Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers.
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
Thanks Alex, We always had this suspicion and it has really affected the chapter. I am not sure what the next step is and what action the board and the foundation will take regarding this so that it will serve as an example to others. Secondly we NEED an audit of all the funds because I personally had doubts with most of the expenses. Hope this gets sorted soon. Thanks On Oct 3, 2012 7:10 PM, "Alex Wafula" xelawafs@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers .
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Thank you, Alex, for disclosing the matter to the general membership.
As Alex wrote, WMF is requiring WMKE to return all the remaining grant funds for safekeeping, until WMKE gets its financial controls in place: an audit of all the expenditure so far out of the grant money, beyond the money misappropriated by Stephen; a dedicated, joint bank account with at least two board members as signatories; replacement board members (naturally, we expect Stephen not to be re-elected); and a functioning audit committee.
This is indeed a disappointing development, and no doubt a demoralizing one. Nevertheless, WMKE can and should take this as a challenge -- a form of growing pains -- and come out stronger and more mature. I'd recommend the general membership do whatever it takes (probably a face-to-face meeting?) to work this out and bury the hatchet, so that we can all move on and get back to promoting the Wikimedia Vision in Kenya.
Best regards,
Asaf
On Wed, Oct 3, 2012 at 9:42 AM, Kosgei Isaac kips8505izo@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks Alex, We always had this suspicion and it has really affected the chapter. I am not sure what the next step is and what action the board and the foundation will take regarding this so that it will serve as an example to others. Secondly we NEED an audit of all the funds because I personally had doubts with most of the expenses. Hope this gets sorted soon. Thanks On Oct 3, 2012 7:10 PM, "Alex Wafula" xelawafs@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers.
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the banksaying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Wikiquote quote of the day sums it all for me:
For honest merit to succeed amid the tricks and intrigues which are now so lamentably common, I know is difficult; but the honor of success is increased by the obstacles which are to be surmounted. Let me triumph as that man or not at all.
--Rutherford B. Hayes https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Rutherford_B._Hayes
On Wed, Oct 3, 2012 at 7:54 PM, Asaf Bartov abartov@wikimedia.org wrote:
Thank you, Alex, for disclosing the matter to the general membership.
As Alex wrote, WMF is requiring WMKE to return all the remaining grant funds for safekeeping, until WMKE gets its financial controls in place: an audit of all the expenditure so far out of the grant money, beyond the money misappropriated by Stephen; a dedicated, joint bank account with at least two board members as signatories; replacement board members (naturally, we expect Stephen not to be re-elected); and a functioning audit committee.
This is indeed a disappointing development, and no doubt a demoralizing one. Nevertheless, WMKE can and should take this as a challenge -- a form of growing pains -- and come out stronger and more mature. I'd recommend the general membership do whatever it takes (probably a face-to-face meeting?) to work this out and bury the hatchet, so that we can all move on and get back to promoting the Wikimedia Vision in Kenya.
Best regards,
Asaf
On Wed, Oct 3, 2012 at 9:42 AM, Kosgei Isaac kips8505izo@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks Alex, We always had this suspicion and it has really affected the chapter. I am not sure what the next step is and what action the board and the foundation will take regarding this so that it will serve as an example to others. Secondly we NEED an audit of all the funds because I personally had doubts with most of the expenses. Hope this gets sorted soon. Thanks
On Oct 3, 2012 7:10 PM, "Alex Wafula" xelawafs@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers.
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
-- Asaf Bartov Wikimedia Foundation
Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. Help us make it a reality! https://donate.wikimedia.org
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Hi all, (I've cc-ed Steve, just to make sure he gets this message: I'm not sure whether he's still subscribed to this list). Steve: After keeping up with this whole charade for months now, and being the primary cause of this mess that we’re Wikimedia Kenya is in, the least that you could do is issue a public apology for your heinous actions. SincerelyAbbas Mahmood Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 19:10:09 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers.
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
_______________________________________________ WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Hi, Abbas, I agree with you on this. It is a shame that after all the Mess at Wikimedia Kenya, Steve has not issued an apology on this. In my opinion I think WMKE should take action because embezzlement of chapter funds is a crime that should not go unpunished. I have copied Steve on this thread and I stress that action should be taken.
On 5 October 2012 09:00, Abbas Mahmood abbasjnr@hotmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
(I've cc-ed Steve, just to make sure he gets this message: I'm not sure whether he's still subscribed to this list).
Steve: After keeping up with this whole charade for months now, and being the primary cause of this mess that we’re Wikimedia Kenya is in, the least that you could do is issue a public apology for your heinous actions.
Sincerely Abbas Mahmood
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 19:10:09 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers .
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
_______________________________________________ WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Dear all,
Sad as this episode in the beginning history of WMKE has been, we're at least one step further now than we were a month ago. Rather than culprit-bashing, I'd rather prefer to see us utilizing this as an opportunity to inspect ourselves and our motives. Let's recognise that each of us is easily tempted (granted, everyone in different domains) and let's rectify ourselves where we have selfish motives and don't contribute to WMKE for the common good.
We have already been told that "it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount". Let the remainder of the board decide on a time-frame for that. Only if Steve does not fulfill his responsibility, can next steps be called for but certainly not just a couple of days after the initial announcement of what has happened. Don't fall into the trap of revenge and escalation but rather concentrate on what is needful now to keep WMKE moving towards our common goal of the sum of human knowledge being available to every one of our fellow citizens of this planet.
Grace and peace,
Oliver (aka BT)
_____
From: Kosgei Isaac [mailto:kips8505izo@gmail.com] Sent: 05 October 2012 09:19 To: The discussion list for the Wikimedia Kenya chapter. Subject: Re: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi, Abbas, I agree with you on this. It is a shame that after all the Mess at Wikimedia Kenya, Steve has not issued an apology on this. In my opinion I think WMKE should take action because embezzlement of chapter funds is a crime that should not go unpunished. I have copied Steve on this thread and I stress that action should be taken.
On 5 October 2012 09:00, Abbas Mahmood abbasjnr@hotmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
(I've cc-ed Steve, just to make sure he gets this message: I'm not sure whether he's still subscribed to this list).
Steve: After keeping up with this whole charade for months now, and being the primary cause of this mess that we're Wikimedia Kenya is in, the least that you could do is issue a public apology for your heinous actions.
Sincerely
Abbas Mahmood
_____
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 19:10:09 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers.
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
_______________________________________________ WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
_______________________________________________ WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Hello!
I hope this finds all of you well.
I have sinned against humanity with my recent action of being silent about the standing of the chapter.
This is owed to the fact that some members were alleging I do not have the total sum of funds which at this stage I have to admit is the truth!!
I have failed everyone who trusted me. I hope to salvage some of that trust and the friendship because it makes me feel bad and sick when I sit and think that someone somewhere is undergoing a rough time as a result of my actions. If anything I would want the world to be a better place for everyone.
I had previously took the stance that the funds were intact which was the natural thing anyone would do to maintain their name in the good books.To speak the truth, some of it is intact and in liquid form while another chunk was used by me at my time of need as I was in a very tight spot and am ashamed I made a wrong decision that is haunting me now. This was neither intended nor planned.
Chapter activity that requires financing has been getting it well until there was an impasse recently when the per diem issue arose which I cleared by paying the concerned parties. I have lived through a test of my time, done a mistake, learnt my lessons and am now trying to get my life back on track.
I am sincerely sorry for putting everyone through this. I have had to learn this the hard way but I hope this is the first step towards resolving the stalemate. More importantly,I hope the lessons drawn shall assist to develop guidelines to ensure such is not repeated anywhere else given such a situation.
Things are not working as intended for a mistake that I fully acknowledge is on my part. I still feel I must apologize, not because this is the right thing to do, but because I am sincerely sorry for what happened and I would never wish that to happen again and generally to anyone else.
Advice you will share on how to handle this will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely sorry, Stephen.
On Fri, Oct 5, 2012 at 12:45 AM, Oliver Stegen info@oliverstegen.netwrote:
Dear all,****
Sad as this episode in the beginning history of WMKE has been, we’re at least one step further now than we were a month ago. Rather than culprit-bashing, I’d rather prefer to see us utilizing this as an opportunity to inspect ourselves and our motives. Let’s recognise that each of us is easily tempted (granted, everyone in different domains) and let’s rectify ourselves where we have selfish motives and don’t contribute to WMKE for the common good.****
We have already been told that “it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount”. Let the remainder of the board decide on a time-frame for that. Only if Steve does not fulfill his responsibility, can next steps be called for but certainly not just a couple of days after the initial announcement of what has happened. Don’t fall into the trap of revenge and escalation but rather concentrate on what is needful now to keep WMKE moving towards our common goal of the sum of human knowledge being available to every one of our fellow citizens of this planet.****
Grace and peace,****
Oliver (aka BT)****
*From:* Kosgei Isaac [mailto:kips8505izo@gmail.com] *Sent:* 05 October 2012 09:19 *To:* **The discussion list for the Wikimedia Kenya chapter.** *Subject:* Re: [Wikimedia ****Kenya****] WMKE Financial Status****
Hi, Abbas, I agree with you on this. It is a shame that after all the Mess at Wikimedia ****Kenya****, Steve has not issued an apology on this. In my opinion I think WMKE should take action because embezzlement of chapter funds is a crime that should not go unpunished. I have copied Steve on this thread and I stress that action should be taken.****
On 5 October 2012 09:00, Abbas Mahmood abbasjnr@hotmail.com wrote:****
Hi all,****
(I've cc-ed Steve, just to make sure he gets this message: I'm not sure whether he's still subscribed to this list).****
Steve: After keeping up with this whole charade for months now, and being the primary cause of this mess that we’re Wikimedia ****Kenya**** is in, the least that you could do is issue a public apology for your heinous actions.****
Sincerely****
Abbas Mahmood****
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 19:10:09 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: [Wikimedia ****Kenya****] WMKE Financial Status****
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia ****Spain**** we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.****
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers.
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.****
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
_______________________________________________ WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake****
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake****
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Been following this issue for a while and i must say i have restrained myself from being judgmental , Steve, there is no justification for your actions whatsoever ,BUT your admission is a step in the right direction , We have learned our lesson albeit with a painful experience ,its a learning process & WMKE will emerge stronger . I want to believe that if we had the structures in place ,the unfortunate incident will not have occurred ,i call upon WMKE members to rededicate themselves to the activities of this young chapter , to the board,registration of WMKE is long overdue ,an audit of the expenditure is required & finally the issue of joint account .
My regards!
Bruce.
Hi all,
Thanks for sharing your views. I would like for us to have a physical meetup to deliberate on the next steps to follow regarding this matter. Please also do add to the agenda here: http://etherpad.wikimedia.org/wmke-meeting-10-2012
I've started a Doodle to get the best date for the meeting between the 6th and 13th of October, please go to the link and vote for a date(s): http://www.doodle.com/ufw3r64uaympbcke Don't forget to indicate your name.
best, Alex
On Sat, Oct 6, 2012 at 6:26 PM, Branton Obwari bruceobwari@gmail.comwrote:
Been following this issue for a while and i must say i have restrained myself from being judgmental , Steve, there is no justification for your actions whatsoever ,BUT your admission is a step in the right direction , We have learned our lesson albeit with a painful experience ,its a learning process & WMKE will emerge stronger . I want to believe that if we had the structures in place ,the unfortunate incident will not have occurred ,i call upon WMKE members to rededicate themselves to the activities of this young chapter , to the board,registration of WMKE is long overdue ,an audit of the expenditure is required & finally the issue of joint account .
My regards!
Bruce.
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
hi, there seems to be a bit of a mix up, are we voting between the 6th & 13th or the 13th & 20th?Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2012 13:31:01 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: Re: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi all,
Thanks for sharing your views. I would like for us to have a physical meetup to deliberate on the next steps to follow regarding this matter. Please also do add to the agenda here: http://etherpad.wikimedia.org/wmke-meeting-10-2012
I've started a Doodle to get the best date for the meeting between the 6th and 13th of October, please go to the link and vote for a date(s): http://www.doodle.com/ufw3r64uaympbcke Don't forget to indicate your name.
best, Alex
On Sat, Oct 6, 2012 at 6:26 PM, Branton Obwari bruceobwari@gmail.com wrote:
Been following this issue for a while and i must say i have restrained myself from being judgmental , Steve, there is no justification for your actions whatsoever ,BUT your admission is a step in the right direction , We have learned our lesson albeit with a painful experience ,its a learning process & WMKE will emerge stronger .
I want to believe that if we had the structures in place ,the unfortunate incident will not have occurred ,i call upon WMKE members to rededicate themselves to the activities of this young chapter , to the board,registration of WMKE is long overdue ,an audit of the expenditure is required & finally the issue of joint account .
My regards! Bruce.
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It's between the 13th and the 20th. I already updatrd the Doodle.
Alex On Oct 8, 2012 3:30 PM, "dennis munene" deontemunene@hotmail.com wrote:
hi, there seems to be a bit of a mix up, are we voting between the 6th & 13th or the 13th & 20th?
Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2012 13:31:01 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: Re: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi all,
Thanks for sharing your views. I would like for us to have a physical meetup to deliberate on the next steps to follow regarding this matter. Please also do add to the agenda here: http://etherpad.wikimedia.org/wmke-meeting-10-2012
I've started a Doodle to get the best date for the meeting between the 6th and 13th of October, please go to the link and vote for a date(s): http://www.doodle.com/ufw3r64uaympbcke Don't forget to indicate your name.
best, Alex
On Sat, Oct 6, 2012 at 6:26 PM, Branton Obwari bruceobwari@gmail.comwrote:
Been following this issue for a while and i must say i have restrained myself from being judgmental , Steve, there is no justification for your actions whatsoever ,BUT your admission is a step in the right direction , We have learned our lesson albeit with a painful experience ,its a learning process & WMKE will emerge stronger . I want to believe that if we had the structures in place ,the unfortunate incident will not have occurred ,i call upon WMKE members to rededicate themselves to the activities of this young chapter , to the board,registration of WMKE is long overdue ,an audit of the expenditure is required & finally the issue of joint account .
My regards!
Bruce.
WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
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hi, there seems to be a bit of a mix up, are we voting between the 6th & 13th or the 13th & 20th?Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2012 13:31:01 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: Re: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi all,
Thanks for sharing your views. I would like for us to have a physical meetup to deliberate on the next steps to follow regarding this matter. Please also do add to the agenda here: http://etherpad.wikimedia.org/wmke-meeting-10-2012
I've started a Doodle to get the best date for the meeting between the 6th and 13th of October, please go to the link and vote for a date(s): http://www.doodle.com/ufw3r64uaympbcke Don't forget to indicate your name.
best, Alex
On Sat, Oct 6, 2012 at 6:26 PM, Branton Obwari bruceobwari@gmail.com wrote:
Been following this issue for a while and i must say i have restrained myself from being judgmental , Steve, there is no justification for your actions whatsoever ,BUT your admission is a step in the right direction , We have learned our lesson albeit with a painful experience ,its a learning process & WMKE will emerge stronger .
I want to believe that if we had the structures in place ,the unfortunate incident will not have occurred ,i call upon WMKE members to rededicate themselves to the activities of this young chapter , to the board,registration of WMKE is long overdue ,an audit of the expenditure is required & finally the issue of joint account .
My regards! Bruce.
_______________________________________________
WikimediaKE mailing list
WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
_______________________________________________ WikimediaKE mailing list WikimediaKE@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediake
Hie all, Am deeply perturbed by such acts of insolence considering that WMK has just been making great strides lately. Steve ur a dissappointment and the board,this is a chance to put tighter controls to ensure no repeat offence.
Oscar Okwero
--- On Fri, 10/5/12, Kosgei Isaac kips8505izo@gmail.com wrote:
From: Kosgei Isaac kips8505izo@gmail.com Subject: Re: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status To: "The discussion list for the Wikimedia Kenya chapter." wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Date: Friday, October 5, 2012, 6:18 AM
Hi, Abbas, I agree with you on this. It is a shame that after all the Mess at Wikimedia Kenya, Steve has not issued an apology on this. In my opinion I think WMKE should take action because embezzlement of chapter funds is a crime that should not go unpunished.
I have copied Steve on this thread and I stress that action should be taken.
On 5 October 2012 09:00, Abbas Mahmood abbasjnr@hotmail.com wrote:
Hi all, (I've cc-ed Steve, just to make sure he gets this message: I'm not sure whether he's still subscribed to this list).
Steve: After keeping up with this whole charade for months now, and being the primary cause of this mess that we’re Wikimedia Kenya is in, the least that you could do is issue a public apology for your heinous actions.
SincerelyAbbas Mahmood Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 19:10:09 +0300 From: xelawafs@gmail.com
To: wikimediake@lists.wikimedia.org Subject: [Wikimedia Kenya] WMKE Financial Status
Hi all,
As most of you already know, we have had concerns raised over our finances surrounding suspicions of embezzlement of funds by our treasurer. I am sad to confirm these suspicions. Stephen Wanjau, the treasurer has come forward and admitted to the Board that he has used part of the funds for personal non-chapter expenses amounting to approximately USD. 800 and resigned from the Board effective immediately.
We will now move to wire back the remaining funds to WMF for keeping until we have our own bank account and more than one signatory for the same. As for the embezzled funds, it will be Stephen's responsibility to return the amount.
This is a major setback for the Chapter having had so many plans that got sidelined over confrontations to get the issue resolved. It is my hope that we will mobilize through this trying time and come out better and more accountable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Asaf for his support in this matter.
On Behalf of the Board, Alex Wafula
Dear all,
As many know, in Wikimedia Spain we are dealing with a very nasty business.
While we were preparing our financial report we caught our former secretary stealing money from our chapter.
The stolen amount is in the vicinity of 2500 euros. He even left a debt of ~100 euros that I have personally covered. It may not seem much, but it was all we had.
The former secretary never gave access to the new treasurer, he just made it look like the bank was delaying the process of the change of treasurers.
He also sent us falsified extracts of the account and the amount of money in it.
We were so concerned with the behaviour of the bank that we were about to change to another one. And then we received a call from the bank saying our account was in debt.
When confronted, the former secretary confessed. All the data are clear, for the bank's official reports are avaliable now.
Also, with the gently support of the WMF, in the persons of Asaf, Garfield and Jay, we have already start all the legal actions needed according to Spanish law, including formal complaint to the Police and all the papers with the Bank. We have prepared an official statement too, "just in case" any spanish media want to discuss the case.
This has been a huge blow for us, as you can imagine. Fortunately, it has been only one person and the rest of the members of WMES are now trying to re-boost our chapter. Of course, by september will be a General Assembly, for all the Board have resign with the aim to lead a transparent process.
Best regards,
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