Dangerous Scam - Nairobi, Kenya

Security Alert 02 December, 2008

Prominent Kenyan Wildlife researcher and Honorary Game warden victim of million shilling fraud by gang of 3 women and one man probably using a subdermal dose of the "date rape" drug Scopolamine, through which the gang totally controlled her for more than three hours. Long enough for the gang to be given over one million Kenya shillings, withdrawn by the victim from
her own Bank account.

Date of Incident: Thursday, 27 November 2008 at approximately 9.30 AM

The victim of this scenario, a woman, we’ll call Mrs X had been undergoing physiotherapy at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Parklands, Nairobi, since 10 November, 2008. She would typically arrive every morning at about 09:00 for the daily two-hour session.

Mrs X parked her car at the back parking lot of the Aga Khan Hospital. When walking towards the Doctors Plaza she was stopped by a well dressed woman, who took her hand and held it, asking her questions about the whereabouts of a Maxwell group that had opened an office at the Aga Khan and was holding a conference to see how they can help orphan children who parents died of AIDS. Mrs X told the stranger that she had no idea because she was visiting
a Doctor at the hospital.

The woman finally introduced herself to Mrs X as 'Sister Gladys' and explained that she helps raise funds to support orphans from Taita Taveta and Rombo area. She also told Mrs X that her parents died when she was 5yrs old. The whole time Sister Gladys was telling Mrs X the story she was holding Mrs X’s hand.

As they stood talking, another lady walked passed them and Sister Gladys asked the woman if she knew about the Maxwell group. This woman told her that they had opened an office along Ngong road near Masaba hospital. By “coincidence” Sister Gladys knew the 2nd lady who eventually introduced herself Mrs Kamau.

The gang had obviously been doing surveillance on Mrs X for quite some time and knew how many children she had, who her family members were, etc. This information, combined with effects from the drug (which had apparently been transferred by holding hands with Sister Gladys), persuaded her to follow these two ladies because they convinced her that the Aga Khan was full of devil spirits.

All three women got into what Ms. Kamau claimed was her car and drove to the High Ridge Nakumat parking lot. At the parking lot one more women and a man joined them in the car. At the parking lot some more rubbing of Ms X’s arm took place. All the time Sister Grace was speaking to her, asking her questions about herself and managed to extract information about Mrs X’s accounts and amounts being held in each.

She did not have the account number of her current account, so was asked to call her sister-in -law to get the information. That was 11:30a.m. After that she was asked to switch off her phones.

She was asked to go into the Nakumat to buy some eggs and later to write something in her diary, which she did. Mrs X’s assumption, once she came to her senses, was that these actions comprised a trial to see if the drug was having the desired effect to render her docile and compliant, yet still ambulatory and functional.

They then drove to the Kenya Commercial Bank at Kencom House. On arrival at the Bank, she was then told to withdraw from her savings account Ksh1,150,000 and Ksh150,000 from her current account. The male person in the car accompanied her to the Bank. He queued for her and then when it was her turn to withdraw money he left her alone in the queue after telling her that it was getting late and therefore, she should only remove money from the savings account.

The clerk at the Bank seemed to be concerned about the amount she was withdrawing and only gave her Ksh 50,000 over the counter and asked her to come inside for the rest. She was given the money and handed the bag to the man to carry, and they both left the bank. Once outside, they got into the parked car. She was then asked to hand over the money. They drove to an
Uchumi by Nairobi Cinema and asked Mrs X to go into the store and buy a mirror. When she came out of Uchumi they were gone.

She wandered around town for quite some time, not aware of what she was doing. She eventually finished up again in front of the Bank about 1345 hours. She sat there for some time and then called one of her employees who immediately came and collected her.

It was only on Friday afternoon, when she went back to the AKUH to collect the car and to speak to the nurses in Physiotherapy, when they told her that she had actually not come for treatment on Thursday and that she was seen talking to and leaving with a woman, that suddenly the memory of what had really happened began to flood back.

Search results from the Internet suggest that M. was the victim of ‘burundanga’, or something similar, in which the perpetrators contrive to achieve topical or oral administration of scopolamine, or some similar derivative of narcotic plant families like Solanaceae. It should be noted that there were no medical tests to confirm or refute this hypothesis.

Mrs X has been to the police twice, and to the hospital and bank. She is also trying to reach a journalist with the local press to try to alert others of this gang's activities. Her boss has been in touch with UN Security, the security group for the hospital, and two private security companies. They will be posting alerts. Several people have written to Soila relating similar incidents. A search of the Internet reveals the use of one drug for this kind of robbery. One of the security companies knew of another drug.

The Perpetrators
As best as Mrs X can recall, the perpetrators were:

Sister Gladys, who intercepted the victim in the parking lot was a good looking person, around 30 to 35 years old, medium build, well-dressed in a Kitenge outfit. Evidently the leader of the group. She was a very convincing talker.

The second woman, who called herself Mrs Kamau, was elderly, slim, medium build and dressed in a pink skirt suit.

The man who accompanied her into the bank who earlier introduced himself as Mr. Mumanyi was dressed in a black suit, he was about 5ft 7”, around 40 to 45yrs old and around 90 kilos.

The third woman Mrs Mumanyi was around 40 to 45 years old, tall, slim, dressed in a black skirt, black and white blouse.

TIPS
Thieves take advantage of people’s eagerness to be helpful. It is advisable to be very cautious when speaking to strangers, shaking hands or taking pieces of paper from people that you don't know. It's better to be rude, than to be taken by a scam. You should also be wary of being predictable in your daily routines as this makes you an easy target. Always try to vary
routes, times, appointments and even vehicles whenever possible.

Remembering Road Traffic Victims & Their Families

WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE (WDR)

The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT- Kenya) invites you to join us in the World Day of Remembrance on Sunday 16th November 2008. The event begins with a processional walk at 12noon, Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park to KICC, and 130pm at KICC launched by President Daniel Arap Moi.

This is a day established by the United Nations (UN Resolution 60/05) and calls on all governments to mark the third Sunday in November each year as World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. It was created as a means to give recognition to victims of road traffic crashes and their loved ones.

Why mark it?
Road crashes in Kenya are a leading cause of death and account for over 30,000 injuries per year. Many of the injured are permanently disabled, and many are unable to contribute to the well-being of their families or themselves, causing great hardship for many more. We know that all of these injuries and deaths are predictable and preventable. We know that our road culture can be changed and that the responsibility lies with the government, the administration, and with us as individual drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.

During the observation of this day we will review the epidemiology of the problem, what are the obstacles to change, and how we can actually change road culture in Kenya. We will honour the victims of road carnage by making roads and road users safer.

Where will it be?
This event will start with a walk at Freedom Corner within Uhuru Park at 12 noon and end at The Kenyatta International Conference Centre – KICC. The walk will include school children with reflective arm bands, victims of road crashes in wheel chairs, family members, friends and the general public.

At KICC President Daniel Arap Moi will launch events at 1:30. There will be an inter-denominational service; a large memorial quilt comprised of hand-written memorials to victims of the road, and more quilt squares for people to sign at KICC. There will also be a children’s essay contest, several exhibits, information, memorial candle-lighting and entertainment.

Who?
Many dignitaries have been invited to the event which will be launched by retired President Daniel Arap Moi who is also a road crash victim. Neuro-traumatologist, Mr. David Oluouch-Olunya, will be our Master of Ceremonies.

It is our hope that collaboration with the Government of Kenya, World Health Organization, road safety organizations, medical organizations, media, religious leaders, driving schools, road crash victims and their families and various companies will come together to promote immediate change, including the immediate implementation of the National Road Safety Plan.

Come join Glen and Kim Edmunds as they help bring recognition to this day.

Free Security Updates

For those of you who may not know already, GEPDS publishes a weekly security update on current issues that are happening in Kenya. If anyone would like to sign up for these e-mail alerts, please go to our website: www.GlenEdmunds.com and sign up under the newsletter tab on the right side of the page. We believe that knowledge is power and the more information you can have about crime trends, dangerous areas, current security issues, etc., the better equipped you will be to avoid a dangerous situation. It's free and full of useful information. Visit our website today!

GEPDS honored with Road Safety Contribution Award

Kim Edmunds Receives Award on behlaf of GEPDS for Road Safety Contribution from the Honorable Chiran Ali Mwakwere (centre) and Nelson Kuria (right)

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School was awarded for their contribution to Road Safety in Kenya by the Association of Kenya Insurer's (AKI). The award was presented by the honorable Chiran Ali Mwakwere, Minister for Transport at a luncheon on 3 October, 2008.

GEPDS is very honored to receive this award and look forward to our continued responsibility to improving Road Safety in Kenya.

Farewell To A Great Actor and Racing Driver

Paul Newman, American Racer, 1925-2008

I was very sad to hear that Paul Newman, one of my favorite actors of all time, had lost his battle with cancer yesterday. He will be missed by many. I found this article and thought it was appropriate:

By Steven Cole Smith : Date posted: 09-27-2008

Paul Newman's profession was acting, but his passion was racing. He has died at age 83 after a battle with lung cancer that had been well-documented in many of the tabloids these past two years, but he faced his illness the same way he lived his life: quietly, and with dignity.

Arguably the most talented of the celebrities-turned-race drivers — and inarguably the most successful — Newman raced sports cars at Daytona, Le Mans and Sebring. He began racing rather late in life because, he said, "It's the first thing that I ever found I had any grace in. I'm not a very graceful person."

Newman said his favorite sound was "a V-8 engine,"

He Lost It at the Movies
Paul Newman first got serious about motorsports in 1968 while making Winning (1969), which revolved around the 1968 Indianapolis 500, but he wasn't really able to begin racing until four years later. He picked up his basic skills in a Lotus Elan, purchased an ex-Bob Sharp Datsun 510, then finally took an ex-Group 44 Triumph TR-6 to a hard-fought class championship in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) run-offs at Road Atlanta in 1976. SCCA race fans at his home track of Lime Rock Park began to wear T-shirts with the slogan, "Paul Newman Has Skinny Legs."

Newman said, "I was never a great driver — I started racing when I was 47 years old — but I got to be pretty good. I was a pretty good driver for about five years."

Read more...http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=132426?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*#2

An Upsurge in Kenya Road Accidents

22 September, 2008. The Nairobi Chronicle reports...

An upsurge in road accidents in Kenya has led to calls for the return of John Michuki to the Ministry of Transport. Motoring analysts however say that the Michuki rules did not work because they merely focused on punishing bus and matatu operators.

Scores of people have died on Kenyan roads in recent weeks. Most of the accidents involve minibus taxis, popularly referred to as matatus. Other accidents involve long distance buses and trucks plying the roads between the port city of Mombasa and the interior.

Deaths from road accidents may surpass the 3,000 fatalities a year mark that was the norm before the Michuki rules of 2004. The rules were introduced by Kangema legislator, John Michuki, who was the Transport Minister at the time. The Michuki rules forced all commercial vehicle owners to install speed governors set at 80 kilometres per hour. On city roads, the speed limit was enforced at 50 kilometres per hour.

Read the entire article by clicking this link:
http://nairobichronicle.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/michuki-rules-did-not-work/

Frustrations of Driving in Nairobi, Kenya

If anyone has had the pleasure of driving in Nairobi, you will understand what I'm talking about. Not only are you constantly trying to second guess the next move of the vehicle in front of you, behind you and beside you, but you also have to be on high alert for matatus (public service vehicles) always trying to cutting you off.

And God forbid that a vehicle breaks down on the road or someone has a fender bender or accident in front of you! This of course blocks traffic flow and two lanes of traffic suddenly turn into five or six lanes, as impatient drivers try to figure out a way to get past the jam.

Those drivers, off course, meet oncoming traffic head on, and before you know it you are stuck in a gridlock situation that could go on for hours. You sit in the traffic jam wondering how much money you are wasting in fuel. Of course, with current fuel prices as high as they are, this could mean a lot.

If you are concerned about the environment and global warming, you wonder how much carbon emissions are being released into the atmosphere as you watch large lorries puffing out large clouds of smoke.

Should we even mention the frustration of how much time is lost sitting in your vehicle trying to get from A to B? I don't know about you, but my patience is growing thin!

What are your thoughts?

Security Tip

There was an incident in the Nairobi suburb of Karen area recently whereby a gang followed people into their gate and invaded their home. They were roughed up quite a bit, but avoided further injury because they had sufficient cash on them to appease the robbers. Remember that it's a good idea to always keep some cash on you at all times and at your house in case you are a victim of robbery. Smaller denominations are useful as it makes the amount look more than it is.

Robbery Alert

A new strategy has been used by robbers to attack motorists in Kenya. The robbers create a fake 'accident' scene by stalling a vehicle at a narrow section of the road. Another car is placed strategically on the opposite direction to make it appear as if the owner is offering help to the driver of the stalled car. As other motorists drive up to the point, the robbers strike. This has been reported in Nakuru, Nairobi and Nyahururu. If you come upon such a a scene, try to reverse and get away. Report to the nearest police station.

Glen Edmunds Safe Driving Tip

Riding the clutch is dangerous! We see this with many of our students at our driving school. Drivers tend to rest their foot on the clutch pedal, instead of off to the side. This is a very bad habit, as it allows the thrust bearing to spin continuously, and can lead to premature failure of the bearing. This of course will result in clutch failure.

The thrust bearing is only designed to run for a few seconds at a time when you are engaging gears. Keep your foot off the clutch while driving and instead place it on the foot rest or the floor until you need it.

Watch your tyres!

There has been a spate of tyres being stolen from residential compounds in the Karen area. It is important to note that these vehicles did not have car alarms or wheel locks. Please notify your askaris so that they are aware of this.

The last 10 days there have been reports in the Karen/Langata area of residents being following into their drive ways on their way home from work in the afternoons. They are in a non-marked car (usually white) and claim to be from the city council. They demand money from you saying that you haven't paid this bill or that. And if you don't pay them on the spot, they will take you to the police, etc. The best way to avoid this type of incident is to make sure you aren't being followed into your compound. Keep a close eye in your rear view mirror to make sure someone isn't following you. If you slow down do they slow down? If you speed up, do they speed up? If you think you are being followed, do not go home! Call your local security company or the Police Hotline (020 - 240 000) and inform them of your situation. Alternatively you can drive to the nearest police station or parked security vehicle. Just as a regular precaution, you can also phone your askari in advance and tell them that you are on your way home and to make sure he opens and closes the gate quickly behind you and to not let any other vehicles come in behind you.

Road Safety Campaign

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School has partnered with their sponsor Monroe Shock Absorbers in a safe driving campaign for East Africa. Monroe is promoting safe driving by encouraging motorists to fit their cars with the recommended car suspension system and Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School is promoting safe driving through the multiple courses that the offer such as defensive driving, security driving, 4WD training and much more. The complete article can be read in the East Africa Standard on page 13.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt Contributed to Princess Diana's Death

photo from BBC
The BBC reports the following: "The inquest found Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed were unlawfully killed due to the "gross negligence" of driver Henri Paul and the paparazzi." Reports also state that Princess Diana was not wearing a seatbelt and this also contributed to her demise.

Princess Diana is a prime example of what can happen when you are not wearing a seatbelt. Yes, the accident still would have happened, but would she still be alive if she was wearing her seat belt? Possibly so. Failure to wear a seat belt contributes to more fatalities than any other single traffic safety-related behavior. 63% of people killed in accidents are not wearing seat belts. Wearing a seat belt is still the single most effective thing we can do to save lives and reduce injuries.

We all know about the dangers of not wearing a seat belt. Yet, many people still don't wear one.

Many people have a lot of excuses for not buckling up. Some say that they don't bother with seat belts when not going far. However, did you know that 80% of traffic fatalities occur within 25 miles of home and under 40mph?

Many people say, “I have air bags all around my car. Why do I need a seat belt?”

Air bags cushion impact. It’s better to strike the deflating air bag than the immovable dashboard. However, a seat belt protects you from the air bag.

Airbags explode in front of you at 200mph.

An airbag deploys so fast that it seems to inflate and deflate before the explosive sound is over. When you move abruptly forward in a car accident, the safety seat belt stops you quickly as the air bag approaches your chest. Even with the seat belt on you may feel like someone punched you hard in the sternum a day or two after the accident. However, without the seat belt on, you risk serious injury from the air bag alone.

Some people say they can't be bothered to take the time to put on a seat belt. It takes 3 seconds to buckle up. Dead is Forever.

Wear a seat belt to significantly increase the chance of surviving a car accident.

Bump & Run Carjacking Technique

This is a reminder of one of the oldest scams in Kenya, that people often forget about. The common practice is for someone to gently bump you in the rear bumper. The normal reaction is to get out of your vehicle, leave the keys in the ignition and walk to the back of your vehicle to check for damage. As soon as you are pre-occupied at the back, someone jumps in your car and drives away. The best thing to do is to stay in your vehicle and keep your doors locked and your windows up. Phone the police hot line or your local security company and ask them to dispatch someone to the scene. Or drive to your nearest police station.

UN Report On International Road Safety

UN Secretary-General issues his first report on international road safety

UN Photo/Mark Garten

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has published his first report to the UN General Assembly on progress in international road safety. The Report calls upon Member States to continue using the WHO-World Bank World report on road traffic injury prevention as a framework for road safety efforts, and to pay particular attention to the risk factors mentioned in this report. It also calls on Member States to be cognisant of the safety needs of vulnerable road users, for example through improvements for public transport and separate road space for pedestrians and cyclists. In his report the UN Secretary-General calls for a ministerial conference on road safety to be held under the auspices of the UN in the near future and also stresses the need for an appropriate global tool to monitor progress.

The report summarizes achievements from the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, a network of more than 40 agencies facilitated by the World Health Organization. Among the major recent achievements highlighted is the First UN Global Road Safety Week held in April 2007 and celebrated through hundreds of national events focussed on youth and road safety as well as World Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The Report also draws attention to a series of good practice manuals developed by partners from the UN Road Safety Collaboration and aimed at addressing some of the key risk factors for road traffic injuries - drink driving, seat-belts, helmets, speed, visibility, etc.

Night Driving Tips

Don't just take a stab in the dark.

Between midnight and 6AM is the riskiest time for crashes, because there are fewer drivers yet more accidents than any other time of the day. Holidays and vacations may put you in situations where you want to drive through the night to get somewhere, but if you do intend to drive at night, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Safe night driving requires preparation, alertness and a heavy dose of common sense.

Make sure your headlights are properly aimed. Check with your car's service manual or a professional for the proper procedure. Also make sure all other lights work.

Keep your headlights and windshield clean. Being able to see other cars and be seen by other drivers helps a lot! If it's bug season, stop and wipe them off at each break.

Don't overdrive your headlights. Especially when driving on smaller roads without reflector strips, follow a four-second rule. Take note of where the far reach of your low beams are, then count four seconds. If you pass that original place in less than four seconds, then you are going too fast. Two to three seconds may be an acceptable range for major highways with reflector strips. Remember that posted speed limits are for driving in daylight with dry road conditions.

Use high beams wisely. The use of high-beam headlights when there isn't oncoming traffic can extend the time that you have to react to hazards. Never use your high beams because the high beams of the oncoming car stay on. This will only increase the chances of a head-on collision.

Don't look at oncoming headlights. Focus on the edges of oncoming traffic and bright objects, as staring directly into headlights can blind you for up to five seconds until your eyes adjust.

Look around. Keep your eyes moving from side to side, rather than focusing only on the centerline and the road ahead, to help your eyes stay adjusted to the dark and avoid falling victim to "highway hypnosis," a state in which reaction time is greatly impaired.

Wear sunglasses during the day. Wearing sunglasses during bright days helps keep your eyes more sensitive for driving in the dark.

Always carry flares or reflectors for a breakdown. Keep them in a place where they can be easily accessed in an emergency.

If you're tired, get off the road and sleep. If you feel sleepy, caffeine can never be a substitute for sleep, nor is loud music or rolling down the windows. Pull over and rest, and stop every two hours for a break out of the car even if you're not feeling sleepy. Don't set out on a trip tired. Change your schedule and get some rest first.

Another important reminder: During the time of the year, when days suddenly get much shorter due to the end of daylight-saving time, more pedestrians are out walking in the dark during peak evening traffic hours. "Drivers have to be especially careful now, because pedestrian fatalities have been shown each year to quadruple during the period just after daylight-saving time ends," said Jim Rink of AAA Michigan, citing an American Journal of Public Health report. Remember to turn your headlights on by dusk and slow down!

By BENGT HALVORSON

Refresher Driving Courses Now Available

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School

It is really important to take “refresher” courses in almost everything we learn, particularly driving skills. Most experts agree that we need to hear something a minimum of 30 times before it becomes integrated into our memory.

When it comes to driving skills, you need to brush up on your driving skills at least every 18 months. Otherwise, it’s easy to slip back into those old negative habits. With this in mind, we have developed a refresher course that will help you brush up on your skills.

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School is now offering four-hour driving refresher course from 8:30am. – 12:30pm. on specific dates.

Content
It’s all driving! Drivers will be put through an assessment in order to establish which areas they need to work on most. We’ll then offer practical feedback on how to improve their skills and put them through the necessary driving exercises.

During the training, participants are in the car with one of our qualified instructors. We actively discuss how you are driving, and why. Our client's show dramatic improvements after not only being shown what to do correctly, but understanding the reasons why.

Certificate
At the end of the half day training, we will issue each participant with a Certificate Of Attendance.

Details:
Time: 8:30 – 12:30
Venue: Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School, Embakasi
Driving Time: 4 Hours
Classroom Time – None
Minimum Number of Students: 3

Contact us on Kim@performance.co.ke for further information.

Don't Drop Your Guard

You could almost here the huge sigh of relief all across the country when Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga signed the peace agreement in favour of a power sharing arrangement. Although reactions to the peace agreement have been peaceful so far, please don’t fall into a state of complacency or let down your guard.

The British Foreign & Common Wealth Office (FCO) reports: the situation in Kenya remains fragile and tense in the aftermath of two months of violence and widespread displacement of communities, following the disputed election on 27 December 2007.

*Large gatherings and demonstrations could still occur and should be avoided. Any rallies, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent. On 28 February police fired tear gas to disperse dozens who had gathered to witness the signing of the power sharing agreement.

So please remain vigilant at all times and keep yourself informed through media and security reports.

Criminals Prey on Sympathetic Women

Criminals Can Prey on Sympathetic Women

Women are often sympathetic to people in need and therefore risk being taken advantage of. Never stop and help strangers on the side of the road; they may be thieves waiting for unsuspecting victims. Don’t fall for these common scams: a person with a sick baby asks for a ride to the hospital, a person has run out of fuel and needs a lift, a person has car problems and asks for assistance. They may be legitimate or they may produce a weapon and rob you, carjack you or worse.

We all want to be helpful, but it is much safer to phone the Police Hotline from your cell phone or drive to the nearest police station or parked security vehicle and report the incident. This helps innocent people that really do require help and protects you from becoming a victim yourself.

Remember, you can't judge a person by how they look. Ted Bundy, a famous serial killer who confessed to murdering over 30 women, was a good looking, well educated man, who played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is how he abducted his victims.

Peace Deal Signed in Kenya

Peace Deal Signed in Kenya!

The moment all Kenyans have been waiting for since the civil unrest began after the presidential elections on 27 December. After weeks of bitter negotiations, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga signed a peace agreement on a coalition government this afternoon!

We are all grateful to Kofi Annan and all the other world leaders that came to assist during these troubled times.

May continuous peace once again be restored to Kenya!

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School New Website - Coming Soon!

Dear Friends

I just wanted to let you know that by the end of February, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School will have an exciting new look to it's website!

Included in the new look will be weekly tips on:

• Security
• Basic Mechanics
• Road Safety
• And for all those rally fans out there, Glen is now going to host a weekly rally tip!
  

Watch this space, because we will soon be launching an online shop!

We are also adding a calendar, notice board and report crime button. Plus our blog will now be easily accessible from the website!

Security Lamination for Your Vehicle

For those of you who wish to feel more secure in your vehicles while mobile, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School now offers security vehicle lamination. There are two levels of protection:

1. Anti-riot / UV protection / Heat resistance

2. Anti-riot / Petrol bomb resistance /
UV protection / Heat Resistance /
Sound Proofing / Anti - Glare / etc

You can also get this for windows in your home. The lamination comes in clear, grey, or silver shades and comes with a 12 year warranty against fading, peeling and loosening. Contact Glen for more information on: 609737 or 609738.

Peace returning to Kenya

A graffiti-covered car, burned at a roadblock in Nairobi's Kibera slum. REUTERS/Radu Sigheti.

The wording on the vehicle above echo's a strong message. Much of the violence in Kenya is ending and many people are able to get on with their normal lives again. Kofi Annan, seems to be doing an amazing job as mediator between the current Kibaki regime and Raila Odinga's opposition party. All Kenyans are waiting patiently as conflicts are resolved peacefully through negotiations and non violence.

The Daily Nation reports that even Kenya's Flower industry had a monthly export record for cut flowers despite low expectation for the industry following post election violence that displace many of its workers.

Today is Valentine's Day. A day of love and appreciating those closest to you. We wish all our fellow Kenyans a very Happy Valentine Day.

Remember! Have a great time, but please wear your seat belts at all times and don't drink and drive!

Nairobi Traffic Jam Shows Softer Side

Dear Friends
Yesterday I was caught up in one of the biggest and longest traffic jams I've ever experienced in the last 21 years in Kenya. What normally takes me 15 minutes from my office to my house took just over 2 hours! A big trailer had flipped on its side in the middle of the Langata Road and traffic was stuck on either side of it.

Motorists were doing the usual thing - making two lanes of traffic into five as they jockeyed for position. The people on the opposite side of the trailer did the same and the result was a mess! It was 4:00 in the afternoon. It was very hot and very dusty from people driving on the dirt verges and overall the situation was pretty miserable. Most of the cars had no air conditioning and people were trying to make the best out of being crammed into overcrowded buses and matatu's.

However, one thing that struck me the most was that although people were all trying to get from A to B, they were all behaving in a very polite manner. Even the matatu's, which usually act very aggressively and annoy everyone, even on a good day, were behaving themselves. People were courteous and let each other into lanes when possible.

Considering Kenya's recent political unrest and spate of violence, this came across as something short of miraculous. It was a perfect opportunity for people's tempers to flare and problems to arise. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't more than a little uncomfortable being trapped in the midst of a huge gridlock for two hours with nowhere to escape to.

To me, this was a huge statement for the people of Nairobi. Everyone seems to be tired of the violence, the fighting and the politics. The average Kenyan citizen wants to go to work, feed their family and pay their bills. They just want to get on with life in a calm, peaceful manner.

It reminded me of the weeks that followed after the horrible incident of 9/11 when terrorist planes hit the Twin Towers. New York taxi cabs were silent for the first time since anyone could remember. Normally New York City is a buzz with the sound of hooting horns from the thousands of cabs that operate on the streets 24 hours a day. But after 9/11, the cabs were silent and everyone was nicer and more compassionate towards their fellow man.

I hope the politeness seen in this huge traffic jam yesterday is a sign of hope for the people of Kenya as well. We need to pull together and start the healing process of this amazing country we all call home.

Stay Informed During Times of Civil Unrest

Dear Friends
We often put our head in the sand when it comes to hearing bad news. It's human nature. We get overloaded with it and just don't want to hear the "bad stuff" anymore. I overheard a group of women yesterday saying how they just couldn't face listening to the news or reading the newspapers anymore. It was just too depressing.

The political unrest in Kenya has gone on for over a month now and people are fed up with not being able to live their normal lives. Many people are frightened and confused, so they have a tendency to "switch off."

However, when you are living in areas of conflict where situations can arise at anytime, it is crucial that you keep informed at all times. You should listen to all news bulletins put out by the local media, read the newspapers, watch the news, call your regional security officer at your local embassy, contact your security company for updates and sign up for security news bulletins. Otherwise, you could easily find yourself caught up in a dangerous situation.

Kenya is Crying

Kenya is Crying is the title of the picture on the left, sent to me via e-mail today. I think it summarizes how the majority of people feel concerning the ongoing violence and deaths that are occurring unnecessarily. It is truly heartbreaking to see our country and our people suffering so much.

All of the staff at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School send their condolences to all of those that have lost loved ones and friends during this time. We send prayers for those that are displaced and have lost their homes.

We plead to all those that live within the borders of Kenya, to reach out to their fellow Kenyans, no matter what their tribe is or who they voted for. We are all Kenyans and are one family. Violence is never the answer. Peaceful negotiations are the only way forward. Please pull together and pray for Amani (Peace).

Dakar Rally Countdown to Cancellation

Dear Friends

We were recently sent the above time line published in Jan 10, 2008 version of Autosport Magazine, pertaining to the events leading up to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. Glen Edmunds is waiting to hear from the ASO, the French organizing committee, regarding the future of the Dakar Rally event as well as repatriation of funds lost due to the cancellation. He and his team "Kenya Kwanza" are trying to figure out exactly what to do next that will suit the car, the team as well as fit into our busy schedule at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School. Some of the event options for "Kenya Kwanza" are competing in races in the following countries:

1. St Petersburg, Russia to Bejing, China
2. Aregentina
3. Morocco

Keep reading the blog and our website: www.GlenEdmunds.com to see what the future holds for Glen Edmunds and his "Kenya Kwanza" team! Let us hear from you! We'd love to hear your views.

Glen Edmunds Offers New Security Driving Course!

Like everyone, we are deeply saddened by the recent events in Kenya. We can only hope and pray that the violence and destruction will end and peace & unity will be restored very soon. Meanwhile, it's critical to be informed of security issues at all times. If you are traveling, contact your local embassy or police hotline for current information before your departure.

In order to help everyone during these troubled times, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School has developed a new course that is specifically designed for those people that want to learn how to stay safe in hostile and unexpected crisis situations. Topics include: understanding mob mentality, what to do if you are caught up in a riot, dealing with illegal road blocks, driving through fire/tear gas, vehicle control under threat and much more. Contact us for further information, price and course schedule.

DAKAR RALLY CANCELLED

Glen Edmunds and Dez Page-Morris were bitterly disappointed about the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. There had been so much work and effort in the preparation for the last 12 months and they had already passed the difficult part of scrutineering. The car was parked in parc ferme and all was in place to start the race. The cancellation was received 12 hours prior to the start. The French governing body of the event (the ASO) blamed the cancellation on terrorist threats from Al-Quaida cells in Mauritania. To read the full report log onto http://www.glenedmunds.com/diary.html