The following pictures were taken by Lillian Muthoni on a visit to Baby Brian’s family. Baby Brian is described as a happy, good natured baby boy who loves mobile phones!

baby Brian and his grandmother

Baby Brian and his Dad Jeremiah. He is definitely a daddy’s boy.

Baby Brian wondering what the fuss is all about, psoing with Lillian’s Nephew Edu and Jeremiah.

Baby Brian’s family

Lillian and Baby Brian’s new found friend Edu

I would like to thank all of you who have contributed thus far to Operation Baby Brian and those who have both donated and highlighted Baby Brian’s plight in their respective blogs and websites.

So far Baby Brian’s family has been supported by your donations in the following ways; food and clothing for Baby Brian and his siblings, Medical attention, and housing assistance to the family. In addition I would like to thank the folllowing members of the Operation Baby Brian Steering Committee who have come on board to provide wisdom, accountability and direction in this project.

Karimi Gituma MD

Njeri Karanja

Laura Litunya

lilian muthoni

Lemayian C. Kimojino

Shamim A. Okolloh

The above members of the steering Committee are working hard to ensure that this project is a success and to provide accountability to the funds donated by well wishers.

 thank you for being part of Baby Brian’s life!

I would like to thank Tracy McVeigh, Foreign Editor for The Observer for sending me this video link and for doing an excellent job in covering what the Kenyan Media would not.

Since the Launch of the Operation Save Baby Brian, Jeremiah has been able to conduct a postmortem and bury his wife Grace. Baby Brian still needs your help. Please donate below.

to Donate using Paypal go to VUMA KENYA and click on the PAYPAL BUTTON under Baby Brian’s picture.
For direct Bank Deposits in the US:

Bank Name: Citizens Bank
Account name: Vuma Kenya Initiative
Account number: 1311-791-911
Routing number: 211-070-175

For Bank Deposits in Kenya:
Bank Name: EQUITY Bank
Account Name: Jeremiah Mungai
Account No: 0200190674408
ID No. 7156255.

Hey Guys a quick update on our efforts to help Baby Brian. So far many of you have written or called in to express your support and to give. I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of baby Brian’s family for your response. So far we were able to raise the funds needed to give Grace a proper funeral. We are still far from our goal of $5000 and I encourage you to give. A dollar can go a long way in changing someone’s life. Additionally, I got an interesting email from Tracy McVeigh that I would like to share with you. Tracy is the journalist from the observor that did an excellent story on Brian’s situation that was a catalyst to Operation Saving Baby Brian. Our thanks to her for telling the world about the injustice that occured on that fatefull day.

Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 10:45 AM

To: josephkaroki@hotmail.com

Dear Joseph,

my name is Tracy McVeigh and I’m the journalist who went to Kenya after seeing the anonymous photograph of the dead woman to find out who she was.

I’ve just stumbled across your website and I’m really delighted to see that you and your organisation are trying to help Jeremiah Mungai and his little boy Brian, I just wanted to say well done. They’re a lovely family and I had been hoping that someone would be inspired to help them.

I made very short little video when I was in Naivasha if you’re interested.

You can find if you search the guardian.co.uk website or on youtube under my name - see Jeremiah in the flesh!

Anyway, best of luck with the project, thanks.

best wishes,

Tracy McVeigh

Tracy McVeigh

Foreign Editor

The Observer

3 - 7 Herbal Hill

London EC1R 5EJ

——————————————————————

Visit Guardian Unlimited - the UK’s most popular newspaper website http://guardian.co.uk http://observer.co.uk

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The Newspaper Marketing Agency

Opening Up Newspapers

http://www.nmauk.co.uk

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The Observer Ethical Awards 2008 in association with Ecover

Vote for your Ethical Heroes now at www.observer.co.uk/ethicalawards

Guardian News & Media Limited

A member of Guardian Media Group PLC

Registered Office

Number 1 Scott Place, Manchester M3 3GG

Registered in England Number 908396

Once again here is the info for you to donate. I believe that we are able to make a difference in someone’s life and here is your opportunity.

to Donate using Paypal go to VUMA KENYA and click on the PAYPAL BUTTON under Baby Brian’s picture.
For direct Bank Deposits in the US:

Bank Name: Citizens Bank
Account name: Vuma Kenya Initiative
Account number: 1311-791-911
Routing number: 211-070-175

For Bank Deposits in Kenya:
Bank Name: EQUITY Bank
Account Name: Jeremiah Mungai
Account No: 0200190674408
ID No. 7156255.

Grace Mungai has been laid to rest. This was possible with the overwhelming show of support from all of you who responded and donated whatever you could to lay this woman to rest.This mother, friend of many and wife Grace, was buried yesterday at her Parents home in Kericho. The funeral was attended by a handful of family and a few friends. Grace’s funeral was modest as was the life she led.

The next chapter in this begins. Grace leaves behind a young baby, Brian who was still breastfeeding. Baby Brain needs milk, food, clothing and toys. Kindly visit www.vumakenya.org and donate via paypal or use the account info provided below for direct deposits. Those in Kenya can donate directly to the family at the bank account below. Thank you to all of you who have already contributed. Kazi Iendelee.
For direct Bank Deposits in the US:

Bank Name: Citizens Bank
Account name: Vuma Kenya Initiative
Account number: 1311-791-911
Routing number: 211-070-175

For Bank Deposits in Kenya:
Bank Name: EQUITY Bank
Account Name: Jeremiah Mungai
Account No: 0200190674408
ID No. 7156255.

Finally after a few days of debating, emails and phone calls on how we can handle the donations in a transparent way, a solution has been found. I would like to Personally thank Karimi Gituma, Kelcey Brackett and Lemayian Kimojino for throwing the weight of VUMA KENYA behind the efforts of this Campaign. With their eyes on the money so to speak, I would like to thank them for agreeing to be stewards of the funds that we collect for Baby Brian. So dear friends please feel comfortable donating below and rest assured that ALL the funds will go directly to the family. Our Goal is to raise $5000 in the next 2 weeks.

Thank you for donating and drop me a line at josephkaroki@hotmail.com and let me know that you have supported Baby Brian and I will keep you personally informed of how your donation changed Brian’s life.

to Donate using Paypal go to VUMA KENYA and click on the PAYPAL BUTTON under Baby Brian’s picture.
For direct Bank Deposits in the US:

Bank Name: Citizens Bank
Account name: Vuma Kenya Initiative
Account number: 1311-791-911
Routing number: 211-070-175

For Bank Deposits in Kenya:
Bank Name: EQUITY Bank
Account Name: Jeremiah Mungai
Account No: 0200190674408
ID No. 7156255.
–

This is probably the most important post I will ever publish on this Blog. This post goes beyond mere rhetoric and Pictures that capture the plight of a People. This will directly change a life and re-enforce the nortion of the Kenya that we know of loving, caring and a nation that believes we are family. A few weeks ago, we all saw the picture of Grace(below) shot in the head by a rogue Policeman as the security forces carried out Operations in Naivasha. In a baby crib beside her lifeless, bleeding body was a terrified 14 month baby crying in terror. The baby now identified as Brian had just witnessed his mother shot in the head.

In the light of this tragedy, I got together with Lillian Muthoni and Eddie Njogu, my contacts in Kenya and we all whole heartedly sought the whereabouts of Brian and His family. With earnest devotion, Lillian found the village this weekend and managed to meet with Jeremiah, Baby Brian’s father. She was able to get some important information that we desperately needed in order to get assistance for the family. So I commend her for her tireless work.

Folks, we have an opportunity to turn things around in the life of this family and more so, this innocent child! I know many of you visit this site from all over the world and many of your have written offering assistance for Brian. This is the time for that assistance. Carol has offered to pay for the Post-Mortem and I thank her for her kindness. The family needs this post-mortem conducted by a qualified pathologist who may be required to testify in Court. Jeremiah needs to bury his wife so we need funds for the funeral. We also need to get this family basic necessities like food, clothing and toys for Brian. This child’s life has become extremely personal to me and I believe its time to move beyond our dismay and actually do something.I am in this knee deep, but I cannot do this alone, I need you to partner with me. email me at josephkaroki@hotmail.com or get in touch with Lillian at loumso2002@yahoo.com. My Cell Phone number is 214-708-1554.

We are called for a time such at this. If you are an attorney in Kenya willing to help or if you know of one who is willing to partner with us in bringing justice to this family, contact me ASAP. Tell your friends, your family, your coworkers. If you are a well wisher who would like to visit the family they are at Gwa Kanywa, Magumu village near Naivasha.

THE FOLLOWING IS WHAT IS NEEDED:

30,000 Kenya Shillings (US$425) for funeral and Mortuary expences

Milk for Baby Brian

Food for his siblings

Clothes, toys and Books

Well wishers to visit and encourage the family

A scholarship/educational fund for Brian and his siblings

A legal fund for the pursuit and prosecution of those involved in the murder of Grace Mungai

Those in Kenya can donate money at the following bank account at EQUITY 0200190674408 under the name Jeremiah Mungai, ID No. 7156255.

we will have a bank account open on Monday on behalf of the family for those in the United States. I would like to thank Lillian for doing a wonderful job this weekend and Eddie for joining me in this. In the meantime we have work to do. Looking forward to hearing from all of you!
For direct Bank Deposits in the US:

Bank Name: Citizens Bank
Account name: Vuma Kenya Initiative
Account number: 1311-791-911
Routing number: 211-070-175

Hillary Clinton is finally revealing her true colors and sensing defeat, her supporters have decided to swift boat Obama by forming a 527 group. The group calling itself, The American Leadership Project, plans to flood the Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio markets with $10 million worth of Negative ads in a bid to Torpedo Obama’s candidacy. Yesterday Hillary took of the gloves and like an injured pit bull went on a scathing attack on Obama. No surprise for a Clinton. Keep your eyes open for these 5 guys. These names will become a household name in the US in the next few weeks.

• Jason Kinney, a former senior communications advisor and the chief speechwriter to former California Governor Gray Davis
• Erick Mullen, a political consultant who has worked for the presidential campaigns of retired General Wesley Clark, former Senator Bill Bradley, and the 1998 Senate run of Chuck Schumer
• Mattis Goldman, a former ad maker for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman U.S. Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland
• Paul Rivera, a senior political adviser for the 2004 Kerry-Edwards campaign, and a former Clinton/Gore White House staffer
• Roger Salazar, who worked as assistant press secretary in the Clinton/Gore White House, a national spokesman for Senator John Edwards’ during the 2004 presidential race, a national spokesman and the deputy press secretary of the 2000 presidential campaign of Al Gore, and as the press secretary for former California Governor Gray Davis

These are the Individuals who are trying to stop Obama in a style reminiscent of John Kerry’s swift boat treatment and John McCain’s failed bid 8 years ago. By law they do not have to reveal their money sources and rely on “soft money” for scathing, factually deficient attacks on candidates. By law they are not connected to the candidates and therefore operate freely without fear of reprisal. I live here in Texas so I’ll be seeing these ads starting this afternoon.

Barrack The Vote Ya’ll!!

As i enjoy my rather quiet weekend here in Dallas, watching the heated US Presidential Campaign has become a past time of sorts. So a few minutres ago came across this on CNN.

“A visibly angry Sen. Hillary Clinton lashed out Saturday at Sen. Barack Obama over campaign literature that she said he knows is “blatantly false.”

Clinton jabbed the air with her hands as she told a crowd in Cincinnati, Ohio, that two Obama mailings spread lies about her positions on universal health care and the North American Free Trade Agreement.

“Shame on you, Barack Obama,” she said.”

I don’t know about you guys but I am sick of the “Billary” Syndrome. The Clintons do not like being attacked on their issues. They are fine with negative campaigning on their opponents. Most recently accusing Obama of plagiarism and then herself plagiarizing her husbands own words. Hillary’s brain child is her health care plan which does have a mandate and forces it on people who cannot afford it. Her earlier Universal Health care plan failed when Bill was President because of Hillary’s divisive nature! Americans are tired of divisive politics and this is why she has lost the last 10 caucuses in a row. Partisan Politics only impede her agenda.

This is why I scratch my head when hispanics back Hillary! I understand her positive immigration plans but mark my words, she will not pull this off without the support of Congress! Barrack Obama has the ability to step across the isle and help pass a comprehensive immigration bill that hispanics and Kenyans in the United States would like to see passed.

Keep on showing your true colors Hillary.

in the meantime here are the other 10 ways Hillary can lose the Election. written by Michael Essany, a national television host and columnist for Times newspaper of Indiana.

[10] Paparazzi photos surface of Hillary emerging from Lindsay Lohan’s vehicle without underwear.

[9] Pledges to extend free health care coverage to “anyone injured in the course of Jihad”.

[8] Challenges Chuck Liddell for the Ultimate Fight Championship.

[7] Hires new campaign manager : Michael Vick.

[6] Begins every debate by asking Dennis Kuchinich for Pamprin.

[5] New Campaign Slogan : ‘The Clinton with balls”.

[4] Promotes her frigid demeanor as the remedy of global warming.

[3] To prove she is tough on drugs, throws out Bill’s Cialis prescription.

[2] Comes out of the closet, then backpedal with “JK!”.

[1] Goodbye pants suits, Hello Bikinis.

Ababu Namwamba, an ODM spokesperson issued a statement to day saying that ODM will embark on a “Mass civil disobedience next week” if ODM demands were not met on the negotiating table. The contentious issue at hand being the role of the Prime MInister in respect to Executive Powers. This throws out hope that a deal would be made today and any announcement of a consensus.

In a related news story, Raila Odinga has myseriously left the country but is available by phone for any consultations. His destination is Nigeria and his mission unknown. His trip caught the Government side by surprise and the Nigerian Information Minister seemed unaware of Odinga’s trip.

There is hope as William Ruto  said that talks will resume on Monday and some progress had been made. So we’ll wait and see!

Kenya’s government tentatively agreed Thursday to create a prime minister’s post to be filled by the opposition, moving the East African country a step closer to ending weeks of deadly clashes over the disputed presidential election.

A political deal was expected Friday after weeks of international pressure on both sides to share power, government negotiator Mutula Kilonzo said.

“We have more or less agreed on a non-executive prime minister but with some substantial meaningful responsibilities,” he told The Associated Press.

Kilonzo said there were several other elements of a power-sharing deal to be resolved, but he could not give details.

Calls to the opposition were not immediately returned.

“I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel,” former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, who has been mediating in the political negotiations, said in a statement.

Both sides “outlined a joint proposal, that had been largely agreed, on the governance structure,” Annan said.

 Kenyans are expecting for a formal announcement which will include the intricate details of what the powers the new Prime Minister will have.  The International pressure led by the United States government Secretary of State Condi Rice, seems to have had an overnight reversal of heart by the PNU hardliners.

With the Pronouncement by Kenya’s “President” Mwai Kibaki that there was no constitutional Vacuum for the creation of an Executive Prime Minister Position, the country seems to be headed for a fresh eruption of violence. The Opposition has threatened to renew call for mass action and already armed groups are mobilizing in anticipation of a stalemate. Today Violence erupted in Mathare and Kibera. The man in the picture below was beat up by Luo Men who suspected him of being a Mungiki member.

In a related story Najib Balala a senior leader in the Opposition was quoted as saying that Central Province would be isolated and suggested forming another Lesotho in Kenya.

Over the last few days, key government leaders like foreign affairs minister Wetangula and Justice Minister Martha Karua have accussed the West of international strong arming. However the United States Secretary of State correctly stated that the pressure was from ordinary Kenyans calling for power sharing and an end to the violence. It will be a sad day for Kenya if the talks fail this week because of hard line positions by Kibaki, Martha Karua and Wetangula.

Call on Kenya’s leaders to respect and protect human rights

An international day of public and online action this month will demonstrate solidarity with the people of Kenya and call on the Kenyan government to protect people from politically-motivated and ethnic violence.

Please click on the link below for further details
http://www.amnesty.org/en/appeals-for-action/kenya-action

 These questions about Kenya were posted on a Kenyan tourism portal by potential tourists from various western Countries and
were answered by the website owner.

Q: Does it ever get windy in Kenya? I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching
them die.

Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you’ve been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Mombasa to Nakuru - can I follow the railroad
tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it’s only two thousand kilometres….take lots of water.

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Kenya? (Sweden).
A: So it’s true what they say about Swedes!

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Kenya? Can you send me a list
of them in Nairobi and Mombasa? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about
Koala Bear racing in Kenya? (USA)
A: Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific.
A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe which
does   not…oh forget it. Sure, the Koala Bear racing is every
Tuesday night in Koinange Street. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is north in Kenya?(USA)
A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here
and we’ll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Kenya? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Do you have perfume in Kenya? (France)
A: No. We don’t stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can
you tell me where I can sell it in Kenya? (USA)
A: Anywhere where a significant number
of Americans gather.
 
Q: Can you tell me the regions in Kenya where the female population is
smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Kenya? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.

Q: Are there killer bees in Kenya? (Germany)
A: Not yet, but for you, we’ll import them.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Nairobi and is milk available all year
round? (Holland)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilisation of vegan hunter-gatherers. Milk
is illegal.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Kenya who can dispense
rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca, which is where YOU come from. All
Kenyan snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make
good pets.

Q: I was in Kenya in 1969 and I want to contact the girl I dated while
I was staying in Mombasa. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will probably still have to pay her by the hour.

Q: Will I be able to speek English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you’ll have to learn it first

the annointing..

Playing some Nora Jones and setting the mood for the evening

can you feel the love!!

Bamboo and Shu chillin backstage

This guy was a hillarious MC!!Guys if you have a gig planned, get this guy!

Sali Oyugi brought the house down with her vocals! that girl can saing! not Sing, Saing!

The fans having a good time at Vuma

Laura, Bamboo and Lemayian Kimojino

Lemayian Kimojino and Joseph Karoki backstage at Vuma

Keep an eye on these 2 guys. Lemayian Kimojino and Karimi Gituma are what I would definately endorse as Kenya’s upcoming leaders. Love these guys to death

My good friend and reknown Jazz Violinist David Eure

Chini kwa chini!

Les Nubians!! All I can say is wow! Ya’ll should have been there

Shu, Shu, SHu… you are the reason I don’t introduce my girl to everyone. Guys watch this guy blow up in the music world. Exceptional talent, exceptional Kenyan!

Miriam Bringin the house own!

Eric Waniaina and some of the founders and supporters of Vuma