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The Artur Brothers Circus
By: Peter Njenga
Synopsis
After the KTN-Standard Raid in March, Artur Margaryan and Artur Sargasyan came into the limelight.
Langata MP Raila Odinga had claimed that they were Russian mercenaries hired by the government to carry out that raid.
Artur Margaryan and Artur Sargasyan
Russian, Armenian? Oh what a reputation they earn
These men in black, sporting shades and evincing ?lotsa bling?
From Eastern Europe, lots of controversy they do bring.
Shady from day one, at the J.K.I.A. VIP lounge they casually stroll
Oozing arrogance, this burly bloke ? Artur, stands tall
Infiltrating then influencing both the media and the political class
We write and talk of them, as our dignity they nonchalantly trash.
Residing in the copious and leafy Runda estate
Their presence is felt by all across the state
Politicians and media personalities are enthralled in this circus
And unabated, in various places these dudes precipitate fracas.
Imported Doberman pinschers, exalted spending sprees,
And these are investors? Oh please!
The Standard raid, mercenary talk and more trash
Press conferences, bashes and still more cash.
Situation. Thursday, June 8. Nairobi?s J.K.I.A.
Security breach, yet another insolent display
Guns are drawn, Kenyans insulted and officials assaulted
The brothers are arrested. Next day they?re ?deported?.
More talk, denials and accusations
As expected even in such serious situations
Officials are suspended, committees and commissions set up
By then, Kenyans are already so damn fed up.
The World Cup is over, but the soap operas are not
Remember Kuria, Collins Owayo, Pattni and the Goldenberg lot?
I?m afraid it?s ?same script, different cast?
Meanwhile, other reports are some place gathering dust.
THE END
Background Info
In March this year, the Standard Group offices at I&M Building in downtown Nairobi, Kenya were raided. Their printing press at Likoni Road in Industrial Area was dismantled, copies of Standard newspapers burnt and the Standard Group-owned KTN TV station was put off air for several hours. Soon after, Langata MP Raila Odinga alleged that the raid was carried out by Russian mercenaries hired by the government. He claimed to know where they resided and even recorded a statement with the police. The polemic that ensued saw Artur Margaryan and his brother Artur Sargasyan come into the limelight and dominate the headlines until the security breach at JKIA that prompted their arrest and culminated in their 'deportation' on June 9 2006.
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