happened to Okoth towards the sunset of his life. Believing deep within that he was inherently superior to his colleagues, he put in his name for secretary of the CKRC and, without canvassing, promptly got the job. Arrogance, whether intellectual or not, had clearly paid off.

Unfortunately, this hour of his greatest triumph also turned out to be the beginning of the end. Hardly six months into the job, he lost the support of virtually all his fellow commissioners.

When he was finally forced to resign, deep within, he knew that having reached the top of his mountain he would never actually see the Promised Land.

And so when the cruel hand of fate struck the other week, Okoth knew it was coming. He had certainly adjusted himself for the consequences, so far as it is humanly possible to do so. He fought the unequal battle with courage and fortitude to the very end, refusing to capitulate meekly to this mightiest of the forces of Providence.

It is on this note that we say farewell to our brother and friend of so many memorable years and wish him the very best that there may be in the world beyond the grave.

Good bye, Rabet.

RABUOR – SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST (RSA-DT) MEETING HELD 25TH FEBRUARY, 2006 AT REINSURANCE PLAZA – NAIROBI

In attendance

1. Ambrose Rachier – partly attended – Chairman
2. Gedfrey Nyandera Abwao – Chairing
3. Eng. A. O. Rogo
4. Walter Odallo
5. Ombaka Ogolla
6. Regina Opundo
7. Geoffrey Ochieng’
8. Godffrey Omolle
9. Margaret Ooko
10. Evans Okelo Siguru
11. Samuel Otieno Siguru
12. David Oduor Oluoch
13. Ouma Ojenge
14. Charles Ooro
15. Ezekiel Odhiambo Ohando
16. Maurice Araka Sogo
17. Bon Ouko

Apologies: -

1. Margaret Radier
2. Christine Okwirry
3. Nelson Rogo
4. Isaac Okoth
5. George Sewe
6. J. M. Okinda
7. George A. Omollo
8. John N. Otiende

The meeting started at 10.45 a.m. with a word of prayer from the Mrs. Regina Opundo.

Thereafter the agenda for the day were adopted as follows: -
• Perusal of Minutes of last meeting
• Matters arising from those minutes
• Report on Progress of various development Projects and any new development projects
• Welfare of RSA individual members and general membership development agenda
• AOB

The Chairman Mr. Rachier having partly attended the meeting could not chair and therefore Mr. Nyandera Abwao was to chair the meeting session in the absence of Mr. Rachier.

The Secretary Eng. Rogo took the meeting through the minutes.

1. RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA) COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT

1.1 Funding

UNESCO

UNESCO had compiled a report on RSA Development Activities and the Report Magazine is in circulation. With such a comprehensive report from UNESCO, funding is highly expected on various development projects within RSA. The meeting received the report very positively and there are good future prospects on such reports.

LAKE VICTORIA SOUTH WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)

The meeting appreciated the work that is going on through the above funding. RSA Water Project Phase II that was funded by the above is on course and the work is being done under the supervision of the Water Project Committee who are the recipient of the grant and the Engineers from the Ministry of Water Resources. The meeting however noted with concern over the routing of the water trenching, which is observed in particular areas and also a concern on neglect that was raised by Mr. Nyandera Abwao. The Secretary Eng. Rogo was to address this concern with the branch Chairman and the Project chairlady such that the distribution can be even in the areas around.

LAKE VICTORIA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (LVEMP)

The RSA Community Water Project Committee should keep on following on any possible funding from LVEMP. LVEMP had previously shown good prospects on funding and with a vigorous follow-up they would be willing to do more to RSA and the surroundings.

1.2 PROGRESS

The only concern that was noted at the meeting is the level of water that has gone down at the source though the pumping to the storage tanks had not been interrupted.

The trenching that had delayed the work in particular areas was still and issue and had hampered completion of the 2nd phase and this was agreed to be an issue that could be sorted out by the Water Committee and the RSA local office.

2. ROADS

The meeting was informed that the District Roads Board would sit and discuss on the repairs on the Rabuor-Yala road that was used as a diversion when the main Yala road was under construction. The meeting was also made aware that the Ministry of Roads should be able to undertake the repair of the diversion road if a proper follow up is done, Eng. Rogo was still encouraged to take a tireless effort to follow up on these repairs.

Those in the meeting were also encouraged to continue with the monthly roads levy of Kshs.20/- to allow for manual repairs to the roads that are fast deteriorating.
3. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY FOR RSA

The meeting learnt that the contractor who had been assigned the power installation in RSA had been strike off due to the long delay and other technicalities. The KPLC had taken over the installation and they have already promised to complete the project that was left incomplete.

4. TREE PLANTING IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA

Tree planting was an area of concern to the region though has not been given the emphasis it deserved. Those in the meeting were reminded to lead by example and take tree planting as serious as any other agricultural activity in the area.

The Viagroforestry and Icraf have always shown a desire to work with an organized group to achieve a goal in tree planting within RSA. This is an opportunity that should be taken seriously by the locals for their own benefit.

5. SECURITY IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA)

Security in the area has not improved so much and security being everybody concern, the Local Administration were asked to do all that they can to improve security in the area. The RSA Nairobi office is still following up the Gazettement of the Sinaga Police Post and the Sagam A.P Base. The Chairman Mr. Rachier should be able to report back on the progress of the Gazettement of the above post.




6. EDUCATION OF BRIGHT CHILDREN IN RSA WITH PROBLEMS IN RAISING SCHOOL FEES

Having been a big concern to the Development Trust, the meeting fixed a date for the Education Committee Meeting on Thursday 2nd March 2006 at 5.30 p.m. This meeting would discuss the application received earlier from RSA Residents who had requested assistances in paying school fees for their children. The RSA members who did not meet the harambee target during the harambee were also reminded to top up their contributions being that each member has a minimum target of Kshs.3000/-

7. ACQUISITION OF PLOT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

The plot acquired at Sinaga was still an issue at the meeting because Mr. Ernest Were to whom correspondences had been done regarding this plot has not communicated back. The meeting reminded Mr. Were to give back a report as to the position with this plot such that arrangements for the final settlement of the same can be made urgently. The Secretary should report in the meeting

8. RABUOR SINAGA AREA COMMUNITY FUND
(MICRO FINANCE)

The meeting learnt of positive performance of the Community Fund and the same was really encouraged. It become evident that the community fund has improved the living standard of local residents and there was still need for more funding to the community fund. The members who had not opened up an A/C with the Community Fund were encouraged to do so to support the fund achieve its core business of saving and lending to the local peasants.

The community fund as a link A/c at KCB as below: -

RSA Community Fund
A/C No. 132 129 358
KCB – Kisumu West (Luanda Branch)
P O Box 719 LUANDA
TEL: 057 351504

9. RSA COMMUNITY POLYTECHNIC (MINDHINE)

The meeting expressed disappointment that the Polytechnic had not opened its doors for learning to start. In the deliberations, the meeting requested that the Polytechnic Committee should do an accounting for the funds that were raised in the RSA organized harambee that was done at the site of the Polytechnic. The meeting also asked the RSA Chairman Mr. Rachier to speed up the arrangements he had for periodical reports on the developments at the polytechnic committee were further urged to be furnishing the meeting with development reports on the ground.


10. RSA CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP (RSA – CDG)

The group that produces (Community Times) Newsletters has consistently produced their quarterly editions and has enlightened the community on various issues affecting their lives directly. The meeting reminded the Editor Mr. Okinda to be availing copies to the meeting in Nairobi whenever a new edition is produced.

The Editorial was reminded to keep the youth updated on the role they should play in Community Development.

11. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN RSA

The meetings encouraged RSA residents to continue applying for telephone lines and for those who had earlier applied were asked to follow up with the Kisumu Telecom Officer. It was still emphasized that distance was not a barrier as others had earlier been told, the whole RSA area could be covered regardless

12. INSURANCE POLICY COVER FOR RSA – DT MEMBERS

Having been informed that the cover had lapsed, the meeting emphasized the need for a very urgent renewal at a premium of Kshs.1550/- per person. The meeting went further to set a deadline for renewing the policy as next meeting date, which was set for 25/3/06.


13. PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RSA COORDINATION OFFICE

The level at which RSA Development Trust has been ranked, called for a co-coordinating office. This has not been possible due to limitations of resources and the trust has had high hopes of establishing the same in the future.

The meeting having decided to contribute towards footing the office expenses, encouraged members to give donations to aide the running of RSA office on a monthly basis.

Those in the meeting contributed as below:
1. 1 Eng. Rogo 100.00
2. Geoffrey Ochieng’ 100.00
3. Regina Opundo 100.00
4. Margaret Ooko 100.00
5. David Oduor Oluoch 50.00
6. Walter Odallo 100.00
7. Ombaka Ogola 50.00
8. Nyandera Abwao 50.00
9. Godfrey Omolle 50.00
10. Ezekiel Ohando 50.00
11. George Apiyo Omollo 50.00
12 Evans Okelo Siguru 50.00
13 Ouma Ojenge 50.00
Total 900.00

Members were encouraged to continue with this spirit such that the officials can meet the office expenses without a lot of hassle by the officials.

14. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RSA

Youth Development activities within RSA were stills a matter of great concern to the trust. The Trust has noted that our areas have youths who have failed to leave with matters of development amongst themselves as a priority.

The Trust was therefore willing to work with any serious youth groups/organization in the area that has development agendas as a priority.

The meeting still encouraged the need for collective responsibility among the youth to enhance faster growth in the areas interns of development.

15. RSA WELFARE CLUB

The meeting launched the RSA Welfare Club that would be geared towards addressing individual RSA members Welfare in terms of investment or individual development. The purpose or the objective of the Welfare Club is to pull resources for serious individual member development within RSA.

A sub committee was elected to run the affairs of the Welfare Club as follows: -

Chairman – Walter Odallo
Secretary – Ouma Ojenge
Treasurer – Regina Opundo

Members were asked to register for the Welfare Club at a registration fee of Kshs.100/- and 14 members registered in the meeting.

The Welfare Club would receive contribution of Kshs.500/- minimum from individual members as value for one share in the Welfare Club.

The Welfare Club encouraged monthly contribution for faster mobilization of resources to allow the club invests in shares at the Nairobi Stock Exchange.

The Welfare Club would operate in a manner to benefit the individual members who have invested in the club and would pay out dividends at declared periods of time.

Mr. Abwao who was chairing the meeting welcomed the introduction of a Welfare Club and encouraged members to join for their individual investment needs.

Eng. Rogo invested in the Welfare Club by buying a share in the club worth Kshs.500/- and that he became the 1st Shareholder in the club.

16. AOB

 RSA Sales of DVD & VHS

All those who had not paid for DVD and VHS were reminded to try and pay in the next meeting.

 Education Harambee

All the RSA members who did not meet the harambee target of Kshs.3000/- were equally reminded to top up their contributions.

The Secretary Eng. Rogo encouraged members to register and buy shares with the RSA Welfare Club that would address their individual members development on various activities.

The Secretary also requested that when the minutes are distributed, several copies should be sent home undressed so that the Peace Corps in the area can get access to the copies.

Mrs. Margaret Ooko invited RSA members in Mutumbu her home on 13th April for the unveiling of the cross and 2nd anniversary of her late husband Hilarious Ooko

16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next RSA meeting will be Saturday 1st April 2006 starting at 10.00 a.m. Venue, Reinsurance Plaza 7th Floor (Rachier & Amollo Advocates Offices) Nairobi.