Milton Oriku
Articles by Milton Oriku
Sudan crisis: Nairobi hosts high-level panel over humanitarian catastrophe, regional instability
As Sudan‘s deadly conflict continues to ravage the country, a high-level multi-lingual panel convened on Thursday, 11 September 2025, at the Kempinski Villa Rosa hotel in Nairobi to assess the worsening humanitarian crisis and explore viable pathways to peace. The discussion, held in English, French, Arabic, and Swahili, brought together experts, diplomats, and regional actors to confront the severe challenges facing Sudan and the wider East Africa region. The ongoing war in Sudan has claimed more than 150,000 lives and displaced an estimated 12 million people, many fleeing to neighbouring countries including South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Egypt, Uganda, and Kenya.
US sanctions shippers facilitating Iran oil trade, target Supreme leader family entities
The United States has sanctioned entities from China, India, Turkey, and the UAE for transporting and purchasing Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. These sanctions, issued under the US President’s Executive Order 13846, reimpose certain restrictions on Iran. At the same time, the Department of the Treasury is targeting more than 115 entities within the extensive shipping empire and sanctions evasion network of Hossein Shamkhani, who is the son of Ali Shamkhani, the Supreme Leader’s political advisor. According to a statement by the Department of State, this decision aims to cut off revenue streams that the “Iranian regime uses to support
FIFA announces ticket sales plan for 2026 World Cup
FIFA has announced that the application period for the first ticket draw for next year’s World Cup will open on 10 September, encouraging fans to register their interest through the official FIFA website. “Following the incredible success of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, excitement is reaching new heights for the FIFA World Cup 26,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico, and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever. We encourage fans everywhere to get ready to
Man City agree record 10-year kit deal worth £1bn
Manchester City have extended their kit partnership with Puma for at least another 10 years, with the contract understood to be worth a minimum of £1bn, making it the largest deal in the Premier League. City initially signed a £65m-a-year deal with the German kit manufacturer in 2019 but the parties have agreed an extension until at least 2035, worth a record £100m a year to the club. That figure surpasses the £90m deal signed by rivals Manchester United with Adidas in 2023, while champions Liverpool will also be with the same manufacturer from this season after agreeing a reported,
US reorganizes State Department in line with Trump foreign policy
The US has announced a historic reorganization of its foreign policy as President Donald Trump pushes on with his agenda to align the American workforce activities and programs with the America First foreign policy priorities. Speaking at the weekly briefing on Thursday, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that this significant restructuring is taking shape following the Supreme Court’s recent near-unanimous decision to allow the reorganization to commence. Bruce said the reorganization is geared towards enhancing the department’s effectiveness and relevance, emphasizing that the changes are not about targeting individuals but about improving the department’s structure. Secretary Marco Rubio announced
Trump hosts five African leaders of small economies
Five African leaders from small economy countries are in the United States for a three-day summit with President Donald Trump in what the White House has described as an “incredible” opportunity to advance commercial interests. The leaders in Washington are the leader of Guinea Bissau James Marape alongside Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (Mauritania), Liberia’s Joseph Boakai and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal. With Secretary of State Marco Rubio away on a visit in Malaysia, his deputy Christopher Landau will lead negotiations with the heads of state after they meet with President Trump on the first
Nzoia sugar workers protest factory lease plan by govt
Transport along the busy Webuye–Malaba highway was brought to a standstill on Tuesday as hundreds of Nzoia Sugar Factory employees took to the streets, protesting the government’s decision to lease the factory to a new investor. The demonstrators, waving placards and chanting anti-government slogans, barricaded the road and lit bonfires, causing major disruptions and drawing national attention to their plight. The employees, who marched over five kilometers from the factory premises to the highway, voiced deep frustration over unpaid salaries and fears of job insecurity. Their primary demand was the immediate settlement of 28 months’ salary arrears, which have accumulated
Pipeline hoping for successful hunt at CAVB Africa Zone V
Kenya Pipeline women’s volleyball team are set to take part in the third CAVB Africa Zone V Club Championships in Kampala, Uganda after they were flagged off at KPC headquarters. The team comprises two setters, two opposites, four middle blockers, four left attackers and two liberos. Pipeline are the current defending champions and the sole Kenyan team participating in the regional tournament that will be held at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium and Old Kampala Sports Arena from 26 February to 4 March. The tournament organizing committee has confirmed over 20 teams will battle it out for the coveted title among
EACC, DPP at loggerheads in fake certificates case withdrawal attempt
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has filed an affidavit before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court opposing an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw a graft case involving multiple forgeries of academic certificates by one Gabriel Bukachi Chapia. In the case before Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Ondieki, 14 out of the 15 listed witnesses have already testified with only the EACC probing officer remaining. The accused is charged with forging both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and using the same to secure employment at the senior level in three public institutions. He is also charged with providing false
Kericho Governor survives as Impeachment trial fails in Senate
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has survived impeachment after the Senate on Monday voted to stop impeachment trial against the county boss on a technicality. Mutai argued the Kericho County Assembly failed to achieve the two-thirds threshold for his ouster. Thirty-four senators voted to uphold the governor’s objection, against 10 who voted to have the impeachment hearing continue. Governor Mutai’s ouster motion was filed by Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony, accusing the county boss of gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, and misuse of public resources.
Raila joins Ruto choir in defending JKIA-Adani deal
ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended the government deal with Adani Holdings Limited, saying the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model is the best way of executing state projects, as opposed to funding through the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund. Odinga noted that at a time when the country was reeling under a heavy debt burden, the idea of upgrading the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) could not be done in a better way other than the PPP. This is a shocking twist to many of Odinga’s supporters in view of the heat the Adani deal has generated in
How Apexloads will transform East Africa, continental logistics industry
Kenyans’ in the logistics business have something new to look out for in the conduct of their affairs following the introduction of a cargo transport solution, courtesy of Apexloads, which offers an interface for importers and transporters to interact. Speaking during the 19th East Africa Business Network trade and investment conference, Founder and CEO of Apexloads Charles Thuo said the mobile-based application solution provides a more convenient, easy and professional way of cargo brokers getting transporters to move their cargo across the East Africa. “What we have at the moment is chaos because there’s no central place where these two
East Africa is actively seeking for investors in ICT, says Uganda envoy to US
Uganda Ambassador Robbie Kakonge says her country and East Africa as a region are ready and actively engaging with investors who are willing to invest in ICT and agribusiness as key avenues for expanding opportunities for job creation and socio-economic development. Speaking during the conclusion of the 19th East African Business Network conference in Texas, Kakonge invited East African diaspora and their business partners to take the incentives being offered by Uganda and other East African states to reap the benefits of the technology boom. “If you are looking for opportunities to invest then reach out to me and we
Agriculture Summit 2024 rolls out key action Points for sustainable future
The 2024 National Agriculture Summit concluded in Nairobi with a resolution to adopt a 10-point action plan, outlining key steps for the advancement of the agriculture sector in Kenya. The summit also acted as the launch of the University Agriculture Deans Forum. The two-day summit brought together stakeholders from across the agriculture sector to engage under the theme “Embracing Sustainability: Innovations, Research, and Competitiveness in Agriculture” and organized by the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. The deans forum is an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between academia and the agriculture industry,
Stakeholders call for jail terms for property sector ‘scammers’
Stakeholders at the 19th East Africa Business Network investment conference are calling for tougher sanctions against real estate and property business operators that defraud unsuspecting Kenyans o their hard-earned money in the name of investment. The sentiments come just days after thousands of Kenyans are reported to have lost up to KS 14 billion through the Cyton High Yield Solutions LLP, a subsidiary of Cyton Investments. Under the scheme, 3,116 customers had been convinced into investing millions of money into a plan that promised them a return of 18%. Mercy Wandia, a Realtor based in the US state of Texas,
Innovation takes centre stage as 19th EABN convention kicks off in Dallas, Texas
The 19th East Africa Business Network conference kicked off, Friday, in Dallas Texas with innovation taking center stage as delegates deliberate on how to expand the growth opportunities for business between the diaspora and East Africa. Arguably the oldest trade and investment convention, which began two decades ago as East Africa Chamber of Commerce, the annual conference brings together the business and government leaders, non-profit actors from different sectors, namely energy, manufacturing, education, healthcare, finance and agriculture, among others. Benson Kasue, the founding president of the EABN, says the idea behind the conference is to create a marketplace where “business
Fed hints at possible September cut as rates remain unchanged
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday but opened the door to reducing borrowing costs as soon as its next meeting in September as inflation continues coming into line with the US central bank’s 2% target. “There has been some further progress towards the Committee’s 2% objective,” the central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement at the end of a two-day policy meeting in which it kept its benchmark overnight interest rate in the 5.25%-5.50% range, but also set the stage for a cut at its Sept. 17-18 meeting, just seven weeks shy of the
President Biden confirms Kenya non-NATO ally status designation
Kenya is now officially a major non-NATO ally of the United States, following President Joe Biden’s determination, dated 24 June 2024, as provided in American laws. This comes exactly one month after Biden hosted his Kenyan counterpart – William Ruto – at the White House. “By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended […], I hereby designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States for the purposes of the Act and the Arms
Protesters storm Kenya’s parliament on historic day as Ruto vows to crash demonstrators
Kenyan members of parliament were forced to flee the chambers through an underground tunnel after thousands of protesters stormed the premises on Tuesday to protest tax proposals of President William Ruto’s government contained in the Finance Bill 20204. It was a historic day in the country on which thousands of Kenyans took to the streets in different parts of the country to demand that MPs shoot down the controversial bill that has imposed oppressive taxes. The highlight of the day’s events was the demonstrators overpowering police who had barricaded parliament buildings, burning part of the premises, sending lawmakers fleeing. The
Benson Kasue: Kenyan diaspora must unite to take political leadership
Kenyans have come of age to take political and other forms of leadership in whichever country they live in, especially in the United States where they make significant contribution to the socio-economic and political spheres, according to the President and Founder of the East African Business Network, based in Dallas, Texas, formerly known as the East African Chamber of Commerce. Benson Kasue, also the pioneer chairman of the Kenya Diaspora Advisory Council, says time had come for Kenyans in the US to take advantage of their numbers to try and seize political leadership by offering themselves for elective positions at
Event preview: Day of two of Minto Conference gets underway
Delegates at the inaugural Minto Conference are set for what will be a packed program as the curtains come down on the two-day convention of Omogusii in Dallas, Texas. The day’s program will focus on four broad thematic areas, namely service in the community, youth resilience and ambition in a changing world, transformative power of women and strategies for safeguarding wealth and financial assets. Kisii County Woman Representative Doris Aburi will feature in the women-only panel that will discuss how women can empower change to inspire progress, the third panel session of the day that will be preceded by the
Kenyans in US remit 30% of their KSh1 trillion earnings – US data
Kenyans in the United States contribute up to 25% of their annual earnings through remittances back home, according to statistics obtained from the US Census 2021 data, the data showing that the equivalent of KSh400 billion of the more than KSh1 trillion Kenyans make in the US is repatriated back home. This accounts for 70% of total diaspora remittances according to Central Bank of Kenya statistics for 2021, when Kenyans in diaspora sent a total of USD3.7 billion back home – a 3% growth from 2020. This was revealed at the start of the inaugural Minto Conference, a two-day convention
Minto Women: Focus on female speakers lined up to speak at Conference
The inaugural Minto conference happening in Dallas Texas will bring together key speakers from the Gusii diaspora community, many professionals and community leaders of diverse backgrounds. A quick look at the speakers’ profiles reveals a rich diversity of individuals drawn from different sectors, backgrounds and professions. There is a strikingly eye-catching list of Gusii women who will speak at the gathering which runs over two days at the Renaissance Dallas North Hotel, starting Friday, 1 September 2023. In the first of our series on more than a dozen women set to speak at the conference, Kurunzi News’ Winnie Maganga looks
All set for inaugural Minto Conference in Dallas, Texas
The stage is all set for the inaugural Minto Conference, a gathering of Kenyan diaspora members of the Gusii community, to be held in Dallas, Texas (Renaissance Dallas North Hotel) on 1 – 2 September 2023. Several high-profile speakers are lined up to address the delegates at the two-day conference include Kenya’s former Chief Justice David Maraga, legislators Okongo Omogeni (Senator, Nyamira County) and Doris Donya Aburi (Woman Representative, Kisii County), among others. Truphena Choti, the founder and CEO of AfriThrive, a US-based Non-Governmental Organization that seeks to improve the health and overall well-being of underserved African immigrant and refugee
Nyamira MCA perishes in accident, two others in critical condition
Elijah Osiemo, Member of County Assembly for Nyamaiya Ward, Nyamira County is dead. The first-time MCA, who was elected in 2022 on a UPA ticket, lost his life following a grisly road accident in Maai Mahiu area, which left two other MCAs in critical condition. Duke Masira (Township) and Priscilla Nyachichi (Nominated) were traveling to Nairobi for an official engagement in their capacity as members of the Agriculture and Delegated Legislation Committees. Eyewitnesses said their vehicle veered off the road and landed in a ditch as the driver attempted to overtake a motorbike, which was carrying charcoal just before Maai
Crisis in education: Shock of 3,000 institutions without principals
Kenyans are now faced with the shocking revelation that more than 3,000 public schools in the country are running without head teachers. There are no principals or head teachers in 1,441 secondary schools and 1,918 public elementary schools. New statistics have also exposed the teacher distribution in the country, with numbers of the counties with the greatest teacher shortages now out in the public domain. At a time when the government is implementing crucial reforms in the education sector, a total of 3,359 public primary and secondary schools lack the key institutional leadership. Additionally, it has been discovered that Kakamega
Kigame: Ruto “systematically destroying” Kenya, downfall is nigh
I want to begin this open letter by telling you that I love you Mr President and do not intend any ill in sharing what you are reading. I know you are surrounded by lots of friends who may be telling you that things in the country are ok and moving from bad to good and best. This letter is intended to give you the citizens’ perspective. This is (the) truth as I see it, being out of government. It is shared to help you turn around and save yourself, your team and the nation at large from destruction. I
Ex Crystal Palace footballer regrets leaving sport for porn
Former Crystal Palace academy player Damian Oliver is still in the porn industry as an actor, director, and producer, after admitting more than eight months ago that he regretted his decision to leave football to go into adult film. Oliver does not seem to be looking favourably on the industry he chose to go into and discussed some of the poor wages he received when he first started. Speaking on the Anything Goes with James English podcast, he admitted that it is not as good as many people assume it must be to be a porn actor. “That was terrifying,
Nondies, Kisumu RFC promoted to Kenya cup
Former Kenya cup sides Nondiescripts RFC and Kisumu RFC have made a return to the top tier of local rugby, the Kenya cup. This is after both teams qualified for the final of the Championship league which guarantees them a spot at next season’s Kenya cup. Nondies, who were relegated last season, defeated South Coast Pirates 39-10 at the Ngong Racecourse which now sees the 17-time Kenya Cup champions book a date with Kisumu RFC in the playoff final after the former defeated Daystar Falcons 19-7 at the Madaraka Grounds in Nairobi. On their part, Kisumu RFC will return to the top
Shujaa shift focus to Hong Kong after Vancouver improvement
Kenya’s sevens national team, Shujaa managed to cap the weekend with an improved 10th position in the just concluded Vancouver sevens leg in Canada. This is after the Damian McGrath-coached side lost 35-17 in the ninth-place final of the World HSBC sevens series. Shujaa managed to pick seven points which is an improvement from the single point they picked from last weekend’s outing in Los Angeles. They remain 13th in the overall standings with 29 points, one behind 12th-placed Spain with four rounds left. With four rounds left, Shujaa will be keen to avoid relegation when the season comes to an
Its yet another KCB, Kabras Kenya cup final
Kenya cup defending champions Kabras Sugar will meet former champions KCB rugby in the final of the local rugby scene scheduled for Kakamega this weekend. In Kakamega, Kabras Sugar touched down four tries and a conversion to silence visitors Kenya Harlequin 22-8 in a tight semi-final at the Kakamega Show ground on Saturday. On the other hand, KCB fullback Darwin Mukidza was the tormentor-in-chief as the bankers put up a strong fight to edge visiting Menengai Oilers 38-20 to set up yet another final against the Sugarmen. The ever-present Mukidza got the bankers off to a flying start with two
Abud Omar officially joins Police FC
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Police FC has confirmed the signing of Kenyan international defender Abud Omar for an undisclosed period. The talented left-back joins the club as a free agent having been without a club since July 2022 after terminating his association with Greek side AE Larissa after one year. Omar joins a top-form Police side which is currently placed sixth on the log after playing 16 rounds and accumulating 28 points. His imminent move ends transfer speculations, as he was previously linked with a move to Greece’s second-tier outfit Kalamata. This will be the first signing
Wasteful Shujaa lose two opening Vacouver sevens fixtures
The Kenya sevens national team continued with their disappointing run in the HSBC sevens series with two losses in their opening fixtures in the ongoing Vancouver Sevens, Canada. In the opening fixture against Olympic champions Fiji, the Damian McGrath-coached side could not maintain their defensive line as the Fijians showcased their offloading skills to stage a comeback for a 31-12 win. Alvin Otieno would pick up a loose ball before slicing through the Fiji defence to offload the ball to Kenya Harlequins’ utility Herman Humwa to score a beauty of a try which the flyhalf failed to convert for the
Kenya junior Kabaddi team knocked out of global competition
The Kenya national Kabaddi junior team kicked off the second edition of the junior world Kabaddi championship on a losing note after going down 39-56 to Iraq in Urmia, Iran. This is the 2nd edition of the World Junior Kabaddi Championships which kicked off on 26 February and runs up to 05 March 2023 in Urmia, Iran. The loss to hosts Iraq dealt a big blow to the upcoming generation who are out to impress on the global stage, which comes to a conclusion this weekend. Chinese Taipei opened the day against Uganda’s 2nd side, where the former registered a
What Manchester United players will pocket if they win quadraple
Manchester United stars could pocket nearly £500,000 each in bonuses this season… if they can land a historic quadruple. The bonuses in Kenyan shillings are equaivalent to Kshs 76,521,990.25 Kenyan Shilling for each player. The Red Devils won their first trophy of the season last weekend when they beat Newcastle 2-0 to lift the Carabao Cup. Each first-team star landed £65k in bonuses for winning the silverware – and there could be plenty more where that came from. Man United booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals earlier this week by beating West Ham 3-1 at Old Trafford. According to
Shujaa seek redemption in Vancouver as relegation looms
Kenya’s sevens national team, Shujaa, will have to be in perfect competing shape when they face Fiji in the Vancouver sevens tournament scheduled for this weekend. The last time both teams met was during the just concluded Los Angeles assignment where Damian McGrath lost 19-5 despite going up 5-0 just before the intervals through returning Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno. Shujaa will be hopeful they tick the right boxes against Fiji to boost their morale heading to the England fixture in a Group C tie that will take place at 04:54 EAT. The embattled youthful side which has failed to qualify for
Messi orders Gold iPhones for champion Argentina team and staff
FIFA World Cup 2022 winning captain Lionel Messi has decided to gift a special present to his champion team Argentina and its support. The football legend splashed out £175,000 on 35 gold iPhones for his World Cup-winning team and their staff. The cost of 175,000 British Pounds in Kenyan Shillings today is KSh26,535,941.10 according to the “Open Exchange Rates. The Argentinian star commissioned the 24-carat devices for every member of the winning squad and had them delivered to his Parisian apartment on Saturday. Each phone has the player’s name, number, and Argentinian logo engraved on it. Last night a source
Kenya cup semifinals, venues ahead of much awaited fixtures
Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras Sugar will this weekend play host to Kenya Harlequins in the much-awaited playoff set to be staged at the famous Kakamega grounds. Kabras are unbeaten this season having gone past their rivals KCB RFC 29-23 at the KCB Sports Club grounds, Nairobi. Quins have turnaround their fortunes under the close tutelage of Paul Murunga with their 32-18 win over Varsity side Strathmore Leos at the RFUEA grounds indicating how lethal the Ngong road-based side could pose to the defending champions heading to the Semifinals. Quins lost their opening three matches but bounced back to win
Man Utd survive scare to book last eight with Fulham
Carabao Cup winners Manchester United came from a goal down to beat West Ham in a frantic finish at Old Trafford and book an FA Cup quarter-final tie with Fulham. Alejandro Garnacho curled in a 90th-minute strike past Alphonse Areola, before Fred steered in an injury-time third goal to put the hosts into the last eight and see off the battling Hammers. West Ham scored first early in the second half through Said Benrahma’s powerfully-struck shot which flew into the top corner past David de Gea. The home players had thought the ball had gone out for a throw-in, with
I’m in UK on family matter, says ex-CS Fred Matiang’i
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has said he is in the United Kingdom attending to an urgent and private family matter, even as the state closes in on him to shed light on a number of issues from when he occupied the powerful seat. In a press release through his lawyer Danstan Omari, the former CS said he was in the United Kingdom and would return to resume his routine as a private citizen. “My client traveled on Sunday February 19, 2023 via KLM (Passenger) Flight KL 566 on a regular private visit to the UK. Those familiar with
Brazen bandit turns local school into home for his two wives after villagers flee: Kindiki
A bandit has seized a primary school block in Baringo County and turned it into his home in a brazen show of impunity. The criminal has converted the school’s classrooms into bedrooms and allocated them to members of his family. In a shocking revelation by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, senators heard the Standard Eight classroom is now the man’s bedroom while the Standard Seven one belongs to his first wife. The man’s second wife sleeps in the Standard Six classroom while his first-born child has taken up Standard Five. Appearing before the Senate’s National Cohesion committee, Mr
Catholic MPs Vow To Disband NGO Board If It Registers Gay Rights Lobby
Catholic-allied MPs have vowed to mobilize for the disbandment of NGO Board to preempt the imminent registration of a gay rights lobby group. The lawmakers castigated the Supreme Court ruling that granted the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community the rights to form a lobby group. Led by Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri, the group asserted that they will sponsor a bill in the House to avert the “negative consequences” of the apex court ruling. “The National Council of NGO should be very careful and should do a through investigation on all organizations seeking to be registered,” Obiri on Wednesday. “If
China: Non-discriminatory business environment critical for bilateral cooperation
China now says a non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory investment environment is vital to the healthy development of bilateral practical cooperation between the two countries. Wu Peng Director-General, Department of African Affairs, MFA, China said Monday that through collective efforts, the cooperation will also benefit Kenya. The statement by Peng comes amidst wrangles between a Chinese businessman and Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on the operations of the China Square, a retail store at Kenyatta University’s Unicity Mall. He was responding to sentiments by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei who assured investors of a conducive business environment as
Rishi Sunak hails new NI Brexit deal but DUP concerns remain
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has hailed his deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland as a “decisive breakthrough”. Many Conservative MPs, including those who supported Brexit, gave their backing to the agreement. And the DUP, whose support will be key to restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland, said there had been “significant progress”. But the party warned that “key issues of concern” remain. On Tuesday, Mr Sunak was in Belfast as part of efforts to sell his Brexit deal, detailing to businesses and politicians how he believes it will ease the flow of trade between Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland. DUP
Nigeria ruling party candidate takes election lead, rivals claim fraud
Nigeria’s ruling party candidate Bola Tinubu took an early lead in the race for the presidency, according to initial tallies on Monday, after a tight election marked by long delays and an opposition walkout over fraud accusations. Former Lagos governor Tinubu faced main opposition party PDP’s Atiku Abubakar in Saturday’s vote, but Labour Party’s Peter Obi tested the two others as a third contender for the first time in Nigeria’s modern democracy. Highlighting his challenge to APC and PDP dominance, Obi won the key state of Lagos, a bastion of Tinubu’s support which also has the largest number of registered
China Square: The Nyamakima monster that ‘consumed’ Uhuru is now after Ruto
For years, Nairobi’s downtown Nyamakima trading hub has been the hallmark of entrepreneurship for traders from Central Kenya. But amidst the hustle and bustle was a grey economy. So when the government initiated a crackdown against tax evasion and counterfeits in 2017, traders in Nyamakima were badly hit. Coming in the middle of a presidential succession, the anti-smuggling campaign inadvertently played into the hands of the opportunistic ‘Hustler vs Dynasty’ propaganda machinery of then-Deputy President William Ruto. The anti-smuggling campaign was turned against retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and his preferred successor, Mr Raila Odinga — dealing them a devastating blow
IEBC Tribunal Recommends Removal Of Commissioner Masit Over Gross Misconduct
The Justice Aggrey Muchelule led Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) tribunal has recommended the removal of Commissioner Irene Masit over gross misconduct. In the report forwarded to President William Ruto, the tribunal also wants Masit to be removed from the commission for having contravened the Constitution during the August 2022 elections. In the findings, the tribunal noted that the evidence tabled before the member team had satisfactorily proven the two allegations against her but failed to convince the tribunal on the aspect of incompetence. “NOW THEREFORE, this Tribunal recommends to Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Kenya and
Man Utd win EFL Cup to end six year trophy wait
Manchester United claimed their first trophy since 2017 with victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Newcastle’s own wait for silverware, stretching back to 1969, goes on after two goals inside six minutes in the first half established Manchester United’s superiority and set them on their way to a first success under manager Erik ten Hag. Casemiro broke the deadlock after 33 minutes when he headed home Luke Shaw’s free-kick. His side doubled their advantage after Sven Botman deflected Marcus Rashford’s shot out of the reach of Newcastle’s debutant keeper Loris Karius, deputising for the suspended
New Bill seeks to end police detention of suspects over weekends
Persons arrested on Fridays or over the weekends will no longer have to spend nights in police cells awaiting the processing of their bonds on a working day if the proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code Act become law. The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill 2023, sponsored by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, seeks to make it mandatory for police officers to grant a bond to persons arrested without a warrant, except for capital offences of murder, treason, robbery with violence and attempted robbery with violence. The Bill is a republication of the 2020 version that was introduced in the
Making of a scandal: Inside the Sh15 billion drought scam
The Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) is to borrow a whopping Sh15 billion from a local commercial bank to fund what ranks as one of the largest and most expansive state-sponsored duty-free imports regime of consumer goods in recent times, The Weekly Review has established. The money is to be extended to the 58-year-old company in the form of lines of credit, which KNTC will deploy to import rice, cooking oil, sugar, wheat and beans. On top of this, another Sh5 billion worth of credit lines is to be extended to KNTC to import subsidised fertiliser. The details are contained in a
Gor Mahia goes four points clear after punishing wasteful Police
Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) heavyweights Gor Mahia cemented their lead at the top of the league standings with a 2-1 win over Kenya Police at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani in Nairobi. Dennis Ng’ang’a and Benson Omalla ensured Kogalo opened a four-point gap courtesy of their superb goals. Elvis Rupia had given the law enforcers a deserved lead, barely 11 minutes into the proceedings with a superb header but Kogalo’s center-back Dennis Ng’ang’a pulled the record champions back into the match after leaping high to connect with John Macharia’s alluring cross. Omala would go on to secure
Cristiano Ronaldo scores second hat rick in three games
Cristiano Ronaldo has not stopped scoring in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese, who scored a hat-trick on Saturday against Damac, is once again in the limelight. Three goals in 45 minutes against the seventh-place team put Al Nassr top of the table. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player has now scored eight goals in five matches. Brutal figures compared to other players in the same competition which perhaps reflect the level of competition he has there. They are numbers that place him, with still many matches to play, in the race to be the best scorer of the
Machine, MMUST relegated on final day of regular Kenya cup season
Varsity sides University of Nairobi Mean Machine and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) RFC were both relegated on the final day of the regular Kenya cup season. The two teams were relegated after Machine lost 49-5 in the hands of KCB RFC while MMUST lost 18-14 to Mwamba RFC at the MMUST Grounds in Kakamega. Both MMUST and Machine will now shift their focus to the second tier also known as the Championship. In the MMUST fixture, Griffin Chao scored the first try with Eric Cantona adding the extras, 7-0 the score line. Visiting Mwamba RFC however
Omanyala clocks 9.81 seconds to set new World lead-time
Commonwealth and Africa 100 m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala set two world-leading times during the just concluded Athletics Kenya meeting at the Nyayo National Stadium. The National Police Service officer set a new lead of 9.81 to erase the 9.86 times he set on Friday at the same venue. On his way to being crowned the champion, Omanyala beat Samuel Imeta to second place in 9.94 seconds and South Africa’s Henricho Brhintes to third in 10.22. Imeta posted a personal best of 9.94sec to settle for second and qualify for the World Athletics Championships slated for August 19 to 27 in
Old wood carvers of Ukambani and fear of a dying craft
Sheltered under a makeshift workshop in Wamunyu township, Machakos County, Mutuku Kitala is momentarily lost in thought as he gouges the underbelly of a rhinoceros he has been carving for two days. “This will be followed by putting final touches through filing, sanding, incising eye sockets and applying vanish,” he says. At 70, Mr Kitala is widely celebrated as an emblem of resilience in an industry shattered by a series of global shockwaves. It has been months since the world sighed in relief after Covid-19 cases subsided. But the woodcarving community in this Wamunyu area is still gasping for air.
Varsity students’ fees to triple in new Vice Chancellors resolutions
Students joining public universities will have to cough Sh48,000 after the State proposed fees increment to deal with the financial challenges besieging the institutions of higher learning. Some 35 Vice Chancellors from public universities across the country resolved to increase fees from the current Sh16,000 to Sh48,000 for the next cohort of government-sponsored students joining the institutions of higher learning in September. However, continuing students will continue paying Sh16,000. In resolutions passed during the end of the biennial Kenya Universities Fund conference in Mombasa, the 35 Vice Chancellors from public universities and State officials from the Ministry of Education and
US First Lady Jill Biden arrives in Kenya for three-day State visit
US First Lady Jill Biden has arrived in the country for a three–day State visit. Jill 72, was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday afternoon by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Abel Mutua, and U.S Ambassador Meg Whitman, among other dignitaries. The plane carrying Jill jetted at the JKIA at 4;30 pm thereabout from Namibia where she first stopped. Security was heightened at the airport amid the First Lady’s arrival, with officials sealing off sections of the airport for hours. Jill held talks with Namibia’s First Lady Monica Geingos and President Hage Geingob.
Supreme Court: Gays and lesbians have a right of association
The Supreme Court of Kenya on Friday, February 24 ruled that the NGO Board’s decision to bar homosexuals from forming recognised groups is discriminatory. The court stated that despite homosexuality being illegal in Kenya, members of the LGBTQ still have a right of association. Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Justice Smokin Wanjala and Justice Njoki Ndung’u ruled in the majority side on the issue. Justice Mohamed Ibrahim and William Ouko dissented, stating that homosexuals shouldn’t be allowed to form recognised associations in Kenya. The ruling now gives members of the LGBTQ community the power to seek formal recognition by the
Man Utd beat Barca to Europa League last 16
Brazilian duo Fred and Antony, who came on as a half-time substitute, both drilled home low first-time shots in front of an ecstatic Stretford End. It was a victory that looked so unlikely at half-time as Barcelona led thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s 18th-minute penalty after Bruno Fernandes’ needless foul on Alejandro Balde. But Antony’s arrival for struggling forward Wout Weghost changed the course of the tie as it injected more pace into United’s attacks, which the La Liga leaders failed to deal with. Erik ten Hag’s side now move on to Wembley, where they will look to collect their first
DCI Summons Matiangi Over Alleged Spread Of False Information
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi for questioning tomorrow over false information on an alleged police raid at his Karen home. The agency stated that it is investigating allegations of Publication of False Information contrary to section 23 of the computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2018 amongst other offences in regard to alleged raid at his home on February 9. “I have reasons to believe that you, Dr. Fred Matiangi, the former Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Co-ordination, is connected to the offence or has information which can assist
The Fall Of Uhuru Men: Githii Mburu Quits KRA Top Job
Officials who served under the former regime of President Uhuru Kenyatta are falling in troves as the new administration of President William Ruto stamps its authority. The latest casualty is Githii Mburu who resigned on Thursday. Mburu was unlikely to survive in office to serve under newly-appointed Board Chairperson Antony Mwaura who battled multiple tax cases when Kenyatta was in office in what Ruto’s faction termed as “political persecution.” “The board has today received the resignation letter of Commissioner General Githii Mburu who resigned to pursue personal interests,” KRA Board announced in a statement signed by Mwaura. Rispah Simiyu, KRA’s
Man Utd need best display of the season to beat Barca
Manchester United must produce their “best performance this season” to beat Barcelona and reach the Europa League last 16, says manager Erik ten Hag. The sides, who shared a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp on 16 February, meet in the second leg of their play-off at Old Trafford on Thursday. “When you face such big teams as Barcelona you have to play your best, otherwise you don’t have a chance,” said Ten Hag. United, who have not won a trophy since 2017, play Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. They are third in the
RB Leipzig 1-1 Manchester City: Erling Haaland quiet as Pep Guardiola’s side held
After watching his side held to a second successive 1-1 draw, this time in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with RB Leipzig, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola offered a novel solution to the visitors’ struggles to score more. “Maybe in the second leg I will be crazy and play with nine strikers,” he joked. Guardiola may have appeared in a positive mood after the game in Germany – and an away draw in a European knockout game is certainly not a result to be sniffed at – but it will likely still frustrate him that his side have
Kenyan firm SayariLabs sends satellite to space in Indian rocket
A piece of technology conceptualised and constructed in Nairobi was launched into space from India last Friday, a feat experts say takes Kenya closer to becoming an authority in space exploration. The piece, roughly the size of a quarter of a foolscap, was part of a satellite assembled in the United States then shipped to India for the launch into space that happened via a rocket that left Satish Dhawan Space Centre on the morning of February 10. Think of it like the board inside a transistor radio where components that make the radio work are soldered together to align
Elon Musk’s tech firm eyes Kenya entry by June
Elon Musk’s satellite Internet firm Starlink announced it will launch in Kenya in the second quarter of this year, posing competition to other players in the industry including Safaricom and Zuku. The billionaire technology entrepreneur’s company announced it is “pending service coverage or regulatory approval”. Kenyans, however, can order and deposit an amount of Ksh12,260 ($99) which is fully refundable to get the service if approved. “Order now to reserve your Starlink. Starlink is targeting service in your area starting in Q2 2023. Availability is subject to regulatory approval. Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served
Google hails ‘key milestone’ in quantum computing
Google scientists say they have passed a major milestone in their quest to develop effective quantum computing, with a new study showing they reduced the rate of errors — long an obstacle for the much-hyped technology. Quantum computing has been touted as a revolutionary advance that uses our growing scientific understanding of the subatomic world to create a machine with powers far beyond those of today’s conventional computers. However the technology remains largely theoretical, with many thorny problems still standing in the way — including stubbornly high error rates. In new research published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, the
Dubai billionaire exits Kenya in row over Gems schools
Gems Cambridge Education founder Sunny Varkey is liquidating his school investments in Kenya, leaving behind a trail of debt. Kenyan tycoon Peter Burugu has taken over the management of Regis School in Runda. Nation understands Mr Varkey’s Gems Group may have sold the majority shareholding in their sole remaining asset in Kenya — the Regis School in Runda — to local businessman Ernest Mureithi for just $1 (Sh124). Court papers and sources at Regis School have indicated that Gems Cambridge transferred 70 per cent of the institution’s shares to Dr Mureithi through his Ernestem Holdings. NCBA Bank is demanding repayment of
Political brothers Uhuru, Raila fight for survival as Ruto goes for the kill
On July 20, 2021, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli penned a lengthy letter to the feuding partners of the National Super Alliance – Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula – and Kanu party leader Gideon Moi, imploring them to swallow their pride and team up ahead of the following year’s polls or risk political oblivion. “If one of you will not have taken over the political leadership of this country, then the coming five years will witness all of you being fought over fiercely and your influence reduced to nothing because you are
<br>Egg prices rise amid shortage
The price of eggs has gone up in cities and major cities as the country faces an acute shortage of the usually cheap alternative source of protein. Many Kenyans are now forced to part with Sh320 to Sh340 for the smaller crate that carries 15 eggs. The price of a 30-egg crate ranges from Sh460 to Sh600. An egg at small retail shops is ranging between Sh15 and Sh20. Paul Wabaka, an egg supplier in the counties in the Western region said that nowadays he prefers getting eggs from Nairobi than in Kampala. “We are selling a crate of eggs
Sonko pleads with President Ruto to help him get back his frozen money like Gachagua
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pleaded with President William Ruto to intervene and assist him get back his money which was frozen by the courts. Speaking during the launch of Nairobi Rivers Commission on Wednesday in Korogocho, Sonko said that he is among leaders and other persons who were victimized by the past administration for working with President Ruto. Sonko noted that DP Gachagua was among those who were vitmised even using courts but since the President Ruto administration came in he has had his cases dropped and his money released. “In the past regime a lot of things happened to most of us
Haji orders police to undertake comprehensive probe on sex abuse in tea farms
The Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has directed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to open investigations into allegations of sexual exploitation in two tea plantations in Kericho. The directive followed revelations in a BBC expose detailing sexual exploitation on female employees of Unilever and James Finlay tea plantations. The BBC report put tea farm managers and superiors at the centre of sustained sexual exploitation and abuse. The DPP asked the IG to present the investigation file to the Office within seven days. “Accordingly, pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, you are hereby directed
Raila Odinga declares mass action in 14 days’ time
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga has declared mass action countrywide in the next 14 days to protest against the high cost of living and President William Ruto’s administration. Odinga made the declaration at the Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 22. The former prime minister said Kenyans had “grown tired of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s hide-and-seek games on the cost of living”. “We have been talking about the rising cost of basic commodities like unga, electricity, diesel, petrol, paraffin, sugar, milk, among others for far too long. We have complained about rising taxes, and we have lately
McGrath hopeful Shujaa can avoid relegation
Kenya Sevens head coach Damian McGrath is confident his side can avoid relegation ahead of the Los Angeles tour scheduled for this weekend. According to McGrath, the youthful Shujaa side will fight with everything they got to ensure that Kenya remains in the World Rugby Series in the coming season. Speaking ahead of the Los Angeles Sevens, McGrath is hopeful his boys will record positive results that will enable him to gain valuable points in this leg in their quest to avoid the relegation zone. “We shall be up against some formidable teams that have showcased memorable performances, and they’re
Dani Alves set to be released from prison today
Dani Alves is counting the hours until tomorrow. The Barcelona Court of Appeal will announce today to the parties whether the Brazilian defender can leave prison, where he is serving a month today for an alleged sexual assault. He is a prison called Brians 2. The footballer is confident that he will be granted the four-month measures proposed in the appeal lodged against his remand in custody. The defender, who has changed his version of events several times, is accused of allegedly sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman in a bathroom of the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona on December 30. The
KRU set to conduct elections on March 24
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) is scheduled to conduct the much-awaited polls on March 24 at the RFUEA grounds. This comes after the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) ordered KRU to hold a fresh election within 60 days. This is after the tribunal committee nullified the election held on September 6, 2022, at RFUEA Grounds. The tribunal annulled the election stating that KRU failed to meet certain thresholds and that the exercise was marred with irregularities. In its ruling to nullify the election, the Tribunal said “they were not held in consonance with the electoral principles, the spirit and meaning of the
Kabras to meet Harlequins in Enterprise cup draw
Defending champions Kabras Sugar have been drawn against Ngong road-based Kenya Harlequin as the Enterprise Cup kicks off with a round of 16 actions on Saturday 18 March 2023. Former Kenya cup champions KCB RFC who managed silverware last season have been drawn against Western Bulls. The Sugarmen are the only unbeaten team in the ongoing Kenya cup and have been in fine form winning all 10 games they have played. The Kakamega-based team went top of the Kenya Cup with a 29-23 victory over KCB at the KCB Sports Club in the highlight fixture of match day 10. In
Ruto,Gachagua offices burst annual budget in Seven months
President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua have burst their full-year budget in seven months, official data show amid austerity plans aimed at at reversing a past trend of borrowing to fund government operations. Latest data published by Treasury Cabinet secretary Njuguna Ndung’u indicate that the Executive office of the President spent Sh.9.09 billion in the period through January against an original full-year estimate of Sh8.64 billion. That represents an over-expenditure of Sh450.11 million or 5.21 percent of the original 12-month budget for the presidency prepared by the previous administration. The additional expenditure has already been tabled in the
Raila to lead Azimio prayers for IEBC at Jivanjee gardens
The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya supporters will today converge at the Jeevanje gardens to hold a prayers session for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The Raila Odinga led coalition is set to hold the prayers in a push to agitate for electoral justice in the country following the stand by the coalition that their victory was stolen in the August 9th polls. It’s expected that the IEBC prayers will kick start the beginning of teargas drama in the busy streets of Nairobi which has been a familiar scenario for the opposition while agitating for reforms. It remains unclear
Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid: ‘Brutal demolition leaves overrun Liverpool clutching at straws’
Liverpool will look to their Champions League history as they clutch at the straws left behind from a brutal 5-2 demolition by Real Madrid – but reality dictates this particular miracle may be beyond them. If last season’s Champions League final in Paris was a tight affair that could have gone either way before Vinicius Junior struck, this was an Anfield evisceration – a moment of history of the wrong sort for Liverpool. The atmosphere before kick-off was thunderous, anticipation at the arrival of the holders with revenge in mind heightened by the understandable determination of Liverpool’s fans to register their
DCI boss Amin: It was not a sniper who shot NHIF staff in Nairobi CBD
The bullet that killed a National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) employee on February 13 could not have been fired by a sniper, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss has said. In an exclusive interview with the Nation, DCI Director Amin Mohamed Amin yesterday said ballistics exams conducted on the bullet head that was lodged in Mary Lillian Waithera’s left lung have shown that she was killed by a 9mm pistol. “From my experience, I will say that that was not the work of a sniper. Snipers ordinarily go for rifles with longer barrels for purposes of accuracy, the shorter the
Australia opens new embassy office in Nairobi
The Australian Government has officially opened the new Australian High Commission offices in Nairobi, Kenya. The opening of the new Chancery marks a significant milestone in Australia’s relationship with Kenya. It will also serve as a base for Australia’s relations with Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda – to which Australia is accredited. While Australia’s diplomatic presence in Kenya is not new, investment in this building demonstrates the importance Australia places in deepening its engagement with the Kenyan government and people. Speaking during the occasion on Monday, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua said that the opening
US First Lady Jill Biden to visit Kenya and Namibia
The United States First Lady Jill Biden will visit Kenya and Namibia between February 22 and February 26. According to the White House, Dr Biden’s visit to the two countries aims to strengthen the African continent’s US partnerships and advance its shared priorities in the region. Her engagements will focus on the empowerment of women and youth, efforts to address food insecurity, and promoting our shared democratic values. The visit comes after the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in late 2022 where she hosted a two-day spousal program. This trip will be her first to Africa since she became first lady. Overall
CS Moses Kuria: Let’s not hide taxes in power bills, charges are already too high
Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria on Monday said Kenyans are overburdened by the high cost of power. The CS, who spoke during an interview on Citizen Television, further stated that expensive electricity costs were forcing some companies to shut down over their inability to sustain the high cost of production. “In Kenya, the power bill is saddled with so many charges and levies,” Kuria said on Monday Report on February 20. “You cannot keep using the power bill as a revenue collection agency. This is a conversation that we are going to have. The energy sector is an industry that subsidises the rest
Paris Olympics 2024: UK among more than 30 countries to support ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes
The United Kingdom is among more than 30 countries that have pledged support to an ongoing ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in international sporting events amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It follows a summit involving all the nations earlier this month. The International Olympic Committee is “exploring a pathway” for Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutrals. UK culture secretary Lucy Frazer said the IOC’s plans were “not credible”. Representatives from countries including France, Germany, Poland, the United States and Canada attended the 10 February summit, which was chaired by Frazer. Ukraine, which was not part of the summit,
Interior CS Kindiki bullish about ending banditry in North Rift
The security operation in the north to flush out bandits is for the long haul and the Kenya Kwanza government is determined to end the menace once and for all. This was the assurance Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindike gave Kenyans in an exclusive interview with Nation in Nairobi yesterday. In his own words, he admitted that he knew, even as he was being appointed, that the security challenges in the country were very complex and he braced himself for the tough task ahead. Though successive regimes have failed to end the perennial headache of banditry, Prof Kindiki exuded confidence
Julius Kimani Mwangi arrested over NHIF staff Nairobi CBD killing
Detectives in Nairobi have arrested a suspect in the shooting and killing of 46-year-old Lilian Waithera. Nairobi Police Commander Mr Adamson Bungei confirmed the suspect’s name as Julius Kimani Mwangi. Ms Waithera was shot mysteriously on Kaunda Street in Nairobi last week. It took a post-mortem to reveal she had been shot as onlookers suspected she had collapsed and died. According to the police, Ms Waithera, who worked at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), collapsed and died on Kaunda Street, Nairobi. Her colleagues who were with her called an ambulance, but the responders declared her dead at the scene. She had walked
Dennis Itumbi, Kidero, Omanga among 224 shortlisted for CAS jobs
Poll losers and former governors are among the 224 shortlisted by Public Service Commission (PSC) for Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta had created the post to reward some of his allies who lost in the 2017 General Election. President William Ruto decided to bring the post to get more opportunities to reward his allies. Some of those who will be facing the interview panel on March 1, 2023, played a key role in the election of President Ruto while others are allies of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya boss Raila Odinga who ditched him after losing the presidential election to Kenya Kwanza
Manufacturers protest as cartels import cooking oil
Cooking oil manufacturers are up in arms over plans by the government to import processed basic items to ease the cost of living. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in a communique to its members on Friday said it would push for talks with the government regarding its plans to set up the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). KNTC will be funded by Afreximbank and will enable the company to guarantee sufficient importation of key commodities including grains, processed edible oils and fertilizers. The move is part of government efforts to reduce the cost of these commodities and lower the cost
Why Kenyans may no longer afford tissue paper
A global price rally of paper pulp amid shrinking domestic supply tripled tissue paper costs in Kenya and has kept the prices elevated for more than a year, shining the spotlight on local production of basic products. During the period, tissue paper price has more than doubled after a pack of 10 rolls surged by an average of Sh300 to Sh500 or more, up from Sh200 previously. The price shock has turned the basic product into a luxury in many homes, with shoppers now hunting for bargains. A Business Daily spot check last week revealed that major retailers are selling
African leaders cautioned against fossil fuels at AU summit
As the African Union Summit gets underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this weekend, energy transition is expected to top the agenda, even civil society groups caution leaders against fossil-fuel expansion projects on the continent. President William Ruto has been spearheading Africa’s climate change agenda at the summit that started on Saturday. “As a champion for climate action, President Ruto will advocate for Africa’s potential to lead the world and demonstrate that the continent can industrialise, thrive and prosper in a low-carbon and sustainable manner,” State House said in a statement. “The president will be setting the course for a safer
Brace for costly ugali, millers tell Kenyans
Millers and agriculture experts have warned of a crisis that might make the government review the planned importation of 10 million bags of duty-free maize in a bid to lower flour prices. Experts have decried further increase in maize prices as it emerges that processors are reluctant to import the grain due to rising costs worldwide. “We are staring at a disaster as maize supply deteriorates. Many farmers sold almost all their grains after harvest, fearing a drop in prices due to the impending imports,” said Mr Ezekiel Kosgei, an Eldoret-based agronomist. “Large-scale farmers are hoarding maize, pushing prices beyond
Historic musical instrument cost Sh40m to repair
One way of understanding this musical instrument that has a Sh40 million bill for repairs is to think of the blaring trumpet horns that some people instal on their vehicles. A driver presses a button from the cabin and somewhere in the vehicle, air somehow flows in the trumpet and it produces a sound. The organ – a musical instrument that has been a core part of the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi since 1934 – can be compared to that trumpet horn. In the place of the switch where a driver activates the horn is a keyboard with the
LSK gives Govt 3-day ultimatum over illegal KDF deployment
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is mulling moving to court over the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to the war-torn Northern Kenya, which they say is unconstitutional. While admitting that its the responsibility of the government to use all possible arsenals to restore peace in the nation, they have faulted the sending of the troops without National Assembly approval. Giving a three day ultimatum, LSK President Eric Theuri asked the government to rescind the decision of sending the KDF troops to Northern Kenya until they receive a nod from the National Assembly. “In the event, no action
Omanyala shifts focus to world title after French heroics
African record holder and Commonwealth 100 m champion Ferdinand Omanyala has vowed to bag the global title at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest later this year. His sentiments come days after Omanyala’s heroics in the just concluded World Athletics Indoor in France on Wednesday by breaking his own 60 m national record twice. However, Omanyala has quickly shifted his focus to clinching the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest which is scheduled for August 19 to 27. In an in-depth interview with journalists, Omanyala spoke of his dream after setting a new 60 m national record while beating Olympic 100 m champion
Gor, Ulinzi clash headline FKF Premier League fixtures
FKF Premier League leaders Gor Mahia will be in action on Saturday afternoon against Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium. Six matches have been scheduled to be played on Saturday across different venues in the country while three other fixtures will be played on Sunday. In the last five matches this season, Ulinzi have won just once, which is the opposite of their opponent for the day who have dropped points in only one match. K’Ogalo has had the upper hand-picking eight wins, and seven draws, while Ulinzi have picked only two wins in the 17 league matches played in that
World Cross Country Championships: Chebet wins gold in tightly contested race
Commonwealth Games 5000 m champion Beatrice Chebet clocked 33:48 to win the women’s 10 km senior race at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia. Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama took silver in 33:56 as another Kenyan Agnes Ngetich claimed bronze after clocking 34:00. In the tightly contested race, World 5000 m record holder Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia stumbled and fell less than 100 m to the finish line. Gidey showcased his intent to win her country’s first-ever gold medal in the senior women’s race since Tirunesh Dibaba in 2008. However, fatigue checked in and collapsed with the tape well in her sights, allowing the
Mukangula returns ahead of Kariobangi Sharks fixture
FKF Premier League side AFC Leopards will be buoyed by the return of their mercurial midfielder Eugene Mukangula who will be available for selection for their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against Kariobangi Sharks at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. Mukangula’s return corresponds to Ingwe’s fine form of five wins two draws and two losses from nine matches. The former Thika United talisman revealed that he was handed a clean bill of health on Tuesday and is hopeful of getting some minutes possibly in their next league match against Kariobangi Sharks. He has been sidelined for the past six weeks
Christian Atsu found dead after going missing in Turkey earthquake
Eleven days after the earthquake that tore apart Turkey and Syria, devastating news linked to the world of sports was confirmed. Footballer Christian Atsu, formerly of Chelsea, Málaga, and Newcastle United, is among tens of thousands of other victims after his body was found among the rubble left by the earthquake. This sad news was communicated by his agent in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet on Friday morning. “Christian Atsu was found and had unfortunately passed away,” he said through a brief statement on social media. “Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Uzunmehmet added when speaking with reporters in Hatay,
How bandits are outsmarting KDF, police in hotspots
Other than chirping birds breaking the eerie atmosphere, nothing else welcomes you as you enter the Chebinyiny location at the foothills of the dreaded Korkoron hills, Baringo County- one of the bandits’ main hideouts. Hundreds of bandits hiding in the hills have driven residents out of their homes, killing and maiming those they come across, besides stealing their livestock. A spot check on Thursday found the area desolate, houses abandoned, with just a handful of learners still in the surrounding schools. The economy is literally at a standstill at the abandoned shopping centres. The situation is the same in areas
Kenyans want govt to be realistic on efforts to fight high cost of living
A section of Kenyans have asked the government to be realistic in its efforts to combat the rising cost of living. Those who spoke to Capital Newsbeat challenged the government to roll out tangible solutions to help ease the situation. Kevin, a hawker in the city, raised an alarm over the high cost of living saying the government’s state-organized prayers cannot solve the nation’s challenges like drought. “The cost of living is high; prices are going high every day. For instance, a few years ago, we were buying one tomato at five bobs, right now one tomato is ten bobs.”
Salat resigns from KANU weeks after being expelled
KANU Secretary General Nick Salat has resigned from the party, weeks after his was expelled from the party. Salat decided to resign even as a disciplinary process to investigate him was ongoing. In his resignation letter,he termed his expulsion unlawful having been communicated to him through the press. “However, and pursuant to section 14 of the Political Parties Act, I hereby with a heavy heart but with a clear conscience, tender my resignation from the Kanu party effective the date specified hereunder,” the letter read. “It is in my position that my purported dismissal from the position of Secretary General
2 Kenya forest service officers die enroute to battle raging Aberdare forest inferno
Two officers from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) have died while rushing to battle the ongoing fire that broke out at the Aberdare eleven days ago. According to KWS Wildlife Services director in charge of partnership Simon Gitau, the two died on Monday while in the line of duty . “The two officers were in a group travelling to the scene when a vehicle they were travelling in lost control and veered off unfortunately they were injured and died ” said Gitau. Consequently Gitau urged members of communities near the forest to assist in fighting the inferno which may threatens
Fifa Approves 2022 Annual Report as Kigali Prepares for Congress
The FIFA Council has approved the Annual Report 2022, which highlights FIFA’s record‑breaking revenue of USD 7.6 billion during the 2019‑2022 cycle and the USD 11 billion that is expected to be earned during the 2023‑2026 period. “FIFA’s unprecedented investment in football is the result of our solid financial transparency and stands as a concrete example of how we are aiming to make football truly global,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The resounding success of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has been key to the organisation’s ability to fulfil its mission in relation to our member associations and
Inside Eastleigh’s mall that is set to topple Two Rivers as Kenya’s biggest
There are two kinds of shoppers who frequent Eastleigh, Nairobi. One is the kind that cares about affordability and quality, and another that cares less if they are buying knockoffs. The first group somewhat loathes the chaos of Eastleigh, but it goes there anyway, having realised that few to no shopping malls rival its pricing and some highly priced wares sold in the city centre are sold at a fraction of the cost in the populous shopping district. The second group is perennial customers. These are mostly traders who buy in volumes, at wholesale prices to resell. These buyers come
Sniper’s bullet: Who wanted her dead? The riddle of a murder
Mary Lilian Waithera Gathenya, 46, left her workplace at the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) offices in Upper Hill, Nairobi, with a colleague at 5 pm on Monday. She was dead within an hour in the city centre. Ms Waithera, who had worked at NHIF for 15 years, and whom colleagues yesterday described as the go-to person as she was well-versed with the government agency’s operations, was walking with Ms Damaris Achieng’ when she complained of chest pains. That was at 5.30 pm when she asked Ms Achieng’ to call for an ambulance, moments before she collapsed on the pavement
Pkosing arrested for questioning over the financing of bandits in North Rift
Pokot South Member of Parliament David Pkosing was on Thursday evening arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives in Nairobi. Pkosing was apprehended at around 5 pm at KICC before being driven to DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road. The legislator is being interrogated by the DCI Serious Crimes Unit on allegations of financing bandit activities in the restive North Rift region. Sources at DCI indicated the lawmaker who was joined by Sigor MP Peter Lochakapon, Titus Lote (Pokot North), West Pokot Women Representative Rael Aleitum and Senator Julius Murgor, had declined to record a statement. The lawmaker is understood
Government to roll out ID that automatically qualifies one as voter
The Principal Secretary (PS) in charge of Immigration and Citizen Services Julius Bitok has said that Kenyans who turn 18 will be issued with National Digital Identifier that automatically qualifies them as registered voters. The PS made the remarks at the Sarova Stanley in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 15 during a meeting with the Kenya Editors Guild. “The National Digital Identifier will be issued to Kenyans who have attained 18 years of age. This will be the third generation national identification card. Those who will have the national digital identifier will automatically qualify to vote,” said Prof. Bitok. The PS
Police storm ex-CS Fred Matiang’i’s Karen home
Detectives have this Wednesday evening stormed into the home of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in Karen. A multi-agency contingent in six vehicles arrived at the Karen home early evening after searching the home. The visit comes shortly after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said they have made significant progress in the ongoing investigations surrounding the alleged raid on the night of Wednesday, February 8th 2023. In a press release by DCI boss Mohamed Amin, they were armed with a search order. “This afternoon, our officers obtained a search order to obtain CCTV recordings from the home of the
KRU ordered to conduct fresh elections after nullification of previous polls
The Kenya Rugby Union was on Tuesday ordered by the sports tribunal and disputes committee to hold a fresh election within 60 days. This is after the tribunal committee nullified the election held on September 6, 2022, at RFUEA Grounds. The tribunal annulled the election stating that KRU failed to meet certain thresholds and that the exercise was marred with irregularities. In its ruling to nullify the election, the Tribunal said “they were not held in consonance with the electoral principles, the spirit and meaning of the Sports Act and the KRU Constitution.” According to the tribunal, the last elections
McGrath rings three changes ahead of Los Angeles assignment
Kenya’s sevens national team head coach Damian McGrath has made four changes ahead of the Los Angeles and Vancouver legs in the 2023 World Rugby Sevens series. Strathmore Leos utility Brunson Madigu will debut for the national team in the upcoming legs with McGrath saying the inclusion of Madigu will be a great opportunity for the lad to taste the world rugby series. “Madigu has been outstanding in the local circuit…has so much talent and has trained so well, so we’ve decided it would be a great opportunity for him to taste some world series action,” McGrath said. McGrath at
Omanyala to face Olympic champion Jacobs in Lievin meeting
African 100 metres reigning champion Ferdinand Omanyala is likely to face his rival and Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs in the men’s 60 m final at the Meeting Lievin Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais on Wednesday. Jacobs who is making a comeback after a long lay-off due to injury claimed victory at the Orlen Copernicus Cup last week, winning in 6.57 seconds after clocking 6.61 in the event semifinals. On the other hand, Omanyala will be eyeing a third consecutive victory in the 60 m indoor events this year. Jacobs won last year’s meet in a personal best time of 6.50 while Omanyala finished fourth, clocking
KCB, Kabras clash headline Kenya cup round ten of KRU fixtures
Top guns in the Kenyan local rugby scene Kabras Sugar and KCB will headline this weekend’s six fixtures lined up across the country. The rivalry of the two teams will be witnessed at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka with the Bankers topping the table with 45 points, having registered nine bonus points, and having won all nine duels. On the other hand, defending champions Kabras Sugar is second on the log with 44 points, also having won nine from nine but have collected one less bonus point. Both teams have a history of memorable clashes but a win for
Treasury: Uhuru administration paid Sh4bn to ‘ghost’ maize millers
The National Treasury has asked parliament to help with investigations into the Sh4 billion paid to millers from last year’s maize subsidy programme, in a move that is likely to delay payment to the processors. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u said that even though the Sh4 billion is said to have been paid to millers, they cannot trace the actual firms that received the money even as there is a claim of another Sh4 billion that processors are owed by the government. “Parliament should assist us to investigate the Sh4 billion subsidy money because we do not have capacity to
Narendra Raval: Inside Devki billionaire’s bid to control Kenya’s cement business
Five cement makers have put up a spirited fight against a fresh plot by billionaire Narendra Raval Guru to control the lucrative clinker market. Mr Narendra, also known as Guru, through his company National Cement, is once again pushing for enhanced import duty on clinker, the main ingredient for the manufacture of cement as the steel magnate eyes some Sh8.3 billion that factories without grinders pay to import the crucial raw material. The tycoon, whose Devki Group also has an iron grip on the steel sector, is understood to have been given an ear by the new administration of President William
Supreme Court wants Sonko case against its judgment dismissed
The Supreme Court wants a petition against it instituted by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko dismissed, saying the High Court has no jurisdiction to hear it. In his petition at the High Court in Mombasa, Mr Sonko wants a declaration that his case at the Supreme Court, where he was challenging his impeachment as Nairobi governor, be heard afresh. The Supreme Court says that the jurisdiction of the High Court was erroneously invoked and thus the petition was not properly before it (High Court). “The petition is an ill-advised attempt to invite this court to review the decision of the
Military, police offensive kicks off in North Rift
President William Ruto has ordered a joint Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Police Service (NPS) security operation in the cattle rustling-prone counties of the Rift Valley. The President also issued a three-day amnesty to illegal firearm holders to surrender them or face the full force of the law. Addressing North Rift leaders in Nakuru on Monday, Ruto said the security operation commences today. Leaders who attended the meeting and who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity said Ruto appeared keen to end insecurity in the region. “The President said insecurity in the region is impacting negatively on his administration
Surrender illegal firearms or face the consequences, Kindiki warns
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has asked persons holding illegal firearms to surrender them within three days. Failure to which, Kindiki says the culprits will meet the full force of the law. In a statement to newsrooms on Monday, Kindiki said the government is taking decisive measures to curb security threats in Northern Rift Valley. In the past six months, he says over 100 civilians and 16 police officers had been brutally murdered by the bandits. “The murderous gangs have in recent days escalated their terror on innocent Kenyans and law enforcement agencies and in the process burnt down schools,
Wagner Group: Inside the Russian mercenary machine in Africa
Mercenaries have been a fixture in Africa since the second half of the 20th century. They have been used to protect incumbent leaders or install new ones in conflict zones. Their offering – guns for hire – has remained essentially the same for decades. However, they’ve recently undergone an evolution that forces countries to look more closely at their roles – which range from technical advisers to frontline combatants. Today, mercenaries are employed to advance states’ foreign policy. And Moscow is leading the way. Libya, Sudan, Mozambique, the Central African Republic, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo have offered lucrative
Ethiopia restricts social media, messaging apps amid protests
The Ethiopian government has suspended access to popular social media platforms after tensions escalate between the authorities and the Orthodox Christian church, Internet watchdog NetBlocks said on Friday. Netblocks, an organization that monitors freedom of access to the internet, said the latest restrictions impacted TikTok, Facebook and Telegram. According to the watchdog, the disruptions were executed by the state-owned giant service provider, Ethio Telecom. “Real-time NetBlocks metrics indicate that Facebook, Telegram and TikTok have been restricted on state internet provider Ethio Telecom, with aggregated reachability statistics collected from an initial set of 20 vantage points,” said Netblocks. “This class of
KRU partners with Alymali sports for commercialisation purposes
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced a partnership agreement with Alymali Sports Management. According to KRU, the partnership with Alymali will be on the basis of the Management and Commercialization of the Women’s National Team fondly known as Lionesses. The 3-year partnership will ensure that the Lionesses receive the much-needed support to ensure smooth running as the Dennis Mwanja-coached side seeks to elevate their overall global ranking. Lionesses will also be able to participate in circuits and tournaments effectively without fail with a target of securing sponsorships for the team. KRU chairman Oduor Gangla applauded the ladies team for their
Botswana threatens to cut ties with diamond giant De Beers
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Sunday warned that his country may sever ties with diamond giant De Beers if talks to renegotiate a sales deal prove unfavourable to his government. The country is Africa’s leading diamond producer, and Masisi called on the nation to rally behind his government as it tries to hammer out a better deal. A 2011 sales agreement governing terms for the marketing of diamonds produced by Debswana — a 50-50 joint venture between the government and De Beers, which auctions most of the gemstones — was set to end in 2021. It was extended by the
Raila to President Ruto: Show us how you’ve spent Sh800bn taxes
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leaders want the government to explain the spending of the Sh863 billion collected as tax in five months. Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua accused President William Ruto’s administration of failing to fulfil campaign promises. Ms Karua and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chief Raila Odinga said the government, “which we do not recognise”, is still pushing for tax increases. Mr Odinga also took issue with former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman, Wafula Chebukati, accusing him of failing to publish presidential election results for the 290 constituencies as the law dictates. “This government has been
Cash crunch to hurt bottom-up plan execution, Ruto warned
The implementation of Kenya Kwanza’s manifesto will be difficult to achieve unless the government reworks its plan, the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has said. In a report on its assessment of the cost implications of the bottom-up economic transformation plan posted on Parliament’s website, PBO estimates it will cost at least Sh2.67 trillion to fully implement the manifesto within the next five years. Out of this, Sh473 billion is required in the first financial year to implement the proposed interventions. Although the financing plan proposes to halt commercial borrowing, reduce domestic borrowing and capitalise on concessional financing, PBO warns that
Appellate judges get new offices after botched lease deal
The Judiciary is set to build a new complex to host the Court Appeal, nearly a decade after it spent Sh70 million to hire a controversial building that appellate judges never used. The Judiciary said in a disclosure that the new complex would cover 20,000 square meters within Nairobi’s Upper Hill area. “The Judiciary seeks to undertake the construction of the Court of Appeal Complex at Upper Hill area Nairobi County with an approximate plinth area of 20,000 square meters” it said as it invited bids for the design of the building. Court of Appeal judges currently remain housed at
The shrinking shilling: What we must do to save the Hustlers economy
A memorable insight into the link between the power of economic policy and leadership came from the legendary John Maynard Keynes, macroeconomist per excellence: “The ideas of economists… when…right …when wrong, …are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed, the world is ruled by little else.” Kenya’s prospects today hinge strongly on a critical redirection amidst policy lethargy, confusion and a trail of myopically incurred indebtedness. The national debt and key metrics place us sixth among 50 countries in Sovereign Debt Vulnerability Rankings by Bloomberg (2022), with a Debt/GDP ratio at over 70 per cent and outlays of 4.4 per
Revealed: Powerful figures behind deadly Mavoko land gangs
Victims of land grabbing in Mavoko say a governor, the governor’s brother, two lawmakers and a senior police officer are to blame for their woes. Hired men assaulted their latest victim who had gone to reclaim his property 10 days ago following a Daily Nation expose. Officials of Kamulu Housing, a company with offices in Tala, Machakos County, will record a statement at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) today relating to the long-running dispute. It has emerged that a wealthy individual owning three international companies is among landowners barred from their properties by the hired gangs. The firms are Highway Industrial
Tit for Tat: Inside Kenya’s politics of revenge
As Eldoret North MP, William Samoei Ruto in 2003 led a protest of legislators allied to the then-ruling party, Kanu, in condemning the Mwai Kibaki government for what he termed harassment of retired President Daniel arap Moi. That remonstration is apparently being re-played two decades later, but this time round with Dr Ruto as the President. Ruto, who was interestingly on the same side of the political divide as Uhuru Kenyatta when they publicly attacked Kibaki, is today viewed by some as the chief tormentor of the former President. Kenyatta is similarly viewed as having tormented Ruto at a most delicate time when
KURA to close Haile Selassie Avenue for footbridge repair
Motorists and other road users will have to contend with the closure of Haile Selassie Avenue on Sunday 19th February and 26th February 2023.This is after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced the intended closure. Through a public notice posted on Twitter, KURA said the closure is to allow refurbishment of the footbridge that connects Central Bank of Kenya and City Square Post Office. “Kenya Urban Roads Authority wishes to notify the general public of the total closure of Haile Selassie Avenue on Sunday 19th and 26 February 2023 to allow for strengthening of Central Bank of Kenya-City Square Post Office footbridge,”
Fuel prices to go up as Russia oil supply cut causes global shortage
Russia’s plan to sharply cut its oil production from next month has sparked fears of a fresh rally in global fuel prices over the next few months, dimming Kenyans’ hope of lower prices at the pump in the near term. Moscow revealed on Friday it will cut oil production by 500,000 barrels per day, or around five per cent of its total output starting in March, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. While Moscow oil shipments are not known to come to Kenya, analysts said the drop in the supply of Russian oil will mean more competition for barrels from other
President Ruto nominates Shadrack John Mose for Solicitor-General position
President William Ruto has nominated Shadrack John Mose for the appointment of Solicitor-General. State House Chief of Staff Felix Kosgei, in a letter to the National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula, said; “It is most graciously notified that Dr William Ruto, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, has in exercise of the constitutional prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government nominated Mr Shadrack John Mose, for appointment as the Solicitor-General.” In the 2022 election, Mose vied for the Kitutu Masaba parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket but was unsuccessful. If approved by the
Rashford goal sets Man Utd on way to win at Leeds
Manchester United scored twice in the final 10 minutes at Elland Road to leave manager-less Leeds deep in relegation trouble. Three days on from Marcus Rashford netting the Red Devils’ first goal as they came back from 2-0 down at home to secure a Premier League draw, the England striker broke the deadlock when he rose to meet Luke Shaw’s curling cross to head past Illan Meslier for his 21st goal of a superb season. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho then outpaced the home defence before beating Meslier at his near post to the obvious joy of manager Erik ten Hag on
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta says he will not retire from politics
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared that he will not retire from active politics, signalling a protracted cold war with his successor, William Ruto. Sunday Nation has established that the former Head of State, who has taken a low profile since leaving office in August last year, has vowed to hold on to his position as leader of the Jubilee party, even at the cost of losing his retirement perks. An angry Mr Kenyatta, our sources intimated, rubbished Friday’s Jubilee party meeting in Nakuru that expelled his close political allies, Vice Chairman David Murathe and Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni. The retired President also lashed
Harambee Stars to resume International action against Burundi
The national football team, Harambee Stars is scheduled to play two friendlies against Burundi in March 2023. According to Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the matches will be played in Nairobi on March 25 and 28. This will be the first assignment for Turkish tactician Engin Firat who will be in charge of the national team after making a return to international football after FIFA suspension. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Barry Otieno said the return of the team to action is a positive development for the country. “Football is coming back from a very difficult period. We have missed big opportunities
Oilers, KCB clash headline six Kenya cup fixtures lined up
Rugby fans in the country this weekend are expected to be treated to some good rugby with six Kenya cup fixtures lined up across the country. Third-place Menengai Oilers will be out to try and cause a disappointment to former Kenya cup champions KCB RFC who will be making the trip to Nakuru ahead of the tie set to be staged at Nakuru’s Moi Showground. Last season the Oilers were clinical in their play against the Bankers with the resilience paying off with a 24-17 win in a tantalizing semifinal fixture that would see the Curtis Olago-coached side relinquish their
Madonga set to thrill boxing fans yet again in Nairobi
Renowned Tanzanian hype boxer Karim Mandonga is set to thrill Kenyan boxing fans yet again with a scheduled second fight in Nairobi next month. The confirmation by Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) Secretary General Franklin Imbenzi will see Mandonga battle out with an unnamed Russian boxer for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Super Middleweight title. Imbenzi who also doubles up as a promoter at Solid Rock Promotions further disclosed the bouts will involve Mandonga as well as Kenyan stars Fatma Zarika, Rayton Okwiri, Sarah Achieng and Maurice Okola. “We will have five main bouts on the day, Mandonga of course
Chang’aa in water bottles: How Kisii brewers are beating the system
Kisii brewers have devised new ways of evading authorities and are now packaging their illicit liquor in water bottlers. Those charged with fighting the vice have turned into accomplices and beneficiaries of the many years of trade and are now protecting the brewers. The packaging of the brew, especially Chang’aa in water bottles makes it hard for authorities not involved in the plan to detect. Catholic Church Priest, Father Lawrence Nyaanga who partners with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to fight the illicit brews says police and chiefs who are supposed to enforce the law against
ODM moves to deregister renegade MPs who visited State House
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has decided to flex its muscles on the party’s renegade Members of Parliament. The Raila Odinga-led party has moved in to expel and deregister the legislators who met President William Ruto in Statehouse this week. In a letter addressed to the nine legislators, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna mentioned the disciplinary process has commenced in line with the party’s constitution. “Internal mechanisms have been initiated with a view of processing it for action by the relevant Party organs in accordance with the Party Constitution and any other relevant law,” Odinga said. Those listed are
Govt Orders Crackdown On School Heads Charging Extra Levies
The Government has directed county education officials to ensure that no public school is charging unauthorized levies imposed by head teachers within their jurisdiction. In a circular issued by Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education were directed to move with speed and probe schools imposing illegal charges on parents. The PS says the Ministry has received complaints from angered parents and guardians and other stakeholders on unauthorized levies imposed by head teachers especially admission fees, purchase of desks, and lunch money in complete contravention of the government policies and directives. PS Kipsang notified the
Mudavadi’s docket gets Sh300m more funding than Gachagua’s office
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s office has been allocated Sh300 million more than Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s. Treasury has allocated Mr Mudavadi’s office Sh751.9 million for its recurrent budget in the revised 2022/2023 public expenditure plans compared to Mr Gachagua’s office allocation of Sh450.85 million. Meanwhile, the allocation to the Office of the President has been increased by Sh8.35 billion in the mini-budget. The Office of the President had been allocated Sh23.1 billion in the budget whose preparation was overseen by former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, split into Sh17.08 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh5.98 billion for development spending. This
Western smear campaign against China exposed
“The mainstream media and quite a number of politicians and governments intimidate us daily that China’s rise poses a threat to the rest of the world and especially to the West,” says veteran Spanish journalist Javier Garcia in his new book China, Threat or Hope. The Reality of a Pragmatic Revolution. “China is not a threat at all,” Garcia said in an interview with Xinhua, noting that the country has become the second world economic power “without practically firing a single shot, without violence, without wars, without colonialism.” Smear campaign For the former delegate of EFE, the leading news agency in
Ruto office gets Sh8bn in supplementary budget
President William Ruto has gained Sh8.35 billion, making his office one of the biggest beneficiaries of the first supplementary budget even as the National Treasury cut funding to development projects by Sh106.28 billion to ease pressure on public coffers. Supplementary budget estimates submitted to Parliament by the Treasury show the Executive Office of the President has been given a 36.2 per cent budget raise taking its total budget to Sh31.42 billion from the original estimates of Sh23.06 billion. The Sh8.35 billion includes Sh3.17 billion that has been allocated to settle Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) pending bills. Mr Musalia Mudavadi’s Office of
Rescue crews search for earthquake survivors in Turkey, Syria as death toll surpasses 20,000
Rescue crews in Turkey and Syria raced against time Thursday and a lack of equipment to find survivors buried in the rubble of buildings toppled by powerful earthquakes that struck the region Monday and left more than 20,000 people dead so far. The country’s disaster management agency said Thursday that about 110,000 personnel are involved in rescue efforts and 5,500 vehicles such as tractors, cranes, bulldozers and excavators have been shipped to assist the country reeling from the earthquake. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the area near the quake’s epicenter close to the city of Gaziantep and the Turkey-Syria
UK High Commission issues Kenya terror alert
The British High Commission in Kenya has issued a terror threat alert to UK citizens.The alert shared on its official website references information from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Affected counties include those in north eastern. “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to: areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, Eastern Garissa County (up to 20km north-west of the A3), Mandera County (excluding Mandera West sub-county), Lamu County (excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island), areas of Tana River County north of the Tana river itself (up to 20km north-west of the A3),
Kumisa heist: Kiambu politician, cronies wiped off Sh100 million from youth Sacco
Martin Wachira, a Form Four leaver in Kiambu had the perfect plan on how to get into elective politics. This was in 2013 when he vied for Riabai Ward representative in Kiambu town. He won with a landslide, thanks to his attractive business model that he pitched to his age-mates. Many who bought into the idea were vulnerable youths ravaged by alcoholism and their wives. To the alcohol addicts, he promised that immediately he was sworn in, he would form a savings and credit cooperative (Sacco) where members would contribute Sh10 daily. Part of their monthly savings would go into
DCI boss: This is how Fred Matiang’i staged siege at his Karen home
DCI boss Amin Mohamed is accusing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i of stage managing a siege at his Karen home on Wednesday night.He said the DCI will take firm and bold action against all involved in the matter. The DCI is now probing whether the former Interior CS stage-managed the incident. “Our preliminary investigations have recovered a well-coordinated and deliberate attempt to spread false information and incite public fear, unfortunately spear-headed by a person of the standing of a former Interior CS,” the DCI boss said. According to the DCI, the former CS had informed his guards that he was expecting guests who included
Kakamega Homeboyz part ways with Coach Baraza
Kenya Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz under the tutelage of their owner has today fired embattled head coach John Baraza and his deputy Peter Okidi. This comes after the Kakamega-based side failed to post positive results under Baraza’s three months term at the helm of the club. Kakamega Homeboyz owner Cleophas Shimanyula on Thursday called the shot before handing over the vacant positions to Edward Manoar and goalkeeping coach John Waw on an interim basis. “We have parted ways with head coach John Baraza and his assistant coach Paul Okidi for failing to give us the results we want. Edward
Ingwe thrash hapless Talanta in midweek fixture
AFC Leopards striker Victor Omune was the tormentor in chief as Ingwe thrashed a struggling Talanta 6-0 in a fixture staged at the Nyayo National Stadium. Omune scored four goals as speedy winger Cliff Nyakeya added a brace to his name to cap off a fine evening for the Patrick Aussems charges. Ingwe controlled the proceedings from kick-off with some fine passing and recovery of the ball which paid off, Omune scoring the first of his three on the 26 minute to settle the nerves. The deadly striker would go on to add his second and third before Nyakeya picked
Losses as ocean slowly swallows Kipini village
It is high tide and the waves are getting closer to the Indian Ocean beach near where the Tana River Lodge once stood in Kipini village. It is here that Joseph Gachango worked as managing director 10 years ago. At the time, business was good and the resort had over 50 employees. The hotel offered beautiful scenery, with guests able to seat in their balconies and watch fishermen race to the shores with their catch, tourists surfing the tides and dolphins entertaining visitors. Kipini village itself was also a key attraction for tourists owing to its serene environment and beautiful
Infantino: Expanded FIFA World Cup an opportunity for African football growth
FIFA President Gianni Infantino says African football is set to embark on a new era, with greater investment in football development and the chance for more teams to shine on the global stage. Speaking during the opening of a two-day workshop for African Member Associations in Paris, Infantino stressed the importance of finding ways of encouraging more players to remain in Africa to exercise their profession. He noted that the decision to expand the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, with nine guaranteed spots for CAF as opposed to the previous five, would have knock-on effects in encouraging investment. AGENCIES
Tragedy as Kakamega mine collapses
At least 12 miners were last evening trapped after a gold mine collapsed at Sigalagala mining shaft in Ikolomani, Kakamega County.A total of 20 workers were at the mine when it caved in. Eight of the trapped miners have been rescued while 4 others are still trapped underground with rescue operation going on. Patrick Mukhule, the Kakamega Mining Resilient Team chairman said the tragedy occurred at 1am and the rescue mission commenced immediately. “A team of 10 youth immediately swung into action because they understand how the shafts are constructed. They managed to bring out the 8 who have been rescued,” said Mr Mukhule. “A
Omanyala breaks indoor record again in France
African 100 m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala on Wednesday smashed the National record over 60m after winning the Mondeville Indoor meeting in France with a new blistering 6.55secs. The Commonwealth champion lowered his previous mark of 6.57secs, also set in France last year, as he won his first race of the year. His heroics also come six days after matching his personal best record over 60 m in Miramas, France. During the heated final Omanyala edged out Ivorian Arthur Cisse who beat him in his first indoor meet last weekend in Miramas, where he clocked 6.60secs to finish fourth. Cisse
Fred Matiang’i moves court: Why Ruto government wants to arrest me
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has moved to the High Court seeking anticipatory bail over an alleged looming arrest. Matiang’i, in his application, argues that the Monday night raid of his Karen home is a political witch-hunt by President William Ruto’s government. The Inspector-General of Police Japheth Koome says no such raid happened. According to Dr Matiang’i, confidential sources have informed him that he is to be arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and will be charged with abuse of office. “Through a confidential source, I was reliably informed that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission had also
Police have nothing to do with raid at Matiang’i’s house, IG Koome says
Police boss Japhet Koome on Thursday said no officer under the National Police Service was sent to the house of former Interior minister Fred Matiang’i last night. “I wish to clarify that no police officer under the NPS was sent to former CS Matiang’i residence at all,” the police chief told the Nation this morning. Initial reports suggested Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers were after the former CS, but EACC chief executive Twalib Mbarak told the Nation last night that his team had nothing to do with the reported raid. On Wednesday evening, police officers surrounded the Karen home of Matiang’i. The Nation established that the officers arrived at the Karen
Reprieve as electricity prices drops slightly
Electricity consumers have been handed a little reprieve after the energy sector regulator cut power prices for February by 3.8 per cent, citing lower global crude prices that eased the cost of producing thermal power. Data from Kenya Power shows the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has cut the fuel cost charge from Sh7.18 per unit in January to Sh6.59 per unit this month. The latest monthly adjustment of power prices has also seen Epra cut the foreign exchange rate fluctuation adjustment to Sh1.85 from Sh1.93. Consumers were however denied a steeper drop in power prices due to the
Starehe Boys’ last bow for former CS Magoha
Sixty-five years ago, a young vibrant and hopeful George Albert Omore Magoha walked through the gates of Starehe Boys Centre for his O-Level education. Here, under the tutelage of Starehe founder Geoffrey William Griffin (now deceased), he was taken through the institution’s high standards of strictness. “The discipline that was there is the reason why I am who I am today,” said Prof Magoha of his Starehe roots. Yesterday, his body passed through the school’s gates one final time before his burial in his ancestral home. In life, Prof Magoha, the tall man with a sturdy build with an authoritative
Inside Nakuru families fight to control Sh55bn inheritance disputes
An estimated Sh55 billion is at the centre of various inheritance disputes in Nakuru by relatives of prominent multi-millionaires, who left behind successful business empires. The families’ billions are now locked in the court battles. The list includes Nakuru politicians Dickson Kihika Kimani and Philip Kamau, controversial Naivasha tycoon Gabriel Njoroge who was popularly known as Fai Amario, and businessman Stephen Kagiri Kung’u. There was also Eliakim Washington Olweny — a wealthy surveyor and owner of Evans Sunrise Hospital, a top private hospital in Nakuru City — who died on October 10, 2016. The tycoons got their wealth through grit
Police officers arrested as Daystar students’ kidnap, extortion mission fails
On Friday, February 3, at 1 pm, two university students went to the Magharib Building near T- Mall on Langata Road in Nairobi for lunch. Alvin Kyalo, a second-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and Robert Mutugi, a first-year student at Daystar University, were accosted at the entrance by three men in civilian clothes. The men introduced themselves as police officers and told the students that they were under arrest. The young men were stunned and asked what their crime was. The policemen claimed they were in possession of bhang. They were bundled into two
Police surround Karen home of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, seek to arrest him
Police officers surrounded the Karen home of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga arrived at Matiang’i’s home minutes after 10 pm. He sought to ascertain why the police had laid siege at the former CS’s home. Dr Matiang’i’s legal team, who were also present at his residence, called the move unprocedural and claimed his life may be in danger. “The police have not declared what they want or what he’s done wrong. We do not understand why the police would come to arrest our client in the dead of the night. Why
Bounou, Courtois and Martinez to Battle Out for Fifa’s Top Goalkeeper Award
The World football governing body,FIFA, has announced the final nominees in the women’s and men’s goalkeeper category.Morocco’s Yassine Bounou who starred at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar will battle out with Thibaut Courtois of Belgium and World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez of Argentina for the men’s award.The winners will be crowned on Monday, 27 February 2023 in Paris. The final three nominees for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper are (in alphabetical order) 2. Mary Earps (England / Manchester United WFC) 3. Christiane Endler (Chile / Olympique Lyonnais). The final three nominees for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper are
Fuliza na MPESA: Detectives uncover KSh500 million fraud syndicate
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has uncovered a high-level syndicate where scammers have obtained close to KSh500 million through Safaricom’s Fuliza. The giant mobile telephony firm lost the money in a well coordinated scheme by eight young men based in Nakuru and Trans-Nzoia counties. Isaack Kipkemoi, Gideon Rono, Maxwell Ributhu, Gideon Kirui, Moses Rono, Collins Kipyegon and Edwin Cheruiyot were arrested at an apartment in Kiamunyi, Nakuru, while the mastermind Peter Gitahi was arrested in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County following an operation by DCI detectives. The young men, who were found in possession of thousands of Safaricom and Airtel SIM cards,
NCPB warns cartels, unscrupulous traders against repackaging free fertilizer
National cereals and produce board has warned unscrupulous cartels against meddling in the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to farmers across the country. NCPB said the government was on high alert to deal with cartels with the intention of buying the cheap fertilizer meant for the farmers and repackaging it for resale. Speaking in Kitale, NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote warned middlemen and unscrupulous traders intending to buy the fertilizer to repackage for resale they would face dire consequences and the full force of the law. He said NCPB will only give fertilizer to farmers who are registered and are known
It’s all systems go for KYISA Games in Tharaka Nithi
The upcoming Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association games to be held from 23 – 30 April 2023 presents a unique opportunity for Kenyan youth to greatly benefit from talent scouting and linkage to elite clubs and coaches. It also poses a great chance for local businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry to diversify their offerings. Tharaka Nithi County will be playing host to the 8th Edition of KYISA games and is fully committed to enhancing sporting activities to sustainably empower our young people to enjoy bright futures. Tharaka Nithi County is currently hosting the Consultative General Meeting where various
Mathare United reply after match-fixing allegations
Hours after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) banned two Mathare United players over match-fixing allegations, the club issued a statement stating that they will conduct their own investigations into the matter. In a statement on its social media, the 2008 league champions disclosed that the club also will conduct separate investigations on the individuals implicated in the issue. The FKF integrity department suspended Lennox Ogutu and captain Alphonce Ndonye for allegedly engaging in match-fixing. “Sincerely believing our players and team were far better than the results for most of our matches so far this year, MUFC management launched discrete investigations and
Nzoia record away win to move to league summit
Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) pacesetters Nzoia Sugar on Wednesday afternoon rallied from behind to beat hosts Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 at Utalii Sports Ground, Nairobi. Kariobangi Sharks took an early lead through Keith Imbali’s seventh-minute strike, a lead that would last until the breather. Joseph Mwangi levelled for the Millers in the 60th minute before bagging his brace teo minutes later. Sharks’ Timothy Ekhavi scored in his own net with 15 minutes to go to ensure that Salim Babu’s side walked home with maximum points. The win was Nzoia’s ninth of the season and extend their lead in
Ronaldinho’s son set to follow father’s footsteps by joining Barcelona
Former Brazil and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho ‘Gaucho’ son Joao Mendes is reportedly in FC Barcelona’s shortlist to replace PSG star Lionel Messi in the near future. At just 15 years old, Joao Mendes has already rejected PSG to continue playing with Brazil. This is because Ronaldinho’s son has shown in his short career that he has things very similar to his father and that’s why many teams are already interested in buying him. Football enthusiasts and generally the Spanish media claim that Joao Mendes could be one of those chosen by FC Barcelona to be Lionel Messi’s future successor. Ronaldinho
Kenya lionesses playmaker Adhiambo signs deal with Japan rugby team
Kenya Lionesses playmaker Grace Adhiambo has signed a six-month deal with Nagato Blue Angles in Japan after six years with Nakuru RFC ladies’ team. The move to Japan is timely for Adhiambo who will be ready to make her debut in the Japanese local sevens campaign set to kick off on February 11. The Blue Angels compete in the Taiyo Seimei Women’s Seven Series, where 12 clubs play in four tournaments over four months to determine a national champion. She joins her fellow compatriot and Lionesses speedy winger Janet Okello who plys his trade MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby. Upon her
Mathare United duo suspended over match-fixing allegations
Mathare United players Lennox Ogutu and captain Alphonce Ndonye have been suspended by the Football Kenya Federation for suspected match-fixing. The Football Kenya Federation in a letter written to Mathare United FC said that they had gathered information from reports which pointed at the two players. “Reference is made to the below-named persons who are football players registered with your club. Mathare United FC participates in the FKF Premier League season 2022/2023. Football Kenya Federation is in receipt of reports that the two players are involved in match-fixing practices in the Kenyan game,” a letter addressed to the club read
Full speech by US President Joe Biden during 2023 State of the Union Address
Mr. Speaker. Madam Vice President. Our First Lady and Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Leaders of our military. Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and retired Justices of the Supreme Court. And you, my fellow Americans. I start tonight by congratulating the members of the 118th Congress and the new Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working together. I also want to congratulate the new leader of the House Democrats and the first Black House Minority Leader in history, Hakeem Jeffries. Congratulations to the longest serving Senate Leader in history, Mitch McConnell.
Court dismisses Kidero’s bid to stop civil suit by EACC to recover Sh58mn
The Court of Appeal has rejected former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s bid to halt a civil lawsuit against him. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is actively pursuing the recovery of Sh58 million, which is believed to have been misappropriated from Nairobi County during Kidero’s tenure. “The ruling creates a good precedent given the many petitions and Judicial Review Applications that EACC faces in the event of concurrent civil and criminal cases against the same parties,” EACC said. It added that the decision will subsequently reduce the amount of time required to resolve anti-graft cases. The anti-corruption court had previously
Ghanaian football star Atsu found alive in Turkey quake wreckage
Ghana Football Association has confirmed that national player Christian Atsu had been found alive. According to the association he had been trapped in the rubble of an earthquake that killed more than 4,800 people in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. The former Newcastle United who plies his trade for Hatayspor, was reported missing in Turkey’s Hatay province following the magnitude 7.8 quake and its aftershocks that brought down thousands of buildings, killing some 5,000 people, in several Turkish and Syrian cities on Monday. Atsu, 31, joined Turkish Süper Lig side Hatayspor in September, based in the southern province of Hatay near
FKF Cup secures new sponsor ahead of much-awaited tournament
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup organisers have secured sponsorship for the FKF Cup. This sponsorship means that the tournament which was to kick off on February 11-12, 2023 will now start on the weekend of March 3-4, 2023. The new sponsor will replace betting firm Betway which sponsored the tournament for two years in 2020 and 2021. Kenya Premier League heavyweights Gor Mahia are the defending champions having edged their rivals AFC Leopards 4-1 in post-match penalties after they drew 0-0 in normal time at Nyayo National Stadium. K’Ogalo would go on to pocket a cool Sh 2 million
Athletics: Omanyala shifts focus to Mondville meeting
Commonwealth defending champion Ferdinand Omanyala will now shift his focus to Mondeville Meeting on Wednesday. This comes after the Kenyan sprinter equalled his national record in 60 metres indoors at the Elite Indoor Track Miramas meeting in France a fortnight ago. Omanyala clocked a record time of 6.60 seconds in his last Bronze level event finishing second behind Arthur Cisse of the Ivory Coast at the Elite Indoor Track meeting in Miramas, France. The mark was not only a new national record but also a new meeting record that had been standing for the past 17 years. Soon after the event in
War on terror: Al-Shabaab militants ambushed in Garrissa
A multi-agency team ambushed three suspected Alshabab militants emplacing IEDs along Sedahgose-Amuma road in Fafi, Garissa County. One terror suspect killed, one captured alive while another escaped with injuries. A IED, one AK47 arifle nd assorted materials were also recovered during the operation on Tuesday morning.
KPL Preview: Gor face Tusker, Ingwe seek to climb log
Gor Mahia FC and Tusker FC will be hoping to go top of the FKF Premier League when they lock horns on Wednesday afternoon at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani. Record Kenyan champions, Gor Mahia, face a stern test when they host the reigning champions in a round fixture. K’Ogalo, on the back of a 1-0 win over City Stars will be seeking to pounce on a rather docile Tusker who seem to have run out of steam in recent times. Tusker, 12-time champions have reigned supreme in their last three fixtures, winning two and drawing one, in fact
Ingwe’s coach under investigation over ‘stupid’ remarks
AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems is a man under scrutiny after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) launched a probe into the comments made after his team’s barren draw against current Nzoia Sugar on Sunday at the Sudi Stadium. In the post-match interview, Aussems called a journalist ‘stupid’ before the tactician took to his official Twitter page with contemptuous remarks on the four officials that took over the Sunday afternoon fixture. Aussems further termed the officials as ‘clowns’ before he claimed that women centre referees are more professional than their male counterparts. The sentiments came after a local journalist asked Aussems
Farmers: Where’s Ruto’s subsidised fertiliser?
While many subsidies were flung out the window immediately after the William Ruto administration took over power, a fertiliser subsidy, which had been mentioned incessantly during campaigns, was introduced and The National Treasury released Sh3.6 billion for its implementation. President Ruto spoke about his government’s negotiations with Morocco to promote relations in trade, agriculture, health, tourism and energy between Kenya and the North African country. Key among the products Kenya would receive at a cheaper price was fertiliser. Morocco is its biggest producer in Africa. Farmers would only need to pay Sh3,500 for a 50kg bag of fertiliser, down from
Kithure Kindiki: CS outlines 100 days in office achievements
The crime rate in the Country has reduced by 13.5pc in the last three months, says interior CS Kithure Kindiki.Releasing his 100 days scorecard today in Nairobi, Prof Kithure Kindiki said the numbers have fallen significantly from 8,297 reported incidents to 7,179 incidents during the same period. “Urban crime, especially the Nairobi muggings that had threatened to disrupt our way of life and businesses in our Capital City, have now been contained and we are working hard to bring down the statistics even further down,” Kindiki said. At the same time, the CS revealed that the 6,000 newly-recruited police and
Raila accuses Ruto of misleading Kenyans on tax debate
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has accused President William Ruto of misleading Kenyans by politicising matters arising from bad advice outside the civil service. In reference to the debate on tax evasion linked to former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi, Raila argued that the information was incorrect and misleading. “The bad advice Kenya Kwanza leadership is going public with is definitely not coming from civil servants. Instead, it points to the strengthening of the criminal mafia networks within government,” he said. Last week, a debate ensued online as to why the former Presidents had a law gazetted exempting them from paying estate inheritance
Manchester City charged with breaking financial rules by Premier League
The Premier League has charged Manchester City with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules following a four-year investigation. It has referred the club to an independent commission over alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. It also accused City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018. City said they were “surprised” by the charges and are supported by a “body of irrefutable evidence”. The commission can impose punishments ranging from a fine and points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League. “Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier
Patrick Aussems: AFC Leopards tactician calls journalist “stupid”
AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has, once again, made the controversial “stupid” statement after he described a journalist as such during an interview in what he says was a mistaken identity. “Know what your stupid, my friend, you are stupid because what was for? Not for me,” said Aussems. “So you are stupid […] Don’t ask question anymore.” In 2022, following a 1-1 draw with Sofapaka, Aussems used similar words to describe then assistant coach David Ouma. “When you are born stupid, you will remain stupid – there are some stupid guys who should learn from others and try to
Kenyan gamers set for e-Ligue 1 finals qualification contest
The Kenyan qualifiers for the 2023 E Ligue 1 Tour will start this month, EA SPORTS, who are the event organisers have announced. E Ligue 1 Tour is an esports competition bringing together top gamers and football fans from across the globe. The Kenyan qualifiers will start on 26 February at Alliance Francaise, Nairobi, and shut down on March 11. “Last year, we had a successful competition. The grand finals stream on YouTube had over 33,000 viewers. We are looking forward to a better competition this time. I am calling on Kenyan gamers to seize this opportunity,” said IndexG Chief
Ouma named among top defenders with best take On’s
Kenyan international Erick Ouma also known as ‘Marcelo’ in football circles has been ranked as one of the best players globally with the best take on index among defenders. Ouma who plies his trade in Sweden with AIK football club has been ranked in position 59 with a score of 75.8/100 according to a report by the CIES Football Observatory, a study group within the International Centre. Mainly a left-back Ouma can also be deployed in all other positions on the left side being a utility for the national team Harambee Stars and boasts of a delicious left foot and
Keroche rejects KSh14.1bn KRA tax claim, says it is KSh7.3bn
Keroche Breweries has said tax demand of Sh14.1 billion from the Kenya Revenue Authority is incorrect. In August 2019, the brewery directors were arrested for evading taxes. While Keroche says it used 60.9 million liters of crescent vodka mixed with 101.1 million liters of distilled water to make 162 million liters of viena ice ready to drink vodka (15 percent alcohol content), KRA alleges that 101.1 million liters was used to dilute 60.9 million liters. Out of 60.9 million liters of crescent vodka at Sh120 per liter, Keroche was to pay Sh7.3 billion in taxes. However, KRA’s alleged that 101.1
KCB banking on experience as fast-approaching playoffs come knocking
Former Kenya cup champions KCB RFC maintained their unbeaten run on top of the local rugby league with a 59-16 win over varsity side Catholic Monks on Saturday 4 February 2023. The banker’s skipper Curtis Lilako, veteran Andrew Amonde, and Peter Waitere scored a brace each while Mike Kimwele, Thomas Okidia, and Elphas Adunga scored once each. The ever-present fullback Darwin Mukidza kicked over seven conversions in a match that the bankers led 28-9 at the interval. Courtesy of the win the unbeaten bankers are on top of the log with 40 points with only two games left to the
Portland Cement eyes Rwanda and DRC markets to increase profit margin
The East African Portland Cement (EAPC) is planning to expand within the East African Community member countries following its Sh500 million plant upgrade and introduction of a new cheaper Green Triangle cement brand. The Athi River-based cement processor has begun the year on a high, producing its own clinker, the main material used to grind cement, following a replacement on part of its kiln shell that had been dilapidated for years causing cuts on production. In 2021 EAPC rolled out an ambitious five year business modernisation and expansion cycle in a bid to turn the giant cement plant into profitability.
Betika to pay ex-boss full dues despite theft charge
Justice Jacob Gakeri declined to endorse the application by Shop & Deliver Ltd, popularly known as Betika, to withhold two-thirds of Fred Gitonga’s terminal dues after he was summarily fired last August. The former employer argued that it is not sure whether it will recover the KSh11 million allegedly stolen by the former head of technology at the firm. But the Employment and Labour Court judge said although Gitonga has a pending criminal case, he is still presumed innocent. “For the above-stated reasons, it is the finding of the court that the applicant’s unilateral act of withholding the respondent’s terminal
Keroche bosses to appear in court Monday over KRA tax row
Alcoholic beverages manufacturer Keroche Breweries’ tax row with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA ) looks far from over. The revelations have emerged after Keroche Breweries owner Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja claimed that the company’s officials including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the chairman have been asked to appear in court on Monday, February 6, over a pending suit in connection with alleged tax fraud. In a detailed statement on her Twitter account, Ms Karanja sought to give details surrounding the tax controversy that saw the leading alcoholic drinks manufacturer close down about six times last year. “We have received
Legendary principal behind Maranda, Nyambaria top performance
High-flying principal Boaz Owino is just acclimatising to the new reality of life after retirement from a career where he shattered record after record.His intense yet remotely vivacious persona is hardly surprising to the people he interacts with. So much that you have to wonder where he draws the modesty and guardedness with which he speaks about his colourful career spanning over three decades that has made him an idol for many. Wherever he was posted as a principal, the 60-year-old always placed the school on a growth trajectory. Of all the stellar scores the institutions he headed registered, the highlight
Puzzle as heads of top KCSE schools in Gusii region transferred
Several principals of county and extra-county schools from the Gusii region that recorded impressive results in the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination have been transferred to new stations. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) described the transfers as normal. The affected principals are from Cardinal Otunga Mosocho, St Paul’s Oginga DOK, St Paul’s Gekano, Moi Gesusu, Kereri Girls, Riambase Mixed and Riokindo Boys. The school head said they were prepared to serve in their new schools and help improve academic performance. They attributed their good results to the creation of conducive learning environments. Mr Boniface Masese has been transferred
Magical Kenya Ladies Open hailed a blessing for small business
The Magical Kenya Ladies Open has been hailed as a blessing for small businesses, providing them with the opportunity to enjoy good business during tournament time. Salim Swaleh, the owner of the Kaybees Food Joint restaurant, located in Mombasa, is a prime example. This year marks his second time vending at the event, which he says has had a significant impact on his business. Swaleh was able to showcase his specialty, authentic Swahili food, to tournament fans, providing them with a unique and delicious dining experience. He also took advantage of the opportunity to network and interact with many people,
Alarm as contractor of collapsed building wins KSh20 billion state housing tender
A local construction firm embroiled in controversy over the collapse of a building in Nandi County that killed one person and injured six others has bagged a lucrative Sh20 billion government housing deal. Epco Builders Ltd was contracted to deliver 5,360 affordable housing units in Machakos County. The Mavoko project sits on 55 acres. This is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to building 200,000 affordable houses annually for low and middle-income earners. Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the project will be completed in four years. “The project is being undertaken by a local contractor,
Politicians busted in KSh67.3 million Kilimani fake gold scam
Two of the ten men arrested over a Sh67.3 million gold scam are known politicians from Nyanza who contested and lost in the August 2022 polls, the Nation can reveal. On Sunday, ten suspects involved in a Sh67.3 million gold scam arrested in Kitusuru and Kilimani by detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Two of the ten suspects were also arrested while possessing firearms and 470 rounds of ammunition. The arrested were identified as Mr Steve Seth Okute, who was also described as the Director of NewSkys Global Cargo Movers, and Brunoh Otieno Liende alias Oyugi. It
KRA opens probe on Uhuru, allies’ firms
President William Ruto’s administration is now investigating at least 300 companies associated with powerful individuals in the previous regimes over non-payment of taxes, the Sunday Nation has learnt. Yesterday, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) chairperson Anthony Ng’ang’a Mwaura confirmed that they are currently reviewing the companies that have been enjoying tax exemptions or which have evaded paying their dues. “There is a law governing exemptions. That is the one we are following strictly,” Prof Ndung’u said. The Sunday Nation understands that most of the companies that are likely to be affected in Dr Ruto’s tax shake-up are those
Unemployment pain: Frustrations of Kenya’s jobless doctors
A sombre, six-sentence paragraph was the final communication that Dr Fred Muoki penned before he died. It was not a will, but a suicide note addressed to his sister. He was sorry that the pressures of life had knocked him down. He was a rising star that many expected to shine bright; a hardworking young man whose hopes for a better life were dimmed by a society and government that neglected him, and many like him. “I’m sorry sister. I have a lot of pressure. Debts and loans from my friends. I am sorry to disappoint you. I don’t have
End of passport delays as Ruto eyes return of Huduma Namba project
The government has announced faster processing of passports as and begun rolling out online registration of births and deaths. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Saturday said a broken printer that had led to a one-year delay in issuance of passports had been repaired, even as his ministry seeks to acquire a new one. Prof Kindiki said the Immigration Department had received 50,000 34-page passport booklets and is expecting 200,000 more next week. “All eligible applicants for the Kenyan passport are advised that passport booklets are now available in sufficient numbers and processing of passports has been expedited to conform
Former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta speaks out on ‘tax evasion’ claims
Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta has come out guns blazing, amid reports linking the Kenyattas to tax evasion. Mama Ngina, who spoke at the St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Mpeketoni, Lamu County on Saturday, said she is ready to have her property auctioned upon proof of tax evasion by the State. “It is a fact that every employed Kenyan should pay income tax, irrespective of their job group. That is not up for discussion. There is no need to malign someone, to seem as though you are doing something,” the former First Lady said. “The government has policies in place.
China balloon: US shoots down airship over Atlantic
The US has shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that has flown across America in the past week. Three airports were closed and airspace was shut down off the South Carolina coast as US military planes targeted the object over the Atlantic Ocean. According to the AP news agency, footage showed the balloon falling to the sea after a small explosion. US President Joe Biden faced intense pressure to shoot it down since it first appeared across the US last week. Tracking website Flightradar24 showed US Air Force and Coastguard aircraft operating in the skies between Wilmington, North Carolina,
Red-hot Rashford continues scoring streak as Man United edge Palace
Marcus Rashford continued his post-World Cup scoring streak as a Manchester United side reduced to 10 men survived late Crystal Palace pressure to secure Premier League victory at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot after the video assistant referee spotted a Will Hughes handball and United seemed to be cruising when Rashford turned home Luke Shaw’s cross 17 minutes into the second half for his 11th goal since returning from Qatar. But the contest turned dramatically when, amid a confrontation that resulted in both Antony and Jeffrey Schlupp being booked, VAR Tony Harrington spotted Casemiro
Everton stun Arsenal in Dyche’s first game as boss
New manager Sean Dyche enjoyed a dream start as a much-improved Everton side stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal at a raucous Goodison Park. Dyche was appointed last Monday following the departure of Frank Lampard, who was sacked with the team in the relegation zone. And the hosts picked up their first victory in 11 games in all competitions courtesy of a link-up between two men who played for Dyche at Burnley. Centre-half James Tarkowski rose at the far post to power home a header from Dwight McNeil’s corner to spark the sort of joyous scenes that have been witnessed rarely
NOC-K inks deal for Paris 2024 Pre-games preparations
The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President, Paul Tergat on Friday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Team Kenya Pre-Games Preparations for Paris 2024 with Bouches-du-Rhône in Miramas, France. The MOU will see Team Kenya settle in Miramas during the 2024 Olympic Games in July to prepare in France with state-of-the-art facilities for the global bonanza. The partnership aims at preparing individual athletes and teams to enable them to perform well at the Olympics games. The MOU also incorporates coaches’ training, technical, support, and infrastructure development. Early last year, the NOC-K Executive initiated discussions with Miramas, the South
Omanyala kicks off new season with world record
Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala kicked off the new season with a new national record in France during the just concluded World Athletics Indoor meeting held in Miramas. Omanyala clocked 6.60 seconds to set the new national record in 60 m in a race won by Ivory Coast’s Arthur Cisse who crossed the finish line in 6.57s in the 60 m sprint race. Turkey’s Ertan Ozkan came in third after clocking 6.68 seconds. The Miramas meeting is not new to Omanyala with the African and national 100 m record holder previously breaking the 60 m national record in Lievin, France back
TSC replaces six Itumbe DOK Primary School teachers in mock sex video
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has posted six teachers to Itumbe DOK Primary School in Kisii County. TSC has replaced the six teachers who were interdicted on Thursday after they were caught on viral video forcing minors to practice mock sex. In the new posting letters by TSC, five teachers were transferred from various schools in Nyamache Sub County to the affected institution, while one is newly recruited. Mr James Oigoro Ocharo was transferred from Giasaiga DEB, while Mr Wilfred Momanyi Ochenge was moved from Bosansa DEB Primary School. “Ensure you hand over all the school property in your possession before
Nairobi man charged for spending erroneous Sh140,000 M-Pesa cash
A hardware worker who allegedly withheld Sh140, 000 mistakenly sent to his Mpesa account was charged with intentionally withholding payment delivered erroneously contrary to section 35 of the computer misuse and cybercrime Act of 2018. Tony Munyoki Kimanzi was charged with withholding electronic payment after receiving the money delivered to his mobile number by Abdikadir Muhumed from his M-banking Equity Bank account on December 25 last year, which ought to have been delivered to a different person. Mr Muhumed was transferring the cash as he made some payments when he entered wrong digits, and the cash went to Mr. Kimanzi.
Find out how much new Harambee Stars coach will pocket from FKF
Turkish national and Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is set to earn a Ksh 1.5 million monthly salary for the next three years. This is according to details revealed from his contract, Firat who is in his second stint as Harambee Stars coach will pocket approximately KSh 54 Million during his stay in Kenya. According to a source at FKF, Firat initially wanted to be paid Ksh 6 million per month, but after negotiations settled on the current figure. Despite the salary, Firat has been handed the gruesome task of grooming Harambee Stars’ current crop of players ahead of the
IG Japhet Koome: Why we slashed Uhuru, Matiang’i security detail
The Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome said on Friday that the National Police Service scaled down former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security detail to allow for efficient use of officers. Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Friday, the IG also said the move was to align the command structure at the Presidential Escort Unit. According to Koome, until recently, the security team of Uhuru Kenyatta was still being led by an officer in the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, who is ideally in charge of the entire Presidential Escort Unit. After President William Ruto was sworn into office on 23 September
Omanyala: Africa’s finest sprinter upbeat ahead of indoor races in France
Reigning Commonwealth Games 100 m champion Ferdinand Omanyala will kick off his new season with a series of indoor races in France on Saturday. Omanyala is expected to kick-start his French tour with the Miramas Metropole Meeting in Miramas, before heading out for the Meeting Mondeville four days later. The African champion will then travel back to France for the Paris Indoor Meeting on February 11 before concluding his French tour on 15 February in Lievin where he broke his own national record. The African and national 100 m record holder broke Kenya’s 60m national record in Lievin, France, last
Rugby: Six fixtures lined up as Kenya cup resumes
Local rugby league, Kenya Cup resumes this weekend after a much-needed break, with Kenya Rugby Union scheduling six games across the country. In Nairobi, former Kenya cup champions KCB RFC will play host to Catholic Monks in round eight of the Kenya cup fixtures. The much-awaited fixture is set to be staged at the KCB Sports club this weekend, with the bankers buoyed by their deserving 33-18 in their last fixture to record their seventh successive win this season. Defending champions Kabras Sugar will collide with Mwamba RFC at the Impala club grounds here in Nairobi with the Sugar men
Willie Kimani murder: Leliman sentenced to death as co-accused get lengthy jail terms
Four convicts in the murder of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and driver Joseph Muiruri have been given varying sentences ranging from 20 years in jail to death. The killings occurred on June 23, 2016. Fredrick Leliman (first accused) was on Friday, February 3, 2023 sentenced to death, Stephen Cheburet, the second accused, (30 years), Sylvia Wanjiku, the third accused (24 years), and Peter Ngugi, the fifth accused (20 years). Justice Jessie Lesiit ruled at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi that the respective sentences will run concurrently. The judge said the four killed lawyer Willie
Counties with the highest cancer cases
Nairobi, Nakuru and Kiambu counties lead in cancer cases, according to a new report. The report on cancer in Kenya, which was compiled after analysising the National Cancer Registry Data for 2021/2022, showed that a total of 42,116 new cancer cases are recorded every year. The report also shows that the country records 27,092 cancer deaths annually. The report also indicates that two out of three people diagnosed with cancer will succumb to the disease, as 70 percent of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, with only 23 percent cancer patients accessing cancer management services they need. In terms of distribution of cancer occurrence in
How Nigerian techies wired Sh276bn without CBK nod
As the world toasted Nigeria’s Olugbenga Agboola as Africa’s freshly minted tech billionaire, Kenyan authorities were investigating his firm for possible money laundering links. It was February last year when a firm he co-founded — Flutterwave — was valued at $3 billion, making it the most valuable start-up in Africa as international investors bet on the continent’s fintech scene. While this made the 37-year-old Agboola one of Africa’s most well-known entrepreneurs, investigators and regulators in Kenya suspected his Nigerian payments company was riding on proceeds of crime, in particular card fraud. In the end, the High Court froze its Sh6.2
Ruto scales down Uhuru Kenyatta, Matiang’i’s security
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security has significantly been scaled down in what government operatives say is a rationalisation of personnel. The Daily Nation also established a senior police officer who was leading the security team has been recalled and replaced with one of a lower rank. “From 96 elite officers attached to him, he has been left with 25, while the former First Lady has five,” a source told the Nation yesterday, adding security personnel attached to Mr Kenyatta’s other family members were all withdrawn. An officer in the rank of assistant inspector general was recalled because the retired president’s security team is legally
Six teachers captured on pupils’ mock sex video interdicted
Six teachers caught on viral video forcing minor children to practice mock sex on each other have been interdicted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). TSC dispatched the interdiction letters on Thursday evening, just a few minutes after they had been arraigned at the Ogembo law courts in Kisii County. Though they were not formally charged in court, TSC in a letter signed for its Secretary and Chief Executive by an E J Mitei directed that the teachers stand interdicted and are now required to show cause why they should not be deregistered. The letters were addressed to the school
Azimio announces more rallies in Kibra, Machakos
The Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has announced more consultative forums aimed at pressing the Kenya Kwanza government to resign. After holding a similar meeting at Jacaranda, Nairobi on Sunday, the Azimio team will be having another meeting this Sunday at Kamukunji grounds in Kibra, Nairobi before proceeding to Mavoko, Machakos next week. According to National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, the forum will be used to deliberate on how to push on President William Ruto’s administration to address challenges facing Kenyans currently. “We wish to inform our supporters, the general public and all Kenyans who feel for
<strong>Kenyan woman jailed in US for online fraud</strong>
A Kenyan national living in the US has been fined and jailed for her role in helping to organise romance scams and pandemic unemployment fraud. Florence Mwende Musau, 38, was sentenced by a US court to 44 months in prison. Musau was also ordered to pay almost $1m (£810,000) in restitution to the victims and to forfeit approximately $350,000 and a Lexus SUV. Musau was charged in 2021, along with with five others, in connection with their roles in the online scams in which the victims collectively lost more than $4m. The US authorities said the group used fake passports
The Pope and the archbishop on historic peace mission to South Sudan
There has never been a visit like it and it has been years in the planning. A Pope and an Archbishop of Canterbury make a foreign trip together for the first time in history, joined by the most senior figure in the Church of Scotland. “This will be a historic visit. After centuries of division, leaders of three different parts of the Church are coming together in an unprecedented way,” says the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Their mission is to bring hope and to encourage leaders to find a lasting peace in South Sudan “We pray that this visit
Apple sales in biggest fall since 2019
Apple sales dropped at the end of 2022 as shoppers squeezed by the rising cost of living cut back their purchases. Sales at the iPhone giant fell 5% in the three months to December compared with the same period in 2021. It was the biggest decline since 2019 and worse than expected. The update came as many firms warn about a sharp economic slowdown, especially in the tech sector which boomed during the pandemic. Apple boss Tim Cook said the firm was navigating a “challenging environment”. He blamed the sales decline on supply shortages due to Covid-19 disruption in China
Republicans oust Ilhan Omar from powerful House committee
Republicans have ousted Democrat Ilhan Omar from her committee post in a sign of escalating tensions in the US Congress. They voted to remove Ms Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over her past comments about Israel. Republicans said the move sent a strong statement against antisemitism. But Democrats and Ms Omar said it was revenge after two Republicans were ousted from committees in 2020 when Democrats held a House majority. Ms Omar also suggested she was being removed because she is a Muslim woman who immigrated to the US as a refugee. “Is anyone surprised that I am
Low immunity, overwhelmed hospitals fuel Covid-19 deaths in ageing Japan
Low immunity against Covid-19 and a growing population of frail elderly is driving a surge in coronavirus deaths in Japan which had, for a long time, upheld some of the strictest pandemic restrictions. Japan once boasted one of the lowest Covid-19 mortality rates, but the figure has been trending upwards since the end of 2022. It hit an all-time high on 20 January this year, surpassing the UK, US and South Korea, according to Harvard University’s Covid database, Our World in Data. Japan was largely closed to foreign visitors from 2020 till mid-June last year. It opened its borders cautiously
Paris Olympics: Up to 40 countries could boycott Games, says Poland sports minister
Up to 40 countries could boycott the next Olympic Games, making the whole event pointless, said Poland’s sport and tourism minister Kamil Bortniczuk. His comments came after Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia jointly rejected an International Olympic Committee (IOC) plan to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete in 2024. Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Olympics if that occurs. But the IOC said on Thursday that any boycott would only “punish athletes”. Bortniczuk said he believed it would be possible to build a coalition of 40 countries, including Great Britain, the United States and Canada, to support a block on
US tracking suspected Chinese surveillance balloon
The US is tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that has been spotted flying over sensitive sites in recent days. Defence officials said they were confident the “high-altitude surveillance balloon” belonged to China. It was most recently seen above the western state of Montana. But military leaders decided against shooting it down as there were concerns over the danger of falling debris. China has not yet commented. US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation. The object flew over Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and through Canada before appearing over the city of Billings in Montana on Wednesday, officials said.
Mason Greenwood attempted rape charges dropped
Charges of attempted rape and assault have been dropped against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood. The 21-year-old was arrested in January 2022 amid allegations surrounding images and videos. He was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. In a statement, Greenwood said he was “relieved” and thanked his family and friends for supporting him. The Crown Prosecution Service said the charges were discontinued after key witnesses withdrew their involvement. A spokesman said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key
Junior grassroots player awarded Golf Handicap
16-year-old Titianna Atieno from Vipingo Village has received a golf handicap of 14 just two years after picking up a golf club for the first time during the junior golf clinic run by the Ladies European Tour at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County, in December 2019. One of a group of 20 students from Future Hope Montessori School in Vipingo, Titianna was invited to try her golf skill under the instruction of the professional players as part of the on-site activities during the inaugural Magical Kenya Ladies Open. From that moment, Titianna developed a love for the game and, as part
India’s Aditi Ashok tops leaderboard on day one of the 2023 magical Kenya ladies
Two-time Olympian Aditi Ashok of India took command of 2023 Magical Kenya Ladies Open on Day One at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi with a score of six under par, 67. The 2019 runners up hit birdies on holes 2, 5, 6, and 9 on the front nine. She added more birdies on holes 11, and 13 on the back nine, giving herself a 4-shot lead heading to the second round of the tournament on Friday. “I hit some really good shots and got some good birdies which have helped put me in this position. I missed a couple of putts
Storm in judiciary over new job grading structure by Judicial Service Commission
A serious storm is brewing in the Judicial Service Commission over a reorganization of the staffing structure being implemented through a program known as the New Grading and Salary Structure. A source has told Kurunzi how there is growing unrest in the judiciary corridors over a move to declare positions redundant which has “resulted in merging, restructuring, retention or abolition of jobs”. The move being executed through Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi’s office follows recommendations of a report commissioned in 2018 – the Organization Reorganization Report (2018) but sources say the plan has been turned into a witch hunt and
After 102 children, Ugandan villager Musa Kasera says enough is enough
Musa Hasahya Kasera has so many children that he can’t remember the names of most of them. The Ugandan villager is struggling to provide for his vast family that he says includes 12 wives, 102 children and 578 grandchildren, and now feels enough is enough. “At first it was a joke… but now this has its problems,” the 68-year-old told AFP at his homestead in the village of Bugisa in Butaleja district, a remote rural area of eastern Uganda. “With my health failing and merely two acres of land for such a huge family, two of my wives left because I could not
Kenya ranked 123 Out 180 in corruption index as Somalia tops list in new report
Kenya has been ranked position 123 out of 180 countries assessed globally in the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, a Non-Governmental Organization that measures corruption. According to the report Kenya scored 32 points out of 100 in 2022, up from 30 points in 2021. CPI is an index which ranks countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys The perceived amount of public sector corruption in a country is measured on a scale of 0-100, with 0 indicating severely corrupt and 100 indicating very clean. The
Cherargei wants law exempting Kenyatta, Moi estates from taxation amended
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei is now proposing to amend Estate Duty Act to delete a provision that protects former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi’s Estates from tax exemption. In a letter to the Clerk of the Senate, Cherargei describes the law as an ‘illegal relic and unconstitutional’ because the two former presidents were State Officers by virtue of the positions they held. “The constitution 2010 is aimed at creating equality and equity in the payment of taxes in Kenya. This proposed amendment of Section 7(3) of the Estate Duty Act shall cure this unconstitutional illegal legislation and allow
Uganda murder charges after fight between Arsenal and Manchester City fans
At least two Ugandan football fans are facing murder charges after a man was killed in the capital, Kampala in a row over the result of a match in England. A youth councillor died from stab wounds after intervening in a fight after Arsenal lost to Manchester City on Friday. Allan Kakumba died moments after being admitted to hospital the following day, the Daily Monitor newspaper reports. Police said in a statement that two suspects were in custody. “We shall be arraigning the suspect in court soon,” Luke Oweyesigire, the spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, told the BBC. Mr Oweyesigire
Why lifting Tanzania’s opposition ban suits President Samia
There is a well-deserved excitement about the return after six years of political rallies in Tanzania. Unbanned last month by President Samia Suluhu Hassan – Mr Magufuli’s successor, it has even prompted the return of opposition politician Tundu Lissu from self-imposed exile. He was able to address his ecstatic supporters at a massive rally in Dar es Salaam last week within hours of landing. Such gatherings are the engine of politics here: the convoy of motorcycle taxis disrupting traffic and businesses on main roads, supporters chanting party songs and later the blaring of loudspeakers as politicians address the crowd. They
US firm offers Ukraine advanced drones for $1
A leading US maker of advanced military surveillance drones announced Wednesday that it was willing to sell two to Ukraine for just $1, and called on the US government to approve the deal. General Atomic Aeronautical Systems said it had been urging Washington for months to provide Ukraine its powerful Grey Eagle and Reaper drones, which US forces have used to great effect in surveillance and targeted attacks over Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and other conflict zones. It said the drones, which can fly long distances at mid-altitudes, are one of the most obvious, force-enhancing technologies that Ukraine needs in its
Israeli air strikes hit Gaza Strip
Israel launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip early Thursday, which Palestinian fighters reacted to by firing rockets in the latest bout of unrest in the region. The overnight attacks — which Israel’s army confirmed in a statement at 02:41 am (0041 GMT) — come hours after the army intercepted a rocket fired from the Palestinian territory. Emergency services reported no immediate casualties on either side. According to local security sources and witnesses, the first round of strikes — at least seven — hit a training centre of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement
Hosts want ‘urgent’ answers over Saudi sponsorship of Women’s World Cup
Co-hosts New Zealand and Australia said Thursday they “urgently” want answers from FIFA over reports Saudi Arabia’s tourist board will sponsor the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Visit Saudi is reportedly poised to be named among the sponsors of the 32-team football tournament to be held in New Zealand and Australia from July 20. The sponsorship deal looks set to go ahead despite the Gulf kingdom’s poor record on women’s rights. Officials from Football Australia and New Zealand Football said they were not informed about the planned deal and “have jointly written to FIFA to urgently clarify the situation”. In a
Australia to remove British monarch from banknotes
Australia will erase the British monarch from its banknotes, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s image on its $5 note with a design honouring Indigenous culture, the central bank said Thursday. The decision to leave her successor King Charles III off the $5 note means no monarch would remain on Australia’s paper currency. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said it would consult Indigenous people on a new design that “honours the culture and history of the First Australians”. Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8 last year was marked by public mourning in Australia but some Indigenous groups also protested
Man Utd finish off Forest to cruise into League Cup final
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said winning trophies is the standard that should be demanded at Old Trafford after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Wednesday and 5-0 on aggregate to reach the League Cup final. Anthony Martial and Fred scored the goals for Ten Hag’s men in the final 17 minutes of the semi-final, second leg as United set up a meeting with Newcastle at Wembley on February 26. Three managers have left the club since United last won a trophy under Jose Mourinho in 2017. But Ten Hag is now just one game away from ending that drought
Court frees Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo unconditionally
Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo, commonly known as Matakwey Mobimba is now a free man. Mr Odhiambo was freed unconditionally after trial magistrate Gilbert Shikwe ruled he was arrested and detained based on a non existent law. In his ruling, the magistrate blasted the police and prosecution for being insensitive to the changes in the law while seeking orders to detain the MCA. Mr Shikwe noted that the Inspector General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations should have known that the law in which they relied in seeking detention orders have been expunged from the statutes. The said law therefore doesn’t exist in
Anti-graft lobby questions state’s commitment to fight corruption
An anti-corruption watchdog has questioned the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to eliminating graft as a new global report shows Kenya recorded scant progress in tackling the vice. Transparency International Kenya has criticised the appointment of individuals facing criminal cases to senior government positions and the withdrawal of numerous corruption cases touching on allies of President William Ruto. “The Kenya Kwanza Coalition in its manifesto, promised to end the weaponisation and politicisation of anti-corruption efforts by allowing the relevant institutions to freely exercise the independence given to them by the constitution … However, the government has not yet lived up to its
A mother’s pain: My child died a day after joining school; I need answers
When Esther Kanini, now 34 years old, went into labour on March 30, 2015, she thought it was going to be an easy birth. Her labour started on a Monday morning at 6 am, but more than 30 hours later, she was yet to deliver so the doctor recommended a transfer to a different hospital. The labour went on for another six hours at the second hospital, and still… nothing. At this point, the doctors tending to her recommended an emergency caesarean section, to save the baby’s life. The operation went well. Finally, after the long wait, she met her
Raila fulfills 13-yr-old Nigerian’s wish after standing ovation at global event
13-year-old Nigerian activist Musa Sani got his dream fulfilled at the 2022 Leadership Conference and Awards in Abuja on Tuesday, January 31, after he got a chance to interact with Azimio party leader Raila Odinga. Reports indicated that the 13-year-old got a standing ovation from the crowd after bagging the 2022 leadership outstanding young person of the year. The young boy also got an opportunity to engage the former prime minister during a photo session alongside Nigerian vice president Yemi Osinbajo. The event, which was the 14th edition of the Leadership Conference, was headlined by Raila who delivered a keynote
Canadian Government saves Kenyan chef from deportation
Kenyan Chef John Mulwa’s stay in Hamilton, Canada, was extended for 18 more months following the intervention of Canadian citizens. Speaking to a Canadian TV station, CHCH-TV on Tuesday, January 31, Hamilton Member of Parliament (MP) Mathew Green confirmed that Mulwa’s deportation was revoked. Green stated that an online petition by locals to have his residency extended collected 19,000 signatures.”It was a bit of a hail Mary. Having this whole community support behind him enabled our office to tell the story in a way that the Ministry took into consideration,” Green explained. On his part, an elated Mulwa intimated that he cancelled his
KURA extends traffic disruption along Eastern bypass
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) extended the traffic disruption along the Eastern bypass by two days. In a notice dated Tuesday, January 31, KURA stated that the disruption would commence from 6:00 am on Thursday, February 2 to 6:00 pm on Friday, February 3. The disruption would affect the stretch from China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) site camp to the Embakasi barracks heading towards Mombasa Road. According to KURA, the reason behind the extension was to allow the completion of the maintenance works along the road. “We wish to notify the general public that there will be traffic disruption
Ruto consolidates NHIF, Linda Mama schemes, to offer new benefits
The Cabinet, on Tuesday, January 31, resolved to consolidate all government-funded schemes into one during a meeting at State House, Nairobi. President William Ruto approved plans to aggregate the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Linda Mama programme. The new scheme would offer benefits and flexible payment plans to Kenyans subscribed to the new cover.”Cabinet approved the consolidation of the existing State-sponsored health insurance schemes into a single pool with a harmonized benefits package and provider-payment mechanism or rates,” the Cabinet despatch read. Ruto explained that the move aligned with the government’s plan to realise Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Why Nairobi residents are rushing to buy land in Loresho
Investors and Nairobi residents are choosing Loresho as their next investment area, moving away from Spring Valley. According to the Hass Consult land index report dated Wednesday, February 1, Loresho was the best-performing suburb between September and December 2022. Due to increased demand, land increase by 3.2%. The average value of land per acre in Loresho is Ksh95 million. Despite the area being priced higher than the satellite towns such as Syokimau, HassConsult indicated that prospective buyers were picking Loresho.The demand for land in Loresho peaked among buyers due to its proximity to Westlands. According to HassConsult, Loresho is surrounded by
Nigeria election 2023: The oil land with no electricity
There is a rhythm to the frenzy in this tailoring shop in the heartland of Nigeria’s oil zone.The whirring of four electric sewing machines, snips from two industrial-sized scissors and the sizzle of moist fabric as steam billows from a large pressing iron. But another sounds jars as the six sweaty men work: the metallic grind of a generator. It is behind a wall to muzzle its noise, but that cannot hide its high pitch or the smoky fumes it exudes. “I have two of those, just in case one fails,” says Ozu Adah, a lean-muscled man with cropped hair
White House calls Exxon record profit ‘outrageous’
Oil giant ExxonMobil reaped a record $55.7bn (£45.2bn) in profit last year as oil prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The total was more than double 2021’s figure, and is likely to renew pressure on the industry after some countries, including the UK, imposed special taxes on the profits last year. Exxon has criticised such measures as counter-productive. Last month, it sued the European Union over the new windfall tax. Exxon has also has spoken out against similar proposals in the US, where President Joe Biden has sought to focus blame for last year’s high motor fuel costs on companies
Tech layoffs: PayPal cuts 2,000 jobs as global economy weakens
PayPal is shedding around 2,000 jobs, or 7% of its workers, as it becomes the latest big tech firm to cut costs. The online payments company says it was forced to make the decision as it faces “the challenging macro-economic environment.” PayPal’s announcement follows tens of thousands of layoffs by technology giants in the last month alone. This year, Google’s parent company Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft have announced major job cuts. “We must continue to change as our world, our customers, and our competitive landscape evolve,” Paypal’s chief executive Dan Schulman said in a statement. Also on Tuesday, Snap – the
French protests intensify against pension age rise
France has seen a second wave of protests and strikes against President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Anti-government corteges were as loud and as big, if not louder and bigger than on the first day of action. The number of marchers was expected to surpass the 1.12 million recorded 12 days ago. Eight key unions took part in the strike, which disrupted schools, public transport and oil refineries. The CGT trade union said half a million protesters had gathered in Paris alone, although authorities put the number at 87,000, and put the total
Pope in DR Congo: ‘Hands off Africa’ says Pope Francis in Kinshasa speech
Shortly after landing in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pope Francis delivered a speech full of stinging condemnation of the exploitation over centuries – not just of this country, but also the continent. He talked of political strangleholds giving way to “economic colonialism”, which he said was equally enslaving. In the best-received section of the speech he told the outside world to acknowledge the catastrophic things that have been done in the country and to fully respect people here. “Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo! Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa, it is not a
Secretive Saudi executions leave families in the dark
Executions of prisoners have been carried out in Saudi Arabia with no advance warning to their families, relatives have told the BBC. The country’s execution rate has almost doubled since 2015 – according to a new human rights report – the year when King Salman and his son Mohammed bin Salman took charge. Mustafa al-Khayyat’s family were given no notice that he was about to be killed. They still have no body to bury. No grave to visit. The last they heard from him was a phone call from prison, and he signed off with these words to his mother:
Government to issue birth, death certificates online from March 1, 2023
The Government will start issuing death and birth certificates online from March 1, 2023. Speaking in Kajiado County on Tuesday, January 31, Immigration Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok said all registrations for the birth and deaths will be done online from the said-date. Additionally, Bitok said newborns will be allocated unique identifiers that will act as lifetime identification cards. “When you register, you will automatically get a number which will become your birth certificate number, your primary school number, secondary school number, KRA pin number and driver’s licence,” said Bitok. It is only after a person dies that the number
Alessia Russo: Arsenal make world-record bid for Manchester United and England striker
Arsenal have made a world-record bid for England forward Alessia Russo on the eve of transfer deadline day. The Manchester United striker, 23, turned down an offer to sign a contract extension at her current club in June. Arsenal, three points behind Women’s Super League leaders United with a game in hand, have been monitoring Russo’s contract situation throughout January. The fee is understood to be more than the £400,000 Barcelona paid for England midfielder Keira Walsh in September. Russo’s contract with the Red Devils runs out this summer and the deadline for domestic transfers in the WSL is 17:00 GMT on
Struggling Everton appoint former Burnley boss Dyche as new manager
Sean Dyche vowed on Monday to “remodel” Everton after the Premier League strugglers hired the former Burnley boss to save them from relegation. Dyche agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will face Premier League leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park in his first match in charge on Saturday. The 51-year-old said it was an “honour” to take over the Merseyside club, who have not won any silverware since 1995 and sacked Dyche’s predecessor Frank Lampard after just less than a year in charge. Dyche arrives at Goodison well aware that Everton’s morale is at rock bottom in the midst of their struggle
West Ham ease past Derby to earn Man Utd clash in FA Cup
David Moyes cannot wait to take on his former club Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round after goals from Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio sealed West Ham’s 2-0 victory at third tier Derby on Monday. Bowen put West Ham ahead early in the first half and Antonio doubled the lead soon after the interval in the fourth round tie. Moyes’ side will head to Old Trafford in late February as they continue their bid to reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 2006. It will be Moyes’ latest return to United, who sacked the Scot
Samsung quarterly profits plunge to 8 year low on demand slump
Samsung Electronics said Tuesday that its fourth-quarter operating profits plunged nearly 70 percent, the biggest drop in more than eight years, as the global economic slowdown dealt a blow to electronics and chips sales. The South Korean tech giant said operating profits for the October to December period slumped to 4.3 trillion won ($3.4 billion), a 69 percent drop from a year earlier. The drop is in line with the estimate Samsung released earlier this month and marks the company’s worst decline in quarterly profits since the third quarter of 2014. “The business environment deteriorated significantly in the fourth quarter
Biden rejects F-16s for Ukraine as Russia claims advances
President Joe Biden said Monday the United States would not provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, as Kyiv expands the list of weaponry it needs to be better able to drive Russian forces from occupied territories. Fighting continued at key points along the long front as Russian forces sought to expand their hold on territory in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin-appointed Donetsk leader, Denis Pushilin, claimed Russian forces were advancing near Vugledar, a strategically valuable town southwest of Donetsk city. “Now we can say that units have established positions in the eastern part of Vugledar, and work
Joho, Junet keep off Azimio rallies raising more queries
Since Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga began public meetings to take on President William Ruto’s administration, some of his key allies have been missing in action. Azimio governors have kept off the meetings in what is believed to be a tactical retreat as they work with the government to ensure that their counties benefit from development projects. During Ruto’s recent tour of Raila’s Nyanza backyard he was welcomed by Governors Anyang Nyongo (Kisumu), Gladys Wanga (Homabay), James Orengo (Siaya) and Ochilo Ayacko (Migori) who said they were ready to work with the Kenya Kwanza government for the sake of
Pakistan mosque blast: At least 28 killed after suicide bombing in Peshawar
At least 28 people have been killed and 150 injured in a blast at a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar. A section of the building was destroyed and officials say people are buried under the rubble. Most of those who died were part of the police force, and it is believed they were the target of the attack. Security officials said a bomber sitting in the front row of the mosque had blown himself up. No group has admitted carrying out the bombing. Muhammad Ijaz Khan, Peshawar capital city police officer, told local media that between 300 and
Korogocho MCA Absalom ‘Matakwey’ Odhiambo arrested
Vocal Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo Onyango, commonly known as Matakwey or Mobimba was on Monday, January 30 arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over incitement. Mobimba was picked by the DCI sleuths at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) offices where he had been summoned over his incitement remarks. Absalom’s lawyer Apollo Mboya confirmed his arrest by detectives from the DCI.“We arrived at the Commission’s headquarters and were asked to sign statements. We requested to be allowed to come in and record the statement on Wednesday, February 1 before they left to go and photocopy the documents”
Stylish Man Utd progress in FA Cup, Son at the double for Spurs
Casemiro scored twice as Manchester United turned on the style to beat 10-man Reading 3-1 and reach the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday as Tottenham forward Son Heung-min ended his recent goal drought. On a day lacking major shocks, there were wins for Premier League strugglers Leeds, Leicester and Southampton but Fulham were held by Championship side Sunderland. United — fourth in the Premier League and within touching distance of a place in the League Cup final — produced more compelling evidence they are back on track under new manager Erik ten Hag. The home side took the lead
Election fraud dossier: Raila now faces the DCI
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is looking into the authenticity of the files Azimio la Umoja One Kenya released on January 18 to support claims that the opposition alliance emerged victorious in the August 9, 2022, presidential election. In a letter seen by the Sunday Nation, DCI chief Mohamed Amin is seeking to establish if offences of “forgery” and “falsification of documents” were committed in the release of the dossier that accuses the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of rigging the election in favour of President Willian Ruto. Azimio leader Raila Odinga, his running mate in the election Martha Karua and
Kenya Airways to sink further into the red on forex losses
National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) will sink further into net losses by at least 25 per cent in its earnings for the financial year to December 2022. This will be driven by forex losses from currency hedging positions it took on its US dollar-denominated debt that was taken over by the government last year. KQ has issued a profit warning indicating that it will sink further into losses which will grow to at least Sh19.75 billion compared to the Sh15.8 billion net losses the company recorded in the full year to December 2021. The airline says the wider losses have
Kenyans ditch beer for spirits as prices rise
Alcohol lovers are changing their consumption habits as brewers raise prices due to increases in taxes, with more Kenyans now ditching beers for spirits. Financial results from the East African Breweries Limited (EABL) show that in the six months to December 2022, beer consumption fell by 13 per cent compared to a similar period in 2021, the company said yesterday, attributing the dwindling performance to excise taxes that have resulted in the price jumps. The company says a series of excise tax increments accumulated to 23 per cent for beer and 34 per cent for spirits by November last year,
DR Congo-Rwanda tensions hold up Doha peace summit
Qatar is battling to host a peace meeting between the presidents of rivals DR Congo and Rwanda, even though a summit this week was called off amid rising tensions, diplomats say. With a rebellion in eastern DR Congo already complicating relations, Rwandan forces this week opened fire at a Congolese fighter jet that they said had violated Rwandan airspace. Qatar had planned a meeting of Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and DR Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi on Monday and a deal to ease tensions was ready, but Tshisekedi refused to attend, diplomats said. “The intended signing meeting between the presidents of Rwanda and
G4 highlights urgency for reformation in UN security council
G4 or a Group of four countries, India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany, pointed out that there is an urgency of reformation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and also said that the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework needs structural formation. Addressing the inaugural IGN meeting of the 77th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session, Germany’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Antje Leendertse, on behalf of G4, said, “I would like to point out that the urgency of Security Council reform – which was once again clearly acknowledged by most of our leaders in the General Debate, last September, including developing
Cancer still second leading non-communicable disease in Kenya – Nakhumicha
Cancer still remains the second leading Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) in Kenya after cardiovascular diseases with 42, 000 new cases recorded every year as per World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said 27, 000 cancer related deaths are also recorded every year with leading cancers being breast, cervical, prostrate, esophageal and colorectal. She said most of these cancers can be prevented through screening and early diagnosis which was not the case as the majority of patients seek medical attention in late stages when it is difficult and expensive to treat. Speaking on Friday during the launch of
Elderly man survives three days in well his son threw him in
An elderly man is fighting for his life at Longisa County referral hospital after spending three days inside a 20 feet well. Samuel Tanui aged 60 years from Emitiot sub location, Chepalungu Sub County, Bomet, is said to have ended up in the hole after his son threw him in following wrangles over family land. According to area Assistant Chief Lenny Ngeno, Tanui had earlier refused to allow his 22-year old son Charles Kiplangat Rotich permission to sell family land leading to his intention to kill his father. Ngeno said Rotich went about his daily business thinking that his father
Concern as millions stare at old age poverty due to lack of savings
About 13.9 million Kenyans have no form of a retirement savings scheme, and the majority of them are in the informal sector. According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), there were about 17.4 million people in the formal and informal sectors as of the year 2020. “The labour market is skewed towards informal employment at 83 per cent. This is a time bomb and indicating that most Kenyans will retire poor,” the report notes. The report was presented during the ongoing Minet Annual Pension Conference being held at a Naivasha hotel. Addressing participants, Retirement Benefits Authority
Vasectomy conducted on Nairobi lion
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Thursday, January 26 oversaw a surgical procedure to sterilise a 3-year-old lion caged at the Nairobi National Park. The KWS says the lion was subjected to vasectomy to control population in the orphanage. The revelation comes on the back of questions on why the agency decided to sterilise the animal, whose population has been on a worrying decline over the years. The lion population in Kenya has reduced from more than 30,000 in the 1970s to less than 2,000 in 2022. In Africa, there were more than 200,000 lions many years ago. Today, there
Ake’s goal edges Man City past Arsenal in FA Cup
Manager Pep Guardiola called Nathan Ake an “exceptional guy” after he sent Manchester City into the FA Cup fifth round with the winning goal in a narrow victory over Premier League title rivals Arsenal. The Gunners have established an impressive lead in the league but it was City who shaded a tight contest thanks to Ake’s precise 64th-minute finish after good work from Jack Grealish. Arsenal had chances of their own, especially in the first half when City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, deputising for Ederson, saved well from Takehiro Tomiyasu and new signing Leandro Trossard. There was little to choose between
From nothing to iconic landmark: Africa CDC headquarters testament of China-Africa friendship
Looking at an iconic twin tower sitting on a once derelict land full of garbage in the southern suburbs of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, local resident Wakjira Totofa said: “It’s really like a dream.” “We never thought we would see such a magnificent building in a short period,” said Totofa, a civil servant who lives in the neighbourhood of the building hosting the headquarters of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Totofa has witnessed the dramatic change from “nothing to something” on his daily commute. The first phase of the project, started in December
Supreme Court awards Sh2.5m to Koigi’s mother, other victims of Nyayo-era torture
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to pay Ms Monica Wangu Wamwere, the mother of former assistant minister and Nakuru politician Koigi wa Wamwere, Sh2.5 million as damages for the torture she suffered in Nairobi during the late President Daniel Moi’s regime. Others also awarded the sum are Michael Maina Kamami, Koigi Wainaina, Priscilla Mwara Kimani, Lucy Waturi Kimani and Esther Gathoni Gicimu on account of contravention and violation of their fundamental rights and freedoms. Ms Wamwere, who filed the case at the Supreme Court to claim compensation for inhumane treatment during the 1992 protests at Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park, had sought Sh50
Five medical discoveries that changed the world
Historians regard ancient Egypt as the origin of medical practice. Was the emergence of physicians in Egypt necessitated by the ten plagues perhaps? No one knows for sure. The earliest medical texts to teach others how to prevent injuries and treat diseases belong to the most famous medical practitioner in the history of medical discoveries, Imhotep. Imhotep is considered the father of medicine, as there are no records of medical work before him. However, for distinction, the ancient Greek Hippocrates is regarded as the father of modern medicine. We have come a long way since. With the discovery of insulin,
EABL half-year profit drops to Sh8.7b as struggling Kenyans drink less
Inflation may finally be hitting a Kenyan staple that has long been considered to be immune to recession – beer.This has emerged as East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) revealed Thursday its net profit dropped by 0.39 per cent in the six months to December on the back of higher taxes and input costs, and as price-sensitive consumers shunned the frothy drink. EABL – which is controlled by Britain’s Diageo and is known for its flagship Tusker beer – saw its net earnings decline by Sh34 million to Sh8.703 billion in the half year from Sh8.737 billion booked in a similar
Supreme Court: Sharing of matrimonial property should be pegged on individual’s contribution to the marriage
The Supreme Court of Kenya on Friday, January 27 ruled that in divorce cases, each partner should leave the marriage with property equivalent to their individual contribution in the union. The court said spouses are thus not automatically entitled to half of matrimonial property upon split. The petition at the apex court arose from a divorce dispute between Joseph Ombogi Ogentoto and his ex-wife Martha Bosibori. Ogentoto took the matter to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal ordered that the house in which he had lived with his ex-wife of 18 years and the rental units be shared
Counties with highest number of grade A’s in KCSE exam
Kiambu and Nairobi counties accounted for nearly one-third of the ‘A’ grade produced in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results, analysis by The Standard shows. Kiambu had a record 212 candidates with ‘A’ grade followed by Nairobi (133) while Trans Nzoia and Nandi tied for third place with 52 each. The results had a whiff of controversy after schools in Gusiiland put on a stellar performance, leading to unverified claims that two counties had produced more than 900 candidates with a straight A. Our analysis, however, reveals that Kisii and Nyamira had a total of 81 candidates with ‘A’ grade: Kisii
Five US police officers charged with beating Black man to death
US authorities on Thursday charged five former police officers with murder over the fatal beating of a Black man in Memphis, as the southern city braced for possible civil unrest and President Joe Biden urged demonstrators to protest peacefully. Tyre Nichols, 29, was stopped on January 7 for what the Memphis Police Department said was reckless driving. After a chase ensued, “police brutalized him to the point of being unrecognisable,” family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci said in a statement. The five officers, who are also Black, were fired after an internal investigation found them to have deployed excessive
Tanzania: opposition rallies are finally unbanned – but this doesn’t mean democratic reform is coming
In Tanzania, the political rally is back. Chadema, Tanzania’s leading opposition party, held mass rallies outside the official election campaign for the first time in six and a half years on 21 January 2023. It could do so because three weeks earlier, President Samia Suluhu Hassan lifted the ban on public rallies. Assassination-attempt survivor and opposition politician Tundu Lissu returned to Tanzania on 25 January to take part in them. The ban on rallies was introduced in June 2016 by the late President John Magufuli. It became a central plank of an authoritarian turn initiated by the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), but ultimately
Heat stress is rising in southern Africa – climate experts show where and when it’s worst
Most of us have felt either too hot or too cold at some point in our lives. Depending on where we live, we may feel too cold quite often each winter, and too hot for a few days in summer. As we’re writing this in late January 2023 many southern Africans are probably feeling very hot and fatigued; a prolonged regional heatwave began around 9 January. Being too hot isn’t just uncomfortable. Heat stress causes dehydration, headaches, nausea – and, when people are exposed to high temperatures for protracted periods, they risk severe health outcomes and could even die. For instance,
Gachagua, governors fail to agree on equitable revenue share to counties
Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua, governors and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) failed to agree on equitable revenue share to counties. For hours, the parties fronted different amounts to be the standard equitable share with the governors demanding for Sh425 billion. An amount countered by the CRA which recommended for Sh407 billion. On it’s part, the National Treasury said it can only increase the current amount of Sh370 billion to Sh380 billion. It is this disagreement on the amount that made the meeting so lengthy with the governors failing to have the usual tea and lunch break leaving the meeting hall
Asteroid to come ‘extraordinarily close’ to Earth: NASA
A truck-sized asteroid will pass near Earth on Thursday in one of the closest approaches to our planet ever recorded, NASA said, emphasising that it poses no danger. Asteroid 2023 BU, which was recently discovered by an amateur astronomer, will zoom by the southern tip of South America at around 4:27 pm PST on Thursday (0027 GMT Friday), according to NASA. It will pass just 2,200 miles (3,600 kilometres) from Earth’s surface, much closer than many geostationary satellites orbiting the planet. But there is no risk that the asteroid will hit Earth, NASA said in a statement on Wednesday. Even
EU dangles visa threat over countries refusing to take back migrants
EU interior ministers reached “consensus” Thursday to warn outside countries refusing to take back irregular migrants they risked tighter visa restrictions to Europe, Sweden’s migration minister said. Ministers agreed that the tool, in place since 2020, “should be fully used” to boost the number of migrants returning to their home countries after their asylum applications failed, Maria Malmer Stenegard told journalists. Sweden chaired the Stockholm meeting as it currently holds the EU presidency. “Should intensified political and diplomatic efforts not produce the desired results, member states call on the (European) Commission to come back to the (European) Council with proposals on
10 Palestinians killed as Israel launches deadliest West Bank raid in years
Israeli forces in the West Bank killed 10 Palestinians Thursday, officials in the occupied territory said, nine of them in a raid the Israeli military described as a “counterterrorism operation”. The bloodiest day in the West Bank in years erupted during a raid on the crowded refugee camp in the northern city of Jenin, where gunshots rang through the streets and smoke billowed from burning street barricades. The Palestinian health ministry put the death toll from the clashes at nine, including a woman, adding that 20 people were wounded before the Israeli forces withdrew mid-morning. The military said Israeli forces
Raila visits immigration department, renews passport and praises staff
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has hailed the State Department for Citizen Services for quality service. This is after he visited the Immigration Department at Nyayo House, Nairobi on Thursday, January 26, to renew his expired passport. Odinga said he was greeted by friendly and helpful staff. “My passport expired and today I went down to the immigration department to renew it. I’d like to thank the agency’s friendly and helpful staff for the reception and timely service.” Odinga said on his Twitter account. Photos posted on Odinga’s Twitter page on Thursday captured him going through the passport renew
Court reinstates IEBC deputy CEO Kulundu
Employment and Labour Relations Court has put Independent Electoral and Boundaries (IEBC) chief executive officer Marjan Hussein Marjan on the spot after finding that he unilaterally interdicted his deputy Ruth Kulundu. While suspending the interdiction until the case Kulundu filed is heard and determined, Justice Linnet Ndolo said that Marjan breached IEBC’s human resource manual and acted as the judge, the jury and the executioner. According to the judge, Kulundu’s charges were breach of confidentiality, insubordination and intimidation of staff. However, in the interdiction letter issued to Kulundu, the issue of confidentiality was abandoned when she was accused of attending
Ruto makes same number of foreign trips as Uhuru in first 135 days in office
President William Ruto has made the same number of foreign trips as his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta in the first 135 days in office. Between September 13, 2022, when he was sworn into office as Kenya’s fifth president, and January 23, 2023, when he made his most recent trip abroad, Dr. Ruto has made a total of 12 trips. That period is roughly 133 days. On the other hand, Uhuru Kenyatta made 12 trips abroad between April 9, 2013 and August 20, 2013, a period of 134 days. The head-to-head comparison, however, shows Ruto has made more trips outside Africa than
Kenya ranks 13th in governance in Africa
Kenya has ranked 13th out of 54 African countries in governance in the wake of growing concerns by experts that the continent is facing increasing crises in security and the rule of law. This is according to the 2022 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), released yesterday by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, highlighting that African governance has flatlined since 2019. “The 2022 Ibrahim Index of African Governance highlights that African governance has flatlined since 2019,” said Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. “Unless we quickly address this concerning trend, the years of progress we have witnessed could be lost, and Africa unable to
Media Council seeks strategy to lock out extortionists from news events
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) will meet with several stakeholders on Friday to formulate strategies to counter the rise of fraudsters posing as journalists. In a statement on Thursday, MCK CEO David Omwoyo said the forum will discuss increased cases of fraudsters who use fake credentials to extort and harass individuals. “It has come to our attention that there is an escalation of fraudsters masquerading as journalists and media practitioners who get access to events to extort and harass people,” said Omwoyo. According to MCK, the gathering will provide a chance to discuss the issue of instances of con
Man Utd Beat Forest in EFL cup Semi-final First leg
Marcus Rashford’s sensational scoring streak continued at the City Ground as Manchester United closed in on an EFL Cup final appearance at Wembley next month with a three-goal victory over Nottingham Forest. Rashford’s brilliant solo effort gave United the advantage six minutes into the first leg of the semi-final. Wout Weghorst added a second just before the break with his first goal for the club and Bruno Fernandes wrapped up the scoring a minute from time to provide Erik ten Hag’s men with a healthy advantage for the return at Old Trafford in seven days’ time as United look to
Wout Weghorst: Manchester United forward’s first goal ‘important’, says Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag was delighted Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst was able to show his worth by scoring his first goal for the club in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win at Nottingham Forest. Ten Hag has already been pleased with his fellow Dutchman’s contribution since he arrived on loan from Burnley earlier this month. However, for all the unseen work Weghorst has done creating opportunities for others, he knows the 30-year-old will take more satisfaction from scoring himself in the 3-0 victory on Wednesday. Weghorst showed a real striker’s instinct to pounce on the loose ball after Wayne Hennessey had
Diplomat, three Kenyans convicted of ambassador’s murder
The High Court in Nairobi has convicted a Venezuelan diplomat, Mr Dwight Sagaray, and three Kenyans over the murder of acting Ambassador to Kenya,Ms Olga Fonseca, ten years ago. The motive for her murder was believed to be a power struggle over control of the embassy. The fifth accused, Mr Kipng’eno Chelogoi — a security guard found in possession of the ambassador’s mobile phone — was acquitted. The judge found that there was no evidence linking the security guard to the murder plot. The court found that the killers were paid Sh468,000 by a Kenyan named Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, who is still at
State in talks with World Bank on junior high labs
The government is seeking funds from the World Bank to build laboratories in schools as 1.2 million Grade Seven learners report for Term One on Monday. And Education ministry’s guidelines on junior secondary school (JSS) show learners will be taught nine lessons per day for five days (45 per week) with each lesson allocated 40 minutes. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the national government is negotiating with the World Bank to fund the construction of over 7,000 laboratories in more than 23,000 public primary schools countrywide. “We will redistribute the labs fairly depending on the number of junior secondary
Former Mumias employees petition President Ruto to speed up revival
Former workers of Mumias Sugar Company have written an open letter to President William Ruto to speed up the revival of the troubled miller. In the letter, the workers are urging the President to revoke the award of 20-year lease to Uganda-based Sarrai Group whom they accused of running down the company instead of reviving it. “It is for these reasons that former employees of MSC are writing to the President to request him to intervene in the matter of MSC. “Revoke the lease awarded to Sarrai Group and order the preservation of all MSC assets pending the outcome of
President Ruto challenges African leaders to focus on value addition, manufacturing and Agriculture
President William Ruto has challenged his fellow African leaders to take the discourse on agriculture beyond production to value addition and manufacturing. He said Africa has the potential to produce surplus food for export noting that this can generate more income and create jobs, especially for the youth. Speaking during the Dakar 2 Summit – Feed Africa in Senegal on Wednesday, President Ruto said these are the initiatives that will transform Africa. “We should not be discussing food 60 years after independence.“ In panel discussion of 10 Heads of State and Governments, President Ruto said the upscaling of agriculture in
MPs end induction stand-off as treasury releases sh4bn NG-CDF
After a two-day standoff over the delayed disbursement of billions of shillings of NG-CDF, Members of Parliament on Wednesday reached a consensus with the National Treasury. This is after the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula intervened and broke the stalemate between MPs and National Treasury Cabinet Njuguna Ndung’u for the delayed release of Sh44 billion to constituencies. On Monday, the over 300 MPs meeting in Mombasa for a five-day induction workshop stormed out of the hall demanding the release of the money before they resumed training. On Wednesday, Wetangula arrived in Mombasa and held a closed-door meeting with the MPs
Kenya rugby icon Collins Injera retires
Kenyan rugby legend Collins Injera has hanged his boots after a chequered career spanning two decades. The 36-year-old, who a fortnight ago was inducted in the Fiji Rugby Hall of Fame, announced his retirement from the game in a statement on Tuesday. He is Kenya’s all-time World Sevens Series top try scorer and second highest try scorer at the World Sevens Series with 279 tries. “Everything must come to an end, sometime. I have always said that I will know it’s time, because my body will tell me,” said Injera. “For the past few months, it has really ‘spoken’ to
Foreign server used to relay poll results, Raila Odinga claims
Azimio leader Raila Odinga now says the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) used a foreign server to relay the August 9, 2022, presidential election results. Raila made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation. The meeting was to plan for the upcoming rally at the Jacaranda Grounds this Sunday. In his revelation, the opposition leader explained that his team’s investigations revealed that IEBC had four servers; two in the country and two outside the country. However, he remarked that only one out of the four was
Magoha brothers: Photos capture burial preparation in one homestead, gloom in another
At Umiru Village in Yala, Gem Constituency in Siaya County on Wednesday morning, masons are laying tiles in the grave of Prof. Richard Nyabera Magoha, the younger brother of the famous academician and surgeon Prof. George Magoha. A fence separates the homestead of Nyabera and that of Magoha, perhaps suggesting the close bond the two brothers shared in life. Besides the fundis, there is little activity going on as the village prepares to bury their loved one, who until his death lived in Texas, USA. Nyabera, as per the funeral plan, will be buried on Saturday, January 28. He died on December
World Athletics proposes new transgender rules
World Athletics has proposed continuing to allow transgender women to compete in the female category of international events, taking a different approach from other sports that have banned transgender athletes from elite female competition. A document setting out the policy of track and field’s global body has been submitted to national member federations in a consultation process before a vote in March. In a statement, World Athletics said its “preferred option” is to tighten the rules surrounding eligibility but that it wants to use limits on testosterone as the key determining factor. Other sports such as swimming have effectively banned
NSL: Leaders Shabana look to extend lead
Leaders Shabana will Wednesday be looking to open a five-point lead at the top of the National Super League (NSL) standings with a win against Kajiado FC at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii. The ‘Glamour Boys’ lead the table on 19 points from seven matches, while second-placed Kibera Black Stars are on 17 points from eight games. Under the tutelage of former international Sammy Okoth, the former Kenyan Premier League side has appealed to its fans to turn up in large numbers as they continue with their quest to return to the top-flight. Tore Bobe last featured in the top-tier league
Dog shoots, kills man in US
A dog shot and killed a man in the United States over the weekend, police said, after the animal stepped on and accidentally discharged a gun left on the backseat of a pickup truck. The victim, who was sitting in the truck’s front passenger seat, was struck in the back as he and the pet were out on a hunting excursion Saturday, according to police in the central US state of Kansas. “A canine belonging to the owner of the pickup stepped on the rifle, causing the weapon to discharge. The fired round struck the passenger, who died of his
Kenya Railways Phases Out Cash Payment For Tickets Starting Feb 1
The Kenya Railways has phased out the use of cash in paying for tickets at all the Madaraka Express stations. A notice from the Kenya Railways management indicated that going forward the only acceptable payment modes would be mobile wallets or credit cards. This will be effective starting February 1st, 2023. “We wish to notify our customers and general public that effective 1st February 2023, we will no longer be accepting cash for purchase of tickets at all Madaraka Express Passenger Service Stations,” reads the notice. The use of cashless payments has been commended for curbing theft of public monies,
Ministry issues new guidelines on junior high
Institutions will be required to share facilities as the government scrambles to ensure junior secondary schools (JSS) open next week. Faced with the headache of a teachers shortfall and inadequate facilities like laboratories, the Ministry of Education has directed that JSS taps the resources of neighbouring institutions. In guidelines released yesterday, the ministry said this collaboration is to facilitate teaching of practical subjects such as integrated science, agriculture, computer science, home science, visual and performing arts. The guidelines stipulate the main activities that require a science or mobile laboratory and/or science kit. While the ministry has committed to disburse due
Climate change: Africa has a major new carbon market initiative
Climate finance for the African continent got a boost at the 2022 United Nations Climate Conference (COP27), with the launch of the African Carbon Markets Initiative. This aims to make climate finance available for African countries, expand access to clean energy, and drive sustainable economic development. Led by a 13-member steering committee of African leaders, chief executives and industry specialists, the initiative promises to expand the continent’s participation in voluntary carbon markets. Carbon markets are trading platforms which allow individuals, firms and governments to fund projects that reduce emissions (instead of reducing their own emissions). Kenya, Malawi, Gabon, Nigeria and
How long can a healthy human live?
The death of the world’s oldest person at the age of 118 has reignited a debate that has divided scientists for centuries: is there a limit on how long a healthy human can live? After French nun Lucile Randon died last week, Spanish great-grandmother Maria Branyas Morera, 115, has assumed the title of the oldest living person, according to Guinness World Records. Back in the 18th century, French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, known as the Comte de Buffon, theorised that a person who had not suffered an accident or illness could live for a theoretical maximum of 100 years. Since then,
US sues Google over dominance of online ad market
The US Justice Department sued Google on Tuesday for its dominance of the online advertising market, launching a fresh legal battle against the California-based tech giant. The case was the second federal lawsuit against Google over alleged antitrust violations and the first since US President Joe Biden took office two years ago. The earlier case targeted Google’s world-dominating search engine and is expected to go to trial later this year. In this latest suit, prosecutors took aim at Google’s extremely profitable advertising business, asking that it be broken up to level the playing field for other companies. Google’s ad dealings
Germany promises swift answer on battle tanks for Ukraine
Germany on Tuesday said it would decide “shortly” whether to authorise the export of powerful German-made Leopard battle tanks long sought by Kyiv and encouraged allies to start training Ukrainian forces to use them. While Western nations have pledged ever more sophisticated military hardware in recent weeks to help Ukraine repel Russia’s invasion, all eyes in Kyiv are on the battle tanks. Berlin on Tuesday stopped short of granting permission for the transfer but underscored that a decision was imminent, provoking a defiant response from the Kremlin. Poland also upped the ante by putting forward a formal application for the
Former Education CS George Magoha dies
Former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has died aged 71, the family has confirmed.Magoha died at the Nairobi Hospital on Tuesday, January 24, at around 5:30pm. He had been rushed at the facility after he collapsed at his Nairobi home at around 5pm. A member of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s cabinet said Magoha had been ailing for a while and would occasionally be excused to seek treatment. Magoha served as the CS for Education until his replacement by Ezekiel Machogu in President William Ruto’s administration on October 27, 2022. On January 17, he landed a job at the Maseno University
Chelsea contracts to lead to Financial Fair Play rules change by Uefa
Uefa is to change its Financial Fair Play rules in response to Chelsea’s recent trend of signing players on long-term contracts. Signing players on extended contracts enables Chelsea to spread the player’s transfer fee over the life of that deal when submitting their annual accounts. That means £89m signing Mykhailo Mudryk will be valued at £11m a year over his eight-and-a-half-year deal. Uefa is to set a five-year limit over which a transfer fee can be spread. Clubs will still be able to offer longer deals under UK regulations but will not be able to stretch transfer fees beyond the first
City assembly’s UDA side says Sakaja funded Raila’s Kamukunji rally
A section of Members of the Nairobi County Assembly allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have linked Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to Monday’s Azimio la Umoja rally in Kamukunji. The Assembly’s Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu who led a media briefing convened by the caucus on Tuesday accused the Governor of facilitating the meeting by offering the venue and resources. Kiragu, also the Waithaka Ward representative, said the Governor’s silence regarding the rally which was hosted in his county is questionable. He said the meeting was in bad taste as it disrupted business in the city, also bringing unnecessary commotion at a
Inside Tanzania’s university with no students for 13 years
Tanzania’s Mwalimu Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology in Butiama District, Mara Region has been receiving millions of shillings in government funds for over a decade yet it has not enrolled any student since it was established. Though it requires a budget of more than TSh1 billion per year, it barely receives a fraction of that amount, and it has never educated a single student. According to information acquired at the university during a weekend visit by the Tanzania Parliament’s Social Services and Community Development Committee, the institution requires more than TSh1 billion per year to operate properly. However, it currently
Education ministry releases revised 2023 schools calendar
The Ministry of Education has released the revised 2023 school calendar for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The calendar indicated that the first term which started on Monday January 23, 2023 will run for 13 weeks until the closing date on April 21st . Learners will break for half term on March 16th, 2023 for 3 days to resume on March 19, 2023, followed by a two weeks holiday starting April 22 nd to May 7. The second term will run for 14 weeks starting from 8 th May to August 11th. Half term will be from June 29 th
LSK, Transparency International in court over Ferdinand Waititu’s appointment to chair Nairobi Rivers Commission
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu’s impeachment has come back to haunt him with lawyers and human rights bodies challenging his appointment as the chair of Nairobi Rivers Commission. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Transparency International (TI) in their petition filed before High Court judge Hedwig Ong’undi argue that Waititu is not eligible to hold public office as he was removed from office for misconduct. on December 1,2022, President William Ruto appointed nine members to the commission whose mandate is to reclaim Nairobi rivers. He tasked Pamela Olet, Mumo Musuva, Grace Senewa, Eva Muhia, Elizabeth Wathuti, Carlota Dal Lago, Elijah
Where the rain started beating IEBC, Wafula Chebukati tells all in tribunal testimony
More revelations into happenings of the night of August 15, 2022, continue to come to the fore, after immediate former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati’s testimony. Chebukati, appearing before the Justice Aggrey Muchelule-led tribunal on Tuesday, January 24, said there were Attempts to subvert the will of the people and violate the Constitution. While testifying before the tribunal probing the conduct of four IEBC commissioners, Chebukati said there were no disagreements or disputes among the commissioners up until two visits on August 15. One such occurred at 3 am on the said day in the holding room
Facts on how human activities cause global warming
When people talk about climate change today, they often tend to mean man-made or anthropogenic climate change, which refers to the global rise of the earth’s temperature as a result of human activities. More than 97% of scientists all over the world agree that climate change is man-made. In this era of social media, fake news and misinformation, some social media users have claimed that the concept of man-made climate change is a myth. One recently posed : “Man-made climate change is a myth. If it was real investors would not invest in property development in areas that will be
Kisii Deputy Governor threatens to sue Senator Ole Kina over KCSE exam results remarks
Kisii Deputy Governor Dr Robert Monda has threatened to sue Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina over his remarks on exemplary performance posted by schools in Gusii region in the recently released Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results. While many Kenyans have questioned how most schools from Gusiiland, some of whom from nowhere managed to record remarkable performances, the senator claimed that it was because of marijuana use. “I told you guys marijuana is good stuff!!! Look at schools in Kisii, All As in KCSE! It’s not a scam, it’s knowing the stuff !!!,” the legislator wrote in one of
Frank Lampard fired as Everton manager after defeat by West Ham
Everton have sacked manager Frank Lampard after less than a year in charge at Goodison Park. Defeat at fellow strugglers West Ham United on Saturday was Everton’s ninth loss in 12 Premier League games. They are second from bottom of the table with 15 points from 20 matches, above Southampton on goal difference. Former England midfielder Lampard, 44, replaced Rafael Benitez in January 2022 with the team 16th in the table and helped Everton avoid relegation. Everton are now looking for their sixth permanent manager in five years. After a 1-1 draw at reigning champions Manchester City on 31 December, Everton have lost
We Don’t Recognize Ruto As President Of Kenya, Raila Says Of Azimio
Azimio One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga says he will not recognize President William Ruto’s ‘illegitimate’ Presidency and his government, maintaining that the 2022 presidential poll was marred with irregularities. Odinga who was speaking at the Kamukunji grounds after returning to the country from South Africa Monday afternoon called on Kenyans to resist the Kenya Kwanza government, which he stated conned their way into leadership. He demanded that the Kenya Kwanza government resigns, saying they neither have the mandate nor the ability to govern the country. “We as Azimio reject the 2022 election results. We cannot and will not recognize
Arsenal fans arrested over ‘Premier League’ trophy parade in Jinja
Police in Jinja have detained at least 20 supporters of English Premier League football side, Arsenal, over a trophy parade on the city’s streets following the club’s 3-2 defeat inflicted on rivals, Manchester United on Sunday. Bukayo Saka’s goal and an Eddie Nketiah brace gave the Premier League leaders victory over the Red Devils at the Emirates Stadium with the winning goal coming late on in the match after a VAR intervention. Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez netted for United in the pulsating match that set Arsenal five points ahead of title chasing Manchester City. A day later, police
Raila Mt Kenya Generals – Sabina Chege, Kanini Kega troop to Ruto
The dice is always rolling. And it did roll on Monday morning when the current and former Jubilee MPs trooped to State House to meet President William Ruto, a man they vigorously campaigned against in last year’s election. At the time, they were rooting for Opposition leader Raila Odinga who lost to Ruto and even unsuccessfully challenged his win at the Supreme Court. On Monday, legislators Kanini Kega and Sabina Chege, both considered most vocal Jubilee leaders, led former and current party members to pledge loyalty to the president, on the day Odinga was jetting into the country to hold
Actor Alec Baldwin to face manslaughter charge over ‘Rust’ shooting
Alec Baldwin is to be charged with involuntary manslaughter over the accidental shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the low-budget western “Rust,” a prosecutor said Thursday. Baldwin was holding the Colt. 45 during rehearsals for the film when it discharged, killing Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza in October 2021. The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who was responsible for the weapon, will also be charged with the same crime, New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced. If convicted, they both face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. “After a thorough review
Free movement of people across Africa: Regions show how it can work
The end of January 2023 will mark five years since the African Union Free Movement of Persons Protocol was signed by the African Union. A parallel initiative to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, it was designed to reduce barriers to Africans crossing African borders. The benefits of freer movement include trade, investment, cultural understanding and scientific cooperation. Along with several colleagues at the New South Institute , Alan Hirsch is researching pathways towards freer movement. He explains what lies behind the hesitancy of countries to commit to the protocol. And points to ways in which the initiative can move
Africa Data Centre to set up a new centre in Nairobi
Kenya’s rapid adoption of digital technologies in Africa and its growing trademark as an investment destination for international cloud providers has attracted a Pan-African technology group which will construct a new data centre in Nairobi. The project is in line with the company’s expansion plans announced in 2021, which will see Africa Data Centres invest Sh62 billion into building hyperscale data centres across Africa with the support of the US Development Finance Corporation. Africa Data Centres, a business of Cassava Technologies’ new building will expand its existing data centre by up to 15MW of IT load and the facility will
Raila’s seven-point action plan after shock poll dossier
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has developed a seven-point action plan following a dossier by a whistle-blower showing its leader Raila Odinga won the August 9, 2022 presidential election. Mr Odinga is expected to jet into the country tomorrow. From the airport, he will head to the Kamukunji grounds, Nairobi, for a people’s baraza as the engagements he promised citizens after the General Election resume. “Mr Odinga appeals to Kenyans to show up at the Kamukunji baraza, in the interest of the country,” reads a statement by his spokesman Denis Onyango. A political storm is already brewing after President
President William Ruto appoints former MP Tayari as KPA board chairperson
President William Ruto has rewarded former Kinango MP Benjamin Dalu Tayari with the lucrative position of the chairperson of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) board for a duration of three years. In a Gazette Notice dated January 13, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revoked the appointment of Gen (Rtd) Joseph R. E Kibwana for the former lawmaker to take over. Mr Tayari, a staunch ally of President Ruto was defeated in the August General Election by his predecessor Samuel Gonzi Rai who made a comeback through Pamoja African Alliance (PAA). The lawmaker also applied for Principal Secretary job and despite being shortlisted, he did
Karua: IEBC must open servers to settle presidential results doubt
Azimio La Umoja- One Kenya Coalition Party co-principal Martha Karua insists that opening of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers is the only way to put to rest allegations that last year’s presidential election results were not manipulated in favour of President William Ruto. In a series of tweets, Karua who was the coalition party’s running mate affirmed that time is ripe for Kenyans to know what really transpired during the vote tallying period and events that led to the declaration of Ruto as the eventual winner of the presidential contest. Karua’s remarks come ahead of major rally
Arsenal beat Man Utd to make Premier League title statement
Arsenal made a huge statement of their Premier League title intent on Sunday, roaring back from behind to beat in-form Manchester United 3-2 in front of a raucous Emirates crowd. Eddie Nketiah scored the winner in the 90th minute of a pulsating encounter to spark wild celebrations, as Mikel Arteta’s men restored their five-point lead at the top of the table. Earlier, Nketiah had cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s opening goal for United before England forward Bukayo Saka turned the match on its head with a wonderful strike from distance. The visitors, dangerous on the break, levelled when Argentine defender Lisandro
Haaland scores hat-trick as Man City tame Wolves
Erling Haaland’s fourth hat-trick in 19 Premier League appearances hauled Manchester City to within two points of leaders Arsenal with a 3-0 win over Wolves on Sunday. Pep Guardiola got the reaction he was hoping for from the English champions after questioning their hunger to retain the title after Thursday’s 4-2 win over Tottenham. The hosts had to come from 2-0 down in a dramatic second half against Spurs, but there was little mystery over the destination of the three points once Haaland had broken Wolves’ resistance five minutes before half-time. Haaland’s scoring rate has slowed marginally in recent weeks,
Kipchoge, Chepng’etich win 2022 SOYA award
It was another night to remember during the 19th edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (Soya) gala Friday night at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi where 1,500metres queen Faith Chepng’etich warded off stiff competition to retain the Sportswoman of the year crown. Marathon great Eliud Kipchoge reclaimed the Sportsman of the year he had lost to sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala last year. Chepngetich, who won the 2021 title in Kakamega, recaptured the world 1,500m she had lost to Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan in 2019 by clocking three minutes and 52.96 seconds in Eugene on July 18. She
Volleyball: Kenya Pipeline crowned league champions
Kenya Pipeline came from a set down to reclaim the Kenya Volleyball Federation National women’s league title after a deserved 3-1(18-25,25-22,25-19,26-24 ) win against KCB at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Indoor Arena on Sunday. Pipeline last won the title in 2017 at the Makande indoor Arena in Mombasa. With the win, Pipeline have booked an automatic ticket to this year’s African Clubs Championship alongside KCB who finished second at the end of Sunday’s play-offs. In the final match of the three-day event, both teams retained their squads that had won their first two matches against Directorate of Criminal
Volleyball: New champion expected as KCB set up exciting title-decider with Pipeline
The wheat will be separated from the chaff on Sunday when former champions Kenya Pipeline battle African Clubs champions KCB Women’s Volleyball Team for the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League title at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani indoor Arena. Pipeline and KCB head into Sunday’s match with unbeaten record having won two of their opening matches against defending champions Kenya Prisons and impressive Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). But Pipeline have an upper hand considering they have six points while KCB have five points. To set up the decider, KCB – who had laboured to see off DCI 3-2 in
Shujaa drop to Challenge Trophy at Hamilton Sevens
There was no reprieve for Kenya Sevens as they lost all their preliminary matches to drop to the Challenge Trophy at the Hamilton Sevens in New Zealand on Saturday. They will now meet Canada in the Challenge Trophy quarter-finals also known as the quarter-finals for ninth place late Saturday. Kenya Sevens slumped to a 31-75 defeat at the hands of Samoa, the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series leaders, went down to Fiji 21-7 before losing to France 26-21 in their Pool “A” outing. Tony Omondi scored Kenya’s only try when they held Samoa 5-5 at the break but the Cape
Kenya Sevens finish 10th in Hamilton
Kenya Sevens Sunday collected seven points after finishing 10th at Hamilton Sevens- their best performance so far at the ongoing 2022/2023 World Rugby Sevens Series. Shujaa lost to Cape Town Sevens champions Samoa 26-5 in the Challenge Trophy final at the Waikato Stadium in New Zealand. Alvin “Buffa” Otieno put Kenya ahead with a try, but Vaa Apelu Maliko’s brace of tries put Samoa 12-5 ahead at the break before further tries by Motu Opetai and Owen Niue put away the duel. It was the second time Kenya was losing to Samoa after they went down 31-5 in the pool stage
Kibathi, Sang crowned national junior cross country champions
Japan-based Samuel Kibathi and Mercy Sang from the University of Nairobi are the winners of men and women’s Under-20 National Lotto National Cross Country Championships. Kibathi, who finished second last year in Eldoret, had his act together this time around to win the men’s 8 kilometre race in 23 minutes and 12.2 seconds at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College, Ruiru, Kiambu on Saturday. Kibathi took charge early sweeping the course to edge out Simeon Maiywa from North Rift to second place in 23:25.4. Shadrack Rono from South Rift came third in 23:32.7 as Western’s Kibet Ndiwa settled fourth in
Chepng’etich wins maiden national cross country title
Kenya Prisons champion Ruth Chepng’etich is the new Lotto National Cross Country Championships women’s champion. Chepng’etich, the 2019 world marathon champion, sealed her maiden National Cross Country title when she swept the course from gun-to-tape, winning in 32 minutes and 56.4 seconds at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College, Ruiru, Kiambu on Saturday. Chepng’etich edged out Sheila Chepkirui from Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to second place by three seconds as 2021 World Under-20 3,000m champion, Zenah Jemutai from North Rift clocked 33:06.5 for third place. The 2018 champion Stacy Ndiwa from from Police finished fourth in 33:06.9. Dorcas Cherop from Nairobi settled
FKF-PL Police two good for Rangers, Bidco hold Homeboyz
Kenya Police Thursday beat Posta Rangers 2-0 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Annex to continue their resurgence in Football Kenya Federation Premier League. In a late kick-off at the same venue, Bidco United held visiting Kakamega Homeboyz to a 1-1 draw. In the first clash, Kenya Police goal poacher Elvis Rupia bagged a brace as the law enforcers stretched their unbeaten run to six matches. The burly forward scored through a header in the 15th minute after connecting to Yusuf Mainge’s cross from the right. The former AFC Leopards striker added the second from the spot in the
Tanzanian football league the top destination for Kenyan women
The number of Kenyan female footballers who have dumped the Kenya Women Premier League for foreign leagues hit an all-time high towards end of last year, raising concern about the state of women’s football back home. Top on the list are striker Jentrix Shikangwa (formerly of Vihiga Queens and Turkish club Satih Karagumruk and currently at Tanzanian club Simba Queens), striker Topister Situma (formerly of Vihiga Queens, now at Simba Queens), midfielder Cynthia Shilwatso (formerly of Vihiga Queens and Spanish club Logrono and currently at Fountain Gate Princess in Tanzania), midfielder Corazone Aquino (formerly of Gaspo women and currently at
FKF-PL: High flying Nzoia face stern Police test
Leaders Nzoia Sugar hope to continue their fine run when they face resurgent Kenya Police at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday in the highlight match of Football Kenya Federation Premier League this weekend. Eight other matches will be staged at different venues on Sunday as the league enters Round 11. Struggling defending champions Tusker visit Sofapaka at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Annex while under fire Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry leads his troops to Moi Stadium in Kisumu to face Vihiga Bullets. Second-placed KCB who are joint top with Nzoia Sugar on 21 points but have an inferior goal
Cost of living to hit African nations harder than rich ones
Africa will continue to suffer a tough year as cost of living soars despite positive signs on inflation, a result of a high import bill and low wages. In many African countries, headline inflation appears to have peaked last year and is already decelerating, but situations unique to developing and low-income nations in Africa, especially, might continue to affect livelihoods for the rest of the year, pundits gathered at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, said this week. War and conflict For instance, food expenditures gobble up a higher proportion of household incomes in the developing world compared
Headache for East African education managers as schools open
Schools in East Africa are going into the new terms this year with a continual headache of finding resources to ensure affordable schooling. From Tanzania to Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, the thread of insufficient learning materials, teachers, overcrowding and confusion over the fees charged is going to dominate the early weeks of the new term. In Kenya, President William Ruto is facing the first test of his credentials as the first full academic year under his tenure begins on January 24, with a focus on implementation of his ambitious school reforms that experts estimate will cost at least Ksh635 billion
Burkina Faso wants French troops out: State news agency
Burkina Faso’s military regime told France it wants its troops stationed in the country to leave within a month, the state news agency AIB reported on Saturday. “The Burkinabe government last Wednesday denounced the accord which has governed, since 2018, the presence of French armed forces on its territory,” AIB said, adding that authorities had given France a month to complete its pull-out. A source close to the government clarified it was “not the severance of relations with France. The notification only concerns military cooperation agreements”. France has 400 special forces soldiers stationed in junta-ruled Burkina to battle an Islamist
If Pregnant, Get checked to prevent No 1 killer disease
Health experts are encouraging pregnant women to go for regular screening to enable early detection of preeclampsia, one of the leading causes of death in pregnancy. Dr Kireki Omanwa, an obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Nairobi, explained that the disease is more prevalent in women in the age brackets of 16-22 years, and those above 40 years. The disease presents at around 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is characterised by high blood pressure, generalised swelling of the body, and clotting in the urine. “This is why we encourage all women who get pregnant to start their Antenatal Clinic
Tanzania opposition holds first rally since ban lifted
Tanzania’s main opposition party held Saturday its first mass rally since the lifting of a ban imposed in 2016, raising hopes the government is committed to increased political freedom in the East African nation. “It was not easy after those seven years of banning political meetings,” the director for communications and foreign affairs for the Chadema party, Jon Mrema, told cheering supporters. Thousands of Chadema supporters gathered at the Furahisha grounds in the lakeside city of Mwanza, draped in the party’s blue, red and white colors. “We have been silent for almost seven years but finally, our right is restored,
Gabon Foreign Minister Michael Adamo dies while attending cabinet meeting
Gabon’s Foreign Minister Michael Moussa Adamo is dead. Mr Adamo died of a heart attack Friday as he waited to attend a Cabinet meeting in Libreville, sources said. President Ali Bongo Ondimba confirmed Mr Adamo’s death in a tweet. He described Mr Adamo as a great diplomat and veritable statesman. “To me, he was firstly a friend, loyal and faithful, whom I have always been able to count on. It’s a huge loss for Gabon,” Bongo said on Friday. Moussa Adamo, 62, a long-standing ally of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, suffered a heart attack and died “despite efforts by specialists”
Raila to hold a public rally at the Kamukunji Grounds on Monday
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga has announced that he will hold a rally at the Kamukunji Grounds, when he jets back into the country on Monday, January 23. Odinga has been in South Africa since January 13, where he held meetings as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. He also held meetings with government leaders, NGOs and business leaders. In a statement to newsrooms on Saturday, January 21, his spokesperson Dennis Onyango said that Odinga is expected to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 11 am Monday. He will thereafter go to
Surprise as school in Nyamira has mean score spike from 5.7 to 9 in nine months
Schools from Kisii and Nyamira counties posted stellar results in the just-released 2022 KCSE exam results, flooring the traditional academic giants in Kenya. For instance, Rigoko Day Secondary School in Borabu Constituency, Nyamira County had a meteoric rise in its 2022 KCSE performance compared to its 2021 KCSE results. In the 2021 KCSE, which was held between February and March, 2022, the school posted a mean score of 5.728 (C plain). In the subsequent 2022 KCSE exam, which was held nine months later – between November and December 2022 – the school posted a mean score of 9.0 (B plain).
I quit my lucrative job for farming and I have no regrets
As world leaders and climate change experts converged in Egypt last year for the Climate Change Conference (COP27), already there were young people making their contribution to save the planet. One of them was Caroline Mukuhi Mwangi, founder of Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries ltd, a company based in Ruiru, Kiambu County, and which specialises in horticultural crops and fruit seedlings raising and propagation. Caroline was one of the 2021 YouthAdapt winners from the continent who were awarded at the conference last year, in which she emerged second, among ten contestants. Her company operates from two greenhouses in Ruiru and nine
Student who quit university with B minus in 2016 KCSE scores A plain in 2022
Coming from a humble background and learning in an extra county school did not stand in Kevin Ontinta’s ambition to bag the top grade in KCSE. Ontinta was among 1,146 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) who scored an A plain. The student once enrolled in university scoring 82 points at Igonga Secondary School in Bonchari, Kisii County, where he sat for the exam in 2022. Despite the challenges of anyone coming from a humble and struggling family, Ontinta who is the first born in a family of eight first sat for his KCSE in 2016 and scored a B
Bayern held 1-1 at RB Leipzig on Bundesliga restart
A second-half equaliser from RB Leipzig defender Marcel Halstenberg helped RB Leipzig hold Bayern Munich to a 1-1 home draw on Friday in the first Bundesliga match since the winter break. Bayern looked on course for their seventh straight Bundesliga win after striker Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting scored in the 37th minute, but Halstenberg levelled in the 52nd minute. Veteran Bayern forward Thomas Mueller had a chance to win the match in injury time with a shot from point blank range, but dragged his effort just wide. A combination of rustiness after a ten-week break and sub-zero temperatures meant both sides struggled
Ten Hag respects Arsenal but backs Man Utd to ruffle leaders
Erik ten Hag knows there is nothing lucky about Arsenal’s unexpected surge to the top of the Premier League, but he believes Manchester United can derail the leaders’ title aspirations on Sunday. Arsenal have emerged as surprise title favourites and sit five points clear of second placed Manchester City heading into this weekend’s clash with United at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side finished fifth last season, but they are in pole position to land their first Premier League title since 2004 after winning 15 of their 18 league games this term. While some pundits believe Arsenal will eventually crumble
Arsenal seal swoop for Brighton forward Trossard
Mikel Arteta expects Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard to make an immediate impact after the Belgium forward signed from Brighton for a reported £27 million ($33 million) on Friday. Trossard agreed a “long-term” contract as Arsenal bolstered their attacking options in their bid to win the title for the first time since 2004. The 28-year-old could make his debut for Arteta’s side, who are five points clear at the top, in Sunday’s crucial clash against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Asked about Trossard’s proven Premier League pedigree, Arteta told reporters: “It’s very important. We have to think short-term, but as
12-million-year-old whale fossil skull found in Maryland
A whale skull fossil estimated to be some 12 million years old has been found on a beach in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, according to a local museum. The discovery was made in October by a Pennsylvania man, Cody Goddard, who was searching for fossils and shark’s teeth, the Calvert Marine Museum said in a statement. “It felt like we had won the World Cup of Paleontology!” said Stephen Godfrey, curator of paleontology at the museum in the eastern US state. “We don’t yet know what species of Miocene baleen whale this is,” he said. “That we will only
Plastic pirouettes: Japan’s recycled bottle ballet
The dancers’ futuristic headgear glints under the lights at a top ballet show, but just two months ago their plastic costumes were sticky bottles tossed into a Tokyo recycling bin. “Plastic”, a new production by renowned Japanese company K-BALLET, aims to draw attention to a global pollution crisis through some unusual set and wardrobe design. Tutus made from used bubble wrap, four huge recycled bottle walls and 100 transparent umbrellas left behind in the Japanese capital all feature in the performance, which drew a full house to its first short run in Yokohama. Resembling space-age creatures with hand-cleaned PET bottles
Elon Musk takes stand in Tesla tweet fraud trial
Tesla CEO Elon Musk took the stand in a California fraud trial on Friday, accused of lying in tweets about taking the auto company private, punishing investors. Musk was called to testify by lawyers for angry investors who accuse him of costing them millions of dollars in 2018 with untrue tweets about having funding secured to buy out shareholders at $420 a share. The multi-billionaire’s tweets sent the Tesla share price on a rollercoaster ride and Musk was sued by shareholders who say the tycoon acted recklessly in an effort to squeeze investors who had bet against the company. Musk,
Why it’s difficult to know the best 2022 KCSE student in the country
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu on Friday, January 20 released the 2022 KCSE results without revealing the identity of the best student in the country or the school that he or she studied at. There were 1,146 students out of 881,416 candidates who scored the Mean Grade of A (plain). Boys dominated the A (plain) category with 875. Girls were 271. Grade A (plain) starts from 81 points to 84 points, which is the maximum. The students usually sit a minimum of seven subjects, with each subject attracting a maximum of 12 points (A plain). Grade A in the
Gusii leaders, CSs in deal to finish stalled projects
A delegation from Gusii region’s 13 constituencies has been meeting various Cabinet Secretaries and other senior government officials. The consultative meetings, they say are aimed at addressing various pertinent issues in the region in a renewed working unity among the region’s leaders. In the past two weeks, the leaders – governors, Senators, and MPs – have been meeting in Nairobi to deliberate on the region’s development agenda. The meetings are being held after years of disunity and disagreement among the region’s leaders that have seen several development projects stalled. Several projects in Gusii region remain incomplete; road projects, Suneka Airstrip, and other unfulfilled development
Google announces 12,000 job cuts
Google’s parent company Alphabet announced about 12,000 job cuts globally on Friday citing a changing “economic reality”, becoming the latest US tech giant to enact large-scale restructuring. The layoffs come a day after Microsoft said it would reduce staff numbers by 10,000 in the coming months, following similar cuts by Facebook owner Meta, Amazon and Twitter as the previously unassailable tech sector battles a major economic downturn. “Over the past two years we’ve seen periods of dramatic growth. To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said
Spurs are defending like a ‘relegation team’: Conte
Antonio Conte admits Tottenham are defending like a “relegation team” as they lose ground in the race to finish in the Premier League’s top four. Conte’s side crashed to a second successive defeat on Thursday after blowing a two-goal lead in their 4-2 defeat at Manchester City. Fifth-placed Tottenham have conceded 21 goals in their past 10 league matches, with that leaky defence a significant factor in a damaging run of just one win in their past five games. Tottenham’s defensive frailties were on full display at the Etihad Stadium as mistakes from Hugo Lloris and Clement Lenglet contributed to
Ukraine pleads for tanks to ‘stop evil’ at US-led donor meeting
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday urged Western allies to deliver tanks to Ukraine at a key defence conference in Germany, although the Kremlin denied the weapons would change anything on the battlefield. Addressing the US-hosted donor meeting at the Ramstein Air Base, Zelensky implored Western allies to “speed up” arms deliveries in the face of the Russian onslaught. Partners needed “not to bargain about different numbers of tanks but to open that principal supply that will stop evil”, the Ukrainian leader said. Make the meeting a “Ramstein of tanks”, Zelensky said, calling for future gatherings to “go down in history
Murkomen fires half of KPA board, appoints new members
Just days after Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revoked the appointment of Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana as the chair of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) board replacing him with former Kinango Member of Parliament Benjamin Tayari the axe has now fallen on the board members. On Friday, Murkomen, revoked the appointment of five members and replaced them with new appointments. “This appointment revokes the previous appointments of Lydia Yator, Stephen Gichuhi Gichohi, Conrad Thorpe, Farida Abdalla Sud, and Nilfat Kassim Ali,” read the Gazette notice dated January 20, 2023. “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 (f) of the
Households to pay for NHIF in planned changes to fund
The government is changing the contribution model to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) from individual to household-based, the National Treasury has said. This is part of making universal health coverage a reality, says Treasury. Treasury says the planned new model will restructure NHIF into a social insurance scheme and in turn ease medical burden on Kenyans by focusing on households rather than individuals Treasury says in the draft 2023 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) that in its current state, NHIF had locked out many Kenyans who are forced to pay cash whenever they seek health services. Many households, it says, had been
Machogu releases 2022 KCSE exam results
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu Friday released the 2022 Form Four national exam results. Prof Machogu announced the outcome to the public after meeting and briefing President Ruto at State House in Nairobi. The Education minister announced that 173,345 candidates scored C+ and above. A total of 1,146 candidates scored grade A. The standard
Bank dollar market rate hits record Sh134 on high demand
Retail dollar buyers are paying up to Sh134 per unit in Kenyan banking halls as the demand for the greenback continues to surge. This is as the margin between the US dollar’s printed rate by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the market rate for customers quoted by banks and foreign exchange bureaus continues to widen. Several large banks are now selling the dollar at between Sh133 and Sh134 per unit, while buying the same at between Sh118 and Sh123, with bankers and forex bureaus saying the higher prices have been driven by demand and the cost of accessing the hard currency on their part. The official shilling-dollar exchange rate published by the Central Bank of
Kibera residents pack their belongings and head back upcountry never to come back
At Gatwekera village in Kibra slums, Celine Adhiambo Otieno yesterday looked back at the house she has called her home since the 1970s for one final time. A single-room mudhouse, her home sat along a stinking stream of sewage and plastic on one side, another sewer ditch right at her doorstep, and a long dark muddy corridor to lead her out into the streets. With no grandchildren to chase around, she heads to Ugenya to her husband’s family, still standing tall, but beaten by life, which snatched all her children before they were born and finally snatched her husband in
Man who died alongside ‘girlfriend’ in Juja dam car plunge identified
The man who died on Tuesday, January 17 at Titanic Dam in Juja, Kiambu County alongside a woman said to be his girlfriend has been identified as Tairus Maina Gikonyo. Gikonyo was 43 years old, and the managing partner of a Kenyan company called Hardrock Engineering that deals in kokoto (ballast), details disclosed at the Juja Police Station on Wednesday say. Two women have since showed up at the City Mortuary in Nairobi County, where Gikonyo’s body is preserved, to claim he was their spouse. The deceased’s brother positively identified him on Wednesday, January 18, The Standard understands. The Nissan X-Trail that he was
KQ crisis: National Treasury to end Kenya Airways bailouts by December 2023
The government is pledging to develop a financing plan that will see it stop using taxpayers’ money to support the operations of the loss-making Kenya Airways (KQ) by the end of December 2023. National Treasury has disclosed the plan, without giving details, in the draft 2023 Budget Policy Statement released Wednesday evening. “To support the aviation industry, the government will develop a turnaround strategy for Kenya Airways,” said Treasury in the document. Related “A critical plank of this strategy will be a financing plan that does not depend on operational support from the exchequer beyond December 2023.” The plan, if
Tensions rise as thousands of protesters expected in Peru capital
Lima was on edge Thursday as thousands of protesters were expected in Peru’s capital for an anti-government rally following weeks of unrest that have left 44 people dead. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, the dissolution of parliament and immediate fresh elections. Police said they were on “maximum alert” and have deployed 11,800 officers in Lima ahead of expected trouble. Two demonstrators died after clashes with police in the country’s south on Wednesday, bringing the death toll from the protests to 44, according to Peru’s human rights ombudsman. The South American country has been rocked by more
Senate approves IEBC Amendment Bill on commission selection panel
(Amendment), Bill 2022 was supported by 28 senators against 7 after the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee Chairperson Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei withdrew all proposed amendments. In the Bill moved by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho Senator) during the special senate sitting on January 19, the senators supported changes to the composition of the selection panel. The Bill proposes to have the Parliamentary Service Commission nominate one man and one woman and the Inter-Religious Council two slots. The Public Service Commission, Political Parties Liaison Committee and the Law Society of Kenya will each nominate one person
Oxfam: Uhuru Kenyatta family, four others richer than 22M people combined
Kenya’s top four richest individuals have more wealth than nearly half of the population, a new report by the global movement on alleviation of poverty, Oxfam, has revealed. Oxfam says the four super-rich persons — who have not been named — have a combined wealth of Sh333 billion, which is more than what 22 million poorest Kenyans (the bottom 40 per cent) own. A different Oxfam report in January last year listed Samir Naushad Merali, Bhimji Depar Shah, Jaswinder Singh Bedi and former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family as the top four richest in the country, with a combined wealth of
Methodist Church of Kenya: Inside the fight for Sh500bn congregation
For the last 10 years, the Methodist Church in Kenya has been an arena of intense power play, unending court battles and a game of wits. Tellingly, disclosures by lawyers have it that the church owns properties valued over Sh500 billion across the country. It all started with the controversial election of Reverend Joseph Ntombura as the presiding bishop in August 2012. With backing from the then presiding bishop Rev Stephen Kanyaru, Ntombura trounced the only competitor Rev Isaya Deye who also served as the conference secretary. At the time, Rev Deye was seen as the most likely successor of Rev
Azimio: Why we didn’t take poll results evidence to Supreme Court
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya maintains that their candidate, Raila Odinga, won the August 9, 2022 presidential election with a big margin. Addressing journalists at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (SKM) Command Centre in Nairobi on Thursday, January 19, the Azimio principals said they did not have the “valid” results when they filed their petition at the Supreme Court challenging President William Ruto’s victory. The team, led by Wiper Party Kalonzo Musyoka, said Odinga got 8.1 million votes while Ruto got 5.9 million votes in the recent election. Official results by the IEBC indicated Ruto won with 7.18 million of the votes
KCSE 2022 results to be released tomorrow ahead of schools re-opening
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu is expected to release the 2022 Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education exam results on Friday January 20. Machogu is expected to announce the results at the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) offices after reports indicated that marking of the papers had ended. The 2022 national tests were administered between February 28 and April 1, 2022. KNEC administered the KCSE exam to some 884,263 learners who sat the tests last year. Out of this, 420,845 were female while 405,962 were male. This compares to some 826,807 candidates who sat the examinations the previous year. It is
Puzzle of armed robber who fell in love with his victim
A breach of code by a member of an armed gang of robbers led to a botched robbery operation in Bahati, Nakuru County after the robber fell in love with one of his victims five years ago. Witness accounts and analysis by the judge in the conviction of three robbery with violence suspects has revealed how one robber Kevin Matundura developed romantic feelings towards one of his victims during their 8 hours terror at a home. Matundura’s feelings towards the victim, a house help in the home, which was under their siege, proved too costly for his gang members after it
Man admits to killing Karatina University girlfriend found dead in his home
A security guard suspected of killing a Karatina University student he was dating has pleaded guilty to her murder. Mr Ezra Kipkemei Kemboi, who appeared before Justice Theresia Matheka in Nakuru, pleaded guilty to killing Ms Phyllis Jepleting Jeruto on diverse dates between December 26 and December 31 at Naka area, Nakuru Town. The suspect maintained his plea despite being informed by the court of the magnitude of punishment that a murder charge attracts. The judge, however, noted that his psychiatric report indicated that Mr Kipkemei had experienced bouts of depression and thus ordered the officer in charge of Nakuru GK prison
Death in Juja dam: Married man, mysterious woman and car in water
It was supposed to be a fine Tuesday evening where a married man had taken his secret lover to the outskirts of Thika town away from the public eye, 19 kilometres from his matrimonial home in Kiambu County. The choice of venue was both scenic and strategic. An open area with a serene dam in Juja. It is an area that has become popular with lovers who carry soft drinks or liquor to imbibe as they enjoy views of the killer dam. RELATED Here, lovers, some illicit, discuss what love and lust has to offer. A visit to the area by Nation reveals a fun spot beloved by many: there are beer bottles strewn
Five ways mobile banking can help you manage your money better in 2023
Mobile banking apps are the current boom. In Kenya, thirty percent of the most used apps are mobile banking and loan apps. The number of registered mobile money accounts has already surpassed the population of Kenya, estimated at 50.9 million accounts in 2022. Banks such as Cooperative Bank have become key players in the mobile banking industry. This helps customers carry out financial transactions using their mobile phones via the MCo-opCash app. Five reasons for the switch to mobile banking apps Since consumers take their smartphones virtually everywhere, a mobile banking app helps them quickly and conveniently take care of
Alarm as report shows at least 18% of Kenyan children have stunted growth
Eighteen in every 100 Kenyan children are stunted, underlining the challenge of inadequate access to a healthy and balanced diet being faced by many households. This is according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey published on Tuesday. The report released by the Kenya National Bureau of statistics (KNBS) reveals stunting is higher among children in rural areas at 20 per cent compared to children in urban areas (12 per cent). Stunting is defined as low height-for-age and is measured by comparing the height of a child against the international benchmark for a child of the same age. It is caused
Rachel Ruto: First Lady gets wish on Jill Biden visit to Kenya
The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, will visit Kenya in the “next month or so”, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs (CS) Alfred Mutua has said. According to Mutua, Jill, the wife of President Joe Biden, will come to Kenya in February or March to honour an invitation by Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto. Rachel extended an invitation to Jill on December 15, 2022, when the American first family hosted their Kenyan counterparts at the White House in Washington DC. President Ruto and his spouse were in the foreign nation’s capital for the US-Africa leadership summit. “The
Girl disappointed after being called to join Pangani Girls’ High School
A top KCPE performer from Kisii County is disappointed after she was called to join Pangani Girls’ High School, a national public school in Nairobi County. The girl, 14, who sat her national exams at a primary school in Homa Bay County, scored 409 marks out of the possible 500 in the 2022 KCPE exam. The girl, whom we’ll conceal her identity to protect her from possible bullying, says she only wants to join the Kenya High School. She said she chose the Kenya High School as her first choice, but failed to secure placement in circumstances she’s yet to
Kitui senator barred from addressing House remotely over ‘inappropriate’ dressing
The Senator of Kitui County Enoch Wambua was on Thursday, January 19 barred from addressing fellow senators remotely over what Speaker Amason Kingi termed inappropriate dressing. Wambua, who addressed the House via Zoom, had switched off his camera, but was asked to turn it on by Speaker Kingi. “You may not be able to proceed before you put your camera on because we need to know your location and how you’re dressed,” Kingi told the lawmaker. When he switched on his camera, Wambua was seen dressed in a red jacket that has the Kenyan flag drawn on it. “Your dressing
Egerton University to sack lecturers, scrap five degree courses
Egerton University has announced a plan to sack lecturers and scrap five-degree courses in the latest restructuring move. Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage said the move will also play a key role in enhancing financial stability of the institution while countering risks, such as frequent strikes. In a session with journalists, Kibwage said the institution had issued a notice to declare some of the positions redundant to cut the wage bill. This includes scrapping some degree courses that have failed to attract enough students to sustain them despite having hired lecturers for them. “We have so far identified five degree
Bumula MP Wamboka vows to table motion to impeach Gachagua
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka has vowed to table an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for alleged gross violation of the Constitution. Speaking during a sports event in Lugari constituency today, the MP said Parliament’s long recess had delayed his plans to send the DP home for “unpresidential” conduct. “We (MPs) will be back in Parliament soon and that means I will be embarking on the final process of drafting the impeachment motion against the DP for his uncouth behaviour and conduct,” he said. Parliament will resume on February 13 from recess that started on December 2 last year. “I
Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kisang officially sworn into office
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kipkemoi Kisang has been duly sworn-in following his win in the recent by-election. Kisang who was sworn-in during the Senate special sitting pledged to do his best to deliver to his constituents. The seat fell vacant after the former holder Kipchumba Murkomen was appointed to Cabinet by President William Ruto as the Transport Cabinet Secretary. “There are many things and pledges that I made to the people of Elgeyo Marakwet and I want to promise that I will fill up the shoes of CS Murkomen. The shoes he wore here were big and I want to
Zim v Ireland ODI: Madande stars in final ball to give hosts thrilling win on DLS method
Clive Madande hit a four off the final ball to give Zimbabwe a dramatic three-wicket win on the DLS method in a thrilling opening one-day international against Ireland in Harare. Chasing down the visitors’ 288-4, the hosts went into the final over needing 13 runs to win before Madande’s victory-clinching boundary. Rain delayed the match with 18 overs of Zimbabwe’s innings remaining. Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie hit 121 runs before retiring injured. Wednesday’s encounter was the first match of a three-game ODI series in Zimbabwe, with the sides meeting again on Saturday. Zimbabwe won a T20 series between the teams
India v N Zealand: Shubman Gill hits double century as hosts win first ODI
Shubman Gill hit a fine double century as India beat New Zealand by 12 runs in a thriller in Hyderabad. Opener Gill smashed 19 fours and nine sixes in his innings of 208 from 149 balls, reaching his 200 with three successive sixes off Lockie Ferguson. New Zealand looked out of the contest when they slipped to 131-6, but Michael Bracewell clubbed 140 off 78 balls. Just as it looked like the tourists might pull off an unlikely win, Mohammed Siraj took two quick wickets. Siraj finished with 4-46, including the wicket of Mitchell Santner, who shared 162 for the
Ten Hag defends Casemiro decision as Man Utd star misses Arsenal game
Erik ten Hag claimed he was right to start Casemiro in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday even though the midfielder picked up a booking that rules him out of Sunday’s showdown with Arsenal. Casemiro will serve a one-match ban following his fifth yellow card this term, for chopping down Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in the 80th minute. United looked poised to move into second spot in the Premier League after Bruno Fernandes fired in the opener late in the first half, but Michael Olise’s stoppage-time free-kick denied the visitors. Casemiro’s booking is a major blow to third
Nadal sidelined for six to eight weeks with injury
Rafael Nadal said Thursday he will be out for up to eight weeks after suffering a left hip flexor injury during his shock second-round exit from the Australian Open. The 36-year-old world number two wrote on Twitter that scans showed a moderate muscle tear. It will not require surgery. It is just the latest injury to blight the career of the 22-time Grand Slam champion from Spain. “I have carried out medical tests after the defeat yesterday,” he tweeted, adding that they showed “a grade-two lesion in the iliacus psoas of the left leg”. “Normal recovery time six to eight
Bird statue fetches $100,000 as Musk auctions Twitter HQ items
A Twitter bird statue fetched $100,000 on Wednesday as Elon Musk auctioned off furniture, decorations, kitchen equipment and more from the tech firm’s downtown San Francisco headquarters. An online auction of “surplus corporate office assets of Twitter” that lasted slightly more than 24 hours also featured a 10-foot neon light in the shape of Twitter’s bird logo, which brought in a winning bid of $40,000, Heritage Global Partners auction service confirmed. Among the 631 lots were espresso machines, ergonomically correct desks, televisions, bicycle-powered charging stations, pizza ovens and a decorative planter shaped like an “@” sign. Musk in December said
Asian markets mixed after Wall St tumble as recession fears return
Markets were mixed Thursday while oil prices fell and the dollar weakened after disappointing US data renewed worries about a recession in the world’s biggest economy. The optimism that has flowed through trading floors since the start of the year took a knock this week as concern about inflation and rising interest rates are replaced by growth fears and their impact on company profits. The downbeat mood offset hopes that China’s economy will enjoy a strong recovery this year — having suffered its worst annual growth in 46 years in 2022 — as it moves away from its zero-Covid policy.
Dzeko inspires Inter to convincing Super Cup triumph over AC Milan
Inter Milan retained the Italian Super Cup on Wednesday after Edin Dzeko inspired his team to a 3-0 victory over local rivals AC Milan. The damage was done in the opening 21 minutes in Riyadh thanks to Dzeko, who played a defence-splitting pass for Federico Dimarco’s 10th-minute opener and doubled Inter’s lead 11 minutes later. Lautaro Martinez then added a brilliantly taken third in the 77th minute to underline Inter’s superiority on a night in which Milan simply didn’t show up. Inter claim the Italian season’s first trophy as they did last year when they beat Juventus. “We put in
Olise’s wonder-strike forces Man Utd to settle for Palace draw
Manchester United’s winning run came to an end as Michael Olise’s superb stoppage-time free-kick rescued a 1-1 draw for Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Erik ten Hag’s side led through Bruno Fernandes’ first half strike at Selhurst Park as they looked to record their longest winning streak in 14 years. But Olise halted United’s run at nine successive victories in all competitions when he smashed a breathtaking set-piece past David de Gea in the final seconds. It was a major blow for United, who had hoped to climb to second place in the Premier League and put pressure on leaders Arsenal
Jury hears Elon Musk told ‘lies’ that cost Tesla investors millions
A lawyer for angry Tesla investors told a California courtroom on Wednesday that CEO Elon Musk “lied” about having funding in place to take the company private, costing his clients millions of dollars. More than four years after firing off tweets saying he had funding secured to buy the electric car maker at $420 a share, investors who felt burned by the misleading statements began to make their case in the San Francisco court. The tweets in the summer of 2018 sent the Tesla share price on a rollercoaster ride and Musk was sued by shareholders who say the tycoon
Powerful Leopard: German tank long sought by Ukraine
The Leopard, the powerful battle tank sought by Kyiv to push forward against Moscow, could have a “significant” impact. But Ukrainian troops would need to be quickly trained up to use the sometimes complex equipment, and it would also need to be maintained. While European allies have sent Ukraine hundreds of modernised Soviet tanks since Russia’s invasion, Kyiv has pleaded for the more advanced Western armaments to boost its fightback against Moscow. The German-made Leopard 2 is seen as one of the best-performing models worldwide and is widely used across Europe, meaning spare parts and ammunition could be easily sourced.
Human trafficking: Man convicted after BBC probe into people trafficking
A man at the centre of a BBC Africa Eye investigation has been found guilty of trafficking disabled people in Kenya, and ordered to pay a fine of 30,000,000 Kenyan shillings ($242,000; £196,000) or face 30 years in prison. Last June, a BBC undercover investigation exposed a human trafficking network smuggling disabled children from Tanzania to Kenya. Many were taken from their parents with the promise of a better life. Instead, the children were forced to beg on the streets – often for years – while their captors took all of the profits. Some of the victims alleged they were beaten
Ruslan Obiang Nsue: Equatorial Guinea president’s son arrested over plane’s sale
Equatorial Guinea’s vice-president personally ordered the arrest of his half-brother over allegations he sold a plane owned by the state airline, a government statement says. Both the vice-president and his half-brother are sons of President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. He is the world’s longest-serving president after 43 years in power. Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue “expressed indignation” over the sale, the statement said. Ruslan Obiang Nsue, a former director of the Ceiba International airline, sold the ATR72-500 without the approval of the company’s board to a Spanish company, authorities say. It is also alleged he pocketed the proceeds of the
General elections 2022: Kioni unearths ‘dossier’ pointing to Raila win
Former Ndarangua lawmaker Jeremiah Kioni sensationally claimed on Wednesday Azimio presidential candidate won last year’s presidential race despite lacking evidence to support his claim. Kioni who is Secretary General of the former ruling party Jubilee, a constituent member of Azimio, said Raila Odinga won with 8,170,355 votes. He cited an unverified whistleblower report which purported to outline how rigging and manipulation was done to overturn the will of the people. Kioni stated that there were discrepancies between the verified presidential results from 144 constituencies and those declared at the Bomas of Kenya by the electoral commission. He claimed President William
Football rules board rejects Premier League temporary concussion substitute trial
A proposed trial of temporary concussion substitutes in next season’s Premier League has been rejected by football’s lawmakers, according to English Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) met at Wembley on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of a trial, after a request from world players’ union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Forum to test the protocol in the Premier League, France’s Ligue 1 and Major League Soccer in the United States. A trial of permanent concussion substitutes is to continue indefinitely. But brain injury campaigners believe having the additional option of temporary concussion substitutes,
Scotland star Hogg’s heel injury ‘improving’ ahead of Six Nations
Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg is expected to be fit for the upcoming Six Nations despite a heel injury, his club Exeter’s director of rugby said on Wednesday. Hogg has missed English side Exeter’s last three matches, including a Champions Cup fixture away to South Africa’s Bulls last weekend. Exeter rugby director Rob Baxter, however, believes the 30-year-old, a veteran of 96 Tests for Scotland, could be fit in time for the Six Nations. Scotland begin the tournament away to England at Twickenham on February 4 before welcoming Wales to Murrayfield a week later. “The heel is improving,” Baxter said. “We
UN chief slams oil firms for ‘big lie’ on global warming
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres skewered oil firms on Wednesday for having “peddled the big lie” about their role in global warming, telling the World Economic Forum that they should be held accountable. Addressing a room full of the world’s business and political elite, Guterres drew a parallel between the actions of oil companies and those of tobacco companies that have been hit by huge lawsuits over the adverse effects of cigarettes. “We learned last week that certain fossil fuel producers were fully aware in the 1970s that their core product was baking our planet,” Guterres said. He was referring to
Microsoft says it will axe 10,000 employees over poor economy
Microsoft on Wednesday said it would lay off 10,000 employees in the coming months as the economic downturn continues to punish US tech giants. The job cuts will affect slightly less than five percent of employees and follow in the wake of similar moves by Facebook-owner Meta, Amazon and Twitter which have announced thousands of layoffs in the once-unassailable tech sector. The cuts were “in response to macroeconomic conditions and changing customer priorities,” the maker of the Windows operating system said in a US regulatory filing. The firings come after a major hiring spree in the tech industry when the
Manchester United earn Ten Hag’s trust after hot streak
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United’s players have earned his trust after their blistering form reached nine succesive victories. Ten Hag’s side extended their impressive run by fighting back from a goal down to beat arch rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday. United will go in search of 10 wins in a row in all competitions when they travel to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. With United just one point behind second-placed City, a victory at Selhurst Park would make Sunday’s clash at leaders Arsenal even more significant. United’s impressive revival under Ten Hag comes after they suffered
Basketball: Jokic triple sparks Denver over Portland, Spurs stun Nets
Nikola Jokic bagged his 13th triple-double of the season as the Denver Nuggets overcame a 44-point display from Damian Lillard to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 122-113 on Tuesday. Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as Denver extended their winning streak to seven games to move one game clear of Memphis at the top of the Western Conference. It was the 17th 30-point triple-double of Jokic’s career, placing him in illustrious company alongside Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in seventh on the all-time rankings. A high-scoring first half saw Denver take
DR Congo leader hits out at Rwanda over insecurity
DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Rwanda of being the source of instability in the region, in a sharp response to comments made by a Rwandan cabinet minister, Claire Akamanzi, at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “Sorry madam, the insecurity issue we have in the Great Lakes region is called Rwanda,” he said. Mr Tshisekedi added that “Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels” to create insecurity in eastern DR Congo – a claim that Rwanda has denied. He accused the rebels of killing more than 100 civilians in Kishishe to “frighten away” the community from the village, which
Main suspect behind murder of city consultant Gerishon Mwiti arrested
The main suspect behind the gruesome murder of 81-year-old city consultant Dr. Gerishon Mwiti who was hacked to death at Thigiri ridge in Westlands last Saturday has been arrested. A report filed by his son Daniel Mwiti stated that he found his father’s lifeless body sprawled in their garden bearing a deep cut at the back of his head. According to the police, the suspect Bernard Kioko, who was a gardener at Mwiti’s home was arrested in Nairobi’s Mathare settlement after being on the run since committing the murder. “This is after an operation that lasted more than 24 hours,
Three Tanzanian fishermen rescued after being stranded at sea for 3days
Three Tanzanian fishermen have been rescued after being stranded at sea for 3 days, after their dugout canoe that was on a fishing expedition, capsized following a heavy storm. According to a police report, the three Hafith Abdalla, Musa Silima, and Silimani Zidini from the Tanagani area in Pemba set sail for the high seas early Saturday morning at around 4am, but mid through their voyage, their canoe came under a torrential storm accompanied by strong tidal waves that swept it off, tossing the fishermen into the raging waters. “Miraculously, the trio fought through the storm and strong winds spawned
Senators to consider IEBC Act review during special sitting tomorrow
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has recalled the House for a special sitting on Thursday. The special sitting that will be held in the morning and in the afternoon is contained in a special gazette notice dated January 17, 2022. During the sitting, the House will transact two businesses namely: the swearing-in of William Kipkemoi Kisang, the Senator-elect for Elgeyo Marakwet County; and the consideration of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bills No. 49 of 2022). “The business specified in this Notice shall be the only business before the Senate during the special sittings,’
Red-hot Medvedev keeps Australian Open title dreams alive
An irrepressible Daniil Medvedev overcame a partisan crown and tough veteran John Millman to march a step closer towards a third consecutive Australian Open final on Wednesday. The Russian seventh seed, who lost the 2021 decider at Melbourne Park to Novak Djokovic and then against Rafael Nadal last year, battled past the Australian wildcard entry 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena. He next meets either dangerous American Sebastian Korda, who made the Adelaide International final this month, or Japanese qualifier Yosuke Watanuki. Medvedev is on the same side of the draw as Nadal and was scheduled to meet him
Bank of Japan leaves policy unchanged, Yen weakens
Japan’s central bank left its ultra-easy monetary policy unchanged Wednesday, bucking heavy speculation that it could again tweak a key lever, and sending the yen plunging. The announcement after a two-day Bank of Japan meeting saw the yen sink over two percent against the dollar, with the greenback buying more than 131 yen after the decision, from around 128.50 earlier in the day. Bank officials shocked the market last month by widening the band in which they allow rates for 10-year government bonds to move. The bank said the surprise decision would “improve market functioning”, and the change saw the
Uber resumes services in Tanzania
Ride-hailing giant Uber has resumed its services in Tanzania, it said on Wednesday, settling a fare dispute with the government. Uber suspended services in the East African country last April after the government introduced legislation capping maximum commission from drivers at 15 percent from the previous 33 percent. Uber said the new regulations made it difficult to continue operating while the government defended them as maintaining competition and ensuring affordable taxis. After months of negotiations, Tanzania’s transport regulator last month allowed ride-hailing companies to charge up to 25 percent commission and a 3.5-percent booking fee. “We are excited to kick
Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos declares interest in buying Man Utd
British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos company officially joined the race to buy Manchester United on Tuesday. United’s owners, the Glazer family, said they were willing to listen to offers for the Premier League club in November and Ratcliffe is keen to strike a deal. Boyhood United fan Ratcliffe, who made an unsuccessful £4.25 billion ($5.2 billion) bid to buy Chelsea last year, has long been linked with the Old Trafford outfit. “I can confirm that we have formally put ourselves into the process,” an Ineos spokesman told AFP. After failing with his Chelsea takeover when Roman Abramovich sold the Blues
Injured Nadal makes early Australian Open exit, Gauff edges Raducanu
Defending champion Rafael Nadal hobbled out of the second round in a huge upset at the Australian Open on Wednesday, as Coco Gauff beat Emma Raducanu in a battle of the rising stars. Nadal’s wife Mery was in tears as the injury-hampered Spanish great lost to 65th-ranked Mackenzie McDonald at Rod Laver Arena, where the roof was closed because of more rain in Melbourne. The 36-year-old Nadal was clearly hindered by a hip issue that required a medical timeout, as he surrendered 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to the American. It was the reigning champion’s earliest exit from a major in seven
Philippine Nobel laureate Maria Ressa acquitted of tax evasion
Philippine Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa was on Wednesday acquitted of tax evasion, among a slew of charges she has long maintained are politically motivated, calling the verdict a victory for “truth”. Ressa, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov in 2021, still faces three other cases, including a cyber libel conviction now under appeal that could mean nearly seven years in prison. “Today, facts win. Truth wins,” a teary-eyed and defiant Ressa told reporters outside the Manila courtroom after the ruling on four government charges that she and her online media company Rappler had dodged taxes
Ukraine’s interior ministry leadership killed in helicopter crash
The three main figures in Ukraine’s interior ministry have been killed in a helicopter crash beside a nursery in an eastern suburb of the capital Kyiv. Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, 42, died alongside his first deputy minister and state secretary. Nine people were killed when the helicopter came down in Brovary and another nine died on the ground, including three children. Mr Monastyrsky is the highest profile Ukrainian casualty since the war began. The deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, said the minister had been en route to a war “hot spot” when his helicopter went down. There
Dominant Brighton send Liverpool heavy defeat
Brighton moved above Liverpool in the Premier League standings as Solly March’s double and a late Danny Welbeck strike condemned Jurgen Klopp’s side to a dismal defeat at Amex Stadium. March converted Kaoru Mitoma’s low cross to give the home side a deserved lead, after the returning Alexis Mac Allister had intercepted Joel Matip’s loose pass. The winger then doubled the hosts’ advantage with a fabulous left-footed strike from Evan Ferguson’s through-ball. Second-half substitute Welbeck capped a magnificent Brighton display with a superb finish past Alisson after flicking the ball over Joe Gomez. Roberto de Zerbi’s team dominated the first
Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City: Was Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser a ‘joke’ or ‘intelligent’?
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji says Bruno Fernandes’ equalising goal in the Manchester derby was a “joke”, while Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admitted he “wouldn’t be happy if we conceded a goal like this”. Fernandes swept past Ederson to cancel out Jack Grealish’s opener, but the goal was initially ruled out with assistant referee Darren Cann raising his flag for offside against Marcus Rashford. The England international was clearly offside, and ran towards the ball, but after a conversation with Cann referee Stuart Attwell decided Rashford did not interfere with play. Rashford turned home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross moments
Rashford earns Man Utd derby triumph over City
Manchester United fans can “dream” of a Premier League title challenge said Erik ten Hag after a stunning late fightback to beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford. Two goals in the final 12 minutes from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford moved United up to third and within one point of their local rivals. City looked to be heading to victory when Jack Grealish came off the bench to head the visitors into the lead. But the momentum swung on Fernandes’ controversial equaliser before Rashford continued his stunning return to form by scoring for the ninth consecutive game at Old
MFA: Saudi shelters domestic workers in distress except those who stray into the black market
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 14 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has dismissed reports of a systemic culture of mistreatment of domestic workers in Saudi Arabia following a recent surge in Kenyan workers appealing for evacuation. In comments made after visiting Saudi-run shelters in Riyadh known as Sakan centres on Friday, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said all domestic workers who retain their legal status in the country are protected and sheltered when in distress. “Sakan shelters take in any female domestic worker in distress. In this particular shelter, they had 257 Kenyans (another 31 are in the other
Fifteen films bid for top prize in Africa’s premier film fest
Fifteen feature-length movies are vying for the top prize in next month’s FESPACO festival, Africa’s top cinema event, the organisers announced Friday. Launched in 1969, the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) draws thousands of movie fans and professionals from across the continent. It is also closely followed by the US and European movie industries, which scout the event for new films, talent and ideas. A total of 170 films are competing across 11 categories in the February 25-March 4 event, including short film, documentaries, TV series and animation, FESPACO said. Under festival rules, films chosen for competition
Prince Harry says he left most damaging claims out of memoir
Prince Harry left out revelations about his family in his memoir, saying he did not want “the world to know because I don’t think they would ever forgive me,” according to an interview published by the Daily Telegraph on Friday. The prince told the UK broadsheet that he has enough material to write another book, mostly focussed on his relationship with his brother Prince William and father King Charles III, in comments likely to further unsettle the royal family. “The first draft was different. It was 800 pages, and now it’s down to 400 pages,” he said of his book “Spare”.
Man Utd complete loan signing of Weghorst
Manchester United completed the loan signing of Dutch international Wout Weghorst for the rest of the season on Friday to bolster Erik ten Hag’s forward options. The 30-year-old had been on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, but the Turkish giants announced they had received 2.8 million euros ($3 million, £2.5 million) to cut that deal short. United have been short of strikers since Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at Old Trafford was terminated in November. Weghorst joined Burnley from Wolfsburg for £12 million in January 2022 but scored just two Premier League goals as the Clarets were relegated last season. However, he
Rampant Napoli crush Juventus to move 10 points clear
Napoli’s dreams of a first Serie A title since the days of Diego Maradona are more alive than ever after thrashing Juventus 5-1 on Friday and moving 10 points clear at the summit. Luciano Spalletti’s free-flowing team once again thrilled with a statement performance against their old rivals to stamp their authority on a title race which is increasingly looking like a one-team affair. Victor Osimhen took his league tally for the season to 12 with a goal in each half while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Amir Rrahmani and Eljif Elmas netted the hosts’ other goals to extend their advantage on both
Aston Villa make wasteful Leeds pay
Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery continued with a 2-1 win over a luckless Leeds at Villa Park on Friday. Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia struck in either half as Villa bounced back from a shock FA Cup exit to League Two Stevenage last weekend. Patrick Bamford pulled a goal back for Leeds seven minutes from time, but defeat leaves Jesse Marsch’s men still just two points above the relegation zone. Villa stay in 11th, but are now level on points with Chelsea after a run of just one defeat in six league games since Emery took charge in October.
Gasquet roars back to stun tearful Norrie for 16th title
Veteran Richard Gasquet fought back to stun tearful Cameron Norrie in the Auckland Classic final on Saturday for his first ATP title in nearly five years. In a gruelling match two days before the Australian Open, Frenchman Gasquet prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 over the British world number 12. Gasquet was also emotional after winning the 16th title of his career and first since the 2018 Rosmalen Grass Court Championships in the Netherlands. Second seed Norrie held triple break point to go 4-0 up in the third set but 36-year-old Gasquet held serve and then broke his opponent twice. “It feels
Musk faces US fraud trial over Tesla tweet
Elon Musk, the CEO of electric car giant Tesla, will face trial on Tuesday over allegedly manipulating the stock market with a tweet after a federal judge rejected his request to move the case out of California. The case dates back to August 2018 when Musk tweeted that he had sufficient funding to take Tesla private, causing a whirlwind in the company’s share price. Musk was swiftly sued by shareholders for allegedly costing them billions of dollars with the Twitter post that said funding was “secured” to buy out the company’s shareholders. According to a spokesperson for the court, Judge
OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, casts spell on Microsoft
The hottest startup in Silicon Valley right now is OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed developer of ChatGPT, a much-hyped chatbot that can write a poem, college essay or even a line of software code. Tesla tycoon Elon Musk was an early investor in OpenAI and Microsoft is reported to be in talks to up an initial investment of $1 billion to $10 billion in a goal to challenge Google’s world-dominating search engine. If agreed, the cash injection by the Windows-maker would value OpenAI at a whopping $29 billion, making it a rare tech-world success when major players such as Amazon, Meta and
Peru president insists ‘I will not resign’ as protests continue
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte insisted Friday she will not step down, after another day of protests and roadblocks throughout the country saw calls for her resignation and the arrest of a trade union leader with supposed links to Maoist rebels. Supporters of ousted president Pedro Castillo have marched and barricaded streets around the South American country since December, demanding new elections and the removal of Boluarte, his successor and former vice president. “Some voices that have come from the violent and radical factions are asking for my resignation, provoking the population into chaos, disorder and destruction,” Boluarte said in an
Judiciary: Iran executes accused British spy by hanging
Iran on Saturday executed former top defence official and dual British national Alireza Akbari, who was accused of spying for UK intelligence, the judiciary reported. Akbari was executed after being sentenced to death for “corruption on earth and harming the country’s internal and external security by passing on intelligence”, the judicial news agency Mizan Online reported. “The actions of the British spy service in this case have shown the value of the convict, the importance of his access and the enemy’s trust in him,” it added. Britain has demanded that Tehran halt what foreign minister James Cleverly has called a
Brazil’s Bolsonaro to be investigated in Jan 8 riot probe
Brazilian far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro will be included in an investigation into the origins of the January 8 sacking of government buildings in Brasilia, a Supreme Court judge announced Friday. The probe of the former leader comes at the request of the office of the prosecutor general (PGR), which cited a video Bolsonaro had posted “questioning the regularity of the 2022 presidential elections.” By doing so, “Bolsonaro would have publicly incited the commission of a crime,” the PGR said in a statement. Thousands of so-called “bolsonaristas” invaded the seats of government in Brasilia Sunday, breaking windows and furniture, destroying priceless
Russia claims control of Soledar, Ukraine says fighting ongoing
Russia said Friday its forces had wrested control of the war-scarred town of Soledar in east Ukraine, its first claim of victory in months of battlefield setbacks, but Ukraine said fierce fighting was still under way. Both sides have conceded heavy losses in the battle for the salt mining outpost, with Moscow desperate to sell any win back home after repeated humiliations and Ukraine determined to hold — and win back — ground. The Russian defence ministry announced it had “completed the liberation” of Soledar late the previous day and that the victory would pave the way for more “successful
AfDB to launch inaugural Africa macro-economic performance outlook report
The African Development Bank Group will launch the inaugural edition of Africa’s Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook report on 19 January 2023 at its Abidjan headquarters in Cote d’Ivoire. The publication will offer policymakers, global investors, researchers, and other development partners an up-to-date evidence-based assessment of the continent’s recent macroeconomic performance and short-to-medium-term outlook amid dynamic global economic developments. The new report, to be released in the first and third quarters of each year, will complement the Bank’s flagship African Economic Outlook report which focuses on key emerging issues relevant to Africa’s development. AGENCIES
English Premier League: Aston Villa make wasteful Leeds United pay
Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery continued with a 2-1 win over a luckless Leeds at Villa Park on Friday. Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia struck early in either half as Villa bounced back from a shock FA Cup exit to League Two Stevenage last weekend. Patrick Bamford pulled a goal back for Leeds seven minutes from time, but defeat leaves Jesse Marsch’s men still just two points above the relegation zone. The visitors were left to rue a host of wasted chances, the first of which led to the opening goal as Marc Roca failed to connect when unmarked
Japan Premier tells Biden that new era requires more military muscle
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Friday alongside US President Joe Biden to modernize his country’s military, warning that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had opened a dangerous new era and could embolden China. Welcoming Kishida at the White House, Biden hailed the Japanese government’s announcement last month that it will double defense spending over the next five years and develop new capabilities. “Let me be crystal clear: the United States is fully, thoroughly, completely committed to the alliance and more importantly to Japan’s defense,” Biden said. Japan has been officially pacifist since its defeat in World War II but has
Woug Weghorst: Manchester United complete loan move for Dutch striker
Manchester United completed the loan signing of Dutch international Wout Weghorst for the rest of the season on Friday to bolster Erik ten Hag’s forward options. The 30-year-old had been on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, but the Turkish giants announced they had received 2.8 million euros ($3 million, £2.5 million) to cut that deal short. United have been short of strikers since Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at Old Trafford was terminated in November. Weghorst joined Burnley from Wolfsburg for £12 million in January 2022 but scored just two Premier League goals as the Clarets were relegated last season. However, he
Serie A: Rampant Napoli crush Juventus to move 10 points clear
Napoli stamped their authority on the Serie A title race on Friday by thrashing Juventus 5-1 and moving 10 points clear of the chasing pack. Luciano Spalletti’s free-flowing team once again thrilled with a statement performance against their old rivals which increased their fans’ hopes of a first Scudetto in over three decades. Victor Osimhen took his league tally for the season to 12 with a goal in each half while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Amir Rrahmani and Eljif Elmas netted the hosts’ other goals to extend their advantage on both Juve and AC Milan. Champions Milan can cut the gap between
Jamaica launches fraud probe as Bolt millions feared missing
Jamaican financial authorities have launched an investigation into a company holding investments for eight-times Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt after reports that he may have lost millions to large scale fraud. Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission said in a statement that it had placed the firm, Stocks and Securities Limited, in “enhanced oversight” while it conducts the probe. Bolt’s manager Nugent Walker told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper that the retired sprinter, one of the greatest athletes of all time, has had investments with the company for over a decade. “All the relevant steps have been taken to come to the bottom
Trump Organization fined $1.6 million for tax fraud
A New York judge on Friday fined Donald Trump’s family business the maximum penalty possible of $1.6 million for committing tax fraud. The sum, paltry to the billionaire real estate developer’s amassed fortune, is nevertheless symbolically significant as the ex-president eyes the White House again amid a host of legal woes. The Trump Corporation and Trump Payroll Corp., entities of the Trump Organization, were found guilty last month of running a years-long scheme to defraud and evade taxes through falsifying business records. They were convicted on all 17 counts following a trial, marking the first time the companies had ever
Tesla slashes vehicle prices up to 20% in US, Europe
Tesla on Friday announced it will cut the price of its best-selling electric vehicle models up to 20 percent in Europe and the United States, launching a price war as more rivals hit the market. Shares in the Elon Musk-led company have plummeted for more than a year and fell as much as 4.5 percent in early trading on Friday, before recovering some lost ground. “It’s no secret that demand for Tesla is starting to see some cracks in this global slowdown for 2023,” said analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities. However, Ives said the price cut was the “right
Most markets rise as US inflation boosts Fed slowdown hopes
Asian markets mostly rose again Friday and the dollar remained under pressure after data showing another slowdown in US inflation fuelled bets the Federal Reserve will take a softer approach to its monetary tightening campaign. The reading added to the positive energy flowing through trading floors at the start of the year as investors put a painful 2022 behind them and focus on a recovery in the global economy, helped greatly by China’s reopening. All three main indexes on Wall Street extended gains after the much-anticipated consumer price index came in at its lowest level since October 2021 as months
China imports, exports plunge in December: customs
China’s exports in December fell at their fastest pace since 2020, according to official data Friday, owing to a drop in global demand and after health restrictions hit economic activity at home. The world’s second-largest economy is still reeling from the effects of years of its zero-Covid policy, which hammered businesses and supply chains, and dampened consumption. China began lifting most of the hardline measures at the beginning of last month, but the country has since seen a massive spike in Covid-19 infections. Exports fell 9.9 percent year-on-year to $30.6 billion, China customs said, their second consecutive month of decline
Leading trio do battle to become Czech president at polls
A billionaire, a general and an academic are favourites going into the first round of the Czech presidential election that begins Friday and concludes on Saturday and is seen by observers as too close to call. The winner will replace Milos Zeman, an outspoken political veteran known for enjoying a drink, following a period marked by the country’s 2022 EU presidency as the war in Ukraine raged. The victor will face record inflation and bulging public finance deficits because of the war in Ukraine. Unless a candidate wins more than 50 percent in the first round, which is considered unlikely,
Pharmacy board says selling home DNA kit is illegal
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 12 – The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned that selling Home DNA test kits is illegal. The Board’s Chief Executive Officer Fred Siyoi through a statement on Thursday afternoon said that selling of the Home DNA test kits being marketed on digital platforms has not been authorized by the board. Siyoi also asked members of the public to report to the board any retailer found selling the related products. “Please note that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board has not authorized any retailer to sell such kits and hereby appeal to be on the look out for
Govt begins campaign to eradicate Quelea birds in Kisumu
KISUMU, Kenya, Jan 12 – The Department of Crop Protection and Safety from Nairobi have been dispatched to Kisumu to start a massive campaign to fight quelea birds in rice fields through spraying. According to Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Kenneth Onyango, the bird population in the county stands at 5.8 Million. Onyango says the county has managed to locate 9 areas where the birds stay at night where the spraying will be directed. He says Nyando has the highest population of the birds at 2,000,000 followed by Nyakach with 800,000 and Muhoroni with 500,000. The CEC says
Nyong’o orders end to street hawking in Kisumu
KISUMU, Kenya, Jan 12 – Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o has ordered immediate ban on street vending in Kisumu City. All traders and hawkers selling their wares on the streets, he said, will be accommodated at the ultra-modern Uhuru Business Park. The 5,000 capacity market built in collaboration with the national government has been vacant for a year after its completion. All traders from Lwang’ni, Akamba Line, Fontala, Konyando, KPLC, Back Street, Winmart and Varsity Plaza who were displaced during the revitalization of Kisumu port and the upgrading of the railway line, he said will operate from the new market. The
High court stops reintroduced bank to MPesa charges pending hearing of suit
The High Court has ordered Banks and telco operators such as Safaricom to suspend the introduction of Bank to Mpesa charges pending determination. Judge Mugure Thande issued the interim order that was lodged by a Nairobi resident Moses Wafula who argued that the cost should have been borne by operators. Court decision now stops telcos and financial institutions from implementing the fees that were waived by the Central Bank of Kenya on 6 December 2022. “Safaricom has no authority to charge members of the public for a service offered to its contracting service recipients including banks,” Wafula says. “The petition
DRC rebels agree to continue ‘orderly withdrawal’: mediator
M23 rebels have agreed to continue an “orderly withdrawal” from conquered territory in the restive east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya’s former president Uhuru Kenyatta said Thursday. Kenyatta met M23 leaders in his role as mediator in the conflict on behalf of the seven-nation East African Community regional bloc, according to a statement from his office. The Tutsi-led M23 has captured swathes of territory in North Kivu province in recent months and advanced towards its capital Goma. But under heavy international pressure, it pledged to retreat and last Friday it gave back a key Congolese army base just
‘Thank God you’re alive’: tears, grief as phones ring again in Tigray
Beniam Yetbarek didn’t even know his cousin was alive when the phone rang on Christmas Eve, and a voice he hadn’t heard in two years crackled down the line from Tigray. Calls to family in the embattled Ethiopian region hadn’t gone through since November 2020, when phone and internet services were largely disconnected at the outset of war, and Tigray was cut off from the world. But following a ceasefire, phones are starting to ring again, bringing joy but also grief and anger as Tigrayans like Beniam reconnect with loved ones who suffered through one of the world’s deadliest conflicts.
Shakira sets social media alight with song haranguing ex-husband Pique
Colombian star Shakira set social media alight on Thursday with the release of her latest song, in which she takes aim once again at ex-partner Gerard Pique, a retired Spanish footballer. The song “BZRP Music Session #53” was listened to 34 million times in just 17 hours and generated an avalanche of comments. The 45-year-old music star takes no prisoners as she launches into a tirade against her former partner, 35, even taking a pop at his 23-year-old girlfriend, Clara Chia. “Lots of gym work, but work your mind as well,” she sings. “You swapped a Ferrari for a (Renault)
Portugal star Felix sent off in Chelsea debut
Joao Felix was sent off in his Chelsea debut as the Portugal star saw red for a reckless lunge on Fulham’s Kenny Tete in Thursday’s Premier League clash. Felix was dismissed in the 58th minute at Craven Cottage after catching Tete on the shin. The 23-year-old was playing for Chelsea for the first time just 24 hours after joining on loan from Atletico Madrid for the rest of the season. Felix had impressed on his debut, creating several dangerous chances until his moment of madness led to his dismissal with the score level at 1-1. Under-fire Chelsea boss Graham Potter
Rashford’s hot streak fuels Man Utd revival
Marcus Rashford has put two years of frustration behind him as the Manchester United star’s blistering form has inspired his club’s return to relevance in the Premier League. Rashford will spearhead United’s attack in Saturday’s crucial derby against Manchester City after recovering from a difficult period that threatened to squander his vast potential. Before the start of this season, it was increasingly hard to imagine Rashford would be the focal point of any big game, let alone such a pivotal showdown as fourth-placed United’s clash with second-placed City. But Rashford is flourishing again after committing to a career reset. The
Potter’s misery mounts as Fulham beat Chelsea after Felix red card
Graham Potter pleaded with his Chelsea players to “stay together” after a shock 2-1 defeat at Fulham that saw Blues forward Joao Felix sent off on his debut before a decisive blunder from Kepa Arrizabalaga. Potter’s troubled side crashed to a seventh defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions after another spluttering display. Chelsea fell behind to a goal from their former winger Willian in the first half at Craven Cottage on Thursday. Kalidou Koulibaly equalised after the break but Felix was dismissed for a reckless studs-up lunge on Kenny Tete. Fulham were gifted their late winner by
UN calls for urgent help to combat acute child malnutrition
The United Nations called Thursday for urgent funding to help 30 million children suffering from acute malnutrition “before it is too late” in countries being hammered by the food crisis. UN agencies said conflict, climate shocks, the Covid-19 pandemic and rising living costs were leaving an increasing number of children badly malnourished. “Currently, more than 30 million children in the 15 worst-affected countries suffer from wasting — or acute malnutrition — and eight million of these children are severely wasted, the deadliest form of undernutrition,” five UN agencies said in a joint statement. The 15 countries are Afghanistan, Burkina Faso,
Celtics battle past Nets in battle of East’s top teams
The Boston Celtics clawed out a 109-98 victory over Brooklyn on Thursday, pulling away late to boost their NBA-best record and widen the distance over the Nets atop the Eastern Conference. Celtics star Jayson Tatum endured a tough seven-for-22 shooting night on the way to 20 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon added 16 points apiece for the Celtics, who learned shortly before the contest that Jaylen Brown — coming off a 41-point performance in Boston’s win over New Orleans on Wednesday — would be sidelined with a right adductor muscle strain. The Nets, meanwhile, were playing
California downpours won’t fix decades of drought: scientists
Near-record rainfall has battered California for weeks, sparking floods and landslides as the state struggles to cope with so much water. But scientists say even this much precipitation won’t reverse the western US state’s decades-long drought. A parade of atmospheric rivers — massive flows of moisture dragged through the skies from the oceans — has unleashed staggering volumes of rain and snow since December. San Francisco got more rain in the last two weeks than it has done in any similar period for 150 years, while the Sierra Nevada mountains have been buried in as much as 33 feet (10.5
Japan to start releasing treated water from Fukushima this year
Japan plans to start releasing more than a million tonnes of treated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean this year, a top government spokesman said Friday. The plan has been endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but the government will wait for “a comprehensive report” by the UN watchdog before the release, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters. Cooling systems at the plant were overwhelmed when a massive undersea earthquake triggered a tsunami in 2011, causing the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Decommissioning work is under way and expected to take around
Djokovic in ominous mood for Australian Open as Nadal grapples for form
Novak Djokovic returns to next week’s Australian Open as heavy favourite and with his ominous form in stark contrast to the struggles of defending champion Rafael Nadal. A year ago Djokovic was consumed by a legal battle over his Covid vaccination stance which he ultimately lost and was deported on the eve of the Grand Slam. It opened the door for great rival Nadal on the Melbourne Park hardcourts, his thrilling five-set win over Daniil Medvedev in the final earning the Spaniard a record 21st major crown. The 36-year-old made it 22 when he clinched the French Open. Serbia’s
Lisa Marie Presley daughter of Elvis dead at 54
Singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley, died Thursday hours after being hospitalized, her family said. She was 54. Presley, who led a tumultuous life in the sprawling shadow of her world-famous father, and who attended a high-profile awards ceremony just this week, had been rushed to a California hospital’s intensive care unit for cardiac arrest. “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” the family said in a statement. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone,
Stocks rise as US inflation falls
Europe and US stock markets rose Thursday as investors digested data showing a softening of US consumer inflation, potentially giving the Federal Reserve room to slow its interest rate hikes. Equities also found support on growing optimism over China’s economic reopening. Europe’s main bourses surpassed levels not seen in months. Paris closed 0.7 percent higher after briefly rising past the 7,000-point mark for the first time since February last year, while Frankfurt closed above 15,000 points for the first time since the same month. Shares in London were 0.9 percent higher. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reversed
No reconciliation without justice: French, German FMs tell Ethiopia
France and Germany’s foreign ministers said Thursday said there can be no reconciliation without justice as they visited Ethiopia to lend their support to a peace deal signed last year to end two years of brutal war. The trip by France’s Catherine Colonna and Annalena Baerbock of Germany began a day after Tigrayan rebels announced they were starting to surrender their heavy weapons, a key component of the November 2 agreement to silence the guns in the north of Africa’s second most populous country. Colonna said she welcomed “good progress which we encourage to continue” in the peace process between
Peru protests continue as mourners prepare to bury dead
Street barricades and marches against the government continued in Peru on Thursday as mourners prepared to bury the bodies of 17 people killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators in the movement’s epicenter. It comes as trade unions, left-wing parties and social collectives readied for an afternoon march through Lima, the capital, to denounce a “racist and classist … dictatorship.” Supporters of ousted president Pedro Castillo are demanding new elections and the removal of current leader Dina Boluarte. They also want to close Congress and set up a body to rewrite the constitution — which was adopted in 1993
Brasilia rioters likely had inside help: Lula
Brazil intensified a mop-up operation Thursday after the weekend sacking of government buildings in the capital, as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the rioters likely had inside help. Lula told reporters he had ordered a “thorough review” of presidential palace staff after Sunday’s violent uprising, which saw backers of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro storm the presidency, Congress and Supreme Court, and cause widespread damage. “I am convinced that the door of the Planalto (presidential) palace was opened for people to enter because there are no broken doors,” the president said in Brasilia. “This means that someone facilitated
FIFA Chief Infantino Quizzed By Swiss Prosecutors
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has been quizzed by two Swiss prosecutors appointed to take over an investigation into his alleged secret meetings with the country’s former prosecution chief, one of the magistrates confirmed to AFP on Wednesday. “I confirm to you that a confrontation hearing was held in the proceedings conducted by Dr (Ulrich) Weder and myself,” Hans Maurer wrote in an email to AFP. “However, I do not comment on the time, scope and purpose of this hearing.” Earlier Wednesday, news outlets Le Monde and Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported Infantino was questioned on Tuesday in Zurich, where the headquarters of
US Justice Dept names special counsel for Biden documents probe
US Attorney General Merrick Garland named Thursday an independent prosecutor to investigate President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents, after a furor over secret papers found at his former office exploded with the discovery of a second batch at his private residence. The new find, from Biden’s time as vice president, was uncovered at a storage space in the garage of his home in Wilmington, Delaware, where he often spends weekends, his lawyer said. Garland, who runs the US Justice Department, said private attorney and former government prosecutor Robert Hur would be given the title of special counsel and empowered
NOCK rolls out Elite Youth camps with training for coaches
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya has concluded an Elite National Youth Coaches training that precedes the ambitious Elite Youth Development Program. The program targets athletes aged between 12 – 18 years that starts with a camp on 9 – 18 January at Merishaw School, Isinya. The training which was officially opened by NOCK Deputy Treasurer John Ogolla has enlisted 30 coaches (20 male, 10 female) nominated through various federations. It focuses on equipping coaches with knowledge on how to better handle, train and manage budding athletes. This is in preparation for various Youth Games scheduled for 2023 – the Zone V Africa Youth Games in March (Ethiopia), Africa Youth
<strong>DR Congo army denies presence of Russian mercenaries</strong>
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has denied the presence of fighters from Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group in the country, in response to claims by a rebel group. The army has been struggling to contain the M23 rebel group that has in recent months captured swathes of territory in the eastern part of the country. Reports have suggested the presence of Russian mercenaries in North Kivu province on government’s invitation to help deal with the rebel group. “It is true, Wagner Group is here. We have evidence that we will show in due time,” M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma told the
<strong>Nigeria rule on unmarried pregnant officers quashed</strong>
A Nigerian court has struck out a police regulation that forbids unmarried female officers from getting pregnant, local media report. In a landmark judgment, a judge ruled that the regulation, which calls for the dismissal of any unmarried officer who gets pregnant, was “discriminatory, illegal, null and void”. It followed a suit by a sacked policewoman who challenged her dismissal on grounds of discrimination since her male counterparts are not dismissed in similar circumstances. “The court finds and holds that the provision [of the regulation], which applies to unmarried women police officers getting pregnant while in service but does not
<strong>Obi ally arrested in Lagos in ‘error’</strong>
An ally of Peter Obi, a high-profile presidential candidate in Nigeria, says he was arrested in “error” with just weeks to the polls. Doyin Okupe was detained on Thursday morning on his way to London by the Department of State Security (DSS), who said it was at the insistence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption regulator. Mr Okupe was then handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But he seems to have been held for only a short while as he tweeted that senior officers in Abuja and Lagos “apologised” to him for their mistake, and described being arrested as
<strong>Backlash against Nigeria singer over ‘racist’ tweets grows</strong>
Nigerian singer Brymo, whose real name is Olawale Ashimi, is facing a growing backlash because of comments he made about the Igbo ethnic group in the country. More than 28,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org to stop the singer from winning the All Africa Music Award (Afrima) for songwriter of the year. He retweeted a Twitter post which referred to the Igbos, who hail from the south-east of the country, and are one of its largest ethnic groups, as “cowards”. He also wrote one post where he referred to the Igbo people using an offensive expletive and caused
<strong>Africa’s first rocket-launch site deal hailed</strong>
Djibouti’s plans to build Africa’s first rocket-launch facility is a “very important” step because presently there is no functioning one on the continent, Temidayo Oniosun, the managing Director of the consultancy firm Space in Africa, has told the BBC’s Newsday programme. His comments come after the country signed a preliminary agreement with a Chinese space firm to build a $1bn (£800m) rocket-launch site. Under the deal, the satellite-manufacturing company Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group will manage the site for the first 30 years and then it will pass to Djiboutian hands. The Djiboutians’ goal was to have an “international launch
<strong>Drug-resistant gonorrhoea strain detected in Nairobi</strong>
Researchers from the Kenya Medical Research Institute say a new strain of gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease resistant to standard antibiotics, is circulating in the capital, Nairobi, especially among female sex workers. Those behind the study blame misinformation as some sex workers, who are on a daily HIV prevention pill, believe it will also prevent them from sexually transmitted diseases and were not able to negotiate condom use. More than 350 sex workers from one clinic in Nairobi, which reported high cases of gonorrhoea, took part in the study. Three-quarters of the participants admitted to having unprotected sex with their
Macron says won’t apologise to Algeria for colonisation
Paris (AFP), Jan 12 – President Emmanuel Macron has said he will not “ask forgiveness” from Algeria for French colonisation but hopes to continue working towards reconciliation with his counterpart Abdelmajid Tebboune. “It’s not up to me to ask forgiveness, that’s not what this is about, that word would break all of our ties,” he said in an interview for Le Point magazine published late Wednesday. “The worst thing would be to decide: ‘we apologise and each go our own way’,” Macron said. “Work on memory and history isn’t a settling of all accounts,” he added. But in the interview, he
Kisii man who murdered 2 daughters fit to stand trial: Psychiatrist
KISII, Kenya, Jan 12 — A man who killed his two children last week at in Kisii is mentally fit to face trial, a psychiatrist submitted in court on Thursday concluded. Nelson Ontita was arrested after he allegedly killed his two children aged 10 months and two years in cold blood when he was left with them at home in Kiobegi village in Nyamache subcounty. Their bodies were found in a maize plantation by their mother. The officer said the psychiatrist’s report indicates Ontita is fit to stand trial after the suspect underwent a mental assessment tests on Wednesday. Ontita was
Suicide: secondary school teacher found dead inside a coffin he made
NYERI, Kenya, Jan 12 — A secondary school teacher has been found dead in a rental house in a suspected suicide case. The teacher based in Nyeri county is believed to have placed himself inside a coffin he reportedly made after which he ingested an identified poison. The lifeless body of 46-year-old Joseph Gathogo, a teacher at Muhoya Secondary School, was retrieved by police from a rental house at Ihururu Shopping Centre a week he went missing. This is after his relatives were alarmed informed by his disappearance learnt from neighbours that a foul smell was emanating from his house
2 Sacco officials charged with murder conspiracy over plot to eliminate auditor
VOI, Kenya, Jan 12 — Two employees in the finance department of a prominent Sacco in Taita-Taveta County have been charged with conspiracy to murder after they allegedly hired an assassin to eliminate a colleague over an unfavorable audit report. Livingstone Kirigha Mwakoi and Joram Tayo Mghanga, employees of Qwetu Sacco, were arraigned in court in Voi on Wednesday and charged with planning to kill one Stanley Mwangi Ndung’u. The charge sheet reads that on diverse dates between 26th and 27th of December, the two jointly conspired to kill Stanley Ndung’u contrary to section 224 of the Penal Code. Appearing before Voi
University girls tap into egg donation for cash amid growing uptake of IVF
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 12 — Younger women particularly girls in tertiary institutions are increasingly offering to donate their eggs to fertility clinics in a trend that has been linked to the pursuit for monetary gain. Young donors are taking advantage of the money reimbursed as part of a reasonable fee to cover for costs incurred. The trend has further been fueled by growing acceptance of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) as a path to parenthood. Fertility experts estimate that about 20 per cent of couples are unable to conceive due to fertility challenges making egg donation their only option to actualize their dream
President Ruto to launch affordable housing project in 2-Day Nyanza tour
KISUMU, Kenya, Jan 12 – President William Ruto is set to launch an affordable housing project during a two-day tour of Nyanza region set to kick off from tomorrow. Speaking during a press conference, State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed indicated that the head of state will further commission different projects within the region. He further stated that among the projects include the ground-breaking ceremony for the Affordable Housing programme in Homa Bay County. “Tomorrow, the President will launch the first phase of the 5,000 affordable housing programme for Homa Bay County. The project is expected to not only alleviate the
Asthma study sparks debate about safety of cooking with gas
Paris (AFP), Jan 12 – New research that links cooking with natural gas to around 12 percent of childhood asthma cases has sparked debate about the health risks of kitchen stoves, as well as calls in the United States for stepped-up regulation. The authors of the study said their findings suggested that around 650,000 US children would not have developed asthma if their homes had electric or induction stovetops, comparing the impact on health to that of second-hand smoke. But an expert who was involved in the study questioned its findings and cautioned that gas remains far healthier than cooking with
Carabao Cup: Manchester United face Nottingham Forest in semi-finals
Manchester United will play Nottingham Forest while Southampton face Newcastle in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. Steve Cooper’s Forest side will host the first leg against United after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday following a 1-1 draw. Southampton, bottom of the Premier League, stunned Manchester City 2-0 to reach the last four. The two legs will be played in the weeks commencing 23 and 30 January. Manchester United secured their place in the semi-finals by beating League One Charlton 3-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday. They have won the EFL Cup five times, most
Chelsea transfer news: Joao Felix signs for Blues on loan from Atletico Madrid
Chelsea have signed Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix on loan for the rest of the season for a fee of 11 million euros (£9.7m). Felix, 23, has also signed a one-year extension to his Atletico contract until June 2027. Boss Graham Potter said injuries had “sharpened” Chelsea’s focus in their pursuit of the Portugal international, with Christian Pulisic ruled out for a couple of months. “He’s a quality player,” said Potter. “He will make a difference in the final third of the pitch and I’m looking forward to working with him. “He’s young, but still has lots of good experience
Real Madrid beat Valencia on penalties in Spanish Super Cup semi-finals
Real Madrid beat Valencia on penalties in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals at the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia. Karim Benzema’s penalty put the European and La Liga champions ahead but Samuel Lino levelled just after half-time to make it 1-1 in Riyadh. Madrid won the shootout 4-3, scoring all their kicks, while Eray Comert missed his and Thibaut Courtois saved Jose Gaya’s effort. Real Betis face Barcelona in the second semi-final on Thursday. “Obviously as a goalkeeper you have to study penalties,” Courtois said. “Gaya missed his last one against Sevilla on the left, and scored his last
Saints stun Man City to move into EFL semis
Southampton manager Nathan Jones recorded the biggest win of his short reign as they reached the EFL Cup semi-finals with a richly deserved win over favourites Manchester City. Jones has struggled for approval from Saints fans since his arrival from Luton Town but his rating surely soared with the manner in which the Premier League strugglers maintained their good cup form. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola rested key players such as Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne with this weekend’s derby with Manchester United at Old Trafford in mind, but nothing must detract from a vibrant Southampton display. The game
Ozone layer may be restored in decades, UN report says
Human action to save the ozone layer has worked as hoped, and it may recover in just decades, the UN says. An international agreement in 1987 to stop using the harmful chemicals that were damaging the layer has been successful, the major assessment says. The ozone layer is a thin part of the Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. When it is depleted, this radiation can reach the surface – causing potential harm to humans and other living things. Ultraviolet rays can damage DNA and cause sunburn, increasing the long-term risk of problems such
World’s richest man promotes daughter to head Dior
The world’s richest man, Bernard Arnault, has appointed his daughter to head up fashion house Dior. Mr Arnault promoted Delphine Arnault, 47, as part of a reshuffle at LVMH, Europe’s most valuable company. It owns a portfolio of high-end brands including Fendi and Louis Vuitton and is worth about £336bn. The outgoing head of Dior, Pietro Beccari, will move to replace long-time Louis Vuitton chief executive Michael Burke. Both Ms Arnault and Mr Beccari “are well respected”, so these are “logical promotions within the group,” said Credit Suisse analyst Natasha Brilliant. All five of Mr Arnault’s children hold management positions
Four killed in suspected IED attack in Garissa
Nairobi, Kenya, Jan 11 – Four people have lost their lives after suspected Al-Shabaab militants targeted a convoy of Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) engineers in Garissa. Police say the victims who were part of a team on a routine assessment of the LAPSSET road, lost their lives when the vehicle they were traveling in ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) believed to have been set by the Al-Shabaab elements. According to police, the IED exploded destroying the first vehicle a Toyota Hilux Double Cabin vehicle completely. “The other vehicles turned back to Hailey camp,” read a police report.
Man Utd v Man City: Pep Guardiola says he has ‘ridiculous’ idea how to win derby
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he has a “ridiculous” idea about how to beat Manchester United in Saturday’s derby encounter at Old Trafford. City go into the game in second place in the Premier League, four points clear of their old rivals in fourth. Guardiola has won nine out of 17 meetings with United since replacing Manuel Pellegrini in 2016, losing six. The Spaniard has finished ahead of the Red Devils in all of his six seasons in charge at City. Erik ten Hag is the fourth different United manager he has faced in that time. Guardiola has beaten
Newcastle beat Leicester to reach EFL Cup semis
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said “you couldn’t script it” as Dan Burn’s first goal for his boyhood club sent the Magpies on their way to the Carabao Cup semi-final with victory over Leicester. The Magpies, who sit third in the Premier League and are hunting a first trophy in more than 50 years, did not let a fervent and expectant St James’ Park down. They wasted a host of chances before 6ft 6in defender Burn ran on to Joelinton’s pass, beat two defenders and slotted a shot into the bottom corner. “Incredible moment for Dan Burn. I am so pleased
Rashford double puts Man Utd past Charlton into semis
Marcus Rashford scored two late goals to take his tally for the season to 15 and put Manchester United into the Carabao Cup semi-finals at the expense of League One Charlton at Old Trafford. Antony’s superb first-half opener gave United the advantage but Dean Holden’s visitors claimed plenty of credit for the way they continued to battle until second-half substitute Rashford found the net for a sixth successive game with goals in the 90th and 94th minutes. Charlton’s 9,000-strong travelling support, their largest ever for a midweek cup tie, applauded their side off, having backed them throughout, briefly raising hopes
Kiambu MCAs accuse Wamatangi of sidelining them in issuance of bursaries
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 – Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi is dealing with yet another uprising from Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who claim he is sidelining them from the plans to distribute bursaries in their respective wards. Wamatangi was accused by the MCAs of appointing committees to handle and distribute the bursaries at the ward level without consulting them. The 60 elected MCAs from different parties and independents accused the governor of undermining them by utilizing his foundation alias Wamatangi Foundation and his friends to influence the populace. On Monday morning, the MCAs stormed his office demanding that he expedite
Govt kicks off nationwide inspection for junior secondary schools
MOMBASA, Kenya, Jan 10 – The Ministry of Education has started a nationwide inspection of institutions that will host the junior secondary schools. A nationwide inspection in primary schools has started to ascertain the level of preparedness of the junior secondary schools after the Education Working Committee recommended that junior secondary schools be domiciled at primary schools. The ministry has come up with a criterion of selecting the schools that will host junior secondary, the exercise started yesterday at county level. At least 34,500 pupils are set to transition from grade six to grade seven in their former primary schools
LSK calls for speedy probe over spate of killings in Kisii
KISII, Kenya, Jan 10 – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) South West Branch Chairman Mr. Gideon Nyambati has called for speedy investigations into the murder incidences that have been reported within Kisii and Nyamira Counties recently. Speaking to the press at the Kisii Law Courts on Monday, Nyambati condemned the gruesome murders and gender-based violence cases that have continued to spur public outcry in the entire country. The Chairman assured the families of the victims that they will support them and give them all the necessary legal assistance they may require. He urged the Cabinet Secretary of Interior to
Mary Wambui walks free in Sh2.2bn tax evasion case after DPP withdrawal
NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 10 – Businesswoman Mary Wambui and her daughter have joined the list of prominent Kenyans whose cases have been withdrawn in recent weeks. Wambui, who was recently appointed the Chairperson of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), has been battling a Sh2.2 billion tax evasion case with her daughter as directors of Purma Holdings. But on Tuesday, the Director of Public Prosecutions applied to discharge them from the case over sufficient lack of evidence. The application was granted by Magistrate Felix Kombo. The two were dramatically arrested last year following investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
High court lawyer arrested for forging EACC stamp
Nairobi, Kenya Jan 10 – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a High Court Lawyer for engaging in forgery. The advocate was arrested Tuesday morning for allegedly forging the official stamp and signature of an EACC Advocate on his court documents and using the same to fraudulently secure Court Orders against the anti-graft agency. The suspect, who practices as Bigambo & Bigambo Advocates in Westlands, is currently in custody at EACC Integrity Centre Police Station pending arraignment. “He is currently in custody at EACC Police Station and will be shortly presented before Milimani Anti-Corruption Court to face criminal
You need minimum of Sh15K for actual DNA test – pathologist
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 – Kenyan pathologist Dr Ahmed Yakub Kalebi has informed Kenyans that the cost of an actual DNA test costs a minimum of Sh15,000, contrary to reports that there is a new kit retailing at Sh800. Dr. Kalebi clarified that the Home DNA Test Kit said to be available in pharmacy or supermarket shelves at a cost of Sh750 to Sh800 is just the sample collection kit (swab). He said for the actual DNA test the sample collected has to be mailed or shipped to the lab where lab testing fee is minimum Sh15,000. “Unfortunately there seems
Meta fined €390m over use of data for targeted ads
Meta has been fined €390m euros (£346m) for breaking EU data rules. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) says the way Meta asked permission to use peoples’ data for ads on Facebook and Instagram was unlawful. Meta, which owns both platforms, has three months to change how it obtains and uses data to target ads. Meta says it is “disappointed” and intends to appeal, stressing that the decision does not prevent personalised advertising on its platforms. The regulator said that Facebook and Instagram can not “force consent” by saying consumers have to accept how their data is used, or leave
Cyber-security: Millions of Twitter users’ email addresses ‘stolen’ in data hack
Data alleged to contain the email addresses of more than 200 million Twitter users is being given away for free on a hacker forum, reports say. The stolen information includes email addresses used to set up accounts, which will worry anonymous users who registered with a sensitive address. The BBC has not verified the data, and breaches often turn out to contain duplicate, old or fake information. Twitter has not responded to requests for comment about the breach. Alon Gal of cyber-crime information firm Hudson Rock, which spotted the leak, said it contained more than 200 million email addresses and
WhatsApp announces it will enable messaging in internet blackouts
Instant-messaging service WhatsApp is letting users connect via proxy servers so they can stay online if the internet is blocked or disrupted by shutdowns. The technology giant, owned by Meta, said it hoped blackouts such as those in Iran “never occur” again. They denied human rights and “cut people off from receiving urgent help”. WhatsApp is urging its global community to volunteer proxies to help people “communicate freely” and said it would offer guidance on how to set one up. “Connecting via proxy maintains the same high level of privacy and security that WhatsApp provides,” it blogged. “Your personal messages
OPINION: How small businesses survive global market shocks
Sherene Headley got a big surprise when she checked the invoice from her manufacturer in China this past autumn. The founder and chief executive of Mokkah, a London-based company that makes shoes in large sizes for women, had ordered 57 pairs of black suede boots to sell to customers. But the manufacturer’s invoice, which was priced in US dollars, was about 20% more expensive than Ms Headley had expected. When the British pound sank to a record low against the US dollar in September, her fledgling company’s overseas buying power dropped with it. The pound’s fall makes goods priced in dollars
Shell to pay yet-to-be disclosed UK tax for first time in five years
Shell has said it will pay tax in the UK for the first time since 2017 after making huge global profits last year. The energy firm said it expected to “take a hit” of around $2bn (£1.7bn) on profits in the UK and the European Union in final three months the year. Governments have imposed taxes on energy companies to capture some of the massive profits firms have made through high oil and gas prices. Shell will not disclose at present how much UK tax it will finally pay. It is understood the figure could be lower than forecast at
US economy sees robust jobs growth in December
Jobs growth in the US remained strong last month even as the economy wrestled with the impact of fast-rising prices. Employers added 223,000 positions in December, pushing the jobless rate down to 3.5%, from 3.6% in November. The resilience of the labour market has raised hopes that the world’s largest economy will avoid a severe economic downturn this year. The US central bank is raising borrowing costs to try to cool the economy and ease the price pressures. As firms struggle with the impact of higher interest rates and the possibility of lower consumer spending, recent news of big job
Kevin McCarthy elected US House Speaker after 15 rounds of voting
Kevin McCarthy has been elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives after heated exchanges which almost saw fellow Republicans come to blows. It took 15 rounds of voting for Mr McCarthy to win the job, despite his party having a majority in the chamber. It came after a dramatic pressure campaign played out live on the House floor as party rebel Matt Gaetz was urged to vote for Mr McCarthy. The Florida Congressman was among six holdouts who relented late on Friday. Earlier, amid heated scenes in the chamber, Mr Gaetz had almost come to blows with Rep Mike
Kenyan troops in DR Congo oversee takeover of key M23 rebel base
NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 7 – Kenyan forces deployed by the East African Community (EAC) in the troubled eastern DR Congo have overseen the takeover of the strategic territory of Rumagambo, 42kms North of Goma town, after the withdrawal of M23 rebels. The rebels gave back the key military base on Friday during an event witnessed by a delegation from the Ad Hoc Committee and the Extended Joint Verification Mechanism led by Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Emmanuel Kaputa. “The takeover signifies yet another critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability to Eastern DRC, he said. The
Family seeks help to retrieve body of son who drowned after stranger scared him into river Nyando
KISUMU, Kenya, Jan 6 — A family in Ahero, Kisumu County is mourning the tragic death of their five-year-old son, Eden Ochieng, who drowned in River Nyando on Thursday evening at around 6 pm. The family said 24 hours later since Ochieng drowned, the body was yet to be retrieved. “My boy died a painful death and 24 hours later we haven’t retrieved the body,” Philip Ochieng, the boy’s father said even as he appealed for volunteer divers to help in the search. “We have used local divers but they aren’t equipped to dive too deep where we suspect the
Raila: Don’t write me off yet, Azimio remains strong
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has allayed fears that his Azimio La Umoja One Kenya alliance is dead, promising that he will make a major announcement in the coming days. In what will keep many guessing on his next move, Odinga said Friday that “the alliance is strong, alive and kicking”, dismissing critics who have predicted its death after several governors were seen lately coalescing around President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government. “Working with the National government does not mean that the governor is defecting to UDA or Kenya Kwisha (actual name is Kenya Kwanza). The Governor ought to work with the
Jack Butland: Man Utd sign Crystal Palace stopper on loan
Manchester United have signed Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland on loan for the remainder of the season. United manager Erik ten Hag needs a number two to David de Gea after Newcastle United cut Martin Dubravka’s loan period short. Butland, who has nine England caps, has been with Crystal Palace since 2020 but is yet to play this season. “This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent,” said Butland, 29. Tom Heaton, who has three England caps and joined from Aston Villa in 2021, is also part of the goalkeeping set-up at Old Trafford. Butland
Rashford shine as Man Utd beat Everton in FA cup
Marcus Rashford scored for a fifth successive game as Manchester United increased the pressure on Everton boss Frank Lampard with a deserved FA Cup victory at Old Trafford. Everton were applauded off by their travelling support for showing admirable character, after their side suffered the shock of going behind after just three minutes when Antony turned home Rashford’s far-post cross but had the character to fight back. Conor Coady rammed home a 13th-minute equaliser when David de Gea calamitously allowed Neal Maupay’s apparently harmless cross to roll though his legs as he appeared to think it was about to hit
Jadon Sancho: Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag says he will be patient with Jadon Sancho
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he will be patient reintroducing Jadon Sancho to his team as “footballers are not robots”. Sancho has struggled for form since his £73m move to United from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021. The England winger has not featured for United since the 1-1 Premier League draw at Chelsea on 22 October. “There are some processes you can’t force and this is one of them,” said Ten Hag. United have won nine of their 10 matches in all competitions in the 22-year-old’s absence, with Sancho currently following an individual training programme devised to get him
Premier League: Manchester City close gap on leaders Arsenal with win at Chelsea
Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points with victory over injury-ravaged Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The reigning champions struggled in the first half before two of manager Pep Guardiola’s substitutes combined to break the deadlock after 63 minutes, Riyad Mahrez turning in Jack Grealish’s low cross at the far post. Chelsea enjoyed the better of the first half despite adding both former City forward Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic to a lengthening injury list, substitute Carney Chukwuemeka hitting the post from the edge of the area. Graham Potter will justifiably point to Chelsea’s ill-luck
Kisii mentally challenged man beheads his two children under 10 years
A man said to have mental challenges has beheaded his two children in Kisii, leaving villagers in shock. Nelson Mandela is said to have beheaded his two daughters aged under 10 years when he was left home with them on Friday morning, neighbours told police. He then dumped their bodies in a maize plantation where they were discovered by his wife. The incident occurred in Kiobegi Location in Nyamache. His other three children had gone to fetch water while his wife was in the farm when he turned against the two without provocation. And when the wife started screaming on
Coronavirus: Soaring Covid-19 cases shine light on China’s healthcare gap
Understaffed and underfunded clinics stand half-empty in parts of the Chinese countryside even as hospitals in major cities heave under an unprecedented Covid wave — an illustration of the stark disparities in the country’s healthcare system. Visits by AFP journalists in the past two weeks have revealed sharp differences in demand for urban and rural hospitals in parts of northern China as many in the countryside head to big cities for a quality of care they simply can’t get closer to home. In one of the world’s most unequal economies, China’s centralised healthcare system drives money and resources towards urban
Akombe named Chief of Peacebuilding at UN Agency headquartered in New York
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 6 — Kenya’s Roselyn Akombe has been appointed the Chief of Peacebuilding Strategy and Partnerships at United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA). Akombe, who describes herself as an international civil servant, revealed she had landed the role in a tweet on Thursday. UNDPPA, which is headquartered in New York, works to prevent conflict and sustain peace around the world. Akombe, who served as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) before fleeing the country ahead of a repeat presidential election ordered by the Supreme Court in 2017, said she was grateful
UDA candidate Chege Njuguna wins Kandara MP seat
KANDARA, Kenya, Jan 6 – United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party candidate, Chege Njuguna has been declared winner for Kandara Member of Parliament seat after garnering 21, 650 votes. Chege was closely followed by Titus Njau Mbuchu who got 14, 678 votes. Mbuchu vied on a Ford Asili ticket. Kibiru PMG Junior of Usawa kwa Wote party came third after getting 1,469 votes. The other five candidates managed to get less than 200 votes in an exercise which was marred by low turnout. The returning officer Linet Kilonzo said voter turnout was 38.6 percent in a constituency which has 105, 148 registered voters.
Panic as exhauster operators threaten to dump raw sewer in Thika water treatment facility over hiked fee
THIKA, Kenya, Jan 6 – There was drama at the Thika’s water distributing company (Thiwasco) after over 50 exhaust operators threatened to dump 12 truckloads of raw sewage into its water treatment facility over hiked license fees by the Kiambu County Government. This came despite the county battling several cases of cholera that have been reported in several Sub Counties in the past few months, with the recent cases being reported in Ruiru last week. The operators stormed the treatment facility with full lorry tankers ready to pour the waste, but quick intervention by the police saved the situation. Led by
Shock as body of LGBTQ activist found stuffed in box within Eldoret
Nairobi, Kenya, Jan 6 – A man whose body was discovered stuffed in a metallic box in Uasin Gishu’s Kipenyo-Katinga Road has been identified as that of a popular Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) activist and fashionista Edwin Chiloba. Reports suggest that the box with the victim’s body was dumped in the area by a vehicle whose registration number was concealed before a Bodaboda rider alerted authorities. A video circulating on the internet shows police officers on the scene opening the metallic box before removing the body, clad in woman’s attire with a horrified crowd milling around the body
Govt releases Sh8.6bn to Inua Jamii beneficiaries
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – The government has released Sh8.6 billion to 1.1 million Inua Jamii beneficiaries. According to Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore payments are expected to kick off on Monday. ’The funds have been credited to the accounts of the beneficiaries who will each receive Sh8,000 being payment for July- August 2022 and September- October 2022 payment cycles. Payment will begin on Monday, 9th January, 2023,’’ Bore said. In addition, the Ministry also released Sh11.2 million for Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE), which is a complimentary programme. The NICHE programme is being implemented in five Arid
Movement of heavy machinery from Mumias sugar mill raises concern
KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Jan 5 — The apparent movement of assorted equipment from Kakamega-based sugar miller Mumias has reignited a fresh wave of suspicion casting doubt on government’s recent commitment to help settle a debt owed to farmers. Concerns emerged Wednesday after trailer trucks were photographed carrying what appeared to be factory equipment from Mumias Sugar Factory. The latest activity came just weeks after President William Ruto announced a plan to revive the sugar mill. During a meeting with local leaders at the Kakamega State Lodge on December 9, 2022, President Ruto committed to find a new strategic investor to replace
Amazon to axe 18,000 jobs as it cuts costs
Amazon plans to cut more than 18,000 jobs, the largest number in the firm’s history, as it battles to save costs. The online giant which employs 1.5 million people globally, did not say which countries the job cuts would hit, but said they would include Europe. Most of the job losses will come from its consumer retail business and its human resources division. Boss Andy Jassy cited the “uncertain economy” for the cuts, saying it had “hired rapidly over several years.” “We don’t take these decisions lightly or underestimate how much they might affect the lives of those who are
Pope Francis leads final farewell to Benedict before thousands
Vatican City (AFP), Jan 5 – Pope Francis led the funeral of his predecessor Benedict XVI on Thursday in front of tens of thousands of mourners in St Peter’s Square, an event unprecedented in modern times. Scarlet-clad cardinals, dignitaries and thousands of priests and nuns from around the world gathered to say goodbye to the German theologian, who stunned the Catholic church in 2013 by becoming the first pontiff in six centuries to resign. For the first time in modern history, the papal funeral was led by a sitting pope, Francis, who delivered the homily in Italian as part of a
Inter Milan end Napoli’s unbeaten run with a 1-0 win
Edin Dzeko’s thumping header helped Inter Milan edge past Napoli and hand the Serie A leaders their first league defeat of the season. Dzeko met Federico Dimarco’s cross to head Inter in front in the 56th minute. Inter keeper Andre Onana denied Giacomo Raspadori late on as Napoli’s 11-match winning run in Serie A came to an end. Napoli would have gone eight points clear of second-placed AC Milan with a win, while Inter, eight points off the top, moved fourth with their victory. BBC Sport
Ings goal earns Villa derby a point against Wolves
Substitute Danny Ings’ late equaliser earned Aston Villa a point and denied Wolves an important Premier League victory in their West Midlands derby at Villa Park. Ings cancelled out Daniel Podence’s delightful first-half strike as he lifted the ball past Jose Sa after his run behind the defence was picked out by Tyrone Mings’ superb pass. Podence ensured the visitors capitalised on their purposeful start as the Portuguese forward weaved past Douglas Luiz before curling a 12th-minute opener beyond World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Making his first appearance since lifting the World Cup with Argentina last month, Golden Glove winner
Barcelona survive scare against third tier side
Barcelona survived a scare in the Copa del Rey as Ansu Fati scored in extra-time to secure victory against Spanish third-tier side Intercity. Oriol Soldevila, released by Birmingham City last summer, threatened to upset the La Liga giants with a hat-trick. He first cancelled out Ronald Araujo’s early opener before equalising again after Ousmane Dembele restored Barcelona’s lead. Raphinha struck in the 77th minute but Soldevila scored again soon after. That took the game to extra time, where Fati’s deflected finish sent Barcelona into the last 16. “It was the magic of the cup,” Araujo told Movistar. “It will serve
Kane scores twice as Spurs beat Palace
Harry Kane scored two of Tottenham’s four second-half goals after they eventually cruised to a Premier League win over Crystal Palace. Kane’s towering close-range header from Ivan Perisic’s cross was the first time Spurs had led 1-0 in a game since 15 October. They had conceded the first goal in all 10 games in between. He then drilled a low second into the bottom corner from Bryan Gil’s pass. The England captain has now scored 264 goals for Spurs, only two behind Jimmy Greaves’ club record. Kane, making his 300th Premier League appearance, had a hand in their next two
Ruto confident his govt will end bandit attacks, related challenges
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 5- President William Ruto has assured of his government’s commitment to end bandit attacks in parts of Rift Valley where hundreds of people have been killed in past years during cattle raids. Just last week, two school-going children were killed and others injured in Kerio Valley where dozens of cattle were stolen. “We have agreed as a government that this issue of bandits is a major problem, but we must sort it out. If this issue is not dealt with by this Kenya Kwanza government, then I do not know who will deal with it because this
Chinese take risks on black market drugs as Covid surges
Beijing (AFP), Jan 5 – Desperate families searching for critical Covid-19 medication in China, faced with bare pharmacy shelves and an explosion of cases, are being driven into murky online marketplaces rife with price gouging and fraud. Beijing last month abruptly tore down its hallmark zero-Covid virus containment policy, lifting widespread restrictions that had triggered nationwide protests and stifled the economy. The move unleashed a torrent of infections across the country. The current Covid wave has seen drug stores stripped of supplies, as people snap up cold and fever treatments. Many have been forced to turn to sketchy online sellers with
Obey or leave: NGOs torn over Taliban ban on women staff
Kabul (AFP), Jan 5 – Aid groups say they have been “pushed against a wall” by the Taliban prohibiting Afghan women from working for NGOs, a ban that has left a dangerous gap in life-saving support. Afghanistan’s NGOs have been instrumental in trying to address one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with half the country’s population hungry and three million children at risk of malnutrition. “It is impossible for us to continue our activities in the country if we don’t have women as part of our organisations at all levels,” Samira Sayed-Rahman, a senior official at International Rescue Committee (IRC),
By-elections kick off in Kandara, Garissa township and Elgeyo Marakwet
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – Voting in Kandara, Garissa Township, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Shelly Ward by-elections kicked off Thursday morning with most polling stations recording low turnout. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is looking to retain the Kandara, Garissa Township, Elgeyo-Marakwet Parliamentary seats which were held by Alice Wahome, Aden Duale and Kipchumba Murkomen after declared vacant after they resigned to join President William Ruto cabinet. While the party is all but assured of bagging the Kandara seat, the contests in the Garissa Township Constituency and Elgeyo Marakwet Senate race have given party stalwarts a run for their money. Duale and
World economy: US regulators warn banks over cryptocurrency, Fintech risks
US regulators have issued their first ever joint warning to banks over the risks associated with the cryptocurrency market. The watchdogs told financial institutions to be wary of potential fraud, legal uncertainty and misleading disclosures by digital asset firms. Banks were also cautioned over the “contagion risk” from the sector. It comes just two months after the collapse of trading platform FTX sent shockwaves through the crypto industry. In the joint statement, the US Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said they were closely monitoring the crypto activities of banking organisations.
Weather: Historic Winter as heat records smashed all across European countries
Temperatures for January have reached an all-time high in a number of nations across Europe. National records have fallen in eight countries – and regional records in another three. Warsaw, Poland, saw 18.9C on Sunday while Bilbao, Spain, was 25.1C – more than 10C above average. The mild European weather comes as North America faces more severe storms, days after a deadly winter cold snap left more than 60 dead. Heavy snow and freezing rain have been forecast for parts of the northern Midwest while severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are expected in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. But on the European
President Ruto says CBC is good for Kenya, commits to making it work as it should
President William Ruto has defended his administration’s desire to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum fully. The Head of State who spoke during a joint television media interview on Wednesday said the curriculum “is good”. Whereas acknowledging that its implementation was hurried during its initial stages, President Ruto noted “we will rectify the issue”. “The government will look at the issues raised holistically and ensure that the CBC works,” he said. He assured that the transition of pupils in various grades will be smooth with plans already underway to recruit 30, 000 new teachers who will be critical in attaining complete success.
Ignore Azimio calls to default on hustler fund, Ruto says as he plans on phase 2
President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to ignore calls by Azimio leaders who want them to default on the Hustler Fund as he plans to unveil phase two. The Head of State, who spoke during the first joint TV interview at State House said the fund has been hugely successful and is ready to move to the next phase. “When we launched this fund, a lot of politicians told Kenyans to take the money and not repay back, telling them that it’s useless. But today the money that is being repaid is more than that being borrowed,” the President said
Have you seen me grow breasts yet I have consumed GMO’s? Ruto chides Kenyans
President William Ruto has defended his government’s plan to import Genetically Modified Foods , saying it’s safe and causes no harm to humans. Citing countries like the USA, South Africa and others that consume 100 per cent GMO foods, the president wondered why politicians are inciting Kenyans against the foods. “Some leaders have been going round saying all manner of things, including lies that men will grow breasts and women beards if they consume GMOs,” he said, and posed, “have you seen me grow breats yet I have consumed GMO foods.” Ruto said, there is nothing wrong with Kenya importing
Riggy G or Sakaja? Eyes on who will blink first as President Ruto keeps distance
This week has been characterised by raging political temperatures touched off by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, popularly known as Riggy G, when he asked Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to stop ‘interfering with Kikuyu businesses”. He categorically instructed Sakaja not to relocate matatus from the CBD to the new Green Park terminus in what has now sparked varied reactions from leaders across the political divide, with an Opposition MP from Western Kenya even threatening to sponsor a motion to impeach the DP. While the threat by the MP sounds fertile given the high constitutional threshold of impeaching a DP, Riggy G’s
<strong>800 Medical Interns To Be Deployed To Public Health Facilities</strong>
ELDORET, Kenya, Jan 4 – Some 800 medical interns are set to be deployed to public hospitals across the country in the next two weeks to boost healthcare delivery, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Wafula has said. Speaking at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret Tuesday, Wafula said the government’s latest move was aimed at addressing the acute shortage of medical doctors in public hospitals in the country. The CS averred the government was committed to ensuring all public health facilities are equipped with the necessary manpower and skills for effective delivery of universal health care to the citizens.
Media Max suspends its CEO Ken Ngaruiya
Media Max Limited, the Kenyatta family owned media house based along Kijabe street has sent its CEO Ken Ngaruiya on compulsory leave. Sources at the company have told sauce.co.ke that the board of the company decided to send its top manager home in order to investigate his conduct. Ngaruiya is facing claims of financial impropriety with the latest being a sh24m payment made to a firm under questionable circumstances. What has irked the board is the fact that the firm could be his but registered under proxies and has been used in the past for other dubious businesses. To show
Standard group staff threaten strike over unpaid salaries
The Standard Media Group (SMG) risks having a majority of its operations crippled from January 6, 2023 after the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) urged their staff to down their tools. In a statement seen by Viral Tea, KUJ on Friday, December 30 warned the Mombasa Road-based media house of adverse consequences over its alleged non-payment of salaries, remittance of Sacco savings and statutory deductions and exploitation of staff. The union, under Secretary General Erick Oduor, marked seven days since it issued SMG with a strike notice over the aforementioned issues, which it argued, are in violation of labour laws and the Constitution.
Cape Verde christens national stadium after Pele
ZURICH, Switzerland, January 4, 2023/APO .Cape Verde’s Prime Minister Dr Ulisses Correira e Silva has announced that the country’s national stadium in Praia will be named after world football icon Pele. The 15,000 seater “Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde”, erected in 2010 and opened in 2014 has been the home base of the “Blue Sharks” as Cape Verde’s national team is referred to. In statement published on social media Facebook, Cape Verde’s premier stressed that the decision is a spinoff of the historical ties that his country shares with Brazil. “Cape Verde and Brazil have a history and culture that
Fundraiser to offset Kasavuli’s Sh4mn hospital bill set for Saturday
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 4 – A fundraiser to clear the hospital bill of veteran newscaster Catherine Kasavuli is set to be held on Saturday at the United Kenya Club. According to a program released by the family, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will be the Chief Guest, among other notable guests. Kasavuli’s son Martin recently appealed for help to offset a hospital bill estimated at four million Shillings. The family has also released a paybill number 8089700 Account number Catherine Kasavuli for well wishers to send in their contributions. Kasavuli passed away last Thursday after a long battle with cervical cancer. A
DCI detectives gun down suspected thug in Starehe
Nairobi, Kenya, Jan 4 – Starehe-based detectives have gunned down a suspected thug believed to be the head of a gang trying to establish its territory in Nairobi’s Mathare area and its environs. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Wednesday that Charles Gitau Mwangi alias Baroda, 22, who has been on the detectives’ radar for the past few weeks was fatally wounded after he allegedly defied orders to surrender and attacked one of the officers. The agency stated that the detectives went after the suspect and two of his accomplices following distress calls from the members of the public.
Man whose genitals were bitten off by wife in Kisii ready to forgive her
KISII, Kenya Jan 4 – A man whose genitals were bitten off by his wife says he has forgiven her for the sake of peace. 38-year-old Eliud Kepha who is hospitalised said he “does not want problems and that is why he has opted to forgive his second wife, Grace Oyaro, 35. “I am ready to forgive my wife, I don’t want to get into problems,” Kepha told journalists from his hospital bed Wednesday, hours after his wife was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and assault. The incident occurred on New Year’s Eve during an altercation sparked off by
EPL: Newcastle hold on against leaders Arsenal to earn point at Emirates
Newcastle United frustrated Premier League leaders Arsenal to earn a point with a dogged display at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal were hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table to 10 points but found themselves drawn into an attritional and dogged encounter by a Newcastle Untied side with top four ambitions of their own. Chances were at a premium and Newcastle’s Joelinton arguably wasted the best of all when he headed wide with the goal at his mercy in first-half stoppage time. Arsenal went close through defender Gabriel and forward Gabriel Martinelli, who both sent headers narrowly off
Rashford scores again as Man Utd beat Bournemouth
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw says the “belief and confidence” is back at Old Trafford after they stretched their winning run in all competitions to six games with a comfortable victory over a hapless Bournemouth in the Premier League. Midfielder Casemiro latched onto a Christian Eriksen free-kick with a beautifully cushioned volley to put Erik ten Hag’s side ahead half way through the first half. They doubled their lead four minutes into the second period as Shaw, playing in his more accustomed left-back role again, swept home an Alejandro Garnacho cut-back to complete a beautiful free-flowing move. Marcus Rashford then
Brazil Says Final Farewell To ‘King’ Pele
Santos (Brazil) (AFP), Jan 3 – President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva led the tributes Tuesday as Brazil said its final farewell to football legend Pele, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. A flood of fans, politicians and football dignitaries have flocked to pay their respects to the player known as “The King” in the southeastern city of Santos, home to the club where he spent most of his storied career. Santos FC said more than 230,000 people had attended his 24-hour wake in the Vila Belmiro stadium, where a steady stream of mourners continued straight through the
Brentford 3-1 Liverpool: Thomas Frank praises ‘incredible’ Bees
Brentford manager Thomas Frank praised his “incredible” players after their impressive victory over Liverpool. The Bees won 3-1 at the Community Stadium to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to six matches. Frank and his players celebrated with their supporters at full-time, the victory moving Brentford up to seventh place in the table. “What a night! I can’t praise the players enough, they are incredible,” Frank told BBC Sport. “The attitude, effort, hard work and togetherness – everything they put together to beat a team like Liverpool.” Brentford’s opening goal came when Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate deflected a corner into
Kyogo equaliser denies Rangers’ famous win as they drew 2-2
Kyogo Furuhashi’s late equaliser denied Rangers a famous Old Firm comeback victory and preserved Celtic’s nine-point lead in the Scottish Premiership. Daizen Maeda collected a blind pass from Alfredo Morelos and fired the leaders ahead after five minutes. But Ryan Kent brought Rangers level 100 seconds after the break and James Tavernier converted a penalty after Carl Starfelt fouled Fashion Sakala. Kyogo’s 88th-minute goal denied Michael Beale a dream Old Firm debut as boss. The start and the finish were all Celtic but in between they had a kitchen sink thrown at them. Just when you thought they were beaten
Watford grab a late winner against Norwich
Vakoun Bayo’s late breakaway goal earned victory for Watford and left managerless Norwich City pondering a dismal home run which has now seen them win just once in nine Championship matches at Carrow Road. Bayo tapped the ball home after a slick move, Ismaila Sarr racing away down the left and showing great composure to pick out the striker to net from close range. Watford had been the more threatening for much of an entertaining game, with the impressive Keinan Davis twice going close before the break. But the Canaries, in their second game under interim boss Allan Russell, improved
PSG lose first game since March to in form Lens
Paris St-Germain lost for the first time since March as they were beaten 3-1 by in-form Lens in Ligue 1. Second-placed Lens have lost only once in 17 Ligue 1 games this season and are now just four points behind Christophe Galtier’s star-studded league leaders. Lois Openda scored one goal and set up another for Franck Haise’s side. PSG were without Neymar, who was suspended after being sent off on Wednesday, and Lionel Messi, who continues his post-World Cup recovery. The hosts led after five minutes when Przemyslaw Frankowski volleyed into an empty net after a rebound off Italy goalkeeper
Aurier earns Forest a deserved point against Chelsea
Nottingham Forest claimed a valuable point in their relegation fight with a deserved draw against Chelsea, who lost ground on the Premier League top four. Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling volleyed home from five yards after Wily Boly had flicked a cross onto his own bar. Forest attacked with vigour in the second half and Morgan Gibbs-White crashed a stunning strike off the bar. Serge Aurier showed fine composure when he controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed home the equaliser. Chelsea, who have now only won successive league games once under Graham Potter since he was appointed on 8 September,
Villa increases pressure on spurs coach with a win
Aston Villa increased the pressure on Tottenham manager Antonio Conte with victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. An error by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in his first game back since the World Cup allowed Emiliano Buendia to score before Douglas Luiz doubled the lead. A lacklustre Spurs, who fell out of the Premier League top four on Saturday, have now won only two of their past seven matches. Villa have won back-to-back away league games as they improve under Unai Emery. It appeared this contest would pit the two keepers who faced off in the 2022 World Cup final penalty shootout against
Lula to be sworn in as Brazil president as Bolsonaro flies to US
Crowds of people are gathering in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, ahead of the inauguration of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as president. The veteran left-wing politician, known widely as Lula, also led the country between 2003 and 2010 – and defeated Jair Bolsonaro in October’s poll. There is tight security for Sunday’s ceremony amid fears that Bolsonaro supporters may try to disrupt it. Mr Bolsonaro himself will not attend, having left Brazil on Friday. A sea of Lula supporters gathered in front of Congress early in the morning – decked out in the red colour of his Workers’ Party. They
CJ Koome: Courts to ensure cases conclude in three years
Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome says 2023 is the year when all courts will attain the strategic target to ensure that no cases remain in a trial court for more than three years. In her New Year’s message to Kenyans, Koome said she will endeavor to lead her fellow officers in the courts to keep the commitment to have all cases on appeals heard and determined in one year. The CJ noted that they will be focusing on phasing out, case backlog-enabling vocabulary, and actions by having every case file tracked to ensure that matters
Three UoN students on a crusade mission drown in Budalangi
BUSIA, Kenya Jan 1 – Three University of Nairobi students died after their boat capsized at the Mulokoba Waterfront in Budalangi, Busia County on New Year’s Eve. The trio was part of a group of seven students who attended a crusade organized by the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Port Victoria. Bunyala Sub County Police Commander Isaiah Mose confirmed the incident that saw four students rescued alive. He, however, disclosed that a search and rescue mission was underway to retrieve the body of the one student who died. “The boat capsized because of its limited carrying capacity,” he said. Capital news
Marcus Rashford impressing but Manchester United still need a striker
Marcus Rashford is fit, firing and having fun. Yet his impressive recent form also shows why he is not the answer to Manchester United’s need for a new striker, according to two former England forwards. Rashford led United to a dominant 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, but Alan Shearer and Michael Owen say they must buy a ‘number nine’ to complement the 25-year-old’s quality. Against Forest, Rashford scored United’s first goal after sweeping in a well-worked corner routine initiated by Christian Eriksen and then teed up Anthony Martial to fire in the second midway through the first half.
Fulham defeat rock-bottom Southampton 2-1
Southampton remained rooted to the foot of the table after a late winner by Fulham’s Joao Palhinha condemned the visitors to a fifth straight Premier League defeat. James Ward-Prowse’s superb second-half free-kick, which cancelled out his earlier own-goal, seemed set to secure his side a much-needed point. But a clever flick-on from Kenny Tete set up Palhinha’s 88th-minute header. Aleksandar Mitrovic missed an injury-time penalty and the chance to add gloss to the scoreline. Fulham are up to seventh on the back of their fourth win in seven games. Craven Cottage legend Cohen honoured The hosts paid tribute to one
Luis Suarez joins Brazilian side Gremio on free transfer
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has joined Brazilian Serie A side Gremio on a free transfer, signing with the club until the end of 2024. The former Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid player, 35, returned to his first club Nacional in July and stayed for three months. He scored eight goals in 16 games during his second stint with the side, winning the Uruguayan championship. Gremio’s first game of 2023 is against Sao Luiz on 17 January. The club, based in the city of Porto Alegre, were promoted from Brazil’s Serie B in the 2022 season, which ended in November. Suarez
Premier League and EFL players wear black armbands to honour footballing great Pele
Premier League and English Football League clubs wore black armbands and held a minute’s applause before kick-off in this weekend’s games in honour of Brazil legend Pele. The Scottish Professional Football League has also suggested all clubs pay their respects with a minute’s applause or “other appropriate gesture”. Three-time World Cup winner Pele passed away. on Thursday at the age of 82. Brazil has declared three days of national mourning as tributes pour in. The Premier League tributes began at West Ham v Brentford, with the iconic image of Pele embracing Bobby Moore shown on the big screen at London Stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr until 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on a deal that runs until 2025. The Portugal captain is a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the club. Ronaldo will reportedly receive the biggest football salary in history at more than £177m per year. The 37-year-old says he is “eager to experience a new football league in a different country”. Ronaldo added: “I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia.” Al
Barcelona held by Espanyol in chaotic derby
Barcelona were held to a draw by local rivals Espanyol in a chaotic New Year’s Eve derby at the Nou Camp. Marcos Alonso gave Barca the lead after seven minutes, however they were pegged back by a Joselu penalty. Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba received a second yellow card in the final minutes, while Vinicius Souza was also dismissed for the visitors. The referee also sent off Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera, although that was overturned by VAR. Despite failing to win, Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on goal difference ahead of Real Madrid, who beat Real Valladolid 2-0 on
Newcastle end 2022 at third despite draw with Leeds
Manager Eddie Howe said 2022 had been a “year of real progress” after Newcastle ended it third in the Premier League despite being held to a goalless draw at home by Leeds. The Magpies go into 2023 a club transformed from the one that, three months after their Saudi Arabia-backed takeover, were 19th in the table a year ago. “2022 has been a great year,” Howe said. “The team has developed really well. “We have had some great results. There are big challenges ahead but we look forward to those.” Newcastle offered almost all the attacking threat at St James’
Dropped Rashford comes off bench to score winner
Marcus Rashford turned from villain to hero as he came off the bench to score the only goal against Wolves and move Manchester United into the Premier League top four. Manager Erik ten Hag left Rashford out of his starting line-up for “internal disciplinary” reasons. But after a disappointing opening period, in which Rashford’s replacement Alejandro Garnacho wasted the visitors’ best chance when his shot was saved by Jose Sa, the England man scored 14 minutes from time. Rashford picked the ball up outside the Wolves area, then, after exchanging passes with Bruno Fernandes, held off three defenders before driving
Everton hold man City in a feisty contest
Manchester City defender John Stones says a point against Everton is “difficult to take” after his side were held in a feisty Premier League contest at Etihad Stadium. The result leaves second-placed City seven points adrift of Arsenal, who extended their lead at the top of the table after beating Brighton on Saturday. “I don’t really know what to say. I feel like we’ve lost two points,” said Stones. “It’s difficult to take after the game. We showed great character to keep fighting and pushing. It was a bit of a scrappy game.” Erling Haaland, noticeably incensed after an early
Arsenal beat Brighton to move seven points clear
Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with an entertaining victory at Brighton. This result, allied to manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Everton, extends Arsenal’s advantage heading in to 2023. The visitors were cruising at 3-0 thanks goals by Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah before Kaoru Mitoma pulled one back. Gabriel Martinelli settled any nerves with Arsenal’s fourth before Evan Ferguson added Brighton’s second with his first league goal. Mitoma had a second goal chalked off to deny the home fans a grandstand finish as Arsenal held on for a deserved three points.
Covid in China: Officials must share data on its impact, says WHO
Chinese officials must share more real-time information on Covid in the country as infections surge, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. Many of the country’s strict restrictions have been lifted over the last few weeks, but cases have soared and several countries are now screening travellers from China. WHO officials say they want to see more data on hospitalisations, intensive care unit admissions and deaths. It also wants figures on vaccinations. The United States, Spain, France, South Korea, India, Italy, Japan and Taiwan have all imposed Covid tests for travellers from China, as they fear a renewed spread of
Women building resilience to climate change through organic farming
All Josphine Omenta had was a 70 by 100 feet piece of land. It was a plot in the outskirts of Kisii town on which she needed to build a house, a cowshed, and two chicken coops. But Omenta, 62, was set on growing vegetables, too. How could she grow a vegetable garden on practically no land with, worse, increasingly erratic weather patterns? But Mrs Omenta, a retired Kenya Agriculture Livestock Research Organization officer, found a way. She would do portable and keyhole kitchen gardening. The mother of five is among millions of farmers now forced to find innovative ways
eCitizen portal gazetted as the official government digital payments platform
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 30 – National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njunguna Ndung’u has gazetted the eCitizen portal to be the official government digital payments platform. The move comes as President William Ruto plans to migrate all the government services to the digital platform in the next 6-12 months. The Government Digital Payments is aimed at increasing revenue collection and minimizing the cost of collection and enhancing service delivery. It ensures that Citizens, non-citizens, and Business entities can access Government Services online and make payments electronically using Paybill Number 222-222 from wherever they may be in the world. Ndun’gu says the official
Botswana issues arrest warrant for former president, Ian Khama
A court in Botswana has issued an arrest warrant for former President Ian Khama for the possession of illegal firearms. The judge issued orders that Mr Khama should be arrested on sight. The 69-year-old left the country last year and has been residing in neighbouring South Africa. He has denied the charges and says they are part of a political conspiracy after he fell out with his successor President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Mr Khama left office in 2018 after two five-year terms. He is facing 14 charges including allegations of money laundering and handling stolen property. The warrant issued is only
Western MP urges locals to minimize funeral expenses
BUSIA, Kenya Dec 29 – Butula Member of Parliament, Joseph Oyula has advised residents to cut on costs incurred during funerals, saying it disadvantages bereaved families. The MP lamented that the majority of residents cannot afford three meals per day, yet when somebody dies, funeral committees are formed to draft budgets that go towards feeding mourners, thus, stifling the scarce resources available. “It does not make economic sense to slaughter several cows during the funeral of somebody that has left behind a financially drained family,” observed Oyula. Western Kenya residents are known for costly and elaborate send-off packages for their
Court freezes Sh62mn worth of assets belonging to transport ministry deputy director in graft probe
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 30 – The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) has obtained orders to freeze assets worth Sh62 million belonging to Ministry of Transport senior deputy director David Kinyae Isika in a corruption probe. Kinyae is a director supply chain management and a number of assets and companies he owns are affected by the order. The assets include six parcels of land valued at Sh26.3 million and six motor vehicles valued at Sh29.6 million. Others comprise Sh4.9 million in a bank account belonging to a company associated with the official and Sh1.5 million in cash. The money was
Journalist Laban Onserio to know fate today after arrest over stun grenade possession
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 30 – An anti terror court will today rule on whether Standard journalist Laban-Cliff Onserio will be charged for possession of stun grenade and a police pocket phone. The court had last Friday ordered the detention of Onserio for more three days as probe into claims of terrorism goes on. But the court directed the Anti- Terror Police Unit to release him anytime before Thursday December 29 if they do not have anything to charge him with. This means the cops could have released him on police bond if they deemed it feet. They did not and
First legal recreational marijuana shop opens in New York city
New York (AFP), Dec 30 – New York’s first legal recreational marijuana dispensary opened on Thursday in the heart of Manhattan. More than 100 people crowded into the dispensary in New York City’s East Village, run by the nonprofit Housing Works, a group dedicated to fighting homelessness and AIDS. “The first legal adult-use cannabis sales mark a historic milestone in New York’s cannabis industry,” said Governor Kathy Hochul, who oversees the fourth most populous US state. Hochul said in a statement that she expects New York to serve “as a national model for the safe, equitable and inclusive industry we are
Brazilian football legend Pele dies at 82
Sao Paulo (AFP), Dec 29 – Brazilian football icon Pele, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time and a three-time World Cup winner who masterminded the “beautiful game,” died on Thursday at the age of 82. “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram. The Albert Einstein hospital treating Pele said in a statement his death after a long battle with cancer was caused by “multiple organ failure.” Named athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999, Pele is the only footballer in history
Global alarm grows over China’s Covid surge
Beijing (AFP), Dec 29 – The United States joined nations imposing Covid tests on travellers from China after Beijing dropped foreign travel curbs despite surging cases, but the EU’s health agency said Thursday such measures weren’t warranted in the bloc. Hospitals across China have been overwhelmed by an explosion of infections following Beijing’s decision to lift strict rules that had largely kept the virus at bay but tanked the economy and sparked widespread protests. China said this week it would end mandatory quarantine on arrival, prompting many Chinese to make plans to travel abroad. In response, the United States and several
Israel’s Netanyahu returns to power with extreme-right govt
Jerusalem (AFP), Dec 29 – Israel’s hawkish veteran Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister Thursday after a stint in opposition, heading what analysts call the most right-wing government in the country’s history. Netanyahu, 73, who is fighting corruption charges in court, had already served as premier longer than anyone in Israeli history, leading the country from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021. “This is the sixth time I’m presenting a government that I’m heading to get parliament’s support, and I’m excited like the first time,” Netanyahu told the Knesset ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Parliament voted to approve his government and elected
Retired presidents Uhuru, Obasanjo in Ethiopia to evaluate Tigray peace deal
NAIROBI, Kenya Dec 29 – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta landed in Ethiopia on Thursday evening where he is expected to join other African Union (AU) negotiators to evaluate the Tigray peace deal. Uhuru’s visit comes days after a high-level Ethiopian delegation landed in the Tigrayan capital of Mekele for a first official visit to implement issues signed in the November 2, 2022 peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The agreement provides for the disarmament of rebel forces, the re-establishment of federal authority in Tigray, and the reopening of access to the region. The war
Senate convenes special sitting Friday to determine Governor Mwangaza’s impeachment fate
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 28 – The Senate will convene on Friday for a special sitting to determine the impeachment fate of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. The special sitting was convened by Speaker Amason Kingi for two main agenda’s including the swearing in of new Bungoma Senator David Wakoli Wafula. “Notice is given to all Senators that pursuant to Standing Order 33 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders, on the request of the Senate Majority Leader and with the support of the requisite number of Senators, I have appointed Friday, 30th December, 2022, as a day for a special sitting of
We plotted against Ruto men for Kanini Kega to get elected to EALA, claims Kahiga
A new conflict pitting the vote-rich Mt Kenya region against the Rift Valley bloc is threatening to destabilize the governing party after details emerged over behind-the-scenes intrigues preceding elections for the East Africa Legislative Assembly. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Friday claimed United Democratic Alliance lawmakers from the region were unhappy with the outcome of a Parliamentary Group meeting hosted by President William Ruto during which members voted to endorse five of the party’s fifteen cleared candidates. “That is the reason we voted Kanini Kega and we will continue to vote for our own if this kind of games continue.
Tigray ceasefire boosts Kenya influence in regional security, trade
Kenya-Ethiopia bilateral ties have historically been anchored on the quest for stronger trade and security relations. In 1963, the two nations signed a defence pact, pledging military assistance to each other in the event of an attack on either by another country. Although the pact was largely seen as targeting the then increasingly belligerent and expansionist Somalia, it set off a long tradition of bilateral engagements geared to boosting both economic and military cooperation. The most recent such agreement was the March 2022 pact on enhancing peace and security between the two nations. Earlier in February, police chiefs of the
Sakaja announces free public transport for uniformed students in Nairobi
Public Service Vehicle operators within Nairobi County and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have announced that uniformed school going children will be offered free transport. The Governor and the PSV operators team made the announcement after hours long deliberations on how to restore sanity and order in the city by the matatu sector. Governor Sakaja who made the request noted that times are hard as some school going children don’t even have fares to school and from, hence the need to allow them to be ferried free of charge. The operators represented by all Saccos agreed to the Governor’s request in unison.“Children
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announces $7B for Africa programs
American tycoon and philanthropist Bill Gates has reaffirmed his foundation’s long-term commitment to Africa and to working directly with countries to support breakthrough solutions in health, agriculture, gender equality, and other critical areas. In his first trip to Africa since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Bill Gates who is in Kenya, announced his foundation would spend more than $7 billion over the next four years to support African countries and institutions working to develop and implement innovative approaches to confront hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty. This new commitment to support African countries is in addition to existing Gates Foundation funding
Lake Region Governor spouses want office entrenched in law
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 17 – The first spouses of Governors drawn from the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) have called for their offices to be entrenched into the Constitution so as to attract funding. Emily Nyaribo, the first lady of Nyamira County, who chairs the caucus says they handle a number of activities in the counties that need proper funding. Nyaribo says they rely on partners and other donors to be able to respond to some of the needs affecting children and women in the society. “We are non-political, we are not funded by the county governments. We need to
Raila, Kalonzo win big in EALA elections after kin sail through
NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 17 – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Leader Raila Odinga and his counterpart from Wiper Kalonzo Musyoka have emerged as the biggest winner in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) elections after their kins made it to the final list. Despite efforts to scuttle the attempts of Kennedy Musyoka and Winnie Odinga from making it to EALA on the claims that there were ‘dynasties’ they emerged victorious in the tight race. Details had emerged that plans were rife to frustrate the bids of the duo to make it to the Arusha based assembly. In the elections which were
Police begin probe into death of Chinese national in Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 17 — Police in Nairobi have opened probe into the death of a Chinese national whose lifeless body was discovered in Lavington on Wednesday. Police said a variety of game trophies was also discovered in the house. Police officers from Muthangari Police Station were dispatched to the scene where found the body of Yang Changgui, 58, laying on his bed. “It was reported by one Hoang Thi Diu a Chinese nationality together with Mark Onanu all from Sunshine Court within Lavington Valley Arcade Mbaazi Road that somebody had succumbed while asleep at the residential House No. C13,”
Stop threatening jobless youth over crime, deliver on jobs, Gaucho to Ruto
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 17 — Bunge La Mwananchi President Calvin Okoth popularly known as Gaucho has urged the Kenya Kwanza government to “give the youth the jobs they promised” during campaigns. Gaucho who faulted a reinvigorated multi-agency security operation in Nairobi geared at taming an upsurge in crimes including muggings said the government should “stop threatening the youth” over insecurity. “We agree security is paramount but you also need to get these young people something to do because they are just trying to fend for themselves,” he stated Speaking to news reporters on Thursday, Gaucho attributed the current influx in crime to
KNEC exams: Govt assures national exercise credibility, integrity
KISUMU, Kenya, Nov 16 – The government has put stringent measures in place to safeguard the integrity of national examinations. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu said adequate security personnel have been deployed to man all the 493 examination distribution centres ahead of the examinations which kick off on November 28, 2022. All the centre managers, he said, have been sensitised on the need to uphold high standards of integrity to ensure that the process is not compromised. Speaking at Kisumu Girls High school where he held a meeting with centre managers and education officers from the area, Machogu said
World Cup 2022: Iran’s turbulent build-up amid violent anti-government protests
It’s late September and Iran are playing a friendly against African champions Senegal in Vienna, Austria. When the referee blows the final whistle on a 1-1 draw, it’s a good result – but the mood is far from celebratory. The players do not seem happy, neither do the coaching staff. The Iranian fans outside the ground are certainly not. Prevented from entering the stadium by local security hired by the Iranian authorities, they’ve still managed to make their voices heard via the megaphones and loud speakers they set up outside. In fact they were so loud that Iranian state TV
Manchester United: Raphael Varane says Cristiano Ronaldo saga ‘affects’ the players
France defender Raphael Varane says the situation around his club Manchester United and teammate Cristiano Ronaldo “affects” all of the players. In excerpts of a television interview, Ronaldo said he feels “betrayed” by the club, does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and is being forced out. United said they would consider a response “after the full facts have been established”. “Obviously it affects us,” Varane told French radio station Europe1. “We follow what is happening and what is being said. “We try to calm the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it.
World Cup 2022: Opta predicts each country’s chances of winning
Brazil haven’t won the World Cup since 2002 but there is a strong chance Qatar 2022 could be their year. Using Stats Perform’s artificial intelligence World Cup prediction model, the South Americans have emerged as the favourites to lift the trophy for a record extending sixth time. But how well are England and Wales going to perform? To achieve a more well-rounded picture of who will win the 2022 World Cup, the prediction model estimates the probability of each match outcome – win, draw or loss – by using betting market odds and Stats Perform’s team rankings. The odds and
Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United forward says he was close to joining rivals City
Cristiano Ronaldo says he was close to joining Manchester City before following his “heart” by re-joining Manchester United. The Portugal forward made headlines earlier this week after telling Talk TV he felt “betrayed” by the club. The first part of the full interview was released on Wednesday in which he gave more detail on his version of events at Old Trafford. “Honestly, it was close,” he said of potentially joining City. Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in August 2021 – 11 years after he left the club to join Real Madrid. At the time it was reported he
US mid-terms: Republicans take control of US House, Congress split
Washington (AFP), Nov 16 – Republicans on Wednesday took control of the US House of Representatives from Democrats, networks said, narrowly securing a legislative base to oppose President Joe Biden’s agenda for the final two years of his term –- and leaving power in Congress split. The slim Republican majority in the lower house of the US legislature will be far smaller than the party had been banking on, and Republicans also failed to take control of the Senate in a historically weak performance in the November 8 midterm elections. NBC and CNN projected the victory for Republicans with at least
North Korea fires missile hours after warning of ‘fiercer’ military response
Seoul (AFP), Nov 17 – North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile Thursday, Seoul’s military said, the latest in a record-breaking blitz of launches as Pyongyang warned of a “fiercer” military response to the US and its regional allies. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the military had “detected around 10:48 am (0148 GMT) one short-range ballistic missile fired from the Wonsan area in Kangwon province”. “The military has stepped up monitoring and guard and are maintaining utmost readiness in close coordination with the US,” it added. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden discussed North Korea’s spate of
World Cup: Randal Kolo Muani replaces injured Christopher Nkunku in France squad
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani has been called up to the France World Cup squad in place of the injured Christopher Nkunku. RB Leipzig striker Nkunku suffered a leg injury in training on Tuesday and was ruled out for the whole tournament. Kolo Muani has scored eight goals in 23 appearances for Frankfurt this season. The 23-year-old made his first two appearances for France as a substitute against Austria and Denmark in the Nations League in September. Nkunku is the latest high-profile French player to be ruled out of the World Cup through injury, with midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo
Novak Djokovic visa ban overturned ahead of Australian Open
The path has been cleared for Novak Djokovic to play in the Australian Open, after the Australian government overturned a visa ban. The Serbian tennis star was detained in January over his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid. He was deported from the country 10 days later, despite mounting a successful legal challenge. At times dubbed “Fortress Australia”, the country had some of the strictest pandemic restrictions in the world. When Djokovic arrived in Australia in January, Covid cases were skyrocketing and government rules required anyone entering the country be vaccinated, unless they had a valid medication exemption. He did
Ukraine war: Russia denies responsibility for Poland blast
US President Joe Biden has said it is “unlikely” that a missile that killed two people in Poland on Tuesday was fired from Russia. Russia has denied it was to blame for the missile that landed in Przewodow, on the Ukrainian border. Poland said it was Russian-made, but US officials said initial findings indicated it was fired by Ukrainian air defences. More than 90 Russian missiles were fired at Ukraine on Tuesday, Kyiv said. Although the military said 77 were shot down, some of the missiles hit Lviv, not far from Ukraine’s western border with Poland. During the Russian attacks,
Donald Trump says US Presidential candidature in 2024
Former US President Donald Trump has launched his third bid for the White House, declaring: “America’s comeback starts right now.” At his Florida estate, he said: “We have to save our country.” Mr Trump’s announcement comes as some fellow Republicans blame him for the party’s lacklustre performance in last week’s midterm elections. President Joe Biden, who defeated Mr Trump two years ago, has said he may run for re-election in 2024. Speaking to an invited crowd from the ballroom of his Mar-a-Lago private club in Palm Beach on Tuesday night, Mr Trump, 76, said: “We are a nation in decline.
COFEK seeks forensic audit of Sh55B in Jubilee govt final three months
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 15 – A petition has been filed in the National Assembly to order forensic audit on expenditure of public funds by Jubilee government between July and September. The Consumer Federation of Kenya Secretary General Stephen Mutoro wants the relevant laws to be amended to avert abuse of Article 223 of the constitution which stipulates that the national government may spend money that has not been appropriated by Parliament President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime spent Sh55 billion which was contrary to the provisions of Article 223 of the Constitution similar incidences will recur in future leading to further burden
Focus on delivery, not self-serving legislation, Ruto to MPs on term limit debate
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 16 – President William Ruto has broken his silence on the plans by a legislator within his political fold to extend the presidential term limits. President Ruto who chaired the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) parliamentary group meeting Wednesday castigated the plans describing the as ‘selfish’ and instead urged legislators to focus on issues that serve Kenyans. “Do not spend your time pushing for selfish & self-serving legislation, like changing the Constitution to remove term limits, my focus is service to the people,” he told the MPs. Fafi MP Salah Yakub has caused a storm by proposing that the
Ruto orders deployment of GSU, RDU in Nairobi after security concerns
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 16 – President William Ruto has ordered the deployment the deployment of the General Service Unit and the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) in Nairobi. A dispatch following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday indicated that while the national security was in good standing, there had been an increase in crime in the nation’s capital in the recent past. “On the state of National Security, the meeting noted that from an overall perspective, the state of national security is sound, even though parts of the country had over the last week experienced a surge in crime particularly in Nairobi
Musk to testify at trial over his $50B Tesla compensation
New York, United States, Nov 16 – Tesla tycoon Elon Musk will take the stand on Wednesday as part of a trial over his $50 billion pay package as CEO of the electric car giant. Musk will testify in the same Delaware court where he faced a lawsuit by Twitter to make sure he went through with his buyout of the social platform. The $44 billion purchase of Twitter has put Musk under a deluge of scrutiny after he conducted massive layoffs, scared advertisers and opened the platform to fake accounts. The unrelated Tesla case is based on a complaint by
Former President Kenyatta visits key DRC city amid rebel crisis
DRC, Nov 15 – Kenya’s former president Uhuru Kenyatta arrived Tuesday in eastern DR Congo’s main city of Goma, AFP correspondents saw, as fresh clashes with M23 rebels occurred just to the north. Troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were battling M23 fighters in Kibumba, 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Goma, security officials and local residents said. Hundreds of displaced people also began to pour into Goma the same day, the sources said, after seeing troops retreat. The M23 has recently seized swathes of territory in North Kivu province and is edging towards Goma, an important commercial
Wetangula suspends PS vetting following court order service
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 16 – Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has suspended the approval hearings on President William Ruto’s 51 nominees for Principal Secretaries, in compliance with a court order issued on Tuesday by the Employment and Labour Court. In his communication to the National Assembly departmental committees, Wetangula further directed parliament’s litigation counsel to challenge the order and have it set aside. “The vetting of persons nominated to serve as Principal Secretaries is hereby suspended fortwith until further notice. The departmental committees which had already concluded the vetting proceedings and approval hearings are to suspend any activity
Kamunyo: NHIF CEO says Sh3.8B paid last FY for cancer treatment
NAIROBI Kenya, Nov 15 – The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) says Sh3.8 billion in cancer treatment was paid for over 47,000 patients in the last financial year. Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Kamunyo stated that this accounted for six percent of the total expenditure on the claims last year. He indicated that 40 percent of the monies was spent on chemotherapy, 23 percent on surgery while the rest was distributed to radiotherapy and imaging among others. “For me that is not just money, it is lives that were saved, it is lives
World Cup 2022: Senegal’s Sadio Mane out of ‘first games’ in Qatar
Sadio Mane will miss Senegal’s “first games” at the World Cup because of a leg injury, an official from the country’s football federation has said. The Bayern Munich forward was named in the Teranga Lions squad for Qatar despite being forced off in a club game last week. The German champions said the 30-year-old had an injury “to his right fibula”, but Senegal coach Aliou Cisse said Mane does not need an operation. The West Africans begin their Group A campaign against the Netherlands on Monday, with games against hosts Qatar (25 November) and Ecuador (29 November) to follow. “We will
Buhari: Nigeria President vows to punish killers of local chief in Imo State
Attackers who entered a Nigerian local chief’s home on false pretence before shooting him and three others dead will now face the “full wrath of the law”, President Muhammadu Buhari has said. Police believe the gunmen were Biafran separatists posing as “distressed” passers-by who needed urgent help. As the chief listened to their story, they pulled out their guns and opened fire. It is not clear why the traditional ruler, Eze Ignatius Asor, was targeted. But Monday’s attack in Imo state is the latest of a string of killings in the south-east. The secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob)
Safaricom launches 5G networks in five counties
Safaricom has today launched 5G Wi-Fi to empower its customers with superfast internet across five counties. More to follow…
Diamond Trust Bank targets women as it unveils new product
Sport or sports are all forms of usually competitive physical activity or games which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and skills
Deja vu as Liverpool draw Real Madrid for Champions League last 16
Various forms of football can be identified in history, often as popular peasant games. Contemporary codes of football can be traced back to the codification of these games at English public schools during the nineteenth century.
KQ crisis: Pilots strike escalates as airline dumps CBA agreement
The history of photography has roots in remote antiquity with the discovery of the principle of the camera obscura (a dark room) and the observation that some substances are visibly altered by exposure to light.
Nissan, Toyota among winners as French sales rise 14%
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25 pro tips for better home recordings
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Top 10 Marketing Tips From Full-Time Etsy Sellers
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Volvo’s October sales rise 5% as China, U.S. demand offsets drop in Europe
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Saturn gamepad comes to PlayStation 2
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25 Scientific Tips For Raising Happy and Healthy Kids
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Special Olympic Cycling Competition Rules
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Goodwood Revival 2022: watch highlights of the action
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Draft regulations on drone usage announced
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10 Tips for Designing Your Home Office
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Digging into some numbers from Cleveland Cavaliers’ early struggles
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Jaguar E-type restoration: a labour of love
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Sony has another AMAZING Bloodborne surprise for fans
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Instagram Embraces the Influencers Snapchat Spurns
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World Series Game 6 opponents sing different tunes on slick-baseball conspiracy
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The Etoile Filante – Renault’s ‘Shooting Star’ that holds a forgotten speed record
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The 9 Best Drawing Tablets to Buy in 2022
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Woman out $2,000 after bridal dress shop suddenly closes
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Cambridge City FC ‘delighted’ to have new stadium plan back on track
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NEC classic motor show preview
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The Best Laptops of 2022
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Consumers value handmade products
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Falcons’ new $1.5 billion stadium has a leaking roof
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Van Gisbergen holding on to Supercars title defence dream
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The 9 Best Headphones for Music Lovers to Buy in 2022
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10 Style Tips For Young Men
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Cody Webb wins Rd 5 of the 2022 Endurocross in Pheonix
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First Ferrari confirmed for Autosport International 2022
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New Sealux CSGH5 housing for groundbreaking Lumix GH5 4K camera
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After ‘Me Too’, ‘scary’ personal conversations about sexual assault
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HP Sprocket Review
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Conor McGregor says he would beat Floyd Mayweather in a rematch
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What does Lewis Hamilton’s future look like?
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Kymco captures first GNCC 4X4 class win of the year
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2019 Mercedes-AMG A45 hatchback spy shots and video
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Six interior design combos that just work
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Reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch instead of a PS4 or Xbox One
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15 Best Apple Macbook Accessories for 2017
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We are living for Kaia Gerber ruling the SS18 catwalks
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Movistar announce smaller men’s WorldTour team for 2022
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Another BMW engineer defects to Hyundai to work on future Genesis models
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10 Awesome Accessories For Your Brand New MacBook
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You don’t have to be rich to lead an ‘eco friendly’ lifestyle
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Zach Miller: Chicago Bears tight end has ‘successful’ surgery to save left leg
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New 2022 Toyota Supra to use Gazoo Racing badge
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Apple shows off iMac Pro once again ahead of launch
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Makers of Handmade Soap Say Nowadays Business Is in a Lather
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Dewi Griffiths: Welshman sets quickest British marathon time for three years
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Highest performance 2022 Ford Mustang GT developed in secret
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Apple Watch Series 7 lasts just 3 hours with LTE audio and GPS
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Echo & Echo Australia Set Up Shop in Los Angeles
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USA star Lee Kiefer wins FIE World Cup opener in Cancun
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Classic car events calendar: the summer isn’t over yet
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The 10 Best Cameras for Travel & Instagram 2022
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No, Breitbart News Doesn’t Have a Fashion Critic
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Paris Masters: Rafael Nadal ends year as world number one after win over Hyeon Chung
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Ferrari Raises 2022 Profit Target on Limited-Edition Cars
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iPhone X first impressions: some re-learning required
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Interview with fashion designer Carl Craig
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Wayde van Niekerk: Injured South African ruled out of 2022 Commonwealth Games
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One-off BMW M3 unveiled at SEMA
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The Affordable Boots that Work With Suits, Shorts, and Anything In Between
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Hurley Ride of the Week: Mark Gilmartin
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Kenyan family in US cries for justice after kin was mysteriously killed, buried by ‘spouse’
A Kenyan family in the United States is in pain after one of their own was found dead in her Texas home and the partner secretly buried her remains just days after shutting out Ms Dorothy Ongera’s parents and siblings from any information after her interment. Kurunzi News Editor Milton Nyakundi shared the news in a rip-it-all video that got netizens talking about the issue across the globe. Watch the video below:
Naivas to open new store at Waterfront Mall in Karen
Leading retailer Naivas Supermarkets is set to open a new outlet at the Waterfront Mall in Karen on 12 October. The new store is the retailer’s 66th branch all of which are in Kenya. The branch will serve the upmarket residential area of Karen and surrounding neighborhoods. The mall is located at the intersection of Lang’ata and Karen road. It stands on 50 acres of land and has a total of 200,000 square feet of retail space where Naivas occupies 3,500m2 of its ground floor. This is the first time Naivas is making an entry into the larger Karen area.
Naivas to open new store at Waterfront Mall in Karen
Leading retailer Naivas Supermarkets is set to open a new outlet at the Waterfront Mall in Karen on 12 October. The new store is the retailer’s 66th branch all of which are in Kenya. The branch will serve the upmarket residential area of Karen and surrounding neighborhoods. The mall is located at the intersection of Lang’ata and Karen road. It stands on 50 acres of land and has a total of 200,000 square feet of retail space where Naivas occupies 3,500m2 of its ground floor. This is the first time Naivas is making an entry into the larger Karen area.
Court declares schools to be reopened only after complying with COVID-19 rules
The Ministry of Education has suffered another blow after the Kisii High Court directed that schools be reopened only after complying with COVID-19 regulations. In his judgment, Justice K. Ndung’u endorsed the mediation agreement between eight parents who filed the petition on 28 May 2020 and the respondents who include Cabinet Secretary for Education; Ministry of Education Science and Technology; the Attorney General and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. “Upon hearing the petitioners, counsels for the respondents and the mediator Mr. John Onyiego, it is therefore ordered that the mediation agreement duly signed by parties and dated August 25,
Matiang’i declares 10 October a public holiday named Huduma Day
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has declared Saturday, 10 October a public holiday named Huduma Day. In a press release, Matiang’i said the holiday would be observed through national prayers that will highlight service and volunteerism to the community. “Kenyans are encouraged to participate in the prayers and promote national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said. President Uhuru Kenyatta is scheduled to lead the nation in an inter-faith national prayer service on Saturday. State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena said the Head of State has dedicated 9-11 October a
Matiang’i declares 10 October a public holiday named Huduma Day
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has declared Saturday, 10 October a public holiday named Huduma Day. In a press release, Matiang’i said the holiday would be observed through national prayers that will highlight service and volunteerism to the community. “Kenyans are encouraged to participate in the prayers and promote national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said. President Uhuru Kenyatta is scheduled to lead the nation in an inter-faith national prayer service on Saturday. State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena said the Head of State has dedicated 9-11 October a
NCBA inks deal with Tatu City for mortgage financing
NCBA has partnered with Tatu City to enable aspiring homeowners’ access mortgages at the 5,000-acre Special Economic Zone on Nairobi’s doorstep. Under the deal, NCBA will provide a suite of options to prospective homeowners including plot purchase, construction financing, and buy-and-build property finance loans. Mortgages are available to both salaried and non-salaried home buyers at Tatu City. Salaried buyers will enjoy payment terms up to retirement age and non-salaried customers will have terms up to the age of 65. Buy-and-build financing is available up to 100%, enabling customers to buy a plot and construct simultaneously. For customers who already own
SMS, internet use grows in Kenya as voice calls fall during lockdown
Kenyans appetite for the internet grew alongside short message services between April and June this year while voice calls retracted during the lockdown period. Statistics from the Communication Authority of Kenya show that a total internet subscriptions grew by 5.2% to 41.5 million from 39.3 million in March. The report covered the three months after the onset of the pandemic in Kenya. SMSs’ sent over the same period increased by a significant 19.5% to 20 billion. The notable growth in the standard short messages was attributed to attractive SMS bundles promotions and tariffs by telco operators which drew in the
SMS, internet use grows in Kenya as voice calls fall during lockdown
Kenyans appetite for the internet grew alongside short message services between April and June this year while voice calls retracted during the lockdown period. Statistics from the Communication Authority of Kenya show that a total internet subscriptions grew by 5.2% to 41.5 million from 39.3 million in March. The report covered the three months after the onset of the pandemic in Kenya. SMSs’ sent over the same period increased by a significant 19.5% to 20 billion. The notable growth in the standard short messages was attributed to attractive SMS bundles promotions and tariffs by telco operators which drew in the
EAC losing export earnings due to low value addition of horticulture, leather products
East African partner states are losing out billions of dollars by inadequately investing in adding value to horticulture and leather goods produced in the region and not addressing bottlenecks derailing growth in the sectors. This follows findings from a report launched by the East African Business Council in collaboration with GIZ Program, ‘Support to East Africanpeople-centred and market-driven co-operation’. The report is titled, ‘Building the Leather, Fruits and Vegetable value chains in the East African Community’. It found that the region provides a good resource base for the production of hides and skins, having over 188.1 million livestock (cattle, sheep
Alcoblow back on the roads after 60 killed in last weekend road carnage
On the first weekend of bar operations since COVID-19 pandemic, 60 people were killed in road accidents, the highest number of fatalities in recent months. Police are now attributing the accidents to drink-driving and have resorted to re-introduce alcoblow tests on drivers. “We will have random drink-driving alcoblow tests on major towns and highways from today,” said Police Spokesman Charles Owino, who issued a statement on Friday morning, detailing the deaths that occured last weekend. Statistics documented by the National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority indicates that 60 people were killed between October 2 to 4
First Lady advocates for enhanced digital inclusion for persons with disabilities
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has called for enhanced digital inclusion for persons with disabilities to eliminate technological barriers that prevent them from accessing services. The First Lady said the need for digital solutions has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic which has made it necessary for people, communities and businesses to rely on access to the internet, smart technology and online services to survive. “Most affected by the pandemic have been vulnerable, blind and visually impaired persons who, due to their circumstances, have faced multiple forms of digital exclusion such as lack of computer assistive technology, inaccessible websites or online
President Kenyatta meets Kisii leaders as region readies to host Mashujaa Day
President Uhuru Kenyatta hosted leaders from the greater Kisii on Thursday to discuss development in the region ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations. The national celebrations will be held at Kisii Stadium in Kisii County and Thursday’s meeting gave the Head of State an opportunity to, jointly with the region’s leadership evaluate the progress of national government development initiatives. Led by Governor James Ongwae (Kisii County) and his Nyamira County counterpart John Nyagarama, the leaders engaged the President at State House, Nairobi in a detailed conversation on several projects including roads, water supply, education and fresh produce markets among
Blow to Mwendwa after court declines bid to stop state from prosecuting him over financial fraud
The High Court has thwarted an attempt by outgoing Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa to block the state from investigating his bank accounts and those of the federation. Through lawyer Tom Ojienda, Mwendwa had filed a petition before the High Court seeking orders to stop the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Banking Fraud Investigations Unit and the Director of Public Prosecutions stopped from their ongoing investigations over alleged misappropriation of funds at FKF, is malicious. However, Justice Makau, during the inter-parties hearing on Tuesday declined to give conservatory orders against the state agencies as prayed by Mwendwa, saying the court
Kenya to support Nigeria’s WTO DG candidate Iweala after Amina defeat
Kenya will now support Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonji-Iweala in the final round for the World Trade Organisation Director General post following Sports Cabinet Secretary and former foreign secretary Amina Mohamed’s defeat in the secomd round vote. The Foreign Office, in a statement issued Thursday evening, said it was disappointed that Amina who secured regional support did not proceed to the next round of voting. Iweala will battle with South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee who were selected out of a pool of five in the final race to become the next director-general. Okonjo-Iweala has served as Nigeria’s Finance minister and Foreign Affairs minister, while Yoo
Cabinet approves security measures from Joseph Kinyua-led team
The Cabinet has approved security measures announced by the Joseph Kinyua-led team on requirements for public gatherings, media reporting and social media conduct. This follows concern that over the last month, Kenya has experienced growing political tensions that have exacerbated partisan divides and threatened peace, security and harmony. “This fast-evolving situation threatens to derail the delivery of the administration’s transformative agenda for the Country; as well as jeopardiSe Kenya’s image and place within the community of nations, which has been recently uplifted by Kenya’s membership of the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member,” a statement from the Cabinet
Sungusungu: Puzzle of how to stop senseless burning of houses, killings
The day is the evening of 18 October 2018 and one that the villagers of Bobasi Bogetaorio (Borabu) will forever remember as a chilling experience in the hands of the Sungusungu militia group which descended on the village. Their mission was simple – to finish Isaac Orangi, their targeted victim for the reason that he was being accused of mobilising people not to pay monthly contributions to the outlawed group. Isaac himself was on their radar for defaulting his contribution for the previous six months. They pounced on the home after his wife, normally a resident of Nairobi where they
Inconsistencies that reveal millions may have been embezzled by Nick Mwendwa’s FKF
Football Kenya Federation’s report to the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts purportedly accounting for the KSh244.6 million given for the national team’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in June this year is full of inconsistencies that suggest the report may not be the true account of the money. A section of stakeholders have called on the government to institute an audit of how the money was spent, saying they “support the government in its position to hold on to funds until the federation accounts for the monies they have received in the past…” During
Local Somaliland business entities agitate for international travel ban restrictions
Reliable sources within Somalia President Ahmed Farmajo’s government have revealed a new plan hatched recently in order to use the greedy business people in Somaliland to pressure that entity to accept reunification with Somalia. Recently local agents for some of the international airlines, whose licenses to operate in Somaliland were revoked for yielding to Somalia government directives of not to operate in Somaliland during the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak have started to mobilize local elders to ask the president to reconsider that revocation. Recently, a section of youth from certain clans in Somaliland have been holding press statements demanding for the
Day of long knives as SDT begins hearing of FKF elections matters on a day it will deliver verdict on KPL-FKF stand-off
The Sports Disputes Tribunal will, tomorrow afternoon, hold what its chair – John Morris Ohaga – has described as a “marathon” as it hears matters seeking to stop the planned Football Kenya Federation elections, scheduled to kick off at the county level on Saturday. During the same session, the tribunal is also set to deliver its verdict on Petition 7 of 2020, where Kenya Premier League Limited had sought to undo the decision by outgoing FKF president Nick Mwendwa to unilaterally end the 2019/20 season and declare Gor Mahia the champions. In Petition 10 of 2020, 10 petitioners, comprising aspirants
Sudi, Ngeno remarks stalking war have no place in present-day Kenya
I wish to express myself following utterances by Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Honorable Johanna Ng’eno and his Kapseret counterpart Honorable Oscar Sudi aimed at the person and family of his Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta. Leaders of the caliber of legislators as the duo must never forget that by virtue of their high office, they have a noble calling to be role models and such uncouth remarks directly undermine the integrity of the people they represent. Those remarks were not only reckless and irresponsible but also an attempt to spur ethnic animosity and hostile political rivalry that has no place
UK admits to breaking international law as top legal official quits
Britain will on Wednesday unveil legislation that it admits breaks international law by rewriting parts of its Brexit divorce treaty relating to Northern Ireland, sparking widespread criticism and clouding the latest round of fraught EU trade talks. After leaving the European Union earlier this year following a bitterly divisive referendum, Britain is racing to agree a trade deal with Brussels as the clock ticks down to a crunch EU summit in mid-October. An eighth round of talks began in London on Tuesday. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, whose country is the EU nation most affected by Brexit, warned that reneging
UK admits to breaking international law as top legal official quits
Britain will on Wednesday unveil legislation that it admits breaks international law by rewriting parts of its Brexit divorce treaty relating to Northern Ireland, sparking widespread criticism and clouding the latest round of fraught EU trade talks. After leaving the European Union earlier this year following a bitterly divisive referendum, Britain is racing to agree a trade deal with Brussels as the clock ticks down to a crunch EU summit in mid-October. An eighth round of talks began in London on Tuesday. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, whose country is the EU nation most affected by Brexit, warned that reneging
StarTimes grows e-shopping platform product range
Pay Television Company StarTimes Kenya has introduced additional consumer products on its integrated e-shopping platform StarTimes GO enabling Kenyans to access a variety of electronics, beauty products, design, portable gadgets and kitchenware among other house hold items. This development follows the introduction of a dedicated shopping channel – StarTimes GO that will exclusively broadcast the sale for the different products 24 hours seven days a week within which viewers will have an opportunity to call, order and have their products of choice delivered at the comfort of their homes or offices. Speaking on this latest development, StarTimes Regional Marketing Director
OPINION: FKF boss Nick Mwendwa must accept he is in office only by name
Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa has been a seemingly very, very busy person during this time of Covid-19-enforced inactivity that has seen little kicking of the ball on our pitches. On 30 April, he announced on his Twitter account that Gor Mahia were champions of Kenya and would represent the country in the CAF Champions League. Meanwhile, the Kenyan Premier League Limited, an entity legally mandated to run the competition, riposted no such decision had been made and the league remained suspended. The FKF secretariat later released a press statement declaring the season cancelled (meaning annulled, voided, negated, invalidated),
Gap in law that exposes children to sexual abuse
Drafters of the law penalizing sexual offences did not include a clause to shield boys from preying male relatives or stop the sexual abuse of girls by their female relatives. Although the Sexual Offences Act defines defilement as the abuse of both male and female children, it is silent on what should be done to men or women who commit incest with minor kin of the same gender. Justice Roselyn Wendoh, in a case where a man was found guilty of sexually abusing his nine-year-old son, noted the oversight in Section 20(1) of the Sexual Offences Act needs to be
SuperSport set to kick off 2020/21 football season as EPL begins
MultiChoice Kenya is urging Kenyans to sign up to the world’s most popular football extravaganza that kicks off in two days. The 2020-21 Premier League season commences on 12 September 2020 and will provide more thrills for SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv. The Premier League will kick-off on Saturday, 12 September 2020 with Fulham vs Arsenal at 2:30pm on SS223 and the La Liga season will also start on Friday, 11 September 2020 on SS224 followed by Serie A on Saturday 19 Septmber 2020 According to MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director Nancy Matimu, SuperSport will showcase all 1,140 matches of the new football season by showing all the 380 Premier League matches in a new dedicated channel SuperSport
KSh63 billion medical Kits deal launched by Uhuru in 2015 was a criminal enterprise – Senators
The controversial KSh63 billion Managed Equipment Service deal has been termed as a criminal enterprise shrouded in opaque procurement processes and aimed at benefiting a few commercial interests. The project launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in February 2015 and vehemently opposed by Governors – led by their then Chairman Isaac Ruto – has been a subject of several investigations, the Senate Ad Hoc Committee being the latest. The committee tabled their report before the Senate on Tuesday afternoon after more than one year of investigations. The committee noted that despite the MES project being a public interest venture that was
Senate postpones controversial revenue-sharing formula debate
The Senate leadership on Tuesday resolved to push the debate on the contentious revenue-sharing formula to Tuesday, 15 September. The postponement, according to the Senate Speaker, Keneth Lusaka, will allow for consensus building. Earlier on Tuesday, the 12-member senate committee had retreated to an informal sitting aimed at striking a deal before the sitting that had been planned for Tuesday. The senate was poised to debate the disputed formula for a record 10th time, having failed to reach a consensus in the last nine sittings. The Wetangula-led 12-member committee is still yet to agree on a formula, almost three weeks
Telkom rolls out affordable 4G devices in battle for internet users
Telkom has launched a new line of affordable 4G/LTE mobile device as it scales up its battle for data customers in the country. The first of the three devices which goes on sale on Wednesday is expected to retail at KSh3,100 and will support smartphone applications such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Youtube. The launch of the affordable devices is a direct response to the growing demand for competitively priced internet enabled devices occasioned by the increased adoption of digitized platforms. “The Kaduda 4G is a significant upgrade allowing more of our customers to have access to additional features and applications
KANU expels MP Johana Ng’eno
The Kenya Africa National Union has resolved to expel Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno for disrespecting President Uhuru Kenyatta. During a televised statement on Tuesday, KANU Secretary General Nick Salat said the MP will have to go back to seek fresh mandate from the people. “The people of Emurua Dikirr will have to choose between peace and anarchy, the way Ng’eno has behaved, we have to part ways, we apologise to the office of the people he mentioned adversely,” Salat said. Salat further explained that the legislator’s words were capable of precipitating violence on such as scale that was witnessed
Michael Cohen’s book: ANC blasts ‘divisive’ Trump over Mandela
South Africa’s governing African National Congress has called US President Donald Trump “divisive, misogynistic and disrespectful” in response to reports that he was dismissive about Nelson Mandela, the country’s first black president. Trump said the Nobel Peace Prize winner was “no leader”, according to his former lawyer Michael Cohen. The allegation comes from Cohen’s new book, Disloyal: A Memoir. The White House says Cohen is lying. His book also says Trump behaves like a mobster and has “a low opinion of all black people”. In a scathing response, the ANC, which Mandela led from 1991 to 1997, said that “all freedom-loving
How Sudan’s rebel deal offers lifeline for peace
Sudan’s peace agreement signed last week finally promises to end the devastating wars in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile that have cost hundreds of thousands of lives, but as Alex de Waal and Edward Thomas explain, it comes with a huge price tag. The deal was negotiated between the transitional government and a coalition of rebel leaders in South Sudan’s capital, Juba. Its strength is the goodwill on both sides. Its weakness is that Sudan is trying a bold experiment in democracy in the middle of intersecting crises with practically no international help. In August 2019, Sudanese military and
Ruto asks leaders to avoid unsavoury speech, insults at first family
Deputy President William Ruto has asked leaders to avoid insulting the Head of State, adding that going to the extent of dragging Mama Ngina’s name into the same was unacceptable. Through a tweet, the DP said no amount of anger justifies foul language and urged his allies to seek better ways of addressing issues. “Leaders should exercise restraint and avoid insults and bad language against other Kenyans. Unsavoury words against mothers and Head of State is a NO, NO. No amount of anger justifies use of offensive insulting language. There exists decent ways to communicate however one feels,” he remarked.
Anthony Joshua says Tyson Fury should fight him ‘to cement his legacy’
Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says Tyson Fury can “cement his legacy” by facing him but should also “retire soon”. Joshua holds the IBF, WBO and WBA world titles and has agreed in principle to face WBC champion Fury in 2021. Both would need to win again first – Joshua against Kubrat Pulev and Fury against Deontay Wilder. “If he wants to cement his legacy, I’m here and ready,” said Joshua, 30, of his 32-year-old rival. The Briton told Sky Sports: “I’ve built myself into this position. Fury has been professional much longer than me. He should be looking
Tokyo 2020: Olympics must go ahead at any cost in 2021 – Japan’s Olympic minister
The rearranged Tokyo Games must be held “at any cost” in 2021, says Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto. The Games, which had been due to start in July, were postponed for a year in March amid the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, the International Olympic Committee said the event will go ahead “with or without Covid”. “Everyone involved is working together to prepare and the athletes are also making considerable efforts towards next year,” said Hashimoto on Tuesday. “We have to hold the Games at any cost. I want to concentrate all our efforts on measures against the coronavirus.” Olympic organisers
Olivier Giroud: Frenchman hits 40 international goals as Les Bleus win over Croatia
Olivier Giroud scored his 40th international goal as France beat Croatia 4-2 in the Nations League, in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final. Chelsea striker Giroud, 33, marked his 99th cap with a penalty after coming off the bench to move one goal behind France legend Michel Platini. Arsenal great Thierry Henry holds the national record with 51 goals. Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren had put Croatia ahead but the world champions were too strong. Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann equalised and Manchester United’s Anthony Martial’s shot went in off goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to put the hosts ahead. Josip
Covid-19 recoveries surpass new cases for the first time
Covid-19 recoveries have outnumbered new infections in a single day, signalling slowing transmission rates. The Ministry of Health Tuesday reported 173 individuals had recovered from the disease while 151 tested positive from a sample of 2,552. This is the first time since March when Kenya reported its first case that recoveries are higher than infections. “The numbers show that transmission of the virus has been curtailed to some extent and is not spreading as fast as before,” said Health CAS Rashid Aman during the daily Covid-19 briefing from Afya House. Kenya shut down bars on March 25 and last month
Caster Semenya loses appeal against restriction of testosterone levels in female runners
Caster Semenya has lost her appeal to Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court against the restriction of testosterone levels in female runners. Semenya is not allowed to compete in events between 400m and a mile without taking testosterone-reducing drugs, following a 2019 rule change by governing body World Athletics. “I am very disappointed,” the 29-year-old South African said. “I refuse to let World Athletics drug me or stop me from being who I am.” Athletics’ governing body brought in a rule that athletes with differences of sexual development must either take medication in order to compete in track events from 400m to
US Open 2020: Alexander Zverev beats Borna Coric to reach semi-finals
German fifth seed Alexander Zverev fought back from a set down to reach his first US Open semi-final by beating a battling Borna Coric. Zverev, 23, crumbled in the first set as the Croatian 27th seed threatened his hopes of a first Grand Slam title. But two impressive tie-breaks and a late break in the fourth set gave the German a 1-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 victory. “I started playing a bit more aggressively,” Zverev said. “The way I was playing was not the level for a Grand Slam quarter-final. I don’t want to stop here. “It’s great to
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portuguese talisman hits 100 goals for country in victory over Sweden
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo became the first European to score 100 international goals in men’s football and then passed that mark with both goals in the Nations League win over Sweden. The captain curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner – the 57th of his career – to reach the landmark. The Juventus forward, 35, then fired in a fine second from outside the box. Ronaldo, who played 81 minutes, is within eight goals of the world record. Iran’s Ali Daei – the only man to score more international goals than Ronaldo – hit 109 during his playing career from
England draw in dull Nations League tie with Denmark
England played out a dreary deadlock with Denmark in Copenhagen as the Nations League meeting turned into a drab non-event. Harry Kane almost won it for England in the dying seconds when he went round Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel, only to see his shot cleared off the line by Mathias Jorgensen – but such a poor quality encounter barely deserved a dramatic finale. Manager Gareth Southgate will have hoped for some talking points on the pitch after the off-field distraction that saw young duo Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood sent home for breaking Covid-19 protocols in Iceland. Wolverhampton Wanderers captain
England v Australia: Tourists win third T20 by five wickets
Australia inched past a sloppy England with three balls to spare to claim a consolation victory in the final match of the Twenty20 series at the Ageas Bowl. Chasing 146, the tourists needed 60 from 60 balls with eight wickets in hand, only to tease a repeat of their capitulation in the series opener. They lost three wickets for 14 runs, all to the excellent Adil Rashid, before Mitchell Marsh restored calm with 39 not out to give Australia a five-wicket win. England did themselves no favours by dropping three catches and making numerous ground-fielding errors, while earlier a batting
NMS to kick matatus out of Nairobi CBD in plans to ease traffic
Matatus will no longer be allowed to access the Central Business District from November as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services moves to de-congest the city. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, NMS Director General Mohammed Badi said plans to de-congest the city were being finalised and will be launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in November. He told the committee that NMS has been working with the National Transport and Safety Authority, adding that bus stations have been built in Ngara and Parklands, where all matatus coming from Thika will offload passengers. Matatus coming from Machakos and
NMS to kick matatus out of Nairobi CBD in plans to ease traffic
Matatus will no longer be allowed to access the Central Business District from November as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services moves to de-congest the city. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, NMS Director General Mohammed Badi said plans to de-congest the city were being finalised and will be launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in November. He told the committee that NMS has been working with the National Transport and Safety Authority, adding that bus stations have been built in Ngara and Parklands, where all matatus coming from Thika will offload passengers. Matatus coming from Machakos and
Hiring of KPA boss to begin afresh, says Yatani
The government intends to re-advertise the vacancy for the managing director’s position at the Kenya Ports Authority after the process was cancelled prematurely in August. Sources says the government cancelled the hiring process following allegations of favouritism and partisan politics at the deeply divided KPA board over who will replace Daniel Manduku who resigned in March. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani told the Nation that the process will begin afresh and the new advertisement is expected to be placed in the local dailies in the next few days. Speaking in Mombasa, Yatani said KPA wants to recruit an individual with a high degree
AstraZeneca shares drop 6% after company announces ‘routine’ safety pause in coronavirus vaccine trial
AstraZeneca shares fell more than 6% in after-hours trading Tuesday after the company said its late-stage trial for a potential coronavirus vaccine had been put on hold due to safety concerns. “This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials. In large trials illnesses will happen by chance but must be independently reviewed to check this carefully,” the company said in a statement to CNBC. It said it was trying to expedite the review to “minimize
Relief for Obado as ouster is thrown into doubt after Migori County Assembly adjourns
The much-anticipated tabling of a notice of motion on the intended impeachment of Migori Governor Okoth Obado failed to materialize Tuesday after Migori County Assembly Speaker – Boaz Okoth – adjourned a sitting over unmet physical distancing regulations. All the fifty-seven Members of the County Assembly had turned up for the sitting following a month-long recess, some anticipating the tabling of the notice of motion by the Majority Leader. Okoth however said the sitting could not proceed due to the unexpected turnout of members seeking to attend the sitting in person. “All members came into the House. We must be
We will not spare hate-mongering leaders – IG Mutyambai
Inspector General of the National Police Service Hilary Mutyambai on Tuesday said police will not spare any leader fanning hate speech and incitement, following increased tension in the country over utterances being made by politicians amid an escalating 2022 election fever. Mutyambai said those making hate utterances, including social media posts, which are intended to incite Kenyans to violence, will not be spared. His sentiments came against a backdrop of calls for political tolerance. “The National Police Service will leave no opportunity to any leader intending to incite the general public to violence. Such incitement shall be faced with full
Governor Kibwana has defaulted party subscription fees – Wiper
Wiper Party has issued a 14-day notice to Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana and his deputy – Adelina Mwau – to respectively pay KSh600,000 and KSh1,050,000 membership fees, failure to which they will face disciplinary action. The two, according to the Kalonzo Musyoka-led party, failed , refused and neglected to honor or pay the mandatory subscription fees stipulated in the party’s constitution and pledge. “We write to remind you that despite several reminders to you, you have failed, refused and neglected to honor or pay the said subscriptions which is in contravention of Article 29 (g) of the Wiper Democratic Movement Kenya
Johanna Ng’eno: MP detained pending Thursday bail ruling
Johanna Ng’eno, the vocal Emurua Dikirr lawmaker arrested on Monday over hate speech, will remain in police custody until Thursday when a Nakuru court is expected to issue a ruling on his bail application. Ng’eno denied fanning ethnic tension when he appeared before Nakuru Chief Magistrate, Elizabeth Osui on Tuesday. The lawmaker was also charged for using abusive language during a gathering on Sunday, 6 September, in Olgos Sofia Village in Trans Mara. He appeared before the magistrate through a videoconference link at the Nakuru Police Station. Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji on Tuesday approved hate speech charges against
We will not spare hate-mngering leaders – IG Mutyambai
Inspector General of the National Police Service Hilary Mutyambai on Tuesday said police will not spare any leader fanning hate speech and incitement, following increased tension in the country over utterances being made by politicians amid an escalating 2022 election fever. Mutyambai said those making hate utterances, including social media posts, which are intended to incite Kenyans to violence, will not be spared. His sentiments came against a backdrop of calls for political tolerance. “The National Police Service will leave no opportunity to any leader intending to incite the general public to violence. Such incitement shall be faced with full
Senate postpones controversial revenue-sharing formula debate
The Senate leadership on Tuesday resolved to push the debate on the contentious revenue-sharing formula to Tuesday, 15 September. The postponement, according to the Senate Speaker, Keneth Lusaka, will allow for consensus building. Earlier on Tuesday, the 12-member senate committee had retreated to an informal sitting aimed at striking a deal before the sitting that had been planned for Tuesday. The senate was poised to debate the disputed formula for a record 10th time, having failed to reach a consensus in the last nine sittings. The Wetangula-led 12-member committee is still yet to agree on a formula, almost three weeks
International Criminal Court condemns US economic sanctions
The International Criminal Court has condemned the economic sanctions imposed by the US earlier today on the Court’s Prosecutor and a member of her Office. The new measures, announced pursuant to the US Executive Order 13928 dated 11 June 2020, are another attempt to interfere with the Court’s judicial and prosecutorial independence and crucial work to address grave crimes of concern to the international community as mandated under the ICC Rome Statute. These coercive acts, directed at an international judicial institution and its civil servants, are unprecedented and constitute serious attacks against the Court, the Rome Statute system of international
COVID-19: MP narrates 42-day battle with coronavirus disease
Dadaab Member of Parliament Mohamed Dahir Duale has told of his near-death experience from the coronavirus disease. The MP, who is the second legislator after Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, to publicly admit of having contracted the virus says he spent 42 days in hospital. Of the 42 days in hospital, the MP says he spent 35 in isolation while the rest was in Intensive Care Unit. Mr. Dahir made the revelation on Tuesday during a session of the National Assembly Health Committee where Health CS Mutahi Kagwe was appearing to answer to various issues including the graft allegations at
Tharaka Nithi governor surrenders self to EACC
Tharaka Nithi Governr Muthomi Njuki has surrendered to the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission, reports say. The embattled governor surrendered on Monday morning and arrived at the commission’s Intergrity House headquarters for processing/ The latest comes just days after the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji ordered his arrest over the irregular award of a KSh34M tender. According to the DPP, Westomaxx Investments Limited, a company that had submitted fraudulent documents, was awarded the tender at a cost of KSh34,998,500.00. A contract for the supply, installation and commissioning of an incinerator was hence entered into between the Chief Officer Environment, Fridah
William Ruto: DP hits out at politicking CSs
Deputy President William Ruto Sunday asked civil servants to stop politicking and focus on implementing the Jubilee administration’s development agenda. He said civil servants should focus on fulfilling the pledges the Party made to Kenyans during the last General election. “I urge those of us who got the opportunity to serve at different levels in Government to stop cheap politics; let us put aside our pride, show humility while discharging our duties and stop hurling insults to each other.” In an apparent response to claims by Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko who Friday equated the DP to a
Nyamweya hits out Mwendwa over “abusive, reckless statements”
Football Kenya Federation elections presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya has hit out at incumbent Nick Mwendwa over what he termed as abusive and disrespectufl statements aimed at those seeking to unseat the latter. Nyamweya, who handed over the reins to Mwendwa in February 2016 has called out Mwendwa for being in violation of the ehtical conduct expected of a president of the FKF. “The game of football is a unifying platform , that is meant to foster friendship, respect, fairness ,unity, and has no place nor space for segregation and discrimination,” he said in a statement to the media. “The football
StarTimes grows e-shopping platform product range
Pay Television Company StarTimes Kenya has introduced additional consumer products on its integrated e-shopping platform StarTimes GO enabling Kenyans to access a variety of electronics, beauty products, design, portable gadgets and kitchenware among other house hold items. This development follows the introduction of a dedicated shopping channel – StarTimes GO that will exclusively broadcast the sale for the different products 24 hours seven days a week within which viewers will have an opportunity to call, order and have their products of choice delivered at the comfort of their homes or offices. Speaking on this latest development, StarTimes Regional Marketing Director
Gaming: BetLion lowers virtual games minimum stake
BetLion, Africa’s leading online gaming platform, who recently introduced a new game to the gaming industry known as ‘Piga Pena’, has now reduced the minimum stake for playing the game, from KSh20, to KSh5 per bet placed. The lowered stake would now mean increased opportunities for players to place even more bets while trying to predict the different outcomes of the game. “We always strive to make our games more fun, and playable for everyone. We felt if we lowered the stake, then this Piga Pena game now would be easily playable for anyone that wants to try their luck,
Daniel Moi: Ex-President’s will on multi-billion property revealed
Following the death of former president Mzee Daniel arap Moi on 4 February 2020, a will on his vast multi-billion property surfaced. The will indicated that all his children (Jennifer, Raymond, Philip, John Mark, Doris, June, Gideon and the late Jonathan) would get an equal portion of the property. Retired AIC bishop, Silas Yego, indicated that the former president had taken a considerable amount of time in preparing the document to ensure that his children received their fair share according to his wishes. “This was something that he did sometime back before his condition deteriorated and he lost his voice. He
Daniel Moi: Ex-President’s will on multi-billion property revealed
Following the death of former president Mzee Daniel arap Moi on 4 February 2020, a will on his vast multi-billion property surfaced. The will indicated that all his children (Jennifer, Raymond, Philip, John Mark, Doris, June, Gideon and the late Jonathan) would get an equal portion of the property. Retired AIC bishop, Silas Yego, indicated that the former president had taken a considerable amount of time in preparing the document to ensure that his children received their fair share according to his wishes. “This was something that he did sometime back before his condition deteriorated and he lost his voice. He
Court detains Governor Obado, his four children after denying KSh73M fraud charges
Migori Governor Okoth Obado and 10 other persons will remain in police custody until next week pending a ruling on their bail application. Obado and his co-accused, who include his four children, were Thursday charged with 28 counts of economic crime, money laundering and conflict of interest for fraudulently acquiring KSh73.4 million from the County Government of Migori. They denied all the charges with Senior Principal Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi directing they be detained until Monday when a ruling on their bail application will be delivered. The Governor is accused of benefiting indirectly from KSh73.4 million that was paid to his
Court detains Governor Obado, his four children after denying KSh73M fraud charges
Migori Governor Okoth Obado and 10 other persons will remain in police custody until next week pending a ruling on their bail application. Obado and his co-accused, who include his four children, were Thursday charged with 28 counts of economic crime, money laundering and conflict of interest for fraudulently acquiring KSh73.4 million from the County Government of Migori. They denied all the charges with Senior Principal Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi directing they be detained until Monday when a ruling on their bail application will be delivered. The Governor is accused of benefiting indirectly from KSh73.4 million that was paid to his
Gold scandal suspects Jared Otieno, Chris Obure who love controversy
God scandal suspect Jared Otieno has been directly linked to city ‘businessman’ Chris Obure, suspected of murdering fellow ‘businessman’ Kevin Omwenga last Friday. The duo is well known as flamboyant businessmen in Nairobi but it has now emerged that theirs is a catalogue of shady deals involving hundreds of millions. The latest twist in their lives is the murder of Omwenga, 26, in mysterious circumstances at Galana Suites at Nairobi’s Kilimani area. Obure has been arraigned over the shooting incident that cost Omwenga his life. Yet amid the mystery and crookedness of their business, the men are not shy of
Survey shows President Kenyatta, DP Ruto leading in media coverage
A new poll by Trends and Insights For Africa research firm shows President Uhuru Kenyatta leading in media coverage at 20%. According to the report released on Wednesday, he was followed by Deputy President William Ruto at 13%. ODM leader Raila Odinga was third at 8%, the study conducted between October 2018 and June 2019 showed. The study revealed that Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and Amina Mohamed (Sports) were the only two Cabinet Secretaries with the highest coverage at 5% and 3% respectively. The report further shows that on crime, Matiang’i gets the highest coverage due to his mandate
Police seek 14 days detention of fake gold main suspect Jared Otieno
Otieno who appeared in court on Friday was arrested following investigations by Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives into the fake gold syndicate in the country. The sleuths also seized two of his brand-new vehicles–a Porsche and Bentley–that were parked at his palatial home in Nairobi’s Karen. Several other suspects–including Zaheer Jhanda–whom police describe as a person of interest in the investigation are being sought. DCI Director George Kinoti says the investigation was launched following numerous complaints from those conned–including United Arab Emirates leader Sheikh Al Maktoum. 18 suspects were arraigned in court on Tuesday, with police now allowed a week
‘Fake gold’ gold probe has zero public interest so spare Kenyans distractions over private business deal
A lot has been said since the revelation that a Kenyan or Kenyans were involved in a gold delivery deal with the Sheikh of Dubai, including the Director of Public Prosecutions leering a probe into the ‘fake gold scam’. Media has splashed all manner of headlines, as we always do, while politicians have used the story as fodder against their opponents, the public has enjoyed good banter and discussed theories some of which are like a living reality from the movies. We have been told of presidential fury following a meeting in Dubai where the Sheikh was angry with the
Plot thickens on fake gold saga as Babu Owino implicates DP Ruto
Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has made shocking accusations, claiming to know someone who was scammed by Deputy President William Ruto. Gold business in Kenya is now being tainted as a scam, with the Dubai royal family reportedly losing millions of dollars among other claims by several individuals. He made the claims through his Twitter handle, which is unverified and Kurunzi cannot independently confirm as being handled by the first-time legislator. After the emergence of allegations by the Dubai Royal family paying millions of dollars paid to Kenyan businessmen and alleged big-name politicians in Kenya, now struggling to
Fake gold suspect Jared Otieno to spend seven days in detention
Businessman Jared Kiasa Otieno has been remanded for seven days to allow detectives from the DCI complete investigations related to alleged fraud and obtaining money by false pretenses. The prosecution had applied for 14 days, but trial Magistrate Paul Mayova reduced it to half after hearing all parties. The court heard that between February 8-25, 2019 a foreigner by the name of Sounthorn Chanthvong from Lao who deals with buying and selling gold is said to have been lured into a house located at Kaputei Gardens where he lost USD3,000,000 equivalent to Sh300 million. The prosecution said that the foreigner
Gold scam: Wetangula terms on going probe ‘inconsequential’
Bungoma senator and Ford Kenya Leader Moses Wetangula has dismissed the gold scandal probe against him as inconsequential stating that he has not been summoned to record any statements by any investigating agency. Speaking to the press after his party meeting in Nairobi, Wetangula remained tight lipped over his involvement in the matter. He instead described the probe against him as a “non-issue” saying that he is going about his duties as a legislator normally. “I am here because I am here. I am here for my party meeting. I am not aware of what you are talking about and
Mastermind in fake gold scandal arrested
Jared Otieno, the main fugitive in the fake Gold scandal has been arrested during a dawn security operation. DCI boss George Kinoti says detectives have also seized two of his brand new vehicles–a Porsche and Bentley—that were parked at his newly acquired palatial home in Nairobi’s Karen. “The fugitive Jared Otieno has been arrested, we raided his newly bought palatial house in Karen where two brand new vehicles, a Bentley and a Porsche were recovered” said Kinoti. Several other suspects – including Zaheer Jhanda – whom police describe as a person of interest in the investigation are being sought. In
Fake gold racket suspects to spend 15 more days in custody
Police will detain 15 people arrested on Monday with fake gold for a week to enable detectives conclude investigations. Milimani Magistrate’s court granted the request but reduced the number of days from the two weeks sought by the police, saying the period will be sufficient to finalise the matter and decide the charges to prefer against the suspects. In their application, they argued that they needed the time to establish the nationalities of three of the of the suspects and analyse data from mobile phones and other electronic gadgets, including computers recovered from them. Some of them were arrested at
Anne Waiguru: Kirinyaga MCAs finally reach agreement with Governor
Kirinyaga Members of County Assembly have agreed to work with Governor Anne Waiguru after reaching a consensus following three weeks of private reconciliation talks in Nairobi. Speaking on Thursday morning, Majority Leader James Kamau Murango, who is also the Kerugoya Ward MCA, said the reconciliation talks were chaired by Mt. Kenya Foundation leaders led by Peter Munga. Murango also disclosed that the talks were only focused on the KSh5.6 billion 2020-2021 county budget. “We agreed Waiguru will also withdraw the budget court case where we were represented by our lawyer Ndegwa Njiru,” Murango said. Governor Waiguru had been accusing the
Fake gold probe: Jared Otieno, co-accused bail determination due on Monday
Businessman Jared Otieno and 15 other people charged in the KSh300 million fake gold scandal will know their fate this afternoon when the court will issue its ruling on their bail application. The suspects have denied the charges against and have been in custody awaiting the court’s decision on whether or not they will be freed on bail. The prosecution alleges that the accused jointly conspired to defraud Southorn Chanthavong, a director of Simuong Group, by fraudulently displaying heavy metal boxes marked as genuine gold between 8 and 25 February 2019. In the second count, they are indicted for obtaining
SuperSport kicks off football season with FA Community Shield
The 2020-21 Premier League season is just around the corner, with the battle set to begin in earnest on 12 September 2020 and provide more thrills for SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv. Arsenal and Liverpool will be raising the curtain on the highly anticipated season, with African superstars, Mohammed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang going head to head when they meet in the FA Community Shield on Saturday (29 August) at 6:30pm EAT. DStv customers will have a front-row seat to the football action on SuperSport 3 and SuperSport 10 when the game broadcasts live and in HD at 6:30pm
Uhuru extends curfew, closure of bars by 30 more days
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday extended the dusk-to-dawn curfew as well as the closure of bars by a further 30 days in an effort to combat COVID-19. President Kenyatta, addressing the nation from State House in Nairobi, however directed the Ministry of Health to meet bar owners and come up with proper resumption guidelines within the same period. He also extended pushed the closing time for restaurants and eateries by one hour from the current 7pm to 8pm effective Thursday. “The closure of bars and nightclubs is continued for a further 30 days. However, the prohibition against the sale of
DCI on trail of fake gold selling cartel fleecing unsuspecting foreigners
Police are on the trail of suspected gold scammers said to be conning unsuspecting investors of billions of shillings. This follows a police report filed by at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations about the operations of the scammers by a licensed Korean gold exporting firm – Kunil Young International Limited. The gang, which is on the run, is said to be fleecing traders by selling fake gold in the country. The trader told the DCI that some people claiming to be directors and employees of a gold firm have been luring foreigners into dubious deals. According to the report seen
DPP approves charges against ex-KPA boss Manduku after push and pull with DCI
Former Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority Daniel Manduku will finally face charges over KSh244 million scandal after a protracted stand-off between investigators and prosecutors. Manduku was first arrested in March by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations who arraigned him in court where he was freed after the prosecution opposed charges he was about to face. Then, the state through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions had said it was not aware of the charges because the DCI had not submitted the file for perusal and approval. And just like that, Manduku was freed in what brought into
DCI on trail of fake gold selling cartel fleecing unsuspecting foreigners
Police are on the trail of suspected gold scammers said to be conning unsuspecting investors of billions of shillings. This follows a police report filed by at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations about the operations of the scammers by a licensed Korean gold exporting firm – Kunil Young International Limited. The gang, which is on the run, is said to be fleecing traders by selling fake gold in the country. The trader told the DCI that some people claiming to be directors and employees of a gold firm have been luring foreigners into dubious deals. According to the report seen
Jared Otieno: Relief for gold scandal suspect as court orders release of his KSh30 Porsche car
The High Court has ordered that fake gold suspect Jared Otieno’s KSh30 million Porsche Panamera be released. Justice John Onyiego asked the police to release the car to Otieno, a close ally of the disgraced Chris Obure, claiming that there was no proof it was bought using proceeds of crime. The judge said the high-end vehicle, which has been lying at the CID headquarters, is wasting away due to vagaries of weather. However, the Assets Recovery Agency is preparing an appeal, arguing that the car will deteriorate in value and defeat the push to have it forfeited to the State.
Conwoman using Uhuru, Ruto names to obtain millions appears before Kiambu Court
A woman allegedly presented herself as a State House employee able to provide a tender for a military surveillance system, complete with all equipment and logistics — and a mandatory non-disclosure clause. Another time, she allegedly presented herself as an employee of Deputy President William Ruto, able to provide tenders for 2,800 HP laptops valued at KSh180 million. One tender was for 120 laptops. In both cases, the complainants were taken in by utterly convincing Wangari Kamau, alias Patricia Mareka. She allegedly was part of a ring of fraudsters. Ms Kamau, according to the prosecution and victims, uses fake names and
DCI on fake gold selling cartel fleecing unsuspecting foreigners
Police are on the trail of suspected gold scammers said to be conning unsuspecting investors of billions of shillings. This follows a police report filed by at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations about the operations of the scammers by a licensed Korean gold exporting firm – Kunil Young International Limited. The gang, which is on the run, is said to be fleecing traders by selling fake gold in the country. The trader told the DCI that some people claiming to be directors and employees of a gold firm have been luring foreigners into dubious deals. According to the report seen
EACC clears uncertainty over who’s involved in KEMSA scandal probe after netizens’ questions
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is the only state agency involved in the probe over the multi-billion scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency. A source had told Kurunzi that contrary to widespread media reports in the press on confusion on who is investigating the matter, a source has confirmed that Integrity House sleuths have been on the brief to probe the issue of how billions of money meant for COVID-19 may have been lost. A source at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed the agency was handling the probe and was not aware if any other state institution was
EACC clears uncertainty over who’s involved in KEMSA scandal probe after netizens’ questions
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is the only state agency involved in the probe over the multi-billion scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency. A source had told Kurunzi that contrary to widespread media reports in the press on confusion on who is investigating the matter, a source has confirmed that Integrity House sleuths have been on the brief to probe the issue of how billions of money meant for COVID-19 may have been lost. A source at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed the agency was handling the probe and was not aware if any other state institution was
DCI: We are not involved in KEMSA scandal probe
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations says they are not involved in the ongoing probe over the multi-billion scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency. A source has told Kurunzi that contrary to widespread media reports in the press, it is the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission that is investigating the issue of how billions of money meant for COVID-19. “We are not involved in this matter and the narrative that we are involved is false, maybe the issue is being handled by other agencies of state but we have no brief about that investigation,” the source told Kurunzi on condition of
39 teens arrested at a house party in Muhoroni
39 teenagers were Tuesday evening arrested at a house party at Bondeni Estate in Muhoroni. The teens were aged between 12 and 22 years according to Muhoroni Deputy Commissioner Erick Wanyonyi who confirmed the incident. Wanyonyi also warned that police officers will now start arresting parents of minors, accusing them of negligence. “If you cannot take care of your children, and they are arrested in parties during this time, you will also face the law,” Wanyonyi said. On Tuesday, Health Ministry CAS Dr Rashid Aman noted that the recent infections were among young people. “We need to make our message
Brazil, India and South Africa face toughest recovery among G-20 nations, study finds
Brazil, India and South Africa face the harshest road to recovery of all the G-20 (Group of 20) major economies, according to a new study. The three nations have the second, third and fifth largest Covid-19 caseloads in the world respectively, but Verisk Maplecroft’s Recovery Capacity Index also identified underlying governance issues and weaker institutions as impediments to long-term emergence from the crisis. The index measures more than a dozen factors which either underpin or undermine a recovery from a crisis. The Western European and East Asian G-20 nations, which suffered the worst initial hit from the pandemic now have
2020 NBA play-offs: All you need to know about the first-round match-ups
The 2020 NBA play-offs start on Monday in what is set to be one of the most unpredictable post-seasons in years, after a regular season like no other. The play-offs usually begin in April but the coronavirus pandemic saw the season postponed on March 11. It finally restated without fans inside the NBA ‘bubble’ at Walt Disney World in Orlando at the end of last month, featuring 22 of the 30 franchises still in contention for a play-off place. Those franchises have now been whittled down to 16. Here is what to look out for as they battle it out for
Revenue sharing: Senate adjourns until their arrested colleagues over stalemate are produced in Parliament
A motion seeking to adjourn proceedings of the Senate which held a special sitting Monday morning in an attempt to unlock the revenue sharing stalemate got an overwhelming bipartisan support as the legislators demanded that Senators Cleopahs Malala (Kakamega), Christopher Langat and Ltumbesi Lelegwe (Samburu) are produced by the Inspector General of Police. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei moved the adjournment motion, seconded by Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni), and got the unanimous support of Senators from across the political divide. Speaker after speaker, they lamented how there was an attempt to undermine the independence of Parliament ahead of the contentious vote,
‘Lewis Hamilton touches perfection in Spanish Grand Prix victory’
Lewis Hamilton said he touched perfection on his way to winning the Spanish Grand Prix, and he is certainly setting new standards as he makes history in Formula 1. It was far from the most exciting race to watch, such was Hamilton’s control, but inside his Mercedes, its driver said he reached a level of performance that even he has rarely found before. He had found the fabled “zone” – a place where performance flows easily, where new levels are achieved – that is the goal of all athletes. “There is an immense amount of pressure on all of us
Revenue sharing stalemate: Night of long knives for Senators over formula amendments
Officers claiming to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for the better part of Sunday night and Monday morning camped outside the homes of Bomet Senator Christopher Langat and his Kakamega counterpart Cleophas Malala. Senator Langat, speaking from a window of his Nyayo Estate home in Nairobi in a video shared on social media, claimed he was being threatened and intimidated “from all corners” over his stand on the government-backed revenue allocation formula. Langat alleged that he had however been expecting the officers saying he was earlier informed by top police officials in Bomet that he was needed for
Manchester United ‘have to take it to next step’ – Harry Maguire
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says they “have to take it to the next step” after losing the Europa League semi-final 2-1 to Sevilla. The Red Devils – who have not won a trophy in three seasons – lost in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League this season. “Losing is not acceptable. Getting to semi-finals isn’t acceptable,” Maguire told BT Sport. “[Winning a trophy] will happen soon. We want to win it as soon as possible.” United led through a Bruno Fernandes penalty, but goals from former Premier League players Suso and Luuk de Jong
KEMSA scandal: Governors renew calls for direct procurement of medical supplies
The Council of Governors has renewed calls to have counties allowed to procure drugs and other medical equipment directly after increased corruption claims at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, KEMSA. CoG Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya said counties are able to procure directly, instead of going through KEMSA which is riddled in corruption. KEMSA’s Chief Executive Officer Jonah Manjari was last week suspended alongside three officials, over corruption claims involving donor funds running into billions, including others earmarked for the COVID-19 emergency response. While Manjari has defended the institution, damning audit reports show massive irregularities which are now subject of investigations by
Ivory Coast opposition protests against President Ouattara’s third term bid
A public transport bus that was burned during a protest against the country’s President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to stand for a third term, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 14 August 2020. PHOTO/COURTESY
Oparanya makes case for increase of County funds to KSh348bn as stalemate persists
The Council of Governors chairman – Wycliffe Oparanya – is rooting for the adoption of an amendment on the revenue formula that seeks to increase funding to counties to KSh348 billion from the current KSh316 billion shareable revenue. The Kakamega Governor made the remarks, Sunday, ahead of the Senate’s special sitting on Monday that seeks, for the record ninth time, to try to broker a truce on the elusive formula that has split the House down the middle. The proposal, which was drafted by Nominated Senator Petronila Were, and subsequently approved by the Senate Business Committee last week will be
Kang’ata accuses Rift Valley senators of sabotaging gov’t backed revenue formula
Senate Majority Chief Whip Irungu Kang’ata is now accusing Senators from Deputy President William Ruto’s backyard of sabotaging his efforts to have the revenue standoff resolved. The Murang’a Senator claims that majority of counties in the Rift Valley region are gaining millions in the new formula but have been whipped to oppose it for political gain. The Senators are headed for yet another showdown in the chambers on Monday, with the government side keen on having the revenue share debate concluded once and for all. Senators who back a compromise formula maintain that they will not allow the government-backed formula
Equatorial Guinea’s government and prime minister resign
The government and prime minister of Equatorial Guinea tendered their resignation on Friday to President Teodoro Obiang, who said they had not done enough to help the country at a time of crisis, authorities said in a statement. The Central African oil producer is suffering a double economic shock linked to the coronavirus pandemic and a drop in the price of crude, which provides around three-quarters of state revenue. “The head of state regretted that the outgoing government did not fulfil its policy objectives, which undoubtedly led to this crisis situation,” a statement on the government website said. Obiang, 78,
Russia says military help available as Belarus hosts rival protests
Russia said on Sunday it had told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko it was ready to offer military assistance if necessary as demonstrators held one of the biggest protests yet against Lukashenko’s contested re-election. The protest in Minsk attracted tens of thousands of people, despite the deaths of at least two protesters and thousands of detentions since last Sunday’s vote. Opponents of Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, say the vote was rigged to disguise the fact that he has lost public support. He denies losing, citing official results that gave him just over 80% of the vote. The Kremlin said
UPS, FedEx warn they cannot carry ballots like US Postal Service
United Parcel Service and FedEx on Friday shot down social media calls that they step in to deliver mail-in ballots from the US Postal Service, which is warning states of potentially “significant” delays. “State ballots must be postmarked to be considered valid and only the USPS has lawful postmarking status. Therefore UPS, FedEx and other private parties cannot technically be involved in shipping ballots,” UPS told Reuters in a statement. FedEx said: “FedEx does accept individual ballots, and we advise that customers planning to return their ballots via FedEx should closely review their state’s guidelines on absentee voting and deadlines
Manchester City: ‘This season has simply not been good enough’ – European exit reaffirms faults
Manchester City have had Champions League disappointments before but few will have hurt as much as this – arguably their best chance to finally claim the prize they covet most, cast aside amid controversy but even more by self-inflicted wounds. Pep Guardiola’s side played with a potent mixture of confidence, discipline and panache to dismiss Real Madrid and set up a quarter-final against Lyon in this new one-off format in Lisbon that seemed to suit City perfectly. And yet, as they have in Guardiola’s previous four seasons at City, they have come up short when trying to cross the barrier
Prague Open: Simona Halep beats Elise Mertens in final
Simona Halep won her first title since before the coronavirus lockdown at the Prague Open with a straight-set victory over Elise Mertens. The Romanian world number two beat Belgium’s Mertens 6-2 7-5 for her first title on clay since the 2018 French Open. Halep, 28, becomes only the second top seed to win the Prague Open, after Karolina Pliskova did so in 2015. Victory in the Czech capital gives Halep her second title of 2020. In February, she won the Dubai Tennis Championships – her last tournament before the WTA Tour was suspended because of the global Covid-19 pandemic. The win
Man takes poison after wife kills lover in suspected love triangle
A 37-year-old woman was on Saturday killed while her daughter watched in what is suspected to have been a love triangle gone sour at Kwa V trading centre in Mutithi ward, Kirinyaga County. Beatrice Onyango died after she was reportedly stabbed eight times by Mary Njeri who accused the deceased of having a secret love affair with her husband. Speaking to Citizen Digital, the deceased’s daughter – Alice Akinyi, 23 – said she was in her house when she heard her mother’s screams and, upon coming out, found Njeri committing the act. Akinyi said she tried to help her mother but the
Relief as new government protocols allow importation of mitumba
The government has cleared the mitumba import blockade after publishing new protocols allowing traders to make new orders for the used textiles and shoes. The Kenya Bureau of Standards, alongside the Ministry of Trade, has published new guidelines expected to end agony for thousands of mitumba traders around the country. The government halted the importation of mitumba early this year as as part of measures to contain spread of COVID-19. While the ban was later lifted, the importation of mitumba remained frozen there being no safety protocols developed by the Ministry of Trade to guide the resumption of imports. Second
Manchester City shocked by Lyon to end Guardiola Champions’ League dream
Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions are in ruins once more after Lyon shocked Pep Guardiola’s side in the quarter-final in Lisbon. City started as firm favourites but came out second best against a fiercely determined Lyon in a game that swung on controversy and uncharacteristic errors in the closing stages. Lyon went ahead in the 24th minute with Maxwel Cornet’s smart finish but City, lifeless as Guardiola chose to play a three-man central defence, looked to have been revived by Kevin de Bruyne’s precise strike from Raheem Sterling’s pass after 69 minutes. Former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele, on as a
Police raid, close children’s home in Kibra after five boys molested
Police in Nairobi raided and closed a children’s home in Kibra area following confirmation of reports of child molestation. Five boys seeking refuge at the Kings and Queens Children’s Home were confirmed to have been sexually abused after medical examination, with doctors blowing the whistle even as the home’s administration sought to sweep the misdeeds under the carpet. Following the Friday morning police raid, the children were taken to government children homes after short interviews with the police and child welfare officers. The doctor who examined the five boys, speaking to Citizen TV on condition of anonymity, said the harrowing experiences for
Remandees escape from Bungoma police station after digging hole through wall
Eleven prisoners early Sunday morning escaped from Bungoma Police Station after digging a hole through the wall, one of them was however later re-arrested. According to a police report seen by Citizen Digital, officers manning the station were at around 3am alerted by other prisoners that some of their fellow prisoners had escaped from one of the cells. Upon checking, the officers found a hole dug on the rear wall through which the eleven had escaped. “The escapees had cut an angle line metal bar that reinforced the cells door and used the same to dig the hole,” read the report.
President Kenyatta announces national clean up campaign as he opens Michuki Park
President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a national clean up campaign to boost the country’s environmental conservation efforts. The President said the campaign which is set to kick off on September 1st is dubbed ‘Cleaning Up Kenya Campaign’ and shall be led by cadres of the National Government Administration Officers. “The Campaign shall be anchored on the National Government Administration Officers at the local level who shall work together with the local communities and with stakeholders both within and outside of Government to enhance environmental restoration, conservation and management,” the President said. The Head of State pointed out that the campaign
Mother to be charged for abandoning infant in ablution block sanitary bin
An infant girl got a second chance to live when police officers rescued her from a sanitary bin in a public ablution block within Runyenjes Township in Embu on Friday where she was dumped by her mother. A 35-year-old guard, who noticed the abandoned child, notified police in the area who later apprehended the child’s mother identified as Mwende Korti who was on transit to Nairobi. The guard identified as Alvan Nyagah told the police the woman who had alighted from a public service vehicle used the public toilet facility shortly before he learnt of the abandoned child. “One woman who was a passenger in a Matatu
Raila accuses Judiciary of frustrating government development agenda in Nyanza
Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga lashed out at the courts on Friday, accusing a court official of derailing the national government’s projects in Nyanza region. Odinga, the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development, made the remarks in apparent veiled attack on Kisumu’s Industrial court judge Nduma Nderi during a courtesy call to Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o. Odinga faulted Justice Nderi’s decision on Thursday to suspend the leasing of State-owned sugar mills until a matter filed before his court is heard and determined. “Issuing an ex parte ruling on such a fundamental issue when it is not a
Herbert Mwachiro: The roadmap to FKF elections
Equity, justice and impartiality are central to successes of contests of sporting and political nature. The Football Kenya Federation Elections are no different as they in turn determine the direction of our beloved sport and its influence on the communities around and beyond us the long term mainly punctuated by 4 year terms marking a full election cycle. In the absence of the above, a society (FKF being a subject) welcomes anarchy, mistrust and a return to the jungle environment where no law exists and respect for the same chokes to anabsolute halt. It’s disappointing that Football in Kenya once
Senator Malala says his accounts not frozen, cites intimidation attempts
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala now says claims of his bank accounts being frozen were attempts to intimidate him to change his position on the contentious revenue sharing formula before the Senate. Malala says he has clarified with Kenya Revenue Authority officials and he is tax compliant. He says he held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner on domestic taxes Department Daniel Kagira and he has been given a clean bill of health. “It has been confirmed that in all my accounts, I owe nothing to KRA, in fact KRA owes me KSh324,” he said, adding that none of his bank accounts
KEMSA CEO Jonah Mwangi suspended over COVID-19 funds scandal
Kenya Medical Supplies Authority CEO Dr Jonah Mwangi Manjari has been suspended following allegations that the authority flouted procurement regulations putting at risk KSh100 billion of donor funds meant for battling the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press briefing on Friday, KEMSA board Chairman Kembi Gitura said Dr. Mwangi had been suspended together with Charles Juma (Head of Procurement) and Eliud Mureithi (Commercial Director) to allow EACC complete investigations into the matter. “As the KEMSA board we have resolved that those three officers stand suspended from today August 14, 2020 until such a time that the EACC completes its investigations and
Aspirants, clubs move to SDT to stop FKF elections over illegal regulations, contempt of court
A petition seeking to stop the Football Kenya Federation elections has been certified urgent by the Sports Disputes Tribunal and is set for mention on Tuesday, 18 August 2020, the same day the SDT is expected to deliver its verdict on the interim orders sought in the application dated 14 August 2020. SDT boss John Ohaga directed the applicants to serve the Respondents who include the FKF Electoral Board, its chairperson Kentice Tikolo and the federation ahead of Tuesday. “Please arrange to effect service of the Petition as well as the application under Certificate of Urgency on the Respondents,” Ohaga
Aspirants, clubs move to SDT to stop FKF elections over illegal regulations, contempt of court
A petition seeking to stop the Football Kenya Federation elections has been certified urgent by the Sports Disputes Tribunal and is set for mention on Tuesday, 18 August 2020, the same day the SDT is expected to deliver its verdict on the interim orders sought in the application dated 14 August 2020. SDT boss John Ohaga directed the applicants to serve the Respondents who include the FKF Electoral Board, its chairperson Kentice Tikolo and the federation ahead of Tuesday. “Please arrange to effect service of the Petition as well as the application under Certificate of Urgency on the Respondents,” Ohaga
Benson Mutura: Ex-Makadara MP elected Nairobi County Assembly Speaker
Former Makadara Member of Parliament Benson Mutura has been sworn in as the Speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly. Mutura was elected with 99 votes. All the other five contestants; Abdi Ali Abdi, Ken Ng’ondi, Washington Makodingo, Allan Chacha Mang’era and Mike Obonyo Guoro got no votes. Mutura’s candidature was backed by both the Jubilee Party and Orange Democratic Movement. ODM MCAs met on Friday morning at a Nairobi hotel and resolved to back Mutura saying their party would produce the deputy speaker in line with the Building Bridges Initiative. The Jubilee Party had held a meeting at the headquarters
Journalist wants SDT to rule against FIFA interference in FKF elections
Journalist Milton Nyakundi has filed an application seeking to, among other prayers, have FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Veron Mosengo Omba stopped from interfering with Football Kenya Federation elections. Nyakundi has listed FIFA and Mr Omba as Respondents in his application with the Sports Registrar featuring as an Interested Party. FIFA and Mr Omba are the 4th and 5th Respondents respectively in the petition that has the board, its chair and the federation as the first three respondents. He argues, in court papers seen by Kurunzi after being filed on Friday, that Mosengo Omba’s letters giving directives on how the
Seven African countries to start testing for COVID-19 antibodies
Seven African countries will start administering coronavirus antibody tests from next week, a regional body said on Thursday, as part of efforts to understand the extent of the outbreak on the continent. “Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco are the first set of countries that committed to it,” said John Nkengasong, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, based in Addis Ababa. Western governments are using antibody tests to find out how many of their citizens have been infected, in the hope that will help them reopen their economies. Africa has so far conducted 9.4
Duale: Foreign Affairs ministry to blame for journalist Yassin Juma detention
Garissa Township MP Aden Duale wants the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief the House on measures it is taking to guarantee the freedom of Kenyan journalist Yassin Juma who is being detained in Ethiopian. The former Leader of Majority in the National Assembly who spoke on the floor of the House on Wednesday said Yassin Juma has no legal representation, leaving him in a perilous position as he tries to fight the charges amid a language barrier. Juma was arrested while he was inside the house of an opposition politician. He had been charged alongside four other suspects with incitement and
Israel hails UAE deal but Palestinians – and settlers – dismayed
Israel talked of “history” and Palestinians of “betrayal” after Thursday’s surprise announcement of a deal to normalise relations between the Jewish state and the United Arab Emirates. In a nationwide televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal would lead to “full and formal peace” with the Gulf Arab state and voiced hope that other countries in the region would follow the UAE’s example. Netanyahu said it also entailed acceding to a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to “temporarily wait” on implementing the Israeli leader’s pledge to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. “It’s an incomparably
FA Cup replays scrapped in 2020-21 to ease fixture congestion
The FA Cup will not have replays for the 2020-21 season to help ease fixture congestion caused by the COVID-19 crisis, England’s Football Association said on Thursday. Next season’s competition is scheduled to begin on 1 September – only a month after the 2020 final – with the showpiece match at Wembley set to take place on 15 May 2021. “In order to assist in easing pressure on the football schedule, there will be no replays for the 2020-21 season,” the FA said in a statement, as it announced the schedule. The FA added that the prize fund would return
Raila to DP Ruto: Come out clean on ‘Deep State’ claims
ODM leader Raila Odinga has dismissed claims by Deputy President William Ruto that there exists a ‘Deep State’ that is seeking to block his ascension to power in 2022. Speaking to the media, Thursday, Odinga said he held no position in government and was therefore unaware of the existence of a so-called ‘Deep State’. “As you know, where I am I hold no position in the government of the Republic of Kenya. Kenya is led by the President whose name you know and his deputy whose name you also know. So if you are talking about the ‘deep State’, who
FKF elections controversy exposes similar issues as goings-on at FIFA
The controversy around the Football Kenya Federation elections has taken another twist, this time a trajectory which could replay the events witnessed in Switzerland in recent weeks following the resignation of Attorney General Michael Lauber. This is after the Electoral Board, citing a directive from FIFA’s Member Associations Chief Officer Veron Motsengo-Omba of 5 August 2020, has issued a new electoral road-map that will culminate with the national polls on 17 October. According to Motsengo-Omba, the elections are to start from the branchesfor the sake of peace, a position that agrees with the decision of the Sports Disputes Tribunal in
FKF elections controversy reeks of similar issues as goings-on at FIFA
The controversy around the Football Kenya Federation elections has taken another twist, this time a trajectory which could replay the events witnessed in Switzerland in recent weeks following the resignation of Attorney General Michael Lauber. This is after the Electoral Board, citing a directive from FIFA’s Member Associations Chief Officer Veron Motsengo-Omba of 5 August 2020, has issued a new electoral road-map that will culminate with the national polls on 17 October. According to Motsengo-Omba, the elections are to start from the branchesfor the sake of peace, a position that agrees with the decision of the Sports Disputes Tribunal in
FKF elections controversy reeks of similar issues
The controversy around the Football Kenya Federation elections has taken another twist, this time a trajectory which could replay the events witnessed in Switzerland in recent weeks following theresignation of Attorney General Michael Lauber. This is after the Electoral Board, citing a directive from FIFA’s Member Associations Chief Officer Veron Motsengo-Omba of 5 August 2020, has issued a new electo Al roadmap that will culminate with the national polls on 17 October. According to Motsengo-Omba, the elections are to start from the branchesfor the sake of peace, a position that agrees with the decision of the Sports Disputes Tribunal in
Senators: Govt intimidating us over revenue formula
Some Senators now claim they are being intimidated to support the government position on the contentious revenue sharing formula. The claims emanated from a tweet by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheiriyot who claimed Senators who voted for the amendment by Meru Senator Mithika Linturi woke up to their accounts being frozen and harassment from the Kenya Revenue Authority. “A number of senators who voted in support of Sen Linturi’s amendment to the revenue formula report woke up to frozen accounts and fictitious tax demands from KRA. Shameful of the so called system. The resolve is firmer. Kenya must win this war
Governor Sonko agrees to withdraw all court cases against NMS
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko says he is set to withdraw all court cases filed against the Nairobi Metropolitan Services led by Major General Abdala Badi. Speaking in Nairobi, Thursday, Sonko said he had reached an agreement with Badi and they had ironed out the contentious issues that had forced him to move to court to challenge the Deed of Transfer that saw the formation of NMS. “After yesterday we agreed to polish the issues in the MOU and we agreed with my brother Badi that all cases in court will be withdrawn to allow for service delivery and development,” said
Last decade was Earth’s hottest on record, exposing a grim reality of climate change
A new report released Wednesday details how 2019 was another year of extremes for Earth’s climate, adding to a litany of evidence exposing the grim reality of our warming world. Last year saw devastating wildfires burn through Australia; large regions including Europe, Japan, Pakistan, and India experienced deadly heat waves; almost 100 tropical cyclones created havoc; glaciers and sea ice continued to melt at worrying levels; and drought and floods destroyed vital crops and infrastructure. Among the key findings of the State of the Climate in 2019, published by the American Meteorological Society, was that 2019 was among the warmest years on record,
Mbappe set to feature for PSG against Atalanta in Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain have been boosted ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta with Thomas Tuchel confirming Kylian Mbappe is set to play a role. Mbappe was expected to miss the game after he sustained a sprained ankle and ligament damage in PSG’s Coupe de France final victory over Saint-Etienne on July 24. The World Cup winner was expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, but Tuchel revealed he will be available for Wednesday’s knockout clash at Estadio da Luz provided he gets through Tuesday’s training session unscathed. However, the PSG boss suggested Mbappe will only be used
Nyamweya: FKF Electoral Board roadmap illegal, null and void
Former Football Kenya Federation president Sam Nyamweya has trashed a purported letter by world football governing body FIFA which was addressed to the federation’s CEO Barry Otieno. According to the outspoken football administrator, the letter dated 5 August 2020 and which calls for fresh elections is premised on mischief and fails to address key issues raised by football stakeholders in the country. Nyamweya, in a press release to newsrooms on Tuesday, listed 16 pertinent issues on the roadmap to the long-overdue FKF polls and declared that the elections would not go on if reforms were not put in place. “That
Confusion over FKF elections as FIFA selectively backs SDT ruling
The Kenya Football Federation has been dealt a massive blow after world football governing body FIFA directed that the fresh elections be conducted holistically to restore order and sanity. In a response to correspondence by FKF secretary general Barry Otieno that had requested the federation’s input on the going ons as regards the FKF elections, FIFA directed that the polls should kickstart from the branches to the national level. “Given the present circumstances, we are of the view that FKF elections shall be organized as soon as the situation permits and in line with safety precautions implemented by the relevant
Emmanuel Juma, Nyabola could face imprisonment after court finds them in contempt of orders against ‘expose’
A Magistrate has issued summonses against two Journalists – Edmond Nyabola and Emanuel Juma -over contempt of court. The applicant, Child Welfare Society of Kenya, had successfully obtained a court order restraining Nation Media Group from airing an ‘expose’ on alleged child exploitation at the institution. If the court okays the contempt proceedings, the two may be subjected to civil jail of up to six months imprisonment. The order, after an oral cross-examination of the the process server – Willis Agayi, in court on 29 June this year. The Magistrate was satisfied that the courts decision was duly served on
What embattled Governor Waiguru told Senate committee at start of her impeachment hearing
Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru, faced her accusers – the County Assembly of Kirinyaga before the Senate Special Committee that is hearing her impeachment trial. Shortly after the charges were read to her by Senate Clerk, the former Cabinet Secretary made her opening address to the committee in a 17-minute speech contained in a five-page statement. Kurunzi News now publishes the full speech below: Honorable Senators, today marks an important milestone in the development of our system of devolved government. The Senate through this Committee is called upon to play one of it is most critical constitutional mandates; that of determining
Eastern Europe-bound consignment confiscated as police unravel leads on money laundering syndicate involving foreigners
A consignment worth billions (of dollars) has been confiscated by inter-governmental investigative agencies. Kurunzi cannot reveal the amounts due to the sensitivity and secrecy around the matter. The cargo was scheduled to depart to an Eastern European capital (from JKIA), but the plan was scuttled by government agencies who got suspicious after intelligence sources started investigating an aircraft that was about to be loaded. Upon further enquiry, government agents discovered that two men of European descent were the contacts of where the cargo was headed. “The two gentlemen, one from the US, and the other from Eastern European are said
Woman scoops KSh1,597,087 after correctly predicting wins on Odibets
For Rachael Wambui winning KSh1,597,087 had never been her wildest dream as betting to herhad been her favourite pass time since she is an ardent soccer betting fan. “Before striking itbig, I used to place my bets on my favourite teams as I have always loved football,” said Wambui during her interview with journalists. Rachael who is a trader in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area crossed her fingers as she eagerly waited for the Arsenal vs Chelsea game. “The teams I had placed my bets on all had gone through and I was only waiting for the Arsenal vs Chelsea game to
Pressure on Mwendwa as civil society now call for probe into his administration at FKF
Governance activists, under the umbrella of the Civil Society Reference Group, have now joined the chorus of football stakeholders in demanding that Nick Mwendwa – the outgoing president of Football Kenya Federation be investigated for possible irruption and other malpractices. Addressing the press in Nairobi Sunday morning, a group comprising at least 10 civil society organizations express grave concerns at the manner in which FKF had been run under Mwendwa. “Our concerns stem from the fact that football clubs and federations that they form at the national level are associations that provide opportunities for citizens to exercise their rights and
StarTimes and NBC Universal launch Dreamworks for Kenyan subscribers
Pay Television operator StarTimes and NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN) have announced the introduction of DreamWorks – a 24-hour channel dedicated to kids and family entertainment – on StarTimes platform in Kenya. StarTimes subscribers will access the best in animated television series on both terrestrial and satellite platforms channel 354 and 301 respectively. Speaking on the launch, Lee Raftery, Managing Director, NBCUniversal International Networks, EMEA commented: “Collaborating with StarTimes on bringing DreamWorks channel’s award-winning shows and beloved characters is a key milestone for our business. We look forward to bringing young viewers the DreamWorks experience, with its compelling slate of adventurous
Odibet’s virtual betting platform brings relief to punters as major leagues go on break
All the major football leagues in the world will be breaking as the 2019/20 season comes to an end after recently resuming following the Covid 19 hiatus. Punters have been left in a quagmireon where and on which platforms they can continue betting during this break, but worry not. Odibets, one of the leading betting firms in the country has responded. The betting firm has revamped its virtual betting platform Odileague which now boosts games from various leagues including the Kenya Premier League. Virtual betting is a kind of betting availed by some bookies, in Kenya and the world, where
Legend Jipcho buried as veteran athletes issue welfare pleas
Athletics legend Benjamin Jipcho was laid to rest Friday at a burial ceremony dominated by pleas aimed at the Government to place the welfare of retired athletes higher up its priorities list. Jipcho, whose athletic renown was tied partly to helping teammate Kipchoge Keino beat American favorite Jim Ryun at the Summer Olympics 1968 in Mexico City, died of cancer last week at a hospital in Eldoret. He was 77. At the ceremony attended by Deputy President William Ruto, retired athletes in attendance took turns to decry neglect by the Government. Led by Rose Tata Muya and Moses Kiptanui they
FKF trouble as court freezes bank accounts over unpaid debt
The Kenya Football Federation (FKF) have been dealt a major blow after a Nairobi court extended orders freezing their bank accounts owing to failure to settle dues owed to former Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson. Employment and Labour Court judge Byram Ongara failed to vacate the orders earlier issued by the same court last week as sought by the Nick Mwendwa-led federation and instead stated that the application be certified as urgent. Williamson sued the federation in 2017 accusing them of unfairly sacking him. In 2019, the court ruled in his favor and directed the federation to compensate him Ksh
StarTimes secures UEFA Nations League Broadcast Rights
Pay television operator StarTimes media has acquired the broadcast rights for the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League that is set to kick off from 3rd September. StarTimes secured UEFA Nations League broadcasting rights as part of the company’s National Team Football agreement with UEFA over the period 2019-2022. The company further secured transmission rights for exploitation across all media platforms including its self-produced sports channels as well as on StarTimes ON streaming platform in all countries across sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. While acknowledging the increased sports properties on the digital television platform, StarTimes Regional Marketing Director Mr. Aldrine Nsubuga averred
StarTimes, UNESCO in joint campaign against Misinformation
The Start Times media company has joined calls by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to combat misinformation and disinformation during this Coronavirus pandemic. In a press release sent to newsrooms on Thursday, the organization which boasts of over 10 million subscribers noted that they hope to leverage on their online presence to help the UN body achieve its course of ensuring that young people use their creativity and innovation to combat the same. “UNESCO’s launch of the campaign under Media and Information is designed to encourage young men and women to identify and leverage their creativity
Leaked audio exposes Mwendwa, FIFA conspiracy on FKF elections
Football Kenya Federation chairman Nick Mwendwa has stated that there will be no changes to the electoral code as earlier directed by the Sports Dispute Tribunal in March, 2020. In a leaked audio conversation, Mwendwa is heard telling members of his Team Blue not to panic because most of the directives issued by the John Ohaga-led federation would not be heeded to, a move that could ultimately see most candidates locked out from contesting in the forthcoming polls. Mwendwa observed that it would be futile to try and change the electoral codes as there were no mechanisms in place to
Malawi’s Chakwera pledges graft clampdown in subdued inauguration amid virus
Malawi’s new President Lazarus Chakwera pledged to clamp down on corruption on Monday, as he delivered his inauguration speech in a scaled-down ceremony dampened by a surge in COVID-19 cases. Chakwera unseated former leader Peter Mutharika in a 23 June re-run election after the 2019 polls were overturned by a court, citing irregularities. The ruling echoed one by a Kenyan court in 2017, which cancelled President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election win. Both were surprising on a continent in which courts rarely flex their muscles against powerful presidents. The repeat vote was regarded as a test of the ability of African courts
Nyamweya: We must avoid any attempt to violate the law in quest for elections
In the past few days, football stakeholders have been urged to sign various petitions in solidarity with the authors of the petitions but starkly different as they agitate for what seemed to be conflicting positions. One of the petitions sought to have the government disband the Football Kenya Federation and seek registration of a new federation, while another petition seeks to have dialogue through the application of Article 59 of the Sports Act 2013 in compliance to the FIFA proposal for stakeholder dialogue. But former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya is now cautioning the country against pushing for any proposal that
Uhuru: We are reopening churches but…
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday announced the phased reopening of places of worship in the country but extended the closure of bars for another 30 days. President Kenyatta, who addressed the nation at Harambee House, however stated that the places of worship must first comply with set regulations before opening back their doors. The Head of State stated that such regulations include a condition of only 100 congregants at any given worship session which he added should not take more than an hour each. He said persons under the age of 13 years and those over the age of 58
Domestic flights to resume 15 July as President Kenyatta sets 1 August for international travel resumption
The government has restored both domestic and international flights, beginning 15 July and 1 August respectively as part of the phased re-opening of the economy. Addressing the Nation Monday afternoon, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the return of air travel follows recent engagement between aviation stakeholders on safe return of air travel in the country. “Local air travel shall resume effective 15 July in strict conformity with protocols from both the Ministry of Health and civil aviation management,” he said. Earlier last week, the President had hinted at the return to air travel in a webcasted meeting with regional leaders. Further,
Secondhand clothes traders plead for lifting of import ban
Dealers in second hand clothes are appealing to President Uhuru Kenyatta to lift the ban on importation of used garments forced upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mitumba Association of Kenya Chairperson Teresia Njenga in a statemented issued on Sunday said the continued ban on the importation which was a temporary measure to contain COVID-19 is putting two million livelihoods at stake. “According to the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey 2015-2016, 51 per cent of Kenyan households bought second hand clothes and footwear every quarter in the year. It is estimated from that an average of 6.2 million households bought
Police officer among five suspects arrested in botched KSh28 million bank robbery
Detectives in Bungoma County on Saturday arrested five suspects including a police officer in a botched bank heist in Busia town. Three suspects were arrested inside the Kenya Commercial Bank, Busia town Branch as they tried to withdraw KSh28.5 million from someone’s account while two others were later arrested in Ahero, Kisumu County as they tried to escape from the police. According to police, the suspects presented a fake ID card not reflective of the account owners raising suspicion. “The bank manager alerted the police and they immediately visited the area and arrested the suspects,” said Busia County Commander John
I need specialised treatment to see again, cries Imbalambala
Former AFC Leopards captain Martin Imbalambala is desperately crying for financial help to seek specialised treatment after losing his eyesight since 2018. Imbalambala, 31, now says the treatment he has been undergoing for the last two years has not helped anything, as the situation has worsened over the time. Worse still, he has been unable to pay for his monthly checkups costing Sh. 4,000, forcing him to skip the routine he has observed since the condition struck. “I need of help. I need to get back to normal life and enjoy life just like any other human being. I have
Wilson Kipsang handed four-year ban for violating anti-doping rules
Two-time London Marathon winner Wilson Kipsang has been handed a four-year ban for anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs). The violations include the Kenyan former world record holder using a fake photo of a traffic accident to justify one of four missed whereabouts appointments. World Athletics said Kipsang, a bronze medallist at the 2012 Olympics, had four whereabouts failures between April 2018 and May 2019. Three such failures within 12 months leads to an automatic ban. Kipsang, 38, said he missed a test on May 17, 2019, due to a traffic accident involving an overturned lorry and also provided a photo of
Leave me out of your political narratives and innuendos, Manduku tells off politicians linking KPA exit to “privatisation” plot
Former Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director, Daniel Manduku, has dismissed remarks by Nyali MP Mohammed ali that he was pushed out of the port due to alleged privatisation of sections of the institution. In a statement to the media, Manduku, who resigned from the KPA in March 2020, said “it is preposterous for anybody to purport to explain my exit in any other way”. “My attention has been drawn to a statement by the aforementioned Member of the National Assembly, to the effect that my exit as Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority was a result of anything other
BBI team says they are ready with final report
The Building Bridges Initiative Steering Committee says it has completed its task, and is now ready to present its final report. Joint Secretaries of the Taskforce, Martin Kimani and Paul Mwangi, said they have already communicated with State House and are only waiting for an appointment to hand over the report to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake principal Raila Odinga. “The Steering Committee on the Implementation of the Building Bridges to a United Kenya Taskforce has the honour to inform Kenyans that it has met its term of reference as per the Kenya Gazette,” the BBI team said. The
Kirinyaga MCAs make changes to Governor budget
This is according to the chairman of budget committee David Mathenge, the Baragwi ward MCA. In what is seen as war between members of the county assembly and the county boss following the impeachment motion that flopped, Governor Anne Waiguru’s presentation of zero allocation to her deputy was defied. Waiguru had been accusing her Deputy of supporting the impeachment motion that was filed by Mutira Ward MCA – David Kinyua Wangui. In further evidence of the rift between the MCAs and Governor Waiguru deepening, the MCAs have also slashed her legal fees from KSh60 million to KSh1 million. Further, the
Maraga dismisses claims he fathered child with strange woman and abandoned them
Chief Justice David Maraga has dismissed claims by a woman that he fathered her child withe her and later deserted them. This is after a woman caused a stir at Milimani Law Courts wailing, accusing the Chief Justice of not taking care of their six year-old-daughter who was a product of an extra-marital affair. She was also demanding over KSh160,000 from the CJ in child support payment. Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, Maraga said the allegations and the papers presented before the court are generated and should not be relied upon. According to Omari, the case has not been filed
ODPP explains slow pace in Babu Owino case over DJ Evolve attempted murder
Kenya’s top prosecutor has revealed why the case linking MP Paul Ongili Babu Owino to the attempted murder of Felix Orinda, aka DJ Evolve, has slowed down. A statement released on Tuesday evening cited the inability of the victim to record a statement following the shooting which affected his speech. “According to the IO report, the victim is paralyzed and has a speech impediment making it very challenging to record his statement,” the ODPP said on Twitter. Babu Owino was arraigned in court on 20 January 2020 and charged with attempted murder as well as behaving in a disorderly manner.
Court directs Keroche to deposit Ksh.100M instead of Ksh.500M in battle with KRA
The High Court order requiring Keroche Breweries Limited to pay Kenya Revenue Authority KSh500 million as a condition to stop the taxman from recovering KSh9.1 billion from the company has now been set aside. The Court of Appeal, in a ruling delivered Thursday, instead directed the company to deposit a sum of KSh100 million within 45 days. The court said it had put into consideration all factors in the ruling including the challenging economic circumstances that the COVID-19 pandemic has put the country and the entire world under. Also lifted is KRA’s notice issued on Equity Bank Limited and Absa
Kenya School of Law officials charged in KSh198 million fraud case
Kenya School of Law officials have been arraigned to face charges over a KSh198 million scam at the institution. They six are Amos Kabue Mwangi (Assistant Director, Finance and Administration), Prof Morris Kiwinda Mbondenyi (Deputy Director/CEO), Frank Jackson Were (Finance Manager), Huson Amwai Lwigado Lwigado (Accountant at KSL, Proprietor of Ademwa Enterprises), Nobert Achiro Gondi (Assistant Accountant) and Ephraim Thuku Ngumi (Assistant Accountant). The Director of Public Prosecutions authorized conspiracy to defraud charges after they sanctioned payment of KSh198 million from KSL for goods not supplied. They all pleaded not guilty and applied to be released on bail. The court
Anthony Martial: Frenchman grabs 1st United hat-trick in seven years as they close in on top four
Anthony Martial scored Manchester United’s first Premier League hat-trick in more than seven years as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men eased past Sheffield United at Old Trafford. Robin van Persie was the last United player to score a treble in the league. And while there was nothing to compare with the Dutchman’s brilliant volley against Aston Villa that helped seal the 13th and final title of Sir Alex Ferguson’s illustrious reign, Martial did complete his own milestone with a delightful chipped finish over Simon Moore after collecting Marcus Rashford’s return pass. The result moves United to within two points of fourth-placed
Speaker Elachi, 30 MCAs under siege as goons storm City Hall at night
Chaos erupted at City Hall in Nairobi Thursday morning after suspected hired goons attempted to attack County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi and a section of MCAs in a clash over allocation of funds to the Nairobi Metropolitan Service. Speaker Elachi and about 30 MCAs in support of the newly-formed NMS which took over control of the city, spent the night at City Hall ahead of the passing of the budget allocating KSh26.4 billion to NMS on Thursday afternoon. However, a rival faction of MCAs led by Abdi Guyo opposed to the allocation of funds to NMS arrived at City Hall
Waiguru fate in Malala-led committee hands as impeachment trial concludes
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru will know her fate on Friday when the 11-member special committee of the Senate set up to hear her impeachment trial will table its report. Speaker Ken Lusaka has, through a Special Gazette Notice on Wednesday, convened the special sitting scheduled to consider the report, which will be tabled by the committee chairman – Senator Cleophas Malala (Kakamega). Waiguru is accused of gross misconduct, violating the constitution and conferring a benefit of KSh10 million to herself. “The business to be transacted at the sitting shall be the consideration of the report of the special committee on
Property destroyed following dawn inferno at Gikomba market
A section of Nairobi’s Gikomba market was razed down at dawn on Thursday, the second time this year that an inferno has hit the country’s largest retail market. The cause of the blaze is still unknown. Witnesses said the fire started at 2.00am, starting from the groceries section of the open-air market before it was contained. Several such incidents have caused severe damage at the popular market over the years, sometimes leading to deaths. In June 2018, at least 15 people died while more than 60 were injured in a night fire at the market.
Waluke set for sentencing after guilty verdict over KSh297 million maize scandal
Sirisia Member of Parliament John Walukhe is set for sentencing on Thursday after a Nairobi anti-corruption court found him guilty of fraud in a KSh297 million maize scandal. Anti-Corruption Magistrate Elizabeth Juma, Monday, found Waluke and his co-accused – businesswoman Grace Wakhungu – guilty after the prosecution proved the two irregularly received KSh297 million from the National Cereals and Produce Board in 2004. The two are remanded at Kileleshwa Police Station pending the sentencing. Wakhungu is listed as the director of Erad General Suppliers, the firm that received the payment. Court documents indicated the payment was for the supply of
What embattled Governor Waiguru told Senate committee at start of her impeachment hearing
Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru, faced her accusers – the County Assembly of Kirinyaga before the Senate Special Committee that is hearing her impeachment trial. Shortly after the charges were read to her by Senate Clerk, the former Cabinet Secretary made her opening address to the committee in a 17-minute speech contained in a five-page statement. Kurunzi News now publishes the full speech below: Honorable Senators, today marks an important milestone in the development of our system of devolved government. The Senate through this Committee is called upon to play one of it is most critical constitutional mandates; that of determining
Parliament declines approval for taxes on pensions, cooking gas in Finance Bill
The 2020 Finance Bill sailed through the floor of the National Assembly as Members of Parliament shot down proposals by Treasury to raise taxes from pensioners and LPG gas. In the vote subjected to the committee of the whole house, the Members of Parliament elected to keep the majority of ammendments as brought forth by the House Finance and National Planning Committee. While the Treasury had sought to end part of tax exemptions by levying taxes on income from the National Social Security Fund and move LPG gas into the VAT-able category, MPS viewed the move as counter productive and
Kiunjuri launches new political party “to seek power”
Former Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, sacked from the Cabinet earlier in the year has unveiled a new political party – The Service Party. “This is our new political party and you know parties are launched to seek power,” said Kiunjuri during a media conference, saying the party will spend the next two years preparing itself for what would be a bruising 2022 General Elections contest. “We will start recruiting more members to the party as soon as COVID-19 containment measures are lifted.” Kiunjuri’s party will carry the slogan ‘Huduma Twajiamini’ and also includes, among others, former Kiambu County Assembly member
Kenyans must rise to protect the Sports Disputes Tribunal from Mwendwa onslaught
It is unfortunate that the sports industry in Kenya has, lately, been subjected to ridicule and degenerating actions thanks to corrupt merchants of impunity from within the Football Kenya Federation. FIFA rules are crystal clear on the use of mainstream (ordinary) courts to resolve disputes and otherwise prefer and support a sports arbitration process. A position shared by many other sports federations across the country. This led to the birth of Sports Dispute Tribunal under the Sports Act 2013. It is unfortunate that the current FKF office has resorted to “anonymously” filing cases in three regional courts to block the
Petition to have current FKF office disbanded filed
A petition seeking the disbandment of the current Football Kenya Federation office disbanded has been filed. The petition was filed on Monday by the Kenya Football Stakeholders, a body that brings together aspirants for various positions in the fothcoming FKF polls, parties to the Sports Disputes Tribunal petitions 3 and 5 of 2020, football clubs, players and coaches. Amongst the prayers that the petition addressed to world football governing body FIFA and Sports CS Amina Mohammed seeks include the disbandment of the federation as currently constituted and the establishment of a Normalization Committee in line with Article 8 and 14
“Waiguru Must Go”, reads leaflets dropped all over Kirinyaga County
Days after the Senate voted for 11 member trial for Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, leaflets with a message “Waiguru Must Go” has been circulating within the county. The leaflets dropped at strategic towns, Kerugoya, Kimbimbi, Kianyaga, Kagio, Kutus, Sagana and Ngurubani has called on residents to turn out in numbers to demonstrate from Monday, June 22nd in solidarity to eliminating corruption within the county. The author of the leaflets is yet to be known and the leaflets are in Kikuyu and English languages. According to a leaflet done in Kikuyu, the message is being directed to even those that can’t
Congo court sentences president’s chief of staff to 20 years in prison
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s high court on Saturday found the president’s chief of staff guilty of embezzling $48 million in public funds and sentenced him to 20 years in jail, the lead judge said. Vital Kamerhe, once a future presidential hopeful, is the most senior politician convicted of graft in Congo, where high-level corruption is endemic. He now faces 20 years of hard labour. “The court has established as fact the offence of embezzlement of public funds relating to the amount of $48,831,148,” said presiding judge Pierrot Bankenge Mvita wearing a mask and rubber gloves. Kamerhe denies stealing money
Duale’s fate hanging by a thread as Uhuru calls Jubilee PG on Monday
Aden Duale’s fate as Majority Leader will be known Monday. President Uhuru Kenyatta has called MPs for a Jubilee Coalition Parliamentary Group Meeting which will, among other issues, decide his fate. “Mheshimiwa, I wish to invite you for a Jubilee coalition, National Assembly Parliamentary Group Meeting at the Kenyatta International Conference Center, on Monday 22 June 2020 at 9am. Please be punctual,” President Kenyatta said, in a message sent to MPs. The Head of State, who is the Jubilee Party leader, will chair the meeting online. The venue of the meeting is a departure from its traditional State House, Nairobi
Popular 25-year-old Ugandan gorilla killed at UNESCO park
Ugandan wildlife authorities have detained four men in connection with the killing of a 25-year-old male gorilla, the leader of a gorilla group and hugely popular with tourists. The Silverback gorilla, named Rafiki, was killed in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after going missing on June 1. His body was found the next day. The park, a UNESCO world heritage site near Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a 320-sq-km patch of dense tropical forest that is home to primates, elephants, antelopes and other wildlife. Tourists are however mostly drawn to the park by its estimated 400
Sepp Blatter: Former Fifa president being investigated over loan
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is being investigated over the mismanagement of a $1m loan given by FIFA to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association in 2010. In legal papers dated 13 May 2020 and seen by the BBC, Swiss federal prosecutors say Blatter is an ‘accused person’. It is the latest allegation of financial impropriety against Blatter. The 84-year-old has always denied any wrongdoing. The documents allege the interest-free and unsecured payment was made from a Fifa account on 13 April 2010. It adds the payment was subsequently waived. Former Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke and finance director Markus
LSK seeks to expel AG Paul Kihara, Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto
Law Society of Kenya is set to move a motion on 23 June seeking to expel AG Paul Kihara and Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto from their membership. They have given the two officers seven days from Friday to tender their response. The matter will be heard at the Ordinary General Meeting of the LSK to decide whether or not the duo should be expelled from the membership of the LSK. Some of the grounds cited for their expulsion include failure to gazette members of LSK as essential service providers and failure to advise the President to appoint 41 judges. LSK
How to enjoy your StarTimes e-shopping experience
The recently launched StarTimes e-shopping platform – StarTimes GO – allows Kenyans to access a one-stop shopping experience without the need to visit an electronics dealer or supermarket. The interactive platform supported by TV, online and phone call services, presents an e-shopping platform enabling Kenyans to make tailored orders. Here’s, a guide to your shopping through the hotline: First, access StarTimes Go through the company’s over-the-top streaming media application StarTimes ON or watch the 15 minute programs that are broadcast on the pay television platform’s Rembo, Border and Triple P channels to learn the features, usage and performance of various products available
Senate to discuss impeachment procedure of Waiguru
Speaking after attending the meeting of the House agenda setting team on Friday, Majority Whip Irungu Kangata said the Senate will hold a Special Sitting Monday to decide procedure on how to hear Waiguru’s case on Tuesday. “Senate Business Committee has met this afternoon and made a recommendation in regards to the process to be used in the matter of Impeachment of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Mumbi Waiguru. The recommendation will be made public on Monday,” Kang’ata said. Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka summoned the SBC after he received the communication from Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Anthony Gathumbi informing him of the
Journalist calls for FKF probe over alleged financial impropriety
A sports journalist has now reached out to the Registrar of Sports seeking to have an audit conducted at the Football Kenya Federation over what he termed as widespread financial impropriety and questionable conduct by officials of the federation. Veteran journalist Milton Nyakundi in a letter to Ms Rose Wasike on Thursday called upon the body to institute speedy investigations into the football body to help restore public confidence which he noted was waning drastically. Among the issues Nyakundi wants probed include the expenditure of funds allocated to the federation between the years 2016 and 2020 with specifics into how
FKF on the spot for victimizing Starlet players
The Football Kenya Federation has once again found itself on the spot following claims of widespread mistreatment of a section of Harambee Starlets players who took part in the Cecafa 2018 bonanaza. According to Rigena Human Rights Watchdog Organization, a registered organization tasked with the overall mandate of promoting human rights both inpublic and private institutions in Kenya, FKF has elected to victimize the said players after they raised concerns over their unpaid allowances accruing from the regional showpiece. In a letter to the federation, the organization indicted the football body for what it termed as discourteous treatment of the
Justice Muchelule ruling that questions commitment to child protection from possible trafficking abroad
On 27 February 2020, a decision by Justice Aggrey Muchelule of the at the Court of Appeal, following an appeal in adoption case involving a four-year old girl known as Baby SS. The appeal had filed by a Kenyan woman, 40, and her Dutch husband after High Court Judge W Musyoka had ruled the adoption on the grounds that such adoption was unlawful by dint of the Cabinet moratorium on inter-country adoptions. The moratorium had been enforced by the Cabinet in November 2015 as a way of addressing the shortcomings that existed due to a lack of policy and legislative
National and County Governments agree on terms for gradual re-opening of economy
A meeting of the national and county governments convened today by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi agreed on a raft of Covid-19 response measures to be put in place ahead of the gradual re-opening of the country’s economy. The measures which are aimed at safeguarding Kenyans against the adverse health and socioeconomic impacts of Covid-19 include the attainment of a national 30,500 isolation bed capacity within one month. The third extra-ordinary session of the national and county governments co-ordination summit set the target of 300 isolation beds for each county so as to deal with the rising cases
Ex-Kericho County officer Peter Kipyegon, six others arrested over KSh5.6 million tender
Peter Kipyegon Kosgey, a former officer at the Kericho County Government and six other suspects have been arrested over alleged corruption in the award of a KSh5.6 million tender. This follows investigations into complaints over a contract that was awarded for the construction of Bae – Kapsimotwet Kibaraa Road in Belgut. “Among the issues established during the investigations include that the county officials irregularly awarded contract No. CGK/Q033/RD/2015- 2016 …to Jawlink Logistics Limited at a tender sum of Ksh. 5,600,000,” a statement from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission said. It was also alleged that a county official involved in the
Anne Waiguru: EACC begins probe into corruption claims against ousted Kirinyaga Governor
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has instituted a probe into allegation claims from the impeachment documents presented against Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. EACC Central Regional Manager Charles Rasugu said one of the cases involves a number of tenders allegedly influenced by the embattled former Cabinet Secretary. Rasugu said Waiguru’s matter is being treated as a priority. Documents cited in the impeachment motion against Waiguru claimed that she influenced tender processes in favour of Velocity Partners Limited. It is further alleged that upto KSh10 million was paid to the Governor for trips that allegedly did not take place or were not
Odibets: Betting firm pays out third six-figure win in as many weeks to Trans Nzoia businesswoman
The slow return of sporting activities, including football, after nearly three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic has come as a welcome for many a punter in Kenya, where sports betting has become a popular engagement for both the employed and the jobless. Immediately the Bundesliga returned with Matchday 26 on 16 May, many a punter were excited and sought to find out which of the betting platforms could give them not just the best odds but could give them a friendly platform to navigate. One such platform is Odibets, who launched a new website and since then, just three
A decade on, South Africa insists World Cup worth investment
Thursday marks 10 years since South Africa hosted a World Cup highly charged with symbolism but dogged by questions about the wisdom of spending billions on a sports event that might have been better used elsewhere. Hosting the first soccer World Cup in Africa was seen as a coming of age for the embattled continent. But the month-long tournament, which had a US$3-billion price tag, also came at a time when the country faced an enormous backlog of social needs such as housing, hospitals, water and electricity. Danny Jordaan, who was the force behind the successful bid and then ran
Uhuru mourns fallen Burundi President Nkurunzinza
President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence and comfort to the People of the Republic of Burundi and the family of His Excellency President Pierre Nkurunziza who passed away today. In his message, President Kenyatta termed the outgoing Burundi leader as an outstanding regional counterpart who served his country with distinction as Head of State and Government, and worked tirelessly for the peace and stability of his country and the Great Lakes Region. President Kenyatta said death had robbed East Africa of a prominent leader whose contribution to the integration and progress of the region shall be sorely
Two weeks after his death, George Floyd’s life celebrated at Houston funeral
Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton and other dignitaries joined friends and family of George Floyd at a Houston church on Tuesday to mourn the African American whose death in police custody inspired anti-racism protests around the world. Outside the Fountain of Praise Church before the service, the streets were lined with American flags as those invited filed inside and onlookers stood in quiet respect. Flowers and bouquets were piled around a photograph of Floyd. Sharpton will give the eulogy. The ministers presiding are Pastor Remus Wright Sr and co-pastor Mia Wright, who opened the service. After the service, a
CJ Maraga blasts President Kenyatta for ‘disobeying the law, paralysing court operations’
Chief Justice David Maraga now says President Uhuru Kenyatta is responsible for the operational crisis being witnessed in the Judiciary and which continues to hamper administration of justice in the country. In a statement likely to deepen tensions between the Executive and Judiciary, the Chief Justice on Monday said President Kenyatta has refused to appoint 41 judges recommended by the Judicial Service Commission in outright disobedience of two court orders and the Constitution. Maraga said the prolonged refusal by the President to appoint the 41 judges has created a serious shortage of judges in various courts, so much so that
Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Hertha Berlin: Can goal decisive after teams unite to support Black Lives Matter
Borussia Dortmund strengthened their grip on second place in the Bundesliga with a 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin that will be best remembered for a show of pre-match unity. With protests continuing across the United States and the rest of the world following the death of African American George Floyd last week, both sets of players and coaches for Dortmund and Hertha took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement prior to kick-off. There was little to inspire once the contest got going, with a lacklustre Dortmund guilty of wasting promising opportunities, last week’s hat-trick hero Jadon
Uhuru urges Sonko, Badi to work together in first face-to-face meeting
President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to work closely with the Nairobi Metropolitan Service team, led by General Mohamed Badi President Kenyatta said working together will ensure quick turnaround of the interventions in transforming the city. He spoke Friday, at the Aboretum park, during an event to mark the World Environmental Day, which was attended by both Sonko and Badi, the first time they met face to face in public. Badi is the head of the NMS, a department under the Office of the President that is managing the city county’s key functions ceded by Sonko. Eventhough
Kenyans anxious as Uhuru prepares to announce fate of curfew, restrictions
All eyes are on President Uhuru Kenyatta, as he prepares to make a major statement on Saturday on the fate of the COVID-19 restrictions, including the night curfew. The President was expected to address the nation on Saturday when he will also issue directions on the cessation of movement in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Mandera where restrictions were imposed three weeks ago when he extended the duration for earlier measures. The Ministry of Health has been rallying Kenyans to exercise self-restraint, as opposed to depending on law enforcers, signalling a likelihood of the government easing the tough measures. Kenya
Uhuru adds Nairobi Metropolitan Service to his office, collapses Presidency to make DP office under OP
President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed an Executive Order adding the newly-formed Nairobi Metropolitan Service to the Executive Office of the President. Executive Order No. 1 of 2020 lists the NMS Director General – Major General Mohammed Abdalla Badi – under the EOP. The EOP is now officially tasked with implementation of the deed of transfer of functions executed between the National Government and Nairobi City County Government. The order reads as follows: “IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 132 (3) (b) of the Constitution, as read with all other enabling Laws, I, UHURU KENYATTA, President and Commander-in-Chief of the
Aden Duale: Kanini Kega bid to oust me from House Leadership is nothing but extortionist
The Office of the Leader of Majority Party of the National Assembly was established in the 2010 Constitution. With it came the responsibilities of an appointee who would push the agenda of the Majority Party in the House. This I must say was a daunting and demanding task especially when I was first appointed by the Jubilee Party led by His Excellency the President in 2013 where I served in the entire 11th Parliament. I was appointed at a time when the 11th Parliament had its basket full with legislative agenda to conclude on the implementation of the Constitution in
Urithi Housing: New wave of complaints over stalled, incomplete projects hits sacco
A new wave of frustrations has hit a section of members of Urithi Housing Cooperative Society over the slow pace or delays in project completion. In March this year, investors at the sacco’s Osteen Terrace Garden raised alarm over delays to hand them the housing units which they had paid for, forcing the society to run a series of awareness campaigns for their members. Members complained that the OTG project had stalled despite the fact that they had paid up to 80% of the total value of the houses. The project had attracted more than 300 members, majority of whom
Socio-economic housing model best for Big Four pillars as Urithi projects delivery in a year
Real estate practitioners and property developers say President Uhuru’s legacy on housing is achievable but only if government works better with private entities, who must also need to adopt new technologies and enhance their mobilisation capacities. Under the Big Four Agenda, the Head of State projects that the government would deliver at least 500,000 housing units per year to enable more Kenyans to own their homes. However, Kenyans have been challenged to also invest in socio-economic housing models which are a convenient way of home ownership. Urithi Housing Cooperative is currently the only housing society to adopt the socio-economic model
Complaints over Urithi Sacco Joska housing project non-completion
Over 300 investors with Urithi housing cooperative society are up in arms with the cooperative, which has failed to deliver on provision of houses for its members, three years after entering into agreement with the cooperative. According to the disgruntled investors’ spokesperson, Ben Oluoch, the company was supposed to issue the members with their house keys one year after the project started in May 2016, but three years down the line not a lot has happened. “We have been following this issue with Urithi house cooperative management for months on, through official channels , we have written e-mails ,made phone
URITHI HOUSING SCAM? Investors yet to receive houses they have paid for
Hundreds of investors are a worried lot after houses they paid for through Urithi Housing remain unfinished at Joska area of Machakos County. The project dubbed OTG had an original plan of an estimated 300 units which were to be delivered by the end of 2019 but the project is yet to be completed. This is not the first time Urithi is facing questions over the multi-million project as some time in 2019, the investors had mobilised themselves to a demonstration, prompting the management of Urithi Housing to be on the defensive over why the project had stalled. They (Urithi
Stephen Wamukota: Nine year-old gets State commendation for unique handwashing machine
Stephen Wamukota, the nine-year-old boy who designed a unique machine for washing hands has received National Honors on Monday. He is among 68 people who were conferred The Presidential Order of Service, Uzalendo Award on Monday. President Uhuru Kenyatta said the award is in recognition of distinguished and outstanding service to Kenya in helping steer the country through the coronavirus pandemic. Wamukota, who lives in Bungoma County, hit the headlines in April this year after he came up with a hand washing facility that could be used without touching it. To use the machine, one has to step on a pedal
Duale survives as Uhuru makes changes to National Assembly leadership, more changes expected
President Uhuru Kenyatta chaired a Jubilee Coalition National Assembly Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi in his capacity as the Coalition’s Party Leader. The meeting was attended by Deputy President William Ruto (who is also the Jubilee Coalition’s Deputy Party Leader), Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and a total of 212 Members of Parliament. Tuesday’s Parliamentary Group meeting endorsed Justin Muturi to continue serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly. Moses Cheboi will also continue serving as the Deputy Speaker while Adan Duale will continue serving as the Majority Leader in the National Assembly. Jimmy Angwenyi was endorsed
Lucky man wins KSh300,674 from KSh10 stake on Odibets following Bundesliga return
Anthony Mugami is the latest punter to celebrate winning big from betting on sports after his stake of KSh10 on Bundesliga matches over the last matchday earned him KSh300, 674. He says he had placed the bet on Odibets, one of the most popular betting platforms in Kenya after learning of the adding that he learnt of the firm through the media. A jovial Mugami, who supports Liverpool in the English Premier League, said he will use the money to better the life of his family. This was his first major win since he started betting a year ago and
Here’s why Hilda Kaaria is on the spot for insubordination of Housing PS, Transport CS Macharia
Head of Supply Chain Services at the State Department of Housing is now a marked woman after, her colleagues accusing her of in-subordinating her seniors. Ms Hilda Kaaria, who is also facing the wrath of merchants and suppliers for what they term as favoritism in processing payments and massive corruption, is now in the bad books of Principal Secretary Charles Hinga and Cabinet Secretary James Macharia over a news report published in one of the local dailies. In the news article, she is quoted as giving official statements regarding a “plan to enable SMEs gain more from housing project”, a
Premier League is back: The games that could decide the title, relegation and European qualification
Premier League clubs fearing a cancelled season could decide their fate away from the pitch can breathe a sigh of relief after it was confirmed the top flight is set to return on 17 June. The 20 clubs have either nine or 10 fixtures each still to complete and though the title race may have already nearly reached the finish line, there is plenty to be decided further down the table. Here, we take a look at the crucial fixtures that will determine the title, European qualification and the battle to avoid relegation. MD30: Tottenham v Manchester United Scott McTominay’s
Beer prices set to rise as Treasury slashes tax relief on locally sourced raw materials
The National Treasury has slashed the remission of excise duty with respect to beer made from sorghum, millet, cassava or any other agricultural produce in Kenya to 60%. The trim of recoverable excise duty from a previous rate of 80% will see an increase in consumer costs for beer manufactured from locally sourced raw materials. Exercise duty regulations allow manufacturers of beer to apply for a write off of part of duty levied on products subject to conditions. For instance, the manufactured beer must have at least 75% content of sorghum, millet, cassava or any other agricultural products grown in
Only 18% of KCSE 2019 candidates placed for degree courses in universities as Gov’t-sponsored students
Education CS George Magoha has said only 18percent of candidates performed well to secure placement in universities as government-sponsored students. Out of 689,007 who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE 2019) exams, 125,463 attained mean grades of C+ and above, hence were eligible for placement. “The remaining 563,544 (82percent) were eligible for placement to TVET programmes at Diploma, Craft Certificate and Artisan Certificate levels,” Prof. Magoha said in a statement. According to the CS, universities have 145,129 slots for government sponsored students while TVET institutions have 276,163 open slots. On Tuesday, Prof. Magoha revealed that 122,831 candidates
Police officer Duncan Ndiema Ndiwah to be arrested over killing of 13yr-old Yassin Moyo
The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved the arrest and prosecution of a police officer, Duncan Ndiema Ndiwah. This he said is in connection with the fatal shooting of Yasin Moyo at the balcony of his home in Huruma, Nairobi on 30 March this year. On the fateful day, the 13-year-old had been curiously watching police patrol the streets with his mother and siblings. A coronavirus-related curfew had just started when a stray bullet struck him in the stomach. His father, Hussein Moyo Molte, was at a nearby friend’s place watching the news and recounted hearing gunshots moments before his daughter
Uganda to lose $1.6 billion in tourism earnings as a result of COVID-19
Uganda will lose $1.6 billion a year in earnings from tourism as visitors stay away due to the impact of the coronavirus, President Yoweri Museveni said. Tourism is one of Uganda’s economic mainstays as the east African country attracts visitors to see a range of game including lions, giraffes, buffalos and others that roam its savannahs. Others are drawn by the mountain gorillas in forest in the southwest of the country on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. “Already Ugandan will lose 1.6 billion dollars per annum from the loss of tourism,” Museveni said in a speech
Ivory Coast’s OB van is delivered as Kenyans continue to wait
The Ivory Coast Football Association last week announced that they had bought their Outside Broadcasting Van popularly known as the OB van with funds that they had been advanced by world football governing body FIFA. The move has now sparked questions amongst Kenyans on the whereabouts of the same facility the Football Kenya Federation purchased about four years ago at Ksh. 135 million. FKF had in 2016 endorsed the decision to buy the van with millions of shillings that FIFA had given to them as annual grants for football development in the country. The deal to buy the van was
Jubilee: Tuju declares “there will be no mercy” in dealing with errant members
Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju has announced that the party will show no mercy as it moves to crack the whip on Members of Parliament who have shown disloyalty to the party. Terming them as errant members, Tuju said some MPs “hanged on the goodwill of the party” to get elected, only for them to change direction soon after clinching their seats. In a press briefing at the Jubilee Party Headquarters, Tuju said the party expects “100% fidelity” from its members, adding that any act of betrayal will not be tolerated. “We will deal with those errant members. When it
Kisumu sports ground set for major facelift
The iconic Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu is set to receive a major facelift that could see it become a fully fledged stadium, Sports cabinet secretary Amina Mohammed has announced. Speaking when she paid a courtesy call to Kisumu governor Anyang Nyongo on Thursday, Amina said the move is geared at aligning the facility to international standards in conformity with a directive from president Uhuru Kenyatta. ” We were directed by the president to put up a stadium in these grounds and to mThat’s why we are starting that journey today, we already have experts from ministry of publics
Wanyama raps FKF over non-payment of coaches
National soccer team Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama now wants the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to put its house in order following claims of defaulting on paying tacticians. Kenya is staring at a potential ban from the Fifa World Cup qualifications in Qatar after they failed to pay former head coach Adel Amrouche Ksh 109 million in damages within the set timeline. Stars had been given until April 24, 2020 to pay up. And speaking to Madgoat TV on Monday, the Montreal Impact enforcer hit out at the Nick Mwendwa-led federation for constantly putting the country’s soccer on tenterhooks. ”
SDT postpones ruling on FKF elections, contempt charges against Mwendwa by a week
The much-awaited decision by the Sports Dispute Tribunal on whether the Football Kenya Federation is in contempt of the tribunal, and that was expected on Thursday, has been deferred until next week. The tenure of Nick Mwendwa and his entire National Executive Committee ended on 10 February 2020 though the former FKF boss has maintained that he is still in office “until a new president is elected”. This forced the matter to be referred back to the arbitration chamber for interpretation of Article 37 (a) of the FKF Constitution 2017. The ruling on whether Mwendwa is in contempt of the
BREAKING: Nick Mwendwa currently being grilled by DCI over KSh244 million AFCON monies, players bonuses
Former Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa is currently being grilled at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Kiambu Road headquarters over embezzlement of funds during his tenure at the federation. Kurunzi has independently verified that Mwendwa is answering questions on how his administration spent the KSh244 million for the Harambee Stars’ participation at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. Accompanied by CEO of FKF Barry Otieno, Mwendwa is also expected to answer how the federation sunk KSh125 million to British firm – WTS Media – in the name of purchasing outside broadcasting equipment. WTS went into administration in 2018,
Former Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne threatens to report FKF to FIFA over non-payment.
Former Harambee Stars tactician Sebastien Migne has threatened to take Kenya’s football governing body (FKF). The Frenchman was shown the door in August last year a factor he believes was attributed to by Kenya’s performance CHAN 2020 qualifiers where we were knocked out by neighbors Tetema Boys. The coach also revealed he is yet to receive his severance pay from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and is considering opening a case with World Football Governing body FIFA. “I haven’t been paid anything yet but I was told it is in process. If I am not paid in time as agreed I
Nicholas Musonye: Why his entry into FKF presidency race is like shooting in the dark
For starters, let us remind ourselves that Nicholas Musonye is a former sports journalist at Kenya Times and later Daily Nation, a man whose time at CECAFA ended recently. When Cyrus Jirongo, then Chairman of the notorious YK 92 recruited him into the organization, he lost his job at the Daily Nation, sacked along with other journalists at the newspaper, who were KANU sympathizers. After being sacked from Daily Nation, then Kenya Football Federation Secretary General Sammy Obingo, who also served as CECAFA Secretary General recruited him at the CECAFA secretariat as office administrator. Obingo later lost to Peter Kenneth
StarTimes upgrades subscriber bouquets, adds eight new channels to grow subscriber value
StarTimes Media has today announced a revamped bouquet offering that will see the introduction of eight new premium channels. The new additions will be spread across news, kids, movies, fashion, novelas, gaming and e-sports giving subscribers an enriched content experience, while offering affordable monthly subscriptions. The channels, Sky News, CBeebies, Film Box, Gametoon, Timeless Drama Channel (TDC), Tlnovelas, FashionBox HD and Toonamiwill enrich the already existing content genres available to the broadcaster’s terrestrial and satellite television subscribers. Speaking on the latest bouquet upgrade, StarTimes Regional Marketing Director Aldrine Nsubuga, noted the brand was keen on progressively refining the content availed and with new
Nyamweya seeks DCI probe over fake Twitter accounts in his name
The Football Kenya Federation presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya has written to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to probe and prosecute persons behind the fictitious Twitter handles attributed his name. Nyamweya, who has declared his intention to reclaim the football presidential seat, is not on social media, but there are three accounts bearing his name and that tweet messages had been attributed to him. The accounts have been active of late with political messages that attack his opponents, but according to Nyamweya, those are the clandestine work of people with no good intention but to injure his reputation. Now Nyamweya wants
Senate majority whip tables impeachment motion against Deputy Speaker Kindiki
Senate Majority Chief Whip Irungu Kangata on Tuesday gave a Notice of Motion to remove Deputy Speaker Speaker Kithure Kindiki, days after reports emerged the Tharaka Nithi Senator was a marked man for snubbing a Senate Parliamentary Group meeting convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Temporary Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Senator who presided over the Sitting directed the matter to be scheduled for debate. “I beg to move that this House of Senate resolves that Senator Kindiki, be removed from the office of the Deputy Speaker of the Senate,” Kangata stated without divulging details, including grounds for Kindiki’s removal. Kang’ata
Wanyama: I did not shortchange my teammates over bonuses, FKF pocketed it
Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has dismissed claims that he unilateraly made decision over cash bonusses that were to be awarded to the team for their African Cup of Nations campaign in June 2019. Stars players were promised KSh250,000 each for their 3-2 win against Tanzania during the continental showpiece but that has remained just that, an empty promise with defender Aboud Omar dragging his captain into the debacle. According to Omar, the captain opted to negotiate the deal with FKF at the expense of the team, thus occasioning them a raw deal. “The federation said they had talked with
MP wants purge on ‘rowdy’ Jubilee house leaders extended to National Assembly colleagues
Borabu Member of Parliament Ben Momanyi has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta, also party leader Jubilee party, to extend his purge to disobedient house leadership and party members in the National Assembly. This comes days after Elgeyo Marakwet County Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, was ousted as the Senate Leader of Majority and replaced by KANU’s West Pokot Senator – Samuel Poghisio. Speaking at his home constituency, the Wiper legislator – also a member of the parliamentary Service Commission – termed the latest attack on the President from the Jubilee lawmakers and leaders as unfortunate and a mockery to the institution of the
Migne slams FKF over nonpayment, threatens to go to FIFA
Kenyan football could soon find itself in a deeper miasma should former Harambee Stars coach Sebastien Migne take legal action against the country over non-payment. The Frenchman on Sunday revealed that he is mulling dragging the country to world football governing body FIFA following the failure of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to settle his dues almost a year after his dismissal. Migne was shown the door in 2019 following a spate of poor shows in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt as well as other subsequent international outings. However, speaking to Switch TV on Sunday, Migne who
Mary Senata pledges loyalty to Uhuru, says was unwell to attend PG meeting
Nominated Senator Mary Seneta who is among five Jubilee Party Senators facing expulsion for snubbing the party’s Senate Parliamentary Group meeting at State House in Nairobi last Tuesday has pledged loyalty to President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying she skipped the meeting because she was unwell. Through a personal statement to the media on Sunday, Senata said her loyalty was with her Party Leader, whose decisions she stands by and fully supports. She moved to assure her supporters of her steadfast support for the party in the implementation of policies, directives and bills stating: “I am always ready to assist the party
Milton Nyakundi: Kurunzi News editor receives special birthday message from Manchester United
Kurunzi News Managing Editor Milton Nyakundi was all grateful as he marked his birthday after English football giants Manchester United club sent him a personalized birthday message as he celebrated his 38th birthday. Nyakundi is a paid-up member and a long-time die-hard fan of the Red Devils since his boyhood and continued that passion for the club during and after his time as a sports news anchor at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, KBC. Nyakundi took to social media to express his gratitude for the birthday wishes from family, Manchester United and friends, pledging his continued support for the Old Trafford
EXCLUSIVE: What could be Kisii Governor’s KSh1 billion apartments in Kileleshwa
Questions have emerged on the legitimacy of property owned by Kisii Governor James Ongwae, at least three blocks of apartments in Kileleshwa valued at more than KSh1 billion. The final-term county boss has been under pressure to account for billions of money stolen from the county coffers, with several scandals dogging his administration. The scandals touch on false procurement, irregular payments and fraudulent tenders, among other accountability questions. Also exposed by Kurunzi and other media are scandals on bursaries and county ambulances, allegedly being managed by a nephew of the governor’s. Ongwae has also faced questions on flouting of employment
Safari return to WRC calendar postponed to 2021 over coronavirus
The return of Safari Rally Kenya, one of the most popular African rallies, to the World Rally Championships circuit has been pushed to 2021 due to the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic, a government official announced Friday. Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the decision was reached following agreements between the government of Kenya, WRC promoters and the International Automobile Association (FIA). “This decision was reached following sustained discussions between the three entities since March 2020 when the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic,” said the CS in a statement issued in Nairobi. Amina said the pronouncement considered several factors that
Uneasy calm at housing ministry as procurement boss frustrates user department requests for supplies
Fresh details have emerged how a senior procurement boss at the Ministry of Housing is at the heart of a multi-million scandal involving tenderpreneurship cartels in the lucrative ministry. Ms Hilda Kaaria, recently exposed by weekly newspaper Citizen Weekly for how she has frustrated pre-qualified suppliers and her colleague managers in the ministry is facing a new storm over kickbacks she receives from every supplier wishing to be given a tender. Sources at the ministry have also told Kurunzi how user departments are being frustrated whenever they make requisitions for procurement, saying”she will not respond to a request if she
Unpaid AFCON bonuses takes new twist as Wanyama is implicated
The debate about the whereabouts of cash bonusses that were to be paid to Harambee Stars for the Africa Cup of Nations outing has taken a new twist after team captain Victor Wanyama was implicated in the debacle. According to Stars defender Aboud Omar, players were never consulted on how the money was to be paid with Wanyama instead tabling his proposal before the Football Kenya Federation, a move the defender criticised. “The federation said they had talked with the captain after they had received the KSh250 million (from the government). Victor (Wanyama) had made a decision on our behalf
Gor guarded, Ingwe elated as SDT decision sinks in
Kenya Premier League (KPL) giants Gor Mahia have said they will await the determination of a suit challenging their declaration by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) as the 2019/2020 champions before they can make any move. Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) chairman John Ohaga in an unprecedented move on Tuesday seemed to have put a halt to Gor’s march towards a fourth consecutive title after he issued stay orders against a decision by the federation’s president Nick Mwendwa to end the season midway and declare K’Ogallo champions-elect. “This application is hereby certified as urgent and be considered ex-parte in the first
Exposed: Mwendwa attempt to armtwist KPL clubs against KPL, Chemelil petition on league season
It has emerged that former Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa and Chief Executive Officer Barry Otieno spent Tuesday night making frantic calls to club chairmen asking them to distance themselves from the suit jointly filed on Monday at the Sports Disputes Tribunal. Following the joint petition by Chemelil FC and Kenyan Premier League, SDT chairman John Ohaga gave stay orders against the FKF decision to end the top-flight season and declare Gor Mahia the champions pending the hearing and determination of the application. The hearing has been set for 26 May, with the tribunal also ordering that the petition
Jubilee’s Kihika and Murkomen move to court to oppose ouster
Former Leader of Majority in the senate Kipchumba Murkomen and Minority Whip Susan Kihika have moved to court to challenge their ouster. The High Court on Tuesday certified their application as urgent with Justice James Makau set to determine the matter. Among those listed as respondents are Registrar of Political Parties, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Jubilee party secretary General Raphael Tuju and KANU’s chairman Nelson Dzuya. In the pleadings presented to the court, Murkomen and Kihika claimed the respondents disregarded the law by getting into an illegal coalition in order to have the numbers for the ouster. “The respondents have
Political parties tribunal says part of orders on Murkomen, Kihika were forged
The Political Parties Tribunal has confirmed that sections of its order served on Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka on the political merger of Jubilee and KANU were forged. The orders were obtained following a petition by Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) Caleb Kositany (Soy), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and a Kenyan Albert Mutai who wanted the merger that resulted from a State House meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta declared a nullity due to lack of a quorum. They filed the petition at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal with respondents named as the Registrar of Political Parties, Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju
Shimanyula welcomes SDT orders, calls for Mwendwa to stop embarrassing FKF
Kakamega homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has welcomed the stay orders given by the Sports Disputes Tribunal suspending the “illegal” decision by the Football Kenya Federation to end the Kenyan Premier League and declare Gor Mahia the champions. Speaking to Kurunzi, Shimanyula paid tribute to Chemelil FC and the KPL for moving the tribunal over the matter, confirming they will apply to be enjoined as directed by SDT chairman John Ohaga. “We are waiting to be served and we shall immediately put in our application as interested parties,” Shimanyula said. “This man Mwendwa is not in office and he has no
FKF setback as SDT temporarily reverses decision to crown Gor champions
Football Kenya Federation has suffered a major setback in their quest to control the affairs of the running of the Kenyan Premier League after the Sports Disputes Tribunal issued orders against the decision by the FKF to end the season and declare Gor Mahia the champions. The stay orders followed a joint application by Chemelil Sugar Football Club and Kenya Premier League, who challenged the validity and legality of the move, which was first made public through social media by former president Nick Mwendwa before a letter by FKF CEO Barry Otieno confirmed the decision on 30 April. In the
President Uhuru blow as coalition pact with KANU is suspended
The coalition deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party and Gideon Moi’s KANU has been suspended. According to the Political Parties Disputes Resolution Tribunal, the interim order will remain in effect until a duly convened National Executive Committee approves the pact. “(The Jubilee-KANU coalition deal) violated Article 10, 38, 73 and 91 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Political Parties Act, Regulation 21 of the Political Parties (Registration) Regulations 2019 and Article 32.2 of the 1st Interested Party’s Constitution and any decision emanating therefrom is invalid, illegal and had no effect in law,” the order reads. Caleb Kositany (Soy MP),
Housing Ministry boss accused of working with tenderpreneurship cartels
All is not well at the Ministry of Housing where the Head of Supply Chain Management Services is being accused of using her position to frustrate contractors who do not give kickbacks and commissions in return for lucrative government tenders in the ministry. Frustrated contractors say Hilda Kaaria, the former Assistant Director of Supplies at the Office of the Director of Public Procurement, is part of a well-known cartel that she ensures are given tenders in the ministry that is the driver of one of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda legacy plan. Citizen Weekly can authoritatively reveal that Ms
Umoja woman arrested after boyfriend bleeds to death following fight
A 29-year-old woman has been arrested in Umoja after she stabbed her 33-year-old boyfriend to death. Edward Okello, an aeronautical engineer at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, had an argument with his girlfriend, Vigilance Shighi, before the incident. The matter was reported at Buruburu police station at around 8.30pm on Sunday by an officer attached to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision chairman – Wafula Chebukati. Okello was reportedly rushed to Mama Lucy hospital bleeding profusely where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. Thereafter, officers from Buruburu police station visited the house believed to be Okello’s and found a pool
Ruto allies Murkomen, Kihika kicked out of influential Senate leadership positions
KANU’s Samuel Poghisio (West Pokot) has replaced Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen as the Majority leader in the Senate in new changes that have followed a parliamentary group meeting chaired by President uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi. Poghisio will be deputised by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dillo as Muranga Senator takes over as majority whip after the removal of Nakuru’s Susan Kihika. Kang’ata will be deputised by nominated senator Farhiya Ali as the rift between the President and his deputy, William Ruto, whose two allies have been stripped of the powerful positions. The changes have confirmed reports that President Kenyatta
Kennedy Mong’are: Ex-Senator proposes extension of parliament, Presidential term to 2024
Former Nyamira county senator and National Liberal Party leader Kennedy Mong’are says he is thinking of a proposal to extend the term of the 12th parliament by two years to help rebuild the ‘collapsed’ economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The senator says, in the present economic circumstances, it would be impossible for the country to have free and fair elections in 2022 hence the need for extension of the current political terms of office which are supposed to end in two years’ time. Mong’are, who once served as chairman of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, now
Sospeter Ojaamong: Court to rule whether Busia Governor will face KSh8m graft case
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong will, on 29 May, know whether he has a case to answer or not as he faces corruption charges. This is after the parties in the case made their submissions on Monday before the Nairobi Anti-corruption Magistrate Douglas Ogoti. The office of the DPP on its part has urged the court to find that the governor together with other accused persons have a case to answer arguing that the evidence adduced by the prosecution establishes a prima facie case to warrant the accused persons to be charged. Ojaamong and nine others are charged with engaging in a scheme
Patrick Nyoike: KPA finance boss, junior colleague freed on KSh2 million cash bail
Kenya Ports Authority General manager (Finance) Patrick Nyoike and Clerical Officer – Isaac Obunga, have been freed on KSh2million cash bail after denying corruption charges against them. The two appeared before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti on Monday after being arrested on Sunday following a directive by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Noordin Hajji ordered for their arrest, saying he was satisfied with the investigations by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission into irregular payments amounting to KSh214 million. Investigators unearthed the multi-million scandal in which Nyoike is said to have used his office to confer the funds to a company associated
Govt identifies 250,000 households to get KSh1,000 weekly stipend COVID-19 support
The government has identified 250,000 households which will be put on a weekly stipend in a bid to support the vulnerable families in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. Appearing before the Senate Ad-hoc committee on COVID-19 Monday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi said each family will be receiving KSh1000 weekly, to enable them meet their basic needs during the pandemic period. He said the government had obtained mobile numbers of the targeted households and will have their stipends sent via mobile money service platforms. “The study that we carried out showed that these people with a budget of sh 4000
Wiper discussing coalition with Jubilee KANU
Kalonzo said the option is being explored by his party’s National Executive Council, a move that would end their union with their pre-election coalition agreement with Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement under National Super Alliance. “We had our NEC virtual meetings and we agreed that we need to be able to open negotiations and be able to move in that direction, so we are already set,” he said during the TV interview on Citizen. The former Vice President, however, said they were reviewing legal provisions on the modalities of the new cooperation deal given that they are in a existing
KPL seeks CAF intervention over FKF declaration that ‘cancelled’ league season, crowned Gor champions
The supremacy battle between Kenyan Premier League and the Football Kenya Federation has taken another twist after KPL wrote to the Confederation of African Football protesting against cancellation of the 2019/20 season FKF. In a letter dated 26 April 2020, CAF had written to member federations, demanding to be notified on strategies the respective associations were intending to employ to conclude their national leagues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The league administration body is seeking guidance over the standoff that has put clubs in confusion. “We find FKF’s purported decision to cancel the season to be out of
KPL waiting for SDT ruling on FKF to decide way forward
The Kenyan Premier League management is waiting on a ruling from the Sports Disputes Tribunal on a case citing the Football Kenya Federation for contempt of court before it makes its decision on the next steps after the league was cancelled by the Federation. FKF has been cited for contempt of court at the tribunal after the Executive Committee allegedly continued discharging its duties despite a ruling that their tenure was over following the second cancellation of elections. The Tribunal chair John Ohaga in his ruling had asked FIFA to form a caretaker committee to run football in the country
Patrick Matasi: Kenya goalie awaits travel restrictions easing to visit family back home
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is hoping that the airports will be re-opened soon to allow him fly back home and bond with his four-month old son, having only seen him for a few days after his birth last December. With the Ethiopian Premier League cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, Matasi who turns out for Addis Ababa-based giants St. George is now keeping his ears on the news to know just when President Uhuru Kenyatta will re-open Kenyan airspace for international passenger flights. “The good thing is that the club allows players to travel back home for the birth
Eastleigh, Mombasa Old Town locked down as Kenya records 47 new Covid-19 cases
The government has now declared a cessation of movement in Nairobi’s Eastleigh and Old Town area of Mombasa, following increased cases of COVID-19 since last week. “There will no movement into and out of Eastleigh and Old Town in Mombasa from 7pm today,” Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said in his briefing on Wednesday when he announced 47 new positive cases, raising the total infections in the country to 582. “I warned you that cases are increasing and you can see we have more cases,” he said. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said of the new infections, 32 are from
PS Marwa under fire over COVID-19 emergency fund beneficiaries list
Devolution Principle Secretary Nelson Marwa is under fire over the KSh1.3 billion beneficiaries’ list meant to cushion the poor during the coronavirus menace in the country. Concerns were raised by Members of Parliament after the Labour Ministry’s department of Social Protection failed to produce the list of the beneficiaries of the money raised to aid the poor and vulnerable groups in the four counties that were under lockdown. Marwa held a virtual meeting with the committee on 5 May 2020, telling the MPs that Marwa was not the custodian of the list as should be the case since he is
FKF taken to task over letter to FIFA as SDT asks parties to end row
The Sports Disputes Tribunal retreated on Tuesday to consider submissions to the ongoing litigation surrounding the controversial Football Kenya Federation elections, while opening the door for the protagonists to consider a collaborative rather than an adversarial approach to resolve the impasse. The Tribunal is in the meantime offering to convene a round table meeting with the parties with a view to finding a solution. This is after a hearing yesterday where the SDT heard submissions from a section of football stakeholders, who have applied to have former FKF officials cited for contempt of the 17 March 2020 ruling. A letter
President Farmajo calls Uhuru to ‘express regret’ after Kenyan plane shot down in Somalia
Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Tuesday morning made a telephone call to President Uhuru Kenyatta to express his regret and convey condolences for the loss of life after a Kenyan-registered aircraft was shot down in Bardale on 4 May 2020. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement to newsrooms, said President Farmajo informed President Kenyatta that he had instructed Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authorities to immediately mount an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He further extended an invitation to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to team with their Somalia counterparts in order to complete the investigations expeditiously.
Taiwo Atieno: British-born star with KSh6 billion plan for Kenyan football
Kenyan international Taiwo Atieno has ruled out any possibility of taking up coaching after retirement even as he plots a six billion investment back in Kenya once he hangs his boots. The British-born former Luton Town forward has plans of establishing his own football club back in his father’s country of birth besides contracting four stadia in the entire Nyanza region. “I want to build stadiums in Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu counties in that order and I believe I can do that within five years,” Taiwo, who last featured for Harambee Stars in 2012 revealed in a recent
Kisumu man wins KSh818,496 from ‘weird’ KSh3 stake on Odibets
Those who have seen it say it is either out of sheer luck or it the day the Lord had made for one Meshack Ogutu – the winner of KSh818,496 on Odibets. Ogutu’s was a KSh3 stake on Odibets’ e-sports platform. The Kisumu-based mechanic predicted four corners in four different matches which comprise FIFA simulated games. Ogutu, who was handed his cheque on Thursday, said he had come to know of the betting giant after his team received playing kits from Odibets, courtesy of the Odimtaani initiative that saw the betting firm kit over 3,000 teams countrywide. “My team Gor
KPL, NSL clubs to benefit from KSh5M Covid relief
The Kenya Premier League (KPL) and the lower National Super League (NSL) players are set to benefit from a Sh. 5.2 million following a deal signed between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and a betting firm Betika on Thursday. The move is aimed at cushioning players from the ravages of the Coronavirus pandemic that has also seen football activities halted in the country. So dire has been the situation that a number of players from diverse teams have either gone without pay or have been paid meagre salaries since March Among the teams that will benefit from the deal include
KPL tells off FKF, says decision to cancel league in contempt of SDT ruling
Kenya Premier League now says Football Kenya Federation Chief Executive Officer Barry Otieno is being used by former President Nick Mwendwa to frustrate the league administrators in contempt of an order by the Sports Disputes Tribunal that Mwendwa’s term in office was over. Mwendwa, in a tweet Thursday morning, said the federation had terminated the season and declared Gor Mahia the champions. But KPL, through CEO Jack Oguda has hit out at the move, saying the league will not be party to contempt proceedings that have already been instituted by parties to petition 3 of 2020, which led to the
Miguna must respect his motherland and its leaders
For quite some time now, political activist Joshua Miguna Miguna has been hurling all kinds of brickbats from his base in Toronto, Canada, towards the Kenya Government and its top leadership without any element of respect. That strange behavior is uncouth, unwarranted and un-African. It is time Miguna came to his senses and appreciate that only a fool can insult his ancestry. In his youthful days, Miguna had a brush with the government of the day – especially when he was a students’ leader at the University of Nairobi – an unfortunate collission that led to him fleeing into exile
Betika offers KSh5,000 cushion to each of KPL, NSL player
Betting firm – Betika – have unveiled a KSh5.2 million package to cushion players of the Kenyan Premier League and second-tier level – the Betika National Super League. Betika commercial Head John Mbatia reiterated the firm’s commitment to supporting Kenyan football. “Football has been largely affected by this pandemic and it is for this reason that we opted to partner FKF in supporting our players,” he said. Each of the 17 and 19 KPL and NSL clubs respectively have listed 30 players and officials who will receive KSh5,000 token each from the online gaming firm. Gor Mahia skipper Kenneth Muguna
Nick Mwendwa says Gor Mahia are 2019/20 KPL champions
Gor Mahia are the 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League champions, if remarks by Kariobangi Sharks founder and former Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa is anything to go by. Goal have reported that Mwendwa has declared K’Ogallo the champions in what is likely to open a fresh battleground with league administrators – Kenya Premier League Limited. The top-tier took a break about a month ago owing to the Covid-19 pandemic with no definite return date. By the time, K’Ogalo were leading the table with 54 points after playing 23 matches. On Wednesday, Confederation of African Football wrote to Football Kenya Federation
New KSh1 bet offering for Odibets punters
Leading bookmaker, Odibets, has now introduced a KSh1 bet, with punters standing the chance to win up to KSh1 million. Another new addition is free bonuses and bets upon a gamer making a deposit immediately after signing up with Odibets. The free bet is KSh30 to all new customers and KSh20 Odi League bet. Further incentives by the betting firm include free daily bonuses and a refund of mobile money transfer transaction fee on the first deposits on Odibets. Although Odibets religiously pays winners, customers who lose a bet get a bonus scheme targeting customers who lose a bet, a
Unique offerings behind Odibets’ fast growth
The slogan ’betextraordinary’, adopted by betting firm – Odibets, one gets curious and would want to know what is unique about this bookie as it gives the impression of a reliable bookmaker. Their meteoric rise over the past few months has soared their position to fifth; behind rivals Betika on the list of most visited website in Kenya, according to mafans.com. Despite halting sponsorship for Mathare United in the Kenya Premier League recently, the slew of bet winners coming from their site proves they are stable and can pay punters for winnings. The betting firm keeps the youth sports needs
Odibets to scale up sports activities as they unveil free bets to mark customers week
Betting firm, Odibets, has announced their intention to support sports activities in the country commiting to provide various sports kits to at least 35,000 teams in Kenya. The affirmation comes as the firm, only one of the few cleared to operate following a recent purge by government, unveiled a free bets incentive for their customers as part of the customer service this week. This declaration was made by Odibets country marketing manager – Aggrey Sayi, as the CSW takes effect in most corporate organizations. For every five bets worth KSh50, a punter will automatically receive KSh50 from Odibets as bonus.
Flooks’ Valentine’s campaign draws unique excitement ahead of glamorous dinner
The countdown to the glamorous Valentine’s dinner for Kenya’s luckiest couple; courtesy of Kenya’s fastest growing betting firm – Flooks, is now on the final homestretch ahead of announcing the winners on Valentine’s Day. Dubbed Changamkia Valz na Flooks, the campaign shall reward the luckiest losing punter with a dinner for two at Kempinski Hotel; with 14 other lucky winners winning cash prizes based on their Shinda Points, a reward scheme where punters enjoy points for placing bets. “Reason for this is to show that with Flooks, it is not just about winning but we are giving everybody the chance
Sportpesa: Everton ends partnership with wound up Kenyan firm
Everton Football Club will end its partnership agreement with SportPesa at the end of the current season. The gaming brand, which has been Everton’s main partner since 2017, has agreed to the termination of its contract. The agreement has been reached following a comprehensive review, by the club, of its commercial strategy in line with its vision and future growth plans. A Club spokesperson said: “This has been a difficult decision but one that allows us to best deliver on our commercial plan and to grasp the new opportunities now open to us. “The Club would like to thank SportPesa
Opinion: How Nick Mwendwa set himself up for his current predicament
On the morning of 10 February 2016, so many did not know what would transpire with regards to the Sam Nyamweya standing for re-election as president of the Football Kenya Federation. There was only a small click of us who had been privy to the decision that the veteran sports administrator had opted to step down. I am tempted to reveal how long it took us to finally put down the right words to express what my friend and mentor Sam felt at the time but I’d say it took us several days. It was not easy to reach the
APS Baraka Sacco: SME-driven financial institution to hold member education forum in Nairobi
More than 1,000 members of the APS Baraka Sacco are expected to converge in Nairobi Friday for a one-day training programme meant to empower them on a number of areas of business. The Sacco, which targets and draws its membership from entrepreneurship in the Small and Micro Enterprise sector, has membership across three counties in Nairobi, Machakos and Kisii; with hundreds of employees from different sectors of the economy also on their roll. Thomas Osoro, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sacco, says the meeting is important as it seeks to educate their members on financial management, investment and the
Nyamweya, stakeholders lead calls to reject “sham FKF county elections”
Football stakeholders now say the “purported county elections held on Saturday, 14 March 2020, are invalid, null and void” for being staged despite there being a pending ruling on the issue of elections before the Sports Disputes Tribunal. FKF, through petition No. 3 of 2020, filed an application seeking to have the SDT give direction over the uncertainty of some of its members to participate as votes in the election. The tribunal, led by Chairman John Ohaga, is expected to give its ruling on Tuesday 17 March 2020. “By Football Kenya Federation proceeding with the purported (s) elections is in