DRC: Time to care about the mass graves in the Kasai-Oriental Province Part II

By Mid-April there we’re found 40 Mass Graves in the Kasai-Oriental Region in the Democratic Republic of Congo. You would think the findings of 40 Mass Graves in the region are dire enough. The warning signs of the efforts done to kill and burn villages in the region. The province of Kasai has been targeted by the Armed Forces of Democratic of Congo (FARDC). This has been done since there is local rebellion because of the violence of the army, this is known as Kamunia Nsapu.

The extent of the violence hasn’t been known, but the world has been kept in the dark, even as UN Experts was killed in the region when they we’re investigating the violence. This to stop the truth of the massacres and killings there. As the numbers of graves become even worse, even the United Nation wants the state to answer for it. They should have been more decisive, since the reports now in July 2017, has become worse than in April 2017.

Jose-Maria Aranaz, the UN human rights director in the DRC, was speaking just a day after the UN said another 38 suspected mass graves had been discovered in this central part of the country. “With more than 80 mass graves identified … it is essential that the inquiry goes beyond those who physically did it and identifies command responsibilities at the military and political level,” said Aranaz. Aranaz dismissed as “unconvincing” the suggestion that rogue elements of the security forces were responsible for the violence. “We have to stop the killing,” he said” (Today.ng, 2017). “Now, they are among more than 1.3 million people that have become internally displaced by a conflict that has in recent months ravaged Kasaï, a vast area almost the size of Germany in the heart of DRC. The Kasaï region has been known for stability that allowed its residents to live peaceful lives. All that changed last year when militia violence, followed by an army crackdown, pitched the area into chaos” (Kirchhof, 2017).

Another 38 probable mass graves have been discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the country’s troubled central region of Kasai, the United Nations said on Wednesday. At least 80 mass graves have now been identified in the region that has seen a major spike in violence between security forces and a tribal militia since September” (African Democratic Institute, 14.07.2017).

So when you have 80 mass graves in the region that is verified by the United Nations and 1.3 million internally displaced people. It shows the state of anarchy and killings. That the people fear both the rebels and the army, so much that they flee from it. They leave their homes and try to find refugee somewhere else. This going-on with nearly no condemnation, no one thinking of adding pressure on the government and trying to forcefully sanction Kinshasa. This isn’t justice, this is naked violations against humanity. If this sort of killings and destruction of society isn’t targeted by the International Criminal Court

This state of affairs not healthy, it is not worthy a great of a nation like the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese authorities and state should care more for the innocent civilians. But clearly they don’t. Time to care about it and spread the terrible news so it can become agenda. More than the ugly tweets of Trump. This is actual killings and murder of civilians, done by either army or rebels. The world cannot be silenced to this and look the other way! Peace.

Reference:

Kirchhof, Andreas – ‘Violence engulfs Congo’s once-peaceful Kasaï region’ (14.07.2017) link: http://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/violence-engulfs-congo-s-once-peaceful-kasa-region

Today.ng – ‘DRC must identify those behind Kasai massacres – UN official’ (14.07.2017) link: https://www.today.ng/news/africa/314263/drc-identify-kasai-massacres-official

Kenya: IEBC – “Update on Preparation for the General Election” (14.07.2017)

Dr. Kizza Besigye’s advice for termination of the NRM!

If you ever want the clear advice to bring down the dictatorship of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who now acts and lives like he owns the Republic Uganda. Than if you want to get rid of that and want to use the advice of Forum for Democratic Change founder and former Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye. Than his words and inspirational words should be for you. He explains the whole story and the whole theft of the state and how it was built around the President. How Museveni has taken all the institutions and the state is embedded with him. But that we already knows, therefore I have taken the part that people should listen to and use. The true defiance and defy the Museveni state, so that there are possible a peaceful transition from his rule. Where the state doesn’t belong to Museveni or the Movement, but to the people. The Citizens has a government who cares about delivery and not if Museveni get an expensive enough airplane or helicopter. Take a look!

Outtake from the Press Conference of Dr. Kizza Besigye today:

Regardless of what the regime does, the people of Uganda are definitely closing in to take back their power and embark on a TRANSITION to a new dispensation.

The NRM/Museveni Junta has no legitimacy to amend the Uganda Constitution as it’s planning to do. This will be an activity of the TRANSTION PROCESS.

Immediate task: Termination of the NRM/Museveni Junta:

The following needs to be done to terminate the Junta’s control of our country:

1) Intensify the “awakening campaign”, for most Ugandans to become active in the processes of achieving a transition. Everyone has a role to play in achieving this.

2) Forming activist networks to make it possible to act together and to be coordinated.

3)Everyone seeking a democratic transition should take deliberate actions, individually or in concert with others to disempower and break down the Junta. Each one’s actions, however small, contribute significantly towards the desired change.

4) Public servants, including those in the security and military are called upon to join the struggle for democratic transition.

5) In coordination with other political and civil society formations, we’ll soon start various activities that will disempower and bring the, now fragile, Junta to an end.

The transition:

A transition process will start when the Junta ceases the control of the state- either, through popular actions or a dialogue process.

The key activities of the transition period are:

1) Government of National Unity.

2) A comprehensive review of the Constitution.

3) Rebuilding State institutions to ensure transparency in recruitment and a national character, a high standard of performance and public accountability; non-partisan character; high standard of discipline and professionalism etc.

4) Truth telling, justice and reconciliation.

5) Free and Fair elections” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 11.07.2017).

The acts of defiance and trying to coordinate the powers to be. Make the state dissolution over the citizens who doesn’t act upon the oppressive measures dropped by the central government. That they does what they can locally to make changes to the state. This done in demonstrations and stop using the state based operations that makes the NRM regime so rich and can rig themselves into power. That they follow a leadership similar to Besigye and other who trying to dismantle the Presidency. For the simplest reason of getting democracy and getting rid of the dictatorship of Museveni. These words of Besigye should be seen as the guidelines for the patriots and the ones who wants the Republic run by elected men, and not selected men by the NRM. This is how it is now.

The NRM acts like they own the nation and the state, the State is controlled from the State House and the orders are from there. There aren’t anything done without the State House involved, that isn’t a healthy state. That is a Banana Republic and an undemocratic state where one-voice control it all. There is time for change, it has been a long time for change. This cannot only be done by the freedom fighter Besigye, but has to happen by the will and acts of the people. The people have to say, enough is enough. The impunity, the theft and the ignorance of needs of the people is enough. Time to stand-up and be together in the struggle for just ice, liberty and accountability. For a regime who wants to deliver government services and also give taxation with representation. Something that isn’t done now by this government and the President. Peace.

Kenya: NASA statement on the massive irregularties in the voters’ register (10.07.2017)

Kenya: Press Statement by the LSK President on defending the CJ and Judiciary (10.07.2017)

ICJ Kenya: On the Blatant Attack and Manifest Threats Issued by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Senior Leaders of Jubilee Party against the Kenya Judiciary in Relation to Electoral Dispute Resolution (10.07.2017)

Kenya: NASA – “Memo to Steering Committee” (07.07.2017)

Questions remain over the final hours of CS Nkaissery life

The strangeness of the final hours of General and Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Nkaissery can be stopped, as the revelation that he was apparently eating at Bomas until late that evening. A restaurant and a place closed of from the public by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as the National Talley Centre (NTC) was set-up there.

So the CS Nkaissery went in there passed the gates, ate and had a marvelous time in a closed off space. While leaving later close to 21.00, because he had to reach 21:00 news at home. While the President in his announcement of the death, that they took him from his home about 21:30. Because he was feeling unwell. Some say dizzy, some say high blood-pressure. Sylvia Chebets story of the final hours to Kenya Citizens TV on ‘Retracing Nkaissery last moments’ was not similar to the stories told by others. Some has reported that the CID had evidence of the CS being at Bomas until 03:00 drinking beer. Clearly, the stories doesn’t add up.

Uhuru Kenyatta Speech Transcript:

Today is a sad day for Kenya and all our people. We lost a gallant officer, an officer who has for the most part of his life served with total dedication and love for his country. Maj General Joseph Nkaissery was a man who believed in this country, believed in the principles and foundation on which this country was built. A man who dedicated most of his life to serving this great nation. I personally have lost a friend, a colleague, whom as late as yesterday we spent part of the day praying together for peace for this country, whom as late as 9.30 last night we were discussing issues pertaining and relating to peace, to unity in this country. Indeed on one of his last notes he spent discussing his great passion, which was Kenya’s preparedness for the Junior Athletics (IAAF U18 Championships) that is supposed to commence in the next few days.” (Uhuru Kenyatta, 08.07.2017).

Some even says he was dead on arrival to Karen Hospital in Nairobi. As the Post-mortem has not been released, the speculations keeps rising. As the flaws in the stated timelines between friends of the deceased and the public statement on the President. Precisely shows to the world, that the government have stated different than what Chebets did. Therefore, the is a lie somewhere and what is hidden in Bomas, Karen Hospital or even in the car of Nkaissery is hard to imagine. Even if there is a cover-up going on. Since, none of the vital information has been released.

The Hospital has later revealed that the CS didn’t die of a heart-attack or had high blood-pressure. Combined with the different stories in what he was up to and whereabouts. The probable causes turns more sinister and strike of ill-intent by another party towards the CS. As his dead on arrival, seem more likely. Since the wife Hellen Nkaissery, says her man was healthy and in good shape.

Because if you look a bit deep into the day:

First at Uhuru Park for prayers with the President. Travel from there to the State House for lunch. Then held a crisis security meeting with Julius Karangi, who has no constitutional mandate for taking part of such an exercise. Than leaves the State House for the closed off to the public Bomas, where he drinks beer with friends and family. Before either leaving for 21:00 news or stays until 03:00.

Here comes the tricky part:

Some has stated he came into a routine check-up at night at Karen Hospital, which is rare and unique for any character. Later a Senior Presidential Press Spokesperson said he was dead on arrival. While a Senior Jubilee Digital Team that he was drinking up late. So that counter these issues. Again, senior doctor, Dr James Mageri, who attended to him again releases a presser saying that Nkaissery was dead by the time he was being brought to the hospital. Within, few hours of his death the Interim CS Fred Matiang’i is announced and not long after issues curfew in parts of Kenya. This has all been done without the President visiting the Lee funeral home to confirm his death. So there are enough acts and enough questions about timeline of the final hours. As much as the involved and knowledge at state capacity. Since the State could act so swift and get appointed a new CS, while the detectives just started to probe the case both at his home and at Bomas.

The are lots of questions remaining, the official report are scheduled for Monday from the hospital, still the lateness shows the factors in play. That the final hit to the CS Nkaissery was severe and his demise was sealed. So what is the truth and what took his life? Since he was healthy man who suddenly and shockingly just passed away. Peace.

The shock of the sudden death of CS Nkaissery!

Interior Cabinet secretary Major Gen. (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery has died. Nkaissery died a few hours after being admitted at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi for a check-up according to State House. According to a statement by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua, Nkaissery fell unwell and was rushed to the city hospital for check up only to pass on a few hours later. Kinyua in a statement said it is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce the sudden passing on of Interior CS General (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery. The Government has promised to give updates as more information becomes available. Nkaissery who also served as MP for Kajiado Central in the ten Parliament was aged 67 at the time of his death” (Nosim 90.5 FM Kenya, 08.07.2017).

I wish he was still alive, the powerful Cabinet Minister Joseph Ole Nkaissery, who was the third in-line after Deputy President William Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta. Who has been the CS of the Interior and Coordination of National Government in the first term of the Jubilee Alliance and Jubilee Party. What is more worrying is that the President didn’t wait a minute to appoint his successor, CS Fred Matiang’i. Therefore, the death of Nkaissery hadn’t even been spread to all corners of Kenya, before the President had appointed the one to take over the Ministry.

What is strange is that yesterday he was at the Prayers at the Uhuru Park. The next day dying at Karen Hospital in Nairobi over high blood-pressure. This happening just days before the 8th August 2017 polls. A strong man and viable man like Nkaissery, seems like a fighter and a determined man. Not like the one who gives in easy and let it go. Not that I respected his will to stop demonstrations, use police brutality and use force against innocent. I didn’t and I don’t. Still, I don’t wont the adversary to fall over ill-attempt or unjust acts as well. If you want justice for all, than you want that for your political adversary as well.

Nkaissery, had not trouble using the Police Service to stop his opposition and explain why he could use it to silence them. He had no trouble using the police to make life hard for the opposition, surely Governor Hassan Ali Joho knows how the Police was used to stop his work. So now if the Police are serious, they will probe this death correctly and find the reason behind his death. Since it happens so convenient before the polls.

Therefore, this is report on the sudden death as well: “Detective have launched investigations into the sudden death of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery. Scene of crime detectives on Saturday pitched tent at Nkaissery’s home in Karen Hardy, Nairobi. The investigators were piecing together the CS’s last moments. The first team arrived at the minister’s home in the morning and was joined by a different team at around 3pm” (Kimanthi, 2017). So the Police that he served and run, the one he controlled until his death is now investigating his death. To make sure their wasn’t any criminal intent behind it. But you can wonder with the timing and the power of the CS. It was not like CS Nkaissery didn’t have massive amounts of power and his place in society.

Clearly, this was known and the question now is why he suddenly died. What was the cause, was it high blood-pressure or was it some ill-intent involved. Since that wouldn’t be unlikely considering the timing of it all. Political assassinations isn’t new and extra-judicial killings has happen in the recent time in Kenya. You wouldn’t wish that on anyone, not on a CS Nkaissery or anyone else. Therefore, if this is possible, it surely could happen to him. Since he had power and because of use of state machinery and police, would give someone motivation to stop him.

That is all just mere speculation at this point, but not so far fetched, since he was reckless and using all sort tactics to stop his adversaries. There we’re no quarrel from him when it come to use police and extended force to silence them. So he surely made enough enemies within his days of power. If there was anyone would wish him ill. The ones that used aggression towards could have acted towards him.

The Statement on his passing from the State House: “It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce the sudden passing on of Interior CS Retired General Joseph Nkaissery. Gen. Nkaissery passed on at Karen Hospital in Nairobi a few hours after being admitted for a check-up. The country to be updated as more information becomes available. Joseph Kinyua – Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service – STATE HOUSE” (Kinyua, 08.07.2017).

Even his adversary who has been battling with the Police and the Courts under CS Nkaissery, Gov. Hassan Ali Joho wrote this: “I am in deep shock to learn that (Rtd) General Joseph Ole Nkaissery is no more. I have fond memories of the late CS when we served together as ODM members of parliament. General Nkaissery was a hard working and dedicated servant of the people. On my behalf and that of the people of Mombasa together with the ODM family I assure his family and friends of our support at this critical moment. May the almighty give them strength to overcome the tragedy. Rest In Peace General Nkaissery” (Hassan Ali Joho, 08.07.2017).

That his death was shock, it is true, that the CS Nkaissery has a long political history and used his power in office. That him as a Jubilee Cabinet Minister seriously has used his office to extend and stop the opposition. This is well known, but that doesn’t mean that he would deserve to die for his hard work. Even if his police killed demonstrators and put people in hospital for the police brutality. He would have deserved justice for his acts, not death, but a fair trial for his attempts of justice.

But what bugs me, is how quick CS Matiang’i got appointed, even before the detectives started detecting, before the news we’re broken and before any indication of reason behind his death. That the Jubilee Administration, that the President and Deputy President could get a new man in his place. Proves the little care for the death of their own loyal CS, who defended and stood on the barricades, using his ministry and his understanding of the law, to gain more strength for the Jubilee. Therefore, you should not only be shocked by the sudden death of Nkaissery, but of the quickly appointed in his government post.

No mourning, no justice, just continue like normal when the most powerful after Kenyatta and Ruto died. Just an appointment, brief stopping campaigns and having a minute of silence. But the State House shouldn’t have appointed Matiang’i today. Nkaissery, even if he was ruthless and using his powers with fierce force, still deserved better treatment by his allies. The Jubilee should have known better and thought more true it all. So the people could seek solace and also find relief in the investigation into the death. Instead, the questions becomes even more evident. Since they could find someone within hours of his death.

There are only unanswered questions, only stones to turn to find the reason behind it. If it really was high blood-pressure or if there was some other reason. We cannot know at this point, but the mere fact remain, that the shock will be revealed and the reality of the matter will come to the courts and in the public eye. These questions need to be answered and then we can live at ease, that the CS wasn’t terminated at ill-will, but of age and high blood-pressure. Peace.

Reference:

Kimanthi, Kennedy – ‘Detectives probe CS Joseph Nkaissery death’ (08.07.2017) link: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Detectives-probe-CS-Joseph-Nkaissery-death/1056-4006364-gdkfs5/index.html

Kenya: IEBC – “We regret the High Court ruling on ballot papers considering the time left to the polls” (07.07.2017)